<PAGE>
================================================================================
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
_______________________
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
/X/ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended January 31, 1998
OR
/ / TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period ____________________ to ____________________
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-10880
BET HOLDINGS, INC.
------------------------------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
DELAWARE 52-1742995
- ------------------------------- ----------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization Identification Number)
</TABLE>
ONE BET PLAZA
1900 W PLACE, N.E., WASHINGTON, D.C. 20018-1211
------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)
(202) 608-2000
------------------------------------------------
(Registrant's phone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes /X/ No / /
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Shares outstanding at
March 6, 1998
---------------------
<S> <C>
Class A Common Stock 10,066,720
Class B Common Stock 1,831,600
Class C Common Stock 4,820,000
</TABLE>
================================================================================
<PAGE>
BET HOLDINGS, INC.
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JANUARY 31, 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
----
<S> <C> <C>
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements:
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 31,
1998 and July 31, 1997..................................... 1
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the
Three and Six Months ended January 31, 1998 and 1997....... 3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
Six Months ended January 31, 1998 and 1997................. 4
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements......... 5
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of
Operations and Financial Condition......................... 6
PART II OTHER INFORMATION............................................ 13
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
BET HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
January 31, July 31,
1998 1997
----------- -----------
In thousands of dollars
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents...................................................... $ 3,661 $ 7,094
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,983 and
$1,833 at January 31, 1998 and July 31, 1997, respectively.................... 36,950 34,434
Prepaid expenses and other assets.............................................. 8,844 9,594
Current portion of programming rights, net..................................... 2,350 1,534
Deferred tax benefit........................................................... 3,407 2,937
-------- --------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS............................................... 55,212 55,593
Property and equipment, net...................................................... 86,493 85,085
Notes receivable................................................................. 12,493 12,654
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates......................... 12,751 6,864
Programming rights, less current portion......................................... 2,409 973
Goodwill and other intangibles, net.............................................. 9,220 9,710
Other assets..................................................................... 4,485 2,632
-------- --------
TOTAL ASSETS....................................................... $183,063 $173,511
======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
1
<PAGE>
BET HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
January 31, July 31,
1998 1997
----------- -----------
In thousands of dollars
<S> <C> <C>
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses......................................... $ 9,418 $ 10,192
Accrued compensation.......................................................... 4,458 5,781
Current portion of programming rights payable................................. 4,250 2,723
Deferred revenue.............................................................. 2,842 1,175
Current maturities of long-term debt.......................................... 3,067 2,646
---------- ----------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES................................................... 24,035 22,517
Long-term debt, less current maturities......................................... 48,057 60,347
Programming rights payable, less current portion................................ 851 -
Deferred income taxes........................................................... 4,119 1,880
Other liabilities............................................................... 213 349
---------- ----------
TOTAL LIABILITIES........................................................... 77,275 85,093
---------- ----------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock; $.01 par value, 15,000,000 shares authorized, no shares
issued or outstanding.......................................................... - -
Common stock; $.02 par value:
Class A; 50,000,000 shares authorized, 12,905,920 and 12,888,848 shares
issued and 10,066,320 and 10,049,248 shares outstanding at January 31,
1998 and July 31, 1997, respectively......................................... 258 258
Class B; 15,000,000 shares authorized, 3,349,900 shares issued, 1,831,600
shares outstanding........................................................... 67 67
Class C; 15,000,000 shares authorized, 4,820,000 shares issued and
outstanding.................................................................. 96 96
Additional paid-in capital...................................................... 47,635 47,123
Retained earnings............................................................... 138,852 121,994
Cost of 2,839,600 Class A and 1,518,300 Class B common shares held in
treasury at January 31, 1998 and July 31, 1997................................. (81,120) (81,120)
---------- ----------
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY.................................................. 105,788 88,418
---------- ----------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY.................................. $183,063 $173,511
========== ==========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
2
<PAGE>
BET HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
January 31, January 31
------------------------- -------------------------
1998 1997 1998 1997
--------- --------- --------- ---------
In thousands, except per share amounts
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING REVENUES
Advertising................................................ $ 23,214 $ 19,322 $ 46,366 $ 38,983
Subscriber................................................. 18,131 16,857 35,789 32,811
Other...................................................... 1,269 374 2,783 701
--------- --------- --------- ---------
TOTAL OPERATING REVENUES................................... 42,614 36,553 84,938 72,495
--------- --------- --------- ---------
OPERATING EXPENSES
Production and programming................................. 12,688 11,776 25,149 22,923
Marketing.................................................. 6,240 5,417 12,615 11,037
General and administrative................................. 6,427 4,700 11,784 9,468
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles............... 2,580 2,071 5,006 4,105
--------- --------- --------- ---------
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES................................... 27,935 23,964 54,554 47,533
--------- --------- --------- ---------
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS..................................... 14,679 12,589 30,384 24,962
--------- --------- --------- ---------
NONOPERATING INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest income............................................ 606 356 1,096 688
Interest expense........................................... (1,070) (1,003) (2,192) (2,014)
Other, net................................................. (311) (372) (1,191) (875)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES................................. 13,904 11,570 28,097 22,761
Provision for income taxes................................. (5,597) (4,373) (11,239) (8,977)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS.......................... 8,307 7,197 16,858 13,784
Loss from discontinued operations net of income tax
benefit of $402 and $723.................................. - (603) - (1,085)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
NET INCOME................................................. $ 8,307 $ 6,594 $ 16,858 $ 12,699
========= ========= ========= =========
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
Basic
Income from continuing operations..................... $ .50 $ .43 $ 1.01 $ .82
Discontinued operations............................... - (.04) - (.06)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
$ .50 $ .39 $ 1.01 $ .76
========= ========= ========= =========
Diluted
Income from continuing operations..................... $ .48 $ .42 $ .97 $ .80
Discontinued operations............................... - (.04) - (.06)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
$ .48 $ .38 $ .97 $ .74
========= ========= ========= =========
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON AND COMMON EQUIVALENT SHARES
OUTSTANDING
Basic...................................................... 16,713 16,727 16,709 16,744
Diluted.................................................... 17,482 17,205 17,450 17,211
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
3
3
<PAGE>
BET HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six Months Ended
January 31,
-------------------------------
1998 1997
------------- -----------
In thousands of dollars
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income...................................................................... $ 16,858 $ 12,699
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
activities:
Depreciation and amortization of other intangibles............................ 5,006 4,105
Amortization of programming rights............................................ 1,927 1,689
Equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliates................................. 1,281 866
Income tax benefit arising from merger of wholly-owned subsidiaries........... - (263)
Deferred income taxes......................................................... 1,769 (204)
Income tax benefit from exercise of common stock options...................... 175 80
Increase in accounts receivable............................................... (2,516) (3,236)
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets.............. 750 (696)
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue....................................... 1,667 (67)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities...................................... 145 (489)
-------- ---------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES....................................... 27,062 14,484
-------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures............................................................ (5,924) (8,656)
Acquisition of programming rights............................................... (4,179) (1,252)
Additions to notes receivable................................................... (94) (4,375)
Collection of notes receivable.................................................. 255 505
Investment in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates......................... (7,168) (563)
Increase in other assets........................................................ (1,853) (4,790)
-------- ---------
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES........................................... (18,963) (19,131)
-------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Principal payments of long-term debt............................................ (19,369) (11,814)
Borrowings...................................................................... 7,500 21,500
Proceeds from issuance of common stock.......................................... 337 362
Repurchase of common stock...................................................... - (3,596)
-------- ---------
NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES............................. (11,532) 6,452
-------- ---------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents............................ (3,433) 1,805
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period.................................. 7,094 4,147
-------- ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD........................................ $ 3,661 $ 5,952
======== =========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
4
<PAGE>
BET HOLDING, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 1: BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of BET Holdings,
Inc. (the "Company") included herein have been prepared pursuant to instructions
for Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain
information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been
omitted or condensed where permitted by regulation. In management's opinion,
all adjustments, which were of a normal recurring nature, and disclosures
necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods have been made.
These financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the
audited financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company's Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 1997. The results of operations for the
three and six months ended January 31, 1998 are not necessarily indicative of
the results that may be expected for future interim periods or for the year
ending July 31, 1998.
NOTE 2: NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
Net income per common share reflected on the accompanying Condensed
Consolidated Statements of Income has been computed in accordance with Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings Per Share" ("SFAS No.
128"). Net income per common share for the quarter and six months ended January
31, 1997 have been restated to conform with the requirements of SFAS No. 128.
The number of shares used in computing net income per common share was as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
January 31, January 31,
-------------------- ---------------------
1998 1997 1998 1997
------- ------- -------- --------
In thousands
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding........... 16,713 16,727 16,709 16,744
Common share equivalents................................... 769 478 741 467
------ ------ ------ ------
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding......... 17,482 17,205 17,450 17,211
====== ====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
5
<PAGE>
BET HOLDINGS, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
GENERAL
BET Holdings, Inc. (the "Company") operates predominantly in the cable
television programming industry. Its cable television programming operations
are conducted through Black Entertainment Television ("BET"), BET on Jazz: The
Cable Jazz Channel ("BET on Jazz") and Action Pay-Per-View ("Action"). Both BET
and BET on Jazz are basic cable networks with revenues derived primarily from
sales of advertising time and monthly subscribership fees. Action provides
programming on a pay-per-view basis. Ancillary businesses established to
leverage and expand the BET brand name include the publication of Emerge and BET
Weekend magazines and operation of the BET SoundStage restaurant, which opened
in January 1997.
In connection with the Company's plan for disposal of its Color Code skin
care business segment, effective July 31, 1997 it recorded a provision for
losses expected to be incurred from the disposition. Accordingly, operating
results of the Color Code business segment are accounted for as discontinued
operations.
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The Company's consolidated results of operations were as follows
(unaudited):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Six Month Ended
January 31, January 31,
--------------------- --------------------
1998 1997 1998 1997
------- ------- ------- -------
In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Operating revenues............................................. $42,614 $36,553 $84,938 $72,495
======= ======= ======= =======
Income from operations......................................... $14,679 $12,589 $30,384 $24,962
======= ======= ======= =======
Income before income taxes..................................... $13,904 $11,570 $28,097 $22,761
======= ======= ======= =======
Income from continuing operations.............................. $ 8,307 $ 7,197 $16,858 $13,784
======= ======= ======= =======
Discontinued operations........................................ $ - $ (603) $ - $(1,085)
======= ======= ======= =======
Net income..................................................... $ 8,307 $ 6,594 $16,858 $12,699
======= ======= ======= =======
Net income per common share:
Basic....................................................... $ .50 $ .39 $ 1.01 $ .76
======= ======= ======= =======
Diluted..................................................... $ .48 $ .38 $ .97 $ .74
======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
6
<PAGE>
OPERATING RESULTS BY BUSINESS UNIT
Summarized results of operations by each of the Company's significant
business units were as follows (unaudited):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
January 31, January 31,
------------------------ ------------------------
1998 1997 1998 1997
-------- -------- -------- --------
In thousands of dollars
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING REVENUES
BET.............................................................. $ 37,894 $ 32,848 $ 74,723 $ 65,483
Action........................................................... 2,006 2,474 4,141 4,736
BET on Jazz...................................................... 101 206 222 293
Magazine Publishing.............................................. 1,494 864 3,269 1,822
Restaurant Operations............................................ 1,119 161 2,583 161
-------- -------- -------- --------
TOTAL..................................................... $ 42,614 $ 36,553 $ 84,938 $ 72,495
======== ======== ======== ========
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS
BET.............................................................. $ 18,884 $ 15,230 $ 37,719 $ 30,078
Action........................................................... (287) (116) (362) (120)
BET on Jazz...................................................... (2,060) (1,848) (4,147) (3,355)
Magazine Publishing.............................................. (658) (606) (1,212) (1,569)
Restaurant Operations and Brand Development Costs................ (1,200) (71) (1,614) (72)
-------- -------- -------- --------
TOTAL..................................................... $ 14,679 $ 12,589 $ 30,384 $ 24,962
======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
Income (loss) from operations presented in the preceding table does not
reflect the allocation of certain overhead and administrative costs incurred by
BET which relate to all of the Company's business units.
OPERATING REVENUES
Components of consolidated operating revenues were as follows (unaudited):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
January 31, January 31,
------------------------ ------------------------
1998 1997 1998 1997
-------- -------- -------- --------
In thousands of dollars
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BET
Advertising....................................................... $ 22,037 $ 18,713 $ 43,845 $ 37,665
Subscriber........................................................ 15,714 13,931 30,721 27,320
Other............................................................. 143 204 157 498
-------- -------- -------- --------
TOTAL BET................................................... 37,894 32,848 74,723 65,483
-------- -------- -------- --------
OTHER BUSINESS UNITS
Advertising....................................................... 1,177 609 2,521 1,318
Subscriber........................................................ 2,417 2,926 5,068 5,491
Other............................................................. 1,126 170 2,626 203
-------- -------- -------- --------
TOTAL OTHER BUSINESS UNITS.................................. 4,720 3,705 10,215 7,012
-------- -------- -------- --------
TOTAL CONSOLIDATED OPERATING REVENUES....................... $ 42,614 $ 36,553 $ 84,938 $ 72,495
======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
7
<PAGE>
BET
Advertising Revenue
Components of BET's advertising revenue were as follows (unaudited):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
January 31, January 31,
------------------------ ------------------------
1998 1997 1998 1997
-------- -------- -------- --------
In thousands of dollars
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
National Spot..................................................... $ 14,990 $ 11,338 $ 29,990 $ 23,746
Infomercial....................................................... 5,639 5,325 11,305 10,936
Direct Response................................................... 1,408 2,050 2,550 2,983
-------- -------- -------- --------
TOTAL............................................................. $ 22,037 $ 18,713 $ 43,845 $ 37,665
======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
BET's national spot advertising revenues increased 32%, to $15 million, and
26% to $30 million during the quarter and six months ended January 31, 1998,
respectively, as compared to the prior year comparable periods. Increased
revenues primarily resulted from rate increases related, in part, to the size of
BET's viewing audience.
BET's infomercial advertising revenues increased 6%, to $5.6 million, and
3% to $11.3 million, during the quarter and six months ended January 31, 1998 as
compared to the prior year comparable periods. This increase was primarily
attributable to a scheduled contractual 10% increase in the rate charged to the
largest purchaser of infomercial advertising time on BET, partially offset by a
preemption of time normally available for infomercial advertising due to other
programming commitments. The Company's long-term contract with its largest
purchaser of infomercial advertising provides for a rate increase of 10% for
its fiscal year 1999.
BET's direct response advertising revenues decreased 31%, to $1.4 million,
and 15% to $2.6 million, during the quarter and six months ended January 31,
1998, respectively, as compared to the prior year comparable periods due
primarily to an unusually large amount of direct response revenue earned during
the quarter ended January 31, 1997.
Subscriber Revenue
BET's subscriber revenues increased 13%, to $15.7 million, and 12%, to
$30.7 million, during the quarter and six months ended January 31, 1998,
respectively, as compared to the prior year comparable periods. Subscriber
revenue gains resulted from scheduled annual rate card increases and continuing
increases in BET's subscriber base. BET's weighted average monthly per
subscriber fee in place during the quarter and six months ended January 31, 1998
was $.123 and $.122, respectively, as compared to a weighted average monthly per
subscriber fee of $.113 and $.112 in effect during the quarter and six months
ended January 31, 1997. BET's subscriber base, as reported by affiliated cable
system operators, was 49.4 million at January 31, 1998, reflecting a decrease of
.2 million and an increase of 5.5 million as compared to its subscriber base at
October 31, 1997 and January 31, 1997, respectively. The decrease in BET's
subscriber base during the period October 31, 1997 to January 31, 1998, reflects
a 1 million decrease in subscribers of affiliated Canadian cable system
operators, offset by a .8 million net increase in subscribers of other
affiliated cable system operators and satellite delivered programming services.
Included in BET's subscriber base at January 31, 1998 were 5.2 million
subscribers of satellite delivered programming services that are not required to
remit affiliation fees until dates ranging from September 1998 to April 2000
pursuant to deferred billing arrangements. Also included in BET's subscriber
base at January 31, 1998 were 1.4 million subscribers for Canadian cable system
operators that are not required to remit affiliation fees until dates ranging
from April 1998 to August 1998.
8
<PAGE>
OTHER BUSINESS UNITS
Advertising Revenue
Advertising revenue earned by the Company's other business units for the
quarter and six months ended January 31, 1998 increased substantially as
compared to the prior year comparable periods, reflecting increased revenues
resulting from the addition of BET Weekend magazine, which became a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company in March 1997.
Subscriber Revenue
Subscriber revenue earned by the Company's other business units for the
quarter and six months ended January 31, 1998 decreased 17%, to $2.4 million,
and decreased 8%, to $5.1 million, respectively, as compared to the prior year
comparable periods. These decreases primarily resulted from subscriber revenue
decreases of 19% and 13% reported by Action during the quarter and six months
ended January 31, 1998, respectively, as compared to the prior year comparable
periods.
At January 31, 1998, Action was available to approximately 10.2 million
addressable homes, representing a 13% increase as compared to January 31, 1997.
Monthly subscriber revenues resulted from a monthly "buy rate" of approximately
3.6% for the six months ended January 31, 1998 as compared to a "buy rate" of
4.5% for the prior year comparable period.
At January 31, 1998, the second anniversary of its launch, BET on Jazz was
available to approximately 2.3 million domestic and international subscribers.
BET on Jazz did not earn significant subscriber revenue during the quarter and
six months ended January 31, 1998, reflecting the economics of launching a new
programming service in a highly competitive environment. BET on Jazz's current
domestic affiliation agreements provide for a free carriage period generally
through December 1998. Accordingly, BET on Jazz is not expected to earn
significant subscriber revenue in the near future.
OPERATING EXPENSES
Components of consolidated operating expenses were as follows (unaudited):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
January 31, January 31
------------------------ ------------------------
1998 1997 1998 1997
--------- -------- ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
In thousands of dollars
BET
Production and Programming........................................ $ 7,224 $ 7,974 $13,927 $15,760
Marketing......................................................... 4,671 4,340 9,791 8.908
General and Administrative........................................ 5,378 4,077 10,001 8,330
Depreciation and Amortization..................................... 1,737 1,227 3,285 2,407
------- ------- ------- -------
TOTAL BET.................................................. 19,010 17,618 37,004 35,405
------- ------- ------- -------
OTHER BUSINESS UNITS
Production and Programming........................................ 5,464 3,802 11,222 7,163
Marketing......................................................... 1,569 1,077 2,824 2,129
General and Administrative........................................ 1,049 623 1,783 1,138
Depreciation and Amortization..................................... 843 844 1,721 1,698
------- ------- ------- -------
TOTAL OTHER BUSINESS UNITS................................. 8,925 6,346 17,550 12,128
------- ------- ------- -------
TOTAL CONSOLIDATED OPERATING EXPENSES...................... $27,935 $23,964 $54,554 $47,533
======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
9
<PAGE>
BET
Production and Programming
BET's production and programming expenses for the quarter and six months
ended January 31, 1998 decreased 9%, to $7.2 million, and 12%, to $13.9 million,
respectively, as compared to the prior year comparable periods. These
reductions primarily resulted from a curtailment of certain originally produced
and acquired programming in favor of more cost effective hosted music video
programming.
Marketing
BET's marketing expenses for the quarter ended January 31, 1998 increased
8%, to $4.7 million, and 10%, to $9.8 million, respectively, as compared to the
prior year comparable periods, primarily due to revenue-based incentive
compensation.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses increased 32%, to $5.4 million, and
20%, to $10 million, during the quarter and six months ended January 31, 1998,
respectively, as compared to the prior year comparable periods, primarily due to
increased executive compensation, increased charitable contributions and
consulting costs aggregating $.7 million related to strategic planning.
OTHER BUSINESS UNITS
Total operating expenses incurred by the Company's other business units
during the quarter and six months ended January 31, 1998 increased 41%, to $8.9
million, and 45%, to $17.6 million, respectively, as compared to the prior year
comparable periods. These increases primarily resulted from costs of Restaurant
sales, which are presented as a component of production and programming expenses
on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income, costs related to
publication of BET Weekend magazine and costs incurred in connection with
restaurant expansion and other brand extension initiatives.
Production and Programming
Production and programming costs incurred by the Company's other business
units increased 44%, to $5.5 million, and 57% to $11.2 million, during the
quarter and six months ended January 31, 1998, respectively, as compared to the
prior year comparable periods. These increases were primarily due to costs of
Restaurant sales and costs related to publication of BET Weekend magazine.
Marketing
Marketing costs incurred by the Company's other business units increased
46%, to $1.6 million, and 33%, to $2.8 million, during the quarter and six
months ended January 31, 1998, respectively, as compared to the prior year
comparable periods. These increases were primarily due to entertainment and
promotional costs related to restaurant operations.
General and Administrative
General and administrative costs incurred by the Company's other business
units increased 68%, to $1.0 million, and 57%, to $1.8 million, during the
quarter and six months ended January 31, 1998, respectively, as compared to the
prior year comparable periods, primarily due to costs related to restaurant
expansion and brand extension initiatives.
NONOPERATING EXPENSES
Net nonoperating expenses for the quarter and six months ended January 31,
1998, remained relatively constant as compared to the prior year comparable
periods.
10
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL CONDITION
The Company's principal source of working capital is internally generated
cash flow from operations. As reported in its consolidated statements of cash
flows, the Company generated net cash from operating activities of $27.1 million
and $14.5 million during the six months ended January 31, 1998 and 1997,
respectively. At January 31, 1998, the Company's cash and temporary investments
aggregated $3.7 million and the Company had an excess of current assets over
current liabilities of $31.2 million. At January 31, 1998, $40 million was
available under the Company's $75 million revolving credit facility.
As a part of its ongoing strategic plan, the Company plans to continue to
invest significant amounts of capital in compatible media and other businesses
reaching the Black consumer marketplace. Significant current and potential
future funding commitments include:
. During the six months ended January 31, 1998 the Company provided
significant operational funding to BET on Jazz. This level of funding is
expected to continue until the viability of BET on Jazz is attained, which
is not expected within the Company's fiscal years ending July 31, 1998 or
July 31, 1999.
. Through January 31, 1998, the Company has invested approximately $6.5
million in the BET SoundStage restaurant. The Company is currently
developing two prototypes; a Soundstage club at Walt Disney World in
Orlando, Florida and a jazz-themed restaurant in Washington, D.C.
. During the six months ended January 31, 1998, the Company loaned $5
million to LaVan Hawkins UrbanCityFoods LLC ("UCF"), a franchisee within
the Burger King system, which plans to develop 225 restaurants in
traditionally underserved inner-city African-American communities. The
Company may loan UCF an additional $5 million, contingent upon the
achievement of certain operating results by UCF.
. During the six months ended January 31, 1998, the Company loaned $1.5
million to Cybersonic Records, Inc. ("CRI"), which produces, publishes,
markets and distributes musical recordings under the Fully Loaded Records
label. The Company is committed to loan CRI an additional $1.5 million.
. The Company is considering pursuing other investment opportunities in the
themed-restaurant and hotel/casino segments of the entertainment industry
together with potential equity partners experienced in these segments of
the entertainment industry.
On September 10, 1997, the Company received an offer from Robert L.
Johnson, its majority shareholder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and
Liberty Media Corporation, a major shareholder of the Company, to acquire,
through a newly formed entity owned by them, all of the Company's outstanding
common stock which they do not own, at a per share price of $48 (the "Offer").
The Offer contemplates financing the purchase of such common stock on terms and
conditions customary to transactions of a similar nature, which could result in
a significant amount of debt funding by the Company or its successor.
On January 23, 1998, the Company announced that a Special Independent
Committee of the Board of Directors had reported to the Board that the proposed
$48 per share purchase price is not adequate. The offeror's financial advisors
have met with the Special Independent Committee's financial advisors, and the
parties and their advisors are engaged in further discussions. The Special
Independent Committee will report to the Board the results of those discussions
when they are completed. No assurance can be given as to what the outcome of
discussions among the parties will be, whether the parties will agree upon the
terms of the transaction or whether or when any transaction will occur.
In connection with the Offer, the Company has incurred $1.1 million of
financial advisory and other consulting fees as of January 31, 1998, which have
been deferred pending the outcome of the Offer. In the event the transaction
contemplated by the Offer is not consummated, such costs will be charged to
operations.
11
<PAGE>
The Company expects that cash flow from BET's operations, as supplemented
by additional credit facilities, if necessary, will be sufficient to fund its
operations, debt service and capital expenditures for the foreseeable future.
PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995 SAFE HARBOR CAUTIONARY
STATEMENT
The preceding discussion contains certain forward looking statements
regarding expected operating results of the Company and its unconsolidated
affiliates. Such statements are subject to inherent uncertainties and risk,
including among others: pricing pressures and other competitive factors, results
of the Company's strategies to obtain additional subscribership to its cable
programming services, and general business and economic conditions in the
industries in which the Company operates. Consequently, actual events and
results may vary significantly from those included in or contemplated by such
statements.
12
<PAGE>
PART II: OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
See part 1, Item 3 of Form 10-K, as amended, for the fiscal year ended July
31, 1997 for a description of certain previously disclosed legal proceedings.
ITEM 6: EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) Exhibits
Exhibit
Number Description
- ------ -----------
27 Financial Data Schedule
(b) Reports on Form 8-K. No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter
ended January 31, 1998.
13
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
BET Holdings, Inc.
------------------
(Registrant)
Date: March 13, 1998
----------------------------------------
Debra L. Lee,
President and Chief Operating Officer
Date: March 13, 1998
----------------------------------------
William T. Gordon, III,
Executive Vice President, Finance
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(Chief Accounting Officer)
14
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