UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


FORM 10-Q



(Mark One)

 

 

x

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

 

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2011

 

 

or

o

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

 

For the transition period from                                        to

 

 

001-33737
(Commission File Number)

 


RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Delaware

84-1374481

(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

Or Organization)

 


 


1251 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10020

 


 

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Registrant’s telephone number: (212) 356-0500

 


(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changes Since Last Report)

          Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes          x No          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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes          o No          o

          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

          As of August 2, 2011, there were 34,762,699 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.


SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

          This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements reflect the current view about future events and financial performance based on certain assumptions. They include opinions, forecasts, projections, assumptions, guidance, expectations, beliefs or other statements that are not statements of historical fact. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “may,” “can,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expects,” “hopes,” “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “projects,” “potential,” “intends,” “approximates” or the negative or other variation of such terms and other comparable expressions. Forward-looking statements in this report may include statements about:

 

 

 

 

future financial and operating results, including projections of revenues, income, expenditures, cash balances and

 

 

 

 

our capital requirements and the need for additional financing;

 

 

 

 

our ability to secure new client engagements;

 

 

 

 

our ability to successfully consummate financing and merger and acquisition transactions on behalf of our clients;

 

 

 

 

our ability to execute our growth, expansion and acquisition strategies;

 

 

 

 

the outcome of various regulatory and legal proceedings in which we are currently involved;

 

 

 

 

the performance of any of our financial products and their potential to generate revenues;

 

 

 

 

development of new financial products;

 

 

 

 

current and future economic and political conditions;

 

 

 

 

overall industry and market performance and trends;

 

 

 

 

competition;

 

 

 

 

management’s goals and plans for future operations;

 

 

 

 

the impact of increased regulatory scrutiny on future operations;

 

 

 

 

the revenue and profit volatility stemming from our operations;

 

 

 

 

the performance of service providers upon which our operations rely;

 

 

 

 

the additional risks and uncertainties stemming from entry into new businesses;

 

 

 

 

our ability to protect our intellectual property rights and secure the right to use other intellectual property that we deem to be essential to the conduct of our business;

 

 

 

 

the impact of expanded corporate governance on the number of available business opportunities;

 

 

 

 

the impact of legal liability on future operations;

 

 

 

 

the impact of employee misconduct on future operations;

 

 

 

 

the increased risk of financial liability and reputational harm resulting from adverse regulatory action;

 

 

 

 

the impact of the Investment Company Act of 1940 on future operations; and

 

 

 

 

other assumptions described in this prospectus underlying or relating to any forward-looking statements.

          The forward-looking statements in this report are only predictions. Actual results could, and likely will, differ materially from these forward-looking statements for many reasons, including the risks described under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this report. No guarantee about future results, performance or achievements can be made. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

i


RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 


Part I. Financial Information

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

 

Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

22

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

31

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

 

32

 

 

 

 

 

Part II. Other Information

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

32

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

 

32

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

33

 

 

 

 

 

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

 

33

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signatures

 

34

ii


RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

Page

 

 


 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of June 30, 2011 (unaudited) and December 31, 2010

 

2

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three month and six month periods ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 (unaudited)

 

3

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Loss for the six month period ended June 30, 2011 (unaudited) and for the year ended December 31, 2010

 

4

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six month periods ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 (unaudited)

 

5

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

6

1


RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of June 30, 2011 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2010
Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2011

 

December 31, 2010

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrestricted

 

$

10,700

 

$

13,350

 

Restricted

 

 

2,068

 

 

1,448

 

 

 



 



 

Total cash and cash equivalents

 

 

12,768

 

 

14,798

 

Financial instruments owned, at fair value:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate equity securities

 

 

11,579

 

 

7,497

 

Merchant banking investments

 

 

9,888

 

 

10,557

 

Warrants

 

 

11,429

 

 

15,570

 

Notes

 

 

11

 

 

2,197

 

Investments in shell companies

 

 

1,484

 

 

1,654

 

Fixed income

 

 

1,063

 

 

 

Other investments

 

 

374

 

 

505

 

 

 



 



 

Total financial instruments owned, at fair value

 

 

35,828

 

 

37,980

 

Private placement and other fees receivable

 

 

4,592

 

 

3,598

 

Receivable from brokers, dealers & clearing agencies

 

 

4,772

 

 

7,706

 

Prepaid expenses

 

 

2,837

 

 

2,549

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

3,244

 

 

3,263

 

Deferred tax asset

 

 

11,809

 

 

6,801

 

Other assets

 

 

1,490

 

 

3,807

 

Goodwill and other intangible assets, net

 

 

594

 

 

601

 

 

 



 



 

Total Assets

 

$

77,934

 

$

81,103

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued compensation payable

 

$

11,427

 

$

19,287

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

 

9,161

 

 

4,947

 

Acquisitions related payables

 

 

68

 

 

690

 

Financial instruments sold, not yet purchased, at fair value

 

 

7,860

 

 

3,918

 

 

 



 



 

Total Liabilities

 

 

28,516

 

 

28,842

 

 

 



 



 

Commitments and contingencies (See Note 6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.001, par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 35,062,699 and 33,484,098 issued as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively

 

 

35

 

 

33

 

Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 1,000,000 authorized; none issued

 

 

 

 

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

74,725

 

 

69,654

 

Treasury stock, 80,000 shares in 2011, 97,500 shares in 2010

 

 

(107

)

 

(260

)

Accumulated deficit

 

 

(25,235

)

 

(17,166

)

 

 



 



 

Total common stockholders’ equity

 

 

49,418

 

 

52,261

 

 

 



 



 

Non-controlling interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

Total Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

49,418

 

 

52,261

 

 

 



 



 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

$

77,934

 

$

81,103

 

 

 



 



 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

2


RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the
Three Month and Six Month Periods Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 (Unaudited)
Amounts in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment banking

 

$

14,707

 

 

20,783

 

 

42,178

 

 

50,051

 

Merchant banking

 

 

(27

)

 

1,063

 

 

539

 

 

1,240

 

Brokerage

 

 

6,449

 

 

994

 

 

7,615

 

 

2,020

 

Conference fees

 

 

 

 

879

 

 

446

 

 

879

 

Principal transactions

 

 

(5,245

)

 

(7,350

)

 

(7,560

)

 

(10,160

)

Interest and other income

 

 

14

 

 

20

 

 

25

 

 

86

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total revenues

 

 

15,898

 

 

16,389

 

 

43,243

 

 

44,116

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compensation and benefits

 

 

15,231

 

 

13,520

 

 

33,094

 

 

27,016

 

Conference expense

 

 

39

 

 

2,899

 

 

2,946

 

 

6,016

 

Professional and consulting

 

 

2,529

 

 

2,140

 

 

4,103

 

 

3,701

 

Occupancy and equipment rentals

 

 

1,068

 

 

786

 

 

1,841

 

 

1,554

 

Advertising and marketing

 

 

150

 

 

424

 

 

457

 

 

1,077

 

Communication and market research

 

 

1,980

 

 

870

 

 

2,894

 

 

1,631

 

Execution and clearing

 

 

1,140

 

 

46

 

 

1,218

 

 

117

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

397

 

 

334

 

 

794

 

 

854

 

Business development

 

 

1,384

 

 

1,540

 

 

2,683

 

 

2,535

 

Acquisition related expenses

 

 

794

 

 

 

 

1,212

 

 

 

Impairment of other intangibles

 

 

 

 

933

 

 

 

 

933

 

Bad debt expense

 

 

10

 

 

 

 

48

 

 

485

 

Other

 

 

1,725

 

 

856

 

 

2,791

 

 

1,829

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total operating expenses

 

 

26,447

 

 

24,348

 

 

54,081

 

 

47,748

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating loss

 

 

(10,549

)

 

(7,959

)

 

(10,838

)

 

(3,632

)

Income tax benefit

 

 

(2,666

)

 

(3,388

)

 

(2,769

)

 

(1,155

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Net loss

 

$

(7,883

)

 

(4,571

)

 

(8,069

)

 

(2,477

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

(0.21

)

 

(0.12

)

 

(0.22

)

 

(0.07

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Diluted

 

$

(0.21

)

 

(0.12

)

 

(0.22

)

 

(0.07

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

37,637

 

 

36,763

 

 

36,427

 

 

36,456

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Diluted

 

 

37,637

 

 

36,763

 

 

36,427

 

 

36,456

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

3


RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Loss for the
Six Month Period Ended June 30, 2011 (Unaudited) and the Year Ended December 31, 2010
Dollars in Thousands

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months
Ended
June 30,
2011

 

Year Ended
December 31,
2010

 

 

 


 


 

Common stock:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of the period

 

$

33

 

 

36

 

Acquisition related issuance

 

 

3

 

 

 

Treasury stock retirement

 

 

(1

)

 

(3

)

 

 



 



 

Balance, end of the period

 

$

35

 

 

33

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional paid-in-capital:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of the period

 

$

69,654

 

 

75,989

 

Stock based compensation

 

 

1,724

 

 

(73

)

Treasury stock retirement

 

 

(1,833

)

 

(6,031

)

Acquisition related issuance

 

 

5,260

 

 

 

Other

 

 

(80

)

 

(231

)

 

 



 



 

Balance, end of the period

 

$

74,725

 

 

69,654

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated deficit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of the period

 

$

(17,166

)

 

(11,609

)

Net loss

 

 

(8,069

)

 

(5,557

)

 

 



 



 

Balance, end of the period

 

$

(25,235

)

 

(17,166

)

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treasury stock, at cost:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of the period

 

$

(260

)

 

(1,034

)

Treasury stock purchases

 

 

(1,681

)

 

(5,260

)

Treasury stock retirement

 

 

1,834

 

 

6,034

 

 

 



 



 

Balance, end of the period

 

$

(107

)

 

(260

)

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-controlling interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of the period

 

$

 

 

12,059

 

Deconsolidation of Aceras BioMedical

 

 

 

 

(12,059

)

 

 



 



 

Balance, end of the period

 

$

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

$

49,418

 

 

52,261

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(8,069

)

 

(5,557

)

 

 



 



 

Total comprehensive loss

 

$

(8,069

)

 

(5,557

)

 

 



 



 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

4


RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
Six month periods ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 (Unaudited)
Dollars in Thousands

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 


 


 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(8,069

)

 

(2,477

)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

794

 

 

854

 

Restricted cash

 

 

(620

)

 

1,248

 

Stock based compensation

 

 

1,724

 

 

(878

)

Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets

 

 

 

 

933

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial instruments owned, at fair value

 

 

2,152

 

 

2,931

 

Private placement and other fees receivable

 

 

(994

)

 

3,002

 

Receivable from brokers, dealers & clearing agencies

 

 

2,934

 

 

4,041

 

Prepaid expenses

 

 

(288

)

 

(345

)

Other assets

 

 

(2,691

)

 

(3,820

)

Financial instruments sold not yet purchased, at fair value

 

 

3,942

 

 

451

 

Accrued compensation payable

 

 

(7,860

)

 

4,552

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

 

9,484

 

 

(1,440

)

 

 



 



 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

508

 

 

9,052

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows used in investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

 

(519

)

 

(802

)

Acquisitions related earn-out payments

 

 

(622

)

 

(1,160

)

Acquisition, net of cash received

 

 

(336

)

 

 

 

 



 



 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(1,477

)

 

(1,962

)

 

 



 



 

Cash used in financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of treasury stock

 

 

(1,681

)

 

(1,106

)

 

 



 



 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

 

(1,681

)

 

(1,106

)

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(2,650

)

 

5,984

 

Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of period

 

 

13,350

 

 

12,603

 

 

 



 



 

Cash and cash equivalents – end of period

 

$

10,700

 

 

18,587

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes paid

 

$

321

 

 

3,592

 

 

 



 



 

Interest paid

 

$

253

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

Change in fair value of financial instruments owned due to the deconsolidation of Aceras BioMedical

 

$

 

 

12,059

 

 

 



 



 

Supplemental non-cash information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share issuance for acquisition of Hudson Holding Corporation (see Note 3)

 

$

5,263

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

5


RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 1 - Organization, Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation

General

           Rodman & Renshaw Capital Group, Inc. (“RRCG”) is a Delaware holding company that is engaged in the investment banking business through its various subsidiaries. The Company’s principal operating subsidiary is Rodman & Renshaw, LLC (“R&R”), a Delaware limited liability company formed on June 20, 2002. R&R is a registered broker-dealer with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”). RRCG and its subsidiaries, including R&R, are collectively referred to herein as the “Company”.

          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 Company’s common stock on that date.

NOTE 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Interim Financial Statements

          The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information. In the opinion of management, the unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the annual financial statements and reflect all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position as of June 30, 2011, the results of operations for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, the changes in stockholders’ equity and comprehensive loss for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and the year ended December 31, 2010 and cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010. The results for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any subsequent quarter or the full fiscal year ending December 31, 2011.

          Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements that are prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

          These unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2010 as filed with the SEC.

Principles of Consolidation

          The Company’s 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 entity’s 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 material intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

6


RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

Financial Instruments at Fair Value

          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 Company’s 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 management’s 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 management’s 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 Company’s 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, 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 primarily consists of financial instruments which are measured based on quoted exchange prices in active markets, which are generally obtained from pricing services.

          Level II consists of municipal securities which are measured based on quoted prices obtained from external data providers.

          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, convertible notes and loans receivable received in conjunction with our investment banking and merchant banking activities and limited partnership interests.

7


RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

Value of Underwriter and Placement Agent Warrants

          As a part of the Company’s 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, its calculated volatility factor is 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 Company’s 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.

Value of Merchant Banking Assets

          The value of the Company’s investment in Aceras BioMedical’s assets 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 Company’s 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. Restricted cash is due to an escrow account in connection with the Company’s office lease agreement and cash held at financial institutions for capital purposes.

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.

          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 Company’s investment banking revenue for the three month and six month periods ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands of dollars):

8


RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Private placements

 

$

6,611

 

 

11,661

 

 

17,248

 

 

28,482

 

Warrants

 

 

3,540

 

 

2,696

 

 

7,886

 

 

8,815

 

Strategic advisory

 

 

1,713

 

 

1,005

 

 

3,505

 

 

2,705

 

Underwriting

 

 

2,843

 

 

5,421

 

 

13,539

 

 

10,049

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total investment banking revenue

 

$

14,707

 

 

20,783

 

 

42,178

 

 

50,051

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

          Merchant Banking Revenue. Merchant banking revenue, consisting of gains and losses on investments by the Company’s Aceras BioMedical joint venture and other principal investments activity, was ($27,000). The value of Aceras BioMedical’s assets 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 Company’s investments are carried on its books are adjusted to estimated fair value at the end of each quarter taking into account, factors including, general economic and stock market conditions.

          Principal Transactions. 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.

          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 $1.1 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 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 conference is conducted. 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.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

          Goodwill is not amortized; instead, it is reviewed for impairment at least annually and written down when deemed impaired. Goodwill is deemed impaired when the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of the reporting unit.

9


RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

          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 fair value 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. 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.

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.

          Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) 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. 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 Company’s 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 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.

10


RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

          Reserves related to legal proceedings are established and maintained. The determination of these reserve amounts requires significant judgment on the part of management. The Company’s 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 June 30, 2011, there were no material 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&R’s business activities include broker-dealers, clearing organizations, banks, investment banking clients, and other financial institutions.

          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 client’s account. R&R’s 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&R’s clients. R&R’s 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

          The Company issues forgivable loans as a retention vehicle to certain new and existing employees. These loans are subject to a substantive service requirement by the employees and are amortized over the service period on a straight-line basis. As of June 30, 2011, the net balance of the loans was $0.5 million, which is included in other assets on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. During the three months and six months ending June 30, 2011, the Company issued an additional $0.3 million and $0.4 million in forgivable loans, respectively. The Company recorded $0.4 million and $0.7 million of compensation expense related to the amortization of forgivable loans during the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company recorded $0.9 million and $1.2 million of compensation expense related to the amortization of forgivable loans during the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

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. Expenses associated with such grants are generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, net of estimated forfeitures.

          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 Changes in Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Loss.

11


RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 3 – Hudson Acquisition

          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 Company’s 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 $0.1 million was recorded as an asset in the consolidated statement of financial condition, which has been allocated to our company’s Capital Markets segment. The allocation of the purchase price is preliminary and will be finalized upon completion of the analysis of the fair values of the net assets of Hudson. The final goodwill and intangible assets recorded on the consolidated statement of financial condition may differ from that reflected herein as a result of future measurement period adjustments. In management’s opinion, the goodwill represents the value expected from the synergies created through the operational enhancement benefits that will result from the integration of Hudson’s business and the reputation and expertise of Hudson in the equity trading business. Preliminarily no intangible assets have been 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 $0.8 million and $1.2 million were incurred during the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, 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 of dollars):

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

2,516

 

 

 



 

Total assets

 

 

12,030

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

Accrued compensation payable

 

$

1,231

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

 

4,406

 

Financial instruments sold, not yet purchased, at fair value

 

 

1,227

 

 

 



 

Total liabilities assumed

 

 

6,864

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets acquired

 

$

5,166

 

 

 



 

          Hudson’s results of operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements prospectively from the date of acquisition. Hudson’s businesses were integrated with the Company’s immediately after the merger; therefore, the revenues, expenses, and net income of the integrated businesses are not distinguishable within the Company’s 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 Company’s historical results to include Hudson’s 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):

12


RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30, 2011

 

Six Months Ended
June 30, 2011

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

Unaudited

 

Unaudited

 

Total revenues

 

$

15,898

 

 

52,317

 

Net loss

 

 

(7,883

)

 

(11,447

)

Loss per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

(0.21

)

 

(0.31

)

Diluted

 

 

(0.21

)

 

(0.31

)

NOTE 4 - Financial Instruments, at Fair Value

          The following is a summary of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are accounted for at fair value as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 by level within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands of dollars):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2011

 

 

 


 

 

 

Level I 

 

Level II

 

Level III

 

Total 

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial instruments owned:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate equity securities

 

$

10,276

 

 

 

 

1,303

 

 

11,579

 

Merchant banking investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,888

 

 

9,888

 

Warrants

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,429

 

 

11,429

 

Notes

 

 

 

 

 

 

11

 

 

11

 

Investments in shell companies

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,484

 

 

1,484

 

Fixed income

 

 

 

 

1,063

 

 

 

 

1,063

 

Other investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

374

 

 

374

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total financial instruments owned

 

$

10,276

 

 

1,063

 

 

24,489

 

 

35,828

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial instruments sold, not yet purchased

 

$

7,860

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,860

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total financial instruments sold, not yet purchased

 

$

7,860

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,860

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

13


RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2010

 

 

 


 

 

 

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

 

Investments in shell companies

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,654

 

 

1,654

 

Other investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

505

 

 

505

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

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 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 $2.2 million in transfers between Level I and Level III classified instruments during the six months ended June 30, 2011. The transfers primarily relate to non-publicly traded promissory notes that were converted into publicly traded common stock.

          The following is a description of the valuation basis, including valuation techniques and inputs, used in measuring the Company’s 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 Company’s investment in Aceras BioMedical’s 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 Company’s 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.

14


RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

Warrants.

          As a part of the Company’s 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 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 issuer’s 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.

          The following is a summary of changes in fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that have been classified as Level III for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands of dollars):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2011

 

 

 


 

 

 

Corporate
Equity
Securities

 

Merchant
Banking

 

Warrants

 

Notes

 

Shells

 

Other

 

Total

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

Balance, March 31, 2011

 

$

2,711

 

 

10,866

 

 

11,613

 

 

2,531

 

 

1,654

 

 

418

 

 

29,793

 

Purchases / issuances

 

 

368

 

 

9

 

 

3,540

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

3,918

 

Sales / settlements

 

 

 

 

 

(951

)

 

(916

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,867

)

Transfer to Level I

 

 

(314

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,932

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,246

)

Realized and unrealized losses (1)

 

 

(1,462

)

 

(36

)

 

(2,808

)

 

(588

)

 

(170

)

 

(45

)

 

(5,109

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Balance, June 30, 2011

 

$

1,303

 

 

9,888

 

 

11,429

 

 

11

 

 

1,484

 

 

374

 

 

24,489

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Change in unrealized losses relating to instruments still held at June 30, 2011

 

$

(149

)

 

(36

)

 

(2,808

)

 

(588

)

 

(170

)

 

(45

)

 

(3,796

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 


 


(1) Reported in Principal transactions in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

15


RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2010

 

 

 


 

 

 

Corporate
Equity
Securities

 

Merchant
Banking

 

Warrants

 

Notes

 

Shells

 

Other

 

Total

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

Balance, March 31, 2010

 

$

1,313

 

 

15,435

 

 

20,487

 

 

2,713

 

 

1,654

 

 

782

 

 

42,384

 

Purchases / issuances

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,615

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,615

 

Sales / settlements

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,787

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,787

)

Deconsolidation of Aceras BioMedical

 

 

 

 

(5,940

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5,940

)

Realized and unrealized gains/(losses) (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(7,365

)

 

58

 

 

 

 

(24

)

 

(7,331

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Balance, June 30, 2010

 

$

1,313

 

 

9,495

 

 

14,950

 

 

2,771

 

 

1,654

 

 

758

 

 

30,941

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Change in unrealized gains/(losses) relating to instruments still held at June 30, 2010

 

$

 

 

 

 

(7,700

)

 

59

 

 

 

 

(24

)

 

(7,665

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 


 


(1) Reported in Principal transactions in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2011

 

 

 


 

 

 

Corporate
Equity
Securities

 

Merchant
Banking

 

Warrants

 

Notes

 

Shells

 

Other

 

Total

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

Balance, December 31, 2010

 

$

1,797

 

 

10,557

 

 

15,570

 

 

2,197

 

 

1,654

 

 

505

 

 

32,280

 

Purchases / issuances

 

 

1,156

 

 

9

 

 

7,886

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

9,052

 

Sales / settlements

 

 

 

 

(951

)

 

(6,142

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(7,093

)

Transfer to Level I

 

 

(314

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,932

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,246

)

Realized and unrealized gains/(losses) (1)

 

 

(1,336

)

 

273

 

 

(5,885

)

 

(254

)

 

(170

)

 

(132

)

 

(7,504

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Balance, June 30, 2011

 

$

1,303

 

 

9,888

 

 

11,429

 

 

11

 

 

1,484

 

 

374

 

 

24,489

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Change in unrealized gains/(losses) relating to instruments still held at June 30, 2011

 

$

(23

)

 

273

 

 

(6,580

)

 

(252

)

 

(170

)

 

(132

)

 

(6,884

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 


 


(1) Reported in Principal transactions in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2010

 

 

 


 

 

 

Corporate
Equity
Securities

 

Merchant
Banking

 

Warrants

 

Notes

 

Shells

 

Other

 

Total

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

Balance, December 31, 2009

 

$

1,313

 

 

22,251

 

 

22,945

 

 

1,920

 

 

1,654

 

 

893

 

 

50,976

 

Purchases / issuances

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,963

 

 

1,031

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,994

 

Sales / settlements

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4,428

)

 

(500

)

 

 

 

 

 

(4,928

)

Deconsolidation of Aceras BioMedical

 

 

 

 

(12,822

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(12,822

)

Realized and unrealized gains/(losses) (1)

 

 

 

 

66

 

 

(11,530

)

 

320

 

 

 

 

(135

)

 

(11,279

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Balance, June 30, 2010

 

$

1,313

 

 

9,495

 

 

14,950

 

 

2,771

 

 

1,654

 

 

758

 

 

30,941

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Change in unrealized gains/(losses) relating to instruments still held at June 30, 2010

 

$

 

 

66

 

 

(11,708

)

 

320

 

 

 

 

(135

)

 

(11,457

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 


 


(1) Reported in Principal transactions in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

16


RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 5 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

          The following table represents a summary of the changes to goodwill and other intangible assets from December 31, 2010 to June 30, 2011 (in thousands of dollars):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

Customer
Relationships

 

Trademark

 

Total

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

 

Balance, December 31, 2010

 

$

334

 

 

92

 

 

175

 

 

601

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Additions

 

 

97

 

 

 

 

 

 

97

 

Amortization

 

 

 

 

(92

)

 

(12

)

 

(104

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Balance, June 30, 2011

 

$

431

 

 

 

 

163

 

 

594

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

          The acquisition of Hudson 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 $0.1 million was recorded as an asset in the consolidated statement of financial condition, which has been allocated to the Company’s Capital Markets segment. The allocation of the purchase price is preliminary and will be finalized upon completion of the analysis of the fair values of the net assets of Hudson. The final goodwill and intangible assets recorded on the consolidated statement of financial condition may differ from that reflected herein as a result of future measurement period adjustments. In management’s opinion, the goodwill represents the value expected from the synergies created through the operational enhancement benefits that will result from the integration of Hudson’s business and the reputation and expertise of Hudson in the equity trading business. Preliminarily, no intangible assets have been identified.

NOTE 6 - 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 expires in October 2013. As of June 30, 2011, the only significant change in the Company’s lease agreements since December 31, 2010 is the assumption of Hudson’s Jersey City, New Jersey office lease which expires in 2012.

          Letter of Credit

          In connection with the lease for the 20th floor at 1251 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY, 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 2012 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 its wholly owned subsidiary, Rodman Principal Investments, LLC (“RPI”), has made an investment commitment to Aceras Partners to fund operations and the Aceras BioMedical joint venture’s principal investments in life science companies. At June 30, 2011, $11.7 million of this commitment remained unfunded.

17


RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 7 - Net Capital Requirements

          R&R is subject to various regulatory requirements, including the SEC’s 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.

          At June 30, 2011, R&R had net capital of $7.9 million, which was $6.9 million in excess of its required net capital of $1.0 million.

NOTE 8 - Income Taxes

          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.

          Management evaluated the realizability of its deferred tax assets as of June 30, 2011 and determined that a valuation allowance was not necessary due to future operations and the reversal of taxable temporary differences.

          The Company does not anticipate any change in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months. The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state, local and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to federal, state, local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2006. Tax years 2006 through 2010 remain open to examination by the U.S. federal, state, and foreign tax authorities.

NOTE 9 - Stock-Based Compensation

          The Company recorded stock-based compensation of $0.9 million and $0.2 million for the three month periods ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively and $1.7 million and ($0.9 million) for the six month periods ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The negative stock-based compensation in the 2010 periods was due to several large forfeitures offsetting stock-based compensation expense during the period. The unamortized deferred stock-based compensation balance as of June 30, 2011 was $6.6 million and will be fully amortized through 2016.

          There were no stock option grants in the first six months of 2011. A summary of stock options outstanding as of June 30, 2011 is as follows (shares in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock Options

 

Number
of
Options

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

Weighted
Average
Grant
Date
Fair

 

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

Outstanding at December 31, 2010

 

 

4,107

 

$

4.07

 

$

0.96

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expired

 

 

(1,491

)

 

3.78

 

 

0.67

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Outstanding at June 30, 2011

 

 

2,616

 

$

4.24

 

$

1.12

 

 

1.6 years

 

$

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Exercisable at June 30, 2011

 

 

2,616

 

$

4.24

 

$

1.12

 

 

1.6 years

 

$

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

           Total compensation cost associated with stock options was $0 and $24,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively and $0 and $76,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

18


RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

The following table details the activity of restricted stock (shares in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted Stock

 

Number
of Shares

 

Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

 

 

 


 


 

Balance at December 31, 2010

 

 

88

 

$

2.33

 

Adjustment to 2010 forfeitures

 

 

5

 

 

2.28

 

Vested

 

 

(93

)

 

2.33

 

 

 



 



 

Balance at June 30, 2011

 

 

 

$

 

 

 



 



 

          Total compensation cost associated restricted stock was $0 and $53,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2011and 2010, respectively and $37,000 and $108,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2011and 2010, respectively.

           The following tables detail the activity of RSUs (shares in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted Stock Units

 

Shares

 

Weighted Average Grant Date
Fair Value

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

Future
Service
Required

 

No Future
Service
Required (1)

 

Future
Service
Required

 

No Future
Service
Required

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2010

 

 

5,563

 

 

1,707

 

$

1.28

 

$

1.13

 

Granted

 

 

1,520

 

 

 

 

1.34

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

(1

)

 

 

 

0.24

 

 

 

Vested

 

 

(852

)

 

852

 

 

1.14

 

 

1.14

 

Distribution of underlying shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Balance at June 30, 2011

 

 

6,230

 

 

2,559

 

$

1.31

 

$

1.13

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 


 

(1)

Represents fully vested RSUs which are still subject to transferability restrictions.

          Approximately 1.5 million RSUs were granted, primarily to former Hudson employees, during the six months ended June 30, 2011.

          Total compensation cost associated with RSUs was $0.9 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively and $1.7 million and ($1.1 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010. The negative stock-based compensation in the 2010 periods was due to several large forfeitures offsetting stock-based compensation expense during the period.

NOTE 10 - Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

          In conjunction with the acquisition of Hudson, outstanding warrants to purchase Hudson common stock were converted into 310,817 warrants to purchase the Company’s common stock at an average exercise price of $23.85. As of June 30, 2011, the aggregate intrinsic value of these warrants was zero.

19


RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

          The table below reconciles weighted average number of common shares outstanding, basic and diluted, for the three month and six month periods ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 (weighted average shares in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended
June 30,

 

Six months ended
June 30,

 

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Shares outstanding

 

(1)

 

35,103

 

 

35,255

 

 

34,202

 

 

35,311

 

Unearned restricted stock

 

(2)

 

 

 

(94

)

 

(23

)

 

(119

)

Earned RSUs

 

(3)

 

2,534

 

 

1,602

 

 

2,248

 

 

1,264

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Shares outstanding, basic

 

 

 

37,637

 

 

36,763

 

 

36,427

 

 

36,456

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Stock options and warrants

 

(4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-vested restricted stocks and RSUs

 

(4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Shares outstanding, diluted

 

 

 

37,637

 

 

36,763

 

 

36,427

 

 

36,456

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 


 

 

 


 

(1)

Shares outstanding represents shares issued less shares repurchased in treasury stock.

 

(2)

As restricted stock is contingent upon a future service condition, unearned shares are removed from shares outstanding in the calculation of basic EPS as the Company’s obligation to issue these shares remains contingent.

 

(3)

As earned RSUs are no longer contingent upon a future service condition and are issuable upon a certain date in the future, earned restricted stock units are added to shares outstanding in the calculation of basic EPS.

 

(4)

Calculated under the treasury stock method. The treasury stock method assumes the issuance of only a net incremental number of shares as proceeds from issuance are assumed to be used to repurchase shares at the average stock price for the period.

NOTE 11 – Segment Reporting

          The Company operates in two business segments, Capital Markets and Merchant Banking. The Capital Markets reportable segment includes the Company’s 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 Company’s 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 its revenue 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, the Company formed Aceras BioMedical, a joint venture through which it, in partnership with Aceras Partners, LLC, makes principal investments in early-stage biotechnology and life sciences companies. In conjunction with the establishment of the joint venture, the Company formed Rodman Principal Investments, LLC (“RPI”), which holds a 50% stake in Aceras BioMedical and serves as the holding vehicle for all of its principal-related businesses. At June 30, 2011, $11.7 million of this commitment remained unfunded. RPI receives 50% of Aceras BioMedical’s economic interest in all investments made.

20


RODMAN & RENSHAW CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

          The Company’s net revenues, expenses, and total assets by segment are summarized below (in millions of dollars):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital
Markets

 

Merchant
Banking

 

Total

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

$

15.9

 

 

 

 

15.9

 

Expenses

 

$

25.3

 

 

1.1

 

 

26.4

 

Operating loss

 

$

(9.4

)

 

(1.1

)

 

(10.5

)

Segment assets

 

$

68.5

 

 

9.9

 

 

78.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

$

42.7

 

 

0.5

 

 

43.2

 

Expenses

 

$

52.1

 

 

1.9

 

 

54.0

 

Operating loss

 

$

(9.4

)

 

(1.4

)

 

(10.8

)

Segment assets

 

$

68.5

 

 

9.9

 

 

78.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

$

15.3

 

 

1.1

 

 

16.4

 

Expenses

 

$

23.3

 

 

1.0

 

 

24.3

 

Operating loss

 

$

(8.0

)

 

 

 

(8.0

)

Segment assets

 

$

71.4

 

 

9.5

 

 

80.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

$

42.9

 

 

1.2

 

 

44.1

 

Expenses

 

$

45.8

 

 

1.9

 

 

47.7

 

Operating loss

 

$

(2.9

)

 

 

 

(2.9

)

Segment assets

 

$

71.4

 

 

9.5

 

 

80.9

 

21


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated
financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this report.

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, financial services and cleantech. 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.

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.

          Although the Company has multiple sources of revenue derived within Capital Markets, most of its revenue 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 June 30, 2011, our outstanding investment commitment to Aceras BioMedical to fund operations and the joint venture’s principal investments in life science companies was $11.7 million. We receive 50% of Aceras BioMedical’s economic interest in all investments made.

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 management’s most difficult subjective or complex judgments) are our valuation of financial instruments, valuation of goodwill and other intangible assets, income taxes and our use of estimates related to compensation and benefits during the year.

22


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 management’s 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 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 primarily consists of financial instruments which are measured based on quoted exchange prices in active markets, which are generally obtained from pricing services.

          Level II consists of municipal securities which are measured based on quoted prices obtained from external data providers.

          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, convertible notes and loans receivable received in conjunction with our investment banking and merchant banking activities and limited partnership interests.

23


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.

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 on an ongoing basis, at least quarterly, evaluates our tax positions and ascertains whether those tax positions that may be uncertain require de-recognition or re-measurement. We do not believe that there are any material uncertain tax position requiring de-recognition or measurement.

24


Second quarter of 2011 compared to second quarter of 2010

Results of Operations

          The following table sets forth our results of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands of dollars):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 


 

 

 

June 30, 2011

 

June 30, 2010

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

 

 

% of Net
Revenue

 

 

 

% of Net
Revenue

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 


 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment banking

 

$

14,707

 

 

 

 

 

20,783

 

 

 

 

Merchant banking

 

 

(27

)

 

 

 

 

1,063

 

 

 

 

Brokerage

 

 

6,449

 

 

 

 

 

994

 

 

 

 

Conference fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

879

 

 

 

 

Principal transactions

 

 

(5,245

)

 

 

 

 

(7,350

)

 

 

 

Interest and other income

 

 

14

 

 

 

 

 

20

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

 

15,898

 

 

 

 

 

16,389

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compensation and benefits

 

 

15,231

 

 

95.8

%

 

13,520

 

 

82.5

%

Conference expense

 

 

39

 

 

0.2

%

 

2,899

 

 

17.7

%

Professional and consulting

 

 

2,529

 

 

15.9

%

 

2,140

 

 

13.1

%

Occupancy and equipment rentals

 

 

1,068

 

 

6.7

%

 

786

 

 

4.8

%

Advertising and marketing

 

 

150

 

 

0.9

%

 

424

 

 

2.6

%

Communication and market research

 

 

1,980

 

 

12.5

%

 

870

 

 

5.3

%

Execution and clearing

 

 

1,140

 

 

7.2

%

 

46

 

 

0.3

%

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

397

 

 

2.5

%

 

334

 

 

2.0

%

Business development

 

 

1,384

 

 

8.7

%

 

1,540

 

 

9.4

%

Acquisition related expenses

 

 

794

 

 

5

%

 

 

 

0

%

Impairment of other intangibles

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

 

933

 

 

5.7

%

Bad debt expense

 

 

10

 

 

0.1

%

 

 

 

0.0

%

Other

 

 

1,725

 

 

10.9

%

 

856

 

 

5.2

%

 

 



 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

 

 

26,447

 

 

166.4

%

 

24,348

 

 

148.6

%

 

 



 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

 

 

(10,549

)

 

-66.4

%

 

(7,959

)

 

-48.6

%

Income tax benefit

 

 

(2,666

)

 

 

 

 

(3,388

)

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(7,883

)

 

 

 

 

(4,571

)

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

           Our operating income for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 included the following non-cash expenses (in thousands of dollars):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 


 

 

 

June 30, 2011

 

June 30, 2010

 

 

 


 


 

 

Stock-based compensation

 

$

873

 

 

198

 

Amortization of forgivable loans

 

 

402

 

 

660

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

397

 

 

334

 

Impairment of other intangibles

 

 

 

 

933

 

 

 



 



 

Total

 

$

1,672

 

 

2,125

 

 

 



 



 

25


Revenues

Merchant Banking Segment

          Merchant banking revenue, consisting of gains (or losses) on investments by our Aceras BioMedical joint venture and other principal investments activity, was ($27,000). The values at which our investments are carried on our books are adjusted to estimated fair value at the end of each quarter.

Capital Market Segment

          Within our Capital Markets segment we derive revenues from two primary sources — investment banking and sales and trading.

          Total revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2011 was $15.9 million, representing an increase of 4% from $15.3 million in the comparable period of 2010. The increase was primarily due to increases of $5.5 million in brokerage and a $2.1 million decrease in principal transactions losses, partially offset by decreases of $6.1 million in investment banking revenues and $0.9 million in conference fees.

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 three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands of dollars):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 


 

 

 

June 30, 2011

 

June 30, 2010

 

 

 


 


 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Private placement and underwriting

 

$

12,994

 

 

19,778

 

Strategic advisory

 

 

1,713

 

 

1,005

 

 

 



 



 

Total investment banking revenue

 

$

14,707

 

 

20,783

 

 

 



 



 

          Investment banking revenue was $14.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011, which included $3.5 million related to warrants received as compensation for activities as underwriter or placement agent valued using Black-Scholes, as compared to revenue of $20.8 million, which included $2.7 million related to warrants received as compensation for activities as underwriter or placement agent valued using Black-Scholes, in the comparable period of 2010:

 

 

 

 

§

Private placement and underwriting revenue for the quarter was $13.0 million, including $3.5 million of fair value related to warrants received, compared to $19.8 million, including $2.7 million of fair value related to warrants received, in the comparable period of 2010. The decrease in investment banking revenue was primarily a result of a decrease in China related investment banking activity.

 

 

 

 

§

Strategic advisory fees for the three months ended June 30, 2011 were $1.7 million, compared to $1.0 million for comparable period of 2010.

Sales and Trading

          Brokerage revenue was $6.5 million, net of $1.1 million of soft dollar expense, for the three months ended June 30, 2011, compared with $1.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010. The increase in brokerage revenues was primarily due to the Hudson business acquired in the second quarter of 2011.

26


Principal Transactions

          Principal transactions revenue was a $5.2 million loss for the three months ended June 30, 2011, compared with a $7.4 million loss for the three months ended June 30, 2010, principally related to the reduced value of our warrant portfolio. 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, China and biotechnology financial instruments and, in certain instances, trading halts in such financial instruments.

           The following discussion combines Capital Markets and Merchant Banking expenses.

Expenses

Compensation

          Compensation and benefits expense increased $1.7 million, or 13%, while total revenues decreased 3% for the three months ended June 30, 2011 as compared to the comparable 2010 period. The ratio of compensation to total revenues was 96% for the three months ended June 30, 2011 as compared to 82% for the comparable period of 2010. Employee compensation and benefits expense for the second quarter of 2011, excluding the $0.4 million in severance expense from compensation and excluding the $5.2 million principal transactions loss from revenue, represented 70% of transaction related revenue (revenue excluding principal transactions), compared to 57% in the second quarter of 2010. We target a compensation ratio of 60% of transaction related revenue on a cumulative year to date basis.

Non-Compensation Expenses

          Non-compensation expense was $11.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011, comparable to the $10.8 million for the prior year period. Increases of $1.1 million in execution and clearing expenses, $1.1 million in communications and market research expenses, $0.8 million in Hudson acquisition related expenses, and $0.8 million in other expenses were offset by a decrease of $2.9 million in conference expenses and $0.9 million in impairment of other intangibles.

Income Taxes

          Income tax benefit for the second quarter was $2.7 million which represents a 25.3% effective tax rate compared to a 42.6% effective tax rate for the comparable 2010 period. The tax benefit was offset by approximately $0.4 million from the tax effect of stock options granted in 2006 expiring unexercised.

27


First Half of 2011 compared to first half of 2010

Results of Operations

          The following table sets forth our results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands of dollars):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 


 

 

 

June 30, 2011

 

June 30, 2010

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 % of Net
Revenue 

 

 

 

 % of Net
Revenue 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 


 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment banking

 

$

42,178

 

 

 

 

 

50,051

 

 

 

 

Merchant banking

 

 

539

 

 

 

 

 

1,240

 

 

 

 

Brokerage

 

 

7,615

 

 

 

 

 

2,020

 

 

 

 

Conference fees

 

 

446

 

 

 

 

 

879

 

 

 

 

Principal transactions

 

 

(7,560

)

 

 

 

 

(10,160

)

 

 

 

Interest and other income

 

 

25

 

 

 

 

 

86

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

 

43,243

 

 

 

 

 

44,116

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compensation and benefits

 

 

33,094

 

 

76.5

%

 

27,016

 

 

61.2

%

Conference expense

 

 

2,946

 

 

6.8

%

 

6,016

 

 

13.6

%

Professional and consulting

 

 

4,103

 

 

9.5

%

 

3,701

 

 

8.4

%

Occupancy and equipment rentals

 

 

1,841

 

 

4.3

%

 

1,554

 

 

3.5

%

Advertising and marketing

 

 

457

 

 

1.1

%

 

1,077

 

 

2.4

%

Communication and market research

 

 

2,894

 

 

6.7

%

 

1,631

 

 

3.7

%

Execution and clearing

 

 

1,218

 

 

2.8

%

 

117

 

 

0.3

%

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

794

 

 

1.8

%

 

854

 

 

1.9

%

Business development

 

 

2,683

 

 

6.2

%

 

2,535

 

 

5.7

%

Acquisition related expenses

 

 

1,212

 

 

2.8

%

 

 

 

0

%

Impairment of other intangibles

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

 

933

 

 

2.1

%

Bad debt expense

 

 

48

 

 

0.1

%

 

485

 

 

1.1

%

Other

 

 

2,791

 

 

6.5

%

 

1,829

 

 

4.1

%

 

 



 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

 

 

54,081

 

 

125.1

%

 

47,748

 

 

108.2

%

 

 



 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

 

 

(10,838

)

 

-25.1

%

 

(3,632

)

 

-8.2

%

Income tax benefit

 

 

(2,769

)

 

 

 

 

(1,155

)

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(8,069

)

 

 

 

 

(2,477

)

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

          Our operating income for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 included the following non-cash expenses (in thousands of dollars):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 


 

 

 

June 30, 2011

 

June 30, 2010

 

 

 


 


 

Stock-based compensation

 

$

1,724

 

 

(878

)

Amortization of forgivable loans

 

 

949

 

 

1,235

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

794

 

 

854

 

Impairment of other intangibles

 

 

 

 

933

 

 

 



 



 

Total

 

$

3,467

 

 

2,144

 

 

 



 



 

28


Revenues

Merchant Banking Segment

          Merchant banking revenue, consisting of gains (or losses) on investments by our Aceras BioMedical joint venture and other principal investments activity, was $0.5 million. The values at which our investments are carried on our books are adjusted to estimated fair value at the end of each quarter.

Capital Market Segment

          Within our Capital Markets segment we derive revenues from two primary sources — investment banking and sales and trading.

          Total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2011 was $42.7 million, representing a slight decrease from $42.9 million in the comparable period of 2010.

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 six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands of dollars):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 


 

 

 

June 30, 2011

 

June 30, 2010

 

 

 


 


 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Private placement and underwriting

 

$

38,673

 

 

47,346

 

Strategic advisory

 

 

3,505

 

 

2,705

 

 

 



 



 

Total investment banking revenue

 

$

42,178

 

 

50,051

 

 

 



 



 

          Investment banking revenue was $42.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011, which included $7.9 million related to warrants received as compensation for activities as underwriter or placement agent valued using Black-Scholes, as compared to revenue of $50.1 million, which included $8.8 million related to warrants received as compensation for activities as underwriter or placement agent valued using Black-Scholes, in the comparable period of 2010:

 

 

 

 

§

Private placement and underwriting revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2011 was $38.7 million, including $7.9 million of fair value related to warrants received, compared to $47.3 million, including $8.8 million of fair value related to warrants received, in the comparable period of 2010. The decrease in investment banking revenue is a result of a decrease in China related investment banking activity.

 

 

 

 

§

Strategic advisory fees for the six months ended June 30, 2011 were $3.5 million, compared to $2.7 million for comparable period of 2010.

Sales and Trading

          Brokerage revenue was $7.6 million, net of $1.1 million of soft dollar expense, for the six months ended June 30, 2011, compared with $2.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010. The increase in brokerage revenues was primarily due to the Hudson business acquired in the second quarter of 2011.

Principal Transactions

          Principal transactions revenue was a $7.6 million loss for the six months ended June 30, 2011, compared with a $10.2 million loss for the six months ended June 30, 2010, principally related to the reduced value of our warrant portfolio. 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, China and biotechnology financial instruments and, in certain instances, trading halts in such financial instruments.

29


          The following discussion combines Capital Markets and Merchant Banking expenses.

Expenses

Compensation

          Compensation and benefits expense increased $6.1 million, or 22%, while total revenues decreased 2% for the six months ended June 30, 2011 as compared to the comparable 2010 period. The ratio of compensation to total revenues was 77% for the six months ended June 30, 2011 as compared to 61% for the comparable period of 2010. Employee compensation and benefits expense for the six months ended June 30, 2011, excluding the $0.7 million in severance expense from compensation and excluding the $7.6 million principal transactions loss from revenue, represented 64% of transaction related revenue (revenue excluding principal transactions), compared to 50% in the comparable 2010 period. We target a compensation ratio of 60% of transaction related revenue on a cumulative year to date basis.

Non-Compensation Expenses

          Non-compensation expense was $21.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011, comparable to the $20.7 million for the prior year period. Increases of $1.3 million in communications and market research expenses, $1.2 million in Hudson acquisition related expenses, $1.1 million in execution and clearing expenses, and $0.9 million in other expenses were offset by a decrease of $3.1 million in conference expenses and $0.9 million in impairment of other intangibles.

Income Taxes

          Income tax benefit for the six months was $2.8 million which represents a 25.5% effective tax rate compared to a 31.8% effective tax rate for the comparable 2010 period.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

          We have historically satisfied our capital and liquidity requirements through cash generated internally from operations.

          At December 31, 2010, 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), and current receivables of $30.7 million. As of June 30, 2011, we had liquid assets of $27.0 million. The decrease in liquid assets primarily relates to 2010 year-end bonus payments of $14.7 million and treasury stock purchases of $1.7 million, largely offset by cash inflows from operations.

          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.

          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 June 30, 2011, we had excess net capital of $6.9 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 $10.7 million at June 30, 2011, a decrease of $2.7 million from $13.4 million at December 31, 2010.

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          The decrease in cash relates to a negligible amount of cash provided by operations offset by (a) $1.7 million in treasury stock purchases; (b) $0.6 million in acquisition related payments; and (c) $0.5 million in property, equipment and leasehold purchases.

Item 3. 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, and 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.

          At June 30, 2011, $11.4 million, or 32% of $35.8 million of financial instruments owned, at fair value, represented investments in warrants received in conjunction with our investment banking activities. $9.9 million or 28% of financial instruments owned is related to our merchant banking activity. The remaining 40% 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 June 30, 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.

31


          The value of Aceras BioMedical’s 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 BioMedical’s assets is sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Based on our analysis as of June 30, 2011 assuming a 100 basis point increase in interest rates, we estimated the reduction of pre-tax income to be immaterial.

Item 4. 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 Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-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 SEC’s 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.

          There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II
OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

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 party’s 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 employee’s 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 have been named as a party defendant in various litigations brought as class actions relating to underwritten public offering that we participated in involving China based businesses. Each of these actions is in the very 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 1A. Risk Factors

          Information regarding our risk factors appears in Part I, Item 1A. of our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, as amended. These risk factors describe some of the assumptions, risks, uncertainties and other factors that could adversely affect our business or that could otherwise result in changes that differ materially from our expectations. There have been no material changes to the risk factors contained in our annual report except for the following additional risk related to our Common Stock:

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Risks Related to Our Common Stock

If we are unable to satisfy NASDAQ’s 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.

          While the shares of our common stock currently satisfy NASDAQ’s continued listing requirements, the price of a share of our common stock could fall below $1.00, the minimum required for continued listing on Nasdaq. Other continued listing requirements 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 NASDAQ’s maintenance requirements, our securities may be delisted from The NASDAQ Global Market. We cannot assure you that we will be able to continue to satisfy any or all of these criteria. If we fail to meet any on of these criteria, our stock could be delisted from NASDAQ, in which case 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.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period

 

(a) Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased

 

(b) Average
Price Paid
per Share

 

(c) Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs (1)

 

(d) Maximum Number
of Shares That May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs (1)

 


 


 


 


 


 

 

April 1 - April 30, 2011

 

 

200,000

 

$

2.01

 

 

200,000

 

 

2,876,895

 

May 1 - May 31, 2011

 

 

210,000

 

$

1.65

 

 

210,000

 

 

2,666,895

 

June 1 - June 30, 2011

 

 

220,000

 

$

1.35

 

 

220,000

 

 

2,446,895

(2)

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

630,000

 

$

1.66

 

 

630,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 

(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.

 

(2) Based on the closing price per share of our common stock on June 30, 2011 ($1.25 per share).

Item 6. Exhibits

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit No.

 

     Description

 

 

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

 

 

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

 

 

 

 

 

32.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

 

 

 

 

 

32.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

 

 

 

 

 

101.INS **

 

XBRL Instance Document

 

 

 

 

 

101.SCH**

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

 

 

 

 

 

101.CAL**

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

 

 

 

 

 

101.LAB**

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

 

 

 

 

 

101.PRE**

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

 

 

 

 

 

101.DEF**

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.


 

 


 

*     Filed herewith.

 

   

**  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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SIGNATURES

          Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Date: August 12, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

RODMAN & RENSHAW

 

 

  CAPITAL GROUP, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Edward Rubin

 

 

 


 

 

 

Name: Edward Rubin

 

 

 

Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ David J. Horin

 

 

 


 

 

 

Name: David J. Horin

 

 

 

Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

34