The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA In thousands, expert share and employee data FISCAL YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OPERATING RESULTS - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Revenues $ 7,882,038 $ 7,979,936 $ 6,077,278 $ 4,963,863 $ 3,753,572 Internet expense 3,379,914 3,638,513 2,551,364 1,981,171 1,678,515 Revenues, net of interest expense 4,502,124 4,341,423 3,525,914 2,982,692 2,075,057 Non-interest expenses Employee compensation and benefits 2,285,594 2,111,741 1,726,931 1,469,448 1,080,487 Other 1,152,422 1,166,190 785,293 678,318 606,488 Total non-interest expenses 3,438,016 3,277,931 2,512,224 2,147,766 1,686,975 Income before provision for income taxes 1,064,108 1,063,492 1,013,690 834,926 388,082 Provision for income taxes 391,060 403,063 400,360 334,288 147,471 Net income $ 673,048 $ 660,429 $ 613,330 $ 490,638 $ 240,611 Net income applicable to common shares $ 633,618 $ 629,417 $ 589,497 $ 466,145 $ 215,474 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FINANCIAL POSITION - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total assets $ 153,894,340 $154,495,895 $ 121,433,535 $ 92,085,157 $ 74,597,160 Long-term borrowings $ 14,647,092 $ 13,295,952 $ 8,120,328 $ 6,043,614 $ 4,059,944 Stockholders' equity[1] $ 5,455,509 $ 4,641,533 $ 3,626,371 $ 2,895,414 $ 2,502,461 Common shares and common share equivalents outstanding[2] 159,300,949 159,213,168 159,139,538 158,838,449 159,039,264 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ PERSONAL DATA - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Earnings per share[2,3] $ 4.48 $ 4.38 $ 4.00 $ 3.11 $ 1.47 Cash dividends declared per common share[2] $ 0.59 $ 0.57 $ 0.55 $ 0.52 $ 0.49 Book value per common share[2] $ 26.88 $ 22.72 $ 18.63 $ 15.27 $ 12.70 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OTHER DATA - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Return on average common equity 18.8% 21.7% 27.9% 25.6% 13.5% Profit margin[4] 23.6% 24.5% 28.7% 28.0% 18.7% Employees 9,808 9,180 8,309 7,749 7,481 - ----------------------------- 1. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 1999, stockholders' equity includes $500 million of Guaranteed Preferred Beneficial Interests in Company Subordinated Debt Securities, which were issued by one of our subsidiaries. For the fiscal years ended June 30, 1998 and 1997, stockholders equity includes $350 million of Preferred Stock issued by subsidiaries of the Company, which consists of $150 million of Exchangeable Preferred Income Cumulative Shares and $200 million of Guaranteed Preferred Beneficial Interests in Company Subordinated Debt Securities. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 1996 and 1995, stockholders' equity includes $150 million of Exchangeable Preferred Income Cumulative Shares, which were issued by one of our subsidiaries. See Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 2. Adjusted to reflect all stock dividends prior to June 30, 1999. 3. See Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 4. Represents the ratio of income before provision for income taxes to revenues, net of interest expense. FINANCIAL REPORT ---------------- CONTENTS 41 Management's Discussion and Analysis 49 Risk Management 55 Consolidated Statements of Income 56 Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition 57 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 58 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity 60 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 75 Independent Auditors' Report [PHOTO OF SAMUEL L. MOLINARO JR.] SAMUEL L. MOLINARO JR. Chief Financial Officer Senior Vice President -- Finance [PHOTO OF MICHAEL MINIKES] MICHAEL MINIKES Treasurer The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Company's principal business activities, investment banking, securities trading and brokerage, are, by their nature, highly competitive and subject to various risks, in particular, volatile trading markets and fluctuations in the volume of market activity. Consequently, the Company's net income and revenues have been, and are likely to continue to be, subject to wide fluctuations, reflecting the impact of many factors, including securities market conditions, the level and volatility of interest rates, competitive conditions, liquidity of global markets, international and regional political events, regulatory developments and the size and timing of transactions. Certain statements contained in this discussion are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those previously mentioned, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Global and domestic equity markets were volatile during fiscal 1999 with major equity market indices suffering sharp declines between the months of July and October. However, for the full fiscal year, domestic equity markets were characterized by record volume, with the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq(R) average daily trading volume rising over 30% and 25%, respectively. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Standard & Poor's 500 Index ("S&P 500") again reached record levels, fueled, in part, by strong investor interest in internet and technology stocks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 1,922 points reaching 10,971 by the end of the fiscal year, while the S&P 500 climbed 19.5% during the fiscal year. During the first half of fiscal 1999, economic turmoil in both Far East and emerging market nations and the default by Russia on its debt obligations triggered the flight to quality by investors who sought safer, less risky investments. This caused yield spreads between US Treasury securities and lower-rated issues to widen dramatically, resulting in a decline in liquidity in the global bond markets. In an effort to restore confidence in US financial markets, the Federal Reserve reduced the Federal Funds rate on three occasions between September 1998 and November 1998. The reduction in the Federal Funds rate by a total of 75 basis points, coupled with the US economy's resilience, prompted the recovery of US financial markets in the second quarter, which continued into the second half of fiscal 1999. Improved financial markets in the second half of fiscal 1999 resulted in increased customer order flows and higher levels of new securities issuance. These conditions contributed to the Company's strong commissions, principal transactions, and investment banking revenues in the second half of fiscal 1999. The business environment during fiscal 1998 was generally characterized by a strong economy with low inflation and stable interest rates. This created heightened investor activity with rising domestic equity and fixed income markets and increased underwriting and merger and acquisition activity. The New York Stock Exchange average daily trading volume rose 28% in fiscal 1998, while major stock indices reached record levels. Concern over the economic and financial problems in Asia led to volatile global markets, which contributed in part to the record level of domestic volume, as investors sought refuge in the US marketplace. The demand for US investments contributed to the high level of corporate finance activity. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Company reported net income of $673.0 million, or $4.48 per share, in fiscal 1999, which represented an increase of 1.9% from $660.4 million, or $4.38 per share, in fiscal 1998. The Company reported net income of $613.3 million, or $4.00 per share, in fiscal 1997. Revenues, net of interest expense ("net revenues"), increased 3.7% to $4.5 billion in fiscal 1999 from $4.3 billion in fiscal 1998, primarily reflecting increases in principal transactions and commission revenues, partially offset by a decrease in investment banking revenues. Net revenues in fiscal 1997 amounted to $3.5 billion. Commission revenues in fiscal 1999 increased 12.3% to $1.0 billion from $902.7 million in fiscal 1998. Commission revenues derived from institutional investors and private client services increased, reflecting higher levels of activity throughout the period. Securities clearance revenues also increased, reflecting higher levels of activity and continued growth in the Company's client base. Fiscal 1998 commission revenues improved 23.3% from $732.3 million in fiscal 1997, reflecting heightened investor activity and growth of the Company's securities clearance client base. Revenues from principal transactions in fiscal 1999 increased 11.7% to $1.9 billion from $1.7 billion in fiscal 1998. The Company's principal transactions revenues by reporting categories for the fiscal years ended June 30, were as follows: IN MILLIONS 1999 1998 1997 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Fixed income $ 994.7 $ 905.7 $ 919.6 Equity 558.7 472.4 393.9 Foreign exchange and other derivative financial instruments 375.7 348.9 257.8 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Total principal transactions $ 1,929.1 $ 1,727.0 $ 1,571.3 ================================================================= The increase in principal transactions revenues derived from the Company's fixed income activities was primarily from the mortgage-backed securities area, reflecting strong customer order flows, partially offset by decreases in the corporate bonds, emerging markets and bankruptcy areas. Increased principal transactions revenues derived from the Company's equity activities were primarily from the over-the-counter stock area as well as the international equity trading and risk arbitrage areas. Foreign exchange and other derivative financial instruments revenues also increased, primarily in the equity derivatives area, reflecting generally favorable market conditions. Fiscal 1998 principal transactions revenues increased 9.9% from $1.6 billion in fiscal 1997, reflecting increases in revenues from the Company's equity activities, primarily the risk arbitrage and international areas as well as foreign exchange and derivative activities. Investment banking revenues in fiscal 1999 decreased 16.2% to $839.3 million from $1.0 billion in fiscal 1998. Underwriting revenues decreased due to decreases in volume, most notably from high yield and equity issuances. Major equity market indices experienced sharp declines in the first half of fiscal 1999, which resulted in a slowdown in new issue activity. Fiscal 1998 investment banking revenues increased 51.0% from $663.2 million in fiscal 1997, reflecting increases in underwriting revenues due to higher new issue volume and increases in mergers and acquisitions fees. Net interest and dividends (revenues from interest and net dividends less interest expense) in fiscal 1999 decreased 2.9% to $628.7 million from $647.1 million in fiscal 1998, principally due to decreased levels of margin debt. Average interest-bearing margin debt balances were $40.6 billion during fiscal 1999 compared to $45.8 billion during fiscal 1998. Margin debt balances rebounded to $44.1 billion by the end of the fiscal year, up from an October 1998 low of $33.1 billion that reflected market declines in the fall of 1998. Average free credit balances were $12.3 billion during fiscal 1999 and totaled $11.6 billion at June 30, 1999, slightly increased from $11.0 billion at June 30, 1998. Average customer short account balances were $60.7 billion during fiscal 1999 compared to $59.4 billion during fiscal 1998 and totaled $58.3 billion at June 30, 1999, down from $68.3 billion at June 30, 1998. Net interest and dividends in fiscal 1998 increased 27.6% from $507.1 million in fiscal 1997, principally due to record levels of margin debt and customer short account balances. Employee compensation and benefits in fiscal 1999 increased 8.2% to $2.3 billion from $2.1 billion in fiscal 1998. The increase was principally attributable to increased incentive and discretionary bonuses associated with the increase in net revenues and earnings in fiscal 1999, an increase in the number of employees and an increase in sales commissions. Employee compensation and benefits, as a percentage of net revenues, increased to 50.8% in fiscal 1999 from 48.6% in fiscal 1998. Employees increased to 9,808 at June 30, 1999 from 9,180 at June 30, 1998. The increase in headcount is attributable to domestic and international strategic growth and business expansion. Employee compensation and benefits in fiscal 1998 increased 22.3% from $1.7 billion or 49.0% of net revenues in fiscal 1997, reflecting increased incentive and discretionary bonuses associated with the increase in net revenues and earnings in fiscal 1998 and an increase in sales commissions. Aggregate expenses related to communications, occupancy, data processing and depreciation and amortization increased by 15.4%, reflecting the Company's growth. Floor brokerage, exchange and clearance fees decreased 4.3% in fiscal 1999 due primarily to decreased fees associated with electronic exchanges. The decrease in other expenses of 15.0% is largely attributable to a decrease in litigation expenses, compared to those incurred during fiscal 1998. Other expenses also include expenses associated with the Capital Accumulation Plan for Senior Managing Directors (the "CAP Plan"), which were $121.1 million in fiscal 1999, $115.2 million in fiscal 1998 and $56.4 million in fiscal 1997. The increase during fiscal 1999 and fiscal 1998 when compared to the prior years was attributable to both increased earnings and growth in the number of participants. The Company's results of operations do not reflect the income tax benefits derived from the distribution of stock related to the CAP Plan. These tax benefits totaled $89.6 million in fiscal 1999 and $84.8 million in fiscal 1998 and have been credited directly to additional paid-in capital. Non-interest expenses, excluding employee compensation and benefits, in fiscal 1998 increased 48.5% from $785.3 million in fiscal 1997, due principally to increased litigation and CAP Plan costs. The increase also reflects expansion of the Company's business activities. The Company's profit margin for fiscal 1999 was 23.6%, a decrease from 24.5% in fiscal 1998. The decrease was related to increased information technology costs which reflect the Company's continued investment in technological upgrades including Year 2000 costs, offset by decreased litigation expenses. The Company's profit margin in fiscal 1997 was 28.7%. The decline in profit margin from fiscal 1997 to fiscal 1998 reflected increases in both litigation expenses and the cost associated with the CAP Plan. The decrease in the Company's effective tax rate to 36.8% in fiscal 1999, from 37.9% in fiscal 1998, was principally attributable to higher levels of tax preference items. The effective tax rate in fiscal 1998 decreased from 39.5% in fiscal 1997 due to higher levels of tax preference items. BUSINESS SEGMENTS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Company is primarily engaged in business as a securities broker and dealer operating in three principal segments: Capital Markets, Execution Services and Wealth Management. These segments are strategic business units analyzed separately due to the distinct nature of the products they provide and the clients they serve. Certain Capital Markets products are distributed by the Wealth Management and Execution Services distribution network with the related revenues of such intersegment services allocated to the respective segments through transfer pricing policies. The following segment operating results exclude certain corporate items. See Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. CAPITAL MARKETS IN THOUSANDS 1999 1998 1997 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Net revenues $2,470,337 $2,370,085 $1,989,277 Pre-tax income 727,660 693,106 621,733 ----------------------------------------------------------------- The Capital Markets segment is comprised of the Equities, Fixed Income and Investment Banking areas with over 2,600 directly attributable employees. Equities combines the efforts of sales, trading and research professionals to offer in-depth expertise in areas such as block trading, convertible bonds, over-the-counter equities, equity derivatives and risk arbitrage. Fixed Income provides distribution power for issuers in the primary market, liquidity for investors in the secondary market, research for institutional clients and offers expertise in products such as mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, corporate and government bonds, municipal and high yield securities, foreign exchange and derivatives. Investment Banking provides a variety of services to our clients, including capital raising, strategic advisory, mergers and acquisitions and merchant banking capabilities. Capital raising encompasses the Company's underwriting of equity, investment-grade debt and high yield debt securities. Net revenues for Capital Markets approximated $2.5 billion in fiscal 1999, up 4.2% from $2.4 billion in fiscal 1998. Pre-tax income for Capital Markets was $727.7 million in fiscal 1999, up 5.0% from $693.1 million in fiscal 1998. Despite difficult global fixed income markets in the first half of fiscal 1999, fixed income results improved over 1998 due to performances from the Company's mortgage-backed, asset-backed and government bond operations which were partially offset by a decline in the high yield area. In addition, equity results also improved as active markets and deal flow resulted in improved performances from over-the-counter equities, risk arbitrage and equity derivatives. Sharp declines in major equity market indices experienced in the first half of fiscal 1999 resulted in a slowdown of new issue activity and lower volumes in mergers and acquisitions. Net revenues in fiscal 1998 were up 19.1% from $2.0 billion in fiscal 1997 and pre-tax income was up 11.5% from $621.7 million in fiscal 1997. Net revenues for the Equities, Fixed Income and Investment Banking areas increased in fiscal 1998 as a result of favorable domestic equity markets and the resulting increase in underwriting volume and merger and acquisition activity. EXECUTION SERVICES IN THOUSANDS 1999 1998 1997 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Net revenues $1,271,321 $1,202,648 $967,491 Pre-tax income 486,723 527,751 427,896 ----------------------------------------------------------------- The Execution Services segment is comprised of clearance and predominantly commission-related areas including institutional equity sales, institutional futures sales and specialist activities. At June 30, 1999, approximately 2,700 dedicated employees serve these business areas. Institutional equity sales involves the execution of transactions in US equity securities for domestic and foreign institutional customers and providing these customers with liquidity, trading expertise, trade execution, research and investment advice. The Company provides transaction services for institutional customers who trade in futures and futures-related instruments. The Company is also involved in specialist activities on both the New York Stock Exchange and the American Stock Exchange. The Company also provides clearing, margin lending and securities borrowing to facilitate customer short sales to over 2,700 clearing clients worldwide. Such clients include approximately 2,300 prime brokerage clients including hedge fund managers, money managers, short sellers, arbitrageurs and other professional investors and approximately 400 fully disclosed clients, who engage in either the retail or institutional brokerage business. The Company processes trades in over 70 countries and accounts for approximately 10% of the average daily New York Stock Exchange volume, processing an average of in excess of 175,000 trades per day. Net revenues for Execution Services approximated $1.3 billion in 1999, up 5.7% from $1.2 billion in fiscal 1998. Pre-tax income for Execution Services was $486.7 million in 1999, down 7.8% from $527.8 million in 1998. Commission revenues from both institutional and clearance customers increased, reflecting increased customer demand and growth in the client base. Partially offsetting these increases were declines in net interest revenues reflecting lower average margin balances in fiscal 1999. Net revenues in fiscal 1998 were up 24.3% from $967.5 million in 1997. Pre-tax income in fiscal 1998 was up 23.3% from $427.9 million in 1997. The growth in net revenues and pre-tax income in fiscal 1998 was due to heightened investor activity and growth in the securities clearance client base. WEALTH MANAGEMENT IN THOUSANDS 1999 1998 1997 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Net revenues $575,698 $531,746 $412,731 Pre-tax income 99,406 84,297 58,136 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Wealth Management provides fee-based products and services through the Private Client Services ("PCS") and Asset Management areas to both individual and institutional investors. PCS provides high-net-worth individuals with an institutional level of service, including access to the Company's resources and professionals. PCS maintains a select team of approximately 500 account executives in seven regional offices. These account executives averaged approximately $1.0 million in production in fiscal 1999. PCS had over $39.0 billion in client assets at June 30, 1999. The Asset Management area, through Bear Stearns Asset Management Inc. ("BSAM"), had $12.2 billion in assets under management at June 30, 1999 which reflected a greater than 24% increase over the prior year. The largest component of the increase was attributable to equities and alternative investments. Asset Management serves the diverse investment needs of corporations, municipal governments, multi-employer plans, foundations, endowments, family groups and high-net-worth individuals. Innovation in products and services enables Asset Management to serve clients in an increasingly competitive financial marketplace. Net revenues for Wealth Management were $575.7 million in fiscal 1999, up 8.3% from $531.7 million in fiscal 1998. Pre-tax income for Wealth Management was $99.4 million in fiscal 1999, up 17.9% from $84.3 million in fiscal 1998. In fiscal 1998, net revenues increased 28.8% from $412.7 million in fiscal 1997. Pre-tax income in 1998 was up 45.0% from $58.1 million in fiscal 1997. Active equity markets and strong customer volumes resulted in increased commission and fee-based income in both fiscal 1999 and 1998. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FINANCIAL LEVERAGE The Company maintains a highly liquid balance sheet with a majority of the Company's assets consisting of marketable securities inventories, which are marked-to-market daily, and collateralized receivables arising from customer-related and proprietary securities transactions. Collateralized receivables consist of resale agreements secured predominantly by US government and agency securities, customer margin loans and securities borrowed, which are typically secured by marketable corporate debt and equity securities. The nature of the Company's business as a securities dealer requires it to carry significant levels of securities inventories in order to meet its customer and proprietary trading needs. Additionally, the Company's role as a financial intermediary for customer activities which it conducts on a principal basis, together with its customer-related activities attributable to its clearance business, results in significant levels of customer-related balances, including customer margin debt, securities lending and repurchase activity. Accordingly, the Company's total assets and financial leverage can fluctuate significantly, depending largely upon economic and market conditions, volume of activity and customer demand. The Company's total assets at June 30, 1999 decreased to $153.9 billion from $154.5 billion at June 30, 1998. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in financial instruments owned and securities borrowed, partially offset by an increase in securities purchased under agreements to resell. The Company's ability to support increases in total assets is a function of its ability to obtain short-term secured and unsecured funding and its access to sources of long-term capital in the form of long-term borrowings and equity, which together form its capital base. The Company continuously monitors the adequacy of its capital base, measured as a function of asset quality and liquidity. Highly liquid assets such as US government and agency securities typically are funded by the use of repurchase agreements, which require very low levels of margin. In contrast, assets of lower quality or liquidity require higher levels of margin or overcollateralization, and consequently increased levels of capital. Accordingly, the mix of assets being held by the Company significantly influences the amount of leverage the Company can employ and the adequacy of its capital base. FUNDING STRATEGY The Company's general funding strategy provides for the diversification of its short-term funding sources in order to maximize liquidity. Sources of short-term funding consist principally of collateralized borrowings, including repurchase transactions and securities lending arrangements, customer free credit balances, unsecured commercial paper, medium-term notes and bank borrowings generally having maturities from overnight to one year. Repurchase transactions, whereby the Company sells securities with a commitment for repurchase at a future date, represent the dominant component of secured short-term funding. In addition to short-term funding sources, the Company utilizes long-term senior debt and medium-term notes as a longer-term source of unsecured financing. The Company maintains an alternative funding strategy focused on the liquidity and self-funding ability of the underlying assets. The objective of the strategy is to maintain sufficient sources of alternative funding to enable the Company to fund debt obligations maturing within one year without issuing any new unsecured debt, including commercial paper. The most significant source of alternative funding is the Company's ability to hypothecate or pledge its unencumbered assets as collateral for short-term funding. As part of the Company's alternative funding strategy, the Company regularly monitors and analyzes the size, composition and liquidity characteristics of the assets being financed and evaluates its liquidity needs in light of current market conditions and available funding alternatives. A key factor in this analysis is determining margin levels for each asset category that may be required by a lender in providing secured financing in accordance with legal and regulatory guidelines and market practices. The next component of the analysis is the determination of the estimated length of time that would be required to convert each asset category into cash, based upon the depth of the market in which the asset is traded versus the size of the position, assuming conventional settlement periods. For each class of assets, the Company categorizes the margin requirement by maturity from overnight to in excess of one year. The Company attempts to match the schedule of its liabilities with its prospective funding needs in terms of timing and amount. Through the use of this analysis, the Company can continuously evaluate the adequacy of its capital base and the schedule of maturing term-debt supporting its present asset levels. The Company can then seek to adjust its maturity schedule, as necessary, in light of market conditions and funding alternatives. The Company also maintains a committed revolving-credit facility (the "facility") totaling $2.9 billion, which permits borrowing on a secured basis by Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. ("Bear Stearns"), BSSC and certain other affiliates. The facility provides that the Company may borrow up to $1.45 billion of the $2.9 billion on an unsecured basis. Secured borrowings can be collateralized by both investment-grade and non-investment-grade financial instruments. In addition, the facility provides for defined margin levels on a wide range of eligible financial instruments that may be pledged under the secured portion of the facility. The facility terminates in October 1999 with all loans outstanding at that date payable no later than October 2000. The Company currently expects to renew such facility upon expiration. There were no borrowings outstanding under the facility at June 30, 1999. CAPITAL RESOURCES The Company conducts a substantial portion of its operating activities within its regulated subsidiaries Bear Stearns, BSSC, Bear, Stearns International Limited ("BSIL"), Bear, Stearns International Trading Limited ("BSIT") and Bear Stearns Bank Plc ("BSB"). In connection therewith, a substantial portion of the Company's long-term borrowings and equity has been used to fund investments in, and advances to, these regulated subsidiaries. The Company regularly monitors the nature and significance of assets or activities conducted outside the regulated subsidiaries and attempts to fund such assets with either capital or borrowings having maturities consistent with the nature and liquidity of the assets being financed. During fiscal 1999, the Company expanded its long-term borrowing base to $14.6 billion through the issuance of $4.2 billion of long-term debt. In an effort to capitalize on the favorable interest rate environment, the Company also issued $300.0 million of 7.5% Guaranteed Preferred Beneficial Interests in Company Subordinated Debt Securities ("Preferred Securities") and redeemed $150.0 million of 8% Exchangeable Preferred Income Cumulative Shares, Series A ("Series A Shares"). See Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a more complete description. The increase in long-term borrowings along with the growth in retained earnings and issuance of Preferred Securities increased total capital to $20.1 billion from $17.9 billion at June 30, 1998. The increases in the Company's long-term borrowings and equity capital base reflect the growth in the Company's liquidity needs. Long-term debt totaling $11.9 billion and $11.6 billion had maturities beyond one year at June 30, 1999 and June 30, 1998, respectively. At June 30, 1999, the Company's long-term debt ratings were as follows: Moody's Investors Service A2 ---------------------------------------------------------- Standard & Poor's A ---------------------------------------------------------- Fitch IBCA A+ ---------------------------------------------------------- Thomson BankWatch AA- ---------------------------------------------------------- Duff & Phelps Credit Rating A+ ---------------------------------------------------------- Japan Bond Research Institute A+ The Company's CAP Plan allows participants to defer portions of their annual compensation in exchange for the future receipt of shares of the Company's Common Stock. In connection with the CAP Plan, during fiscal year ended June 30, 1999, the Company repurchased a total of 11,943,110 shares of Common Stock through open market transactions at a cost of approximately $483.3 million. The Company intends, subject to market conditions and plan limitations, to continue to purchase a sufficient number of shares of Common Stock in the open market to enable the Company to issue shares with respect to all compensation deferred, including any amounts credited to CAP Plan cash accounts, and any additional amounts allocated to participants under the CAP Plan. The Company's Stock Repurchase Plan (the "Repurchase Plan") allows for the purchase of up to $250.0 million of Common Stock from time to time, in the open market or otherwise, at prices then prevailing. Purchases of shares under the Repurchase Plan will be in addition to any shares regularly purchased under the CAP Plan. As of September 3, 1999, there have been no purchases under the Repurchase Plan. CASH FLOWS Cash and cash equivalents increased to $2.1 billion at the end of fiscal 1999 from $1.1 billion at the end of fiscal 1998, an increase of $1.0 billion. Fiscal 1998 year-end cash and cash equivalents decreased $175.3 million from $1.2 billion at the end of fiscal 1997. Fiscal 1997 year-end cash and cash equivalents increased $1.1 billion from $127.8 million at the end of fiscal 1996. Cash provided from financing activities was primarily used to support the growth in operating activities in each of the last three fiscal years. Cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 1999 was $234.8 million, primarily due to an increase in securities sold under agreements to repurchase of $5.3 billion and a decrease in securities borrowed of $2.7 billion. This increase of cash was partially offset by an increase in securities purchased under agreements to resell of $3.1 billion, a decrease in payables to brokers, dealers and others of $2.9 billion and a decrease in payables to customers of $1.3 billion. Cash used in operating activities in fiscal 1998 was $5.4 billion. The usage was primarily attributable to increases in securities borrowed of $16.1 billion, customer receivables of $5.7 billion and financial instruments owned of $3.0 billion. This increase was partially offset by increases in customer payables of $12.2 billion and securities sold under agreements to repurchase of $5.9 billion. Cash used in operating activities in fiscal 1997 was $5.4 billion. The usage was primarily attributable to increases in financial instruments owned of $12.2 billion, securities borrowed of $11.1 billion and securities purchased under agreements to resell of $3.8 billion. This increase was partially offset by increases in customer payables of $8.0 billion, financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased of $6.9 billion and securities sold under agreements to repurchase of $6.1 billion. Cash provided by financing activities in each of the three fiscal years ended June 30, 1999, 1998 and 1997 was primarily attributable to increased net borrowings that were used to support the Company's growth over the same periods while taking advantage of favorable long-term financing opportunities. During fiscal 1999, the Company also issued the Preferred Securities for aggregate proceeds of $300.0 million and redeemed the Series A shares for $150.0 million. Investing activities in fiscal 1999 used $177.6 million primarily for purchases of property, equipment and leasehold improvements of $171.8 million, and net purchases of investment securities and other assets of $5.8 million. Investing activities in fiscal 1998 used $450.0 million primarily for net purchases of investment securities and other assets of $266.3 million and purchases of property, equipment and leasehold improvements of $183.7 million. Investing activities in fiscal 1997 used $230.2 million primarily for purchases of property, equipment and leasehold improvements of $137.3 million and net purchases of investment securities and other assets of $92.9 million. REGULATED SUBSIDIARIES As registered broker-dealers, Bear Stearns and BSSC are subject to the net capital requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the New York Stock Exchange and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which are designed to measure the general financial soundness and liquidity of broker-dealers. BSIL and BSIT, London-based broker-dealer subsidiaries, are subject to the regulatory capital requirements of the Securities and Futures Authority, a self-regulatory organization established pursuant to the United Kingdom Financial Services Act of 1986. Additionally, BSB is subject to the regulatory capital requirements of the Central Bank of Ireland. At June 30, 1999, Bear Stearns, BSSC, BSIL, BSIT and BSB were in compliance with their respective regulatory requirements. The Company's broker-dealer subsidiaries are subject to certain restrictions on the payment of dividends which could limit the Company's ability to withdraw capital from such regulated subsidiaries, which in turn could limit the Company's ability to pay dividends. See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a more complete description of such limitations. MERCHANT BANKING AND HIGH YIELD SECURITIES As part of the Company's merchant banking activities, it participates from time to time in principal investments in leveraged acquisitions. As part of these activities, the Company originates, structures and invests in merger, acquisition, restructuring and leveraged capital transactions, including leveraged buyouts. The Company's principal investments in these transactions are generally made in the form of equity investments, equity-related investments or subordinated loans and have not historically required significant levels of capital investment. At June 30, 1999, the Company held direct equity investments in thirteen leveraged transactions with an aggregate carrying value of approximately $121.5 million. As part of the Company's fixed income securities activities, the Company participates in the trading and sale of high yield, non-investment-grade debt securities, non-investment-grade mortgage loans, and securities of companies that are the subject of pending bankruptcy proceedings (collectively "high yield securities"). Non-investment-grade mortgage loans are principally secured by residential properties and include both non-performing loans and real estate owned. At June 30, 1999 and 1998, the Company held high yield securities of $1.4 billion and $1.8 billion, respectively, in long inventory, and $0.2 billion and $0.3 billion, respectively, in short inventory. These investments generally involve greater risk than investment-grade debt securities due to credit considerations, liquidity of secondary trading markets, and increased vulnerability to general economic conditions. The level of the Company's high yield securities inventories, and the impact of such activities upon the Company's results of operations, can fluctuate from period to period as a result of customer demand and economic and market considerations. The Company's Risk Committee monitors exposure to market and credit risk with respect to high yield securities inventories and establishes limits with respect to overall market exposure and concentrations of risk by both individual issuer and industry group. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Derivative financial instruments represent contractual commitments between counterparties that derive their value from changes in an underlying interest rate, currency exchange rate, index (e.g., S&P 500), reference rate (e.g., LIBOR), or asset value referenced in the related contract. Some derivatives, such as futures contracts, certain options, and index referenced warrants, can be traded on an exchange. Other derivatives, such as interest rate and currency swaps, caps, floors, collars, and swaptions, equity swaps and options, structured notes, and forward contracts, are negotiated in the over-the-counter markets. Derivatives can generate both on- and off-balance-sheet implications depending on the nature of the contract. The Company is engaged as a dealer in over-the-counter derivatives and, accordingly, enters into transactions involving derivative instruments as part of its customer-related and proprietary trading activities. The Company's dealer activities require it to make markets and trade a variety of derivative instruments. In connection with these activities, the Company attempts to mitigate its exposure to market risk by entering into essentially offsetting hedging transactions which may include over-the-counter derivative contracts or the purchase or sale of interest-bearing securities, equity securities, financial futures and forward contracts. The Company also utilizes derivative instruments in order to hedge proprietary market-making and trading activities. In this regard, the utilization of derivative instruments is designed to reduce or mitigate market risks associated with holding dealer inventories or in connection with arbitrage-related trading activities. The Company also utilizes interest rate and currency swaps to hedge its fixed-rate debt issuances as part of its asset and liability management. In connection with the Company's dealer activities, the Company formed Bear Stearns Financial Products Inc. ("BSFP") and Bear Stearns Trading Risk Management Inc. ("BSTRM"). BSFP and BSTRM were established to provide clients with an AAA-rated counterparty offering a wide range of global fixed income and equity derivative products. Additionally, the Company is able to provide customers with the choice of either a termination or continuation structure. As of June 30, 1999 and 1998, the Company had notional/contract amounts of $551.0 billion and $493.7 billion, respectively, of derivative financial instruments outstanding, of which $104.0 billion and $78.4 billion, respectively, were listed futures and option contracts. The aggregate notional/contract value of derivative contracts is a reflection of the level of activity and does not represent the amounts that are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. The Company's derivative financial instruments outstanding, which either are used to hedge trading positions or are part of its derivative dealer activities, are marked to fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on derivative financial instruments used to hedge the Company's long-term debt issuances are generally deferred, and related income and expense is recorded on an accrual basis, together with the interest expense incurred on the related debt instrument. The Company hedges its long-term debt issuances principally by converting fixed-rate instruments to floating-rate using interest rate swaps, generally based on LIBOR. This strategy allows the Company to manage interest rate exposure on its assets and liabilities, and has enabled the Company to reduce its interest expense by $48.1 million, $23.5 million and $29.4 million during fiscal 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. YEAR 2000 ISSUE The Year 2000 issue is the result of legacy computer programs having been written using two digits rather than four digits to define the applicable year and therefore without consideration of the impact of the upcoming change in the century. Such programs, unless corrected, may not be able to accurately process dates ending in the Year 2000 and thereafter. Over four years ago, the Company established a task force to review and develop an action plan to address the Year 2000 issue. The Company's action plan addresses both information technology and non-information technology system compliance issues. Since then, the ongoing assessment and monitoring phase has continued and includes assessment of the degree of compliance of its significant vendors, facility operators, custodial banks and fiduciary agents to determine the extent to which the Company is vulnerable to those third parties' failure to remediate their own Year 2000 issues. The Company has contacted all significant external vendors in an effort to confirm their readiness for the Year 2000 and tested compatibility with such systems. The Company also participates actively in various industry-wide tests. Through June 30, 1999, the amounts incurred related to the assessment of, and efforts in connection with, the Year 2000 and the development and execution of a remediation plan have approximated $63.1 million of which approximately $8.9 million in hardware and software has been capitalized. The Company's total projected Year 2000 project cost, including the estimated costs and time associated with the impact of third-party Year 2000 issues, are based on currently available information. The total remaining Year 2000 project cost is estimated at approximately $11.9 million, which will be funded through operating cash flows and primarily expensed as incurred. The Company presently believes that the activities it is undertaking in the Year 2000 project should satisfactorily resolve Year 2000 compliance exposures within its own systems worldwide. The Company has completed the reprogramming and replacement phase of the project. Additional testing will continue through the end of the calendar year as deemed appropriate. There can be no assurance that the systems of other companies on which the Company's systems rely will be timely converted, or that a failure to convert by another company, or a conversion that is incompatible with the Company's systems, would not have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company has developed an action plan and a formal contingency plan designed to safeguard the interests of the Company and its customers. The Company believes that these plans significantly reduce the risk of a Year 2000 issue serious enough to cause a business disruption. With regard to Year 2000 compliance of other external entities, the Company is monitoring developments closely. Should it appear that a major utility, such as a stock exchange, would not be ready, the Company will work with other firms in the industry to plan an appropriate course of action. EFFECTS OF INFLATION Since the Company's assets are primarily recorded at their current market value, they are not significantly affected by inflation. However, the rate of inflation affects the Company's expenses, such as employee compensation, office leasing costs and communications charges, which may not be readily recoverable in the price of services offered by the Company. To the extent that inflation causes interest rates to rise and has other effects on the securities markets and on the value of securities held in inventory, it may adversely affect the Company's financial position and results of operations. The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. RISK MANAGEMENT - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OVERALL - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Company's principal business activities by their nature engender significant market and credit risks. Managing these risks is critical to the success and stability of the Company. As a result, comprehensive risk management policies and procedures have been established to identify, control and monitor each of these major risks. Additionally, the Company's diverse portfolio of business activities helps to reduce the impact that volatility in any particular market may have on its net revenues. In addition to market risk, the Company is also subject to credit risk, operating risk and funding risk. Funding risk is discussed in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of Management's Discussion and Analysis. Managing risk at the Company begins first and foremost with the expertise and experience of trading department management. Senior Managing Directors in each department have extensive knowledge of the markets and activities in which they do business. Their experience and insight are supplemented by risk management policies and procedures intended to monitor and evaluate the Company's risk profile. The cornerstone of the Company's risk management practices is constant communication between trading department management and senior management concerning inventory positions and market risk profile. This process, which occurs on a daily basis, culminates each week with the trading departments making formal reports of positions, profits and losses, and trading strategies to the Company's Risk Committee (the "Risk Committee"). The Risk Committee, comprised of Senior Managing Directors from each of the various trading departments as well as the Risk Management Department, is chaired by Alan C. Greenberg, Chairman of the Board of the Company and of Bear Stearns. The Risk Committee meets weekly and has overall responsibility for oversight of the trading departments and their related trading strategies. The risk management process encompasses many units, including the Controller's Department, Operations and the Risk Management Department, and is intended to support and enforce the Company's policies and procedures with respect to market risk. As part of its daily risk management procedures, the Company marks its entire inventory to market and the Controller's Department provides daily profit and loss statements to senior management covering all trading departments. The Controller's Department and Operations monitor position and balance sheet information through both reconciliation and price verification procedures. The Risk Management Department, which was formed in 1988, is independent of all trading areas and reports directly to the Executive Committee. The goals of the department are to understand the risk profile of each trading area, to consolidate risk at the firm-wide level, to articulate large trading or position risks to senior management, to provide traders with perspectives on their positions and to better ensure accurate mark-to-market pricing. The department's staffing and responsibilities have grown with the Company's trading activities. The Risk Management Department, together with trading department management, review the age and composition of each department's proprietary accounts and the profits and losses of each portfolio on a daily basis. This is to better ensure that trading strategies are being adhered to within acceptable risk parameters. The Company's Credit Policy Committee and its subcommittee, the Global Credit Committee, establish and review appropriate credit limits for institutional customers. The Credit Policy Committee is primarily composed of Senior Managing Directors who are generally not involved in the operations of the departments seeking credit approval for customers. The Credit Policy Committee meets periodically and establishes policies and guidelines, which the Global Credit Committee enforces by setting credit limits and by monitoring exposure of customers seeking repurchase and resale agreement facilities, derivative financial instruments and other forms of secured and unsecured credit. MARKET RISK - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Market risk generally represents the risk of loss that may result from the potential change in the value of a financial instrument as a result of fluctuations in interest and currency exchange rates, equity and futures prices, changes in the implied volatility of interest rate, foreign exchange rate, equity and futures prices and also changes in the credit ratings of either the issuer or its related country of origin. Market risk is inherent to both derivative and non-derivative financial instruments, and accordingly, the scope of the Company's market risk management procedures includes all market risk-sensitive financial instruments. The Company's exposure to market risk is directly related to its role as a financial intermediary in customer-related transactions and to its proprietary trading and arbitrage activities. The Company makes dealer markets in investment-grade corporate debt, non-investment-grade corporate ("high yield") debt, US government securities, sovereign debt, emerging markets debt obligations, mortgages and mortgage-backed securities, other collateralized securities, and municipal bonds. The Company is also an active market-maker and conducts block trading activities in the listed and over-the-counter equity markets. In connection with these activities, the Company may be required to maintain significant inventories in order to ensure availability and to facilitate customer order flow. The Company is also engaged as a dealer in over-the-counter derivatives, and accordingly enters into transactions such as interest rate and cross-currency swaps, over-the-counter swaps and options on interest rates and foreign currencies and equity swaps and options as part of its customer and proprietary trading activities. In connection with these activities, the Company attempts to mitigate its exposure to such market risk by entering into hedging transactions, which may include over-the-counter derivative contracts or the purchase or sale of securities, financial futures, options on futures or forward contracts. The Company's arbitrage activities are designed to take advantage of market price discrepancies between securities trading in different markets or between related products or derivative securities. Arbitrage activities involve maintaining offsetting positions in other financial instruments. In many instances, the Company may be required to purchase or sell derivative financial instruments as part of the arbitrage of a cash market security. These transactions may involve forward-settling transactions such as forwards or futures, where the objective may be to capture differences in the time value of money, or options transactions, which seek to capture differences between the expected and actual volatility of the underlying instrument. The Company attempts to mitigate its exposure to market risk with respect to these activities by entering into hedging transactions. Following is a discussion of the Company's primary market risk exposures as of June 30, 1999 and 1998, including a discussion of how those exposures are currently managed. INTEREST RATE RISK Interest rate risk is a consequence of maintaining inventory positions and trading in interest-rate-sensitive financial instruments. In connection with the Company's dealer and arbitrage activities, including market-making in over-the-counter derivative contracts, the Company exposes itself to interest rate risk, arising from changes in the level or volatility of interest rates, mortgage prepayment speeds or the shape and slope of the yield curve. The Company's fixed income activities also expose it to the risk of loss related to changes in credit spreads. Credit spread risk arises from the potential that changes in an issuer's credit rating or credit perception could affect the value of financial instruments. Credit risk resulting from default on counterparty obligations is discussed in the credit risk section. The Company attempts to hedge its exposure to interest rate risk primarily through the use of interest rate swaps, options, Eurodollar and US government securities and futures and forward contracts designed to reduce the Company's risk profile. FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATE RISK Foreign exchange rate risk arises from the possibility that changes in foreign exchange rates will impact the value of financial instruments. When the Company buys or sells a foreign currency or a financial instrument denominated in a currency other than US dollars, exposure exists from a net open currency position. Until the position is covered by selling or buying an equivalent amount of the same currency, or by entering into a financing arrangement denominated in the same currency, the Company is exposed to a risk that the exchange rate may move against it. The Company attempts to hedge the risk arising from its foreign exchange activities primarily through the use of currency swaps, options, forwards and futures. EQUITY PRICE RISK The Company is exposed to equity price risk as a consequence of making markets in equity securities and equity derivatives. Equity price risk results from changes in the level or volatility of equity prices, which affect the value of equity securities or instruments that derive their value from a particular stock, a basket of stocks or a stock index. The Company attempts to reduce the risk of loss inherent in its inventory of equity securities by entering into hedging transactions, including equity options, designed to mitigate the Company's market risk profile. VALUE AT RISK The estimation of potential losses that could arise from changes in market conditions is typically accomplished through the use of statistical models that seek to predict risk of loss based on historical price and volatility patterns. The output of such statistical models is commonly referred to as value at risk. Value at risk is used to describe a probabilistic approach to measuring the exposure to market risk. This approach utilizes statistical concepts to estimate the probability of the value of a financial instrument rising above or falling below a specified amount. The calculation utilizes the standard deviation of historical changes in value (i.e., volatility) of the market risk-sensitive financial instruments to estimate the amount of change in the current value that could occur at a specified probability level. Measuring market risk using statistical risk management models has been the main focus of risk management efforts by many companies whose earnings are significantly exposed to changes in the fair value of financial instruments. The Company believes that statistical models alone do not provide a reliable method of monitoring and controlling risk. While value at risk models are relatively sophisticated, the quantitative risk information generated is limited by the parameters established in creating the related models. The financial instruments being evaluated, in some cases, have features that may trigger a potential loss in excess of the amounts previously disclosed if the changes in market rates or prices exceed the confidence level of the model used. Therefore, such models do not substitute for the experience or judgment of senior management and traders, who have extensive knowledge of the markets and adjust positions and revise strategies, as they deem necessary. The Company uses these models only as a supplement to other risk management tools. For purposes of Securities and Exchange Commission disclosure requirements, the Company has performed an entity-wide value at risk analysis of virtually all of the Company's financial assets and liabilities including all reported financial instruments owned and sold, repurchase and resale agreements, and funding assets and liabilities. The value at risk related to non-trading financial instruments has been included in this analysis and is not reported separately because the amounts were not material. The calculation is based on a methodology that uses a one-day interval and a 95% confidence level. Interest rate and foreign exchange rate risk use a "Monte Carlo" value at risk approach. Monte Carlo simulation involves the generation of price movements in a portfolio using a random number generator. The generation of random numbers is based on the statistical properties of the securities in the portfolio. For interest rates, each country's yield curve has five factors that describe possible curve movements. These were generated from principal component analysis. In addition, volatility and spread risk factors were used, where appropriate. Intercountry correlations were also used. Equity price risk was measured using a combination of historical and Monte Carlo value at risk approaches. Equity derivatives were treated as correlated with various indices, of which the Company used approximately fifty at June 30, 1999 and approximately forty at June 30, 1998. Parameter estimates, such as volatilities and correlations, were based on daily tests through June 30, 1999. The total value at risk presented below is less than the sum of the individual components (i.e., Interest Rate Risk, Foreign Exchange Rate Risk, Equity Risk) due to the benefit of diversification among the risks. This table illustrates the value at risk for each component of market risk as of June 30, 1999 and 1998: IN MILLIONS 1999 1998 ------------------------------------------------------------- MARKET RISK Interest rate $ 9.3 $11.1 Currency 1.3 0.9 Equity 11.3 8.9 Diversification benefit (7.2) (6.6) ------------------------------------------------------------- Total $14.7 $14.3 ============================================================= As previously discussed, the Company utilizes a wide variety of market risk management methods, including: limits for each trading activity; marking all positions to market on a daily basis; daily profit and loss statements; position reports; aged inventory position reports; and independent verification of inventory pricing. Additionally, management of each trading department reports positions, profits and losses, and trading strategies to the Risk Committee on a weekly basis. The Company believes that these procedures, which stress timely communication between trading department management and senior management, are the most important elements of the risk management process. Efforts to further strengthen the Company's management of market risk are continuous, and the enhancement of risk management systems is a priority of the Company. This includes the development of quantitative methods, profit and loss and variance reports, and the review and approval of pricing models. The charts below represent a summary of the daily revenues generated by the Company's trading departments and reflect a combination of trading revenues, net interest revenues for certain trading areas and other revenues for the fiscal years ended June 30, 1999 and 1998. These charts represent a historical summary of the results generated by the Company's trading departments as opposed to the probability approach used by the value at risk model. The average daily trading profit was $7.7 million and $6.9 million for fiscal years 1999 and 1998, respectively. Daily trading losses exceeded the reported value at risk amounts less than 1% of the total trading days during fiscal years 1999 and 1998. The range of daily trading profit volatility reflects the Company's historical ability to manage its exposure to market risk and the diversified nature of its trading activities. DAILY TRADING PROFIT FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Vertical bar graphs of Frequency (y-axis) versus Daily Trading Profit Volatility (x-axis) representing the following information appear here in paper format] Fiscal Year 1999 Daily Trading Frequency Profit Volatility (Number of ($ in millions) Trading Days) --------------- ------------- (30+) 1 (29) 1 (13) 1 (12) 1 (11) 1 (10) 3 (9) 1 (8) 1 (6) 2 (5) 2 (4) 3 (3) 5 (2) 2 (1) 2 0 10 1 6 2 10 3 14 4 8 5 17 6 15 7 15 8 17 9 12 10 19 11 15 12 9 13 15 14 8 15 6 16 6 17 4 19 2 20 4 21 5 24 1 27 1 28 2 29 1 30+ 4 Fiscal Year 1998 Daily Trading Frequency Profit Volatility (Number of ($ in millions) Trading Days) --------------- ------------- (26) 1 (9) 1 (6) 1 (4) 2 (3) 4 (1) 3 0 2 1 5 2 11 3 11 4 13 5 15 6 17 7 13 8 21 9 17 10 12 11 26 12 12 13 11 14 7 15 7 16 6 17 3 18 3 19 7 20 3 21 2 22 2 23 2 24 2 25 1 27 1 28 1 29 1 30+ 6 CREDIT RISK - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Credit risk arises from potential nonperformance by counterparties, customers, borrowers, or debt security issuers. The Company is exposed to credit risk as trading counterparty to dealers and customers, as direct lender, as holder of securities, and as member of exchanges and clearing organizations. The Company has established policies and procedures to manage credit risk. The Credit Policy Committee delegates credit approval authority to the Global Credit Committee, approves exposure measurement standards, reviews concentrations of credit risk, and sets documentation and credit support standards. The Global Credit Committee, which includes several members of the Credit Policy Committee, implements policy through its review and approval of large counterparty credit limits and consideration of new or unusual credit-related transactions. The credit risk management functions of the Company are administered in four departments: Global Credit; Margin; Risk Management and Correspondent Clearing (Specialist Clearance). The Global Credit Department monitors and controls extensions of credit to counterparties of the Company. The department's professionals assess the creditworthiness of the Company's counterparties and assign or recommend credit limits and requirements. In addition, credit and quantitative analysts assess the quality and acceptability of collateral, measure potential credit exposure associated with certain transactions, monitor compliance with credit limits, obtain appropriate legal documentation and provide comprehensive credit risk reporting for senior management. Credit analysts and managers are based in Company offices in New York, London, Dublin, Tokyo and Hong Kong and specialize by industry within the US and otherwise by country or region. Each analyst provides rating and limit recommendations to senior credit officers who either take action or refer recommendations to the Global Credit Committee as required by policy. Each regional manager is a member of the Global Credit Committee. All counterparties are assigned internal credit ratings reflecting the Department's quantitative and qualitative assessment of the counterparty's relative probability of default. The internal rating process may include review of audited financial statements, review of surveys performed by major statistical rating agencies, assessment of industry or sovereign factors, review of market developments, meetings with management and analysis of the risk of transactions with the counterparty. The Company measures its actual credit exposure--the replacement cost of counterparty contracts--on a daily basis. Master netting agreements and various enhancements such as collateral are used to reduce counterparty credit risk. The credit exposures reflect these risk-reducing features to the extent they are legally enforceable. The Company's net replacement cost of derivative contracts in a gain position at June 30, 1999 and 1998 was $1.2 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively. Exchange-traded financial instruments are guaranteed by the clearing organization and have minimal credit risk due to margin requirements. The Company establishes potential exposure limits across a variety of financing and trading products for all counterparties on a group and individual entity basis. Potential exposure is the statistically estimated net credit exposure associated with adverse market moves over the life of contracts at a 97.7% confidence interval. For over-the-counter derivative and foreign exchange contracts, the potential exposure is estimated daily using sophisticated internally developed risk models that employ Monte Carlo simulations. Potential exposure estimates consider the size and maturity of contracts; the volatility of, and correlations among, the underlying assets, indices, and currencies; settlement mechanisms; rights to demand additional collateral, and other legally enforceable credit mitigants, such as third-party guarantees or insurance. For other credit-sensitive fixed income products, potential exposure limits are converted to notional amounts using appropriate risk factors. The Company establishes country concentration limits and monitors actual and potential exposures, including both position and counterparty exposures, in emerging markets. The Sovereign Risk unit evaluates international macroeconomic conditions and recommends country concentration limits. The Company limits and monitors its exposure to sovereign default, devaluation and inconvertibility of local currencies. The Margin Department is responsible for evaluating the risk of extending to the Company's customers loans secured by certain marketable securities. The department evaluates the creditworthiness of the borrower as well as the acceptability of collateral, and actively monitors to ensure that collateral received meets regulatory and internal requirements. The Risk Management Department is responsible for monitoring the market risk of the Company's proprietary positions. As part of its duties, the group evaluates the credit quality of securities positions held in inventory in order to quantify and limit the risk to the Company of issuer default or changes in credit spreads. The Risk Department of the Specialist Clearance function is responsible for extensions of credit to correspondents (broker-dealers and other professional investors) and their customers. The department uses sophisticated computer simulations to project adverse moves in the value of certain correspondents or their customers' assets held by the Company on an individual security basis and portfolio basis. These daily simulations value the positions assuming a minimum adverse move for portfolios of 20% and individual securities of 25%. In some cases, these percentages are considerably higher depending on a portfolio's or instrument's market value, volatility and liquidity. The Company, through BSSC and BSIL, maintains a professional client base, which consists of entities such as Floor Traders and Specialists, Arbitrageurs, Broker-Dealers, Hedge Funds and Fund of Funds groups. These clients employ a wide variety of trading styles ranging from Option Hedging, Market Neutral Statistical Arbitrage, M & A Arbitrage and Hedged Convertible Strategies to multiple Fixed Income strategies. Trading strategies are employed in both domestic and international markets. The extension of leverage (margin debt) for a given customer is determined by the systematic analysis of the securities held and trading strategy that such customer employs. The Department has established a risk-based margin lending policy under which the minimum capital requirement may be greater than the applicable regulatory capital requirements. In other words, customers can only achieve maximum regulatory leverage if their portfolios satisfy the internal risk parameters. Client portfolios are analyzed and evaluated daily through extensive simulation analysis designed to estimate market-related risk. Using its internally developed risk management system known as RACS (Risk Analytic Control System), the Department is able to analyze every professional client's portfolio prior to each market open as well as on an intra-day basis. RACS uses scenario analysis to estimate market risk through extensive stress testing. All client positions are simulated across 200 different scenarios resulting in a wide variety of potential profit and loss possibilities. Some basic assumptions used in the analysis are minimum portfolio moves of 20% as well as minimum moves in individual securities of 25% or more. Other scenarios include price movement tests of 1 and 2 standard deviations, fixed percentage moves, beta-weighted and market-capitalization-driven extreme price moves. Scenarios are constructed in such a way as to assess position and portfolio sensitivities to changes in underlying prices, volatilities, interest rates, credit spreads, currency cross rates and forward time horizons. In addition to client-level security and portfolio analysis, the system produces over 40 various reports that provide multi-dimensional views that include industry exposures, country/region exposures, and security concentration and liquidity risk. The system hardware is redundant, staffed 24 hours a day and supported by a dedicated staff of programmers and financial engineers. The policies and procedures of the Risk Department of the Specialist Clearance function are developed under the oversight of and reported to Professional Clearance Senior Management. The Department also coordinates with the Margin, Treasury and Global Credit Departments. OPERATING RISK - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating risk is the potential for loss arising from limitations in the Company's financial systems and controls, deficiencies in legal documentation and the execution of legal and fiduciary responsibilities, deficiencies in technology and the risk of loss attributable to operational problems. These risks are less direct than credit and market risk, but managing them is critical, particularly in a rapidly changing environment with increasing transaction volumes. In order to reduce or mitigate these risks, the Company has established and maintains an effective internal control environment, which incorporates various control mechanisms at different levels throughout the organization and within such departments as Financial and Accounting, Operations, Legal and Internal Audit. These control mechanisms are designed to better ensure that operational policies and procedures are being followed and that the Company's various businesses are operating within established corporate policies and limits. Management has established and maintains an effective internal control structure over financial reporting, the primary goal of which is to ensure that policies and procedures have been established regarding authorization, access to assets and asset accountability. This provides a high degree of assurance that assets are acquired and safeguarded and that liabilities are incurred and discharged in accordance with management's decisions. In addition, an effective internal control structure ensures that financial information is accurately maintained on the books. The Company also has effective risk controls in place to ensure that operational functions such as transaction initiation, transaction processing and settlement/clearance are functioning properly. The Company has invested heavily in technology over the years in order to have the ability to gather and process information efficiently and to handle the wide variety of products and services the Company offers. In addition, the Company's investment in technology allows us to communicate information efficiently and securely to customers and to groups within the Company. The Operations Committee, together with the Management and Compensation Committee, has oversight responsibilities for all operational and other matters that affect the Company's day-to-day activities. These committees also review new products/businesses to better ensure that policies and procedures are established and in place prior to doing business. OTHER RISKS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other risks encountered by the Company include political, regulatory and tax risks. These risks reflect the potential impact that changes in local laws, regulatory requirements or tax statutes have on the economics and viability of current or future transactions. In an effort to mitigate these risks, the Company seeks to continuously review new and pending regulations and legislation and participates in various special interest groups. The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA Fiscal Years Ended June 30, 1999 1998 1997 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- REVENUES Commissions $ 1,013,909 $ 902,692 $ 732,343 Principal transactions 1,929,137 1,726,982 1,571,332 Investment banking 839,301 1,001,494 663,249 Interest and dividends 4,008,566 4,285,595 3,058,452 Other income 91,125 63,173 51,902 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total revenues 7,882,038 7,979,936 6,077,278 Interest expense 3,379,914 3,638,513 2,551,364 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenues, net of interest expense 4,502,124 4,341,423 3,525,914 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NON-INTEREST EXPENSES Employee compensation and benefits 2,285,594 2,111,741 1,726,931 Floor brokerage, exchange and clearance fees 159,609 166,733 141,211 Communications 143,458 122,973 102,926 Depreciation and amortization 133,115 115,141 89,719 Occupancy 108,521 100,559 88,419 Advertising and market development 95,739 82,499 69,765 Data processing and equipment 61,017 47,785 36,620 Other expenses 450,963 530,500 256,633 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total non-interest expenses 3,438,016 3,277,931 2,512,224 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income before provision for income taxes 1,064,108 1,063,492 1,013,690 Provision for income taxes 391,060 403,063 400,360 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income $ 673,048 $ 660,429 $ 613,330 ================================================================================================== Net income applicable to common shares $ 633,618 $ 629,417 $ 589,497 ================================================================================================== Earnings per share $ 4.48 $ 4.38 $ 4.00 ================================================================================================== Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding 157,602,889 158,529,866 155,240,279 ================================================================================================== See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA June 30, 1999 1998 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,129,080 $ 1,073,821 Cash and securities deposited with clearing organizations or segregated in compliance with federal regulations 2,891,397 2,282,729 Securities purchased under agreements to resell 32,996,226 29,846,716 Receivable for securities provided as collateral 1,735,293 2,041,546 Securities borrowed 54,173,726 56,844,009 Receivables: Customers 14,510,628 14,228,678 Brokers, dealers and others 1,452,590 1,337,146 Interest and dividends 366,110 467,456 Financial instruments owned, at fair value 41,942,878 44,619,672 Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $622,784 and $517,575 in 1999 and 1998, respectively 486,735 448,044 Other assets 1,209,677 1,306,078 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Assets $ 153,894,340 $ 154,495,895 ========================================================================================================================= LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Short-term borrowings $ 14,145,410 $ 14,613,565 Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 50,673,644 45,346,472 Obligation to return securities received as collateral 1,944,286 5,257,279 Payables: Customers 40,822,913 42,119,042 Brokers, dealers and others 2,195,691 5,055,988 Interest and dividends 542,478 636,021 Financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased, at fair value 21,506,372 21,070,596 Accrued employee compensation and benefits 1,306,357 1,217,337 Other liabilities and accrued expenses 654,588 1,242,110 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 133,791,739 136,558,410 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Commitments and contingencies (Note 12) Long-term borrowings 14,647,092 13,295,952 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Guaranteed Preferred Beneficial Interests in Company Subordinated Debt Securities 500,000 200,000 Preferred Stock issued by subsidiary 150,000 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Preferred Stock 800,000 800,000 Common Stock, $1.00 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 176,011,113 and 167,784,941 shares issued in 1999 and 1998, respectively 176,011 167,785 Paid-in capital 2,269,927 1,963,788 Retained earnings 1,931,957 1,590,574 Capital Accumulation Plan 1,144,329 833,427 Treasury stock, at cost-- Adjustable Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock Series A: 2,520,750 shares at June 30, 1999 and 1998 (103,421) (103,421) Common Stock: 56,333,508 and 50,639,294 shares at June 30, 1999 and 1998, respectively (1,263,294) (953,506) Note receivable from ESOP Trust (7,114) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Stockholders' Equity 4,955,509 4,291,533 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $ 153,894,340 $ 154,495,895 ========================================================================================================================= See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS IN THOUSANDS Fiscal Years Ended June 30, 1999 1998 1997 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income $ 673,048 $ 660,429 $ 613,330 Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 133,115 115,141 89,719 Deferred income taxes (191,146) (204,814) (101,859) Other 132,893 117,954 73,699 Decreases (increases) in operating receivables: Cash and securities deposited with clearing organizations or segregated in compliance with federal regulations (608,668) (833,915) 253,310 Securities purchased under agreements to resell (3,149,510) (1,506,117) (3,823,324) Securities borrowed 2,670,283 (16,132,729) (11,100,073) Receivables: Customers (281,950) (5,656,157) (596,148) Brokers, dealers and others (115,444) (109,199) (416,556) Financial instruments owned (329,946) (2,966,659) (12,215,146) Other assets 418,885 (215,865) (80,975) Increases (decreases) in operating payables: Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 5,327,172 5,915,256 6,077,317 Payables: Customers (1,296,129) 12,197,656 8,016,371 Brokers, dealers and others (2,860,297) 2,246,118 968,282 Financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased 435,776 285,800 6,868,215 Accrued employee compensation and benefits (32,080) 195,000 137,967 Other liabilities and accrued expenses (691,198) 446,152 (138,288) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash provided by (used in) operating activities 234,804 (5,445,949) (5,374,159) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net (payments) proceeds from short-term borrowings (468,155) 196,894 4,549,052 Net proceeds from issuance of long-term borrowings 4,179,637 7,045,745 3,129,439 Net proceeds from issuance of subsidiary securities 290,550 199,884 Issuance of Preferred Stock 650,000 Redemption of Preferred Stock (150,000) (287,500) Capital Accumulation Plan 483,260 259,816 196,114 Tax benefit of Common Stock distributions 92,893 86,968 4,006 Note repayment from ESOP Trust 7,114 6,587 6,099 Payments for: Retirement of long-term borrowings (2,846,752) (1,881,841) (1,062,844) Treasury Stock purchases (482,818) (258,036) (202,296) Cash dividends paid (107,666) (97,990) (93,784) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash provided by financing activities 998,063 5,720,643 6,725,670 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Purchases of property, equipment and leasehold improvements (171,806) (183,652) (137,328) Purchases of investment securities and other assets (68,732) (273,956) (108,480) Proceeds from sale of investment securities and other assets 62,930 7,603 15,582 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash used in investing activities (177,608) (450,005) (230,226) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 1,055,259 (175,311) 1,121,285 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 1,073,821 1,249,132 127,847 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $ 2,129,080 $ 1,073,821 $ 1,249,132 ========================================================================================================================= Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 125 requires balance sheet recognition of collateral related to certain secured financing transactions, which is a non-cash activity, and did not impact the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Treasury Stock ------------------------- Adjustable Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock, Note Common Capital Series A-$50 Common Receivable IN THOUSANDS, Preferred Stock Paid-In Retained Accumulation Liquidation Stock from ESOP EXCEPT SHARE DATA Stock $1 Par Value Capital Earnings Plan Preference $1 Par Value Trust - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Balance, June 30, 1996 $ 437,500 $ 159,804 $1,696,217 $ 694,108 $ 471,191 $ (95,389) $ (598,217) $ (19,800) Net income 613,330 Cash dividends declared-- Common ($0.55 per share) (69,928) Preferred (23,890) Purchase of treasury stock-- Adjustable Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A (179,400 shares) (8,032) Common Stock (7,230,103 shares) (186,742) Common Stock issued out of treasury (745,399 shares) 350 (12,298) 12,408 Income tax benefits attributable to Common Stock issued out of treasury 3,546 5% stock dividend (7,981,177 shares) 7,981 173,903 (181,884) Note repayment from ESOP Trust 6,099 Allocation under Capital Accumulation Plan 196,114 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Balance, June 30, 1997 437,500 167,785 1,874,016 1,031,736 655,007 (103,421) (772,551) (13,701) Net income 660,429 Cash dividends declared-- Common ($0.57 per share) (69,621) Preferred (31,970) Issuance of Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series E, F and G 650,000 Redemption of Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series B and C (287,500) Purchase of treasury stock-- Common Stock (5,654,124 shares) (259,547) Common Stock issued out of treasury (5,206,362 shares) 3,938 (81,396) 78,592 Income tax benefits attributable to Common Stock issued out of treasury 85,834 Note repayment from ESOP Trust 6,587 Allocation under Capital Accumulation Plan 259,816 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Balance, June 30, 1998 $ 800,000 $ 167,785 $1,963,788 $1,590,574 $ 833,427 $ (103,421) $ (953,506) $ (7,114) ==================================================================================================================================== See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Treasury Stock ------------------------- Adjustable Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock, Note Common Capital Series A-$50 Common Receivable IN THOUSANDS, Preferred Stock Paid-In Retained Accumulation Liquidation Stock from ESOP EXCEPT SHARE DATA Stock $1 Par Value Capital Earnings Plan Preference $1 Par Value Trust - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Balance, June 30, 1998 $ 800,000 $ 167,785 $1,963,788 $1,590,574 $ 833,427 $ (103,421) $ (953,506) $ (7,114) Net income 673,048 Cash dividends declared-- Common ($0.59 per share) (68,796) Preferred (39,113) Purchase of treasury stock-- Common Stock (11,943,110 shares) (482,818) Common Stock issued out of treasury (8,623,436 shares) 919 (172,358) 173,030 Income tax benefits attributable to Common Stock issued out of treasury 91,302 5% Stock dividend (8,226,172 shares) 8,226 215,530 (223,756) Note repayment from ESOP Trust 7,114 Amortization of Preferred Stock issue costs (1,612) Allocation under Capital Accumulation Plan 483,260 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Balance, June 30, 1999 $ 800,000 $ 176,011 $2,269,927 $1,931,957 $1,144,329 $ (103,421) $(1,263,294) $ 0 ==================================================================================================================================== See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT 1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BASIS OF PRESENTATION The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company"). All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. Share data for all years included in the consolidated financial statements are presented after giving retroactive effect to the 5% stock dividend declared by the Company in each of January 1999 and January 1997. The consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The Company, through its principal subsidiaries, Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. ("Bear Stearns"), Bear, Stearns Securities Corp. ("BSSC") and Bear, Stearns International Limited ("BSIL"), is primarily engaged in business as a securities broker-dealer and operates in three principal segments: Capital Markets, Execution Services and Wealth Management. Capital Markets is comprised of the Equities, Fixed Income and Investment Banking areas. Execution Services is comprised of clearance and predominantly commission-related areas that concentrate on the execution of trades for customers. Wealth Management is comprised of the Private Client Services ("PCS") and Asset Management areas. See Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Proprietary securities, futures and derivatives transactions, commission revenues and related expenses are recorded on a trade date basis. Financial instruments owned and financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased, including contractual commitments arising pursuant to futures, forward and option contracts, interest rate swaps and other derivative contracts, are recorded at fair value with the resulting net unrealized gains and losses reflected in net income. Fair value is generally based on quoted market prices. If quoted market prices are not available, or if liquidating the Company's position is reasonably expected to impact market prices, fair value is determined based on other relevant factors, including dealer price quotations, price activity for equivalent instruments and valuation pricing models. Valuation pricing models consider time value and volatility factors underlying financial instruments as well as other relevant economic measurements. Equity securities acquired as a result of leveraged acquisition transactions are reflected in the consolidated financial statements at their initial cost until such time as significant transactions or developments indicate that a change in the carrying value of the securities is appropriate. Generally, the carrying values of these securities will be increased only in those instances where market values are readily ascertainable by reference to substantial transactions occurring in the marketplace. Reductions to the carrying value of these securities are made in the event that the Company's estimate of net realizable value has declined below the carrying value. SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS Customer transactions are recorded on a settlement date basis, which is generally three business days after trade date, while the related commission revenues and expenses are recorded on a trade date basis. COLLATERALIZED SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS Transactions involving purchases of securities under agreements to resell ("reverse repurchase agreements") or sales of securities under agreements to repurchase ("repurchase agreements") are treated as collateralized financing transactions and are recorded at their contracted resale or repurchase amounts plus accrued interest. It is the Company's policy to generally take possession of securities with a market value in excess of the principal amount loaned plus the accrued interest thereon in order to collateralize reverse repurchase agreements. Similarly, the Company is required to provide securities to counterparties in order to collateralize repurchase agreements. The Company's agreements with counterparties generally contain contractual provisions allowing for additional collateral to be obtained, or excess collateral returned, when necessary. It is the Company's policy to value collateral daily and to obtain additional collateral, or to retrieve excess collateral from counterparties, when deemed appropriate. Securities borrowed and securities loaned are recorded based upon the amount of cash collateral advanced or received. Securities borrowed transactions facilitate the settlement process and require the Company to deposit cash, letters of credit or other collateral with the lender. With respect to securities loaned, the Company receives collateral in the form of cash or other collateral. The amount of collateral required to be deposited for securities borrowed, or received for securities loaned, is an amount generally in excess of the market value of the applicable securities borrowed or loaned. The Company monitors the market value of securities borrowed and loaned on a daily basis, with additional collateral obtained, or excess collateral refunded, as necessary. FIXED ASSETS Depreciation of property and equipment is provided by the Company on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset. Amortization of leasehold improvements is provided on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the asset or the remaining life of the lease. TRANSLATION OF FOREIGN CURRENCIES Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at year-end rates of exchange, while income statement items are translated at average rates of exchange for the year. Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in net income. INCOME TAXES The Company and certain of its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. The Company accounts for income taxes under the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." Under SFAS 109, deferred income taxes are provided based upon the net tax effects of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities. In addition, deferred income taxes are determined using the enacted tax rates and laws which are expected to be in effect when the related temporary differences are expected to be reversed. EARNINGS PER SHARE Earnings per share is computed by dividing net income applicable to common shares by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period presented. Common shares include the assumed distribution of shares of common stock issuable under various employee benefit plans including certain of the Company's deferred compensation arrangements, with appropriate adjustments made to net income for expenses related thereto. STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS For purposes of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, the Company has defined cash equivalents as liquid investments not held for sale in the ordinary course of business with original maturities of three months or less. Cash payments for interest approximated interest expense for the years ended June 30, 1999, 1998 and 1997. Income taxes paid totaled $223.2 million, $459.7 million and $478.4 million for the fiscal years 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. ACCOUNTING CHANGES AND DEVELOPMENTS The Company adopted SFAS 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income," in fiscal 1999. Under SFAS 130, the Company is required to disclose comprehensive income, which combines net income and certain items that directly affect stockholders' equity, in a prominent position on the face of the financial statements. The standard is limited to matters of reporting and presentation and does not address recognition or measurement. The adoption of the standard had no impact on the Company's net income or stockholders' equity. The Company adopted SFAS 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information," in fiscal 1999. SFAS 131 redefines how operating segments are determined and requires disclosure of certain financial and descriptive information about a company's operating segments. See Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company adopted SFAS 132, "Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits," in fiscal 1999. SFAS 132 revised and standardized pension and other postretirement benefit plan disclosures. The adoption of the standard was not material to the Company's financial statement disclosures. In October 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS 134, "Accounting for Mortgage-Backed Securities Retained after the Securitization of Mortgage Loans Held for Sale by a Mortgage Banking Enterprise," which is effective for the first fiscal quarter beginning after December 15, 1998. SFAS 134 amends SFAS 65, "Accounting for Certain Mortgage Banking Activities," to require that after the securitization of mortgage loans held for sale, an entity engaged in mortgage banking activities classify the resulting mortgage-backed securities or other retained interests based on its ability and intent to sell or hold those investments. The Company adopted this standard when required in fiscal 1999. Adoption of this standard did not impact the Company's financial position or results of operations. In June 1999, the FASB issued SFAS 137, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities--Deferral of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 133." SFAS 137 was effective upon issuance and deferred the effective date of SFAS 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," to fiscal quarters of all fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000. SFAS 133 establishes standards for accounting and reporting of derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and hedging activities. The Company expects to adopt this standard when required in the first quarter of fiscal 2001 and is currently evaluating the potential impact on the Company's accounting for such activities. In March 1998, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants ("AICPA") issued Statement of Position ("SOP") 98-1, "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use." This SOP provides guidance on accounting for the costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use. The Company will adopt this standard when required in fiscal 2000 and is currently in the process of accumulating such costs incurred since July 1, 1999. In September 1998, the AICPA issued SOP 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up Activities." SOP 98-5 requires the costs of certain start-up activities, which includes organizational costs, to be expensed as incurred. The Company adopted SOP 98-5 effective July 1, 1999 with no material impact. FAIR VALUE OF 2 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SFAS 107, "Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments," requires the Company to report the fair value of financial instruments, as defined. Substantially all of the Company's assets and liabilities are carried at fair value or contracted amounts which approximate fair value. Financial instruments owned and financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased are carried at fair value. Assets which are recorded at contracted amounts approximating fair value consist largely of short-term secured receivables, and include reverse repurchase agreements, securities borrowed and certain other receivables. Similarly, the Company's short-term liabilities such as bank loans, commercial paper, medium-term notes, repurchase agreements, securities loaned and certain other payables are recorded at contracted amounts approximating fair value. These instruments generally have variable interest rates and short-term maturities, in many cases overnight, and, accordingly, are not materially affected by changes in interest rates. The estimated fair value of the Company's long-term borrowings, based upon market rates of interest available to the Company at June 30, 1999 for debt obligations of similar maturity, was approximately $14.5 billion, which is less than the aggregate carrying value by approximately $101.2 million. However, the Company generally enters into interest rate swaps and other transactions designed to either convert its fixed-rate debt into floating rates or otherwise hedge its exposure to interest rate movements. Accordingly, unrecognized gains or losses on interest rate swaps and other transactions hedging the Company's long-term borrowings generally offset the effect of changes in interest rates on the fair value of the Company's long-term borrowings. For discussion of the Company's financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk, see Note 11. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Financial instruments owned and financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased consisting of the Company's proprietary trading and investment accounts, at fair value, as of June 30, were as follows: IN THOUSANDS 1999 1998 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS OWNED: US government and agency $ 8,211,944 $ 9,388,387 Other sovereign governments 2,742,486 2,955,515 Corporate equity and convertible debt 14,578,501 12,255,749 Corporate debt 4,972,621 4,938,541 Derivative financial instruments 3,035,278 3,545,236 Mortgages and other mortgage-backed securities 7,869,884 10,582,090 Other 532,164 954,154 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $41,942,878 $44,619,672 ================================================================================ FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS SOLD, BUT NOT YET PURCHASED: US government and agency $ 5,250,633 $ 6,327,074 Other sovereign governments 2,639,952 3,107,789 Corporate equity 6,134,317 4,336,280 Corporate debt 1,707,998 1,398,025 Derivative financial instruments 5,687,296 5,835,491 Other 86,176 65,937 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $21,506,372 $21,070,596 ================================================================================ Financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased represent obligations of the Company to deliver the specified financial instrument at the contracted price, and thereby create a liability to repurchase the financial instrument in the market at prevailing prices. Accordingly, these transactions result in off-balance-sheet risk as the Company's ultimate obligation to satisfy the sale of financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased may exceed the amount recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. 4 SHORT-TERM FINANCING - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Company's short-term financing is generally obtained on a secured basis through the use of repurchase agreements and securities lending arrangements. Additionally, the Company obtains short-term financing on an unsecured basis through the issuance of commercial paper, medium-term notes and bank loans. Repurchase agreements are collateralized principally by US government and agency securities. Securities lending arrangements are typically secured by corporate equity and debt securities, utilizing both securities owned by the Company and customers' securities. The interest rates on such short-term borrowings reflect market rates of interest or rebates at the time of the transactions. Borrowings made under the Company's commercial paper programs were $8.5 billion and $7.3 billion at June 30, 1999 and 1998, respectively. During the fiscal years 1999 and 1998, the weighted average interest rates on such borrowings were 5.22% and 5.66%, respectively. The weighted average rates at June 30, 1999 and 1998 were 4.93% and 5.51%, respectively. At June 30, 1999 and 1998, the Company had outstanding $3.8 billion and $6.2 billion, respectively, in principal amount of Medium-Term Notes having initial maturities ranging from six to 18 months from the date of issue. The Medium-Term Notes generally bear interest at variable rates based upon the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"). During the fiscal years 1999 and 1998, the weighted average interest rates on the Medium-Term Notes were 5.55% and 5.77%, respectively. The weighted average rates at June 30, 1999 and 1998 were 5.18% and 5.81%, respectively. At June 30, 1999 and 1998, the Company had outstanding $50.7 billion and $45.3 billion of repurchase agreements. During the fiscal years 1999 and 1998, the weighted average interest rates on the repurchase agreements were 4.97% and 5.55%, respectively. The weighted average rates at June 30, 1999 and 1998 were 4.69% and 5.54%, respectively. Short-term borrowings at June 30, 1999 and 1998 included $1.8 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively, of bank loans. During the fiscal years 1999 and 1998, the weighted average interest rates on such bank loans were 5.24% and 5.54%, respectively. The weighted average rates at June 30, 1999 and 1998 were 5.66% and 5.23%, respectively. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5 LONG-TERM BORROWINGS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Long-term borrowings at June 30 consisted of the following: IN THOUSANDS 1999 1998 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Floating-Rate Notes due 2001 to 2005 $ 1,470,175 $ 1,788,779 Fixed-Rate Senior Notes due 1999 to 2007; interest rates ranging from 5 3/4% to 9 3/8% 6,297,760 5,306,600 Medium-Term Notes and other borrowings 6,879,157 6,200,573 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total long-term borrowings $14,647,092 $13,295,952 ================================================================================ The Floating-Rate Notes are unsecured and bear interest at rates primarily related to LIBOR. For those Floating-Rate Notes which are not based upon LIBOR, the Company has entered into interest rate swaps and certain other transactions in order to convert them into floating rates based upon LIBOR. During the years ended June 30, 1999 and 1998, the weighted average effective interest rates on the Floating-Rate Notes were 5.92% and 6.01%, respectively. The weighted average effective interest rates on the Floating-Rate Notes at June 30, 1999 and 1998 were 5.41% and 5.99%, respectively. The Company has entered into interest rate swaps and certain other transactions in order to convert its Fixed-Rate Senior Notes into floating rates based upon LIBOR. The weighted average effective interest rates on the Company's Fixed-Rate Senior Notes, after giving effect to the swaps, during the fiscal years 1999 and 1998 were 5.79% and 6.26%, respectively. The weighted average effective interest rates on the Company's Fixed-Rate Senior Notes at June 30, 1999 and 1998 were 5.39% and 6.05%, respectively. The Company's Medium-Term Notes have initial maturities ranging from 18 months to 30 years from the date of issue and bear interest at either a fixed rate or a variable rate primarily based upon LIBOR. During the fiscal years 1999 and 1998, the weighted average interest rates on the Medium-Term Notes were 5.44% and 5.85%, respectively. The weighted average interest rates on the Company's Medium-Term Notes at June 30, 1999 and 1998 were 5.29% and 6.03%, respectively. Maturities of long-term borrowings at June 30, 1999 consisted of the following: IN THOUSANDS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FISCAL YEAR AMOUNT 2000 $ 2,723,499 2001 4,065,730 2002 894,875 2003 2,177,032 2004 1,888,901 Thereafter 2,897,055 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $14,647,092 ================================================================================ Instruments governing certain indebtedness of the Company contain various covenants, the most restrictive of which require the maintenance of minimum levels of stockholders' equity by the Company and Bear Stearns. At June 30, 1999, the Company and Bear Stearns were in compliance with all covenants contained in these various debt agreements. 6 INCOME TAXES - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The provision (benefit) for income taxes for the fiscal years ended June 30 consisted of the following: IN THOUSANDS 1999 1998 1997 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CURRENT: Federal $ 362,046 $ 398,205 $ 326,359 State and local 172,908 163,353 139,676 Foreign 47,252 46,319 36,184 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total current 582,206 607,877 502,219 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DEFERRED: Federal (133,569) (143,656) (74,346) State and local (57,577) (61,158) (27,513) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total deferred (191,146) (204,814) (101,859) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Provision for Income Taxes $ 391,060 $ 403,063 $ 400,360 ================================================================================ Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets (liabilities) as of June 30 were as follows: IN THOUSANDS 1999 1998 1997 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DEFERRED TAX ASSETS: Deferred compensation $ 531,263 $ 430,123 $ 304,238 Liability reserves 146,785 139,426 93,631 Valuation reserves 16,442 14,852 15,304 Partnerships 15,433 Other 8,247 15,006 25,398 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total deferred tax assets 718,170 599,407 438,571 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES: Unrealized appreciation (105,829) (162,365) (117,616) Depreciation (9,799) (15,457) (15,261) Partnerships (12,127) (106,379) Other (14,734) (12,796) (7,467) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total deferred tax liabilities (130,362) (202,745) (246,723) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Deferred Tax Asset $ 587,808 $ 396,662 $ 191,848 ================================================================================ A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rates and the Company's effective tax rates for the fiscal years ended June 30 were as follows: IN THOUSANDS 1999 1998 1997 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Statutory rate 35.0% 35.0% 35.0% State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit 7.0 6.2 6.9 Dividend exclusion (1.9) (1.9) (1.8) Domestic tax credits (3.4) (1.7) (0.9) Other, net 0.1 0.3 0.3 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Effective tax rate 36.8% 37.9% 39.5% ================================================================================ Not included in the reconciliation table reflected above are approximately $91.3 million, $85.8 million and $3.5 million of income tax benefits attributable to the distribution of Common Stock under the Capital Accumulation Plan for Senior Managing Directors, as amended (the "CAP Plan"), and other deferred compensation plans, credited directly to paid-in capital, for fiscal years 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. 7 REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bear Stearns and BSSC, a subsidiary of Bear Stearns, are registered broker-dealers and, accordingly, are subject to Rule 15c3-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Net Capital Rule") and the capital rules of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. ("NYSE") and other principal exchanges of which Bear Stearns and BSSC are members. Included in the computation of net capital of Bear Stearns is net capital of BSSC in excess of 5% of aggregate debit items arising from customer transactions, as defined. At June 30, 1999, Bear Stearns' net capital, as defined, of $2.30 billion exceeded the minimum requirement by $2.24 billion. BSIL and Bear, Stearns International Trading Limited ("BSIT"), London-based broker-dealer subsidiaries, which are wholly owned by the Company, are subject to regulatory capital requirements of the Securities and Futures Authority, a self-regulatory organization established pursuant to the United Kingdom Financial Services Act of 1986. Bear Stearns Bank Plc ("BSB"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Bear Stearns Irish Holdings Inc., which is wholly owned by the Company, is incorporated in Dublin, Ireland and is subject to the regulatory capital requirements of the Central Bank of Ireland. The regulatory rules referred to above, and certain covenants contained in various instruments governing indebtedness of the Company, Bear Stearns and other regulated subsidiaries, may restrict the Company's ability to withdraw capital from its regulated subsidiaries, which in turn could limit the Company's ability to pay dividends. At June 30, 1999, approximately $1.9 billion of net assets of consolidated subsidiaries were restricted as to the payment of cash dividends and advances to the Company. 8 PREFERRED STOCK - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PREFERRED STOCK ISSUED BY THE BEAR STEARNS COMPANIES INC. The Company issued 3.0 million shares of Adjustable Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A (the "Preferred Stock"). The Preferred Stock has a liquidation preference of $50 per share and is entitled to dividends, on a cumulative basis, at a rate equal to 135 basis points below the highest of the Treasury Bill Rate, the Ten Year Constant Maturity Rate and the Thirty Year Constant Maturity Rate, as defined; however, the dividend rate for any dividend period may not be less than 5.50% per annum, nor greater than 11.00% per annum. The Company may redeem the Preferred Stock, either in whole or in part, at a redemption price of $50 per share plus accumulated and unpaid dividends. The weighted average dividend rate on the Preferred Stock was 5.50% during the year ended June 30, 1999. The Company did not repurchase any shares during the year ended June 30, 1999. At June 30, 1999, the Company held 2,520,750 shares of Preferred Stock in treasury. The Company has outstanding 5.0 million depositary shares representing 1.25 million shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series E ("Series E Preferred Stock"), having an aggregate liquidation preference of $250.0 million. Each depositary share represents a one-fourth interest in a share of Series E Preferred Stock. Dividends on the Series E Preferred Stock are payable at an annual rate of 6.15%. Series E Preferred Stock is redeemable at the option of the Company at any time on or after January 15, 2008, in whole or in part, at a redemption price of $200 per share (equivalent to $50 per depositary share), plus accrued but unpaid dividends to the redemption date. The Company has outstanding 4.0 million depositary shares representing 1.0 million shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series F ("Series F Preferred Stock"), having an aggregate liquidation preference of $200.0 million. Each depositary share represents a one-fourth interest in a share of Series F Preferred Stock. Dividends on the Series F Preferred Stock are payable at an annual rate of 5.72%. Series F Preferred Stock is redeemable at the option of the Company at any time on or after April 15, 2008, in whole or in part, at a redemption price of $200 per share (equivalent to $50 per depositary share), plus accrued but unpaid dividends to the redemption date. The Company has outstanding 4.0 million depositary shares representing 1.0 million shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series G ("Series G Preferred Stock"), having an aggregate liquidation preference of $200.0 million. Each depositary share represents a one-fourth interest in a share of Series G Preferred Stock. Dividends on the Series G Preferred Stock are payable at an annual rate of 5.49%. Series G Preferred Stock is redeemable at the option of the Company at any time on or after July 15, 2008, in whole or in part, at a redemption price of $200 per share (equivalent to $50 per depositary share), plus accrued but unpaid dividends to the redemption date. PREFERRED STOCK ISSUED BY SUBSIDIARIES On April 15, 1999 the Company redeemed $150.0 million (6,000,000 shares) of the 8% Exchangeable Preferred Income Cumulative Shares, Series A ("Series A Shares") issued by Bear Stearns Finance LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, at a redemption price of $25 per Series A Share plus accrued and unpaid dividends to the redemption date. Bear Stearns Capital Trust I (the "Trust"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, has outstanding $200.0 million of Guaranteed Preferred Beneficial Interests in Company Subordinated Debt Securities (the "Capital Securities"). The Capital Securities are fixed/adjustable-rate capital securities, which have a liquidation value of $1,000 per capital security. Holders of the Capital Securities are entitled to receive semi-annual preferential cumulative cash distributions at an annual rate of 7.00% through January 2002. Thereafter, the distributions will be at a variable rate based on the three-month LIBOR plus a margin of 1.75%. The proceeds of the issuance of the Capital Securities were used to purchase fixed/adjustable-rate junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures (the "Subordinated Debentures") issued by the Company. The Subordinated Debentures are the sole assets of the Trust. The Subordinated Debentures will mature on January 15, 2027. The interest rate on the Subordinated Debentures is the same as the rate on the Capital Securities. The Company's guarantee of the Capital Securities, considered together with the other obligations of the Company with respect to Capital Securities, constitutes a full and unconditional guarantee by the Company of the Trust's obligation under the Capital Securities issued by the Trust. In December 1998, Bear Stearns Capital Trust II ("Capital Trust II"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, issued $300.0 million (12,000,000 shares) of Guaranteed Preferred Beneficial Interests in Company Subordinated Debt Securities (the "Preferred Securities"). The Preferred Securities are fixed-rate securities, which have a liquidation value of $25 per security. Holders of the Preferred Securities are entitled to receive quarterly preferential cash distributions at an annual rate of 7.5% through December 15, 2028. The proceeds of the issuance of the Preferred Securities were used to purchase junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures (the "Debentures") issued by the Company. The Debentures have terms that correspond to the terms of the Preferred Securities and are the sole assets of Capital Trust II. The Preferred Securities will mature on December 15, 2028. The Company, at its option, may redeem the Preferred Securities at their principal amount plus accrued distributions beginning December 15, 2003. The Company's guarantee of the Preferred Securities, considered together with other obligations of the Company with respect to the Preferred Securities, constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by the Company of Capital Trust II's obligation under the Preferred Securities issued by Capital Trust II. 9 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Company has a qualified non-contributory profit sharing plan covering substantially all employees. Contributions are made at the discretion of management in amounts that relate to the Company's level of income before provision for income taxes. The Company's expense related to the profit sharing plan for the years ended June 30, 1999, 1998 and 1997 was $14.2 million, $12.8 million and $12.5 million, respectively. The Company maintains a non-qualified defined contribution retirement plan covering substantially all account executives. The plan provides for retirement benefits to be paid based upon a percentage of each participant's compensation and the performance of certain participant-selected investment options for benefits accrued. The Company's expense for this plan for the years ended June 30, 1999, 1998 and 1997 was $9.9 million, $11.3 million and $9.4 million, respectively. The Company maintains a $40 million leveraged employee stock ownership plan (the "ESOP") covering substantially all full-time employees. Pursuant to the terms of a Brokerage and Loan Agreement, the Company advanced funds to the ESOP trust to acquire shares of Common Stock in open market transactions. Advances made under the ESOP Note have been fully repaid through a combination of contributions by the Company and dividends on the shares of Common Stock held by the ESOP trust. The Company's expense related to the ESOP for the year ending June 30, 1999 was approximately $3.0 million and approximately $6.0 million in each of 1998 and 1997. 10 EMPLOYEE STOCK PLANS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CAPITAL ACCUMULATION PLAN The CAP Plan allows participants to defer a defined minimum percentage of their total annual compensation. Participants' compensation generally must be deferred for a minimum of five years from the date it was otherwise payable and is credited to participants' deferred compensation accounts in the form of CAP Units. The number of CAP Units credited is a function of the amount deferred by each participant and the average per share cost of Common Stock acquired by the Company in the open market on behalf of the CAP Plan. The aggregate number of CAP Units that may be credited to participants in any fiscal year may not exceed the number of shares of Common Stock acquired by the Company. Each CAP Unit gives the participant an unsecured right to receive, on an annual basis, an amount equal to the Company's pre-tax income or loss per share, as defined by the CAP Plan, less the value of changes in the Company's book value per Common Share during such fiscal year resulting from increases or decreases in the Company's consolidated retained earnings (the "earnings adjustment"). The earnings adjustment will be credited to each participant's deferred compensation account in the form of additional CAP Units, subject to the limitations discussed above, based on the number of CAP Units in such account at the end of each fiscal year. Upon completion of the deferral period, participants are entitled to receive shares of Common Stock equal to the number of CAP Units then credited to their respective deferred compensation accounts. During the years ended June 30, 1999, 1998 and 1997, participants deferred compensation of approximately $278.8 million, $247.4 million and $191.8 million, respectively. During the years ended June 30, 1999, 1998 and 1997, the Company recognized expense of approximately $121.1 million, $115.2 million and $56.4 million, respectively, attributable to CAP Units or cash credited to participants' deferred compensation accounts with respect to the earnings adjustment. As of July 1, 1999, pursuant to the terms of the CAP Plan, 7,991,873 CAP Units were credited to participants' deferred compensation accounts with respect to the earnings and deferrals made during fiscal year 1999. In addition, $70.4 million, which represented the balance of the deferral, was credited to the participants' deferred compensation cash accounts. The aggregate number of shares of Common Stock distributable pursuant to the Company's obligation for CAP Units at June 30, 1999, 1998 and 1997 was approximately 39.6 million, 34.5 million and 34.0 million, respectively. Compensation deferred pursuant to the CAP Plan and allocated to participants' deferred compensation accounts in the form of CAP Units is shown as a separate component of the Company's stockholders' equity. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 11 WITH OFF-BALANCE-SHEET RISK - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Company, in its capacity as a dealer in over-the-counter derivative financial instruments and in connection with its proprietary market-making and trading activities, enters into transactions in a variety of cash and derivative financial instruments in order to reduce its exposure to market risk, which includes interest rate, exchange rate, equity price and commodity price risk. SFAS 119, "Disclosure about Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value of Financial Instruments," defines a derivative as a future, forward, swap or option contract, or other financial instrument with similar characteristics such as caps, floors and collars. Generally, these financial instruments represent future commitments to exchange interest payment streams or currencies or to purchase or to sell other financial instruments at specific terms at specified future dates. Option contracts provide the holder with the right, but not the obligation, to purchase or sell a financial instrument at a specified price before or on an established date. These financial instruments may have market and/or credit risk in excess of amounts recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. The Company's principal transactions revenues by reporting categories, including derivatives, for the fiscal years ended June 30, were as follows: IN THOUSANDS 1999 1998 1997 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fixed income $ 994,692 $ 905,665 $ 919,604 Equity 558,683 472,435 393,875 Foreign exchange and other derivative financial instruments 375,762 348,882 257,853 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total principal transactions $1,929,137 $1,726,982 $1,571,332 ================================================================================ MARKET RISK Derivative financial instruments involve varying degrees of off-balance-sheet market risk whereby changes in the level or volatility of interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates or market values of the underlying financial instruments may result in changes in the value of the financial instrument in excess of the amounts currently reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. The Company's exposure to market risk is influenced by a number of factors, including the relationships among financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk and between financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk and the Company's proprietary securities, futures and derivatives inventories as well as the volatility and liquidity in the markets in which the financial instruments are traded. In many cases, the use of financial instruments serves to modify or offset market risk associated with other transactions and, accordingly, serves to decrease the Company's overall exposure to market risk. The Company attempts to control its exposure to market risk arising from the use of these financial instruments through the use of hedging strategies and various statistical monitoring techniques. In order to measure derivative activity, notional or contract amounts are frequently utilized. Notional/contract amounts, which are not included on the balance sheet, are used to calculate contractual cash flows to be exchanged and are generally not actually paid or received, with the exception of currency swaps and foreign exchange and mortgage-backed securities forwards. The notional/contract amounts of financial instruments that give rise to off-balance-sheet market risk are indicative only of the extent of involvement in the particular class of financial instrument and are not necessarily an indication of overall market risk. The following table represents the notional/contract amounts of the Company's outstanding derivative financial instruments at June 30: IN BILLIONS 1999 1998 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INTEREST RATE: Swap agreements, including options, swaptions, caps, collars and floors $339.1 $277.5 Futures contracts 52.5 49.8 Options held 24.0 4.0 Options written 3.9 1.6 FOREIGN EXCHANGE: Futures contracts 19.3 20.8 Forward contracts 15.6 29.6 Options held 2.6 9.9 Options written 3.1 7.7 MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES: Forward contracts 63.4 70.2 EQUITY: Swap agreements 11.9 11.6 Futures contracts 0.8 1.1 Options held 7.5 5.3 Options written 7.3 4.6 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FAIR VALUE The derivative instruments used in the Company's trading and dealer activities, as described further in Note 1, are recorded at fair value with the resulting unrealized gains or losses recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and the related income or loss reflected in revenues derived from principal transactions. The fair values of derivative financial instruments held or issued for trading and hedging purposes as of June 30 were as follows: 1999 1998 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IN MILLIONS Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Swap agreements $1,375 $2,290 $1,872 $2,100 Futures and forward contracts 278 259 450 551 Options held 1,397 1,279 Options written 3,164 3,189 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The monthly average fair values of the derivative financial instruments for the fiscal years ended June 30 were as follows: 1999 1998 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IN MILLIONS Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Swap agreements $2,227 $2,317 $1,154 $1,494 Futures and forward contracts 334 368 318 329 Options held 1,154 2,207 Options written 3,156 3,709 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The majority of the Company's transactions with off-balance-sheet risk are shorter-term in duration with a weighted average maturity of approximately 3.3 years and 2.8 years at June 30, 1999 and 1998, respectively. The maturities for notional/contract amounts outstanding for derivative financial instruments as of June 30, 1999 were as follows: Less than 1 to 3 3 to 5 Greater than IN BILLIONS 1 Year Years Years 5 Years Total - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Swap agreements $ 73.1 $ 105.9 $ 74.8 $ 97.2 $ 351.0 Futures contracts 49.8 18.0 4.6 0.2 72.6 Forward contracts 79.0 79.0 Options held 21.6 9.8 0.1 2.6 34.1 Options written 9.7 2.6 0.1 1.9 14.3 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $ 233.2 $ 136.3 $ 79.6 $ 101.9 $ 551.0 ================================================================================ Percent of total 42.3% 24.7% 14.5% 18.5% 100.0% ================================================================================ CREDIT RISK The notional/contract amounts of these instruments do not represent the Company's potential risk of loss due to counterparty nonperformance. Credit risk arises from the potential inability of counterparties to perform in accordance with the terms of the contract. The Company's exposure to credit risk associated with counterparty nonperformance is generally limited to the net replacement cost of over-the-counter contracts, which are recognized as assets in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Exchange traded financial instruments, such as futures and options, generally do not give rise to significant counterparty exposure due to the margin requirements of the individual exchanges. Options written generally do not give rise to counterparty credit risk since they obligate the Company (not its counterparty) to perform. The Company has controls in place to monitor credit exposures by limiting transactions with specific counterparties and assessing the future creditworthiness of counterparties. The Company also seeks to control credit risk by following an established credit approval process, monitoring credit limits and requiring collateral where appropriate. The following table summarizes the credit quality of the Company's trading-related derivatives by showing counterparty credit ratings for the replacement cost of contracts in a gain position, net of $1.7 billion and $832.4 million of collateral, respectively, at June 30, 1999 and 1998: IN MILLIONS 1999 1998 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RATING(1) NET REPLACEMENT COST AAA $140.0 $187.7 AA 627.1 607.9 A 303.4 371.0 BBB 56.6 68.1 BB and Lower 39.7 70.8 Non-rated 3.4 27.2 (1) Internal designations of counterparty credit quality are based on actual ratings made by external rating agencies or equivalent ratings established and utilized by the Company's Credit Department. CUSTOMER ACTIVITIES The Company's clearance activities for both clearing clients and customers involve the execution, settlement and financing of various securities and commodities transactions. Customers' securities activities are transacted on either a cash or margin basis, while customer commodity transactions are generally transacted on a margin basis subject to individual exchange regulations. In connection with these activities, the Company executes and clears customer transactions involving the sale of borrowed securities ("short sales") and the writing of option contracts. These transactions may expose the Company to off-balance-sheet risk in the event that customers are unable to fulfill their contractual obligations and customers' margin deposits are insufficient to fully cover their losses. In the event the customers fail to satisfy their obligations, the Company may be required to purchase or sell financial instruments at prevailing market prices in order to fulfill the customer's obligations. The Company seeks to control the risks associated with those activities by requiring customers to maintain margin collateral in compliance with various regulatory and internal guidelines. The Company monitors required margin levels daily and, pursuant to such guidelines, may require customers to deposit additional cash or collateral, or to reduce positions, when deemed necessary. The Company also establishes credit limits for customers engaged in commodity activities, that are monitored daily. Additionally, with respect to the Company's correspondent clearing activities, introducing correspondent firms are required to guarantee the contractual obligations of their customers. The Company's customer financing and securities settlement activities may require the Company to pledge customer securities as collateral to satisfy exchange margin deposit requirements or to support various secured-financing sources such as bank loans, securities loaned and repurchase agreements. In the event the counterparties are unable to meet their contractual obligations to return customer securities pledged as collateral, the Company may be exposed to the risk of acquiring the securities at prevailing market prices in order to satisfy its customer obligations. The Company seeks to control this risk by monitoring the market value of securities pledged on a daily basis and by requiring adjustments of collateral levels in the event of excess exposure. Moreover, the Company establishes credit limits for such activities and monitors compliance daily. CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK The Company is engaged in various securities underwriting, brokerage and trading activities. These services are provided to a diverse group of domestic and foreign corporations and partnerships, governments and individual and institutional investors. A substantial portion of the Company's transactions are collateralized and are executed with, or made on behalf of, institutional investors including other brokers and dealers, commercial banks, insurance companies, pension plans and mutual funds and other financial institutions. The Company's exposure to credit risk associated with the nonperformance of customers in fulfilling their contractual obligations, pursuant to securities and commodities transactions, can be directly impacted by volatile or illiquid trading markets which may impair customers' ability to satisfy their obligations to the Company. The Company attempts to minimize credit risk associated with these activities by monitoring customer credit exposure and collateral values on a daily basis and requiring additional collateral to be deposited with or returned to the Company. A significant portion of the Company's securities processing activities includes clearing transactions for hedge funds, specialists, market-makers, risk arbitrageurs and other professional traders. Due to the nature of their operations, which may include significant levels of margin activity, short selling and option writing, the Company may have significant credit exposure should these customers be unable to meet their commitments. The Company seeks to control this risk by monitoring margin collateral levels on a daily basis for compliance with both regulatory and internal guidelines. Additional collateral is requested when necessary. To further control this risk, the Company has developed computerized risk control systems, which analyze the customer's sensitivity to major market movements. The Company will require the customer to deposit additional margin collateral, or reduce positions, if it is determined that the customer's activities may be subject to above-normal market risks. NON-TRADING DERIVATIVES ACTIVITY In order to modify the interest rate characteristics of its long- and short-term debt, the Company also engages in non-trading derivatives activities. The Company has issued dollar and foreign currency-denominated debt with both variable- and fixed-rate interest payment obligations. The Company has entered into interest rate swaps primarily based on LIBOR, in order to convert fixed-rate interest payments on its debt obligations into variable-rate payments. Interest payment obligations on variable-rate debt obligations may also be modified through interest rate swaps, which may change the underlying basis or reset frequency. In addition, for foreign currency debt obligations which are not used to fund assets in the same currency, the Company has entered into currency swap agreements which effectively convert the debt into dollar obligations. These financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk are subject to the same market and credit risks as those which are traded in connection with the Company's market-making and trading activities. The Company has the same controls in place to monitor these risks. At June 30, 1999 and 1998, the Company had outstanding non-trading related interest rate and currency swap agreements with a notional principal amount of $10.9 billion and $11.6 billion, respectively. The interest rate swap agreements entered into reduced net interest expense on the Company's long-term and short-term debt obligations by $48.1 million, $23.5 million and $29.4 million for the fiscal years ended June 30, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The difference to be received or paid on the swap agreements is included in interest expense as incurred, and any related receivable or payable is reflected accordingly as an asset or liability. 12 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LEASES The Company occupies office space under leases which expire at various dates through 2016. The lease commitments include the lease of the Company's headquarters at 245 Park Avenue, New York City, which expires on December 31, 2002. In September 1997, the Company entered into a 99-year ground lease at 383 Madison Avenue, New York City, upon which an office tower will be developed and built. The site will serve as the new worldwide headquarters and is scheduled to be completed by the expiration date of the current lease. At June 30, 1999, the future minimum rentals payable relating to this transaction are not currently determinable and are not included in the amounts below. At June 30, 1999, future minimum aggregate annual rentals payable under these noncancelable leases (net of subleases), for fiscal years 2000 through 2004 and the aggregate amount thereafter, are as follows: IN THOUSANDS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FISCAL YEAR 2000 $ 65,039 2001 62,420 2002 60,532 2003 42,847 2004 25,402 Aggregate amount thereafter 100,803 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The various leases contain provisions for periodic escalations to the extent of increased operating and other costs. Rental expense, including escalations, under these leases was $94.1 million, $90.4 million and $79.5 million, for the years ended June 30, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. LETTERS OF CREDIT/GUARANTEES At June 30, 1999, the Company was contingently liable for unsecured letters of credit of $1.9 billion and letters of credit of $22.1 million secured by financial instruments, which are principally used as collateral for securities borrowed and to satisfy margin requirements at option and commodity exchanges. The Company had various other commitments aggregating $0.7 billion at June 30, 1999. BORROW VERSUS PLEDGE At June 30, 1999, US government and agency securities with a market value of approximately $5.2 billion had been pledged against borrowed securities with an approximate market value of $5.6 billion. LITIGATION In the normal course of business, the Company has been named as a defendant in several lawsuits which involve claims for substantial amounts. Although the ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be ascertained at this time, it is the opinion of management, after consultation with counsel, that the resolution of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on the results of operations or the financial condition of the Company, taken as a whole. Subsequent to June 30, 1999, the Company's subsidiary, BSSC, settled an administrative proceeding filed by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") resolving all allegations relating to the firm's role as clearing broker for A.R. Baron & Co. Under the terms of the agreement, BSSC, without admitting or denying any wrongdoing, agreed to the payment of a fine of $5 million and to the establishment of a restitution fund of $30 million which will be used to settle certain private claims. Separately, BSSC has entered into an agreement with the New York County District Attorney's Office (the "NYDAO"), in which it has agreed to pay $1.5 million to the NYDAO for the costs of the investigation. BSSC's payment of the $30 million to the restitution fund described above to satisfy claims of customers will also fulfill BSSC's restitution obligation in the agreement entered into by BSSC and the NYDAO. BSSC has further agreed with the NYDAO to payments of $1 million to the State of New York and $1 million to the City of New York. Accruals for such amounts are included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. SEGMENT AND 13 GEOGRAPHIC AREA DATA - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Company operates in three principal segments: Capital Markets, Execution Services and Wealth Management. These segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services. They are managed separately as different levels and types of expertise are required to effectively manage the segments' transactions. The Capital Markets segment is comprised of Equities, Fixed Income and Investment Banking areas. Equities combines the efforts of sales, trading and research professionals to offer in-depth expertise in areas such as block trading, convertible bonds, over-the-counter equities, equity derivatives and risk arbitrage. Fixed Income provides distribution power for issuers in the primary market, liquidity for investors in the secondary market, research for institutional clients and offers expertise in products such as mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, corporate and government bonds, municipal and high yield securities, foreign exchange and derivatives. Investment Banking provides in-depth capabilities in capital raising, strategic advisory, mergers and acquisitions and merchant banking. The Execution Services segment is comprised of clearance and predominantly commission-related areas including institutional equity sales, institutional futures sales and specialist activities. Clearance provides clearing, margin lending and securities borrowing to facilitate customer short sales to over 2,700 clearing clients worldwide. The commission-related areas provide research and execution capabilities in US equity securities and financial futures to our institutional clients. The Wealth Management segment is comprised of PCS and Asset Management areas. PCS provides high-net-worth individuals with an institutional level of service. Asset Management serves the diverse investment needs of corporations, municipal governments, multi-employer plans, foundations, endowments, family groups and high-net-worth individuals. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The only variations are due to the allocation of revenues and expenses between the segments. The three business segments are comprised of the many business areas with interactions among each as they serve the needs of similar clients. Revenues and expenses reflected below include those which are directly related to each segment. Revenues from inter-segment transactions are credited based upon specific criteria or agreed upon rates with such amounts eliminated in consolidation. They also include revenues and expenses which are the result of the Company's allocations for items such as interest, which is allocated primarily based on capital utilization and corporate overhead, which is generally allocated based on levels of expenses. The Company evaluates performance of the segments based on net revenues and profit or loss before provision for income taxes. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 1999: IN THOUSANDS Net Revenues Pre-Tax Income Segment Assets - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Capital Markets $ 2,470,337 $ 727,660 $ 103,487,668 Execution Services 1,271,321 486,723 45,077,356 Wealth Management 575,698 99,406 3,211,319 Other(a) 184,768 (249,681) 2,117,997 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $ 4,502,124 $ 1,064,108 $ 153,894,340 ================================================================================ For the fiscal year ended June 30, 1998: IN THOUSANDS Net Revenues Pre-Tax Income Segment Assets - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Capital Markets $ 2,370,085 $ 693,106 $ 101,040,822 Execution Services 1,202,648 527,751 50,393,148 Wealth Management 531,746 84,297 3,093,527 Other(a) 236,944 (241,662) (31,602) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $ 4,341,423 $ 1,063,492 $ 154,495,895 ================================================================================ For the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997: IN THOUSANDS Net Revenues Pre-Tax Income Segment Assets - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Capital Markets $ 1,989,277 $ 621,733 $ 89,006,647 Execution Services 967,491 427,896 32,834,307 Wealth Management 412,731 58,136 2,899,205 Other(a) 156,415 (94,075) (3,306,624) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $ 3,525,914 $ 1,013,690 $ 121,433,535 ================================================================================ (a) Other is comprised of consolidation/elimination entries as well as corporate administrative functions, including costs related to the CAP Plan which were $121.1 million, $115.2 million and $56.4 million in fiscal 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The operations of the Company are conducted primarily in the United States. The Company also maintains offices in Europe, Asia and Latin America. The following are gross revenues, income before provision for income taxes and assets by geographic region, for the fiscal years ended June 30: IN THOUSANDS 1999 1998 1997 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- US gross revenues $ 7,080,297 $ 7,127,247 $ 5,542,003 Non-US gross revenues 801,741 852,689 535,275 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Consolidated gross revenues $ 7,882,038 $ 7,979,936 $ 6,077,278 ========================================================================================================= US income before provision for income taxes $ 898,499 $ 932,722 $ 984,900 Non-US income before provision for income taxes 165,609 130,770 28,790 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Consolidated income before provision for income taxes $ 1,064,108 $ 1,063,492 $ 1,013,690 ========================================================================================================= US assets $121,405,224 $128,043,117 $ 99,284,880 Non-US assets 32,489,116 26,452,778 22,148,655 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Consolidated assets $153,894,340 $154,495,895 $121,433,535 ========================================================================================================= Because of the international nature of the financial markets and the resultant integration of US and non-US services, it is difficult to precisely separate foreign operations. The Company conducts and manages these activities with a view toward the profitability of the Company as a whole. Accordingly, the foreign operations information is, of necessity, based upon management judgments and internal allocations. 14 QUARTERLY INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IN THOUSANDS, First Second Third Fourth EXCEPT SHARE DATA Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Total - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1999 Revenues $1,723,604 $2,002,727 $1,804,887 $2,350,820 $7,882,038 Interest expense 982,703 981,935 574,764 840,512 3,379,914 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenues, net of interest expense 740,901 1,020,792 1,230,123 1,510,308 4,502,124 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Non-interest expenses Employee compensation and benefits 405,881 552,344 594,694 732,675 2,285,594 Other 241,711 260,970 302,498 347,243 1,152,422 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total non-interest expenses 647,592 813,314 897,192 1,079,918 3,438,016 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income before provision for income taxes 93,309 207,478 332,931 430,390 1,064,108 Provision for income taxes 29,206 71,558 128,959 161,337 391,060 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income $ 64,103 $ 135,920 $ 203,972 $ 269,053 $ 673,048 ========================================================================================================================= Earnings per share(1) $ 0.38 $ 0.84 $ 1.42 $ 1.85 $ 4.48 ========================================================================================================================= Cash dividends declared per common share(2) $ 0.14 $ 0.14 $ 0.15 $ 0.15 $ 0.59 ========================================================================================================================= IN THOUSANDS, First Second Third Fourth EXCEPT SHARE DATA Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Total - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 Revenues $1,813,005 $1,993,067 $1,927,621 $2,246,243 $7,979,936 Interest expense 816,915 919,304 877,392 1,024,902 3,638,513 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenues, net of interest expense 996,090 1,073,763 1,050,229 1,221,341 4,341,423 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Non-interest expenses Employee compensation and benefits 499,197 535,793 513,254 563,497 2,111,741 Other 229,755 278,365 271,252 386,818 1,166,190 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total non-interest expenses 728,952 814,158 784,506 950,315 3,277,931 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income before provision for income taxes 267,138 259,605 265,723 271,026 1,063,492 Provision for income taxes 105,520 99,383 99,404 98,756 403,063 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income $ 161,618 $ 160,222 $ 166,319 $ 172,270 $ 660,429 ========================================================================================================================= Earnings per share(2) $ 1.06 $ 1.06 $ 1.09 $ 1.18 $ 4.38 ========================================================================================================================= Cash dividends declared per common share(2) $ 0.14 $ 0.14 $ 0.14 $ 0.14 $ 0.57 ========================================================================================================================= (1) The sum of the quarters' earnings per share amounts does not equal the full fiscal year amount due to the effect of averaging the number of shares of Common Stock and common stock equivalents throughout the year. (2) The sum of the quarters' earnings per share amounts and cash dividends declared per common share amounts do not equal the full fiscal year amounts due to rounding. INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT [DELOITTE & TOUCHE LOGO] - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF THE BEAR STEARNS COMPANIES INC. We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. and Subsidiaries as of June 30, 1999 and 1998, and the related consolidated statements of income, cash flows and changes in stockholders' equity for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 1999. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. and Subsidiaries at June 30, 1999 and 1998, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 1999 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. /S/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP New York, New York August 23, 1999 THE BEAR STEARNS COMPANIES INC. CORPORATE INFORMATION PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDENDS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Common Stock of the Company is traded on the NYSE under the symbol BSC. The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the closing high and low sales prices for the Common Stock and the cash dividends declared on the Common Stock, as adjusted to reflect the 5% stock dividend distributed on the Common Stock on January 20, 1999. As of September 3, 1999, there were 2,744 holders of record of the Company's Common Stock. On September 3, 1999, the last reported sales price of the Company's Common Stock was 44 9/16. Dividends are payable on January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15 in each year on the Company's outstanding Adjustable Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A; Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series E; Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series F; and Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series G (collectively, the "Preferred Stock"). The terms of the Preferred Stock require that all accrued dividends in arrears be paid prior to the payment of any dividend on the Common Stock. Since the Company is a holding company, its ability to pay dividends is limited by the ability of its subsidiaries to pay dividends and to make advances to the Company. See the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under the caption "Regulatory Requirements" and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under the caption "Regulated Subsidiaries" for a further description of the restrictions on dividends. Cash Dividends Declared Per High Low Common Share - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1999 First Quarter (through September 25, 1998) $57 31/32 $30 27/64 $0.14 Second Quarter (through December 31, 1998) 41 29/32 26 35/64 0.14 Third Quarter (through March 26, 1999) 49 3/4 35 23/32 0.15 Fourth Quarter (through June 30, 1999) 52 1/8 41 0.15 Cash Dividends Declared Per High Low Common Share - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 First Quarter (through September 26, 1997) $41 3/8 $32 9/16 $0.14 Second Quarter (through December 31, 1997) 46 1/64 36 39/64 0.14 Third Quarter (through March 27, 1998) 50 15/32 37 31/32 0.14 Fourth Quarter (through June 30, 1998) 58 11/16 48 11/16 0.14