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 Ended June 30, 2007 | 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 | | (I.R.S. Employer |
| incorporation or organization) | | Identification No.) |
120 Broadway, 27th Floor, New York, NY 10271
(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 x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (check one): Large Accelerated o Filer Accelerated Filer o Non-Accelerated Filer x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). YES o NO x
As of July 31, 2007 there were 8,235,878 shares of the registrant's common stock outstanding.
NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES |
| |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION |
| | | | | | |
ASSETS | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | June 30, | | September 30, | |
| | | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| | | (unaudited) | | (see note below) | |
| | | | | | |
| CASH | | $ | 6,187,000 | | $ | 1,441,000 | |
| RESTRICTED CASH | | | 9,000 | | | — | |
| DEPOSITS WITH CLEARING ORGANIZATIONS | | | 351,000 | | | 300,000 | |
| RECEIVABLES FROM BROKER-DEALERS AND CLEARING ORGANIZATIONS | | | 3,335,000 | | | 3,548,000 | |
| OTHER RECEIVABLES, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $467,000 | | | | | | | |
| at June 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006, respectively | | | 774,000 | | | 380,000 | |
| ADVANCES TO REGISTERED REPRESENTATIVES | | | 2,106,000 | | | 1,556,000 | |
| SECURITIES OWNED | | | | | | | |
| Marketable, at market value | | | 917,000 | | | 475,000 | |
| Non-marketable, at fair value | | | — | | | 402,000 | |
| FIXED ASSETS, net | | | 277,000 | | | 305,000 | |
| SECURED DEMAND NOTE | | | 500,000 | | | 1,000,000 | |
| OTHER ASSETS | | | 708,000 | | | 300,000 | |
| TOTAL ASSETS | | $ | 15,164,000 | | $ | 9,707,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| PAYABLE TO BROKER-DEALERS AND CLEARING ORGANIZATIONS | | $ | 702,000 | | $ | 113,000 | |
| SECURITIES SOLD, BUT NOT YET PURCHASED, at market | | | 215,000 | | | 162,000 | |
| ACCOUNTS PAYABLE, ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER LIABILITIES | | | 6,285,000 | | | 3,943,000 | |
| CONVERTIBLE NOTES PAYABLE, net of debt discount of $159,000 | | | | | | | |
| at September 30, 2006 | | | — | | | 841,000 | |
| NOTES PAYABLE, net of debt discounts of $162,000 and $45,000 | | | | | | | |
| at June 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006, respectively | | | 838,000 | | | 805,000 | |
| TOTAL LIABILITIES | | | 8,040,000 | | | 5,864,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| SUBORDINATED BORROWINGS | | | 500,000 | | | 1,000,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| 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; 37,550 shares issued and outstanding (liquidation | | | | | | | |
| preference: $3,755,000) at June 30, 2007 and 35,316 shares issued and | | | | | | | |
| outstanding (liquidation preference: $3,531,600) at September 30, 2006 | | | — | | | — | |
| 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 June 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006, | | | | | | | |
| respectively | | | — | | | — | |
| Common stock, $.02 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized; | | | | | | | |
| 6,671,764 and 5,223,968 shares issued and outstanding, | | | | | | | |
| at June 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006, respectively | | | 133,000 | | | 104,000 | |
| Additional paid-in capital | | | 19,050,000 | | | 16,956,000 | |
| Accumulated deficit | | | (12,559,000 | ) | | (14,217,000 | ) |
| TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | | | 6,624,000 | | | 2,843,000 | |
| TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | | $ | 15,164,000 | | $ | 9,707,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Note: The balance sheet at September 30, 2006 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date.
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES |
| |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS |
(Unaudited) |
| | | Three Months Ended | | Nine Months Ended | |
| | | June 30, | | June 30, | | June 30, | | June 30, | |
| | | 2007 | | 2006 | | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| REVENUES: | | | | | | | | | |
| Commissions | | $ | 10,761,000 | | $ | 7,952,000 | | $ | 27,705,000 | | $ | 25,823,000 | |
| Net dealer inventory gains | | | 3,051,000 | | | 2,219,000 | | | 10,109,000 | | | 6,270,000 | |
| Investment banking | | | 4,278,000 | | | 1,574,000 | | | 7,945,000 | | | 8,667,000 | |
| Total commission and fee revenues | | | 18,090,000 | | | 11,745,000 | | | 45,759,000 | | | 40,760,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Interest and dividends | | | 649,000 | | | 825,000 | | | 2,010,000 | | | 2,207,000 | |
| Transfer fees and clearing services | | | 1,029,000 | | | 867,000 | | | 3,045,000 | | | 2,597,000 | |
| Other | | | 461,000 | | | 547,000 | | | 1,314,000 | | | 894,000 | |
| TOTAL REVENUES | | | 20,229,000 | | | 13,984,000 | | | 52,128,000 | | | 46,458,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| EXPENSES: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Commissions | | | 14,017,000 | | | 10,044,000 | | | 36,193,000 | | | 33,775,000 | |
| Employee compensation and related expenses | | | 2,168,000 | | | 1,541,000 | | | 5,430,000 | | | 4,425,000 | |
| Clearing fees | | | 444,000 | | | 405,000 | | | 1,162,000 | | | 1,205,000 | |
| Communications | | | 419,000 | | | 296,000 | | | 1,247,000 | | | 1,328,000 | |
| Occupancy and equipment costs | | | 614,000 | | | 693,000 | | | 2,090,000 | | | 2,001,000 | |
| Professional fees | | | 318,000 | | | 246,000 | | | 1,835,000 | | | 830,000 | |
| Interest | | | 252,000 | | | 104,000 | | | 461,000 | | | 389,000 | |
| Taxes, licenses, registration | | | 134,000 | | | 177,000 | | | 476,000 | | | 490,000 | |
| Other administrative expenses | | | 302,000 | | | 326,000 | | | 1,182,000 | | | 1,180,000 | |
| TOTAL EXPENSES | | | 18,668,000 | | | 13,832,000 | | | 50,076,000 | | | 45,623,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| NET INCOME | | | 1,561,000 | | | 152,000 | | | 2,052,000 | | | 835,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Preferred stock dividends | | | (109,000 | ) | | (104,000 | ) | | (317,000 | ) | | (275,000 | ) |
| Net income attributable to common stockholders | | $ | 1,452,000 | | $ | 48,000 | | $ | 1,735,000 | | $ | 560,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Basic: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net income attributable to common stockholders | | $ | 0.26 | | $ | 0.01 | | $ | 0.32 | | $ | 0.11 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Diluted: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net income attributable to common stockholders | | $ | 0.14 | | $ | 0.01 | | $ | 0.20 | | $ | 0.09 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Weighted average number of shares outstanding | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Basic | | | 5,543,151 | | | 5,223,968 | | | 5,388,225 | | | 5,120,290 | |
| Diluted | | | 10,817,779 | | | 5,454,099 | | | 10,220,264 | | | 10,378,810 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES |
| |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS |
(Unaudited) |
| | | | | | |
| | | Nine Months Ended | |
| | | June 30, 2007 | | June 30, 2006 | |
| CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES | | | | | |
| Net income | | $ | 2,052,000 | | $ | 835,000 | |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net | | | | | | | |
| cash provided by operating activities | | | | | | | |
| Depreciation and amortization | | | 111,000 | | | 113,000 | |
| Amortization of deferred financing costs | | | 27,000 | | | 3,000 | |
| Amortization of note discount | | | 237,000 | | | 159,000 | |
| Compensatory element of common stock issuance | | | — | | | 12,000 | |
| Compensatory element of common stock option issuances | | | 85,000 | | | 12,000 | |
| Provision for doubtful accounts | | | — | | | 25,000 | |
| Changes in assets and liabilities | | | | | | | |
| Restricted cash | | | (9,000 | ) | | — | |
| Deposits with clearing organizations | | | (51,000 | ) | | — | |
| Receivables from broker-dealers, clearing organizations and others | | | (731,000 | ) | | (50,000 | ) |
| Securities owned: marketable, at market value | | | (442,000 | ) | | (267,000 | ) |
| Securities owned: non-marketable, at fair value | | | 402,000 | | | — | |
| Other assets | | | (408,000 | ) | | (202,000 | ) |
| Payables | | | 2,947,000 | | | 533,000 | |
| Securities sold, but not yet purchased, at market | | | 53,000 | | | 190,000 | |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | | | 4,273,000 | | | 1,363,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES | | | | | | | |
| Purchase of fixed assets | | | (83,000 | ) | | (193,000 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
| 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 | |
| Net proceeds from issuance of notes payable | | | 1,000,000 | | | — | |
| Cash payment of deferred financing costs | | | (22,000 | ) | | (28,000 | ) |
| Payment of notes payable | | | (850,000 | ) | | (1,175,000 | ) |
| Dividends paid | | | (75,000 | ) | | (22,000 | ) |
| Exercise of stock options and warrants | | | 503,000 | | | — | |
| Net cash provided by financing activities | | | 556,000 | | | 922,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| NET INCREASE IN CASH | | | 4,746,000 | | | 2,092,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| CASH BALANCE | | | | | | | |
| Beginning of the period | | | 1,441,000 | | | 398,000 | |
| End of the period | | $ | 6,187,000 | | $ | 2,490,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION | | | | | | | |
| Cash paid during the period for: | | | | | | | |
| Interest | | $ | 192,000 | | $ | 234,000 | |
| Dividends | | $ | 75,000 | | $ | 21,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NONCASH INVESTING AND | | | | | | | |
| FINANCING ACTIVITIES | | | | | | | |
| Warrants issued in connection with debt | | $ | 195,000 | | $ | 187,000 | |
| Preferred stock dividends | | $ | 317,000 | | $ | 300,000 | |
| Common stock issued to holders of convertible notes | | $ | 1,024,413 | | $ | — | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2007
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of National Holdings 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 condensed consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2007 and for the periods ended June 30, 2007 and June 30, 2006 are unaudited. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the fiscal year. These condensed 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, 2006.
NOTE 2. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In July 2006, the FASB released Interpretation No. 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes--an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109" ("FIN 48"), which clarifies the accounting and reporting for uncertainty in income tax law. FIN 48 prescribes a comprehensive model for the financial statement recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns. The provisions of FIN 48 are effective for the Company for its fiscal year commencing October 1, 2007. Earlier adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an enterprise's fiscal year, provided the enterprise has not yet issued financial statements, including financial statements for any interim period for that fiscal year. The cumulative effects, if any, of applying FIN 48 will be recorded as an adjustment to accumulated deficit as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company is evaluating the impact that the adoption of this pronouncement will have on the consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows of the Company.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, "The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities" ("SFAS 159"). SFAS 159 provides companies with an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value. The objective of SFAS 159 is to reduce both complexity in accounting for financial instruments and the volatility in earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently. Generally accepted accounting principles have required different measurement attributes for different assets and liabilities that can create artificial volatility in earnings. The FASB has indicated it believes that SFAS 159 helps to mitigate this type of accounting-induced volatility by enabling companies to report related assets and liabilities at fair value, which would likely reduce the need for companies to comply with detailed rules for hedge accounting. SFAS 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between companies that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities.
SFAS 159 does not eliminate disclosure requirements included in other accounting standards, including requirements for disclosures about fair value measurements included in SFAS 157 and SFAS No. 107, "Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments." SFAS 159 is effective for the Company as of the beginning of fiscal year 2009. The adoption of this pronouncement is not expected to have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In December 2006, the FASB approved FASB Staff Position (FSP) No. EITF 00-19-2, "Accounting for Registration Payment Arrangements" ("FSP EITF 00-19-2"), which specifies that the contingent obligation to make future payments or otherwise transfer consideration under a registration payment arrangement, whether issued as a separate agreement or included as a provision of a financial instrument or other agreement, should be separately recognized and measured in accordance with SFAS No. 5, "Accounting for Contingencies". FSP EITF 00-19-2 also requires additional disclosure regarding the nature of any registration payment arrangements, alternative settlement methods, the maximum potential amount of consideration and the current carrying amount of the liability, if any. The guidance in FSP EITF 00-19-2 amends FASB Statements No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities", and No. 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity", and FASB Interpretation No. 45, "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others", to include scope exceptions for registration payment arrangements.
FSP EITF 00-19-2 is effective immediately for registration payment arrangements and the financial instruments subject to those arrangements that are entered into or modified subsequent to the issuance date of this FSP, or for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, and interim periods within those fiscal years, for registration payment arrangements entered into prior to the issuance date of this FSP. The adoption of this pronouncement is not expected to have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
NOTE 3. 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 nine months ended June 30, 2006, the Company granted 170,000 stock options with a fair value of approximately $88,000. A charge of approximately $7,000 and $12,000 was recorded in the three and nine months ended June 30, 2006, respectively, relating to the amortization of the fair value associated with these grants. During the nine months ended June 30, 2007, the Company granted 720,000 stock options with a fair value of approximately $574,000. A charge of approximately $55,000 and $85,000 was recorded in the three and nine months ended June 30, 2007, respectively, relating to the amortization of the fair value associated with stock option grants. The Company did not make any stock options grants in the three months ended June 30, 2006 or June 30, 2007.
As stock-based compensation expense recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of operations is based on awards that are ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for expected forfeitures. SFAS No. 123(R) requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures were estimated based on historical experience. If factors change and the Company employs different assumptions in the application of SFAS No. 123(R) in future periods, the compensation expense that the Company records under SFAS No. 123(R) may differ significantly from what has been recorded in the current period.
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:
| | | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| Assumptions: | | | | | |
| Risk-free interest rate | | | 4.40 | % | | 4.40 | % |
| Expected life, in years | | | 3.0 | | | 3.0 | |
| Expected volatility | | | 83 | % | | 88 | % |
A summary of the stock option activity as of June 30, 2007, and changes during the nine month period then ended is presented below:
| | | | | | | Weighted | | | |
| | | | | Weighted | | Average | | | |
| | | | | Average | | Remaining | | Aggregate | |
| | | | | Exercise | | Contractual | | Intrinsic | |
| | Shares | | Price | | Term | | Value | |
| Outstanding at September 30, 2006 | | | 932,000 | | $ | 1.30 | | | 3.31 | | | | |
| Granted | | | 720,000 | | $ | 1.60 | | | 4.91 | | | | |
| Exercised | | | (20,000 | ) | $ | 0.72 | | | | | | | |
| Expired | | | (25,000 | ) | $ | 2.00 | | | | | | | |
| Outstanding at June 30, 2007 | | | 1,607,000 | | $ | 1.43 | | | 3.58 | | $ | 2,517,000 | |
| Exerciseable at June 30, 2007 | | | 987,000 | | $ | 1.32 | | | 2.93 | | $ | 1,658,000 | |
As of June 30, 2007, there was $558,000 of total unrecognized deferred compensation costs related to share-based compensation arrangements.
A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested shares as of June 30, 2007, and changes during the nine month period then ended is presented below:
| | | | | Weighted | |
| | | | | Average | |
| | | | | Grant Date | |
| Nonvested Shares | | Shares | | Fair Value | |
| Nonvested at September 30, 2006 | | | 75,000 | | $ | 0.33 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Granted | | | 595,000 | | $ | 0.81 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Vested | | | (50,000 | ) | $ | 0.33 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Expired | | | — | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Nonvested at March 31, 2007 | | | 620,000 | | $ | 0.79 | |
| | | | | | | | |
NOTE 4. SECURITIES OWNED AND SECURITIES SOLD, BUT NOT YET PURCHASED
The following table shows the quoted market values of the Company's marketable securities owned and securities sold, but not yet purchased as of June 30, 2007:
| | | Securities held | | Securities sold, but not yet | |
| | | for resale | | purchased | |
| Corporate stocks | | $ | 901,000 | | $ | 215,000 | |
| Corporate bonds | | | — | | | — | |
| Government obligations | | | 16,000 | | | — | |
| | | $ | 917,000 | | $ | 215,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
NOTE 5. CLEARING AGREEMENTS
In April 2005, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, National Securities Corporation (“National Securities”) entered into a clearing agreement with National Financial Services LLC (“NFS”) that became effective in June 2005. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2007, NFS paid National Securities a $750,000 business credit, that is being amortized over an eight year period, the net amount of which has been included in “Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities” in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition as of June 30, 2007. In the second quarter of fiscal year 2007, NFS agreed to provide National Securities a $250,000 clearing fee waiver that is being amortized over a two year period, the net amount of which has been included in “Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities” in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition as of June 30, 2007. The clearing agreement includes a termination fee if National Securities terminates the agreement without cause. 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. Additionally, in June 2007, National Securities entered into a clearing agreement with Legent Clearing LLC (“Legent”) for the purpose of providing clearing services that are not provided by NFS and to maintain a pre-existing clearing relationship for brokers newly associated with National Securities. The Company believes that the overall effect of these clearing relationships is beneficial to the Company’s cost structure, liquidity and capital resources.
NOTE 6. CONTINGENCIES
In September 2006, the former chairman and chief executive officer of the Company, Steven A. Rothstein, commenced an arbitration against the current chairman and chief executive officer of the Company, Mark
Goldwasser, in the matter Rothstein et al. vs. Goldwasser, NASD No. 06-04000. Rothstein is alleging fraud and inequitable conduct relating to his attempts to sell his investment in the Company in calendar year 2001, and is seeking approximately $5,750,000 in damages. The Company is indemnifying Mr. Goldwasser in this action. The Company and Mr. Goldwasser believe this action is without merit, and intend to vigorously defend this action.
The Company is a defendant in various other arbitrations and administrative proceedings, lawsuits and claims seeking in the aggregate damages of approximately $1,200,000. The Company believes such claims are substantially without merit, and estimates that its liability, primarily for defense costs, will approximate $200,000 (exclusive of unspecified punitive damages related to certain claims and inclusive of expected insurance coverage). 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 June 30, 2007 and 2006, is $97,000 and $207,000, 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 $121,000 and $127,000 for the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 and 2006, respectively, and $1,254,000 and $527,000 for the first nine months of fiscal year 2007 and 2006, respectively.
NOTE 7. DIVIDENDS ON CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
The holders of the Company’s Series A convertible preferred stock, convertible into the Company’s common stock at $1.25 per share, are entitled to receive dividends on a quarterly basis at a rate of 9% per annum, per share. Such dividends are cumulative and accrue whether or not declared by the Company’s Board of Directors, but are payable only when, as and if declared by the Company’s Board of Directors. In March 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors declared an in-kind dividend in the aggregate of 2,537 shares of Series A preferred stock, in payment of approximately $317,000 of dividends accrued through March 31, 2007. Such shares were issued on April 30, 2007. At June 30, 2007, the accumulated dividend on the Company’s 37,550 issued and outstanding shares of Series A preferred stock was $84,000.
The holders of the Company’s Series B convertible preferred stock, convertible into the Company’s common stock at $.75 per share, are entitled 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 June 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $25,000 payable to the holders of the Series B preferred stock that was paid in July 2007. (See Note 12.)
NOTE 8. INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
Basic income per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted income 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 per common share:
| | | Three Months Ended | | Nine Months Ended | |
| | | June 30, 2007 | | June 30, 2006 | | June 30, 2007 | | June 30, 2006 | |
| Numerator: | | | | | | | | | |
| Net income | | $ | 1,561,000 | | $ | 152,000 | | $ | 2,052,000 | | $ | 835,000 | |
| Preferred stock dividends | | | (109,000 | ) | | (104,000 | ) | | (317,000 | ) | | (275,000 | ) |
| Numerator for basic earnings per share | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| -- net income attributable to | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| common stockholders - as reported | | | 1,452,000 | | | 48,000 | | | 1,735,000 | | | 560,000 | |
| Effect of dilutive securities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Interest on convertible notes | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 51,000 | |
| Preferred stock dividends | | | 109,000 | | | — | | | 317,000 | | | 275,000 | |
| Numerator for basic earnings per share | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| -- net income attributable to | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| common stockholders - as adjusted | | $ | 1,561,000 | | $ | 48,000 | | $ | 2,052,000 | | $ | 886,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Denominator: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Denominator for basic earnings per | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| share--weighted average shares | | | 5,543,151 | | | 5,223,968 | | | 5,388,225 | | | 5,120,290 | |
| Effect of dilutive securities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Stock options | | | 404,669 | | | 57,626 | | | 229,609 | | | 28,645 | |
| Warrants | | | 532,626 | | | 172,505 | | | 265,097 | | | 71,262 | |
| Assumed conversion of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Series A Preferred Stock | | | 3,004,000 | | | — | | | 3,004,000 | | | 2,825,280 | |
| Series B Preferred Stock | | | 1,333,333 | | | — | | | 1,333,333 | | | 1,333,333 | |
| Notes | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 1,000,000 | |
| Dilutive potential common shares | | | 5,274,628 | | | 230,131 | | | 4,832,039 | | | 5,258,520 | |
| Denominator for diluted earnings per | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| share--adjusted weighted-average | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| shares and assumed conversions | | | 10,817,779 | | | 5,454,099 | | | 10,220,264 | | | 10,378,810 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net income available to | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| common stockholders | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Basic: | | $ | 0.26 | | $ | 0.01 | | $ | 0.32 | | $ | 0.11 | |
| Diluted: | | $ | 0.14 | | $ | 0.01 | | $ | 0.20 | | $ | 0.09 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOTE 9. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE, ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER LIABILITIES
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities as of June 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006, respectively, consist of the following:
| | | June 30, 2007 | | September 30, 2006 | |
| | | | | |
| Commissions payable | | $ | 3,366,000 | | $ | 1,993,000 | |
| Legal payable | | | 97,000 | | | 325,000 | |
| Other | | | 2,822,000 | | | 1,625,000 | |
| Total | | $ | 6,285,000 | | $ | 3,943,000 | |
NOTE 10. NOTES PAYABLE
In February 2007, the Company used $850,000 of the proceeds from the private placement of 10% promissory notes (See Note 11) to retire promissory notes that had maturity dates in February 2007.
The Company’s $1.0 million secured demand note matured on March 1, 2007. National Securities and the holder of the $1.0 million secured demand note entered into a new secured demand note that matures on March 1, 2008. In May 2007, the Company paid $500,000 of this secured demand note, and the balance is due at maturity.
In June 2007, the Company exercised the mandatory conversion option contained in its 11% convertible promissory notes. The Company issued 1,024,413 shares of its common stock in full payment of the $1,000,000 convertible promissory notes, plus accrued interest. The unamortized debt discount of approximately $150,000 was expensed as “Interest” in the third quarter ended June 30, 2007.
NOTE 11. PRIVATE PLACEMENT OF 10% PROMISSORY NOTES
In February 2007, the Company completed a financing transaction under which certain investors purchased 10% promissory notes in the principal amount of $1.0 million, with warrants to purchase an aggregate of 250,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.40 per share. The promissory notes mature in February 2009, and have a stated interest rate of 10% per annum. The fair value of the warrants was calculated using the Black-Scholes Option Valuation Model. The Company recorded a debt discount of approximately $195,000 that will be charged to interest expense over the life of the debt.
The Company and the investors entered into a registration rights agreement, wherein the investors received unlimited piggyback registration rights and one demand registration right for the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants. The investors can make such demand one year after the date of issuance of the warrants, and the Company has agreed to file the registration statement within 90 days of such demand. The Company has agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to have the registration statement declared effective. There are no penalties for failure to have the registration statement declared effective. As of June 30, 2007, the Company has not registered the securities covered by the warrants.
The investment included $500,000 by Christopher C. Dewey and $250,000 by St. Cloud Capital Partners, L.P. (“St. Cloud”). Mr. Dewey, and Marshall S. Geller, the Co-Founder and Senior Managing Partner of St. Cloud, are each members of the Company’s board of directors. The Company incurred legal fees and other costs related to this capital transaction in the amount of $22,000 that were capitalized and will be amortized to interest expense over the life of the promissory notes.
NOTE 12. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
In the three and nine months ended June 30, 2007 the Company received proceeds of approximately $356,000 and $503,000, respectively, from the exercise of 244,500 and 399,143, respectively, outstanding warrants and stock options. In the second quarter ended March 31, 2007, a holder of Series A preferred stock converted 303 shares of Series A preferred stock into 24,240 share of the Company’s common stock. In July 2007, the Company received proceeds of approximately $289,000 from the exercise of outstanding warrants to purchase 230,781 shares of the Company’s common stock.
In July 2007, the Company exercised the mandatory conversion option contained in its Series B convertible preferred stock. The Company issued 1,333,333 shares of its common stock to convert in full all of its outstanding Series B convertible preferred stock. In addition, the Company will pay the Series B preferred shareholders a dividend in the aggregate amount of approximately $7,200 for the period from July 1, 2007 to July 26, 2007.
NOTE 13. NEW SUBSIDIARIES
In the third quarter of fiscal year 2006, the Company formed National Insurance Corporation (“National Insurance”) that provides fixed insurance products to its clients, including life insurance, disability insurance, long term care insurance and fixed annuities. National Insurance has finalized certain of the requisite state registrations, and commenced business operations during the second quarter of fiscal year 2007, that have been diminimus.
In the first quarter of fiscal year 2007, the Company formed a new wholly owned subsidiary, National Holdings Mortgage Corporation (“National Mortgage”) that will operate a mortgage broker business. National Mortgage is in the process of completing the requisite state registrations, and has not yet commenced business operations.
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 7, 2006. 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 June 30, 2007 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2006
The Company’s third quarter of fiscal year 2007 resulted in a substantial increase in revenues, and a comparatively smaller increase in expenses compared to the same period last year. As a result, the Company reported net income of $1,561,000 compared with net income of $152,000 for the third quarter of fiscal years 2007 and 2006, respectively. This represents an improvement of $1,409,000 from the prior period.
| | | Three Months Ended | | | | | |
| | | June 30, | | Increase (Decrease) | |
| | 2007 | | 2006 | | Amount | | Percent | |
| Commissions | | $ | 10,761,000 | | $ | 7,952,000 | | $ | 2,809,000 | | | 35 | % |
| Proprietary trading | | | 2,876,000 | | | 2,133,000 | | | 743,000 | | | 35 | % |
| Market making | | | 89,000 | | | 68,000 | | | 21,000 | | | 31 | % |
| Mark-ups and mark-downs | | | 86,000 | | | 18,000 | | | 68,000 | | | 378 | % |
| Net dealer inventory gains | | | 3,051,000 | | | 2,219,000 | | | 832,000 | | | 37 | % |
| Investment banking | | | 4,278,000 | | | 1,574,000 | | | 2,704,000 | | | 172 | % |
| Interest and dividends | | | 649,000 | | | 825,000 | | | (176,000 | ) | | (21 | %) |
| Transfer fees and clearance services | | | 1,029,000 | | | 867,000 | | | 162,000 | | | 19 | % |
| Other | | | 461,000 | | | 547,000 | | | (86,000 | ) | | (16 | %) |
| | | $ | 20,229,000 | | $ | 13,984,000 | | $ | 6,245,000 | | | 45 | % |
Total revenues increased $6,245,000, or 45%, in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 to $20,229,000 from $13,984,000 in the third quarter of fiscal year 2006. This increase is due to greater commissions and net dealer inventory gains, and the completion of both a greater number of, and larger, investment banking transactions. During the third quarter of fiscal year 2007, total trading volume decreased 20%, compared to the third quarter of fiscal year 2006. The decrease in trading volume compared to the increase in revenues primarily reflects an increase in the average revenue per trade. Trading volume in this period related to retail brokerage decreased 22%. Commission revenue increased $2,809,000, or 35%, to $10,761,000 from $7,952,000 during the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 compared with the same period in fiscal year 2006. Net dealer inventory gains, which includes profits on proprietary trading, market making activities and customer mark-ups and mark-downs, increased $832,000, or 37%, to $3,051,000 from $2,219,000 during the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 compared with the same period in fiscal year 2006. The increase is primarily due to an increase in proprietary trading in the bond market. During the third quarter of fiscal year 2007, revenues from proprietary trading increased $743,000, or 35%, to $2,876,000 from $2,133,000 in the same period of fiscal year 2006, revenues from market making activities increased $21,000, or 31%, to $89,000 from $68,000 in the third quarter of fiscal year 2006, and revenues from customer mark-ups and mark-downs increased $68,000, or 378%, to $86,000 from $18,000 in the third quarter of fiscal year 2006.
Investment banking revenue increased $2,704,000, or 172%, to $4,278,000 from $1,574,000 in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 compared with the third quarter of fiscal year 2006. The increase in investment banking revenues is attributable to the Company having completed both a greater number of, and larger, investment banking transactions in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007. Interest and dividend income decreased $176,000, or 21%, to $649,000 from $825,000 in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 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’ customer accounts from the same period last year. Transfer fees increased $162,000, or 19%, to $1,029,000 in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 from $867,000 in the third quarter of fiscal year 2006. 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 $86,000, or 16%, to $461,000 from $547,000 during the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 compared to the third quarter of fiscal year 2006. The decrease is primarily due to investment income realized in the Company’s venture capital fund in the third quarter of fiscal year 2006, partially offset by an increase in fee based assets under management.
| | | Three Months Ended | | | | | |
| | | June 30, | | Increase (Decrease) | |
| | | 2007 | | 2006 | | Amount | | Percent | |
| Commission expense related to: | | | | | | | | | |
| Commission revenue | | $ | 9,891,000 | | $ | 7,111,000 | | $ | 2,780,000 | | | 39 | % |
| Net dealer inventory gains | | | 2,471,000 | | | 1,753,000 | | | 718,000 | | | 41 | % |
| Investment banking | | | 1,655,000 | | | 1,180,000 | | | 475,000 | | | 40 | % |
| Commissions | | | 14,017,000 | | | 10,044,000 | | | 3,973,000 | | | 40 | % |
| Employee compensation | | | 2,168,000 | | | 1,541,000 | | | 627,000 | | | 41 | % |
| Clearing fees | | | 444,000 | | | 405,000 | | | 39,000 | | | 10 | % |
| Communications | | | 419,000 | | | 296,000 | | | 123,000 | | | 42 | % |
| Occupancy and equipment costs | | | 614,000 | | | 693,000 | | | (79,000 | ) | | (11 | %) |
| Professional fees | | | 318,000 | | | 246,000 | | | 72,000 | | | 29 | % |
| Interest | | | 252,000 | | | 104,000 | | | 148,000 | | | 142 | % |
| Taxes, licenses and registration | | | 134,000 | | | 177,000 | | | (43,000 | ) | | (24 | %) |
| Other administrative expenses | | | 302,000 | | | 326,000 | | | (24,000 | ) | | (7 | %) |
| | | $ | 18,668,000 | | $ | 13,832,000 | | $ | 4,836,000 | | | 35 | % |
In comparison with the 45% increase in total revenues, total expenses increased 35%, or $4,836,000, to $18,668,000 for the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 compared to $13,832,000 in the third quarter of fiscal year 2006. The increase in total expenses is primarily the result of greater commission expenses directly associated with commission revenues.
Commission expense, which includes expenses related to commission revenue, net dealer inventory gains and investment banking, increased $3,973,000, or 40%, to $14,017,000 in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 from $10,044,000 in the third quarter of fiscal year 2006. Commission expense related to commission revenue increased $2,780,000, or 39%, to $9,891,000 in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 from $7,111,000 in the third quarter of fiscal year 2006; commission expense related to net dealer inventory gains increased $718,000, or 41%, to $2,471,000 in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 from $1,753,000 in the third quarter of fiscal year 2006; and commission expense related to investment banking increased $475,000, or 40%, to $1,655,000 in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 from $1,180,000 in the third quarter of fiscal year 2006. Commission expense as a percentage of commission revenues increased to 92% in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 from 89% in the third quarter of fiscal year 2006. 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 81% in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 from 79% in the third quarter of fiscal year 2006. 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 39% in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 from 75% in the third quarter of fiscal year 2006. 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 $371,000 and $319,000 for the third quarter of fiscal years 2007 and 2006, 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 $627,000, or 41%, to $2,168,000 in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 from $1,541,000 in the third quarter of fiscal year 2006. The increase is attributable to new employees hired during fiscal years 2007 and 2006, bonuses based on the current quarter’s profits and an increase in the amortization of the fair value associated with stock option grants. The amortization of the fair value associated with stock option grants is $55,000 and $7,000 for the third quarter of fiscal years 2007 and 2006, respectively. Overall, combined commission and employee compensation expense, as a percentage of revenue decreased to 80% from 83% in the third quarter of fiscal years 2007 and 2006, respectively. The decrease is attributable to an overall lower payout percentage related to commission revenues.
Clearing fees increased $39,000, or 10%, to $444,000 in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 from $405,000 in the third quarter of fiscal year 2006. The increase in clearing fees is attributable to the increase in commission revenues in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 compared to the third quarter of fiscal year 2006, partially offset by the amortization of credits received from one of the Company’s clearing firms.
Communications expense increased $123,000, or 42%, to $419,000 from $296,000 in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 compared to the third quarter of fiscal year 2006. The increase is primarily due to the Company’s receipt of a refund of prior periods charges from a service provider in the third quarter of fiscal year 2006. Occupancy costs decreased $79,000, or 11%, to $614,000 from $693,000 in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 compared to the third quarter of fiscal year 2006. The decrease in occupancy expense is due to the settlement of a lawsuit by the Company against a former subtenant, partially offset by costs incurred to transfer certain of the Company’s paper files to a digital system, and annual rent increases contained in the Company’s office leases. Professional fees increased $72,000, or 29%, to $318,000 from $246,000 in the third quarter of fiscal
year 2007 compared to the third quarter of fiscal year 2006. The increase in professional fees is primarily a result of legal fees and costs incurred to settle certain arbitrations.
Interest expense increased $148,000, or 142%, to $252,000 from $104,000 in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 compared to the third quarter of fiscal year 2006. The increase in interest expense is attributable to the acceleration of amortization on the Company’s convertible notes that were converted to common stock in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007. Included in interest expense is the amortization of $199,000 and $31,000 for the third quarter of fiscal years 2007 and 2006, respectively. Taxes, licenses and registration decreased $43,000, or 24%, to $134,000 from $177,000 in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 compared to the third quarter of fiscal year 2006. The decrease in taxes, licenses and registration is due to a reduction in incentives provided to new brokers. Other administrative expenses decreased $24,000, or 7%, to $302,000 from $326,000 in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 compared to the third quarter of fiscal year 2006.
The Company reported net income of $1,561,000 in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 compared to net income of $152,000 in the third quarter of fiscal year 2006. Overall, the diluted earnings attributable to common stockholders in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 was $1,452,000, or $.14 per common share, as compared to the diluted earnings attributable to common stockholders of $48,000, or $.01 per common share in the third quarter of fiscal year 2006. The net income attributable to common stockholders reflects $109,000 and $104,000 of cumulative preferred stock dividends on the Company’s preferred stock for the third quarter of fiscal years 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Nine Months Ended June 30, 2007 Compared to Nine Months Ended June 30, 2006
The Company’s first nine months of fiscal year 2007 resulted in an increase in revenues, and a relatively smaller increase in expenses compared to the same period last year. As a result, the Company reported net income of $2,052,000 compared with net income of $835,000 for the first nine months of fiscal years 2007 and 2006, respectively. This represents an improvement of $1,217,000 from the prior period.
| | | Nine Months Ended | | | | | |
| | | June 30, | | Increase (Decrease) | |
| | 2007 | | 2006 | | Amount | | Percent | |
| Commissions | | $ | 27,705,000 | | $ | 25,823,000 | | $ | 1,882,000 | | | 7 | % |
| Proprietary trading | | | 9,174,000 | | | 6,028,000 | | | 3,146,000 | | | 52 | % |
| Market making | | | 704,000 | | | 151,000 | | | 553,000 | | | 366 | % |
| Mark-ups and mark-downs | | | 231,000 | | | 91,000 | | | 140,000 | | | 154 | % |
| Net dealer inventory gains | | | 10,109,000 | | | 6,270,000 | | | 3,839,000 | | | 61 | % |
| Investment banking | | | 7,945,000 | | | 8,667,000 | | | (722,000 | ) | | (8 | %) |
| Interest and dividends | | | 2,010,000 | | | 2,207,000 | | | (197,000 | ) | | (9 | %) |
| Transfer fees and clearance services | | | 3,045,000 | | | 2,597,000 | | | 448,000 | | | 17 | % |
| Other | | | 1,314,000 | | | 894,000 | | | 420,000 | | | 47 | % |
| | | $ | 52,128,000 | | $ | 46,458,000 | | $ | 5,670,000 | | | 12 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total revenues increased $5,670,000, or 12%, in the first nine months of fiscal year 2007 to $52,128,000 from $46,458,000 in the first nine months of fiscal year 2006. This increase is due to greater commissions and net dealer inventory gains. During the first nine months of fiscal year 2007, total trading volume decreased 8%, compared to the first nine months of fiscal year 2006. The decrease in trading volume compared to the increase in revenues primarily 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 15%. Commission revenue increased $1,882,000, or 7%, to $27,705,000 from $25,823,000 during the first nine months of fiscal year 2007 compared with the same period in fiscal year 2006. Net dealer inventory gains, which includes profits on proprietary trading, market making activities and customer mark-ups and mark-downs, increased $3,839,000, or 61%, to $10,109,000 from $6,270,000
during the first nine months of fiscal year 2007 compared with the same period in fiscal year 2006. 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 nine months of fiscal year 2007, revenues from proprietary trading increased $3,146,000, or 52%, to $9,174,000 from $6,028,000 in the same period of fiscal year 2006, revenues from market making activities increased $553,000, or 366%, to $704,000 from $151,000 in the first nine months of fiscal year 2007, and revenues from customer mark-ups and mark-downs increased $140,000, or 154%, to $231,000 from $91,000 in the first nine months of fiscal year 2006.
Investment banking revenue decreased $722,000, or 8%, to $7,945,000 from $8,667,000 in the first nine months of fiscal year 2007 compared with the first nine months of fiscal year 2006. Although the Company completed more investment banking transactions in the first nine months of fiscal year 2007, the decrease is attributable to the Company having co-managed certain of these transactions in the first nine months of fiscal year 2007. Interest and dividend income decreased $197,000, or 9%, to $2,010,000 from $2,207,000 in the first nine months of fiscal year 2007 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’ customer accounts from the same period last year. Transfer fees increased $448,000, or 17%, to $3,045,000 in the first nine months of fiscal year 2007 from $2,597,000 in the first nine months of fiscal year 2006. 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, increased $420,000, or 47%, to $1,314,000 from $894,000 during the first nine months of fiscal year 2007 compared to the first nine months of fiscal year 2006. The increase is due to an increase in fee based assets under management, partially offset by investment income realized in the Company’s venture capital fund in the third quarter of fiscal year 2006.
| | | Nine Months Ended | | | | | |
| | | June 30, | | Increase (Decrease) | |
| | | 2007 | | 2006 | | Amount | | Percent | |
| Commission expense related to: | | | | | | | | | |
| Commission revenue | | $ | 24,853,000 | | $ | 22,833,000 | | $ | 2,020,000 | | | 9 | % |
| Net dealer inventory gains | | | 7,839,000 | | | 4,737,000 | | | 3,102,000 | | | 65 | % |
| Investment banking | | | 3,501,000 | | | 6,205,000 | | | (2,704,000 | ) | | (44 | %) |
| Commissions | | | 36,193,000 | | | 33,775,000 | | | 2,418,000 | | | 7 | % |
| Employee compensation | | | 5,430,000 | | | 4,425,000 | | | 1,005,000 | | | 23 | % |
| Clearing fees | | | 1,162,000 | | | 1,205,000 | | | (43,000 | ) | | (4 | %) |
| Communications | | | 1,247,000 | | | 1,328,000 | | | (81,000 | ) | | (6 | %) |
| Occupancy and equipment costs | | | 2,090,000 | | | 2,001,000 | | | 89,000 | | | 4 | % |
| Professional fees | | | 1,835,000 | | | 830,000 | | | 1,005,000 | | | 121 | % |
| Interest | | | 461,000 | | | 389,000 | | | 72,000 | | | 19 | % |
| Taxes, licenses and registration | | | 476,000 | | | 490,000 | | | (14,000 | ) | | (3 | %) |
| Other administrative expenses | | | 1,182,000 | | | 1,180,000 | | | 2,000 | | | 0 | % |
| | | $ | 50,076,000 | | $ | 45,623,000 | | $ | 4,453,000 | | | 10 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In comparison with the 12% increase in total revenues, total expenses increased 10%, or $4,453,000, to $50,076,000 for the first nine months of fiscal year 2007 compared to $45,623,000 in the first nine months of fiscal year 2006. The increase in total expenses is primarily the result of greater commission expenses directly associated with commission revenues, and increases in employee compensation and legal fees.
Commission expense, which includes expenses related to commission revenue, net dealer inventory gains and investment banking, increased $2,418,000, or 7%, to $36,193,000 in the first nine months of fiscal year 2007 from $33,775,000 in the first nine months of fiscal year 2006. Commission expense related to commission revenue increased $2,020,000, or 9%, to $24,853,000 in the first nine months of fiscal year 2007 from $22,833,000 in the first nine months of fiscal year 2006; commission expense related to net dealer inventory gains increased $3,102,000, or 65%, to $7,839,000 in the first nine months of fiscal year 2007 from $4,737,000 in the first nine months of fiscal year 2006; and commission expense related to investment banking decreased $2,704,000, or 44%, to $3,501,000 in the first nine months of fiscal year 2007 from $6,205,000 in the first nine months of fiscal year 2006. Commission expense as a percentage of commission revenues increased to 90% in the first nine months of fiscal year 2007 from 88% in the first nine months of fiscal year 2006. 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 78% in the first nine months of fiscal year 2007 from 76% in the first nine months of fiscal year 2006. 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 44% in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 from 72% in the third quarter of fiscal year 2006. 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 $947,000 and $936,000 for the first nine months of fiscal years 2007 and 2006, 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 $1,005,000, or 23%, to $5,430,000 in the first nine months of fiscal year 2007 from $4,425,000 in the first nine months of fiscal year 2006. The increase is attributable to new employees hired during fiscal years 2007 and 2006, bonuses based on the current period’s profits, year-end bonuses that were paid to certain staff employees in the first quarter of fiscal year 2007 and an increase in the amortization of the fair value associated with stock option grants. The amortization of the fair value associated with stock option grants is $85,000 and $12,000 for the first nine months of fiscal years 2007 and 2006, respectively. Overall, combined commission and employee compensation expense, as a percentage of revenue decreased to 80% from 82% in the first nine months of fiscal years 2007 and 2006, respectively. The decrease is attributable to an overall lower payout percentage related to commission revenues.
Clearing fees decreased $43,000, or 4%, to $1,162,000 in the first nine months of fiscal year 2007 from $1,205,000 in the first nine months of fiscal year 2006. The decrease in clearing fees is attributable to the amortization of credits received from one of the Company’s clearing firms.
Communications expense decreased $81,000, or 6%, to $1,247,000 from $1,328,000 in the first nine months of fiscal year 2007 compared to the first nine months of fiscal year 2006. The decrease is primarily due to the Company’s ability to acquire certain of these services at a lower price. Occupancy costs increased $89,000, or 4%, to $2,090,000 from $2,001,000 in the first nine months of fiscal year 2007 compared to the first nine months of fiscal year 2006. The increase in occupancy expense is due to costs incurred to transfer certain of the Company’s paper files to a digital system and annual rent increases contained in the Company’s office leases, partially offset by the settlement of a lawsuit by the Company against a former subtenant in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007. Professional fees increased $1,005,000, or 121%, to $1,835,000 from $830,000 in the first nine months of fiscal year 2007 compared to the first nine months of fiscal year 2006. The increase in professional fees is primarily a result of legal fees and costs incurred to settle certain arbitrations.
Interest expense increased $72,000, or 19%, to $461,000 from $389,000 in the first nine months of fiscal year 2007 compared to the first nine months of fiscal year 2006. The increase in interest expense is attributable to the acceleration of amortization on the Company’s convertible notes that were converted to common stock in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007. Included in interest expense is the amortization of
$264,000 and $162,000 for the first nine months of fiscal years 2007 and 2006, respectively. Taxes, licenses and registration decreased $14,000, or 3%, to $476,000 from $490,000 in the first nine months of fiscal year 2007 compared to the first nine months of fiscal year 2006. The decrease in taxes, licenses and registration is due to a reduction in incentives provided to new brokers. Other administrative expenses increased $2,000, or less than 1%, to $1,182,000 from $1,180,000 in the first nine months of fiscal year 2007 compared to the first nine months of fiscal year 2006.
The Company reported net income of $2,052,000 in the first nine months of fiscal year 2007 compared to net income of $835,000 in the first nine months of fiscal year 2006. Overall, the diluted earnings attributable to common stockholders in the first nine months of fiscal year 2007 was $1,735,000, or $.20 per common share, as compared to diluted earnings attributable to common stockholders of $560,000, or $.09 per common share in the first nine months of fiscal year 2006. The net income attributable to common stockholders reflects $317,000 and $275,000 of cumulative preferred stock dividends on the Company’s preferred stock for the first nine months of fiscal years 2007 and 2006, 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 June 30, 2007, National Securities’ net capital exceeded the requirement by $3,570,000.
Advances, dividend payments and other equity withdrawals from the Company’s broker-dealer subsidiary are restricted by the regulations of the SEC and other regulatory agencies. These regulatory restrictions may limit the amounts that a broker-dealer 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. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2007, NFS paid National Securities a $750,000 business credit, that is being amortized over an eight year period, the net amount of which has been included in “Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities” in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition as of June 30, 2007. In the second quarter of fiscal year 2007, NFS agreed to provide National Securities a $250,000 clearing fee waiver, that is being amortized over a two year period, the net amount of which has been included in “Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities” in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition as of June 30, 2007. The clearing agreement includes a termination fee if National Securities terminates the agreement without cause. 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. Additionally, in June 2007, National Securities entered into a clearing agreement with Legent for the purpose of providing clearing services that are not provided by NFS and to maintain a pre-existing clearing relationship for brokers newly associated with National Securities. The Company believes that the overall effect of these clearing relationships is beneficial to the Company’s cost structure, liquidity and capital resources.
In February 2007, the Company completed a financing transaction under which certain investors purchased 10% promissory notes in the principal amount of $1.0 million, with warrants to purchase an aggregate of 250,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.40 per share. The promissory notes mature in February 2009, and have a stated interest rate of 10% per annum. The fair value of the warrants was calculated using the Black-Scholes Option Valuation Model. The Company recorded a debt discount of approximately $195,000 that will be charged to interest expense over the life of the debt.
The investment included $500,000 by Christopher C. Dewey and $250,000 by St. Cloud. Mr. Dewey, and Marshall S. Geller, the Co-Founder and Senior Managing Partner of St. Cloud, are each members of the Company’s board of directors. The Company incurred legal fees and other costs related to this capital transaction in the amount of $22,000 that were capitalized and will be amortized to interest expense over the life of the promissory notes. The Company used $850,000 of the proceeds to retire promissory notes that had maturity dates in February 2007.
The Company’s $1.0 million secured demand matured on March 1, 2007. National Securities and the holder of the $1.0 million secured demand note entered into a new secured demand note that matures on March 1, 2008. In May 2007, the Company paid $500,000 of this secured demand note, and the balance is due at maturity.
In June 2007, the Company exercised the mandatory conversion option contained in its 11% convertible promissory notes. The Company issued 1,024,413 shares of its common stock in full payment of the $1,000,000 convertible promissory notes, plus accrued interest. The unamortized debt discount of approximately $150,000 was expensed as “Interest” in the third quarter ended June 30, 2007.
In the quarter and nine months ended June 30, 2007 the Company received proceeds of approximately $356,000 and $503,000, respectively, from the exercise of outstanding warrants and stock options.
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 marketable securities owned ("long"), securities sold, but not yet purchased ("short") and net positions as of June 30, 2007:
| | Long | | Short | | Net | |
| Corporate stocks | | $ | 901,000 | | $ | 215,000 | | $ | 686,000 | |
| Corporate bonds | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Government obligations | | | 16,000 | | | — | | | 16,000 | |
| | | $ | 917,000 | | $ | 215,000 | | $ | 702,000 | |
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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 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 June 30, 2007, 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 6 herein, and the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006.
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, 2006.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
In June 2007, the Company exercised the mandatory conversion option contained in its 11% convertible promissory notes. The Company issued 1,024,413 shares of its common stock in full payment of the $1,000,000 convertible promissory notes, plus accrued interest. We believe that the issuance of our common stock in connection with this conversion was exempt from registration under Section 4(2) of the Security Act of 1933, as amended. The Company received no proceeds from the issuance of such common stock.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
| 31.1 | Chief Executive Officer’s Certificate pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
| 31.2 | Chief Financial Officer’s Certificate pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
| 32.1 | Chief Executive Officer’s Certificate pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
| 32.2 | 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
August 2, 2007
Mark Goldwasser
President and Chief Executive Officer
August 2, 2007
Robert H. Daskal
Chief Financial Officer
