MARKETING SERVICES GROUP INC
10-Q, 2000-02-14
BUSINESS SERVICES, NEC
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-Q

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

                For the quarterly period ended December 31, 1999

                                       OR

          [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
                         SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

            For the transition period from ___________ to ___________

                         Commission file number 0-16730

                         MARKETING SERVICES GROUP, INC.
                         ------------------------------
             (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

            Nevada                                       88-0085608
            ------                                       ----------
(State or other jurisdiction of             (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)

  333 Seventh Avenue, 20th Floor
        New York, New York                                  10001
        ------------------                                  -----
(Address of principal executive offices)                  (Zip Code)

       Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (917) 339-7100


              -----------------------------------------------------
              (Former name, former address and former fiscal year,
                         if changed since last report)

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 ___

                      APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS

State number of shares  outstanding  of each of the  issuer's  classes of common
equity as of the latest  practical  date:

As of February 11, 2000,  there were  27,547,438  shares of the Issuer's  Common
Stock, par value $.01 per share outstanding.


<PAGE>


                 MARKETING SERVICES GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                FORM 10-Q REPORT
                                December 31, 1999



PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION                                     Page
                                                                   ----
     Item 1 Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
            (unaudited)

            Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of
            December 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999 (unaudited)          3

            Condensed  Consolidated  Statements of Operations
            for the three and six months ended December 31, 1999
            and 1998  (unaudited)                                    4

            Condensed Consolidated  Statements  of Cash  Flows
            for the six  months  ended December  31,  1999
            and  1998  (unaudited)                                   5

            Notes  to  Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
            (unaudited)                                             6-9

     Item 2 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
            Condition and Results of Operations                    10-13


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

     Item 2 Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds

     Item 6 Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
            (a)  Exhibits
            (b)  Reports on Form 8-K

     Signatures

     Exhibit 27  Financial Data Schedule



<PAGE>


                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
    Item 1 - Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 MARKETING SERVICES GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                   (unaudited)

                                              December 31, 1999   June 30, 1999
                                              -----------------   -------------
ASSETS
- - ------
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents                        $5,861,434      $  3,285,217
  Accounts receivable billed, net
   of allowance for doubtful accounts of
   $604,963 and $551,043 as of
   December 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999,
   respectively                                    25,754,505        23,527,798
  Accounts receivable unbilled                      4,485,181         3,862,907
  Note receivable-current portion                     173,359           685,873
  Other current assets                                889,902         1,168,653
                                                  -----------         ---------
   Total current assets                            37,164,381        32,530,448

Investments at cost                                34,354,700                 -
Property and equipment, net                         2,567,532         1,504,826
Intangible assets, net                             62,327,600        62,493,949
Note receivable                                       652,010           474,127
Other assets                                        1,047,570           623,599
                                                  -----------        ----------
   Total assets                                  $138,113,793       $97,626,949
                                                 ============       ===========

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
- - ------------------------------------
Current liabilities:
  Lines of credit                                  $1,067,328        $5,316,775
  Accounts payable-trade                           24,057,255        23,214,278
  Accrued expenses and other
    current liabilities                             4,559,445         8,151,764
  Current portion of note payable-related party     4,935,875         4,871,750
  Current portion of capital lease obligations         36,823            52,099
  Current portion of long-term obligations            337,320           570,653
                                                    ---------         ---------
   Total current liabilities                       34,994,046        42,177,319

Capital lease obligations,
  net of current portion                              106,537            67,407
Long-term obligations,
  net of current portion                              843,778           997,890
Note payable-related party,
  net of current portion                                    -         4,871,750
Other liabilities                                      24,841           584,954
                                                     --------         ---------
   Total liabilities                               35,969,202        48,699,320
                                                   ----------        ----------

Stockholders' equity:
  Common Stock - $.01 par value; 75,000,000
    authorized; 27,369,517 and 22,513,772
    shares issued as of December 31, 1999
    and June 30, 1999, respectively                   273,695           225,138
  Additional paid-in capital                      131,251,246        70,812,973
  Accumulated deficit                             (27,213,458)      (19,928,677)
  Deferred compensation                              (773,182)         (788,095)
  Less:  423,894 shares of common stock
    in treasury, at cost                           (1,393,710)       (1,393,710)
                                                   ----------        ----------
   Total stockholders' equity                     102,144,591        48,927,629
                                                  -----------        ----------
   Total liabilities and stockholders' equity    $138,113,793       $97,626,949
                                                 ============       ===========

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


                 MARKETING SERVICES GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
          FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 1998
                                   (unaudited)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                    Three Months Ended              Six Months Ended
                                                        December 31,                  December 31,
                                                     1999         1998            1999          1998
                                                     ----         ----            ----          ----
<S>                                            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Revenues                                         $27,874,979   $16,640,513     $55,048,602   $33,793,441

Operating costs and expenses:
   Direct costs                                   18,536,676    10,894,520      36,355,854    20,408,682
   Salaries and benefits                           8,557,145     5,563,149      16,862,360    11,849,971
   Compensation expense on option grants             126,569             -         292,224             -
   Selling, general and administrative             3,847,734     1,305,308       5,971,994     2,640,933
   Depreciation and amortization                   1,129,946       451,010       2,245,084       906,308
                                                   ---------       -------       ---------       -------

      Total operating costs and expenses          32,198,070    18,213,987      61,727,516    35,805,894
                                                  ----------    ----------      ----------    ----------

Loss from operations                              (4,323,091)   (1,573,474)     (6,678,914)   (2,012,453)

   Interest expense, net                             (65,035)      (39,556)       (589,261)      (70,283)
   Gain on sale of minority investment                     -             -          45,163             -
                                                      ------        ------          ------        ------
   Loss before income taxes                       (4,388,126)   (1,613,030)     (7,223,012)   (2,082,736)

   Income tax (expense)benefit                       (48,485)       87,188         (61,769)       59,883
                                                     -------        ------         -------        ------
      Net loss                                   $(4,436,611)  $(1,525,842)    $(7,284,781)  $(2,022,853)
                                                 ===========   ===========     ===========   ===========

Net loss attributable to common stockholders     $(4,436,611)  $(1,816,266)*   $(7,284,781)  $(2,600,003)*
                                                 ===========   ===========     ===========   ===========

Net loss per common share                           $(.17)        $(0.14)         $(.30)        $(0.20)
                                                    =====         ======          =====         ======
Weighted average common and common
     equivalent shares outstanding                25,609,980    12,886,265      24,291,248    12,988,203
                                                  ==========    ==========      ==========    ==========

</TABLE>


* The three and six  months  ended  December  31,  1998  include  the  impact of
dividends  on stock for (a)  $235,548  and  $467,615  in  cumulative  undeclared
Preferred  Stock  dividends,  respectively;  and (b)  $54,876  and  $109,535  of
periodic non-cash accretions on preferred stock, respectively.


See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


<PAGE>


                 MARKETING SERVICES GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
               FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 1998
                                   (unaudited)

                                                        1999            1998
                                                        ----            ----

Operating activities:
   Net loss                                          $(7,284,781)   $(2,022,853)
   Adjustments to reconcile loss to net cash
     provided by (used in)operating activities:
     Depreciation                                        407,441        301,849
     Amortization                                      1,837,643        604,459
     Accrued interest on convertible securities                -         29,122
     Provision for bad debts                              53,920         68,594
     Gain on sale of minority interest                   (45,163)             -
     Settlement of litigation                            315,000              -
     Compensation expense on stock option grants         292,224              -
     Amortization of discount on note receivable         192,375              -
   Changes in assets and liabilities:
     Accounts receivable                              (2,902,901)    (1,892,971)
     Other current assets                                278,751       (236,281)
     Other assets                                       (598,666)      (306,754)
     Trade accounts payable                              757,138      2,332,285
     Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   (4,148,523)      (480,904)

        Net cash used in operating activities        (10,845,542)    (1,603,454)
                                                     -----------     ----------

Investing activities:
   Purchase of property and equipment                 (1,447,044)      (232,598)
   Proceeds from sale of Metro Fulfillment, Inc.         556,984              -
   Investments at cost                                (6,848,300)             -
                                                      ----------     ----------
        Net cash used in investing activities         (7,738,360)      (232,598)
                                                      ----------       --------

Financing activities:
   Proceeds from exercises of stock options              315,630         46,524
   Proceeds from private placement of
     common stock, net                                30,531,827              -
   Repayments of credit facilities                    (4,249,447)      (568,610)
   Repayment of capital lease obligation                 (50,446)       (34,466)
   Repayment of short term note payable               (5,000,000)             -
   Repayments of notes payable, other                   (154,112)      (117,540)
   Repayment of acquisition debt                        (233,333)      (291,667)
   Purchase of treasury stock                                  -     (1,258,241)
                                                      ----------     ----------

        Net cash provided by (used in)
          financing activities                        21,160,119     (2,224,000)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   2,576,217     (4,060,052)
   Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period    3,285,217      6,234,981
                                                       ---------      ---------
   Cash and cash equivalents at end of period         $5,861,434     $2,174,929
                                                      ==========     ==========

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.




                 MARKETING SERVICES GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
          NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (unaudited)


1.    BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying  unaudited Condensed  Consolidated Financial Statements include
the accounts of Marketing Services Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the "Company").
These condensed  consolidated  financial  statements are unaudited and should be
read in  conjunction  with the  Company's  Form 10-K for the year ended June 30,
1999 and the  historical  consolidated  financial  statements  and related notes
included  therein.  In the opinion of  management,  the  accompanying  unaudited
condensed  financial  statements  include all  adjustments,  consisting  of only
normal   recurring   accruals,   necessary  to  present   fairly  the  condensed
consolidated  financial  position,  results of operations  and cash flows of the
Company.  Certain  information  and  footnote  disclosure  normally  included in
financial  statements  prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles  have been  condensed  or  omitted  pursuant  to the  Securities  and
Exchange Commission's rules and regulations. Operating results for the three and
six month period ended December 31, 1999 are not  necessarily  indicative of the
results that may be expected  for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2000.  Certain
reclassifications  have been made in the fiscal  1999  financial  statements  to
conform with the fiscal 2000 presentation.

In May 1998, the Company formed Metro  Fulfillment,  Inc. ("MFI"),  a subsidiary
providing  online  commerce,  real-time  database  management,  inbound/outbound
customer service, custom packaging,  assembling, product warehousing,  shipping,
payment processing and retail distribution. Effective March 1, 1999, the Company
sold 85% of the common stock of MFI for $1,260,000  consisting of a cash payment
of $100,000 and a promissory note of $1,160,000. Accordingly, effective March 1,
1999 the  results  of  operations  of MFI  were no  longer  consolidated  in the
Company's  statement  of  operations.  In September  1999,  the Company sold the
remaining 15% for a Note Receivable in the amount of $222,353. The investment in
MFI was  accounted  for by the cost  method of  accounting.  In July  1999,  the
Company  received  an early  payment  on the Note  Receivable  in the  amount of
$556,985 which represents principal and interest.

Effective  January 1, 1999, the Company  acquired all of the outstanding  common
shares of Stevens-Knox & Associates, Inc., Stevens-Knox List Brokerage, Inc. and
Stevens-Knox   International,   Inc.   (collectively  "SK&A").  The  results  of
operations of SK&A are reflected in the consolidated  financial statements using
the purchase method of accounting  from the date of  acquisition.  SK&A provides
list management, brokerage and database management services.

Effective  May 13,  1999,  the Company  acquired all of the  outstanding  common
shares of CMG Direct  Corporation  ("CMG Direct").  The results of operations of
CMG Direct are  reflected in the  consolidated  financial  statements  using the
purchase method of accounting from the date of acquisition.  CMG Direct provides
database services to the direct marketing and internet industries.


2.    EARNINGS PER SHARE

In October 1997,  the Company  adopted the  provisions of Statement of Financial
Accounting  Standards No. 128,  "Earnings  Per Share"  ("EPS").  This  statement
requires the  presentation  of basic and diluted  earnings per share.  Basic EPS
does not give effect to common stock  equivalents  whereas the  presentation  of
diluted EPS gives effect to all  dilutive  common  shares that were  outstanding
during the period.  Stock  options and warrants in the amount of 3,257,958  were
not included in the  computation  of diluted EPS as they are  antidilutive  as a
result of net losses during the periods presented.


3.    SHORT TERM BORROWINGS

At  December  31,  1999,  the  Company  was in  violation  of certain  financial
covenants  with  regard  to its lines of credit  at  certain  subsidiaries.  The
Company has obtained a waiver of such violations.


4.    CONTINGENCIES AND LITIGATION

In June 1999,  certain  employees of SD&A voted  against  representation  by the
International  Longshore and Warehouse Union ("ILWU"). The ILWU has filed unfair
labor practices with the National Labor  Relations Board ("NLRB")  alleging that
the Company engaged in unlawful conduct prior to the vote. The NLRB has issued a
complaint  seeking a  bargaining  order and  injunctive  relief  compelling  the
Company  to  recognize  and  bargain  with the  ILWU.  The  Company  intends  to
vigorously  defend against these charges.  An unfavorable  finding will not have
any direct financial impact on the Company.

In September,  1999, an action was commenced  against the Company in the Supreme
Court of New York,  Kings County alleging  damages of $4.3 million in connection
with the  Company's  alleged  failure to  deliver  warrants  due the  plaintiff.
Although the Company denies all liability,  the suit was settled in January 2000
with 18,000 warrants with an exercise price of $1.00.  Accordingly,  the Company
recognized  $315,000 of expense  based on the fair market  value of the warrants
granted as determined  by the  Black-Scholes  model.  The expense is included in
selling,  general and administrative expenses for the three and six months ended
December 31, 1999.

In addition to the above,  certain  other legal actions are pending to which the
Company is a party. The Company does not expect that the ultimate  resolution of
pending  legal  matters in future  periods  will have a  material  effect on the
financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.


5.    SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NON CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITITES

During the quarter ended  December 31, 1999 and 1998,  the Company  entered into
capital lease  obligations for approximately  $75,000 and $9,400,  respectively,
for certain computer equipment. During the quarter ended September 30, 1999, the
Company sold its investment in Metro Fulfillment,  Inc. for a Note Receivable in
the amount of $222,353. During the quarter ended September 30, 1998, the Company
recorded  non-cash  preferred  dividends  in the  amount  of  $286,726  of which
$232,067 was in connection with cumulative  undeclared dividends and $54,659 was
for periodic, non-cash accretions on preferred stock.

In October 1999, the Company  completed an acquisition of  approximately  85% of
the  outstanding  common  stock of  Cambridge  Intelligence  Agency  for a total
purchase  price of $1.6  million  in common  stock of the  Company,  subject  to
certain  adjustments.  The acquisition  will be accounted for under the purchase
method of accounting.

In December 1999, the Company acquired a 10% interest in Fusion  Networks,  Inc.
for  $27,506,400 in common stock.  The Company also has an additional  option to
acquire up to 19% of Fusion  Networks  based on the same per share  price as the
original    investment.    Fusion   Networks,    Inc.   operates   the   website
www.Latinfusion.com.   The  web  site  is  an   interactive,   multimedia,   and
entertainment  Latin  American based portal  featuring  television,  music,  and
e-commerce  capability.  The  investment  will be  accounted  for under the cost
method of accounting.


6.    TREASURY STOCK

On September 23, 1998, the Company  announced its intention to acquire,  in open
market transactions, up to 1,000,000 shares of its common stock, par value, $.01
per share subject to and in compliance  with the provisions  and  limitations of
Rule 10b-18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Purchases were permitted to
be made from time to time at prevailing market prices during the one-year period
ended  September  28, 1999. As of September  30, 1999,  the Company  bought back
412,094 shares valued at $1,258,241. All shares are held in treasury.


7.    INTERNET INVESTMENTS

In July 1999,  the  Company  invested  $1,555,000  to acquire a 10%  interest in
Screenzone  Media  Network,  LLC  ("Screenzone").  Screenzone is an  interactive
broadcast  gateway that was  developed to advertise and promote  movies,  music,
live events and other entertainment at shopping malls and over the Internet. The
investment will be accounted for under the cost method of accounting.

In September 1999, the Company  acquired a 14% interest in  Greatergood.com  for
$5,000,000.  GreaterGood.com  builds,  co-markets  and manages  online  shopping
villages for  not-for-profit  organization  web sites.  The  investment  will be
accounted for under the cost method of accounting.

In October 1999, the Company  completed an acquisition of  approximately  85% of
the outstanding common stock of Cambridge  Intelligence  Agency for $1.6 million
in common stock of the Company, subject to certain adjustments.  The acquisition
will be accounted for under the purchase method of accounting.

In October  1999,  the Company  acquired a 10% interest in  Mazescape.com  for a
$200,000.  Mazescape.com  is an  innovative  internet  technology  company  that
delivers customized, automated recruiting software and services that improve the
performance of corporate recruiters. The acquisition will be accounted for under
the cost method of accounting.

In December 1999, the Company acquired a 10% interest in Fusion  Networks,  Inc.
for  $27,506,400 in common stock.  The Company also has an additional  option to
acquire up to 19% of Fusion  Networks  based on the same per share  price as the
original    investment.    Fusion   Networks,    Inc.   operates   the   website
www.Latinfusion.com.   The  web  site  is  an   interactive,   multimedia,   and
entertainment  Latin  American based portal  featuring  television,  music,  and
e-commerce  capability.  The  investment  will be  accounted  for under the cost
method of accounting.


8.    PENDING ACQUISITION

In July 1999,  MSGI entered into an agreement to acquire all of the  outstanding
common stock of Atlanta-based Grizzard  Communications Group. The purchase price
is $50  million  cash  and  $50  million  dollars  in  MSGI  common  stock.  The
acquisition  is targeted to close by the end of February  2000.  The Company has
received the financing  commitment  for the cash portion of the purchase  price.
Grizzard's services include strategic planning,  creative,  database management,
print-production,   mailing  and  Internet  marketing.  Grizzard's  client  base
includes  retail,  consumer and  business-to-business  companies as well as many
premier not-for-profit  clients. The acquisition will be accounted for under the
purchase method of accounting.



9.    PRIVATE PLACEMENT OF COMMON STOCK

In September 1999, the Company completed a private placement of 3,130,586 shares
of  common  stock  for  proceeds  of   approximately   $30.5  million,   net  of
approximately  $2,3  million of  placement  fees and  expenses.  The shares have
certain  registration rights. The proceeds of the private placement will be used
in connection with certain  Internet  investments,  to repay certain  short-term
debt and for working capital purposes. The shares were registered on October 29,
1999.


10.   RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION

During  July and  August  1999,  the  Company  entered  into a  promissory  note
agreement with a venture fund in the amount of $4,500,000. The principal and all
accrued  interest was payable in full on December 10, 1999 and bore  interest at
the  greater of 10% or prime plus 2%. An officer of the  Company is a partner in
the venture fund. The principal  amount and all accrued  interest was prepaid in
September 1999 with the proceeds of the private placement.


<PAGE>



Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
of Operations
- - -------------

Introduction
- - ------------

This discussion  summarizes the significant  factors  affecting the consolidated
operating results,  financial condition and liquidity/cash  flows of the Company
for the three and six month  periods  ended  December  31,  1999 and 1998.  This
should be read in conjunction with the financial statements,  and notes thereto,
included in this Report on Form 10-Q and the Company's financial  statements and
notes thereto, included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended June 30, 1999.

In May 1998, the Company formed Metro  Fulfillment,  Inc. ("MFI"),  a subsidiary
providing  online  commerce,  real-time  database  management,  inbound/outbound
customer service, custom packaging,  assembling, product warehousing,  shipping,
payment processing and retail distribution. Effective March 1, 1999, the Company
sold 85% of the common stock of MFI.  Accordingly,  effective  March 1, 1999 the
results  of  operations  of MFI  are no  longer  consolidated  in the  Company's
statement of operations.  The  investment in MFI was being  accounted for by the
cost method of accounting. In September 1999, the Company sold the remaining 15%
for a Note Receivable in the amount of $222,353.

Effective  January 1, 1999, the Company  acquired all of the outstanding  common
shares of Stevens-Knox & Associates, Inc., Stevens-Knox List Brokerage, Inc. and
Stevens-Knox   International,   Inc.   (collectively  "SK&A").  The  results  of
operations of SK&A are reflected in the consolidated  financial statements using
the purchase method of accounting  from the date of  acquisition.  SK&A provides
list management, brokerage and database management services.

Effective  May 13,  1999,  the Company  acquired all of the  outstanding  common
shares of CMG Direct  Corporation  ("CMG Direct").  The results of operations of
CMG Direct are  reflected in the  consolidated  financial  statements  using the
purchase method of accounting from the date of acquisition.  CMG Direct provides
database services to the direct marketing and internet industries.

Effective  October 1, 1999, the Company  acquired 85% of the outstanding  common
stock of Cambridge  Intelligence Agency ("CIA") for $1.8 million in common stock
of  the  Company.  The  results  of  operations  of  CIA  are  reflected  in the
consolidated  financial  statements using the purchase method of accounting from
the date of acquisition.


Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended December 31, 1999,  Compared to
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
the Three Months Ended December 31, 1998.
- - -----------------------------------------

Revenues of approximately  $27.9 million for the three months ended December 31,
1999 (the "current  period")  increased by $11.3 million or 68% over revenues of
$16.6  million  during the three  months  ended  December  31,  1998 (the "prior
period").  Of the increase,  approximately  $12.2 million is  attributable to an
increase in direct  marketing  revenue  resulting from the acquisitions of SK&A,
CMG Direct and CIA. Direct and Interent  marketing revenue excluding the effects
of  acquisitions  decreased  by  approximately  $328,000  due to a  decrease  in
telemarketing  and  telefundraising  revenues of approximately  7%.  Fulfillment
revenue  decreased in the current period by approximately $.6 million due to the
sale of  MFI.  The  decrease  in  telemarketing  and  telefundraising  primarily
resulted from a loss of revenue due to an unsuccessful  attempt by third parties
to unionize  the calling  center.  New  management  has been put in place at the
start of the new fiscal year and have refocused its  priorities.  The Company is
still in the process of opposing certain issues with the union but expects to be
successful in its efforts.

Direct costs of  approximately  $18.5 million in the current period increased by
$7.6 million or 70% over direct costs of $10.9 million in the prior  period.  Of
the increase,  approximately $8.6 million is attributable to the acquisitions of
SK&A,  CMG  Direct and CIA.  Direct  costs for  direct  and  internet  marketing
excluding the effects of  acquisitions  decreased by $.7 million which is due to
the   decrease  in  revenue.   Direct  costs  from   fulfillment   decreased  by
approximately  $200,000  due to the  sale of MFI.  The  Company's  direct  costs
consist  principally of commissions paid to use marketing lists. Direct costs as
a  percentage  of revenue  decreased  from 67% in the prior period to 64% in the
current  period.  The decrease in the direct  costs as a  percentage  of revenue
results  from the mix in services  sold.  As MSGI  acquires  new  companies  and
internet  revenues  become a higher  percentage of overall  revenue,  management
expects the direct cost percentage of revenue to decrease further.

Salaries  and  benefits of  approximately  $8.6  million in the  current  period
increased by  approximately  $3.0  million or 54% over  salaries and benefits of
approximately  $5.6 million in the prior period. Of the increase,  approximately
$3.3 million is  attributable  to the  acquisitions of SK&A, CMG Direct and CIA.
Fulfillment  salaries and benefits decreased by approximately $.6 million due to
sale of MFI.

General and administrative expenses of approximately $3.8 million in the current
period increased by approximately $2.5 million or 193% over comparable  expenses
of $1.3 million in the prior period. Of the increase  approximately $1.5 million
is attributable  to the  acquisitions of SK&A, CMG Direct and CIA. The remaining
increase  is  due to an  increase  in  corporate  expenses  primarily  due to an
increase in legal fees associated with the opposition of the unionization of the
call  center,  an increase in  consulting  fees  associated  with the  Company's
integration efforts of its acquisitions, a non-cash settlement of litigation and
an increase in expenses  associated  with the  Company's  expansion  of internet
operations.

Depreciation  and  amortization  expense of  approximately  $1.1  million in the
current  period  increased  by  approximately  $.6 million  over  expense of $.5
million in the prior period.  This is primarily  attributable  to an increase in
direct and internet  marketing  depreciation and amortization  expense resulting
from the acquisitions of SK&A, CMG Direct and CIA.

Net interest expense of approximately $65,000 in the current period increased by
approximately  $15,000 over net interest expense of approximately $40,000 in the
prior  period  principally  due to accrued  interest on  outstanding  borrowings
relating to the acquisitions of SK&A and CMG Direct.


Results of Operations  for the Six Months Ended  December 31, 1999,  Compared to
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
the Six Months Ended December 31, 1998.
- - ---------------------------------------

Revenues of  approximately  $55.0 million for the six months ended  December 31,
1999 (the "current  period")  increased by $21.2 million or 63% over revenues of
$33.8  million  during  the six  months  ended  December  31,  1998 (the  "prior
period").  Of the increase,  approximately  $24.2 million is  attributable to an
increase in direct marketing resulting from the acquisitions of SK&A, CMG Direct
and CIA.  Direct and  Internet  revenue  excluding  the effects of  acquisitions
decreased  by  approximately  $1.8  million  due  primarily  to  a  decrease  in
telemarketing and  telefundraising  revenues of approximately  14%.  Fulfillment
revenue decreased in the current period by approximately $1.2 million due to the
sale of  MFI.  The  decrease  in  telemarketing  and  telefundraising  primarily
resulted from a loss of revenue due to an unsuccessful  attempt by third parties
to unionize  the calling  center.  New  management  has been put in place at the
start of the new fiscal year and have refocused its  priorities.  The Company is
still in the process of opposing certain issues with the union but expects to be
successful in its efforts.

Direct costs of  approximately  $36.4 million in the current period increased by
$16 million or 78% over direct costs of $20.4 million in the prior period.  Of
the increase, approximately $17.8 million is attributable to the acquisitions of
SK&A and CMG Direct.  Direct costs for direct and internet  marketing  excluding
the  effects  of  acquisitions  decreased  by $1.5  million  which is due to the
decrease in revenue. In addition direct costs from fulfillment  decreased by $.4
million due to the sale of MFI. The Company's  direct costs consist  principally
of  commissions  paid to use  marketing  lists.  Direct costs as a percentage of
revenue decreased from 61% in the prior period to 60% in the current period. The
decrease in the direct costs as a percentage of revenue  results from the mix in
services  sold. As MSGI acquires new  companies and internet  revenues  become a
higher  percentage  of overall  revenue,  management  expects  the  direct  cost
percentage of revenue to decrease further.

Salaries  and  benefits of  approximately  $16.9  million in the current  period
increased by  approximately  $5.1  million or 43% over  salaries and benefits of
approximately $11.8 million in the prior period. Of the increase,  approximately
$6 million is attributable to the acquisitions of SK&A and CMG Direct.  Salaries
and   benefits   relating  to  direct  and  internet   marketing   increased  by
approximately  $370,000  due to an  increase  in head  count  for the  Company's
internet operations as well as its corporate functions to accommodate the growth
 . Fulfillment  salaries and benefits decreased by approximately $1.3 million due
to the sale of MFI.

Selling,  general and  administrative  expenses of approximately $6.0 million in
the  current  period  increased  by  approximately  $3.4  million  or 131%  over
comparable  expenses  of $2.6  million  in the prior  period.  Of the  increase,
approximately  $2.1 million is attributable to the  acquisitions of SK&A and CMG
Direct.  The  remaining  increase is  primarily  due to an increase in corporate
expenses  associated  with the increase in merger and acquisition  activity,  an
increase in legal fees associated with the opposition of the unionization of the
call  center,  an increase in  consulting  fees  associated  with the  Company's
integration efforts of its acquisitions, a non-cash settlement of litigation and
an increase in expenses  associated  with the  Company's  expansion  of internet
operations.

Depreciation  and  amortization  expense of  approximately  $2.2  million in the
current  period  increased  by  approximately  $1.3  million over expense of $.9
million in the prior period.  This is primarily  attributable  to an increase in
direct and internet  marketing  depreciation and amortization  expense resulting
from the acquisitions of SK&A, CMG Direct and CIA.

Net  interest  expense  of  approximately  $.6  million  in the  current  period
increased  by   approximately   $.5  million   over  net  interest   expense  of
approximately $70,000 in the prior period principally due to accrued interest on
outstanding borrowings relating to the acquisitions of SK&A and CMG Direct.


Capital Resources and Liquidity
- - -------------------------------

Historically,  the Company has funded its operations,  capital  expenditures and
acquisitions primarily through cash flows from operations, private placements of
common and preferred stock, and its credit facilities. At December 31, 1999, the
Company had cash and cash  equivalents  of $5.9 million and accounts  receivable
net of allowances of $30.2 million.

The Company  generated  losses from  operations  of $6.7  million in the current
period.  Cash  used in  operating  activities  was $10.8  million.  Cash used by
operating activities  principally consists of the net loss, an increase in trade
accounts receivable and a decrease in accrued expenses.

In the current period, net cash of $7.7 million was used in investing activities
consisting primarily of investments in internet companies.  In the prior period,
net cash used in investing  activities of  approximately  $230,000  consisted of
purchases of property and equipment.  The Company  intends to continue to invest
in technology and telecommunications hardware and software.

In the  current  period,  net cash of $21.1  million was  provided by  financing
activities.  Net cash provided by financing  activities consists  principally of
$30.8  million  of net  fees  and  expenses  for the  private  placement  of the
Company's common stock and the exercise of stock options offset by repayments of
lines of credit of $4.2 million and  repayments  on  acquisition  debt and other
notes payable of $5.4 million.

At December 31, 1999, the Company had amounts outstanding of $1.1 million on its
lines of credit.  The Company had  approximately  $5.5 million  available on its
lines of credit as of December 31, 1999.

The Company believes that funds on hand, funds available from its operations and
from its unused  lines of credit,  should be adequate to finance its  operations
and  capital  expenditure  requirements,  and  enable  the  Company  to meet its
interest and debt obligations for the next twelve months.

The Year 2000
- - -------------
The Year 2000 issue could result in system failures or  miscalculations  causing
disruption of operations of the companies.  To date, MSGI has  experienced  very
few problems  related to the Year 2000 issue,  and MSGI does not believe that it
has a material exposure problem.

MSGI has  conducted a review of its computer  systems and other  systems for the
purpose of  assessing  its  readiness  for Year 2000,  and is in the  process of
modifying or replacing  those systems which are not Year 2000  compliant.  Based
upon this review, management believes such systems will be compliant by November
1999 for its existing  business-critical  systems. However, if modifications are
not made or completed  timely,  there could be a significant  adverse  impact on
MSGI's operations.

In  addition,  MSGI has  communicated  with its major  vendors and  suppliers to
determine  their state of  readiness  relative to the Year 2000  compliance  and
MSGI's  possible  exposure to Year 2000 issues of such third  parties.  However,
there can be no  guarantee  that the systems of other  companies,  which  MSGI's
systems may rely upon, will be timely converted or representations  made to MSGI
by these  parties are  accurate.  As a result,  the failure of a major vendor or
supplier  to  adequately  address  their  Year  2000  compliance  could  have  a
significant adverse impact on MSGI's operations.

As of the date hereof,  MSGI has incurred  insignificant  costs  (primarily  for
internal labor) related to the identification and evaluation of MSGI's Year 2000
issues  related  to  the  system  applications.  Primarily  as a  result  of the
acquisition of CMG Direct, the Company has spent approximately  $530,000 through
December  31,  1999.  The  Company  does not  anticipate  future  amounts  to be
material.  As of December  31,  1999,  management  believes  that the  Company's
computer  systems are Year 2000  compliant.  The estimated  completion  date and
remaining costs are based upon  management's  best  estimates,  as well as third
party modification plans and other factors.  However,  there can be no guarantee
that such  estimates  are  accurate and actual  results  could differ from these
estimates.


Seasonality  and  Cyclicality:  The  businesses of  telemarketing  and marketing
services  tend to be  seasonal.  Telemarketing  has higher  revenues and profits
occurring in the fourth fiscal  quarter,  followed by the first fiscal  quarter.
This is due to subscription  renewal  campaigns for its performing arts clients,
which  generally begin in the spring time and continue during the summer months.
Marketing  services  tend to have higher  revenues and profits  occurring in the
second fiscal quarter, based on the seasonality of its clients' mail dates.



Item 6 - Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
- - -----------------------------------------
a) Exhibits

   Exhibit #  Item                                    Notes
   ---------  ----                                    -----
   27         Financial Data Schedule                   A

Notes relating to Exhibits:
A  Filed herewith.

b) Reports on Form 8-K
     None




                                   SIGNATURES


In accordance  with the  requirements  of the Exchange Act, the  registrant  has
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized.

                                    MARKETING SERVICES GROUP, INC.
                                    (Registrant)


Date:  February 14, 2000           By: /s/ J. Jeremy Barbera
                                       ---------------------
                                       J. Jeremy Barbera
                                       Chairman of the Board and
                                       Chief Executive Officer

Date:  February 14, 2000           By: /s/ Cindy H. Hill
                                       -----------------
                                       Cindy H. Hill
                                       Chief Financial Officer



<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE>                     5
<LEGEND>
                                                                   Exhibit 27
                             Financial Data Schedule

THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL  INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE INTERIM
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF MARKETING SERVICES GROUP, INC. AS
OF AND FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED  DECEMBER 31, 1999  INCLUDED IN THIS REPORT ON
FORM 10-Q AND IS  QUALIFIED  IN ITS  ENTIRETY  BY  REFERENCE  TO SUCH  FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
</LEGEND>
<CURRENCY>                             U.S. Dollars

<S>                               <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                  Year
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                       Jun-30-1999
<PERIOD-END>                            Dec-31-1999
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                                   1
<CASH>                                    5,861,434
<SECURITIES>                                      0
<RECEIVABLES>                            30,844,649
<ALLOWANCES>                               (604,963)
<INVENTORY>                                       0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                         37,164,381
<PP&E>                                    9,869,700
<DEPRECIATION>                           (7,302,168)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                          138,113,793
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                    34,994,046
<BONDS>                                     975,156
<COMMON>                                    273,695
                             0
                                       0
<OTHER-SE>                              101,870,896
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>            138,113,793
<SALES>                                  27,874,979
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                         27,874,979
<CGS>                                    18,536,676
<TOTAL-COSTS>                            18,536,676
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                         13,661,394
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                  0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                          (65,035)
<INCOME-PRETAX>                          (4,388,126)
<INCOME-TAX>                                 48,485
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                      (4,436,611)
<DISCONTINUED>                                    0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                   0
<CHANGES>                                         0
<NET-INCOME>                             (4,436,611)
<EPS-BASIC>                               (0.17)
<EPS-DILUTED>                               (0.17)



</TABLE>


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