Wilson-Davis created a fees charged to customers line item in 2023 to further break out revenues. The result is an increase of $326,170 when compared to the prior year. Wilson-Davis charges fees to its customers for postage, bank wires, ACATS, and clearing and transfer agent costs.
Other income increased to $9,235 for the six months ended December 31, 2023 when compared to $54,280 for the six months ended December 31, 2022.
Expenses of $4,859,928 for the six months ended December 31, 2023, represent a 1% decrease from expenses of $4,925,323 for the same period in 2022.
Compensation, payroll taxes and benefits decreased to $2,172,873 for the six months ended December 31, 2023 compared to $2,908,599 in the prior year. The decrease of 25% was largely driven by the decrease in commission revenues.
Data processing and clearing costs increased to $1,065,580 for the six months ended December 31, 2023, compared to $928,599 during the prior year. The 15% increase was due to an increase in fees charged by Wilson-Davis’ trading software provider.
Regulatory, professional fees and related expenses increased to $701,425 for the six months ended December 31, 2023, compared to $540,561 in the prior year. The increase was due to an increase in legal fees due to the pending acquisition.
Other expenses, which includes: Communications, Occupancy and equipment, Transfer fees, Bank charges and Other, increased to $920,050 for the six months ended December 31, 2023 when compared to $547,564 for the prior year. The increase was due to bad debt expenses.
Loss from operations was ($1,409,078) for the six months ended December 31, 2023, compared to a loss of ($670,308) in the six months ended December 31, 2022.
Other income of $1,036,570 for the six months ended December 31, 2023, represents a 140% increase from $432,780 when compared to the prior year. The increased interest rates resulted in an increase in interest income and an offsetting increase in interest expense. Wilson-Davis obtained a $10,000,000 line of credit through its financial institution in the fall of 2021. The line of credit carries a 0.5% interest rate for nonuse. Wilson-Davis did not draw on its line of credit during the six months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
The foregoing factors resulted in net loss of $276,508 for the quarters ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $175,528 in net loss for the corresponding period in the prior year.
Wilson-Davis principally relies on its net capital to provide the liquidity needed to sustain operations.
Liquidity and Capital Resources of Quantum for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
On February 9, 2021, Quantum consummated its IPO of 17,500,000 units, each unit consisting of one share of Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and one warrant to purchase one-half of one share of Common Stock at an exercise price of $11.50, at $10.00 per unit, generating gross proceeds of $175,000,000. Simultaneously with the closing of its IPO, Quantum consummated the sale of 5,562,500 Private Warrants at a price of $1.00 per Private Warrant in a private placement to Quantum Ventures and Chardan Quantum LLC (the “Co-Sponsors”), generating gross proceeds of $5,562,500.
On February 12, 2021, in connection with the underwriters’ exercise of their over-allotment option in full, Quantum consummated the sale of an additional 2,625,000 units at a price of $10.00 per unit, generating total gross proceeds of $26,250,000. In addition, Quantum consummated the sale of an additional 590,625 Private Warrants at $1.00 per Private Warrant, generating gross proceeds of $590,625.
Following the IPO, the full exercise of the over-allotment option, and the sale of the Private Warrants, a total of $201,250,000 was placed in the trust account. Quantum incurred $5,017,526 in IPO related costs, including $4,528,125 of underwriting fees and $489,401 of other costs.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash used in operating activities was $1,819,835. Net income of $794,950 was affected by income earned on marketable securities held in the trust account of $3,090,086, change in fair value of warrant liability of $123,062, and change in fair value of non-redemption agreement liability of $439,787. Changes in operating assets and liabilities provided $791,193 of cash for operating activities, primarily due to an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses.