UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934



For the ~~Quarter~~Quarterly Period Ended ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018~~2019		Commission File Number
		001-12629

NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Delaware		36-4128138
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

200 Vesey Street, 25th Floor, New York, NY 10281

(Address including zip code of principal executive offices)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (212) 417-8000

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 ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (check one).



	Large Accelerated Filer ☐		Accelerated Filer ☐

	Non-Accelerated Filer ☒		Smaller Reporting Company ☐

			Emerging Growth Company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES☐NO☒

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



Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.02 par value per share	NHLD	The Nasdaq Capital Market

As of ~~January 31,~~April 30, 2019 there were ~~12,610,545~~12,899,866 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.

NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED ~~DECEMBER~~MARCH 31, ~~2018~~2019

INDEX



PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

	Item 1 – Condensed Financial Statements

		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018~~2019 (unaudited) and September 30, 2018	4

		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018~~2019 and ~~2017~~2018 (unaudited)	5

		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the ~~three~~six months ended ~~December~~March 31, 2019 and 2018 (unaudited)	6

		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the ~~three~~six months ended ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018~~2019 and ~~2017~~2018 (unaudited)	7

		Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	9

	Item 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		2728

	Item 3 – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		3336

	Item 4 – Controls and Procedures		3437

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

	Item 1 – Legal Proceedings		3538

	Item 1A – Risk Factors		3538

	Item 2 – Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		3538

	Item 3 – Defaults Upon Senior Securities		3538

	Item 4 – Mine Safety Disclosures		3538

	Item 5 – Other Information		3538

	Item 6 – Exhibits		3639

	Signatures		3740

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The following information provides cautionary statements under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We identify important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements we make in this report or in other documents that reference this report. All statements that express or involve discussions as to: expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, identified through the use of words or phrases such as we or our management believes, expects, anticipates or hopes and words or phrases such as will result, are expected to, will continue, is anticipated, estimated, projection and outlook, and words of similar import) are not statements of historical facts and may be forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are based largely on our expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, economic, competitive, regulatory, growth strategies, available financing and other factors discussed elsewhere in this report and in the documents filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Many of these factors are beyond our control. Actual results could differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make in this report or in other documents that reference this report. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the results anticipated in the forward-looking information contained in this report or other documents that reference this report will, in fact, occur.

These forward-looking statements involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties, and, accordingly, actual results could differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. These uncertainties include, among others, the following: (i) general economic conditions; (ii) our ability to obtain future financing or funds when needed; (iii) our ability to maintain sufficient regulatory net capital; (iv) the ability of our broker-dealer operations to operate profitably in the face of intense competition from larger full service and discount brokers; (v) a general decrease in merger and acquisition activities and our potential inability to receive success fees as a result of transactions not being completed; (vi) increased competition from business development portals; (vii) technological changes; (viii) our potential inability to implement our growth strategy through acquisitions or joint ventures; (ix) acquisitions, business combinations, strategic partnerships, divestures, and other significant transactions may involve additional uncertainties; (x) our continued ability to maintain and execute our business strategy; and (xi) our potential inability to secure additional debt or equity financing.

Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. New factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for our management to predict all of such factors, nor can our management assess the impact of each such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement.

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM I. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION


	December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)			September 30, 2018			March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)			September 30, 2018
ASSETS
Cash	$	30,813,000		$	27,920,000		$	25,881,000		$	27,920,000
Restricted cash	1,354,000			1,353,000			1,158,000			1,353,000
Cash deposits with clearing organizations	336,000			336,000			336,000			336,000
Securities owned, at fair value	7,208,000			7,786,000			7,606,000			7,786,000
Receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations	2,751,000			3,967,000			3,451,000			3,967,000
Forgivable loans receivable	1,531,000			1,567,000			1,444,000			1,567,000
Other receivables, net	5,595,000			4,265,000			5,140,000			4,265,000
Prepaid expenses	4,501,000			4,065,000			5,346,000			4,065,000
Fixed assets, net	2,652,000			2,671,000			3,330,000			2,671,000
Intangible assets, net	4,502,000			4,730,000			6,028,000			4,730,000
Goodwill	5,153,000			5,153,000			5,153,000			5,153,000
Deferred tax asset, net	4,105,000			4,192,000			4,294,000			4,192,000
Other assets, principally refundable deposits	767,000			444,000			735,000			444,000
Total Assets	$	71,268,000		$	68,449,000		$	69,902,000		$	68,449,000

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Liabilities
Accrued commissions and payroll payable	$	13,040,000		$	12,862,000		$	9,614,000		$	12,862,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	8,107,000			8,019,000			11,537,000			8,019,000
Deferred clearing and marketing credits	524,000			576,000			472,000			576,000
Other	620,000			57,000			738,000			57,000
Total Liabilities	22,291,000			21,514,000			22,361,000			21,514,000

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 13)

Stockholders’ Equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; none outstanding	—			—			—			—
Common stock $0.02 par value, authorized 75,000,000 shares at December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2018; 12,610,545 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2018 and 12,541,890 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2018	252,000			250,000
Common stock $0.02 par value, authorized 75,000,000 shares at March 31, 2019 and September 30, 2018; 12,899,866 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2019 and 12,541,890 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2018							258,000			250,000
Additional paid-in-capital	87,729,000			86,510,000			89,072,000			86,510,000
Accumulated deficit	(39,004,000		)	(39,825,000		)	(41,789,000		)	(39,825,000		)
Total Stockholders’ Equity	48,977,000			46,935,000			47,541,000			46,935,000

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	71,268,000		$	68,449,000		$	69,902,000		$	68,449,000

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)


	Three Month Period Ended December 31,						Three Month Period Ended March 31,						Six Month Period Ended March 31,
	2018			2017			2019			2018			2019			2018
Revenues
Commissions	$	21,012,000		$	25,618,000		$	22,801,000		$	31,407,000		$	43,812,000		$	57,025,000
Net dealer inventory (losses) gains	(503,000		)	905,000			1,269,000			2,761,000			766,000			3,666,000
Investment banking	27,071,000			14,547,000			9,797,000			14,532,000			36,868,000			29,079,000
Investment advisory	5,858,000			5,333,000			5,514,000			5,197,000			11,372,000			10,529,000
Interest and dividends	1,584,000			631,000			1,412,000			601,000			2,996,000			1,232,000
Transaction fees and clearing services	2,149,000			2,297,000			1,588,000			1,777,000			3,737,000			4,074,000
Tax preparation and accounting	774,000			523,000			4,122,000			3,868,000			4,897,000			4,391,000
Other	162,000			226,000			197,000			203,000			359,000			429,000
Total Revenues	58,107,000			50,080,000			46,700,000			60,346,000			104,807,000			110,425,000

Operating Expenses
Commissions, compensation and fees	49,410,000			43,561,000			40,633,000			49,345,000			90,043,000			92,906,000
Clearing fees	759,000			743,000			530,000			578,000			1,289,000			1,321,000
Communications	822,000			760,000			697,000			813,000			1,519,000			1,572,000
Occupancy	925,000			955,000			980,000			1,141,000			1,906,000			2,096,000
License and registration	579,000			637,000			747,000			530,000			1,326,000			1,167,000
Professional fees	1,985,000			1,393,000			1,733,000			578,000			3,717,000			1,970,000
Interest	8,000			2,000			10,000			2,000			18,000			5,000
Depreciation and amortization	398,000			379,000			461,000			379,000			858,000			758,000
Other administrative expenses	1,904,000			1,826,000			4,808,000			2,287,000			6,713,000			4,113,000
Total Operating Expenses	56,790,000			50,256,000			50,599,000			55,653,000			107,389,000			105,908,000
Income (Loss) before Other Income (Expense) and Income Taxes	1,317,000			(176,000		)	(3,899,000		)	4,693,000			(2,582,000		)	4,517,000

Other Income (Expense)
Change in fair value of warrant liability	—			(5,597,000		)	—			(5,597,000		)	—			(11,194,000		)
Other income	6,000			6,000			6,000			230,000			12,000			236,000
Total Other Income (Expense)	6,000			(5,591,000		)	6,000			(5,367,000		)	12,000			(10,958,000		)
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes	1,323,000			(5,767,000		)	(3,893,000		)	(674,000		)	(2,570,000		)	(6,441,000		)

Income tax expense	367,000			2,273,000			(1,108,000		)	1,578,000			(741,000		)	3,851,000
Net Income (Loss)	$	956,000		$	(8,040,000	)	$	(2,785,000	)	$	(2,252,000	)	$	(1,829,000	)	$	(10,292,000	)

Net income (loss) per share - Basic	$	0.08		$	(0.65	)	$	(0.22	)	$	(0.18	)	$	(0.14	)	$	(0.83	)
Net income (loss) per share - Diluted	$	0.08		$	(0.65	)	$	(0.22	)	$	(0.18	)	$	(0.14	)	$	(0.83	)

Weighted average number of shares outstanding - Basic	12,545,286			12,437,916			12,714,002			12,457,043			12,628,606			12,447,321
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - Diluted	12,716,195			12,437,916			12,714,002			12,457,043			12,628,606			12,447,321

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited)

FOR THE ~~THREE~~SIX MONTHS ENDED ~~DECEMBER~~MARCH 31, 2019 AND 2018


	Common Stock			Additional Paid-in- Capital				Accumulated Deficit				Total Stockholders’ Equity			Common Stock					Additional Paid-in- Capital				Accumulated Deficit				Non-Controlling Interest			Total Stockholders’ Equity
	Shares	$					Shares					Total Stockholders’ Equity			$					Additional Paid-in- Capital				Accumulated Deficit				Non-Controlling Interest			Total Stockholders’ Equity
Balance, September 30, 2018	12,541,890	$	250,000	Additional Paid-in- Capital		$	86,510,000	Accumulated Deficit			$	(39,825,000	)		$	46,935,000	12,541,890		$	250,000			$	86,510,000			$	(39,825,000	)	$	—			$	46,935,000

Cumulative effect of adoption of ASC 606 (Note 21)	—	—		—				(135,000		)		(135,000		)	—		—			—				(135,000		)		—			(135,000		)

Balance, October 1, 2018	12,541,890	250,000		86,510,000				(39,960,000		)		46,800,000			12,541,890		250,000			86,510,000				(39,960,000		)		—			46,800,000

Stock-based compensation for restricted stock units				1,322,000								1,322,000			—		—			1,322,000				—				—			1,322,000

Issuance of shares of common stock with respect to vested restricted stock units, net of 31,762 shares valued at $101,000 tendered for tax withholding	68,655	2,000		(103,000		)						(101,000		)	68,655		2,000			(103,000		)		—				—			(101,000		)

Net income								956,000				956,000			—		—			—				956,000				—			956,000

Balance, December 31, 2018	12,610,545	$	252,000	$	87,729,000			$	(39,004,000	)		$	48,977,000		12,610,545		252,000			87,729,000				(39,004,000		)		$	—		48,977,000
Issuance of shares of common stock for warrant exercises															38		—			—				—				—			—
Stock-based compensation for restricted stock units															—		—			1,480,000				—				—			1,480,000
Issuance of shares of common stock with respect to vested restricted stock units, net of 45,228 shares valued at $131,000 tendered for tax withholding															289,283		6,000			(137,000		)		—				—			(131,000		)
Net loss															—		—			—				(2,785,000		)		—			(2,785,000		)
Balance, March 31, 2019															12,899,866		$	258,000		$	89,072,000			$	(41,789,000	)		$	—		$	47,541,000



	Common Stock			Additional Paid-in- Capital			Accumulated Deficit				Non-Controlling Interest			Total Stockholders’ Equity
	Shares	$		Additional Paid-in- Capital			Accumulated Deficit			��	Non-Controlling Interest			Total Stockholders’ Equity
Balance, September 30, 2017	12,437,916	$	248,000	$	66,955,000		$	(28,315,000	)		$	15,000		$	38,903,000
Stock-based compensation for restricted stock units	—	—		258,000			—				—			258,000
Net loss	—	—		—			(8,040,000		)		—			(8,040,000		)
Balance, December 31, 2017	12,437,916	248,000		67,213,000			(36,355,000		)		15,000			31,121,000
Stock-based compensation for restricted stock units	—	—		418,000			—				—			418,000
Issuance of shares of common stock with respect to vested restricted stock units, net of 26,540 shares valued at $82,000 tendered for tax withholding	51,585	1,000		(83,000		)	—				—			(82,000		)
Warrant liability reclassification	—	—		16,791,000			—				—			16,791,000
Deconsolidation of subsidiary	—	—		—			—				(15,000		)	(15,000		)
Net loss	—	—		—			(2,252,000		)		—			(2,252,000		)
Balance, March 31, 2018	12,489,501	$	249,000	$	84,339,000		$	(38,607,000	)		$	—		$	45,981,000

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)


	For The Three Month Period Ended December 31,						For The Six Month Period Ended March 31,
	2018			2017			2019			2018
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss)	$	956,000		$	(8,040,000	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities
Net loss							$	(1,829,000	)	$	(10,292,000	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
Change in fair value of warrant liability	—			5,597,000			—			11,194,000
Depreciation and amortization	398,000			379,000			858,000			758,000
Amortization of forgivable loans	171,000			160,000			333,000			310,000
Stock-based compensation	1,322,000			258,000			2,802,000			676,000
Provision (recovery) for doubtful accounts	(136,000		)	20,000			(142,000		)	(46,000		)
Amortization of deferred clearing and marketing credit	(52,000		)	(53,000		)	(104,000		)	(105,000		)
Increase in fair value of contingent consideration payable	6,000			4,000			27,000			10,000
Deferred tax expense	87,000			2,318,000
Deferred tax (benefit) expense							(102,000		)	2,413,000
Gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary							—			(15,000		)
Changes in assets and liabilities
Cash deposits with clearing organizations							—			205,000
Securities owned, at fair value	578,000			(1,008,000		)	180,000			(374,000		)
Receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations	1,216,000			(393,000		)	516,000			141,000
Forgivable loans receivable	(135,000		)	(78,000		)	(315,000		)	(292,000		)
Other receivables, net	(1,221,000		)	276,000			(684,000		)	(854,000		)
Prepaid expenses	(436,000		)	(423,000		)	(1,281,000		)	809,000
Other assets	(15,000		)	18,000			17,000			(85,000		)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	393,000			2,062,000			(989,000		)	(288,000		)
Securities sold, but not yet purchased, at fair value	—			(151,000		)	—			(143,000		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	3,132,000			946,000
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities							(713,000		)	4,022,000

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Acquisition of businesses	—			(124,000		)	(387,000		)	(187,000		)
Acquisition of intangible assets							—			(45,000		)
Purchase of fixed assets	(109,000		)	(36,000		)	(734,000		)	(50,000		)
Collection on notes receivable	27,000			25,000			56,000			47,000
Net cash used in investing activities	(82,000		)	(135,000		)	(1,065,000		)	(235,000		)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Repurchase of common stock for tax withholding	(101,000		)	—			(232,000		)	(82,000		)
Principal payments under capital lease obligations	(55,000		)	—			(110,000		)	—
Principal payments under finance obligations							(114,000		)	—
Net cash used in financing activities	(156,000		)	—			(456,000		)	(82,000		)

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND RESTRICTED CASH	2,894,000			811,000
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND RESTRICTED CASH							(2,234,000		)	3,705,000

CASH AND RESTRICTED CASH BALANCE
Beginning of the period	29,273,000			24,889,000			29,273,000			24,889,000
End of the period	$	32,167,000		$	25,700,000		$	27,039,000		$	28,594,000

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS, CONTINUED

(Unaudited)

For The Three Month Period Ended December 31,
2018 2017
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest $ 8,000
$ 2,000
Income taxes $ 112,000
$ 13,000

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Fixed assets (acquired but not paid) $ 42,000
$ 9,000
Finance obligation (related asset included in other assets - see Note 9) $ 308,000
$ —
Business acquired:
Identifiable intangible asset acquired $ —
$ 529,000
Contingent consideration payable —
(405,000 )
Cash paid $ —
$ 124,000



	For The Six Month Period Ended March 31,
	2019			2018
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$	18,000		$	5,000
Income taxes	$	112,000		$	630,000

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Fixed assets (acquired but not paid)	$	49,000		$	—
Finance obligation (related asset included in other assets and fixed assets - see Note 9)	$	525,000		$	—
Business acquired:
Identifiable intangible asset acquired	$	1,815,000		$	767,000
Contingent consideration payable	(1,428,000		)	(580,000		)
Cash paid	$	387,000		$	187,000
Reclassification of warrant liability from debt to equity	$	—		$	16,791,000

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

~~DECEMBER~~MARCH 31, ~~2018~~2019

(Unaudited)

NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company, have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial statements and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and disclosures required for annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The condensed consolidated financial statements as of ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018~~2019 and for the three and six months ended ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018~~2019 and ~~2017~~2018 are unaudited. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the respective fiscal years. The consolidated statement of financial condition at September 30, 2018 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statement presentation. The accompanying consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 for additional disclosures and accounting policies.

Certain items in the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the fiscal 2018 period have been reclassified to conform to the presentation in the fiscal 2019 period. Such reclassifications did not have a material impact on the presentation of the overall financial statements.

NOTE 2. ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

National Holdings Corporation (“National” or the “Company”), a Delaware corporation organized in 1996, operates through its wholly owned subsidiaries which principally provide financial services. Through its broker-dealer and investment advisory subsidiaries, the Company (1) offers full service retail brokerage and investment advisory services to individual, corporate and institutional clients, (2) provides investment banking, merger, acquisition and advisory services to micro, small and mid-cap high growth companies and (3) engages in trading securities, including making markets in micro and small-cap, NASDAQ and other exchange listed stocks.

The Company's broker-dealer subsidiary is National Securities Corporation, a Washington corporation (“NSC”). NSC conducts a national securities brokerage business through its main offices in New York City, New York, Boca Raton, Florida, and Seattle, Washington. NSC is an introducing broker and clears all transactions through clearing organizations, on a fully disclosed basis. NSC is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA") and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (the “SIPC”).

Our wholly-owned subsidiary, National Asset Management, Inc., a Washington corporation ("NAM"), is a federally-registered investment adviser providing asset management advisory services to retail clients for a fee based upon a percentage of assets managed.

Our wholly-owned subsidiaries, National Insurance Corporation, a Washington corporation ("National Insurance") and Prime Financial Services, a Delaware corporation (“Prime Financial”), provide fixed insurance products to their clients, including life insurance, disability insurance, long term care insurance and fixed annuities.

Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Gilman Ciocia, Inc. (“Gilman”), provides tax preparation and accounting services to individuals and small to midsize companies. In December 2018, Gilman changed its name to National Tax and Financial Services, Inc. (“National Tax”).

Our wholly-owned subsidiary, GC Capital Corporation ("GC"), provides licensed mortgage brokerage services in New York and Florida.

NOTE 3. RECEIVABLES FROM BROKER-DEALERS AND CLEARING ORGANIZATIONS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

At ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018~~2019 and September 30, 2018, the receivables of ~~$2,751,000~~$3,451,000 and $3,967,000, respectively, from broker-dealers and clearing organizations represent net amounts due for fees and commissions associated with the Company’s retail brokerage business as well as asset based fee revenues associated with the Company’s investment advisory business.

Other receivables at ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018~~2019 and September 30, 2018 consist of the following:


	December 31,			September 30,			March 31,			September 30,
	2018						2019			2018
Trailing fees	$	1,058,000		$	1,086,000		$	959,000		$	1,086,000
Accounts receivable for tax and accounting services	558,000			661,000			1,172,000			661,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts - tax and accounting services	(309,000		)	(286,000		)	(304,000		)	(286,000		)
Advances to registered representatives	674,000			393,000			757,000			393,000
Investment banking receivable	1,465,000			357,000			516,000			357,000
Advisory fees	455,000			559,000			464,000			559,000
Notes receivable	714,000			746,000			688,000			746,000
Other	980,000			749,000			888,000			749,000
Total other receivables, net	$	5,595,000		$	4,265,000		$	5,140,000		$	4,265,000

NOTE 4. FORGIVABLE LOANS RECEIVABLE

From time to time, the Company’s operating subsidiaries may make loans, evidenced by promissory notes, primarily to newly recruited independent financial advisors as an incentive for their affiliation. The notes receivable balance is comprised of unsecured non-interest-bearing and interest-bearing loans (weighted average interest rate of 4%). These notes have various schedules for repayment or forgiveness based on production or retention requirements being met and mature at various dates through ~~2023.~~2024. Forgiveness of loans amounted to ~~$171,000~~$333,000 and ~~$160,000~~$310,000 for the ~~three~~six months ended ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018~~2019 and ~~2017,~~2018, respectively, and the related compensation was included in commissions, compensation and fees in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. In the event the advisor’s affiliation with the subsidiary terminates, the advisor is required to repay the unamortized balance of any notes payable.

The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts on the notes based on historical collection experience and continually evaluates the receivables for collectability and possible write-offs where a loss is deemed probable. As of ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018~~2019 and September 30, 2018, no allowance for doubtful accounts was required.

Forgivable loan activity for the ~~three~~six months ended ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018~~2019 is as follows:


Balance, September 30, 2018	$	1,567,000		$	1,567,000
Additions	135,000			315,000
Amortization	(171,000		)	(333,000		)
Balance, December 31, 2018	$	1,531,000
Reclassification to other receivables				(105,000		)
Balance, March 31, 2019				$	1,444,000

There were no unamortized loans outstanding at December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2018 attributable to registered representatives who ended their affiliation with the Broker-Dealer Subsidiaries prior to the fulfillment of their obligation.

NOTE 5. FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Authoritative accounting guidance defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and establishes a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market. Valuation techniques that are consistent with the market or income approach are used to measure fair value.

The fair value hierarchy ranks the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable, either directly or indirectly, and reasonably available. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability and are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company.

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs which reflect the assumptions that the Company develops based on available information about what market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability.

The following tables present the carrying values and estimated fair values at ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018~~2019 and September 30, 2018 of financial assets and liabilities, excluding financial instruments that are carried at fair value on a recurring basis, and information is provided on their classification within the fair value hierarchy. Such instruments are carried at amounts that approximate fair value due to their short-term nature and generally negligible credit risk.


	December 31, 2018								March 31, 2019
Assets	Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Total Estimated Fair Value		Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Total Estimated Fair Value
Cash	$	30,813,000	$	30,813,000	$	—	$	30,813,000	$	25,881,000	$	25,881,000	$	—	$	25,881,000
Cash deposits with clearing organizations	336,000		336,000		—		336,000		336,000		336,000		—		336,000
Receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations	2,751,000		—		2,751,000		2,751,000		3,451,000		—		3,451,000		3,451,000
Forgivable loans receivable	1,531,000		—		1,531,000		1,531,000		1,444,000		—		1,444,000		1,444,000
Other Receivables, net	5,595,000		—		5,595,000		5,595,000		5,140,000		—		5,140,000		5,140,000
	$	41,026,000	$	31,149,000	$	9,877,000	$	41,026,000	$	36,252,000	$	26,217,000	$	10,035,000	$	36,252,000

Liabilities
Accrued commissions and payroll payable	$	13,040,000	$	—	$	13,040,000	$	13,040,000	$	9,614,000	$	—	$	9,614,000	$	9,614,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (1)	7,402,000		—		7,402,000		7,402,000		9,443,000		—		9,443,000		9,443,000
	$	20,442,000	$	—	$	20,442,000	$	20,442,000	$	19,057,000	$	—	$	19,057,000	$	19,057,000

(1) Excludes contingent consideration liabilities of ~~$705,000.~~$2,094,000.



	September 30, 2018
Assets	Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Total Estimated Fair Value
Cash	$	27,920,000	$	27,920,000	$	—	$	27,920,000
Cash deposits with clearing organizations	336,000		336,000		—		336,000
Receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations	3,967,000		—		3,967,000		3,967,000
Forgivable loans receivable	1,567,000		—		1,567,000		1,567,000
Other Receivables, net	4,265,000		—		4,265,000		4,265,000
	$	38,055,000	$	28,256,000	$	9,799,000	$	38,055,000

Liabilities
Accrued commissions and payroll payable	$	12,862,000	$	—	$	12,862,000	$	12,862,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (1)	7,275,000		—		7,275,000		7,275,000
	$	20,137,000	$	—	$	20,137,000	$	20,137,000

(1) Excludes contingent consideration liabilities of $744,000.

The following tables present the financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018~~2019 and September 30, 2018:


	December 31, 2018										March 31, 2019
Assets	Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value		Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
Securities owned:
Corporate stocks	$	925,000	$	925,000	$	—	$	—	$	925,000	$	905,000	$	905,000	$	—	$	—	$	905,000
Municipal bonds	12,000		12,000		—		—		12,000
Restricted stock	784,000		—		784,000		—		784,000		1,000,000		—		1,000,000		—		1,000,000
Warrants	5,487,000		—		1,972,000		3,515,000		5,487,000		5,701,000		—		2,266,000		3,435,000		5,701,000
	$	7,208,000	$	937,000	$	2,756,000	$	3,515,000	$	7,208,000	$	7,606,000	$	905,000	$	3,266,000	$	3,435,000	$	7,606,000

Liabilities
Contingent consideration	$	705,000	$	—	$	—	$	705,000	$	705,000	$	2,094,000	$	—	$	—	$	2,094,000	$	2,094,000
	$	705,000	$	—	$	—	$	705,000	$	705,000	$	2,094,000	$	—	$	—	$	2,094,000	$	2,094,000



	September 30, 2018
Assets	Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
Securities owned:
Corporate stocks	$	1,084,000	$	1,084,000	$	—	$	—	$	1,084,000
Restricted stock	670,000		—		670,000		—		670,000
Warrants	6,032,000		—		2,753,000		3,279,000		6,032,000
	$	7,786,000	$	1,084,000	$	3,423,000	$	3,279,000	$	7,786,000

Liabilities
Contingent consideration	$	744,000	$	—	$	—	$	744,000	$	744,000
	$	744,000	$	—	$	—	$	744,000	$	744,000

Changes in Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the ~~three~~six months ended ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018:~~2019:


	Beginning Balance as of September 30, 2018		Net realized Gain or (losses)		Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)		Purchases		Sales		Transfer Into Level 3 (a)		Transfer Out of Level 3 (b)			Ending Balance as of December 31, 2018		Beginning Balance as of September 30, 2018		Net realized Gain or (losses)		Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)		Purchases		Sales		Transfer Into Level 3 (a)		Transfer Out of Level 3 (b)			Ending Balance as of March 31, 2019
Assets
Warrants	$	3,279,000	$	—	$	222,000	$	—	$	—	$	110,000	$	(96,000	)	$	3,515,000	$	3,279,000	$	—	$	155,000	$	—	$	—	$	150,000	$	(149,000	)	$	3,435,000

(a) The Company received warrants as part of investment banking transactions.

(b) ~~The~~Transfers out consist of a transfer to Level 2 of a warrant as the underlying security became a publicly registered security and ~~was transferred to level 2.~~a warrant exercise.

See changes in Level 3 liabilities (contingent consideration) measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the ~~three~~six months ended ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018~~2019 in Note 7.

The table below presents information on the valuation techniques, significant unobservable inputs and their ranges for our financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis with a significant Level 3 balance.

Financial Instruments Owned

Fair Value

Valuation Technique

Significant Unobservable Input(s)

Input/Range

Fair Value

Valuation Technique

Significant Unobservable Input(s)

Input/Range

Warrants

3,515,000

Market Approach

Discount for lack of marketability

Volatility

20% - 43%

56% - 119%

3,435,000

Market Approach

Discount for lack of marketability

Volatility

21% - 44%

56% - 122%

Certain positions in common stock and warrants were received as compensation for investment banking services. Restricted common stock and warrants may be freely traded only upon the effectiveness of a registration statement covering them or upon the satisfaction of the requirements of Rule 144, including the requisite holding period. The unrealized loss for the change in fair value of such positions for the ~~three~~six months ended ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018~~2019 and ~~2017~~2018 amounted to approximately ~~$1,020,000~~$723,000 and ~~$1,108,000,~~$469,000, respectively, which is included in net dealer inventory (losses) gains.

Warrants are carried at fair value as determined by using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. This model takes into account the underlying ~~securities~~securities’ current market values, the underlying ~~securities~~securities’ market volatility, the terms of the warrants, exercise prices, and the risk-free return rate. A discount is applied for the warrants’ lack of marketability. The ~~market value of the underlying securities’ market value~~discount is ~~discounted~~ based on the value of a protective ~~put, which reduces the current market price used as an input into the Black-Scholes option pricing model.~~put.

Debt securities are valued based on recently executed transactions.

NOTE 6. FIXED ASSETS

Fixed assets as of ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018~~2019 and September 30, 2018 consist of the following:


	December 31, 2018			September 30, 2018			Estimated Useful Lives	March 31, 2019			September 30, 2018			Estimated Useful Lives
Equipment and software	$	1,792,000		$	2,299,000		3 - 7	$	1,825,000		$	2,299,000		3 - 7
Furniture and fixtures	439,000			439,000			5	503,000			439,000			5
Construction in process	151,000			271,000			N/A	838,000			271,000			N/A
Leasehold improvements	1,721,000			1,453,000			Lesser of useful life or term of lease	1,786,000			1,453,000			Lesser of useful life or term of lease
Capital leases (primarily composed of computer equipment)	1,249,000			739,000			3 - 7	1,249,000			739,000			3 - 7
	5,352,000			5,201,000				6,201,000			5,201,000
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(2,700,000		)	(2,530,000		)		(2,871,000		)	(2,530,000		)
Fixed assets – net	$	2,652,000		$	2,671,000
Fixed assets, net								$	3,330,000		$	2,671,000

Depreciation expense associated with fixed assets for the three months ended ~~December~~March 31, 2019 and 2018 was $172,000 and ~~2017~~$159,000, respectively.

Depreciation expense associated with fixed assets for the six months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 was ~~$170,000~~$341,000 and ~~$169,000,~~$328,000, respectively.

NOTE 7. BUSINESS ~~COMBINATIONS~~COMBINATION AND CONTINGENT CONSIDERATION

Business Combination

In ~~2018,~~January and February 2019, National Tax acquired certain assets of ~~five~~three tax preparation and accounting businesses that per accounting guidance were deemed to be a business ~~acquisitions.~~combination. The consideration for the transactions consisted of cash payments at closing totaling ~~$187,000~~$387,000, and contingent consideration ~~payables~~payable in cash having a fair value of ~~$580,000,~~$1,428,000, for which liabilities (included in accounts payable and accrued expenses) were recognized based on the estimated acquisition date fair value of the potential earn-outs. The earn-outs are based on revenue, as defined in the acquisition agreements, during various periods following the ~~closings.~~closing. The fair values of the acquired assets totaling ~~$767,000~~$1,815,000 were allocated to customer relationships, which are being amortized over seven years.

The contingent consideration liabilities recognized in the above acquisitions were valued using an income-based approach using unobservable inputs (Level 3) and reflects the Company’s own assumptions. The liabilities will be revalued at each balance sheet date with changes therein recorded in earnings. Results of operations of the acquired businesses are included in

the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations from the dates of acquisition and were not material. In addition, based on materiality, pro forma results are not presented.

Contingent Consideration

Set below are changes in the carrying value of contingent consideration for the ~~three~~six months ended ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018~~2019 related to acquisitions:


Fair value of contingent consideration at September 30, 2018	$	744,000		$	744,000
Fair value of contingent consideration in connection with 2019 acquisitions				1,428,000
Payments	(45,000		)	(105,000		)
Change in fair value	6,000			27,000
Fair value of contingent consideration at December 31, 2018	$	705,000
Fair value of contingent consideration at March 31, 2019				$	2,094,000

NOTE 8. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangibles consisted of the following at ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018~~2019 and September 30, 2018:


	December 31, 2018							March 31, 2019
Intangible asset	Cost		Accumulated Amortization		Carrying Value		Estimated Useful Life (years)	Cost		Accumulated Amortization		Carrying Value		Estimated Useful Life (years)
Customer relationships	$	7,511,000	$	3,749,000	$	3,762,000	3-10	$	9,326,000	$	4,034,000	$	5,292,000	3-10
Brand name	710,000		—		710,000		Indefinite	710,000		—		710,000		Indefinite
Software license	45,000		15,000		30,000		3	45,000		19,000		26,000		3
	$	8,266,000	$	3,764,000	$	4,502,000		$	10,081,000	$	4,053,000	$	6,028,000


	September 30, 2018							September 30, 2018
Intangible asset	Cost		Accumulated Amortization		Carrying Value		Estimated Useful Life (years)	Cost		Accumulated Amortization		Carrying Value		Estimated Useful Life (years)
Customer relationships	$	7,511,000	$	3,525,000	$	3,986,000	3-10	$	7,511,000	$	3,525,000	$	3,986,000	3-10
Brand name	710,000		—		710,000		Indefinite	710,000		—		710,000		Indefinite
Software license	45,000		11,000		34,000		3	45,000		11,000		34,000		3
	$	8,266,000	$	3,536,000	$	4,730,000		$	8,266,000	$	3,536,000	$	4,730,000

Amortization expense associated with intangible assets for the three months ended ~~December~~March 31, 2019 and 2018 was $289,000 and ~~2017 was $228,000 and $210,000,~~$220,000, respectively.

Amortization expense associated with intangible assets for the six months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 was $517,000 and $430,000, respectively.

The estimated future amortization expense of the finite lived intangible assets for the next five fiscal years and thereafter is as follows:


Fiscal year ending September 30,
Nine months ending September 30, 2019	$	686,000
Six months ending September 30, 2019			$	587,000
2020	844,000		1,103,000
2021	833,000		1,092,000
2022	775,000		1,034,000
2023	521,000		781,000
Thereafter	133,000		721,000
Total	$	3,792,000	$	5,318,000

NOTE 9. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES

Accounts payable and accrued expenses as of ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018~~2019 and September 30, 2018 consist of the following:


	December 31, 2018		September 30, 2018		March 31, 2019		September 30, 2018
Legal	$	548,000	$	448,000	$	848,000	$	448,000
Audit	319,000		411,000		177,000		411,000
Telecommunications	275,000		240,000		254,000		240,000
Data services	321,000		370,000		377,000		370,000
Regulatory	225,000		335,000		410,000		335,000
Settlements	1,095,000		825,000		2,755,000		825,000
Contingent consideration payable	705,000		744,000		2,094,000		744,000
Deferred rent	712,000		670,000		725,000		670,000
Other	3,907,000		3,976,000		3,897,000		3,976,000
Total	$	8,107,000	$	8,019,000	$	11,537,000	$	8,019,000

~~Other~~At March 31, 2019, other primarily consists of ~~$739,000~~$380,000 for ~~restitution payment accrual related to 12b-1 trailing fees, $1,001,000~~investment banking deal expense accruals, $1,243,000 for soft dollar accruals, ~~$201,000~~$213,000 for sales and use tax accrual, $130,000 for tax return preparation fees and ~~$308,000~~$413,000 for the ~~financial~~finance obligation of the annual subscription fee and implementation costs of the new general ledger ~~system at December 31, 2018. Other~~system. At September 30, 2018, other primarily consists of $739,000 for restitution payment accrual related to 12b-1 trailing fees, $704,000 for soft dollar accruals, $187,000 for investment banking deal expense accruals and $189,000 for sales and use tax ~~accrual at September 30, 2018.~~accrual.

In December 2018, the Company entered into an agreement for 12 months to finance the annual subscription fee of the new general ledger system in the amount of $308,000. The related asset is included ~~within~~in other assets in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. In January 2019, the Company entered into an agreement for 36 months to finance the implementation costs of the new general ledger system in the amount of $217,000. The related asset is included in fixed assets in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

NOTE 10. PER SHARE DATA

Basic net income (loss) per share of common stock attributable to the Company is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed on the basis of such weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding plus the dilutive effect of incremental shares of common stock potentially issuable under outstanding options, warrants and unvested restricted stock units utilizing the treasury stock method. A reconciliation of basic and diluted common shares used in the computation of per share data follows:


	Three Month Period Ended December 31,		Three Month Period Ended March 31,		Six Month Period Ended March 31,
	2018	2017	2019	2018	2019	2018
Basic weighted-average shares	12,545,286	12,437,916	12,714,002	12,457,043	12,628,606	12,447,321
Effect of dilutive securities:
Unvested restricted stock units	170,909	—	—	—	—	—
Diluted weighted-average shares	12,716,195	12,437,916	12,714,002	12,457,043	12,628,606	12,447,321

The following potential common share equivalents are not included in the above diluted computation because to do so would be anti-dilutive as the instruments are out of the ~~money:~~money and the Company is at a net loss position for these periods:


	Three Month Period Ended December 31,		Three Month Period Ended March 31,		Six Month Period Ended March 31,
	2018	2017	2019	2018	2019	2018
Options	610,200	624,000	610,200	612,000	610,200	618,000
Warrants	12,436,427	12,437,916	5,398,907	12,437,916	8,917,667	12,437,916
Unvested restricted stock units	—	77,737	249,332	291,082	124,666	184,410
	13,046,627	13,139,653	6,258,439	13,340,998	9,652,533	13,240,326

NOTE 11. OFF BALANCE SHEET RISK AND CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK

The Company is engaged in trading and providing a broad range of securities brokerage and investment services to a diverse group of retail and institutional clientele, as well as corporate finance and investment banking services to corporations and businesses. Counterparties to the Company’s business activities include broker-dealers and clearing organizations, banks and other financial institutions. The Company uses clearing brokers to process transactions and maintain customer accounts for the Company on a fee basis. The Company permits the clearing firms to extend credit to its clientele secured by cash and securities in the client’s account. The Company’s exposure to credit risk associated with the non-performance by its customers and counterparties in fulfilling their contractual obligations can be directly impacted by volatile or illiquid trading markets, which may impair the ability of customers and counterparties to satisfy their obligations to the Company. The Company has agreed to indemnify the clearing brokers for losses they incur while extending credit to the Company’s clients.

It is the Company’s policy to review, as necessary, the credit standing of its customers and counterparties. Amounts due from customers that are considered uncollectible by the clearing broker are charged back to the Company by the clearing broker when such amounts become determinable. Upon notification of a charge back, such amounts, in total or in part, are then either (i) collected from the customers, (ii) charged to the broker initiating the transaction and/or (iii) charged to operations, based on the particular facts and circumstances.

The Company maintains cash in bank deposits, which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced and does not expect to experience losses on such accounts.

A short sale involves the sale of a security that is not owned in the expectation of purchasing the same security (or a security exchangeable) at a later date at a lower price. A short sale involves the risk of a theoretically unlimited increase in the market price of the security that would result in a theoretically unlimited loss.

To the extent the Company invests in marketable securities, the Company is subject to various market risks related to the

portfolio.

NOTE 12. NEW ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue From Contracts With Customers (Topic 606) which creates a single, principle-based model for revenue recognition and expands and improves disclosures about revenue. The new guidance was effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2018, and was adopted using a modified retrospective approach. The Company adopted the new revenue standard on October 1, 2018 and recognized a decrease of $135,000 to retained earnings as the cumulative effect of adoption of this accounting change. The impact of adoption is primarily related to the Company’s investment banking advisory fees that were recognized as of September 30, 2018 under the previously existing accounting guidance, which would have been deferred in prior periods under the new revenue standard. Accordingly, the new revenue standard will be applied prospectively in the Company’s financial statements from October 1, 2018 forward and reported financial information for historical comparable periods will not be revised and will continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect during those historical periods. Further, the adoption of ASU 2014-09 did not have a material impact on the Company’s revenue.

The new revenue guidance does not apply to revenue associated with financial instruments, including the Company’s warrants and securities that are accounted for under other US GAAP, and as a result, did not have an impact on the elements of the statements of operations most closely associated with financial instruments. The new revenue standard primarily impacts the following of the Company’s revenue recognition and presentation accounting policies:

Investment Banking Revenues. Advisory fees from mergers and acquisitions engagements are recognized at the point in time when the related transaction is completed, as the performance obligation is to successfully broker a specific transaction.

Investment Banking Advisory Expenses. Historically, expenses associated with investment banking advisory assignments were deferred until reimbursed by the client, the related fee revenue is recognized or the engagement is otherwise concluded. Under the new revenue standard, expenses are deferred only to the extent they are explicitly reimbursable by the client and the related revenue is recognized when all performance obligations are met. All other investment banking advisory related expenses are expensed as incurred.

Investment Banking Underwriting and Advisory Expenses. Expenses have historically been recorded net of client reimbursements and/or netted against revenue. Under the new revenue standard, all investment banking expenses will be recognized within their respective expense category on the income statement and any expense reimbursements will be recognized as investment banking revenues (i.e., expenses are no longer recorded net of clients reimbursements and are not netted against revenue).

The new revenue standard requires enhanced disclosures, which are included in Note 21 to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018.~~2019.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which supersedes the existing guidance for lease accounting, Leases (Topic 840). ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to recognize leases on their balance sheets, and leaves lessor accounting largely unchanged. The amendments in this ASU are effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2019 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted for all entities. ASU 2016-02 requires a modified retrospective approach for all leases existing at, or entered into after, the date of initial application, with an option to elect to use certain transition relief. The Company is currently assessing the impact that the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on its financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments”. ASU 2016-15 reduces the diversity of how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows under Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows, and other Topics. The

standard was effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2018 for both interim and annual periods. The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-15 as of October 1, 2018. The adoption of this update did not impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) - Restricted Cash”. ASU 2016-18 reduces the diversity in the presentation of restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement. The statement requires that restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents be included as components of total cash and cash equivalents as presented on the statement of cash flows. The standard was effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2018 for both interim and annual periods. The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-18 as of October 1, 2018. The adoption of this update did not materially impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business”. The amendments in this Update is to clarify the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The definition of a business affects many areas of accounting including acquisitions, disposals, goodwill, and consolidation. The standard was effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2018 for both interim and annual periods. The company adopted ASU 2017-01 as of October 1, 2018. Upon adoption of ASU 2017-01, there was no significant impact to the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, “Scope of Modification Accounting”. This ASU clarifies when changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award must be accounted for as modifications. Under the new guidance, modification accounting is required only if the fair value, the vesting conditions, or the classification of the award (as equity or liability) changes as a result of the change in terms or conditions. The standard was effective for the Company beginning

October 1, 2018 for both interim and annual periods. The Company adopted ASU No. 2017-09 as of October 1, 2018. The adoption of this update did not impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, "Fair Value Measurement - Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for the Fair Value Measurement," which removes or modifies certain current disclosures, and adds additional disclosures. The changes are meant to provide more relevant information regarding valuation techniques and inputs used to arrive at measures of fair value, uncertainty in the fair value measurements, and how changes in fair value measurements impact an entity's performance and cash flows. Certain disclosures in ASU 2018-13 will need to be applied on a retrospective basis and others on a prospective basis. The standard is effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2020 for both interim and annual periods. Early adoption is permitted. The company is currently assessing the impact that the adoption of ASU 2018-13 will have on its financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, “Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract”. The guidance on the accounting for implementation, setup, and other upfront costs (collectively referred to as implementation costs) applies to entities that are a customer in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract. The amendments align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). The accounting for the service element of a hosting arrangement that is a service contract is not affected by the guidance in this ASU. The standard is effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2020, should be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption, and early adoption is permitted. The company is currently assessing the impact that the adoption of ASU 2018-15 will have on its financial statements.

NOTE 13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Leases

The Company leases office space in various states expiring at various dates through ~~October 2026,~~December 2028, and as of ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018,~~2019, is committed under operating leases for future minimum lease payments as shown in the table below.

In October 2018, the Company entered into an agreement to lease equipment under a capital lease for 24 months. The equipment under the lease ~~are~~is collateral for the lease obligation and ~~are~~is included within fixed assets in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. The leased equipment is amortized on a straight line basis over 7 years. The interest rate related to the lease obligation is 5.6 percent and the maturity date is September 2020. The capital lease obligation is included within other liabilities in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.


Fiscal Year Ending September 30,	Operating Leases		Capital Lease		Operating Leases		Capital Lease
Nine months ending September 30, 2019	$	2,224,000	$	184,000
Six months ending September 30, 2019					$	1,533,000	$	123,000
2020	2,812,000		297,000		3,002,000		297,000
2021	2,381,000		—		2,620,000		—
2022	1,588,000		—		1,833,000		—
2023	1,450,000		—		1,700,000		—
Thereafter	3,239,000		—		4,258,000		—
Total minimum lease payments	$	13,694,000	$	481,000	$	14,946,000	$	420,000
Less: Amounts representing interest not yet incurred			26,000				20,000
Present value of capital lease obligations			$	455,000			$	400,000

The total amount of rent payable under the leases is recognized on a straight line basis over the term of the leases. Rental expense under all operating leases, excluding sublease income, for the three months ended ~~December~~March 31, 2019 and 2018 was $953,000 and ~~2017~~$1,051,000, respectively. Rental expense under all operating leases, excluding sublease income, for the six months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 was ~~$951,000~~$1,903,000 and ~~$1,040,000,~~$2,091,000, respectively. Sublease income under all operating subleases for the three months ended ~~December~~March 31, 2019 and 2018 was approximately $0 and ~~2017~~$(43,000), respectively. Sublease income under all operating subleases for the six months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 was approximately $51,000 and ~~$133,000,~~$90,000, respectively. During the three and six months ended March 31, 2018, sublease income includes a charge of approximately $180,000 for sublease receivable deemed uncollectible.

As of ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018,~~2019, the Company and its subsidiaries had ~~two~~one outstanding ~~letters~~letter of credit, which ~~have~~has been issued in the maximum amount of ~~$1,354,000~~$1,158,000 as security for property leases, and which ~~are~~is collateralized by the restricted cash as reflected in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

Litigation and Regulatory Matters

The Company and its subsidiaries are defendants or respondents in various pending and threatened arbitrations, administrative proceedings and lawsuits seeking compensatory damages. Several cases have no stated alleged damages. Claim amounts are infrequently indicative of the actual amounts the Company will be liable for, if any. Further, the Company has a history of collecting amounts awarded in these types of matters from its registered representatives that are still affiliated, as well as from those that are no longer affiliated. Many of these claimants also seek, in addition to compensatory damages, punitive or treble damages, and all seek interest, costs and fees. These matters arise in the normal course of business. The Company intends to vigorously defend itself in these actions, and the ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time.

Liabilities for potential losses from complaints, legal actions, government investigations and proceedings are established where management believes that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. In making these decisions, management bases its judgments on its knowledge of the situations, consultations with legal counsel and its historical experience in resolving similar matters. In many lawsuits, arbitrations and regulatory proceedings, it is not possible to determine whether a liability has been incurred or to estimate the amount of that liability until the matter is close to resolution. However, accruals are reviewed regularly and are adjusted to reflect the Company’s estimates of the impact of developments, rulings, advice of counsel and any other information pertinent to a particular matter. Because of the inherent difficulty in predicting the ultimate outcome of legal and regulatory actions, management cannot predict with certainty the eventual loss or range of loss related to such matters. At ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018~~2019 and September 30, 2018, the Company accrued approximately ~~$1,095,000~~$2,755,000 and $825,000, respectively. These amounts are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Amounts charged to operations for settlements and potential losses during the three months ended ~~December~~March 31, 2019 and 2018 were $1,960,000 and ~~2017~~$414,000, respectively, and during the six months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, were ~~$523,000~~$2,483,000 and ~~$246,000, respectively, which is~~$660,000, respectively. These amounts are included in other administrative ~~expenses.~~expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The Company has included in professional fees litigation and arbitration related expenses of ~~$471,000~~$417,000 and ~~$351,000~~$(10,000) for the three months ended ~~December~~March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $888,000 and $341,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Chargebacks for litigation and arbitration related expenses recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2018 ~~and 2017, respectively.~~exceeded the expense recorded.

NOTE 14. NET CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

NSC is subject to the SEC's Uniform Net Capital Rule (Rule 15c3-1), which, among other things, requires the maintenance of minimum net capital. At ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018,~~2019, NSC had net capital of ~~$12,492,000~~$8,322,154 which was ~~$11,492,000~~$7,322,154 in excess of its required minimum net capital of $1,000,000. NSC is exempt from the provisions of Rule 15c3-3 since it is an introducing broker-dealer that clears all transactions on a fully disclosed basis and promptly transmits all customer funds and securities to clearing brokers.

NOTE 15. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Stock Options

Information with respect to stock option activity during the ~~three~~six months ended ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018~~2019 follows:


	Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual term (years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value		Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual term (years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at September 30, 2018	612,000		$	6.23	$	1.59	3.27	$	—	612,000		$	6.23	$	1.59	3.27	$	—
Forfeited	(1,800	)	$	5.00	$	2.30		$	—	(1,800	)	$	5.00	$	2.30		$	—
Outstanding at December 31, 2018	610,200		$	6.24	$	1.59	3.01	$	—
Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2018	610,200		$	6.24	$	1.59	3.01	$	—
Outstanding at March 31, 2019										610,200		$	6.19	$	1.59	2.76	$	—
Vested and exercisable at March 31, 2019										610,200		$	6.19	$	1.59	2.76	$	—

All compensation expense associated with the grants of stock options was recognized in prior years.

Warrants

The following table summarizes information about warrant activity during the ~~three~~six months ended ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018:~~2019:


	Warrants	Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	Warrants		Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Outstanding at September 30, 2018	12,436,427	$	3.25	3.30	12,436,427		$	3.25	3.30
Exercised					(38	)	$	3.25
Forfeited or expired	—	$	—		(7,037,482	)	$	3.25
Outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2018	12,436,427	$	3.25	3.05
Outstanding and exercisable at March 31, 2019					5,398,907		$	3.25	2.81

7,037,482 warrants held by FBIO Acquisition were forfeited due to the FBIO sale. See Note 18.

Restricted Stock Units

A summary of the Company's non-vested restricted stock units for the ~~three~~six months ended ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018~~2019 is as follows:


	Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value			Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested restricted stock units at September 30, 2018	2,207,242		$	7,302,000		2,207,242		$	7,302,000
Granted	1,447,292		4,289,000			1,713,252		5,133,000
Vested						(334,622	)	(1,422,000		)
Forfeited	(10,593	)	(50,000		)	(115,356	)	(374,000		)
Non-vested restricted stock units at December 31, 2018	3,643,941		$	11,541,000
Non-vested restricted stock units at March 31, 2019						3,470,516		$	10,639,000

In November 2018, the Company granted 1,447,292 restricted stock units ("RSUs") to certain employees of the Company. RSUs vest based on service and certain performance and market conditions. The fair value of the RSU awards issued in November 2018 was $4,289,000.

In February 2019, the Company granted 265,960 RSUs to certain directors and employees of the Company. RSUs vest based on service and certain performance and market conditions. The fair value of the RSU awards issued in February 2019 was $843,000.

One RSU gives the right to one share of the Company’s common stock. RSUs that vest based on service and performance are

measured based on the fair values of the underlying stock on the date of grant. The Company used a Lattice model to determine

the fair value of the RSUs with a market condition. Compensation with respect to RSU awards is expensed on a straight-line

basis over the vesting period.

For the three and six months ended ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018 and 2017,~~2019, the Company recognized compensation expense of ~~$1,322,000~~$1,480,000 and ~~$258,000,~~$2,802,000, respectively, related to RSUs. For the three and six months ended March 31, 2018, the Company recognized compensation expense of $418,000 and $676,000, respectively, related to RSUs. At ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018,~~2019, unrecognized compensation with respect to RSUs amounted to ~~$7,401,000,~~$6,440,000, assuming all performance-based compensation will vest.

NOTE 16. INCOME TAXES

The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return and certain combined state and local income tax returns with its subsidiaries. Income taxes for the three and six month period ended ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018~~2019 and ~~2017~~2018 are based on the estimated annual effective tax rate. Each quarter the Company updates its estimate of the annual effective tax rate and records cumulative adjustments as necessary.

The effective tax rate for the three and six month period ended ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018~~2019 and ~~2017~~2018 differs from the federal statutory income tax rate principally due to non-deductible expenses and state and local income taxes.

At ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018,~~2019, the Company's net deferred tax asset is principally comprised of net operating loss carryforwards. Management believes that is more likely than not that its deferred tax assets will be realized and, accordingly, has not provided a valuation allowance against such amount.

NOTE 17. SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company has two reportable segments. The brokerage and advisory services segment includes broker-dealer and investment advisory services, the sale of insurance products and licensed mortgage brokerage services provided by NSC, NAM, National Insurance, Prime Financial and GC. The tax and accounting services segment includes tax preparation and accounting services provided by National Tax.

The Corporate pre-tax income (loss) consists of certain items that have not been allocated to reportable segments.

Segment information for the three and six months ended ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018~~2019 and ~~2017~~2018 is as follows:


	Brokerage and Advisory Services		Tax and Accounting Services			Corporate				Total			Brokerage and Advisory Services			Tax and Accounting Services		Corporate				Total
Three Months Ended December 31,
Three Months Ended March 31,
2019
Revenues													$	42,578,000		$	4,122,000	$	—			$	46,700,000
Pre-tax income (loss)													(3,458,000		)	1,576,000		(2,011,000		)	(a)	(3,893,000		)
Assets													49,823,000			7,032,000		13,047,000			(b)	69,902,000
Depreciation and amortization													205,000			133,000		123,000				461,000
Interest													10,000			—		—				10,000
Capital expenditures													160,000			44,000		645,000				849,000
2018
Revenues	$	57,333,000	$	774,000		$	—			$	58,107,000		$	56,478,000		$	3,868,000	$	—			$	60,346,000
Pre-tax income (loss)	3,207,000		(503,000		)	(1,381,000		)	(a)	1,323,000			3,668,000			1,940,000		(6,282,000		)	(c)	(674,000		)
Assets	55,608,000		3,313,000			12,347,000			(b)	71,268,000			51,638,000			4,635,000		9,660,000			(b)	65,933,000
Depreciation and amortization	193,000		71,000			134,000				398,000			181,000			63,000		135,000				379,000
Interest	8,000		—			—				8,000			2,000			—		—				2,000
Capital expenditures	11,000		27,000			113,000				151,000			5,000			—		—				5,000
2017
Revenues	$	49,557,000	$	523,000		$	—			$	50,080,000
Pre-tax income (loss)	1,574,000		(992,000		)	(6,349,000		)	(c)	(5,767,000		)
Assets	50,390,000		2,589,000			11,510,000			(b)	64,489,000
Depreciation and amortization	186,000		58,000			135,000				379,000
Interest	2,000		—			—				2,000
Capital expenditures	39,000		6,000			—				45,000



	Brokerage and Advisory Services			Tax and Accounting Services		Corporate				Total
Six Months Ended March 31,
2019
Revenues	$	99,910,000		$	4,897,000	$	—			$	104,807,000
Pre-tax income (loss)	(251,000		)	1,073,000		(3,392,000		)	(a)	(2,570,000		)
Assets	49,823,000			7,032,000		13,047,000			(b)	69,902,000
Depreciation and amortization	398,000			204,000		256,000				858,000
Interest	18,000			—		—				18,000
Capital expenditures	171,000			71,000		758,000				1,000,000
2018
Revenues	$	106,034,000		$	4,391,000	$	—			$	110,425,000
Pre-tax income (loss)	5,242,000			948,000		(12,631,000		)	(c)	(6,441,000		)
Assets	51,638,000			4,635,000		9,660,000			(b)	65,933,000
Depreciation and amortization	367,000			121,000		270,000				758,000
Interest	5,000			—		—				5,000
Capital expenditures	44,000			6,000		—				50,000


(a)	Consists of professional fees, depreciation expense and other expenses not allocated to reportable segments by management.


(b)	Consists principally of deferred tax assets, cash, prepaid and fixed asset balances held at Corporate.


(c)	Consists of loss on the change in fair value of warrant liability and executive salaries and other expenses not allocated to reportable segments by management.

NOTE 18. ACQUISITION OF CONTROLLING INTEREST IN THE COMPANY

On November 14, 2018, B. Riley Financial, Inc. (“B. Riley”) and FBIO Acquisition, Inc. (“FBIO Acquisition”), a subsidiary of Fortress Biotech, Inc. (“Fortress”), entered into a stock purchase agreement whereby FBIO Acquisition agreed to sell to a wholly-owned subsidiary of B. Riley FBIO Acquisition’s majority stake in the Company (the “FBIO Sale”). Under the terms of the agreement, B. Riley ~~will~~agreed to purchase 7,037,482 shares of the Company's common stock from FBIO Acquisition, ~~representing~~which represented approximately 56.1% of the Company's outstanding common stock and Fortress’s entire economic interest in the Company. An aggregate of 3,010,054 shares were purchased immediately at $3.25 per share, with the remaining 4,027,428 shares to be purchased at the same $3.25 per-share price within 15 business days following FINRA approval, for an aggregate purchase price totaling approximately $22.9 million.share. After ~~the~~ approval from FINRA was received on February 4, 2019, B. Riley ~~completed the purchase of~~purchased an additional 3,149,496 shares of the Company's common stock on February 11, 2019 and assigned its right to purchase the remaining 877,932 shares to third parties.

Further, in connection with the FBIO Sale, the Company entered into an agreement with B. Riley (the “B. Riley Agreement”), pursuant to which B. Riley agreed to certain customary standstill provisions, effective as of the date of the B. Riley Agreement through December 31, 2021 (the “Standstill Period”), prohibiting B. Riley and any of its affiliates or associates, directly or indirectly, from among other things: (i) acquiring, agreeing to acquire or otherwise seeking to acquire any beneficial interest in the Company’s share capital or any of its material assets other than (x) the FBIO Sale and (y) pursuant to B. Riley’s pro rata participation rights described in the B. Riley Agreement; (ii) making a take-over bid, tender offer or exchange offer for all or any part of the Company’s share capital; (iii) announcing, or taking any action which would require the announcement of, any proposals by B. Riley for any business combination or any other similar transaction involving the securities of the Company or its material assets or businesses; (iv) soliciting proxies with respect to any securities of the Company or otherwise influencing any shareholders of the Company for any action or transaction; (v) requesting that the Board expand or reduce the number of directors or the number of Board designees nominated by otherwise designated by B. Riley; (vi) take any other action that would constitute a “business combination” for purposes of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (including any successor statute thereto) (“Section 203”) (other than any transactions covered by Section 203(c)(3)(v) of the Delaware General Corporation Law that are in the ordinary course of our business operations); (vii) make any public announcement with respect to any of the foregoing, except as, and solely to the extent, legally required or compelled (and provided that the reason

for any such required announcement is not the result of any action taken by B. Riley) or (viii) contest the validity of the standstill terms of the B. Riley Agreement or initiate or participate in any judicial proceeding to amend, waive, terminate or seek a release of the restrictions of such standstill terms.

Pursuant to the B. Riley Agreement, the Company granted to B. Riley the right to appoint B. Riley representatives to attend meetings of the Board and any committee thereof in a non-voting observer capacity as follows: Upon the acquisition by a subsidiary of B. Riley of 3,010,054 shares of the Company’s common stock directly from FBIO Acquisition, B. Riley will be entitled to one board observer, who is expected to be Bryant Riley. In connection with the final closing of the FBIO Sale, B. Riley will be entitled to a second board observer.capacity. If B. Riley’s beneficial ownership of the Company’s common stock is reduced to below 24%, its rights to designate board observers will be reduced to one board observer, and if B. Riley’s beneficial ownership of the Company’s common stock is reduced to below 5%, its rights to designate board observers will cease.

The B. Riley Agreement further permits B. Riley to participate pro rata in any bona fide common stock equity offering by the Company (including the offering of any securities convertible into common stock) if the offering price of the Company’s common stock in such offering is equal to or less than $3.25 per share, as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, stock combinations and similar events, subject to certain exceptions. This participation right will end upon the earlier of (x) the end of the Standstill Period and (y) a change in control of the Company, as defined in the B. Riley Agreement.

The Agreement also contains non-solicitation terms that prohibit either the Company or B. Riley, or any of their respective affiliates, associates and related parties, from hiring any executive officer or member of senior management of the other party during the Standstill Period, subject to certain exceptions.

In connection with the Agreement, the Board waived the applicability of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law to B. Riley in connection with the FBIO Sale.

Upon final closing of the FBIO Sale, the warrants held by FBIO Acquisition ceased to be outstanding.

NOTE 19. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

During the three months ended ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018~~2019 and ~~2017,~~2018, investment banking revenues ~~include~~included approximately $0 and ~~$1,298,000,~~$3,633,000, respectively, of fees related to placement of securities for Fortress and subsidiaries of Fortress.

During the six months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, investment banking revenues include approximately $0 and $4,931,000, respectively, of fees related to placement of securities for Fortress and subsidiaries of Fortress.

NOTE 20. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

The Company has entered into agreements to provide investment banking and advisory services to numerous ~~entities~~investment funds (the “Funds”) that are

considered variable interest entities ~~("VIEs"~~(“VIEs”) under the accounting guidance. These Funds are established primarily to make and manage investments in equity or convertible debt securities of privately held companies that the Company, as investment advisor to the Funds, believes possess innovative or disruptive technologies and present opportunities for an initial public offering (“IPO”) or other similar liquidity event within approximately one to five years from the date of investment. The Funds intend to hold the investments until an IPO or other similar liquidity event and then to make distributions to its investors when contractually permitted, estimated approximately six months following such IPO or liquidity event.

The Company earns fees from the Funds in the form of placement agent fees and carried interest. For placement agent fees, the Company receives a cash fee of generally 7% to 10% of the amount of raised capital for the Funds and the fee is recognized at the time the placement services occurred. The Company receives carried interest as a percentage allocation (8% to 15%) of the profits of the Funds as compensation for asset management services provided to the Funds and it is recognized at the time of distribution. Once fund investors have received distributions in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of their total capital contributions, the Company as the manager of the Funds will be entitled to share in any profits of the Funds to the extent of the carried interest. As the fee arrangements under such agreements are arm's-length and contain customary terms and conditions and represent compensation that is considered fair value for the services

provided, the fee arrangements are not considered variable interests and accordingly, the Company does not consolidate such VIEs. ~~Fees~~

Placement agent fees attributable to such arrangements for the three months ended ~~December~~March 31, 2019 and 2018 were $6,111,000 and ~~2017 were $18,979,000~~$2,074,000, respectively, and ~~$6,216,000, respectively.~~are included in investment banking in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Placement agent fees attributable to such arrangements for the six months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 were $25,090,000 and $8,290,000, respectively, and are included in investment banking in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Carried interest is recognized and recorded at the time of distribution and all contingencies are resolved. For the three and six months ended March 31, 2019, no carried interest has been recorded as no distribution events have occurred related to the Funds. Based on the investment performance of the Funds as of March 31, 2019, unrecognized carried interest under a hypothetical distribution was $32,436,000 and the related compensation expense associated was $19,419,000. Carried interest is dependent on the market and will fluctuate until a distribution event occurs.

NOTE 21. REVENUES FROM CONTRACTS AND SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS

On October 1, 2018, the Company adopted Topic 606 applying the modified retrospective method to all contracts that were not completed as of October 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after October 1, 2018 were presented under Topic 606, while prior periods amounts were not adjusted and reported under the accounting standards in effect for the prior periods. The adoption of Topic 606 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

The Company recognizes revenue from contracts with customers when, or as, the Company satisfies its performance obligations by transferring the promised goods or services to the customers. A good or service is transferred to a customer when, or as, the customer obtains control of that good or service. A performance obligation may be satisfied over time or at a point in time. Revenue from a performance obligation satisfied over time is recognized by measuring progress in satisfying the performance obligation in a manner that depicts the transfer of the goods or services to the customer. Revenue from a performance obligation satisfied at a point in time is recognized at the point in time that the Company determines the customer obtains control over the promised good or service. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those promised goods or services (i.e., the “transaction price”). In determining the transaction price, the Company considers multiple factors, including the effects of variable consideration. Variable consideration is included in the transaction price only to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainties with respect to the amount are resolved. In determining when to include variable consideration in the transaction price, ~~we consider~~the Company considers the range of possible outcomes, the predictive value of past experiences, the time period of when uncertainties expect to be resolved and the amount of consideration that is susceptible to factors outside of influence, such as market volatility or the judgment and actions of third parties.

Contract Assets

Contract assets represent the Company’s right to consideration in exchange for goods or services that the Company has transferred to a customer, excluding unconditional rights to consideration that are presented as receivables.

Contract Liabilities

Contract liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to deliver products or provide data to customers in the future for which cash has already been received.

The following provides detailed information on the recognition of the Company’s revenues from contracts with customers:

Commissions and ~~Other~~Transaction Fees and Clearing Services. The Company earns commission and transaction fee and clearing services revenue based on the execution of transactions for clients primarily in equity and equity-related products. Trade execution, when provided together, represent a single performance obligation as the services are not separately identifiable in the context of the contract. Commission and transaction fee and clearing services revenues are recognized at a point in time on trade-date. Commission and transaction fee and clearing services revenues are generally paid on settlement date and the Company records a receivable between trade-date and payment on settlement date.

Investment Banking. The Company provides clients with a full range of investment banking services. Investment banking services include underwriting and placement agent services in both the equity and debt, including private equity placements, initial public offerings, follow-on offerings and equity-linked convertible securities transactions and private debt. Underwriting and placement agent revenues are recognized at a point in time on trade-date, as the client obtains the control and benefit of the investment banking offering at that point. Costs associated with investment banking transactions are deferred until the related revenue is recognized or the engagement is otherwise concluded and are recorded on a gross basis as the Company is acting as a principal in the arrangement. Any expenses reimbursed by the Company’s clients are recognized as investment banking revenues.

The Company’s revenues from advisory services primarily consist of fees generated in connection with mergers and acquisition and advisory transactions. Advisory fees from mergers and acquisitions engagements are recognized at a point in time when the related transaction is completed, as the performance obligation is to successfully execute a specific transaction. Fees received prior to the completion of the transaction are deferred within other liabilities in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. A significant portion of the fees the Company receives for advisory services are considered variable as they are contingent upon a future event and are excluded from the transaction price until the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved, which is expected to occur upon achievement of the specified milestone. Payment for advisory services is generally due promptly upon completion of a specified milestone or, for retainer fees, periodically over the course of the engagement. The Company recognizes a receivable between the date of completion of the milestone and payment by the customer. Expenses associated with investment banking advisory engagements are deferred only to the extent they are explicitly reimbursable by the client and the related revenue is recognized at a point in time. All other investment banking advisory related costs are expensed as incurred. All investment banking advisory expenses are recognized within their respective expense category on the condensed consolidated statements of operations and any expenses reimbursed by the clients are recognized as investment banking revenues.

Investment Advisory/Asset Management Fees. The Company receives management and performance fees in connection with investment advisory services provided to various funds and accounts, which are satisfied over time and measured using a time elapsed measure of progress as the customer receives the benefits of the services evenly throughout the term of the contract. Management and performance fees are considered variable as they are subject to fluctuation (e.g., changes in assets under management, market performance) and/or are contingent on a future event during the measurement period (e.g., meeting a specified benchmark) and are recognized only to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty is resolved. Management fees are generally based on month-end assets under management or an agreed upon notional amount and are included in the transaction price at the end of each month when the assets under management or notional amount is known. Performance fees are received when the return on assets under management for a specified performance period exceed certain benchmark returns, “high-water marks” or other performance targets. The performance period related to performance fees is annual, semiannual or at the recognition of a liquidation event. Accordingly, performance fee revenue will generally be recognized only at the end of the performance period to the extent that the benchmark return has been met.

Tax Preparation and Accounting. The Company charges fees in connection with tax preparation and accounting services. Revenues are recorded upon completion of the services.

Disaggregation of Revenue

The following presents the Company’s revenues from contracts with customers disaggregated by major business activity and segment for the three and six months ended ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018:~~2019:

For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2018 Brokerage and Advisory Services Tax and Accounting Services Corporate Total
Revenues from customer contracts:
Commissions $ 21,012,000
$ —
$ —
$ 21,012,000
Investment banking:
Underwriting 4,490,000
—
—
4,490,000
Private Placement 19,904,000
—
—
19,904,000
Advisory 133,000
—
—
133,000
Other 2,544,000
—
—
2,544,000
Investment advisory 5,858,000
—
—
5,858,000
Sub-total revenue from contracts with customers 53,941,000
—
—
53,941,000
Other revenue 3,392,000
774,000
—
4,166,000
Total revenue $ 57,333,000
$ 774,000
$ —
$ 58,107,000



For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019	Brokerage and Advisory Services		Tax and Accounting Services		Corporate		Total
Revenues from customer contracts:
Commissions and transaction fees and clearing services	$	24,389,000	$	—	$	—	$	24,389,000
Investment banking	9,797,000		—		—		9,797,000
Investment advisory	5,514,000		—		—		5,514,000
Tax preparation and accounting	—		4,122,000		—		4,122,000
Sub-total revenue from contracts with customers	39,700,000		4,122,000		—		43,822,000
Other revenue	2,878,000		—		—		2,878,000
Total revenue	$	42,578,000	$	4,122,000	$	—	$	46,700,000



For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019	Brokerage and Advisory Services		Tax and Accounting Services		Corporate		Total
Revenues from customer contracts:
Commissions and transaction fees and clearing services	$	47,549,000	$	—	$	—	$	47,549,000
Investment banking	36,868,000		—		—		36,868,000
Investment advisory	11,372,000		—		—		11,372,000
Tax preparation and accounting	—		4,897,000		—		4,897,000
Sub-total revenue from contracts with customers	95,789,000		4,897,000		—		100,686,000
Other revenue	4,121,000		—		—		4,121,000
Total revenue	$	99,910,000	$	4,897,000	$	—	$	104,807,000

Information on Remaining Performance Obligations and Revenue Recognized from Past Performance

The Company does not disclose information about remaining performance obligations pertaining to contracts that have an original expected duration of one year or less. The transaction price allocated to remaining unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied performance obligations with an original expected duration exceeding one year was not material at ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018.~~

2019. Investment banking advisory fees that are contingent upon completion of a specific milestone are also excluded as the fees are considered variable and not included in the transaction price at ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018.~~2019.

Contract Balances

The timing of the Company’s revenue recognition may differ from the timing of payment by customers. The Company records a receivable when revenue is recognized prior to payment and the Company has an unconditional right to payment. Alternatively, when payment precedes the provision of the related services, the Company records deferred revenue until the performance obligations are satisfied.

Contract Costs

Incremental contract costs are expensed when incurred when the amortization period of the asset that would have been recognized is one year or less. Otherwise, incremental contract costs are recognized as an asset and amortized over time as services are provided to a customer.

Practical Expedients

The Company has applied Topic 606’s practical expedient that permits for the non-disclosure of the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and (ii) contracts for which the Company recognizes revenue at the amount to which it has the right to invoice for services performed.

The Company also applied Topic 606’s practical expedient that allows incremental contract costs to be expensed when incurred when the amortization period of the asset that would have been recognized is one year or less.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. This Report may contain certain statements of a forward-looking nature relating to future events or future business performance. Any such statements that refer to our estimated or anticipated future results or other non-historical facts are forward-looking and reflect our current perspective of existing trends and information. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that cannot be predicted or quantified and, consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, risks and uncertainties detailed under the section titled "Risks Factors" of our Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2018. Any forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q speak only as of the date of this Report. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

OVERVIEW

We are engaged in independent brokerage and advisory services and asset management services, investment banking, equity research and institutional sales and trading, through our broker-dealer Subsidiary, NSC. We are committed to establishing a significant presence in the financial services industry by meeting the varying investment needs of our retail, corporate and institutional clients. Our wholly-owned subsidiary, NAM, is a federally-registered investment adviser that provides asset management advisory services to clients for a fee based upon a percentage of assets managed. We also provide tax preparation services through National Tax, which provides tax preparation services to individuals, predominantly in the middle and upper income tax brackets and accounting services to small and midsize companies.

NSC is subject to regulation by, among others, the SEC, FINRA and is a member of the SIPC. In addition, NSC is licensed to conduct its brokerage activities in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. National Tax is also subject to regulation by, among others, the Internal Revenue Service.

As of ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018,~~2019, we had approximately ~~990~~1,030 associated personnel serving retail and institutional customers, trading and investment banking clients. In addition to our 2827 Company offices located in New York, New Jersey, Florida, Texas, Massachusetts and Washington, we had approximately ~~108~~101 other registered offices, owned and operated by independent owners who maintain all appropriate licenses and are responsible for all office overhead and expenses.

Our registered representatives offer a broad range of investment products and services. These products and services allow us to generate both commissions (from transactions in securities and other investment products) and fee income (for providing investment advisory services, namely managing clients’ accounts). The investment products and services offered include but are not limited to stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities, insurance, and managed money accounts.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018~~2019 Compared to Three Months Ended ~~December~~March 31, ~~2017~~2018

Summary

Our ~~first~~second quarter ended ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018~~2019 resulted in a ~~16% increase~~23% decrease in revenues and a ~~13% increase~~9% decrease in operating ~~expenses. The increase in revenues is primarily related~~expenses as compared to ~~significantly higher revenues generated in~~the comparative period last year. Commissions and investment banking ~~offset in part~~revenues were adversely affected by US/China trade negotiations and related market disruption, and by the ~~decrease~~US Government shutdown in ~~commissions. Investment banking continued~~the early part of calendar 2019. As a result, client participation in market activity declined, and due to ~~provide high demand deals that were sold across various industry segments.~~

depressed market values, revenue growth in our investment advisory business was also reduced.

Revenues

Total revenues ~~increased $8,027,000,~~decreased $13,646,000, or ~~16%~~23%, to ~~$58,107,000,~~$46,700,000, in the current quarter as compared to ~~$50,080,000~~$60,346,000 recorded in the comparative period last year.


	Three Months Ended December 31,					Increase (Decrease)					Three Months Ended March 31,				Increase (Decrease)
	2018			2017		Amount			Percent		2019		2018		Amount			Percent
Commissions	$	21,012,000		$	25,618,000	$	(4,606,000	)	(18	)%	$	22,801,000	$	31,407,000	$	(8,606,000	)	(27	)%
Net dealer inventory (losses) gains	(503,000		)	905,000		(1,408,000		)	(156	)
Net dealer inventory gains											1,269,000		2,761,000		(1,492,000		)	(54	)
Investment banking	27,071,000			14,547,000		12,524,000			86		9,797,000		14,532,000		(4,735,000		)	(33	)
Investment advisory	5,858,000			5,333,000		525,000			10		5,514,000		5,197,000		317,000			6
Interest and dividends	1,584,000			631,000		953,000			151		1,412,000		601,000		811,000			135
Transaction fees and clearing services	2,149,000			2,297,000		(148,000		)	(6	)	1,588,000		1,777,000		(189,000		)	(11	)
Tax preparation and accounting	774,000			523,000		251,000			48		4,122,000		3,868,000		254,000			7
Other	162,000			226,000		(64,000		)	(28	)	197,000		203,000		(6,000		)	(3	)
Total Revenues	$	58,107,000		$	50,080,000	$	8,027,000		16	%	$	46,700,000	$	60,346,000	$	(13,646,000	)	(23	)%

Commissions decreased ~~$4,606,000,~~$8,606,000, or ~~18%~~27%, to ~~$21,012,000~~$22,801,000 in the current quarter as compared to ~~$25,618,000~~$31,407,000 recorded in the comparatively strong period last year. Retail commissions decreased as a result of market volatility and associated declines due to interest rate concerns, the US/China trade negotiations, and the US Government shutdown in the early part of calendar 2019. This had a negative effect on trading volumes due to market and economic uncertainty;

Net dealer inventory gains, decreased $1,492,000, or 54%, to $1,269,000 in the current quarter as compared to $2,761,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. During the comparative period last year, the Company strategically decided to reduce the breadth of our trading model to focus on specifically servicing our retail and institutional clients;

Investment banking fees decreased $4,735,000, or 33%, to $9,797,000 in the current quarter as compared to $14,532,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. Due to the US Government shutdown, several banking deals were delayed due to the associated office closure of the SEC;

Investment advisory fees increased $317,000, or 6%, to $5,514,000 in the current quarter as compared to $5,197,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. The volatility in the markets and the government shutdown had a negative impact on market values which reduced the revenue growth in our investment advisory business;

Interest and dividend income increased $811,000, or 135%, to $1,412,000 in the current quarter as compared to $601,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. The increase is primarily attributable to a new FDIC Sweep interest program that the company implemented in late 2018;

Transaction fees and clearing services decreased $189,000, or 11%, to $1,588,000 in the current quarter as compared to $1,777,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. This decrease is primarily due to fewer retail transactions being processed during the current period;

Tax preparation and accounting fees increased $254,000, or 7%, to $4,122,000 in the current quarter as compared to $3,868,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. This increase is attributable to revenue generated by new business acquisitions, which resulted in an increase in our client base;

Other revenue decreased $6,000, or 3%, to $197,000 in the current quarter as compared to $203,000 recorded in the comparative period last year.

Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses decreased $5,054,000, or 9%, to $50,599,000 in the current quarter as compared to $55,653,000 recorded in the comparative period last year.



	Three Months Ended March 31,				Increase (Decrease)
	2019		2018		Amount			Percent
Commissions, compensation and fees	$	40,633,000	$	49,345,000	$	(8,712,000	)	(18	)%
Clearing fees	530,000		578,000		(48,000		)	(8	)
Communications	697,000		813,000		(116,000		)	(14	)
Occupancy	980,000		1,141,000		(161,000		)	(14	)
License and registration	747,000		530,000		217,000			41
Professional fees	1,733,000		578,000		1,155,000			200
Interest	10,000		2,000		8,000			400
Depreciation and amortization	461,000		379,000		82,000			22
Other administrative expenses	4,808,000		2,287,000		2,521,000			110
Total Operating Expenses	$	50,599,000	$	55,653,000	$	(5,054,000	)	(9	)%

Commissions, compensation, and fees decreased $8,712,000, or 18%, to $40,633,000 in the current quarter as compared to $49,345,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. Commissions, compensation, and fees include expenses based on commission revenue earned, net dealer inventory gains and investment banking revenues, as well as compensation to our non-broker employees. The decrease is primarily related to lower revenues offset in part by higher costs for strategic new hires, increases in benefits expenses and increases in stock based compensation in connection with stock grants;

Clearing fees decreased $48,000, or 8%, to $530,000 in the current quarter as compared to $578,000 recorded in the comparative period last year;

Communications expenses decreased $116,000, or 14%, to $697,000 in the current quarter as compared to $813,000 recorded in the comparative period last year;

Occupancy expenses decreased $161,000, or 14%, to $980,000 in the current quarter as compared to $1,141,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. The decrease is mainly related to a lease termination in October 2018;

License and registration expense increased by $217,000, or 41%, to $747,000 in the current quarter as compared to $530,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. This increase is attributable to new licenses for software applications as the Company continues to invest in and implement technology enhancements;

Professional fees increased by $1,155,000, or 200% to $1,733,000 in the current quarter as compared to $578,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. This increase is primarily related to attorney's fees associated with the B. Riley transaction, corporate matters and an increase in legal expenses for customer claims;

Interest expense increased by $8,000, to $10,000 in the current quarter as compared to $2,000 recorded in the comparative period last year;

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased $82,000, or 22% to $461,000 in the current quarter as compared to $379,000 recorded in the comparative period last year due to higher amortization expense for new customer list intangibles as a result of new business acquisitions;

Other administrative expenses increased $2,521,000, or 110%, to $4,808,000 in the current quarter as compared to $2,287,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. This increase is attributable to higher provisions for potential arbitration settlements, stock based compensation for the board of directors and annual sales conference costs.

Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 Compared to Six Months Ended March 31, 2018

Summary

Our six months ended March 31, 2019 resulted in a 5% decrease in revenues and 1% increase in operating expenses as compared to the comparative period last year. The decrease in revenues is primarily related to lower commissions revenue offset in part by higher investment banking revenue.

Revenues

Total revenues decreased $5,618,000, or 5%, to $104,807,000 in the six months ended March 31, 2019 as compared to $110,425,000 recorded in the comparative period last year.



	Six Months Ended March 31,				Increase (Decrease)
	2019		2018		Amount			Percent
Commissions	$	43,812,000	$	57,025,000	$	(13,213,000	)	(23	)%
Net dealer inventory gains	766,000		3,666,000		(2,900,000		)	(79	)
Investment banking	36,868,000		29,079,000		7,789,000			27
Investment advisory	11,372,000		10,529,000		843,000			8
Interest and dividends	2,996,000		1,232,000		1,764,000			143
Transaction fees and clearing services	3,737,000		4,074,000		(337,000		)	(8	)
Tax preparation and accounting	4,897,000		4,391,000		506,000			12
Other	359,000		429,000		(70,000		)	(16	)
Total Revenues	$	104,807,000	$	110,425,000	$	(5,618,000	)	(5	)%

Commissions decreased $13,213,000, or 23%, to $43,812,000 in the six months ended March 31, 2019 as compared to $57,025,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. Retail commissions decreased due to uncertain market and economic conditions ~~which~~exacerbated by interest rate and US/China trade concerns, and the US Government shutdown. This resulted in lower trading volumes and investor participation as many investors stayed on the sidelines during the high market volatility periods. In addition, the firm’s strategy of bringing quality issuance and private share offerings to our client base, ~~did reallocate~~reallocated revenue generation to investment banking from commissions;

Net dealer inventory ~~(losses)~~ gains decreased ~~$1,408,000,~~$2,900,000, or ~~156%~~79%, to ~~$(503,000)~~$766,000 in the ~~current quarter~~six months ended March 31, 2019 as compared to ~~$905,000~~$3,666,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. ~~Unrealized losses for~~During the ~~change in fair value of~~comparative period last year, the ~~firm’s investment portfolio created the net loss in the current period. While comparative losses were also incurred in the first quarter of 2018, the~~

Company ~~during the prior year,~~ strategically decided to reduce the breadth of our trading model to focus on specifically servicing our retail and institutional clients;

Investment banking fees increased ~~$12,524,000,~~$7,789,000, or ~~86%~~27%, to ~~a record $27,071,000~~$36,868,000 in the ~~current quarter~~six months ended March 31, 2019 as compared to ~~$14,547,000~~$29,079,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. The increase was the result of successful, diverse, quality offerings across market segments, and to ~~two~~three significant private share offerings executed during the ~~quarter;~~current six month period;

Investment advisory fees increased ~~$525,000,~~$843,000, or ~~10%~~8%, to ~~$5,858,000~~$11,372,000 in the ~~current quarter~~six months ended March 31, 2019 as compared to ~~$5,333,000~~$10,529,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. A net increase in assets under management contributed to the ~~increase;~~increase. Revenue was mitigated in the second quarter due to lower market values, negatively impacting advisory fees charged to clients;

Interest and ~~dividend income~~dividends increased ~~$953,000,~~$1,764,000, or ~~151%~~143%, to ~~$1,584,000~~$2,996,000 in the ~~current quarter~~six months ended March 31, 2019 as compared to ~~$631,000~~$1,232,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. ~~The~~This increase is primarily attributable to a new FDIC Sweep interest program that ~~started~~the company implemented in late 2018;

Transaction fees and clearing services decreased ~~$148,000,~~$337,000, or 6%8%, to ~~$2,149,000~~$3,737,000 in the ~~current quarter~~six months ended March 31, 2019 as compared to ~~$2,297,000~~$4,074,000 recorded in the comparative period last ~~year;~~year. This decrease is primarily due to fewer retail transactions being processed during the current period;

Tax preparation and accounting fees increased ~~$251,000,~~$506,000, or ~~48%~~12%, to ~~$774,000~~$4,897,000 in the ~~current quarter~~six months ended March 31, 2019 as compared to ~~$523,000~~$4,391,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. This increase is attributable to ~~higher collections associated with extensions filed~~revenue generated by new business acquisitions, which resulted in ~~the current quarter as compared~~an increase to ~~the prior period;~~our client base;

Other revenue decreased ~~$64,000,~~$70,000, or ~~28%~~16%, to ~~$162,000~~$359,000 in the ~~current quarter as compared to $226,000~~six months ended March 31, 2019 from $429,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. This decrease is due to a decline of client participation in our fully paid stock lending program. Client participation in this program varies quarter to ~~quarter.~~

quarter;

Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses increased ~~$6,534,000,~~$1,481,000, or ~~13%~~1%, to ~~$56,790,000~~$107,389,000 in the ~~current quarter~~six months ended March 31, 2019 as compared to ~~$50,256,000~~$105,908,000 recorded in the comparative period last year.


	Three Months Ended December 31,				Increase (Decrease)					Six Months Ended March 31,				Increase (Decrease)
	2018		2017		Amount			Percent		2019		2018		Amount			Percent
Commissions, compensation and fees	$	49,410,000	$	43,561,000	$	5,849,000		13	%	$	90,043,000	$	92,906,000	$	(2,863,000	)	(3	)%
Clearing fees	759,000		743,000		16,000			2		1,289,000		1,321,000		(32,000		)	(2	)
Communications	822,000		760,000		62,000			8		1,519,000		1,572,000		(53,000		)	(3	)
Occupancy	925,000		955,000		(30,000		)	(3	)	1,906,000		2,096,000		(190,000		)	(9	)
License and registration	579,000		637,000		(58,000		)	(9	)	1,326,000		1,167,000		159,000			14
Professional fees	1,985,000		1,393,000		592,000			42		3,717,000		1,970,000		1,747,000			89
Interest	8,000		2,000		6,000			300		18,000		5,000		13,000			260
Depreciation and amortization	398,000		379,000		19,000			5		858,000		758,000		100,000			13
Other administrative expenses	1,904,000		1,826,000		78,000			4		6,713,000		4,113,000		2,600,000			63
Total Operating Expenses	$	56,790,000	$	50,256,000	$	6,534,000		13	%	$	107,389,000	$	105,908,000	$	1,481,000		1	%

Commissions, compensation, and fees ~~increased $5,849,000,~~decreased $2,863,000, or ~~13%~~3%, to ~~$49,410,000~~$90,043,000 in the ~~current quarter~~ six months ended March 31, 2019 as compared to ~~$43,561,000~~$92,906,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. Commissions, compensation, and fees ~~includes~~ include expenses based on ~~commission~~commission revenue, ~~earned,~~ net dealer inventory gains, investment banking and investment ~~banking revenues,~~advisory, as well as compensation to our non-broker employees. The ~~increase~~decrease is primarily related to lower revenues offset in ~~investment banking revenue was primarily responsible~~part by higher costs for ~~the increase in this expense category. Strategic~~strategic new hires, increases in benefits expenses and increases in stock based compensation ~~for~~in connection with stock ~~grants also contributed to the increase;~~grants;

Clearing fees ~~increased $16,000,~~decreased $32,000, or 2%, to ~~$759,000~~$1,289,000 in the ~~current quarter~~six months ended March 31, 2019, as compared to ~~$743,000~~$1,321,000 recorded in the comparative period last year;

Communications expenses decreased $53,000, or 3%, to $1,519,000 in the six months ended March 31, 2019, as compared to $1,572,000 recorded in the comparative period last year;

~~Communications~~Occupancy expenses ~~increased $62,000,~~decreased $190,000, or 8%9%, to ~~$822,000~~$1,906,000 in the ~~current quarter~~six months ended March 31, 2019, as compared to ~~$760,000~~$2,096,000 recorded in the comparative period last ~~year;~~year. The decrease is mainly related to a lease termination in October 2018;

~~Occupancy expenses decreased $30,000,~~License and registration fees increased $159,000, or 3%14%, to ~~$925,000~~$1,326,000 in the ~~current quarter~~six months ended March 31, 2019, as compared to ~~$955,000~~$1,167,000 recorded in the comparative period last ~~year;~~

~~License~~year. This increase is attributable to licenses for software applications as the company continues to invest in and ~~registration expense decreased by $58,000, or 9%, to $579,000 in the current quarter as compared to $637,000 recorded in the comparative period last year;~~implement technology enhancement;

Professional fees increased ~~by $592,000,~~$1,747,000, or ~~42%~~89%, to ~~$1,985,000~~$3,717,000 in the ~~current quarter~~six months ended March 31, 2019, as compared to ~~$1,393,000~~$1,970,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. This increase is primarily related to ~~professional~~attorney's fees associated with the B. Riley ~~transaction;~~transaction, corporate matters and an increase in other legal expenses;

Interest expense increased ~~by $6,000,~~$13,000, or 260%, to ~~$8,000~~$18,000 in the ~~current quarter~~six months ended March 31, 2019, as compared to ~~$2,000~~$5,000 recorded in the comparative period last year;

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased ~~$19,000,~~$100,000, or 5%13%, to ~~$398,000~~$858,000 in the ~~current quarter~~six months ended March 31, 2019, as compared to ~~$379,000~~$758,000 recorded in the comparative period last ~~year;~~year. Higher amortization expense for new customer list intangibles as a result of new business acquisitions contributed to the majority of the increase;

Other administrative expenses increased ~~$78,000,~~$2,600,000, or 4%63%, to ~~$1,904,000~~$6,713,000 in the ~~current quarter~~six months ended March 31, 2019, as compared to ~~$1,826,000~~$4,113,000 recorded in the comparative period last year.

This increase is attributable to higher provisions for potential arbitration settlements and higher stock based compensation for the board of directors.

NON-GAAP INFORMATION

Management considers earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, as adjusted, an important indicator in evaluating our business on a consistent basis across various periods. Due to the significance of non-recurring items, EBITDA, as adjusted, enables our Board and management to monitor and evaluate our business on a consistent basis. We use EBITDA, as adjusted, as a primary measure, among others, to analyze and evaluate financial and strategic planning decisions regarding future operating investments and potential acquisitions. We believe that EBITDA, as adjusted, eliminates items that are not part of our core operations, such as interest expense and amortization expense associated with intangible assets, or items that do not involve a cash outlay, such as stock-related compensation. EBITDA, as adjusted should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute for pre-tax income, net income and cash flows from operating activities.

For the three months ended ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018~~2019 and ~~2017,~~2018, EBITDA, as adjusted, was ~~$4,242,000~~$(2,077,000) and ~~$1,737,000,~~$5,233,000, respectively. The ~~increase~~decrease of ~~$2,505,000,~~$7,310,000, or ~~144%~~140% resulted primarily from ~~profit~~lower profits generated byin the ~~increase~~current quarter.

For the six months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, EBITDA, as adjusted, was $2,164,000 and $6,971,000, respectively. This decrease of $4,807,000 or 69%, resulted primarily from lower profits generated in ~~investment banking and investment advisory revenue.~~the current period.

The following table presents a reconciliation of EBITDA, as adjusted, to net income (loss) as reported in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP:


	Three Months Ended December 31,					Three Months Ended March 31,						Six Months Ended March 31,
	2018		2017			2019			2018			2019			2018
Net income (loss), as reported	$	956,000	$	(8,040,000	)	$	(2,785,000	)	$	(2,252,000	)	$	(1,829,000	)	$	(10,292,000	)
Interest expense	8,000		2,000			10,000			2,000			18,000			5,000
Income taxes	367,000		2,273,000			(1,108,000		)	1,578,000			(741,000		)	3,851,000
Depreciation	170,000		169,000			172,000			159,000			341,000			328,000
Amortization	228,000		210,000			289,000			220,000			517,000			430,000
EBITDA	1,729,000		(5,386,000		)	(3,422,000		)	(293,000		)	(1,694,000		)	(5,678,000		)
Non-cash compensation expense	1,322,000		258,000			1,480,000			418,000			2,802,000			676,000
Change in fair value of warrant liability	—		5,597,000			—			5,597,000			—			11,194,000
Forgivable loan amortization	171,000		160,000			162,000			150,000			333,000			310,000
Unrealized loss on the firm's warrant portfolio	1,020,000		1,108,000
Unrealized loss (gain) on the firm's warrant portfolio						(297,000		)	(639,000		)	$	723,000		$	469,000
EBITDA, as adjusted	$	4,242,000	$	1,737,000		$	(2,077,000	)	$	5,233,000		$	2,164,000		$	6,971,000

EBITDA, adjusted for non-cash compensation expense, change in fair value of warrant liability, forgivable loan amortization, and unrealized loss (gain) on the firm’s warrant portfolio, is a key metric we use in evaluating our business. EBITDA is considered a non-GAAP financial measure as defined by Regulation G, promulgated by the SEC.

Liquidity and Capital Resources


	Ending Balance at December 31,				Average Balance during first three months of fiscal year ending September 30,				Ending Balance at March 31,				Average Balance during first six months of fiscal year ending September 30,
	2018		2017		2019		2018		2019		2018		2019		2018
Cash	$	30,813,000	$	24,318,000	$	29,367,000	$	23,913,000	$	25,881,000	$	27,211,000	$	28,205,000	$	25,013,000
Receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations	2,751,000		3,243,000		3,359,000		3,047,000		3,451,000		2,709,000		3,390,000		2,934,000
Securities owned (excludes warrants)	1,721,000		3,592,000		1,738,000		2,515,000		1,905,000		2,261,000		1,794,000		2,430,000

Accrued commissions and payroll payable, accounts payable and accrued expenses	21,147,000		19,489,000		21,014,000		19,135,000		21,151,000		19,105,000		21,060,000		19,125,000

~~We maintain a relatively high level of liquidity on our balance sheet.~~ At ~~December~~March 31, 2019 and 2018 respectively, 45% and ~~2017 respectively, 50% and 48%~~49% of our total assets consisted of cash, securities owned and receivables from clearing brokers and other broker-dealers. The level of cash used in each asset class is subject to fluctuation based on market volatility, revenue production and trading activity in the marketplace.

NSC is subject to the Net Capital Rule, which, among other things, requires the maintenance of minimum net capital. At ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018,~~2019, NSC had net capital of ~~$12,492,000~~$8,322,154 which was ~~$11,492,000~~$7,322,154 in excess of its required minimum net capital of $1,000,000. NSC is exempt from the provisions of the Customer Protection Rule since it is an introducing broker-dealer that clears all transactions on a fully disclosed basis and promptly transmits all customer funds and securities to clearing brokers.

Advances, dividend payments and other equity withdrawals from NSC are restricted by the regulations of the SEC, and other regulatory agencies. These regulatory restrictions may limit the amounts that NSC may dividend or advance to ~~the~~ us. During the first three and six months of fiscal 2019 and 2018, NSC was in compliance with the rules governing dividend payments and other equity withdrawals.

We extend unsecured credit in the normal course of business to our brokers. The determination of the appropriate amount of the reserve for uncollectible accounts is based upon a review of the amount of credit extended, the length of time each receivable has been outstanding, and the specific individual brokers from whom the receivables are due.

The objective of liquidity management is to ensure that we have ready access to sufficient funds to meet commitments, fund deposit withdrawals and efficiently provide for the credit needs of customers. We have a regular and recurring dialogue with our Board of Directors to ensure proper liquidity management.

Our primary sources of liquidity include our cash flow from operations and the sale of our securities and other financing activities. We believe that we have sufficient funds from operations to fund our ongoing operating requirements through at least 2019. However, we may need to raise funds to enhance our working capital and for strategic purposes.

We do not have any material commitments for capital expenditures. We routinely purchase computer equipment and technology to maintain or enhance the productivity of our employees and such capital expenditures amounted to ~~$151,000~~$1,000,000 and ~~$45,000~~$50,000 during the first ~~three~~six months of fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Cash Flows for the ~~Three~~Six Months Ended ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018~~2019 and ~~2017~~2018


	Three months ended December 31,						Six months ended March 31,
	2018			2017			2019			2018
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss)	$	956,000		$	(8,040,000	)
Net loss							$	(1,829,000	)	$	(10,292,000	)
Non-cash adjustments
Change in fair value of warrant liability	—			5,597,000			—			11,194,000
Depreciation and amortization	398,000			379,000			858,000			758,000
Stock based compensation	1,322,000			258,000			2,802,000			676,000
Deferred tax expense	87,000			2,318,000			(102,000		)	2,413,000
Other	(11,000		)	131,000			114,000			154,000
Changes in assets and liabilities
Receivables from clearing organizations, broker-dealers, forgivable loans and other	(140,000		)	(195,000		)	(483,000		)	(1,005,000		)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses and other liabilities	393,000			2,062,000			(989,000		)	(288,000		)
Prepaid expenses	(436,000		)	(423,000		)	(1,281,000		)	809,000
Other	563,000			(1,141,000		)	197,000			(397,000		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	3,132,000			946,000
Net cash (used) provided by operating activities							(713,000		)	4,022,000

Cash flows from investing and financing activities
Acquisition of businesses	—			(124,000		)	(387,000		)	(187,000		)
Acquisition of intangible assets							—			(45,000		)
Purchase of fixed assets	(109,000		)	(36,000		)	(734,000		)	(50,000		)
Collection on notes receivable	27,000			25,000			56,000			47,000
Repurchase of shares of common stock	(101,000		)	—
Repurchase of common stock for tax withholding							(232,000		)	(82,000		)
Principal payments under capital lease obligations	(55,000		)	—			(110,000		)	—
Principal payments under finance obligations							(114,000		)	—
Net cash used in investing and financing activities	(238,000		)	(135,000		)	(1,521,000		)	(317,000		)
Net increase in cash and restricted cash	$	2,894,000		$	811,000
Net (decrease) increase in cash and restricted cash							$	(2,234,000	)	$	3,705,000

Net cash (used) provided by operating activities ~~increased $2,186,000~~decreased by $4,735,000 for the ~~three~~six months ended ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018,~~2019, compared to the ~~three~~six months ended ~~December~~March 31, ~~2017.~~2018. The ~~increase~~decrease in net cash (used) provided by operating activities was primarily due to higher ~~operating revenues collected~~prepaid expenses and lower profits generated for the ~~three~~six months ended ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018.~~2019.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

INFLATION

We believe inflation has not had a material effect on our financial condition as of March 31, 2019, and September 30, 2018, or on our results of operations and cash flows for the three and six months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market Risk

Our primary market risk arises from the fact that we engage in proprietary trading and make dealer markets in equity securities. Accordingly, we may maintain certain amounts of inventories in order to facilitate customer order flow. We may incur losses as a result of price movements in these inventories due to changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, equity prices and other political factors. We are not subject to direct market risk due to changes in foreign exchange rates. However, we are subject to market risk as a result of changes in interest rates and equity prices, which are affected by global economic conditions. We manage our exposure to market risk by limiting our net long or short positions. Trading and inventory accounts are monitored daily by management and we have instituted position limits. Our ability to manage market risk associated with our carried interest in our private shares program may be limited by contractual lock-ups, which prevent us from protecting against market decline in those shares.

Credit risk represents the amount of accounting loss we could incur if counterparties to our proprietary transactions fail to perform and the value of any collateral proves inadequate. Although credit risk relating to various financing activities is reduced by the industry practice of obtaining and maintaining collateral, we maintain more stringent requirements to further reduce our exposure. We monitor our exposure to counterparty risk on a daily basis by using credit exposure information and monitoring collateral values. Our clearing firms, in conjunction with our risk department, review margin requirements for large or concentrated accounts and ~~sets~~set higher requirements or ~~requires~~require a reduction of either the level of margin debt or investment in high-risk securities or, in some cases, requiring the transfer of the account to another broker-dealer.

We monitor our market and credit risks daily through internal control procedures designed to identify and evaluate the various risks to which we are exposed. There can be no assurance, however, that our risk management procedures and internal controls will prevent losses from occurring as a result of such risks.

The following table shows the fair values of our securities owned as of ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018:~~ 2019. We performed an entity-wide analysis of our financial instruments and assessed the related market risk. Based on this analysis, we do not expect that the market risk associated with our financial instruments at March 31, 2019 will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.


	Securities owned		Securities owned
Corporate stocks	$	925,000	$	905,000
Municipal bonds	12,000
Restricted stock	784,000		1,000,000
Warrants	5,487,000		5,701,000
Total	$	7,208,000	$	7,606,000

Operational Risk

Operational risk generally refers to the risk of loss resulting from our operations, including, but not limited to, improper or unauthorized execution and processing of transactions, deficiencies in our technology or financial operating systems and inadequacies or breaches in our control processes. We operate in a dynamic market and are reliant on the ability of our employees and systems to process a large number of transactions. These risks are less direct and quantifiable than credit and market risk, but managing them is critical, particularly in a rapidly changing environment with increasing transaction volumes. In the event of a breakdown or improper operation of systems or improper action by employees, we could suffer financial loss, regulatory sanctions and damage to our reputation. Business continuity plans exist for critical systems, and redundancies are built into the systems as deemed appropriate. In order to mitigate and control operational risk, we have developed and continue to enhance specific policies and procedures that are designed to identify and manage operational risk at appropriate levels throughout our organization and within various departments. These control mechanisms attempt to ensure that operational policies and procedures are being followed and that our employees operate within established corporate policies and limits.

Risk Management

We have established various committees of the Board of Directors to ~~manage~~oversee the management of risks associated with our business. Our Audit Committee was established for the primary purpose of overseeing (i) the integrity of our unaudited and audited condensed consolidated financial statements, (ii) our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements that may impact our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements or financial operations, (iii) the independent auditor’s qualifications and independence and (iv) the performance of our independent auditor and internal audit function.

In addition, we have written policies and procedures that govern the conduct of business by our employees and our relationship with our clients. Our client policies address the extension of credit for client accounts, data and physical security, compliance with industry regulation and codes of ethics to govern employee conduct among other matters.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.

Disclosure controls and procedures are our controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act, are recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified by the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure and control procedures are also designed to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

Based on our evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) required by the Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b), our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were adequate and effective at the reasonable assurance level.

Changes in internal controls.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018,~~2019, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We and our subsidiaries are defendants or respondents in various pending and threatened arbitrations, administrative proceedings and lawsuits seeking compensatory damages. Several cases have no stated alleged damages. Claim amounts are infrequently indicative of the actual amounts we will be liable for, if any. Further, we have a history of collecting amounts awarded in these types of matters from our registered representatives that are still affiliated, as well as from those that are no longer affiliated. Many of these claimants also seek, in addition to compensatory damages, punitive or treble damages, and all seek interest, costs and fees. These matters arise in the normal course of business. We intend to vigorously defend our company in these actions, and the ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time.

Liabilities for potential losses from complaints, legal actions, government investigations and proceedings are established where management believes that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. In making these decisions, management bases its judgments on its knowledge of the situations, consultations with legal counsel and its historical experience in resolving similar matters. In many lawsuits, arbitrations and regulatory proceedings, it is not possible to determine whether a liability has been incurred or to estimate the amount of that liability until the matter is close to resolution. However, accruals are reviewed regularly and are adjusted to reflect management’s estimates of the impact of developments, rulings, advice of counsel and any other information pertinent to a particular matter. Because of the inherent difficulty in predicting the ultimate outcome of legal and regulatory actions, management cannot predict with certainty the eventual loss or range of loss related to such matters. As of ~~December~~March 31, ~~2018~~2019 and September 30, 2018, the Company accrued approximately ~~$1,095,000~~$2,755,000 and $825,000, respectively. These amounts are included in accounts payable and other accrued expenses in the statements of financial condition. Awards ultimately paid, if any, may be covered by our errors and omissions insurance policy. While we will vigorously defend our company in these matters, and will assert insurance coverage and indemnification to the maximum extent possible, there can be no assurance that such matters will not have a material adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There are no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS



31.1	Principal Executive Officer’s Certificate pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2	Principal Financial Officer’s Certificate pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1	Principal Executive Officer’s Certificate pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2	Principal Financial Officer’s Certificate pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

SIGNATURES

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

NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION



~~February 14,~~May 15, 2019	By:	/s/ Michael A. Mullen
		Michael A. Mullen
		Chief Executive Officer
		(Principal Executive Officer)

~~February 14,~~May 15, 2019	By:	/s/ Glenn C. Worman
		Glenn C. Worman
		Chief Financial Officer
		(Principal Financial Officer)

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