AFFINITY GROUP HOLDING INC
10-Q, 1998-11-13
AMUSEMENT & RECREATION SERVICES
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<PAGE>

                                   UNITED STATES
                         SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                                          
                              Washington, D.C.  20549
                                          
                                     FORM 10-Q
                                          
                   Quarterly Report Under Section 13 or 15 (d) of
                        The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
                                          
FOR QUARTER ENDED:                           COMMISSION FILE NUMBER
September 30, 1998                                     333-26389
     _______________________________________________________________
                                              
                           AFFINITY GROUP HOLDING, INC. 
                 (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE                                                             59-2922099
(State of incorporation or organization)    (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

64 Inverness Drive East                                        (303) 792-7284
Englewood, CO  80112                                   (Registrant's telephone 
(Address of principal executive offices)           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:   
                             11% Senior Notes Due 2007

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant
was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.

                           YES  X           NO
                               ---             ---

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.


                                                            OUTSTANDING AS OF
CLASS                                                        OCTOBER 31, 1998 
- -----                                                       -----------------
Common Stock, $.01 par value                                      100
                                          
                        DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
                        DOCUMENT REFERENCED ON EXHIBIT INDEX 
                                          
                                          
<PAGE>

                   AFFINITY GROUP HOLDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                          
                                          
                                       INDEX


                                                                       PAGE

PART I.  Financial Information


     ITEM 1: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                                
                                                                           
             Consolidated Balance Sheets                                   1
             As of September 30, 1998 and December 31, 1997
               
             Consolidated Statements of Operations                         2
             For the three months ended September 30, 1998 and 1997
               
             Consolidated Statements of Operations                         3
             For the nine months ended September 30, 1998 and 1997
               
             Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows                         4
             For the nine months ended September 30, 1998 and 1997
          
             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                    5
     

     ITEM 2:  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF                      7
              FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


PART II. Other Information                                                 17


SIGNATURES                                                                 18


<PAGE>

                                          
              AFFINITY GROUP HOLDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
               SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 AND DECEMBER 31, 1997
                           (In Thousands)
                             (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                          9/30/98      12/31/97
                                                         ---------    -----------
<S>                                                      <C>          <C>
ASSETS

  CURRENT ASSETS:
    Cash and cash equivalents                            $ 26,201      $ 43,978
    Investments                                             2,199         2,590
    Accounts receivable, less allowance for 
      doubtful accounts                                    22,929        25,802
    Inventories                                            31,985        30,283
    Prepaid expenses and other assets                      12,775        11,089
                                                         --------     ---------
      Total current assets                                 96,089       113,742

  PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT                                   57,064        51,559
  LOANS RECEIVABLE                                        121,269        44,973
  INTANGIBLE ASSETS                                       199,485       206,104
  DEFERRED TAX ASSET                                        8,354         8,521
  RESTRICTED INVESTMENTS                                    1,997         2,096
  OTHER ASSETS                                              6,168         5,391
                                                         --------     ---------
                                                         $490,426      $432,386
                                                         --------     ---------
                                                         --------     ---------

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
  CURRENT LIABILITIES:
    Accounts payable                                      $13,954       $16,334
    Accrued interest                                       14,100         7,371
    Accrued taxes                                             553         5,035
    Accrued liabilities                                    21,389        23,498
    Customer deposits                                     133,613        74,528
    Deferred tax liability - current                        2,132         2,132
    Current portion of long-term debt                       7,090         6,132
                                                         --------     ---------
      Total current liabilities                           192,831       135,030

  DEFERRED REVENUES                                        88,796        79,572
  LONG-TERM DEBT                                          279,555       288,229
  OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES                               4,860         5,467
  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES                             ---           ---  
                                                         --------     ---------
                                                          566,042       508,298
                                                         --------     ---------
                                                         --------     ---------

  STOCKHOLDER'S DEFICIT:
    Common stock, $.01 par value, 1,000 shares 
      authorized, 100 shares issued and outstanding             1             1
    Additional paid-in capital                             12,021        12,021
    Accumulated deficit                                   (87,638)      (87,934)
                                                         --------     ---------
      Total stockholder's deficit                         (75,616)      (75,912)
                                                         --------     ---------
                                                         $490,426      $432,386
                                                         --------     ---------
                                                         --------     ---------
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                       1
<PAGE>

             AFFINITY GROUP HOLDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                          (In Thousands)
                            (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                            THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                         -----------------------
                                                          9/30/98       9/30/97
                                                         ---------     ---------
<S>                                                      <C>           <C>
REVENUES:
  Membership services                                     $34,525       $31,035
  Publications                                             10,090        10,244
  Merchandise                                              53,119        49,258
                                                          -------       -------
                                                           97,734        90,537
                      
COSTS APPLICABLE TO REVENUES:
  Membership services                                      23,249        18,860
  Publications                                              7,629         7,285
  Merchandise                                              36,070        33,875
                                                          -------       -------
                                                           66,948        60,020

GROSS PROFIT                                               30,786        30,517

OPERATING EXPENSES:
  Selling, general and administrative                      18,543        17,507
  Depreciation and amortization                             3,741         3,656
                                                          -------       -------
                                                           22,284        21,163
                                                          -------       -------
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS                                      8,502         9,354

NON-OPERATING ITEMS:
  Interest expense, net                                    (8,018)       (8,079)
  Other non-operating income, net                              54           189
                                                          -------       -------
                                                           (7,964)       (7,890)
                                                          -------       -------
                               
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE
  INCOME TAXES                                                538         1,464

INCOME TAX EXPENSE                                           (195)       (1,130)
                                                          -------       -------
NET INCOME                                                   $343          $334
                                                          -------       -------
                                                          -------       -------
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                       2
<PAGE>

             AFFINITY GROUP HOLDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                           (In Thousands)
                             (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                            NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                         -----------------------
                                                          9/30/98       9/30/97
                                                         ---------     ---------
<S>                                                      <C>           <C>
REVENUES:
  Membership services                                    $ 98,239      $ 85,309
  Publications                                             34,265        30,595
  Merchandise                                             146,213       100,563
                                                         --------      --------
                                                          278,717       216,467
                                                         
COSTS APPLICABLE TO REVENUES:
  Membership services                                      63,338        50,266
  Publications                                             26,689        22,437
  Merchandise                                              98,406        68,398
                                                         --------      --------
                                                          188,433       141,101

GROSS PROFIT                                               90,284        75,366

OPERATING EXPENSES:
  Selling, general and administrative                      55,082        39,533
  Depreciation and amortization                            11,060         9,622
                                                         --------      --------
                                                           66,142        49,155
                                                         --------      --------
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS                                     24,142        26,211

NON-OPERATING ITEMS:
  Interest expense, net                                   (23,935)      (19,864)
  Other non-operating income, net                             257           231
                                                         --------      --------
                                                          (23,678)      (19,633)
                                                         --------      --------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE
  INCOME TAXES AND EXTRAORDINARY ITEM                         464         6,578

INCOME TAX EXPENSE                                           (168)       (3,545)
                                                         --------      --------
INCOME BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEM                              296         3,033

EXTRAORDINARY ITEM:
  Loss on early extinguishment of debt, less
    applicable income tax benefit of $145                   ---            (241)
                                                         --------      --------

NET INCOME                                                   $296        $2,792
                                                         --------      --------
                                                         --------      --------
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                       3
<PAGE>

              AFFINITY GROUP HOLDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                           (In Thousands)
                             (Unaudited)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                            NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                          9/30/98       9/30/97
                                                         ---------     ----------
<S>                                                      <C>           <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

  Net income                                             $    296      $  2,792
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net 
    cash provided by operating activities:
    Deferred tax provision                                    167         3,072
    Depreciation and amortization                          11,060         9,622
    Provision for losses on accounts receivable               517           499
    Deferred compensation                                    (325)          800
    Gain on disposal of property and equipment                 (6)          ---
    Extraordinary item                                        ---           386
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities (net of
      purchased businesses):
      Accounts receivable                                   2,356        (2,158)
      Inventories                                          (1,702)        4,454
      Restricted investments                                  391        (1,246)
      Prepaids and other assets                            (2,463)       (5,308)
      Accounts payable                                     (2,380)      (10,682)
      Accrued and other liabilities                          (144)       (1,254)
      Deferred revenues                                     9,224         9,125
      Net assets and liabilities of discontinued 
        operations                                            ---        (1,003)
                                                         --------      --------
        Net cash provided by operating activities          16,991         9,099
                                                         --------      --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Capital expenditures                                     (9,940)       (3,060)
  Net changes in intangible assets                            (45)      (11,334)
  Net changes in loans receivable                         (76,296)      (19,144)
  Sale of investments                                          99          (469)
  Proceeds from sale of property and equipment                 45            29
  Purchase of Ehlert Publishing Group, Inc.                   ---       (20,800)
  Purchase of Camping World, Inc., net of cash acquired       ---       (97,418)
                                                         --------      --------
        Net cash used in investing activities             (86,137)     (152,196)
                                                         --------      --------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Net change in customer deposits                          59,085        34,399
  Borrowings on long-term debt                             37,848       200,650
  Principal payments of long-term debt                    (45,564)      (58,736)
                                                         --------      --------
        Net cash provided by financing activities          51,369       176,313
                                                         --------      --------
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS      (17,777)       33,216

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD           43,978         4,278
                                                         --------      --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD               $ 26,201      $ 37,494
                                                         --------      --------
                                                         --------      --------

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

Cash paid during the period for:
  Interest                                                  9,144         8,942
  Income Taxes                                              5,172           523

</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                       4
<PAGE>


              AFFINITY GROUP HOLDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
               NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                            (UNAUDITED)


(1)  BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The financial statements included herein include the accounts of Affinity 
Group Holding, Inc. ("AGHI"), its wholly-owned subsidiary, Affinity Group, 
Inc. ("AGI"), and AGI's subsidiaries (collectively the "Company") without 
audit, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and 
pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange 
Commission.  These interim consolidated financial statements should be read 
in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes in the 
Company's 10-K report for the year ended December 31, 1997 as filed with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission.  In the opinion of management of the 
Company, these consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments of a 
normal recurring nature necessary to present fairly the financial position, 
results of operations and cash flows of the Company for the interim periods 
presented. 

On March 6, 1997, AGI acquired the stock of Ehlert Publishing Group ("EPG"). 
EPG is a specialty publisher of sports and recreation magazines focusing on 
five niches: snowmobiling, personal watercraft, archery, all-terrain vehicles 
and motorcycles.  Further, on April 2, 1997, AGI acquired the common stock of 
Camping World, Inc. ("CWI").  CWI is a national specialty retailer of 
merchandise and services for RV owners.  The operating results of EPG and CWI 
have been included in the Company's consolidated results of operations from 
the dates of acquisition.  The acquisitions have been accounted for using the 
purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, the assets and liabilities of 
EPG and CWI have been recorded at the estimated fair market value at the 
dates of the acquisitions.

(2) RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Effective January 1, 1998, the Company adopted Statement of Financial 
Accounting Standards No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income," which 
establishes standards for reporting and presentation of comprehensive income 
and its components.  It requires that all changes in equity during a period, 
except those resulting from investment by owners and distributions to owners, 
be reported as a component of comprehensive income and that comprehensive 
income be displayed in annual financial statements with the same prominence 
as other financial statements that constitute a full set of financial 
statements.  The Company's comprehensive income for the nine months ended 
September 30, 1998 and 1997 is the same amount as the Company's net income 
for these periods.

In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 131, 
"Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information," which 
will be 

                                       5
<PAGE>

(2) RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS (CONTINUED)


effective for the Company beginning January 1, 1998.  SFAS No. 131 redefines 
how operating segments are determined and requires disclosure of certain 
financial and descriptive information about a company's operating segments.  
The Company believes the segment information required to be disclosed under 
SFAS No. 131 will be more comprehensive than previously provided, including 
expanded disclosure of income statement and balance sheet items for each of 
its reportable operating segments.  SFAS No. 131 will be first reflected in 
the Company's 1998 Annual Report.


                                       6
<PAGE>

              AFFINITY GROUP HOLDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
                   CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


ITEM 2:


The following table is derived from the Company's Consolidated Statements of 
Operations and expresses the results from operations as a percentage of 
revenues and reflects the net increase (decrease) between periods:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                     THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                          -----------------------------------------
                                            9/30/98       9/30/97      Inc/(Dec)
                                          ----------     ---------    ------------
<S>                                       <C>            <C>          <C>
REVENUES:
  Membership services                         35.3%         34.3%         11.2%
  Publications                                10.3%         11.3%         (1.5%)
  Merchandise                                 54.4%         54.4%          7.8%
                                             ------        ------      ---------
                                             100.0%        100.0%          7.9%
      
COSTS APPLICABLE TO REVENUES:
  Membership services                         23.8%         20.9%         23.3%
  Publications                                 7.8%          8.0%          4.7%
  Merchandise                                 36.9%         37.4%          6.5%
                                             ------        ------      ---------
                                              68.5%         66.3%         11.5%
      
GROSS PROFIT                                  31.5%         33.7%          0.9%
      
OPERATING EXPENSES:
  Selling, general and administrative         19.0%         19.4%          5.9%
  Depreciation and amortization                3.8%          4.0%          2.3%
                                             ------        ------      ---------
                                              22.8%         23.4%          5.3%
                                             ------        ------      ---------

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS                         8.7%         10.3%         (9.1%)
      
NON-OPERATING ITEMS:
  Interest expense, net                       (8.2%)        (8.9%)        (0.8%)
  Other non-operating income, net              0.1%          0.2%        (71.4%)
                                             ------        ------      ---------
                                              (8.1%)        (8.7%)         0.9%
                                             ------        ------      ---------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE
  INCOME TAXES                                 0.6%          1.6%        (63.3%)

INCOME TAX EXPENSE                            (0.2%)        (1.2%)       (82.7%)
                                             ------        ------      ---------
NET INCOME                                     0.4%          0.4%          2.7%
                                             ------        ------      ---------
                                             ------        ------      ---------

</TABLE>

                                       7
<PAGE>



                 AFFINITY GROUP HOLDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
                    CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


ITEM 2:


The following table is derived from the Company's Consolidated Statements of 
Operations and expresses the results from operations as a percentage of 
revenues and reflects the net increase (decrease) between periods:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                     NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                         ------------------------------------------
                                            9/30/98       9/30/97      Inc/(Dec)
                                         -----------    ---------    ------------
<S>                                      <C>            <C>          <C>
REVENUES:
  Membership services                         35.2%         39.4%         15.2%
  Publications                                12.3%         14.1%         12.0%
  Merchandise                                 52.5%         46.5%         45.4%
                                         ----------     ---------    ----------
                                             100.0%        100.0%         28.8%
      
COSTS APPLICABLE TO REVENUES:
  Membership services                         22.7%         23.1%         26.0%
  Publications                                 9.6%         10.4%         19.0%
  Merchandise                                 35.3%         31.7%         43.9%
                                         ----------     ---------    ----------
                                              67.6%         65.2%         33.5%
      
GROSS PROFIT                                  32.4%         34.8%         19.8%
      
OPERATING EXPENSES:
  Selling, general and administrative         19.7%         18.3%         39.3%
  Depreciation and amortization                4.0%          4.4%         14.9%
                                         ----------     ---------    ----------
                                              23.7%         22.7%         34.6%
                                         ----------     ---------    ----------

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS                         8.7%         12.1%         (7.9%)
      
NON-OPERATING ITEMS:
  Interest expense, net                       (8.6%)        (9.2%)        20.5%
  Other non-operating income, net              0.1%          0.1%         11.3%
                                         ----------     ---------    ----------
                                              (8.5%)        (9.1%)        20.6%
                                         ----------     ---------    ----------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS  
  BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND                      
  EXTRAORDINARY ITEM                           0.2%          3.0%        (92.9%)
                                         
INCOME TAX EXPENSE                            (0.1%)        (1.6%)       (95.3%)
                                         ----------     ---------    ----------
INCOME BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEM               0.1%          1.4%        (90.2%)

EXTRAORDINARY ITEM:
  Loss on early extinguishment of 
    debt, less applicable income tax 
    benefit of $145                            ---          (0.1%)         ---  
                                         ----------     ---------    ----------
NET INCOME                                     0.1%          1.3%        (89.4%)
                                         ----------     ---------    ----------
                                         ----------     ---------    ----------
</TABLE>
                                       8
<PAGE>


                                          
                               RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                                          

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 
COMPARED WITH THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997

REVENUES

Revenues of $97.7 million for the third quarter of 1998 increased by 
approximately $7.2 million or 7.9% from the comparable period in 1997.

Membership services revenues of $34.5 million for the third quarter of 1998 
increased by approximately $3.5 million from the comparable period in 1997, 
an 11.2% increase.  This revenue increase was largely attributable to a $2.2 
million increase in financial and insurance services revenue, a $2.4 million 
increase from the extended vehicle warranty program, a $0.3 million increase 
from the Rapid Response emergency road service contracts acquired August 4, 
1997 and a $0.3 million increase in Camping World's President's Club 
membership fees. These increases were partially offset by a membership 
services revenue decrease of approximately $1.7 million primarily associated 
with reduced Coast to Coast Club enrollment and reduced Good Sam revenue 
recognition as a result of selling more memberships at a reduced average 
price to enhance ancillary product revenue.

Publication revenue of $10.1 million for the third quarter of 1998 decreased 
by $0.2 million from the comparable period in 1997.  This revenue decrease 
was largely attributable to the introduction of new book titles in the latter 
part of the third quarter of 1997.

Merchandise revenue of $53.1 million was related entirely to the acquisition 
of CWI in April 1997.  Merchandise revenue for the quarter increased $3.9 
million or 7.8%.  This increase was principally attributable to a $2.0 
million or 5.6% increase in retail sales, a $1.2 million or 9.9% increase in 
mail order sales, and a $0.7 million increase in installation and other 
sales.  These increases are principally due to increased promotional efforts, 
including an increase in catalogs distributed, in addition to two stores 
added in 1998.  Comparable store retail sales increased 4.2% over 1997.

COSTS APPLICABLE TO REVENUES

Costs applicable to revenues totaled $66.9 million for the third quarter of 
1998, an increase of $6.9 million or 11.5% over the comparable period in 1997.

Membership services costs and expenses increased by approximately $4.4 
million or 23.3% to $23.2 million in the third quarter of 1998 compared to 
$18.9 million in 1997.  This increase was largely as a result of increased 
expenses of $2.0 million associated with financial and insurance services, 
$2.0 million associated with the increase in extended 


                                       9
<PAGE>

vehicle warranty policies, and $0.4 million in costs associated with the 
Rapid Response emergency road service contracts.

Publication costs and expenses of $7.6 million for the third quarter of 1998 
increased $0.3 million or 4.7% compared to the third quarter of 1997.  This 
$0.3 million increase is primarily from increased marketing efforts for the 
TRAILER LIFE CAMPGROUND/ RV PARK & SERVICES DIRECTORY and increased paper 
costs.

Merchandise costs applicable to revenues were $36.1 million and related 
entirely to CWI acquired in April 1997.  The $2.2 million increase in 
merchandise costs for the quarter was primarily attributable to the 7.8% 
increase in merchandise sales.  The gross profit margin increased by $1.6 
million from 31.3% in the third quarter of 1997 to 32.1% for the same period 
in 1998.  The increase in the gross profit margin was primarily due to 
efficiency gained from the consolidation of vendor product lines and the 
utilization of enhanced merchandising software.

OPERATING EXPENSES

Selling, general and administrative expenses of $18.5 million for the third 
quarter of 1998 were $1.0 million over the comparable period in 1997.  This 
increase was primarily as a result of $0.6 million in increased retail labor 
costs, $0.4 million in other increased wage-related expenses, and an increase 
of $0.5 million in other operating expenses, including Year 2000 computer 
services expenses.  These increases were partially offset by a $0.5 million 
reduction in executive deferred compensation and other benefits.  
Depreciation and amortization expenses of $3.7 million increased $0.1 million 
primarily due to the Camping World operations.

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

Income from operations for the third quarter of 1998 decreased by $0.9 
million or 9.1% to $8.5 million compared to $9.4 million for the third 
quarter of 1997. This net decrease was largely due to decreased gross profit 
from the membership services segment of $0.9 million, decreased publication 
gross profit of $0.5 million, and increased operating expenses of 
approximately $1.1 million partially offset by a $1.6 million increase in 
gross profit from the merchandise segment.

NON-OPERATING EXPENSES

Non-operating expenses were $8.0 million for the third quarter of 1998 and 
remained relatively unchanged as compared to the same period in 1997.


                                       10
<PAGE>

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes in the third quarter of 
1998 decreased by $0.9 million to $0.5 million compared to the third quarter 
of 1997.  This decrease was principally due to reduced income from operations 
as mentioned above.  

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

In the third quarter of 1998, the Company recognized a $0.2 million tax 
expense compared to a $1.1 million tax expense in the third quarter of 1997.

NET INCOME

The net income in the third quarter of 1998 was $0.3 million compared to net 
income of $0.3 million for the same period in 1997.

NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 COMPARED WITH NINE MONTHS ENDED 
SEPTEMBER 30, 1997

REVENUES

Revenues of $278.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 
increased by approximately $62.3 million or 28.8% from the comparable period 
in 1997.  Excluding the EPG operations acquired March 1997 and the CWI 
operations acquired April 1997, revenues were $112.5 million for the first 
nine months of 1998 compared to $101.8 million for the comparable period in 
1997, a 10.5% increase.

Membership services revenues of $98.2 million for the first nine months of 
1998 increased by approximately $12.9 million from the comparable period in 
1997. Excluding the CWI membership services operations, membership services 
revenue increased by approximately $10.0 million to $88.9 million, a 12.6% 
increase. This revenue increase was largely attributable to a $6.0 million 
increase in financial and insurance services revenue, a $5.5 million increase 
from the extended vehicle warranty program, and a $2.0 million increase from 
the Rapid Response emergency road service contracts acquired August 4, 1997.  
These increases were offset by a $3.0 million decrease in membership services 
revenue principally associated with reduced Coast to Coast Club enrollment, 
and $0.5 million in reduced credit card fee revenue.

Publication revenue of $34.3 million for the first nine months of 1998 
increased by $3.7 million from the comparable period in 1997.  Excluding EPG, 
publication revenue increased by approximately $0.7 million largely 
attributable to increased revenue from new book title sales, an introduction 
of a new motorcycle title, CRUISING RIDER, and increased motorcycle magazine 
issues published. 


                                       11
<PAGE>

Merchandise revenue of $146.2 million was related entirely to the acquisition 
of CWI in April 1997.  On a pro forma basis, assuming the CWI acquisition had 
occurred at January 1, 1997, merchandise revenue for the first nine months of 
1998 increased $8.0 million or 5.8% over the comparable period in 1997.  This 
increase was principally attributable to a $3.8 million or 3.9% increase in 
retail sales, a $3.3 million or 10.4% increase in mail order sales, and a 
$0.9 million increase in installation and other sales.  These increases are 
principally due to increased promotional efforts, including an increase in 
catalogs distributed, in addition to two stores added in 1998.  Comparable 
store retail sales increased 3.3% over 1997.

COSTS APPLICABLE TO REVENUES

Costs applicable to revenues totaled $188.4 million for the first nine months 
of 1998, an increase of $47.3 million or 33.5% over the comparable period in 
1997. Excluding the EPG and CWI operations, costs applicable to revenues 
increased $13.1 million for the first nine months of 1998 compared to 1997, a 
20.1% increase.

Membership services costs and expenses increased by approximately $13.1 
million or 26.0% to $63.3 million in the first nine months of 1998 compared 
to $50.2 million in 1997.  Excluding the CWI acquisition, membership services 
costs increased $11.4 million to $59.5 million largely as a result of 
increased expenses of $6.0 million associated with the financial and 
insurance services, $4.9 million associated with the increase in extended 
warranty policies, $2.0 million in costs associated with the Rapid Response 
emergency road service contracts and $0.3 million for promotional expenses 
related to the new in-store kiosk marketing program.  These increases were 
partially offset by $0.9 million in reduced membership services expenses, 
primarily associated with the Coast to Coast Clubs, and $0.9 million in 
reduced expenses associated with the credit card program.

Publication costs and expenses of $26.7 million for the first nine months of 
1998 increased $4.3 million or 19.0% over the comparable period in 1997. 
Excluding the EPG acquisition, costs increased by $1.7 million over the 
comparable period in 1997.  This increase was primarily due to a $0.5 million 
increase in costs associated with increased book sales, a $0.5 million 
increase in TRAILER LIFE CAMPGROUND / RV PARK & SERVICES DIRECTORY expenses 
primarily due to increased marketing efforts, $0.3 million in increased 
expenses associated with increased ROADS TO ADVENTURE circulation, an 
additional motorcycle magazine title and issues published, $0.2 million in 
increased paper costs, and a $0.2 million increase in other publication 
marketing and on-line development expenses.

Merchandise costs applicable to revenues were $98.4 million and were related 
entirely to CWI acquired in April 1997.  On a pro forma basis, assuming the 
CWI acquisition had occurred at January 1, 1997, merchandise costs for the 
first nine months of 1998 increased $4.0 million.  The increase in 
merchandise costs was primarily attributable to the 5.8% increase in 
merchandise sales.  The gross profit margin increased by $4.0 million from 
31.7% in the first nine months of 1997 to 32.7% for the same period in 1998 
primarily due to 


                                       12
<PAGE>

consolidation of vendor product lines and the utilization of enhanced 
merchandising software.

OPERATING EXPENSES

Selling, general and administrative expenses of $55.1 million for the first 
nine months of 1998 were $15.5 million over the comparable period in 1997.  
Excluding the EPG and CWI acquisitions, general and administrative expenses 
increased by $1.6 million compared to the prior year primarily as a result of 
a $1.6 million increase in wage-related expenses, an $0.8 million increase in 
consulting and computer service expenses, which includes Year 2000 conversion 
efforts, and a net $0.3 million increase in other professional fees, 
primarily legal expenses. These increases were partially offset by a $1.1 
million reduction in deferred executive compensation.  Depreciation and 
amortization expenses of $11.1 million were $1.4 million higher than the 
first nine months of 1997, primarily due to increased depreciation and 
amortization of assets attributable to the EPG and CWI acquisitions, 
partially offset by the completion of amortization on the Good Sam membership 
lists in 1997.

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

Income from operations for the first nine months of 1998 decreased by $2.1 
million or 7.9% to $24.1 million compared to $26.2 million for the first nine 
months of 1997.  Excluding income from operations recognized from the 
acquired operations of EPG and CWI, income from operations decreased by $2.9 
million. This decrease was due to increased operating expenses of $0.6 
million, decreased gross profit from the membership services segment of $1.4 
million, and a decrease in publication gross profit of $0.9 million.

NON-OPERATING EXPENSES

Non-operating expenses were $23.7 million for the first nine months of 1998 
as compared to $19.6 million for the same period in 1997.  This $4.0 million 
increase is primarily due to the increased interest expense associated with 
the issuance of AGHI's $130.0 million 11% senior notes on issued April 2, 
1997.

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EXTRAORDINARY ITEM

Income from continuing operations before income taxes and extraordinary item 
in the first nine months of 1998 was approximately $0.5 million compared to 
$6.6 million for the first nine months of 1997.  This decrease was 
principally due to increased interest expense and reduced gross profit as 
mentioned above.


                                       13
<PAGE>

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

In the first nine months of 1998, the Company recognized a $0.2 million tax 
expense compared to $3.5 million tax expense in the first nine months of 1997.

EXTRAORDINARY ITEM

The Company refinanced its senior term and revolving credit facilities April 
2, 1997.  As a result, the Company incurred a write-off of unamortized 
financing cost of $0.2 million, net of tax.

NET INCOME

The net income in the first nine months of 1998 was $0.3 million compared to 
net income of $2.8 million for the same period in 1997.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

AGHI is a holding company whose only asset is the capital stock of AGI.

Cash, cash equivalents and investments of the Company totaled $28.4 million 
at September 30, 1998 compared to $46.6 million at December 31, 1997.  This 
reduction is due to increased loan production at Affinity Bank ("AB").  
Included in the September 30, 1998 cash, cash equivalents and investments is 
$22.9 million which is restricted for use by AB and Affinity Insurance Group 
("AINS") subsidiaries.  The assets of AB and AINS are subject to regulatory 
restrictions on dividends or other distributions to the Company and are 
unavailable to reduce Company debt.  In addition, both AB and AINS, although 
required to be consolidated with the Company, are recognized as 
"unrestricted" or non-guarantying subsidiaries as defined in the AGI Senior 
Credit Facility ("AGI SCF"), as discussed further below, and AB only is an 
"unrestricted" subsidiary under the terms of the AGI $120.0 million 11.5% 
senior subordinated notes due 2003, and the AGHI $130 million 11.0% senior 
notes due 2007.

Both AB and AINS are subject to regulatory guidelines which, among other 
things, stipulate the minimum capital requirements for each entity based on 
certain operating ratios.  The Company was not required to contribute and did 
not contribute capital to AB and AINS during the first nine months of 1998 to 
maintain these ratios.  It is anticipated that capital contributions of $6.0 
million will be made to AB during the remainder of 1998.

The $75.0 million AGI SCF provides a term loan of $30.0 million (reducing in 
quarterly principal installments of $1.5 million) and a $45.0 million 
revolving credit line.  The interest on borrowings under the facility is at 
variable rates based on the ratio of total cash flow to outstanding 
indebtedness (as defined). Interest rates float with prime and the London 
Interbank Offered Rates (LIBOR), plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.75% 
to 2.75% 


                                       14
<PAGE>

over the stated rates. AGI also pays a commitment fee of 0.5% per annum on 
the unused amount of the revolving credit line.  The senior credit facility 
is secured by a security interest in the assets of AGI and its subsidiaries 
and a pledge of the stock of AGI and its subsidiaries.  The indenture (the 
"AGI Indenture"), pursuant to which the AGI $120.0 million 11.5% senior 
subordinated notes due 2003 were issued, limits borrowings under the AGI SCF 
to 150% of AGI's consolidated cashflow (as defined) for the preceding four 
fiscal quarters.  At September 30, 1998, $4.0 million was outstanding and 
permitted borrowings under the undrawn revolving credit line of the AGI SCF 
were $41.0 million.  At September 30, 1998, $21.0 million remained 
outstanding under the term portion of the AGI SCF.

The AGI SCF and AGI Indenture allow for, among other things, the distribution 
of payments by AGI to AGHI to service the semi-annual interest due on the 
AGHI $130.0 million 11% senior notes and the annual amounts due under the 
Camping World Management Incentive Agreements.  Such distributions are 
subject to AGI's compliance with certain restrictive covenants, including, 
but not limited to, an interest coverage ratio, fixed charge coverage ratio, 
minimum operating cash flow, and limitations on capital expenditures and 
total indebtedness.  During the first nine months of 1998, AGI made 
distributions of $8.2 million to AGHI. Under the terms of the AGI SCF and the 
AGI Indenture, AGI would have been permitted to make dividends to AGHI up to 
$124.7 million, to service these obligations when due, as of September 30, 
1998.

During the nine months ended September 30, 1998, payments under the terms of 
several phantom stock agreements totaled $1.8 million.  Additional phantom 
stock payments of $0.2 million are scheduled to be made for the remainder of 
1998.

Capital expenditures in the nine months ended September 30, 1998 totaled $9.9 
million compared to capital expenditures of $3.1 million during the same 
period in 1997.  This increase is partially attributable to the purchase of a 
commercial building by Affinity Bank, for Affinity Bank's corporate 
headquarters and branch office and the purchase of the Bolingbrook, IL 
Camping World supercenter for $1.3 million and $2.7 million, respectively.  
The balance of the increase is primarily computer software and hardware, of 
which the largest component is an enhanced retail merchandising system for 
CWI's retail operations.  Capital expenditures are anticipated to be 
approximately $1.5 million for the remainder of 1998.  The anticipated 
expenditures will include continued enhancements to membership marketing 
databases, inbound and outbound telecommunications, and computer software and 
hardware.

Regarding the Year 2000 compliance issue for information systems, the Company 
has recognized the need to ensure that its computer operations and operating 
systems will not be adversely affected by the upcoming calendar Year 2000 and 
is cognizant of the time sensitive nature of the problem.  The Company has 
assessed how it may be impacted by Year 2000 and has formulated and commenced 
implementation of a comprehensive plan to address known issues as they relate 
to its information systems.  The plan, as it relates to information systems, 
involves a combination of software modification, upgrades and replacement.  
The Company preliminarily estimates that the cost of Year 2000 compliance


                                       15
<PAGE>

for its information systems will be in the range of $1.0 to $1.5 million and 
all necessary modifications will be completed by June 1999.  The Company is 
not yet able to estimate the cost of Year 2000 compliance with respect to 
subcontracted production systems, products, customers and suppliers.  
However, based on a preliminary review, management does not expect that such 
costs will have a material adverse effect on the future consolidated results 
of operations of the Company. 

Management believes that funds generated by operations together with 
available borrowings under its revolving credit line will be sufficient to 
satisfy the Company's operating cash needs, debt obligations and capital 
requirements of its existing operations during the next twelve months.

This filing contains statements that are "forward looking statements," and 
includes, among other things, discussions of the Company's business strategy 
and expectations concerning market position, future operations, margins, 
profitability, liquidity and capital resources, as well as statements 
concerning the integration of acquired operations and the achievement of 
financial benefits and operational efficiencies in connections with 
acquisitions.  Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected 
in such forward looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance 
that such expectations will prove to have been correct.  All phases of the 
operations of the Company are subject to a number of uncertainties, risks and 
other influences, including consumer spending, fuel prices, general economic 
conditions, regulatory changes and competition, many of which are outside the 
control of the Company, and any one of which, or a combination of which, 
could materially affect the results of the Company's operations and whether 
the forward looking statements made by the Company ultimately prove to be 
accurate. 


                                       16
<PAGE>

PART II:  OTHER INFORMATION

     Items 1-5:  Not Applicable

     Item 6:  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

     (a)  On August 19, 1998 Affinity Group Holding, Inc. engaged Arthur
     Anderson LLP as its new independent accountants.  Change in Registrant's
     Accountants disclosure documents and exhibits were filed with the
     Securities and Exchange Commission on August 19, 1998 under Form 8-K and
     are thereby incorporated by reference.
     

                                       17
<PAGE>

SIGNATURES:


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the 
Registrants have duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the 
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

                                        

                                   AFFINITY GROUP HOLDING, INC.



                                   /S/  Mark J. Boggess     
                                   ---------------------------
Date:  November 12, 1998           Mark J. Boggess
                                   Senior Vice President
                                   Chief Financial Officer



                                      18

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<PAGE>
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<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1998
<CASH>                                          26,201
<SECURITIES>                                     2,199
<RECEIVABLES>                                   23,755
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<INVENTORY>                                     31,985
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                96,089
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<DEPRECIATION>                                (14,786)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 490,426
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          192,831
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                                0
                                          0
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<OTHER-SE>                                    (75,617)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   490,426
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<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                65,885
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<INCOME-PRETAX>                                    464
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<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                296
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<NET-INCOME>                                       296
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