SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q X QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003 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 No. 0-6729 FIRST MONTAUK FINANCIAL CORP (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) New Jersey 22-1737915 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification Number) Parkway 109 Office Center, 328 Newman Springs Rd., Red Bank, NJ 07701 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (732) 842-4700 Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report. Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (l) 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 whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes No X APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS: ------------------------------------- 8,945,484 Common Shares, no par value, were outstanding as of November 14, 2003. Page 1 of 23 02 FIRST MONTAUK FINANCIAL CORP FORM 10-Q SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 INDEX Page PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Item 1. Financial Statements Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002 ......... 3 Consolidated Statements of Loss for the Nine Months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 and Three Months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 ........... 4 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 ....... 5 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ................ 6-9 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations .........10-15 Item 3. Market Risk ...................................... 15 Item 4. Controls and Procedures .......................... 16 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION: Item 1. Legal Proceedings ............................... 17 Item 2. Changes in Securities ........................... 17 Item 5. Other Information................................ 17 Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K................. 18 Signatures ............................................... 19 Officers' Certifications .................................20-23 03 FIRST MONTAUK FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION September 30, December 31, 2003 2002 (unaudited) ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,012,156 $ 2,638,819 Due from clearing firm 4,616,451 4,591,701 Trading and investment account securities 782,861 183,944 Employee and broker receivables 888,036 1,070,087 Loans receivable - officers 159,415 178,936 Property and equipment - net 1,144,164 1,396,892 Income tax refund receivable - 212,300 Deferred income taxes - net 460,000 460,000 Other assets 1,359,368 692,827 -------------- -------------- Total assets $ 10,422,451 $ 11,425,506 =============== =============== LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT Deferred income $ 4,933,995 $ 5,456,323 Securities sold, not yet purchased, at market 112,359 - Notes payable - 48,057 Commissions payable 4,145,168 2,681,128 Accounts payable 857,329 577,225 Accrued expenses 1,652,826 1,987,871 Capital leases payable 180,212 343,682 6% convertible debentures 1,240,000 1,030,000 Other liabilities 34,846 78,910 -------------- -------------- Total liabilities 13,156,735 12,203,196 --------------- -------------- Commitments and contingencies (See Notes) Stockholders' deficit Preferred Stock, 4,375,000 shares authorized, $.10 par value, no shares issued and outstanding - - Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, 625,000 shares authorized, $.10 par value, 330,250 shares issued and outstanding; liquidation preference: $1,651,250 33,025 33,025 Common Stock, no par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized, 9,027,164 and 8,527,164 shares issued and outstanding, respectively 3,576,220 3,416,220 Additional paid-in capital 3,939,110 3,918,930 Accumulated deficit (10,259,969) (8,135,777) Less: Deferred compensation (22,670) (10,088) -------------- --------------- Total stockholders' deficit (2,734,284) (777,690) -------------- --------------- Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit $ 10,422,451 $ 11,425,506 ============== =============== See notes to financial statements. 04 FIRST MONTAUK FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF LOSS Nine months ended September 30, Three months ended September 30, 2003 2002 2003 2002 (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) Revenues: Commissions $ 30,193,458 $ 28,185,933 $ 11,302,047 $ 8,071,624 Principal transactions 8,136,465 5,196,757 2,633,039 1,566,174 Investment banking 617,506 110,594 254,091 7,574 Interest and other income 3,082,756 2,870,655 982,371 1,093,370 --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- 42,030,185 36,363,939 15,171,548 10,738,742 --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- Expenses: Commissions, employee compensation and benefits 33,204,961 29,963,056 11,723,412 8,606,612 Clearing and floor brokerage 2,102,721 2,010,368 744,839 643,283 Communications and occupancy 2,021,361 2,340,744 647,213 786,546 Legal matters and related costs 4,385,437 755,973 1,540,317 116,032 Other operating expenses 2,291,296 2,985,406 758,103 1,063,728 Interest 123,762 81,712 46,205 27,067 --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- 44,129,538 38,137,259 15,460,089 11,243,268 --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- Net loss (2,099,353) (1,773,320) (288,541) (504,526) =============== =============== =============== =============== Net loss applicable to common stockholders $ (2,124,192) $ (1,847,838) $ (288,541) $ (529,365) =============== =============== =============== =============== Per share of Common Stock: Basic and diluted $ (0.25) $ (0.22) $ (0.03) $ (0.06) =============== =============== =============== =============== Number of common shares used in basic and diluted loss per share 8,666,358 8,560,946 8,940,207 8,525,284 =============== =============== =============== =============== See notes to financial statements. 05 FIRST MONTAUK FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Nine months ended September 30, 2003 2002 (unaudited) (unaudited) INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash flows from operating activities: Net loss $ (2,099,353) $ (1,773,320) --------------- --------------- Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: Depreciation 379,274 380,457 Amortization 15,486 11,580 Common stock issued in legal settlement 160,000 - Increase (decrease) in cash attributable to changes in assets and liabilities Due from clearing firm (24,750) (502,860) Trading and investment account securities (598,917) 614,903 Loans receivable - officers 19,521 (24,119) Employee and broker receivables 182,051 770,519 Other assets (674,429) 259,983 Income tax refund receivable 212,300 1,069,442 Deferred income (522,328) (416,822) Securities sold, not yet purchased 112,359 (141,729) Commissions payable 1,464,040 (885,350) Accounts payable 280,104 141,433 Accrued expenses (335,045) 1,700 Other liabilities (44,064) (457,508) --------------- --------------- Total adjustments 625,602 821,629 --------------- --------------- Net cash used in operating activities (1,473,751) (951,691) --------------- --------------- Cash flows from investing activities: Additions to property and equipment (126,546) (171,881) --------------- --------------- Cash flows from financing activities: Payment of notes payable (48,057) (185,558) Payments of capital leases (163,470) (146,891) Proceeds from issuance of 6% convertible debentures 210,000 - Payment toward purchase of treasury stock - (25,016) Payments of preferred stock dividends (24,839) (74,518) --------------- --------------- Net cash used in financing activities (26,366) (431,983) --------------- --------------- Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (1,626,663) (1,555,555) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 2,638,819 1,779,554 --------------- --------------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 1,012,156 223,999 =============== =============== Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: Cash paid (received) during the period for: Interest $ 120,658 $ 69,712 =============== =============== Income taxes $ (188,205) $ (1,113,646) =============== =============== Noncash financing activity: Value of warrants charged to deferred financing costs in connection with debenture offering $ 2,178 $ - =============== =============== See notes to financial statements. 06 FIRST MONTAUK FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 NOTE 1 - MANAGEMENT REPRESENTATION The accompanying financial statements are unaudited for the interim periods, but include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) which management considers necessary for the fair presentation of results at September 30, 2003 and 2002. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could vary from these estimates. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's Annual Report at, and for the year ended December 31, 2002, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K. The results reflected for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2003, are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire fiscal year to end on December 31, 2003. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the year. Actual results could differ from those estimates. NOTE 2 - NET LOSS PER SHARE Basic loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted loss per share reflects the potential dilution from the exercise or conversion of other securities into common stock, but only if dilutive. The following securities have been excluded from the dilutive per share computation as they are antidilutive: Nine months ended September 30, 2003 2002 ---- ---- Stock options 3,724,498 3,612,998 Warrants 3,971,446 9,242,338 Convertible debt 2,480,000 66,404 Convertible preferred stock 660,500 662,380 NOTE 3 - OTHER INCOME Advances received under the Company's financial agreement with its clearing firm are deferred and amortized to income over the remaining term of the agreement on a straight-line basis. Other income for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 included amortization of $522,328, $174,109, $428,822, and $135,047, respectively. NOTE 4 - OTHER ASSETS Other assets consist of the following: September 30, December 31, 2003 2002 ---- ---- Prepaid insurance $ 544,818 $256,215 Other assets 814,550 436,612 ------- ------- $1,359,368 $692,827 ========= ======= Prepaid insurance includes unamortized premiums for various corporate insurance policies. The Company has incurred significant premium increases in 2003 over the prior year for errors and omissions (E&O) coverage for the annual policy period that commenced January 31, 2003. NOTE 5 - 6% CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES In December 2002 and January 2003, the Company raised gross proceeds of $1,240,000 in a private placement of 6% convertible debentures. The debentures are convertible into 2,480,000 shares of common stock at $.50 per share, subject to adjustment for stock dividends and stock splits, and mature five years from the date of issuance unless previously converted. Interest is payable in cash on a semi-annual basis until maturity or conversion, commencing on April 1, 2003. In the event that the closing bid price of the Company's common stock is 200% of the conversion price for the twenty (20) consecutive trading days prior to the 07 date of notice of conversion or prepayment, the Company, at its option, may upon thirty (30) days written notice to the holders, demand the conversion of some or all of the debentures, or prepay some or all of the debentures at the following prepayment prices: 130% of the principal amount if prepaid from the date of issuance until the first anniversary of the date of issuance; 120% of the principal amount if prepaid anytime thereafter. The debentures contain certain covenants which, among other things, prevent the sale of all or substantially all of the Company's assets without provision for the payment of the debentures from such sales proceeds, and making loans to any executive officers or 5% stockholders. Offering costs of approximately $64,000 have been capitalized and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the debentures. NOTE 6 - STOCK OPTIONS In December 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation -- Transition and Disclosure" ("FAS 148"), which (i) amends FAS Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," to provide alternative methods of transition for an entity that voluntarily changes to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation; (ii) amends the disclosure provisions of, FAS 123 to require prominent disclosure about the effects on reported net income of an entity's accounting policy decisions with respect to stock-based employee compensation; and iii) amends APB opinion No. 28, "Interim Financial Reporting," to require disclosure about those effects in interim financial information. Items (ii) and (iii) of the new requirements in FAS 148 are effective for financial statements for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002. The Company has adopted FAS 148 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 and continues to account for stock-based compensation utilizing the intrinsic value method. The additional disclosures required by FAS 148 are as follows: Nine months ended September 30, Three months ended September 30, 2003 2002 2003 2002 ---- ---- ---- ---- Net loss applicable to common stockholders, as reported $(2,124,192) $(1,847,838) $ (288,541) $ (529,365) Deduct: Total stock based compensation expense determined under the fair value based method for all awards, net of tax (65,798) (110,830) (25,127) (33,531) ---------- ----------- ---------- -------- Pro forma net loss $(2,189,990) $(1,958,668) $ (313,668) $ (562,896) ========== ========== ========== ========= Loss per share: Basic and diluted - as reported (0.25) (0.22) (0.03) (0.06) Basic and diluted - pro forma (0.25) (0.23) (0.04) (0.06) Pro forma net loss and loss per share information, as required by SFAS No. 123, have been determined as if the Company had accounted for employee stock options under the fair value method. NOTE 7 - LEGAL MATTERS On July 17, 2003, the Company and its broker-dealer subsidiary, First Montauk Securities Corp. ("FMSC") entered into an agreement with certain claimants in order to settle pending arbitration proceedings. The litigation arose out of customer purchases of certain high-yield corporate bonds that declined in market value or defaulted. The settlement agreement covers eleven separate claims which sought an aggregate of approximately $12.3 million in damages. In exchange for the consideration provided by the Company, each claimant granted a general release of claims in favor of the Company and all individual respondents, with the exception of the former registered representative who had handled the claimants' accounts. The Company paid an aggregate of $1,000,000 cash, and issued to the claimants 500,000 shares of the Company's common stock valued at $160,000 based on the stock's quoted market price. The Company also issued to the claimants five-year warrants to purchase an aggregate of 750,000 common shares. The warrants have been issued in three classes of 250,000 warrants each. The first class has an exercise price of $.40 per share; the other two classes have exercise prices of $.25 per share. The settlement agreement provides that the Company may be obligated to make additional payments of up to $600,000, in the event that claimants elect to exercise the warrants on certain dates. Specifically, upon the election of the 08 majority of then existing warrant holders to exercise up to a maximum of 250,000 warrants of a particular class, respectively, during the months of June 2004, June 2005 and June 2006 (the "Required Exercise Event"), the claimants, upon exercising their warrants, will be required to sell the shares in the open market. If the warrants are exercised and the shares sold, the Company will pay to the claimants up to an aggregate amount of $200,000 less the amount received by the claimants from the sale of their shares, net of commissions. In the alternative, the Company may elect or be required to redeem the warrants depending upon the then prevailing market price of the Company's Common Stock on or about the date of the Required Exercise Event for up to $.80 per warrant, or a maximum of $200,000 per class. In the event that warrant holders of a particular class elect not to declare a Required Exercise Event, the Company's guarantee will be canceled for that year. In July 2003, the Company valued the warrants at $441,000 using the discounted cash flow method. In accordance with the provisions of FAS 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity," the Company is required to re-measure the fair value of the warrants as of the end of each reporting period until the Company's obligations with respect to the warrants are resolved. The warrant value increased to $460,000 as of September 30, 2003. Changes in fair value are being recognized in earnings. The Company has agreed to register all shares of common stock underlying the warrants and fifty percent of the shares of common stock issued outright. There are currently fifteen other related arbitrations pending representing in excess of $4.1 million in asserted damages plus interest. The Company is vigorously defending these actions and believes that there are meritorious defenses in each case. There is no remaining insurance coverage available for the payment of settlements and/or judgments that may result from these claims. In August 2003, an NASD arbitration panel rendered an award of $616,000 plus interest against FMSC and FMSC's former broker. FMSC has filed an appeal of this award in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, alleging that the panel made material mistakes of fact and law in awarding damages to the claimants. FMSC has filed a notice of claim with its fidelity bond carrier, seeking coverage for the loss incurred on account of the former broker's conduct. FMSC cannot give assurance that coverage will be approved, or if it is approved, that the loss will be fully insured. FMSC is also a respondent or co-respondent in other legal proceedings related to its securities business. FMSC is contesting these claims and believes there are meritorious defenses in each case. The availability of insurance coverage in any particular case is determined on a case by case basis by the insurance carrier, and is limited to the coverage limits within the policy for any individual claim and in the aggregate. As of September 30, 2003, the Company has accrued approximately $1,416,000, including the value of the settlement warrants, for litigation costs that are probable and can be reasonably estimated based on a review of existing claims, arbitrations and unpaid settlements. Management cannot give any assurance that this accrual will be adequate to cover actual costs that may be subsequently incurred. It is not possible to predict the outcome of other matters pending against FMSC. All such cases are, and will continue to be, vigorously defended. However, litigation is subject to many uncertainties, and some of these actions and proceedings may result in adverse judgments. After considering all relevant facts, available insurance coverage and the advice of litigation counsel, it is possible that the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows could be materially affected by unfavorable outcomes or settlements of certain pending litigation. 09 NOTE 8 - INCOME TAXES The Company has reported an effective tax rate of 0% for all periods presented due to net operating losses. The tax benefits of these losses and other temporary differences have been offset by increases in the Company's tax valuation allowance due to management's uncertainty as to the ultimate realization of such benefits. NOTE 9 - WARRANTS The Company's 3,072,446 Class A warrants and 3,072,446 Class B warrants expired on February 17, 2003. In connection with the convertible debenture offering, the Company issued 124,000 common stock purchase warrants as compensation to registered representatives. The Company valued the warrants at approximately $13,500 using the Black-Scholes option pricing method, and included the warrant value in deferred financing costs. In July 2003, the Company issued 750,000 warrants to various individuals in connection with a settlement of litigation (see note 7). NOTE 10 - SUSPENSION OF PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS The Company has suspended the payment of cash dividends on its Series A Preferred stock. New Jersey Business Corporation Act prohibits the payment of any distribution by a corporation to, or for the benefit of its shareholders, if the corporation's total assets would be less than its total liabilities. Unpaid preferred dividends will continue to accumulate at 6% per annum. Arrearages must be fully paid before any distribution can be declared or paid on the Company's common stock. Cumulative dividends in arrears at September 30, 2003 were approximately $50,000. NOTE 11 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS In October 2003, FMSC negotiated a settlement of its raiding claim against a competitor for raiding, unfair competition and use of proprietary and confidential information. In October 2003, the Company closed on an additional $1,005,000 principal amount of 6% convertible debentures. The debentures have the same terms as those previously issued, as described in Note 5. In November 2003, the Company received its fourth and final advance of $1,250,000 under the financing agreement with its clearing firm. 10 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Factors Affecting "Forward-Looking Statements" From time to time, the Company may publish "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or make oral statements that constitute forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements may relate to such matters as anticipated financial performance, future revenues or earnings, business prospects, projected ventures, new products, anticipated market performance, and similar matters. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. In order to comply with the terms of the safe harbor, the Company cautions readers that a variety of factors could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the Company's forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, include, but are not limited to: (i) transaction volume in the securities markets, (ii) the volatility of the securities markets, (iii) fluctuations in interest rates, (iv) changes in regulatory requirements which could affect the cost of doing business, (v) fluctuations in currency rates, (vi) general economic conditions, both domestic and international, (vii) changes in the rate of inflation and related impact on securities markets, (viii) competition from existing financial institutions and other participants in competition from existing financial institutions and other participants in the securities markets, (ix) legal developments affecting the litigation experience of the securities industry, and (x) changes in federal and state tax laws which could affect the popularity of products sold by the Company. The Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. The reader is referred to the Company's previous filings on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2003 and June 30, 2003 and Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. Overview First Montauk Financial Corp. ("FMFC" or the "Company") is a New Jersey-based financial services holding company whose principal subsidiary, First Montauk Securities Corp. ("FMSC"), has operated as a full service retail and institutional securities brokerage firm since 1987. FMSC provides a broad range of securities brokerage and investment services to a diverse retail and institutional clientele, as well as corporate finance and investment banking services to corporations and businesses. In 1997, FMSC established Century Discount Investments, a discount brokerage division. FMFC also sells insurance products through its subsidiary Montauk Insurance Services, Inc. FMSC has approximately 470 registered representatives and services over 60,000 retail and institutional customer accounts. With the exception of two Company-leased branch offices, all of FMSC's 131 other branch office and satellite locations in 34 states are owned and operated by affiliates, independent owners who maintain all appropriate licenses and are responsible for all office overhead and expenses. FMSC also employs registered representatives directly at its corporate office and the Company-leased branch offices. FMSC is registered as a broker-dealer with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the National Association of Securities Dealers Regulation, Inc., the Municipal Securities Rule Making Board, and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation and is licensed to conduct its brokerage activities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. All securities transactions are cleared through Fiserv Securities, Inc. of Philadelphia, PA. and various floor brokerage and specialist firms provide execution services. These arrangements provide FMSC with back office support, transaction processing services on all principal, national and international securities exchanges, and access to many other financial services and products which allows FMSC to offer products and services comparable to large brokerage firms. 11 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The results of operations for the nine months and three months ended September 30, 2003 (the "2003 period" and the "2003 quarter," respectively) showed a significant increase in revenues of 16% and 41%, over the same periods in the prior year (the "2002 period" and the "2002 quarter," respectively). The Company's primary source of revenue is derived from commissions generated on agency transactions, including the sales of listed and over-the-counter stocks and options. For the 2003 quarter, revenues from agency transactions increased $2,960,000, or 61%, from $4,881,000 to $7,841,000 over the 2002 quarter. For the 2003 period, these same revenues also increased, from $17,793,000 in the 2002 period, to $20,128,000 in the 2003 period, an increase of $2,335,000, or 13%. Revenues from mutual fund commissions decreased for the 2003 period and were nearly flat for the 2003 quarter, when compared to the prior year. Mutual fund revenues decreased $449,000, from $4,563,000 in the 2002 period to $4,114,000, in the 2003 period, a decrease of 10%. Revenues from insurance commissions decreased $342,000, from $3,579,000 in the 2002 period, to $3,237,000 in the 2003 period, a decrease of 10%. For the 2003 quarter, the decrease was $41,000, from $1,170,000 in the 2002 quarter to $1,129,000. Total revenues from principal transactions, which include mark-ups/mark-downs on transactions in which the company acts as principal, proprietary trading, syndicate revenues and fixed income securities, showed increases during both periods in 2003. For the 2003 quarter, gross revenue from mark-ups/mark-downs on principal transactions increased $689,000, from $311,000 to $1,000,000, an increase of 222% over the 2002 quarter. For the nine month 2003 period, the increase was $1,378,000 when compared with the same period in 2002. The increase in syndicate revenues of $131,000 for the 2003 quarter and $724,000 for the 2003 period, as compared to the comparable periods in 2002, reflects continued interest in new offerings, particularly closed-end mutual funds. Revenues from proprietary equity trading also increased for 2003 when compared with the same periods in the previous year. For the 2003 quarter, the increase was $241,000 and for the 2003 period it was $76,000. The firm's continued efforts to reduce its exposure to trading risk by more closely monitoring proprietary trading and improving risk management, has succeeded in increasing revenues while limiting potential market losses. Revenues from all fixed income sources, which include municipal, government, corporate bonds and unit investment trusts increased to $1,161,000, from $887,000 for the 2003 quarter and $3,362,000, from $2,456,000 for the 2003 period. Unrealized losses in securities inventory were $38,000 and $27,000 for the 2003 quarter and period, respectively, as compared to unrealized gains of $230,000 and $117,000 for the 2002 quarter and period, respectively. Investment banking revenues for the 2003 quarter were $254,000, an increase of $246,000, over the 2002 quarter. During the 2003 period, revenues increased to $618,000, from $111,000 during the first nine months of 2002, an increase of $507,000. FMSC served as the placement agent in two private offerings for public companies during the 2003 quarter, which accounted for the increase. Interest and other income for the 2003 quarter totalled $982,000, as compared to $1,093,000 for the 2002 quarter, a decrease of $111,000. Other income for the 2002 quarter included a recovery of $230,000 related to payments previously made to a vendor for the development of applications software. For the 2003 period, interest and other income increased to $3,083,000 from $2,871,000. While interest income remained relatively constant, the increase is primarily attributable to a recovery of bad debt write-offs and increases in charges to customers during the 2003 quarter. Compensation and benefits expense increased by $3,116,000, or 36%, to $11,723,000 for the 2003 quarter, from $8,607,000 for the 2002 quarter. Commission expense, which is directly related to commission revenues, increased 46%, or $3,205,000, from $6,932,000 in the 2002 quarter, to $10,137,000 in the 2003 quarter. Salaries and benefits expense decreased $88,000, or 5%, from $1,675,000 in the 2002 quarter, to $1,587,000 in the 2003 quarter due to staff reductions implemented in 2002 and 2003. 12 Compensation and benefits expense increased $3,242,000, or 11%, to $33,205,000 in the 2003 period, from $29,963,000 in the 2002 period. Commission expense increased 14%, or $3,565,000, from $24,781,000 for the 2002 period to $28,346,000 for the 2003 period. Salaries and benefits expense decreased $323,000, or 6%, from $5,182,000 in the 2002 period, to $4,859,000 in the 2003 period for the reasons described above. Communications and occupancy expenses decreased $140,000, or 18%, from $787,000 for the 2002 quarter to $647,000 for the 2003 quarter. The decrease is attributable to the elimination of three company leased branch offices and their related costs and equipment rental expenses. Communications and occupancy expenses also decreased by $320,000, to $2,021,000 for the 2003 period, from $2,341,000 in the 2002 period. Legal matters and related costs increased $1,424,000, to $1,540,000 during the 2003 quarter, as compared to $116,000 in the 2002 quarter. In August 2003, an NASD arbitration panel rendered an award of $616,000, plus interest, against FMSC, the Company's broker-dealer subsidiary. FMSC has filed an appeal of this award in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. FMSC has reserved for, but not yet paid, the amount of the award, plus accrued interest, totaling $667,000. FMSC has filed a notice of claim with its fidelity bond carrier, seeking coverage for the loss incurred. FMSC cannot give assurance that coverage will be approved, or if it is approved, that the loss will be fully insured. Most of the remaining expense for the 2003 quarter relate to the ongoing costs to defend and settle unresolved claims relating to customer purchases of high-yield corporate bonds. On July 17, 2003, the Company entered into an agreement with certain claimants in order to settle arbitration proceedings arising out of customer purchases of high-yield corporate bonds that declined in market value or defaulted. (See Note 7 to the financial statements for more discussion). There are currently fifteen other related arbitrations pending representing in excess of $4.1 million in asserted damages plus interest. The Company is vigorously defending these actions and believes that there are meritorious defenses in each case. There is no remaining insurance coverage available for the payment of settlements and/or judgments that may result from these claims. It is not possible to predict the outcome of other matters pending against FMSC. All such cases are, and will continue to be, vigorously defended. However, litigation is subject to many uncertainties, and some of these actions and proceedings may result in adverse judgments. After considering all relevant facts, available insurance coverage and the advice of litigation counsel, it is possible that the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows could be materially affected by unfavorable outcomes or settlements of certain pending litigation. In October 2003, FMSC negotiated a settlement of its raiding claim against a competitor for raiding, unfair competition and use of proprietary and confidential information. Other operating expenses decreased to $758,000 in the 2003 quarter, from $1,064,000 in the 2002 quarter, a decrease of 29%. For the 2003 period, these expenses decreased to $2,291,000 from $2,985,000, a decrease of 23%. Bad debts decreased from $280,000 in the 2002 quarter to $5,000 in the 2003 quarter, and from $641,000 for the 2002 period to $6,000 for the 2003 period. The cost for errors and omission insurance increased by $113,000 for the 2003 quarter and $267,000 for the 2003 period, resulting from the substantial increase in premiums from the Company's policy renewal in January 2003. Other expenses in this category, including marketing, consulting, office expense and supplies all decreased during the 2003 quarter and period when compared to the same periods in 2002. The Company has reported an effective tax rate of 0% for all periods presented due to net operating losses. The tax benefits of these losses and other temporary differences have been offset by increases in the tax valuation allowance due to management's uncertainty as to the ultimate realization of such benefits. 13 For the three months ended September 30, 2003, the Company reported a net loss applicable to common stockholders of $289,000, or $.03 per basic and diluted share, as compared to a net loss applicable to common stockholders of $529,000, or $.06 per basic and diluted share for the third quarter of 2002. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2003, the Company reported a net loss available to common stockholders of $2,124,000 or $.25 per basic and diluted share, as compared to a net loss available to common stockholders reported for the same period in 2002 of $1,848,000, or $.22 per basic and diluted share. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES As with most financial firms, the Company maintains a highly liquid balance sheet with 62% of the Company's assets consisting of cash, securities owned, and receivables from the Company's clearing firm and other broker-dealers. The balances in the Company's cash, inventory and clearing firm accounts can and do fluctuate significantly from day to day, depending on market conditions, daily trading activity, and investment opportunities. The Company monitors these accounts on a daily basis in order to ensure compliance with regulatory capital requirements and to preserve liquidity. Cash and cash equivalents decreased during the first nine months of 2003 by $1,627,000, to $1,012,000. Net cash used in operating activities was $1,474,000 for the 2003 period. The primary components of the decrease are the operating loss of $2,099,000, an increase in prepaid insurance of $289,000 and trading and investment securities of $599,000, offset by an increase in commissions payable of $1,464,000. As of September 30, 2003, the Company has accrued approximately $1,416,000, including the value of settlement warrants discussed in Note 7 of the consolidated financial statements, for litigation costs that are probable and can be reasonably estimated based on a review of existing claims, arbitrations and unpaid settlements. Management cannot give any assurance that this accrual will be adequate to cover actual costs that may be subsequently incurred. In November 2003, the Company received its fourth and final advance of $1,250,000 under the financing agreement with its clearing firm. Advances are subject to income taxes in the year of receipt. Additions to capital expenditures accounted for the entire use of cash from investing activities of $127,000 during the first nine months of 2003. Financing activities used cash of $26,000 during the 2003 period. The Company received gross proceeds of $210,000 from the second closing of its private offering of 6% convertible debentures. This was offset by payments of notes payable, capital leases and preferred stock dividends of $48,000, $163,000 and $25,000, respectively. During fiscal 2001, the Company entered into two capital leases under a sale-leaseback financing with a leasing company. The sale of the fixed assets resulted in a gain of approximately $45,000, which has been deferred and is being amortized over the related lease terms. The leases, totaling $662,000, are together payable in 36 monthly installments of $21,000 with an additional 12 installments of $3,900. Consolidated Contractual Obligations and Lease Commitments The tables below summarize information about the consolidated contractual obligations as of September 30, 2003 and the effects these obligations are expected to have on the Company's consolidated liquidity and cash flows in future years. These tables do not include any projected payment amounts related to the Company's potential exposure to arbitrations and other legal matters. 14 Future minimum operating lease payments as of September 30, 2003 are as follows: Operating Leases ------ 2003 $237,362 2004 1,103,126 2005 296,302 2006 169,500 ---------- Total minimum lease payments $1,806,289 ========== Future minimum lease payments as of September 30, 2003 are as follows: Capital Leases ------ 2003 $62,229 2004 114,396 2005 15,711 2006 -- ------- Total minimum lease payments 192,336 Less: Amount representing interest (12,125) $180,211 Future minimum contractual commitments as of September 30, 2003 are as follows: Employment Agreements ---------- 2003 $140,920 2004 620,048 2005 682,052 2006 -- ---------- Total minimum contractual payments $1,443,020 In 1999, the Company completed a private offering of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock in connection with the settlement with holders of leases of Global Financial Corp. Under the terms of the offering, each Global lease investor who participated in the offering received one share of Preferred Stock in exchange for every $5 of lease investment value that the investor was entitled to receive from Global after certain adjustments. Each leaseholder was required to assign their interest in all lease payments to which they were entitled. Each share of the Preferred Stock is convertible into two shares of Common Stock and pays a quarterly dividend of 6%. Pursuant to the offering, the Company issued an aggregate of 349,511 shares of Series A Preferred Stock. The offering was exempt from registration pursuant to Sections 4(2) and 4(6) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Regulation D, promulgated thereunder. The Company has suspended the quarterly payments of its Series A Preferred Stock dividend in accordance with applicable state law (See Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements and Part II Item 5.) 15 In October 2002, the Company commenced a private offering of up to $3,000,000 of 6% convertible debentures to accredited investors. Each debenture is convertible at an initial conversion price of $0.50 per share, subject to adjustment for stock dividends, combinations, splits, recapitalizations, and like events. Interest on the debentures accrues at the rate of 6% per annum and is payable in cash on a semi-annual basis on April 1st and October 1st of each year until maturity or conversion. Each debenture is due and payable five (5) years from issuance, unless previously converted into shares of Common Stock. The offering expired on March 1, 2003. In the offering, the Company sold an aggregate amount of $1,240,000 of debentures, $1,030,000 in fiscal 2002 and $210,000 in fiscal 2003. The proceeds of the financing will be used to satisfy general working capital needs. The debentures have not been registered for offer or sale under the Securities Act; such securities are being issued on the basis of the statutory exemption provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act, as amended, and/or Rule 506 of Regulation D, promulgated thereunder relating to transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering. In July 2003, the Company commenced a new offering of up to $3,000,000 of 6% convertible debentures. The debentures contain terms and conditions substantially similar to the debentures issued in the private offering described above. In October 2003, the Company closed on $1,005,000 principal amount of 6% convertible debentures. APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES Generally accepted accounting principles are complex and require management to apply significant judgments to various accounting, reporting and disclosure matters. Management of the Company must use assumptions and estimates to apply these principles where actual measurement is not possible or practical. For a complete discussion of the Corporation's significant accounting policies, see "Management Discussion and Analysis" and "Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements" in the Company's 2002 Annual Report filed on Form 10-K. Certain policies are considered critical because they are highly dependent upon subjective or complex judgments, assumptions and estimates. Changes in such estimates may have a significant impact on the financial statements. Item 3. Market Risk. Certain of the Company's business activities expose it to market risk. This market risk represents the potential for loss that may result from a change in value of a financial instrument as a result of fluctuations in interest rates, equity prices or changes in credit rating of issuers of debt securities. This risk relates to financial instruments held by the company as investment and for trading. The Company's securities inventories are exposed to risk of loss in the event of unfavorable price movements. The Company's securities inventories are marked to market on a daily basis. At September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, the balances of the Company's securities positions owned and sold not yet purchased, were approximately $783,000 and $112,000 and $184,000 and $0, respectively. In the opinion of management, the potential exposure to market risk, trading volatility and the liquidity of securities held in the firm's inventory accounts, could potentially have a material effect on the Company's financial position. The Company's activities involve the execution, settlement, and financing of various transactions on behalf of its clients. Client activities are transacted on either a cash or margin basis. The Company's client activities may expose it to off-balance sheet credit risk. The Company may have to purchase or sell financial instruments at the prevailing market price in the event of the failure of a client to settle a trade on its original terms, or in the event that cash and securities in the client margin accounts are not sufficient to fully cover the client losses. The Company seeks to control the risks associated with client activities by requiring clients to maintain collateral in compliance with various regulations and Company policies. 16 Item 4. Controls and Procedures. Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures Our management, under the supervision and with the participation of the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, conducted an evaluation of our "disclosure controls and procedures" (as defined in Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") Rules 13a-14(c)) as of the end of the quarterly period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on their evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that as of the date of their evaluation, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that all material information required to be filed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q has been made known to them in a timely fashion. Changes in Internal Controls There have been no significant changes (including corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies or material weaknesses) in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the evaluation conducted by our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer as set forth above. 17 PART II OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal proceedings For a full description of new and resolved legal proceedings for the reporting period, please see footnote 7 and the Management's Discussion and Analysis. Item 2. Changes in Securities During the quarter, the Company issued an aggregate of 500,000 restricted common shares and 750,000 warrants to purchase common shares; 250,000 exercisable at $.40 per share and 500,000 exercisable at $.25 per share all for five years. These issuances were made pursuant to a settlement agreement of a legal proceeding (see footnote 7 for additional information). Item 5. Other Information. 1) The Company has declared and paid dividends on its Series A Preferred Stock at the rate of 6% per annum on a quarterly basis since the third quarter of 1999. Currently, the Company is unable to continue to pay such dividends pursuant to the New Jersey Business Corporation Act. The New Jersey Business Corporation Act prohibits a corporation from paying dividends if its total assets would be less than its total liabilities. Dividends will continue to accrue on the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock and will be paid when the Company is legally authorized to do so under the New Jersey Business Corporation Act. 2) On October 8, 2003, the Company completed the first closing of a private financing in the amount of $1,005,000 of the Company's securities to certain accredited investors pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and Regulation D, promulgated thereunder (the "Offering"). The Offering expires on December 31, 2003. The Company intends to use the proceeds primarily for working capital and general corporate purposes. The offering consists of up to $3,000,000 principal amount of 6% convertible debentures. Each debenture earns interest at the rate of 6% per annum, payable semi-annually, and is convertible at an initial conversion price of $0.50 per share, subject to adjustment for stock dividends, combinations, splits, recapitalizations, and like events. Each holder shall have the right to convert his or her debentures, at the option of such holder, at any time, into shares of the Company's common stock at the then applicable conversion price. In addition, the Company may, at its option, demand that the holders convert some or all of the debentures into shares of common stock in the event that the closing bid price of its common stock is 200% of the conversion price for the twenty consecutive trading days prior to the date of the notice of conversion. Further, the Company may, at its option, prepay some or all of the debentures in the event that the closing bid price of its common stock is 200% of the conversion price for the twenty consecutive trading days prior to the date of the notice of prepayment. Holders of debentures shall have the right to include the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the debentures in a registration statement filed by the Company (other than a registration statement on Form S-4 or S-8, or a successor form). The placement agent's registered representatives who participated in the Offering received commissions of 10% of the principal amount of debentures sold, and warrants to purchase shares of common stock equal to 10% of the principal amount of debentures sold. These warrants are exercisable for a period of five years at an exercise price equal to the conversion price of the debentures ($.50 per share). The debentures have not been registered for offer or sale under the Securities Act; such securities are being issued on the basis of the statutory exemption provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act, as amended, and/or Rule 506 of Regulation D, promulgated thereunder relating to transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering; and the transaction has not been reviewed by, passed on or submitted to any Federal or state agency or self-regulatory organization where an exemption is being relied upon. The securities may not be sold, assigned or transferred unless (i) the sale, assignment or transfer of such securities is registered under the Securities Act, or (ii) the securities are sold, assigned or transferred in accordance with all the requirements and limitations of Rule 144 under the Securities Act. 18 Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K. (a) Exhibits Exhibit 31.1 - Section 302 Certification of Herbert Kurinsky, Chief Executive Officer Exhibit 31.2 - Section 302 Certification of William J. Kurinsky, Chief Financial Officer Exhibit 32.1 - Certification pursuant to Section 1350 pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Herbert Kurinsky Exhibit 32.2 - Certification pursuant to Section 1350 pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by William J. Kurinsky (b) Reports on Form 8-K There were two reports on Form 8-K filed. 1) Form 8-K dated July 17, 2003 filed regarding the settlement agreement between First Montauk Financial Corp. and First Montauk Securities Corp. and certain claimants; and 2) Form 8-K dated August 22, 2003 filed regarding the Company's 2nd quarter press release. 19 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. FIRST MONTAUK FINANCIAL CORP. (Registrant) Dated: November 14, 2003 /s/ William J. Kurinsky ---------------------------------- William J. Kurinsky Secretary/Treasurer Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer /s/ Herbert Kurinsky ---------------------------------- Herbert Kurinsky President 20 Exhibit 31.1 CERTIFICATION I, Herbert Kurinsky, President, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of First Montauk Financial Corp.; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have: a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) (Not applicable.) c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. Date: November 14, 2003 /s/ Herbert Kurinsky - --------------------------------- HERBERT KURINSKY PRESIDENT 21 Exhibit 31.2 CERTIFICATION I, William J. Kurinsky, Chief Financial Officer, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of First Montauk Financial Corp.; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have: a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) (Not applicable.) c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. Date: November 14, 2003 /s/ William J. Kurinsky - --------------------------------- WILLIAM J. KURINSKY CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER 22 Exhibit 32.1 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 In connection with the Quarterly Report of FIRST MONTAUK FINANCIAL CORP. (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ending September 30, 2003 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Herbert Kurinsky, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that: (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company. /s/ Herbert Kurinsky - ----------------------------------- Herbert Kurinsky Chief Executive Officer November 14, 2003 23 Exhibit 32.2 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 In connection with the Quarterly Report of FIRST MONTAUK FINANCIAL CORP. (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ending September 30, 2003 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, William J. Kurinsky, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that: (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company. /s/ William J. Kurinsky - ----------------------------------- William J. Kurinsky Chief Financial Officer November 14, 2003