HANDLEMAN CO /MI/
10-Q, 1998-12-15
DURABLE GOODS, NEC
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<PAGE>
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
                                    Form 10-Q


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


For the second quarter ended October 31, 1998     Commission File Number 1-7923


                                Handleman Company
             -------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


        MICHIGAN                                    38-1242806
- ------------------------------------      -------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of            (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 incorporation or organization)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                       <C>            <C>
500 KIRTS BOULEVARD TROY, MICHIGAN         48084-4142       Area Code 248 362-4400
- ---------------------------------------   -------------  ---------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)    (Zip code)    (Registrant's telephone number)
</TABLE>

Indicate by checkmark 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 at least 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.



           CLASS                      DATE              SHARES OUTSTANDING
- -----------------------------   -------------------   ----------------------
Common Stock - $.01 Par Value     December 4, 1998         31,612,204
<PAGE>
 
                                HANDLEMAN COMPANY

                                      INDEX


                                                                 PAGE NUMBER
                                                                 -----------

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

       Consolidated Statement of Operations .......................   1

       Consolidated Balance Sheet .................................   2

       Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity .............   3

       Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows .......................   4

       Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements .................   5

       Management's Discussion and Analysis of Operations .........  6 - 11


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION AND SIGNATURES ........................  12
<PAGE>
 
                                HANDLEMAN COMPANY
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                                   (UNAUDITED)
                  (amounts in thousands except per share data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended             Six Months (26 Weeks) Ended
                                            -------------------------------         ---------------------------------
                                             October 31,     November 1,               October 31,      November 1, 
                                               1998             1997                      1998            1997
                                             ----------      ----------                -----------     ------------
<S>                                           <C>             <C>                       <C>             <C>      
Revenues                                      $ 289,565       $ 315,285                 $ 511,442       $ 524,322
                                                                                     
Costs and expenses:                                                                  
  Direct product costs                          217,529         240,029                   386,094         399,546
                                                                                     
  Selling, general and                                                               
     administrative expenses                     50,961          60,795                   106,814         117,050
                                                                                     
  Interest expense, net                           2,563           3,492                     4,916           6,490
                                                                                     
  Non-recurring and repositioning                                                    
     related charges                              6,962            --                     116,962            --
                                                                                     
Gain on sale of subsidiary                         --              --                     (31,000)           --
                                              ---------       ---------                 ---------       ---------
     Income (loss) before income                                                     
       taxes and minority interest               11,550          10,969                   (72,344)          1,236
                                                                                     
Income tax (expense) benefit                     (4,640)         (4,387)                   20,357          (1,318)
                                                                                     
Minority interest                                  (825)          1,738                      (966)          1,932
                                              ---------       ---------                 ---------       ---------
                                                                                     
     Net income (loss)                        $   6,085       $   8,320                 ($ 52,953)      $   1,850
                                              =========       =========                 =========       =========
                                                                                     
Net income (loss) per share - basic                                                  
   and diluted                                $     .19       $     .25                 ($   1.67)      $     .06
                                              =========       =========                 =========       =========
                                                                                     
Weighted average number of shares                                                    
   outstanding during the period - basic         31,583          33,171                    31,695          33,270
                                              =========       =========                 =========       =========
</TABLE>

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

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
                                HANDLEMAN COMPANY
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                                   (UNAUDITED)
                    (amounts in thousands except share data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          October 31,      May 2,
                                                                             1998           1998
                                                                          ----------      ----------
<S>                                                                       <C>             <C>      
ASSETS 
Current assets:
    Cash and cash equivalents                                             $   7,211       $  25,562
    Accounts receivable, less allowance of $17,242
      and $17,339 at October 31, 1998 and May 2, 1998, respectively,
      for the gross profit impact of estimated future returns               253,687         242,445
    Merchandise inventories                                                 169,502         187,173
    Other current assets                                                     74,610          10,834
                                                                          ---------       ---------
                    Total current assets                                    505,010         466,014
                                                                          ---------       ---------
Property and equipment:
    Land                                                                      3,782           4,012
    Buildings and improvements                                               22,409          22,280
    Display fixtures                                                         56,292          89,954
    Equipment, furniture and other                                           40,343          70,630
                                                                          ---------       ---------
                                                                            122,826         186,876
    Less accumulated depreciation and amortization                           58,868         108,165
                                                                          ---------       ---------
                                                                             63,958          78,711
                                                                          ---------       ---------
Other assets, net of allowances                                              64,279          68,331
                                                                          ---------       ---------
                    Total assets                                          $ 633,247       $ 613,056
                                                                          =========       =========
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities:
    Accounts payable                                                      $ 213,801       $ 179,227
    Accrued and other liabilities                                            79,731          39,871
                                                                          ---------       ---------
                    Total current liabilities                               293,532         219,098
                                                                          ---------       ---------
Debt, non-current                                                           130,989         114,768
Other liabilities                                                             1,551           5,383

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value; 1,000,000 shares
    authorized; none issued                                                    --              --
Common stock, $.01 par value; 60,000,000 shares
    authorized; 31,588,000 and 31,977,000 shares
    issued at October 31, 1998 and May 2, 1998, respectively                    316             320
Paid-in capital                                                              16,568          20,710
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other                           (17,133)         (7,600)
Retained earnings                                                           207,424         260,377
                                                                          ---------       ---------
                    Total shareholders' equity                              207,175         273,807
                                                                          ---------       ---------
                    Total liabilities and shareholders' equity            $ 633,247       $ 613,056
                                                                          =========       =========
</TABLE>

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


                                        2
<PAGE>
 
                                HANDLEMAN COMPANY
                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                   (UNAUDITED)
                             (amounts in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         Six Months (26 Weeks) Ended October 31, 1998
                                    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Common Stock                            Foreign
                                    ----------------------------                   Currency
                                                                                  Translation                          Total
                                     Shares                          Paid-in       Adjustment        Retained      Shareholders'
                                     Issued           Amount         Capital        and Other        Earnings         Equity
                                    ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       -----------    ------------
<S>                                    <C>          <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>      
May 2, 1998                            31,977       $     320       $  20,710       ($  7,600)      $ 260,377       $ 273,807

Net loss                                                                                              (52,953)        (52,953)

Common stock issuances
 and forfeitures in connection
 with employee benefit plans              249               3           2,811          (2,149)                            665

Common stock repurchased                 (852)             (9)         (9,774)                                         (9,783)

Adjustment for foreign
 currency translation                                                                  (7,384)                         (7,384)

Additional investment in
 The itsy bitsy Entertainment
 Company, Inc.                            214               2           2,821                                           2,823
                                    ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------
October 31, 1998                       31,588       $     316       $  16,568       ($ 17,133)      $ 207,424       $ 207,175
                                    =========       =========       =========       =========       =========       =========

</TABLE>




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


                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                                HANDLEMAN COMPANY
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                                   (UNAUDITED)
                             (amounts in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     Six Months (26 weeks) Ended
                                                                                  -------------------------------
                                                                                     October 31,    November 1,
                                                                                        1998            1997
                                                                                  --------------    ------------
Cash flows from operating activities:
<S>                                                                                 <C>             <C>        
     Net income (loss)                                                              ($   52,953)    $     1,850
                                                                                    -----------     -----------
     Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided
       from operating activities:

       Depreciation                                                                       8,970          14,208
       Amortization of acquisition costs                                                  1,663           2,644
       Recoupment of license advances                                                     4,241           6,716
       Repositioning charge                                                             110,000            --
       Gain on sale of subsidiary                                                       (31,000)           --
       Loss on sale of book business                                                      1,291            --

       (Increase) decrease in assets:

          Accounts receivable                                                           (25,784)        (34,198)
          Merchandise inventories                                                        (4,933)        (26,533)
          Other  current assets                                                         (20,663)           (978)
          Other  assets, net of allowances                                               (1,446)          1,846

       Increase (decrease) in liabilities:

          Accounts payable                                                               35,990          48,875
          Accrued and other liabilities                                                 (21,682)         (5,237)
          Other liabilities                                                              (3,072)         (4,536)
                                                                                    -----------     -----------
          Total adjustments                                                              53,575           2,807
                                                                                    -----------     -----------
                Net cash provided from operating activities                                 622           4,657
                                                                                    -----------     -----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
     Additions to property and equipment                                                 (8,862)        (10,268)
     Retirements of property and equipment                                                  933           1,811
     License advances                                                                    (8,673)        (10,881)
     Additional investment in The itsy bitsy
       Entertainment Company, Inc.                                                       (4,754)           --
     Proceeds from sale of book business                                                  2,665            --
                                                                                    -----------     -----------
                Net cash used by investing activities                                   (18,691)        (19,338)
                                                                                    -----------     -----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
     Issuances of debt                                                                1,457,675         687,600
     Repayments of debt                                                              (1,441,455)       (672,680)
     Repurchase of common stock                                                          (9,783)         (2,470)
     Other changes in shareholders' equity, net                                          (6,719)           (653)
                                                                                    -----------     -----------
                Net cash provided from (used by) financing activities                      (282)         11,797
                                                                                    -----------     -----------

                Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents                               (18,351)         (2,884)

                Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                         25,562          12,449
                                                                                    -----------     -----------
                Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                          $     7,211     $     9,565
                                                                                    ===========     ===========

</TABLE>

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

                                        4
<PAGE>
 
                                HANDLEMAN COMPANY
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.    In the opinion of Management, the accompanying consolidated balance sheet
      and consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash
      flows contain all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring
      adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of the
      Company as of October 31, 1998, and the results of operations and changes
      in cash flows for the six months then ended. Because of the seasonal
      nature of the Company's business, sales and earnings results for the six
      months ended October 31, 1998 are not necessarily indicative of what the
      results will be for the full year. The consolidated balance sheet as of
      May 2, 1998 included in this Form 10-Q was derived from the audited
      consolidated financial statements of the Company included in the Company's
      1998 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange
      Commission. Reference should be made to the Company's Form 10-K for the
      year ended May 2, 1998.

2.    On June 2, 1998 the Board of Directors approved a comprehensive strategic
      repositioning program designed to focus on the Company's core business and
      product lines. The program has four major components:

      -     Exiting the domestic video, book and software distribution and
            service operations.

      -     Reduction of the number of customers serviced in the music
            distribution business.

      -     Sale of Sofsource, the Company's software publishing subsidiary, for
            approximately $45 million which was received in cash after October
            31, 1998.

      -     Implementation of a new common stock repurchase program.

      A summary of the components of the $117 million (pre-tax) non-recurring
      and repositioning related charge is as follows (in millions):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          First Quarter   Second Quarter   Six Months 
                                                           Fiscal 1999     Fiscal 1999     Fiscal 1999 
                                                          -------------    ------------   ------------- 
<S>                                                            <C>         <C>             <C>
  Adjustments of assets to net realizable value                $ 84.5          --            $ 84.5 
                                                                                           
  Intangibles write-off                                          13.0          --              13.0
                                                                                           
  Other repositioning related costs,  including debt                                       
  restructuring, advisory fees and employee                                                
  severance and related benefit costs                            12.5        $  7.0            19.5
                                                               ------        ------          ------
                        Total                                  $110.0        $  7.0          $117.0
                                                               ======        ======          ======
</TABLE>


      Adjustments of assets to net realizable value includes adjustments to
      reflect the estimated recovery amount of assets to be disposed of,
      principally inventory and property and equipment, as well as certain
      adjustments to the carrying value of receivables, payables and
      investments, including international investments. Intangibles related to
      either business to be exited, or customers no longer to be serviced, are
      included in the intangibles write-off.

      Accrued and other liabilities in the October 31, 1998 balance sheet
      includes $39.0 million related to the non-recurring and repositioning
      related charges.

      The Company continues to believe that estimated non-recurring and
      repositioning related charges to be incurred in fiscal 1999 that were not
      accruable in the first quarter will not exceed $15 million (pre-tax). Of
      that amount, the Company incurred $7.0 million (pre-tax) of non-recurring
      and repositioning related charges during the second quarter of fiscal
      1999. It is anticipated that the majority of the repositioning activities
      will be completed during fiscal 1999, but that some costs will be incurred
      during fiscal 2000.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                                HANDLEMAN COMPANY

                     MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                  FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


      Revenues for the second quarter ended October 31, 1998 decreased 8% to
      $289.6 million from $315.3 million for the second quarter ended November
      1, 1997. The lower revenue level was attributable to the withdrawal from
      three product lines and the discontinuance of service to a number of
      smaller music customers in conjunction with the Company's previously
      announced strategic repositioning program. Net income for the second
      quarter of fiscal 1999 was $6.1 million or $.19 per share, compared to net
      income of $8.3 million or $.25 per share for the second quarter of fiscal
      1998. The Company's fiscal 1999 second quarter results included pre-tax
      non-recurring and repositioning charges of $7.0 million ($.14 per share
      after tax).

      Revenues were $511.4 million for the first six months this year, compared
      to $524.3 million for the first six months last year. The Company's
      revenues this year included Sofsource and the book distribution business,
      which were sold during the first quarter, for the period through the dates
      these businesses were sold. The net loss for the first six months of this
      year was $53.0 million or $1.67 per share, compared to net income of $1.9
      million or $.06 per share for the first six months last year. The
      Company's results of operations for the six months ended October 31, 1998
      included pre-tax non-recurring and repositioning charges of $117 million
      ($2.51 per share after tax) and a pre-tax gain on the sale of the
      Company's SofSource subsidiary of $31 million ($.63 per share after tax).

      The Company has three operating units: Handleman Entertainment Resources
      ("H.E.R."), North Coast Entertainment ("NCE") and Handleman International
      ("International"). H.E.R., which includes category management operations
      in the U.S. and Canada, had net sales of $232.9 million for the second
      quarter of fiscal 1999, a decrease of 11% from net sales of $262.1 million
      for the second quarter last year. (Canadian operations, which were
      previously included in International, have been included in H.E.R. for
      both this year and last year.) Within H.E.R., music sales grew 15% to
      $220.5 million for the second quarter of fiscal 1999, from $191.1 million
      for the second quarter of fiscal 1998. The increase in music sales was due
      to strong retail sales of recent hit items, as well as lower product
      returns from customers. The lower returns are the result of H.E.R.
      implementing category management processes and new systems initiatives.
      The remainder of H.E.R. sales ($12.4 million in the second quarter this
      year versus $71.0 million in the second quarter last year) were
      attributable to the video, book and software product lines which have now
      been exited in connection with the Company's strategic repositioning
      program.

      H.E.R. net sales for the six months ended October 31, 1998 were $418.6
      million, compared to $438.7 million for the six months ended November 1,
      1997, a decrease of 5%. Within H.E.R., music sales for the first six
      months this year were $380.6 million, compared to $326.1 million for the
      first six months last year, an increase of 17%.

      NCE encompasses the Company's proprietary operations, which include music,
      video and licensing operations. NCE net sales increased 30% to $52.6
      million for the second quarter of fiscal 1999. This compares to $40.6
      million for the second quarter of fiscal 1998, which excludes sales of the
      Sofsource subsidiary which was sold during the first quarter of fiscal
      1999. The NCE sales increase was primarily a result of strong sales at the
      Anchor Bay and Madacy units, where the improvements were attributable to
      the release of new titles and products, the addition of new customers and
      a resurgence in the horror video category where the NCE units have a
      strong catalog. NCE net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 1999
      modestly benefited from the inclusion of The itsy bitsy Entertainment
      Company, in which NCE increased its ownership interest to 75% during the
      first quarter of this fiscal year. For the six months of fiscal 1999, 

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
      NCE net sales increased 27% to $75.2 million, from $59.4 million for the
      comparable six-month period last year, excluding SofSource sales in both
      periods.

      International includes category management operations in Mexico, Brazil
      and Argentina. International had net sales of $12.4 million for the second
      quarter of fiscal 1999, compared to $15.4 million for the second quarter
      of fiscal 1998, a decrease of 19%. This decrease was attributable to an
      overall weakness in the Latin American economies, which has severely
      impacted the music industry in each market, as well as the exiting of the
      video and software businesses and a reduction in customers served in
      connection with the repositioning program. International net sales were
      $25.3 million for the first six months of fiscal 1999, compared to $29.5
      million for the first six months of fiscal 1998, a decrease of 14%.

      Direct product costs as a percentage of revenues was 75.1% for the second
      quarter of fiscal 1999, compared to 76.1% for the second quarter of fiscal
      1998. The year-over-year improvement resulted from a change in sales mix
      within H.E.R.; music sales increased while video, book and software sales
      represented less than 6% of H.E.R. sales this year, versus 27% of H.E.R.
      sales in the second quarter last year. Further, NCE sales (which have
      lower direct product costs) represented a larger percentage of the
      Company's overall sales. Direct product costs as a percentage of revenues
      was 75.5% for the six months ended October 31, 1998, compared to 76.2% for
      the six months ended November 1, 1997.

      Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses for the second
      quarter of fiscal 1999 were $51.0 million, or 17.6% of revenues, compared
      to $60.8 million, or 19.3% of revenues, for the second quarter last year.
      For the second quarter, H.E.R. reduced its year-over-year SG&A expenses by
      $10.0 million, or by approximately 23%. SG&A expenses for the first six
      months of fiscal 1999 were $106.8 million or 20.9% of revenues, compared
      to $117.1 million or 22.3% of revenues for the comparable prior year
      period.

      Income before interest, income taxes, minority interest and non-recurring
      and repositioning related charges ("operating income") for the second
      quarter of fiscal 1999 increased 45% to $21.0 million, from $14.5 million
      for the second quarter of fiscal 1998. H.E.R. operating income improved
      79% to $14.3 million, from $8.0 million last year. NCE operating income
      improved 16% to $8.5 million, from $7.3 million (excluding $2.3 million of
      operating income for Sofsource) last year. International reduced its
      operating loss by 42% to $1.8 million this year, from $3.1 million last
      year.

      Operating income for the first six months of fiscal 1999 increased 140% to
      $18.5 million, from $7.7 million for the first six months of fiscal 1998.
      H.E.R. operating income improved to $13.3 million, from $.8 million last
      year. NCE operating income improved to $8.8 million, from $8.2 million
      (excluding $2.2 million of operating income for Sofsource) last year.
      International's operating loss was $3.6 million this year, compared to an
      operating loss of $3.5 million last year.

      Accounts receivable increased to $253.7 million at October 31, 1998, from
      $242.4 million at May 2, 1998. This increase was primarily attributable to
      the increased sales volume in the second quarter of fiscal 1999, compared
      to the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998, partially offset by certain
      adjustments to the carrying value of accounts receivable due to the
      repositioning program. Accounts receivable this year decreased $70.6
      million from $324.3 million at November 1, 1997.

      Merchandise inventories decreased to $169.5 million at October 31, 1998,
      from $187.2 million at May 2, 1998. This decrease principally resulted
      from an adjustment of inventory to net realizable value resulting from the
      repositioning program.

      Other current assets were $74.6 million at October 31, 1998, compared to
      $10.8 million at May 2, 1998. This increase in other current assets was
      mainly due to two items: a $45 million investment in The Learning Company
      resulting from the sale of Sofsource and an increase in income taxes
      receivable of $21 million. In November 1998, the Company sold The Learning
      Company stock obtained in the sale of Sofsource for $45 million.


                                       7
<PAGE>
 
      The decrease in property and equipment, net at October 31, 1998, compared
      to May 2, 1998 primarily resulted from the write-off of display fixtures,
      furniture and other equipment in connection with the repositioning
      program.

      Accounts payable at October 31, 1998 was $213.8 million, compared to
      $179.2 million at May 2, 1998. This increase principally resulted from
      increased purchases in the second quarter of fiscal 1999, compared to the
      fourth quarter of fiscal 1998, in preparation for the upcoming holiday
      season.

      Accrued and other liabilities at October 31, 1998 were $79.7 million,
      compared to $39.9 million at May 2, 1998. This increase in accrued and
      other liabilities primarily resulted from the accrual for non-recurring
      and repositioning related charges recorded during the first quarter of
      fiscal 1999.

      During the first fiscal quarter, NCE purchased shares of The itsy bitsy
      Entertainment Company, Inc. ("itsy bitsy"). As a result, NCE owns a 75%
      share in itsy bitsy, a firm dedicated to licensing and marketing
      entertainment properties for children and their caregivers. itsy bitsy has
      the exclusive right to license a number of childrens properties including
      Ragdoll Productions, Teletubbies and Tots TV, and Enid Blyton's Noddy.
      Under the terms of the agreement, itsy bitsy will establish a childrens
      unit with responsibility for the acquisition, development and marketing of
      future childrens entertainment properties and concepts for NCE. Managerial
      and operating control of itsy bitsy will remain with its current
      management, who are retaining a meaningful minority interest in that
      company.

      THE FOLLOWING COMMENTS RELATE TO THE COMPANY'S STRATEGIC REPOSITIONING
      PROGRAM:

      The strategic repositioning program was designed to focus the Company on
      its core music distribution business. As previously announced, the
      repositioning program has four major components:

      -     Exiting the H.E.R. and International video, book and software
            distribution and service operations.

      -     Reduction of the number of customers serviced in the music
            distribution business within H.E.R. and International to a select
            group of strategic partners who can best benefit from Handleman's
            category management and systems investments.

      -     Sale of Sofsource, the Company's software publishing subsidiary.

      -     Implementation of a new common stock repurchase program.

      During the first quarter of fiscal 1999, the Company sold its book
      distribution business to Levy Home Entertainment at a pre-tax loss of $1.3
      million, and its Sofsource subsidiary to The Learning Company at a pre-tax
      gain of $31.0 million.

      By the end of the second quarter of fiscal 1999, H.E.R. has exited its
      video and software distribution business activities, as well as ceased
      providing services to many customers, and accordingly, now services seven
      U.S. customers and two Canadian customers in the music category management
      business.

      The Company conducted an in-depth review of its International business.
      The purpose of this review was to determine how best to maximize
      shareholder value from the Argentina, Brazil and Mexico operations. Based
      on this analysis, the Company has decided to implement in Latin America
      the repositioning program concepts of focusing on the music business and a
      select group of key customers.

      The Company has determined that Brazil represents a long-term opportunity
      for growth, but will require an organizationally intensive effort to fully
      exploit the potential of this market. Therefore, the Company is actively
      seeking a local partner to take a substantial position in the Brazilian
      unit. Operations in Argentina may be packaged with those in Brazil for
      inclusion in any subsequent local joint venture, or may be sold in whole
      or in part to local interests in Argentina. The Company has also
      determined that portions of its operations in Mexico are strategically
      tied to core operations in the United States and Canada. 

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
      Accordingly, the Company intends to focus on those Mexican operations
      represented by its core customers, and manage an orderly exit from the
      remainder. The Company is also reviewing its Mexico operations to
      determine if combining with a local joint venture partner would enable it
      to improve profitability, as well as service levels to customers and
      suppliers. The provision for non-recurring and repositioning related
      charges recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 1999 includes an estimate
      of the costs required to implement the repositioning strategy contemplated
      for International operations.

      In connection with the repositioning program, the Board of Directors
      approved a common stock repurchase program, subject to the generation of
      cash from the sale of assets and reduced working capital needs, as well as
      the requirements of the Company's credit agreements. During the first
      quarter of fiscal 1999, the Company purchased 852,000 shares at a cost of
      $9.8 million under the repurchase program. These repurchases were in
      addition to the 1,295,000 shares repurchased in fiscal 1998 under a
      repurchase program which has now been replaced by this new authorization.
      No purchases were made during the second quarter of fiscal 1999.

      See note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional
      information regarding the repositioning program.

      YEAR2000 PROJECT

      In May 1997, the Company formed an internal team to study the information
      system's issue commonly referred to as 'Year2000'. As a result, a project
      plan was developed to address the Year2000 issue. The Company's Year2000
      plan covers the enterprise wide information technology systems. The
      Company's information technology systems are comprised of mainframe
      applications, AS400 applications, AS400 systems, PC Client Server
      applications, PC desktop/LAN infrastructure, Telecomm/Voice
      infrastructure, Embedded systems, Sales Force Automation and Stirling
      Douglas Application. The Company's information technology systems play a
      vital role to support its business operations.

      In December 1997, the Company's Chief Executive Officer issued the
      Company's Year2000 compliance policy. The Company's Chief Information
      Officer ('CIO') is the Year2000 project sponsor. The Year2000 project
      management team meets with the CIO on a weekly basis to report on project
      progress and discuss issues.

      The planning and assessment phase of the Company's Year2000 project is
      complete. To date, all Year2000 projects are in the remediation, upgrade
      and/or testing phase. The Company anticipates completing the remediation
      and testing of 80% of its mission critical enterprise applications by
      December 31, 1998. The Company anticipates the completion of its
      enterprise Year2000 project by June 30, 1999.

      The Company's mainframe applications are a major part of its information
      technology systems inventory. The Year2000 project incorporates the
      remediation and testing of the Company's 4.1 million lines of code for
      mainframe applications which was launched in October 1997. The Company is
      using the services of third-party consulting firms in conjunction with its
      own information technology staff for the mainframe applications Year2000
      project. The mainframe applications Year2000 project management team has
      divided the mainframe application inventory into eight logical groups
      called 'Upgrade Groups'. To date, the Company has finished the remediation
      and testing of 75% of its mainframe application inventory and anticipates
      completing the remediation and testing of its entire mainframe application
      inventory by the end of the current fiscal year, May 1, 1999.

      The Company's mainframe data center is an outsourced operation. The
      Company is closely working with its data center service provider to
      address the system related Year2000 issues and achieve system level
      Year2000 readiness status by May 1, 1999.

      The Company has prepared the Year2000 remediation, upgrade and test plans
      to address its AS400 applications, AS400 Systems, PC Client Server
      applications, PC desktop/LAN server infrastructure, 

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
      Telecomm/Voice infrastructure, Embedded systems, Sales Force Automation
      and Stirling Douglas Applications. All of these project plans are in
      the upgrade, remediation and/or testing phase.

      As a part of the Year2000 project, the Company has trained its information
      technology staff on the Year2000 awareness and Year2000 remediation and
      testing methodologies, on an as needed basis.

      The Year2000 issue can arise at any point in the Company's supply,
      processing, distribution and financial chains. The Company has surveyed
      its merchandise trading partners to assess their general IT and EDI
      Year2000 readiness status. The Company has prepared plans for the Year2000
      compliance of its EDI systems. The Company has successfully completed the
      National Retail Federation's EDI test to handle two position year dates.
      The Company is currently testing Year2000 compliant EDI transactions with
      one of its merchandise trading partners.

      The Company is in the process of establishing internal and external
      contingency plans intended to mitigate the possible disruptions in
      business operations that may result from the Year2000 issue. The
      contingency plans may include increasing inventory levels, stockpiling
      packaging materials, securing alternative sources of supply, adjusting
      facility schedules, manual workarounds, additional staffing and other
      appropriate measures. The Company anticipates completing its initial
      contingency plans by June 30, 1999. These plans will continue to be
      evaluated and modified throughout the Year2000 transition period as
      additional information becomes available.

      The Company is surveying its non-merchandising trading partners ( data
      center service provider, application support service providers, critical
      material suppliers, banks, electricity and telecommunications service
      providers, etc. ) for their Year2000 readiness status.

      Because of the vast number of business systems used by the Company and the
      significant number of key business partners, the Company could experience
      some disruption in its business due to the Year2000 issue. More
      specifically, because of the interdependent nature of the business
      systems, the Company could be adversely affected if utilities, private
      businesses and governmental entities with which it does business or that
      provide essential services are not Year2000 ready. Although it is not
      currently possible to quantify the most reasonably likely worst case
      scenario, the possible consequences of the Company or key business
      partners not being fully Year2000 ready in a timely manner include, among
      other things, delays in the delivery of products, delays in the receipt of
      supplies, invoice and collection errors, and inventory and supply
      obsolescence. Consequently, the business and results of operations of the
      Company could be adversely affected by a temporary inability of the
      Company to conduct its business in the ordinary course for periods of
      time. However, the Company believes that its Year2000 readiness program,
      including the contingency planning, should significantly reduce the
      adverse effect, if any, of such disruptions.

      The total estimated cost for the Year2000 project is approximately $5.0
      million. These costs are being expensed as incurred, and are being
      financed through operating cash flow. Approximately $2.8 million of the
      total project costs have been incurred as of October 31, 1998.

      The Company has also accelerated the replacement of certain non-compliant
      systems to meet Year2000 requirements. In July 98, the Company launched an
      Oracle Financials Implementation Project to replace its existing general
      ledger, fixed assets and accounts receivables systems. The Company is
      using third party consulting firms in conjunction with its own information
      technology staff to implement the Oracle Financials System. The Company
      anticipates completing the Oracle Financials Implementation Project by
      August 1999. The new Oracle Financials System is Year2000 compliant. The
      total estimated cost of the Oracle Financials Implementation Project is
      $5.0 million. Costs associated with the replacement of non-compliant
      computerized systems are being capitalized, as appropriate, under current
      accounting standards.

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
      Other non-Year2000 information system projects either have not been
      materially delayed or impacted by the Company's Year2000 initiatives, or
      if delayed, such delay does not have an adverse effect on results of
      operations or financial position.

      While management believes that the estimated cost of becoming Year2000
      compliant is not significant to the Company's financial results, failure
      to complete all the work in a timely manner could result in material
      financial risk. While management expects all planned work to be completed,
      there can be no assurance that all systems will be in compliance by the
      Year2000, that the systems of other companies and government agencies on
      which the Company relies will be converted in a timely manner, or that
      contingency planning will be able to fully address all potential
      interruptions. Therefore, date-related issues could cause delays in the
      Company's ability to ship its products, process transactions, or otherwise
      conduct business in any of its markets.

                                ****************

      This document contains forward-looking statements which are not historical
      facts and involve risk and uncertainties. Actual results, events and
      performance could differ materially from those contemplated by these
      forward-looking statements, including without limitations, the Company's
      ability to effectively divest certain assets, the cost and timing of
      implementing repositioning actions, success in implementing actions
      contemplated by the repositioning program, conditions in the music
      industry, relationships with the Company's lenders, certain global and
      regional economic conditions, and other factors discussed in this Form
      10-Q and those detailed from time to time in the Company's other filings
      with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Handleman undertakes no
      obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or
      circumstances after the date of this document. Additional information that
      could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward looking
      statements may be contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K.


                                       11
<PAGE>
 
      PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

      Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

              An Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Handleman Company was held on
              September 8, 1998. Two items were voted on at the Annual Meeting.
              The first matter was the election of directors. The following
              individuals were elected as directors of the Company with each
              receiving at least 27,978,377 shares voted for election, while a
              maximum of 2,025,916 were withheld: Messrs. John M. Barth and Alan
              E. Schwartz.

              The second matter voted on was the approval of the Company's 1998
              Stock Option and Incentive Plan which authorizes the granting of
              stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock to
              key employees of the Company. The 1998 Stock Option and Incentive
              Plan was approved, with 19,740,724 shares voted for approval,
              while 10,176,544 shares voted against and 87,025 shares abstained.


      Item 6. Exhibits or Reports on Form 8-K

                 No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter.


      SIGNATURES: Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange
      Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
      its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.



                                               HANDLEMAN COMPANY



DATE:  December 11, 1998              BY:   /s/  Stephen Strome
       ------------------                  ----------------------------
                                               STEPHEN STROME
                                               President and
                                            Chief Executive Officer



DATE:   December 11, 1998             BY:   /s/  Leonard A. Brams
        -----------------                 -----------------------------
                                                LEONARD A. BRAMS
                                          Senior Vice President, Finance
                                           and  Chief Financial Officer
                                           (Principal Financial Officer)





                                       12

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          MAY-01-1999
<PERIOD-START>                             MAY-03-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1998
<CASH>                                           7,211
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  253,687
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                    169,502
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               505,010
<PP&E>                                         122,826
<DEPRECIATION>                                  58,868
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 633,247
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          293,532
<BONDS>                                        130,989
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           316
<OTHER-SE>                                     206,859
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   633,247
<SALES>                                        289,565
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               289,565
<CGS>                                          217,529
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  217,529
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                57,923
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               2,563
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 11,550
<INCOME-TAX>                                     4,640
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              6,085
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     6,085<F1>
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .19
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .19
<FN>
<F1>The Company recognized minority interest expense in the amount of $825,000
in the consolidated statement of operations, which represents the minority
shareholders' portion of the income for less than wholly-owned subsidiaries.
</FN>
        

</TABLE>


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