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UNITED STATES |
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION |
Washington, D.C. 20549 |
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(Mark One) |
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ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 |
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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Commission file number 001-33737 |
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Rodman & Renshaw Capital Group, Inc. |
(Exact name of Company as specified in its charter) |
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Delaware |
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84-1374481 |
(State or other jurisdiction |
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(I.R.S. Employer |
of incorporation or organization) |
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Identification No.) |
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1251 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY |
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10020 |
(Address of principal executive offices) |
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(Zip Code) |
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Registrants telephone number, including area code: |
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212-356-0500 |
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: |
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Title of each class |
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Name of each exchange on which registered |
Common Stock, $.001 par value |
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NASDAQ |
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: |
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None |
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(Title of class) |
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Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined by
Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes o
No x
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to
Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
Yes o
No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large Accelerated Filer o Accelerated Filer o Non-accelerated Filer o Smaller Reporting Company x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2011 was approximately $23,876,620.
The number of shares outstanding of the registrants common stock, $.001 par value, as of March 1, 2012 was 33,162,699 shares.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The information in response to Part III, Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of this Report are incorporated herein by reference to the Registrants Definitive Proxy Statement, to be filed on or before April 29, 2012, with respect to its 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENT INFORMATION
Certain statements made in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are forward-looking statements regarding the plans and objectives of management for future operations. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included herein are based on current expectations that involve numerous risks and uncertainties. Our plans and objectives are based, in part, on assumptions involving judgments with respect to, among other things, future economic, competitive and market conditions and future business decisions, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond our control. Although we believe that our assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could prove inaccurate and, therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this Report will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein particularly in view of the current state of our operations, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a statement by us or any other person that our objectives and plans will be achieved. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the factors set forth herein under the headings Business, Risk Factors and Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.
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(a) General Development of Business
Rodman & Renshaw Capital Group, Inc. (RRCG) is a Delaware holding company which was organized on December 20, 2006. RRCG, through its various subsidiaries, is engaged in investment banking, sales and trading, merchant banking and the development of the first-ever 24/7 automated electronic transaction platform to link issuers with investors for primary offerings of securities by existing publicly-traded companies. RRCGs principal operating subsidiaries are: (i) Rodman & Renshaw, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (R&R); (ii) Rodman Principal Investments, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (RPI); and (iii) Direct Markets, Inc., a Delaware corporation (DirectMarkets). R&R is a broker dealer registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA). RPI serves as the holding vehicle for all of RRCGs principal-related businesses, including Aceras BioMedical LLC (Aceras BioMedical), a joint venture through which RRCG, in partnership with Aceras Partners, LLC (Aceras Partners), makes principal investments in early-stage biotechnology and life sciences companies. DirectMarkets is RRCGs recently introduced automated state-of-the-art electronic transaction platform that directly links existing public company issuers and investors seeking to transact primary offerings of securities by existing publicly-traded companies. RRCG and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to herein as Company, we, our or us.
On April 8, 2011, we completed our acquisition of Hudson Holding Corporation (Hudson). The transaction was valued at approximately $5.3 million, based upon the $2.06 per share closing price of our common stock on that date. In May, 2011, the operations of Hudson were consolidated into R&R.
Overview
We are a full-service investment bank dedicated to providing corporate finance, strategic advisory and related services to public and private companies across multiple sectors and regions. We also provide research and sales and trading services primarily to institutional investors. We are the leader in the PIPE (private investment in public equity) and RD (registered direct offering) transaction markets. We have been ranked the #1 Placement Agent by deal volume of PIPE and RD financing transactions completed every year since 2005. The sectors that we currently serve include life science/healthcare, energy, metals & mining, industrials, airlines and technology. Our primary product and service offerings include financing transactions, including private placements and public offerings. We also provide research and sales and trading services to institutional investors.
In 2012, we introduced our DirectMarkets platform, the first-ever 24/7 automated electronic transaction platform to link issuers with investors for primary offerings of securities by existing publicly-traded companies. The DirectMarkets platform was developed by us over the past several years, building on the expertise that we have obtained in completing more than 580 financing transactions for public companies since 2002. During the last decade, capital-raising options and alternatives for public companies have evolved from traditional follow-on offerings to RDs, ATMs and CMPOs. Through this evolution, the issuer has gained more influence over the capital-raising process by acting on shorter notice and reducing its exposure to market volatility during the life of a deal. The DirectMarkets platform is the next and logical evolutionary step in empowering the issuer and bringing access to the capital markets directly into the C-Suite of public companies through an electronic interface linking public company issuers with investors.
Business Environment
2011 was a very difficult period in our industry. With the many geopolitical and economic uncertainties, it is difficult to time a market recovery or predict its sustainability. Market conditions and valuations for companies in the sectors in which we are active, as well as general market conditions, can materially affect our financial performance. Declining valuations in various sectors in which we are active, unprecedented volatility and lack of liquidity in certain sectors of the capital markets, as well as a slowing of economic growth generally has led to declines in financing activity, smaller financing transactions, and declining trading activity and a resulting decline in revenue from prior periods. It is not possible to predict whether, and to what degree, these conditions will continue, abate, or reverse, and the level of capital markets and trading activity is expected to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future. In addition, the nature of our revenue generation, including the size of transactions, the timing of transaction closings and the sectors in which those transactions occur, make future performance difficult to predict and potentially highly variable. Revenues for many of the services we provide are earned only upon the successful completion of a transaction. Accordingly, revenues and net income in any period may not be indicative of full-year results or the results of any other period and may vary significantly from period to period.
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(b) Financial Information about Industry Segments
We operate in two business segments, Capital Markets and Merchant Banking. The Capital Markets reportable segment includes our investment banking, sales and trading activities and research. The Capital Markets reportable segment is managed as a single operating segment that provides the following principal sources of revenue:
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investment banking fees, which are derived from corporate finance activities and strategic advisory services; |
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realized and unrealized gains with respect to securities held for our own account; |
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commissions on sales and trading activities; |
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conference fees; and |
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other miscellaneous sources of revenues, such as interest. |
Although we have multiple sources of revenue derived within Capital Markets, most of our revenue in this segment is derived from (a) investment banking services and consists of private placement, underwriting and strategic advisory fees earned upon the successful completion of financing or other types of corporate transactions, such as mergers, acquisitions and dispositions and (b) sales and trading activities.
The Merchant Banking segment is primarily comprised of operating activities related to Aceras BioMedical. On May 12, 2008, we formed Aceras BioMedical, a joint venture through which we, in partnership with Aceras Partners, make principal investments in early-stage biotechnology and life sciences companies. In conjunction with the establishment of the joint venture, we formed a new wholly-owned subsidiary which holds a 50% stake in Aceras BioMedical and serves as the holding vehicle for all of our principal-related businesses. At December 31, 2011, our outstanding investment commitment to Aceras BioMedical to fund operations and the joint ventures principal investments in life science companies was $10.7 million. We receive 50% of Aceras BioMedicals economic interest in all investments made.
In conjunction with the introduction of DirectMarkets in March 2012, in future periods we expect to prospectively report a third business segment, DirectMarkets. The DirectMarkets activities will be comprised of revenue associated from subscription and transaction fees, and cost/expenses related to development, production, sales and marketing and execution of the DirectMarkets platform.
(c) Narrative Description of Business
Our business consists of: (a) investment banking, which includes corporate finance and strategic advisory services; (b) sales and trading; (c) equity research; (d) principal transactions and merchant banking; and (e) DirectMarkets.
Investment Banking
Our investment banking professionals focus on providing corporate finance and strategic advisory services to public and private companies. Our investment banking group consists of senior managing directors and managing directors, who focus on originating, structuring and placing transactions. A significant majority of our investment banking revenues is earned from public companies with a market capitalization below $500 million. We aim to provide these companies with capital origination services and strategic advice throughout their various stages of development.
Corporate Finance
We are corporate finance specialists and plan to continue to focus primarily on financing transactions. Our in-depth knowledge of a particular sector enables us to develop financing strategies, transaction structures and financing instruments that simultaneously address issuers needs for capital and the investment communitys need to balance risk and reward. We offer our clients a broad range of financing alternatives including private placements, PIPEs, RDs and underwritten public offerings.
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Private Placements. These transactions involve sales of unregistered securities. In most cases the issuer is a private company, although public companies can undertake private placements as well. The securities sold may be common or preferred equity, debt, convertible debt, or derivatives, such as warrants. The debt could be secured or unsecured, senior, mezzanine or subordinated. Many of these transactions involve units, which include more than one class of securities. |
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Private Investment in Public Equity, or PIPE. In these transactions, a publicly-traded reporting company sells unregistered securities of a class, and/or convertible or exchangeable for a class, that is already publicly traded. Generally, the issuer is obligated to register the securities within a specified period after the transaction closes. |
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Registered Direct Offerings, or RD. These transactions are direct placements of securities that have been registered under a shelf registration statement and, therefore, are immediately tradable. |
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Public Offerings. These transactions involve securities that have been registered and that are listed or traded on an exchange. The offering may constitute an initial public offering by a private company or a follow-on offering by an existing public company. |
In 2011, we completed 92 financing transactions which raised in excess of $2.9 billion. In a majority of these transactions we were either the lead investment bank or the only investment bank. In addition, we are a recognized industry leader in PIPE and RD financing transactions. From January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2011, we executed an aggregate of 471 PIPE and RD financing transactions which raised in excess of $7.5 billion. In 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2007, approximately 46%, 44%, 41%, 66% and 38%, respectively, of our investment banking transactions were executed with repeat clients.
We completed our first PIPE and RD financing transactions in 2002 and since then have become a leader in this space. The table below sets forth the number of PIPE and RD transactions completed by us and the dollars raised by us in those transactions from 2003 to 2011 as well as the total industry-wide number of transactions and dollars raised during these periods. The statistical data in the table below is derived from data published by PlacementTracker.
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Rodman & Renshaw |
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Industry-Wide |
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Period |
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Raised |
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Dollars
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2003 |
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31 |
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>$400 |
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1,456 |
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>$19,100 |
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2004 |
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38 |
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>$590 |
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2,001 |
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>$21,600 |
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2005 |
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29 |
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>$460 |
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2,171 |
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>$28,000 |
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2006 |
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45 |
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>$850 |
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1,622 |
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>$31,200 |
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2007 |
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53 |
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>$930 |
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1,623 |
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>$86,600 |
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2008 |
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44 |
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>$580 |
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1,153 |
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>$123,800 |
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2009 |
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77 |
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>$1,233 |
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1,019 |
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>$38,400 |
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2010 |
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77 |
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>$1,221 |
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1,151 |
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>$39,303 |
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2011 |
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77 |
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>1,273 |
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927 |
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>$26,528 |
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According to PlacementTracker, in each of calendar years 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011, we were the leading investment bank in terms of the aggregate number of PIPE and RD financing transactions completed, and in calendar year 2004 we were the number two investment bank in terms of the aggregate number of PIPE and RD financing transactions completed.
Strategic Advisory Services
We also provide strategic advisory services on a broad range of transactions including mergers, acquisitions and asset sales. We are involved at each stage of these transactions, from initial structuring to final execution.
Sales and Trading
We are a leading independent market maker dedicated to meeting the liquidity needs of our clients, which are comprised of institutions, hedge funds, asset managers, and broker dealers, by making markets in over 12,000 U.S. and foreign securities and providing execution solutions.
As a market maker, we provide our customers with order execution. When customers come to us seeking to buy or sell securities, we work to satisfy the customers needs, either by finding counterparties willing to trade with the customers (obtaining liquidity) or, where appropriate, by taking the other side of the trades, thereby providing liquidity for our customers by purchasing or selling the securities as a principal.
Our customers are firms that require liquidity to complete stock trades, funds whose investment decisions call for shifts into or out of certain stocks, retail customers, professional traders who want to establish or liquidate their positions, and other retail brokerage firms whose individual investor clients wish to buy or sell securities. By trading with us, customers are able to obtain liquidity.
Providing trade executions generates two types of revenue for us, commissions and fee revenue, plus sales and trading revenue.
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Commissions and fee revenue is derived from the fees that we charge our customers for executing their orders, generally a fixed price per share traded. Revenue may vary with the number and size of our customers and with their level of trading activity. Commissions and fee revenue is free of market risk for us since we either transact as an agent or on a riskless principal basis.
Trading revenue is primarily derived from the profit and loss associated with purchases and sales of securities to facilitate customer transactions, including securities in which we make markets. In doing so, we are at risk to changes in stock prices. As a market-maker, trading revenues are generated by paying less to buy shares for our own account than we receive for selling those shares. Because the price at which we are willing to purchase shares (bid price) is usually less than the price at which a customer would then sell those shares (ask price), trading with a customer can present a market maker with an opportunity to capture the difference between these prices (bid-ask spread) provided it can find a counterparty with whom to trade in the same security before the stock price moves against the trader. Finding a counterparty to take the other side of a trade can be challenging, and failure to find a counterparty at the right price or time can lead to a loss.
Equity Research
Our research department includes senior analysts and associate analysts who cover the life science sector; energy sector; technology sector; airlines sector and industrials sector. The research department covers approximately 128 companies.
Merchant Banking
The Merchant Banking segment is primarily comprised of operating activities related to Aceras BioMedical. On May 12, 2008, we formed Aceras BioMedical, a joint venture through which we, in partnership with Aceras Partners, make principal investments in early-stage biotechnology and life sciences companies. In conjunction with the establishment of the joint venture, we formed a new wholly-owned subsidiary which holds a 50% stake in Aceras BioMedical and serves as the holding vehicle for all of our principal-related businesses. At December 31, 2011, our outstanding investment commitment to Aceras BioMedical to fund operations and the joint ventures principal investments in life science companies was $10.7 million. We receive 50% of Aceras BioMedicals economic interest in all investments made.
DirectMarkets
The DirectMarkets platform is an automated state-of-the-art electronic transaction platform that directly links existing public company issuers and investors seeking to transact primary offerings of securities by existing publicly-traded companies. DirectMarkets was introduced in early March 2012, and we are in the process of promoting and marketing its services to both issuers and purchasers.
The DirectMarkets platforms functionality will include:
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24/7 seamless access to the DirectMarkets portal through a graphical user interface (GUI) utilizing a desktop or laptop computer, or any mobile smart device such as a tablet or smartphone. Providing Execution Management System (EMS) and Order Management System (OMS) integration for primary offering transactions. |
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Connectivity among public companies, institutional investors and sell-side firms to facilitate the purchase and sale of securities, typically off an issuers existing shelf registration. Matching secondary market demand (i.e., investor demand typically fulfilled through transactions effected on exchanges or alternative trading systems) with a new source of supply: primary offerings of securities by existing publicly traded companies (i.e., direct purchases from issuers) utilizing reverse inquiry processes. Enabling investors to express interest directly to an issuer in its securities, becoming a catalyst for a potential transaction. |
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Workflow management tools for complex financing transactions beyond the standardized offerings of common stock at an agreed-upon price. Automating and standardizing the closing process for capital markets transactions from engagement letter through document negotiation, allocation and settlement resulting in significantly reduced costs and transaction expenses for the issuer. |
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Seamless management of ATMs by issuers through the DirectMarkets portal, efficiently selling securities directly into trading markets, reducing costs and taking advantage of market trends and opportunities. |
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Ability for issuers to seamlessly manage and monitor open-market buy-back programs through the DirectMarkets portal. |
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Connectivity among holders of large blocks of an issuers securities and interested purchasers, enabling such purchasers to identify and contact such holders directly, and providing venture capital firms, private equity firms, chief executive officers and other senior executives with additional opportunities to monetize their holdings. Enabling executives to sell 144 restricted and control securities into a trading market in compliance with holding period, volume restriction and manner of sale regulations. |
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Providing an issuer-managed social networking platform where issuers can communicate directly with investors on a targeted or non-discretionary basis through interactive (e.g., blogs, twitters, virtual tours, etc.) and static content (e.g., press releases, regulatory filings, etc.), and providing investors with a centralized destination to access information across their target companies. Providing issuers with the functionality to conduct electronic non-deal road shows with qualified investors. |
Industry Leading Conferences
Our investment conferences are industry-leading events that bring together companies, institutional investors, business development executives and experts from our targeted sectors. The conferences are designed to facilitate interactions of companies in our targeted sectors with potential investors and strategic partners. The conferences also provide an opportunity to exchange ideas and build relationships and provide an opportunity for the participating companies and investors to build relationships.
In 2011, we sponsored two investment conferences; one in Shanghai and one in New York. These conferences emphasize small-cap and mid-cap companies and bring together company executives, scientists, industry specialists, venture capitalists and other institutional investors and feature company presentations, panel discussions and one-on-one meetings between company managements and investors. At the conference held in Shanghai, China in March 2011, we had approximately 168 presenting companies and over 1,800 attendees. At the conference held in New York City in September 2011, there were approximately 500 presenting companies and over 3,800 attendees.
Competition
All aspects of our business are intensely competitive. Our competitors are other investment banks, brokerage firms, merchant banks and financial advisory firms.
We believe that the principal factors affecting our competitive standing include the quality, experience and skills of our professionals, the depth of our relationships, the breadth of our service offerings and our tenacity and commitment to serve our clients. In the investment banking industry, competition for the recruitment and retention of qualified professionals is also intense. Our ability to continue to compete effectively in our business will depend upon our continued ability to retain and motivate our existing professionals and attract new professionals.
Government Regulation
Our business, as well as the financial services industry generally, is subject to extensive regulation in the United States and elsewhere. As a matter of public policy, regulatory bodies in the United States and the rest of the world are charged with safeguarding the integrity of the securities and other financial markets and with protecting the interests of participants in those markets. In the United States, the SEC is the federal agency responsible for the administration of the federal securities laws. R&R, our wholly-owned subsidiary, is registered as a broker-dealer with the SEC and FINRA and in 50 states. Accordingly, R&R is subject to regulation and oversight by the SEC and FINRA, a self-regulatory organization, which is itself subject to oversight by the SEC and which adopts and enforces rules governing the conduct, and examines the activities, of its member firms. State securities regulators also have regulatory or oversight authority over R&R. Our business may also be subject to regulation by foreign governmental and regulatory bodies and self-regulatory authorities in other countries.
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Broker-dealers are subject to regulations that cover all aspects of the securities business, including sales methods, trade practices among broker-dealers, use and safekeeping of customers funds and securities, capital structure, record-keeping, the financing of customers purchases and the conduct and qualifications of directors, officers and employees. In particular, as a registered broker-dealer and member of various self-regulatory organizations, R&R is subject to the SECs uniform net capital rule, Rule 15c3-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act), which specifies the minimum level of net capital a broker-dealer must maintain and also requires that a significant part of its assets be kept in relatively liquid form. The SEC and various self-regulatory organizations impose rules that require notification when net capital falls below certain predefined criteria, limit the ratio of subordinated debt to equity in the regulatory capital composition of a broker-dealer and constrain the ability of a broker-dealer to expand its business under certain circumstances. Additionally, the SECs uniform net capital rule imposes certain requirements that may have the effect of prohibiting a broker-dealer from distributing or withdrawing capital and requiring prior notice to the SEC for certain withdrawals of capital. The SEC has adopted rule amendments that establish alternative net capital requirements for broker-dealers that are part of a consolidated supervised entity. As a condition to its use of the alternative method, a broker-dealers ultimate holding company and affiliates (referred to collectively as a consolidated supervised entity) must consent to group-wide supervision and examination by the SEC. If we elect to become subject to the SECs group-wide supervision, we will be required to report to the SEC computations of our capital adequacy.
The research areas of investment banks have been and remain the subject of increased regulatory scrutiny. In 2002 and 2003, acting in part pursuant to a mandate contained in Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX), the SEC, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), NASDAQ and FINRA adopted rules imposing heightened restrictions on the interaction between equity research analysts and investment banking personnel at member securities firms. In addition, in 2003 and 2004, a number of securities firms in the United States reached a settlement with certain federal and state securities regulators and self-regulatory organizations to resolve investigations into their equity research analysts alleged conflicts of interest. Under this settlement, to which we were not a party, the firms have been subject to certain restrictions and undertakings. In addition, the settlement imposes restrictions on the interaction between research and investment banking departments, and these securities firms are required to fund the provision of independent research to their customers. In connection with the research settlement, the firms also subscribed to a voluntary initiative imposing restrictions on the allocation of shares in public offerings to executives and directors of public companies. The SEC has proposed amendments to Regulation M that would further affect the manner in which securities are distributed and allocated in registered public offerings, and FINRA has proposed similar rulemaking in this area. We cannot fully predict the practical effect that such restrictions or measures will have on our business. Furthermore, the SEC, the NYSE, NASDAQ and FINRA may, in the future, adopt additional and more stringent rules with respect to offering procedures and the management of conflicts of interest in the future.
The effort to combat money laundering and terrorist financing is a priority in government policy with respect to financial institutions. The USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 contains anti-money laundering and financial transparency laws and mandates the implementation of various regulations applicable to broker-dealers and other financial services companies, including standards for verifying client identification at account opening, and obligations to monitor client transactions and report suspicious activities. Through these and other provisions, the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 seeks to promote the identification of parties that may be involved in terrorism or money laundering. Anti-money laundering laws outside the United States contain some similar provisions. The obligation of financial institutions, including us, to identify their customers, watch for and report suspicious transactions, respond to requests for information by regulatory authorities and law enforcement agencies, and share information with other financial institutions, has required the implementation and maintenance of internal practices, procedures and controls which have increased, and may continue to increase, our costs, and any failure with respect to our programs in this area could subject us to serious regulatory consequences, including substantial fines and, potentially, other liabilities.
Certain of our businesses are subject to compliance with laws and regulations of the United States, state governments, foreign governments and their respective agencies and/or various self-regulatory organizations or exchanges relating to the privacy of client information, and any failure to comply with these regulations could expose us to liability and/or reputational damage.
In addition, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act), the financial reform legislation that was passed in July 2010, establishes the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection to regulate the offering and provision of consumer financial products or services under federal law. We are uncertain whether this Bureau will issue any rules or regulations that will affect our business. Such rules and regulations could have a material adverse effect upon us.
Additional legislation, changes in rules promulgated by the SEC and self-regulatory organizations or changes in the interpretation or enforcement of existing laws and rules, either in the United States or elsewhere, may directly affect the mode of our operation and profitability.
The United States and foreign government agencies and self-regulatory organizations, as well as state securities commissions in the United States, are empowered to conduct administrative proceedings that can result in censure, fine, the issuance of cease-and-desist orders or the suspension or expulsion of a broker-dealer or its directors, officers or employees.
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Since March 2004, we have received inquiries, subpoenas and requests for production of documents from the SEC, FINRA and the Attorney General of the State of New York (AG) with respect to individual PIPE transactions in which we acted as placement agent. We have responded to each such inquiry, subpoena and request, and, to our best knowledge, our responses have been to the satisfaction of the inquiring party.
We regularly receive inquiries from FINRA relating to various aspects of our business including, but not limited to, our participation in financing transactions in which we acted as placement agent or underwriter. We expect that these inquiries will continue and that FINRA may seek further information from us with regard to pending inquiries.
Risk Management and Compliance
Risk is an inherent part of our business. Global markets, by their nature, are prone to uncertainty and expose participants to a variety of risks. The principal risks we face are market, liquidity, legal, reputation and operational risks. We consider risk management to be of paramount importance in our day-to-day operations. Consequently, we devote significant resources, including investments in personnel and technology, to the measurement, analysis and management of risk. While risk cannot be eliminated, we seek to mitigate it through a strong internal control environment, with multiple overlapping and reinforcing elements. We developed policies and procedures to identify, measure, and monitor the risks involved in our sales and trading, principal transactions and investment banking activities. We apply sound practical judgment before transactions occur to ensure appropriate risk mitigation is in place. We accomplish this objective by allocating the use of capital to each of our business units, establishing trading limits and setting credit limits for individual counterparties.
The challenge is balancing risk versus return. Our objective is to achieve adequate returns from each of our business units commensurate with the risks inherent in those units. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of our approach to managing risks can never be completely assured. For example, unexpected large or rapid movements or disruptions in one or more markets or other unforeseen developments could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. The consequences of these developments can include losses due to adverse changes in the value of our portfolio of securities and warrants and increases in our credit exposure to customers and trading counterparties and general systemic risk.
Employees
As of December 31, 2011, we had approximately 191 full-time employees, most of which are based in our principal offices in New York City. We are not a party to any collective bargaining agreements and we have not had any work stoppages. We consider our relations with our employees to be good.
Corporate Information
Our principal executive office is located at 1251 Avenue of Americas, 20th Floor, New York, New York 10020, and our telephone number is (212) 356-0500. Our corporate website address is www.rodm.com. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this Report and you should not consider information contained on, or accessible through, our website as part of this Report.
(d) Financial Information About Geographic Areas
In 2011, 2010 and 2009, we derived certain revenues from business outside of the United States; however, such revenues were not material. Financial information concerning our operations is reported in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
(e) Available Information
Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments are available on the SECs internet website at www.sec.gov. The public may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SECs Public Reference Room at 100 Fifth Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. As noted above, the SEC also maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers such as us that file electronically with the SEC.
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The following are certain risk factors that could affect our business, financial position and results of operations. These risk factors should be considered in connection with evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K because these factors could cause the actual results and conditions to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Before you buy our common stock or other securities, you should know that making such an investment involves risks, including the risks described below. The risks that have been highlighted below are not necessarily the only risks of our business. If any of the risks actually occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be negatively affected. In that case, the trading price of our common stock or other securities could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. Certain risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements include the following:
Risks Related to Our Financial Condition
Difficult market conditions can adversely affect our business in many ways, which could materially reduce our revenue or income.
Our business, operating results and financial condition have been materially and adversely affected by recent adverse conditions in the global financial markets and adverse economic conditions throughout the world. We have no control over the political events and the global and local economic developments that influence market conditions and dynamics.
Our revenues are directly related to the volume and value of investment banking transactions in which we are involved. During periods of unfavorable market or economic conditions, such as the past several years, the volume and size of these transactions decreased, thereby reducing the demand for our services and increasing price competition among financial services companies seeking those engagements. In addition, weakness in equity markets and diminished trading volume of securities adversely impacted our sales and trading business. Finally, the general decline in the value of securities adversely impacted our investment portfolio. The impact of these factors was exacerbated by our fixed costs and our inability to scale back other costs within a time frame sufficient to match any decreases in revenue relating to market and economic conditions.
We have limited cash and cash equivalents and rely on cash flow from operations to operate our business.
At December 31, 2011 we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $7.4 million. Our capital requirements have been and will continue to be significant. Historically, we have relied upon cash flow from operations to fund our working capital needs. In October 2011, we raised $6.65 million of gross proceeds in a private placement financing comprised of $6.65 million of 10% Senior Secured Convertible Debentures due October 31, 2013 with a net share settlement feature, and warrants. In light of current market and economic conditions it is difficult, if not impossible, to predict the timing or likelihood of generating revenues. In the event that we do not generate adequate cash flow from operations to fund our working capital needs we will need to raise working capital through a debt or equity financing, if available, or curtail operations.
Limitations on our access to capital could impair our ability to expand our businesses.
Liquidity, or ready access to funds, is essential to financial services firms, including ours. R&R, our broker-dealer subsidiary, is subject to the net capital requirements of the SEC, FINRA and various self-regulatory organizations of which it is a member. These requirements typically specify the minimum level of net capital a broker-dealer must maintain and also mandate that a significant part of its assets be kept in relatively liquid form. Any failure to comply with these net capital requirements could impair our ability to expand our business. Furthermore, there are laws that authorize regulatory bodies to block or reduce R&Rs ability to distribute funds to us. As a result, regulatory actions could impede our access to funds that we need to make payments on obligations or dividend payments. In addition, because we hold equity interests in our subsidiaries, our rights as an equity holder to the assets of these subsidiaries may not materialize, if at all, until the claims of the creditors of these subsidiaries are satisfied.
We may not successfully achieve positive cash flow and profitability in light of current economic and market conditions.
Our ability to achieve positive cash flow and profitability depends on our ability to generate revenues and control expenses. Our revenue generation largely depends on monetizing our investment banking pipeline where fees are primarily success based. In light of prevailing geopolitical, economic and market uncertainties, we cannot predict when, or if, any of our pipeline of investment banking transactions will be consummated. As such, we cannot predict when, or if, we will be able to achieve positive cash flow or profitability on a quarterly or annual basis. Our inability to achieve profitability or positive cash flow could have an adverse impact on our ability to maintain our operations at current levels and the trading price of our common stock.
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Our results may be adversely affected in future periods by the volatility of financial instruments in our portfolio.
We may engage in large block trades in a single security or maintain large position concentrations in a single security or warrant, securities or warrants of a single issuer, or securities or warrants of issuers engaged in a specific industry. Any downward price movement in these securities or warrants could result in a reduction of our revenues and profits in the future.
Risks Related to Our Legacy Investment Banking Business
The recent volatility in the investment banking sector makes future performance difficult or impossible to predict, while fixed expenses will continue to be incurred.
In recent years, the investment banking sector has been particularly volatile. With many geopolitical and economic uncertainties, the sector has experienced a slow-down in transactions and the ability to predict the certainty or timing of revenue has been remote. It is difficult, if not impossible, to predict whether this trend will continue in future periods. Despite the uncertainty of the amount and timing of the realization of investment banking revenue, we still incur substantial fixed costs to support our investment banking operations. If there is not a significant recovery in the sector, we may be forced to further reduce fixed costs related to our investment banking business, which would adversely affect potential future revenue or discontinue these operations. Any such reduction in our investment banking initiative could have a materially adverse effect on our result of operations and the price of our common stock.
We derive a significant portion of our revenues from the life science sector, primarily from biotechnology companies. Adverse developments or a decline in investor interest in this sector could harm our business.
In 2011, 2010 and 2009, 44%, 31% and 53%, respectively, of our investment banking revenues were derived from the life science sector. Although this percentage may decrease over time, we anticipate that the life science sector (primarily biotechnology companies) will continue to account for a significant portion of our investment banking revenues in the foreseeable future. The life science sector is known for its volatility due to a number of factors including the following:
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many companies in this sector rely on a single product or class of products; |
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the sector is highly regulated; |
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a companys success and viability depends on the results of clinical trials, which are unpredictable; |
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technological developments; |
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disposition of patent applications; |
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international respect of patents; |
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product recalls; |
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general economic conditions and political developments; |
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global competition; and |
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availability of insurance coverage. |
Despite our expansion into other sectors, and our introduction of the DirectMarkets platform, our revenue and net profits may continue to be subject to the volatility of the life science sector, which could have a detrimental impact on our results of operations.
A principal investing platform, in which we will invest our own capital, will expose us to a significant risk of capital loss.
Principal investing involves numerous risks, including illiquidity, loss of invested capital and revaluation. In the past, we have used a portion of our own capital in a variety of principal investment activities, including purchasing shell companies to be used in connection with future financing transactions. From time to time we also purchase securities offered in financing transactions for which we are acting as placement agent. We also hold a portfolio of equity securities, including stock and warrants that we received as part of our compensation in connection with investment banking assignments. As of December 31, 2011 we had an outstanding investment commitment of $10.7 million to Aceras BioMedical, which will use those funds to purchase compounds or equity securities in early stage companies in the life science and/or biotechnology sectors and to fund its operating budget. Other principal investing activities may involve purchasing securities in other high-risk financings of early-stage, pre-public, or distressed companies. These securities are likely to be restricted as to resale and may in any event, be highly illiquid. For example, in the case of investments in marketable securities, principal investments could be significant relative to the overall capitalization of the company in which we invest. Resale of a significant amount of these securities might adversely affect their market and/or sales price. Moreover, the companies in which we invest may rely on new or developing technologies or novel business models or concentrate on markets which have not yet developed and which may never develop sufficiently to support successful operations. Even if we make an appropriate investment decision based on the intrinsic value of an enterprise, we cannot assure you that general market conditions will not cause the market value of our investments to decline. For example, an increase in interest rates, currency fluctuations, a general decline in the stock markets, or other market conditions adverse to companies of the type in which we may invest could result in a decline in the value of our investments or a total loss of our investment.
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This could materially and adversely impact our financial results and the price of our common stock.
We may also commit our own capital to facilitate client sales and trading activities. The number and size of these transactions may adversely affect our results of operations. To the extent that we have long positions in any of those markets, a downturn in the value of those assets or in those markets could result in losses. Conversely, to the extent that we have short positions in any of those markets an upturn in those markets could expose us to potentially large losses as we attempt to cover our short positions by acquiring assets in a rising market. These long and short positions and the movement of the market relative to these positions could further contribute to the fluctuations in our revenues and earnings, which, in turn, could contribute to volatility in the price of our common stock.
Our client base and the number of products we offer are limited. Our rate of growth will be impaired unless we expand our client base and increase our investment banking revenues.
We derive a significant portion of our revenues from investment banking engagements, including placement agent and underwriting fees and strategic advisory fees, which also have higher profit margins than our other categories of revenue. For the years 2011, 2010 and 2009, investment banking transactions accounted for 70%, 91% and 68%, respectively, of our revenues excluding principal transactions.
Our future investment banking growth still largely depends on our ability to generate significant placement agent and underwriting fees. To do so, we must: (i) continue to build up our expertise in the sectors we currently focus on, and consider expansion into new sectors; (ii) increase the volume of corporate finance transactions in which we act as sole or lead manager; and (iii) actively solicit engagements for larger transactions. Significant factors affecting this strategy include our relatively small size, the slow-down that has occurred in transactions being consummated and competition from larger investment banks. We cannot assure you that we will be able to compete effectively for new investment banking engagements. If we are unable to increase our investment banking revenue, our rate of growth will be adversely affected, which may cause the price of our common stock to decline.
Our revenue and profits are highly volatile, which may make it difficult for us to achieve steady earnings growth on a quarterly basis and may cause the price of our common stock to decline. In addition, the investment banking sector can be highly volatile, which could adversely impact our revenues and profits.
We have experienced, and expect to experience in the future, significant variations from period-to-period in our revenues and results of operations. These variations may be attributed in part to the fact that our investment banking revenues, which represent the largest portion of our revenues, are typically earned when the financing or merger or acquisition transaction is consummated, the timing of which is uncertain and largely beyond our control. If a transaction fails to close, we will earn little or no revenue despite the fact that we may have devoted considerable resources to, and incurred significant out-of-pocket expenses in connection with, the transaction. As a result, our business depends a great deal on market conditions as well as the decisions and actions of our clients and interested third parties. For example, a client could delay or terminate financing transactions because of a failure to agree upon final terms with the counterparty, failure to obtain necessary regulatory consents or board or stockholder approvals, adverse market conditions or because its business is experiencing unexpected operating or financial problems. In addition, many companies seeking a financing simultaneously explore a merger or sale option. Our investment banking revenues would be adversely affected if companies for which we are acting as placement agent or underwriter were sold and we were not also engaged as a strategic advisor.
Market conditions and valuations for companies in the sectors we focus on, as well as general market conditions, can materially affect our financial performance. The nature of our revenue generation, including the size of transactions, the timing of transaction closings and the sectors in which those transactions occur, make our future performance difficult to predict and potentially highly variable. Revenues for many of the services we provide are earned only upon the successful completion of a transaction. Accordingly, revenues and net income in any period may not be indicative of full-year results or the results of any other period and may vary significantly from year-to-year and quarter-to-quarter depending on whether and when transactions are completed and the number, size and type of transactions completed. In particular, recent volatility in the capital markets may lead to disruptions that delay or eliminate revenue opportunities.
Our corporate finance and strategic advisory engagements are singular in nature and do not generally provide for subsequent engagements.
Our investment banking engagements are usually transaction specific as opposed to long-term engagements. As such, we must continually seek new engagements even from companies that have engaged us in the past. For this reason, we believe it is important to nurture strong relationships with our clients. Although we have been successful in securing repeat engagements from clients in the past, we cannot assure you that this trend will continue. As a result, high activity levels in any period are not necessarily indicative of continued high levels of activity in any subsequent period. If we are unable to generate a substantial number of new engagements that generate fees from new or existing clients, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.
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Our growth may depend on our ability to complete acquisitions and integrate operations of acquired businesses and personnel.
We cannot assure you that any of the transactions that we have already completed or that we may complete in the future will be successful and we may not realize the anticipated benefits of these transactions. In fact, these transactions may cause margin fluctuation or otherwise have a material adverse effect upon our operating results.
Achieving the benefits of acquisitions and new hiring depends on the timely, efficient and successful execution of a number of post-transaction events, including, in the case of acquisitions, integrating the acquired business, personnel, systems and operations into our business platform, operations and reporting and information systems. In the case of new hires and joint ventures, the post-transaction challenges include integrating the new people into our corporate culture and managing them properly. Our ability to integrate new businesses and new hires may be adversely affected by many factors, including the size of the business acquired, the number of and the personality of the people involved and the allocation of our limited management resources among various integration efforts. Integration and management issues may also require a disproportionate amount of our managements time and attention and distract our management from running our historical businesses.
In connection with future acquisitions, we may decide to consolidate the operations of any acquired business with our existing operations or make other changes with respect to the acquired business, which could result in special charges or other expenses. Our results of operations also may be adversely affected by expenses we incur in making acquisitions and hiring new personnel. For example, in the case of acquisitions, our results of operations will be impacted by expenses, including legal and accounting fees, incurred in connection with the transaction, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets with definite lives and by additional depreciation expense attributable to acquired assets. Any of the businesses we acquire may also have liabilities or adverse operating issues, including some that we fail to discover before the acquisition, and our indemnity for such liabilities may be limited. Our ability to make any future acquisitions may depend upon obtaining additional financing. We may not be able to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms or at all. To the extent that we seek to acquire other businesses in exchange for our common stock, fluctuations in our stock price could have a material adverse effect on our ability to complete acquisitions.
We depend on the services of a limited number of key executives and the loss of their services would have a material adverse effect on us.
We depend on the efforts and reputations of Michael Vasinkevich, our Vice Chairman, Edward Rubin, our Chief Executive Officer and Anthony Sanfilippo, our President. Their reputations and relationships with clients and potential clients are critical elements in expanding our business, and we believe our historical and future performance is strongly correlated to their involvement to date and their continued involvement in our operations. The loss or reduction of the services of any of Messrs. Vasinkevich, Rubin and/or Sanfilippo, due to death, disability, termination of employment or regulatory restriction, could have a material adverse effect on our operations, including our ability to attract new company clients and to raise capital from institutional investors.
We currently have at-will employment agreements with each of Messrs. Vasinkevich, Rubin, and Sanfilippo. We cannot assure you that one or more of Messrs. Vasinkevich, Rubin, and Sanfilippo will not resign, join a competitor or form a competing company or that the restrictive covenants in their employment agreements are enforceable.
The investment banking industry is highly competitive. If we fail to address the challenges posed by this competition, we could lose our leading position in these areas, causing our operating results to suffer.
The investment banking industry is intensely competitive, particularly in those areas in which we specialize, and we expect it to remain so for the foreseeable future. We have experienced intense price competition in our various businesses. Pricing and other competitive pressures in investment banking, including the trends toward multiple book runners, co-managers and multiple financial advisors handling transactions, could adversely affect our revenues, even as the size and number of our investment banking transactions may increase. Many of our competitors are larger, have greater financial and other resources and longer operating histories than we have, giving them a significant competitive advantage. If we expand our business into new sectors and new business lines, we will face competition from other firms as well. We compete on the basis of a number of factors, including the scope and quality of services, price, market focus and industry knowledge, client relationships and reputation. Larger firms provide a broader range of investment banking services to their clients than we do. If we do not address these competitive factors successfully, we may not be able to execute our strategy or even maintain our existing market share. In either case, our operating results would suffer as would the price of our common stock.
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We will likely face competition from larger investment banking firms. In order to compete with them, we may have to increase our operating expenses significantly and/or make larger commitments of capital in our trading and underwriting business. This increases the potential for capital loss, which could adversely impact our operating results.
We are a relatively small investment bank. Historically we have tried to avoid competing with larger investment banks. However, we expect this to change as we pursue investment banking opportunities with larger companies and engagements for larger transactions. Larger investment banks not only offer a broader range of products and services than we do, they also have significantly greater financial and marketing resources than we do, greater name recognition, more senior professionals to serve their clients needs, greater global reach and may have more established relationships with clients than we have. Thus, they are better able to respond to changes in the investment banking industry, compete for skilled professionals, finance acquisitions, fund internal growth and compete for market share.
In addition, financial services firms have begun to make larger and more frequent commitments of capital in many of their activities. In order to win business, they are increasingly committing to purchase large blocks of stock from publicly traded issuers or significant stockholders, instead of the more traditional marketed underwriting process in which marketing is typically completed before an investment bank commits to purchase securities for resale. They are willing to provide debt financing out of internal funds, often giving them a significant competitive advantage. Because we do not have the resources to match these investment banking firms, we may be unable to compete as effectively for larger clients and larger transactions. In that case, we may not be able to execute that part of our strategy, which could have an adverse impact on our operations and financial condition.
Our ability to retain our senior professionals and recruit additional professionals is critical to our strategy and our failure to do so may adversely affect our reputation, business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our ability to obtain and successfully execute the transactions that generate a significant portion of our revenues depends upon the reputation, judgment, business generation capabilities and project execution skills of our senior professionals. The reputations of our senior professionals and their relationships with our clients are a critical element in obtaining and executing client engagements. Accordingly, retaining these particular employees is critical to our future success and growth. In addition, we may add investment bankers and other financial professionals. However, turnover in the investment banking industry is high and we encounter intense competition for qualified employees from other companies in the investment banking industry as well as from businesses outside the investment banking industry, such as hedge funds and private equity funds. We have experienced departures of investment banking and other professionals in the past and losses of key employees may occur in the future. As a result of such departures, we may not be able to retain valuable relationships and some of our clients could choose to use the services of a competitor instead of our services. We cannot assure you that our efforts to recruit and retain the required personnel will be successful as the market for qualified financial professionals is extremely competitive. Similarly, we cannot assure you that our compensation arrangements and non-competition and non-solicitation agreements with our key employees are broad or effective enough to deter or prevent employees from resigning, joining or forming competitors or soliciting our clients. Further, we cannot assure you that we could successfully enforce our rights under those agreements. If we are unable to retain our senior professionals and/or recruit additional professionals, our reputation, business, results of operations and financial condition will be adversely affected.
Our compensation policy may adversely affect our ability to recruit, retain and motivate our senior managing directors and other key employees, which in turn could adversely affect our ability to compete effectively and to grow our business.
The target for our total compensation and benefits expense is currently 60% of total consolidated revenues. This target includes equity, equity-based incentives, amortization of forgivable loans and other non-cash employee benefits. Our reliance on equity and equity-based incentives for a significant portion of the compensation package we pay to our senior executives may not be effective, especially if the market price of our common stock declines. This compensation policy could adversely impact the overall compensation our key employees, including our senior executive officers and managing directors, may receive. Our senior executives and managing directors may receive less compensation under this formula than they otherwise would receive at other firms, which would make it more difficult for us to retain our key employees, including our senior executives and managing directors, and attract new key employees.
If we are unable to manage our growth successfully, we may not be able to sustain profitability. Continued growth may place significant demands on our operational, administrative and financial resources.
Our growth has caused, and if it continues, will continue to cause, significant demands on our operational, administrative and financial infrastructure and increase our expenses. If we do not effectively manage our growth, the quality of our services could suffer, which would adversely affect our operating results and our reputation. If we continue to grow, we will have to hire, train and manage a larger work force and improve our financial and management controls and our reporting systems and procedures. These systems enhancements and improvements will require significant capital expenditures and allocation of valuable management resources. If the improvements are not implemented successfully, our ability to manage our growth will be impaired and we may incur significant additional expenditures to address these issues, further impairing our financial condition and profitability. We cannot assure you that we will be able to manage
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growth effectively and any failure to do so could adversely affect our ability to generate revenues and control expenses.
Our risk management policies and procedures may leave us exposed to unidentified or unanticipated risks.
Our risk management strategies and techniques may not be fully effective in mitigating our risk exposure in all market environments or against all types of risk. We are exposed to the risk that third parties that owe us money, securities or other assets will not perform their obligations. These parties may default on their obligations to us due to bankruptcy, lack of liquidity, operational failure, and breach of contract or other reasons. We are also subject to the risk that our rights against third parties may not be enforceable in all circumstances, and, as a result, default risks may arise from events or circumstances that are difficult to detect, foresee or reasonably guard against. In addition, concerns about, or a default by, one institution could lead to significant liquidity problems, losses or defaults by other institutions, which in turn could adversely affect us. If any of the variety of processes and strategies we utilize to manage our exposure to various types of risk are not effective, we may incur losses.
Our operations and infrastructure and those of the service providers upon which we rely may malfunction or fail.
We outsource various aspects of our technology infrastructure, including data centers, disaster recovery systems, and wide area networks, as well as most trading applications. We depend on our technology providers to manage and monitor those functions. A disruption of any of the outsourced services would be out of our control and could negatively impact our business. We have experienced disruptions on occasion, none of which has been material to our operations or results. However, we cannot assure you that future disruptions with these providers will not occur or that their impact would not be material.
We also face the risk of operational failure or termination of relations with any of the clearing agents, exchanges, clearing houses or other financial intermediaries we use to facilitate our securities transactions. Any such failure or termination could adversely affect our ability to effect transactions and to manage our exposure to risk.
In addition, our ability to conduct business may be adversely impacted by a disruption in the infrastructure, including electrical, communications, transportation and other services, that support our businesses and the area in which we are located. This may affect, among other things, our financial, accounting or other data processing systems. Nearly all of our employees work in close proximity to each other. Although we have a formal disaster recovery plan in place, if a disruption occurs and our employees are unable to communicate with or travel to other locations, our ability to service and interact with our clients may suffer, and we may not be able to implement contingency plans that depend on communication or travel.
Our operations also rely on the secure processing, storage and transmission of confidential and other information in our computer systems and networks. Although we take protective measures and endeavor to modify them as circumstances warrant, our computer systems, software and networks may be vulnerable to unauthorized access, computer viruses or other malicious code and other events that could have an adverse impact on their integrity and/or viability. If one or more of such events occur, this could jeopardize our or our clients or counterparties confidential and other information processed and stored in, and transmitted through, our computer systems and networks, or otherwise cause interruptions or malfunctions in our, our clients, our counterparties or third parties operations. We may be required to expend significant additional resources to modify our protective measures, to investigate and remediate vulnerabilities or other exposures or to make required notifications, and we may be subject to litigation and financial losses that are either not insured or not fully covered through any insurance that we maintain.
Significantly expanded corporate governance and public disclosure requirements may result in fewer public offerings and discourage companies from engaging in capital market transactions, which may reduce the number of investment banking opportunities available for us to pursue.
Highly-publicized financial scandals in recent years have led to investor concerns over the integrity of the U.S. financial markets, and have prompted the U.S. Congress, the SEC, NYSE and The NASDAQ Stock Market (NASDAQ) to significantly expand corporate governance and public disclosure requirements. To the extent that private companies, in order to avoid becoming subject to these new requirements, decide to forego public offerings or elect to be listed on foreign markets, our underwriting business may be adversely affected. In addition, provisions of the SOX and the corporate governance rules imposed by self-regulatory organizations and stock exchanges have diverted the attention of many companies away from capital market transactions, including securities offerings and acquisition and disposition transactions. In particular, companies that either are or are planning to become public companies are incurring significant expenses in complying with the SEC reporting requirements relating to internal controls over financial reporting, and companies that disclose material weaknesses in such controls under the new standards may have greater difficulty accessing the capital markets. These factors, in addition to adopted or proposed accounting and disclosure changes, may have an adverse effect on our business.
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Financial services firms have been subject to increased scrutiny over the last several years, increasing the risk of financial liability and reputational harm resulting from adverse regulatory actions.
The financial services industry has experienced increased scrutiny from a variety of regulators, including the SEC, the NYSE, NASDAQ, FINRA and state attorney generals. This regulatory and enforcement environment has created uncertainty with respect to a number of transactions that had historically been entered into by financial services firms and that were generally believed to be permissible and appropriate. We may be adversely affected by changes in the interpretation or enforcement of existing laws and rules by these governmental authorities and self-regulatory organizations. Each of the regulatory bodies with jurisdiction over us has regulatory powers dealing with many aspects of financial services, including, but not limited to, the authority to fine us and to grant, cancel, restrict or otherwise impose conditions on the right to carry on particular businesses. For example, a failure to comply with the obligations imposed by the Exchange Act on broker-dealers and the Investment Advisers Act on investment advisers, including record-keeping, advertising and operating requirements, disclosure obligations and prohibitions on fraudulent activities, or by the Investment Company Act of 1940, could result in investigations, sanctions and reputational damage. We also may be adversely affected as a result of new or revised legislation or regulations imposed by the SEC, other U.S. or foreign governmental regulatory authorities, FINRA or other self-regulatory organizations that supervise the financial markets. Substantial legal liability or significant regulatory action against us could have adverse financial effects on us or harm our reputation, which could harm our business prospects.
Financial services firms are subject to numerous conflicts of interests or perceived conflicts. The SEC and other federal and state regulators have increased their scrutiny of potential conflicts of interest. We have adopted, and regularly review and update, various policies, controls and procedures to address or limit actual or perceived conflicts. However, appropriately addressing conflicts of interest is complex and difficult and our reputation could be damaged if we fail, or appear to fail, to appropriately address conflicts of interest. Our policies and procedures to address or limit actual or perceived conflicts may also result in increased costs and additional operational personnel. Failure to adhere to these policies and procedures may result in regulatory sanctions or litigation against us. For example, the research operations of investment banks have been and remain the subject of heightened regulatory scrutiny which has led to increased restrictions on the interaction between equity research analysts and investment banking professionals at securities firms. A number of securities firms in the United States reached a global settlement in 2003 and 2004 with certain federal and state securities regulators and self-regulatory organizations to resolve investigations into the alleged conflicts of interest of research analysts, which resulted in rules that have imposed additional costs and limitations on the conduct of our business.
PIPE transactions have been subject to intense regulatory scrutiny over the last few years. To the extent the investor interest is reduced as a result, our business will be adversely affected.
A significant factor in our growth to date has been our leading position as placement agent in PIPE transactions. These transactions usually can be accomplished in less time and at less cost than registered public offerings. Various regulatory and governmental agencies, including the SEC, have been reviewing PIPE transactions. Periodically, we receive requests for information from the SEC and other regulatory and governmental agencies regarding PIPEs in general or regarding specific transactions. In most cases, these communications include a request for copies of transaction documents. We always comply with these requests. If the SEC or any other regulatory agency promulgates regulations that make it more difficult or expensive to consummate PIPE transactions, investors and issuers may prefer other financing strategies, such as registered public offerings. Since underwriting registered public offerings has not historically been a significant source of revenue for us, any decline in the number of PIPE transactions could have a material adverse impact on our business, operations and financial condition, which may cause the price of our common stock to decline.
Our exposure to legal liability is significant, and damages and other costs that we may be required to pay in connection with litigation and regulatory inquiries, and the reputational harm that could result from legal action against us, could adversely affect our businesses.
We face significant legal risks in our businesses and, in recent years, the volume of claims and amount of damages sought in litigation and regulatory proceedings against financial institutions have been significant. These risks include potential liability under securities or other laws for materially false or misleading statements made in connection with securities offerings and other transactions, employment claims, potential liability for fairness opinions and other advice we provide to participants in strategic transactions and disputes over the terms and conditions of complex trading arrangements.
As an investment banking firm, we depend to a large extent on our reputation for integrity and professionalism to attract and retain clients. Moreover, our role as advisor to our clients on important underwriting or mergers and acquisitions transactions involves complex analysis and the exercise of professional judgment, including rendering fairness opinions in connection with mergers and acquisitions and other transactions. Therefore, our activities may subject us to the risk of significant legal liabilities to our clients and aggrieved third parties, including our clients stockholders who could bring securities class action suits against us. Our investment banking engagements typically include broad indemnities from our clients and provisions to limit our exposure to legal claims relating to our services. However, there can be no assurance that these provisions will protect us or be enforceable in all cases. As a result, we may incur
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significant legal and other expenses in defending against litigation and may be required to pay substantial damages for settlements and adverse judgments. Substantial legal liability or significant regulatory action against us could harm our results of operations or harm our reputation, which could adversely affect our business and prospects.
Employee misconduct, which is difficult to detect and deter, could harm us by impairing our ability to attract and retain clients and subjecting us to significant legal liability and reputational harm.
Over the past number of years, there have been a number of highly-publicized cases involving fraud or other misconduct by employees in the financial services industry, and there is a risk that our employees could engage in misconduct that adversely affects our business. For example, we often deal with confidential matters of great significance to our clients. If our employees were to improperly use or disclose confidential information provided by our clients, we could be subject to regulatory sanctions and suffer serious harm to our reputation, financial position, current client relationships and ability to attract future clients. The violation of these obligations and standards by any of our employees would adversely affect us and our clients. It is not always possible to deter employee misconduct, and the precautions we take to detect and prevent this activity may not be effective in all cases. If our employees engage in misconduct, our business could be adversely affected.
Risks Related to Our New DirectMarkets Business
DirectMarkets is a start-up business that contemplates substantial changes in the manner in which primary securities offerings are transacted; there is no assurance that we will be successful in its implementation and achieving market acceptance.
We have internally developed the DirectMarkets platform over the past few years and have only recently publicly announced and introduced it. The business model contemplates changing the manner in which primary securities offerings are effected and will require issuers and purchasers of securities to adopt, and adapt to, the business model. Further, while we have introduced the DirectMarkets platform, we still must achieve its launch as an operating platform. There is no assurance that we will be successful in such launch or that upon launch we will gain sufficient market acceptance to achieve critical mass and profitability.
As a start-up technology initiative, the further development, marketing and implementation of the DirectMarkets platform will require substantial capital expenditures; if we are unable to fund these costs from cash flow from operations, we will need to raise capital or enter into joint venture initiatives to implement the DirectMarkets business plan.
The cost to develop and launch a start-up technology initiative, such as the DirectMarkets platform, requires substantial capital to support the development and marketing initiative. The magnitude of the capital required is uncertain and subject to developments and events that may be outside of our control. Our limited cash may not be sufficient to support the working capital needs of DirectMarkets. If we do not generate cash flow from operations or raise incremental capital to support our operations we may need to curtail the operations of DirectMarkets, which would adversely impact its potential market penetration and success, or seek financing through a joint venture initiative or similar arrangement which would be dilutive.
The DirectMarkets platform will facilitate the purchase and sale of securities which are regulated by the SEC and/or FINRA; there is no assurance that regulators will not raise regulatory concerns with the manner in which securities transactions are effected through the DirectMarkets platform.
While we believe that the manner in which it is contemplated that the DirectMarkets platform will facilitate securities transactions is compliant with all applicable rules and regulations, there is no assurance that Federal, state and quasi-governmental agencies will not make inquiries of us in this respect and potentially disagree with our interpretations and understandings of the applicable rules and regulations. Any adverse positions and or actions by any governmental or regulatory authority could have a material adverse effect on the success of the DirectMarkets business.
We depend on the services of a limited number of key executives to guide the launch and implementation of the DirectMarkets business plan and the loss of their services would have a material adverse effect on the implementation of that plan.
We depend on the efforts and reputation of Kevin Lupowitz, the Chief Executive Officer of our DirectMarkets subsidiary. His reputation in the electronic trading platform arena and his relationships within that arena are critical elements in the launch and success of the DirectMarkets business. The loss of the services of Mr. Lupowitz, due to death, disability, termination of employment or regulatory restriction, could have a material adverse effect on our ability to successfully launch DirectMarkets and implement its business plan. We currently have an at-will employment agreement with Mr. Lupowitz. We cannot assure you that Mr. Lupowitz will not resign, join a competitor or form a competing company or that the restrictive covenants in his employment agreement are enforceable.
16
The DirectMarkets business could be adversely affected by our inability to attract and retain talented employees, including sales, technology and development professionals.
The DirectMarkets business requires highly specialized knowledge of the financial industry and of technological innovation as it applies to the financial industry. If we are unable to hire or retain the services of talented management, sales, technology and development professionals, we would be at a competitive disadvantage. In addition, recruitment and retention of qualified staff could result in substantial additional costs.
If our security measures for DirectMarkets are breached and unauthorized access is obtained to our system, issuers and purchasers may become hesitant to use, or reduce or stop their use of, our DirectMarkets platform, which would adversely affect our operating results.
Our DirectMarkets platform involves the storage and transmission of our users proprietary information. The secure transmission of confidential information over the Internet and other networks is a critical element of our operations. Security breaches could expose us to a risk of loss of this information, litigation and possible liability. If our security measures are breached as a result of third-party action, employee error, malfeasance or otherwise, and, as a result, someone obtains unauthorized access to trading or other confidential information, our reputation could be damaged resulting in significant liability and loss of confidence in our marketplace. Because techniques used to obtain unauthorized access or to sabotage computer systems change frequently and generally are not recognized until launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventive measures. If an actual, threatened or perceived breach of our security occurs, the market perception of the effectiveness of our security measures could be harmed and could cause our users to reduce or stop their use of our DirectMarkets platform. We may be required to expend significant resources to protect against the threat of security breaches or to alleviate problems, including reputational harm and litigation, caused by any breaches. Although we intend to continue to implement industry-standard security measures, we cannot be certain that those measures will be sufficient.
We may be unable to protect our intellectual property, which could make it easier for competitors to replicate our business, or we may be prevented from using intellectual property necessary for our business.
DirectMarkets relies in part on proprietary technology and other intellectual property that we own. We cannot guarantee that any steps we take to protect against infringement and misappropriation of our intellectual property by third parties will be effective. Furthermore, because legal standards relating to the validity, enforceability and scope of proprietary rights in technology businesses are uncertain and still evolving, we cannot predict the future viability or value of our proprietary rights and those of other companies within our industry. In addition, third parties in non-U.S. jurisdictions could acquire patents covering intellectual property for which we obtain patents in the United States, or equivalent intellectual property. Third parties in other jurisdictions might also misappropriate our intellectual property rights with impunity if intellectual property laws are not actively enforced in those jurisdictions.
In addition, we are subject to the risk of unknowingly infringing on the intellectual property rights of a third party. For example, there has been a proliferation of so-called business method patents applicable to the technology and financial services industries. There has also been a substantial increase in the number of such patent applications filed. Under current law, U.S. patent applications remain secret for 18 months and may, depending upon where else such applications are filed, remain secret until a patent is issued. In light of these factors, it may not be practicable to determine in advance whether our products or services may infringe the present or future patent rights of others. If one or more of our products were found by a court to infringe patents held by others, we may be required to stop developing or marketing the products or services, to obtain licenses to develop and market the services or to redesign the products or services in such a way as to avoid infringing those patents. If a third party were to bring a claim against us, regardless of the merits of the third-party claim, we would need to bear the expense and uncertainty of litigation.
As we expand our users and product offerings for DirectMarkets, failure to expand our system capacity could adversely affect our business.
As we expand our users and the functionality of the DirectMarkets platform, we will need to expand our system capacity. If our systems are unable to handle increased system usage and expanded system functionality, we could incur financial losses, and/or damage to our reputation. System failures or errors could lead users to file formal complaints with industry regulatory organizations, initiate regulatory inquiries or proceedings, file lawsuits against us, used the platform less frequently or cease doing business with us.
17
A failure in the design, operation or configuration of our technology could adversely affect our profitability and reputation.
A technological failure or error in one or more aspect of the DirectMarkets platform functionality could result in lost revenues and/or user dissatisfaction. While we intend to put the DirectMarkets platform through rigorous quality assurance testing and certifications, we cannot test for all potential scenarios or ensure that the technology will function as designed and intended in all cases.
Insufficient system capacity, system operating failures, disasters or security breaches could materially harm our reputation, financial position and profitability.
The DirectMarkets business will rely heavily on the computer and communications systems supporting our operations, which must monitor, process and support transactions through the platform. As our business expands, we will need to expand our systems to accommodate an increasing volume of transactions through the platform and a larger client base. In addition, certain changes in market practices may require us to invest in infrastructure to increase capacity levels. The presence of computer viruses can also cause failure within our systems. If any of our systems do not operate properly, are disabled, breached or attacked by hackers or other disruptive problems, we could incur reputational damage. System failure, degradation, breach or attack could adversely affect our ability to effectuate transactions through the DirectMarkets platform and lead to customer dissatisfaction which would adversely affect market penetration and our results of operations.
DirectMarkets will be dependent on certain third party vendors for key services.
DirectMarkets will depend on a number of third parties to supply key elements of the DirectMarkets functionality. We cannot be certain that any of these providers will be willing and able to continue to provide these services in an efficient and cost-effective manner or that they will be willing or able to meet our evolving needs. Moreover, we are dependent on our communications network providers for interconnectivity with users of the DirectMarkets platform to service such users and operate effectively. If our vendors fail to meet their obligations, provide poor, inaccurate or untimely service, or we are unable to make alternative arrangements for the supply of these services, we may fail, in turn, to provide our services or to meet our obligations to our users and our business, financial condition and our operating results could be materially harmed.
Inability to protect our intellectual property may result in increased competition, loss of business or other negative results on our business and financial condition.
The success of the DirectMarkets platform is dependent, in part, upon our proprietary intellectual property. We generally rely upon patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets to establish and protect our rights in our proprietary technology, methods, products and services. We cannot assure that any of the rights granted under any patent, copyright or trademark that we may obtain will protect our competitive advantages. A third party may still try to challenge, invalidate or circumvent the protective mechanisms that we select. In addition, the laws of some foreign countries do not protect our proprietary rights to the same extent as the laws of the U.S., so we cannot predict our ability to properly protect our intellectual property in those jurisdictions. Third parties operating in jurisdictions in which we have not filed for protection may obtain rights in intellectual property that we have protected in the U.S. and other jurisdictions or may be able to misappropriate our intellectual property with impunity.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to protect our proprietary intellectual property from improper disclosure or use, or that others will not develop technologies that are similar or superior to our technology without violating our intellectual property. Violations of our intellectual property by third parties could have an adverse effect on our competitiveness and business. In addition, the cost of seeking to enforce our intellectual property rights could have an adverse effect on our financial results.
Risks Related to Our Common Stock
We cannot assure you that an active trading market for our common stock will continue. Any decrease in trading volume could make it more difficult for you to liquidate your position in a timely fashion.
Since October 16, 2007, our common stock has been listed on the NASDAQ Global Market, trading under the symbol RODM. Since then, there have periods when our stock was thinly traded. We cannot assure you that an established and liquid trading market for our stock will continue. Accordingly, investors should consider the potential lack of liquidity and the long-term nature of an investment in our common stock prior to investing.
18
The market price of our common stock may be volatile.
Since October 16, 2007, the day our stock commenced trading on the NASDAQ Global Market, through March 15, 2012, the sales price of our common stock has fluctuated from $6.35 to $0.19. This wide range could be attributable to a number of factors including one or more of the following:
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actual or anticipated fluctuations in our financial condition or results of operations; |
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the success or failure of our operating strategies and our perceived prospects and those of the financial services industry in general; |
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realization of any of the risks described in this section; |
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failure to be covered by securities analysts or failure to meet the expectations of securities analysts; |
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a decline in the stock prices of peer companies; and |
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a discount in the trading multiple of our common stock relative to that of common stock of certain of our peer companies due to perceived risks associated with our smaller size. |
As a result, shares of our common stock may trade at prices significantly below the price you paid to acquire them. Furthermore, declines in the price of our common stock may adversely affect our ability to conduct future offerings or to recruit and retain key employees, including our managing directors and other key professional employees.
If securities analysts do not publish research or reports about our industry or if they downgrade us or our sector, the price of our common stock could decline.
The trading market for our common stock may depend, in part, on research and reports that industry or financial analysts publish about us or our industry. Negative reports about us or the financial services industry could have an adverse impact on the price of our stock. In addition, while the financial services industry receives extensive coverage, our stock only receives limited coverage, which may also adversely impact liquidity. In addition, given the limited coverage of our stock, one negative report could have a disproportionate impact on the price of our stock.
Provisions of our organizational documents may discourage an acquisition of us, which could adversely impact the price of our common stock.
Our organizational documents contain provisions that may impede the removal of directors and may discourage a third party from making a proposal to acquire us. Our Board of Directors has the ability to take defensive measures that could impede or thwart a takeover such as, under certain circumstances, adopting a poison pill or causing us to issue preferred stock that has greater voting rights than our common stock. If a change of control or change in management that our stockholders might otherwise consider to be favorable is prevented or delayed, the market price of our common stock could decline.
We are controlled by a limited number of stockholders whose interests may differ from those of our other stockholders.
As of March 1, 2012, our largest stockholder, Paul Revere, LLC (Revere), owned approximately 38% of our outstanding common stock. Revere is owned one-third by Edward Rubin, our Chief Executive Officer, and two-thirds by a trust, the beneficiaries of which are the wife and children of Michael Vasinkevich, our Vice Chairman. In addition, our other senior executive officers collectively own approximately 8% of our common stock. As a result, our public stockholders have limited influence over the election of directors, management, company policies or major corporate decisions that require the consent of stockholders owning a majority of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock, such as mergers, consolidations and the sale of all or substantially all of our assets. This could adversely impact the market value of our common stock.
19
If we are unable to satisfy NASDAQs maintenance requirements, including a bid price of not less than $1.00, our common stock may be delisted from NASDAQ, which could impair the liquidity and the value of our common stock.
On November 15, 2011, we received a notification letter (the Notice) from NASDAQ advising us that for the 30 consecutive trading days preceding the date of the Notice, the bid price of our common stock had closed below the $1.00 per share minimum price required for continued listing on The NASDAQ Global Market pursuant to NASDAQ Marketplace Rule 5450(a)(1) (the Minimum Bid Price Rule). The Notice had no effect on the listing of our common stock at the time of the notice and our common stock continued to trade on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol RODM. The Notice also stated that we would be provided 180 calendar days, or until May 14, 2012, to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Rule. To regain compliance, the closing bid price of our common stock must be at least $1.00 per share for a minimum of ten consecutive business days prior to that date. On March 8, 2012, we received written notification from NASDAQ that we had regained compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Rule. There is no assurance that we will remain in compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Rule in future periods or that we will remain in compliance with other NASDAQ continued listing requirements which include: (i) a minimum of $2,500,000 in stockholders equity, or $35,000,000 in market capitalization, or $500,000 in net income for either the last fiscal year, or two out of the last three fiscal years; (ii) a minimum 500,000 shares in the public float valued at $1,000,000 or more; (iii) a minimum of two active market makers; and (iv) a minimum of 300 holders. If we are unable to satisfy NASDAQs continued listing requirements, our securities may be delisted from The NASDAQ Global Market. We cannot assure you that we will be able to satisfy any or all of these criteria. If our stock is delisted from NASDAQ it would be quoted on the Over the Counter Bulletin Board. The OTC Bulletin Board is not an exchange and is, thus, a less liquid market. Many institutional investors are precluded from holding securities that are quoted on the Bulletin Board and, for that reason many analysts do not cover stocks that are quoted on the Bulletin Board. As a result, the liquidity of our stock would be impaired, making it more difficult for stockholders to trade their shares on a timely basis.
If our Common Stock is delisted from NASDAQ, you may have difficulty selling shares of our Common Stock.
If our stock is delisted, you may find it difficult to dispose of or obtain accurate quotations as to the market value of your shares. In addition, securities not listed on an exchange may be subject to an SEC rule that imposes various practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell unlisted securities governed by the rule to persons other than established customers and accredited investors. Consequently, such rule may deter broker-dealers from recommending or selling unlisted securities, which may further limit its liquidity. If applicable, this could also make it more difficult for us to raise additional capital.
Under certain circumstances, if the trading price for common stock that is listed on an exchange drops below $5.00 per share, it could be considered a penny stock. In such case, it will be subject to the requirements of Rule 15g-9 under the Exchange Act. Under this rule, broker-dealers who recommend penny stocks to persons other than established customers and accredited investors must satisfy special sales practice requirements. The broker-dealer must make an individualized written suitability determination for the purchaser, considering such purchasers financial situation, investment experience and investment objectives, with respect to penny stock transactions and receive the purchasers written consent prior to the transaction. Our Common Stock may be considered a penny stock if it trades below $5.00 per share and we do not meet certain net asset or revenue thresholds. These thresholds include the possession of net tangible assets (i.e., total assets less intangible assets and liabilities) in excess of $2,000,000 in the event we have been operating for at least three years or $5,000,000 in the event we have been operating for fewer than three years, and the recognition of average revenues equal to at least $6,000,000 for each of the last three years.
The penny stock rules severely limit the liquidity of securities in the secondary market, and many brokers choose not to participate in penny stock transactions. As a result, there is generally less trading in penny stocks. Accordingly, you may not always be able to resell shares of our Common Stock publicly at the time and prices that you feel are fair or appropriate.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Our corporate headquarters are located in New York City on the 20th floor at 1251 Avenue of the Americas, where we sublease 40,300 square feet under a lease that expires in October 2013. Both of our business segments operate out of this location. In addition, the Capital Markets segment has offices in Jersey City, NJ, Boca Raton, FL, Boston, MA, Chicago, IL, Cleveland, OH, Houston, TX, Los Angeles, CA, Norwalk, CT and Tinton Falls, NJ.
20
We face significant legal risks in our businesses and in recent years, as we have expanded, including into China, the volume of claims and amount of damages sought in litigation and regulatory proceedings against investment banking firms have been increasing. These risks include potential liability under Federal securities and other laws in connection with securities offerings and other transactions, including public offerings in which we act as underwriter, as well as advice and opinions we may provide concerning strategic transactions. While we are typically indemnified in connection with such claims, indemnification provisions are often difficult to enforce, particularly in circumstances where the indemnifying partys principal assets are located outside of the United States, as is the case in many of our underwritten offerings. In addition, like most investment banking firms, we could be the subject of claims made by current and former employees arising out of their employment or termination of employment with us. These claims often relate to dissatisfaction with an employees bonus or separation payment, or involve allegations that the employee was the subject of some form of discrimination, retaliation or other unlawful employment practice.
During 2011, we were named as a defendant in various litigations brought as class actions and one derivative action relating to underwritten public offerings that we participated in involving China based businesses. To date, several of these litigations have been dismissed as against us. The remaining actions are in the preliminary stages and while we believe that we have meritorious defenses, the proceedings are at too early a stage to effectively evaluate the merits or predict the outcome. There is no assurance that we will not be named in other actions brought or that the result of the pending actions or any future actions, or the costs of defense of those actions, will not adversely affect us.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure
Not applicable.
Item 5. Market Price of Registrants Common Stock, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Market and traded under the symbol RODM. The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the high and low prices per share for our common stock, as reported on the NASDAQ.
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Sales Price |
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High |
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Low |
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2011 |
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First Quarter |
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$ |
2.75 |
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$ |
1.86 |
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Second Quarter |
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2.12 |
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1.20 |
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Third Quarter |
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1.73 |
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1.05 |
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Fourth Quarter |
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1.10 |
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0.41 |
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2010 |
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First Quarter |
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5.65 |
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3.78 |
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Second Quarter |
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4.79 |
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2.41 |
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Third Quarter |
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3.14 |
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1.97 |
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Fourth Quarter |
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3.33 |
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2.06 |
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As of March 6, 2012, we had approximately 374 stockholders of record.
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock. We currently intend to retain earnings to finance our ongoing operations and we do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Future policy with respect to payment of dividends on the common stock will be determined by our Board of Directors based upon conditions then existing, including our earnings and financial condition, capital requirements and other relevant factors.
Information concerning our equity compensation plans required by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K appears in Note 13 to our Consolidated Financial Statements and will be included in our definitive proxy statement which is incorporated herein by reference.
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Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
During the fourth quarter of 2011, we purchased shares of our common stock as follows:
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Period |
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(a)
Total |
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(b)
Average |
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(c)
Total Number of |
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(d)
Maximum Number |
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October 1 - October 31, 2011 |
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$ |
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4,949,568 |
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November 1 - November 30, 2011 |
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595,000 |
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$ |
0.53 |
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595,000 |
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4,354,568 |
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December 1 - December 31, 2011 |
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225,000 |
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$ |
0.49 |
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225,000 |
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4,129,568 |
(2) |
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Total |
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820,000 |
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$ |
0.52 |
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820,000 |
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(1) On May 25, 2010 we announced a stock repurchase program covering the purchase of up to an aggregate of $5 million of our common stock in the open market in accordance with Rule 10b-18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. On November 15, 2010 we announced an increase of an additional $5 million to our stock repurchase program. |
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(2) Based on closing price per share of our common stock on December 31, 2011 ($0.44 per share). |
22
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table summarizes our selected historical consolidated financial data for the periods and at the dates indicated. You should read this information in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes, Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K. We derived our selected historical consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2007 and for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2007, from our audited consolidated financial statements. The results of operations for certain businesses that we no longer own are reported as discontinued operations.
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Amounts in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts |
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Year Ended December 31, |
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2011 |
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2010 |
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2009 |
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2008 |
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2007 |
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Revenues: |
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Investment banking |
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$ |
57,573 |
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87,245 |
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90,433 |
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52,473 |
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55,829 |
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Merchant banking |
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1,149 |
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1,573 |
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36,018 |
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Brokerage |
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20,888 |
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4,102 |
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4,423 |
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6,492 |
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6,914 |
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Conference fees |
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3,107 |
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3,158 |
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1,598 |
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2,395 |
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2,472 |
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Principal transactions |
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(17,275 |
) |
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(12,597 |
) |
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(512 |
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(13,048 |
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3,872 |
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Interest and other income |
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47 |
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134 |
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265 |
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876 |
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883 |
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Total revenues |
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65,489 |
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83,615 |
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132,225 |
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49,188 |
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69,970 |
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Operating expenses: |
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Compensation and benefits |
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48,545 |
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54,653 |
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62,437 |
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34,639 |
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41,333 |
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Conference expense |
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6,980 |
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9,932 |
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3,379 |
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6,223 |
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5,903 |
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Professional and consulting |
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7,581 |
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6,504 |
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7,450 |
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6,276 |
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4,731 |
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Communication and market research |
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7,148 |
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3,545 |
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2,750 |
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2,646 |
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1,981 |
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Business development |
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4,971 |
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5,522 |
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2,228 |
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2,926 |
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3,006 |
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Impairment of goodwill / other intangibles |
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813 |
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|
933 |
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1,327 |
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21,719 |
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376 |
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Other |
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17,414 |
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10,570 |
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10,574 |
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9,714 |
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4,566 |
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Total operating expenses |
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93,452 |
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91,659 |
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90,145 |
|
|
84,143 |
|
|
61,896 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income (loss) |
|
|
(27,963 |
) |
|
(8,044 |
) |
|
42,080 |
|
|
(34,955 |
) |
|
8,074 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,772 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) before income taxes |
|
|
(27,963 |
) |
|
(8,044 |
) |
|
42,080 |
|
|
(34,955 |
) |
|
4,302 |
|
Income tax expense (benefit) |
|
|
8,428 |
|
|
(2,487 |
) |
|
(3,913 |
) |
|
2,482 |
|
|
(440 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) |
|
|
(36,391 |
) |
|
(5,557 |
) |
|
45,993 |
|
|
(37,437 |
) |
|
4,742 |
|
Less: Net income to non-controlling interest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,695 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) from continuing operations |
|
|
(36,391 |
) |
|
(5,557 |
) |
|
27,298 |
|
|
(37,437 |
) |
|
4,742 |
|
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) to common stockholders |
|
$ |
(36,391 |
) |
|
(5,557 |
) |
|
27,298 |
|
|
(37,437 |
) |
|
4,759 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized (loss) gain on investments, net of tax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(141 |
) |
Reclassification adjustment for realized gain on investments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
141 |
|
|
(1,002 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income (loss) |
|
$ |
(36,391 |
) |
|
(5,557 |
) |
|
27,298 |
|
|
(37,296 |
) |
|
3,616 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic income (loss) per common share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From continuing operations |
|
$ |
(0.99 |
) |
|
(0.15 |
) |
|
0.77 |
|
|
(1.12 |
) |
|
0.21 |
|
From discontinued operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
(0.99 |
) |
|
(0.15 |
) |
|
0.77 |
|
|
(1.12 |
) |
|
0.21 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted income (loss) per common share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From continuing operations |
|
$ |
(0.99 |
) |
|
(0.15 |
) |
|
0.73 |
|
|
(1.12 |
) |
|
0.20 |
|
From discontinued operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
(0.99 |
) |
|
(0.15 |
) |
|
0.73 |
|
|
(1.12 |
) |
|
0.20 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average common shares outstanding: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
36,798 |
|
|
36,079 |
|
|
35,588 |
|
|
33,375 |
|
|
23,039 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted |
|
|
36,798 |
|
|
36,079 |
|
|
37,399 |
|
|
33,375 |
|
|
24,024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts |
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
7,391 |
|
|
14,798 |
|
|
15,546 |
|
|
21,754 |
|
|
54,834 |
|
Financial instruments owned, at fair value |
|
$ |
21,862 |
|
|
37,980 |
|
|
56,156 |
|
|
13,872 |
|
|
9,011 |
|
Total assets |
|
$ |
38,826 |
|
|
81,103 |
|
|
94,886 |
|
|
47,682 |
|
|
71,872 |
|
Total liabilities |
|
$ |
18,174 |
|
|
28,842 |
|
|
19,445 |
|
|
17,148 |
|
|
11,104 |
|
Common shareholders equity |
|
$ |
20,652 |
|
|
52,261 |
|
|
63,382 |
|
|
30,535 |
|
|
60,768 |
|
Item 7. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this Report.
We are a full-service investment bank dedicated to providing corporate finance, strategic advisory and related services to public and private companies across multiple sectors and regions. We also provide research and sales and trading services primarily to institutional investors. We are the leader in the PIPE (private investment in public equity) and RD (registered direct offering) transaction markets. We have been ranked the #1 Placement Agent by deal volume of PIPE and RD financing transactions completed every year since 2005. The sectors that we currently serve include life science/healthcare, energy, metals & mining, industrials, airlines and technology. Our primary product and service offerings include financing transactions, including private placements and public offerings. We also provide research and sales and trading services to institutional investors.
In 2012, we introduced our DirectMarkets platform, the first-ever 24/7 automated electronic transaction platform to link issuers with investors for primary offerings of securities by existing publicly-traded companies. The DirectMarkets platform was developed by us over the past several years, building on the expertise that we have obtained in completing more than 580 financing transactions for public companies since 2002. During the last decade, capital-raising options and alternatives for public companies have evolved from traditional follow-on offerings to RDs, ATMs and CMPOs. Through this evolution, the issuer has gained more influence over the capital-raising process by acting on shorter notice and reducing its exposure to market volatility during the life of a deal. The DirectMarkets platform is the next and logical evolutionary step in empowering the issuer and bringing access to the capital markets directly into the C-Suite of public companies through an electronic interface linking public company issuers with investors.
Business Environment
2011 was a very difficult period in our industry. With the many geopolitical and economic uncertainties, it is difficult to time a market recovery or predict its sustainability. Market conditions and valuations for companies in the healthcare, metals & mining, oil & gas, technology and clean-tech sectors and other sectors in which we are active, as well as general market conditions, can materially affect our financial performance. Declining valuations in various sectors in which we are active, unprecedented volatility and lack of liquidity in certain sectors of the capital markets, as well as a slowing of economic growth generally has led to declines in financing activity, smaller financing transactions, declining trading activity and a resulting decline in revenue from prior periods. It is not possible to predict whether, and to what degree, these conditions will continue, abate, or reverse, and the level of capital markets and trading activity is expected to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future. In addition, the nature of our revenue generation, including the size of transactions, the timing of transaction closings and the sectors in which those transactions occur, make future performance difficult to predict and potentially highly variable. Revenues for many of the services we provide are earned only upon the successful completion of a transaction. Accordingly, revenues and net income in any period may not be indicative of full-year results or the results of any other period and may vary significantly from period to period.
Business Segments
We operate in two business segments, Capital Markets and Merchant Banking. The Capital Markets reportable segment includes our investment banking, sales and trading activities and research. The Capital Markets reportable segment is managed as a single operating segment that provides the following principal sources of revenue:
|
|
|
|
|
investment banking fees, which are derived from corporate finance activities and strategic advisory services; |
|
|
realized and unrealized gains with respect to securities held for our own account; |
|
|
commissions on sales and trading activities; |
|
|
conference fees; and |
|
|
other miscellaneous sources of revenues, such as interest. |
24
Although we have multiple sources of revenue derived within Capital Markets, most of our revenue in this segment is derived from (a) investment banking services and consists of private placement, underwriting and strategic advisory fees earned upon the successful completion of financing or other types of corporate transactions, such as mergers, acquisitions and dispositions and (b) sales and trading activities.
The Merchant Banking segment is primarily comprised of operating activities related to Aceras BioMedical. On May 12, 2008, we formed Aceras BioMedical, a joint venture through which we, in partnership with Aceras Partners, LLC, make principal investments in early-stage biotechnology and life sciences companies. In conjunction with the establishment of the joint venture, we formed a new wholly-owned subsidiary which holds a 50% stake in Aceras BioMedical and serves as the holding vehicle for all of our principal-related businesses. At December 31, 2011, our outstanding investment commitment to Aceras BioMedical to fund operations and the joint ventures principal investments in life science companies was $10.7 million. We receive 50% of Aceras BioMedicals economic interest in all investments made.
In conjunction with the introduction of DirectMarkets in 2012, we expect to prospectively report a third business segment, DirectMarkets. The DirectMarkets activities will be comprised of revenue associated from subscription and transaction fees, and cost/expenses related to development, production sales and marketing, and execution of the DirectMarkets platform.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in conformity with GAAP, which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes. Actual results can and will differ from estimates. These differences could be material to the financial statements.
We believe our application of accounting policies and the estimates required therein are reasonable. These accounting policies and estimates are constantly re-evaluated, and adjustments are made when facts and circumstances dictate a change. Historically, actual results have not differed materially from those determined using necessary estimates.
Our management believes that our critical accounting policies (policies that are both material to the financial condition and results of operations and require managements most difficult subjective or complex judgments) are our valuation of financial instruments, valuation of goodwill, income taxes and our use of estimates related to compensation and benefits during the year.
Valuation of Financial Instruments
Fair value generally is based on quoted market prices. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is determined based on other relevant factors, including dealer price quotations, price activity for equivalent instruments and valuation pricing models. Among the factors considered in determining the fair value of financial instruments are discount margins, weighted average spreads, discounted anticipated cash flows, the terms and liquidity of the instrument, the financial condition, operating results and credit ratings of the issuer or underlying company, the quoted market price of publicly traded securities with similar duration and yield, as well as other measurements. Certain financial instruments have bid and ask prices that can be observed in the marketplace. For financial instruments whose inputs are based on bid-ask prices, such financial instruments are adjusted to the point within the bid-ask range that meets our best estimate of fair value. For offsetting positions in the same financial instrument, the same price within the bid-ask spread is used to measure both the long and short positions.
The valuation process for financial instruments may include the use of valuation models and other techniques. Adjustments to valuations derived from valuation models may be made when, in our judgment, either the size of the position in the financial instrument in a non-active market or other features of the financial instrument such as its complexity, or the market in which the financial instrument is traded require that an adjustment be made to the value derived from the models. An adjustment may be made if a financial instrument is subject to sales restrictions that would result in a price less than the quoted market price. Adjustments from the price derived from a valuation model reflect managements judgment that other participants in the market for the financial instrument being measured at fair value would also consider in valuing that same financial instrument and are adjusted for assumptions about risk uncertainties and market conditions. Results from valuation models and valuation techniques in one period may not be indicative of future period fair value measurements.
25
Financial instruments owned and financial instruments sold, not yet purchased are stated at fair value, with related changes in unrealized appreciation or depreciation reflected in principal transactions, net in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. Equity interests in certain private equity securities and limited partnership interests are reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements at fair value, which is often represented at initial cost until significant transactions or developments indicate that a change in the carrying value of the securities is appropriate. This represents our best estimate of exit price. Generally, the carrying values of these securities will be increased or decreased based on company performance in those instances where market values are readily ascertainable by reference to substantial transactions occurring in the marketplace or quoted market prices.
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, we use various methods including market, income and cost approaches. Based on these approaches, we utilize assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and or the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated, or generally unobservable firm inputs. We utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Based on the observability of the inputs used in the valuation techniques, we are required to provide the following information according to the fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy ranks the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. Financial instrument assets and liabilities carried at fair value have been classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
Level I includes those financial instruments whose valuations are based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these products does not entail a significant degree of judgment.
Level II includes those financial instruments that are valued using models or other valuation methodologies calibrated to observable market inputs. These models are primarily industry-standard models that consider various assumptions, including discount margins, credit spreads, discounted anticipated cash flows, the terms and liquidity of the instrument, the financial condition, operating results and credit ratings of the issuer or underlying company, the quoted market price of publicly traded securities with similar duration and yield, time value, yield curve, default rates, as well as other measurements. In order to be classified as Level II, substantially all of these assumptions would need to be observable in the marketplace or able to be derived from observable data or supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace.
Level III is comprised of financial instruments whose fair value is estimated based on internally developed models or methodologies utilizing significant inputs that are unobservable from objective sources. Included in this category are warrants, private securities and limited partnership interests.
Compensation and Benefits
The use of estimates is important in determining compensation and benefits expenses for interim and year end periods. A substantial portion of our compensation and benefits represents discretionary bonuses. In addition to the level of net revenues and pre-tax income, our overall compensation expense in any given year is influenced by prevailing labor markets, revenue mix and our use of equity-based compensation programs. We believe the most appropriate way to allocate estimated annual discretionary bonuses among interim periods is in proportion to net revenues and pre-tax income earned or reasonably expected. Consequently, we generally accrue interim compensation and benefits based on annual targeted compensation amounts and interim revenues received.
Goodwill
At least annually, and more frequently if warranted, we assess whether goodwill has been impaired by comparing the estimated fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying value. The fair value of reporting units are based on valuations techniques that we believe market participants would use, although the valuation process requires significant judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. The estimates and assumptions used in determining fair value could have a significant effect on whether or not an impairment charge is recorded and the magnitude of such a charge. Adverse market or economic events could result in impairment charges in future periods. (Refer to Note 6, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, in our Consolidated Financial Statements for further detail on our assessment of goodwill.)
Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
26
Our management evaluates the realizability of its deferred tax assets quarterly. In determining the possible future realization of deferred tax assets, the future taxable income from the following sources is taken into account: (a) the reversal of taxable temporary differences; (b) future operations exclusive of reversing temporary differences and (c) tax planning strategies that, if necessary, would be implemented to accelerate taxable income into years in which net operating losses might otherwise expire.
Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 740-10 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return, and provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. Our management does not believe that we have any material uncertain tax position requiring recognition or measurement in accordance with the provisions of ASC 740-10.
Our policy is to classify penalties and interest associated with uncertain tax positions, if required, as a component of our income tax provision. As a result of having no material unrecognized tax benefits on uncertain tax positions, we have no material amounts for associated interest and penalties recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition or the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
27
Results of Operations
2011 compared to 2010
The following table sets forth the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands of dollars):
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
|
|
Year Ended |
|
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
|
|
December 31, 2011 |
|
December 31, 2010 |
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
% of net |
|
|
|
|
% of net |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment banking |
|
$ |
57,573 |
|
|
|
|
|
87,245 |
|
|
|
|
Merchant banking |
|
|
1,149 |
|
|
|
|
|
1,573 |
|
|
|
|
Brokerage |
|
|
20,888 |
|
|
|
|
|
4,102 |
|
|
|
|
Conference fees |
|
|
3,107 |
|
|
|
|
|
3,158 |
|
|
|
|
Principal transactions |
|
|
(17,275 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(12,597 |
) |
|
|
|
Interest and other income |
|
|
47 |
|
|
|
|
|
134 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues |
|
|
65,489 |
|
|
|
|
|
83,615 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation and benefits |
|
|
48,545 |
|
|
74.1 |
% |
|
54,653 |
|
|
65.4 |
% |
Conference fees |
|
|
6,980 |
|
|
10.7 |
% |
|
9,932 |
|
|
11.9 |
% |
Professional and consulting |
|
|
7,581 |
|
|
11.6 |
% |
|
6,504 |
|
|
7.8 |
% |
Occupancy and equipment rentals |
|
|
3,773 |
|
|
5.8 |
% |
|
3,111 |
|
|
3.7 |
% |
Advertising and marketing |
|
|
696 |
|
|
1.1 |
% |
|
1,520 |
|
|
1.8 |
% |
Communication and market research |
|
|
7,148 |
|
|
10.9 |
% |
|
3,545 |
|
|
4.2 |
% |
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
1,597 |
|
|
2.4 |
% |
|
1,613 |
|
|
1.9 |
% |
Business development |
|
|
4,971 |
|
|
7.6 |
% |
|
5,522 |
|
|
6.6 |
% |
Execution & clearance |
|
|
3,214 |
|
|
4.9 |
% |
|
227 |
|
|
0.3 |
% |
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets |
|
|
813 |
|
|
1.2 |
% |
|
933 |
|
|
1.1 |
% |
Bad debt expense |
|
|
251 |
|
|
0.4 |
% |
|
666 |
|
|
0.8 |
% |
Other |
|
|
7,883 |
|
|
12 |
% |
|
3,433 |
|
|
4.1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
93,452 |
|
|
142.7 |
% |
|
91,659 |
|
|
109.6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) before income taxes |
|
|
(27,963 |
) |
|
-42.7 |
% |
|
(8,044 |
) |
|
-9.6 |
% |
Income tax expense (benefit) |
|
|
8,428 |
|
|
|
|
|
(2,487 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) |
|
|
(36,391 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(5,557 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: Net income to non-controlling interest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) to common stockholders |
|
$ |
(36,391 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(5,557 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 included the following non-cash expenses (in thousands of dollars):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
December 31, 2011 |
|
December 31, 2010 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|||||||
Stock-based compensation |
|
$ |
2,290 |
|
|
(73 |
) |
Amortization of forgivable loans |
|
|
1,258 |
|
|
2,639 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
1,597 |
|
|
1,613 |
|
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets |
|
|
813 |
|
|
933 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
5,958 |
|
|
5,112 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28
Revenues
Merchant Banking Segment
Merchant banking revenue, consisting of gains (or losses) on investments by Aceras BioMedical and other principal investments activity, was $1.1 million. We recognize revenue on investments in the merchant banking segment based on realized and unrealized gains (or losses) reported. The value of Aceras BioMedicals assets was determined based on a valuation as of December 31, 2011, taking into consideration the cost of the investment, market participant inputs, non-binding offers made by third parties, estimated cash flows based on entity specific criteria, purchase multiples paid in other comparable third-party transactions, market conditions, liquidity, operating results and other qualitative and quantitative factors. The values at which our investments are carried on our books are adjusted to estimated fair value at the end of each quarter and the instability in general economic conditions, stock markets and regulatory conditions and those characteristics specific to the underlying investments may result in significant changes in the estimated fair value of these investments.
Capital Market Segment
Within our Capital Markets segment we derive revenues from two primary sources, (1) investment banking and (2) sales and trading.
Total revenue for 2011 was $64.3 million, representing a decrease of 22% from $82.0 million in the comparable period of 2010. The decrease was primarily due to a $29.7 million decrease in investment banking revenues.
Investment Banking Revenue
Our investment banking revenue is derived from private placement and underwriting activities and strategic advisory services. The following table sets forth our revenue from our investment banking activities for the years ended December 30, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands of dollars):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
December 31, 2011 |
|
December 31, 2010 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Private placement and underwriting |
|
$ |
52,358 |
|
|
74,288 |
|
Strategic advisory |
|
|
5,215 |
|
|
12,957 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total investment banking revenue |
|
$ |
57,573 |
|
|
87,245 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment banking revenue was $57.6 million for 2011, which included $10.1 million related to warrants received as compensation for activities as underwriter or placement agent valued using Black-Scholes, as compared to revenue of $87.2 million in 2010, which included $12.7 million related to warrants and notes received as compensation for activities as underwriter or placement agent at fair value:
|
|
|
Private placement and underwriting revenue for 2011 was $52.4 million, including $10.1 million of fair value related to warrants received, compared to $74.3 million in 2010, including $12.7 million warrants received. The decrease in investment banking revenue is a result of a decrease in industry wide capital markets activity and the suspension of our China investment banking practice. |
|
|
|
Strategic advisory fees for 2011 were $5.2 million, compared to $13.0 million in 2010. Strategic advisory fees decreased because 2010 included two significant sell side engagements in the metals & mining sector and the completion of one large advisory engagement in the oil & gas space. |
Brokerage
Brokerage revenues increased by $16.8 million up to $20.9 million for 2011, compared with $4.1 million in 2010. The increase in brokerage revenues was primarily due to the Hudson business acquired in the second quarter of 2011.
29
Principal Transactions
Principal transactions, reflecting the change in fair value of our warrant portfolio, generated a loss for 2011 of $17.3 million, compared with a $12.6 million loss in 2010. The decline in our warrant portfolio value is related to the reduction in the market value of the securities underlying warrants resulting from adverse market conditions in small cap financial instruments.
The following discussion of expenses will be on the combined Capital Markets and Merchant Banking expenses.
Expenses
Compensation
Employee compensation and benefits expense for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $48.5 million, compared to $54.7 million for the comparable 2010 period. Employee compensation and benefits expense for the year ended December 31, 2011, excluding the $1.7 million in severance expense from compensation and excluding the $17.3 million principal transactions loss from revenue, represented 57% of transaction related revenue (revenue excluding principal transactions), compared to 57% in the comparable 2010 period. We target a compensation ratio of 60% of transaction related revenue on an annualized basis.
Non-Compensation Expenses
Non-compensation expense was $44.9 million for 2011, versus $37.0 million in 2010, or 69% of net revenues for 2011 versus 44% of net revenues in 2010. The increase was primarily due to a $4.5 million increase in other expense, a $3.6 million increase in communication and market research, a $3.0 million increase in execution and clearing and a $1.1 million increase in professional and consulting expense, offset by a $3.0 million decrease in conference expense.
Income Taxes
In determining the possible future realization of deferred tax assets, the future taxable income from the following sources was taken into account: (a) the reversal of taxable temporary differences, (b) future operations exclusive of reversing temporary differences and (c) tax planning strategies that, if necessary, would be implemented to accelerate taxable income into years in which net operating losses might otherwise expire.
In 2011, we concluded after considering all available evidence that our deferred tax asset is no longer more likely than not to be realized. This conclusion resulted in the recording of a valuation allowance for all of our deferred tax assets.
30
2010 compared to 2009
The following table sets forth the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 (in thousands of dollars):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
|
|
December 31, 2010 |
|
December 31, 2009 |
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
% of net |
|
|
|
|
% of net |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment banking |
|
$ |
87,245 |
|
|
|
|
|
90,433 |
|
|
|
|
Merchant banking |
|
|
1,573 |
|
|
|
|
|
36,018 |
|
|
|
|
Brokerage |
|
|
4,102 |
|
|
|
|
|
4,423 |
|
|
|
|
Conference fees |
|
|
3,158 |
|
|
|
|
|
1,598 |
|
|
|
|
Principal transactions |
|
|
(12,597 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(512 |
) |
|
|
|
Interest and other income |
|
|
134 |
|
|
|
|
|
265 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues |
|
|
83,615 |
|
|
|
|
|
132,225 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation and benefits |
|
|
54,653 |
|
|
65.4 |
% |
|
62,437 |
|
|
47.2 |
% |
Conference fees |
|
|
9,932 |
|
|
11.9 |
% |
|
3,379 |
|
|
2.6 |
% |
Professional and consulting |
|
|
6,504 |
|
|
7.8 |
% |
|
7,450 |
|
|
5.6 |
% |
Occupancy and equipment rentals |
|
|
3,111 |
|
|
3.7 |
% |
|
3,125 |
|
|
2.4 |
% |
Advertising and marketing |
|
|
1,520 |
|
|
1.8 |
% |
|
1,582 |
|
|
1.2 |
% |
Communication and market research |
|
|
3,545 |
|
|
4.2 |
% |
|
2,750 |
|
|
2.1 |
% |
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
1,613 |
|
|
1.9 |
% |
|
2,282 |
|
|
1.7 |
% |
Business development |
|
|
5,522 |
|
|
6.6 |
% |
|
2,228 |
|
|
1.7 |
% |
Office supplies |
|
|
662 |
|
|
0.8 |
% |
|
677 |
|
|
0.5 |
% |
Impairment of goodwill |
|
|
933 |
|
|
1.1 |
% |
|
1,327 |
|
|
1.0 |
% |
Bad debt expense |
|
|
666 |
|
|
0.8 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.0 |
% |
Other |
|
|
2,998 |
|
|
3.6 |
% |
|
2,908 |
|
|
2.2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
91,659 |
|
|
109.6 |
% |
|
90,145 |
|
|
68.2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) before income taxes |
|
|
(8,044 |
) |
|
-9.6 |
% |
|
42,080 |
|
|
31.8 |
% |
Income tax expense (benefit) |
|
|
(2,487 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(3,913 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) |
|
|
(5,557 |
) |
|
|
|
|
45,993 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: Net income to non-controlling interest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,695 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) to common stockholders |
|
$ |
(5,557 |
) |
|
|
|
|
27,298 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 included the following non-cash expenses (in thousands of dollars):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
December 31, 2010 |
|
December 31, 2009 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|||||||
Stock-based compensation |
|
$ |
(73 |
) |
|
5,799 |
|
Amortization of forgivable loans |
|
|
2,639 |
|
|
1,898 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
1,613 |
|
|
2,282 |
|
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets |
|
|
933 |
|
|
1,327 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
5,112 |
|
|
11,306 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31
Revenues
Merchant Banking Segment
Merchant banking revenue, consisting of gains (or losses) on investments by Aceras BioMedical and other principal investments activity, was $1.6 million. We recognize revenue on investments in the merchant banking segment based on realized and unrealized gains (or losses) reported. The value of Aceras BioMedicals assets was determined based on a valuation as of December 31, 2010, taking into consideration the cost of the investment, market participant inputs, non-binding offers made by third parties, estimated cash flows based on entity specific criteria, purchase multiples paid in other comparable third-party transactions, market conditions, liquidity, operating results and other qualitative and quantitative factors. The values at which our investments are carried on our books are adjusted to estimated fair value at the end of each quarter and the instability in general economic conditions, stock markets and regulatory conditions and those characteristics specific to the underlying investments may result in significant changes in the estimated fair value of these investments.
Capital Market Segment
Within our Capital Markets segment we derive revenues from two primary sources, (1) investment banking and (2) sales and trading.
Total revenue for 2010 was $82.0 million, representing a decrease of 15% from $96.2 million in the comparable period of 2009. The decrease was primarily due to a $12.1 million increase in principal transaction losses.
Investment Banking Revenue
Our investment banking revenue is derived from private placement and underwriting activities and strategic advisory services. The following table sets forth our revenue from our investment banking activities for the years ended December 30, 2010 and 2009 (in thousands of dollars):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
December 31, 2010 |
|
December 31, 2009 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Private placement and underwriting |
|
$ |
74,288 |
|
$ |
83,468 |
|
Strategic advisory |
|
|
12,957 |
|
|
6,965 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total investment banking revenue |
|
$ |
87,245 |
|
$ |
90,433 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment banking revenue was $87.2 million for 2010, which included $12.7 million related to warrants received as compensation for activities as underwriter or placement agent valued using Black-Scholes, as compared to revenue of $90.4 million in 2009, which included $24.2 million related to warrants and notes received as compensation for activities as underwriter or placement agent at fair value:
|
|
|
Private placement and underwriting revenue for 2010 was $74.3 million, including $12.7 million of fair value related to warrants received, compared to $83.5 million in 2009, including $24.2 million warrants received. The increase in private placement and underwriting revenue is a result of increased financing activity in our targeted verticals, especially in life sciences and China, as well as increased demand for capital market offerings, including private placements, registered directs and follow-on offerings. |
|
|
|
Strategic advisory fees for 2010 were $13.0 million, compared to $7.0 million in 2009. The increase in strategic advisory was due to significant advisory transactions in the oil & gas and metals & mining sectors. |
Brokerage
Brokerage revenues decreased by $0.3 million, or 7%, to $4.1 million for 2010, compared with $4.4 million in 2009. The decrease is attributable to a lower volume of transactions that occurred in 2010 as well as a decrease in sales and trading employees throughout the year.
32
Principal Transactions
Principal transactions, reflecting the change in fair value of our warrant portfolio, generated a loss for 2010 of $12.6 million, compared with a $512,000 loss in 2009. The increase in principal transaction losses was attributed to market instability, lack of liquidity and issuer specific events in 2010.
The following discussion of expenses will be on the combined Capital Markets and Merchant Banking expenses.
Expenses
Compensation
Compensation expense decreased $7.8 million, or 12%, while total net revenues (less net income to non-controlling interest) decreased 16% for 2010. The ratio of compensation to net revenues (less net income to non-controlling interest) was 57% for 2010 as compared to 55% in 2009. The increase in compensation and benefits is attributed to our variable compensation structure, whereby the majority of compensation expense is based on revenue production.
Non-Compensation Expenses
Non-compensation expense was $37.0 million for 2010, versus $27.7 million in 2009, or 44% of net revenues for 2010 versus 24% of net revenues (less net income to non-controlling interest) in 2009. The increase in non-compensation was primarily due to expenses related to the China Investment Conference in the first quarter, the London Investment Conference in the second quarter and the New York Investment Conference in the third quarter, as well as higher business development expenses.
Income Taxes
Income tax benefit was $2.5 million, or a 30.9% tax rate, for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to an income tax benefit of $3.9 million or (9.3%) tax rate for 2009. The primary reason for the differential in the tax rates was a $3.9 million reduction in our valuation allowance in 2009.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We have historically satisfied our capital and liquidity requirements through cash generated internally from operations. However, In October 2011, we raised $6.65 million of gross proceeds in a private placement financing comprised of $6.65 million of 10% Senior Secured Convertible Debentures due October 31, 2013 with a net share settlement feature, and warrants.
At December 31, 2011, we had liquid assets, consisting of unrestricted cash, restricted cash, Level I assets less Level I liabilities, Level II assets (consisting of municipal securities) less Level II liabilities (also consisting of municipal securities), net current receivables and due to / due from clearing brokers of $15.5 million. At December 31, 2010, we had liquid assets of $30.7 million.
The timing of bonus and retention compensation payments to our employees may significantly affect our cash position and liquidity from period-to-period. While our employees are generally paid salaries and draws on a semi-monthly basis during the year, bonus payments, which make up a significant portion of total compensation, are generally paid semi-annually or annually.
As a registered securities broker-dealer, we are subject to the net capital requirements of the uniform net capital requirement set forth in Rule 15c3-1 promulgated by the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act. SEC regulations also provide that equity capital may not be withdrawn or cash dividends paid if certain minimum net capital requirements are not met. At December 31, 2011, we had excess net capital of $5.3 million. Regulatory net capital requirements may change based on investment and underwriting activities.
Because of the nature of settlement transactions in our investment banking and brokerage business, we regularly monitor our liquidity position, including our cash and net capital positions. In light of the uncertainty with respect to the timing of a market recovery and its potential impact on the timing of our receipt of anticipated funds from operating activities, we regularly explore capital raising alternatives.
Cash Flows
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents were $5.8 million at December 31, 2011, a decrease of $7.6 million from $13.4 million at December 31, 2010.
33
Operating activities used $7.5 million of cash and cash equivalents in 2011. Our $36.4 million loss partially offset by reductions in many of our asset classifications contributed to the decrease in cash.
The primary components of cash used by investing activities in 2011 were: (a) $2.3 million in connection with the purchase of property and equipment and the capitalization of software development costs; (b) $1.0 million in acquisition related payments; and (c) $0.5 million in merchant banking investments.
The primary components of cash provided by financing activities in 2011 were: (a) a $6.7 million issuance of convertible debt; partially offset by (b) $2.9 million in treasury stock purchases.
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents were $13.4 million at December 31, 2010, an increase of $0.8 million from $12.6 million at December 31, 2009.
Operating activities provided $10.5 million of cash and cash equivalents in 2010. Our $9.2 million and $6.8 million increase in accrued compensation payable and decrease in financial instruments owned, at fair value, respectively, from December 31, 2009 contributed to our cash position. Our accrued compensation balance increased during the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, primarily due to our deferral of year-end 2010 bonus payments to February 2011.
The primary components of cash used by investing activities in 2010 were: (a) $1.6 million in connection with the purchase of property and equipment and leasehold improvements; and (b) $0.9 million and $1.3 million in connection with contractual payments related to the acquisitions of Miller Mathis and COSCO, respectively.
The primary component of cash used by financing activities in 2010 was $5.3 million in treasury stock purchases.
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents were $12.6 million at December 31, 2009, a decrease of $5.8 million from $18.4 million at December 31, 2008.
Operating activities used $4.9 million of cash and cash equivalents in 2009. Our $54.2 million and $3.0 million increase in financial instruments owned, at fair value and receivable from brokers, dealers and clearing agencies, respectively, from December 31, 2008 contributed to the use of our cash. Our accrued compensation balance decreased $5.2 million during the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, primarily due to our making 2008 and 2009 earned aggregate cash bonus payments to our employees during 2009.
The primary components of cash used by investing activities in 2009 were: (a) $2.5 million in connection with the purchase of property and equipment and leasehold improvements; and (b) $2.0 million and $1.7 million in connection with the acquisitions of Miller Mathis and COSCO, respectively; offset by $5.3 million of net cash provided by Aceras BioMedical investing activities.
Contractual Obligations
Our commitments and contingencies include: (a) real property leases; (b) equipment leases; (c) long-term debt; and (d) the Aceras BioMedical joint venture agreement. Our principal offices are located at 1251 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York where we lease the entire 20th floor. The lease expires in October 2013.
The following table sets forth information relating to our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2011 (in thousands of dollars):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2012 |
|
2013 |
|
2014 |
|
Total |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Operating lease obligations - gross |
|
$ |
3,908 |
|
|
2,673 |
|
|
96 |
|
|
6,677 |
|
Operating lease obligations - subleases |
|
|
(128 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(128 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating lease obligations - net |
|
|
3,780 |
|
|
2,673 |
|
|
96 |
|
|
6,549 |
|
Long-term debt obligations |
|
|
|
|
|
6,650 |
|
|
|
|
|
6,650 |
|
Aceras BioMedical joint venture agreement |
|
|
10,702 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,701 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
14,482 |
|
|
9,323 |
|
|
96 |
|
|
23,900 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Pursuant to the Aceras BioMedical joint venture agreement, the timing of these expenditures may based upon investment timing considerations. |
34
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
An off-balance sheet arrangement is any contractual arrangement involving an unconsolidated entity under which a company has (a) made guarantees, (b) a retained or a contingent interest in transferred assets, (c) any obligation under certain derivative instruments or (d) any obligation under a material variable interest in an unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk, or credit risk support to us, or engages in leasing, hedging, or research and development services for our benefit.
We do not have any off-balance sheet financing arrangements.
Risk Management
Risk is an inherent part of our business and activities. The extent to which we properly and effectively identify, assess, monitor and manage each of the various types of risk involved in our activities is critical to our financial soundness and profitability. We seek to identify, assess, monitor and manage the following principal risks involved in our business activities: market, credit, operational, legal and compliance, new business and reputational. Risk management is a multi-faceted process that requires communication, judgment and knowledge of financial products and markets. Management takes an active role in the risk management process and requires specific administrative and business functions to assist in the identification, assessment and control of various risks. Our risk management policies, procedures and methodologies are fluid in nature and are subject to ongoing review and modification.
Market Risk. The potential for changes in the value of financial instruments is referred to as market risk. Our market risk generally represents the risk of loss that may result from a change in the value of a financial instrument as a result of fluctuations in equity prices, along with the level of volatility. Equity price risks result from exposure to changes in prices and volatilities of individual equities and warrants. We make dealer markets in equity securities. We attempt to hedge our exposure to market risk by managing our net long or short positions. Due to imperfections in correlations, gains and losses can occur even for positions that are hedged. Position limits in trading and inventory accounts are established and monitored on an ongoing basis.
Operational Risk. Operational risk generally refers to the risk of loss resulting from our operations, including, but not limited to, improper or unauthorized execution and processing of transactions, deficiencies in our operating systems, business disruptions and inadequacies or breaches in our internal control processes. Our businesses are highly dependent on our ability to process, on a daily basis, transactions across markets. If any of our financial, accounting or other data processing systems do not operate properly or are disabled or if there are other shortcomings or failures in our internal processes, people or systems, we could suffer impairment to our liquidity, financial loss, a disruption of our businesses, liability to clients, regulatory intervention or reputational damage. These systems may fail to operate properly or become disabled as a result of events that are wholly or partially beyond our control, including a disruption of electrical or communications services or our inability to occupy one or more of our buildings. The inability of our systems to accommodate an increasing volume of transactions could also constrain our ability to expand our businesses.
We also face the risk of operational failure or termination of any of the clearing agents, exchanges, clearing houses or other financial intermediaries we use to facilitate our securities transactions. Any such failure or termination could adversely affect our ability to effect transactions and manage our exposure to risk.
In addition, despite the contingency plans we have in place, our ability to conduct business may be adversely impacted by a disruption in the infrastructure that supports our businesses and the communities in which they are located. This may include a disruption involving electrical, communications, transportation or other services used by us or third parties with which we conduct business.
Our operations rely on the secure processing, storage and transmission of confidential and other information in our computer systems and networks. Although we take protective measures and endeavor to modify them as circumstances warrant, our computer systems, software and networks may be vulnerable to unauthorized access, computer viruses or other malicious code and other events that could have a security impact. If one or more of such events occur, this potentially could jeopardize our or our clients or counterparties confidential and other information processed and stored in, and transmitted through, our computer systems and networks, or otherwise cause interruptions or malfunctions in our, our clients, our counterparties or third parties operations. We may be required to expend significant additional resources to modify our protective measures or to investigate and remediate vulnerabilities or other exposures, and we may be subject to litigation and financial losses that are either not insured against or not fully covered through any insurance maintained by us.
Legal and Compliance Risk. Legal and compliance risk includes the risk of non-compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements. We are subject to extensive regulations. We have various procedures addressing issues such as regulatory capital requirements, sales and trading practices, anti-money laundering and record keeping. We also maintain an anonymous hotline for employees or others to report suspected inappropriate actions by us or by our employees or agents.
35
New Business Risk. New business risk refers to the risks of entering into a new line of business or offering a new product. By entering a new line of business or offering a new product, we may face risks that we are unaccustomed to dealing with and may increase the magnitude of the risks we currently face. We review proposals for new businesses and new products to determine if we are prepared to handle the additional or increased risks associated with entering into such activities.
Reputational Risk. We recognize that maintaining our reputation among clients, investors, regulators and the general public is an important aspect of minimizing legal and operational risks. Maintaining our reputation depends on a large number of factors, including the selection of our clients and the conduct of our business activities. We seek to maintain our reputation by screening potential clients and by conducting our business activities in accordance with high ethical standards.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued accounting updates to ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements Topic Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs, which provide clarifying guidance on how to measure fair value and additional disclosure requirements. The amendments prohibit the use of blockage factors at all levels of the fair value hierarchy and provide guidance on measuring financial instruments that are managed on a net portfolio basis. Additional disclosure requirements include transfers between Levels I and II; and for Level III fair value measurements, a description of our valuation processes and additional information about unobservable inputs impacting Level III measurements. The updates are effective March 1, 2012 and will be applied prospectively. The adoption of this guidance will not have an impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) on presenting comprehensive income with the intention of increasing its prominence in financial statements by eliminating the option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in stockholders equity. The standard requires comprehensive income to be reported in either a single statement that presents the components of net income, the components of other comprehensive income, and total comprehensive income, or in two consecutive statements. The standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011.
In September 2011, the FASB issued an ASU, Testing Goodwill for Impairment (ASU 2011-08) to Topic 350, Intangibles Goodwill and Other. The update outlines amendments to the two step goodwill impairment test permitting an entity to first assess qualitative factors in determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The update is effective for annual and interim goodwill tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance will not affect our financial condition, results of operation or cash flows.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market risk represents the risk of loss that may result from the change in value of a financial instrument due to fluctuations in its market price. Market risk is inherent in all financial instruments. Market risk may be exacerbated in times of trading illiquidity when market participants refrain from transacting in normal quantities and/or at normal bid-offer spreads. Our exposure to market risk is directly related to our role as a financial intermediary in customer trading and to our market-making and investment activities.
We trade in equity securities as an active participant in both listed and OTC equity markets. We maintain securities in inventory to facilitate our market-making activities and customer order flow. We use a variety of risk management techniques and hedging strategies in the ordinary course of our trading business, including establishing position limits by product type and industry sector, closely monitoring inventory turnover, maintaining long and short positions in related securities, using exchange-traded equity options and other derivative instruments.
In connection with our trading business, management also reviews reports appropriate to the risk profile of specific trading activities. Typically, market conditions are evaluated and transaction details and securities positions are reviewed.
These activities seek to ensure that trading strategies are within acceptable risk tolerance parameters, particularly when we commit our own capital to facilitate client trading. Our accounting department is actively involved in ensuring the integrity and clarity of the daily profit and loss statements, to the extent that we maintain trading positions for a period longer than one day. Activities include price verification procedures, position reconciliation and review of transaction booking. We believe that these procedures, which stress timely communications between our traders and senior management, are important elements of the risk management process.
36
At December 31, 2011, $4.8 million, or 22% of $21.9 million of financial instruments owned, at fair value, represented investments in warrants received in conjunction with our investment banking activities. $9.6 million, or 44% of financial instruments owned is related to our merchant banking activity. The remaining 34% of the financial instruments owned represents listed equity securities, restricted securities and investments in affiliates at fair value.
The primary quantifiable market risk associated with our financial instruments is sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Interest rate risk represents the potential loss from adverse changes in market interest rates. The risk management strategies that we employ use various risk sensitivity metrics to measure such risk and to examine behavior under significant adverse market conditions. We use an interest rate sensitivity simulation to assess our interest rate risk exposure. For purposes of presenting the possible earnings effect of a hypothetical, adverse change in interest rates over the 12-month period from our reporting date, we assume that all interest rate sensitive financial instruments will be impacted by a hypothetical, immediate 100 basis point increase in interest rates as of the beginning of the period. The sensitivity is based upon the hypothetical assumption that all relevant types of interest rates that affect our results would increase instantaneously, simultaneously and to the same degree.
The sensitivity analyses of the interest rate sensitive financial instruments are hypothetical and should be used with caution. Changes in fair value based on a 1% or 2% variation in an estimate generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in the estimate to the change in fair value may not be linear. Also, the effect of a variation in a particular estimate on the fair value of financial instruments is calculated independent of changes in any other estimate; in practice, changes in one factor may result in changes in another factor, which might magnify or counteract the sensitivities. In addition, the sensitivity analyses do not consider any action that we may take to mitigate the impact of any adverse changes in the key estimates.
Based on our analysis, as of December 31, 2011, the effect of a 100+/- basis point change in interest rates on the value of our warrant portfolio and promissory note and the resultant effect on our pre-tax income is considered immaterial.
The value of Aceras BioMedicals assets in our merchant banking segment was determined based on a valuation which takes into consideration, when applicable, cash received, cost of the investment, market participant inputs, estimated cash flows based on entity specific criteria, purchase multiples paid in other comparable third-party transactions, market conditions, liquidity, operating results and other qualitative and quantitative factors. The values at which our investments are carried on our books are adjusted to estimated fair value at the end of each quarter and the instability in general economic conditions, stock markets and regulatory conditions may result in significant changes in the estimated fair value of these investments. The primary quantifiable market risk associated with Aceras BioMedicals assets is sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Based on our analysis as of December 31, 2011 assuming a 100 basis point increase in interest rates, we estimated the reduction of pre-tax income to be immaterial.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The information in response to this item is contained elsewhere in this Report beginning on Page F-1.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act) Rules 13a-15(e) and 15-d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this Report (the Evaluation Date). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that as of the Evaluation Date, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act (i) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SECs rules and forms and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
37
(b) Managements Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over our financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Internal control over financial reporting is a process to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Internal control over financial reporting includes maintaining records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect our transactions; providing reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary for preparation of our financial statements; providing reasonable assurance that receipts and expenditures of our assets are made in accordance with management authorization; and providing reasonable assurance that unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements would be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting is not intended to provide absolute assurance that a misstatement of our financial statements would be prevented or detected.
Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2011.
(c) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
None.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
Information with respect to this item will be contained in the Proxy Statement for our 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
Information with respect to this item will be contained in the Proxy Statement for our 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
Information with respect to this item will be contained in the Proxy Statement for our 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
Information with respect to this item will be contained in the Proxy Statement for our 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Information with respect to this item will be contained in the Proxy Statement for our 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which is incorporated herein by reference.
38
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this Report:
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1. Financial Statements. The following financial statements and the report of RRCGs independent auditor thereon, are filed herewith. |
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
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Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 |
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Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 |
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Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders Equity for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 |
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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 |
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
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2. Financial Statement Schedules. |
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None. |
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3. Exhibits Incorporated by Reference or Filed with this Report. |
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Exhibit |
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Description |
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2.1 |
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Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated January 4, 2011, among the Company, HHC Acquisitions, Inc. and Holding Corporation(7) |
3.1 |
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(a) |
Certificate of Incorporation(1) |
3.1 |
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(b) |
Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation(2) |
3.2 |
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Bylaws(1) |
4.1 |
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Specimen stock certificate(2) |
4.2 |
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Form of 10% Senior Secured Convertible Debenture(11) |
4.3 |
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Form of Series A Common Stock Purchase Warrant(11) |
4.4 |
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Form of Series B Common Stock Purchase Warrant(11) |
10.1 |
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** |
2007 Amended and Restated Stock and Incentive Plan(4) |
10.2 |
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** |
2010 Stock Award and Incentive Plan(9) |
10.3 |
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** |
Michael Vasinkevich Employment Agreement(5) |
10.4 |
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** |
John J. Borer III Employment Agreement(5) |
10.5 |
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** |
Edward Rubin Employment Agreement(5) |
10.6 |
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** |
Amended and Restated Wesley Clark Employment Agreement(3) |
10.7 |
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Form of Tax Indemnification Agreement, dated as of July 10, 2007(3) |
10.8 |
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Form of Indemnification Agreement, dated as of July 10, 2007(3) |
10.9 |
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** |
Executive Bonus Plan(2) |
10.10 |
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** |
David Horin Employment Agreement(6) |
10.11 |
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Asset Purchase Agreement, dated May 9, 2008, between COSCO Capital Management LLC and its related companies and Company(5) |
10.12 |
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Operating Agreement of Aceras BioMedical LLC, as amended(8) |
10.13 |
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** |
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement between the Company and each Messrs. Vasinkevich, Rubin and |
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Borer(5) |
10.14 |
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Form of Voting Agreement, dated January 4, 2011, among the Company and Certain Stockholders of Hudson Corporation(7) |
10.15 |
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** |
Employment Agreement, dated April 8, 2011, between Rodman and Anthony M. Sanfilippo(10) |
10.16 |
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** |
Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, dated April 8, 2011, between Rodman and Anthony M. Sanfilippo(10) |
10.17 |
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Form of Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of October 31, 2011(11) |
10.18 |
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Form of Registration Rights Agreement dated as of November 1, 2011(11) |
10.19 |
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Form of Security Agreement dated as of November 1, 2011(11) |
10.20 |
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Form of Non-Recourse Guarantee dated as of November 1, 2011(11) |
10.21 |
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** |
Form of Lock-Up Agreement dated as of November 1, 2011 between the Company and John J. Borer III(11) |
39
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10.22 |
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** |
Form of Lock-Up Agreement dated as of November 1, 2011 between the Company and Edward Rubin(11) |
10.23 |
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** |
Form of Lock-Up Agreement dated as of November 1, 2011 between the Company and Michael Vasinkevich(11) |
10.24 |
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Form of Lock-Up Agreement dated as of November 1, 2011 between the Company and Paul Revere, LLC(11) |
10.25 |
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** |
Form of Waiver Agreement dated October 31, 2011 between the Company and each of John J. Borer III, Edward Rubin and Michael Vasinkevich(11) |
21.1 |
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Subsidiaries* |
23.1 |
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Consent of KPMG LLP* |
31.1 |
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Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002* |
31.2 |
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Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002* |
32.1 |
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Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002* |
32.2 |
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Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002* |
101.INS |
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* |
XBRL Instance Document |
101.SCH |
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* |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |
101.CAL |
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* |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document |
101.LAB |
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* |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document |
101.PRE |
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* |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |
101.DEF |
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* |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |
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* |
Furnished with this report. In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the information in these exhibits shall not be deemed to be filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to liability under that section, and shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing. |
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* |
Filed herewith. |
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** |
This exhibit is a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. |
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(1) |
Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 22, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference. |
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(2) |
Filed as an exhibit to Amendment #1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC No. 333-144684) on September 20, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference. |
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(3) |
Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 11, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference. |
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(4) |
Filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference. |
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(5) |
Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 2, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference. |
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(6) |
Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 18, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference. |
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(7) |
Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 5, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference. |
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(8) |
Filed as an exhibit to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated September 30, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference. |
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(9) |
Filed as an exhibit to our Schedule 14A dated March 26, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference. |
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(10) |
Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 14, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference. |
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(11) |
Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 4, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference. |
40
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Rodman & Renshaw Capital Group, Inc. has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
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RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. |
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By: |
/s/ EDWARD RUBIN |
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Edward Rubin Chief Executive Officer |
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(Principal Executive Officer) |
Date: March 16, 2012
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of Rodman & Renshaw Capital Group, Inc. and in the capacities indicated on this 16th day of March, 2012.
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/s/ EDWARD RUBIN |
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Chief Executive Officer and Director |
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(Principal Executive Officer) |
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Edward Rubin |
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/s/ ANTHONY SANFILIPPO |
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President and Director |
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Anthony Sanfilippo |
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/s/ DAVID HORIN |
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Chief Financial Officer |
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(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
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David Horin |
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/s/ WESLEY K. CLARK |
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Chairman and Director |
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Wesley K. Clark |
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/s/ MICHAEL VASINKEVICH |
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Vice Chairman and Director |
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Michael Vasinkevich |
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/s/ JOHN J. BORER III |
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Senior Managing Director, Head of |
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Investment Banking and Director |
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John J. Borer III |
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/s/ WINSTON CHURCHILL |
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Director |
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Winston Churchill |
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/s/ RICHARD M. COHEN |
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Director |
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Richard M. Cohen |
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/s/ PETER F. DRAKE |
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Director |
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Peter F. Drake |
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/s/ SAM DRYDEN |
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Director |
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Sam Dryden |
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/s/ MARK L. FRIEDMAN |
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Director |
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Mark L. Friedman |
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/s/ MARVIN I. HAAS |
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Director |
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Marvin I. Haas |
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41
RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC.
INDEX TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
F-1
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and
Stockholders
Rodman & Renshaw Capital Group, Inc:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of Rodman & Renshaw Capital Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards as established by the Auditing Standards Board (United States) and in accordance with the auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, 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, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Rodman & Renshaw Capital Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ KPMG LLP
New York, New York
March 16, 2012
F-2
RODMAN & RENSHAW
CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2011 and 2010
Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts
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December 31, 2011 |
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December 31, 2010 |
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Assets |
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Cash and cash equivalents: |
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Unrestricted |
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$ |
5,789 |
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13,350 |
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Restricted |
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1,602 |
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1,448 |
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Total cash and cash equivalents |
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7,391 |
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14,798 |
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Financial instruments owned, at fair value: |
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Corporate equity securities |
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5,064 |
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7,497 |
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Merchant banking investments |
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9,559 |
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10,557 |
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Warrants |
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4,767 |
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15,570 |
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Fixed income |
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1,093 |
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Notes |
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2,197 |
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Investments in shell companies |
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1,654 |
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Other investments |
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1,379 |
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505 |
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Total financial instruments owned, at fair value |
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21,862 |
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37,980 |
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Private placement and other fees receivable |
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1,766 |
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|
3,598 |
|
Receivable from brokers, dealers & clearing agencies |
|
|
1,828 |
|
|
7,706 |
|
Prepaid expenses |
|
|
512 |
|
|
2,549 |
|
Property and equipment, net |
|
|
3,027 |
|
|
3,263 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
2,440 |
|
|
10,608 |
|
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net |
|
|
|
|
|
601 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets |
|
$ |
38,826 |
|
|
81,103 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities and Stockholders Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued compensation payable |
|
$ |
5,924 |
|
|
19,287 |
|
Accounts payable and accrued expenses |
|
|
4,610 |
|
|
4,947 |
|
Acquisitions related payables |
|
|
|
|
|
690 |
|
Financial instruments sold, not yet purchased, at fair value |
|
|
1,643 |
|
|
3,918 |
|
Long term debt |
|
|
5,997 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities |
|
|
18,174 |
|
|
28,842 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 10) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock, $0.001, par value; 100,000,000 shares |
|
|
34 |
|
|
33 |
|
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 1,000,000 authorized; |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional paid-in capital |
|
|
74,221 |
|
|
69,654 |
|
Treasury stock, 100,000 shares and 97,500 shares as of |
|
|
(46 |
) |
|
(260 |
) |
Accumulated deficit |
|
|
(53,557 |
) |
|
(17,166 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Stockholders Equity |
|
|
20,652 |
|
|
52,261 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities and Stockholders Equity |
|
$ |
38,826 |
|
|
81,103 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-3
RODMAN & RENSHAW
CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated
Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009
Amounts in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment banking |
|
$ |
57,573 |
|
|
87,245 |
|
|
90,433 |
|
Merchant banking |
|
|
1,149 |
|
|
1,573 |
|
|
36,018 |
|
Brokerage |
|
|
20,888 |
|
|
4,102 |
|
|
4,423 |
|
Conference fees |
|
|
3,107 |
|
|
3,158 |
|
|
1,598 |
|
Principal transactions |
|
|
(17,275 |
) |
|
(12,597 |
) |
|
(512 |
) |
Interest and other income |
|
|
47 |
|
|
134 |
|
|
265 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues |
|
|
65,489 |
|
|
83,615 |
|
|
132,225 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation and benefits |
|
|
48,545 |
|
|
54,653 |
|
|
62,437 |
|
Conference expense |
|
|
6,980 |
|
|
9,932 |
|
|
3,379 |
|
Professional and consulting |
|
|
7,581 |
|
|
6,504 |
|
|
7,450 |
|
Occupancy and equipment rentals |
|
|
3,773 |
|
|
3,111 |
|
|
3,125 |
|
Advertising and marketing |
|
|
696 |
|
|
1,520 |
|
|
1,582 |
|
Communication and market research |
|
|
7,148 |
|
|
3,545 |
|
|
2,750 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
1,597 |
|
|
1,613 |
|
|
2,282 |
|
Business development |
|
|
4,971 |
|
|
5,522 |
|
|
2,228 |
|
Execution and clearance |
|
|
3,214 |
|
|
227 |
|
|
357 |
|
Impairment of goodwill / other intangibles |
|
|
813 |
|
|
933 |
|
|
1,327 |
|
Bad debt expense |
|
|
251 |
|
|
666 |
|
|
|
|
Interest expense |
|
|
504 |
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
Other |
|
|
7,379 |
|
|
3,433 |
|
|
3,226 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
93,452 |
|
|
91,659 |
|
|
90,145 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating (loss) income |
|
|
(27,963 |
) |
|
(8,044 |
) |
|
42,080 |
|
Income tax expense (benefit) |
|
|
8,428 |
|
|
(2,487 |
) |
|
(3,913 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (loss) income |
|
|
(36,391 |
) |
|
(5,557 |
) |
|
45,993 |
|
Less: Net income to non-controlling interest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,695 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (loss) income to common stockholders |
|
$ |
(36,391 |
) |
|
(5,557 |
) |
|
27,298 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (loss) income per common share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (loss) income to common stockholders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
(0.99 |
) |
|
(0.15 |
) |
|
0.77 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
(0.99 |
) |
|
(0.15 |
) |
|
0.73 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average common shares outstanding: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
36,798 |
|
|
36,079 |
|
|
35,588 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted |
|
|
36,798 |
|
|
36,079 |
|
|
37,399 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
RODMAN &
RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders Equity and Comprehensive
Income for the Years
Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
Dollars in Thousands
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
|
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Common stock: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, beginning of the period |
|
$ |
33 |
|
|
36 |
|
|
35 |
|
Acquisition related issuance of common stock |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance of common stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Treasury stock retirement |
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, end of period |
|
$ |
34 |
|
|
33 |
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional paid-in-capital: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, beginning of the period |
|
$ |
69,654 |
|
|
75,989 |
|
|
70,441 |
|
Stock based compensation |
|
|
2,290 |
|
|
(73 |
) |
|
5,799 |
|
Treasury stock retirement |
|
|
(3,134 |
) |
|
(6,031 |
) |
|
|
|
Acquisition related issuance of common stock |
|
|
5,260 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
151 |
|
|
(231 |
) |
|
(251 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, end of period |
|
$ |
74,221 |
|
|
69,654 |
|
|
75,989 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated Deficit: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, beginning of the period |
|
$ |
(17,166 |
) |
|
(11,609 |
) |
|
(38,907 |
) |
Net (loss) income |
|
|
(36,391 |
) |
|
(5,557 |
) |
|
27,298 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, end of period |
|
$ |
(53,557 |
) |
|
(17,166 |
) |
|
(11,609 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Treasury stock, at cost: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, beginning of the period |
|
$ |
(260 |
) |
|
(1,034 |
) |
|
(1,034 |
) |
Treasury stock purchases |
|
|
(2,923 |
) |
|
(5,260 |
) |
|
|
|
Treasury stock retirement |
|
|
3,137 |
|
|
6,034 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, end of period |
|
$ |
(46 |
) |
|
(260 |
) |
|
(1,034 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-controlling interest: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, beginning of the period |
|
$ |
|
|
|
12,059 |
|
|
|
|
Deconsolidation of Aceras BioMedical |
|
|
|
|
|
(12,059 |
) |
|
|
|
Net income to non-controlling interest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,695 |
|
Distribution to non-controlling interest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6,636 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, end of period |
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,059 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total stockholders equity |
|
$ |
20,652 |
|
|
52,261 |
|
|
75,441 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income (loss): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
(36,391 |
) |
|
(5,557 |
) |
|
27,298 |
|
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income (loss) |
|
$ |
(36,391 |
) |
|
(5,557 |
) |
|
27,298 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
RODMAN &
RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2011,
2010 and 2009
Dollars in Thousands
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
|
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
(36,391 |
) |
|
(5,557 |
) |
|
45,993 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
1,655 |
|
|
1,613 |
|
|
2,282 |
|
Restricted cash |
|
|
(154 |
) |
|
1,495 |
|
|
428 |
|
Stock based compensation |
|
|
2,290 |
|
|
(73 |
) |
|
5,799 |
|
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets |
|
|
813 |
|
|
933 |
|
|
1,327 |
|
Deferred taxes, net |
|
|
8,489 |
|
|
(2,459 |
) |
|
(4,342 |
) |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial instruments owned, at fair value |
|
|
16,568 |
|
|
6,817 |
|
|
(54,184 |
) |
Private placement and other fees receivable |
|
|
1,832 |
|
|
1,200 |
|
|
(2,823 |
) |
Receivable from brokers, dealers & clearing agencies |
|
|
5,878 |
|
|
(1,971 |
) |
|
(3,021 |
) |
Prepaid expenses |
|
|
2,037 |
|
|
(1,768 |
) |
|
(342 |
) |
Other assets |
|
|
697 |
|
|
(1,013 |
) |
|
(162 |
) |
Financial instruments sold not yet purchased, at fair value |
|
|
(2,275 |
) |
|
3,614 |
|
|
(1,057 |
) |
Accrued compensation payable |
|
|
(13,363 |
) |
|
9,189 |
|
|
5,216 |
|
Accounts payable and accrued expenses |
|
|
4,379 |
|
|
(1,501 |
) |
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities |
|
|
(7,545 |
) |
|
10,519 |
|
|
(4,878 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchases of property and equipment and capitalization of software development costs |
|
|
(2,267 |
) |
|
(1,555 |
) |
|
(2,506 |
) |
Acquisition related payments |
|
|
(690 |
) |
|
(2,257 |
) |
|
(3,665 |
) |
Proceeds from the sale of Huxley Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Huxley) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,272 |
|
Distributions of Huxley sale proceeds to non-controlling interests |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6,636 |
) |
Hudson Holdings, Inc. acquisition, net of cash received |
|
|
(336 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Merchant banking investments |
|
|
(450 |
) |
|
(700 |
) |
|
(1,367 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
|
(3,743 |
) |
|
(4,512 |
) |
|
(902 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of treasury stock |
|
|
(2,923 |
) |
|
(5,260 |
) |
|
|
|
Issuance of convertible debt |
|
|
6,650 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
|
|
3,727 |
|
|
(5,260 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
(7,561 |
) |
|
747 |
|
|
(5,780 |
) |
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of period |
|
|
13,350 |
|
|
12,603 |
|
|
18,383 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents end of period |
|
|
5,789 |
|
|
13,350 |
|
|
12,603 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes paid |
|
$ |
341 |
|
|
3,600 |
|
|
|
|
Interest paid |
|
|
319 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-cash investing and financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in fair value of financial instruments owned due to the deconsolidation of Aceras BioMedical |
|
|
|
|
|
13,145 |
|
|
|
|
Other changes in assets and liabilities due to the deconsolidation of Aceras BioMedical |
|
|
|
|
|
(1,086 |
) |
|
|
|
Supplemental non-cash information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share issuance for acquisition of Hudson Holding Corporation (see Note 4) |
|
|
5,263 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6
RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Index
|
|
|
|
|
Page |
|
|
|
NOTE 1 - Organization, Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation |
|
F-8 |
|
F-9 |
|
|
F-14 |
|
|
F-15 |
|
|
F-16 |
|
|
F-19 |
|
|
F-20 |
|
|
F-21 |
|
|
F-21 |
|
|
F-22 |
|
|
F-22 |
|
|
F-23 |
|
|
F-25 |
|
|
F-27 |
|
|
F-27 |
|
|
F-28 |
|
|
F-29 |
F-7
RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 1 - Organization, Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation
General
Rodman & Renshaw Capital Group, Inc. (RRCG) is a Delaware holding company which, through its various subsidiaries, is engaged in the investment banking business. RRCGs principal operating subsidiary is Rodman & Renshaw, LLC (R&R), a Delaware limited liability company formed on June 20, 2002. R&R is registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA). RRCG and its subsidiaries, including R&R, are collectively referred to herein as the Company.
Aceras BioMedical LLC
On May 12, 2008, the Company formed Aceras BioMedical LLC (Aceras BioMedical), a joint venture through which the Company, in partnership with Aceras Partners, LLC (Aceras Partners), will make principal investments in early-stage biotechnology and life sciences companies. In conjunction with the establishment of the joint venture, the Company formed a new wholly-owned subsidiary, Rodman Principal Investments, LLC (RPI), which holds a 50% stake in Aceras BioMedical and serves as the holding vehicle for all of the Companys principal-related businesses. RPI has made an initial investment commitment to Aceras BioMedical of up to $30.0 million over five years to fund operations and the joint ventures principal investments in life science companies. At December 31, 2011, RPIs remaining commitment to Aceras BioMedical to fund operations and the joint ventures principal investments in life science companies was $10.7 million. RPI receives 50% of Aceras BioMedicals economic interest in all investments made by Aceras.
The Company determined that Aceras BioMedical meets the definition of a variable interest entity (VIE) as of December 31, 2011 because the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit Aceras BioMedical to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from the Company. The primary beneficiary of Aceras BioMedical is Aceras Partners because they have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entitys economic performance and they have the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the entity. Since the Company is not the primary beneficiary of Aceras BioMedical it therefore does not consolidate Aceras BioMedical.
As of May 1, 2009, the Company effected a modification to the agreements defining the ongoing obligations between Aceras BioMedical and the Company. Pursuant to the modification agreement, the annual fixed operating budget was reduced from $2.5 million to $1.0 million and the expected targeted investment amount in each prospective investee was reduced from $2.0 million to $0.5 million. Potential investments in excess of $0.5 million require consent of the Company.
Rodman & Renshaw, LLC
R&R is a full-service investment banking firm specializing in investment banking services to corporations and businesses and the trading and sale of primarily equity securities. R&R assists emerging growth companies through capital raising, strategic advice, research and the development of institutional support. R&R is an introducing broker and clears all transactions through a clearing organization on a fully disclosed basis. Accordingly, R&R is exempt from rule 15c3-3 of the Exchange Act.
Non-Controlling Interests
The Company presents its non-controlling (minority) interests as equity (as opposed to as a liability or mezzanine equity), and presents its income allocated to both non-controlling interests and common stockholders. The portion of the consolidated interests in Aceras BioMedical, which are held directly by current and former employees of Aceras, were represented as non-controlling interests until the deconsolidation of Aceras BioMedical in 2010.
F-8
RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
The Companys policy is to consolidate all entities in which it owns more than 50% of the outstanding voting stock and has control. In addition, the Company consolidates entities which lack characteristics of an operating entity or business for which it is the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the party who has the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entitys economic performance and who has an obligation to absorb losses of the entity or a right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the entity. In situations where the Company has significant influence but not control of an entity that does not qualify as a variable interest entity, the Company applies the equity method of accounting. In those cases where its investment is less than 20% and significant influence does not exist, the investments are carried at fair value. Significant influence generally is deemed to exist when the Company owns 20% to 50% of the voting equity of an entity or when it holds at least 3% of a limited partnership interest. If the Company does not consolidate an entity or applies the equity method of accounting, it accounts for the investment at fair value.
All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
Financial Instruments at Fair Value
As defined in Accounting Standard Codification (ASC) 820, fair value generally is based on quoted market prices. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is determined based on other relevant factors, including dealer price quotations, price activity for equivalent instruments and valuation pricing models. Among the factors considered in determining the fair value of financial instruments are discount margins, weighted average spreads, discounted anticipated cash flows, the terms and liquidity of the instrument, the financial condition, operating results and credit ratings of the issuer or underlying company, the quoted market price of publicly traded securities with similar duration and yield, as well as other measurements. Certain financial instruments have bid and ask prices that can be observed in the marketplace. For financial instruments whose inputs are based on bid-ask prices, such financial instruments are adjusted to the point within the bid-ask range that meets the Companys best estimate of fair value. For offsetting positions in the same financial instrument, the same price within the bid-ask spread is used to measure both the long and short positions.
The valuation process for financial instruments may include the use of valuation models and other techniques. Adjustments to valuations derived from valuation models may be made when, in managements judgment, either features of the financial instrument such as its complexity, or the market in which the financial instrument is traded require that an adjustment be made to the value derived from the models. An adjustment may be made if a financial instrument is subject to sales restrictions that would result in a price less than the quoted market price. Adjustments from the price derived from a valuation model reflect managements judgment that other participants in the market for the financial instrument being measured at fair value would also consider in valuing that same financial instrument and are adjusted for assumptions about risk uncertainties and market conditions. Results from valuation models and valuation techniques in one period may not be indicative of future period fair value measurements.
Financial instruments owned and financial instruments sold, not yet purchased are stated at fair value, with related changes in unrealized appreciation or depreciation reflected in principal transactions, net in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. Equity interests in certain private equity securities and limited partnership interests are reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements at fair value, which is often represented at initial cost until significant transactions or developments indicate that a change in the carrying value of the securities is appropriate. This represents the Companys best estimate of exit price. Generally, the carrying values of these securities will be increased or decreased based on company performance in those instances where market values are readily ascertainable by reference to substantial transactions occurring in the marketplace or quoted market prices.
F-9
RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, the Company uses various methods including market, income and cost approaches. Based on these approaches, the Company utilizes assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and or the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated, or generally unobservable firm inputs. The Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Based on the observability of the inputs used in the valuation techniques the Company is required to provide the following information according to the fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy ranks the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. Financial instrument assets and liabilities carried at fair value have been classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
Level I includes those financial instruments whose valuations are based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these products does not entail a significant degree of judgment.
Level II includes those financial instruments that are valued using models or other valuation methodologies calibrated to observable market inputs. These models are primarily industry-standard models that consider various assumptions, including discount margins, credit spreads, discounted anticipated cash flows, the terms and liquidity of the instrument, the financial condition, operating results and credit ratings of the issuer or underlying company, the quoted market price of publicly traded securities with similar duration and yield, time value, yield curve, default rates, as well as other measurements. In order to be classified as Level II, substantially all of these assumptions would need to be observable in the marketplace or able to be derived from observable data or supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace.
Level III is comprised of financial instruments whose fair value is estimated based on internally developed models or methodologies utilizing significant inputs that are unobservable from objective sources. Included in this category are warrants, private securities, restricted securities and limited partnership interests.
Value of Underwriter and Placement Agent Warrants
As a part of the Companys compensation for its activities as underwriter or placement agent, it may receive warrants exercisable to purchase securities similar to those that are offered and sold in the financing transaction. The Company values such warrants using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model (Black-Scholes). The model requires management to use five inputs: price, risk-free interest rate, exercise price, time remaining on the warrant and expected price volatility. When the Company initially receives a warrant in connection with, or prior to an initial public offering, it applies a portfolio wide volatility assumption based on the volatility of an index of comparable companies, since there is no price history for new publicly traded or private companies. As each warrant approaches its expiration date, its volatility factor is derived primarily from the implied volatility of traded options or warrants, when available, or the historical prices of its underlying common stock. Management cannot assure that it ultimately will be able to liquidate any of the warrants received in a way that will realize the value attributed to the warrants in the financial statements through the application of Black-Scholes.
The fair value of warrants is recorded in financial instruments owned, at fair value on the Companys Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. When a warrant is received, its fair value is included in investment banking revenue as of the close of the date on which it is earned. Subsequently, any change in fair value is recorded as principal transactions. When a warrant is exercised, the fair value is adjusted to reflect the value of the securities purchased, net of the exercise price, and the adjustment amount is recorded as income or loss for the relevant period. If a warrant expires unexercised, the fair value is adjusted to zero and the decrease is recorded as a loss in the relevant period.
F-10
RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Value of Merchant Banking Assets
The value of the Companys investment in Aceras BioMedicals assets was determined based on a valuation as of December 31, 2011, taking into consideration cash received, cost of the investment, market participant inputs, estimated cash flows based on entity specific criteria, purchase multiples paid in other comparable third-party transactions, market conditions, liquidity, operating results and other qualitative and quantitative factors. The values at which the Companys investments are carried on its books are adjusted to estimated fair value at the end of each quarter taking into account general economic and stock market conditions and those characteristics specific to the underlying investments.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company generally invests its excess cash in money market funds. Most of the restricted cash relates to letters of credit issued in connection with the Companys office lease agreement and cash held at financial institutions for capital purposes. Cash and cash equivalents includes $0.4 million on deposit in a Special Reserve Bank Account for the Exclusive Benefit of Customers pursuant to Rule 15c3-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and relates to the Companys soft dollar credit balances.
Revenue Recognition
Investment Banking. Underwriting and placement agent revenues and fees from mergers and acquisitions and other financial advisory assignments are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations when the services related to the underlying transaction are completed under the terms of the engagement. Expenses associated with such transactions are estimated and recorded when the related revenue is recognized or the engagement is otherwise concluded. Underwriting and placement agent revenues are presented net of related expenses. When the Company is not the lead manager for an underwriting transaction, management must estimate the Companys share of transaction-related expenses incurred by the lead manager in order to recognize revenue. Transaction-related expenses are deducted from the underwriting fee and therefore reduce the revenue the Company recognizes as co-manager. Such amounts are adjusted to reflect actual expenses in the period in which the Company receives the final settlement, typically within 90 days following the closing of the transaction.
In connection with some underwritten transactions, the Company may hold in inventory, for a period of time, securities positions to facilitate the completion of the underwritten transactions. Realized and unrealized net gains and losses on these positions are recorded in investment banking revenues.
When the Company receives warrants as a component of its compensation for investment banking services, revenue is recognized based on the fair value of those instruments. Revenue from the receipt of warrants is recognized, as of the close of the date on which it is earned, based on the estimated fair value of the securities received using Black-Scholes, which takes into account the exercise price, remaining life of the warrant, the current price and expected price volatility of the underlying stock, expected dividends on the stock and the risk-free interest rate for the remaining term of the warrant. The following provides details of the Companys investment banking revenue for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 (in thousands of dollars):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
|
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Private placements |
|
$ |
25,951 |
|
|
44,665 |
|
|
48,150 |
|
Warrants |
|
|
10,116 |
|
|
12,679 |
|
|
24,184 |
|
Strategic advisory |
|
|
5,215 |
|
|
12,957 |
|
|
6,965 |
|
Underwritings |
|
|
16,291 |
|
|
16,944 |
|
|
11,134 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total investment banking revenue |
|
$ |
57,573 |
|
|
87,245 |
|
|
90,433 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal Transactions. Investment related financial instruments owned and financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased (all of which are recorded on a trade-date basis) are carried at fair value with gains and losses reflected in principal transactions on a trade-date basis.
F-11
RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Brokerage. Brokerage revenues consist of (a) commissions resulting from securities transactions executed as agent or principal and recorded on a trade date basis, net of soft dollar expenses of $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 and (b) related net trading gains and losses from market making activities.
The Company permits institutional customers to allocate a portion of their gross commissions to pay for third party research products and other services (commonly referred to as soft dollar arrangements). The Company accounts for the cost of these arrangements on an accrual basis and since the Company is not the primary obligor, expenses relating to soft dollars arrangements are netted against brokerage revenues.
Conference Fees. The Company may receive conference deposits from presenters, which are recorded as a liability and then recognized as revenue when the fees are non-refundable. The Company also makes advance payments for conference facilities, entertainment and related costs, which are recorded as prepaid expenses and then recognized as expenses when the conference is conducted.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets (generally three to ten years). Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the term of related leases or the estimated useful lives of the assets, whichever is shorter to the provisions of ASC 360, Property, Plant and Equipment.
Software Development Costs
The Company capitalizes software development costs related to its DirectMarkets business in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 985-20 (Costs of Software to be Sold, Leased, or Marketed). Software development costs are capitalized after technological feasibility is established. The DirectMarkets software products should become available to clients and potential clients in 2012, as such the Company began amortizing such costs beginning in 2012 over the related products estimated economic useful life. Net capitalized software development costs (included in other assets) totaled $1.0 million at December 31, 2011.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill is not amortized; instead, it is reviewed for impairment at least annually and written down when impaired. Goodwill is impaired when the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of the reporting unit.
Intangible assets consist of customer relationships and a trade name. Customer relationships and a trade name acquired in business combinations under the purchase method of accounting are recorded at their fair values net of accumulated amortization since the acquisition date. Customer relationships are recorded at cost net of accumulated amortization. Intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives using a method of amortization that reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible assets are consumed or otherwise used. Amortization is calculated using the straight line method over the estimated useful lives at the following annual rates:
|
|
|
|
|
Customer relationships |
|
|
33 |
% |
Trade name |
|
|
10 |
% |
The Company reviews its finite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of finite-lived intangible asset may not be recoverable pursuant to the provisions of ASC 350, Intangibles Goodwill and Other. Recoverability of a finite-lived intangible asset is measured by a comparison of its carrying amount to the undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the asset is considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset, which is determined based on discounted cash flows.
F-12
RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Earnings Per Share
Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income applicable to common stock by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, which includes restricted stock and restricted stock units (RSUs) for which service has been provided. Diluted EPS includes the components of basic EPS and also includes the dilutive effects of restricted stock and RSUs for which service has not yet been provided and employee stock options.
Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
Management evaluates the realizability of its deferred tax assets quarterly. In determining the possible future realization of deferred tax assets, the future taxable income from the following sources is taken into account: (a) the reversal of taxable temporary differences; (b) future operations exclusive of reversing temporary differences; and (c) tax planning strategies that, if necessary, would be implemented to accelerate taxable income into years in which net operating losses might otherwise expire.
ASC 740-10 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return, and provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. Management does not believe that the Company has any material uncertain tax position requiring recognition or measurement in accordance with the provisions of ASC 740-10.
The Companys policy is to classify penalties and interest associated with uncertain tax positions, if required, as a component of its income tax provision. As a result of having no material unrecognized tax benefits on uncertain tax positions, the Company has no material amounts for associated interest and penalties recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition or the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Legal Reserves
The Company recognizes a liability for a contingency when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and when the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. When a range of probable loss can be estimated, the Company accrues the most likely amount of such loss, and if such amount is not determinable, then the Company accrues the minimum of the range of probable loss.
Reserves related to legal proceedings are established and maintained. The determination of these reserve amounts requires significant judgment on the part of management. The Companys management considers many factors including, but not limited to: the amount of the claim; the basis and validity of the claim; previous results in similar cases; and legal precedents and case law. Each legal proceeding is reviewed with counsel in each accounting period and the reserve is adjusted as deemed appropriate by management. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, there were no legal reserves accrued in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements is in conformity with GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
R&R is engaged in trading and provides a broad range of securities brokerage and investment services to institutional clients as well as private placement services to business entities. Counterparties to the R&Rs business activities include issuers, hedge funds, broker-dealers and clearing organizations, banks and other financial institutions.
F-13
RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
R&R uses a clearing broker to process transactions and maintain client accounts on a fee basis. R&R permits the clearing firm to extend credit to a client secured by cash and securities in the clients account. R&Rs exposure to credit risk associated with the non-performance by its clients and counterparties in fulfilling their contractual obligations can be directly impacted by volatile or illiquid trading markets, which may impair the ability of clients and counterparties to satisfy their obligations to R&R. R&R has agreed to indemnify its clearing broker for losses incurred while extending credit to R&Rs clients. R&Rs policy is to review, as necessary, the credit standing of its clients and counterparties. Amounts due from clients that are considered uncollectible are charged back to R&R by the clearing brokers when such amounts become determinable.
Financial instruments sold but not yet purchased commit R&R to deliver specified securities at predetermined prices. The transactions may result in market risk since, to satisfy the obligation, R&R must acquire the financial instruments at market prices, which may exceed the values reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
Forgivable Loans
As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the net balance of forgivable loans was $0.2 million and $0.9 million, respectively, which is included in other assets on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. The Company recorded $1.3 million, $2.6 million and $1.9 million of compensation expense related to the amortization of these loans during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. These loans are subject to a substantive service requirement by the employees and are amortized over the service period on a straight-line basis.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company measures its compensation cost for all stock-based awards at fair value on the date of grant, taking into account any post vesting selling restrictions, and recognizes the compensation expense over the requisite service period pursuant to the provisions of ASC 718, Compensation Stock Compensation. Expenses associated with such grants are generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, net of estimated forfeitures.
Stock based compensation for performance-based stock awards is recognized on a graded vesting basis over the requisite service period, net of estimated forfeitures, if it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved. During 2011, there were reversals of approximately $0.6 million in stock based compensation expense because it is not probable the performance conditions will be achieved.
Deferred stock based compensation costs with respect to shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units and stock options granted are presented as part of additional paid in capital in the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders Equity.
Reclassifications
Certain non-material reclassifications have been made to previously reported balances to conform to the current presentation.
NOTE 3 Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued accounting updates to ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements Topic Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs, which provide clarifying guidance on how to measure fair value and additional disclosure requirements. The amendments prohibit the use of blockage factors at all levels of the fair value hierarchy and provide guidance on measuring financial instruments that are managed on a net portfolio basis. Additional disclosure requirements include transfers between Levels I and II; and for Level III fair value measurements, a description of our valuation processes and additional information about unobservable inputs impacting Level III measurements. The updates are effective March 1, 2012 and will be applied prospectively. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have an impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
F-14
RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) on presenting comprehensive income with the intention of increasing its prominence in financial statements by eliminating the option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in stockholders equity. The standard requires comprehensive income to be reported in either a single statement that presents the components of net income, the components of other comprehensive income, and total comprehensive income, or in two consecutive statements. The standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011.
In September 2011, the FASB issued an ASU, Testing Goodwill for Impairment (ASU 2011-08) to Topic 350, Intangibles Goodwill and Other. The update outlines amendments to the two step goodwill impairment test permitting an entity to first assess qualitative factors in determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The update is effective for annual and interim goodwill tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance will not affect our financial condition, results of operation or cash flows.
On April 8, 2011, the Company completed its acquisition of Hudson Holding Corporation (Hudson). The transaction was valued at approximately $5.3 million, based upon the $2.06 per share closing price of the Companys common stock on that date.
The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations. Accordingly, goodwill was measured as the excess of the acquisition-date fair value of the consideration transferred over the amount of acquisition-date identifiable assets acquired net of assumed liabilities. Goodwill of $0.3 million was recorded as an asset in the consolidated statement of financial condition, which has been allocated to the Companys Capital Markets segment. In managements opinion, the goodwill represents the value expected from the synergies created through the operational enhancement benefits that will result from the integration of Hudsons business and the reputation and expertise of Hudson in the equity trading business. During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company finalized its final purchase price allocation and determined that no intangible assets were identified. Under ASC 805, merger-related transaction costs (such as advisory, legal, valuation and other professional fees) are not included as components of consideration transferred but are accounted for as expenses in the periods in which the costs are incurred. Transaction costs of approximately $1.5 million were incurred during 2011 and are included in other operating expenses on the consolidated statement of operations.
The following table summarizes the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the acquisition (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents: |
|
$ |
4,927 |
|
Financial instruments owned, at fair value: |
|
|
2,501 |
|
Private placement and other fees receivable |
|
|
597 |
|
Receivable from brokers, dealers & clearing agencies |
|
|
1,337 |
|
Property and equipment, net |
|
|
152 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
2,618 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
|
12,132 |
|
|
||||
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
Accrued compensation payable |
|
$ |
1,231 |
|
Accounts payable and accrued expenses |
|
|
4,735 |
|
Financial instruments sold, not yet purchased, at fair value |
|
|
1,227 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities assumed |
|
|
7,193 |
|
|
||||
Net assets acquired |
|
$ |
4,939 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-15
RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Hudsons results of operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements prospectively from the date of acquisition. Hudsons businesses were integrated with the Companys immediately after the merger; therefore, the revenues, expenses and net income of the integrated businesses are not distinguishable within the Companys results of operations. The following unaudited pro forma financial data assumes the acquisition had occurred at the beginning of each period presented. Pro forma results have been prepared by adjusting the Companys historical results to include Hudsons results of operations. The unaudited pro forma results presented do not necessarily reflect the results of operations that would have resulted had the acquisition been completed at the beginning of the applicable periods presented, nor do they indicate the results of operations in future periods. Additionally, the unaudited pro forma results do not include the impact of possible business model changes, nor do they consider any potential impacts of current market conditions or revenues, reduction of expenses, asset dispositions, or other factors. The impact of these items could alter the following pro forma results (in thousands of dollars):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues |
|
$ |
74,563 |
|
Net loss |
|
|
(39,769 |
) |
Loss per share |
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
(1.08 |
) |
Diluted |
|
$ |
(1.08 |
) |
NOTE 5 - Financial Instruments, at Fair Value
The following is a summary of the Companys financial assets and liabilities that are accounted for at fair value as of December 31, 2011 by level within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands of dollars):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Level I |
|
Level II |
|
Level III |
|
Total |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial instruments owned: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate equity securities |
|
$ |
4,928 |
|
|
|
|
|
136 |
|
|
5,064 |
|
Merchant banking investments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,559 |
|
|
9,559 |
|
Warrants and options |
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
|
|
4,747 |
|
|
4,767 |
|
Fixed income |
|
|
|
|
|
1,093 |
|
|
|
|
|
1,093 |
|
Other investments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,379 |
|
|
1,379 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total financial instruments owned |
|
$ |
4,948 |
|
|
1,093 |
|
|
15,821 |
|
|
21,862 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial instruments sold, not yet purchased |
|
$ |
1,643 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,643 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total financial instruments sold, not yet purchased |
|
$ |
1,643 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,643 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-16
RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The following is a summary of the Companys financial assets and liabilities that are accounted for at fair value as of December 31, 2010 by level within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands of dollars):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Level I |
|
Level II |
|
Level III |
|
Total |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial instruments owned: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate equity securities |
|
$ |
5,700 |
|
|
|
|
|
1,797 |
|
|
7,497 |
|
Merchant banking investments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,557 |
|
|
10,557 |
|
Warrants |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,570 |
|
|
15,570 |
|
Notes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,197 |
|
|
2,197 |
|
Other investments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,159 |
|
|
2,159 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total financial instruments owned |
|
$ |
5,700 |
|
|
|
|
|
32,280 |
|
|
37,980 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial instruments sold, not yet purchased |
|
$ |
3,918 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,918 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total financial instruments sold, not yet purchased |
|
$ |
3,918 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,918 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial instruments are assessed on a quarterly basis to determine the appropriate classification within the fair value hierarchy, as defined by ASC Topic 820. Transfers between fair value classifications occur when there are changes in pricing observability levels. Transfers of financial instruments among the levels occur at the end of the reporting period. There were $2.9 million in transfers from Level III to Level I classified instruments during 2011. The transfers primarily relate to non-publicly traded promissory notes that were converted into publicly traded common stock. There were no significant transfers between Level I and Level II for the year ended December 31, 2011. There were no material transfers between Level I, Level II and Level III classified instruments during 2010.
The following is a description of the valuation basis, including valuation techniques and inputs, used in measuring the Companys financial assets and liabilities that are accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis:
Corporate Equity Securities.
Exchange Traded Equity Securities: Exchange-traded equity securities are measured based on quoted exchange prices, which are generally obtained from pricing services, and are categorized as Level I in the fair value hierarchy.
Non-exchange Traded Equity Securities: Non-exchange traded equity securities are categorized as Level III financial instruments and measured using valuation techniques involving quoted prices of, or market data for, comparable companies, similar company ratios and multiples (e.g., price/EBITDA, price/book value), discounted cash flow analyses and transaction prices observed for subsequent financing or capital issuance by the company. When using pricing data of comparable companies, judgment must be applied to adjust the pricing data to account for differences between the measured security and the comparable security (e.g., issuer market capitalization, yield, dividend rate, geographical concentration).
Merchant Banking Investments.
The value of the Companys investment in Aceras BioMedicals assets is categorized as Level III financial instruments and was determined based on a valuation which takes into consideration, when applicable, cash received, cost of the investment, market participant inputs, estimated cash flows based on entity specific criteria, purchase multiples paid in other comparable third-party transactions, market conditions, liquidity, operating results and other qualitative and quantitative factors. The values at which the Companys investments are carried on its books are adjusted to estimated fair value at the end of each quarter taking into account general economic and stock market conditions.
F-17
RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Warrants and Options.
As a part of the Companys compensation for its activities as underwriter or placement agent, it may receive warrants exercisable to purchase securities similar to those that are offered and sold in the financing transaction. The Company values such warrants using Black-Scholes. The model requires management to use five inputs: price, risk-free interest rate, exercise price, time remaining on the warrant and expected price volatility. These warrants are categorized as Level III financial instruments.
Notes.
Notes categorized within Level III are valued based on estimates of future cash flow incorporating assumptions regarding creditor default and recovery rates and consideration of the issuers capital structure.
Investments in Shell Companies.
Investments in shell companies are categorized as Level III financial instruments and are valued at cost, which for this type of instrument approximates fair value.
Fixed Income.
Fixed income consists of municipal securities which are categorized as Level II and measured based on quoted prices obtained from external data providers.
Other Investments.
Other investments consist of equity limited partnerships which are categorized as Level III financial instruments. The investments are valued based on net asset values.
Level III Financial Assets.
The following is a summary of changes in fair value of the Companys financial assets and liabilities that have been classified as Level III for the year ended December 31, 2011 (in thousands of dollars):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate |
|
Merchant |
|
Warrants |
|
Notes |
|
Other |
|
Total |
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Balance, December 31, 2010 |
|
$ |
1,797 |
|
|
10,557 |
|
|
15,570 |
|
|
2,197 |
|
|
2,159 |
|
|
32,280 |
|
Purchases / issuances |
|
|
1,156 |
|
|
9 |
|
|
10,116 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,281 |
|
Sales / settlements |
|
|
|
|
|
(951 |
) |
|
(7,095 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8,046 |
) |
Transfer from Level III to Level I |
|
|
(910 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,943 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(2,853 |
) |
Realized and unrealized gains/(losses) (1) |
|
|
(1,907 |
) |
|
(56 |
) |
|
(13,844 |
) |
|
(254 |
) |
|
(780 |
) |
|
(16,841 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2011 |
|
$ |
136 |
|
|
9,559 |
|
|
4,747 |
|
|
|
|
|
1,379 |
|
|
15,821 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in unrealized gains/(losses) relating to instruments still held at December 31, 2011 |
|
$ |
(594 |
) |
|
(56 |
) |
|
(14,479 |
) |
|
(252 |
) |
|
(780 |
) |
|
(16,161 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Reported in principal transactions in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, except for merchant banking |
F-18
RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The following is a summary of changes in fair value of the Companys financial assets and liabilities that have been classified as Level III for the year ended December 31, 2010 (in thousands of dollars):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate |
|
Merchant |
|
Warrants |
|
Notes |
|
Other |
|
Total |
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Balance, December 31, 2009 |
|
$ |
1,313 |
|
|
22,251 |
|
|
22,945 |
|
|
1,920 |
|
|
2,547 |
|
|
50,976 |
|
Purchases / issuances |
|
|
510 |
|
|
700 |
|
|
14,673 |
|
|
1,051 |
|
|
|
|
|
16,934 |
|
Sales / settlements |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8,726 |
) |
|
(550 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(9,276 |
) |
Deconsolidation of Aceras BioMedical |
|
|
|
|
|
(13,145 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13,145 |
) |
Realized and unrealized gains/(losses) (1) |
|
|
(26 |
) |
|
751 |
|
|
(13,322 |
) |
|
(224 |
) |
|
(388 |
) |
|
(13,209 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2010 |
|
$ |
1,797 |
|
|
10,557 |
|
|
15,570 |
|
|
2,197 |
|
|
2,159 |
|
|
32,280 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in unrealized gains/(losses) relating to instruments still held at December 31, 2010 |
|
$ |
(26 |
) |
|
751 |
|
|
(12,490 |
) |
|
(225 |
) |
|
(388 |
) |
|
(12,378 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Reported in principal transactions in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, except for merchant banking |
NOTE 6 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Miller Mathis & Co., LLC Acquisition
On March 24, 2008, the Company acquired Miller Mathis & Co., LLC (Miller Mathis), an independent mergers and acquisition advisor to the global steel industry. At December 31, 2011, other intangible assets related to this acquisition amounted to approximately $0.0 million.
COSCO Capital Management, LLC Acquisition
On June 2, 2008, the Company consummated the acquisition of all the operating assets of COSCO Capital Management LLC, COSCO Capital Texas LP and Private Energy Securities, Inc. (collectively, COSCO), related companies that provide investment banking services to the oil and gas sectors, principally in the United States and Canada. At December 31, 2011, goodwill and other intangible assets related to this acquisition amounted to approximately $0.0 million.
Hudson
On April 8, 2011, the Company completed its acquisition of Hudson. The transaction was valued at approximately $5.3 million, based upon the $2.06 per share closing price of the Companys common stock on that date.
The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations. Accordingly, goodwill was measured as the excess of the acquisition-date fair value of the consideration transferred over the amount of acquisition-date identifiable assets acquired net of assumed liabilities. Goodwill of $0.3 million was recorded as an asset in the consolidated statement of financial condition, which has been allocated to the Companys Capital Markets segment. In managements opinion, the goodwill represents the value expected from the synergies created through the operational enhancement benefits that will result from the integration of Hudsons business and the reputation and expertise of Hudson in the equity trading business. During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company finalized its final purchase price allocation and determined that no intangible assets were identified.
F-19
RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill was tested for impairment as of March 31, 2009 and as of June 30, 2009, after monitoring the relationship of the Companys market capitalization to both its book value and tangible book value and observing a decline in the Companys market capitalization related to both financial services industry-wide factors and to Company specific factors. The impairment tests resulted in the recognition of an impairment charge of $1.3 million in 2009 related to a COSCO contingent earn-out paid in cash.
In the second quarter of 2010, the Company wrote-off $0.9 million related to a customer list acquired in 2008. The impairment charge was triggered by the troubled European markets outlook and the lack of prospective future revenue generation from European clients.
Goodwill is tested annually for impairment as of September 30. Based on the September 30, 2010 and 2009 impairment tests, goodwill was not considered to be impaired and the fair value of the reporting units were determined to be substantially in excess of the carrying value of goodwill.
In the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company wrote-off approximately $0.7 million related to goodwill and approximately $0.2 million related to trademarks. The impairment charges were triggered by the currently troubled economic conditions, continued net operating loses, continued decline in the RODM stock price, the lack of revenue generation in the group underlying one of the trademarks and the Companys notice of possible NASDAQ delisting.
The following table represents a summary of the changes to goodwill and other intangible assets from December 31, 2009 through December 31, 2011 (in thousands of dollars):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill |
|
Customer |
|
Trademark |
|
Total |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Balance, December 31, 2009 |
|
$ |
213 |
|
|
1,550 |
|
|
198 |
|
|
1,961 |
|
Additions |
|
|
121 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
121 |
|
Impairment |
|
|
|
|
|
(933 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(933 |
) |
Amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
(525 |
) |
|
(23 |
) |
|
(548 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2010 |
|
$ |
334 |
|
|
92 |
|
|
175 |
|
|
601 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additions |
|
|
323 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
323 |
|
Impairment |
|
|
(657 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(156 |
) |
|
(813 |
) |
Amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
(92 |
) |
|
(19 |
) |
|
(111 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2011 |
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOTE 7 - Property and Equipment, Net
Property and equipment, net is comprised of the following as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands of dollars):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2011 |
|
December 31, 2010 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Computer and office equipment |
|
$ |
2,427 |
|
|
2,809 |
|
Furniture and fixtures |
|
|
1,436 |
|
|
1,731 |
|
Leasehold improvements |
|
|
3,257 |
|
|
3,098 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,120 |
|
|
7,638 |
|
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization |
|
|
4,093 |
|
|
4,375 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property and Equipment, Net |
|
$ |
3,027 |
|
|
3,263 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $1.5 million, $1.1 million and $1.1 million, respectively.
F-20
RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Long-term debt is accounted for on an amortized cost basis. The following is a summary of the carrying value (including unamortized discounts) of the Companys long-term debt as of December 31, 2011 (in thousands of dollars):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.0% Senior Secured Convertible Debentures, due 2013, net of discount (effective interest rate of 11.2%) |
|
$ |
5,997 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-Term Debt |
|
$ |
5,997 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
On October 31, 2011, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the Purchase Agreement) with the accredited investors named therein (the Purchasers). Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company sold, and the Purchasers purchased, jointly and not severally, $6,650,000 original principal amount of the Companys 10% Senior Secured Convertible Debentures due October 31, 2013 (the Debentures) with a net share settlement feature, and warrants (the Warrants) to purchase shares of the Companys Common Stock (the Offering). The Debentures are convertible into up to 4,433,333 shares of the Companys common stock (the Common Stock) at any time prior to maturity, based on a conversion price of $1.50 per share. A net share settlement feature of the Debentures could reduce the number of shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion. The Warrants include Class A Warrants covering up to 2,216,667 shares of Common Stock, which are exercisable commencing six months following the date of issuance and until their expiration on October 31, 2014, at $1.50 per share, and Class B Warrants covering up to 2,216,667 shares of Common Stock, which are exercisable only in the event of a prepayment of the Debentures and then only to the extent of up to 50% of the number of shares of Common Stock that would have been issued had the prepaid portion of the Debentures been converted into shares of Common Stock. The Class B Warrants expire on October 31, 2013 and have an exercise price of $1.50 per share. The sale and issuance of the securities was in reliance upon an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, set forth in Section 4(2) thereof and/or Regulation D thereunder.
Since the settlement structure of the debt permits settlement in cash upon conversion, we are required to separately account for the liability and equity components of the convertible debt in a manner that reflects our nonconvertible debt borrowing rate when interest cost is recognized in subsequent periods. This entails bifurcation of a component of the debt, classification of that component in equity and then accretion of the resulting discount on the debt being reflected in the Statement of Operations as part of interest expense.
The Class B warrants were accounted for as a separate liability component because the number of shares underlying the warrants was not fixed and determinable. As of October 31, 2011 and December 31, 2011 the value of the Series B Warrants was $0.3 million and $0.1 million respectively. The unrealized change in value of the Series B Warrants was recorded as a component of principal transactions revenue.
The Class A warrants which amounted to $0.4 million and were accounted for as a separate equity component and the Class B warrants which amounted to $0.3 million, together, represent the original discount on the debt.
The Company, issued common stock purchase warrants to the investors in its March 2007 $20,000,000 private placement financing. The warrants, as adjusted, covered the purchase of up to 1,494,886 shares at an exercise price of $6.35 and were exercisable through and including March 1, 2010. On March 1, 2010 all 1,494,886 warrants expired unexercised.
F-21
RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 10 - Commitments and Contingencies
Lease Commitments
The Company leases its headquarters and other office locations under non-cancelable lease agreements which expire between 2011 and 2014. The Company lease for the 20th floor at 1251 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY (the NY Lease) expires in October 2013. As of December 31, 2011, the only significant change in the Companys lease agreements since December 31, 2010 is the assumption of Hudsons Jersey City, New Jersey office lease which expires in 2012. The New Jersey office was for the most part abandoned in August 2011.
The Companys future minimum lease payments for all operating leases are as follows as of December 31, 2011 (in thousands of dollars):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Office |
|
Subleases |
|
Net |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
2012 |
|
$ |
3,908 |
|
|
(128 |
) |
|
3,780 |
|
2013 |
|
|
2,673 |
|
|
|
|
|
2,673 |
|
2014 |
|
|
96 |
|
|
|
|
|
96 |
|
Occupancy and rental expense amounted to $3.8 million, $3.1 million and $3.1 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Letter of Credit
In connection with the NY Lease, the Company issued a letter of credit in favor of the landlord in the sum of $0.8 million, as a security deposit. The letter of credit expires in February 2013 but is subject to automatic extension. The Company has issued additional letters of credit totaling $0.4 million in favor of other landlords for other office locations.
Equity Commitment
The Company, through RPI, has made an investment commitment to Aceras Partners to fund operations and the joint ventures principal investments in life science companies. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, $10.7 million and $12.1 million of this commitment remained unfunded, respectively.
NOTE 11 - Net Capital Requirements
R&R is subject to various regulatory requirements, including the SECs Uniform Net Capital Rule (SEC Rule 15c3-1). These regulations place limitations on certain transactions, such as repaying subordinated borrowings, paying cash dividends and making loans to a parent, affiliates or employees. Broker-dealers are prohibited from such transactions which would result in a reduction of its total net capital to less than 120% of its required minimum net capital. Moreover, broker-dealers are required to notify the SEC before entering into any such transactions, which if executed, would result in a reduction of 30% or more of its excess net capital (net capital less the minimum requirement). The SEC has the ability to prohibit or restrict such transactions if the result is detrimental to the financial integrity of the broker-dealer.
The Company has elected to use the alternative method of computing regulatory net capital pursuant to Rule 15c3-1. At December 31, 2011, the R&R had net capital of $6.3 million, which was $5.3 million in excess of its required net capital of $1.0 million.
F-22
RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, the current and deferred amount of income tax expense / (benefit) in the statement of operations are comprised of the following (in thousands of dollars):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Current: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal |
|
$ |
(90 |
) |
|
(153 |
) |
State and Local |
|
|
29 |
|
|
125 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current tax expense / (benefit) |
|
|
(61 |
) |
|
(28 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal |
|
|
6,157 |
|
|
(1,902 |
) |
State and Local |
|
|
2,332 |
|
|
(557 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total deferred tax expense / (benefit) |
|
|
8,489 |
|
|
(2,459 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total income tax expense / (benefit) |
|
$ |
8,428 |
|
|
(2,487 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A reconciliation of total income taxes and the amount computed by applying the applicable federal income tax rate to earnings before income taxes follows (in thousands of dollars):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Computed expected tax at 34% statutory rate |
|
$ |
(9,507 |
) |
|
(2,735 |
) |
Increase in taxes resulting from: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-deductible expenses and non-taxable income, net |
|
|
698 |
|
|
189 |
|
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit |
|
|
(1,219 |
) |
|
(324 |
) |
Income taxes attributable to non-controlling interest |
|
|
3 |
|
|
2 |
|
Share-based compensation |
|
|
516 |
|
|
309 |
|
Impairment of goodwill |
|
|
110 |
|
|
|
|
Other items |
|
|
182 |
|
|
24 |
|
Net operating loss related to dissolved entity |
|
|
|
|
|
200 |
|
Change in valuation allowance |
|
|
17,645 |
|
|
(152 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
8,428 |
|
|
(2,487 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-23
RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented below (in thousands of dollars):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Deferred tax assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock based compensation |
|
$ |
2,981 |
|
|
2,743 |
|
Intangible assets |
|
|
8,379 |
|
|
8,731 |
|
Depreciation |
|
|
|
|
|
180 |
|
Unrealized gain on investments |
|
|
188 |
|
|
287 |
|
Accrued expenses |
|
|
384 |
|
|
833 |
|
Allocation for bad debt |
|
|
22 |
|
|
73 |
|
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards |
|
|
249 |
|
|
48 |
|
Warrant income |
|
|
2,315 |
|
|
|
|
Other carryovers |
|
|
162 |
|
|
212 |
|
Net operating loss carryforward |
|
|
13,877 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28,557 |
|
|
13,107 |
|
Valuation allowance |
|
|
(23,359 |
) |
|
(48 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,198 |
|
|
13,059 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued payroll |
|
|
(1,183 |
) |
|
|
|
Depreciation |
|
|
(147 |
) |
|
|
|
Debt discount amortization |
|
|
(258 |
) |
|
|
|
Warrant income |
|
|
|
|
|
(2,406 |
) |
Gain on sale of investments |
|
|
(3,610 |
) |
|
(3,852 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,198 |
) |
|
(6,258 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net deferred tax asset |
|
$ |
|
|
|
6,801 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In determining the possible future realization of deferred tax assets, the future taxable income from the following sources is taken into account; (a) the reversal of taxable temporary differences; (b) future operations exclusive of reversing temporary differences; and (c) tax planning strategies that, if necessary, would be implemented to accelerate taxable income into years in which net operating losses might otherwise expire.
The valuation allowance recorded in 2010 relates to foreign net operating loss carry-forward deferred tax assets for which management determined that it is not more likely than not that such deferred tax assets will be realized in the future. As of December 31, 2011, the Company recorded a valuation allowance in the amount of $23.4 million ($5.7 million of which was record in connection with the Hudson acquisition) against the deferred tax asset as management has determined that it is not more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized in the future.
The Companys continuing practice is to recognize estimated interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters as a component of income tax expense. As of December 31, 2011, the Company had no significant accruals for interest, penalties or unrecognized tax benefits on uncertain tax positions. The Company does not anticipate any change in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months.
During 2011, the United States Internal Revenue Service completed its examination of the Companys U.S. Federal income tax return for the year 2009 with no changes to the tax return as filed. The Company is not currently under examination by the United States Internal Revenue Service or any other state, local, or foreign taxing jurisdictions.
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, various states, local and foreign jurisdictions. The Companys income tax returns filed for tax years 2008, 2009 and 2010 are subject to examination by the U.S. federal, state and foreign taxing jurisdictions.
F-24
RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 13 Stock Based Compensation
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company has an Incentive Compensation Plan (Incentive Plan) which allows awards in the form of incentive stock options (within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code), nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, unrestricted stock, performance awards, restricted stock units, dividend equivalents or other share-based awards. The plan imposes a limit on the number of shares of our common stock that may be subject to awards.
The Incentive Plan allows for grants of restricted stock awards, whereby employees are granted restricted shares of common stock subject to forfeiture. The Incentive Plan also allows for grants of restricted stock units (RSUs). RSUs give a participant the right to receive fully vested shares at the end of a specified deferral period. One advantage of RSUs, as compared to restricted stock, is that the period during which the award is deferred as to settlement can be extended past the date the award becomes non-forfeitable, allowing a participant to hold an interest tied to common stock on a tax deferred basis. Prior to settlement, RSUs carry no voting rights associated with the stock ownership.
The Company has historically and generally expects to issue new shares of common stock when satisfying our issuance obligations pursuant to share based awards, as opposed to reissuing shares from our treasury stock.
The Company recorded $2.3 million, ($0.1) million and $5.8 million of stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The 2010 total compensation cost of a $0.1 million reversal was due to several large forfeitures offsetting stock-based compensation expense during the year.
The unamortized deferred stock-based compensation balance as of December 31, 2011 amounts to $4.7 million and will be fully amortized through 2016.
A summary of stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2011 is as follows (shares in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Options |
|
Number |
|
Weighted |
|
Weighted |
|
Weighted |
|
Aggregate |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2009 |
|
|
4,107 |
|
$ |
4.07 |
|
$ |
0.96 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No activity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2010 |
|
|
4,107 |
|
$ |
4.07 |
|
$ |
0.96 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expired |
|
|
(1,917 |
) |
|
3.78 |
|
|
0.78 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2011 |
|
|
2,190 |
|
$ |
4.33 |
|
$ |
1.11 |
|
|
1.3 years |
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercisable at December 31, 2011 |
|
|
2,190 |
|
$ |
4.33 |
|
$ |
1.11 |
|
|
1.3 years |
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There were no stock option grants in 2011, 2010 and 2009. No cash was received from the exercise of stock options by employees during 2011, 2010 and 2009.
Total compensation cost associated with stock options was $0.0 million, $0.1 million and $1.4 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
F-25
RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The following tables detail the activity of restricted stock (shares in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted Stock |
|
Number |
|
Weighted |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Balance at December 31, 2009 |
|
|
193 |
|
$ |
2.33 |
|
Forfeited |
|
|
(8 |
) |
|
2.28 |
|
Vested |
|
|
(97 |
) |
|
2.33 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2010 |
|
|
88 |
|
$ |
2.33 |
|
Forfeited |
|
|
5 |
|
|
2.28 |
|
Vested |
|
|
(93 |
) |
|
2.33 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total compensation cost associated with restricted stock was $0.0 million, $0.2 million and $0.2 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
The following tables detail the activity of restricted stock units (shares in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RSUs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
Weighted Average Grant Date |
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
|
|
Future |
|
No Future |
|
Future |
|
No Future |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Balance at December 31, 2009 |
|
|
2,667 |
|
|
2,506 |
|
$ |
1.00 |
|
$ |
1.02 |
|
Granted |
|
|
5,337 |
|
|
|
|
|
1.32 |
|
|
|
|
Forfeited |
|
|
(1,169 |
) |
|
(1,916 |
) |
|
1.04 |
|
|
0.97 |
|
Vested |
|
|
(1,272 |
) |
|
1,272 |
|
|
1.07 |
|
|
1.07 |
|
Distribution of underlying shares |
|
|
|
|
|
(155 |
) |
|
|
|
|
0.95 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2010 |
|
|
5,563 |
|
|
1,707 |
|
$ |
1.28 |
|
$ |
1.13 |
|
Granted |
|
|
1,568 |
|
|
|
|
|
1.32 |
|
|
|
|
Forfeited |
|
|
(424 |
) |
|
|
|
|
1.10 |
|
|
|
|
Vested |
|
|
(1,311 |
) |
|
1,311 |
|
|
1.16 |
|
|
1.16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2011 |
|
|
5,396 |
|
|
3,018 |
|
$ |
1.34 |
|
$ |
1.14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) Represents fully vested RSUs which are still subject to transferability restrictions. |
Approximately 1.6 million RSUs were granted, primarily to former Hudson employees, during 2011.
The RSUs generally have vesting provisions for up to 5 years, with sale restrictions for additional years after vesting. The fair value of the RSUs was determined based on a protective put method model using a discount due to lack of marketability.
Total compensation cost associated with RSUs was $2.3 million, ($0.4 million) and $4.2 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The 2010 total compensation cost of ($0.4 million) was due to several large forfeitures offsetting stock-based compensation expense during the year. During 2011, there were reversals of approximately $0.6 million in stock based compensation expense because it is not probable the performance conditions will be achieved.
As of December 31, 2011, there was $4.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted shares and RSUs awards, which is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average vesting period of approximately 3 years.
F-26
RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 14 Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
The table below reconciles weighted average number of common shares outstanding, basic and diluted, for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 (weighted average shares in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
|
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Shares outstanding, basic |
|
|
36,798 |
|
|
36,079 |
|
|
35,588 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock options (1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39 |
|
Non-vested restricted stock and RSUs (1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,772 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares outstanding, diluted |
|
|
36,798 |
|
|
36,079 |
|
|
37,399 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) Calculated under the treasury stock method. The treasury stock method assumes the issuance of only a net incremental number of shares as proceeds from exercise / issuance are assumed to be used to repurchase shares at the average stock price for the period. |
Due to the fact the Company had a net loss for the years ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the outstanding shares for calculation of basic EPS and diluted EPS for that period are the same.
The Company has two business segments, Capital Markets and Merchant Banking. The Capital Markets reportable segment includes our investment banking, sales and trading activities and research. The Capital Markets reportable segment is managed as a single operating segment that provides the following principal sources of revenue:
|
|
|
investment banking fees, which are derived from corporate finance activities and strategic advisory services; |
|
realized and unrealized gains with respect to securities held for the Companys own account; |
|
commissions on sales and trading activities; |
|
conference fees; and |
|
other miscellaneous sources of revenues, such as interest. |
Although the Company has multiple sources of revenue derived within Capital Markets, most of our revenue is derived from investment banking services and consists of private placement, underwriting and strategic advisory fees earned upon the successful completion of financing or other types of corporate transactions, such as mergers, acquisitions and dispositions.
The Merchant Banking segment is primarily comprised of operating activities related to Aceras BioMedical. On May 12, 2008, the Company formed Aceras BioMedical, a joint venture through which it, in partnership with Aceras Partners, makes principal investments in early-stage biotechnology and life sciences companies. In conjunction with the establishment of the joint venture, the Company formed a new wholly-owned subsidiary, RPI, which holds a 50% stake in Aceras BioMedical and serves as the holding vehicle for all of its principal-related businesses. At December 31, 2011, RPIs outstanding investment commitment to Aceras BioMedical over five years to fund operations and the joint ventures principal investments in life science companies was $10.7 million. RPI receives 50% of Aceras BioMedicals economic interest in all investments made.
F-27
RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dollars in Millions |
|
Capital |
|
Merchant |
|
Non-Controlling |
|
Total |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net revenues |
|
$ |
64.4 |
|
|
1.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
65.5 |
|
Expenses |
|
$ |
90.5 |
|
|
3.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
93.5 |
|
Operating loss |
|
$ |
(26.1 |
) |
|
(1.9 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(28.0 |
) |
Segment assets |
|
$ |
29.2 |
|
|
9.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
38.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net re |