UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
(Mark One)
[X] | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014
OR
[ ] | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission file number:000-18188
__________________________
PAULSON CAPITAL (DELAWARE) CORP. |
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | | 93-0589534 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
| | |
1331 NW Lovejoy Street, Suite 720, Portland, Oregon | 97209 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
|
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:503-243-6000 |
|
PAULSON CAPITAL CORP. |
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report) |
____________________
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 229.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer [ ] Accelerated filer [ ]
Non-accelerated filer [ ] (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company [X]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [ ] No [X]
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Common stock, $0.0001 par value | 7,793,258 |
(Class) | (Outstanding at May 15, 2014) |
PAULSON CAPITAL (DELAWARE) CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q/A
INDEX
| Page |
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |
| | |
Item 1. | Financial Statements | 1 |
| | |
| Consolidated Balance Sheets – March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (unaudited) | 1 |
| | |
| Consolidated Statements of Operations - Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (unaudited) | 2 |
| | |
| Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (unaudited) | 3 |
| | |
| Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) | 4 |
| | |
Item 2. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 15 |
| | |
Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 26 |
| | |
Item 4. | Controls and Procedures | 26 |
| | |
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION | |
| | |
Item 6. | Exhibits | 27 |
| | |
Signatures | 28 |
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This Amendment No. 1 (this “Amendment”) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Paulson Capital (Delaware) Corp. (the “Company”) for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on May 15, 2014 (the “Original Filing”), which replaces in its entirety Items 1 through 4 of the Original Filing, is being filed to address certain issues raised by the SEC with respect to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. This Amendment includes as exhibits new certifications by our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, as required by Rule 12b-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act).
Except as described above, this Amendment does not modify or update the disclosures presented in, or exhibits to, the Original Filing in any way. This Amendment speaks as of the date of the Original Filing and does not reflect events occurring after the filing of the Original Filing. Accordingly, this Amendment should be read in conjunction with any other filings made by the Company with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the filing of the Original Filing.
Paulson Capital (Delaware) Corp. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
| | March 31, 2014 | | | December 31, 2013 | |
Assets | | | | | | | | |
Cash | | $ | 5,768,819 | | | $ | 6,728,680 | |
Receivable from clearing organization | | | 446,129 | | | | 445,113 | |
Notes and other receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $901,541 and $901,541 | | | 1,879,556 | | | | 1,778,936 | |
Trading and investment securities owned, at fair value | | | 4,799,574 | | | | 4,908,753 | |
Underwriter warrants, at fair value | | | 3,823,000 | | | | 5,276,000 | |
Prepaid and deferred expenses | | | 781,029 | | | | 472,016 | |
Other assets | | | 286,710 | | | | 78,467 | |
Furniture and equipment, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $75,383 and $66,041 | | | 107,355 | | | | 111,180 | |
Total Assets | | $ | 17,892,172 | | | $ | 19,799,145 | |
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | $ | 590,964 | | | $ | 540,771 | |
Payable to clearing organization | | | 1,263 | | | | - | |
Compensation, employee benefits and payroll taxes | | | 464,287 | | | | 363,665 | |
Underwriter warrants payable to employees, at fair value | | | 2,526,837 | | | | 3,641,035 | |
Notes payable | | | 716,781 | | | | 700,000 | |
Advances from related parties | | | 1,521,781 | | | | 1,521,781 | |
Total Liabilities | | | 5,821,913 | | | | 6,767,252 | |
Commitments and Contingencies | | | - | | | | - | |
Shareholders' Equity | | | | | | | | |
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; none issued | | | - | | | | - | |
Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 90,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued and outstanding: 7,325,485 and 5,805,485 | | | 3,465,416 | | | | 2,338,216 | |
Retained earnings | | | 6,860,448 | | | | 9,130,287 | |
Total Shareholders' Equity | | | 10,325,864 | | | | 11,468,503 | |
Non-controlling interest in consolidated entities | | | 1,744,395 | | | | 1,563,390 | |
Total Equity | | | 12,070,259 | | | | 13,031,893 | |
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity | | $ | 17,892,172 | | | $ | 19,799,145 | |
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Paulson Capital (Delaware) Corp. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
| | For the Three Months Ended March 31, | |
| | 2014 | | | 2013 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Revenues | | | | | | | | |
Commissions | | $ | 1,735,687 | | | $ | 198,071 | |
Corporate Finance | | | 308,465 | | | | 88,191 | |
Investment income | | | 14,664 | | | | 724,346 | |
Trading income (loss) | | | (1,551,526 | ) | | | 188,742 | |
Interest and dividends | | | 8,931 | | | | 6,449 | |
Other | | | - | | | | 44,881 | |
| | | 516,221 | | | | 1,250,680 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Expenses | | | | | | | | |
Commissions and salaries | | | 2,791,619 | | | | 602,195 | |
Underwriter warrant commissions | | | (1,114,198 | ) | | | - | |
Underwriting expenses | | | 17,286 | | | | 22,333 | |
Clearing expenses | | | 24,335 | | | | 18,954 | |
Rent and utilities | | | 94,311 | | | | 50,956 | |
Communication and quotation services | | | 29,666 | | | | 25,342 | |
Professional fees | | | 389,570 | | | | 335,079 | |
Travel and entertainment | | | 33,506 | | | | 13,088 | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 9,342 | | | | 743 | |
Licenses, taxes and insurance | | | 175,469 | | | | 183,469 | |
Interest | | | 17,618 | | | | 15,616 | |
Other | | | 128,031 | | | | 223,296 | |
| | | 2,596,555 | | | | 1,491,071 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Loss before income taxes | | | (2,080,334 | ) | | | (240,391 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Income tax expense: | | | | | | | | |
Current | | | 8,500 | | | | - | |
Deferred | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | 8,500 | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net loss | | | (2,088,834 | ) | | | (240,391 | ) |
Income attributable to non-controlling interests | | | 181,004 | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net loss attributable to Paulson Capital (Delaware) Corp. common stockholders | | $ | (2,269,838 | ) | | $ | (240,391 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Basic and diluted net loss per share | | $ | (0.39 | ) | | $ | (0.04 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Shares used in basic and diluted per share calculations: | | | 5,805,485 | | | | 5,766,985 | |
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Paulson Capital (Delaware) Corp. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
| | For the Three Months Ended March 31, | |
| | 2014 | | | 2013 | |
Cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | | | | |
Net loss | | $ | (2,088,834 | ) | | $ | (240,391 | ) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows provided by operating activities: | | | | | | | | |
Underwriter warrants owed to employees | | | (1,114,198 | ) | | | - | |
Unrealized (appreciation) depreciation/expiration of underwriter warrants | | | 1,453,000 | | | | (601,000 | ) |
Stock-based compensation | | | 877,200 | | | | - | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 9,342 | | | | 743 | |
Change in assets and liabilities: | | | | | | | | |
Receivables from/payable to clearing organization, net | | | 247 | | | | (42,853 | ) |
Notes and other receivables | | | (100,620 | ) | | | (819,605 | ) |
Income taxes receivable | | | - | | | | 7,000 | |
Trading and investment securities owned | | | 109,179 | | | | 74,000 | |
Prepaid and deferred expenses | | | (309,013 | ) | | | (19,034 | ) |
Other assets | | | (208,243 | ) | | | - | |
Deferred revenue | | | - | | | | (44,642 | ) |
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and compensation payables | | | 167,596 | | | | 300,853 | |
Trading securities sold, not yet purchased | | | - | | | | 47,295 | |
Net cash used in operating activities | | | (1,204,344 | ) | | | (1,337,634 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Cash flows from investing activities: | | | | | | | | |
Additions to furniture and equipment | | | (5,517 | ) | | | (12,845 | ) |
Net cash used in investing activities | | | (5,517 | ) | | | (12,845 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Cash flows from financing activities: | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from related party advance | | | - | | | | 1,500,000 | |
Proceeds from issuance of common stock | | | 250,000 | | | | - | |
Net cash provided by financing activities | | | 250,000 | | | | 1,500,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Increase (decrease) in cash | | | (959,861 | ) | | | 149,521 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Cash: | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 6,728,680 | | | | 337,136 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period | | $ | 5,768,819 | | | $ | 486,657 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Supplemental cash flow information: | | | | | | | | |
Cash received (paid) during the period for income taxes, net | | $ | (8,500 | ) | | $ | 7,000 | |
Cash paid during the period for interest | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
PAULSON CAPITAL (DELAWARE) CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 1. Basis of Presentation
The financial information for Paulson Capital (Delaware) Corp. and its majority-owned subsidiary, Paulson Investment Company, Inc., its wholly owned subsidiary, VBI Acquisition Corp., and its wholly owned subsidiary, Paulson Capital Properties, LLC, included herein as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is unaudited; however, such information reflects all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods. The financial information as of December 31, 2013 is derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2013. The interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2013. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
Note 2. Change of State of Incorporation and Articles of Incorporation
Effective March 20, 2014 (the “Effective Date”), the Company changed its state of incorporation from the State of Oregon to the State of Delaware. The reincorporation was pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated March 20, 2014 approved by shareholders at the 2013 Annual Meeting held on November 8, 2013. Under the Plan, each issued and outstanding share of common stock, no par value, of the predecessor entity, Paulson Capital Corp. (“Paulson Oregon”) was automatically converted into one share of Paulson Capital (Delaware) Corp. (“Paulson Delaware”), a Delaware Corporation’s common stock, $0.0001 par value. Each share of Paulson Oregon’s preferred stock, no par value, issued and outstanding was automatically converted into one share of Paulson Delaware’s preferred stock, $0.0001 par value. Any options, warrants, or other securities of Paulson Oregon shall be enforced against Paulson Delaware to the same extent as if such options, warrants or other securities had been issued by Paulson Delaware. As a result of the Reincorporation, the Company is now Paulson Delaware, its name is “Paulson Capital (Delaware) Corp.” and Paulson Oregon no longer exists. The directors and officers of Paulson Oregon continue to be the directors and officers of the Company, and the Company continues to operate the business of Paulson Oregon as it existed immediately prior to the Reincorporation.
Prior to the Effective Date, the rights of Paulson Oregon’s shareholders were governed by the Oregon Business Corporation Act (the “OBCA”), Paulson Oregon’s Articles of Incorporation and its Amended and Restated Bylaws. As a result of the Reincorporation, holders of Paulson Oregon’s common stock and preferred stock are now holders of the Common Stock and the Preferred Stock, respectively, and their rights as shareholders are now governed by the Delaware General Corporation Law and the following documents: (i) Paulson Delaware’s Certificate of Incorporation (the “Certificate of Incorporation”); (ii) Paulson Delaware’s Bylaws (the “Bylaws”); and (iii) Paulson Delaware’s Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Certificate of Designation”).
In accordance with Rule 12g-3 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the shares of Common Stock of Paulson Delaware were deemed to be registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act as the successor to Paulson Oregon. The Common Stock continues to be listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “PLCC.”
Note 3. Earnings Per Share
The number of shares used for our basic net loss per share and diluted net loss per share was the same for both periods presented. For the three-month period ended March 31, 2014, we had 180,000 anti-dilutive stock options outstanding. For the three-month period ended March 31, 2013, we had 218,500 anti-dilutive stock options outstanding.
Note 4. Fair Value Measurements
Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of our assets and liabilities carried at fair value and are summarized into three broad categories:
| ● | Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical securities; |
| ● | Level 2 – other significant observable inputs, including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.; and |
| ● | Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs, including our own assumptions in determining fair value. |
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities is not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
Following are the disclosures related to our financial assets and liabilities (in thousands):
| | March 31, 2014 | | December 31, 2013 |
| | Fair Value | | Input Level | | Fair Value | | Input Level |
Trading and investment securities owned: | | | | | | | | | | |
Corporate equities, marketable | | $ | 4,044 | | Level 1 | | $ | 3,720 | | Level 1 |
Corporate equities, not readily marketable | | | 717 | | Level 3 | | | 1,122 | | Level 3 |
Corporate options/warrants, marketable | | | 39 | | Level 1 | | | 67 | | Level 1 |
Underwriter warrants | | | 3,823 | | Level 3 | | | 5,276 | | Level 3 |
Underwriter warrants payable to employees | | | (2,527 | ) | Level 3 | | | (3,641 | ) | Level 3 |
Following is a summary of activity related to our Level 3 financial assets and liabilities (in thousands):
| | Underwriter Warrants | | | Underwriter Warrants Payable to Employees | | | Not Readily Marketable Investment Securities | |
Balance, December 31, 2013 | | $ | 5,276 | | | $ | (3,641 | ) | | $ | 1,122 | |
Sale of investment in privately held company | | | - | | | | - | | | | (205 | ) |
Reclassification of investment from Level 3 to Level 1* | | | - | | | | - | | | | (200 | ) |
Net unrealized gain (loss), included as a component ofinvestment income related to securities held atMarch 31, 2014 | | | (1,453 | ) | | | 1,114 | | | | - | |
Balance, March 31, 2014 | | $ | 3,823 | | | $ | (2,527 | ) | | $ | 717 | |
* On February 7, 2014, one of our Level 3 investments consummated a merger where a quoted price became available on an active market, and we reclassified it to a Level 1 investment.
| | Underwriter Warrants | | | Underwriter Warrants Payable to Employees | | | Not Readily Marketable Investment Securities | |
Balance, December 31, 2012 | | $ | 1,548 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 4,878 | |
Fair value of underwriter warrants received included as a component of corporate finance income | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Investment in privately-held company | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Net unrealized gain (loss), included as a component of investment loss related to securities held | | | 693 | | | | - | | | | (20 | ) |
Underwriter warrants exercised or expired included as a component of investment income | | | (92 | ) | | | - | | | | - | |
Balance, March 31, 2013 | | $ | 2,149 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 4,858 | |
Valuation of Marketable Trading and Investment Securities Owned
The fair value of our marketable trading and investment securities owned is determined based on quoted market prices. Securities traded on a national exchange are stated at the last reported sales price on the day of valuation; other securities traded in the over-the-counter market and listed securities for which no sale was reported on that date are stated at the last quoted bid price.
Valuation of Not Readily Marketable Investment Securities
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 us. The fair value of not readily marketable securities is estimated by management using available information including the following: quoted market prices of similar securities (i.e., unrestricted shares of the same company); price of recent known trades of the same or similar securities; the cost of the security, if recently purchased, adjusted for changes in the financial condition of the issuer; all other information available from review of available documents related to the issuer or discussions with management of the issuer. Significant unobservable inputs include the discount rate for lack of liquidity, and the volatility index of comparable companies. Changes to these unobservable inputs would cause the fair value to fluctuate substantially.
Valuation of Underwriter Warrants and Underwriter Warrants Payable to Employees
We estimate the fair value of underwriter warrants using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model. The warrants generally have a five-year expiration date and vest immediately. The warrants are generally subject to a restriction period of six months to one-year in which the warrants cannot be exercised. The Black-Scholes model requires us to use five inputs including: stock price, risk free rate, exercise price, time remaining on the warrant and price volatility. After stock price, the most influential factor in this model is price volatility, which we calculate for each company’s warrants based on each company’s own historical closing stock prices as well as an index of historical prices for comparable companies. When we initially receive a new underwriter warrant from an initial public offering, its calculated volatility factor is entirely based on the volatility of an index of comparable companies, since there is no price history for a new publicly traded company. For publicly traded companies, as each underwriter warrant approaches its expiration date, its volatility factor is derived primarily from the historical prices of its underlying common stock. Private company underwriter warrant valuations use the volatility index of comparable companies. There is no assurance that we will ultimately be able to exercise any of our warrants in a way that will realize the fair value that has been recorded in the financial statements based on this model. Underwriter warrants payable to employees represent warrants that are held by the Company, but are distributable to employees as compensation at periods ended March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
There were no changes to our valuation methods or techniques during the first quarter of 2014 or 2013.
The following table is a quantitative disclosure about the significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) that were used in determining fair value at March 31, 2014:
| | Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Fair Value at March 31, 2014 | | Valuation Technique | | Unobservable Input | | Range | | | Weighted Average | |
| | | | | | | | | Minimum | | | Maximum | | | | | |
Investments in privately-held companies | | $ | 717 | | Market approach; Asset approach | | Discount rate for lack of liquidity | | | 13.0 | % | | | 20.0 | % | | | 15.3 | % |
Underwriter warrants | | | 3,823 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Underwriter warrants payable to employees* | | | (2,527 | ) | Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model | | Volatility index of comparable companies | | | 61.2 | % | | | 92.6 | % | | | 78.4 | % |
| | $ | 2,013 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
* Negative number reflectsa reduction in the fair value of warrants payabletoemployees for the quarter ended March 31, 2014andis recorded as a contra entry to underwriter warrant commissions.
Note 5. Stockholders' Equity
Comprehensive Income
The Company did not have any transactions that generated comprehensive income during the first quarter of fiscal 2014 or during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.
Private Placement of Common Stock
On January 29, 2014, the Company closed the private sale of 500,000 shares of its Common Stock (the “Shares”) to six accredited investors at a price of $0.50 per share for gross proceeds of $250,000. The shares were sold without registration in reliance upon the private transaction exemption set forth in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and/or Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act.
Repurchase of Common Stock
There were no common shares repurchased during the quarter of 2014.
In September 2001, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program pursuant to which we are authorized to repurchase up to 600,000 shares of our common stock. In addition, in June 2008, our Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to a total of an additional 200,000 shares of our common stock. Through March 31, 2014, 731,989 shares had been repurchased and, as of March 31, 2014, 68,011 shares remained available for repurchase. These repurchase programs do not have an expiration date.
Common Shares in Escrow
As described in Note 9, the Company issued and placed 287,773 shares of common stock in escrow on July 25, 2013. These shares are not considered officially outstanding until they are released from the escrow.
2013 Equity Incentive Plan
Our 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2013 Plan”) authorizes that 1.5 million shares common stock be reserved for issuance of equity and cash and equity-linked awards to certain management, consultants and others. On June 19, 2013, the Board of Directors granted 300,000 stock options to purchase shares of common stock at a purchase price equal to the closing price of stock on that date, pursuant to the adoption of the 2013 Plan by the Company’s shareholders. On March 19, 2014, the Board of Directors granted 1,020,000 common shares to officers and directors under the 2013 Plan, which was recorded as commissions and salaries expense based on the closing price of stock on that date.
Note 6. New Accounting Guidance
Management has reviewed the new accounting guidance and determined that there is not a material impact on our financial statements.
Note 7. Change in Preferred Stock Designation
On June 19, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the creation of Series A Preferred Stock. On July 18, 2013, the Company filed a Certificate of Designation of Preference, Rights and Limitations of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock with the Secretary of State of Oregon. Upon the reincorporation of the Company in Delaware from Oregon effective March 20, 2014, each share of Paulson Oregon’s preferred stock, no par value, issued and outstanding was automatically converted into one share of Paulson Delaware’s preferred stock, $0.0001 par value.
Note 8. Restructure of Paulson Investment Company, Inc.
The Company is in the process of restructuring the business involving the broker-dealer license held by the Company’s subsidiary, Paulson Investment Company, Inc. (“PIC”). The restructuring, which is subject to approval by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), is contemplated to result in PIC ultimately being owned by management of PIC and outside investors.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2013, PIC received a $1,500,000 loan from a related-party investor pursuant to a convertible promissory note bearing 5% simple interest which is due on January 13, 2016. The note holder agreed the note would stop accruing interest after April 30, 2013. The note was amended and restated in the second quarter of 2014. The amended and restated note is mandatorily convertible into equity of PIC on the date that is 10 business days after the expiration of the 30-day waiting period following submission by PIC to FINRA of the Form CMA seeking approval for the issuance of securities of PIC upon conversion of the amended and restated note, but in no event earlier than the closing date of the proposed merger between the Company and Variation Biotechnologies (US), Inc. ("VBI"). The amended and restated note contemplates that PIC will be converted into a limited liability company (the "Converted Entity") prior to conversion of the amended and restated note. Upon the creation of the Converted Entity, all of the outstanding principal and interest under the amended and restated note shall be converted into a 35% membership interest in the Converted Entity.
During the second quarter of fiscal 2013, PIC issued 215,438 shares of series B preferred stock for $1,500,000. The series B preferred stock is afforded no conversion or voting rights. Upon a liquidation event, the shareholder would be given a liquidation preference equal to 15.79%. During the second quarter of 2014, the holder of the series B preferred stock and PIC entered into a securities exchange agreement providing that, on the date that is 10 business days after the expiration of the 30-day waiting period following submission by PIC to FINRA of the Form CMA seeking approval for the issuance of membership interests in the Converted Entity, but in no event earlier than the closing date of the proposed merger between PLCC and VBI, all shares of series B preferred stock shall be exchanged for a 12.5% membership interest in the Converted Entity.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, PIC received a $700,000 loan from an outside investor pursuant to a convertible promissory note bearing 5% simple interest, with a maturity date of July 1, 2014. During the second quarter of 2014, the note was amended and restated to extend the maturity date to December 31, 2014 and increase the interest rate to 10% per annum from after July 2, 2014. The outstanding principal under the amended and restated note is mandatorily convertible into an 11.6% equity interest in PIC (or other entity, if PIC is not a corporation at the time of conversion) on the date that is 10 business days after the expiration of the 30-day waiting period following submission by PIC to FINRA of the Form CMA seeking approval for the issuance of securities of PIC upon conversion of the amended and restated note, but in no event earlier than the closing date of the proposed merger between PLCC and VBI. At the time of conversion, accrued interest will be payable either in cash or additional equity.
Note 9. Corporate Reorganization
The Board of Directors of the Company has determined that a change of direction is in the best interest of shareholders. Therefore, in 2013, the Company entered into a series of related transactions to execute a corporate reorganization. These transactions include the following:
a) PIPE Financings
On July 25, 2013, the Company entered into a series of agreements intended to secure investment in the Company of $5,250,000 (the “Investment Funds”) with DKR Ventures, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and Hudson Bay Master Fund Ltd., a Cayman Islands limited partnership (collectively, the “Investors”). The investment was made in a private placement transaction (the “2013 PIPE Financing”) intended to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), subject to satisfaction of certain conditions.
Under the agreements, the Company will complete the private placement of a Unit consisting of (i) 287,773 shares of Common Stock; (ii) 500,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock; (iii) a Class A Warrant; and (iv) a Class B Warrant. Each share of Series A Preferred Stock has a stated value of $0.806974 and a conversion ratio of 2.305640603 per share of Common Stock, subject to adjustment. Each share of Series B Preferred Stock will be convertible into one share of Common Stock and have a stated value of $0.35 per share and a conversion ratio equal to one share of Common Stock for each share of Series B Preferred Stock outstanding, equal to a purchase price of $0.35 per share of Common Stock, subject to adjustment. The Class A Warrant is exercisable for up to 7,500,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock at a per share exercise price of $0.80, subject to adjustment, beginning on the date that is six months following the date of issuance and ending on the date that is five years thereafter. The Class B Warrant is exercisable for up to 13,559,407 shares of Series B Preferred Stock. The purchase price of one share of Common Stock underlying the Class B Warrant is deemed to be $0.35, subject to adjustment, without any payment of consideration by the Holder upon exercise. The Class B Warrant is exercisable beginning on the date that is six months following the date of issuance and ending on the date that is two years thereafter. As of the date of this report, the 2013 PIPE Financing had not closed, and the Investment Funds remained in escrow.
On January 29, 2014, the Company closed the private sale of 500,000 shares of its Common Stock (the “2014 PIPE Financing”) to six accredited investors at a price of $0.50 per share for gross proceeds of $250,000. The shares were sold without registration in reliance upon the private transaction exemption set forth in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, and/or Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act.
b) Formation of Liquidating Trust
In connection with the 2013 PIPE Financing, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the formation of a trust (the "Trust") for the benefit of shareholders of the Company as of the record date of October 11, 2013 (the “Record Date”). The Trust, if and when formed, will hold certain non-operating assets of PIC (the “Trust Assets”). Common shareholders of record (the “Legacy Shareholders”) will be given non-transferable beneficial interests in the Trust in proportion to their pro rata ownership interest in our Common Stock as of the Record Date. It is expected the assets in the Trust will be liquidated and distributed to the Legacy Shareholders over time.
c) Changes to the Articles of Incorporation
At the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on November 8, 2013 (the “2013 Shareholders Meeting”), the shareholders approved a proposal to change the Company’s state of incorporation to Delaware from Oregon (the “Reincorporation”).
At the 2013 Shareholders Meeting, shareholders also approved the amendment and restatement of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation to increase the authorized capital stock from 10,000,000 shares of Common Stock, no par value per share, and 500,000 shares of preferred stock, no par value, to 90,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and 30,000,000 shares of “Blank Check” Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share.
The Reincorporation and the amendment and restatement of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation were effective March 20, 2014.
d) Proposed Reverse Stock Split of Common Stock
At the 2013 Shareholders Meeting, shareholders approved the proposal to grant the Board of Directors the authority to effect a reverse stock split of its Common Stock. The proposal permits, but does not require, the Board of Directors to effect a reverse stock split of the issued and outstanding Common Stock at any time prior to 18 months from the date of approval by a ratio of not less than one - for - two and not more than one - for - ten, with the exact ratio to be set within this range at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors. The Board reserves the right to elect to abandon the Reverse Stock Split, including any or all proposed reverse stock split ratios, if it determines, in its sole discretion, that the Reverse Stock Split is no longer in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. As of the date of this report, the Board of Directors had not acted to effect a reverse stock split of the Common Stock.
Note 10. Subsequent Events
a) On April 4, 2014, the Company’s operating subsidiary, Paulson Investment Company, Inc. (“PIC”), completed the sale of a term life insurance policy on the life of its founder, Chester L.F. Paulson (the “Policy”), to Coventry First LLC (“Coventry”) for cash proceeds of $2,203,333, net of commissions and expenses. The Policy, with a face amount of $7,000,000, was sold to Coventry pursuant to a Life Settlement Contract between the parties. The Life Settlement Contract contains customary covenants, representations and warranties of PIC, and PIC agrees to indemnify Coventry against certain losses, including losses related to (i) PIC’s failure to perform any of its obligations under the Life Settlement Contract, (ii) any representation made, or information provided, by PIC to Coventry which Coventry has reason to believe was false or misleading at the time it was provided, and (iii) any claim by the insurer, John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.), or any other party that the original owner or any beneficiary of the Policy lacked an insurable interest in the life of Mr. Paulson.
It is contemplated that the cash proceeds from the sale of the Policy will be contributed to a liquidating trust to be created for the benefit of the Company’s shareholders of record as of October 11, 2013.
b) On April 10, 2014, the Board of Directors granted 180,000 common shares to officers and directors under the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan.
c) On May 8, 2014, the Company, Variation Biotechnologies (US), Inc., a Delaware corporation (“VBI”), and VBI Acquisition Corp., a special purpose wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Merger Sub”), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, the Merger Sub will merge with and into VBI, with VBI surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the “VBI Merger”).
At the effective time of the VBI Merger, each share of VBI common stock and Series A Preferred Stock will be converted into the right to receive 1.226 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Paulson Common Stock”) (as may be adjusted under the Merger Agreement, the “Exchange Ratio”). No fraction of a share of Paulson Common Stock will be issued, but instead each holder of shares of VBI common stock and Series A Preferred Stock who would otherwise be entitled to a fraction of a share of Paulson Common Stock will receive from the Company one full share of Paulson Common Stock (i.e., rounded up to the nearest whole share). The total number of shares of Paulson Common Stock to be issued to the former holders of VBI common stock and Series A Preferred Stock at the effective time of the VBI Merger would be 42,772,713. These newly issued shares, together with the options to purchase shares of VBI common stock that will be converted into options to purchase shares of Paulson Common Stock (and will be assumed by the Company at the effective time of the VBI Merger), would represent approximately 41.5% of the shares of Paulson Common Stock on a fully diluted basis after the effective time of the VBI Merger (not including shares of Paulson Common Stock issued to VBI stockholders in the $11 million private placement contemplated to be completed concurrently with the VBI Merger).
Subject to, and immediately prior to the effective time of, the VBI Merger, all outstanding convertible debt securities issued by VBI will be converted into capital stock of VBI, and at the effective time of the VBI Merger, VBI shall have no convertible notes or other indebtedness outstanding (other than the Venture Debt, as defined in the Merger Agreement). At the effective time of the VBI Merger, each outstanding option to purchase a share of VBI common stock, whether vested or unvested, and so long as such option has not, prior to the effective time of the VBI Merger, been exercised, cancelled, terminated or expired, will be deemed to constitute an option to purchase, on the same terms and conditions, a number of shares of Paulson Common Stock (rounded down to the nearest whole share) equal to the product of (i) the number of shares of VBI common stock subject to such option multiplied by (ii) the Exchange Ratio (defined above), at an exercise price per share of Paulson Common Stock equal to the quotient of (i) the exercise price per share of VBI common stock (rounded up to the nearest cent) subject to such option divided by (ii) the Exchange Ratio.
The Company and VBI each made customary representations, warranties and covenants in the Merger Agreement, including, among others, covenants by each of the Company and VBI to, subject to certain exceptions, conduct its business in the ordinary course during the interim period between the execution of the Merger Agreement and the consummation of the VBI Merger.
The obligation of the parties to consummate the VBI Merger is subject to a number of closing conditions, including, among other things:
| • | | the Company’s stockholders will have approved the VBI Merger proposal at a special meeting of its shareholders to be held at a time and place to be determined, and VBI stockholders will have approved the VBI Merger; |
| | | |
| • | | the name of Paulson Capital (Delaware) Corp. must have been changed to“VBI Vaccines Inc.”; |
| | | |
| • | | the Company must have delivered to an escrow agent instructions as to the reserve for issuance of the number of shares of Paulson Common Stock equal to $1,000,000 divided by the price per share used in the private placement (described in the Merger Agreement) and must have deposited or caused to be deposited $250,000 with the escrow agent, each allocated among the VBI stockholders as provided in the Merger Agreement; |
| | | |
| • | | the Company must have furnished to VBI the Liquidating Trust Indemnification Agreement (as defined in the Merger Agreement), pursuant to which the Liquidating Trust agrees to stand behind the Company's indemnification obligations in the Merger Agreement; |
| | | |
| • | | the Company’s Board must have, upon the effective time of the VBI Merger: (i) increased the Company’s Board to seven directors; (ii) elected to the Board (a) the following five VBI director designees: Jeff Baxter, Steven Gillis (Chairman), Michael Steinmetz, Michel De Wilde and Sam Chawla; and (b) Trent Davis and Alan Timmins, as the two designees of the Company; and (iii) appointed as the officers of the Company Jeff Baxter, President & CEO; David Anderson, Senior Vice President, Research; Egidio Nascimento, Chief Financial Officer; Marc Kirchmeier, Vice President, Formulations; and T. Adam Buckley, Vice President, Operations & Project Management; |
| | | |
| • | | VBI and the Company must have in escrow for the benefit of the surviving company in the VBI Merger aggregate gross proceeds of at least $11,000,000 (rounded up to the nearest thousand) (or such lesser amount agreed to in writing by VBI in its sole discretion) received pursuant to a private placement of Paulson Common Stock solely to accredited investors in compliance with the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act or Rule 506 of Regulation D thereunder, on terms satisfactory to VBI and the Company; and the conditions to closing such private placement must have been satisfied and such amount of gross proceeds must be unencumbered cash available to the surviving company in the VBI Merger at the effective time of the VBI Merger; |
| | | |
| • | | holders of no more than 5% of the outstanding shares of VBI common stock and Series A Preferred Stock will have exercised, or remained entitled to exercise, their appraisal rights under Section 262 of the Delaware General Corporation Law; |
| | | |
| • | | the Company shall have entered into definitive documentation, reasonably acceptable to VBI, whereby the Company’s ownership in its operating subsidiary, Paulson Investment Company, Inc. (“PIC”) shall be reduced to 0.01%, by the issuance of equity securities to holders of convertible promissory notes of PIC and to members of PIC’s management team; |
| | | |
| • | | NASDAQ must have approved an initial listing application of VBI on a post-merger basis for purposes of listing of Paulson Common Stock on NASDAQ following the VBI Merger; the Company must be in compliance with all of NASDAQ’s criteria for continued listing; and Paulson Common Stock shall continue to be listed on NASDAQ from the date of the Merger Agreement through the closing of the VBI Merger; |
| • | | the Company must have completed the actions voted upon at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders as described in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed by the Company with the SEC on October 18, 2013; |
| | | |
| • | | the Company must have available not less than $5,250,000 in unencumbered cash invested by Hudson Bay Master Fund Ltd. and DKR Ventures, LLC (each a "July 2013 Investor") or their designees pursuant to the series of agreements described in the Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the SEC by the Company on August 30, 2013 (the “July 2013 Financing Documents”), all of the conditions to closing the transactions contemplated by the July 2013 Financing Documents must have been satisfied at or prior to the effective time of the VBI Merger and the $5,250,000 gross proceeds resulting from such closing must have been released from escrow to the Company at or prior to the effective time of the VBI Merger; |
| | | |
| • | | the Company shall have no material indebtedness for money borrowed except as directly attributable to PIC as set forth in the Merger Agreement and presented in the Company's financial statements provided pursuant to the Merger Agreement solely for the purpose of complying with ASC 810 – Consolidation; notwithstanding, however, that contemporaneously with the closing of the VBI Merger, the Company may issue up to $6 million in principal amount of non-convertible venture debt instruments to venture debt investors approved by VBI, including, without limitation, Perceptive Advisors LLC or its affiliated investment vehicles; |
| | | |
| • | | the Company’s Class A Warrants must have been exchanged for Paulson Common Stock; |
| | | |
| • | | the Company’s Class B Warrants must have been converted into Paulson Common Stock (or modified or exchanged for a new class of preferred stock of the Company); |
| | | |
| • | | all of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock issued pursuant to the July 2013 Financing Documents must have been converted to Paulson Common Stock; |
| | | |
| • | | the Interest Preservation Letter Agreement included in the July 2013 Financing Documents must have been terminated and must not be deemed a “Dilutive Acquisition” and must have no effect with respect to the VBI Merger or any issuances prior thereto; |
| | | |
| • | | The July 2013 Investors must not have any continuing “most favored nation” rights, registration rights (provided the provisions of Rule 144 are then applicable), anti-dilution rights or any other special investor rights except as may be granted to all investors in the private placement; |
| | | |
| • | | the Company must not have outstanding special investor rights (such as anti-dilution rights or registration rights) of holders of Paulson Common Stock and preferred stock other than registration rights of the July 2013 Investors if no Rule 144 resale exemption is available to them and other than as may be granted to all the investors in the private placement; |
| | | |
| • | | prior to the effective time of the VBI Merger, PIC shall have (i) obtained all requisite consents or approvals of FINRA pursuant to FINRA Conduct Rule 1017 relating to the change in equity ownership of PIC that may be deemed to result as a consequence of (A) the merger and (B) the issuances of PIC (or its successor) equity interests upon conversion of notes of PIC, in exchange for PIC Series B Preferred Stock and to PIC's management; |
| • | | the Company must have filed an amendment to its Certificate of Incorporation setting forth a certificate of designation of a new class of preferred stock of the Company (as required by the terms of secured convertible promissory notes issued by VBI in March 2014) that will not have any economic or voting preferences over the common stock of the Company but will have limits on the amount of common stock that may be issued upon conversion of such preferred stock; |
| | | |
| • | | the Company must have obtained stockholder approval of the reverse split proposal and effected a reverse split of the outstanding Paulson Common Stock if required for its market price on the NASDAQ Capital Market to be at least $4.00 per share at the closing of the VBI Merger or for such longer period as is required by the listing rules of the NASDAQ Capital Market; and |
| | | |
| • | | the Company must have obtained the stockholder approval of the VBI Equity Plan proposal, to become effective upon the closing of the VBI Merger; |
The Merger Agreement contains certain other termination rights for each of the Company and VBI, including the right of each party to terminate the Merger Agreement if the VBI Merger has not been consummated by July 25, 2014. In addition, VBI has the right to terminate the Merger Agreement if the Company becomes the subject of any proceeding of NASDAQ to delist the Company.
Concurrently with the execution of the Merger Agreement, certain stockholders of VBI and a holder of approximately 40% of the Paulson Common Stock, respectively, have entered into Voting Agreements, referred to as the “voting agreements,” pursuant to which those VBI and Company stockholders have, among other matters, agreed to support the VBI Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the VBI Merger. Under the voting agreements, in addition to agreeing to vote in favor of approval of the VBI Merger and the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, each VBI stockholder and the Company stockholder party to a voting agreement have agreed to not transfer, sell, offer to sell, exchange, assign, pledge or otherwise dispose of or encumber any of the VBI stock or stock of the Company held by such stockholders prior to the VBI Merger becoming effective, the termination of the Merger Agreement, or the amendment of the voting agreement in a manner adverse to the stockholder, whichever occurs first.
The foregoing description of the VBI Merger does not purport to be complete, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Company’s Preliminary Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on May 9, 2014 and itsCurrent Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 14, 2014.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND RISK FACTORS
This report, including, without limitation, Item 2. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” contains or incorporates both historical and “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “future” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Any such forward-looking statements in this report reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance and are subject to a variety of factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from historical results or from anticipated results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Because of such factors, we cannot assure you that the results anticipated in this report will be realized. As noted elsewhere in this report, various aspects of our business are subject to extreme volatility, often as a result of factors beyond our ability to anticipate or control. In particular, factors, such as the condition of the securities markets, which are in turn based on popular perceptions of the health of the economy generally, can be expected to affect the volume of our business as well as the value of the securities maintained in our trading and investment accounts. Other factors that may affect our future financial condition or results of operations include the following:
| ● | As described herein and in our Form 8-Ks filed with the SEC on May 9, 2014 and May 14, 2014, and in our Preliminary Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on May 9, 2014, all of which should be read in conjuction herewith, the Company has entered in agreements that, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, would result in a special purpose, wholly owned subsidiary of the Company merging with and into Variation Biotechnologies (US), Inc., a privately held company dedicated to the innovative formulation, development, and delivery of safe and effective prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines designed to expand and enhance vaccine protection in both established and emerging markets. The Company is also in the process of restructuring its broker-dealer business to allow for new owners, subject to regulatory approval; if these changes are implemented, the Company’s ownership in the broker-dealer business will be reduced to less than 1%. The Company may fail to get the shareholder and regulatory approvals necessary to effect the merger and/or the regulatory approval necessary to effect the change in ownership of the broker-dealer. Even if all necessary approvals are obtained, the changes may not benefit our shareholders over time. |
| ● | Aspects of our business are volatile and affected by factors beyond our control. |
| ● | Our ability to attract and retain customers may be affected by our reputation. |
| ● | We are subject to extensive regulation that could result in investigations, fines or other penalties. |
| ● | We face intense competition in our industry. |
| ● | Our future success depends on retaining existing management and hiring and assimilating new key employees, and our inability to attract or retain key personnel would materially harm our business and results of operations. |
| ● | We are subject to the risk of legal proceedings, which may result in significant losses to us that we cannot recover. Claimants in these proceedings may be customers, employees, investors or regulatory agencies, among others, seeking damages for mistakes, errors, negligence or acts of fraud by our employees. |
| ● | As a public company, we are subject to complex legal and accounting requirements that require us to incur substantial expense and expose us to risk of non-compliance. |
| ● | Our directors and executive officers control approximately 17% of our common stock and may have interests differing from those of other stockholders. |
GENERAL
Substantially all of our business has historically consisted of the securities brokerage and corporate finance activities of our majority-owned subsidiary, Paulson Investment Company, Inc. ("PIC"), which has operations in four principal categories, all of them in the financial services industry. These categories are:
| ● | corporate finance revenues consisting principally of underwriting discounts and underwriter warrants; |
| ● | securities trading from which we record profit or loss, depending on trading results; |
| ● | investment income resulting from earnings on, and increases or decreases in the value of, our investment portfolio; and |
| ● | securities brokerage activities for which we earn commission revenues. |
During the second quarter of fiscal 2012 ended June 30, 2012, the Company sold substantially all PIC's retail brokerage business to JHS Capital Advisors, LLC and is focusing its operations on boutique investment banking.
In addition, Paulson Capital Properties, LLC, a 100% owned subsidiary, was established for the purpose of purchasing, improving and remarketing underappreciated real estate. Through March 31, 2014, we had not purchased any real estate.
OVERVIEW
Because we operate in the financial services industry, our revenues and earnings are substantially affected by general conditions in financial markets. Further, past performance is not necessarily indicative of results to be expected in future periods. In our securities brokerage business, the amount of our revenues depends on levels of market activity requiring the services we provide. Our corporate finance activity, which consists of acting as the managing underwriter of initial and follow-on public offerings, private investments in public equity (“PIPEs”) and private placements for smaller companies, is similarly affected by the strength of the market for new equity offerings, which has historically experienced substantial cyclical fluctuation.
During the first quarter of 2014, the number of global IPO’s almost doubled to 81 compared to the first quarter of 2013, fueled by an increase in IPO’s in both Asia and Europe. Global IPO proceeds rose to $34.1 billion from $19.3 billion. The IPO market was very strong in the United States in the first quarter, with 64 companies going public for proceeds of $10.6 billion. Although the number of offerings was down compared to the 4th quarter of 2013, it was more than double the 31 IPO’s in the first quarter of 2013, which raised proceeds of $7.6 billion.
The outlook for the remainder of 2014 is encouraging both in the United States and globally as the demand for new public offerings is strong in multiple sectors, including among smaller capitalization companies. Pending regulatory changes under theJOBS Act has led to greater interest and activity in smaller and emerging growth companies. Although we attempt to match operating costs with activity levels, many of our expenses are either fixed or difficult to change on short notice. Accordingly, fluctuations in corporate finance revenues tend to result in sharper fluctuations, on a percentage basis, in net income or loss.
Our investment and trading income or loss is affected by changes in market valuation of securities generally and, in particular, by changes in valuation of the equity securities of microcap companies in which our investments and trading activities tend to be concentrated. Equity markets in general, and microcap equity markets in particular, have always experienced significant volatility and this volatility has, in recent years, been extreme. As a result, the value of our investment portfolio and securities held in connection with our trading and investment activities has experienced large quarterly fluctuations in income or loss, and our net worth has substantially increased or decreased as our securities holdings are marked to market.
A substantial portion of our corporate finance business consists of acting as placement agent of PIPEs and private placements for microcap and small-cap companies. As a part of our compensation for the underwriting and placement agent activities, we also typically receive warrants exercisable to purchase securities of the issuer similar to those that we offer and sell as underwriter or placement agent. The warrants have varying terms and conditions, and generally have a five-year expiration date and vest immediately. The warrants are generally subject to a restricted period of six months to one year in which we cannot exercise. The exercise price is typically 120% of the price at which the securities are initially sold in the offering in which we participated. Accordingly, unless there is at least a 20% increase in the price of these securities at more than six months and less than five years after the offering, the warrants will remain “under water” and will ultimately expire unexercised.
As of March 31, 2014, we held 13 underwriter warrants from 9 issuers. The fair market value of the underwriter warrants was $3.8 million, and 100% of this amount was “under water.”
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND USE OF ESTIMATES
We reaffirm the critical accounting policies and estimates as reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 18, 2014.
SALE OF RETAIL BROKERAGE OPERATIONS
In February 2012, the Company announced it had reached an agreement with JHS Capital Advisors, LLC (JHS) of Tampa, Florida to sell substantially all of its retail brokerage operations, including many of its branch and non-branch offices as well as registered personnel (employees and independent contractors), to JHS. Under the transaction, Paulson advisors became registered representatives of JHS and, through JHS, will continue to use RBC Correspondent Services, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, for custody of client assets and securities, trade execution and portfolio reporting.
The sale closed on April 16, 2012. Under the agreement, the Company was to be paid approximately $1,653,247 net of certain deductions for compensation expenses. $1,107,741 was received on closing on April 16, 2012, and the balance was paid over three installments on July 16, 2012, October 15, 2012 and January 11, 2013. The final purchase price was subject to recalculation after six months based upon the aggregate gross dealer commissions for the twelve month period ended at that time. After the recalculation, the final purchase price was $1,522,841. As of March 31, 2014, all amounts due under the agreement had been received by the Company.
The agreement also required 12 directors, officers and employees of the Company to enter into non-solicitation agreements pursuant to which they are prohibited from soliciting employees and registered representatives of JHS for two years from the closing date. These 12 people also entered into non-competition agreements which have since expired.
RESTRUCTURING OF THE COMPANY
Management and the Board of Directors have determined that due to market conditions and changes in government regulations, raising money for smaller capitalization and emerging companies has become very difficult for a company with Paulson’s historical structure. Therefore, the Company has begun to take certain steps to reorganize its business. At the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on November 8, 2013 (the “2013 Shareholders Meeting”), the Company’s shareholders approved several corporate restructuring proposals including $5.25 million of new investment, a possible reverse split of the Company’s Common Stock and change of the state of incorporation from Oregon to Delaware, the latter of which was effective in March 2014. Each proposed change is discussed below and in more detail in our definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on October 18, 2013 and the results of the Annual Meeting filed with the SEC on Form 8-K/A on November 18, 2013.
New investment and change in ownership of Paulson Investment Company
The Company is in the process of restructuring the business involving the broker-dealer license held by the Company’s subsidiary, Paulson Investment Company, Inc. (“PIC”). The restructuring, which is subject to approval by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), is contemplated to result in PIC ultimately being owned by management of PIC and outside investors.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2013, PIC received a $1,500,000 loan from a related-party investor pursuant to a convertible promissory note bearing 5% simple interest which is due on January 13, 2016. The note holder agreed the note would stop accruing interest after April 30, 2013. The note was amended and restated in the second quarter of 2014. The amended and restated note is mandatorily convertible into equity of PIC on the date that is 10 business days after the expiration of the 30-day waiting period following submission by PIC to FINRA of the Form CMA seeking approval for the issuance of securities of PIC upon conversion of the amended and restated note, but in no event earlier than the closing date of the proposed merger between the Company and Variation Biotechnologies (US), Inc. ("VBI"). The amended and restated note contemplates that PIC will be converted into a limited liability company (the "Converted Entity") prior to conversion of the amended and restated note. Upon the creation of the Converted Entity, all of the outstanding principal and interest under the amended and restated note shall be converted into a 35% membership interest in the Converted Entity.
During the second quarter of fiscal 2013, PIC issued 215,438 shares of series B preferred stock for $1,500,000. The series B preferred stock is afforded no conversion or voting rights. Upon a liquidation event, the shareholder would be given a liquidation preference equal to 15.79%. During the second quarter of 2014, the holder of the series B preferred stock and PIC entered into a securities exchange agreement providing that, on the date that is 10 business days after the expiration of the 30-day waiting period following submission by PIC to FINRA of the Form CMA seeking approval for the issuance of membership interests in the Converted Entity, but in no event earlier than the closing date of the proposed merger between PLCC and VBI, all shares of series B preferred stock shall be exchanged for a 12.5% membership interest in the Converted Entity.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, PIC received a $700,000 loan from an outside investor pursuant to a convertible promissory note bearing 5% simple interest, with a maturity date of July 1, 2014. During the second quarter of 2014, the note was amended and restated to extend the maturity date to December 31, 2014 and increase the interest rate to 10% per annum from after July 2, 2014. The outstanding principal under the amended and restated note is mandatorily convertible into an 11.6% equity interest in PIC (or other entity, if PIC is not a corporation at the time of conversion) on the date that is 10 business days after the expiration of the 30-day waiting period following submission by PIC to FINRA of the Form CMA seeking approval for the issuance of securities of PIC upon conversion of the amended and restated note, but in no event earlier than the closing date of the proposed merger between PLCC and VBI. At the time of conversion, accrued interest will be payable either in cash or additional equity.
Formation of Liquidating Trust
The Board of Directors of the Company has approved the formation of an irrevocable liquidating trust (the "Trust") for the benefit of shareholders of the Company as of the record date of October 11, 2013 (the “Record Date”). The Trust, if and when formed, will hold certain non-operating assets of PIC (the “Trust Assets”). Common shareholders of record as of the Record Date (the “Legacy Shareholders”) will be given non-transferable beneficial interests in the Trust in proportion to their pro rata ownership interest in the common stock of the Company as of the Record Date. It is expected the Trust Assets will be liquidated and distributed to the Legacy Shareholders over time.
As of the date of this report, the Trust had not yet been formed. Upon its formation, the Trust will hold certain non-operating assets of PIC consisting primarily of underwriter warrants, trading and investment securities, and cash and accounts receivable (the "Trust Assets"). Once the Trust Assets are transferred to the Trust, PIC and the Company will have no access or rights to the Trust Assets, but the Trust Assets may be subject to the claims of the Company’s general creditors.
Summary of Liquidating Trust Assets
The following is a summary of the assets as of March 31, 2014 that are proposed to be transferred into the Trust. The assets that are actually transferred into the Trust will be those available on the date of transfer:
| | March 31, 2014 | |
Assets | | | | |
Cash | | $ | 4,244,798 | |
Receivable from clearing organization | | | 421,047 | |
Notes and other receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $901,541 | | | 440,676 | |
Cash surrender value of life insurance policy(1) | | | 75,894 | |
Investment in PIC(2) | | | 500,000 | |
Trading securities owned, at fair value(3) | | | 2,262,574 | |
Investment securities owned, at fair value(4) | | | 717,000 | |
Underwriter warrants, at fair value(4) | | | 596,000 | |
Total Assets | | $ | 9,257,989 | |
Liabilities | | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | $ | 374,536 | |
Compensation, employee benefits and payroll taxes | | | 38,588 | |
Total Liabilities | | $ | 413,124 | |
Total Net Assets | | $ | 8,844,865 | |
(1) Subsequent to the quarter ended March 31, 2014, PIC completed the sale of the life insurance policy for cash proceeds of $2,203,333, net of commissions and expenses.
(2) Represents the estimated intangible value of the Trust’s proportionate equity interest in PIC.
(3) Securities are classified as Level 1 in Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements.
(4) Securities are classified as Level 3 in Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements.
In order to assure the availability of funds to satisfy the payment of indemnification obligations in connection with the 2013 PIPE Financing (as defined below), PIC shall deposit $250,000 in a segregated bank account, such funds to remain on deposit for 12 months from the date of release of the Investment Funds (as defined below) from escrow. The Investment Funds will be available to settle any claim by the Investors (as defined below) following release from escrow. In addition, PIC shall pay or set aside a sufficient portion of the Trust Assets or pay directly from the Trust for such period as is required to secure and maintain coverage for a period of two years following the date of release of the Investment Funds from escrow under (A) a policy providing for officers' and directors' liability no less favorable and in no lower amounts as is presently provided, and (B) its existing errors and omissions policy. Such obligation may be satisfied by prepayment or deposit in the segregated bank account.
On April 4, 2014, PIC completed the sale of the $7 million life insurance policy on its Founder and Chairman, Chester L.F. Paulson, to Coventry First LLC for cash proceeds of $2,203,333, net of commissions and expenses. The policy was sold pursuant to a Life Settlement Contract which contains customary covenants, representations and warranties of PIC. It is contemplated that the cash proceeds from the sale of the Policy will be added to the Trust.
The 2013 PIPE Financing will cause a change in control under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. As a result, future utilization of our net operating losses may be significantly limited. Notwithstanding this limitation, after consummation of the 2013 PIPE Financing such losses are generally available to offset unrecognized taxable gains present at the time of the 2013 PIPE Financing. Changes in control after the proposed transaction could further limit the ability to utilize all of our loss carryovers. Federal net operating loss carryforwards of $5.5 million at December 31, 2013 fully expire in 2033. State net operating loss carryforwards of $15.8 million at December 31, 2013, expire from 2014 through 2033. State net capital losses of $4.1 million at December 31, 2013 expire from 2014 to 2017.
PIPE Financings
On July 25, 2013, the Company entered into a series of agreements intended to secure investment in the Company of $5,250,000 (the “Investment Funds”) with DKR Ventures, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and Hudson Bay Master Fund Ltd., a Cayman Islands limited partnership (collectively, the “Investors”) in a private placement transaction (the “2013 PIPE Financing”) intended to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions.
Under the agreements, the Company will complete the private placement of a Unit consisting of (i) 287,773 shares of Common Stock; (ii) 500,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock; (iii) a Class A Warrant; and (iv) a Class B Warrant. Each share of Series A Preferred Stock has a stated value of $0.806974 and a conversion ratio of 2.305640603 per share of Common Stock, subject to adjustment. Each share of Series B Preferred Stock will be convertible into one share of Common Stock and have a stated value of $0.35 per share (the “Stated Value”) and a conversion ratio equal to one share of Common Stock for each share of Series B Preferred Stock outstanding, equal to a purchase price of $0.35 per share of Common Stock, subject to adjustment. The Class A Warrant is exercisable for up to 7,500,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock at a per share exercise price of $0.80, subject to adjustment, beginning on the date that is six months following the date of issuance and ending on the date that is five years thereafter. The Class B Warrant is exercisable for up to 13,559,407 shares of Series B Preferred Stock. The purchase price of one share of Common Stock underlying the Class B Warrant is deemed to be $0.35, subject to adjustment, without any payment of consideration by the Holder upon exercise. The Class B Warrant is exercisable beginning on the date that is six months following the date of issuance and ending on the date that is two years thereafter.
The Unit is governed by a “most favored nations” provision pursuant to which the Company will be obligated (with certain exceptions) to issue additional Units to the investors in the event the Company issues securities at a per share price less than $0.35 per share of Common Stock (prior to giving effect to any Reverse Split). Additionally, the holder of the Unit has the right to participate in future offerings of securities by the Company for a period of 24 months, and the Company will be required to file a registration statement covering the resale of the securities underlying the Unit within 180 days from the closing of the sale of the Unit. If the contemplated VBI Merger (as described above) is consummated, the holders of the Unit must not have any continuing “most favored nations” rights or other special investor rights.
The Company and DKR Ventures, LLC, the lead investor in the 2013 PIPE Financing, entered into an Interest Preservation Letter Agreement, under which the Company and the investor agreed if, within 18 months from the release from escrow of the securities underlying the Units to the purchasers and the purchase price to the Company, the Company consummates an acquisition in which it issues additional securities as payment therefor, which has the effect of causing the Legacy Shareholders to hold, in the aggregate, less than 5.5% of the outstanding capital stock of the Company (the “Target Percentage”), then the Company shall issue to the Legacy Shareholders, for no additional payment, pro rata in proportion to their interests on the Record Date, that number of shares of the Company's Common Stock necessary for the Legacy Holders to hold, collectively, the Target Percentage. If the contemplated VBI Merger (as described above) is consummated, this agreement will be terminated.
The Investment Funds have been placed in escrow pending satisfaction of certain conditions, including approval by the Company’s shareholders which was obtained at the 2013 Shareholder Meeting. The 2013 PIPE Financing is expected to close in the second or third quarter of 2014. As of March 31, 2014 and the date of this report, the 2013 PIPE Financing had not yet closed.
On January 29, 2014, the Company closed the private sale (the “2014 PIPE Financing”) of 500,000 shares of its Common Stock to six accredited investors at a price of $0.50 per share for gross proceeds of $250,000. The shares were sold without registration in reliance upon the private transaction exemption set forth in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and/or Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act.
Possible Reverse Stock Split of Common Stock
At the 2013 Shareholders Meeting, shareholders approved the proposal to grant the Board of Directors the authority to effect a reverse stock split of its Common Stock. The proposal permits, but does not require, the Board of Directors to effect a reverse stock split of the issued and outstanding Common Stock at any time prior to 18 months from the date of approval by a ratio of not less than one-for-two and not more than one-for-ten, with the exact ratio to be set within this range at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors. The Board reserves the right to elect to abandon the Reverse Stock Split, including any or all proposed reverse stock split ratios, if it determines, in its sole discretion, that the Reverse Stock Split is no longer in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.
After any reverse stock split, the Company will continue to be subject to the periodic reporting and other requirements of the Exchange Act. The Company intends to have its Common Stock continue to be listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “PLCC” subject to any decision of our Board of Directors to list our securities on an alternate stock exchange or any change of name and symbol. To avoid the existence of fractional shares of our Common Stock, the Company will pay cash in lieu of fractional shares.
As of the date of this report, the Board of Directors had not acted to effect a reverse stock split of the Common Stock.
Classification of the Board of Directors
At the 2013 Shareholders Meeting, the shareholders approved an amendment and restatement of the Articles of Incorporation to classify the Board of Directors into three classes with staggered terms, with one class being elected each year to serve a staggered three-year term. Directors in each class were elected at the 2013 Shareholders Meeting. The directors initially elected in Class I serve until the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the directors initially elected in Class II serve until the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and the directors initially elected in Class III serve until the 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Beginning with the election of directors to be held at the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and going forward, the class of directors to be elected in such year would be elected for a three-year term, and at each successive Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the class of directors to be elected in such year would be elected for a three-year term, so that the term of office of one class of directors shall expire in each year. Effective March 20, 2014, the Articles of Incorporation were amended and restated to change the classification of the Board of Directors.
Change of State of Incorporation
At the 2013 Shareholders Meeting, the shareholders approved a proposal to change the Company’s state of incorporation to Delaware from Oregon (the “Reincorporation”). Effective March 20, 2014 (the “Effective Date”), the Company completed the change of state of incorporation pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger between the Company’s predecessor entity, Paulson Capital Corp., an Oregon corporation (“Paulson Oregon”), and Paulson Oregon’s wholly owned subsidiary, Paulson Capital (Delaware) Corp., a Delaware corporation (“Paulson Delaware”). As a result of the Reincorporation, the Company is now Paulson Delaware, its name is “Paulson Capital (Delaware) Corp.” and Paulson Oregon no longer exists. The directors and officers of Paulson Oregon continue to be the directors and officers of the Company, and the Company continues to operate the business of Paulson Oregon as it existed immediately prior to the Reincorporation.
On the Effective Date, (i) each share of Paulson Oregon’s common stock, no par value, issued and outstanding was automatically converted into one share of Paulson Delaware’s common stock, $0.0001 par value (the “Common Stock”); (ii) each share of Paulson Oregon’s preferred stock, no par value, issued and outstanding was automatically converted into one share of Paulson Delaware’s preferred stock, $0.0001 par value (the “Preferred Stock”), and (iii) any options, warrants, or other securities of Paulson Oregon shall be enforced against Paulson Delaware to the same extent as if such options, warrants or other securities had been issued by Paulson Delaware. Paulson Oregon shareholders may, but are not required to, exchange their stock certificates as a result of the Reincorporation.
Prior to the Effective Date, the rights of Paulson Oregon’s shareholders were governed by the Oregon Business Corporation Act (the “OBCA”), Paulson Oregon’s Articles of Incorporation and its Amended and Restated Bylaws. As a result of the Reincorporation, holders of Paulson Oregon’s common stock and preferred stock are now holders of the Common Stock and the Preferred Stock, respectively, and their rights as shareholders are now governed by the Delaware General Corporation Law and the following documents: (i) Paulson Delaware’s Certificate of Incorporation (the “Certificate of Incorporation”); (ii) Paulson Delaware’s Bylaws (the “Bylaws”); (iii) and Paulson Delaware’s Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Certificate of Designation”). The Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws and the Certificate of Designation were each approved substantially in the form filed with the Secretary of State of Delaware by the shareholders at the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on November 8, 2013. Copies of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws and the Certificate of Designation have been filed as Exhibits to the Form 8-K filed on March 26, 2014.
In accordance with Rule 12g-3 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the shares of Common Stock of Paulson Delaware were deemed to be registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act as the successor to Paulson Oregon. The Common Stock continues to be listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “PLCC.”
Increase to the Number of Authorized Shares
At the 2013 Shareholders Meeting, shareholders approved the amendment and restatement of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation to increase the authorized capital stock from 10,000,000 shares of Common Stock, no par value per share, and 500,000 shares of preferred stock, no par value, to 90,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and 30,000,000 shares of “Blank Check” Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share. Effective March 20, 2014, the Company completed the change of its State of Incorporation from Oregon to Delaware and the increase in its authorized capital stock.
Under the Company’s 1999 Stock Option Plan, which expired in September 2009, 180,000 shares of Common Stock are reserved for potential future issuance pursuant to the Company’s outstanding options. Pursuant to the Company’s 2013 Equity Incentive Plan as approved by shareholders at the 2013 Shareholders Meeting, the Company has reserved 1,500,000 shares of Common Stock for potential future issuance; options to purchase 300,000 shares have been granted under this plan.
During the first quarter of 2014, the Company issued 1,020,000 common shares to officers and directors under the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan, which was recorded as commissions and salaries expense based on the closing price of stock on that date. The Company also closed the private sale of 500,000 shares of its Common Stock to accredited investors at a price of $0.50 per share for gross proceeds of $250,000. During the second quarter of 2014, the Company issued 180,000 common shares to officers and directors under the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan. As of the date of this report, the Company had 90,000,000 shares of Common Stock authorized and 7,793,258 shares issued (including 7,505,485 issued and outstanding, and 287,773 contingently issued upon breaking escrow) and 30,000,000 shares of “Blank Check” Preferred Stock authorized and no preferred shares issued and outstanding.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Our revenues and operating results are influenced by fluctuations in the equity markets as well as general economic and market conditions, particularly conditions in the NASDAQ and over-the-counter markets, where our investment and trading positions and the underlying stock for the underwriter warrants are heavily concentrated. Significant fluctuations can occur in our revenues and operating results from one period to another. Our results of operations depend upon many factors, such as the number of companies that are seeking financing, the quality and financial condition of those companies, market conditions in general, the performance of our previous underwritings and interest in certain industries by investors. As a result, revenues and income derived from these activities may vary significantly from period to period. Our revenues include the following:
| ● | corporate finance revenues consisting principally of underwriting discounts and underwriter warrants; |
| ● | securities trading from which we record profit or loss, depending on trading results; |
| ● | investment income resulting from earnings on, and increases or decreases in the value of, our investment portfolio; and |
| ● | securities brokerage activities for which we earn commission revenues. |
The following tables set forth the changes in our operating results in three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
| | Three Months Ended March 31, | | | Favorable (Unfavorable) | | | Percentage | |
| | 2014 | | | 2013 | | | Change | | | Change | |
Revenues: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Commissions | | $ | 1,736 | | | $ | 198 | | | $ | 1,538 | | | | 776.8 | % |
Corporate finance | | | 308 | | | | 88 | | | | 220 | | | | 250.0 | |
Investment income | | | 15 | | | | 724 | | | | (709 | ) | | | (97.9 | ) |
Trading income (loss) | | | (1,552 | ) | | | 189 | | | | (1,741 | ) | | | (921.2 | ) |
Interest and dividends | | | 9 | | | | 6 | | | | 3 | | | | 50.0 | |
Other | | | - | | | | 45 | | | | (45 | ) | | | (100.0 | ) |
Total revenues | | | 516 | | | | 1,251 | | | | (735 | ) | | | (58.7 | ) |
Expenses: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Commissions and salaries | | | 2,792 | | | | 602 | | | | (2,190 | ) | | | (363.8 | ) |
Underwriter warrant commissions | | | (1,114 | ) | | | - | | | | (1,114 | ) | | | (100.0 | ) |
Underwriting expenses | | | 17 | | | | 22 | | | | 5 | | | | 22.7 | |
Clearing expenses | | | 24 | | | | 19 | | | | (5 | ) | | | (26.3 | ) |
Rent and utilities | | | 94 | | | | 51 | | | | (43 | ) | | | (84.3 | ) |
Communication and quotation services | | | 30 | | | | 25 | | | | (5 | ) | | | (20.0 | ) |
Professional fees | | | 390 | | | | 335 | | | | (55 | ) | | | (16.4 | ) |
Travel and entertainment | | | 33 | | | | 13 | | | | (20 | ) | | | (153.8 | ) |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 9 | | | | 1 | | | | (8 | ) | | | (800.0 | ) |
Licenses, taxes and insurance | | | 175 | | | | 183 | | | | 8 | | | | 4.4 | |
Interest | | | 18 | | | | 16 | | | | (2 | ) | | | (12.5 | ) |
Other | | | 128 | | | | 223 | | | | 95 | | | | 42.6 | |
Total expenses | | | 2,596 | | | | 1,490 | | | | (1,106 | ) | | | (74.2 | ) |
Loss before income taxes | | $ | (2,080 | ) | | $ | (240 | ) | | $ | (1,840 | ) | | | (766.7 | )% |
________________
*Not meaningful.
Revenues
The markets in the United States in the first quarter of 2014 were relatively unchanged during the period. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined by 0.7%, while the NASDAQ gained 0.5%. Market sentiment, however, remains positive, and the outlook of improved corporate earnings and the stronger IPO market are expected to support the markets from the remainder of 2014.
Commissions increased by 777% during the first quarter ended March 31, 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013. The increase is attributable to additional registered representatives in the current period as well as two new office locations in New York City and Novato, California which were opened in the second half of 2013. As of March 31, 2014, the Company had 31 registered representatives, which were included in the Company's 46 employees, compared to 14 registered representatives as of March 31, 2013.
Corporate finance income in the first quarter of 2014 increased 250% from the first quarter of 2013. The Company participated in five private offerings in the first quarter of 2014, in which we raised $31.8 million in gross proceeds. In the first quarter of 2013, we acted as managing underwriter in a $1.7 million PIPE offering for Methes Energies, International, and acted as lead placement agent and partially closed an ongoing private placement for a company in the life science industry.
Investment income (loss) included the following (in thousands):
| | Three months Ended March 31, | |
| | 2014 | | | 2013 | |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) related to underwriter warrants | | $ | (1,453 | ) | | $ | 601 | |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of securities held based on quoted market prices or, for securities that are not readily marketable, our estimate of their fair value | | | 1,928 | | | | (14 | ) |
Net realized gain (loss) on the sale of securities with quoted market prices and securities that are not readily marketable | | | (460 | ) | | | 137 | |
| | $ | 15 | | | $ | 724 | |
During the first quarter of 2014, we sold one private investment with a realized loss of $415,000, which was the primary contributor to the quarter’s $460,000 total realized loss on the sale of securities. In the first quarter of 2013, we exercised and sold approximately 10% of one of our underwriter warrant positions. Generally, when we exercise a warrant to obtain the underlying common stock, the common stock is subsequently sold in the near term and the related gain is reflected as a component of investment income.
Investment income (loss) is volatile from period to period due to the fact that it is driven by the fair value of the securities and underwriter warrants held. In addition, the performance of the securities in which we have a concentration can significantly affect our investment income from period to period.
Trading loss was $1.552 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to trading income of $189,000 in the first quarter of 2013. The trading income was negatively affected by the market value of certain securities in which we make a market. Our focus is on very small capitalization issues, especially those tied to our corporate finance clients.
Expenses
Total expenses increased by $1.106 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013. The increase for the quarter was due to the new offices in New York and Novato and higher number of employees compared to the same period in 2013.
Underwriter warrant commissions were negative for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 due to a reduction in the fair value of warrants payable to employees.
Professional fees increased by $55,000 in the first quarter of 2014 as additional fees were incurred due to the reincorporation of the Company from Oregon to Delaware. Underwriting expenses decreased by $5,000 in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. Expenses vary due to the timing and level of investment banking activity. Underwriter warrant commissions were $5,000, as a percentage of the warrants earned through the Company’s underwriting activities are owed to certain employees as compensation. There was no underwriter warrant commission expense in the first quarter of 2013.
During the second quarter of 2013, the Company entered into a 5-year lease for office space for our 15 new investment banking employees in New York City. The Company also relocated its Portland office to a smaller office space, signing an 18-month sub-lease agreement in April 2013.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our primary sources of liquidity include our cash and receivables from our clearing organization, offset by payables to our clearing organization. During the first quarter of 2014, the Company completed the private placement of 500,000 at $0.50 per share for proceeds of $250,000. During the first quarter of 2013, PIC received a $1.5 million loan, and during the second quarter of 2013, a $1.5 million investment in preferred stock of PIC, both from an outside investor.
In addition, our sources of liquidity include, to a certain extent, our trading positions, borrowings on those positions and profits realized upon the sale of the securities underlying underwriter warrants exercised. The liquidity of the market for many of our securities holdings, however, varies with trends in the stock market. Since many of the securities we hold are thinly traded, and we are, in certain cases, a primary market maker in the issues held, any significant sales of our positions could adversely affect the liquidity of the issues held. In general, falling prices in NASDAQ and over-the-counter securities (which make up most of our trading positions) lead to decreased liquidity in the market for these issues, while rising prices in NASDAQ and over-the-counter issues tend to increase the liquidity of the market for these securities.
We believe our cash and receivables at March 31, 2014 are sufficient to meet our cash and regulatory net capital needs for at least the next twelve-month period from March 31, 2014. Our liquidity could be negatively affected by protracted unfavorable market conditions.
As a securities broker-dealer, we are required by SEC regulations to meet certain liquidity and capital standards. We believe we were in compliance with these standards at March 31, 2014.
Following the lapse of restrictions upon issuance, capital available from the sale of the underlying securities of underwriter warrants exercised can fluctuate significantly from period to period as the value of the underlying securities fluctuates with overall market and individual company financial condition or performance. There is no public market for the underwriter warrants. The securities receivable upon exercise of the underwriter warrants cannot be resold unless the issuer has registered these securities with the SEC and with the states in which the securities will be sold unless exemptions are available. Any delay or other problem in the registration of these securities would have an adverse impact upon our ability to obtain funds from the exercise of the underwriter warrants and the resale of the underlying securities.
At March 31, 2014, we owned 13 underwriter warrants from 9 issuers, all of which were exercisable. None of the warrants had an exercise price below the March 31, 2014 market price of the securities receivable upon exercise. There is little or no direct relationship between the intrinsic value of our underwriter warrants at the end of any given period and the fair value calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The prices of the securities underlying the underwriter warrants are very volatile, and substantial fluctuations in their fair value can be expected in the future.
Cash used by operating activities totaled $1.204 million in the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, including our net loss of $2.089 million and changes in our operating assets and liabilities as discussed in more detail below.
Our net receivable from our clearing organization totaled $446,000 at March 31, 2014 and $445,000 at December 31, 2013. Our net receivable from our clearing organization is affected by the results of the activity in our trading and investment accounts, as well as the timing of general corporate expenditures and cash flow requirements.
Notes and other receivables increased $101,000 to $1.88 million at March 31, 2014 from $1.78 million at December 31, 2013. The notes are primarily related to loans issued to the Company’s newest employees.
Other assets increased $208,000 to $287,000 at March 31, 2014 from $78,000 at December 31, 2013. These assets represent the capitalized incremental direct costs related to the restructuring of the Company and the PIPE financings.
Cash used by investing activities totaled $6,000 in the quarter ended March 31, 2014. This amount was due to the purchase of furniture and equipment. Purchase of furniture and equipment used cash of $13,000 in the quarter ended March 31, 2013.
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock provided cash of $250,000 in the quarter ended March 31, 2014. In the quarter ended March 31, 2013, advance from related party provided cash of $1,500,000.
Changes in our trading and investment securities owned are dependent on the purchase and sale of securities during the period, as well as changes in their fair values during the period.
A summary of activity related to the fair value of our underwriter warrants is as follows (in thousands):
Balance, December 31, 2013 | | $ | 5,276 | |
Receipt of underwriter warrants | | | - | |
Net unrealized loss on value of warrants | | | (1,453 | ) |
Warrants exercised or expired | | | - | |
Balance, March 31, 2014 | | $ | 3,823 | |
In September 2001, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program pursuant to which we are authorized to repurchase up to 600,000 shares of our common stock. In June 2008, our Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to a total of an additional 200,000 shares of our common stock. Through March 31, 2014, a total of 731,989 shares had been repurchased and 68,011 shares remained available for repurchase under the program. This repurchase program does not have an expiration date.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
NEW ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE
See Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Not required for Smaller Reporting Companies.
Item 4.Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management has evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported in a timely manner, and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 6.Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed herewith and this list is intended to constitute the exhibit index:
2.1 | Agreement and Plan of Merger (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 26, 2014) | |
3.1 | Certificate of Incorporation of Paulson Capital (Delaware) Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 26, 2014) | |
3.2 | Bylaws of Paulson Capital (Delaware) Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 26, 2014) | |
3.3 | Certificate of Designation for Series A Preferred Stock of Paulson Capital (Delaware) Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 26, 2014) | |
4.1 | Form of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 26, 2014) | |
10.1 | Subscription Agreement with Christopher Crupi (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014). | |
10.2 | Subscription Agreement with Hope Adams C/F Sara Adams(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014). | |
10.3 | Subscription Agreement with Jill Strauss(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014). | |
10.4 | Subscription Agreement with Robert B. Prag(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014). | |
10.5 | Subscription Agreement with Melachdavid Inc. Retirement Plan(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014). | |
10.6 | Subscription Agreement with USCL Policy 2013-017(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014). | |
31.1* | Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. | |
31.2* | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. | |
32.1** | Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. | |
32.2** | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. | |
101.INS | XBRL Instance | |
101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema | |
101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation | |
101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition | |
101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels | |
101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation | |
* | Filed herewith |
** | Furnished herewith |
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.
Date: June 17, 2014 | PAULSON CAPITAL (DELAWARE) CORP. | |
| | | |
| | | |
| By: | /s/ Trent D. Davis | |
| | Trent D. Davis President Principal Executive Officer | |
| | | |
| | | |
| By: | /s/Murray G. Smith | |
| | Murray G. Smith | |
| | Chief Financial Officer Principal Financial Officer | |
28