UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2006 | 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 organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or Identification No.) |
| 875 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1560, Chicago, Illinois | | 60611 |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | | (Zip code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (312) 751-8833
Olympic Cascade Financial Corporation
(Former name, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES o NO x
The number of shares outstanding of registrant’s common stock, par value $0.02 per share, at October 23, 2006 was 5,223,968.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A (the “Report”) is being filed by National Holdings Corporation (the “Company”) to amend the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2006 that was initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on May 10, 2006. This Report reflects the restatement of the Company's Series B Preferred Stock outside of permanent equity on its balance sheet as of March 31, 2006.
NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY |
| |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION |
| | | | | | |
ASSETS | |
| | | | | | |
| | | March 31, | | | |
| | | 2006 | | | |
| | | (unaudited) | | September 30, | |
| | | (See: Note 2. | | 2005 | |
| | | Restatement) | | (see note below) | |
| | | | | | |
| CASH | | $ | 2,236,000 | | $ | 398,000 | |
| DEPOSITS WITH CLEARING ORGANIZATIONS | | | 300,000 | | | 300,000 | |
| RECEIVABLES FROM BROKER-DEALERS AND CLEARING ORGANIZATIONS | | | 4,716,000 | | | 3,329,000 | |
| OTHER RECEIVABLES, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $368,000 | | | | | | | |
| at March 31, 2006 and September 30, 2005, respectively | | | 350,000 | | | 485,000 | |
| ADVANCES TO REGISTERED REPRESENTATIVES | | | 1,599,000 | | | 1,653,000 | |
| SECURITIES HELD FOR RESALE, at market | | | 466,000 | | | 166,000 | |
| FIXED ASSETS, net | | | 299,000 | | | 250,000 | |
| SECURED DEMAND NOTE | | | 1,000,000 | | | 1,000,000 | |
| OTHER ASSETS | | | 501,000 | | | 379,000 | |
| TOTAL ASSETS | | $ | 11,467,000 | | $ | 7,960,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | |
| | | | | | | | |
| PAYABLE TO BROKER-DEALERS AND CLEARING ORGANIZATIONS | | $ | 393,000 | | $ | 122,000 | |
| SECURITIES SOLD, BUT NOT YET PURCHASED, at market | | | 73,000 | | | 44,000 | |
| ACCOUNTS PAYABLE, ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER LIABILITIES | | | 5,474,000 | | | 4,045,000 | |
| CONVERTIBLE NOTES PAYABLE, net of debt discounts of $178,000 and $0 | | | | | | | |
| at March 31, 2006 and September 30, 2005, respectively | | | 822,000 | | | — | |
| NOTES PAYABLE, net of debt discounts of $85,000 and $206,000 | | | | | | | |
| at March 31, 2006 and September 30, 2005, respectively | | | 765,000 | | | 1,819,000 | |
| TOTAL LIABILITIES | | | 7,527,000 | | | 6,030,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| SUBORDINATED BORROWINGS | | | 1,000,000 | | | 1,000,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| REDEEMABLE STOCK | | | | | | | |
| Series B 10% cumulative convertible preferred stock, $.01 par value, 20,000 | | | | | | | |
| shares authorized; 10,000 shares issued and outstanding (liquidation | | | | | | | |
| preference: $1,000,000) at March 31, 2006 and 0 shares issued and | | | | | | | |
| outstanding at September 30, 2005 | | | 1,000,000 | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
| STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | | | | | | | |
| Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 200,000 shares authorized; 50,000 shares | | | | | | | |
| designated as Series A and 20,000 shares designated as Series B | | | | | | | |
| Series A 9% cumulative convertible preferred stock, $.01 par value, 50,000 | | | | | | | |
| shares authorized; 35,316 shares issued and outstanding (liquidation | | | | | | | |
| preference: $3,531,600) at March 31, 2006 and 33,320 shares issued and | | | | | | | |
| outstanding (liquidation preference: $3,332,000) at September 30, 2005 | | | | | | | |
| Common stock, $.02 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized; | | | | | | | |
| 5,223,968 and 5,045,878 shares issued and outstanding, | | | | | | | |
| at March 31, 2006 and September 30, 2005, respectively | | | 104,000 | | | 101,000 | |
| Additional paid-in capital | | | 16,025,000 | | | 15,295,000 | |
| Deferred compensation | | | (83,000 | ) | | | |
| Accumulated deficit | | | (14,106,000 | ) | | (14,466,000 | ) |
| TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | | | 1,940,000 | | | 930,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | | $ | 11,467,000 | | $ | 7,960,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Note: The balance sheet at September 30, 2005 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date.
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION |
| |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS |
(Unaudited) |
| | | Three Months Ended | | Six Months Ended | |
| | | March 31, | | March 31, | | March 31, | | March 31, | |
| | | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2006 | | 2005 | |
| REVENUES: | | | | | | | | | |
| Commissions | | $ | 10,714,000 | | $ | 8,850,000 | | $ | 17,871,000 | | $ | 19,146,000 | |
| Net dealer inventory gains | | | 2,191,000 | | | 1,395,000 | | | 4,052,000 | | | 2,592,000 | |
| Investment banking | | | 4,042,000 | | | 132,000 | | | 7,093,000 | | | 238,000 | |
| Interest and dividends | | | 696,000 | | | 859,000 | | | 1,382,000 | | | 1,362,000 | |
| Transfer fees and clearing services | | | 969,000 | | | 711,000 | | | 1,730,000 | | | 1,576,000 | |
| Other | | | 175,000 | | | 259,000 | | | 347,000 | | | 401,000 | |
| TOTAL REVENUES | | | 18,787,000 | | | 12,206,000 | | | 32,475,000 | | | 25,315,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| EXPENSES: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Commissions | | | 14,043,000 | | | 8,623,000 | | | 23,731,000 | | | 18,119,000 | |
| Employee compensation and related expenses | | | 1,592,000 | | | 1,316,000 | | | 2,884,000 | | | 2,552,000 | |
| Clearing fees | | | 436,000 | | | 323,000 | | | 800,000 | | | 670,000 | |
| Communications | | | 546,000 | | | 370,000 | | | 1,033,000 | | | 835,000 | |
| Occupancy and equipment costs | | | 633,000 | | | 757,000 | | | 1,308,000 | | | 1,473,000 | |
| Professional fees | | | 246,000 | | | 305,000 | | | 584,000 | | | 719,000 | |
| Interest | | | 176,000 | | | 109,000 | | | 285,000 | | | 228,000 | |
| Taxes, licenses, registration | | | 169,000 | | | 48,000 | | | 314,000 | | | 159,000 | |
| Other administrative expenses | | | 522,000 | | | 494,000 | | | 854,000 | | | 883,000 | |
| TOTAL EXPENSES | | | 18,363,000 | | | 12,345,000 | | | 31,793,000 | | | 25,638,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| NET INCOME (LOSS) | | | 424,000 | | | (139,000 | ) | | 682,000 | | | (323,000 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Preferred stock dividends | | | (95,000 | ) | | (69,000 | ) | | (171,000 | ) | | (140,000 | ) |
| Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders | | $ | 329,000 | | $ | (208,000 | ) | $ | 511,000 | | $ | (463,000 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Basic: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders | | $ | 0.06 | | $ | (0.04 | ) | $ | 0.10 | | $ | (0.09 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Diluted: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders | | $ | 0.04 | | $ | (0.04 | ) | $ | 0.07 | | $ | (0.09 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Weighted average number of shares outstanding | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Basic | | | 5,089,625 | | | 5,013,434 | | | 5,068,451 | | | 5,003,291 | |
| Diluted | | | 10,383,571 | | | 5,013,434 | | | 10,283,235 | | | 5,003,291 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY |
| |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS |
(Unaudited) |
| | | Six Months Ended | |
| | | March 31, 2006 | | March 31, 2005 | |
| CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES | | | | | |
| Net income (loss) | | $ | 682,000 | | $ | (323,000 | ) |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net | | | | | | | |
| cash provided by (used in) operating activities | | | | | | | |
| Depreciation and amortization | | | 68,000 | | | 85,000 | |
| Amortization of deferred financing costs | | | 1,000 | | | | |
| Amortization of note discount | | | 130,000 | | | 91,000 | |
| Compensatory element of common stock issuance | | | 12,000 | | | | |
| Compensatory element of common stock option issuances | | | 5,000 | | | | |
| Issuance of common stock in settlement of arbitrations and claims | | | | | | 40,000 | |
| Changes in assets and liabilities | | | | | | | |
| Deposits with clearing organizations | | | | | | 495,000 | |
| Receivables from broker-dealers, clearing organizations and others | | | (1,198,000 | ) | | 1,717,000 | |
| Securities held for resale, at market | | | (300,000 | ) | | (917,000 | ) |
| Other assets | | | (96,000 | ) | | (80,000 | ) |
| Payables | | | 1,678,000 | | | (1,640,000 | ) |
| Securities sold, but not yet purchased, at market | | | 29,000 | | | 707,000 | |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | | | 1,011,000 | | | 175,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES | | | | | | | |
| Purchase of fixed assets | | | (117,000 | ) | | (40,000 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
| CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES | | | | | | | |
| Net proceeds from issuance of common stock | | | 175,000 | | | | |
| Net proceeds from issuance of preferred stock | | | 972,000 | | | | |
| Net proceeds from issuance of convertible notes payable | | | 1,000,000 | | | | |
| Cash payment of deferred financing costs | | | (28,000 | ) | | | |
| Payment of notes payable | | | (1,175,000 | ) | | (75,000 | ) |
| Exercise of stock options and warrants | | | | | | 20,000 | |
| Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | | | 944,000 | | | (55,000 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
| NET INCREASE IN CASH | | | 1,838,000 | | | 80,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| CASH BALANCE | | | | | | | |
| Beginning of the period | | | 398,000 | | | 351,000 | |
| End of the period | | $ | 2,236,000 | | $ | 431,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION | | | | | | | |
| Cash paid during the period for: | | | | | | | |
| Interest | | $ | 165,000 | | $ | 147,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NONCASH INVESTING AND | | | | | | | |
| FINANCING ACTIVITIES | | | | | | | |
| Warrants issued in connection with debt | | $ | 187,000 | | $ | — | |
| Preferred stock dividends | | $ | 300,000 | | $ | 322,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2006
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of National Holdings Corporation f/k/a Olympic Cascade Financial Corporation (“National Holdings” or the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles 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 consolidated financial statements as of and for the periods ended March 31, 2006 and March 31, 2005 are unaudited. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the fiscal year. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes included thereto in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005.
NOTE 2. RESTATEMENT
In the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, the Company’s Series B Preferred Stock that was issued in a private placement in January 2006 was originally classified on the Company’s balance sheet as part of Stockholders’ Equity. This amended Report is being filed to classify the Company’s Series B Preferred Stock as Redeemable Preferred Stock on the Company’s balance sheet for the quarter ended March 31, 2006. This treatment is consistent with the treatment in the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, and is necessitated by certain redemption rights held by the New Investors at that time. Subsequent to June 30, 2006, the New Investors waived the provision which allowed for the contingent redemption, and the Series B Preferred Stock will be classified as part of Stockholders’ Equity in future filings.
NOTE 3. ACCOUNTING POLICY
In February 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 155, which is an amendment of SFAS No. 133 and 140. This Statement (a) permits fair value re-measurement for any hybrid financial instrument that contains an embedded derivative that otherwise would require bifurcation, (b) clarifies which interest-only strip and principal-only strip are not subject to the requirements of SFAS 133, (c) establishes a requirement to evaluate interests in securitized financial assets to identify interests that are freestanding derivatives or that are hybrid financial instruments that contain an embedded derivative requiring bifurcation, (d) clarifies that concentrations of credit risk in the form of subordination are not embedded derivatives, and (e) amends SFAS 140 to eliminate the prohibition on a qualifying special-purpose entity from holding a derivative financial instrument that pertains to a beneficial interest other than another derivative financial instrument. This Statement is effective for financial statements for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2006. Earlier adoption of this Statement is permitted as of the beginning of an entity’s fiscal year, provided the entity has not yet issued any financial statements for that fiscal year. Management believes this Statement will not have an impact on the financial statements of the Company once adopted.
In March 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 156, which amends FASB Statement No. 140. This Statement establishes, among other things, the accounting for all separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities. This Statement amends SFAS 140 to require that all separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities be initially measured at fair value, if practicable. This Statement permits, but does not require, the subsequent measurement of separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities at fair value. An entity that uses derivative instruments to mitigate the risks inherent in servicing assets and servicing liabilities is required to account for those derivative instruments at fair value. Under this Statement, an entity can elect subsequent fair value measurement to account for its separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities. By electing that option, an entity may simplify its accounting because this Statement permits income statement recognition of the potential offsetting changes in fair value of those servicing assets and servicing liabilities and derivative instruments in the same accounting period. This Statement is effective for financial statements for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2006. Earlier adoption of this Statement is permitted as of the beginning of an entity’s fiscal year, provided the entity has not yet issued any financial statements for that fiscal year. Management believes this Statement will not have an impact on the financial statements of the Company once adopted.
NOTE 4. STOCK BASED COMPENSATION
Stock Based Compensation - Prior to October 1, 2005, the Company accounted for employee stock transactions in accordance with Accounting Principle Board, APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” The Company had adopted the pro forma disclosure requirements of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting For Stock-Based Compensation.”
Effective October 1, 2005, the Company adopted FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 123R “Share Based Payment”. This statement is a revision of SFAS Statement No. 123, and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, and its related implementation guidance. SFAS 123R addresses all forms of share based payment (“SBP”) awards including shares issued under employee stock purchase plans, stock options, restricted stock and stock appreciation rights. Under SFAS 123R, SBP awards will result in a charge to operations that will be measured at fair value on the awards grant date, based on the estimated number of awards expected to vest over the service period. During the three and six months ended March 31, 2006, the Company granted 70,000 and 170,000 stock options, respectively, with a fair value of approximately $55,000 and $88,000, respectively. A charge of approximately $4,000 was recorded in the three and six months ended March 31, 2006, relating to the amortization of the fair value associated with these grants.
For the three and six months ended March 31, 2005, the Company applied APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” As required under SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure,” the following table presents pro forma net income and basic and diluted earnings per share as if the fair value-based method had been applied to all awards during that period.
| | | Three months ended | | Six months ended | |
| | | March 31, 2005 | | March 31, 2005 | |
| Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders - as reported | | $ | (208,000 | ) | $ | (463,000 | ) |
| Stock-based employee compensation cost determined | | | | | | | |
| under fair value method, net of tax effects | | | (791,000 | ) | | (869,000 | ) |
| Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders - pro forma | | $ | (999,000 | ) | $ | (1,332,000 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
| Earnings (loss) per share | | | | | | | |
| Basic earnings (loss) per share: | | | | | | | |
| Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders - as reported | | $ | (0.04 | ) | $ | (0.09 | ) |
| Per share stock-based employee compensation cost | | | | | | | |
| determined under fair value method, net of tax effects | | | (0.16 | ) | | (0.17 | ) |
| Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders - pro forma | | $ | (0.20 | ) | $ | (0.26 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
| Diluted earnings (loss) per share: | | | | | | | |
| Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders - as reported | | $ | (0.04 | ) | $ | (0.09 | ) |
| Per share stock-based employee compensation cost | | | | | | | |
| determined under fair value method, net of tax effects | | | (0.16 | ) | | (0.17 | ) |
| Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders - pro forma | | $ | (0.20 | ) | $ | (0.26 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
The Black-Scholes option valuation model is used to estimate the fair value of the options granted. The model includes subjective input assumptions that can materially affect the fair value estimates. The model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and that are fully transferable. For example, the expected volatility is estimated based on the most recent historical period of time equal to the weighted average life of the options granted. Options issued under the Company's option plans have characteristics that differ from traded options. In management's opinion, this valuation model does not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its employee stock options. Principal assumptions used in applying the Black-Scholes model along with the results from the model were as follows:
| | | 2006 | | 2005 | |
| Assumptions: | | | | | |
| Risk-free interest rate | | | 4.40 | % | | 3.15 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
| Expected life, in years | | | 3.0 | | | 5.0 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Expected volatility | | | 88 | % | | 135 | % |
NOTE 5. SECURITIES HELD FOR RESALE AND SECURITIES SOLD, BUT NOT YET PURCHASED
The following table shows the quoted market values of the Company's securities held for resale and securities sold, but not yet purchased as of March 31, 2006:
| | | Securities held | | Securities sold, but | |
| | for resale | | not yet purchased | |
| Corporate Stocks | | $ | 427,000 | | $ | 73,000 | |
| Corporate Bonds | | | 4,000 | | | — | |
| Government Obligations | | | 35,000 | | | | |
| | | $ | 466,000 | | $ | 73,000 | |
NOTE 6. CLEARING AGREEMENTS
In April 2005, National Securities Corporation (“National Securities”) entered into a clearing agreement with National Financial Services LLC (“NFS”) that became effective in June 2005. The clearing agreement includes a termination fee if National Securities terminates the agreement without cause. Additionally, in June 2005, National Securities entered into a clearing agreement with Penson Financial Services, Inc. (“Penson”) for the purpose of providing clearing services that are not provided by NFS. The Company believes that the overall effect of these clearing relationships is beneficial to the Company’s cost structure, liquidity and capital resources.
NOTE 7. CONTINGENCIES
The NASD was engaged in an industry-wide investigation of mutual fund trading activities. National Securities is one of the numerous broker-dealers that were contacted by the NASD with respect to this investigation. The NASD identified certain customer mutual fund transactions ordered through National Securities during the time period from October 2000 to February 2003 that it believed constituted mutual fund timing and/or excessive trading activity. National Securities engaged in discussions and negotiations with the NASD to informally resolve these matters. Such resolution resulted in a settlement, whereby National Securities, without admitting or denying any violations, agreed to make both restitution and pay a fine to the NASD that in the aggregate approximated $600,000. Additionally, the Company was obligated to pay the fines imposed by the NASD on two executive officers totaling $50,000 pursuant to its indemnification obligations. The unpaid balance of approximately $126,000 and $219,000 at March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, has been included in “Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities” in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition.
The Company is also a defendant in various other arbitrations and administrative proceedings, lawsuits and claims, seeking damages the Company approximates at $700,000 (exclusive of unspecified punitive damages related to certain claims and inclusive of expected insurance coverage). The Company has filed a counterclaim for approximately $220,000 in one such proceeding. These matters arise in the normal course of business. The Company intends to vigorously defend itself in these actions, and believes that the eventual outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company. However, the ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time. The amounts related to such matters that are reasonably estimable and which have been accrued at March 31, 2006 and 2005, is $228,000 and $225,000 (including related legal fees), respectively, and have been included in “Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities” in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition. The Company has included in “Professional fees” litigation and NASD related expenses of $155,000 and $212,000 for the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 and 2005, respectively, and $400,000 and $546,000 for the first six months of fiscal year 2006 and 2005, respectively.
NOTE 8. DIVIDENDS ON CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
The holders of the Company’s Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, that are convertible into the Company’s common stock at $1.25 per share, are to receive dividends on a quarterly basis at a rate of 9% per annum per share. Such dividends are cumulative and are payable only when declared by the Company’s Board of Directors. In March 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors declared an in-kind dividend in the aggregate of 1,996 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, in payment of approximately $300,000 of dividends accrued through March 31, 2006. Such shares were issued on April 30, 2006. At March 31, 2006, the accumulated dividend on the Company’s 35,316 issued and outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock was $0.
The holders of the Company’s Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, that are convertible into the Company’s common stock at $.75 per share, are to receive dividends on a quarterly basis at a rate of 10% per annum per share. Such dividends are cumulative and are payable only when declared by the Company’s Board of Directors. In March 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $21,000 payable to the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock that was paid in April 2006.
Both the holders of the Company’s Series A and Series B Convertible Preferred Stock have voting rights equal to the number of common shares into which such preferred shares could be converted at a particular record date.
NOTE 9. INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE
Basic income (loss) per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted income (loss) per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the potential dilution that would occur if securities or other contracts to issue common shares were exercised or converted.
The following table sets forth the components used in the computation of basic and diluted income (loss) per common share:
| | | Three Months Ended | | Six Months Ended | |
| | | March 31, 2006 | | March 31, 2005 | | March 31, 2006 | | March 31, 2005 | |
| Numerator: | | | | | | | | | |
| Net income (loss) | | $ | 424,000 | | $ | (139,000 | ) | $ | 682,000 | | $ | (323,000 | ) |
| Preferred stock dividends | | | (95,000 | ) | | (69,000 | ) | | (171,000 | ) | | (140,000 | ) |
| Numerator for basic earnings per share | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| -- net income (loss) attributable to | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| common stockholders - as reported | | | 329,000 | | | (208,000 | ) | | 511,000 | | | (463,000 | ) |
| Effect of dilutive securities | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Interest on convertible notes | | | 24,000 | | | — | | | 24,000 | | | | |
| Preferred stock dividends | | | 95,000 | | | | | | 171,000 | | | | |
| Numerator for basic earnings per share | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| -- net income (loss) attributable to | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| common stockholders - as adjusted | | $ | 448,000 | | $ | (208,000 | ) | $ | 706,000 | | $ | (463,000 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Denominator: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Denominator for basic earnings per | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| share--weighted average shares | | | 5,089,625 | | | 5,013,434 | | | 5,068,451 | | | 5,003,291 | |
| Effect of dilutive securities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Stock options | | | 37,372 | | | | | | 17,905 | | | | |
| Warrants | | | 97,961 | | | | | | 38,266 | | | | |
| Assumed conversion of Series A | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Preferred Stock | | | 2,825,280 | | | | | | 2,825,280 | | | | |
| Assumed conversion of Series B | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Preferred Stock | | | 1,333,333 | | | | | | 1,333,333 | | | | |
| Assumed conversion of Note | | | 1,000,000 | | | | | | 1,000,000 | | | | |
| Dilutive potential common shares | | | 5,293,946 | | | | | | 5,214,784 | | | | |
| Denominator for diluted earnings per | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| share--adjusted weighted-average | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| shares and assumed conversions | | | 10,383,571 | | | 5,013,434 | | | 10,283,235 | | | 5,003,291 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net income (loss) available to | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| common stockholders | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Basic: | | $ | 0.06 | | $ | (0.04 | ) | $ | 0.10 | | $ | (0.09 | ) |
| Diluted: | | $ | 0.04 | | $ | (0.04 | ) | $ | 0.07 | | $ | (0.09 | ) |
For the three and six-month periods ended March 31, 2006, 2,904,784 and 3,304,784 shares, respectively, attributable to outstanding stock options and warrants, and for both the three and six-month periods ended March 31, 2005, 5,525,611 shares attributable to outstanding Series A Preferred Stock, stock options and warrants, were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share because if included the effect would be antildilutive.
NOTE 10. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE, ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER LIABILITIES
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities as of March 31, 2006 and September 30, 2005, respectively, consist of the following:
| | | March 31, 2006 | | September 30, 2005 | |
| | | | | | |
| Commissions payable | | $ | 3,788,000 | | $ | 2,204,000 | |
| Legal payable | | | 354,000 | | | 555,000 | |
| Other | | | 1,332,000 | | | 1,286,000 | |
| Total | | $ | 5,474,000 | | $ | 4,045,000 | |
NOTE 11. NOTES PAYABLE
In January 2006, the Company used $1.0 million of the proceeds from a private placement (See Note 11) to pay in full $1.0 million of promissory notes held by two unrelated note holders that had a maturity date of July 31, 2007.
In February 2006, National Securities and the holder of a $1.0 million secured demand note that was scheduled to mature on March 1, 2006, extended the term of the secured demand note to March 1, 2007.
NOTE 12. PRIVATE PLACEMENTS
In January 2006, the Company completed a financing transaction under which certain new investors (collectively, the “New Investors”) made a $2.0 million investment in the Company (the “New Transaction”) by purchasing an aggregate of the following: (i) $1.0 million of the Company’s newly created Series B Preferred Stock, which has a 10% dividend rate and is convertible into Common Stock at a price of $.75 per share, and (ii) 11% convertible promissory notes in the principal amount of $1.0 million, which are convertible into Common Stock at a price of $1.00 per share with warrants to purchase an aggregate of 300,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $1.00 per share.
The convertible promissory notes mature in January 2011, and have a stated interest rate of 11% per annum. The Company granted 300,000 warrants to acquire shares of common stock to the note holders, and the fair value of the warrants was calculated using the Black-Scholes Option Valuation Model. The Company recorded a debt discount of approximately $187,000 that will be charged to interest expense over the life of the debt.
The investment by the New Investors included $1.7 million by St. Cloud Capital Partners, L.P. (“St. Cloud”), and an aggregate of $300,000 by two unrelated investors. Marshall S. Geller, the Senior Managing Member of SCGP, LLC, the General Partner of St. Cloud, became a member of the Board of Directors of the Company simultaneous with the closing of the New Transaction. The Company incurred legal fees and other costs related to this capital transaction, in the amount of $56,000. The Company capitalized one-half of the fees to deferred financing costs that will be amortized to interest expense over the life of the convertible promissory notes and one-half of the fees were charged to paid-in capital.
The preferred stock and warrants were accounted for in accordance with EITF 98-5 and EITF 00-27. The preferred stock is considered permanent equity. The warrants and conversion option are components of equity and were not determined to be a derivative liability in accordance with SFAS No. 133 (par 11). The convertible promissory notes and warrants were accounted for in accordance with EITF 98-5 and EITF 00-27.
In March 2006, the Company issued 159,090 shares of the Company’s common stock to an unaffiliated party for $175,000. The proceeds from the private placement were used to retire $175,000 of the Company’s promissory notes that were due to mature in January 2007. 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 Quarterly Report may contain certain statements of a forward-looking nature relating to future events or future business performance. Any such statements that refer to the Company’s estimated or anticipated future results or other non-historical facts are forward-looking and reflect the Company’s 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 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 28, 2004. Any forward-looking statements contained in or incorporated into this Quarterly Report speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2005
The Company’s second quarter of fiscal year 2006 resulted in an increase in revenues, and a comparatively lesser increase in expenses compared to the same period last year. The increase in revenues is due to the stronger securities markets experienced by the Company, and the completion of investment banking transactions in the current year’s quarter. As a result, the Company reported net income of $424,000 compared with a net loss of $139,000 for the second quarters of fiscal years 2006 and 2005, respectively. This represents an improvement of $563,000 from the prior period.
| | | Three Months Ended | | | | | |
| | | March 31, | | Increase (Decrease) | |
| | | 2006 | | 2005 | | Amount | | Percent | |
| Commissions | | $ | 10,714,000 | | $ | 8,850,000 | | $ | 1,864,000 | | | 21 | % |
| Proprietary trading | | | 2,062,000 | | | 1,372,000 | | | 690,000 | | | 50 | % |
| Market making | | | 76,000 | | | — | | | 76,000 | | | n/a | |
| Mark-ups and mark-downs | | | 53,000 | | | 23,000 | | | 30,000 | | | 130 | % |
| Net dealer inventory gains | | | 2,191,000 | | | 1,395,000 | | | 796,000 | | | 57 | % |
| Investment banking | | | 4,042,000 | | | 132,000 | | | 3,910,000 | | | 2962 | % |
| Interest and dividends | | | 696,000 | | | 859,000 | | | (163,000 | ) | | (19 | %) |
| Transfer fees and clearance services | | | 969,000 | | | 711,000 | | | 258,000 | | | 36 | % |
| Other | | | 175,000 | | | 259,000 | | | (84,000 | ) | | (32 | %) |
| | | $ | 18,787,000 | | $ | 12,206,000 | | $ | 6,581,000 | | | 54 | % |
Total revenues increased $6,581,000, or 54%, in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 to $18,787,000 from $12,206,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2005. This increase is mainly due to the improved securities markets, and the completion of investment banking transactions. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2006, total trading volume increased 4%, compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2005. The lesser increase in trading volume compared to revenues reflects an increase in the average revenue per trade, partially offset by the Company’s re-entry into market making activities. Trading volume in this period related to retail brokerage increased 1%. Commission revenue increased $1,864,000, or 21%, to $10,714,000 from $8,850,000 during the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 compared with the same period in fiscal year 2005. Net dealer inventory gains, which includes profits on proprietary trading, market making activities and customer mark-ups and mark-downs, increased $796,000, or 57%, to $2,191,000 from $1,395,000 during the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 compared with the same period in fiscal year 2005. The increase is primarily due to an increase in proprietary trading in the bond market, and reflects the Company’s re-entry into market making activities. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2006, revenues from proprietary trading increased $690,000, or 50%, to $2,062,000 from $1,372,000 in the same period of fiscal year 2005, revenues from market making activities increased to $76,000 from $0 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2005, and revenues from customer mark-ups and mark-downs increased $30,000, or 130%, to $53,000 from $23,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2005.
Investment banking revenue increased $3,910,000, or 2,962%, to $4,042,000 from $132,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 compared with the second quarter of fiscal year 2005. The increase in investment banking revenues is attributable to the Company having completed investment banking transactions in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006. Interest and dividend income decreased $163,000, or 19%, to $696,000 from $859,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 compared with the same period last year. The decrease in interest income is attributable to a decrease in the amount of debit balances in National Securities’ customers accounts from the same period last year. Transfer fees increased $258,000, or 36%, to $969,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 from $711,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2005. The increase reflects higher transfer fees for trades generated from the retail brokerage business of brokers recently associated with the Company.
Other revenue, consisting of asset management fees, and miscellaneous transaction fees and trading fees, decreased $84,000, or 32%, to $175,000 from $259,000 during the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2005. The decrease is due to nonrecurring income realized in fiscal year 2005.
| | | Three Months Ended | | | | | |
| | | March 31, | | Increase (Decrease) | |
| | | 2006 | | 2005 | | Amount | | Percent | |
| Commission expense related to: | | | | | | | | | |
| Commission revenue | | $ | 9,449,000 | | $ | 7,638,000 | | $ | 1,811,000 | | | 24 | % |
| Net dealer inventory gains | | | 1,644,000 | | | 879,000 | | | 765,000 | | | 87 | % |
| Investment banking | | | 2,950,000 | | | 106,000 | | | 2,844,000 | | | 2683 | % |
| Commissions | | | 14,043,000 | | | 8,623,000 | | | 5,420,000 | | | 63 | % |
| Employee compensation | | | 1,592,000 | | | 1,316,000 | | | 276,000 | | | 21 | % |
| Clearing fees | | | 436,000 | | | 323,000 | | | 113,000 | | | 35 | % |
| Communications | | | 546,000 | | | 370,000 | | | 176,000 | | | 48 | % |
| Occupancy and equipment costs | | | 633,000 | | | 757,000 | | | (124,000 | ) | | (16 | %) |
| Professional fees | | | 246,000 | | | 305,000 | | | (59,000 | ) | | (19 | %) |
| Interest | | | 176,000 | | | 109,000 | | | 67,000 | | | 61 | % |
| Taxes, licenses and registration | | | 169,000 | | | 48,000 | | | 121,000 | | | 252 | % |
| Other administrative expenses | | | 522,000 | | | 494,000 | | | 28,000 | | | 6 | % |
| | | $ | 18,363,000 | | $ | 12,345,000 | | $ | 6,018,000 | | | 49 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In comparison with the 54% increase in total revenues, total expenses increased 49%, or $6,018,000, to $18,363,000 for the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 compared to $12,345,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2005. The increase in total expenses is primarily the result of higher commission expenses directly associated with commission revenues.
Commission expense, which includes expenses related to commission revenue, net dealer inventory gains and investment banking, increased $5,420,000, or 63%, to $14,043,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 from $8,623,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2005. Commission expense related to commission revenue increased $1,811,000, or 24%, to $9,449,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 from $7,638,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2005; commission expense related to net dealer inventory gains increased $765,000, or 87%, to $1,644,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 from $879,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2005; and commission expense related to investment banking increased $2,844,000, or 2,683%, to $2,950,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 from $106,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2005. Commission expense as a percentage of commission revenues increased to 88% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 from 86% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2005. This increase is attributable to changes in the production of particular brokers, not all of who are paid at the same commission rate and an increase in the amortization of advances to registered representatives. Commission expense as a percentage of net dealer inventory gains increased to 75% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 from 63% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2005. This increase is attributable to changes in the production of particular brokers and traders, not all of who are paid at the same commission rate. Commission expense as a percentage of investment banking revenues decreased to 73% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 from 80% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2005. This decrease is attributable to the type and size of the particular investment banking transactions completed in the current year’s quarter. Commission expense includes the amortization of advances to registered representatives of $305,000 and $267,000 for the second quarter of fiscal years 2006 and 2005, respectively. These amounts fluctuate based upon the amounts of advances outstanding and the time period for which the registered representatives have agreed to be affiliated with National Securities.
Employee compensation expense increased $276,000, or 21%, to $1,592,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 from $1,316,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2005. The increase is attributable to new hires and a bonus accrual based on current year’s profits. Overall, combined commission and employee compensation expense, as a percentage of revenue increased to 83% from 81% in the second quarter of fiscal years 2006 and 2005, respectively. The increase is attributable to an overall higher payout percentage to National Securities’ retail brokers.
Clearing fees increased $113,000, or 35%, to $436,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 from $323,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2005. The increase in clearing fees is attributable to the increased commission revenues in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2005, and a different pricing structure for certain products with different clearing firms.
Communication expenses increased $176,000, or 48%, to $546,000 from $370,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2005. The increase is primarily due to telecommunication incentives provided to certain brokers who recently became affiliated with the Company, and additional quotation machines for the Company’s market making activities. Occupancy costs decreased $124,000, or 16%, to $633,000 from $757,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2005. The decrease in occupancy expense is due to an overall reduction in leased office space. Professional fees decreased $59,000, or 19%, to $246,000 from $305,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2005. The decrease in professional fees is due to a decrease in legal fees relating to various lawsuits and arbitrations.
Interest expense increased $67,000, or 61%, to $176,000 from $109,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2005. The increase is primarily attributable to the acceleration of amortization on notes that were paid prior to maturity and amortization related to new notes issued by the Company in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006. Included in interest expense is the amortization of $98,000 and $41,000 for the second quarter of fiscal years 2006 and 2005, respectively. Taxes, licenses and registration increased $121,000, or 252%, to $169,000 from $48,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2005. The increase is due to registration incentives provided to certain brokers who became affiliated with the Company in fiscal year 2006, and the receipt of a refund of prior years state business taxes in fiscal year 2005. Other administrative expenses increased $28,000, or 6%, to $522,000 from $494,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2005. The Company reported net income of $424,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 compared to a net loss of $139,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2005. Overall, the diluted earnings attributable to common stockholders in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 was $329,000, or $.03 per common share, as compared to the net loss attributable to common stockholders of $208,000, or $.04 per common share in the second quarter of fiscal year 2005. The net income attributable to common stockholders for the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 and the net loss attributable to common stockholders for the second quarter of fiscal year 2005 reflects $95,000 and $69,000 of cumulative Preferred Stock dividends on the Company’s Preferred Stock for the second quarter of fiscal years 2006 and 2005, respectively.
Six Months Ended March 31, 2006 Compared to Six Months Ended March 31, 2005
The Company’s first six months of fiscal year 2006 resulted in an increase in revenues, and a comparatively lesser increase in expenses compared to the same period last year. The increase in revenues is primarily due the completion of investment banking transactions in the first six months of fiscal year 2006. As a result, the Company reported net income of $682,000 compared with a net loss of $323,000 for the first six months of fiscal years 2006 and 2005, respectively. This represents an improvement of $1,005,000 from the prior period.
| | | Six Months Ended | | | | | |
| | | March 31, | | Increase (Decrease) | |
| | | 2006 | | 2005 | | Amount | | Percent | |
| Commissions | | $ | 17,871,000 | | $ | 19,146,000 | | $ | (1,275,000 | ) | | (7 | %) |
| Proprietary trading | | | 3,895,000 | | | 2,528,000 | | | 1,367,000 | | | 54 | % |
| Market making | | | 84,000 | | | — | | | 84,000 | | | n/a | |
| Mark-ups and mark-downs | | | 73,000 | | | 64,000 | | | 9,000 | | | 14 | % |
| Net dealer inventory gains | | | 4,052,000 | | | 2,592,000 | | | 1,460,000 | | | 56 | % |
| Investment banking | | | 7,093,000 | | | 238,000 | | | 6,855,000 | | | 2880 | % |
| Interest and dividends | | | 1,382,000 | | | 1,362,000 | | | 20,000 | | | 1 | % |
| Transfer fees and clearance services | | | 1,730,000 | | | 1,576,000 | | | 154,000 | | | 10 | % |
| Other | | | 347,000 | | | 401,000 | | | (54,000 | ) | | (13 | %) |
| | | $ | 32,475,000 | | $ | 25,315,000 | | $ | 7,160,000 | | | 28 | % |
Total revenues increased $7,160,000, or 28%, in the first six months of fiscal year 2006 to $32,475,000 from $25,315,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2005. This increase is mainly due to the completion of investment banking transactions. During the first six months of fiscal year 2006, total trading volume decreased 10%, compared to the first six months of fiscal year 2005. This decrease reflects an increase in the average revenue per trade, partially offset by the Company’s re-entry into market making activities. Trading volume in this period related to retail brokerage decreased 11%. Commission revenue decreased $1,275,000, or 7%, to $17,871,000 from $19,146,000 during the first six months of fiscal year 2006 compared with the same period in fiscal year 2005. This decrease is attributable to the lower level of retail brokerage business experienced by the market as a whole in the first quarter of fiscal year 2006. Net dealer inventory gains, which includes profits on proprietary trading, market making activities and customer mark-ups and mark-downs, increased $1,460,000, or 56%, to $4,052,000 from $2,592,000 during the first six months of fiscal year 2006 compared with the same period in fiscal year 2005. The increase is primarily due to an increase in proprietary trading in the bond market, and reflects the Company’s re-entry into market making activities. During the first six months of fiscal year 2006, revenues from proprietary trading increased $1,367,000, or 54%, to $3,895,000 from $2,528,000 in the same period of fiscal year 2005, revenues from market making activities increased to $84,000 from $0 in the first six months of fiscal year 2006, and revenues from customer mark-ups and mark-downs increased $9,000, or 14%, to $73,000 from $64,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2005.
Investment banking revenue increased $6,855,000, or 2,880%, to $7,093,000 from $238,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2006 compared with the first six months of fiscal year 2005. The increase in
investment banking revenues is attributable to the Company having completed investment banking transactions in the first six months of fiscal year 2005. Interest and dividend income increased $20,000, or 1%, to $1,382,000 from $1,362,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2006 compared with the same period last year. The increase in interest income is attributable to an increase in the interest rate charged for debit balances in National Securities’ customers accounts substantially offset by a decrease in the amount of debit balances in those customers accounts from the same period last year. Transfer fees increased $154,000, or 10%, to $1,730,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2006 from $1,576,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2005. The increase is due to higher transfer fees for trades generated from the retail brokerage business of brokers recently associated with the Company.
Other revenue, consisting of asset management fees and miscellaneous transaction fees and trading fees, decreased $54,000, or 13%, to $347,000 from $401,000 during the first six months of fiscal year 2006 compared to the first six months of fiscal year 2005. The decrease is due to nonrecurring income realized in fiscal year 2005.
| | | Six Months Ended | | | | | |
| | | March 31, | | Increase (Decrease) | |
| | | 2006 | | 2005 | | Amount | | Percent | |
| Commission expense related to: | | | | | | | | | |
| Commission revenue | | $ | 15,722,000 | | $ | 16,294,000 | | $ | (572,000 | ) | | (4 | %) |
| Net dealer inventory gains | | | 2,984,000 | | | 1,633,000 | | | 1,351,000 | | | 83 | % |
| Investment banking | | | 5,025,000 | | | 192,000 | | | 4,833,000 | | | 2517 | % |
| Commissions | | | 23,731,000 | | | 18,119,000 | | | 5,612,000 | | | 31 | % |
| Employee compensation | | | 2,884,000 | | | 2,552,000 | | | 332,000 | | | 13 | % |
| Clearing fees | | | 800,000 | | | 670,000 | | | 130,000 | | | 19 | % |
| Communications | | | 1,033,000 | | | 835,000 | | | 198,000 | | | 24 | % |
| Occupancy and equipment costs | | | 1,308,000 | | | 1,473,000 | | | (165,000 | ) | | (11 | %) |
| Professional fees | | | 584,000 | | | 719,000 | | | (135,000 | ) | | (19 | %) |
| Interest | | | 285,000 | | | 228,000 | | | 57,000 | | | 25 | % |
| Taxes, licenses and registration | | | 314,000 | | | 159,000 | | | 155,000 | | | 97 | % |
| Other administrative expenses | | | 854,000 | | | 883,000 | | | (29,000 | ) | | (3 | %) |
| | | $ | 31,793,000 | | $ | 25,638,000 | | $ | 6,155,000 | | | 24 | % |
In comparison with the 28% increase in total revenues, total expenses increased 24%, or $6,155,000, to $31,793,000 for the first six months of fiscal year 2006 compared to $25,638,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2005. The increase in total expenses is primarily the result of higher commission expenses directly associated with commission revenues, particularly investment banking revenues.
Commission expense, which includes expenses related to commission revenue, net dealer inventory gains and investment banking, increased $5,612000, or 31%, to $23,731,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2006 from $18,119,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2005. Commission expense related to commission revenue decreased $572,000, or 4%, to $15,722,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2006 from $16,294,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2005; commission expense related to net dealer inventory gains increased $1,351,000, or 83%, to $2,984,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2006 from $1,633,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2005; and commission expense related to investment banking increased $368,000, or 2,517%, to $5,025,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2006 from $192,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2005. Commission expense as a percentage of commission revenues increased to 88% in the first six months of fiscal year 2006 from 85% in the first six months of fiscal year 2005. This increase is attributable to changes in the production of particular brokers, not all of who are paid at the same commission rate and an increase in the amortization of advances to registered representatives. Commission expense as a percentage of net dealer inventory gains increased to 74% in the first six months of fiscal year 2006 from 63% in the first six months of fiscal year 2005. This increase is attributable to changes in the production of particular brokers and traders, not all of who are paid at the same
commission rate. Commission expense as a percentage of investment banking revenues decreased to 73% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 from 80% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2005. This decrease is attributable to the type and size of the particular investment banking transactions completed in the current year’s quarter. Commission expense includes the amortization of advances to registered representatives of $617,000 and $500,000 for the first six months of fiscal years 2006 and 2005, respectively. These amounts fluctuate based upon the amounts of advances outstanding and the time period for which the registered representatives have agreed to be affiliated with National Securities.
Employee compensation expense increased $332,000, or 13%, to $2,884,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2006 from $2,552,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2005. The increase is attributable to new hires, a bonus accrual based on current year’s profits and year-end bonuses that were paid to certain staff employees in the first quarter of fiscal year 2006. Overall, combined commission and employee compensation expense, as a percentage of revenue remained constant at 82% in the first six months of fiscal years 2006 and 2005.
Clearing fees increased $130,000, or 19%, to $800,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2006 from $670,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2005. The increase in clearing fees is attributable to a different pricing structure for certain products with different clearing firms.
Communication expenses increased $198,000, or 24%, to $1,033,000 from $835,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2006 compared to the first six months of fiscal year 2005. The increase is primarily due to telecommunication incentives provided to certain brokers who recently became affiliated with the Company, and additional quotation machines for the Company’s market making activities. Occupancy costs decreased $165,000, or 11%, to $1,308,000 from $1,473,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2006 compared to the first six months of fiscal year 2005. The decrease in occupancy expense is due to an overall reduction in leased office space. Professional fees decreased $135,000, or 19%, to $584,000 from $719,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2006 compared to the first six months of fiscal year 2005. The decrease in professional fees is due to a decrease in legal fees relating to various lawsuits and arbitrations.
Interest expense increased $57,000, or 25%, to $285,000 from $228,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2006 compared to the first six months of fiscal year 2005. The increase is primarily attributable to the acceleration of amortization on notes that were paid prior to maturity and amortization related to new notes issued by the Company in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006. Included in interest expense is the amortization of $131,000 and $91,000 for the first six months of fiscal year 2006 and 2005, respectively. Taxes, licenses and registration increased $155,000, or 97%, to $314,000 from $159,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2006 compared to the first six months of fiscal year 2005. The increase is due to registration incentives provided to certain brokers who became affiliated with the Company in fiscal year 2006, and the receipt of a refund of prior years state business taxes in fiscal year 2005. Other administrative expenses decreased $29,000, or 3%, to $854,000 from $883,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2006 compared to the first six months of fiscal year 2005. The decrease in other expenses is due to costs incurred in the first quarter of fiscal year 2005 relating to the Company’s change of clearing firms.
The Company reported net income of $682,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2006 compared to a net loss of $323,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2005. Overall, the diluted earnings attributable to common stockholders in the first six months of fiscal year 2006 was $511,000, or $.05 per common share, as compared to the net loss attributable to common stockholders of $463,000, or $.09 per common share in the first six months of fiscal year 2005. The net income attributable to common stockholders for the first six months of fiscal year 2006 and the net loss attributable to common stockholders for the first six months of fiscal year 2005 reflects $171,000 and $140,000 of cumulative Preferred Stock dividends on the Company’s Preferred Stock for the first six months of fiscal years 2006 and 2005, respectively.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
National Securities, as a registered broker-dealer, is subject to the SEC’s Uniform Net Capital Rule 15c3-1 that requires the maintenance of minimum net capital. National Securities has elected to use the alternative standard method permitted by the rule. This requires that National Securities maintain minimum net capital equal to the greater of $250,000 or a specified amount per security based on the bid price of each security for which National Securities is a market maker. At March 31, 2006, National Securities’ net capital exceeded the requirement by $2,253,000.
Advances, dividend payments and other equity withdrawals from the Company’s subsidiary are restricted by the regulations of the SEC and other regulatory agencies. These regulatory restrictions may limit the amounts that a subsidiary may dividend or advance to the Company.
The Company extends unsecured credit in the normal course of business to its 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 the Company has ready access to sufficient funds to meet commitments, fund deposit withdrawals and efficiently provide for the credit needs of customers.
In April 2005, National Securities entered into a clearing agreement with NFS that became effective in June 2005. The clearing agreement includes a termination fee if National Securities terminates the agreement without cause. Additionally, in June 2005, National Securities entered into a clearing agreement with Penson for the purpose of providing clearing services that are not provided by NFS. The Company believes that the overall effect of these clearing relationships will be beneficial to the Company’s cost structure, liquidity and capital resources.
In January 2006, the Company completed a financing transaction under which certain new investors made a $2.0 million investment in the Company by purchasing an aggregate of the following: (i) $1.0 million of the Company’s newly created Series B Preferred Stock, which has a 10% dividend rate and is convertible into Common Stock at a price of $.75 per share, and (ii) 11% convertible promissory notes in the principal amount of $1.0 million, which are convertible into Common Stock at a price of $1.00 per share with warrants to purchase an aggregate of 300,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $1.00 per share.
The convertible promissory notes mature in January 2011, and have a stated interest rate of 11% per annum. The Company granted 300,000 warrants to acquire shares of common stock to the note holders, and the fair value of the warrants was calculated using the Black-Scholes Option Valuation Model. The Company recorded a debt discount of approximately $187,000 that will be charged to interest expense over the life of the debt.
The investment by the New Investors included $1.7 million by St. Cloud, and an aggregate of $300,000 by two unrelated investors. Marshall S. Geller, the Senior Managing Member of SCGP, LLC, the General Partner of St. Cloud, became a member of the Board of Directors of the Company simultaneous with the closing of the New Transaction. The Company incurred legal fees and other costs related to this capital transaction, in the amount of $56,000. The Company capitalized one-half of the fees to deferred financing costs that will be amortized to interest expense over the life of the convertible promissory notes and one-half of the fees were charged to paid-in capital.
In January 2006, the Company used $1.0 million of the proceeds from the above private placement to pay in full $1.0 million of promissory notes held by two unrelated note holders that had a maturity date of July 31, 2007.
In February 2006, National Securities and the holder of a $1.0 million secured demand note that was scheduled to mature on March 1, 2006, extended the term of the secured demand note to March 1, 2007.
In March 2006, the Company issued 159,090 shares of the Company’s common stock to an unaffiliated party for $175,000. The proceeds from the private placement were used to retire $175,000 of the Company’s promissory notes that were due to mature in January 2007.
In May 2006, the Company filed a Registration Statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act of 1933 for the resale of certain shares of Common Stock and shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of preferred stock, and exercise of certain warrants previously issued in connection with private placement transactions, and shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of preferred stock and notes, and warrants that were issued in the private placement that was completed in the current fiscal year. The Registration Statement is currently being reviewed by the SEC.
In the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2005 the Company received proceeds of approximately $12,500 and $20,000, respectively, from the exercise of outstanding warrants.
In October 2004, the Company entered into a preliminary letter of intent to consummate a merger or other similar combination with First Montauk Financial Corp., a publicly traded company whose wholly owned subsidiary is also a registered broker-dealer with a business similar to National Securities. In February 2005, the Company and First Montauk entered into a definitive merger agreement that was amended and restated in June 2005. In October 2005, the Company and First Montauk mutually agreed to terminate their proposed merger. The Company expensed approximately $320,000 in “Professional fees” relating to the proposed merger with First Montauk in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2005.
The Company believes that it will have sufficient funds to maintain its current level of business activities during fiscal year 2006. If market conditions should weaken, the Company would need to consider curtailing certain of its business activities, reducing its fixed overhead costs and/or seek additional sources of financing.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Company's primary market risk arises from the fact that it engages in proprietary trading and historically made dealer markets in equity securities. Accordingly, the Company may be required to maintain certain amounts of inventories in order to facilitate customer order flow. The Company 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. The Company is not subject to direct market risk due to changes in foreign exchange rates. However, the Company is subject to market risk as a result of changes in interest rates and equity prices, which are affected by global economic conditions. The Company manages its exposure to market risk by limiting its net long or short positions. Trading and inventory accounts are monitored daily by management and the Company has instituted position limits.
Credit risk represents the amount of accounting loss the Company could incur if counterparties to its 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, the Company maintains more stringent requirements to further reduce its exposure. The Company monitors its exposure to counterparty risk on a daily basis by using credit exposure information and monitoring collateral values. The Company maintains a credit committee, which reviews margin requirements for large or concentrated accounts and sets higher requirements or requires 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.
The Company monitors its market and credit risks daily through internal control procedures designed to identify and evaluate the various risks to which the Company is exposed. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company's risk management procedures and internal controls will prevent losses from occurring as a result of such risks.
The following table shows the quoted market values of the Company's securities held for resale ("long"), securities sold, but not yet purchased ("short") and net positions as of March 31, 2006:
| | | Long | | Short | | Net | |
| Corporate Stocks | | $ | 427,000 | | $ | 73,000 | | $ | 354,000 | |
| Corporate Bonds | | | 4,000 | | | | | | 4,000 | |
| Government Obligations | | | 35,000 | | | — | | | 35,000 | |
| | | $ | 466,000 | | $ | 73,000 | | $ | 393,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) required by the Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b), the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Acting Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were adequate and effective to ensure that material information relating to the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries would be made known to them by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report on Form 10-Q was being prepared.
Changes in internal controls. There were no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect those controls and procedures subsequent to the date of our evaluation nor any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in such disclosure controls and procedures requiring corrective actions.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
During the quarter ended March 31, 2006, there were no significant developments in the Company’s legal proceedings. For a detailed discussion of the Company’s legal proceedings, please refer to Note 7 herein, and the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There are no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2005.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
In January 2006, the Company completed a financing transaction under which certain new investors made a $2.0 million investment in the Company by purchasing an aggregate of the following: (i) $1.0 million of the Company’s newly created Series B Preferred Stock, which has a 10% dividend rate and is convertible into Common Stock at a price of $.75 per share, and (ii) 11% convertible promissory notes in the principal amount of $1.0 million, which are convertible into Common Stock at a price of $1.00 per share with warrants to purchase an aggregate of 300,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $1.00 per share.
The convertible promissory notes mature in January 2011, and have a stated interest rate of 11% per annum. The Company granted 300,000 warrants to acquire shares of common stock to the note holders, and the fair value of the warrants was calculated using the Black-Scholes Option Valuation Model. The Company recorded a debt discount of approximately $187,000 that will be charged to interest expense over the life of the debt.
The investment by the New Investors included $1.7 million by St. Cloud, and an aggregate of $300,000 by two unrelated investors. Marshall S. Geller, the Senior Managing Member of SCGP, LLC, the General Partner of St. Cloud, became a member of the Board of Directors of the Company simultaneous with the closing of the New Transaction. The Company incurred legal fees and other costs related to this capital transaction, in the amount of $56,000. The Company capitalized one-half of the fees to deferred financing costs that will be amortized to interest expense over the life of the convertible promissory notes and one-half of the fees were charged to paid-in capital.
In January 2006, the Company used $1.0 million of the proceeds from the above private placement to pay in full $1.0 million of promissory notes held by two unrelated note holders that had a maturity date of July 31, 2007.
In March 2006, the Company issued 159,090 shares of the Company’s common stock to an unaffiliated party for $175,000. The proceeds from the private placement were used to retire $175,000 of the Company’s promissory notes that were due to mature in January 2007.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
The Company held its annual meeting of shareholders on March 15, 2006. Proxies were solicited by the Company pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. At the annual meeting, the Company’s shareholders approved the following proposals:
1. The number of shares voted “for” and “withhold authority” in connection with the election of Marshall S. Geller as a Class I Director to the Board of Directors of the Company was as follows:
| | | | | Withhold | |
| | | For | | Authority | |
| In Person | | | 444,362 | | | — | |
| By Proxy | | | 5,935,358 | | | 652,582 | |
| Total | | | 6,379,720 | | | 652,582 | |
The number of shares voted “for” and “withhold authority” in connection with the election of Robert J. Rosan as a Class II Director to the Board of Directors of the Company was as follows:
| | | | | Withhold | |
| | | For | | Authority | |
| In Person | | | 444,362 | | | — | |
| By Proxy | | | 6,561,511 | | | 26,429 | |
| Total | | | 7,005,873 | | | 26,429 | |
The number of shares voted “for” and “withhold authority” in connection with the election of Norman J. Kurlan as a Class II Director to the Board of Directors of the Company was as follows:
| | | | | Withhold | |
| | | For | | Authority | |
| In Person | | | 444,362 | | | — | |
| By Proxy | | | 5,933,312 | | | 654,628 | |
| Total | | | 6,377,674 | | | 654,628 | |
The terms of Mark Goldwasser, Gary A. Rosenberg and Peter Rettman, Class III Directors, continued after the annual meeting.
2. The number of shares voted “for”, “against” and “abstain” in connection with the amendment to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to change the name of the Company from Olympic Cascade Financial Corporation to National Holdings Corporation was as follows:
| | | For | | Against | | Abstain | |
| In Person | | | 444,362 | | | — | | | | |
| By Proxy | | | 6,585,326 | | | 514 | | | 100 | |
| Total | | | 7,029,688 | | | 514 | | | 100 | |
3. The number of shares voted “for”, “against” and “abstain” in connection with the amendment to the Company’s Certificate of Designation to decrease the conversion price of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock to $1.25 per share from $1.50 per share was as follows:
| | | For | | Against | | Abstain | |
| In Person | | | 444,362 | | | | | | | |
| By Proxy | | | 4,593,539 | | | 68,736 | | | 766 | |
| Total | | | 5,037,901 | | | 68,736 | | | 766 | |
4. The number of shares voted “for”, “against” and “abstain” in connection with the approval of the Company's 2006 Stock Option Plan was as follows:
| | | For | | Against | | Abstain | |
| In Person | | | 444,362 | | | | | | | |
| By Proxy | | | 3,966,575 | | | 695,766 | | | 700 | |
| Total | | | 4,410,937 | | | 695,766 | | | 700 | |
| | | For | | Against | | Abstain | |
| In Person | | | 444,362 | | | | | | | |
| By Proxy | | | 6,575,235 | | | 12,305 | | | 400 | |
| Total | | | 7,019,597 | | | 12,305 | | | 400 | |
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
| Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on March 15, 2006. |
| Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Designation of Series A Preferred Stock, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on March 15, 2006. |
| 10.50* | Employment Agreement dated as of March 15, 2006 between the Company and Mark Goldwasser. |
| 10.51 | Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of March 17, 2006. |
| Chief Executive Officer’s Certificate pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
| Chief Financial Officer’s Certificate pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
| Chief Executive Officer’s Certificate pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
| Chief Financial Officer’s Certificate pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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 AND SUBSIDIARY
October 25, 2006
Mark Goldwasser
President and Chief Executive Officer
October 25, 2006
Robert H. Daskal
Chief Financial Officer
