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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-QSB
----------------
(MARK ONE)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934.
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-24984
NEWSTAR MEDIA INC.
(EXACT NAME OF SMALL BUSINESS ISSUER AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
----------------
CALIFORNIA 95-4015834
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NO.)
8955 BEVERLY BOULEVARD
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90048
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
(310) 786-1600
(ISSUER'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE).
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT: NONE.
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT:
COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $.01 PER SHARE
----------------
Check whether the issuer: (1) filed all reports required to be filed by
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 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_____
APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS
State the numbers of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common equity, as of the latest practicable date: 11,337,625 as of October 1,
1998.
Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (Check one):
Yes _____ No__X__
================================================================================
2
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NEWSTAR MEDIA INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)
SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 210,000
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $607,000 4,113,000
Inventory 2,291,000
Film costs 88,000
Due from related party 89,000
Prepaid expenses and other assets 800,000
-------------
Total current assets 7,591,000
NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Production masters 1,400,000
Film costs, net 4,940,000
Property and equipment, net 1,098,000
Goodwill and other assets 5,931,000
-------------
Total non-current assets 13,369,000
-------------
Total assets $ 20,960,000
=============
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 5,645,000
Notes payable 16,000
Advances and deferred income 195,000
Accrued dividends 107,000
-------------
Total current liabilities 5,963,000
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Notes payable, less current portion 6,322,000
Accrued liabilities 649,000
-------------
Total non-current liabilities 6,971,000
-------------
Total liabilities 12,934,000
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock $.01 par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized and
220,060 shares issued and outstanding, liquidation preference $6,881,000 2,000
Common stock $.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized and
11,337,625 shares issued and outstanding 113,000
Additional paid-in capital 35,269,000
Accumulated deficit (27,358,000)
-------------
Total shareholders' equity 8,026,000
-------------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 20,960,000
=============
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
3
NEWSTAR MEDIA INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
Quarter Ended September 30,
-----------------------------------
1998 1997
---------------- ----------------
Revenues
Publishing, net $ 1,915,000 $ 1,710,000
Film 1,792,000 4,499,000
---------------- ----------------
3,707,000 6,209,000
Less: Cost of sales
Publishing 1,089,000 1,599,000
Film 1,601,000 3,985,000
---------------- ----------------
2,690,000 5,584,000
---------------- ----------------
Gross profit 1,017,000 625,000
Less: Selling, general and administrative expenses 1,928,000 1,993,000
---------------- ----------------
Loss from operations (911,000) (1,368,000)
Gain on sale of land and building 1,734,000 --
---------------- ----------------
Income (loss) before interest 823,000 (1,368,000)
Less: Interest expense, net 318,000 92,000
---------------- ----------------
Net income (loss) $ 505,000 $ (1,460,000)
================ ================
Basic income (loss) attributable to
common shareholders $ 398,000 $ (2,586,000)
================ ================
Basic income (loss) per common share $ .05 $ (.42)
================ ================
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 8,596,000 6,120,000
================ ================
Diluted income (loss) attributable to fully diluted
common shareholders $ 505,000 $ (1,460,000)
---------------- ----------------
Diluted income (loss) per common share $ .04 $ (.42)
================ ================
Weighted average number of fully diluted common shares
outstanding 11,814,000 6,120,000
================ ================
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
4
NEWSTAR MEDIA INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
-----------------------------------
1998 1997
---------------- ----------------
Revenues
Publishing, net $ 5,430,000 $ 5,456,000
Film 8,590,000 7,173,000
---------------- ----------------
14,020,000 12,629,000
Less: Cost of sales
Publishing 3,593,000 6,228,000
Film 6,455,000 7,212,000
---------------- ----------------
10,048,000 13,440,000
---------------- ----------------
Gross profit (loss) 3,972,000 (811,000)
Less: Selling, general and administrative expenses 6,841,000 7,040,000
Employee separation costs -- 1,614,000
---------------- ----------------
6,841,000 8,654,000
---------------- ----------------
Loss from operations (2,869,000) (9,465,000)
Gain on sale of land and building 1,734,000 --
---------------- ----------------
Loss before interest and taxes (1,135,000) (9,465,000)
Less: Interest expense, net 620,000 285,000
---------------- ----------------
Loss before income taxes (1,755,000) (9,750,000)
Less: Income tax expense 2,000 23,000
---------------- ----------------
Net loss $ (1,757,000) $ (9,773,000)
================ ================
Basic and diluted loss attributable to common shareholders $ (2,077,000) $ (12,051,000)
================ ================
Basic and diluted loss per common share $ (.29) $ (2.13)
================ ================
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 7,287,000 5,651,000
================ ================
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
5
NEWSTAR MEDIA INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
-------------------------------------
1998 1997
---------------- ----------------
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss $ (1,757,000) $ (9,773,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 405,000 404,000
Amortization of goodwill 189,000 315,000
Amortization of production masters 1,232,000 3,528,000
Amortization of film costs 6,022,000 6,832,000
Gain on sale of building and land (1,734,000) --
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable (2,040,000) 1,126,000
Inventory 746,000 (250,000)
Prepaid expenses and other assets (372,000) --
Income taxes -- 563,000
Expenditures for production masters (1,105,000) (2,093,000)
Film cost additions (9,406,000) (7,000,000)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (872,000) 2,306,000
Advances and deferred revenue (329,000) (743,000)
Other 5,000 (7,000)
---------------- ----------------
Net cash used in operating activities (9,016,000) (4,792,000)
---------------- ----------------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment, net 4,166,000 --
Purchase of property and equipment -- (59,000)
---------------- ----------------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 4,166,000 (59,000)
---------------- ----------------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sale of preferred stock -- 4,879,000
Proceeds of bank borrowings 7,849,000 --
Proceeds from exercise of options -- 3,000
Repayments of bank borrowings and notes payable (8,591,000) (541,000)
Proceeds from sale of common stock 5,500,000 --
Proceeds of notes issued -- 150,000
---------------- ----------------
Net cash provided by financing activities 4,758,000 4,491,000
---------------- ----------------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (92,000) (360,000)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period 302,000 390,000
---------------- ----------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period $ 210,000 $ 30,000
================ ================
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
6
NEWSTAR MEDIA INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
-------------------------------------
1998 1997
---------------- ----------------
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid for interest $ 516,000 $ 169,000
Refunds received for income taxes $ -- 361,000
NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS
Common stock issued as payment for consulting fees
to related party $ 450,000 $ --
Common stock issued as payment to vendors and other $ 753,000 $ --
obligations
Preferred stock dividends accrued $ 320,000 $ 230,000
Preferred stock dividends paid in common stock $ 589,000 $ --
Common stock issued for the acquisition of audio
publishing rights $ -- $ 475,000
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
7
NEWSTAR MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION, ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of NewStar Media Inc. (the
"Company") are unaudited and have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the
rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding
interim financial reporting. Accordingly, they do not include all of the
information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles
for complete financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-KSB, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997. In
the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements
include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which
are necessary for a fair presentation. The results of operations for the nine
months ended September 30, 1998 are not necessarily indicative of results to be
expected for the full year.
The Company is a diversified entertainment company primarily engaged in
publication of audio and printed books, the production of television programming
through its wholly-owned subsidiary Dove Four Point, Inc. ("NewStar
Television"), and the distribution of feature films and television product, both
domestically and internationally.
The Company acquires audio publishing rights for specific titles or groups of
titles for audio production and distribution, primarily in the United States of
America.
NewStar Television is an independent production company which develops and
produces television productions for which rights are controlled by NewStar
Television. In addition, NewStar Television is a producer-for-hire in connection
with creative concepts and literary properties owned by other parties to produce
all forms of television productions, including pilots, series, telefilms,
miniseries, talk shows and game shows for network, cable and syndicated
production.
NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE
SFAS No. 128, "Earnings per Share", is effective for financial statements issued
for periods ending after December 15, 1997. SFAS No. 128 replaces Accounting
Principles Board Opinion ("APB") No. 15 and simplifies the computation of
earnings per share ("EPS") by replacing the presentation of primary EPS with a
presentation of basic EPS. Basic EPS includes no dilution and is computed by
dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number
of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential
dilution from securities that could share in the earnings of the Company,
similar to fully diluted EPS under APB No. 15. The statement requires dual
presentation of basic and diluted EPS by entities with complex capital
structures. Dilutive securities have been omitted from the diluted calculation
where they are anti-dilutive.
The net income / (loss) utilized in the calculation of basic income / (loss) per
common share is decreased / (increased) by the following:
1998 1997
---------------- ----------------
Quarter ended September 30,
Accrued dividends on Preferred Stock $ 107,000 $ 102,000
Imputed dividends on Preferred Stock -- 1,024,000
---------------- ----------------
Total $ 107,000 $ 1,126,000
---------------- ----------------
Nine months ended September 30,
Accrued dividends on Preferred Stock $ 320,000 $ 202,000
Imputed dividends on Preferred Stock -- 2,076,000
---------------- ----------------
Total $ 320,000 $ 2,278,000
---------------- ----------------
The imputed dividends on Preferred Stock have been treated as an increase and
decrease to Additional Paid-in Capital.
8
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company has a stock incentive plan (the "Plan") which authorizes the
granting of stock incentive awards ("Options") to qualified officers, employee
directors, key employees and third parties providing valuable services to the
Company. The company accounts for the Plan in accordance with SFAS No. 123,
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation", which permits entities to recognize
as expense over the vesting period the fair value of all Options on the date of
grant or, alternately, allows entities to continue to apply the provisions of
APB Opinion No. 25 and provide pro forma net income and pro forma earnings per
share disclosures for employee stock option grants made in 1995 and future years
as if the fair-value based method defined in SFAS No. 123 had been applied. The
Company has elected to apply the provisions of APB Opinion No. 25 in accounting
for its Plan, and accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized.
Had the Company determined compensation cost based on the fair value at the
grant date for its Options under SFAS No. 123, the Company's net income / (loss)
would have been reduced / (increased) to the pro forma amounts indicated below:
Quarter ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,
---------------------------------- ------------------------------------
1998 1997 1998 1997
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Net income (loss)
As reported $398,000 $(2,586,000) $(2,077,000) $(12,051,000)
Pro forma $377,000 $(2,724,000) $(2,178,000) $(12,465,000)
Income (loss) per share
As reported $.05 $(.42) $(.29) $(2.13)
Pro forma $.04 $(.45) $(.30) $(2.20)
RECLASSIFICATION
Certain prior year accounts have been reclassified to conform to the current
year's presentation.
NOTE 3 - INCOME TAXES
Income taxes are computed in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes". The Company provides for
income taxes during interim reporting periods based upon an estimate of its
annual effective tax rate. This estimate includes all anticipated federal, state
and foreign income taxes.
SFAS No. 109 requires that a valuation allowance be recorded against tax assets
which are not likely to be realized. Due to the uncertainty of their ultimate
realization based upon past earnings performance and the expiration dates of
carryforwards, the Company has established a valuation allowance against these
tax assets except to the extent that they are realizable through carrybacks.
Realization of additional amounts is entirely dependent upon future earnings in
specific tax jurisdictions. While the need for this valuation allowance is
subject to periodic review, if the allowance is reduced, the tax benefits of the
carryforwards will be recorded in future operations as a reduction of the
Company's income tax expense. At September 30, 1998, the Company had net
deferred tax assets of approximately $10,142,000 against which a valuation
allowance had been fully recorded.
9
NOTE 4 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Pursuant to an employment termination agreement entered into in 1997
("Termination Agreement") with then principal shareholders and officers of the
Company ("Former Principals"), the Company paid such Former Principals $81,000
during the quarter ended September 30, 1998 in the form of Series E Preferred
Stock. The Termination Agreement provides for the Former Principals to receive
combined monthly payments (the "Payments") of approximately $27,000, and medical
insurance for 60 months from September 1997. In addition, they are entitled to
each receive a car allowance for 24 months from September 1997 and reimbursement
for certain medical and business expenses.
To secure the Payments, the Company has issued into escrow 1,500 shares of its
Series E Preferred Stock, convertible into shares of Common Stock to the extent
set forth in the Certificate of Determination for the Series E Preferred Stock.
The Series E Preferred Stock will be held in escrow and will not be released to
the Former Principals except in the event of a default in the Payments by the
Company. In the event of a default in the Payments by the Company, the Series E
Preferred Stock will be released to the Former Principals, as the case may be,
in an amount equal to the portion of the Payments unpaid as a result of default
divided by the stated value of the Series E Preferred Stock. The Former
Principals have registration rights pursuant to a registration rights agreement,
dated September 10, 1997, among the Company and the Former Principals with
respect to common stock into which Series E Preferred Stock received by them may
be converted.
During the nine months ended September 30, 1997, the Company made certain
payments and entered into other transactions with the Former Principals and
former directors as more fully described in the Company's Annual Report on Form
10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997.
During the nine months ended September 30, 1998, the Company paid directors fees
of $1,000 to each of two independent directors.
MEI is a limited liability company, the principals of which are Terrence Elkes,
Kenneth Gorman, John T. Healy, Ronald Lightstone and Bruce Maggin. Mr. Elkes is
Chairman of the Board of the Company, Mr. Gorman is Vice-Chairman of the Board,
Mr. Lightstone is a director and President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company and Messrs. Healy and Maggin are directors of the Company.
The Company accrued the following fees payable to MEI:
1998 1997
---------------- ----------------
Quarter ended September 30,
Consulting fees pursuant to consulting agreement $ 75,000 $ 75,000
Guarantee fees pursuant to Chase Loan guarantee 6,000 --
---------------- ----------------
Total $ 81,000 75,000
---------------- ----------------
Nine months ended September 30,
Consulting fees pursuant to consulting agreement $ 225,000 $ 150,000
Guarantee fees pursuant to Chase Loan guarantee 19,000 -
---------------- ----------------
Total $ 244,000 150,000
---------------- ----------------
The Company issued the following shares of Common Stock at fair market value to
MEI in respect of consulting and guarantee fees:
Date of Issue Number of Shares Amount of Fees
--------------- ---------------- --------------
January 2, 1998 240,000 $300,000
August 17, 1998 102,000 $150,000
Pursuant to guarantee agreements dated November 4, 1997, each of the principals
of MEI had collectively guaranteed $ 2,574,000 and Messrs. Elkes, Gorman and
Lightstone had collectively guaranteed $461,000 against borrowings under the
Chase Loan to the extent such borrowing exceed the borrowing base as defined in
the Chase Loan ("Borrowing Base"). At September 30, 1998, borrowings under the
Chase Loan did not exceed the Borrowing Base. In order to secure the repayment
of any amounts the MEI principals may be required to pay to Chase Bank under the
guarantees, MEI has been granted a security interest in substantially all of the
assets of the Company. Such security interest is junior to the security interest
of Chase Bank which secures the Company's obligations under the Chase Loan.
10
In August 1998, the Company declared a dividend amounting to $589,000 in respect
of preferred stock to MEI, such dividends being paid in the form of 392,854
shares of Common Stock. These shares were issued at fair market value.
In August 1998, the Company sold 3,824,757 shares of Common Stock to Messrs.
Elkes, Gorman and Lightstone for cash of $5,500,000. The purchase price of the
Common Stock was $1.438 per share. This sale of 3,824,757 shares of Common Stock
was made pursuant to a plan of compliance submitted to the Nasdaq SmallCap
Market ("NASDAQ") in order to maintain continued listing on NASDAQ. NASDAQ has
further required that in order to maintain continued listing, on or before
November 16, 1998, the Company must make a public filing with the Securities and
Exchange Commission and NASDAQ that contains a September 30, 1998 balance sheet,
with pro forma adjustments for any significant transactions or events occurring
on or before the filing date, and evidencing a minimum of $2,700,000 in net
tangible assets. In addition, on or before January 11, 1999, the Company must
achieve a bid price of $1.00 per share or greater, and the closing bid price
must meet or exceed $1.00 per share for a minimum of the next ten consecutive
trading days.
As of September 30, 1998, the Company's balance sheet shows net tangible assets
of $2,256,000 which is less than the $2,700,000 required by NASDAQ at that date
for the continued listing of the Company's stock. After September 30, 1998, the
Company issued shares of Common Stock, in two separate transactions, in order to
meet NASDAQ's requirement that the Company achieve a minimum of $2,700,000 in
net tangible assets on or before November 16, 1998. On November 13, 1998, the
Company agreed to sell 472,879 shares of Common Stock to Apollo and Mr.
Lightstone for cash of $340,000 at a purchase price of $0.719 per share. On
November 11, 1998, the Company authorized the issuance of 189,146 shares of
Common Stock to MEI at fair market value as payment of accrued preferred
dividends. As a result of the two transactions, pro forma net tangible assets of
the Company at September 30, 1998 are as follows:
September 30, 1998
------------------
Total shareholders' equity, as reported $ 8,026,000
Sale of 472,879 shares of common stock 340,000
Issue common stock for accrued preferred
dividends 107,000
------------
Total shareholders' equity, pro forma 8,473,000
Less: Intangible assets 5,770,000
------------
Net tangible assets, pro forma $ 2,703,000
============
The Company issued the following shares of Common Stock to Ronald Lightstone,
representing vested shares pursuant to his Employment Agreement:
Date of Issue Number of Shares
--------------- ----------------
May 6, 1998 107,407
August 17, 1998 33,333
In January 1998, the Company and Ronald Ziskin, President of NewStar Television,
agreed to cancel an option to purchase 300,000 shares of Common Stock at an
exercise price of $11.00 and in lieu thereof, the Company, in September 1998,
granted Mr. Ziskin the option to purchase 150,000 shares of Common Stock at an
exercise price of $1.50 per share and a retroactive grant date of January 1998.
The exercise price approximated the fair value of the Company's stock price at
the date of the grant.
In July 1998, the Company entered into an agreement with Apollo Partners LLC, a
partnership controlled by Messrs. Elkes and Gorman, whereby the Company borrowed
$1,500,000 secured by a second mortgage on the Company's principal office
building and land ("Apollo Loan"). The Apollo Loan was fully repaid in August
1998.
11
NOTE 5 - CAPITAL ACTIVITIES
COMMON STOCK
During the nine months ended September 30, 1998, the Company issued the
following shares of Common Stock:
Number of Shares Consideration
---------------- -------------
240,000 Consulting fees to MEI, $300,000.
107,407 R. Lightstone Employment Agreement.
26,492 401(K) Plan Matching Contribution.
392,854 Preferred stock dividend, $589,000.
102,042 Consulting and guarantee fees to MEI, $150,000.
33,333 R. Lightstone Employment Agreement.
206,432 Vendors paid in stock, $410,000.
3,824,757 Mssrs. Elkes, Gorman and Lightstone for cash, $5,500,000.
62,764 Conversion of Preferred Series E Stock
During the nine months ended September 30, 1998 the Company issued 135 shares of
Series E Preferred Stock pursuant to the Termination Agreement, of which 108
shares were converted to 62,764 shares of Common Stock.
STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS
On January 6, 1998, the Board approved the issuance of 601,500 options under the
Plan to employees, such options being issued in July 1998.
Options outstanding under the Plan at September 30, 1998 were as follows:
Weighted
Average
Number of Exercise Exercise
Shares Price Price
--------- ------------ --------
609,000 $1.50- $6.00 $ 1.72
At September 30, 1998, options to acquire 201,333 shares of Common Stock under
the Plan were exercisable.
Warrants outstanding at September 30, 1998 were as follows:
Number of Weighted
Equivalent Common Average
Shares Exercise Price Exercise Price
----------------- -------------- --------------
4,664,013 $2.00 - $12.00 $ 5.06
At September 30, 1998 warrants to acquire 4,664,013 shares of Common Stock were
exercisable.
12
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
The discussion and analysis below should be read in conjunction with the
Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and the Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this report, including those utilizing the phrases "will",
"expects", "intends", "estimates", "contemplates", and similar phrases, are
"forward-looking" statements (as such term is defined in Section 27A of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended), including statements regarding, among other items, (i)
the Company's growth strategy, (ii) the Company's intention to acquire or
develop additional audio book, printed book and television product, (iii) the
Company's intention to enter or broaden distribution markets, and (iv) the
Company's ability to successfully implement its business strategy. Certain, but
not necessarily all, of such forward-looking statements can be identified by the
use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes", "expects", "may", "will",
"should", or "anticipates" or the negative thereof or other variations thereon
or comparable terminology, or be discussions of strategy that involve risks and
uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance
and achievements of the Company and its subsidiaries to be materially different
from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by
such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to,
the following: uncertainty as to future operating results; growth and
acquisition risks; certain risks relating to the entertainment industry;
dependence on a limited number of projects; possible need for additional
financing; potential for liability claims; dependence on certain outlets for
publishing product; competition and legal proceedings and claims. Other factors
which may materially affect actual results include, among others, the following:
general economic and business conditions, industry capacity, changes in
political, social and economic conditions and various other factors beyond the
Company's control. The Company does not undertake and specifically declines any
obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions which may be made to
any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date
of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated
events. See the relevant discussions elsewhere herein, in the Company's
registration statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-43527) and in the
Company's periodic reports and other documents filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission for further discussions of these and other risks and
uncertainties applicable to the Company and its business.
OVERVIEW
The Company commenced business in 1985 as one of the pioneers of the audio book
industry and has become one of the leading independent producers (i.e.,
unaffiliated with any single book publisher) of audio books in the United
States. The Company produces and distributes approximately 100 to 120 new titles
annually and has built a library of approximately 1000 titles currently offered
for sale. Additionally, the Company is engaged in the production and development
of television programming. Other activities of the Company include a limited
printed book publishing program and the distribution of feature films and
television programming.
Revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 1998 were $3,707,000 compared with
$6,209,000 for the same period in 1997. Net income for the quarter was $505,000
compared to a net loss of $1,460,000 for the same period in 1997.
13
Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 were $14,020,000 compared
with $12,629,000 for the same period in 1997. The Company incurred a net loss of
$1,757,000 for the nine months compared to a net loss of $9,773,000 for the same
period in 1997.
The decrease in revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 1998 was primarily
due to reduced television revenues due to timing of the delivery of television
motion pictures. The increase in net income for the quarter was primarily due to
an improvement in publishing gross margins as well as a gain of $1,734,000
recognized on the sale of the Company's principal office building and land.
The increase in revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 compared
to the same period in the prior year was due to a stronger television program.
The reduced loss for the nine months was primarily due to the inclusion in 1997
of the write down of certain publishing assets to fair market value together
with the expensing of $1,614,000 in non-recurring employee separation costs.
During the nine months ended September 30, 1998, the Company implemented its
distribution agreement with UAV Corporation whereby re-packaged audio book
product is marketed into mass market wholesale at competitive prices. Initial
market testing has been carried out and the Company expects to further develop
this area and in general, expand its audio book distribution into
non-traditional areas.
The demand for audio books is seasonal, with the majority of shipments taking
place in the third and fourth quarters of the year. The Company believes that
demand for audio books will remain seasonal, and this may adversely affect
results of operations for the first and second quarters. Because a significant
portion of the Company's expenses are relatively fixed, below-expectation sales
in any quarter could adversely affect operating results for that quarter.
Substantially all of the Company's sales of audio and printed book products are
and will continue to be subject to potential returns by distributors and
retailers if not sold to the public. Although the Company makes allowances and
reserves for returned product that it believes are adequate, significant
increases in return rates can materially and adversely impact the Company's
financial condition or results of operations.
The Company has a number of television concepts under development including two
television motion pictures and one producer for hire television comedy series.
While the overall television market continues to expand with the growth of new
networks and cable channels, increasingly, networks are striving to acquire full
ownership rights to new product as distinct from the traditional license basis.
Consequently, the Company's focus in the development of television product is to
link high-profile event type projects with high-profile talent that will be
attractive to networks on a license basis.
From time to time, the Company may have several television projects in
development and generally seeks to limit its financial risk in the production of
television motion pictures and mini-series by pre-sales and licensing to third
parties. The production of television programming has been sporadic over the
last several years and significant variances in operating results from
year-to-year and quarter-to-quarter can be expected for television programming
revenues due to the variable demand for content from broadcast and cable
networks.
14
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth divisional revenues and operating expenses as a
percentage of total revenues:
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
------------------------------------ ------------------------------------
1998 1997 1998 1997
---- ---- ---- ----
REVENUES
Publishing 52% 28% 39% 43%
Television and film 48 72 61 57
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Total 100% 100% 100% 100%
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
OPERATING EXPENSES
Publishing 20% 26% 23% 49%
Television and film 30 64 41 57
Selling, general & administrative 35 32 43 56
Employee separation costs -- -- -- 13
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Total 85% 122% 107% 175%
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 COMPARED TO QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Publishing
- ----------
REVENUES. Net publishing revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 1998
increased $205,000 to $1,915,000 compared with $1,710,000 for the quarter ended
September 30, 1997 with the increase being attributable to a higher volume of
new titles published. Leading audio book publications during the current quarter
included AMERICAN DREAMS by John Jakes, RATTLESNAKE CROSSING by T.A. Jance and
APE WHO GUARDS THE BALANCE by Elizabeth Peters.
COST OF SALES. Cost of sales for the quarter ended September 30, 1998 decreased
$510,000 to $1,089,000 from $1,599,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 1997.
The decrease was attributable to a decrease in the number and rate of returns of
printed books and lower production and distribution costs of audio books.
Furthermore, cost of sales in 1997 included a one-time charge of $564,000 in
respect of discontinued product. Cost of sales as a percentage of net publishing
revenues decreased from 94% in the quarter ended September 30, 1997 to 57% for
the quarter ended September 30, 1998.
Film and Television
- -------------------
REVENUES. Film and television revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 1998
decreased $2,707,000 to $1,792,000 from $4,499,000 for the quarter ended
September 30, 1997. The decrease was primarily due to the timing of delivery of
television motion pictures.
COST OF SALES. Film and television amortization for the quarter ended September
30, 1998 decreased $2,384,000 to $1,601,000 from $3,985,000 for the quarter
ended September 30, 1997. The decrease was attributable to the decrease in film
and television revenues. Cost of sales as a percentage of net film and
television revenues was 89% for each of the quarters ended September 30, 1997
and 1998.
15
General
- -------
GROSS PROFIT. The Company experienced a gross profit of $1,017,000 for the
quarter ended September 30, 1998 compared to $625,000 for the quarter ended
September 30, 1997, resulting from the matters previously discussed regarding
publishing and film revenues and cost of sales.
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE ("SG&A"). SG&A includes costs associated
with selling, marketing and promoting the Company's products, as well as general
corporate expenses including salaries, occupancy costs, professional fees,
travel and entertainment. SG&A decreased to $1,928,000 for the quarter ended
September 30, 1998 from $1,993,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 1997.
NET INTEREST EXPENSE. Net interest expense for the quarter ended September 30,
1998 was $318,000 compared with $92,000 for the quarter ended September 30,
1997. The increase in net interest expense is primarily the result of increased
utilization of the Chase Loan and Futuresport Loan.
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 COMPARED TO NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997
- ----
Publishing
- ----------
REVENUES. Net publishing revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 1998
decreased $26,000 to $5,430,000 from $5,456,000 for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997. Leading audio book publications during the current nine
months included SUDDEN MISCHIEF by Robert B. Parker, FLIGHT OF EAGLES by Jack
Higgins, DOUBLE IMAGE by David Morrell, and FORTUNES OF WAR by Stephen Coonts.
COST OF SALES. Cost of sales for the nine months ended September 30, 1998
decreased $2,635,000 to $3,593,000 from $6,228,000 for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997. The decrease was attributable to the decrease in the number
and rate of returns of printed books during the nine months ended September 30,
1998 together with lower production and distribution costs of audio books.
Furthermore, cost of sales in 1997 included a one-time charge of $564,000 in
respect of discontinued product. Cost of sales as a percentage of net publishing
revenues decreased from 114% in the nine months ended September 30, 1997 to 66%
for the nine months ended September 30, 1998.
Film and Television
- -------------------
REVENUES. Film and television revenues for the nine months ended September 30,
1998 increased $1,417,000 to $8,590,000, from $7,173,000 for the nine months
ended September 30, 1997. The increase primarily was due to higher revenues
associated with network license fees and home video revenues from the television
movie "Futuresport" in September 1998 compared to network license fees from the
delivery of "Unwed Father" in 1997. Revenues for the nine months ended September
30, 1998 were also derived from completion of the second series of the
syndicated production "Make Me Laugh" distributed by Buena Vista Television for
the cable network Comedy Central.
COST OF SALES. Film and television amortization for the nine months ended
September 30, 1998 decreased $757,000 to $6,455,000 from $7,212,000 for the nine
months ended September 30, 1997 due primarily to the inclusion of cost of sales
in 1997 of a one-time charge of $590,000 arising from a review of the Company
film library. Cost of sales as a percentage of net film and television revenues
decreased from 101% in the nine months ended September 30, 1997 to 75% for the
nine months ended September 30, 1998.
16
General
- -------
GROSS PROFIT/(LOSS). The Company experienced a gross profit of $3,972,000 for
the nine months ended September 30, 1998 compared to a gross loss of $811,000
for the nine months ended September 30, 1997, resulting from the matters
previously discussed regarding publishing and film revenues and cost of sales.
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE. SG&A decreased to $6,841,000 for the nine
months ended September 30, 1998 from $7,040,000 for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997.
NET INTEREST EXPENSE. Net interest expense for the nine months ended September
30, 1998 was $620,000 compared with $285,000 for the nine months ended September
30, 1997. The increase in net interest expense is primarily the result of
increased utilization of the Chase Loan and Futuresport Loan.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
On November 12, 1997, the Company entered into an agreement with Chase Bank
providing the Company with an $8,000,000 loan facility for working capital
purposes ("Chase Loan"). This facility was increased in July 1998 to
$10,000,000. The Chase Loan is secured by substantially all of the Company's
assets. The Chase Loan runs for three years until November 4, 2000. The Chase
Loan establishes a "Borrowing Base" comprising: (1) 35% of an independent
valuation of the Company's audio library, (2) 85% of the Company's eligible
receivables and (3) 30% of the Company's finished goods audio and book
inventory. At any time, the Company may borrow or have letters of credit issued
up to the Borrowing Base. In addition, the Company may borrow or have letters of
credit issued for a further $4,000,000 (provided the aggregate amount borrowed
does not exceed $10,000,000) with the consent and guarantee of the principals of
MEI. The Chase Loan provides for interest at the bank prime rate plus 2% per
annum or the bank's LIBOR rate plus 3% per annum, at the option of the Company.
In addition, unused commitment fees are payable at 1/2% per annum. The Chase
Loan contains various covenants to which the Company must adhere including
limitations on additional indebtedness, investments, acquisitions, capital
expenditures and sale of assets, restrictions on the payment of dividends and
distributions to shareholders, and various financial compliance tests. The
Company was not in compliance with certain of the financial compliance tests at
December 31, 1997 but received a waiver and an amendment from Chase Bank. At
September 30, 1998, the Company had borrowed $6,298,000 against the facility. In
addition, Chase Bank has provided letters of credit for $460,000.
In February 1998, the Company entered into an agreement with Chase Bank
providing the Company with an additional loan of a maximum of $3,289,000 for the
purpose of partly financing the made for television motion picture "Futuresport"
("Futuresport Loan"). The Futuresport Loan was fully repaid in September 1998.
In July 1998, the Company entered into an agreement with Apollo Partners LLC,
whereby the Company borrowed $1,500,000 secured by a second mortgage on the
Company's principal office building and land ("Apollo Loan"). The Apollo Loan
was fully repaid in September 1998.
In September 1998, the long-term mortgage note payable to Asahi Bank of
California was fully repaid following the sale of the Company's principal office
building and land.
The Company has historically experienced significant negative cash flows from
operations, including $7,282,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997 and
$9,016,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 - see "Financial
Statements of the Company - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows". Such
negative cash flows have resulted from, among other things, losses from
operations, use of working capital for expansion of audio and printed book
publishing, development of television programming and the acquisition of
theatrical motion picture product. The Company plans to significantly increase
the level of activity in both its audio book and television production
operations. In addition, the Company will consider acquisitions of properties or
libraries or companies in related lines of business. It will be necessary to
obtain additional capital in order to accomplish its growth objective. Such
additional capital may be obtained through sales of equity securities, by
obtaining debt financing or through the sale of assets. Even if the Company does
not pursue its growth objective, if the Company is unable to realize anticipated
revenues or if the Company incurs costs inconsistent with anticipated levels,
the Company would need to obtain additional financing (through the sale of debt
or equity securities, by obtaining additional bank financing or through the sale
of certain assets), limit its commitments to new projects or possibly curtail
its current operations. There is no assurance that any such additional financing
will be available on acceptable terms.
17
The Company's television production activities can affect its capital needs in
that the revenues from the initial licensing of television programming may be
less than the associated production costs. The ability of the Company to cover
the production costs of particular programming is dependent upon the
availability, timing and the amount of fees obtained from distributors and other
third parties, including revenues from foreign or ancillary markets where
available. In any event, the Company from time to time is required to fund at
least a portion of its production costs, pending receipt of programming
revenues, out of its working capital. Although the Company's strategy generally
is not to commence principal photography without first obtaining commitments
which cover all or substantially all of the budgeted production costs, from time
to time the Company may commence principal photography without having obtained
commitments equal to or in excess of such costs. In such circumstances, the
Company will be required to fund at least a portion of production and
distribution costs, pending receipt of anticipated future revenues, from working
capital, from additional debt or equity financings from outside sources or from
other financing arrangements, including bank financing. There is no assurance
that any such additional financing will be available on acceptable terms. If the
Company is unable to obtain such financing, it may be required to reduce or
curtail certain operations. In order to obtain rights to certain properties for
the Company's publishing and television operations, the Company may be required
to make advance cash payments to sources of such properties, including book
authors and publishers. While the Company generally attempts to minimize the
magnitude of such payments and to obtain advance commitments to offset such
payments, the Company is not always able to do so and there is no assurance it
will be able to do so in the future.
The Company's operations in general, and its publishing and television
operations in particular, are capital intensive. The Company anticipates, based
on currently proposed plans and assumptions relating to its operations and
anticipated outcomes of current litigation, that the projected cash flow from
operations and available cash resources, including its existing financing
arrangements, will be sufficient to satisfy its anticipated cash requirements
for the next twelve months. In the event that the Company's plans change, its
assumptions change or prove to be inaccurate or the cash flow proves to be
insufficient to fund operations (due to unanticipated expenses, delays,
problems, difficulties or otherwise), the Company would be required to seek
additional financing sooner than anticipated or to curtail its activities.
As of October 31, 1998 the Company's unused sources of funds consisted primarily
of approximately $274,000 in cash and $2,204,000 available under the Chase Loan.
Any draw-downs of such currently available amounts under the Chase Loan are
subject to approval and guarantee by the principals of MEI.
INFLATION
The Company does not believe its business and operations have been materially
affected by inflation.
YEAR 2000
Some of the Company's financial business systems or those of its vendors or
customers may have been written using two digits rather than four, to define the
applicable year. As a result, those systems may have date-sensitive software
that recognizes a date "00" as the year 1900 rather than 2000. If not modified
or updated, this could cause system failure or miscalculations, potentially
resulting in the temporary disruption of operations due to the inability to
process certain transactions.
The Company has contracted with Mercedes Distribution to provide a full
distribution service for its publishing operations. This distribution service
includes complete computer systems needs for distribution of the Company's
publishing operations together with information systems pertaining thereto. If
Mercedes were to experience year 2000 problems, the Company could experience
significant deterioration of operating efficiency. Mercedes Distribution has
represented to the Company that such systems are year 2000 compliant.
The Company utilizes MAS 90, a widely available package system for its financial
systems. The vendor of MAS 90 has represented to the Company that MAS 90 is year
2000 compliant.
The Company is in the process of determining the preparedness of key vendors and
customers for year 2000 and expects to complete its review by March 1999.
The Company does not believe that year 2000 problems that may be experienced by
its customers, suppliers and vendors (other than Mercedes) would result in a
significant deterioration of operating efficiency. However, until the Company
has completed its evaluation of the year 2000 issue, no assurance can be given
that the Company will avoid deterioration of operating efficiency or programming
costs because of year 2000 problems.
18
PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
A settlement has been agreed to in the securities class action lawsuits pending
against the Company and two former officers and a Stipulation of Settlement was
filed with the Los Angeles Superior Court in July 1998. Terms of the settlement
were disclosed in the Company's Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended June 30, 1998.
On October 6, 1998, the state court gave final approval to the settlement and
entered judgment, dismissing the state court actions with prejudice in
accordance with the Stipulation of Settlement. The settlement is conditioned on
the happening of certain contingencies which include the judgment in the state
court becoming final and non-appealable, the actions in the federal court being
dismissed with prejudice and the federal court order becoming final and
non-appealable. The pending class actions consist of three separate cases - Alan
Field v. Dove Entertainment, Inc., et al. (Los Angeles Superior Court No.
BC174659), Global Asset Allocation Consultants, L.L.C. v. Dove Entertainment,
Inc., et al. (United States District Court for the Central District of
California Civil Action No. 97-6253-WDK) and George, et al. v. Dove
Entertainment, Inc. et al. (United States District Court for the Central
District of California Civil Action No. 97-7482-R). Although the Company
believes that the conditions to the settlement will be satisfied, there is no
assurance that the conditions will be satisfied or that the settlement will be
final.
In October 1998, the Company and Liza Greer agreed to a settlement of the
disputes in the actions entitled Greer v. Dove (Los Angeles Superior Court Case
No. BC 160871) (the "Greer Action") and Liza Greer v. NewStar Media Inc. (Los
Angeles Superior Court Case No. BC 193089). The actions were previously reported
in the Company's Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended June 30, 1998. Pursuant to
the settlement agreement, the Company agreed to dismiss its appeal in the Greer
Action, and both actions have been dismissed.
On July 10, 1998 an action entitled Palisades Pictures LLC, Nothing to Lose
Productions Inc., CUB Films, Mark Severini, Eric Bross and Jeff Dowd v. Dove
International, Inc., Dove Audio, Inc. and NewStar Media, Inc. was filed in Los
Angeles County Superior Court (BC 194069). Plaintiffs allege breach of contract,
breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, breach of fiduciary
duty, interference with prospective economic advantage and promissory estoppel,
arising out of an alleged distribution agreement pursuant to which Dove
International, Inc. was to have distributed the motion picture "Nothing to
Lose." Plaintiffs are seeking damages in excess of $1,000,000, plus punitive and
exemplary damages. The Company believes that it has good and meritorious
defenses to the action. Nevertheless, there is no assurance that the Company
will prevail in the action.
On July 6, 1998, a first amended complaint in the action entitled Mattken Corp.
and Gerald J. Leider v. NewStar Media, Inc. was filed in the Los Angeles County
Superior Court (BC 191736). Mr. Leider is a former director of the Company. The
plaintiffs allege breach of contract arising out of a purported agreement
between Mr. Leider and the Company in connection with executive producer
services on the motion picture "Morning Glory", and a purported sales agency
agreement between Mattken Corp. and the Company. Plaintiffs are seeking in
excess of $350,000. The Company believes that it has good and meritorious
defenses to the action. Nevertheless, there is no assurance that the Company
will prevail in the action.
In addition to the above claims, the Company is a party to claims previously
reported in its public filings and to various routine legal proceedings and
claims incidental to its business.
During the quarter ended September 30, 1998, there have been no other material
developments in legal proceedings pending against the Company or its properties
and no other material legal proceedings against the Company or its properties
were instituted or terminated (other than routine litigation that is incidental
to the Company's business).
19
ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
In August 1998, the Company issued the following shares of common stock of the
Company to the persons indicated below:
i) 51,600 shares to Tin Man Enterprises in satisfaction of approximately
$100,000 in payables;
ii) 94,118 shares to Custom Duplicating, Inc. in satisfaction of
approximately $200,000 in payables;
iii) 41,106 shares to Leopold, Petrich & Smith in satisfaction of
approximately $72,000 in payables;
iv) 19,608 shares to Steven Soloway as consideration for settlement of
litigation in the amount of $38,000;
v) 68,028 shares to Media Equities International, LLC ("MEI") as payment
of consulting fees in the amount of $100,000;
vi) 34,014 shares to MEI as payment of a guarantee fee in the amount of
$50,000;
vii) 392,854 shares to MEI as payment of accrued dividends (plus interest
thereon) on the preferred stock of the Company in the amount of
$589,000;
viii) 33,333 shares to Ronald Lightstone, the Company's President and Chief
Executive officer, pursuant to the vesting schedule in Mr. Lightstone's
employment agreement with the Company;
ix) 62,764 shares to Michael Viner and Deborah Raffin upon conversion of
convertible Series E Preferred Stock.
In August 1998, the Company sold the following shares of common stock to the
persons indicated below pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of
July 30, 1998, among the Company, Apollo Partners, LLC and Ronald Lightstone:
i) 1,738,526 to Elkes Limited Partnership for $2,500,000;
ii) 1,738,526 to Gorman Limited Partnership for $2,500,000;
iii) 347,705 to Ronald Lightstone for $500,000
All of the shares issued were issued in reliance on Section 4(2) of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
The Credit Security, Guaranty and Pledge Agreement, dated as of November 4,
1997, among the Company, the guarantors named therein and The Chase Manhattan
Bank provides that the Company is prohibited from declaring cash dividends on
its common stock unless the ratio of the earnings of the Company (before
interest and taxes) to total interest of the Company is at least 20 to 1.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
Not Applicable
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Not Applicable
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
Concurrently herewith, the Company is filing a report on Form 8-K discussing
events having an effect on the continuation of the listing of the Company's
Common Stock on The Nasdaq SmallCap Market and compliance with NASD Marketplace
Rule 4310(c)(2).
20
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(A) Exhibits:
10.68 Employment Agreement dated as of January 1, 1998, between
Dove Four Point, Inc. and Ron Ziskin.
10.69 Incentive Stock Option Agreement, dated as of January 1, 1998,
between NewStar Media Inc. and Ron Ziskin, on behalf of
the Wedner-Ziskin Family Trust.
27 Financial Data Schedule
(B) Reports on Form 8-K
A report on Form 8-K (dated October 13, 1998) was filed on October 16, 1998
reporting under Item 5 the continued listing of the Company's common stock on
the Nasdaq SmallCap Market subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions.
A report on Form 8-K (dated September 4, 1998) was filed on September 4, 1998
reporting under Item 2 the sale of the Company's land and building for
$4,255,000, resulting in net proceeds to the Company of $4,166,000.
A report on Form 8-K (dated August 31, 1998) was filed on September 3, 1998
reporting under Item 5 the sale of 3,824,757 shares of common stock of the
Company at $1.438 per share and the Company's appearance before a hearing panel
of The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. to present the Company's plan to regain
compliance with the requirements of NASD Marketplace Rule 4310(c)(2).
SIGNATURES
In accordance with 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: November 13, 1998 NEWSTAR MEDIA INC.
By /s/ RONALD LIGHTSTONE
----------------------
Ronald Lightstone, President,
Chief Executive Officer and Director
Date: November 13, 1998 By /a/ NEIL TOPHAM
----------------
Neil Topham
Chief Financial Officer
21
NEWSTAR MEDIA INC.
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number
- -------
10.70 Employment Agreement dated as of January 1, 1998, between
Dove Four Point, Inc. and Ron Ziskin.
10.71 Incentive Stock Option Agreement, dated as of January 1, 1998,
between NewStar Media Inc. and Ron Ziskin, on behalf of the
Wedner Ziskin Family Trust.
27 Financial Data Schedule