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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended April 30, 2003 Commission File No. 0-15284

NATIONAL LAMPOON, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
California
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
  95-4053296
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

10850 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1000
Los Angeles, California 90024
(Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant’s telephone number: (310) 474-5252

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 o

As of June 13, 2003 the registrant had 1,510,690 shares of its common stock outstanding.

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1 — Financial Statements
NATIONAL LAMPOON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Item 2 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Position and Results of Operations
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1 — Legal Proceedings
Item 6 — Exhibits and Reports on Form 10-K
PART IV.
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT 99.1


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PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1 — Financial Statements

NATIONAL LAMPOON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                         
            AS OF   AS OF
            APR. 30, 2003   JUL. 31, 2002
           
 
            (UNAUDITED)        
CURRENT ASSETS
               
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 163,201     $ 1,024,207  
   
Accounts receivable
    50,213        
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    24,090       17,323  
 
   
     
 
       
Total current assets
    237,504       1,041,530  
NON-CURRENT ASSETS
               
 
Capitalized production costs
    335,932        
 
Fixed assets, net of accumulated depreciation
    49,212       7,123  
 
Intangible assets
    6,505,732       5,964,732  
 
Accumulated amortization of intangible assets
    (3,606,370 )     (3,268,578 )
 
Other assets
    4,500        
 
   
     
 
       
Total non-current assets
    3,289,006       2,703,277  
 
   
     
 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 3,526,510     $ 3,744,807  
 
   
     
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
CURRENT LIABILITIES
               
 
Accounts payable
  $ 183,655     $ 310,951  
 
Accrued expenses
    403,349       490,244  
 
Notes payable, including related parties of $576,053
    991,053       415,000  
 
Deferred income
    100,000        
 
   
     
 
     
TOTAL LIABILITIES
    1,678,057       1,216,195  
 
   
     
 
MINORITY INTEREST
           
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
 
Preferred Stock Series B, par value $.0001, 68,406 shares authorized, 63,607 and 40,244 shares issued respectively
    4,921,618       2,585,318  
 
Common Stock, no par value, 15,000,000 shares authorized, 1,501,190 and 1,385,483 shares issued, respectively
    12,087,254       9,986,762  
 
Less: Note receivable on common stock
    (155,780 )     (151,460 )
       
deferred compensation
    (1,067,301 )      
 
Accumulated deficit
    (13,937,338 )     (9,892,008 )
 
   
     
 
     
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    1,848,453       2,528,612  
 
   
     
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 3,526,510     $ 3,744,807  
 
   
     
 

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

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NATIONAL LAMPOON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(UNAUDITED)

                                       
          THREE MONTHS   NINE MONTHS
          ENDED APR. 30,   ENDED APR. 30,
         
 
          2003   2002   2003   2002
         
 
 
 
REVENUE
                               
   
Trademark
  $ 267,771     $ 426,068     $ 455,436     $ 796,516  
   
Consumer products
    5,080       17,379       9,932       22,453  
   
Advertising and promotion
    72,063             82,063        
 
   
     
     
     
 
     
Total revenue
    344,914       443,447       547,431       818,969  
 
   
     
     
     
 
COSTS AND EXPENSES
                               
   
Costs related to trademark revenue
    68,032       53,703       75,743       64,593  
   
Costs related to consumer products revenue
    3,151       6,697       27,562       21,233  
   
Television promotion and distribution costs
    113,491             469,731        
   
Amortization of intangible assets
    127,625       60,000       337,792       180,000  
   
Selling, general & administrative expenses
    1,079,697       426,583       2,996,950       1,348,821  
   
Stock, warrants, & options issued for services
    112,884             819,366        
   
Stock appreciation rights expense/(benefit)
                      (843,096 )
   
Conversion of SAR’s to stock options
                      140,894  
 
   
     
     
     
 
     
Total costs and expenses
    1,504,880       546,983       4,727,144       912,445  
 
   
     
     
     
 
     
OPERATING LOSS
    (1,159,966 )     (103,536 )     (4,179,713 )     (93,476 )
OTHER INCOME
                               
   
Interest income
    1,446       2,610       5,594       8,974  
   
Other income
                32,214        
 
   
     
     
     
 
     
Total other income
    1,446       2,610       37,808       8,974  
 
   
     
     
     
 
LOSS BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST AND AND INCOME TAXES
    (1,158,520 )     (100,926 )     (4,141,905 )     (84,502 )
Minority interest in loss of consolidated subsidiary
                99,000        
 
Provision for state income taxes
    800       800       2,424       1,600  
 
   
     
     
     
 
     
NET LOSS
    ($1,159,320 )     ($101,726 )     ($4,045,329 )     ($86,102 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
Net loss per share — basic and diluted
    ($0.77 )     ($0.07 )     ($2.76 )     ($0.06 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
Weighted average number of common Shares — basic and diluted
    1,501,190       1,381,085       1,463,419       1,379,654  
 
   
     
     
     
 

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

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NATIONAL LAMPOON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)

                       
          FOR THE NINE MONTHS
          ENDED APR. 30,
         
          2003   2002
         
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
               
 
Net loss
    ($4,045,329 )     ($86,102 )
 
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
   
Depreciation and amortization
    441,264       188,451  
   
Stock appreciation rights expense/(benefit)
          (843,096 )
   
Conversion of stock appreciation rights to stock options
          140,894  
   
Stock, options and warrants issued for services
    819,366       146,000  
     
Minority interest
    (99,000 )      
   
Other
    (4,320 )     (4,320 )
 
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
   
Increase in accounts receivable
    (50,213 )      
   
(Increase)/decrease in other current assets
    (6,767 )     1,558  
     
(Increase) in deferred costs
          (482,543 )
   
(Increase) in other assets
    (4,500 )      
   
(Decrease) in accounts payable
    (127,295 )     606,184  
   
(Decrease)/increase in accrued expenses
    (86,897 )     373,853  
   
(Decrease) in settlement payable
          (203,117 )
   
Increase in deferred revenues
    100,000        
   
Increase in notes payable
    576,053        
   
Increase in extension payments
          250,000  
 
   
     
 
 
NET CASH (USED IN)/PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
    (2,487,638 )     87,762  
 
   
     
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
 
Acquisition of Burly Bear networks
    (200,000 )      
 
Purchase of fixed assets
    (56,455 )      
 
Film Library
    (267,038 )      
 
   
     
 
 
NET CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES
    (523,493 )      
 
   
     
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
 
Proceeds from Series B preferred stock issuance
    2,115,000          
 
Exercise of stock options
    35,125       70,726  
 
   
     
 
 
NET CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (USED IN)/ PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
    2,150,125       70,726  
 
   
     
 
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH AND AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    (861,006 )     158,488  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS BEGINNING OF PERIOD
    1,024,207       324,472  
 
   
     
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS END OF PERIOD
  $ 163,201     $ 482,960  
 
   
     
 
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
               
Stock, warrants, and options issued for services
  $ 819,366     $ 146,000  
 
   
     
 
Common stock issued in Burly Bear Acquisition
  $ 400,000        
 
   
     
 
Conversion of Stock Appreciation Rights
        $ 140,894  
 
   
     
 

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

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NATIONAL LAMPOON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE A — BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND GOING CONCERN

     The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial statements. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and disclosures required for annual financial statements. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related footnotes for the year ended July 31, 2002 included in the J2 Communications (“Company” or “Registrant”) annual report on Form 10-K for that period.

     In the opinion of the Company’s management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position as of April 30, 2003, and the results of operations and cash flows for the three and nine month periods ended April 30, 2003 and 2002 have been included.

The results of operations for the three and nine month periods ended April 30, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year. For further information, refer to the financial statements and related footnotes included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2002.

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. Since the consummation of the Reorganization Transactions (see the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2002), we have initiated a number of new business activities, and significantly increased our overhead by the hiring of new employees and consultants. To date, these operations have provided limited operating revenue, and we have been relying on capital received from NLAG Group in connection with the securities purchased in connections with the Reorganization Transaction, and the subsequent investment by the NLAG Group, and Messrs. Laikin, Skjodt and Durham, to fund operations. Since the consummation of the Reorganization Transaction, in which we received $2,085,318, subsequent NLAG investments have provided us with and additional $3,331,000, including $200,000 of this amount which was allocated for the Burly Bear transaction. We are currently exploring other transactions to secure additional financing, although in the near term expect to continue to rely on the funding provided by NLAG and its affiliates. Our audited financial statements for the year ended July 31, 2002 include a going concern explanatory paragraph, which could make any additional financing transaction more difficult to consummate.

NOTE B — INTANGIBLE ASSETS

     There was no reclassification necessary of intangible assets related to the adoption of SFAS 142 since all balances were previously classified as intangible assets. The implementation of SFAS 142 had no material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

NOTE C — CAPITALIZED FILM COSTS

Pursuant to Statement of Position (“SOP”) 00-2, “Accounting by Producers or Distributors of Films”, issued by the Accounting Standards Executive Committee of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Company values its film costs at the lower of unamortized cost or net realizable value on an individual title basis in accordance with generally accepted

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accounting principles. Capitalized film costs represent those costs incurred in the development, production and distribution of television projects. Amortization of film cost is charged to expense, and third party participation are accrued, using the individual film forecast method whereby expense is recognized in the proportion that current period revenues bear to an estimate of ultimate revenues. These estimates of revenues are prepared and reviewed periodically by management.

NOTE D — EARNINGS PER SHARE

     Diluted earnings per share amounts are calculated using the treasury method and are based upon the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period. Common equivalent shares are excluded from the computation in periods in which they would have an anti-dilutive effect. The difference between basic and diluted earnings per share is solely attributable to stock options, which are considered anti-dilutive when option exercise prices exceed the weighted average market price per share of common stock during the period.

     Options to purchase 1,703,298 common shares are not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the nine month period ended April 30, 2003, because they are anti-dilutive. There are also 1,791,746 shares convertible to common and 1,791,746 warrants exercisable to common stock that are excluded from the calculation because they are antidilutive.

NOTE E — SEGMENT INFORMATION

     The Company operates in three business segments: licensing and exploitation of the “National Lampoon” trademark and related properties; sale of consumer products from the nationallampoon.com website and other consumer product sales; and television production and distribution from the National Lampoon Network. Segment operating income/(loss) excludes the amortization of intangible assets, stock appreciation rights costs, interest income, certain corporate expenses related to prior year Recent Developments — which led to the Reorganization Transaction 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 three and nine month periods ended April 30, 2003 and 2002 concerning the Company’s segments is as follows:

                                   
      Trademark   Consumer Prod   TV   Total
     
 
 
 
Three Months Ended April 30, 2003
                               
 
Segment revenue
  $ 268,000     $ 5,000     $ 72,000     $ 345,000  
 
Segment operating (loss)/income
    (130,000 )     (385,000 )     (517,000 )     (1,032,000 )
Three Months Ended April 30, 2002
                               
 
Segment revenue
  $ 426,000     $ 17,000     $ 0     $ 443,000  
 
Segment operating income/(loss)
    241,000       (139,000 )     0       102,000  
Nine Months Ended April 30, 2003
                               
 
Segment revenue
  $ 456.000     $ 9,000     $ 82,000     $ 547,000  
 
Segment operating (loss)/income
    (1,098,000 )     (1,596,000 )     (1,019,000 )     (3,713,000 )
Nine Months Ended April 30, 2002
                               
 
Segment revenue
  $ 797.000     $ 22,000     $ 0     $ 819,000  
 
Segment operating income/(loss)
    410,000       (481,000 )     0       (71,000 )

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     A reconciliation of segment operating loss to net income before income taxes for the three and nine month periods ended April 30, 2003 and 2002 is as follows:

                 
    FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
   
    APR. 30, 2003   APR. 30, 2002
   
 
Total segment operating (loss)/income
    ($1,032,000 )   $ 102,000  
Amortization of intangible assets
    128,000       60,000  
Stock appreciation rights expense/(benefit)
           
Interest income
    (1,000 )     (3,000 )
Corporate expenses incurred related to Recent Developments
          144,000  
 
   
     
 
Net (loss)/income before income taxes
    ($1,159,000 )     ($99,000 )
 
   
     
 
                 
    FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
   
    APR. 30, 2003   APR. 30, 2002
   
 
Total segment operating loss
    ($3,713,000 )     ($707,000 )
Amortization of intangible assets
    338,000       180,000  
Stock appreciation rights expense/(benefit)
          521,000  
Interest income
    (6,000 )     (50,000 )
Corporate expenses incurred related to Recent Developments
          1,183,000  
 
   
     
 
Net (loss)/income before income taxes
    ($4,045,000 )     ($2,541,000 )
 
   
     
 

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NATIONAL LAMPOON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note F — Burly Bear Acquisition

On August 30, 2002, the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary National Lampoon Networks, Inc (NLNI), entered into an agreement to purchase substantially all the assets, mainly consisting of the film library and production costs of Burly Bear Networks, Inc. (Burly Bear), a privately owned entity, to enhance it business operations. Consideration exchanged in the acquisition consisted of $200,000 in cash, less certain transaction expenses; shares of the Companys common stock having an aggregate market value of $400,000 on the effective date; and 150 shares of NLNI Common Stock, representing fifteen percent of NLNIs issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock at the same value per share. The purchase price allocation reflects managements estimates at the date of acquisition. Management has not established a final allocation of the purchase price, when the final allocation is established, adjustments will be made pursuant to SFAS 141. In establishing a final appraisal it appears that the value of the Burly Bear trademark may be of limited value, and so there is the issue of impairment. While the Company retains a large library of Burly Bear programs, the distribution system, the contact, agreements, and new product development utilize the National Lampoon trademark instead of Burly Bear. The impairment issue will most likely effect the final appraisal of the intangible asset.

The aggregate purchase price was $600,000 consisting of $200,000 cash and common stock valued at $400,000. The following summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired:

         
Personal property
  $ 58,000  
Film library
    100,000  
Intangible assets (to be finalized based upon appraisal)
    541,000  
Minority Interest
    (99,000 )
 
   
 
 
  $ 600,000  
 
   
 

Operating result of Burly Bear have been included from August 30,2002. Pro forma financial information as if the acquisition had taken place at the beginning of the reporting period have not been presented. Burly Bear did not have significant operations during August 2002, so the amounts would not materially differ from the first quarter operating results.

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Note G — Stock Options

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 interpretation in accounting for its employee stock options. Under APB Opinion No. 25, because the exercise price of the company’s employee stock options equal the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant, no compensation expense is recognized. If the Company 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:

                                 
    3 Months Ended   9 Months Ended
   
 
    2003   2002   2003   2002
   
 
 
 
Net income/(loss) — as reported
  $ (1,159,320 )   $ (101,726 )   $ (4,045,326 )   $ (86,102 )
Stock option compensation under-fair value method
    67,160       0       203,876       1,530,723  
Net income/(loss)-pro forma
  $ (1,226,480 )   $ (101,726 )     (4,276,202 )   $ (1,616,825 )
Basic & diluted earnings/(loss) per share-as reported
  $ (0.77 )   $ (0.07 )   $ (2.76 )   $ (0.06 )
Basic & diluted earnings/(loss) per share-pro forma
  $ (0.82 )   $ (0.07 )   $ (2.92 )   $ (1.17 )

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Item 2 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Position and Results of Operations

Results of Operations

The Three Months Ended April 30, 2003 vs. the Three Months Ended April 30, 2002

     For the three months ended April 30, 2003 trademark revenues were $267,771 as compared to $426,068 for the quarter ended April 30, 2002. The decrease in trademark revenues of 37% resulted primarily from decreased receipts from the three “National Lampoon’s Vacation” films. Prior year revenues were increased by the initial release of the Vacation series on DVD. Consumer product revenues, which consists of merchandise sold via the National Lampoon web site and video sales of $5,080 for the 3rd fiscal quarter of 2003 were 71% lower than the $17,379 earned during the same period in the prior year. This decrease was due primarily to an international sale of all four volumes of the “Mother Goose Video Treasury” in the prior year. Advertising and promotional revenues of $72,063 in the current fiscal quarter were generated by the wholly owned subsidiary, National Lampoon Networks. National Lampoon Networks began operations in August of the current fiscal year as a result of the asset purchase of Burly Bear Networks, Inc. Therefore there was no corresponding advertising and promotion income in the prior fiscal year.

     Costs related to trademark revenue during the quarter ended April 30, 2003 increased to $68,032 from $53,703 for the quarter ended April 30, 2002, representing a 27% increase. Costs associated with generating television revenues account for this increase. Costs related to consumer product revenues decreased to $3,152 during the quarter ended April 30, 2003 from $6,697 for the same period in fiscal 2002. The decrease is due to lower website maintenance and content costs. Television promotion and distribution costs of $113,491 in the current fiscal year are costs associated with promotional revenues and the cost of delivering and broadcasting the National Lampoon Network programs. National Lampoon Network began operations in August of this fiscal year and so there were no corresponding promotion and distribution costs in the prior fiscal year. Amortization of intangible assets, the costs of the Company’s acquisition of the “National Lampoon” trademark, was $60,000 during each of the quarters ended April 30, 2003 and 2002. The Burly Bear intangible asset recognized at $541,000 is being currently being amortized over a two year period. For the quarter ended April 30, 2003, $67,625 was amortized. Based upon a possible impairment, the amortization of the Burly Bear intangible assets may be accelerated in the following period.

     Selling, general and administrative costs increased to $1,079,697 during the quarter ended April 30, 2003 versus $426,583 during the same period last year. This increase of approximately $653,000 or 153% resulted primarily from increased personnel costs of $512,000, travel and entertainment of $41,000, and National Lampoon Networks marketing and promotion costs of $100,000. These increases were incurred since the Reorganization Transaction where the level of operations were increased significantly and the start up of operations of National Lampoon Networks, which includes opening offices in New York City. During the current fiscal year stock, warrants, and options were issued for services, resulting in the cost during the current quarter of $112,884. There was no corresponding cost in the prior fiscal years

     Interest income during the quarter ended April 30, 2003 decreased to $1,446 versus approximately $2,610 during the quarter ended April 30, 2002. This decrease resulted from a decrease in cash and cash equivalents held during the quarter versus the same period last year.

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     For the three months ended April 30, 2003, the Company had a net loss of $1,159,329, or $0.77 per share, versus net loss of $101,726, or $0.07 per share, for the three months ended April 30, 2002. This increase in net loss resulted primarily from (i) the decrease in revenues of approximately $99,000, (ii) the increase of SG& A costs of $653,000 due to increased personnel costs and increased operation (iii) stock, warrants and options issued for services, and (iv) amortization of intangible assets and promotion and distribution costs associated with the operations on National Lampoon Networks. During the quarter ended April 30, 2003 and 2002, the Company had no significant provision for income taxes due to the losses incurred.

The Nine Months Ended April 30, 2003 vs. the Nine Months Ended April 30, 2002

     For the nine months ended April 30, 2003 trademark revenues were $455,436 as compared to $796,516 for the nine months ended April 30, 2002. The decrease in trademark revenues of approximately 43% resulted primarily from decreases in revenues from the films “National Lampoon’s Animal House” of $67,000, the three “National Lampoon’s Vacation” films of $143,000 due to the release of the Vacation movies in DVD for the first time in the prior year, and the payment received for the film “Van Wilder” of $135,000 in the prior fiscal year. Consumer products revenues including sale of videos and website merchandise of $9,932 in the nine months ended April 30, 2003 represents a 56% decrease from consumer products revenues of $22,453 during the same period in the prior fiscal year. The decrease was due primarily to a decrease in sales of the “Mother Goose Video Treasury” video during the current fiscal year. Advertising and promotion revenues of $82,063 were generated by the National Lampoon Networks, which began operation in August of the current fiscal year. Therefore there are no comparable revenues in the prior year.

     Costs related to trademark revenue during the nine months ended April 30, 2003 increased to $75,743 from $64,593 for the same period ended April 30, 2002, representing an increase of 17%. This was primarily due to increased costs associated with generating television revenues. Costs related to consumer product revenues increased to $27,562 during fiscal 2003 from $21,233 for the same period in fiscal 2002. These costs include website development and maintenance, content creation and cost of video duplication. Increased costs of web site writing costs and merchandise accounted for the majority of the increase. Costs associated with the production, distribution, and broadcasting of National Lampoon Network programming was the main factor accounting for the television promotion and distribution costs in the current fiscal year of $469,731. National Lampoon Networks began operations in August of the current fiscal year, therefore there were no corresponding costs in the prior year. Amortization of intangible assets, the costs of the Company’s acquisition of the “National Lampoon” trademark, was $180,000 during each of the nine months ended April 30, 2003 and 2002, and the amortization of the Burly Bear trademark was $157,792 during the current fiscal year.

     Selling, general and administrative costs increased to $2,996,950 during the nine months ended April 30, 2003 versus $1,348,821 during the same period in the prior year. This increase of approximately $1,648,000 or 122% resulted primarily from increased personnel costs of approximately $1,263,000, increased marketing and promotion costs of approximately $142,000, rent and other costs associated with the significant increase of operations following the Reorganization Transaction, and the start up of National Lampoon Networks.

     Stock, warrants, and options issued for services in the current fiscal year totaled $819,366. No similar transaction occurred in the prior fiscal year. During the nine months ended April 30, 2002, the Company recorded a net benefit of $843,096 related to stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) granted to the Company’s chief executive officer. This benefit

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resulted from a decrease in the Company’s stock price during the nine months ended April 30, 2002 that decreased the amount payable by the Company to the chief executive officer upon the exercise of any of the outstanding SARs. During the prior fiscal year ended April 30 , 2002 the company recorded an expense of $140,894 associated with the conversion of the stock appreciation rights to stock options granted to the Company’s chief executive officer.

     Interest income during the nine months ended April 30, 2003 decreased to $5,594 versus $8,974 during the nine months ended April 30, 2002. This decrease resulted from a decrease in cash and cash equivalents held during the nine months ended April 30, 2003 versus the same period in the prior year. Other income of $32,214 in the current fiscal year resulted from the collection of monies from an insurance company due to the loss of equipment that was insured. The minority interest in income of consolidated subsidiary of $99,000 represents 15% of the loss of National Lampoon Networks reflecting the 15% ownership of National Lampoon Networks by a third party.

     For the nine months ended April 30, 2003, the Company had a net loss of $4,045,329, or $2.76 per share, versus a net loss of $86,102, or $.06 per share, for the nine months ended April 30, 2002. This increase in net loss resulted primarily from (i) an decrease in revenues of approximately $341,000 due to greater trademark revenues from the Company’s films, (ii) the increase in personnel and other SG&A costs associated with the increased operations since the Reorganization Transaction, (iii) costs associated with the operating of National Lampoon Networks in the current fiscal year, (iv) the issuing of approximately $819,000 in stock, warrants, and options for services in the current year, and (v) the net benefit in the prior year of $843,000 regarding stock appreciation. During the nine months ended April 30, 2003 and 2002, the Company had no significant provision for income taxes due to the losses incurred.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

     The Company’s principal source of working capital during the year to date ended April 30, 2003 was trademark income and proceeds from Series B preferred stock issuance and notes payable to the NLAG.

     For the nine months ended January 31, 2003, the Company’s net cash flow used in its operating activities was approximately $2,488,000 versus $88,000 of net cash flow provided by operating activities during the nine months ended April 30, 2002. This decrease results primarily from and increase in personnel and other costs as part of the increase in activities since the NLAG Transaction. At April 30, 2003, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $163,201 as compared to $1,024,207 at July 31, 2002.

     Since the completion of the Reorganization Transactions, our operations have been characterized by ongoing capital shortages caused by expenditures in initiating several new business ventures. We are also actively seeking private sources of financing, or obtaining additional equity from third party sources. There is no assurance that such financing will be available on commercially acceptable terms, if at all. Our existing capital resources are insufficient to fund our activities for the next six to twelve months. Unless our revenues from new business activities significantly increase during that period, we will need to raise additional capital to continue to fund our planned operations or, in the alternative, significantly reduce or even eliminate certain operations. There can be no assurance that we will be able to raise such capital on reasonable terms, or at all. As of June 11, 2003 we had cash on hand of approximately $296,000, and no significant receivables. This amount is not sufficient to fund current operations, which we estimate to be approximately $450,000 per month. Further, notes payable to certain law firms as part of the Reorganization Transaction, totaling approximately $442,000 at April 30, 2002 were due to be paid in full at May 17, 2003. The Board has directed

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that discussions begin with the various parties in order to establish a payment schedule with each note holder. There can be no assurance that any such arrangement can be worked out. We anticipate that any shortfall in cash needs will be covered by the additional exercise of the Series B Warrants held by the NLAG Group or other investments by NLAG. If NLAG declines to make additional investments, or should we be unable to secure additional financing, we could be forced to immediately curtail much, if not all, of our current plans. Our financial statements for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2002 contain an explanatory paragraph as to our ability to continue as a “going concern”. This qualification may impact our ability to obtain future financing.

Future Commitments

Forward-Looking Statements

     The foregoing discussion, as well as the other sections of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 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 resolve litigation on acceptable terms, to arrange financing, distribution and promotion for these projects on favorable terms in various markets and to attract and retain qualified personnel.

ITEM 4 . CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

The Company’s management, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, has evaluated the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures within 90 days prior to the filing date of this Quarterly l Report on Form 10-Q . Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective. There were no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1 — Legal Proceedings

A former employee has been terminated by the Company, and is pursuing a severance in excess of $100,000. The Company believes it will prevail in this matter.

Item 6 — Exhibits and Reports on Form 10-K

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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)

     
3.1   Company’s Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (1)
3.2   Company’s Amended and Restated Bylaws (1)
4.1   NLAG Registration Rights Agreement, dated May 17, 2002, among the Company, the members of the NLAG Group, and GTH Capital, Inc. (1)
4.2   Jimirro Registration Rights Agreement, dated May 17, 2002, between the Company and James P. Jimirro (1)
4.3   Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Option, Deferred Stock and Restricted Stock Plan (2)
4.4   Piggyback Registration Rights Agreement, dated September 3, 2002 (5)
10.1   First Amendment to Preferred Stock and Warrant Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2002 (1)
10.2   2002 Employment Agreement Between J2 Communications and James P. Jimirro, dated May 17, 2002 (1)
10.3   Note Termination Agreement, dated May 17, 2002, between the Company and James P. Jimirro (1)
10.4   Security Agreement, dated May 17, 2002, between the Company and James P. Jimirro (1)
10.5   Absolute Assignment, dated May 17, 2002, between the Company and James P. Jimirro (1)
10.6   Termination of Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement, dated May 17, 2002, between the Company and James P. Jimirro (1)
10.7   Mutual Release, dated May 17, 2002, among the Company, James P. Jimirro and the members of the NLAG Group (1)
10.8   Restated Indemnification Agreement, dated May 17, 2002, between the Company and James P. Jimirro (1)
10.9   2002 Employment Agreement Between J2 Communications and Daniel S. Laikin, dated May 17, 2002 (1)
10.10   Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement, dated May 17, 2002, between the Company and Daniel S. Laikin (1)
10.11   Indemnification Agreement, dated May 17, 2002, between the Company and Daniel S. Laikin. (2)
10.12   Letter, dated May 17, 2002, regarding Termination of Surviving Provisions of Letter Agreement, from the Company to Daniel S. Laikin and Paul Skjodt (1)
10.13   Warrant Agreement, dated May 17, 2002, between the Company and GTH Capital, Inc (1)
10.14   Voting Agreement, dated May 17, 2002, among each of the members of the NLAG Group and James P. Jimirro (1)
10.15   Promissory Notes issued May 17, 2002, by the Company to law firms (1)
10.16   Form of Common Stock Warrant (including Schedule identifying material terms (1)
10.17   Agreement between Registrant and Harvard Lampoon, Inc. dated October 1, 1998 (3)
10.18   First Amendment to Office Lease between Registrant and Avco Center Corporation dated April 21, 2000 (4)
10.19   Letter Agreement between Registrant and Batchelder & Partners, Inc., dated August 16, 2000 (4)
10.20   Amendment to Letter Agreement between Registrant and Batchelder & Partners, Inc. dated August 16, 2000 (4)

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10.21   Warrant Issued by Registrant to George Vandemann dated August 18, 2000 (4)
10.22   Asset Purchase Agreement dated August 30, 2002 between National Lampoon Networks, Inc., Burly Bear Network, Inc., Constellation Venture Capital, L.P. and J2 Communications (5)
10.23   Consulting Agreement with Zelnick Media and related Warrant Agreements (6)
10.24   Advisory Agreement with SBI USA and related Warrant Agreement (6)
11   Statement re: computation of Per Share Earnings
12   Statement re: computation of Ratios
27   Financial Data Schedule (7)
99.1   [Certification pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley]


(1)   Incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed on May 31, 2002.
 
(2)   Incorporated by reference to Form S-8 filed on June 26, 2002.
 
(3)   Incorporated by reference to Form 10-Q for the period ended October 31, 1998.
 
(4)   Incorporated by reference to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 1999.
 
(5)   Incorporated by referenced to Form 8-K filed on September 9, 2002.
 
(6)   Filed herewith
 
(7)   Filed electronically herewith with the Securities and Exchange Commission, omitted in copies distributed to shareholders or other persons.

(b) Forms 8-K

Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 2, 2001.

Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-KA filed on November 18, 2002.

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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: June 14, 2003   J2 COMMUNICATIONS
         
    By:   /s/James Toll
       
        James Toll
Chief Financial Officer

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CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

     In connection with the Quarterly Report of National Lampoon, Inc.. (the “Company”) on Form 10Q for the period ending April 30, 2003 (the “Report”), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof, I, James Toll, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Sec .906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

     1.     The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

     2.     The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.

Dated: June 16, 2003

             
By:   /s/ James Toll        
   
       
    James Toll
Chief Financial Officer
       

 


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CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

     In connection with the Quarterly Report of National Lampoon, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10Q for the period ending April 30, 2003 (the “Report”), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof, I, James P. Jimirro, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Sec .906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

     1.     The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

     2.     The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.

Dated: June 16, 2003

             
By:   /s/ James P. Jimirro        
   
       
    James P. Jimirro
President
Chief Executive Officer