SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(mark one)
| QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2007
OR
o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Commission File No. 0-30066
SANDERS MORRIS HARRIS GROUP INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Texas | 76-0583569 |
(State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer |
incorporation or organization) | Identification No.) |
| |
600 Travis, Suite 3100 | |
Houston, Texas | 77002 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip code) |
(713) 993-4610
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. x Yes o No
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 filer o Accelerated filer x Non-accelerated filer o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). o Yes x No
As of August 7, 2007, the registrant had 24,749,661 outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share.
SANDERS MORRIS HARRIS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX
| | Page |
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |
| | |
Item 1. | Financial Statements | 2 |
| | |
| Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2007 (unaudited) and December 31, 2006 | 2 |
| | |
| Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 (unaudited) | 3 |
| | |
| Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | 4 |
| | |
| Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 (unaudited) | 5 |
| | |
| Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) | 6 |
| | |
Item 2. | Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of | |
| Operations | 16 |
| | |
Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 24 |
| | |
Item 4. | Controls and Procedures | 24 |
| | |
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION | |
| | |
Item 1. | Legal Proceedings | 25 |
| | |
Item 4. | Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders | 26 |
| | |
Item 6. | Exhibits | 27 |
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
SANDERS MORRIS HARRIS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET | |
As of June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 | |
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) | |
| | June 30, | | December 31, | |
| | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| | (unaudited) | | | |
| | | | | |
ASSETS | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 43,711 | | $ | 68,861 | |
Receivables, net of allowance of $3,283 and $227, respectively | | | | | | | |
Broker-dealers and clearing organizations | | | 263 | | | 505 | |
Customers | | | 21,527 | | | 16,720 | |
Related parties | | | 9,936 | | | 6,212 | |
Other | | | 6,251 | | | 5,587 | |
Deposits with clearing organizations | | | 1,091 | | | 1,084 | |
Securities owned | | | 101,062 | | | 82,462 | |
Securities available for sale | | | 1,177 | | | 1,467 | |
Furniture, equipment, and leasehold improvements, net | | | 12,306 | | | 12,323 | |
Other assets and prepaid expenses | | | 2,418 | | | 2,048 | |
Goodwill and other intangible assets | | | 89,055 | | | 84,773 | |
Total assets | | $ | 288,797 | | $ | 282,042 | |
| | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | | | | | | | |
Liabilities: | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | $ | 22,345 | | $ | 25,550 | |
Borrowings | | | 200 | | | 555 | |
Deferred tax liability, net | | | 2,393 | | | 3,037 | |
Securities sold, not yet purchased | | | 17,777 | | | 20,107 | |
Payable to broker-dealers and clearing organizations | | | 10,762 | | | 733 | |
Total liabilities | | | 53,477 | | | 49,982 | |
| | | | | | | |
Commitments and contingencies | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Minority interests | | | 13,258 | | | 12,124 | |
| | | | | | | |
Shareholders' equity: | | | | | | | |
Preferred stock, $0.10 par value; 10,000,000 shares | | | | | | | |
authorized; no shares issued and outstanding | | | - | | | - | |
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares | | | | | | | |
authorized; 25,488,372 and 25,273,437 shares issued, | | | | | | | |
respectively | | | 255 | | | 253 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 200,755 | | | 199,176 | |
Retained earnings | | | 24,422 | | | 23,902 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | | | 111 | | | 86 | |
Treasury stock, at cost, 739,411 shares | | | (3,481 | ) | | (3,481 | ) |
Total shareholders' equity | | | 222,062 | | | 219,936 | |
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | | $ | 288,797 | | $ | 282,042 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
SANDERS MORRIS HARRIS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME | |
(in thousands, except per share amounts) | |
(unaudited) | |
| | Three Months Ended | | Six Months Ended | |
| | June 30, | | June 30, | |
| | 2007 | | 2006 | | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Revenues: | | | | | | | | | |
Commissions | | $ | 13,808 | | $ | 15,227 | | $ | 27,326 | | $ | 30,009 | |
Investment banking | | | 9,086 | | | 12,022 | | | 19,245 | | | 21,947 | |
Investment advisory and related services | | | 17,010 | | | 8,199 | | | 31,870 | | | 16,510 | |
Principal transactions | | | 2,776 | | | 3,805 | | | 6,098 | | | 9,975 | |
Interest and dividends | | | 1,958 | | | 1,600 | | | 3,898 | | | 3,019 | |
Other income | | | 1,559 | | | 1,587 | | | 3,243 | | | 2,983 | |
Total revenues | | | 46,197 | | | 42,440 | | | 91,680 | | | 84,443 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Employee compensation and benefits | | | 27,236 | | | 24,982 | | | 53,752 | | | 50,011 | |
Floor brokerage, exchange, and clearance fees | | | 1,876 | | | 1,949 | | | 3,381 | | | 3,729 | |
Communications and data processing | | | 2,861 | | | 1,958 | | | 5,131 | | | 3,958 | |
Occupancy | | | 2,936 | | | 2,792 | | | 5,967 | | | 5,268 | |
Interest | | | 9 | | | 276 | | | 21 | | | 477 | |
Amortization of intangible assets | | | 139 | | | - | | | 139 | | | - | |
Other general and administrative | | | 8,708 | | | 5,561 | | | 14,381 | | | 10,688 | |
Total expenses | | | 43,765 | | | 37,518 | | | 82,772 | | | 74,131 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from continuing operations before equity in | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
income of limited partnerships, minority interests, | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
and income taxes | | | 2,432 | | | 4,922 | | | 8,908 | | | 10,312 | |
Equity in income of limited partnerships | | | 3,902 | | | 748 | | | 3,587 | | | 2,573 | |
Income from continuing operations before minority | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
interests and income taxes | | | 6,334 | | | 5,670 | | | 12,495 | | | 12,885 | |
Minority interests in net income of consolidated | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
companies | | | (4,521 | ) | | (1,629 | ) | | (6,360 | ) | | (3,032 | ) |
Income from continuing operations before income taxes | | | 1,813 | | | 4,041 | | | 6,135 | | | 9,853 | |
Provision for income taxes | | | 708 | | | 1,547 | | | 2,289 | | | 3,900 | |
Income from continuing operations | | | 1,105 | | | 2,494 | | | 3,846 | | | 5,953 | |
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax | | | - | | | (4,196 | ) | | - | | | (4,895 | ) |
Net income (loss) | | $ | 1,105 | | $ | (1,702 | ) | $ | | | $ | 1,058 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic earnings (loss) per common share: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Continuing operations | | $ | 0.04 | | $ | 0.13 | | $ | 0.16 | | $ | 0.31 | |
Discontinued operations | | | - | | | (0.22 | ) | | - | | | (0.25 | ) |
Net earnings (loss) | | $ | 0.04 | | $ | (0.09 | ) | $ | 0.16 | | $ | 0.06 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Continuing operations | | $ | 0.04 | | $ | 0.13 | | $ | 0.15 | | $ | 0.30 | |
Discontinued operations | | | - | | | (0.22 | ) | | - | | | (0.25 | ) |
Net earnings (loss) | | $ | 0.04 | | $ | (0.09 | ) | $ | 0.15 | | $ | 0.05 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average common shares outstanding: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | | 24,731 | | | 19,119 | | | 24,671 | | | 19,054 | |
Diluted | | | 25,075 | | | 19,581 | | | 25,007 | | | 19,532 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
SANDERS MORRIS HARRIS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | |
For the six months ended June 30, 2007 | |
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) | |
(unaudited) | |
| | Amounts | | | | Shares | |
Common stock | | | | | | | |
Balance, beginning of period | | $ | 253 | | | | | | 25,273,437 | |
Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plan | | | 2 | | | | | | 214,935 | |
Balance, end of period | | | 255 | | | | | | 25,488,372 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, beginning of period | | | 199,176 | | | | | | | |
Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plan; including tax benefit | | | 386 | | | | | | | |
Stock-based compensation expense | | | 1,193 | | | | | | | |
Balance, end of period | | | 200,755 | | | | | | | |
Retained earnings | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, beginning of period | | | 23,902 | | | | | | | |
Cash dividends ($0.135 per share) | | | (3,326 | ) | | | | | | |
Net income | | | 3,846 | | | 3,846 | | | | |
Balance, end of period | | | 24,422 | | | | | | | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, beginning of period | | | 86 | | | | | | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation | | | | | | | | | | |
on securities available for sale | | | 42 | | | 42 | | | | |
Income tax benefit on change in unrealized | | | | | | | | | | |
appreciation on securities available for sale | | | (17 | ) | | (17 | ) | | | |
Balance, end of period | | | 111 | | | 25 | | | | |
Comprehensive income | | | | | | 3,871 | | | | |
Treasury stock | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, beginning of period | | | (3,481 | ) | | | | | (739,411 | ) |
Balance, end of period | | | (3,481 | ) | | | | | (739,411 | ) |
Total shareholders' equity and common shares outstanding | | $ | 222,062 | | | | | | 24,748,961 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
SANDERS MORRIS HARRIS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS | |
For the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 | |
(in thousands) | |
(unaudited) | |
| | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| | | | (Restated) | |
| | | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | |
Net income | | $ | 3,846 | | $ | 1,058 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in | | | | | | | |
operating activities: | | | | | | | |
Realized gain on securities available for sale | | | (1 | ) | | (9 | ) |
Gain on sales of assets | | | (3 | ) | | - | |
Depreciation | | | 1,647 | | | 1,403 | |
Provision for bad debts | | | 3,047 | | | 214 | |
Stock-based compensation expense | | | 1,193 | | | 1,067 | |
Goodwill impairment charge | | | - | | | 4,456 | |
Amortization of intangible assets | | | 139 | | | - | |
Deferred income taxes | | | (661 | ) | | (528 | ) |
Equity in income of limited partnerships | | | (3,587 | ) | | (2,573 | ) |
Minority interests in net income of consolidated companies | | | 6,360 | | | 3,022 | |
Net change in: | | | | | | | |
Receivables | | | (11,601 | ) | | (2,618 | ) |
Deposits with clearing organizations | | | (7 | ) | | (5 | ) |
Securities owned | | | (15,013 | ) | | (125,823 | ) |
Other assets and prepaid expenses | | | (382 | ) | | (268 | ) |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | | (4,375 | ) | | (2,480 | ) |
Securities sold, not yet purchased | | | (2,330 | ) | | 88,380 | |
Payable to broker-dealers and clearing organizations | | | 10,029 | | | 29,508 | |
Net cash used in operating activities | | | (11,699 | ) | | (5,196 | ) |
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | | |
Capital expenditures | | | (1,662 | ) | | (3,462 | ) |
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired of $59 | | | (4,649 | ) | | - | |
Proceeds from sales and maturities of securities available for sale | | | 333 | | | 167 | |
Proceeds from sales of assets | | | 35 | | | - | |
Net cash used in investing activities | | | (5,943 | ) | | (3,295 | ) |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from shares issued pursuant to employee benefit plan | | | 302 | | | 965 | |
Tax benefit of stock options exercised | | | 86 | | | 400 | |
Collection of receivables for shares issued | | | - | | | 15 | |
Proceeds from borrowings | | | 145 | | | 7,844 | |
Repayment of borrowings | | | (500 | ) | | (3,470 | ) |
Investments by minority interests | | | 40 | | | 40 | |
Distributions to minority interests | | | (5,367 | ) | | (1,932 | ) |
Payments of cash dividends | | | (2,214 | ) | | (2,568 | ) |
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | | | (7,508 | ) | | 1,294 | |
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | | | (25,150 | ) | | (7,197 | ) |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD | | | 68,861 | | | 17,867 | |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD | | $ | 43,711 | | $ | 10,670 | |
Supplemental cash flow information: | | | | | | | |
Cash paid for income taxes, net | | $ | 3,748 | | $ | 733 | |
Cash paid for interest | | $ | 16 | | $ | 388 | |
Noncash financing activities: | | | | | | | |
Dividends declared not yet paid | | $ | 1,112 | | $ | - | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
SANDERS MORRIS HARRIS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
Nature of Operations
Through its operating subsidiaries SMH Capital Inc., formerly Sanders Morris Harris Inc. (“SMH”), Salient Capital Management, LLC (“Salient”), SMH Capital Advisors, Inc. (“Capital Advisors”), The Edelman Financial Center, LLC (“Edelman”), and Select Sports Group, Ltd. (“SSG”), Sanders Morris Harris Group Inc. (“SMHG” or “the Company”) provides a broad range of financial and other professional services, including asset and wealth management (including investment advice and management, financial planning, trust related services, sports representation and management), investment and merchant banking, and institutional services (including institutional sales and trading, prime brokerage services, and research). The Company serves a diverse group of institutional, corporate, and individual clients.
During the third and fourth quarters of 2006, the Company closed the activities of the division known as Fixed Income National, which began operations during the first quarter of 2006. Fixed Income National provided fixed income brokerage services to institutional clients. The operating results of the Fixed Income National division are included in loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, and are not included in the segment disclosures for all periods presented.
During the fourth quarter of 2006, the Company closed Charlotte Capital, LLC (“Charlotte Capital”). The operating results of Charlotte Capital are included in loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, and are not included in the segment disclosures for all periods presented.
Principles of Consolidation
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of its subsidiaries. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
In management's opinion, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of our consolidated financial position at June 30, 2007, our results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, and our cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006. All adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.
These financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Management’s Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of consolidated assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the consolidated financial statements and the amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FIN No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition.
The evaluation of a tax position in accordance with FIN 48 is a two-step process. The first step is a recognition process whereby the enterprise determines whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. In evaluating whether a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the enterprise should presume that the position will be examined by the appropriate taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. The second step is a measurement process whereby a tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is calculated to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.
The provisions of FIN 48 were effective for the Company on January 1, 2007. The adoption of FIN 48 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2008. The Company is evaluating the impact that SFAS No. 157 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities — Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. SFAS No. 159 permits an entity to measure financial instruments and certain other items at estimated fair value. Most of the provisions of SFAS No. 159 are elective; however, the amendment to SFAS No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, applies to all entities that own trading and available-for-sale securities. The fair value option created by SFAS No. 159 permits an entity to measure eligible items at fair value as of specified election dates. The fair value option (a) may generally be applied instrument by instrument, (b) is irrevocable unless a new election date occurs, and (c) must be applied to the entire instrument and not to only a portion of the instrument. SFAS No. 159 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2008. The Company is evaluating the impact that SFAS No. 159 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
During 2006, the Company restated its 2005 consolidated balance sheet to correct an understatement of the Company’s previously reported cash balances resulting from the manner in which cash in the Company’s clearing firm accounts was offset against margin balances related to unsettled trades; and certain payables to broker-dealers for unsettled trades that were netted against its cash and margin balances in some of the Company’s clearing firm accounts. The result of this restatement on the 2006 condensed consolidated statement of cash flows is as follows.
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2006 | |
| | As Reported | | As Restated | |
| | | | | |
Change in payable to broker-dealers and clearing | | | | | | | |
organizations | | $ | 32,763 | | $ | 29,508 | |
Net cash used in operating activities | | | (1,941 | ) | | (5,196 | ) |
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | | | (3,942 | ) | | (7,197 | ) |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | | | 14,612 | | | 17,867 | |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | | | 10,670 | | | 10,670 | |
On May 24, 2007, the Company acquired a 75% interest in The Rikoon Group, LLC (“Rikoon”) for cash consideration of $6.0 million of which $1.3 million was deemed to be compensation expense. The Company agreed to purchase an additional 5% interest in February 2011 for cash consideration ranging from a minimum of $3.0 million to a maximum of $5.0 million based on the amount by which Rikoon’s average EBITDA varies from the threshold EBITDA specified in the Purchase Agreement. Rikoon, based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, manages approximately $400 million in assets. The consideration exceeded the fair market value of identifiable net tangible assets by $4.4 million.
4. | SECURITIES OWNED AND SECURITIES SOLD, NOT YET PURCHASED |
Securities owned and securities sold, not yet purchased as of June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 were as follows:
| | June 30, 2007 | | December 31, 2006 | |
| | | | Sold, Not Yet | | | | Sold, Not Yet | |
| | Owned | | Purchased | | Owned | | Purchased | |
| | (in thousands) | |
Marketable: | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. government and agency | | $ | 30 | | $ | 15 | | $ | 260 | | $ | 15 | |
Corporate stocks and options | | | 33,865 | | | 17,722 | | | 36,843 | | | 20,051 | |
Corporate bonds | | | - | | | 40 | | | - | | | 41 | |
| | | 33,895 | | | 17,777 | | | 37,103 | | | 20,107 | |
Not readily marketable: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Limited partnerships | | | 56,517 | | | - | | | 36,095 | | | - | |
Warrants | | | 9,399 | | | - | | | 8,795 | | | - | |
Equities and options | | | 1,251 | | | - | | | 469 | | | - | |
| | | 67,167 | | | - | | | 45,359 | | | - | |
| | $ | 101,062 | | $ | 17,777 | | $ | 82,462 | | $ | 20,107 | |
Securities not readily marketable include investment securities (a) for which there is no market on a securities exchange or no independent publicly quoted market, (b) that cannot be publicly offered or sold unless registration has been effected under the Securities Act of 1933, or (c) that cannot be offered or sold because of other arrangements, restrictions, or conditions applicable to the securities or to the company. Not readily marketable securities consist of investments in limited partnerships, equities, options, and warrants. The investments in limited partnerships are accounted for using the equity method, which approximates fair value, and principally consist of Environmental Opportunities Fund, L.P., Environmental Opportunities Fund II, L.P., Environmental Opportunities Fund II (Institutional), L.P., Corporate Opportunities Fund, L.P., Corporate Opportunities Fund (Institutional), L.P., Sanders Opportunity Fund, L.P., Sanders Opportunity Fund (Institutional), L.P., SMH Credit Opportunity Fund, L.P. (formerly Tactical Opportunities High Yield Fund, L.P.), Life Sciences Opportunity Fund, L.P., Life Sciences Opportunity Fund (Institutional), L.P., Life Sciences Opportunity Fund II, L.P., Life Sciences Opportunity Fund (Institutional) II, L.P., 2003 Houston Energy Partners, L.P., 2005 Houston Energy Partners, L.P., Concept Capital, LLC, Select Sports Group, Ltd., Endowment Advisors, L.P., SMH Private Equity Group I, L.P., SMH Private Equity Group II, L.P., Salient Enhanced Credit Fund, L.P., Salient Total Return Fund, L.P., and Global Hedged Equity Fund, L.P.
5. | SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE |
Securities available for sale at June 30, 2007 were as follows:
| | Amortized | | Gross Unrealized | | Estimated | |
| | Cost | | Gains | | Losses | | Fair Value | |
| | (in thousands) | |
| | | | | | | | | |
U.S. government and agency obligations | | $ | 384 | | $ | 2 | | $ | (1 | ) | $ | 385 | |
Corporate bond | | | 250 | | | - | | | (1 | ) | | 249 | |
Marketable equity securities | | | 359 | | | 184 | | | - | | | 543 | |
Total | | $ | 993 | | $ | 186 | | $ | (2 | ) | $ | 1,177 | |
The contractual maturities of debt securities available for sale at June 30, 2007 were as follows:
| | Amortized | | Estimated | |
| | Cost | | Fair Value | |
| | (in thousands) | |
| | | | | |
Within one year | | $ | 500 | | $ | 498 | |
Over 25 years | | | 134 | | | 136 | |
Total | | $ | 634 | | $ | 634 | |
Gross realized gains on sales of securities available for sale were $1,000 and $9,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. No realized losses on securities available for sale were recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006.
During May 2005, the Company entered into a $15.0 million revolving credit facility with a bank. In May 2006, this credit agreement was amended to increase the revolving credit facility to $18.0 million. The line of credit expires in May 2008. Borrowings under the line of credit bear interest at LIBOR plus 150 basis points. Interest is payable quarterly on this line of credit. The credit facility is secured by a pledge of ownership interests in two of the Company’s subsidiaries. Debt covenants require the Company to maintain certain debt-to-EBITDA and liquidity to funded debt ratios, as well as minimum assets under management. At June 30, 2007, the Company was in compliance with all covenants. The line of credit has a commitment fee of 1/8% per annum. There was no outstanding balance on the line of credit at June 30, 2007.
During December 2005, Salient entered into a $2.5 million revolving credit facility with a bank. The line of credit expires in December 2007. Borrowings under the line of credit bear interest at LIBOR plus 165 basis points. The interest rate of Salient’s borrowings was 6.97% during 2007 and at June 30, 2007. Interest is payable quarterly on this line of credit. The credit facility is unsecured and not subject to financial covenants; however, payment is guaranteed by SMHG and the principals of Salient. The outstanding balance on the line of credit was $200,000 at June 30, 2007.
The difference between the effective tax rate reflected in the provision for income taxes from continuing operations and the statutory federal rate is analyzed as follows:
| | Three Months Ended | | Six Months Ended | |
| | June 30, | | June 30, | |
| | 2007 | | 2006 | | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| | (in thousands) | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Expected federal tax at statutory rate of 35% for 2007 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
and 34% for 2006 | | $ | 635 | | $ | 1,374 | | $ | 2,147 | | $ | 3,350 | |
State and other income taxes | | | 73 | | | 173 | | | 142 | | | 550 | |
Total | | $ | 708 | | $ | 1,547 | | $ | 2,289 | | $ | 3,900 | |
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examination by the taxing authorities for years before 2003.
The Company files in several state tax jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to state income tax examination by the taxing authorities for years before 2003, with the exception of New York state in which the 2002 statute has been voluntarily extended. New York state is currently examining the 2002, 2003, and 2004 state returns filed by the Company. The New York City taxing authorities are currently examining the 2003 and 2004 city returns filed by the Company. The Company does not anticipate these examinations to result in any adjustments that would have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.
8. | ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS |
The Company has two types of stock-based compensation awards: (1) stock options and (2) restricted common stock.
The following table sets forth pertinent information regarding stock option transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2007:
| | | | Weighted | |
| | Number | | Average | |
| | of Shares | | Exercise Price | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Outstanding at January 1, 2007 | | | 911,585 | | $ | 8.08 | |
Granted | | | - | | | - | |
Exercised | | | (37,500 | ) | | 4.71 | |
Outstanding at June 30, 2007 | | | 874,085 | | $ | 8.22 | |
| | | | | | | |
Options exercisable at June 30, 2007 | | | 762,835 | | $ | 7.20 | |
| | | | | | | |
Incentive award shares available for grant at June 30, 2007 | | | 2,201,300 | | | | |
During the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, 37,500 and 111,436 options were exercised for which the Company received proceeds of $176,000 and $590,000, respectively. The Company recognized pretax compensation expense of $85,000 during each of the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 related to stock options. The portion of stock-based compensation expense related to stock options that was unrecognized at June 30, 2007 was $272,000.
The following table summarizes certain information related to restricted common stock grants at June 30, 2007:
| | | | Weighted | |
| | | | Average | |
| | Number of | | Grant Date | |
| | Shares | | Fair Value | |
| | | | | |
Nonvested at January 1, 2007 | | | 523,302 | | $ | 14.46 | |
| | | | | | | |
Nonvested at June 30, 2007 | | | 556,459 | | $ | 13.58 | |
| | | | | | | |
For the six months ended June 30, 2007: | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Granted | | | 183,085 | | $ | 10.97 | |
| | | | | | | |
Vested | | | 144,378 | | $ | 13.44 | |
| | | | | | | |
Forfeited | | | 5,550 | | $ | 13.66 | |
Employees deferred compensation of $126,000 and $375,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, that was used to purchase restricted common stock. The Company recognized pretax compensation expense of $1.1 million and $983,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, related to its restricted common stock plan. At June 30, 2007, total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to nonvested restricted stock totaled $5.4 million.
9. | EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE |
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share computations for the periods indicated were as follows:
| | Three Months Ended | | Six Months Ended | |
| | June 30, | | June 30, | |
| | 2007 | | 2006 | | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| | (in thousands, except per share amounts) | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Income from continuing operations | | $ | 1,105 | | $ | 2,494 | | $ | 3,846 | | $ | 5,953 | |
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax | | | - | | | (4,196 | ) | | - | | | (4,895 | ) |
Net income (loss) | | $ | 1,105 | | $ | (1,702 | ) | $ | | | $ | 1,058 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic earnings (loss) per common share: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Continuing operations | | $ | 0.04 | | $ | 0.13 | | $ | 0.16 | | $ | 0.31 | |
Discontinued operations | | | - | | | (0.22 | ) | | - | | | (0.25 | ) |
Net earnings (loss) | | $ | 0.04 | | $ | (0.09 | ) | $ | 0.16 | | $ | 0.06 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Continuing operations | | $ | 0.04 | | $ | 0.13 | | $ | 0.15 | | $ | 0.30 | |
Discontinued operations | | | - | | $ | (0.22 | ) | | - | | $ | (0.25 | ) |
Net earnings (loss) | | $ | 0.04 | | $ | (0.09 | ) | $ | 0.15 | | $ | 0.05 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average number of common shares | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
outstanding: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | | 24,731 | | | 19,119 | | | 24,671 | | | 19,054 | |
Incremental common shares issuable | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
under stock option plan, net | | | 344 | | | 462 | | | 336 | | | 478 | |
Diluted | | | 25,075 | | | 19,581 | | | 25,007 | | | 19,532 | |
Outstanding stock options of 230,000 and 72,500 for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and 305,000 and 22,500 for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, have not been included in diluted earnings per common share because to do so would have been antidilutive for the periods presented.
10. | COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES |
The Company has issued letters of credit in the amounts of $830,000, $250,000, $199,000, $144,000, and $92,000 to the owners of five of the offices that we lease to secure payment of our lease obligations for those facilities. The Company has issued a letter of credit in the amount of $100,000 to secure the payment of the deductible portion of the Company’s workers compensation insurance policy.
The Company and Ric Edelman have organized a new entity, Edelman Personal Financial Advisors, LLC (“EPFA”), to expand the Edelman financial platform into additional markets outside the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. We committed to initially loan EPFA up to $10 million to cover its start-up expenses for 2007 and an additional $10 million, if necessary, commencing December 1, 2007. The loans to EPFA are payable on May 12, 2009. Mr. Edelman has guaranteed repayment of the EPFA obligation to the extent of funds that will be owed to him by the Company in connection with the purchase of Edelman. The outstanding balance of the Company’s loan to EPFA was $4.0 million at June 30, 2007. EPFA has entered into an agreement with Radio Networks, LLC, an affiliate of ABC, Inc. and The Walt Disney Company, to nationally syndicate Mr. Edelman’s weekly radio program. The program is being syndicated into fifteen additional markets, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Orlando, Phoenix, Portland, Oregon and San Francisco.
The Company has uncommitted financing arrangements with clearing brokers that finance our customer accounts, certain broker-dealer balances, and firm trading positions. Although these customer accounts and broker-dealer balances are not reflected on the consolidated balance sheet for financial reporting purposes, the Company has generally agreed to indemnify these clearing brokers for losses they may sustain in connection with the accounts, and therefore, retains risk on these accounts. The Company is required to maintain certain cash or securities on deposit with our clearing brokers.
In the normal course of business, the Company enters into underwriting commitments. There were no firm underwriting commitments open at June 30, 2007.
The NASD initially conducted an inspection of our prime brokerage and private investment or hedge fund support operations based in our New York office in November 2004. Subsequent to such inspection, the NASD opened an investigation and requested the production of additional documents and materials on twelve occasions in 2005 and 2006 with respect to our prime brokerage and related hedge fund operations and has conducted formal interviews of a number of our employees involved in these operations. On August 16, 2006, SMH received a “Wells letter” notification from the NASD, which states that the staff of the NASD has made a preliminary determination to recommend that disciplinary action be brought against SMH and four of its employees based on alleged violations of certain conduct rules of the NASD, including NASD Conduct Rule 2110 relating to the alleged improper payment of soft dollar commissions to a fund manager and relating to the alleged improper sharing of commissions by two employees contrary to a written contract with an investment advisor and representations to the investors in one private investment partnership; NASD Conduct Rule 2210 relating to the content of hedge fund advertising materials; SEC Rule 17a-4 and NASD Conduct Rules 2210 and 3110 relating to the retention of certain email, instant messages, and advertising materials; NASD Conduct Rules 1031 and 2110 relating to the activities of an unregistered employee; and NASD Conduct Rules 2110 and 3010 relating to the written supervisory procedures of SMH for its hedge fund and prime brokerage operations. Under the Wells procedure, SMH has an opportunity to respond to the NASD before any action is taken against it. SMH submitted its response to the NASD on October 11, 2006. Discussions are ongoing between the staff of the NASD and our legal counsel with respect to the alleged violations and possible settlement of the matter. There is no assurance that an acceptable resolution can be reached or that the ultimate impact on the Company will not be material.
In May 2005, SMH acted as placement agent for a private placement of $50.0 million in convertible preferred stock of Ronco Corporation, a leading company in direct response marketing. Subsequent to the offering, Ronco experienced financial difficulties and ultimately filed a voluntary petition under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code on June 14, 2007. The bankruptcy court has approved the sale of substantially all of Ronco’s assets and it is unlikely that there will be any distribution to its unsecured creditors or equity security holders. SMH has written off a $3.0 million subordinated working capital loan that it made to Ronco in 2006. SMH is the defendant in three proceedings related to Ronco.
On February 5, 2007, Richard F. Allen, the former Chief Executive Officer of Ronco, filed a complaint against SMH, Richard F. Allen, Sr. v. Sanders Morris Harris Inc., Case No. BC365969, in the Superior Court of California, Central District, Los Angeles, alleging that SMH caused Ronco to breach Mr. Allen’s employment agreement with Ronco and by such interference caused Ronco to terminate Mr. Allen without paying him his $1.0 million severance payment and $600,000 bonus. SMH has filed a general denial. SMH believes it has valid defenses to all claims made by Mr. Allen.
On April 4, 2007, four individual purchasers of Ronco convertible preferred stock commenced an NASD arbitration proceeding against SMH with respect to their investment in Ronco convertible preferred stock. The claimants have an aggregate claim of $250,000 and allege negligence by SMH in making the offering as submitted to the claimants, common law fraud, state and federal securities fraud, and breach of fiduciary duty. SMH believes it has valid defenses to all the claims.
On May 23, 2007, two purchasers of Ronco convertible preferred stock filed a complaint against SMH, US Special Opportunities Trust PLC and Renaissance US Growth Investment Trust PLC, Case No. 07-04837, in the 193rd Judicial District Court, Dallas County, Texas, alleging common law fraud, statutory fraud in a stock transaction, violations of the Texas Securities Act, and negligent misrepresentation in connection with the plaintiffs’ purchase of $2.0 million in Ronco convertible preferred stock. SMH has filed an answer and special exceptions. SMH believes it has valid defenses to all claims made by the plaintiffs.
The Company is a party to various legal proceedings that are of an ordinary or routine nature incidental to its operations. The Company believes it has adequately reserved for such litigation matters and that they will not have a material adverse effect on consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
The Company and its subsidiaries have obligations under operating leases that expire by 2017 with initial noncancelable terms in excess of one year.
11. | BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION |
SMHG has two operating segments, Asset/Wealth Management and Capital Markets, and one non-operating segment, Corporate Support. The business segments are based upon factors such as the services provided and distribution channels served. Certain services are provided to customers through more than one of our business segments.
The Asset/Wealth Management segment provides investment advisory, wealth and investment management, financial planning, and trust services to institutional and individual clients. It earns an advisory fee based on such factors as the amount of assets under management and the type of services provided. The Asset/Wealth Management segment may also earn commission revenues from the sale of equity, fixed income, mutual fund, and annuity products; and sales credits from the distribution of investment banking issues. In addition, performance fees may be earned for exceeding performance benchmarks for the investment portfolios in the limited partnerships that we manage. The Asset/Wealth Management segment also earns revenue from net interest on customers’ margin loan and credit account balances and sales credits from the distribution of investment banking products.
The Capital Markets segment generally provides corporate financing services to its institutional client base. These services are provided through three divisions: (i) investment banking, (ii) institutional brokerage, and (iii) prime brokerage services.
| · | The Investment Banking division provides corporate securities underwriting, private financings, and financial advisory services. The Company participates in corporate securities distributions as a manager, co-manager, or member of an underwriting syndicate or of a selling group in public offerings managed by other underwriters. Fees earned for our role as an advisor, manager, or underwriter are included in the investment banking business. Sales credits associated with the distribution of investment banking products are reported in the Institutional Brokerage division or the Asset/Wealth Management segment depending on the relevant distribution channel. |
| · | The Institutional Brokerage division distributes equity and fixed income products through its distribution network to its institutional clients. Institutional revenues consist of commissions and principal credits earned on transactions in customer brokerage accounts, net interest on customers’ margin loan and credit account balances, and sales credits from the distribution of investment banking products. |
| · | The Prime Brokerage Services division provides trade execution, clearing, custody, and other back-office services to hedge funds and other professional traders. Prime broker revenues consist of commissions and principal credits earned on equity and fixed income transactions, interest income from securities lending services to customers, and net interest on customers’ margin loan and credit account balances. |
The Corporate Support segment includes realized and unrealized gains and losses on the Company’s investment portfolios, and interest and dividends earned on our cash and securities positions. Unallocated corporate revenues and expenses are included in Corporate Support. Gains and losses from sports representation and management services performed by SSG are included in Corporate Support.
The following summarizes certain financial information of each reportable business segment for the three and six months in the periods ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. SMHG does not analyze asset information in all business segments.
| | Three Months Ended | | Six Months Ended | |
| | June 30, | | June 30, | |
| | 2007 | | 2006 | | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| | (in thousands) | | (in thousands) | |
Revenues: | | | | | | | | | |
Asset/Wealth Management | | $ | 26,021 | | $ | 19,643 | | $ | 49,705 | | $ | 38,254 | |
Capital Markets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment banking | | | 6,580 | | | 8,288 | | | 13,804 | | | 15,340 | |
Institutional brokerage | | | 3,721 | | | 6,084 | | | 8,365 | | | 12,260 | |
Prime brokerage services | | | 8,802 | | | 8,021 | | | 17,671 | | | 16,168 | |
Capital Markets Total | | | 19,103 | | | 22,393 | | | 39,840 | | | 43,768 | |
Corporate Support | | | 1,073 | | | 404 | | | 2,135 | | | 2,421 | |
Total | | $ | 46,197 | | $ | 42,440 | | $ | 91,680 | | $ | 84,443 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income (loss) from continuing operations before | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
equity in income of limited partnerships, minority | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
interests, and income taxes: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Asset/Wealth Management | | $ | 6,773 | | $ | 3,050 | | $ | 13,205 | | $ | 6,552 | |
Capital Markets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment banking | | | 1,634 | | | 2,939 | | | 3,205 | | | 5,547 | |
Institutional brokerage | | | 185 | | | 992 | | | 811 | | | 1,752 | |
Prime brokerage services | | | 936 | | | 651 | | | 2,009 | | | 1,120 | |
Capital Markets Total | | | 2,755 | | | 4,582 | | | 6,025 | | | 8,419 | |
Corporate Support | | | (7,096 | ) | | (2,710 | ) | | (10,322 | ) | | (4,659 | ) |
Total | | $ | 2,432 | | $ | 4,922 | | $ | 8,908 | | $ | 10,312 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Equity in income of limited partnerships: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Asset/Wealth Management | | $ | 3,907 | | $ | 647 | | $ | 3,319 | | $ | 2,122 | |
Capital Markets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment banking | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | |
Institutional brokerage | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | |
Prime brokerage services | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | |
Capital Markets Total | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | |
Corporate Support | | | (5 | ) | | 101 | | | 268 | | | 451 | |
Total | | $ | 3,902 | | $ | 748 | | $ | 3,587 | | $ | 2,573 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Minority interests in net income of | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
consolidated companies: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Asset/Wealth Management | | $ | (4,521 | ) | $ | (1,629 | ) | $ | (6,360 | ) | $ | (3,032 | ) |
Capital Markets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment banking | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | |
Institutional brokerage | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | |
Prime brokerage services | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | |
Capital Markets Total | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | |
Corporate Support | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | |
Total | | $ | (4,521 | ) | $ | (1,629 | ) | $ | (6,360 | ) | $ | (3,032 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income (loss) from continuing operations before | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
income taxes: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Asset/Wealth Management | | $ | 6,159 | | $ | 2,068 | | $ | 10,164 | | $ | 5,642 | |
Capital Markets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment banking | | | 1,634 | | | 2,939 | | | 3,205 | | | 5,547 | |
Institutional brokerage | | | 185 | | | 992 | | | 811 | | | 1,752 | |
Prime brokerage services | | | 936 | | | 651 | | | 2,009 | | | 1,120 | |
Capital Markets Total | | | 2,755 | | | 4,582 | | | 6,025 | | | 8,419 | |
Corporate Support | | | (7,101 | ) | | (2,609 | ) | | (10,054 | ) | | (4,208 | ) |
Total | | $ | 1,813 | | $ | 4,041 | | $ | 6,135 | | $ | 9,853 | |
The Company had receivables from related parties totaling $9.9 million at June 30, 2007, primarily consisting of $5.6 million of advances to unconsolidated related entities to fund operating expenses, $3.3 million of notes receivable from employees and consultants representing loans made to induce the employees and consultants to affiliate with the Company, and $567,000 of management fees receivable from the limited partnerships that the Company manages.
13. | DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS |
During the third and fourth quarters of 2006, the Company made the decision to close and closed the activities in the division known as Fixed Income National, which began operations during the first quarter of 2006. This decision was made due to the division’s inability to achieve sufficient revenues to offset its costs, many of which were in the form of guaranteed salaries and bonuses. During the six months ended June 30, 2006, Fixed Income National recorded an operating loss of $2.2 million, net of tax.
During the fourth quarter of 2006, the Company made the decision to close and closed Charlotte Capital. This decision was made due to the continuing decline of assets under management and to the fact that Charlotte Capital was not profitable. During the six months ended June 30, 2006, Charlotte Capital recorded an operating loss of $2.7 million, net of tax.
A summary of selected financial information of discontinued operations is as follows for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006.
| | Three Months Ended | | Six Months Ended | |
| | June 30, 2006 | | June 30, 2006 | |
| | (in thousands) | |
| | | | | |
Operating activities: | | | | | |
Revenues | | $ | 731 | | $ | 2,171 | |
Expenses | | | 3,204 | | | 5,824 | |
Goodwill impairment charge | | | 4,456 | | | 4,456 | |
Loss from discontinued operations | | | | | | | |
before minority interests and income taxes | | | (6,929 | ) | | (8,109 | ) |
Minority interests in net loss of | | | | | | | |
consolidated companies | | | 2 | | | 7 | |
Loss from discontinued operations | | | | | | | |
before income taxes | | | (6,927 | ) | | (8,102 | ) |
Benefit for income taxes | | | (2,731 | ) | | (3,207 | ) |
Loss from discontinued operations | | $ | (4,196 | ) | $ | (4,895 | ) |
On August 7, 2007, the Company’s board of directors declared a cash dividend for the third quarter of 2007 in the amount of $0.045 per share of common stock. The cash dividend will be payable on October 17, 2007, to holders of record as of the close of business on October 3, 2007.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Special Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This quarterly report on Form 10-Q includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Acts"). These forward-looking statements may relate to such matters as anticipated financial performance, future revenues or earnings, business prospects, projected ventures, new products, anticipated market performance and similar matters. The Company cautions readers that a variety of factors could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the Company's forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, include, but are not limited to (1) trading volume in the securities markets; (2) volatility of the securities markets and interest rates; (3) changes in regulatory requirements, that could affect the demand for the Company's services or the cost of doing business; (4) general economic conditions, both domestic and foreign, especially in the regions where the Company does business; (5) changes in the rate of inflation and related impact on securities markets; (6) competition from existing financial institutions and other new participants in the securities markets; (7) legal developments affecting the litigation experience of the securities industry; (8) successful implementation of technology solutions; (9) changes in valuations of the Company’s trading and warrant portfolios resulting from mark-to-market adjustments; (10) dependence on key personnel; (11) demand for the Company's services; and (12) litigation and securities law liabilities. The Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and their related notes.
Overview
The Company is a holding company that, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, provides asset/wealth management and capital markets services to a large and diversified group of clients and customers, including individuals, corporations, and financial institutions. A summary of these services follows:
Our Asset/Wealth Management segment provides investment advisory, wealth and investment management, financial planning, and trust services to high net worth and mass affluent individuals and institutions, including investment strategies and alternatives, tax efficient estate and financial planning, trusts, and agent/fiduciary investment management services, throughout their financial life cycle, as well as private client brokerage services. In addition, we provide specialized asset management products and services in specific investment styles to corporations and institutions both through internal marketing efforts and externally through formal sub-advisory relationships and other distribution arrangements with third parties.
Our Capital Markets segment provides investment banking, institutional equity and fixed income brokerage, prime brokerage services, and proprietary trading services to institutional clients.
Investment Banking includes capital raising, public offerings, and private placements of equity and debt securities, financial advisory services, including advice on mergers, acquisitions and restructurings, and merchant banking services.
Institutional Brokerage provides institutional equity and fixed income brokerage and institutional research to a broad array of institutions throughout North America, Europe, and Asia, including banks, retirement funds, mutual funds, endowments, investment advisors, and insurance companies.
Prime Brokerage Services provides trade execution, clearing, bookkeeping, reporting, custodial, securities borrowing, financing, research, and fund raising to hedge fund clients. The Company maintains proprietary trading accounts on behalf of individual securities traders through this division.
We have expanded both the range and depth of services offered to our clients through a combination of acquisitions and internal expansion. This growth has necessitated that we add additional personnel, as well as production-related incentive compensation plans. We have also improved and expanded our infrastructure including facilities, technology, and information services, to enable us to better compete with other firms that offer services similar to ours.
Our financial services business is affected by general economic conditions. Our revenues relating to asset-based advisory services and managed accounts are typically from fees based on the market value of assets under management or advisement. The growth in assets under our management resulted in higher management fees for us.
We closely monitor our operating environment to enable us to respond promptly to market cycles. In addition, we seek to lessen earnings volatility by controlling expenses, increasing fee-based business, and developing new revenue sources. Nonetheless, operating results of any specific period should not be considered representative of future performance.
Components of Revenues and Expenses
Revenues. Our revenues are comprised primarily of (1) commission revenue from wealth advisory, prime and institutional brokerage transactions, (2) investment banking revenue from corporate finance fees, merger and acquisition fees, and merchant banking fees, (3) fees from asset-based advisory services, asset management, financial planning, and fiduciary services, and (4) principal transactions. We also earn interest on cash held and dividends received from the equity and fixed income securities held in our corporate capital accounts, earn fees through the sale of insurance products, and have realized and unrealized gains (or losses) on securities in our inventory account.
Expenses. Our expenses consist of (1) compensation and benefits, (2) floor brokerage, exchange, and clearing fees, and (3) other expenses. Compensation and benefits have both a variable component, based on revenue production, and a fixed component. The variable component includes institutional and retail sales commissions, bonuses, overrides, and other incentives. Wealth advisory and institutional commissions are based on competitive commission schedules. Employees of the investment banking group and the research group receive a salary and discretionary bonuses as compensation. The fixed component includes administrative and executive salaries, payroll taxes, employee benefits, and temporary employee costs. Compensation and benefits is our largest expense item and includes wages, salaries, and benefits. During the second quarter of 2007, compensation and benefits represented 62.2% of total expenses and 59.0% of total revenues, compared to 66.6% of total expenses and 58.9% of total revenues during the second quarter of 2006. During the first six months 2007, compensation and benefits represented 64.9% of total expenses and 58.6% of total revenues, compared to 67.5% of total expenses and 59.2% of total revenues for the same period in 2006.
Floor brokerage, exchange, and clearance fees include clearing and trade execution costs associated with the retail, prime, and institutional brokerage business at SMH. SMH clears its transactions through several clearing firms, including Pershing LLC, a subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, Goldman Sachs Execution & Clearing, L.P., ADP Clearing & Outsourcing, Inc., and First Clearing Corporation.
Other expenses include (1) occupancy expenses, such as rent and utility charges for facilities, (2) communications and data processing expenses, such as third-party systems, data, and software providers, (3) interest expense, and (4) other general and administrative expenses.
Results of Operations
Three Months Ended June 30, 2007 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2006
Total revenues were $46.2 million in the second quarter of 2007 compared to $42.4 million for the same quarter in 2006, an increase of $3.8 million, or 8.9%, primarily reflecting the conversion of customer accounts to fee-based from commission-based at Edelman but partially offset by a decline in commissions and investment banking revenue. Additionally, an increase in assets under management at Edelman, Salient, and Capital Advisors contributed to the growth in investment advisory fee revenue. Total expenses for the second quarter of 2007 increased $6.3 million, or 16.7%, to $43.8 million from $37.5 million in the same quarter of the previous year principally as the result of higher employee compensation and benefits due to the revenue growth and a $3.0 million reserve for uncollectible accounts recorded in the second quarter of 2007. Equity in income of limited partnerships was $3.9 million for the second quarter of 2007 compared to $748,000 for the second quarter of 2006, principally due to an increase in the values of the investment portfolios of two of the limited partnerships that we manage. Income from continuing operations was $1.1 million, or $0.04 per diluted common share, for the second quarter of 2007 compared to $2.5 million, or $0.13 per diluted common share, for the second quarter of 2006. The loss from discontinued operations was $4.2 million, or $0.22 per diluted common share, for the second quarter of 2006. No such loss was recorded in the second quarter of 2007.
Commission revenue decreased to $13.8 million in the second quarter of 2007 from $15.2 million for the same period in 2006, primarily as a result of a decline in trading activity in our institutional brokerage division. Investment banking revenue decreased to $9.1 million during the second quarter of 2007 from $12.0 million in the same period of 2006, principally due to a decrease in private placement income. Revenues from investment advisory and related services increased to $17.0 million in the second quarter of 2007 from $8.2 million in the same quarter of 2006 primarily due to the conversion of Edelman’s assets under management from a commission-based to a fee-based fee structure and to the addition of assets under management at Edelman, Salient, and Capital Advisors. Principal transactions revenue decreased from $3.8 million for the second quarter of 2006 to $2.8 million for the second quarter of 2007, primarily as a result of lower propriety trading activity at our prime brokerage services division. This decrease was partially offset by net realized and unrealized gains in the Company’s investment portfolio recognized in the current year. Interest and dividend income increased to $2.0 million in the second quarter of 2007 from $1.6 million in the same period last year due to an increase in the amount of money in the Company’s interest-bearing accounts. Other income remained constant at $1.6 million during the second quarter of 2007 and 2006.
During the three months ended June 30, 2007, employee compensation and benefits increased to $27.2 million from $25.0 million in the same period last year due to staff increases and higher revenues during 2007. Additionally, the Company recorded compensation expense in the amount of $1.3 million in the 2007 period related to the up-front payment to one of the selling shareholders of Rikoon. Floor brokerage, exchange, and clearance fees remained constant at $1.9 million in the second quarter of 2007 and 2006. Communication and data processing costs increased to $2.9 million in 2007 from $2.0 million in the same period last year resulting primarily from increased clearing firm service fees. Occupancy costs totaled $2.9 million during the second quarter of 2007 compared to $2.8 million in the second quarter of 2006. Interest expense decreased to $9,000 for the second quarter of 2007 from $276,000 for the second quarter of 2006. This decrease is the result of the repayment of the majority of the Company’s debt in the fourth quarter of 2006. Other general and administrative expenses increased to $8.7 million during the second quarter of 2007 from $5.6 million in the second quarter of last year, primarily due to a $3.0 million increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts related to a note receivable.
Our effective tax rate from continuing operations was 39.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2007 compared to 38.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2006. The effective tax rate exceeds the federal statutory income tax rate primarily as a result of state income taxes, which was partially affected by certain interest and dividend income not subject to tax.
During 2006, the Company hired a 30-person fixed income team and established an expanded fixed income division known as Fixed Income National headquartered in New York City. Over the course of the year, the division was unable to achieve sufficient revenues to offset its costs, many of which were in the form of guaranteed salaries and bonuses. During the third and fourth quarters of 2006, we decided to close and closed the division. Additionally, during 2006, Charlotte Capital, an investment advisor subsidiary of the Company, made the decision to terminate its existing advisory agreements and wind up its business. This decision was made due to the continuing decline of assets under management and to the fact that Charlotte Capital was not profitable. The operating results of Fixed Income National and Charlotte Capital are included in loss from discontinued operations, net of tax.
Asset/Wealth Management
| | Three Months Ended June 30, | |
| | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| | (in thousands) | |
| | | | | |
Revenues | | $ | 26,021 | | $ | 19,643 | |
| | | | | | | |
Income from continuing operations before income taxes | | $ | 6,159 | | $ | 2,068 | |
Revenues from asset/wealth management increased to $26.0 million from $19.6 million and income from continuing operations before income taxes increased to $6.2 million from $2.1 million. Investment advisory and related services increased to $17.0 million from $8.1 million while commission revenue declined from $6.9 million to $5.3 million. The increase in investment advisory and related services and the decline in commission revenue are primarily due to the conversion of Edelman’s assets under management from a commission-based to a fee-based structure. Additionally, growth in assets under management at Edelman, Salient, and Capital Advisors has contributed to the increase in revenues from investment advisory fees. Sales credits from investment banking transactions declined to $1.6 million from $2.5 million as the result of a decrease in the number of investment banking transactions. Total expenses increased to $19.2 million from $16.6 million, primarily due to increased employee compensation related to the higher revenues. Equity in income of limited partnerships increased to $3.9 million from $647,000, principally due to an increase in the values of the investment portfolios of two of the limited partnerships that we manage. Minority interests in net income of consolidated subsidiaries reflect the portion of net income attributable to minority interest ownership of entities included in this segment’s consolidated financial statements. Minority interests in net income of consolidated subsidiaries, which reduces the Company’s pretax income, increased to $4.5 million from $1.6 million principally due to the increase in values of the investment portfolios of the limited partnerships.
Capital Markets
Investment Banking
| | Three Months Ended June 30, | |
| | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| | (in thousands) | |
| | | | | |
Revenues | | $ | 6,580 | | $ | 8,288 | |
| | | | | | | |
Income from continuing operations before income taxes | | $ | 1,634 | | $ | 2,939 | |
Revenues from investment banking decreased to $6.6 million from $8.3 million and income from continuing operations before income taxes decreased to $1.6 million from $2.9 million. The revenue decrease is primarily due to a decrease in revenues from private placement transactions that was partially offset by an increase in advisory fees. Total expenses decreased to $4.9 million from $5.3 million. This decrease in expenses is primarily attributable to decreased employee compensation that was partially offset by referral fees paid during the quarter.
Institutional Brokerage
| | Three Months Ended June 30, | |
| | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| | (in thousands) | |
| | | | | |
Revenues | | $ | 3,721 | | $ | 6,084 | |
| | | | | | | |
Income from continuing operations before income taxes | | $ | 185 | | $ | 992 | |
Revenues from institutional brokerage decreased to $3.7 million from $6.1 million and income from continuing operations before income taxes decreased to $185,000 from $992,000. Commission revenue decreased to $2.4 million from $3.7 million. The decrease in commission revenue is due to a decrease in trading volume, which is largely the result of the growth in electronic trading strategy execution software that replaces, in some cases, the role of traditional traders. Additionally, sales credits from investment banking transactions declined to $535,000 from $1.2 million as the result of a decrease in the number of investment banking transactions. Total expenses decreased to $3.5 million from $5.1 million primarily due to decreased employee compensation related to the lower revenues.
Prime Brokerage Services
| | Three Months Ended June 30, | |
| | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| | (in thousands) | |
| | | | | |
Revenues | | $ | 8,802 | | $ | 8,021 | |
| | | | | | | |
Income from continuing operations before income taxes | | $ | 936 | | $ | 651 | |
Revenues from prime brokerage increased to $8.8 million from $8.0 million and income from continuing operations before income taxes increased to $936,000 from $651,000. Commission revenue increased to $6.1 million from $4.5 million reflecting higher revenue from hedge fund services, while principal transaction revenue decreased to $1.6 million from $2.8 million, reflecting a decline in proprietary trading activities. Total expenses increased to $7.9 million from $7.4 million primarily due to increased compensation expense resulting from the increase in revenue.
Corporate Support
| | Three Months Ended June 30, | |
| | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| | (in thousands) | |
| | | | | |
Revenues | | $ | 1,073 | | $ | 404 | |
| | | | | | | |
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes | | $ | (7,101 | ) | $ | (2,609 | ) |
Revenues from corporate support increased to $1.1 million from $404,000 and the loss from continuing operations before income taxes increased to $7.1 million from $2.6 million. Revenues from principal transactions, which consist principally of changes in the values of our investment portfolios, increased to a loss of $25,000 from a loss of $598,000. Total expenses increased to $8.2 million from $3.1 million, primarily due to a $3.0 million increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts related to a note receivable recorded in the second quarter of 2007. In addition, in conjunction with the acquisition of a 75% ownership interest in Rikoon, the Company recorded compensation expense in the amount of $1.3 million related to the up-front payment to one of the selling shareholders who became an employee of Rikoon subsequent to the acquisition.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2006
Total revenues were $91.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $84.4 million for the same period in 2006, an increase of $7.3 million, or 8.6%, primarily reflecting an increase in assets under management in the firm’s asset/wealth management division. Total expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2007 increased $8.7 million, or 11.7%, to $82.8 million from $74.1 million in the same period in 2006 principally due to the revenue growth and the $3.0 million increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts recorded in the second quarter of 2007. Equity in income of limited partnerships was $3.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 versus $2.6 million for the same period in 2006, principally due to an increase in the values of the investment portfolios of two of the limited partnerships that we manage. Income from continuing operations was $3.8 million, or $0.15 per diluted common share, for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $6.0 million, or $0.30 per diluted common share, for the same period in 2006. The loss from discontinued operations was $4.9 million, or $0.25 per diluted common share, for the six months ended June 30, 2006. No such loss was recorded in the six months ended June 30, 2007.
Commission revenue decreased to $27.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 from $30.0 million for the same period in 2006, primarily as a result of a decrease in trading volume in the institutional brokerage division which was partially offset by an increase in hedge fund trading activity at our prime brokerage services division. Investment banking revenue decreased to $19.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 from $21.9 million in the same period of 2006, due to fewer transactions completed in 2007. Revenues from investment advisory and related services increased to $31.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 from $16.5 million in the same period of 2006 primarily due to the conversion of Edelman’s assets under management from a commission-based to a fee-based fee structure and to the addition of assets under management at Edelman, Salient, and Capital Advisors. Principal transactions revenue decreased from $10.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 to $6.1 million for the same period in 2007, primarily as a result of lower propriety trading activity at our prime brokerage services division. Interest and dividend income increased to $3.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 from $3.0 million in the same period last year due to an increase in the amount of money in the Company’s interest-bearing accounts. Other income increased from $3.0 million during the six months ended June 30, 2006 to $3.2 million during the same period in 2007 due to an increase in fees earned on the sale of insurance products.
During the six months ended June 30, 2007, employee compensation and benefits increased to $53.8 million from $50.0 million in the same period last year due to staff increases and higher revenues during 2007. Additionally, the Company recorded compensation expense in the amount of $1.3 million in the 2007 period related to the up-front payment to one of the selling shareholders of Rikoon. Floor brokerage, exchange, and clearance fees decreased to $3.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 from $3.7 million in the same period in 2006 reflecting lower clearing and execution costs resulting from the decreased trading volume. Communication and data processing costs increased to $5.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 from $4.0 million in the same period last year resulting primarily from increased clearing firm service fees. Occupancy costs totaled $6.0 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $5.3 million for the same period last year primarily due to the increase in the amount of rental space necessary for the expansion of our asset/wealth management operations. Interest expense decreased to $21,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2007 from $477,000 for the same period in 2006. This decrease is the result of the repayment of the majority of the Company’s debt in the fourth quarter of 2006. Other general and administrative expenses increased to $14.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 from $10.7 million in the same period last year primarily due to the $3.0 million increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts recorded in the second quarter of 2007.
Our effective tax rate from continuing operations was 37.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to 39.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2006. The effective tax rate exceeds the federal statutory income tax rate primarily as a result of state income taxes, which was partially affected by certain interest and dividend income not subject to tax.
During 2006, the Company hired a 30-person fixed income team and established an expanded fixed income division known as Fixed Income National headquartered in New York City. Over the course of the year, the division was unable to achieve sufficient revenues to offset its costs, many of which were in the form of guaranteed salaries and bonuses. During the third and fourth quarters of 2006, we decided to close and closed the division. Additionally, during 2006, Charlotte Capital, an investment advisor subsidiary of the Company, made the decision to terminate its existing advisory agreements and wind up its business. This decision was made due to the continuing decline of assets under management and to the fact that Charlotte Capital was not profitable. The operating results of Fixed Income National and Charlotte Capital are included in loss from discontinued operations, net of tax.
Asset/Wealth Management
| | Six Months Ended June 30, | |
| | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| | (in thousands) | |
| | | | | |
Revenues | | $ | 49,705 | | $ | 38,254 | |
| | | | | | | |
Income from continuing operations before income taxes | | $ | 10,164 | | $ | 5,642 | |
Revenues from asset/wealth management increased to $49.7 million from $38.3 million and income from continuing operations before income taxes increased to $10.2 million from $5.6 million. Investment advisory and related services increased to $31.7 million from $16.4 million while commission revenue declined from $13.3 million to $10.1 million. The increase in investment advisory and related services and the decline in commission revenue are primarily due to the conversion of Edelman’s assets under management from a commission-based to a fee-based structure. Additionally, growth in assets under management at Edelman, Salient, and Capital Advisors has contributed to the increase in revenues from investment advisory fees. Sales credits from investment banking transactions declined to $3.4 million from $4.5 million as the result of a reduction in investment banking transactions. Total expenses increased to $36.5 million from $31.7 million, primarily due to increased employee compensation related to the higher revenues. Equity in income of limited partnerships increased to $3.3 million from $2.1 million, principally due to an increase in the values of the investment portfolios of two of the limited partnerships that we manage. Minority interests in net income of consolidated subsidiaries reflect the portion of net income attributable to minority interest ownership of entities included in this segment’s consolidated financial statements. Minority interests in net income of consolidated subsidiaries, which reduces the Company’s pretax income, increased to $6.4 million from $3.0 million principally due to Edelman’s increase in profits and the increase in values of the investment portfolios of the limited partnerships.
Capital Markets
| | Six Months Ended June 30, | |
| | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| | (in thousands) | |
| | | | | |
Revenues | | $ | 13,804 | | $ | 15,340 | |
| | | | | | | |
Income from continuing operations before income taxes | | $ | 3,205 | | $ | 5,547 | |
Revenues from investment banking decreased to $13.8 million from $15.3 million and income from continuing operations before income taxes decreased to $3.2 million from $5.5 million. The revenue decrease is primarily due to a decrease in revenues from private placement transactions that was partially offset by an increase in merger and acquisition fees. Total expenses increased to $10.6 million from $9.8 million. This increase in expenses is primarily attributable to increased outside sales commissions and an increase in legal expenses related to the settlement of two lawsuits.
Institutional Brokerage
| | Six Months Ended June 30, | |
| | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| | (in thousands) | |
| | | | | |
Revenues | | $ | 8,365 | | $ | 12,260 | |
| | | | | | | |
Income from continuing operations before income taxes | | $ | 811 | | $ | 1,752 | |
Revenues from institutional brokerage decreased to $8.4 million from $12.3 million and income from continuing operations before income taxes decreased to $811,000 from $1.8 million. Commission revenue decreased to $5.5 million from $8.2 million and principal transaction revenue decreased to $1.3 million from $1.7 million. The decrease in commission revenue and principal transaction revenue is due to a decrease in trading volume, which is largely the result of the growth in electronic trading strategy execution software that replaces, in some cases, the role of traditional traders. Additionally, sales credits from investment banking transactions declined to $1.4 million from $2.1 million as the result of a decrease in the number of investment banking transactions. Total expenses decreased to $7.6 million from $10.5 million primarily due to decreased employee compensation related to the lower revenues.
Prime Brokerage Services
| | Six Months Ended June 30, | |
| | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| | (in thousands) | |
| | | | | |
Revenues | | $ | 17,671 | | $ | 16,168 | |
| | | | | | | |
Income from continuing operations before income taxes | | $ | 2,009 | | $ | 1,120 | |
Revenues from prime brokerage increased to $17.7 million from $16.2 million and income from continuing operations before income taxes increased to $2.0 million from $1.1 million. Commission revenue increased to $11.6 million from $8.3 million reflecting higher revenue from hedge fund services and the addition of the preferred syndicate department. Principal transaction revenue decreased to $4.1 million from $6.6 million, reflecting a decline in proprietary trading activities. Total expenses increased to $15.7 million from $15.0 million reflecting increased employee compensation and occupancy expenses.
Corporate Support
| | Six Months Ended June 30, | |
| | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| | (in thousands) | |
| | | | | |
Revenues | | $ | 2,135 | | $ | 2,421 | |
| | | | | | | |
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes | | $ | (10,054 | ) | $ | (4,208 | ) |
Revenues from corporate support decreased to $2.1 million from $2.4 million and the loss from continuing operations before income taxes increased to $10.1 million from $4.2 million. Interest and dividend income increased to $2.0 million from $1.6 million due to an increase in the amount of money in the Company’s interest-bearing accounts. Revenues from principal transactions, which consist principally of changes in the values of our investment portfolios, decreased to a loss of $259,000 from a gain of $481,000. Total expenses increased to $12.5 million from $7.1 million, primarily as the result of the $3.0 million increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts recorded in the second quarter of 2007. In addition, in conjunction with the acquisition of a 75% ownership interest in Rikoon, the Company recorded compensation expense in the amount of $1.3 million related to the up-front payment to one of the selling shareholders who became an employee of Rikoon subsequent to the acquisition.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We intend to satisfy a large portion of our funding needs with our own capital resources, consisting mainly of internally generated earnings and liquid assets we currently hold.
On October 4, 2006, we completed a sale of 5.0 million shares of common stock in an underwritten public offering at a price to the public of $12.50 per share. We received net proceeds (before expenses) of $58.8 million, which were used to repay the outstanding balance of our revolving credit facility and to provide funds for general corporate purposes, including expansion of our business and working capital.
At June 30, 2007, we had $43.7 million in cash and cash equivalents, which together with receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations, deposits with clearing organizations, marketable securities owned, and securities available for sale represented 27.7% of our total assets at the end of the second quarter.
For the six months ended June 30, 2007, net cash used in operations totaled $11.7 million versus net cash used in operations of $5.2 million during the same period in 2006. Receivables increased by $11.6 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007, principally due to increased revenue, the $4.0 million loan to Edelman Personal Financial Advisors, LLC, and fees for investment banking transactions closed at the end of the quarter that were unpaid at June 30, 2007. These increases are partially offset by the $3.0 increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts recorded in the second quarter of 2007. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities decreased by $4.4 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007, principally due to the payment of accrued compensation during the first quarter of 2007.
Securities owned increased by $15.0 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007, while securities sold, not yet purchased decreased by $2.3 million and payables to broker-dealers and clearing organizations increased by $10.0 million. The change in securities owned, securities sold, not yet purchased, and payables to broker-dealers and clearing organizations is primarily due to the trading portfolios of our proprietary trading operations. The Company’s proprietary trading operations carry both long and short fixed income and equity securities. These trading operations generally seek to generate profits based on trading spreads, rather than through speculation on the direction of the market. We employ hedging strategies designed to insulate the net value of our trading inventories from fluctuations in the general level of interest rates and equity price variances. We finance a portion of our trading positions through our clearing broker-dealers.
Capital expenditures for the six months ended June 30, 2007 were $1.7 million, mainly for the purchase of furniture, computer equipment and software, as well as for leasehold improvements, necessary for our growth.
At June 30, 2007, SMH, our registered broker-dealer subsidiary, was in compliance with the net capital requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission's Uniform Net Capital Rules and had capital in excess of the required minimum. Salient Trust Co., LTA was in compliance with the Texas Department of Banking net capital requirements and had capital in excess of the required minimum.
In view of the inherent difficulty of predicting the outcome of legal proceedings, particularly where the plaintiffs seek substantial or indeterminate damages or where novel legal theories or a large number of parties are involved, we cannot state with confidence what the eventual outcome of currently pending matters will be, what the timing of the ultimate resolution of these matters will be, or what the eventual result in each pending matter will be. Based on currently available information, we have established reserves for certain litigation matters and our management does not believe that resolution of any matter will have a material adverse effect on our liquidity or financial position although, depending on our results for a particular period, an adverse determination could have a material effect on quarterly or annual operating results in the period in which it is resolved.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market Risks
During the six months ended June 30, 2007, there have been no material changes to the information contained in Part II, Item 7A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.
At June 30, 2007, securities owned by the Company were recorded at a fair value of $101.1 million, including $33.9 million in marketable securities, $56.5 million representing the Company’s investments in limited partnerships, and $10.7 million representing other not readily marketable securities.
At June 30, 2007, Salient had securities available for sale with a fair value of $1.2 million. These securities have an original cost of $993,000 and are subject to equity price risk. At June 30, 2007, an unrealized increase in market value totaling $184,000 less tax of $73,000 has been included as a separate component of shareholders’ equity.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act), as of the end of the fiscal period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that the information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. There have been no changes made in our internal controls over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Many aspects of our business involve substantial risks of liability. In the normal course of business, we have been and in the future may be named as defendant or co-defendant in lawsuits and arbitration proceedings involving primarily claims for damages. We are also involved in a number of regulatory matters arising out of the conduct of our business. There can be no assurance that these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in any future period and a significant judgment could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. In addition to claims for damages and monetary sanctions that may be made against us, we incur substantial costs in investigating and defending claims and regulatory matters.
The NASD initially conducted an inspection of our prime brokerage and private investment or hedge fund support operations based in our New York office in November 2004. Subsequent to such inspection, the NASD opened an investigation and requested the production of additional documents and materials on twelve occasions in 2005 and 2006 with respect to our prime brokerage and related hedge fund operations and has conducted formal interviews of a number of our employees involved in these operations. On August 16, 2006, SMH received a “Wells letter” notification from the NASD, which states that the staff of the NASD has made a preliminary determination to recommend that disciplinary action be brought against SMH and four of its employees based on alleged violations of certain conduct rules of the NASD, including NASD Conduct Rule 2110 relating to the alleged improper payment of soft dollar commissions to a fund manager and relating to the alleged improper sharing of commissions by two employees contrary to a written contract with an investment advisor and representations to the investors in one private investment partnership; NASD Conduct Rule 2210 relating to the content of hedge fund advertising materials; SEC Rule 17a-4 and NASD Conduct Rules 2210 and 3110 relating to the retention of certain email, instant messages, and advertising materials; NASD Conduct Rules 1031 and 2110 relating to the activities of an unregistered employee; and NASD Conduct Rules 2110 and 3010 relating to the written supervisory procedures of SMH for its hedge fund and prime brokerage operations. Under the Wells procedure, SMH has an opportunity to respond to the NASD before any action is taken against it. SMH submitted its response to the NASD on October 11, 2006. Discussions are ongoing between the staff of the NASD and our legal counsel with respect to the alleged violations and possible settlement of the matter. There is no assurance that a prompt resolution can be reached or that the ultimate impact on the Company will not be material.
In May 2005, SMH acted as placement agent for a private placement of $50.0 million in convertible preferred stock of Ronco Corporation, a leading company in direct response marketing. Subsequent to the offering, Ronco experienced financial difficulties and ultimately filed a voluntary petition under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code on June 14, 2007. The bankruptcy court has approved the sale of substantially all of Ronco’s assets and it is unlikely that there will be any distribution to its unsecured creditors or equity security holders. SMH has written off a $3.0 million subordinated working capital loan that it made to Ronco in 2006. SMH is the defendant in three proceedings related to Ronco.
On February 5, 2007, Richard F. Allen, the former Chief Executive Officer of Ronco, filed a complaint against SMH, Richard F. Allen, Sr. v. Sanders Morris Harris Inc., Case No. BC365969, in the Superior Court of California, Central District, Los Angeles, alleging that SMH caused Ronco to breach Mr. Allen’s employment agreement with Ronco and by such interference caused Ronco to terminate Mr. Allen without paying him his $1.0 million severance payment and $600,000 bonus. SMH has filed a general denial. SMH believes it has valid defenses to all claims made by Mr. Allen.
On April 4, 2007, four individual purchasers of Ronco convertible preferred stock commenced an NASD arbitration proceeding against SMH with respect to their investment in Ronco convertible preferred stock. The claimants have an aggregate claim of $250,000 and allege negligence by SMH in making the offering as submitted to the claimants, common law fraud, state and federal securities fraud, and breach of fiduciary duty. SMH believes it has valid defenses to all the claims.
On May 23, 2007, two purchasers of Ronco convertible preferred stock filed a complaint against SMH, US Special Opportunities Trust PLC and Renaissance US Growth Investment Trust PLC, Case No. 07-04837, in the 193rd Judicial District Court, Dallas County, Texas, alleging common law fraud, statutory fraud in a stock transaction, violations of the Texas Securities Act, and negligent misrepresentation in connection with the plaintiffs’ purchase of $2.0 million in Ronco convertible preferred stock. SMH has filed an answer and special exceptions. SMH believes it has valid defenses to all claims made by the plaintiffs.
In view of the inherent difficulty of predicting the outcome of legal proceedings, particularly where the plaintiffs seek substantial or indeterminate damages or where novel legal theories or a large number of parties are involved, we cannot state with confidence what the eventual outcome of currently pending matters will be, what the timing of the ultimate resolution of these matters will be, or what the eventual result in each pending matter will be. Based on currently available information, we have established reserves for certain litigation matters and our management does not believe that resolution of any matter will have a material adverse effect on our liquidity or financial position although, depending on our results for a particular period, an adverse determination could have a material effect on quarterly or annual operating results in the period in which it is resolved.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
On May 24, 2007, the Company held its annual meeting of shareholders to vote for election of directors to the Company’s Board of Directors. Each nominee was elected and the results of the votes were as follows:
| | Number of | | Number of | | Number of | | Number of | |
| | Shares | | Shares | | Shares | | Broker | |
| | Voted For | | Voted Against | | Withheld | | Non-Votes | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Election of directors: | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Don A. Sanders | | | 22,138,119 | | | - | | | 390,477 | | | - | |
George L. Ball | | | 22,137,854 | | | - | | | 390,742 | | | - | |
Richard E. Bean | | | 21,994,283 | | | - | | | 534,313 | | | - | |
Charles W. Duncan III | | | 21,994,283 | | | - | | | 534,313 | | | - | |
Scott B. McClelland | | | 22,197,731 | | | - | | | 330,865 | | | - | |
Ben T. Morris | | | 22,138,119 | | | - | | | 390,477 | | | - | |
Dr. Albert W. Niemi, Jr. | | | 22,112,031 | | | - | | | 416,565 | | | - | |
W. Blair Waltrip | | | 21,801,460 | | | - | | | 727,136 | | | - | |
Nolan Ryan | | | 16,694,987 | | | - | | | 5,833,609 | | | - | |
Item 6. Exhibits
| | INDEX TO EXHIBITS |
| | |
Exhibit Number | | Description |
| | |
3.1 | | Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as amended (Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 (File No. 000-30066), and incorporated herein by reference). |
| | |
3.2 | | Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (Filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004 (File No. 000-30066), and incorporated herein by reference). |
| | |
†10.01 | | Sanders Morris Harris Group Inc. 1998 Incentive Plan as amended (Filed as Appendix A to the Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A of the Company dated May 3, 2002 (File No. 000- 30066), and incorporated herein by reference). |
| | |
†10.02 | | Sanders Morris Harris Group Inc. Capital Incentive Program (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001 (File No. 000-30066), and incorporated herein by reference). |
| | |
†10.03 | | Form of Option Agreement pursuant to 1998 Incentive Plan (Filed as Exhibit 10.03 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 (File No. 000- 30066), and incorporated herein by reference). |
| | |
†10.04 | | Form of Restricted Stock Agreement pursuant to 1998 Incentive Plan (Filed as Exhibit 10.04 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 (File No. 000- 30066), and incorporated herein by reference). |
| | |
10.05 | | Sublease Agreement dated January 19, 1994, between Texas Commerce Bank National Association and Harris Webb & Garrison, Inc., as amended by that certain First Amendment to Sublease Agreement dated February 23, 1994, the Second Amendment to Sublease Agreement dated April 26, 1994, and the Third Amendment to Sublease Agreement dated January 19, 1995 (Filed as Exhibit 10.16 to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus of the Company dated December 31, 1998 (File No. 333-65417), and incorporated herein by reference). |
| | |
10.06 | | On-Line Services Agreement dated as of June 1, 2005, between Innovest Systems, LLC and Pinnacle Trust Co., LTA. (Filed as Exhibit 10.05 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10- Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 (File No. 000-30066), and incorporated herein by reference). |
| | |
10.07 | | Office Lease Agreement and related amendments dated September 25, 1996, between Texas Tower Limited and Sanders Morris Mundy Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2000 (File No. 000-30066), and incorporated herein by reference). |
| | |
10.08 | | Credit Agreement dated as of May 9, 2005, between Sanders Morris Harris Group Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association (Filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 (File No. 000-30066), and incorporated herein by reference). |
| | |
10.09 | | Reorganization and Purchase Agreement dated as of May 10, 2005, among Sanders Morris Harris Group Inc., The Edelman Financial Center, Inc., The Edelman Financial Center, LLC, and Fredric M. Edelman (Filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 10, 2005 (File No. 000-30066), and incorporated herein by reference). |
| | |
*10.10 | | Agreement and Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement as of May 7, 2007 between Sanders Morris Harris Group Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association. |
*31.1 | | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer. |
*31.2 | | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer. |
*32.1 | | Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- |
| | Oxley Act of 2002. |
*32.2 | | Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- |
| | Oxley Act of 2002. |
* Filed herewith.
† Management contract or compensation plan or arrangement.
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.
| | |
| SANDERS MORRIS HARRIS GROUP INC. |
| | |
| By: | /s/ BEN T. MORRIS |
|
Ben T. Morris |
| | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ RICK BERRY |
|
Rick Berry Chief Financial Officer |
Date: August 9, 2007