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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2003
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 1-10024
BKF CAPITAL GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 36-0767530
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
ONE ROCKEFELLER PLAZA, 10020
NEW YORK, NEW YORK (Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices)
(212) 332-8400
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as
defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes [X] No [ ]
As of July 31, 2003, 6,654,672 shares of the registrant's common stock,
$1.00 par value, were outstanding.
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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
BKF CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
JUNE 30, DECEMBER 31,
2003 2002
----------- ------------
(UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED)
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents................................... $ 43,008 $ 39,150
Investment advisory and incentive fees receivable........... 21,897 24,146
Investments in securities, at value (cost $304 and $1,304,
respectively)............................................. 368 1,047
Investments in affiliated partnerships...................... 10,825 9,382
Prepaid expenses and other assets........................... 3,114 2,120
Fixed assets (net of accumulated depreciation of $4,023 and
$3,747, respectively)..................................... 4,632 3,689
Deferred tax asset.......................................... 7,666 5,682
Goodwill (net of accumulated amortization of $8,566)........ 14,796 14,796
Investment advisory contracts (net of accumulated
amortization of $49,062 and $45,558, respectively)........ 21,027 24,531
Consolidated affiliated partnerships:
Due from broker........................................... -- 31,746
Investments in securities, at value (cost $8,634 and
$17,797 respectively).................................. 8,896 17,810
Investments in unaffiliated partnerships.................. 5,221 4,275
-------- --------
Total assets........................................... $141,450 $178,374
======== ========
LIABILITIES, MINORITY INTEREST AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accrued expenses............................................ $ 3,553 $ 5,209
Accrued bonuses............................................. 21,196 31,509
Accrued incentive compensation.............................. 5,757 2,312
Income taxes payable........................................ 2,387 532
Consolidated affiliated partnerships:
Securities sold short, at value (proceeds of $0 and
$9,450, respectively).................................. -- 9,395
Partner contributions received in advance................. -- 1,150
-------- --------
Total liabilities...................................... 32,893 50,107
-------- --------
Minority interest in consolidated affiliated partnerships... 9,041 26,529
-------- --------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized -- 15,000,000 shares,
issued and outstanding -- 6,646,602 and 6,641,738 shares,
respectively.............................................. 6,647 6,642
Additional paid-in capital.................................. 64,798 64,662
Retained earnings........................................... 28,071 30,434
-------- --------
Total stockholders' equity............................. 99,516 101,738
-------- --------
Total liabilities, minority interest and stockholders'
equity.................................................... $141,450 $178,374
======== ========
See accompanying notes
1
BKF CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
(UNAUDITED)
THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30, JUNE 30,
----------------------- -----------------------
2003 2002 2003 2002
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
REVENUES:
Investment advisory fees..................... $ 14,421 $ 16,450 $ 28,251 $ 33,394
Incentive fees and allocations............... 8,697 5,644 15,563 9,041
Commission income -- net..................... 496 629 989 1,409
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments................................ 405 (194) 506 (110)
Interest and dividend income................. 145 164 229 316
From consolidated affiliated partnerships:
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments............................. 861 (3,558) 1,165 (3,704)
Interest and dividend income............... 82 299 214 528
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total revenues.......................... 25,107 19,434 46,917 40,874
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
EXPENSES:
Employee compensation and benefits........... 18,521 15,358 34,493 29,841
Occupancy & equipment rental................. 1,534 1,482 3,178 2,903
Other operating expenses..................... 3,155 4,043 6,188 7,142
Other operating expenses from consolidated
affiliated partnerships.................... 37 89 107 171
Amortization of intangibles.................. 1,752 1,752 3,504 3,504
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total expenses.......................... 24,999 22,724 47,470 43,561
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Operating income (loss)...................... 108 (3,290) (553) (2,687)
Minority interest in consolidated affiliated
partnerships............................... (585) 2,949 (822) 2,980
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) before taxes................... (477) (341) (1,375) 293
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income tax expense........................... 597 654 988 1,704
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
NET (LOSS)................................... $ (1,074) $ (995) $ (2,363) $ (1,411)
========== ========== ========== ==========
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic and Diluted.......................... $ (0.16) $ (0.15) $ (0.36) $ (0.21)
========== ========== ========== ==========
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic and Diluted.......................... 6,646,055 6,618,731 6,644,992 6,615,566
========== ========== ========== ==========
See accompanying notes
2
BKF CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30,
-----------------
2003 2002
------- -------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net (loss).................................................. $(2,363) $(1,411)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) to net cash provided by
(used in) operations:
Depreciation and amortization............................. 4,192 4,022
Compensation expense for vesting of restricted stock
units.................................................. 3,636 660
Tax benefit related to employee compensation plans........ -- 218
Unrealized (gain) loss on investments in securities....... (320) 397
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease in investment advisory and incentive fees
receivable............................................ 2,249 10,212
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other
assets................................................ (996) 558
Decrease in investments in affiliated investment
partnerships.......................................... 4,150 12,805
Decrease in investments in securities.................. 999 1,174
(Increase) in deferred tax asset....................... (1,984) (1,236)
(Decrease) in accrued expenses......................... (1,619) (344)
(Decrease) in accrued bonuses.......................... (10,313) (19,145)
Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable............ 1,855 (1,187)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities from
consolidated affiliated partnerships:
Minority interest in income (loss)..................... 823 (2,991)
Decrease in due from broker............................ 15,118 --
(Increase) decrease in securities...................... 3,549 (64,204)
(Increase) in investments in unaffiliated
partnerships.......................................... (946) (4,740)
Increase (decrease) in securities sold short........... (3,076) 7,701
Minority interest in previously unconsolidated
affiliated partnerships............................... -- 38,208
------- -------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities......... 14,954 (19,303)
------- -------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Fixed asset additions....................................... (1,631) (720)
------- -------
Net cash (used in) investing activities..................... (1,631) (720)
------- -------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Payment of loan principal................................... -- (186)
Issuance of common stock.................................... (50) 226
Consolidated affiliated partnerships:
Partner subscriptions..................................... 2,785 18,003
Partner redemptions....................................... (12,200) (6,098)
------- -------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities......... (9,465) 11,945
------- -------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents........ 3,858 (8,078)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period.... 39,150 41,827
------- -------
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period.......... $43,008 $33,749
======= =======
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid for interest...................................... $ -- $ 5
======= =======
Cash paid for taxes......................................... $ 1,597 $ 3,946
======= =======
See accompanying notes
3
BKF CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The consolidated interim financial statements of BKF Capital Group, Inc.
(formerly Baker, Fentress & Company, hereto referred to as "BKF" or the
"Company") and its subsidiaries included herein have been prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information
and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the
information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles
for complete financial statements. These consolidated financial statements are
unaudited and should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated
financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. The Company follows the same
accounting policies in the preparation of interim reports. In the opinion of
management, the consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which
are of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation of the
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company for the
interim periods presented and are not necessarily indicative of a full year's
results.
In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required
to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the
financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The Company operates through a wholly-owned subsidiary, Levin Management
Co., Inc. and its subsidiaries, all of which are referred to as "Levco". The
Company trades on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. ("NYSE") under the symbol
"BKF".
The Consolidated Financial Statements of Levco include its wholly-owned
subsidiary, John A. Levin & Co., Inc. ("JALCO"), JALCO's two wholly-owned
subsidiaries, Levco GP Inc. ("Levco GP") and LEVCO Securities, Inc. ("LEVCO
Securities") and certain affiliated investment partnerships for which the
Company is deemed to have controlling interest of the applicable partnership.
Two investment partnerships were consolidated at June 30, 2003 and five were
consolidated at December 31, 2002. In addition, the operations of two investment
partnerships (which were terminated in March 2003) were included in the
consolidated statements of operations and cash flows for the six month period
ended June 30, 2003. The operations of one additional investment partnership
(which was terminated in September 2002) was included in the consolidated
statement of operations and cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2002.
All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
JALCO is an investment advisor registered under the Investment Advisers Act
of 1940, as amended, which provides investment advisory services to its clients
which include U.S. and foreign corporations, mutual funds, limited partnerships,
universities, pension and profit sharing plans, individuals, trusts,
not-for-profit organizations and foundations. JALCO also participates in broker
consulting programs (Wrap Accounts) with several nationally recognized financial
institutions. LEVCO Securities is registered with the SEC as a broker-dealer and
is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Levco GP
acts as the managing general partner of several affiliated investment
partnerships and is registered with the Commodities Futures Trading Commission
as a commodity pool operator.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Generally, investment advisory fees are billed quarterly, in arrears, and
are based upon a percentage of the market value of each account at the end of
the quarter. Wrap account fees are billed quarterly based upon a percentage of
the market value of each account as of the previous quarter end. Incentive fees,
general partner incentive allocations earned from affiliated investment
partnerships, and incentive fees from other accounts are accrued on a quarterly
basis and are billed quarterly or at the end of their respective contract year,
as
4
BKF CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
applicable. Such accruals may be reversed as the result of subsequent investment
performance prior to the conclusion of the applicable contract year.
Commissions earned on securities transactions executed by LEVCO Securities
and related expenses are recorded on a trade-date basis.
REVENUE RECOGNITION POLICIES FROM CONSOLIDATED AFFILIATED PARTNERSHIPS ("CAP")
Marketable securities owned and securities sold short, are valued at
independent market prices with the resultant unrealized gains and losses
included in operations.
Security transactions are recorded on a trade date basis.
Interest income and expense are accrued as earned or incurred.
Dividend income and expense are recorded on the ex-dividend date.
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
The Company has not presented consolidated statements of comprehensive
income in accordance with SFAS No. 130 "Reporting Comprehensive Income," because
it does not have any items of "other comprehensive income".
INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATED INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS
Levco GP serves as the managing general partner for several affiliated
investment partnerships ("AIP"), which primarily engage in the trading of
publicly traded equity securities. The financial condition and results of
operations of the AIP are not included in the Company's consolidated statements
of financial condition with the exception of Levco GP's equity ownership and
certain partnerships whereby Levco GP is deemed to have a controlling interest
in the partnership (see note 4). The limited partners of the AIP have the right
to redeem their partnership interests at least quarterly. Additionally, the
unaffiliated limited partners of the AIP may terminate Levco GP as the general
partner of the AIP at any time. Levco GP does not maintain control over the
unconsolidated AIP, has not guaranteed any of the AIP obligations, nor does it
have any contractual commitments associated with them. Investments in
unconsolidated AIP held through Levco GP, are recorded based upon the equity
method of accounting. This investment amount in the unconsolidated AIP equals
the sum total of Levco GP's capital accounts, including incentive allocations,
in the AIP. Each AIP values their underlying investments in accordance with
policies as described in each of their audited financial statements and
underlying offering memoranda. It is the Company's general practice to withdraw
the incentive allocations earned from the AIP within three months after the
fiscal year end. Levco GP has general partner liability with respect to its
interest in each of the AIP and has no assets in the AIP other than its interest
in these partnerships.
INCOME TAXES
The Company accounts for income taxes under the liability method prescribed
by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 109, "Accounting for
Income Taxes." Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future
tax consequences attributable to the differences between the financial statement
carrying amount of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax
basis. Future tax benefits are recognized only to the extent that realization of
such benefits is more likely than not to occur.
5
BKF CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The cost in excess of net assets of Levco acquired by BKF in June 1996 is
reflected as goodwill, investment advisory contracts, and employment contracts
(which have been fully amortized) in the Consolidated Statements of Financial
Condition. Through December 31, 2001, goodwill was amortized straight line over
15 years. Effective January 1, 2002 the Company adopted SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill
and Other Intangible Assets". Under the new rules, goodwill is no longer
amortized but is subject to an impairment test at least annually or when
indicators of potential impairment exist in accordance with SFAS No. 142. Other
intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their useful lives.
EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net (loss) by the weighted
average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted (loss)
per share is computed by dividing net (loss) by the total of the weighted
average number of shares of common stock outstanding and common stock
equivalents. Diluted (loss) per share is computed using the treasury stock
method.
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted (loss)
per share (in thousands, except per share data).
THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30, JUNE 30,
----------------------- -----------------------
2003 2002 2003 2002
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net (loss)........................... $ (1,074) $ (995) $ (2,363) $ (1,411)
========== ========== ========== ==========
Basic and Diluted weighted-average
shares outstanding................. 6,646,055 6,618,731 6,644,992 6,615,566
========== ========== ========== ==========
Basic and diluted (loss) per
share:............................. $ (0.16) $ (0.15) $ (0.36) $ (0.21)
========== ========== ========== ==========
In calculating diluted (loss) per share for the three and six months ended
June 30, 2003 and 2002, common stock equivalents of 2,231,136 and 1,480,922,
respectively, were excluded due to their anti-dilutive effect on the
calculations.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company follows SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation," and has adopted the intrinsic value method under APB Opinion No.
25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," for all arrangements under which
employees receive shares of stock or other equity instruments of the Company, or
if the Company incurs liabilities to employees in amounts based on the price of
its stock. Under APB Opinion No. 25, no compensation costs were recognized
relating to the option grants because the exercise prices of the options awarded
were equal to the fair market price of the common stock on the dates of the
grants.
In December 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Issued
SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and
Disclosure, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123." SFAS No. 148 provides
alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based
method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and amends the
disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosures about
the method of accounting for stock-based compensation. The Company has elected
to apply the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 123. See note 6 for 2003 RSU
activity.
6
BKF CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per
share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS
No. 123 (dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):
THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30, JUNE 30,
------------------- -----------------
2003 2002 2003 2002
-------- -------- ------- -------
Net (loss), as reported........................ $(1,074) $ (995) $(2,363) $(1,411)
Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense
included in reported net (loss), net of
related tax effects.......................... 1,142 210 1,948 365
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation
expense determined under the fair value based
method for all awards, net of related tax
effects...................................... (1,162) (414) (2,007) (786)
------- ------- ------- -------
Pro forma net (loss)........................... $(1,094) $(1,199) $(2,422) $(1,832)
======= ======= ======= =======
Earnings per share:
Basic and diluted -- as reported............. $ (0.16) $ (0.15) $ (0.36) $ (0.21)
======= ======= ======= =======
Basic and diluted -- pro forma............... $ (0.16) $ (0.18) $ (0.36) $ (0.28)
======= ======= ======= =======
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES OF CONSOLIDATED AFFILIATED PARTNERSHIPS
("CAP")
Securities sold short represent obligations to deliver the underlying
securities sold at prevailing market prices and option contracts written
represent obligations to purchase or deliver the specified security at the
contract price. The future satisfaction of these obligations may be at amounts
that are greater or less than that recorded on the consolidated statements of
financial condition. The CAP monitors their positions continuously to reduce the
risk of potential loss due to changes in market value or failure of
counterparties to perform.
Investments in Unaffiliated Investment Partnerships
The Company's investments in unaffiliated investment partnerships result
from the consolidation of an affiliated investment partnership that invests in
unaffiliated investment partnerships. Investments in unaffiliated investment
partnerships are recorded at fair value, which generally is equal to the CAP pro
rata interest in the net assets of each unaffiliated investment partnership
(based upon the net asset values reported by the unaffiliated investment
partnerships).
Minority Interest
Minority interests in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial
condition represent the minority owners' share of the equity of consolidated
investment partnerships as of the consolidated statements of financial condition
dates. Minority interest in the accompanying consolidated statements of
operations represents the minority owners' share of the income or loss of
consolidated investment partnerships.
Partner contributions and withdrawals
Typically, Partner contributions are accepted monthly and withdrawals are
made quarterly with the required notification period having been met. The
notification period ranges from thirty to sixty days.
7
BKF CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain prior period amounts reflect reclassifications to conform to
current period presentation.
RECENT ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS
In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149 "Amendment of Statement 133 on
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS No. 149 is effective for
contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003, and hedging
relationships designated after June 30, 2003. The Company does not believe that
the adoption of this statement would have a material impact on the Company's
financial statements.
In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150 "Accounting for Certain Financial
Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity." SFAS No. 150
is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31,
2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period
after June 15, 2003. Under SFAS No. 150 certain financial instruments shall be
classified as a liability on the issuer's financials statements. The Company
does not believe that the adoption of this statement would have a material
impact on the Company's financial statements.
2. OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK
LEVCO Securities acts as an introducing broker and all transactions for its
customers are cleared through and carried by a major U.S. securities firm on a
fully disclosed basis. LEVCO Securities has agreed to indemnify its clearing
broker for losses that the clearing broker may sustain from the customer
accounts introduced by LEVCO Securities. In the ordinary course of its business,
LEVCO Securities does not accept orders with respect to client accounts if the
funds required for the client to meet its obligations are not on deposit in the
client account at the time the order is placed. In the event a customer is
unable to fulfill its contractual obligation to the clearing broker, LEVCO
Securities may be exposed to off-balance sheet risk.
In the normal course of business, the consolidated affiliated investment
partnerships enter into transactions in various financial instruments, including
derivatives, for trading purposes, in order to reduce their exposure to market
risk. These transactions include option contracts and securities sold short.
Substantially all of the CAP cash and securities positions are deposited
with one clearing broker for safekeeping purposes. The broker is a member of
major securities exchanges.
3. INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND INCENTIVE FEES RECEIVABLE
Included in investment advisory and incentive fees receivable are
approximately $12.3 million and $2.9 million of accrued incentive fees as of
June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively, for which the full contract
measurement period has not been reached. The Company has provided for the
applicable expenses relating to this revenue. If the accrued incentive fees are
not ultimately realized, a substantial portion of the related accrued expenses
will be reversed.
4. CONSOLIDATION OF CAP
In January 2003, the FASB issued FIN No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable
Interest Entities." FIN No. 46 addresses the application of Accounting Research
Bulletin No. 51, "Consolidated Financial Statements," to variable interest
entities ("VIE"). The interpretation provides a framework for determining
whether an entity should be evaluated for consolidation based on voting
interests or significant financial support provided to the entity ("variable
interests"). FIN 46 generally would require that the assets, liabilities and
results of operations of a VIE be consolidated into the financial statements of
the enterprise that is the primary beneficiary.
8
BKF CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
An entity is classified as a VIE if (a) total equity is not sufficient to
permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated
financial support or (b) its equity investors lack (i) the direct or indirect
ability to make decisions about an entity's activities through voting rights or
absorb the expected losses of the entity if they occur or (ii) the right to
receive the expected residual returns of the entity if they occur. Once an
entity is determined to be a VIE, its assets, liabilities and results of
operations should be consolidated with those of its primary beneficiary. The
primary beneficiary of a VIE is the entity which either will absorb a majority
of the VIE's expected losses or has the right to receive a majority of the VIE's
expected residual returns. The expected losses and residual returns of a VIE
include expected variability in its net income or loss, fees to decision makers
and fees to guarantors of substantially all VIE assets or liabilities.
A public enterprise with a variable interest in a VIE created before
January 31, 2003, shall apply FIN No. 46 to that VIE as of the beginning of the
first interim or annual reporting period beginning after June 15, 2003. The
Company has elected to adopt FIN No. 46 for the applicable periods presented. In
the context of making determinations pursuant to FIN No. 46, BKF has also
decided to consolidate certain affiliated investment partnerships in which it
may be deemed to have a controlling interest. As of June 30, 2003 and December
31, 2002, the Company is deemed to have control of two and five affiliated
limited partnerships, respectively. The assets, liabilities and related
operations of these partnerships and related minority interests have been
reflected in the consolidated financial statements for the periods the Company
was deemed to have control. The consolidation of these partnerships does not
impact the Company's equity or net income. Levco GP has general partner
liability with respect to its interest in each of the CAP.
9
BKF CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
The following tables represent the consolidation of the CAP with BKF as of
June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002 (dollar amounts in thousands):
JUNE 30, 2003
-------------------------------------------------------
BKF CAP ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
(UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED)
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents........................ $ 42,935 $ 73 $ -- $ 43,008
Investment advisory and incentive fees
receivable..................................... 21,908 -- (11) 21,897
Investments in securities, at value (cost
$304).......................................... 368 -- -- 368
Investments in affiliated partnerships........... 15,948 -- (5,123) 10,825
Prepaid expenses and other assets................ 3,057 57 -- 3,114
Fixed assets (net of accumulated depreciation of
$4,023)........................................ 4,632 -- -- 4,632
Deferred tax asset............................... 7,666 -- -- 7,666
Goodwill (net of accumulated amortization of
$8,566)........................................ 14,796 -- -- 14,796
Investment advisory contracts (net of accumulated
amortization of $49,062)....................... 21,027 -- -- 21,027
Consolidated affiliated partnerships:
Investments in securities, at value (cost
$8,634)..................................... -- 8,896 -- 8,896
Investments in unaffiliated partnerships....... -- 5,221 -- 5,221
-------- ------- -------- --------
Total assets................................... $132,337 $14,247 $ (5,134) $141,450
======== ======= ======== ========
Liabilities, Minority Interest and Stockholders'
Equity
Accrued expenses................................. $ 3,481 $ 83 $ (11) $ 3,553
Accrued bonuses.................................. 21,196 -- -- 21,196
Accrued incentive compensation................... 5,757 -- -- 5,757
Income taxes payable............................. 2,387 -- -- 2,387
-------- ------- -------- --------
Total liabilities.............................. 32,821 83 (11) 32,893
-------- ------- -------- --------
Minority interest in consolidated affiliated
partnerships................................... -- -- 9,041 9,041
-------- ------- -------- --------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $1 par value,
authorized -- 15,000,000 shares, issued and
outstanding -- 6,646,602....................... 6,647 -- -- 6,647
Additional paid-in capital....................... 64,798 -- -- 64,798
Retained earnings................................ 28,071 -- -- 28,071
Capital from consolidated affiliated
partnerships................................... -- 14,164 (14,164) --
-------- ------- -------- --------
Total stockholders' equity..................... 99,516 14,164 (14,164) 99,516
-------- ------- -------- --------
Total liabilities, minority interest and
stockholders' equity........................... $132,337 $14,247 $ (5,134) $141,450
======== ======= ======== ========
10
BKF CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
DECEMBER 31, 2002
-----------------------------------------------------
BKF CAP ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
--------- ----------- ------------ ------------
(AUDITED) (UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED)
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents........................ $ 39,100 $ 50 $ -- $ 39,150
Investment advisory and incentive fees
receivable..................................... 24,177 -- (31) 24,146
Investments in securities, at value (cost
$1,304)........................................ 1,047 -- -- 1,047
Investments in affiliated partnerships........... 26,148 -- (16,766) 9,382
Prepaid expenses and other assets................ 2,008 112 -- 2,120
Fixed assets (net of accumulated depreciation
$3,747)........................................ 3,689 -- -- 3,689
Deferred tax asset............................... 5,682 -- -- 5,682
Goodwill (net of accumulated amortization of
$8,566)........................................ 14,796 -- -- 14,796
Investment advisory contracts (net of accumulated
amortization of $45,558)....................... 24,531 -- -- 24,531
Consolidated affiliated partnerships:
Due from broker................................ -- 31,746 -- 31,746
Investments in securities at value (cost
$17,797).................................... -- 17,810 -- 17,810
Investments in unaffiliated partnerships....... -- 4,275 -- 4,275
-------- ------- -------- --------
Total assets................................ $141,178 $53,993 $(16,797) $178,374
======== ======= ======== ========
LIABILITIES, MINORITY INTEREST AND STOCKHOLDERS'
EQUITY
Accrued expenses................................. $ 5,087 $ 153 $ (31) $ 5,209
Accrued bonuses.................................. 31,509 -- -- 31,509
Accrued incentive compensation................... 2,312 -- -- 2,312
Income taxes payable............................. 532 -- -- 532
Consolidated affiliated partnerships:
Securities sold short from, at value (proceeds of
$9,450)........................................ -- 9,395 -- 9,395
Partner contributions received in advance........ -- 1,150 -- 1,150
-------- ------- -------- --------
Total liabilities........................... 39,440 10,698 (31) 50,107
-------- ------- -------- --------
Minority interest in consolidated affiliated
partnerships................................... -- -- 26,529 26,529
-------- ------- -------- --------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $1 par value,
authorized -- 15,000,000 shares, issued and
outstanding -- 6,646,602 and 6,641,738 shares,
respectively................................... 6,642 -- -- 6,642
Additional paid-in capital....................... 64,662 -- -- 64,662
Retained earnings................................ 30,434 -- -- 30,434
Capital from consolidated affiliated
partnerships................................... -- 43,295 (43,295) --
-------- ------- -------- --------
Total stockholders' equity.................. 101,738 43,295 (43,295) 101,738
-------- ------- -------- --------
Total liabilities, minority interest and
stockholders' equity........................... $141,178 $53,993 $(16,797) $178,374
======== ======= ======== ========
11
BKF CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
5. INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATED INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS AND RELATED REVENUE
Summary financial information, including the Company's carrying value and
income from the non-consolidated AIP is as follows (dollar amounts in
thousands):
JUNE 30,
2003
---------
Total AIP assets............................................ $ 919,058
Total AIP liabilities....................................... (244,016)
Total AIP equity balance.................................... 675,042
AIP net earnings............................................ 12,119
Company's carrying value (including incentive fees)......... 10,825
Company's income on invested capital (excluding accrued
incentive fees)........................................... 420
Included in investments in AIP at June 30, 2003 are accrued but unearned
incentive allocations approximating $4.2 million and $7.4 million of earned
incentive allocations at December 31, 2002.
Included in the Company's incentive fees and general partner incentive
allocations are approximately $1.8 million and $1.6 million payable directly to
employee owned and controlled entities ("Employee Entities") for the three
months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, and $3.4 million and $2.4 million for the
six moths ended June 30,2003 and 2002, respectively. These amounts are included
in the Company's carrying value of the AIP at the end of the applicable period.
These Employee Entities, which serve as non-managing general partners of several
AIP, also bear the liability for all compensation expense relating to the
allocated revenue, amounting to approximately $1.8 million and $1.6 million for
the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, and $3.4 million and $2.4 million
for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002,respectively. These amounts are
included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
The Company recorded investment advisory fees and incentive
allocations/fees from affiliated domestic investment partnerships and affiliated
offshore investment vehicles of approximately $13.4 million and $9.7 million for
the three months ended June 30, 2003, and 2002, and $ 24.4 million and $15.2
million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
Included in investment advisory and incentive fees receivable at June 30,
2003 and December 31, 2002 are $2.4 million and $2.7 million, respectively, of
advisory fees from AIP and sponsored offshore vehicles. Also included in
investment advisory and incentive fees receivable are $12.1 million and $13.1
million of incentive fees from sponsored offshore investment vehicles (similar
to several domestic AIP) at June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively.
6. INCOME TAXES
The Company's provision for income taxes differs from the amount of income
tax determined by applying the applicable U.S. federal statutory income tax rate
principally due to state and local taxes and non-deductible amortization. The
Company has determined that the amortization expense on intangible assets is
non-deductible since the purchase method of accounting has been applied
retroactive to June 1996.
Deferred tax assets arise from the future tax benefit on deferred and
non-cash compensation, unrealized losses on investments, depreciation and
utilization of capital losses. Deferred tax liabilities arise from deferred
revenues, unrealized gains on investments, and state and local taxes.
12
BKF CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
7. NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS (INCLUDING RESTRICTED STICK UNITS ("RSU") ACTIVITY)
On December 11, 2002 the Company issued a tender offer to exchange 333,308
outstanding options for RSU, on a three for one exchange basis. As of January
10, 2003 the tender offer was complete, with a total of 111,105 RSU being
granted in exchange for the options tendered. The RSU will vest in two annual
installments with fifty percent (50%) vesting on December 31, 2003 and fifty
percent (50%) vesting on December 31, 2004. The Company will recognize $2.0
million of compensation expense related to the RSU over the two-year vesting
period.
In January 2003, the Company granted 10,500 RSU to non-employee directors
of the Company with a value of approximately $192,000. This amount will be used
to reduce cash payments for Board of Directors and Committee meetings.
In addition, certain executive officers of the Company, who are subject to
performance based criteria with regard to their 2002 compensation, and several
employees were granted 347,365 RSU as of March 2003 with a value of
approximately $5.7 million.
In May 2003, the Company granted 165,700 RSU to several employees with a
value of approximately $2.7 million.
In May 2003, the Company granted 1,125 RSU to a newly elected non-employee
director of the Company with a value of approximately $18,000. This amount will
be used to reduce cash payments for Board of Directors and Committee meetings.
After giving effect for the 2003 RSU activity, the Company has
approximately 225,000 shares available for future grants under the Incentive
Compensation plan as of June 30, 2003. In addition, the Company has the
authority to buy back up to 700,000 shares of BKF stock in the open market which
may be used as compensation under the Incentive Compensation plan (subject to
Board approval).
In November 2003, 643,257 RSU are due to be delivered of which 449,929 were
elected to be deferred until November 2004 under the Company's employee
compensation plan.
In January 2002, the Company granted a total of 168,213 RSU to employees
with a value of approximately $4.7 million.
13
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
INTRODUCTION
BKF Capital Group, Inc. ("BKF") operates entirely through John A. Levin &
Co., Inc., an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission. The investment adviser is a wholly owned subsidiary of
Levin Management Co., Inc., which in turn is a wholly owned subsidiary of BKF.
Levin Management Co., Inc. and its subsidiaries are referred to collectively as
"Levco." Levco specializes in managing equity portfolios for institutional and
individual investors. Most accounts are managed pursuant to value equity
strategies; Levco also offers a range of alternative investment products as well
as other more specialized investment programs. Most clients are based in the
United States, though a significant portion of investors in the alternative
investment products are located outside the United States.
Levco acts as the managing general partner of several investment
partnerships and also acts as an adviser to private investment vehicles
organized outside the United States.
With respect to accounts managed pursuant to its value equity strategies,
Levco generally receives advisory fees based on a percentage of the market value
of assets under management, including market appreciation or depreciation and
client contributions and withdrawals. In some cases, Levco receives
performance-based fees from accounts pursuing value equity strategies. With
respect to private investment vehicles and separate accounts managed pursuant to
similar strategies, Levco is generally entitled to receive both a fixed
management fee based on a percentage of the assets under management and a share
of net profits.
Levco obtains some of its clients for its large cap value products through
wrap fee programs sponsored by major financial services companies. In these
programs, clients pay the sponsoring broker an asset-based fee that covers
brokerage commissions, advisory services, custodial fees, and other reporting
and administrative services. Investors are able to select Levco from among a
limited number of managers participating in the program, and Levco receives a
portion of the asset-based fee paid by the clients who select Levco to manage
their accounts through the program.
At June 30, 2003, assets under management were $11.56 billion, down from
$13.02 billion a year earlier. Following is a comparison of assets under
management (in millions) as defined by product and client type:
JUNE 30, MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30, JUNE 30,
2003 2003 2002 2002 2002
-------- --------- ------------ ------------- --------
VALUE EQUITY ACCOUNTS:
Institutional................. $ 2,704 $ 2,372 $ 2,562 $ 2,526 $ 3,063
Sub-Advisory.................. 1,991 1,771 1,861 1,730 2,049
Non-institutional............. 1,508 1,385 1,489 1,464 1,819
Wrap.......................... 2,532 2,537 2,982 2,955 3,943
ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES:
Event Driven.................. 2,138 1,979 1,849 1,756 1,677
Short-Biased.................. 409 452 452 443 359
Other Private Investment
Funds....................... 273 150 90 95 107
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
TOTAL......................... $11,555 $10,646 $11,285 $10,969 $13,017
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Levco also has a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary that clears through
Correspondent Services Corporation, a subsidiary of National Financial Services,
LLC, on a fully disclosed basis. Generally, the customers of the broker-dealer
subsidiary are advisory clients of Levco, and the trades executed through the
broker-dealer are generally placed by Levco in its capacity as investment
adviser.
RISK FACTORS
The following risks, among others, sometimes have affected, and in the
future could affect, BKF's business, financial condition or results of
operations. The risks described below are not the only ones facing
14
BKF. Additional risks not presently known to BKF or that BKF currently deems
immaterial may also impact its business.
LEVCO IS DEPENDENT ON KEY PERSONNEL
Levco is largely dependent on the efforts of its senior investment
professionals managing the value equity strategies and the event driven and
short-biased products. Levco is also dependent on the efforts of Mr. John A.
Levin, the chairman and chief executive officer of BKF. The loss of the services
of key investment personnel, including Mr. Levin, could have a material adverse
effect on Levco because it could jeopardize its relationships with clients and
result in the loss of those accounts. Levco's key investment personnel,
including Mr. Levin, are not subject to employment contracts.
Levco's future success depends on its ability to retain and attract
qualified personnel to conduct its investment management business. To the extent
that Levco further diversifies its products and strategies, BKF anticipates that
it will be necessary for Levco to add portfolio managers and investment
analysts. No assurance can be given that Levco will succeed in its efforts to
recruit and retain the required personnel. Because of its relatively smaller
size, Levco may have relatively fewer resources with which to recruit and retain
personnel. The loss of key personnel or the inability to recruit and retain
qualified portfolio managers, business and marketing personnel could have a
material adverse effect on Levco's business.
In December 1998, BKF adopted an incentive compensation plan to give Levco
the ability to attract and retain talented professionals with equity-based and
cash compensation. Determinations with regard to the implementation of this
plan, as amended, are made by the Compensation Committee of the board of
directors of BKF on a regular basis. Because BKF is a relatively small public
company, the value of the equity awards that may be offered to professionals may
be limited relative to what competitors may offer. If the price of BKF stock
decreases, no assurance can be given that the equity-based compensation will
serve its purpose to attract and retain talented professionals.
LEVCO IS DEPENDENT ON A LIMITED NUMBER OF INVESTMENT PRODUCTS
Levco currently derives most of its revenues from three particular
investment products -- a large cap value strategy, an event-driven alternative
investment product and a short-biased alternative investment product. While the
large cap value strategy and the short-biased alternative investment products
may often perform differently in a given investment environment, adverse
developments with regard to any of these products could have a material adverse
effect on Levco's business.
A DECLINE IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THE SECURITIES MARKETS COULD HAVE AN ADVERSE
EFFECT ON LEVCO'S REVENUES
Levco's operations are affected by many economic factors, including the
performance of the securities markets. Declines in the securities markets, in
general, and the equity markets, in particular, would likely reduce Levco's
assets under management and consequently reduce its revenues. In addition, any
continuing decline in the equity markets, failure of these markets to sustain
their prior rates of growth, or continued volatility in these markets could
result in investors' withdrawing from the equity markets or decreasing their
rate of investment, either of which would likely adversely affect Levco. Levco's
rates of growth in assets under management and revenues have varied from year to
year, and there can be no assurance that the growth rates sustained in the past
will continue. Levco is generally a "value" manager, and a general decline in
the performance of "value" securities could have an adverse effect on Levco's
revenues.
POOR INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT LEVCO'S FINANCIAL CONDITION
Success in the investment management industry depends largely on investment
performance. Good performance generally stimulates sales of services and
investment products and tends to keep withdrawals and redemptions low. This
generates higher management fees, which are based on the amount of assets under
management and sometimes on investment performance. If Levco experiences poor
performance, this will likely result in decreased sales, decreased assets under
management and the loss of accounts, with corresponding decreases in revenue.
15
Levco also offers event-driven and short-biased products and other
alternative investment strategies. The failure to implement these strategies
effectively could likewise impact Levco's revenues.
ADVERSE DEVELOPMENTS WITH REGARD TO SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS OR RELATIONSHIPS
COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT LEVCO'S REVENUES
As of June 30, 2003, Levco had approximately 290 customers (counting as
single customers each wrap fee program and related family and institutional
accounts and excluding proprietary pooled investment vehicles and other accounts
following alternative investment strategies), of which the ten largest customers
generated approximately $9.1 million of revenues for Levco in the first half of
2003 (including incentive fees), or approximately 20% of BKF's total revenues.
The five largest customers (excluding proprietary pooled investment
vehicles and other accounts following alternative investment strategies)
accounted for approximately 43% of all asset-based investment advisory fees
earned in the first half of 2003. The loss of any of these customers could have
an adverse effect on BKF's revenues.
In the institutional marketplace, consultants play a key role in selecting
investment managers for their clients. In the event that a consultant advising
current clients of Levco takes a negative view of Levco, Levco could lose a
number of accounts related to that consultant.
A DECREASE IN LEVCO'S MANAGEMENT FEES, THE CANCELLATION OF INVESTMENT
MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS OR POOR INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE BY THE LEVCO PRIVATE
INVESTMENT FUNDS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT LEVCO'S PROFITS
Management Fees. Some segments of the investment management industry have
experienced a trend toward lower management fees. Levco must maintain a level of
investment returns and service that is acceptable to clients given the fees they
pay. No assurance can be given that Levco will be able to maintain its current
fee structure or client base. Reduction of the fees for new or existing clients
could have an adverse impact on Levco's profits.
Cancellation of Investment Management Agreements. It is expected that
Levco will derive almost all of its revenue from investment management
agreements. For registered investment companies, a majority of the disinterested
members of each fund's board must approve these agreements at least annually and
the agreements are terminable without penalty on 60 days' notice. The agreements
with Levco's separately-managed account clients generally are subject to
termination by the client without penalty and with little or no notice. Any
failure to renew, or termination of, a significant number of these agreements
could have an adverse effect on Levco.
Poor Investment Performance of the Private Investment Funds. BKF derives
revenue from incentive fees and general partner incentive allocations earned
with respect to its proprietary unregistered investment funds. Stronger positive
performance by these funds generates higher incentive fees and incentive
allocations because those fees and allocations are based on the performance of
the assets under management. On the other hand, relatively poor performance will
result in lower or no incentive fees or allocations, and will tend to lead to
decreased assets under management and the loss of accounts, with corresponding
decreases in revenue.
LEVCO IS A RELATIVELY SMALL PUBLIC COMPANY IN A HIGHLY COMPETITIVE BUSINESS
Levco competes with a large number of domestic and foreign investment
management firms, commercial banks, insurance companies, broker-dealers and
other firms offering comparable investment services. Many of the financial
services companies with which Levco competes have greater resources and assets
under management than Levco does and offer a broader array of investment
products and services.
Management believes that the most important factors affecting Levco's
ability to attract and retain clients are the abilities, performance records and
reputations of its portfolio managers, the ability to hire and retain key
investment personnel, the attractiveness of investment strategies to potential
investors and competitive fees and investor service. Levco's ability to increase
and retain client assets could be adversely affected if client accounts
underperform client expectations or their relevant benchmarks or if key
investment personnel leave
16
Levco. Levco's ability to compete with other investment management firms also
depends, in part, on the relative attractiveness of its investment philosophies
and methods under prevailing market conditions. The absence of significant
barriers to entry by new investment management firms in the institutional
managed accounts business increases competitive pressure.
Since Levco is a relatively smaller asset management company, changes in
customers, personnel and products and other business developments may have a
greater impact on Levco than they would have on larger, more diversified asset
management companies.
LEVCO IS DEPENDENT ON INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND ADMINISTRATIVE, BACK-OFFICE AND
TRADE EXECUTION FUNCTIONS
Levco is highly dependent on information systems and technology and
depends, to a great extent, on third parties who are responsible for managing,
maintaining and updating these systems. No assurance can be given that Levco's
current systems will continue to be able to accommodate its growth or that the
costs of its outsourcing arrangements will not increase. The failure to
accommodate growth or an increase in costs could have an adverse effect on
Levco.
Success in the investment management industry also depends on the ability
of an investment manager, and third parties with whom the investment manager
contracts, to successfully perform administrative, back-office and trade
execution functions. A failure by Levco or a third party contracted by Levco to
perform such functions could adversely impact Levco's revenues.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST MAY ARISE AND ADVERSELY AFFECT LEVCO
From time to time, Levco's officers, directors and employees may own
securities which one or more of its clients also own. Although Levco maintains
internal policies regarding individual investments by its officers, directors
and employees which require them to report securities transactions and restrict
certain transactions so as to minimize possible conflicts of interest, possible
conflicts of interest may arise that could have adverse effects on Levco.
Similarly, conflicting investment positions may develop among various investment
strategies managed by Levco. Although Levco has internal policies in place to
address such situations, such conflicts could have adverse effects on Levco.
GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT LEVCO'S BUSINESS
Virtually all aspects of Levco's business are subject to various federal
and state laws and regulations. Levco is registered with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The
Investment Advisers Act imposes numerous obligations on registered investment
advisers, including fiduciary, recordkeeping, operational and disclosure
obligations. John A. Levin & Co. is also registered with the Commodity Futures
Trading Commission as a commodity trading advisor and a commodity pool operator,
and Levco GP, Inc. is registered with that agency as a commodity pool operator.
John A. Levin & Co. and Levco GP are members of the National Futures
Association. LEVCO Securities, Inc. is registered as a broker-dealer under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, is a member of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. and is a member of the Municipal Securities Rulemaking
Board. In addition, Levco is subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act of 1974 and its regulations insofar as it is a "fiduciary" with respect to
certain clients.
These laws and regulations generally grant supervisory agencies and bodies
broad administrative powers, including the power to limit or restrict Levco from
conducting its business if it fails to comply with these laws and regulations.
If Levco fails to comply with these laws and regulations, these agencies may
impose sanctions, including the suspension of individual employees, limitations
on business activities for specified periods of time, revocation of
registration, and other censures and fines. Even if in compliance with all laws
and regulations, changes in these laws or regulations could adversely affect
Levco's profitability and operations and its ability to conduct certain
businesses in which it is currently engaged.
17
TERRORIST ATTACKS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR COMPANY
Terrorist attacks, including biological or chemical weapons attacks, and
the response to such terrorist attacks, could have a significant impact on New
York City, the local economy, the United States economy, the global economy, and
global financial markets. It is possible that the above factors could have a
material adverse effect on our business, especially given the fact that all
operations are conducted from a single location in New York City and BKF has
incurred lease obligations with regard to this location through September 2011.
BKF does have a business continuity facility in Stamford, Connecticut
encompassing approximately 5,000 square feet.
Certain statements under this caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" constitute "forward-looking
statements" under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the
"Reform Act"). See "Part II -- Other Information."
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of the results of operations is based
on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and Consolidated
Statements of Operations for BKF Capital Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries. In
January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Financial
Interpretation No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities" ("FIN 46").
FIN 46 addresses the application of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51,
"Consolidated Financial Statements," to variable interest entities ("VIE"). A
public enterprise with a variable interest in a VIE created before January 31,
2003, is required to apply FIN 46 to that VIE as of the beginning of the first
interim or annual reporting period beginning after June 15, 2003. BKF has
elected to adopt FIN 46 for the periods reflected in the Consolidated Statements
of Financial Condition and the Consolidated Statements of Operations included in
this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. In the context of making determinations
pursuant to FIN 46, BKF has also decided to consolidate certain affiliated
investment partnerships in which it may be deemed to have a controlling
interest. It should be noted that the number and identity of the partnerships
being consolidated may change over time as the interest held by BKF and its
affiliates in affiliated partnerships changes. The assets, liabilities and
related operations of these partnerships and related minority interest have been
reflected in the consolidated financial statements for the three and six month
periods ended June 30, 2003 and June 30, 2002, respectively. The consolidation
of the partnerships does not impact BKF's stockholders' equity or net income.
The general partner liability with respect to the consolidated partnerships is
limited to Levco GP, Inc., which has no assets other than its interests in
affiliated limited partnerships.
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2003 AS COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
2002
Revenues
Total revenues for the second quarter of 2003 were $25.11 million,
reflecting an increase of 29.2% from $19.43 million in revenues in the same
period in 2002. This increase was primarily attributable to (i) a 54.1% increase
in incentive fees and general partner incentive allocations to $8.70 million in
the second quarter of 2003 from $5.64 million in the same period in 2002 and
(ii) a net realized and unrealized gain on investments from consolidated
investment partnerships of $861,000 in the second quarter of 2003 as compared to
a loss of $3.56 million in the same period in 2002. The gains/losses on
investments in consolidated investment partnerships include minority interest,
i.e., the portion of the gains or losses generated by the partnerships allocable
to all partners other than Levco GP, Inc., which is separately identified on the
consolidated statements of operations.
Incentive fees and general partner allocations are accrued on a quarterly
basis but are primarily determined and billed or allocated, as the case may be,
at the end of the applicable contract year or upon investor withdrawal. Such
accruals may be reversed prior to being earned or allocated as the result of
investment performance. The increase in incentive fees and general partner
incentive allocations was primarily attributable to an increase in the
performance of, and net capital contributions to, certain accounts following
event-driven investment strategies and net capital contributions to a long/short
equity strategy, which gains were partially offset by the reversal of an accrual
made in 2002 with regard to an investment vehicle following
18
a short-biased strategy. The increase in incentive fees and general partner
incentive allocations was in large part offset by a 12.3% decrease in
asset-based investment advisory fees to $14.42 million in the second quarter of
2003 from $16.45 million in the same period in 2002. This decrease in
asset-based advisory fees is primarily attributable to the decrease in assets
managed (as the result of net withdrawals and negative investment performance)
for value equity accounts, which was partly offset by an increase in assets
under management in alternative investment strategies (as the result of net
contributions and positive investment performance).
Management believes that with regard to the value equity strategies, their
underperformance relative to their benchmarks in 2002 may adversely affect BKF's
ability to retain existing accounts and attract new accounts in 2003 with
respect to its value equity products. In April 2003, Levco was notified that as
of June 20, 2003 it would no longer be able to participate in a wrap fee
program. As a result, Levco lost approximately $175 million in wrap program
assets from such program in May and June 2003. The impact of the loss of such
accounts will be felt most strongly beginning in the third quarter. In addition,
in June 2003, the wrap program through which Levco managed approximately 85% of
its wrap program assets as of June 30, 2003 changed the status of Levco so that
Levco may continue to accept additional contributions from existing accounts but
may not open new accounts in the program. The duration of this change in status
is indefinite.
Net commission income generated by the broker-dealer business declined
21.1% to $496,000 in the second quarter of 2003 from $629,000 in the second
quarter of 2002, primarily as the result of a decrease in the number of accounts
at the broker-dealer and a decrease in commission rates.
In the second quarter of 2003, BKF had a net realized and unrealized gain
on investments of $405,000 primarily derived from its seed capital investments
in non-consolidated investment vehicles pursuing alternative investment
strategies. In the second quarter of 2002, BKF had a net realized and unrealized
loss of $194,000 on investments in various long only and alternative investment
strategies (excluding investments in consolidated investment partnerships).
Interest and dividend income in the second quarter of 2003 (excluding
consolidated investment partnerships) was $145,000, reflecting a 11.6% decrease
from $164,000 in the same period in 2002. This decrease is primarily
attributable to a decrease in interest rates.
Interest and dividend income from consolidated investment partnerships in
the second quarter of 2003 was $82,000, reflecting a 72.6% decrease from
$299,000 in the same period in 2002. This decrease is primarily attributable to
the decrease in the number, and the corresponding decrease in the assets under
management, of the affiliated partnerships being consolidated.
Expenses
Total expenses for the second quarter of 2003 were $25.00 million,
reflecting an increase of 10.0% from $22.72 million in expenses in the same
period in 2002. Total expenses excluding amortization of finite life intangibles
were $23.25 million in the second quarter of 2003, reflecting an increase of
10.8% from $20.97 million for the second quarter of 2002.
Compensation expense was $18.52 million in the second quarter of 2003,
reflecting an increase of 20.6% from $15.36 million in the same period in 2002.
This increase in compensation expense is primarily attributable to restricted
stock units granted in 2002 and 2003 (including restricted stock units granted
in exchange for options), an increase in the percentage of revenues attributable
to alternative investment strategies, and the expansion of the investment teams
involved in managing alternative investment strategies. Compensation with regard
to alternative investment products is determined on a different basis than
compensation with regard to value equity products. Compensation expense accruals
were made in accordance with compensation guidelines most recently approved by
the board of directors in 2001, but in view of current market and business
conditions, it is anticipated that such compensation guidelines will be
reviewed. Such review could result in changes in the manner in which bonus
compensation is determined in 2003.
Occupancy and equipment rental was $1.53 million in the second quarter of
2003, reflecting a 3.5% increase from $1.48 million in the same period in 2002.
This increase is attributable to (i) escalations in the lease for the facilities
at One Rockefeller Plaza, (ii) real estate tax increases, and (iii) the lease
for a business
19
continuity facility in Stamford, Connecticut that commenced in September 2002.
In order to reduce operating expenses, BKF is currently considering subleasing,
or otherwise reducing its obligations with respect to, a portion of its
facilities at One Rockefeller Plaza. Based on the difference between current
rental obligations and current market rates, BKF may incur a significant charge
based on the difference between current rental obligations and the total value
to be received by BKF.
Other operating expenses were $3.16 million in the second quarter of 2003,
reflecting a 22.0% decrease from $4.04 million in the same period in 2002. The
decrease was primarily attributable to (i) a decrease in fees to third party
marketers as the result of a reversal in an accrued performance fee relating to
a vehicle following a short-biased investment strategy and (ii) decreases in
technology and other consulting fees. These decreases were offset by increased
insurance premiums.
Other operating expenses from consolidated limited partnerships were
$37,000 in the second quarter of 2003, reflecting a 58.4% decrease from $89,000
in the same period in 2002. These expenses are primarily comprised of auditing,
tax preparation and legal fees borne directly by the consolidated investment
partnerships, and the decrease in such expenses primarily reflects the decrease
in the number of partnerships being consolidated during the respective periods.
Operating Income (Loss)
Operating income for the second quarter of 2003 was $108,000, as compared
to an operating loss of $3.29 million in the same period in 2002. Excluding (i)
net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and interest and dividend
income (including the portions attributable to consolidated investment
partnerships), and (ii) the amortization of finite life intangibles, operating
income in the second quarter of 2003 was $367,000, reflecting a 79.0% decrease
from $1.75 million in the same period in 2002, primarily as the result of the
increase in compensation expense attributable to restricted stock unit grants.
Income Taxes
Total income tax expense was $597,000 in the second quarter of 2003,
reflecting a decrease of 8.7% from $654,000 for the same period in 2002. This
decrease primarily reflects the decrease in income before taxes (as determined
without a deduction for the amortization of intangibles). An effective tax rate
of 46.9% (before amortization) was used to make the determination with respect
to the provision for taxes at June 30, 2003, while an effective tax rate of
46.4% (before amortization) was used to calculate the provision for taxes at
June 30, 2002. The differential in tax rates is primarily due to differences in
state allocations.
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2003 AS COMPARED TO SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2002
Revenues
Total revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2003 were $46.92 million,
reflecting an increase of 14.8% from $40.87 million in revenues in the same
period in 2002. This increase was primarily attributable to (i) a 72.1% increase
in incentive fees and general partner incentive allocations to $15.56 million in
the first six months of 2003 from $9.04 million in the same period in 2002 and
(ii) a net realized and unrealized gain on investments from consolidated
investment partnerships of $1.17 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003
as compared to a loss of $3.70 million in the same period in 2002. The
gains/losses on investments in consolidated investment partnerships include
minority interest, i.e., the portion of the gains or losses generated by the
partnerships allocable to all partners other than Levco GP, Inc., which is
separately identified on the consolidated statements of operations.
Incentive fees and general partner allocations are accrued on a quarterly
basis but are primarily determined and billed or allocated, as the case may be,
at the end of the applicable contract year or upon investor withdrawal. Such
accruals may be reversed prior to being earned or allocated as the result of
investment performance. The increase in incentive fees and general partner
incentive allocations was primarily attributable to an increase in the
performance of, and net capital contributions to, certain accounts following
event-driven investment strategies and net capital contributions to a long/short
equity strategy, which gains
20
were partially offset by the reversal of an accrual made in 2002 with regard to
an investment vehicle following a short-biased strategy. The increase in
incentive fees and general partner incentive allocations was in large part
offset by a 15.4% decrease in asset-based investment advisory fees to $28.25
million in the first six months of 2003 from $33.39 million in the same period
in 2002. This decrease in asset-based advisory fees is primarily attributable to
the decrease in assets managed (as the result of net withdrawals of
approximately $1.15 billion) for value equity accounts.
Net commission income generated by the broker-dealer business declined
29.8% to $989,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2003 from $1.41 million in
the same period in 2002, primarily as the result of a decrease in the number of
accounts at the broker-dealer and a decrease in commission rates.
In the six months ended June 30, 2003, BKF had a net realized and
unrealized gain on investments of $506,000 primarily derived from its seed
capital investments in non-consolidated investment vehicles pursuing alternative
investment strategies. In the six months ended June 30, 2002, BKF had a net
realized and unrealized loss of $110,000 on investments in various long only and
alternative investment strategies (excluding investments in consolidated
investment partnerships).
Interest and dividend income in the six months ended June 30, 2003
(excluding consolidated investment partnerships) was $229,000, reflecting a
27.5% decrease from $316,000 in the same period in 2002. This decrease is
primarily attributable to a decrease in interest rates.
Interest and dividend income from consolidated investment partnerships in
the six months ended June 30, 2003 was $214,000, reflecting a 59.5% decrease
from $528,000 in the same period in 2002. This decrease is primarily
attributable to the decrease in the number, and the corresponding decrease in
the assets under management, of the affiliated partnerships being consolidated.
Expenses
Total expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2003 were $47.47 million,
reflecting an increase of 9.0% from $43.56 million in expenses in the same
period in 2002. Total expenses excluding amortization of finite life intangibles
were $43.97 million in the first six months of 2003, reflecting an increase of
9.8% from $40.06 million for the same period in 2002.
Compensation expense was $34.49 million for the six months ended June 30,
2003, reflecting an increase of 15.6% from $29.84 million in the same period in
2002. This increase in compensation expense is primarily attributable to
restricted stock units granted in 2002 and 2003 (including restricted stock
units granted in exchange for options), an increase in the percentage of
revenues attributable to alternative investment strategies, and the expansion of
the investment teams involved in managing alternative investment strategies.
Compensation with regard to alternative investment products is determined on a
different basis than compensation with regard to value equity products.
Occupancy and equipment rental was $3.18 million in the first six months of
2003, reflecting a 9.5% increase from $2.90 million in the same period in 2002.
This increase is attributable to (i) escalations in the lease for the facilities
at One Rockefeller Plaza, (ii) real estate tax increases, and (iii) the lease
for a business continuity facility in Stamford, Connecticut that commenced in
September 2002.
Other operating expenses were $6.19 million in the first six months of
2003, reflecting a 13.4% decrease from $7.14 million in the same period in 2002.
The decrease was primarily attributable to (i) a decrease in fees to third party
marketers as the result of a reversal in an accrued performance fee relating to
a vehicle following a short-biased investment strategy and (ii) decreases in
technology and other consulting fees. These decreases were offset by increased
insurance premiums.
21
Other operating expenses from consolidated limited partnerships were
$107,000 in the six months ended June 30, 2003, reflecting a 37.4% decrease from
$171,000 in the same period in 2002. These expenses are primarily comprised of
auditing, tax preparation and legal fees expenses borne directly by the
consolidated investment partnerships.
Operating Loss
Operating loss for the six months ended June 30, 2003 was $553,000, as
compared to an operating loss of $2.69 million in the same period in 2002.
Excluding (i) net realized and unrealized gain on investments and interest and
dividend income (including the portions attributable to consolidated investment
partnerships), and (ii) the amortization of finite life intangibles, operating
income in the second quarter of 2003 was $837,000, reflecting a 77.9% decrease
from $3.79 million in the same period in 2002, primarily as the result of the
increase in compensation expense attributable to restricted stock unit grants.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense was $988,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2003,
reflecting a decrease of 42.0% from $1.70 million for the same period in 2002.
This decrease primarily reflects the decrease in income before taxes (as
determined without a deduction for the amortization of intangibles). An
effective tax rate of 46.4% (before amortization) was used to make the
determination with respect to the provision for taxes at June 30, 2003, while an
effective tax rate of 44.8% (before amortization) was used to calculate the
provision for taxes at June 30, 2002. The differential in tax rates is due to
state allocations.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
BKF's current assets as of June 30, 2003 consist primarily of cash, short
term investments and investment advisory and incentive fees receivable. While
BKF's daily business operations are not generally capital intensive, BKF
utilizes capital to develop and seed new investment products. The development of
new products is an important element in BKF's business plan, and such seed
capital investments may require substantial financial resources. Due to its
relatively small size, BKF may consider a number of options to obtain such seed
capital. BKF has historically met its cash and liquidity needs through cash
generated by operating activities. At June 30, 2003, BKF had cash and cash
equivalents of $43.01 million, compared to $39.15 million at December 31, 2002.
This increase primarily reflects the withdrawal of seed capital from affiliated
investment partnerships, the collection of receivables and the annual withdrawal
of general partner incentive allocations from affiliated investment
partnerships, which were partly offset by payment of cash bonuses in 2003 which
were accrued in 2002. The decrease in investment advisory and incentive fees
receivable from $24.15 million at December 31, 2002 to $21.90 million at June
30, 2003 primarily reflects the receipt in 2003 of incentive fees earned in
2002.
The decrease in investments in securities from $1.05 million at December
31, 2002 to $368,000 at June 30, 2003 reflects the return of capital relating to
the liquidation of the Van Eck Levin Mid Cap Value Fund during the second
quarter, as BKF ceased the development of its mid cap value effort. The decrease
in investments in securities from consolidated limited partnerships from $17.81
million at December 31, 2002 to $8.90 million at June 30, 2003, and the decrease
in due from broker from consolidated limited partnerships from $31.75 million at
December 31, 2002 to zero at June 30, 2003 reflects (i) the liquidation in the
first quarter of 2003 of two investment partnerships and (ii) the
de-consolidation of an investment partnership as of January 1, 2003. The
increase in prepaid expenses and other assets to $3.11 million at June 30, 2003
from $2.12 million at December 31, 2002 primarily reflects the prepayment of
insurance policies. The increase in investments in affiliated investment
partnerships from $9.38 million at December 31, 2002 to $10.83 million at June
30, 2003 primarily reflects the de-consolidation of an affiliated investment
partnership and the accrual of incentive allocations for the six months ended
June 30, 2003, which was partly offset by the withdrawal of general partner
incentive allocations from the unconsolidated, affiliated investment
partnerships earned with respect to 2002. Incentive allocations typically are
withdrawn within three months following the end of the calendar year to pay
compensation and other expenses. In July 2003, BKF invested $5.3 million dollars
in affiliated, unconsolidated limited partnerships utilizing alternative
investment strategies. Investments in
22
unaffiliated partnerships from consolidated limited partnerships, which rose
from $4.28 million at December 31, 2002 to $5.22 million at June 30, 2003
reflects investments made by a consolidated multi-manager, multi-strategy
investment partnership.
Accrued expenses were $3.55 million at June 30, 2003, as compared to $5.21
million at December 31, 2002. The largest component of such expenses was the
accrual for third party marketing fees. Such fees are based on a percentage of
accrued revenue, and such accruals may be reversed based on the subsequent
investment performance of the relevant accounts through the end of the
applicable performance measurement period. Expenses accrued during the six
months ended June 30, 2003 were offset primarily by the payment of accrued third
party marketing fees.
Accrued bonuses were $21.20 million at June 30, 2003, as compared to $31.51
million at December 31, 2002, reflecting the payment of 2002 bonuses and the
accrual for 2003 bonuses.
The decrease in securities sold short from consolidated limited
partnerships from $9.40 million at December 31, 2002 to zero at June 30, 2003
reflects (i) the liquidation in the first quarter of 2003 of two investment
partnerships and (ii) the de-consolidation of an investment partnership as of
January 1, 2003.
The increase in accrued incentive compensation to $5.76 million at June 30,
2003 from $2.31 million at December 31, 2002 reflects the granting of restricted
stock units during the period.
Based upon BKF's current level of operations and anticipated growth, BKF
expects that cash flows from operating activities will be sufficient to finance
its working capital needs for the foreseeable future. Except for its lease
commitments, which are discussed in Note 9 in the Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements in BKF's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2002, BKF has no material commitments for capital expenditures. BKF
expects to spend approximately $3.0 million in connection with improving its
facilities currently under lease, which expenditures will be amortized over the
life of the lease.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Since BKF's revenues are largely driven by the market value of Levco's
assets under management, these revenues are exposed to fluctuations in the
equity markets. Management fees for most accounts are determined based on the
market value of the account on the last day of the quarter, so any significant
increases or decreases in market value occurring on or shortly before the last
day of a quarter may materially impact revenues of the current quarter or the
following quarter (with regard to wrap program accounts). Furthermore, since
Levco manages most of its assets in a large cap value style, a general decline
in the performance of value stocks could have an adverse impact on Levco's
revenues. Similarly, a lack of opportunity to implement, or a failure to
successfully implement, Levco's event-driven and short-biased strategies could
reduce performance based incentive fees and allocations and thereby negatively
impact BKF's revenues. Because BKF is primarily in the asset management business
and manages equity portfolios, changes in interest rates, foreign currency
exchange rates, commodity prices or other market rates or prices impact BKF only
to the extent they are reflected in the equity markets.
ITEM 4. DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the
participation of BKF's management, including the CEO and CFO, of the
effectiveness of the design and operation of BKF's disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Based on that evaluation, BKF's management,
including the CEO and CFO, concluded that BKF's disclosure controls and
procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
There have been no significant changes in BKF's internal controls or in other
factors that could significantly affect internal controls since the date of
their evaluation.
It should be noted that any system of controls, however well designed and
operated, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance that the
objectives of the system are met. In addition, the design of any control system
is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events.
Because of
23
these and other inherent limitations of control systems, there is only
reasonable assurance that BKF's controls will succeed in achieving their stated
goals under all potential future conditions.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
None
ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
On May 21, 2003, BKF held its Annual Meeting of Stockholders. At the Annual
Meeting, David D. Grumhaus, James S. Tisch and Barton M. Biggs were elected to
serve as directors of BKF. Anson M. Beard, Jr., J. Barton Goodwin, John A.
Levin, Burton G. Malkiel, Peter J. Solomon and Dean J. Takahashi continued as
directors following the Annual Meeting. At the Annual Meeting, the stockholders
also approved proposal 2, ratifying the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as
BKF's independent auditors, and proposal 3, a shareholder proposal requesting
that the board of directors redeem the Common Share Purchase Rights issued
pursuant to the Rights Agreement dated June 8, 2001 (the "Plan"), unless the
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares approve the issuance at a
meeting of stockholders held as soon as practical. The board of directors
recognizes the stockholder vote in favor of proposal 3 and continues to believe
that the Plan supports the objectives of preserving and maximizing the Company's
value for all stockholders.
The voting on the above matters is set forth below:
Proposal 1
NOMINEE VOTES FOR VOTES WITHHELD
- ------- --------- --------------
David D. Grumhaus........................................... 4,761,383 1,335,595
James S. Tisch.............................................. 4,805,258 1,291,720
Barton M. Biggs............................................. 4,801,275 1,295,703
Proposal 2 -- There were 5,349,004 votes for, 94,165 votes against, and
653,805 abstentions.
Proposal 3 -- There were 3,327,924 votes for, 996,890 votes against, and
27,405 abstentions.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains certain statements that are not
historical facts, including, most importantly, information concerning possible
or assumed future results of operations of BKF and statements preceded by,
followed by or that include the words "may," "believes," "expects,"
"anticipates," or the negation thereof, or similar expressions, which constitute
"forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Reform Act. For those
statements, BKF claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking
statements contained in the Reform Act. These forward-looking statements are
based on BKF's current expectations and are susceptible to a number of risks,
uncertainties and other factors, including the risks specifically enumerated in
"Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations," and BKF's actual results, performance and achievements may
differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed
or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include the
following: retention and ability of qualified personnel; the performance of the
securities markets and of value stocks in particular; the investment performance
of client accounts; the
24
retention of significant client and/or distribution relationships; competition;
the existence or absence of adverse publicity; changes in business strategy;
quality of management; availability, terms and deployment of capital; business
abilities and judgment of personnel; labor and employee benefit costs; changes
in, or failure to comply with, government regulations; the costs and other
effects of legal and administrative proceedings; and other risks and
uncertainties referred to in this document and in BKF's other current and
periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, all of which are
difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond BKF's
control. BKF will not undertake and specifically declines any obligation to
publicly release the result of any revisions which may be made to any
forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of
such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated
events. In addition, it is BKF's policy generally not to make any specific
projections as to future earnings, and BKF does not endorse any projections
regarding future performance that may be made by third parties.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) Exhibits
31.1 Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
31.2 Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
32.1 Section 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
32.2 Section 906 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
None.
25
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.
BKF CAPITAL GROUP, INC.
By /s/ JOHN A. LEVIN
------------------------------------
John A. Levin
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer
and President
By: /s/ GLENN A. AIGEN
------------------------------------
Glenn A. Aigen
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
Date: August 14, 2003
26