MEDIA ARTS GROUP INC
10-K, 1997-06-26
COMMERCIAL PRINTING
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<PAGE>   1
                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-K
              Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
                         Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997          Commission File number 0-24294

                             MEDIA ARTS GROUP, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                 Delaware                                         77-0354419
     (State or other jurisdiction of                           I.R.S. Employer
      incorporation or organization)                         Identification No.)

           521 Charcot Avenue                                       95113
          San Jose, California                                    (Zip code)
(Address of principal executive offices)

       Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (408) 324-2020

        Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

          Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

                          Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value
                                (Title of class)


        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 by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K (Section 229,405 of this chapter) is not contained
herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in
definitive proxy or information statement incorporated by reference in Part III
of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]

        The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of
the registrant, based upon the closing price of the Common Stock on May 31,
1997, as reported on Nasdaq National Markets was approximately $12,443,000.
Shares of Common Stock held by each executive officer and director and by each
person who owns 5% or more of the outstanding Common Stock have been excluded in
that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This determination of
affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other
purposes.

        The number of shares of the registrant's $0.01 par value Common Stock
outstanding on May 31, 1997, was 11,025,527

        Part III incorporates by reference from the definitive proxy statement
for the registrant's 1997 annual meeting of stockholders to be filed with the
Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of
the fiscal year covered by this Form.


        THIS FORM CONTAINS 56 PAGES. THE INDEX TO EXHIBITS IS ON PAGE 36.



<PAGE>   2
                                     PART I

        Forward looking statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including
those set forth in Item 1 and Item 7, are made pursuant to the safe harbor
provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Stockholders
are cautioned that all forward-looking statements pertaining to the Company
involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, those contained
in Item 1 and Item 7 of this report and other risks detailed from time to time
in the Company's periodic reports and other information filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

ITEM 1.               BUSINESS

GENERAL

        Media Arts Group, Inc. (the "Company") designs, manufactures, markets
and distributes fine quality collectible, gift, art and home decor products
based upon the works of the artist Thomas Kinkade, "Painter of Light(TM)". The
Company has assembled a team of managers that have extensive experience in the
areas of product design, development, marketing and sales to implement its
marketing and distribution program. In December 1993 and August 1994, the
Company acquired 51% and 46% interests, respectively, in John Hine Limited, a
United Kingdom Company that manufactured, marketed and distributed hand painted
miniature cottages and other miniature buildings and figurines to customers
primarily in the United States and the United Kingdom. In September 1996 the
Company discontinued the operations of John Hine Limited in order to concentrate
its resources on developing the Thomas Kinkade brandname.

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

        The Company currently operates primarily in the collectible gift, art
and home decor accessory industries. The giftware, art and home decor
accessories industries are highly fragmented at the wholesale and retail level
and are composed of many domestic and foreign companies with a broad range of
products, including collectibles, home decorations and other giftware items.
Collectible products are often marketed as "limited editions," meaning that
there are limits upon the number of reproductions, access to products or length
of the production period. The Company has capitalized on the success of its
limited edition products by creating lower price point products using the Thomas
Kinkade brand name and artistic images. Based on data from the Collectors
Information Bureau and other sources, secondary markets have developed for many
collectible, gift and art products. Secondary market prices for limited edition
products may or may not exceed the original price.

BUSINESS STRATEGY

        The Company's strategy for growth is to develop creative and unique
products based on the works of Thomas Kinkade, build the Thomas Kinkade brand
name and control distribution. A key element of the Company's strategy is to
capitalize on the success of Thomas Kinkade and to create brand name products
that communicate a broad message of simple values, a joy in all that is good and
positive, and a love of family and friends. In addition, the Company intends to
increase distribution and awareness of the Thomas Kinkade lifestyle through
continued expansion of licensed Thomas Kinkade stores, and will continue to
evaluate the opportunity to expand its product offerings and distribution
channels through acquisitions and strategic alliances. The Company's goal is to
become a leading marketer and distributor of products in the art, gift,
collectible and home decor industries.

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

        PRODUCT MESSAGE. The Company believes that it can reach new consumers by
communicating positive messages through its products. The Company is committed
to communicating traditional and uplifting messages that will appeal to a broad
audience. The Company believes that Mr. Kinkade's art has an ability to bring
peace and encouragement into the homes of people. The Company feels that it can
capitalize on the growing trend of Americans to simplify their lives by creating
products that reflect that message. The Company plans to introduce more
lifestyle products which may include videos, gifts, books, home textiles and
stationery that communicate the message of traditional family values.





                                       2
<PAGE>   3
        PRODUCT COLLECTIBILITY. The Company believes that collectible products
have a high perceived value which can be reflected in product pricing. In
addition, collectibility encourages successive purchases by consumers which
enables the Company to introduce new products that capitalize on the collectible
property.

        PRODUCT EDITIONS AND SERIES. The Company creates limited editions which
it believes command a higher perceived value. Every product which is sold as a
limited edition is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity that states the
edition size. Generally, when a particular edition is sold out from the Company,
a secondary market price may exceed the original offering price. Although the
Company does not promote the potential economic advantages of purchasing limited
edition products, the Company believes that this feature is an important
consideration for some of its consumers. The Company targets consumers who are
collectors and caters to them by introducing products in series rather than as
single offerings. By releasing pieces in a series, the Company is able to
generate pre-release orders from retailers anticipating collector demand for
upcoming releases. The series format also encourages repeat purchases by the
consumers.

        TIERED PRICING. The Company seeks to create products with a range of
price points that appeal to a wide variety of consumer tastes while minimizing
production costs. The Company offers multiple price points for its product lines
to satisfy the needs of a variety of retail formats and to appeal to a broad
range of consumer budgets. Retail prices of reproductions of Thomas Kinkade
artwork range from $50 to $250 for small framed gift prints, $175 to $300 for an
unframed paper lithograph, $325 to $1,250 for a framed canvas lithograph, $2,000
to $4,000 for a framed Studio Proof canvas lithograph, and $5,000 to $15,000 for
a Masters Edition canvas lithograph.

MARKETING

        MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS AND PROMOTIONS. The Company believes it can
create a household name with Thomas Kinkade. The Company can achieve this
through communicating a consistent message. Promotion efforts include national
advertising, trade advertising, trade shows, sales promotions and artist events.
Thomas Kinkade's "Painter of Light" brand name association is a common thread
which ties together the variety of products surrounding his art. The Company
seeks to sell products that have classic, enduring and uplifting messages that
have broad consumer appeal.

        TRAINING. The Company has committed resources to implement a
comprehensive training program for its products and sales methods. The Company's
Thomas Kinkade Training Center in Monterey provides week long training sessions
for potential licensees, store owners, and Company sales and marketing
personnel. Product and sales training of knowledgeable sales representatives and
store owners is expected to generate sales growth for the Company and its
customers.

SALES AND DISTRIBUTION

        SALES THROUGH MULTIPLE DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS. The Company's channels of
distribution include approximately 3,000 gift and collectible retailers, 18
Thomas Kinkade Stores owned by the Company, 21 licensed Thomas Kinkade Signature
Galleries, an 11,000 member collector's club and the QVC cable television
network channel. Prior to July 1995, the Company distributed its products to
retailers through 95 independent commissioned sales representatives. In July
1995, the Company changed its sales structure to an in-house operation presently
consisting of 32 Area Sales Managers who are primarily salaried Company
employees. The Company believes that these dedicated account managers better
enable the Company to (i) increase product penetration in existing retail
stores, (ii) increase the number of dealers, (iii) develop and train dealers to
merchandise more effectively and (iv) monitor demand for new artists or product
categories. During 1996, the Company increased its sales focus into new markets
and key accounts. The Company has experienced initial success through this
strategy in penetration of the Christian product market with Thomas Kinkade
products. Future key target channels may include direct response, TV
infomercials, organizational marketing and catalogs.

        INDEPENDENT RETAILERS. Independent gift retailers, collectible
retailers, art galleries and frame stores are the Company's primary distribution
channels. The Company's products are currently sold worldwide in over 3,000
retail stores located principally in the United States and, to a lesser extent,
in Canada. Dealer stratas have been created to reward and incentivize dealers.
Dealers who commit to purchase a minimum number of products from the Company,
including "Showcase Dealers" and "Premier Dealers," receive exclusive rights and
preferences over other dealers.





                                       3
<PAGE>   4
        THOMAS KINKADE STORES. There are presently 18 Thomas Kinkade Stores
owned and operated by the Company, all of which offer lithographs and other
products based upon the images of Thomas Kinkade. The interiors of the galleries
were designed by the Company to demonstrate how a lithograph or other product
might appear in a customer's home and are suited to the images and ambiance of
Thomas Kinkade's painting style. These retail stores assist in increasing the
visibility of Kinkade's work at high traffic locations in key cities and provide
an excellent opportunity for market research. The Company may continue to add
stores through selective acquisitions and sales of successful galleries and the
opening of new stores.

        THOMAS KINKADE SIGNATURE GALLERIES(TM). The Company has initiated the
expansion of the Thomas Kinkade Stores concept through Signature Galleries(TM),
a national licensing program of independently owned stores. The program gives
individual entrepreneurs the opportunity to open a dedicated Thomas Kinkade
Signature Gallery in various regions of the country. The Signature Galleries are
free standing stores that are licensed to sell only Thomas Kinkade products.
Signature Galleries receive support from the Company such as build out
specifications, site selection and lease negotiation, limited use of the Thomas
Kinkade name, training at the Company's Monterey training facilities, and
inventory mix recommendations. These new stores will not only provide additional
distribution for Thomas Kinkade products, but will also effectively increase the
Thomas Kinkade brand name awareness in new regions of the country.

        COLLECTOR'S CLUB. The Company sponsors and operates a collector's club
for Thomas Kinkade. As of March 31, 1997, the Thomas Kinkade Collectors
Society(TM) had over 11,000 active members. Members receive regular newsletters
which keep them informed about the artwork of Mr. Kinkade, including upcoming
releases and events. Members also have the opportunity to purchase "members
only" product offerings.

        DIRECT MARKETING. The Company markets certain of its products through
direct response channels, such as its regular sales of limited edition, framed
works by Thomas Kinkade on QVC, the cable television shopping network. Sales
through QVC in fiscal 1997, 1996 and 1995 totaled $3.4 million, $2.2 million and
$1.6 million, respectively.

        INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION. The Company is pursuing the expansion of its
business internationally through strategic partnerships in Japan, Asia, Europe,
and Canada. A major exhibition was undertaken in December of 1996 in Tokyo in
conjunction with Daimaru department stores. Other venues for international
electronic marketing are being pursued.

        LICENSING. The Company has entered into agreements which grant rights to
products to other companies through either copyright, trademark, license or
patent. The Company benefits from these agreements through the receipt of
licensing revenues and through increased exposure in the marketplace for the
properties. For example, Thomas Kinkade is expected to receive substantial
publicity through a strategic licensing agreement with Hallmark Cards during
Christmas of 1997. In fiscal 1997, 1996 and 1995, the Company received $444,000,
$381,000 and $334,000, respectively, relating to certain license revenues earned
by Thomas Kinkade.

PRODUCT MIX

        PRIMARY PRODUCTS. The Company's principal products currently include
limited and open edition canvas and paper lithograph reproductions of the
artwork of Thomas Kinkade and a broad line of decorative gifts. Every Company
product which is sold as a limited edition is accompanied by a certificate of
authenticity. Records of all issued certificates for each image or edition are
maintained by the Company.

        LIMITED EDITION COLLECTIBLE ART.. The Company's principal artist is
Thomas Kinkade. The Company has entered into license agreements with Thomas
Kinkade which grant to the Company the exclusive worldwide right to manufacture,
market and distribute lithographs for all of Mr. Kinkade's original wall artwork
until November 30, 2003 (with certain limited exceptions). The Company currently
is one of the leading producers of paper lithographs and canvas lithographs,
which are paper prints transferred to canvas and hand retouched to have the
appearance of an original oil painting. The themes of Mr. Kinkade's paintings
are generally romantic, warm and peaceful. His works highlight the effects of
light and the perception of the work varies with the ambient light. As a result
of the Company's promotional efforts and marketing strategies, Mr. Kinkade has
become known among collectors as the "Painter of Light(TM)." His painting themes
include romantic cities, English cottages, manor houses, landscapes and
Christmas. The suggested retail prices for the lithographs range from $175 for
an unframed paper lithograph to $15,000 for a framed canvas Masters Edition.





                                       4
<PAGE>   5
        THOMAS KINKADE PRINTS. In 1995 the Company introduced new Thomas Kinkade
product lines, including Portfolio prints, Library prints, Inspirational prints
and Plein-airs. In 1996 the Company introduced Classic prints. Portfolio
editions are a suite of two or three images based on Mr. Kinkade's most renowned
and sought after pieces. Library prints are distinctive representations of
Kinkade art reproduced on high quality canvas board with museum-style framing.
Inspirational prints feature a popular image with an inspirational message.
Plein-Air paintings are impressionistic images painted on location which capture
the energy and excitement of the locale. Classic prints are the most well
received images of Thomas Kinkade reproduced on canvas in a reduced size
designed specifically for decorating the home. All of these prints, with the
exception of Plein-Air paintings, are unlimited or open editions which allows
the Company to sell these products indefinitely. The Company expects to release
previously sold out images in open edition formats such as Classics in future
years.

MANUFACTURING AND PRODUCTION

        THE LITHOGRAPHY PRODUCTION PROCESS. The Company's production facility in
San Jose, California is utilized to produce canvas lithographs and assemble,
warehouse and ship the Company's lithograph products. The production process for
a lithograph work begins with an original painting, which is delivered to an
independent printer, who produces various lithograph proofs from the original.
The Company's artistic team together with Thomas Kinkade work with the printer
to develop a paper lithograph which most faithfully represents the original
painting. The paper lithographs are then printed and sent to the Company's
warehouse facility. Canvas lithographs are produced by transferring paper
lithographs onto canvas and are produced in varying lot sizes based on
anticipated demand. Since April 1994, the Company has developed its own
capability for the canvas transfer process and, as a result, has been able to
better control the manufacturing process, enhance the quality of its canvas
product and reduce product order lead time. The Company frames the canvas and
paper lithographs in accordance with customer orders in frames purchased from
outside manufacturers and then packages and ships the products.

        BACKLOG. The Company's backlog as of May 31, 1997 was approximately $6
million, all of which is expected to be shipped during fiscal 1998. Backlog as
of May 31, 1996 was not significant. The Company generally ships its products
within 3 months after receipt of an order and accordingly sales in any quarter
are substantially dependent on orders booked in that quarter. The Company does
not make major commitments for speculative production, but instead manufactures
product based on existing orders.

        LICENSING ACTIVITIES. The Company's products generally are produced and
sold under licenses. Its principal licenses with Thomas Kinkade are described
below.

        THOMAS KINKADE. The Company has a ten-year worldwide license agreement
with Thomas Kinkade, dated as of December 1, 1993, which grants the Company the
exclusive worldwide right to reproduce the artwork of Thomas Kinkade in the form
of two dimensional wall art. Mr. Kinkade is obligated to deliver 16 paintings
per year to the Company for reproduction. While the License does not cover the
rights to reproduce the artwork in media such as plates, calendars, greeting
cards or puzzles, it grants the Company a right of first refusal with respect to
any future licenses entered into by Mr. Kinkade, subject to the prior right of
first refusal which Mr. Kinkade granted to The Bradford Exchange, Ltd. Mr.
Kinkade retains the original artwork produced under the license and has certain
termination rights under the agreement. In addition to the license agreement,
the Company has a ten-year royalty agreement with Mr. Kinkade, dated as of
December 1, 1993, which grants to the Company the right to use the name "Thomas
Kinkade" in connection with the operation of the Company owned Thomas Kinkade
Stores and independently owned Signature Galleries(TM). Under the agreement the
Company is obligated to pay Mr. Kinkade a royalty on net sales of Company owned
stores and licensed stores. Mr. Kinkade is also employed by the Company as Art
Director and receives a royalty related to his involvement in the production of
Masters Editions and Studio Proof Editions.

COMPETITION

        The Company competes in general with other producers of fine quality
collectible, gift and art products and home decor products and, in particular,
with other producers of limited edition graphical artwork. Certain of these
companies have products of artists with greater name recognition, a wider, more
diversified range of products, greater financial resources, longer operating
histories and broader marketing and distribution capabilities than the Company.
In addition, the barriers to entry in the industry are relatively low,
increasing the likelihood and frequency of new companies entering the industry
and competing with the Company for sales.





                                       5
<PAGE>   6
        The collectible, gift and art products industry is affected by changing
consumer tastes and trends. This industry is highly competitive as well as
fragmented, with many large and small participants. The Company believes that
the principal elements of competition in the collectible, gift and art products
market are artist reputation and name recognition, quality of the artist's
images, marketing, distribution and price.

SEASONALITY

        The Company's business has experienced, and is expected to continue to
experience, significant seasonality. The Company's net revenues and net income
are highest in the September and December quarters. Management believes that the
seasonal effect is due primarily to customer buying patterns and is typical of
the fine art, gift and collectible industry.

EMPLOYEES

        As of May 31, 1997, the Company had 292 full-time and 36 part-time and
temporary employees. The Company believes that its labor relations are
satisfactory and has never experienced a work stoppage.

ITEM 2.               PROPERTIES

        The Company's manufacturing, distribution, sales and marketing and
administration are located in a leased 90,000 square foot facility in San Jose,
California. The Company's retail operations are located in 16 sites throughout
the United States with an aggregate of approximately 13,000 square feet. The
Company believes that its properties are generally suitable and adequate to
support the Company's current needs and anticipated growth.

ITEM 3.               LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

        On February 13, 1993, a former officer and director and 3% stockholder
of John Hine Limited, dismissed in February 1993, commenced litigation against
John Hine Limited in the Queens Bench Division of the High Court of Justice
seeking damages in excess of $750,000 for wrongfully, and in breach of contract,
terminating his employment. Media Arts Group, Inc., was not a party to the
proceedings. The Company is currently engaged in settlement negotiations with
the former employee. Management believes that the resolution of this litigation
will not have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results
of operations.

ITEM 4.               SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITIES HOLDERS.

        None.




                                       6
<PAGE>   7
                                                PART II

ITEM 5.       MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDERS
              MATTERS

        The Company's stock has been traded on the Nasdaq National Market since
the Company's initial public offering on August 10, 1994 under the Nasdaq symbol
ARTS. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and
low closing sales prices for the Company's Common Stock as reported by Nasdaq:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        Year Ended
                         March 31,                  High          Low
                        ----------                  ----          ---
                    <S>                           <C>           <C>
                    1995
                    Second Quarter (from          $ 8 15/16     $ 7 1/4
                     August 3, 1994)
                    Third Quarter                   8 3/8         5 1/2
                    Fourth Quarter                  7 1/8         5 1/4

                    1996
                    First Quarter                   5 5/8         5 1/2
                    Second Quarter                  6 5/8         5 1/4
                    Third Quarter                   5             2 5/8
                    Fourth Quarter                  3 1/2         2 1/2

                    1997
                    First Quarter                   3 5/16        2 5/8
                    Second Quarter                  2 7/8         1 5/16
                    Third Quarter                   3 1/4         1 5/16
                    Fourth Quarter                  5 1/8         2 7/16
</TABLE>

        As of May 31, 1997, there were approximately 177 holders of record of
the Company's Common Stock.

        The Company has never paid cash dividends on its Common Stock. The
Company currently intends to retain earnings, if any, for use in its business
and does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

        On March 31, 1996, the Company acquired certain galleries located in
Carmel and Monterey, California. Consideration for the acquisition consisted of
444,483 unregistered shares of Common Stock (See Note 2 of "Notes to Financial
Statements").

        On February 21, 1997, the Company refinanced its Senior Debt and
renegotiated the terms of its Senior Subordinated Debt. In conjunction with the
refinancing and renegotiation of that debt the Company issued 1,148,693
unregistered shares of Common Stock to the Senior Subordinated Lender in
exchange for $11,000 of cash (See Note 6 of "Notes to Financial Statements").





                                       7
<PAGE>   8
ITEM 6.               SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

                             Media Arts Group, Inc.
                           Selected Financial Data (1)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                Three Months Ended       Year Ended
                                                    Year Ended March 31,             March 31,           December 31,
                                               -----------------------------    ------------------    ------------------
  (In thousands, except per share data)          1997       1996      1995       1994       1993       1993       1992
                                               -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
<S>                                            <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>    
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA: (1)
Net Sales .................................    $47,018    $39,752    $33,485    $ 6,258    $ 2,786    $16,705    $ 7,123
Operating Income ..........................      6,791      5,547      6,397        979        719      2,780      1,333
Income From Continuing Operations
  Before Extraordinary Loss ...............      2,644      2,455      4,014        490        696      2,508      1,296
Income From Continuing Operations
  Before Extraordinary Loss Per Share .....       0.26       0.25       0.42

PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA: (2)
Income From Continuing Operations Before
  Extraordinary Loss ......................                                     $   312    $   458    $ 2,302           
Income From Continuing Operations Before
  Extraordinary Loss Per Share ............                                        0.04       0.06       0.28           

BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Total Assets ..............................    $23,061    $36,658    $31,271    $18,764               $12,871    $ 2,315
Long Term Obligations .....................      7,871     10,196      3,177      3,326                 4,284       --
</TABLE>

(1) Restated to reflect (i) discontinuance of John Hine Limited during the year
    ended March 31, 1997, and (ii) an acquisition during the year ended March
    31, 1996 which has been accounted for as a pooling of interests. See Item 7
    and Note 4 of "Notes to Financial Statements".

(2) Pro Forma Data reflects the historical statement of operations data for the
    year ended December 31, 1993 and the three months ended March 31, 1994 and
    1993 as if (i) certain subsidiaries of the Company had ceased to be treated
    as S corporations for income tax purposes on January 1, 1993 and (ii) the
    Company had paid principal stockholders distributions in the form of annual
    executive compensation aggregating no more than $720,000. On April 1, 1994
    the Company changed fiscal years.

Quarterly data for the Company for the years ended March 31, 1997 and 1996 is
presented under Item 7 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations - Seasonality" on page of this Form 10-K.


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

Overview

        The Company continued to experience strong growth in sales of Thomas
Kinkade products during the year ended March 31, 1997. This increase was due
principally to consumers' continued acceptance of images painted by Thomas
Kinkade, as well as an increase in the range of products available to consumers.
Management also reduced the number and size of limited edition releases of
Thomas Kinkade products in fiscal 1997 as part of the Company's strategy to
promote collectibility and high perceived value for its products.

        The Company has manufactured and distributed lithograph transfers from
its San Jose, California facility since August 1994. In-house production of
lithograph transfers to canvas has provided the Company with the ability to
control product quality and to manage production capacity in response to product
demand and has reduced the cost of canvas product. Additional infrastructure
investments were made by the Company in fiscal 1995 and 1996 in areas such as
computerized information systems in order to position the Company for future
growth.

        In 1993 the Company initiated the development of a nationwide series of
Thomas Kinkade Stores which carry only products based on the works of Thomas
Kinkade. The Company initially opened seven Thomas Kinkade Stores located in
strategic malls throughout the United States to maximize the exposure of the
Company's products to potential retail customers.




                                       8
<PAGE>   9
In June 1995, the Company acquired a gallery owned and operated by a founder of
the Company (the "Valley Fair Gallery"), and in March 1996 the Company acquired
six galleries in Monterey and Carmel, California (the "Monterey Galleries").

        The Company's customer base has also expanded through the new "Signature
Gallery" program, which commenced in April 1996. The program gives individual
entrepreneurs the opportunity to open a dedicated "Thomas Kinkade Signature
Gallery" in various regions of the country. The Signature Galleries are free
standing stores that are licensed to sell only Thomas Kinkade products. A total
of 21 stores were opened or converted in fiscal 1997, and the Company
anticipates that a further 24 Signature Galleries will be opened in fiscal 1998.
These new stores will not only provide additional distribution for Thomas
Kinkade products, but will also effectively increase the Thomas Kinkade brand
name awareness in new regions of the country.

        In December 1993 the Company acquired John Hine Limited, a UK company
which distributed collectible cottages sculpted by David Winter. In September
1996, the Company decided to dispose of the assets and operations of that
company due to a significant softening of the collectible cottage market. This
action also allowed the Company to focus its efforts on the success of Thomas
Kinkade.

Results of operations

        The following table sets forth the percentage of net sales represented
by certain line items on the Company's consolidated statements of operations for
the periods indicated (restated to reflect the discontinuance of John Hine
Limited):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  Year Ended March 31,
                                              ---------------------------- 
                                              1997        1996        1995
                                              ----        ----        ---- 
<S>                                            <C>         <C>         <C> 
Net sales ..............................       100%        100%        100%
Cost of sales ..........................        36          34          31
                                              ----        ----        ----
    Gross profit .......................        64          66          69
Marketing and selling expense ..........        27          25          20
General and administrative expense .....        23          27          30
                                              ----        ----        ----
Operating income .......................        14          14          19
Interest expense .......................        (5)         (4)         (2)
Foreign exchange losses ................         *           *        --
                                              ----        ----        ----
Income before income taxes .............         9          10          17
Provision for income taxes .............         3           3           5
                                              ----        ----        ----
Income from continuing operations before
  extraordinary loss ...................         6           7          12
Discontinued operations ................        (3)         (9)       --
Extraordinary loss .....................       (26)       --            (1)
                                              ----        ----        ----
Net income (loss) ......................       (23)%        (2)%        11%
                                              ====        ====        ====
</TABLE>

* - Line item represents less than 0.5% of net sales.

Net Sales

        Net sales from continuing operations were $47.0 million, $39.7 million
and $33.5 million for fiscal 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Wholesale sales
of Thomas Kinkade products experienced continued growth in fiscal 1997, with
sales increasing by $6.1 million or 24% as compared to fiscal 1996 due
principally to a 24% increase in the number of the Company's customers. Net
sales of Thomas Kinkade Stores increased to $15.5 million in fiscal 1997, an
increase of 13% as compared to fiscal 1996 due to an increase in the number of
lithographs sold as well as a small increase in product prices during fiscal
1997.

        Through June 1995 the Company utilized a sales force comprised
principally of independent sales representatives. In June 1995 the Company
effected a change to an in-house sales force. This decision was made in order to
consolidate the





                                       9
<PAGE>   10
Company's distribution channels, to increase control and focus of the Company's
sales efforts and to position the Company for future growth. The transition
adversely affected sales of the Company's products, primarily during the
subsequent quarter.

        Net sales for fiscal 1996 increased by $6.3 million, compared to $33.5
million for fiscal 1995. The increase was due principally to an increase in the
number of units sold as well as a small increase in product prices during fiscal
1996. Unit volumes increased in fiscal 1996 as a result of an increase in the
edition size of limited edition releases.

        Through June 1995 the Company utilized a sales force comprised
principally of independent sales representatives. In June 1995 the Company
effected a change to an in-house sales force. This decision was made in order to
consolidate the Company's distribution channels, to increase control and focus
of the Company's sales efforts and to position the Company for future growth.
The transition temporarily had an adverse affect on sales of the Company's
products, primarily during the September 1995 quarter.

Gross Profit

        Gross profit for fiscal 1997 was $30.3 million compared to $26.4 million
in fiscal 1996 and $23.2 million in fiscal 1995. Gross margin for those periods
was 64%, 66% and 69%, respectively. Wholesale gross margins decreased from 61%
to 59% in fiscal 1997 due to changes in product mix as well as some loss of
efficiency during the consolidation of the manufacturing and administrative
operations in San Jose, partly offset by efficiencies from increased sales
volumes. Gross margin from retail lithograph sales by Thomas Kinkade Stores was
50% in fiscal 1997 compared to 49% in fiscal 1996.

        Wholesale gross margins decreased from 67% to 61% due in fiscal 1996 due
primarily to changes in product mix and increased overhead costs resulting from
investments in the manufacturing infrastructure, partly offset by increased
sales volumes. Gross margin from retail lithograph sales by Thomas Kinkade
Stores was 49% in fiscal 1996 compared to 47% in fiscal 1995.

Marketing and Selling Expenses

        Marketing and selling expenses aggregated $12.8 million, $10.0 million
and $6.7 million in fiscal 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. As a percentage of
net sales these expenses represented 27% for fiscal 1997, 25% for fiscal 1996
and 20% for fiscal 1995. The increase in marketing and selling costs from fiscal
1995 through 1997 was due to the Company's efforts to expand sales volumes
through an increase in the number of customers as well as through new channels
of distribution. During fiscal 1997, the Company incurred additional marketing
costs of approximately $339,000 compared to fiscal 1996 as part of the expansion
of the Signature Stores program. In addition, the Company experienced
inefficiencies during the reduction of its in-house sales force subsequent to
the discontinuance of John Hine Limited in September 1996.

        Sales and marketing expenses in fiscal 1996 increased compared to the
prior year due to the expansion of the Company's sales and marketing staff,
including recruiting and training expenses associated with a change from the use
of independent sales representatives to an exclusively in-house sales force.
Sales and marketing expenses also increased in the September 1995 quarter due to
the recognition of approximately $340,000 of commission expense during the phase
out of the independent sales force in addition to the relatively fixed salary
costs of the new in-house sales force.

        While the Company believes that the change from independent
representatives to an in-house sales force should reduce selling costs as a
percentage of net sales in the long term (assuming increased sales volumes), the
level of expenditure may increase in absolute terms as well as a percentage of
net sales as the Company continues to increase its in-house sales force in order
to expand distribution and establish new distribution channels.

General and Administrative Expenses

        General and administrative expenses were $10.7 million and $10.8 million
in fiscal 1997 and fiscal 1996, respectively, and $10.1 million in fiscal 1995
These expenses represented 23%, 27% and 30% of net sales in fiscal 1997, 1996
and 1995, respectively. General and administrative costs have remained
relatively unchanged due to various cost cutting programs, such as the
consolidation of the Company's manufacturing and administrative operations in
San Jose in fiscal 1997 and reductions in headcount implemented in late
September 1995 through November 1995, offset by increases in costs due to the
Company's





                                       10
<PAGE>   11
expanding level of activity. Fiscal 1996 expenses also included approximately
$450,000 of charges related to a reduction in headcount. Management anticipates
that the headcount reduction, together with other cost-cutting measures should
limit significant future increases in general and administrative expenses in
fiscal 1998. However, even though the Company intends to pursue additional
cost-cutting and restructuring measures while continuing to support expansion of
business, there can be no assurance that such increases will not occur.

Interest expense

        Interest expense was $2.3 million for fiscal 1997, $1.4 million for
fiscal 1996 and $870,000 for fiscal 1995. The increase in interest expense in
fiscal 1997 was due to higher interest rates on the Company's long-term debt due
to covenant defaults, as well as to an increase in the amount of amortization of
debt discount. The increase in interest expense in fiscal 1996 was due to an
increase in the amount and interest rate of the Company's long-term debt which
was used in part to retire shorter term debt that had a lower rate of interest.
In February 1997 the Company replaced its Senior Debt and renegotiated the terms
of its Senior Subordinated Debt. The Company anticipates that while the cash
interest expense in fiscal 1998 will be lower than in fiscal 1997, total
interest expense will be higher due to an increase in the amortization of debt
issuance costs.

Provision for Income Taxes

        The Company's effective income tax rate was 40% in fiscal 1997, 39% in
fiscal 1996, and 27% in fiscal 1995. The fiscal 1997 and 1996 effective rates
were higher than the federal statutory rate of 34% due to state income taxes.
The lower than expected effective income tax rate for fiscal 1995 was
attributable to the recognition of a nonrecurring deferred tax benefit on April
1, 1994 of $638,000 when certain of the Company's subsidiaries ceased to be
treated as S corporations. The effective income tax rate for fiscal 1995,
excluding the deferred tax benefit, would have been 38%.

Discontinued Operations

        On September 27, 1996, the Company decided to dispose of the assets and
operations of John Hine Limited, a United Kingdom company which was acquired in
December 1993 and which manufactured and distributed collectible miniature
cottages and similar products. On November 11, 1996, a Receiver was appointed by
Natwest, John Hine Limited's lender in the United Kingdom. The Receiver ceased
operations of John Hine Limited on December 31, 1996, and a Liquidator was
appointed on February 7, 1997 to dispose of the remaining assets of John Hine
Limited. The loss on disposal of the segment of $12.2 million included a tax
benefit of $2.4 million and a write-off of intangible assets with a net book
value of $8.4 million.

        On January 10, 1994, the Company adopted a plan to dispose of the assets
and operations of Thomas Kinkade Stores which consisted of seven art galleries.
The anticipated disposal was accounted for as a discontinued operation and
accordingly the assets held for disposal and operating results of Thomas Kinkade
Stores were segregated and reported as discontinued operations. As the Company
expected to realize a net gain from the sale of the galleries all losses
incurred by Thomas Kinkade Stores subsequent to January 10, 1994, were deferred
until the anticipated sale of the galleries.

        On December 16, 1994, the Company decided to retain the assets and
operations of Thomas Kinkade Stores and accordingly the Company ceased
accounting for Thomas Kinkade Stores as a discontinued operation and deferred
losses of Thomas Kinkade Stores at March 31, 1994, of $211,000 were recognized
in fiscal 1995. Net loss of Thomas Kinkade Stores for fiscal 1995 before
recognition of previously deferred losses was $116,000.

        On September 27, 1996, the Company decided to dispose of the assets and
operations of John Hine Limited, a United Kingdom company which was acquired in
December 1993 and which manufactured and distributed collectible miniature
cottages and similar products. On November 11, 1996, a Receiver was appointed by
Natwest, John Hine Limited's lender in the United Kingdom. The Receiver ceased
operations of John Hine Limited on December 31, 1996, and a Liquidator was
appointed on February 7, 1997 to dispose of the remaining assets of John Hine
Limited. The loss on disposal of the segment of $12.2 million included a tax
benefit of $2.4 million and a write-off of intangible assets with a net book
value of $8.4 million.





                                       11
<PAGE>   12
Extraordinary Item

        In August 1994 the Company recorded a write-off of deferred debt
discount of $172,000 (net of deferred income tax benefit of $96,000) as an
extraordinary item on the repayment of John Hine Limited acquisition related
debt using proceeds from the Company's initial public offering.

Seasonality

        The Company's business has experienced, and is expected to continue to
experience, significant seasonality. The Company's net revenues are generally
highest in the December quarter, due primarily to customer buying patterns and
is typical of the fine art, gift and collectible industry. The following table
sets forth the Company's unaudited summary quarterly data for each quarter of
fiscal 1996 and 1997 (restated to reflect the discontinuance of John Hine
Limited).

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          Year Ended March 31, 1996                             Year  Ended March 31, 1997
                                 -----------------------------------------------     ----------------------------------------------
(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS           June        September    December     March         June       September    December      March
EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)         Quarter       Quarter     Quarter     Quarter       Quarter      Quarter      Quarter     Quarter
- -------------------------        --------      ---------    --------    --------     --------     --------     --------    --------
<S>                              <C>             <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>     
Net Sales ...................    $  9,109      $ 8,054       12,189     $ 10,397     $  8,718     $ 11,323     $ 15,471    $ 11,506
Gross Profit ................       5,922        5,370        8,248        6,872        5,021        7,266       10,243       7,728
Operating Income (Loss) .....         963          141        2,924        1,524         (351)       1,761        3,908       1,476
Income (Loss) From Continuing
   Operations ...............         442          (39)       1,422          631         (564)         727        1,804         677
Discontinued Operations .....        (236)        (925)        (740)      (1,226)        (791)     (12,839)        --          --
Net Income ..................         206         (964)         682         (595)      (1,355)     (12,112)       1,804         677
Income (Loss) From Continuing
  Operations Per Share ......        0.04         --           0.14         0.06        (0.06)        0.07         0.18        0.06
Net Income (Loss) Per Share .        0.02        (0.10)        0.07        (0.06)       (0.14)       (1.23)        0.18        0.06
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          Year Ended March 31, 1996                     Year  Ended March 31, 1997
                                  -----------------------------------------     ------------------------------------------
                                    June    September   December     March       June      September  December      March
  As a Percentage of Sales        Quarter    Quarter     Quarter    Quarter     Quarter     Quarter    Quarter     Quarter
  ------------------------        -------   ---------    -------    -------     -------    ---------  --------     -------
<S>                                 <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>        <C> 
Net Sales ...................       100%       100%        100%       100%        100%        100%        100%       100%
Gross Profit ................        65         67          68         66          58          64          66         67
Operating Income (Loss) .....        11          2          24         15          (4)         16          25         13
Income (Loss) From Continuing
   Operations ...............         5       --            12          6          (6)          6          12          6
Net Income (Loss) ...........         2        (12)          6         (6)        (16)       (107)         12          6
</TABLE>

        The increase in operating expenses for the September 1995 quarter was
due primarily to the change from independent sales representatives to an
in-house sales force, as well as the recognition of costs related to a
significant reduction in headcount during the quarter. The operating loss for
the June 1996 quarter was due to low gross margin due to lower sales volumes, as
well as higher general and administrative costs including one-time costs
associated with the acquisition of the Monterey Galleries.

        The Company expects the seasonal trends to continue in the foreseeable
future. In addition, the Company generally ships its products within 3 months
after receipt of an order and accordingly sales in any quarter are substantially
dependent on orders booked in that quarter. Fluctuations in operating results
may also result in volatility in the Company's earnings and the price of the
Company's Common Stock. Future revenue growth is dependent on the continued
demand for the artwork of Thomas Kinkade and the expansion of distribution
through additional dealers, such as Signature Galleries(TM).





                                       12
<PAGE>   13
Liquidity and Capital Resources

        The Company's working capital position decreased by $13.4 million during
fiscal 1997 due principally to the discontinuance of John Hine Limited.
Excluding the write-off of assets of discontinued operations and the increase in
related deferred tax assets, working capital increased by approximately $600,000
to $7.9 million at March 31, 1997. The increase was due primarily to income from
continuing operations for fiscal 1997 of $2.6 million, partly offset by the
repayment of $600,000 of long-term debt in February 1997.

        The Company's total indebtedness under bank lines of credit decreased by
$1.7 million from March 31, 1996 to $2.7 million as of March 31, 1997. The
Company has a $10.0 million line-of-credit facility, the availability of which
is dependent on the amount of eligible accounts receivable and inventory.
Borrowing capacity available under existing lines of credit as of May 31, 1997
aggregated approximately $6 million.

        Cash provided by operating activities totaled $785,000 during fiscal
1997, and related primarily to income from continuing operations of $2.6 million
plus depreciation and amortization of $1.4 million and increases in accounts
receivable reserves of $1.7 million partly offset by and increases in income
taxes refundable and deferred tax assets of $2.5 million, an increase in prepaid
expenses of $1.0 million and an increase in accounts receivable of $803,000.
Cash provided by discontinued operations related primarily to reductions in
inventory and accounts receivable as part of the disposal of John Hine Limited.
Cash from operations was used to reduce lines of credit by $1.1 million, and to
repay $700,000 of long-term debt and $675,000 of lease liabilities.

        Net cash used in continuing operations aggregated $388,000 in fiscal
1996 and related to income from continuing operations of $2.5 million offset by
increases in accounts receivable and inventory and the repayment of obligations
related to acquisitions. Accounts receivable increased by $2.7 million due to
increased sales volumes as well as a slowdown in collections. Cash used in
discontinued operations aggregated $6.5 million in fiscal 1996 due to net losses
of $3.1 million plus significant increases in inventory and deferred tax assets.

        Long-term debt increased by $5.4 million during fiscal 1996 due to the
issuance of notes with net proceeds of $7.3 million which were used in part to
repay long-term notes of approximately $1.3 million. The remainder of the
proceeds were used to repay $3.8 million of the Company's line of credit, to
repay notes payable to related parties aggregating $1.1 million and to pay
income taxes of $1.0 million. Borrowings under lines of credit increased by $5.3
million in fiscal 1996 (subsequent to the paydown of the lines using the
long-term debt proceeds) in order to finance increases in accounts receivable
and inventory.

        Net cash provided by continuing operations was $496,000 in fiscal 1995
due to income from continuing operations of $4.0 million offset by increases in
accounts receivable and inventory. Net cash used in discontinued operations
aggregated $2.1 million in fiscal 1995 and related primarily to cash used in the
acquisition of 46% of John Hine Limited in August 1994.

        In June 1995, the Company acquired the Valley Fair gallery in exchange
for cash of $31,000, an 8% promissory note in the amount of $299,000 and an 8%
convertible note in the amount of $1,200,000 due in October 2002. The
convertible note is convertible into Common Stock of the Company at a conversion
price of $7.25 per share. In March 1996, the Company acquired the Monterey
Galleries in exchange for 444,483 shares of the Company's Common Stock.

        The Company incurred capital expenditures of $719,000, $468,000 and
$927,000 for property and equipment during fiscal 1997, 1996 and 1995. The
Company anticipates that total capital expenditure in fiscal 1998 will be
approximately $2 million, and will relate to continued manufacturing and
infrastructure investments as well as to the opening of a limited number of new
retail locations.

        In December 1994, the Company paid accrued distributions of $900,000 to
S corporation stockholders.

        In August 1994 the Company completed an initial public offering of 1.4
million shares of the Company's Common Stock, from which the Company received
$8.1 million, net of underwriting and other costs of $2.4 million. The primary
use of the proceeds from the offering was to repay $2.6 million of liabilities
related to the December 1993 acquisition of a 51% interest in John Hine Limited,
to pay $2.5 million towards the acquisition of an additional 46% interest in
John Hine Limited, to




                                       13
<PAGE>   14
repay $930,000 of bridge indebtedness incurred for working capital purposes, to
pay a $1.0 million S corporation distribution to certain shareholders and to
provide $1.0 million of working capital to the Company.

        The Company's working capital requirements in the foreseeable future
will change depending on various factors. The primary variables include product
development efforts, consumer acceptance of Thomas Kinkade's artwork and of the
Company's products based upon his work, expansion of distribution channels for
the Company's products and, in particular, the successful implementation of the
Signature Galleries(TM) concept, successful third party manufacturing
relationships, and any other adjustments in its operating plan needed in
response to competition, acquisition opportunities or unexpected events.

        The Company has committed to repay $2.0 million of long-term debt in
September 1997 using the proceeds of an anticipated income tax refund of an
equal amount. In addition, the Company is negotiating the repayment terms of
$1.6 million of notes which are currently payable to a former shareholder of
John Hine Limited. The Company believes that existing borrowing capacity under
lines of credit, together with revenues from operations, will be sufficient to
meet these commitments plus satisfy minimum working capital requirements through
fiscal 1998, however the Company may seek additional capital in the future to
pursue additional business opportunities, to retire indebtedness or to provide
for other operational purposes.


ITEM 8.       FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

        The Financial Statements and supplemental data of the Company required
by this item are set forth at the pages indicated at Item 14(a).


ITEM 9.       CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
              FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

        None


PART III

ITEM 10.      DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

        The information regarding directors and executive officers required by
this Item is incorporated by reference from the definitive proxy statement for
the Company's 1997 annual meeting of stockholders to be filed with the
Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of
the fiscal year covered by this Form (the "Proxy Statement").

        Information required by this item with respect to compliance with
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is incorporated by
reference from the Proxy Statement under the caption "EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND
OTHER MATTERS".

ITEM 11.      EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

        The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from
the Proxy Statement under the Caption "EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND OTHER
MATTERS."

ITEM 12.      SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

        The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from
the Proxy Statement under the captions "INFORMATION ABOUT MEDIA ARTS GROUP,
INC.--Stock Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management."





                                       14
<PAGE>   15
ITEM 13.      CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

        The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from
the Proxy Statement under the caption "CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED
TRANSACTIONS."








                                       15
<PAGE>   16
                                     PART IV

ITEM 14.      EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)     The following documents are filed as part of this Form:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                 Page
                                                                                                 ----
<S>                                                                                               <C>
        1.     Financial Statements:

               Report of Independent Accountants ...........................................      17

               Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 1997 and 1996

               Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended March 31, 1997,
                 1996 and 1995 .............................................................      18

               Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended March 31,
                1997, 1996 and 1995 ........................................................      19

               Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended March 31, 1997,
                 1996 and 1995 .............................................................      20

        2.     Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ..................................      21

               Financial Statement Schedules:

               For the years ended March 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 ...........................      22

               Schedule

               VIII.  Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves .......................      35
</TABLE>

              All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or
                the required information is shown in the consolidated financial
                statements or notes thereto.

        3.     Exhibits: See Index to Exhibits on page . The Exhibits listed in
               the accompanying Index to Exhibits are filed or incorporated by
               reference as part of this report.

(b)     Reports on Form 8-K:

               Form 8-K dated February 21, 1997 with respect to the Financing
               Agreement dated as of February 21, 1997 by and among CIT
               Group/Business Credit, Inc., and Media Arts Group, Inc., Thomas
               Kinkade Stores, Inc. and California Coast Galleries, Inc. and
               Credit Agreement dated as of February 21, 1997 by and among
               Levine Leichtman Capital Partners, L.P., Media Arts Group, Inc.,
               MAGI Entertainment Products, Inc., California Coast Galleries,
               Inc. and MAGI Sales, Inc.






                                       16
<PAGE>   17
                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


To the Board of Directors and
  Stockholders of Media Arts Group, Inc.


        In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the
Index appearing under Item 14(a) 1. and 2. present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of Media Arts Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries
at March 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of their operations and their cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 1997 in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management; our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards which require that we plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements,
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed
above.


/s/  PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP

Price Waterhouse LLP
San Jose, California
June 6, 1997






                                       17
<PAGE>   18
                                    MEDIA ARTS GROUP, INC.
                                  CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  March 31,
                                                                       -------------------------------
                                                                           1997               1996
                                                                       ------------       ------------
<S>                                                                    <C>                <C>         
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents .....................................      $    374,000       $    382,000
  Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts and
     sales returns of $2,825,000, and $1,154,000 ................         7,394,000          8,262,000
  Receivable from related parties ...............................           114,000             99,000
  Inventories (Note 5) ..........................................         5,415,000          5,006,000
  Net assets of discontinued operations .........................           890,000         17,398,000
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets .....................         1,464,000            438,000
  Deferred income taxes (Note 9) ................................         1,581,000          1,059,000
  Income taxes refundable .......................................         2,002,000               --
                                                                       ------------       ------------
      Total current assets ......................................        19,234,000         32,644,000
Property and equipment, net (Note 5) ............................         3,562,000          3,794,000
Other assets ....................................................           265,000            220,000
                                                                       ------------       ------------
                                                                       $ 23,061,000       $ 36,658,000
                                                                       ============       ============ 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable ..............................................      $  2,065,000       $  2,801,000
  Commissions payable ...........................................           403,000            185,000
  Accrued royalties .............................................         1,213,000            345,000
  Accrued expenses ..............................................         2,964,000          3,063,000
  Borrowings under line of credit (Note 6) ......................         2,655,000          4,375,000
  Current portion of long-term debt (Note 6) ....................         2,062,000            586,000
                                                                       ------------       ------------
      Total current liabilities .................................        11,362,000         11,355,000
Long-term debt, less current portion (Note 6) ...................         4,609,000          8,410,000
Convertible notes payable to related parties (Note 2) ...........         1,200,000          1,200,000
                                                                       ------------       ------------
      Total liabilities .........................................        17,171,000         20,965,000
                                                                       ------------       ------------

Minority interest ...............................................              --              115,000
                                                                       ------------       ------------

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 6 and 7)

Stockholders' equity: (Note 8)
  Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized;
    none issued or outstanding ..................................              --                 --
  Common stock, $0.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized;
    11,025,527 and 9,867,032 shares issued and outstanding ......            69,000             58,000
  Additional paid-in capital ....................................        17,176,000         15,725,000
  Cumulative translation adjustment .............................              --              164,000
  Accumulated deficit ...........................................       (11,355,000)          (369,000)
                                                                       ------------       ------------
         Total stockholders' equity .............................         5,890,000         15,578,000
                                                                       ------------       ------------
                                                                       $ 23,061,000       $ 36,658,000
                                                                       ============       ============ 
</TABLE>



    The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements





                                       18
<PAGE>   19
                             MEDIA ARTS GROUP, INC.
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     Year Ended March 31,
                                                                      --------------------------------------------------
                                                                          1997               1996               1995
                                                                      ------------       ------------       ------------
<S>                                                                   <C>                <C>                  <C>       
Net sales ......................................................      $ 47,018,000       $ 39,752,000         33,485,000
Cost of sales ..................................................        16,760,000         13,343,000         10,330,000
                                                                      ------------       ------------       ------------
   Gross profit ................................................        30,258,000         26,409,000         23,155,000
                                                                      ------------       ------------       ------------

Operating expenses
   Marketing and selling .......................................        12,784,000         10,028,000          6,685,000
   General and administrative ..................................        10,683,000         10,834,000         10,073,000
                                                                      ------------       ------------       ------------
     Total operating expenses ..................................        23,467,000         20,862,000         16,758,000
                                                                      ------------       ------------       ------------

Operating income ...............................................         6,791,000          5,547,000          6,397,000
Interest expense ...............................................        (2,348,000)        (1,447,000)          (870,000)
Foreign exchange losses ........................................           (31,000)           (42,000)              --
                                                                      ------------       ------------       ------------
Income from continuing operations before income taxes ..........         4,412,000          4,058,000          5,527,000
Provision for income taxes .....................................         1,768,000          1,603,000          1,513,000
                                                                      ------------       ------------       ------------

Income from continuing operations before extraordinary loss ....         2,644,000          2,455,000          4,014,000
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes .........        (1,385,000)        (3,128,000)           (53,000)
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of income taxes       (12,245,000)              --                 --
Extraordinary loss, net of income taxes ........................              --                 --             (172,000)
                                                                      ------------       ------------       ------------

Net income (loss) ..............................................      $(10,986,000)      $   (673,000)      $  3,789,000
                                                                      ============       ============       ============

Income from continuing operations before extraordinary loss per
   common share ................................................      $       0.26       $       0.25       $       0.42
Discontinued operations ........................................             (1.35)             (0.32)              --
Extraordinary loss .............................................              --                 --                (0.02)
                                                                      ------------       ------------       ------------

Net income (loss) per common share .............................      $      (1.09)      $      (0.07)      $       0.40
                                                                      ============       ============       ============
Weighted average common and common
   equivalent shares outstanding ...............................        10,076,000          9,875,000          9,481,000
                                                                      ============       ============       ============
</TABLE>



    The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements





                                       19
<PAGE>   20
                             MEDIA ARTS GROUP, INC.
                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      Retained
                                                      Common Stock        Additional  Cumulative      Earnings
                                                 -----------------------    Paid-in   Translation   (Accumulated
                                                   Shares      Amount       Capital    Adjustment      Deficit)      Total
                                                 ---------- ------------ ------------ ------------  ------------  ------------
<S>                                               <C>       <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>           <C>      
Balance at March 31, 1994 ....................    7,794,647       40,000    1,058,000         --       1,464,000     2,562,000

Reclassification of retained earnings on
   conversion of certain subsidiaries from
   S corporations to C corporations ..........         --           --      2,685,000         --      (2,685,000)         --
Issuance of Common Stock for cash ............    1,437,500       14,000    8,046,000         --            --       8,060,000
Issuance of Common Stock for license .........      223,600        2,000    1,675,000         --            --       1,677,000
Issuance of Common Stock in exchange
   for retirement of debt ....................      249,626        2,000    1,668,000         --            --       1,670,000
Issuance of Common Stock on exercise
   of options ................................       13,502         --         21,000         --            --          21,000
Cumulative translation adjustment ............         --           --           --        439,000          --         439,000
Distributions to S Corporation stockholders ..         --           --           --           --        (358,000)     (358,000)
Adjustment for acquisition of a gallery from a
   related party (Note 2) ....................         --           --           --           --         173,000       173,000
Net income ...................................         --           --           --           --       3,789,000     3,789,000
                                                 ---------- ------------ ------------ ------------  ------------  ------------
Balance at March 31, 1995 ....................    9,718,875       58,000   15,153,000      439,000     2,383,000    18,033,000

Adjustment for acquisition of a gallery from a
   related party (Note 2) ....................         --           --           --           --      (1,530,000)   (1,530,000)
Issuance of warrants to noteholders ..........         --           --        570,000         --            --         570,000
Issuance of Common Stock on exercise
   of options ................................          527         --          2,000         --            --           2,000
Issuance of Common Stock on exercise
   of warrants ...............................      147,630         --           --           --            --            --
Cumulative translation adjustment ............         --           --           --       (275,000)         --        (275,000)
Distributions to S Corporation stockholders ..         --           --           --           --        (549,000)     (549,000)
Net loss .....................................         --           --           --           --        (673,000)     (673,000)
                                                 ---------- ------------ ------------ ------------  ------------  ------------
Balance at March 31, 1996 ....................    9,867,032       58,000   15,725,000      164,000      (369,000)   15,578,000

Issuance of warrants to noteholders ..........         --           --      1,424,000         --            --       1,424,000
Issuance of Common Stock to noteholders for
   cash ......................................      748,693        7,000         --           --            --           7,000
Issuance of Common Stock on exercise
   of warrants ...............................      400,000        4,000         --           --            --           4,000
Issuance of Common Stock on exercise
   of options ................................        9,802         --         27,000         --            --          27,000
Cumulative translation adjustment ............         --           --           --       (164,000)         --        (164,000)
Net loss .....................................         --           --           --           --     (10,986,000)  (10,986,000)
                                                 ---------- ------------ ------------ ------------  ------------  ------------
Balance at March 31, 1997 ....................   11,025,527 $     69,000 $ 17,176,000 $       --    $(11,355,000) $  5,890,000
                                                 ========== ============ ============ ============  ============  ============
</TABLE>




    The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements






                                       20
<PAGE>   21
                             MEDIA ARTS GROUP, INC.
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              Year Ended March 31,
                                                                  ----------------------------------------------
                                                                      1997             1996             1995
                                                                  ------------     ------------     ------------
<S>                                                               <C>              <C>              <C>         
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income (loss) ..........................................    $(10,986,000)    $   (673,000)    $  3,789,000
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
   (used in) continuing operating activities:
  Losses from discontinued operations ........................      13,630,000        3,128,000           53,000
  Depreciation ...............................................         951,000          530,000          326,000
  Amortization of intangibles ................................         459,000          126,000          292,000
  Deferred income taxes ......................................        (522,000)          82,000         (469,000)
  Extraordinary write-off of debt discount ...................            --               --            172,000
  Provision for returns and allowances .......................         827,000          391,000          248,000
  Provision for losses on accounts receivable ................         844,000         (229,000)         171,000
  Changes in assets and liabilities net of effects from
    acquisition of companies:
    Accounts receivable ......................................        (803,000)      (2,744,000)      (3,003,000)
    Receivables from related parties .........................            --            143,000         (263,000)
    Inventories ..............................................        (215,000)        (555,000)      (2,083,000)
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets ................      (1,048,000)         767,000         (692,000)
    Income taxes refundable ..................................      (2,002,000)            --               --
    Other assets .............................................        (127,000)         (63,000)         (30,000)
    Accounts payable .........................................        (487,000)        (189,000)         554,000
    Payables to related parties ..............................            --         (1,069,000)        (106,000)
    Commissions payable ......................................         216,000         (593,000)        (112,000)
    Income taxes payable .....................................            --           (695,000)         828,000
    Accrued royalties ........................................         690,000          345,000             --
    Accrued expenses .........................................        (642,000)         910,000          821,000
                                                                  ------------     ------------     ------------
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing operating activities         785,000         (388,000)         496,000
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations .......       2,398,000       (6,473,000)      (2,091,000)
                                                                  ------------     ------------     ------------
Net cash provided by (used in) operations ....................       3,183,000       (6,861,000)      (1,595,000)
                                                                  ------------     ------------     ------------

Cash flows from investing activities:
  Acquisition of property and equipment ......................        (719,000)        (468,000)        (927,000)
  Proceeds from disposals of property and equipment ..........            --            104,000             --
                                                                  ------------     ------------     ------------
Net cash used in investing activities ........................        (719,000)        (364,000)        (927,000)
                                                                  ------------     ------------     ------------

Cash flows from financing activities:
  Proceeds from (repayment of) line of credit ................      (1,135,000)       1,817,000           23,000
  Proceeds from (repayment of) notes payable .................        (700,000)       5,427,000         (968,000)
  Repayment of notes payable to related parties ..............            --            (58,000)        (450,000)
  Repayment of lease liabilities .............................        (675,000)        (602,000)        (152,000)
  Proceeds from issuance of  Common Stock, net ...............          38,000             --          8,345,000
  Payment of accrued license fees ............................            --               --         (1,323,000)
  Payments of distributions to S Corporation  stockholders ...            --           (529,000)      (2,248,000)
                                                                  ------------     ------------     ------------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities ..........      (2,472,000)       6,055,000        3,227,000
                                                                  ------------     ------------     ------------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents .........          (8,000)      (1,170,000)         705,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year ...............         382,000        1,552,000          847,000
                                                                  ------------     ------------     ------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year .....................    $    374,000     $    382,000     $  1,552,000
                                                                  ============     ============     ============

Supplemental cash flow disclosures:
  Income taxes paid ..........................................    $    128,000     $  1,597,000     $  1,037,000
  Interest paid ..............................................       1,816,000        1,151,000        1,172,000
  Noncash investing activities (Note 10)
</TABLE>



    The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements





                                       21
<PAGE>   22
                             MEDIA ARTS GROUP, INC.
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


NOTE 1 - THE COMPANY AND ITS SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

THE COMPANY

   The consolidated financial statements of Media Arts Group, Inc. (the
"Company") include the accounts of Media Arts Group, Inc. ("MAGI") (incorporated
in Delaware on April 28, 1993), its wholly owned subsidiary Thomas Kinkade
Stores, Inc. ("TK Stores") (incorporated in California on May 1, 1990) and its
majority owned subsidiary John Hine Limited (a United Kingdom corporation) from
the date of acquisition (Note 2). The Company disposed of John Hine Limited
during the year ended March 31, 1997 (Note 3). The Company markets and
distributes fine quality gift and collectible art work and other art memorabilia
primarily in the United States.

   Through March 31, 1994, the Company's business was principally operated
through Lightpost Publishing, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary which was merged
into MAGI in March 1997) and John Hine Limited and to a minor degree through TK
Stores. In order to organize the Company for future growth, on April 1, 1994,
all outstanding shares of Common Stock of Lightpost Publishing, Inc. and TK
Stores were exchanged for 6,970,250 shares of Common Stock of MAGI. The Company
accounted for this transaction in a manner similar to a pooling of interests due
to the companies being under common control. In May 1994, the Company effected a
1.054-for-1 stock split. All share and per share amounts have been adjusted to
retroactively reflect these transactions.

PRINCIPLES OF COMBINATION AND CONSOLIDATION

   All intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated.

MANAGEMENT ESTIMATES

   The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

   Revenue from product sales is recognized upon shipment. Reserves for
estimated future returns, exchanges and credits for marketing and other sales
incentives are provided upon shipment.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

   Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments purchased with a
maturity from the date of purchase of three months or less.

CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY RISKS

   Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant
concentrations of credit risk consist principally of trade accounts receivable.
The Company offers credit terms on the sale of its products to distributors and
retail dealers who operate primarily in the collectible art industry in the
United States. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers'
financial condition and, generally, requires no collateral from its customers.
The Company maintains an allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable based
upon the expected collectibility of all accounts receivable.




                                       22
<PAGE>   23
INVENTORIES

   Inventories are recorded at the lower of cost or market; cost is determined
on a first-in, first-out basis.

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

   Property and equipment is recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed on a
straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                     <C>    
     Machinery and equipment..........................  5 years
     Furniture and fixtures...........................  7 years
     Leasehold improvements...........................  7 years or life of lease
     Computer equipment...............................  5 years
     Automobiles......................................  4 or 5 years
</TABLE>

LONG-LIVED ASSETS

   On April 1, 1996, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 121. "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be
Disposed Of". This statement established accounting standards for the impairment
of long-lived assets, certain identifiable intangibles and goodwill. The
adoption of this statement has no effect on the Company's financial position or
results of operations.

INCOME TAXES

   The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability approach
which recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax
consequences of temporary differences between the book and tax basis of assets
and liabilities. A valuation allowance is established for any deferred assets
for which realization is uncertain.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

   The Company accounts for stock-based employee compensation arrangements in
accordance with provisions of APB No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees", and complies with the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 123,
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation". Under APB No. 25, compensation cost
is recognized based on the difference, if any, on the date of grant between the
fair value of the Company's stock and the amount an employee must pay to acquire
the stock.

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION

   The functional currency of John Hine Limited is the local currency.
Accordingly, all assets and liabilities for this operation are translated at the
current exchange rate at the end of each operating period and revenue and
expenses are translated at average exchange rates in effect during the period.
The gains and losses from foreign currency translation of this subsidiary's
financial statements are recorded directly into a separate component of
stockholders' equity.

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE

   Net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of shares
of Common Stock and dilutive Common Stock equivalent shares outstanding. Common
Stock equivalents include shares from the exercise of stock options and warrants
(using the treasury stock method).

PRESENTATION

   Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to fiscal 1997
presentation.






                                       23
<PAGE>   24
NOTE 2 - ACQUISITIONS:

   In December 1993, the Company acquired 51% of the outstanding stock of John
Hine Limited in exchange for consideration aggregating $7,426,000. In August
1994, the Company acquired an additional 46% of the outstanding stock of John
Hine Limited in exchange for consideration of $6,370,000. The acquisition has
been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, the
purchase price has been allocated to the assets acquired based on their
estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. Total consideration for these
acquisitions consisted of:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       <S>                                     <C>        
       Notes and convertible notes ........    $ 4,129,000
       Cash ...............................      7,468,000
       Common stock (223,600 shares) ......      1,677,000
       Expenses of the transaction ........        522,000
                                               ----------- 
       Total purchase price ...............    $13,796,000
                                               ===========
     The assets acquired consisted of:

       Current assets .....................    $ 8,999,000
       Property and equipment .............      2,775,000
       Goodwill ...........................      5,980,000
       Other assets .......................      4,566,000
       Minority interest ..................      2,245,000
                                               -----------
                                                24,565,000
                                               ===========
     The liabilities assumed consisted of:

       Current liabilities ................      5,950,000
       Long-term debt, less current portion      1,555,000
       Other liabilities ..................        770,000
       Minority interest ..................      2,494,000
                                               -----------
                                                10,769,000
                                               -----------
       Net assets acquired ................    $13,796,000
                                               ===========
</TABLE>

   On September 27, 1996, the Company decided to dispose of John Hine Limited,
and accordingly the results of John Hine Limited have been accounted for as a
discontinued operation (Note 4).

   The convertible notes outstanding at March 31, 1997 aggregate $1,555,000 and
are payable on demand. The notes bear interest at 5% above LIBOR (11.1% as of
March 31, 1997) and are payable in cash or, at the noteholder's option,
convertible into shares of Common Stock at $7.25 per share.

    Effective June 1, 1995, the Company acquired a gallery located in San Jose,
California, owned and operated by the spouse of a founder (the "Valley Fair
Gallery"). Consideration for this acquisition consisted of cash of $31,000, an
8% promissory note in the amount of $299,000 which was repaid in July 1996 and
an 8% convertible note in the amount of $1,200,000 due in October 2002. The
convertible note is convertible into Common Stock of the Company at a conversion
price of $7.25 per share (as adjusted in accordance with the terms of the
convertible note).

    The Company has accounted for this transaction in a manner similar to a
pooling of interests due to the Company and the Valley Fair Gallery being under
common control. Accordingly, the results of the Valley Fair Gallery are included
in the consolidated statement of operations commencing from April 1, 1995. The
results of the Valley Fair Gallery prior to April 1, 1995 were not significant
and have been recorded as an adjustment to the Company's consolidated retained
earnings as of March 31, 1995. The consideration paid for the acquisition in
excess of net assets acquired recorded on an historical basis of $1,530,000 has
been recorded as a reduction of retained earnings.

    Effective March 31, 1996, the Company acquired six galleries ("the Monterey
Galleries") located in Monterey and Carmel, California. Consideration for this
acquisition consisted of 444,483 shares of Common Stock of MAGI. The Company has
accounted for this transaction as a pooling of interests. Accordingly, the
Company's financial statements have been restated to include the results of the
Monterey Galleries for all periods presented.




                                       24
<PAGE>   25
    Adjustments have been made to eliminate the impact of sales by the Company
to the Valley Fair Gallery and the Monterey Galleries, as well as the related
profit in inventory. Combined and separate results of the Company and the
Monterey Galleries for the periods preceding the acquisition are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      Monterey
                                                       Company        Galleries      Adjustments        Combined
                                                    ------------     ------------    ------------     ------------
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>             <C>              <C>         
Year ended March 31, 1995
   Net sales ....................................   $ 31,872,000     $  3,398,000    $ (1,785,000)    $ 33,485,000
   Income from continuing operations before
     extraordinary items ........................      3,894,000          377,000        (257,000)       4,014,000
   Net income ...................................      3,669,000          377,000        (257,000)       3,789,000
   Distributions to S Corporation stockholders ..           --            358,000            --            358,000

Year ended March 31, 1996
   Net sales ....................................     37,095,000        4,594,000      (1,937,000)      39,752,000
   Income from continuing operations before
     extraordinary items ........................      2,165,000          345,000         (55,000)       2,455,000
   Net income (loss) ............................       (963,000)         345,000         (55,000)        (673,000)
   Distributions to S Corporation stockholders...   $       --       $    549,000    $       --       $    549,000
</TABLE>

NOTE 3 - DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

   On January 10, 1994, the Company adopted a plan to dispose of the assets and
operations of TK Stores which consisted of seven art galleries. The anticipated
disposal was accounted for as a discontinued operation and accordingly the
assets held for disposal and operating results of TK Stores were segregated and
reported as discontinued operations. As the Company expected to realize a net
gain from the sale of the galleries all losses incurred by TK Stores subsequent
to January 10, 1994, were deferred until the anticipated sale of the galleries.

   On December 16, 1994, the Company decided to retain the assets and operations
of TK Stores as the Company had not received any purchase offers that met
criteria established in the formal plan of disposal and accordingly the Company
ceased accounting for TK Stores as a discontinued operation. Deferred losses of
TK Stores at March 31, 1994, of $211,000 have been recognized in the year ended
March 31, 1995.

   On September 27, 1996, the Company decided to dispose of the assets and
operations of John Hine Limited, a United Kingdom company which was acquired in
December 1993 and which manufactures and distributes collectible miniature
cottages and similar products. On November 11, 1996, a Receiver was appointed by
Natwest, John Hine Limited's lender in the United Kingdom. The Receiver ceased
operations of John Hine Limited on December 31, 1996, and a Liquidator was
appointed on February 7, 1997 to dispose of the remaining assets of John Hine
Limited. The disposal has been accounted for as a discontinued operation and
accordingly the assets held for disposal and operating results of John Hine
Limited have been segregated and reported as discontinued operations in the
accompanying consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations. Prior
year financial statements have been restated to reflect the discontinuance of
the John Hine Limited operations. The net assets of the discontinued operations
at March 31, 1997 consist primarily of accounts receivable and inventory related
to United States operations, and at March 31, 1996 also include goodwill,
licenses and customer lists aggregating $8,389,000 together with the assets and
liabilities of the United Kingdom operation.





                                       25
<PAGE>   26
Operating results of discontinued operations are summarized as follows (in
thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  Year ended March 31,
                                                      ----------------------------------------------
                                                          1997             1996             1995
                                                      ------------     ------------     ------------
<S>                                                   <C>              <C>              <C>         
Net sales of discontinued operations .............    $  6,778,000     $ 14,249,000     $ 20,900,000
                                                      ============     ============     ============

Loss from discontinued operations before
  income taxes ...................................      (2,253,000)      (5,008,000)        (142,000)
Benefit from income tax reduction ................         868,000        1,880,000           89,000
                                                      ------------     ------------     ------------
Loss from discontinued operations ................      (1,385,000)      (3,128,000)         (53,000)
                                                      ============     ============     ============

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations before
  income taxes ...................................     (14,664,000)            --               --
Benefit from income tax reduction ................       2,419,000             --               --
                                                      ------------     ------------     ------------
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations ......    $(12,245,000)    $       --       $       --
                                                      ============     ============     ============
</TABLE>

   The income tax benefit attributable to discontinued operations differs from
the federal statutory rate due principally to state income taxes for all years
presented, and to net operating loss carryforwards not currently recognized for
the year ended March 31 1997.


NOTE 4 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:

   Certain original art works used for reproductions by the Company have been
supplied by a founder of the Company and remain the property of the founder.
Royalties paid to the founder for sales of reproductions of the founder's art
works by the Company aggregated $1,159,000, $808,000, and $320,000 for the years
ended March 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.

   The Company recognized revenues of $670,000 from the sale of prints to a
gallery owned and operated by a spouse of a founder (the "Valley Fair Gallery")
for the year ended March 31, 1995. The Company acquired the Valley Fair Gallery
in July 1995 (Note 2).

   In March 1996, the Company acquired six galleries in Monterey and Carmel,
California. The owner of those galleries became a vice president of the Company,
and retained ownership of a gallery in Catalina.

   Expenses of the acquisition of John Hine Limited include $326,000 which the
Company agreed to pay to certain minority stockholders of the Company for
services rendered in connection with that acquisition (Note 2).


NOTE 5 - DETAILS OF BALANCE SHEET COMPONENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       March 31,
                                               --------------------------
                                                  1997            1996
                                               ----------      ----------
<S>                                            <C>             <C>       
Inventories:
   Raw materials ........................      $  843,000      $  863,000
   Work in process ......................          12,000          44,000
   Finished goods .......................       4,560,000       4,099,000
                                               ----------      ----------
                                               $5,415,000      $5,006,000
                                               ==========      ==========
</TABLE>





                                       26
<PAGE>   27
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               March 31,
                                       --------------------------
                                          1997           1996
                                       ----------      ----------
<S>                                    <C>             <C>       
Property and equipment:
   Machinery and equipment ......      $  266,000      $  186,000
   Furniture and fixtures .......       1,124,000       1,101,000
   Leasehold improvements .......       1,666,000       1,402,000
   Computer hardware and software       2,722,000       2,384,000
   Automobiles ..................          93,000          79,000
                                       ----------      ----------
                                        5,871,000       5,152,000
   Less accumulated depreciation        2,309,000       1,358,000
                                       ----------      ----------
                                       $3,562,000      $3,794,000
                                       ----------      ==========
</TABLE>

   Automobiles, machinery and equipment and computer hardware and software
acquired under capital leases aggregated $1,845,000 at March 31, 1997 and 1996.
Accumulated amortization at March 31, 1997 and 1996 aggregated $579,000 and
$224,000, respectively.


NOTE 6 - DEBT:

Long-term debt:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          March 31,
                                                  --------------------------
                                                     1997            1996
                                                  ----------      ----------
<S>                                                <C>             <C>      
   Secured notes, net of unamortized debt
     discount at March 31, 1997 and 1996 of
     $2,843,000 and $1,609,000, respectively      $4,557,000      $6,391,000
   Convertible notes .......................       1,555,000       1,482,000
   Capital leases (Note 7) .................         559,000       1,123,000
                                                  ----------      ----------
                                                   6,671,000       8,996,000
   Less current portion ....................       2,062,000       2,068,000
                                                  ----------      ----------
                                                  $4,609,000      $6,928,000
                                                  ==========      ==========
</TABLE>

   On February 21, 1997, the Company entered into a two year financing agreement
with a bank for the provision of an $8,000,000 line of credit ("the Senior
Debt"). The financing agreement also provided a facility for the provision of up
to $2,000,000 in support of trade letters of credit. The total amount available
under the line, based on the Company's eligible accounts receivable and
inventory, was $6,180,000 at March 31, 1997. Borrowings under the line bear
interest at the bank's prime rate plus 1 percent (9.25 percent at March 31,
1997). Interest payments are due monthly and the principal is due in February,
1999. Outstanding borrowings under the line of credit aggregated $2,655,000 at
March 31, 1997. Borrowings under previous lines of credit aggregated $4,375,000
at March 31, 1996.

   In conjunction with the acquisition of John Hine Limited, the Company
borrowed $2,225,000 in December 1993 from investors (the "Investors") in
exchange for unsecured notes (the "Investor Notes") with an interest rate of 18
percent per annum. In consideration for accepting the Investor Notes the Company
sold to the Investors, for total consideration of $4,000, warrants to purchase
164,239 shares of the Company's Common Stock at $0.68 per share. A portion of
the proceeds of the Investor Notes attributable to the warrants was accounted
for as additional paid-in capital and debt discount in the amount of $658,000.
Debt discount was amortized over the anticipated term of the related notes (13
months) using the interest method. Amortization of the debt discount aggregated
$154,000 for the year ended March 31, 1995.

   In conjunction with the Company's initial public offering in August 1994, the
Company exchanged $1,670,000 of the Investor Notes for 249,626 shares of Common
Stock and warrants to purchase approximately 299,000 shares of Common Stock at
$7.50 per share, and exchanged the balance of the Investor Notes for cash of
$555,000. The Company also agreed to waive the exercise price of 147,630 shares
under the warrants previously issued to the Investors. The extinguishment of the
Investor Notes prior to their scheduled maturity date resulted in the
recognition of an extraordinary loss of $172,000 (net of income tax benefit of
$96,000) attributable to the write-off of unamortized debt discount and prepaid
interest.





                                       27
<PAGE>   28
   On July 25, 1995 the Company issued a $3,000,000 12.5% convertible redeemable
note (the "Convertible Note"), a $4,000,000 12.375% promissory note and a
$1,000,000 12.375% promissory note (together the "Notes") and a warrant to
purchase 400,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock at an exercise price of
$5.9375 (the "Warrant") to an investor in exchange for cash of $8,000,000 (the
"Subordinated Debt"). The Convertible Note was convertible into Common Stock of
the Company at a conversion price of $6.25 per share (as adjusted in accordance
with the terms of the Convertible Note).

   On March 12, 1996, the Company changed the interest rate on the Subordinated
Debt to 13.5 percent and changed the per share exercise price of the Warrant to
$2.00 in exchange for modification of certain financial covenants. The Company
also amended the conversion price of the Convertible Note such that $960,000 was
convertible at $2.00 per share and $810,000 was convertible at $3.00 per share
with the balance of $1,230,000 having no right of conversion.

   On February 21, 1997, in conjunction with entering into the Senior Debt
agreement, the Company changed the terms and covenants of the Subordinated Debt
and exchanged the Notes and the Warrant for a $7,400,000 13.5% promissory note
(the "New Note"), $592,500 of cash and 1,148,693 shares of Common Stock.

   The Senior Debt and the Subordinated Debt are secured by substantially all of
the assets of the Company.

   The Notes are repayable at 102 percent of their principal in the event of a
Change in Management or Control of the Company (as defined under the terms of
the Notes), including any event or transaction whereby (i) Thomas Kinkade (Art
Director) and Ken Raasch (Chairman and Chief Executive Officer) cease to
collectively beneficially own more than 35 percent of the voting power of the
Company, (ii) any person or group acquires beneficial ownership of voting power
of the Company greater than the collective beneficial ownership of Thomas
Kinkade and Ken Raasch or (iii) Ken Raasch ceases to remain in the office of
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

   Debt issuance costs related to the issuance of the Notes and the New Note
aggregated approximately $3,420,000 (including $2,005,000 attributable to the
Warrants and Common Stock issued in conjunction with the Notes and New Note) and
are being amortized over the term of the Notes using the interest method.
Interest on the New Note is due monthly, and principal payments are due from
December 1998 through September 2002.

   The aggregate maturities for long-term debt, including convertible notes due
to related parties, and capital lease obligations outstanding at March 31, 1997
are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             Year
             ----
             <S>                                              <C>         
             1998 ......................................      $  4,045,000
             1999 ......................................           552,000
             2000 ......................................         1,067,000
             2001 ......................................         2,200,000
             2002 ......................................         2,850,000
                                                              ------------
                                                                10,714,000
             Unamortized debt discount at March 31, 1997        (2,843,000)
                                                              ------------
                                                              $  7,871,000
                                                              ============
</TABLE>

   The Senior Debt and the Subordinated Debt prohibit the payment of cash
dividends and require the maintenance of various financial covenants. Without
the prior consent of the lenders, the Company is also prohibited from incurring
debt and lease commitments in excess of specified amounts or entering into
acquisitions, sales of business, merger or joint venture agreements in excess of
certain amounts.





                                       28
<PAGE>   29
NOTE 7 - COMMITMENTS:

   The Company has certain noncancellable operating leases for facilities and
equipment and noncancellable capital leases for machinery and equipment and
automobiles. Future minimum lease commitments under noncancellable leases as of
March 31, 1997 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             Year                                                 Capital        Operating
             ----                                                ----------      ----------
             <S>                                                 <C>             <C>       
             1998 .........................................      $  528,000      $1,577,000
             1999 .........................................          57,000       1,496,000
             2000 .........................................          18,000       1,236,000
             2001 .........................................            --           970,000
             2002 .........................................            --           533,000
             Thereafter ...................................            --           410,000
                                                                 ----------      ----------
             Total minimum lease payments .................         603,000      $6,222,000
                                                                                 ==========
             Less amounts representing interest ...........          44,000
                                                                 ---------- 
             Present value of future minimum lease payments         559,000
             Less amounts due within one year .............         507,000
                                                                 ---------- 
                                                                 $   52,000
                                                                 ==========
</TABLE>

   Rent expense under operating leases was $2,006,000, $1,714,000 and $2,014,000
for the years ended March 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. TK Stores
maintains leases for certain art galleries which stipulate that additional rent
will be payable if the revenues of those galleries exceed a certain amount.

   Certain officers and stockholders have entered into employment agreements
with the Company ranging from three to five years. Compensation payable under
the agreements excluding performance bonuses, aggregates $460,000 and $345,000
for the years ending March 31, 1998 and 1999, respectively. Each of the
agreements provides for the officer to receive all salary and bonus payments
that would have been payable to him under the agreement for a period of three to
five years after a change in control of the Company which provides "Good Reason"
for the officer to terminate his employment. "Good Reason" is defined in the
agreements to include the assignment to the officer of duties inconsistent with
his senior executive status, a reduction in his base salary, a relocation of the
officer or the Company's principal office and the termination of any
compensation or other employee benefit plans in which he was eligible to
participate.

   The Company has entered into various licensing agreements which stipulate
certain minimum royalty amounts. The minimum payments due for royalties
aggregate $212,000 and $369,000 for the years ending March 31, 1998 and 1999,
respectively, $60,000 for the years ending March 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, and
$155,000 thereafter.


NOTE 8 - COMMON STOCK:

   On August 10, 1994 and September 9, 1994, the Company issued an aggregate of
1,437,500 shares of Common Stock at a price of $7.25 per share in an
underwritten public offering and received proceeds of $8,060,000 (net of
underwriting and offering costs of $2,362,000). The principal purpose of the
offering was to obtain additional working capital, to repay certain
indebtedness, to purchase an additional 46% interest in John Hine Limited and to
pay an S corporation distribution to the Company's existing shareholders. In
conjunction with the offering, the Company issued 223,600 shares of Common Stock
to an artist in consideration for entering into a license agreement with John
Hine Limited (Note 2).

   In conjunction with the acquisition of John Hine Limited the Company sold to
certain noteholders (the "Investors"), at a price of $0.03 per warrant, warrants
to purchase 164,239 shares of the Company's Common Stock at $0.68 per share
(Note 6). The warrants are transferable and are exercisable through December 31,
1998, except that if the closing price of the Company's Common Stock equals or
exceeds $10.50 for a period of 20 consecutive trading days, the Company has the
right to accelerate the exercise date of the warrants to 60 days from the
exercise of that right.

   In conjunction with the initial public offering in August 1994, the Company
extinguished debt aggregating $1,670,000 by issuing to the Investors 249,626
shares of Common Stock and warrants to purchase approximately 299,000 shares of
Common Stock at $7.50 per share. The Company also agreed to pay the $0.68
exercise price of 147,630 shares of the




                                       29
<PAGE>   30
warrants previously issued to the Investors. In fiscal 1996, 147,630 shares of
the Company's Common Stock were issued upon exercise of those warrants. The
remaining warrants are exercisable through August 10, 2004.

   Effective March 31, 1996, the Company acquired six galleries in Monterey and
Carmel, California, in exchange for 444,483 shares of the Company's Common
Stock.

   On February 21, 1997, the Company issued 1,148,693 shares of Common Stock to
the holders of the Subordinated Debt (Note 6).

   In February 1994, the Company adopted the Employee Stock Option Plan (the
"Employee Plan") and the Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors (the "Directors
Plan") under which 924,863 shares and 50,000 shares, respectively, of Common
Stock are reserved for issuance to employees and outside directors.

   Options granted under the Employee Plan may be either incentive stock options
or non-qualified stock options. The exercise price of options granted under the
Employee Plan may not be less than the fair market value of the shares of the
Company's Common Stock on the date of grant. However, in the case of options
granted to an optionee who owns stock representing more than 10% of the voting
power of all classes of the Company's stock, the exercise price must not be less
than 110% of the fair market value on the date of grant and the maximum term of
such options may not exceed five years.

   Incentive stock options generally expire on the earlier of three months after
termination of employment, or ten years after date of grant. Non-qualified stock
options generally expire on the earlier of six months after termination of
employment, or ten years after date of grant.

   Under the terms of the Directors Plan the Company's two outside directors at
the date of adoption of the Directors Plan were each granted options to purchase
7,909 shares. Outside directors subsequently appointed are entitled to receive
an option to purchase 5,000 shares of Common Stock. Outside directors are
entitled to receive an option to purchase 1,500 shares of Common Stock after
each year of service as an outside director. All such options vest immediately
and generally expire three months after termination of office, or 10 years after
date of grant.

   The following table summarizes option activities:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                Options Outstanding
                                                            ---------------------------     Weighted
                                             Options                        Exercise         Average
                                            Available                         Price          Exercise
                                            for Grant        Shares         Per Share         Price
                                            ---------       -------       -------------      --------
             <S>                           <C>             <C>            <C>                <C>     
             Balance at March 31, 1994       609,045        240,955       $2.37 - $7.11      $   2.71
             Granted .................      (434,950)       434,950         3.00 - 8.13          7.05
             Exercised ...............          --          (13,502)               2.50          2.50
                                            --------        -------
             Balance at March 31, 1995       174,095        662,403         2.37 - 8.13          5.56
             Reserved ................       250,000           --                                --
             Granted .................       (37,000)        37,000         2.75 - 6.38          5.82
             Exercised ...............          --             (527)               2.37          2.37
             Expired .................        15,005        (15,005)        2.37 - 7.11          4.15
                                            --------        -------
             Balance at March 31, 1996       402,100        683,871         2.37 - 8.13          5.55
             Granted .................      (152,000)       152,000         1.31 - 4.93          3.07
             Exercised ...............          --           (9,802)        1.31 - 3.00          2.74
             Expired .................       118,878       (118,904)        2.37 - 8.13          3.29
                                            --------        -------

             Balance at March 31, 1996       368,978        707,165         1.31 - 8.13          3.19
                                            ========        =======
</TABLE>

   On August 21, 1996, the Company canceled 395,450 options with exercise prices
between $5.50 and $7.25 (a weighted average exercise price of $7.02) and
reissued those options with an exercise price of $3.00. As of March 31, 1997 and
1996, options to purchase 510,727 and 510,827 shares, respectively, of Common
Stock were fully vested.

   The following table summarizes information regarding stock options
outstanding at March 31, 1997:





                                       30
<PAGE>   31

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            Options Outstanding                    Options Exercisable
                                ------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------
                                                 Weighted
                                   Number         Average                      Number            Weighted
                Range of        Outstanding      Remaining     Weighted     Exercisable          Average
                Exercise        at March 31,    Contractual     Average     at March 31,         Exercise
                 Prices             1997        Life (years) Exercise Price    1997                Price
             -------------      -----------     ------------ -------------- ------------      --------------

             <S>                  <C>               <C>         <C>         <C>               <C>         
             $1.31 - $2.75        341,341           6.9         $ 2.35         238,677             $ 2.37
              3.00 -  4.00        287,483           6.6           3.08         204,450               3.01
              4.93 -  8.13         78,341           7.2           6.91          67,600               7.02
                                  -------                                      -------                     
                                  707,165           6.8           3.15         510,727               3.24
                                  =======                                      =======                      
</TABLE>

   The Company applies the provisions of APB No. 25 and related Interpretations
in accounting for compensation expense under the Company's option plans. Had
compensation expense under these plans been determined pursuant to SFAS No. 123,
the Company's net income and net income per share would have been as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        Year ended March 31,
                                                                 ----------------------------------
                                                                      1997                 1996
                                                                 --------------       -------------
<S>                                                              <C>                  <C>          
Income from continuing operations before extraordinary loss
   As reported ............................................      $    2,644,000       $   2,455,000
   Pro forma ..............................................           2,387,000           2,422,000

Net loss
   As reported ............................................         (10,986,000)           (673,000)
   Pro forma ..............................................         (11,243,000)           (706,000)

Income from continuing operations before extraordinary loss
  per share
   As reported ............................................                0.26                0.25
   Pro forma ..............................................                0.22                0.22

Net loss per share
   As reported ............................................               (1.09)              (0.07)
   Pro forma ..............................................               (1.03)              (0.07)
</TABLE>

   The fair value of the shares granted under the Company's option plans was
estimated using the Black-Scholes model with the following assumptions: zero
dividend yield; an expected life of four years; expected volatility of 75%; and
a risk-free interest rate of 6.0% and 6.4% for the years ended March 31, 1996
and 1997, respectively. The pro forma amounts reflect compensation expense
related to stock options granted during the years ended March 31, 1996 and 1997
only. In future years, the annual compensation expense computed in accordance
with SFAS No. 123 will increase relative to the fair value of stock options
granted in those years.





                                       31
<PAGE>   32
NOTE 9 - INCOME TAXES:

The provision for income taxes consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         Year ended March 31,
                                                           -----------------------------------------------
                                                              1997               1996              1995
                                                           -----------       -----------       -----------
<S>                                                        <C>               <C>               <C>        
Current:
     Federal ........................................      $ 1,975,000       $ 1,195,000       $   499,000
     State ..........................................          315,000           326,000         1,483,000
                                                           -----------       -----------       -----------
                                                             2,290,000         1,521,000         1,982,000
                                                           -----------       -----------       -----------

Deferred:
     Federal ........................................         (467,000)           82,000          (147,000)
     State ..........................................          (55,000)             --            (322,000)
                                                           -----------       -----------       -----------
                                                              (522,000)           82,000          (469,000)
                                                           -----------       -----------       -----------

                                                           $ 1,768,000       $ 1,603,000       $ 1,513,000
                                                           ===========       ===========       ===========
</TABLE>

   A reconciliation of income taxes computed at the federal statutory income tax
rate to income taxes reported in the statement of operations is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  Year ended March 31,
                                                               -------------------------
                                                               1997      1996       1995
                                                               ----      ----       ----
     <S>                                                        <C>       <C>        <C>
     Federal statutory income tax rate ..................       34%       34%        34%
     S corporation income not subject to
       federal income taxes .............................      --         (2)        (1)
     State income taxes .................................        3         5          6
     Recognition of deferred tax benefit on conversion of
       certain subsidiaries from S corporations to
       C corporations ...................................      --        --         (11)
     Other ..............................................        3         2         (1)
                                                               ---       ---        ---
                                                                40%       39%        27%
                                                               ===       ===        ===
</TABLE>

   Deferred income tax assets consisted of :

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      March 31,
                                                             --------------------------
                                                                1997            1996
                                                             ----------      ----------
     <S>                                                     <C>             <C>       
     Allowances for sales returns and doubtful accounts      $1,051,000      $  607,000
     Inventory reserves ...............................         235,000         261,000
     State income taxes ...............................          48,000          27,000
     Other ............................................         247,000         164,000
                                                             ----------      ----------
       Net deferred income tax assets .................      $1,581,000      $1,059,000
                                                             ==========      ==========
</TABLE>

   Net deferred tax assets aggregating $638,000 and an income tax benefit in an
equal amount were recorded in the financial statements of the Company on April
1, 1994, when Lightpost and TK Stores ceased to be treated as S corporations.
Gross deferred income tax assets at March 31, 1997 and 1996, also relate to John
Hine Limited and its U.S. subsidiary, John Hine Studios, Inc.. Goodwill arising
from the acquisition of John Hine Limited was reduced by $749,000 during the
year ended March 31, 1995 to reflect the recognition of a reduction in the
valuation allowance for deferred tax assets acquired as part of the acquisition
of John Hine Limited for which a full valuation allowance was provided at the
time of acquisition.





                                       32
<PAGE>   33
NOTE 10 - NON CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

   On February 21, 1997, the Company refinanced its Senior Debt and renegotiated
the terms of its Senior Subordinated Debt. In conjunction with the refinancing
and renegotiation of that debt the Company issued 1,148,693 shares of Common
Stock to the Senior Subordinated Lender in exchange for $11,000 of cash (Note
6).

   The Company acquired the Valley Fair Gallery effective June 1, 1996 in
exchange for cash of $31,000 and notes aggregating $1,494,000. The Company
acquired the Monterey Galleries effective March 31, 1996 in exchange for 444,483
shares of the Company's Common Stock.

   Asset acquisitions under capital leases aggregated $388,000 and $1,212,000
for the years ended March 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, and were not
significant for any other period presented.

   Consideration for the acquisition of 51% of John Hine Limited in December
1993 included notes aggregating $496,000 and accrued liabilities aggregating
$1,480,000 (Note 2). Consideration for the acquisition of 46% of John Hine
Limited in August 1994 included convertible notes aggregating $2,310,000 and
202,667 shares of Common Stock issued in conjunction with the Company's initial
public offering (Note 2). The Company issued an additional 20,933 shares of
Common Stock in conjunction with the offering to repay $157,000 of the accrued
liabilities incurred for the acquisition of the 51% interest in John Hine
Limited.

   In conjunction with the Company's initial public offering in August 1994, the
Company exchanged $1,670,000 of notes for 249,626 shares of Common Stock and
warrants to purchase approximately 299,000 shares of Common Stock at $7.50. The
extinguishment of the notes prior to their scheduled maturity date resulted in
the recognition of an extraordinary loss of $172,000 (net of income tax benefit
of $96,000) attributable to the write-off of unamortized debt discount and
prepaid interest.

   Goodwill arising from the acquisition of John Hine Limited was reduced by
$749,000 during the year ended March 31, 1995 to reflect the recognition of a
reduction in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets acquired as part of
the acquisition of John Hine Limited for which a full valuation allowance was
provided at the time of acquisition.


NOTE 11 - LITIGATION:

        On February 13, 1993, a former officer and director and 3% stockholder
of John Hine Limited, dismissed in February 1993, commenced litigation against
John Hine Limited in the Queens Bench Division of the High Court of Justice
seeking damages in excess of $750,000 for wrongfully, and in breach of contract,
terminating his employment. Media Arts Group, Inc, was not a party to the
proceedings. The Company is currently engaged in settlement negotiations with
the former employee. Management believes that the resolution of this litigation
will not have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results
of operations.






                                       33
<PAGE>   34
                                   SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.



Media Arts Group, Inc.
- ------------------------------
(Registrant)





/s/  Raymond A. Peterson
- ------------------------------
Raymond A. Peterson
Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)


Dated: June 20, 1997




                                       34
<PAGE>   35

         SCHEDULE VIII - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES


                    MEDIA ARTS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                 (In thousands)


<TABLE>
                                               BALANCE AT       CHARGED TO                       BALANCE
                                              BEGINNING OF      COSTS AND                        AT END
DESCRIPTION                                     PERIOD           EXPENSES       DEDUCTIONS      OF PERIOD
- -----------                                   ------------      -----------     ----------      ---------
<S>                                            <C>              <C>             <C>             <C>
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1995:
   Reserve for Returns and Allowances......        173             2,233          (1,985)          421
   Allowance for Doubtful Accounts.........        400               797            (626)          571

YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1996:
   Reserve for Returns and Allowances......        421             4,931          (4,540)          812
   Allowance for Doubtful Accounts.........        571               803          (1,032)          342

YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1997:
   Reserve for Returns and Allowances......        812             2,316          (1,489)        1,639
   Allowance for Doubtful Accounts.........        342             1,212            (368)        1,186

</TABLE>






                                       35
<PAGE>   36

            INDEX TO EXHIBITS FILED TOGETHER WITH THIS ANNUAL REPORT

The following exhibits are filed herewith:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT     
 NUMBER       EXHIBIT TITLE 
 -------      -------------
<S>           <C>

  3.01(1)     Registrant's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.

  3.02(1)     Registrant's Bylaws.

 10.01(1,5)   Registrant's Employees Stock Option Plan.

 10.02(1,5)   Registrant's Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors.

 10.03(1,5)   Employment Agreement entered into between the Registrant and
              Kenneth E. Raasch dated as of January 1, 1994.

 10.04(1,5)   Employment Agreement entered into between the Registrant and
              Daniel P. Byrne dated as of January 1, 1994.

 10.05(1,5)   Employment Agreement entered into between the Registrant and
              Raymond A Peterson dated as of January 1, 1994.

 10.06(1,5)   Employment Agreement entered into between the Registrant and
              Thomas Kinkade dated as of January 1, 1994.

 10.07(1,5)   Employment Agreement Letter Agreement between John Hine Limited
              and John Hine dated as of January 14, 1994.

 10.08(4,5)   Employment Agreement entered into between Rick Barnett and Media
              Arts Group, Inc. dated as of March 31, 1996.

 10.09(4,5)   Employment Agreement entered into between Craig Fleming and Media
              Arts Group, Inc. dated as of October 31, 1996.

 10.10(1,5)   License Agreement entered into by the Registrant, Kenneth E.
              Raasch and Thomas Kinkade dated December 1, 1993.

 10.11(1,5)   Form of Royalty Agreement between Thomas Kinkade Stores, Inc. and
              Thomas Kinkade dated as of December 1, 1993.

 10.12(1)     Amended and Restated Management Agreement dated as of April 1,
              1994 (the "Management Agreement").

 10.13(1)     Assignment of Certain Rights under Management Agreement entered
              into between Kenneth E. Raasch and the Registrant dated as of
              April 1, 1994.

 10.14(1)     Contribution Agreement between the Registrant and Kenneth E.
              Raasch, Thomas Kinkade, Dennis McCarthy and Robert Wallace dated
              as of April 1, 1994.

 10.15(1)     Sublease Agreement between Pillsbury, Madison & Sutro and The
              Lightpost Group dated as of June 15, 1993.

 10.16(1)     Lease Agreement between South Bay/Crip 3 and the Registrant dated
              February 17, 1994 and First Amendment to Lease dated as of April
              15, 1994.

 10.17(1)     Form of Registration Rights Agreement among the Registrant,
              Kenneth E. Raasch and Thomas Kinkade.

 10.18(2)     Securities Purchase Agreement dated July 7, 1995 and the First
              Amendment to the Securities Purchase Agreement dated March 12,
              1996, by and among Levine Leichtman Capital Partners, L.P., as
              Purchaser and Media Arts Group, Inc., Lightpost Publishing, Inc.,
              Thomas Kinkade Stores, Inc., MAGI Entertainment Products, Inc. and
              John Hine Studios, Inc., as Issuers.

 10.19(3)     Financing Agreement dated as of February 21, 1997 by and among CIT
              Group/Business Credit, Inc., and Media Arts Group, Inc., Thomas
              Kinkade Stores, Inc. and California Coast Galleries, Inc. and
              Credit Agreement dated as of February 21, 1997 by and among Levine
              Leichtman Capital Partners, L.P., Media Arts Group, Inc., MAGI
              Entertainment Products, Inc., California Coast Galleries, Inc. and
              MAGI Sales, Inc.

 11.01(4)     Computation of net income per share.
</TABLE>





                                       36
<PAGE>   37
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 <S>          <C>
 21.01(4)     Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

 23.01(4)     Consent of Independent Accountants.

 24.01(4)     Power of Attorney (See page ).

 27.01(4)     Financial Data Schedule (EDGAR version only)
</TABLE>

- -----------------------
(1)  Incorporated by reference from the Company's registration statement on Form
     S-1 (File No. 33-79744).

(2)  Incorporated by reference from the Company's Form 8-K's dated July 26, 1996
     and March 12, 1996.

(3)  Incorporated by reference from the Company's Form 8-K dated February 21,
     1997.

(4)  Filed herewith.

(5)  These exhibits are management contracts or compensatory plans or
     arrangements required to be filed pursuant to Item 14(c) of Form 10-K.

    (b) The following financial statement schedules are filed herewith:
        Schedule VIII -- Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves






                                       37

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.08

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

        This Employment Agreement (this "Agreement") is made as of March 31,
1996 and is entered into by and between MEDIA ARTS GROUP, INC., a Delaware
corporation, located at Ten Almaden Blvd., Ninth Floor, San Jose, California
95113 (the "Employer"), and RICHARD F. BARNETT, 14 Middle Canyon Way, Carmel
Valley, CA 93924 (the "Executive").

        In consideration of the mutual promises made herein, the parties,
intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

                           ARTICLE 1. EMPLOYMENT; TERM

SECTION 1.1. EMPLOYMENT. The Employer hereby employs Executive and Executive
hereby accepts employment with Employer, upon the terms and conditions set forth
in this Agreement.

SECTION 1.2. TERM. Subject to the provisions of Article 8, the initial term of
the Executive's employment under this Agreement will be for a period of three
(3) years (the "Initial Term"), beginning on April 1, 1996 and ending on March
31, 1999.

SECTION 1.3. OPTION TO RENEW. Executive is hereby given four (4) options of
three (3) years each to extend the Initial Term of this Agreement on all of the
provisions contained in this Agreement, except for Salary, following the
expiration of the Initial Term (hereinafter individually referred to as a
"Renewal Term"). Executive shall be deemed to have exercised an option for a
Renewal Term unless Executive shall have given written notice of his election
not to renew on or before the end of the Initial Term or any then existing
Renewal Period of this Agreement.

        All rights of Executive to a Renewal Period shall be void and of no
effect, the Renewal Period shall not commence and the Renewal Period and all
future Renewal Periods shall terminate and be of no effect if, during the three
(3) year period immediately preceding the commencement of the Renewal Period,
Executive has not developed the target number of independently owned art
galleries dedicated to selling only Thomas Kinkade product (the "National
Program") as set forth below and achieved through such galleries aggregate
annual wholesale sales equal to or greater than an amount equal to the total
number of galleries multiplied by $150,000; provided, however, that if
Executive's development of the National Program is hampered by unreasonable
budget and/or operations constraints of Employer, then the target number of
galleries and the aggregate annual wholesale sales shall be equitably adjusted.
The target number of new galleries developed by Executive annually shall be ten
(10) galleries in the first year of the term of this Agreement, fifteen (15)
galleries in the second year, twenty (20) galleries in the third year, and
twenty five (25) galleries in the fourth and each succeeding year of the term of
this Agreement.

If the Executive continues in the employment of Employer after the expiration of
the Initial Term or any applicable Renewal Period, then the Executive shall be
considered an "at will" employee for all purposes.

                 ARTICLE 2. DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF EXECUTIVE

SECTION 2.1. TITLE AND DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES. Executive shall serve as Vice
President of Retail Operations, Thomas Kinkade Stores, Inc. In that capacity,
Executive shall do and perform all services, acts, or things necessary or
advisable to fulfill the duties of that position, including management and
development of Employer-owned galleries, development of the National Program,
and other duties as assigned. However, Executive shall at all times be subject
to the direction of the President, and to the policies established by the Board
of Directors, of Employer.

<PAGE>   2

SECTION 2.2.  DEVOTION OF ENTIRE TIME TO EMPLOYER'S BUSINESS.

        (a) Executive shall devote his entire business time, ability, and
attention to the business of Employer during each employment term of this
Agreement, except as provided below.

        (b) During the term of this Agreement, Executive shall not, whether
directly or indirectly, render any services of a commercial, or professional
nature to any other person or organization, whether for compensation or
otherwise, without the prior written consent of Employer's President.

        (c) This Agreement shall not be interpreted to prohibit Executive from
making passive personal investments or conducting private business affairs if
those activities do not materially interfere with the services required under
this Agreement.

SECTION 2.3. COMPETITIVE ACTIVITIES. During the term of this Agreement,
Executive shall not directly engage in any business activity in the United
Stated now engaged in by Employer so long as Employer shall engage in that
activity. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement,
Executive shall retain and operate as a proprietorship (i) the art gallery
business located in Catalina, California, which is engaged in the selling of
Kinkade artwork, and (ii) the business operated under the fictitious business
name "Fine Art Framing" located in Monterey, California, which is primarily
engaged in the business of the framing of artwork, but which is also engaged in
the incidental sales of Kinkade artwork (which sales of Kinkade artwork shall
not exceed 20% of the gross sales from the business of Fine Art Framing in any
calendar year). Executive shall endeavor in good faith to divest himself of the
Catalina gallery as soon as reasonably practicable; provided, however, that
Executive shall not be required in any event to sell or otherwise transfer the
Catalina gallery for less than its then-current fair market value.

SECTION 2.4. UNIQUENESS OF EXECUTIVE'S SERVICES. Executive hereby represents and
agrees that the services to be performed under the terms of this Agreement are
of a special, unique, unusual, extraordinary, and intellectual character that
gives them a peculiar value, the loss of which cannot be reasonably or
adequately compensated by damages in an action at law. Executive therefore
expressly agrees that Employer, in addition to any other rights or remedies
which Employer may possess, shall be entitled to injunctive and other equitable
relief to prevent or remedy a breach of this contract by Executive.

SECTION 2.5. INDEMNIFICATION FOR NEGLIGENCE OR MISCONDUCT. To the extent not
covered by any applicable casualty and/or liability insurance carried by
Employer or required to be carried by Employer hereunder, Executive shall
indemnify and hold Employer harmless from all liability for loss, damage, or
injury to persons or property resulting from the culpable negligence or serious
and willful misconduct of Executive. Except as provided above, Employer shall
indemnify, defend and hold Executive harmless from and against all liability
with respect to the performance of his duties hereunder to the maximum extent
permitted by law. Employer shall maintain directors and officers liability
insurance in such amounts as are reasonably customary and which policies of
insurance shall name Executive as an insured thereunder (by definition or rider
to the policy).

SECTION 2.6.  TRADE SECRETS.

<PAGE>   3

        (a) The parties acknowledge and agree that during the term of this
Agreement and in the course of the discharge of his duties hereunder, Executive
shall have access to and become acquainted with information concerning the
operation of Employer, including without limitation, financial, personnel,
sales, planning, and other information that is owned by Employer and regularly
used in the operation of Employer's business and that this information
constitutes Employer's trade secrets; provided, however, that such information
shall only constitute trade secrets of the Employer to the extent such
information is a trade secret within applicable California trade secret law.

        (b) Executive agrees that he shall not disclose any such trade secrets,
directly or indirectly, to any other person or use them in any way, either
during any term of this agreement or at any other time thereafter, except as is
required in the course of his employment with Employer.

        (c) Executive further agrees that all files, records, documents,
equipment, and similar items relating to Employer's business, whether prepared
by Executive or others, are and shall remain exclusively the property of
Employer and that they shall be removed from the premises of Employer only with
the express prior consent of Employer's President.

SECTION 2.7. PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS. Executive agrees to submit, on a yearly
basis, at any time requested by Employer, to a physical examination by a
physician selected by Employer.

                       ARTICLE 3. OBLIGATIONS OF EMPLOYER

SECTION 3.1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION. Employer shall provide Executive with the
compensation, incentives, benefits, and business expense reimbursement specified
elsewhere in this agreement.

SECTION 3.2. OFFICE AND STAFF. Employer shall provide Executive with a private
office, stenographic help, office equipment and supplies, and other facilities
and services, suitable to Executive's position and adequate for the performance
of his duties.

                      ARTICLE 4. COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE

SECTION 4.1. SALARY. As compensation for the services to be rendered by
Executive hereunder, Employer shall pay Executive an annual salary at the rate
per month of $19,000, payable in equal semi-monthly installments of $9,500 on
the fifteenth (15th) and final days of each month during the term of this
Agreement, prorated for any partial month during the term. The annual salary
payable by Employer to Executive under the terms of this Agreement for any
Renewal Period shall be at the rate per month of $11,000, payable in equal
semi-monthly installments of $5,500. Executive shall receive such annual
increases in salary as may be determined by Employer's president in his sole
discretion.

SECTION 4.2. TAX WITHHOLDING. Employer shall have the right to deduct or
withhold from the compensation due to Executive hereunder any and all sums
required for federal income and Social Security taxes and all state or local
taxes now applicable or that may be enacted and become applicable in the future.

<PAGE>   4

                   ARTICLE 5. EXECUTIVE INCENTIVE COMPENSATION

SECTION 5.1. COMMISSION PLAN. As additional compensation (the "Incentive
Compensation") for the services to be rendered by the Executive pursuant to this
Agreement, the Employer will pay the Executive with respect to each year, or
portion thereof, during the term of this Agreement, certain amounts as follows.

        (a) Thomas Kinkade Galleries. Employer will pay Executive (1) five
percent (5%) of the amount by which the net income from all art galleries
featuring Thomas Kinkade artwork owned now and/or in the future by Employer or
any subsidiary or affiliate of Employer including, but not limited to Thomas
Kinkade Stores, Inc. ("Thomas Kinkade Galleries") in any fiscal year during the
term of this Agreement exceeds one hundred six percent (106%) of the immediately
prior fiscal years' net income, and (2) an additional five percent (5%) of the
amount by which the net income from the Thomas Kinkade Galleries in any fiscal
year of this Agreement exceeds one hundred twenty five percent (125%) of the
immediately prior fiscal year's net income (such that for all amounts by which
the net income exceeds 125% of the prior years' net income, Executive will
receive a total of ten percent (10%) of such excess). For the purposes of this
provision, the net income of the Thomas Kinkade Galleries is defined as net
income from all products sold or supplied by the Thomas Kinkade Galleries in a
fiscal year, calculated after expenses and taxes.

        (b) National Program. Employer will pay Executive (1) for the fiscal
year ending March 31, 1997, three percent (3%) of the total wholesale sales of
Employer to independently-owned galleries participating in the National Program
(collectively, "National Program Galleries" and individually, a "National
Program Gallery") in that fiscal year, (2) for the fiscal year ending March 31,
1998 and each year during the term of this Agreement thereafter, three percent
(3%) of the total wholesale sales of Employer to National Program Galleries;
provided that only the wholesale sales to National Program Galleries that have
purchased at least $150,000 of Kinkade product from Employer in that fiscal year
("Benchmark") shall be included, which Benchmark shall increase by six percent
(6%) per annum for each fiscal year after the fiscal year ending March 31, 1998,
and (3) for each year of the term of this Agreement, an additional two percent
(2%) of the amount by which the total wholesale sales of Employer to each
National Program Gallery in any year exceeds one hundred eight percent (108%) of
the immediately prior fiscal year's wholesale sales to such National Program
Gallery (such that for all amounts by which the wholesale sales to a National
Program Gallery exceed 108% of the prior year's wholesale sales, Executive will
receive a total of five percent (5%) of such excess).

        (c) The amounts due pursuant to subparagraph (a) ("TKS Commissions") and
subparagraph (b) ("National Program Commissions") shall be computed annually
within thirty (30) days of the end of Employer's fiscal year. For the purposes
of this section 5.1, the net income of Thomas Kinkade Galleries and the
wholesale sales of National Program Galleries shall be determined by the firm of
certified public accountants retained by Employer in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles consistently applied. After deducting draws
against TKS Commissions (as provided in subparagraph (d), below), the remaining
amount will be paid to Executive in four (4) equal installments payable on the
first (1st) day of each calendar quarter in the fiscal year following the year
in which the commissions were earned.

        (d) In addition to payment for commissions earned in the prior year,
Executive shall be paid a draw against future commissions each quarter as
follows:

                1.      During the fiscal year ending March 31, 1997, each
                        quarter's draw shall be $10,000 per quarter.

                2.      During the fiscal year ending March 31, 1998 and
                        thereafter, each quarter's draw shall equal ten percent
                        (10%) of previous year's total TKS Commissions actually
                        earned plus twenty percent (20%) of the previous year's
                        total National Program Commissions actually earned. For
                        example, if $200,000 in TKS Commissions and $200,000 in

<PAGE>   5
                        National Program Commissions are earned in 1997, the
                        draw for each quarter in 1998 would be $20,000 (10% of
                        TKS Commissions) plus $40,000 (20% of National Program
                        Commissions).

SECTION 5.2. CASH COMPENSATION LIMITS. Should total compensation per year be
earned in excess of $500,000.00 (including base, bonus and benefits), Employer
shall have the option of paying Executive all such excess amounts either (1) in
cash or (2) in a combination of 50% cash and 50% stock (shares of stock to be
computed with the prevailing market price on the date such excess amounts are
due, as listed in the Wall Street Journal under Media Arts Group, Inc. NASDAQ
symbol: ARTS).

SECTION 5.3. PHANTOM STOCK RIGHTS. As additional compensation, Employer agrees
to pay to Executive 2.5% of the total value of Thomas Kinkade Stores, Inc.
("TKS") upon the sale or transfer of (1) all or any portion of the TKS capital
stock (irrespective of the form of the transaction, such as through a public or
private offering, an issuer or non-issuer transaction, a merger, reorganization
or otherwise) or (2) all or substantially all of the assets of TKS, or of any
distinct division or other component of the business of TKS. The additional
compensation payable to Executive hereunder shall be paid in cash within thirty
(30) days after the receipt by Employer or TKS, as the case may be, of the
consideration from any such transaction.

                          ARTICLE 6. EXECUTIVE BENEFITS

SECTION 6.1. ANNUAL FLEXIBLE TIME OFF. Executive shall be entitled to twenty
(20) days of Flexible Time Off (FTO) each year with full pay. If Executive is
unable for any reason to take the total amount of authorized FTO time during any
year, the FTO will be accrued per Employer's policies as outlined in the
Executive Handbook. Executive will also be entitled to the paid holidays and
other paid leave set forth in the Employer's policies.

SECTION 6.2.  USE OF EMPLOYER-SUPPLIED AUTOMOBILE.

        (a) During the term of this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to
the full use of a leased automobile of his own choice at a price not to exceed
the greater of (1) $500.00 per month, or (2) a value comparable to that allowed
to those employees in similar positions. Executive may choose to take the cash
value instead, and apply to an employee-owned purchase.

        (b) Upon every termination of lease, upon return to Employer of
Employer's automobile then being used by Executive, Executive shall be entitled
to the full use of a new automobile in the same price range.

        (c) Executive agrees to pay all operating expenses of any nature
whatsoever, including gas and maintenance, with regard to the aforementioned
automobile. Employer shall procure and maintain in force an automobile liability
insurance policy on any leased automobile.

SECTION 6.3. OTHER BENEFITS. Executive will be permitted to participate in such
pension, profit sharing, bonus, life insurance, hospitalization, major medical,
and other employee benefit plans of Employer in effect from time to time, to the
extent Executive is eligible under the terms of those plans. Specifically,
without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Employer agrees to include
Executive under Employer's group medical insurance coverage and Employer's group
dental insurance coverage, or in the alternative, may reimburse Executive for
costs of his own medical and dental insurance.

                          ARTICLE 7. BUSINESS EXPENSES

<PAGE>   6

SECTION 7.1. BUSINESS EXPENSES. Employer shall promptly reimburse Executive for
all reasonable business expenses incurred by Executive in promoting the business
of Employer, including expenditures for entertainment, gifts, and travel.
Executive shall file expense reports with respect to such expenses in accordance
with Employer's policies.

                      ARTICLE 8. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

SECTION 8.1.  TERMINATION FOR CAUSE.

        (a) During the term of this Agreement, this Agreement shall be
terminated only with good cause. If this Agreement is not renewed pursuant to
Section 1.3 (Option to Renew), any continued employment thereafter shall be
considered employment "at will."

        (b) Employer reserves the right to terminate this Agreement if Executive
(1) willfully breaches or habitually neglects the duties which he is required to
perform under the terms of this Agreement, or (2) is convicted of, is indicted
for, or enters a guilty plea or plea of no contest with respect to, a felony
that is directly related to his duties and obligations to Employer and that
would prevent the effective performance of his duties. Termination based on such
acts will be considered "for cause."

        (c) Employer may at its option terminate this Agreement for the reasons
stated in this section by giving written notice of termination to Executive
without prejudice to any other remedy to which Employer may be entitled either
at law, in equity, or under this Agreement. No notice period shall be required
should a termination occur as a result of activities identified in section
8.1(b)(2). A 60-day notice period, during which time Executive shall have an
opportunity to cure any breach, shall be required should a termination occur as
a result of activities identified in section 8.1(b)(1). Employer shall have the
option, should any breach not be cured within the 60-day cure period, to
discharge Executive immediately upon such failure to cure.

        (d) The notice of termination required by this section shall specify the
ground(s) for the termination.

        (e) Termination under this section shall be considered "for cause" for
the purposes of this Agreement.

SECTION 8.2.  OTHER TERMINATION.

        (a) This Agreement shall be terminated upon the death of Executive.

        (b) Employer reserves the right to terminate this Agreement not less
than six (6) months after Executive suffers any physical or mental disability
that prevents the performance of his duties under this Agreement for such 180
consecutive day period. Such a termination shall be effected by giving 30 days'
written notice of termination to Executive.

        (c) Termination under this section shall not be considered "for cause"
for the purposes of this Agreement.

SECTION 8.3.  EFFECT OF MERGER, TRANSFER OF ASSETS, OR DISSOLUTION.

        (a) This Agreement shall not be terminated by any voluntary or
involuntary dissolution of Employer resulting from either a merger or
consolidation in which Employer is not the consolidated or surviving
corporation, or a transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of
Employer.

        (b) In the event of any such merger or consolidation or transfer of
assets, Employer's rights, benefits, and obligations hereunder may be assigned
to the surviving or resulting corporation or the transferee of Employer's
assets.

<PAGE>   7

SECTION 8.4. TERMINATION BY EXECUTIVE. Executive may terminate this Agreement by
giving Employer at least two (2) months notice in advance or tendering to
Employer a total amount aggregating two months of his annual salary. If this
Agreement is terminated by Executive, Executive shall be entitled to no further
compensation as of the date of termination.

SECTION 8.5. TERMINATION PAY. Effective upon the termination of this Agreement,
Employer shall pay Executive (or, in the event of his death, his designated
beneficiary) such compensation as is provided in this Section 8.5.

        (a) Termination by Executive or by Employer For Cause. If Executive
terminates this Agreement or if Employer terminates this Agreement for cause,
then Employer will pay Executive (1) the Executive's salary prorated through the
date of termination, and (2) that portion of the Executive's Incentive
Compensation, if any, through the date of termination calculated by comparing
the financial data (net income of Thomas Kinkade Galleries or wholesale sales to
National Program Galleries, as appropriate) for that portion of the fiscal year
elapsed as of the date of termination to the same period of time in the
immediately preceding fiscal year.

        (b) Termination by Employer Without Cause. If Employer terminates this
Agreement without cause during the first year of the Initial Term, then Employer
will pay Executive One Million Dollars ($1,000,000). If Employer terminates this
Agreement without cause at any time after the first year of the Initial Term,
then Employer will pay Executive an amount equal to three times the annual
compensation (calculated based upon an annual salary of $132,000 plus Incentive
Compensation pursuant to section 5.1 of this Agreement) earned by Executive in
the prior twelve (12) months preceding the date of termination. Employer shall
pay Executive all amounts due under this paragraph (b) upon Executive's
termination.

        (c) In addition to any other amounts payable to Executive as provided in
this Section 8.5, if this Agreement is terminated by either Employer or
Executive during the Initial Term, then Employer shall pay Executive, upon
termination, an amount equal to the number of months remaining in the Initial
Term as of the date of termination multiplied by Eight Thousand Dollars
($8,000).

                                 ARTICLE 9. GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 9.1. NOTICES. Any notices to be given by either party to the other shall
be in writing and may be transmitted either by personal delivery or by mail,
registered or certified, postage prepaid with return receipt requested. Mailed
notices shall be addressed to the parties at the addresses appearing in the
introductory paragraph of this Agreement, but each party may change that address
by written notice in accordance with this section. Notices delivered personally
shall be deemed communicated as of the date of actual receipt; mailed notices
shall be deemed communicated as of two days after the date of mailing.

SECTION 9.2. ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COSTS. If any legal action is necessary to
enforce or interpret the terms of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be
entitled to reasonable attorneys' fees and costs, in addition to any other
relief to which that party may be entitled.

<PAGE>   8

SECTION 9.3. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement supersedes any and all other
agreements, either oral or in writing, between the parties hereto with respect
to the employment of Executive by Employer, and contains all of the covenants
and agreements between the parties with respect to that employment in any manner
whatsoever. Each party to this Agreement acknowledges that no representations,
inducements, promises, or agreements, orally or otherwise, have been made by any
party, or anyone acting on behalf of any party, which are not embodied herein,
and that no other agreement, statement, or promise not contained in this
Agreement shall be valid or binding.

SECTION 9.4. MODIFICATIONS. Any modification of this Agreement will be effective
only if it is in writing signed by the party to be charged.

SECTION 9.5. EFFECT OF WAIVER. The failure of either party to insist on strict
compliance with any of the terms, covenants, or conditions of this Agreement by
the other party shall not be deemed a waiver of that term, covenant, or
condition, nor shall any waiver or relinquishment of any right or power at any
one time or times be deemed a waiver or relinquishment of that right or power
for all or any other times.

SECTION 9.6. PARTIAL INVALIDITY. If any provision in this Agreement is held by a
court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void, or unenforceable, the
remaining provisions shall nevertheless continue in full force without being
impaired or invalidated in any way.

SECTION 9.7. LAW GOVERNING AGREEMENT. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California.

SECTION 9.8. EFFECTIVE DATE OF AGREEMENT. This Agreement shall be deemed
effective as of March 31, 1996.

Media Arts Group, Inc.:                           Executive:


/s/ Kenneth Raasch                                /s/ Richard F. Barnett
- --------------------------------                  ------------------------------
Kenneth Raasch                                    Richard F. Barnett
CEO, Media Arts Group, Inc.



<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.09

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this "AGREEMENT") is made and entered into as of
OCTOBER 31, 1996 (the "EFFECTIVE DATE") by and between MEDIA ARTS GROUP, INC.
(the "COMPANY"), and CRAIG FLEMING ("EMPLOYEE").

                                    RECITALS

A. The Company desires to engage Employee to perform certain services for the
Company on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

B. The Employee desires to perform certain services for the Company on the terms
and conditions set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

                                    AGREEMENT

1.      Term of Employment:

        1.1 Term: On the term and subject to the conditions set forth in this
Agreement, the Company hereby employs Employee, for a period which shall begin
on the Effective Date and shall end on OCTOBER 31, 1997 or such earlier date of
termination as provided in this Agreement, and Employee hereby accepts such
employment. As used herein, the phrase "Employment Term" refers to the entire
period of employment by the Company hereunder.

        1.2 Extension of Term: The term set forth in Section 1.1 may be extended
by written amendment to this Agreement signed by both parties.

2.      Title and Responsibilities:

        2.1 Title: Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, Employee shall
serve the Company during the Employment Term as a Vice President of the Company
or such other position as the Company may from time to time determine.

        2.2 Responsibilities: During the Employment Term, Employee shall:

        (i) devote such of his business time, energy and skill to the affairs of
the Company as shall be necessary to perform the duties of such position and at
all times during the Employment Term shall have the powers and authority which
are necessary to enable him to discharge his duties in the office which he holds
and which are commonly incident to such office. Employee shall promptly and
faithfully observe, comply with and conform to the policies, instructions,
directions, and requests of applicable senior management and the policies, rules
and regulations of the Company; and

        (ii) serve the Company on a full-time, exclusive basis during the
Employment Term.

        The Company may from time to time change Employee's responsibilities.

3.      Salary, Benefits and Bonus Compensation:

<PAGE>   2

        During the Employment Term, as full compensation for all services to be
performed by Employee pursuant to this Agreement, the Company agrees to pay
Employee compensation and provide Employee with benefits as set forth in this
Section 3.

        3.1 Base Compensation: The Company shall pay Employee base compensation
of $150,000 per annum (the "BASE COMPENSATION") during the Employment Term. The
Base Compensation will be paid in equal installments in conformity with the
Company's normal payroll period.

        3.2    Bonus Based on Sales:

In any fiscal year during the term of this agreement in which the "Net Sales",
as hereinafter defined, of the Company, excluding sales of John Hine Limited,
company owned Thomas Kinkade Galleries, Channel Management, QVC and the first 90
days of Signature Galleries equal a minimum of 5% growth, the Employee shall
receive a bonus of 1%. In any fiscal year during the term of this agreement in
which the Net Sales equal less than a minimum growth of 5%, the Employee shall
receive a bonus less the "Applicable Percentage", as hereinafter defined. This
bonus shall be effective January 1, 1997 and shall be paid quarterly, but only
if the Employee's services hereunder have not terminated. As used herein the
term "Net Sales" shall mean actual gross sales for any fiscal year during the
term of this agreement less claims and returns to a maximum base of $50 million.
As used herein the term "Applicable Percentage" shall mean the difference
between the actual growth percentage and 5%.

        3.3 Cash Bonus: The Company shall pay Employee a cash bonus of $10,000
upon execution of this employment agreement and an additional $10,000 at which
time Employee relocates to Bay Area.

        3.4 Artwork Bonus: Employee shall receive from the Company an artwork
bonus of $10,000 at wholesale cost in which to purchase any of the Company's
products.

        3.5 Additional Benefits: In addition to his Base Compensation and
Bonuses Employee shall receive:

        (i) Medical, dental and vision insurance coverage for Employee and his
dependents under the Company's group medical insurance plan, at a cost as set
forth in the plan; and

        (ii) Life insurance coverage under the Company's life insurance coverage
plan, at a cost as set forth in plan; and

        (iii) Vacation, sick time and personal time off under the Company's
Flexible Time Off (FTO) plan at an accrual of 13.33 hours per full month of
service; and

        (iv) Eligible to participate in the Employee Stock Option Plan and
subject to the Media Arts Group Compensation Committees' approval will be
granted options to purchase 25,000 shares at fair market value at time of grant;
and

        (v) $2,000 per month for a period of eight (8) months or until Employee
relocates to Bay Area whichever occurs first; and

        (vi) $500 per month auto allowance per full month of service; and

        (vii) such additional benefits as the Company may from time to time in
its sole discretion determine.

4.      Termination of Employment:

        4.1 Death, Disability, Termination for Justifiable Cause: Employee's
employment pursuant to this Agreement may be terminated at any time upon thirty
(30) days written notice of the Company upon the occurrence of any of the
following events;

<PAGE>   3

        (i) Death of employee;

        (ii) Disability of Employee (as defined below). For purposes of this
Agreement, the term "Disability" shall mean physical or mental incapacity, to
perform his duties in a normal manner for a total of three (3) months (whether
or not consecutive) in any twelve (12) month period during the term of this
Agreement; or

        (iii) Justifiable Cause (as define below) for such termination. For
purposes of this Agreement, the term "Justifiable Cause" shall mean any of the
following:

               (a) If Employee shall fail to perform any of his material
obligations under this Agreement, which failure continues after the Company
gives Employee written notice of such failure and an opportunity for thirty (30)
days to remedy such failure;

               (b) If Employee shall have been dishonest, or shall have engaged
in willful misconduct in any material matter affecting the Company or;

               (c) If Employee shall be convicted of, or shall plead guilty or
nolo contendere to, a felony where such crime materially interferes with
Employee's ability to fulfill his duties under this Agreement or is otherwise
materially injurious to the Company.

        4.2 Corporate Reorganization: Employee's employment pursuant to this
Agreement may be terminated at any time upon (90) days written notice of the
Company in the event that the Company is taken over by or merges with another
corporate entity, or in any manner experiences a change in management control.


        4.3 Effect of Termination: Upon any termination of this Agreement by the
Company pursuant to Section 4.1 or 4.2, the Company shall pay Employee at the
end of applicable notice period the accrued and unpaid amount of the Base
Compensation and Additional Benefits payable pursuant to Section 3.1 and 3.3,
prorated through the date of such termination, and the Company shall have no
further liability to Employee or his estate pursuant to this Agreement,
including without limitation, severance compensation.

5. Right to Company Materials: Employee agrees that all styles, designs, lists,
materials, books, files, reports, correspondence, and other documents ("COMPANY
MATERIALS") used, prepared, or made available to the Employee, shall be and
shall remain the property of the Company. Upon termination of employment of the
expiration of this Agreement, all Company Materials shall be returned
immediately to the Company; provided, however, that Employee shall be entitled
to make and retain any copies thereof with respect to matters involving
Employee.

6. Antisolicitation: Employee promises and agrees that while this Agreement
continues in effect, he will not influence or attempt to influence customers or
suppliers of the Company or of any of its present or future affiliates, either
directly or indirectly, to divert their business to any individual, partnership,
firm, corporation, or other entity then in competition with the business of the
Company, or any affiliates of the Company.

7. Soliciting Employees: Employee promises and agrees that which this Agreement
continues in effect, he will not directly or indirectly solicit any of the
employees of the Company or its affiliates to work for or invest in, as the case
may be, any business, individual, partnership, firm, corporation, Company or any
of its affiliates.

8. Restriction on Use or Disclosure of Trade Secrets: It is expressly understood
that Employee may be dealing with trade secrets of the Company and its
affiliates, including but not limited to information, system(s), inventions and
processes, all of a confidential nature, that concern the operations of the
Company or its affiliates and that are the Company's property and are used in
the course of the Company's business or that of its affiliates. Employee
promises and agrees that he will not disclose to anyone, directly or indirectly,
either while this Agreement is in effect or at any time in the course of his
employment with the Company or its affiliated. Employee

<PAGE>   4

acknowledges that the Company may use all remedies. including injunctive relief,
in order to enforce the provisions of this paragraph 8.

9. Choice of Law and Jurisdiction: The validity, interpretation and effect of
this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California
applicable to agreements to be performed wholly within California by California
residents.

10. Reorganization: This Agreement shall not be terminated by reason of any
merger or consolidation or reorganization of the Company. In the event any such
merger, consolidation or reorganization shall be accomplished by transfer of
assets or otherwise, the provisions of this Agreement shall binding upon and
shall insure to the benefit of the surviving or resulting corporation or person.
Subject to the succeeding sentence, this Agreement shall insure to the benefit
of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and
assigns.

11. Counterparts: This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which
shall be an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the
same instrument.

12. Notices: Any notices, requests, demands and other communications under this
Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered to the person or sent
commercial courier service or postage prepaid, and addressed as follows:

The Company:          MEDIA ARTS GROUP, INC.
                      Attention: Sue Edstrom
                      521 CHARCOT  AVE.
                      SAN JOSE, CA 95131

To Employee:          CRAIG FLEMING

Any party may from time to time change its address for the purposes of notices
to that party by a similar notice specifying a new address, but no such change
shall be deemed to have been given until actually received by the party sought
to be charged with its contents. All notices and other communications required
or permitted under this Agreement which are addressed as provided in this
Section 12 if delivered personally, shall be effective upon delivery and if
delivered by mail or by commercial courier service, shall be effective five (5)
days after deposit in the United States mail, postage prepaid, registered or
certified, return receipt requested or upon receipt by such party from the
commercial courier service, as the case may be.

13. Representations of Employee: Employee represents and warrants that he is now
(and will continue to be during the entire term of this Agreement) legally free
to enter into this Agreement and to perform the duties required hereunder and
that neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the performance of
his obligations hereunder will result in any breach or violation of any other
agreement or instrument to which he is a party.

14. Entire Agreement Amendments: This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement
and understanding of the parties with respect to the matters dealt with herein
(including the compensation and employment benefits to which Employee is
entitled for periods from and after the Effective Date), and supersedes all
negotiations, representations or agreements and supersedes all negotiations,
representations or agreement and all other oral, written and other communication
between them concerning the subject matter hereof, and all prior arrangements
with the Company concerning employment compensation and benefits for periods
from and after the Effective Date. This Agreement may be amended in whole or in
part only by an agreement in writing signed by all parties hereto.


<PAGE>   5

15. Waiver: The waiver by one party of a breach of any of the terms or
conditions of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a continuing
waiver or as a consent to or waiver of any other subsequent breach thereof.

16. Fees: Should an action be instructed by either of the parties hereto in any
court law or equity pertaining to the enforcement or interpretation of this
Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover, in addition to any
judgment or decree rendered therein, all court costs and reasonable attorneys'
and experts' fees and expenses.

17. Further Assurances: From and after the date of this Agreement, the parties
hereto shall cooperate in good faith to accomplish the objectives of this
Agreement and to that end agree to execute and/or deliver from time to time such
further instruments and documents as may be necessary and convenient to the
fulfillment of these purposes.

18. Captions: The Section captions inserted in this Agreement are for
convenience of reference and are not intended to influence the interpretation of
this Agreement.

19. Severability: Should any part or portion of this Agreement or any provision
thereof be held invalid, illegal or void, the remained of such part or portion
of this Agreement of provision thereof shall continue in full force and effect
as it the void, illegal or invalid part, portion, or provision had been deleted
therefrom or never included herein. In the event that declared invalid, the
parties hereto agree to use their best efforts to reform this Agreement in a
manner consistent with their original intentions.

20. Gender: The use of the masculine pronoun hereunder shall not be restrictive
as to gender and shall be interpreted in as cases as the context may require.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the
Effective Date.


                                      MEDIA ARTS GROUP, INC.

                                      By:    /s/ Kenneth E. Raasch
                                             -----------------------------------
                                      Name:  Kenneth E. Raasch
                                             -----------------------------------
                                      Title: CEO
                                             -----------------------------------


                                                                       EMPLOYEE:
                                             /s/ Craig Fleming
                                             -----------------------------------
                                                                   CRAIG FLEMING


<PAGE>   6

                                   TERM SHEET
                                     FOR THE
                             EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT OF
                                  CRAIG FLEMING

BASE COMPENSATION:  $150,000

BONUS:              1% of NET SALES growth adjusted annually to a maximum base
                    of $50M.

            Base forecast for fiscal year 1997 is $28M with minimum growth of
            $7M;

            Base for year two is actual year 1 net sales with additional minimum
            growth of $10M;

            Base for year three is actual year 2 net sales with additional
            minimum growth of $10M;

            Base for year four is actual year 3 net sales with maximum base of
            $50M with additional minimum growth of $10M;

            Base for year five is actual year 4 net sales with maximum base of
            $50M with additional minimum growth of $10M;

            BONUS EXCLUDES SALES OF John Hine Limited, Signature Gallery sales
for the first 90 days, Company Thomas Kinkade Stores sales, and Channel
Management Sales (including QVC)

CASH BONUS:            $20,000 - $10,000 paid upon execution of this employment
                       agreement $10,000 paid upon family relocation to Bay Area

ARTWORK BONUS:         $10,000 of artwork at wholesale cost

STOCK OPTION BONUS:    $25,000 options with a three year vesting period

RELOCATION BONUS:      $2,500 per month for a period of eight months or until
                       family relocates to Bay Area whichever occurs first.

AUTO ALLOWANCE:        $500 per month auto allowance

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:     Standard package of employee benefits


<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 11.01

                             MEDIA ARTS GROUP, INC.

                       COMPUTATION OF NET INCOME PER SHARE
                   (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)(1)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         Year Ended March 31,
                                                 ---------------------------------------
                                                    1997          1996          1995
                                                 -----------   -----------   -----------
<S>                                              <C>           <C>           <C>        
Income (loss) from continuing operations ...     $     2,644   $     2,455   $     4,014
Discontinued operations ....................         (13,630)       (3,128)          (53)
Extraordinary loss .........................              --            --          (172)
                                                 -----------   -----------   -----------

Net income .................................     $   (10,986)  $      (673)  $     3,789
                                                 ===========   ===========   ===========

Weighted average common shares outstanding .           9,991         9,756         9,133
Common shares issuable on exercise of
 options and warrants (2) ..................              85           119           302
Common shares required to be issued to pay
  stockholder distributions (3) ............              --            --            46
                                                 -----------   -----------   -----------
Weighted average common and common
  equivalent shares outstanding ............          10,076         9,875         9,481
                                                 ===========   ===========   ===========

Income from continuing operations
  before extraordinary loss per common share     $      0.26   $      0.25   $      0.42
Discontinued operations ....................           (1.35)        (0.32)           --
Extraordinary loss .........................              --            --         (0.02)
                                                 -----------   -----------   -----------

Net income (loss) per share ................     $     (1.09)  $     (0.07)  $      0.40
                                                 ===========   ===========   ===========
</TABLE>

(1)     This Exhibit should be read with Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated
        Financial Statements.

(2)     The computation of common and dilutive common equivalent shares utilizes
        the treasury stock method. The initial public offering price of $7.25
        per share was used prior to August 10, 1994, the effective date of the
        initial public offering.

(3)     Represents number of shares required to be issued to pay the stockholder
        distributions of $1,000,000 using the proceeds of the Company's initial
        public offering price of $7.25 per share as if those shares were
        outstanding from January 1, 1993 through August 31, 1994.



<PAGE>   1

                                                                   EXHIBIT 21.01

                             MEDIA ARTS GROUP, INC.

                              LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           Jurisdiction of            Ownership
     Name of subsidiary                     Incorporation             percentage
     ------------------                     -------------             ----------
<S>                                        <C>                        <C> 
Thomas Kinkade Stores, Inc.                USA (California)               100%
MAGI Entertainment Products, Inc.          USA (California)               100%
MAGI Sales, Inc.                           USA (California)               100%
California Coast Galleries, Inc.           USA (California)               100%
</TABLE>

California Coast Galleries, Inc. was merged into Media Arts Group, Inc. in 
April 1997.



<PAGE>   1

                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.01

                             MEDIA ARTS GROUP, INC.

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement on Forms S-8 (No.333-154 and No.33-87090) of Media Arts Group, Inc.
of our report dated June 6, 1997, which appears on page of this Form 10-K.

/s/ PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP


Price Waterhouse LLP
San Jose, California
June 6, 1997



<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          MAR-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1997
<CASH>                                             374
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   10,219
<ALLOWANCES>                                     2,825
<INVENTORY>                                      5,415
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                19,234
<PP&E>                                           5,871
<DEPRECIATION>                                   2,309
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  23,061
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           11,362
<BONDS>                                              0
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                            69
<OTHER-SE>                                       5,821
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    23,061
<SALES>                                         47,018
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                47,018
<CGS>                                           16,760
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   23,467
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 1,212
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               2,348
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  4,412
<INCOME-TAX>                                     1,768
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              2,644
<DISCONTINUED>                                (13,630)
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                  (10,986)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   (1.09)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (1.09)
        

</TABLE>


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