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U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-KSB
(Mark One)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended DECEMBER 31, 1997
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
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Commission file number 0-5703
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SIEBERT FINANCIAL CORP.
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(Name of small business issuer in its charter)
NEW YORK 11-1796714
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(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
885 THIRD AVENUE, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Issuer's telephone number, including area code (212) 644 - 2400
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Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:
Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered
NONE NONE
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Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:
COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $.01 PER SHARE
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(Title of class)
Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 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 [ ]
Check if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers in response to
Item 405 of Regulation S-B contained in this form, and no disclosure will be
contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-KSB
or any amendment to this Form 10-KSB. [X]
State issuer's revenues for its most recent fiscal year. $25,867,283
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As of March 27, 1998, the aggregate market value of the voting stock
held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $6,204,000 based on
the closing price of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market on that
date.
As of March 27, 1998, there were 5,248,410 shares of Common Stock
outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
Siebert Financial Corp.'s definitive proxy statement for its 1998
annual meeting of shareholders to be filed by the registrant pursuant to
Regulation 14A is incorporated by reference into items 9, 10, 11 and 12 of Part
III of this Form 10-KSB by reference.
PART I
ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS.
GENERAL
Siebert Financial Corp. (the "Company") is a holding company which
conducts all of its business activities in the retail discount brokerage and
investment banking business through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Muriel Siebert
& Co., Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Siebert"). Muriel Siebert, the first woman
member of the New York Stock Exchange, is the Chair and President and owns
approximately 96% of the outstanding common stock, par value $.01 per share (the
"Common Stock"), of the Company.
The Company is the successor by merger to J. Michaels, Inc. ("JMI"), a
company not previously associated with Siebert Financial Corp. On November 8,
1996, JMI and Muriel Siebert Capital Markets Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation
owned by Ms. Siebert ("MSCMG"), merged and concurrently transferred all of the
assets previously owned by JMI to a liquidating trust. The Company has had no,
nor does it expect to have any, involvement with the liquidating trust.
Following the merger, the Company's fiscal year was changed to December 31.
Siebert was incorporated on June 13, 1969 under the laws of the State
of Delaware. The principal executive offices of the Company and Siebert are
located at 885 Third Avenue, 17th Floor, New York, New York 10022.
BUSINESS OVERVIEW
Siebert provides services to its customers through two main divisions.
Through its Retail division, Siebert provides discount brokerage and related
services to its retail investor accounts. Through its Capital Markets division,
Siebert offers institutional clients equity execution services on an agency
basis as well as equity, fixed income and municipal underwriting and investment
banking services. In addition, this division participates in the secondary
markets for Municipal and U.S. Treasury securities and also trades listed closed
end bond funds and certain other securities for its own account. This
proprietary trading business is segregated from that of the agency business
executed on behalf of institutional clients.
The firm is unique among discount brokerage firms in that, through its
Capital Markets division, it offers a wide array of underwriting and investment
banking services. Such services include acting as senior manager, co-manager or
otherwise participating in the underwriting or sales syndicates of municipal,
corporate debt and equity, government agency and mortgage/asset backed
securities issues.
The Company believes that it is the largest Woman-Owned Business
Enterprise ("WBE") in the capital markets business in the country through
Siebert and the largest Minority and Women's Business Enterprise ("MWBE") in the
tax exempt underwriting business in the country through its Siebert Brandford
Shank division.
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THE RETAIL DIVISION
DISCOUNT BROKERAGE AND RELATED SERVICES. The Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "SEC") eliminated fixed commission rates on securities
transactions on May 1, 1975, a date that would later come to be known as "May
Day", spawning the discount brokerage industry; that very day, on the opening
bell, Siebert executed its first discounted commission trade. The firm has been
in business and a member of The New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the "NYSE")
longer than any other discount broker.
Siebert's focus in its discount brokerage business is to serve retail
clients who seek a wide selection of quality investment services at commissions
that are substantially lower than those of full-commission firms and competitive
with the national discounters.
Siebert clears all securities transactions on a fully-disclosed basis
through National Financial Services Corp. ("NFSC"), a wholly owned subsidiary of
Fidelity Investments. NFSC, with over $9 billion in assets, adds
state-of-the-art technology as well as back-office experience to the operations
of Siebert supplementing Siebert's in-house systems.
Siebert serves investors who make their own investment decisions.
Siebert seeks to assist its customers in their investment decisions by offering
a number of value added services, including research by fax and quick and easy
access to account information. The firm provides its customers with information
via toll-free 800 service direct to its representatives Monday through Friday
between 7:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Through its SiebertNet, Siebert
Online and Siebert MarketPhone services, 24 hour access is available to
customers.
INDEPENDENT RETAIL EXECUTION SERVICES. Siebert is independent of the
Over-the-Counter ("OTC") and Third Market market makers and consequently offers
what it believes to be the best possible trade executions for customers. Siebert
does not make markets in securities, nor does it position against customer
orders. Most of the firm's listed orders are routed to the primary exchange for
execution, however, all such customer orders are afforded the opportunity for
price improvement. Through a service called NYSE Prime(1), Siebert also has the
ability to document to customers all price improvements received on orders
executed on the NYSE when orders are filled at better than the National Best
Bid/Offer.
The firm's OTC orders are executed through a network of unaffiliated
Nasdaq market makers with no single market maker executing all trades. This
allows Siebert to fill its customer orders by choosing the market maker it deems
best in each particular stock quickly and efficiently in all market conditions.
Additionally, the firm offers customers execution services through the
SelectNet(2) and Instinet(3) systems. These systems give customers access to
extended trading hours. Siebert believes that its OTC executions afford its
customers the best possible opportunity for consistent price improvement.
Siebert does not have any affiliation with market makers and therefore does not
execute OTC trades through affiliated market makers.
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(1) NYSE Prime is a service mark of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
(2) SelectNet is a trademark of The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc.
(3) Instinet is a trademark of Reuters Group PLC.
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Siebert executes trades of fixed income securities through its Capital
Markets division. Representatives of this division assist clients in buying,
selling or shopping for competitive yields of fixed income securities, including
municipal bonds, corporate bonds, U.S. Treasuries, mortgage-backed securities,
Government Sponsored Enterprises, Unit Investment Trusts or Certificates of
Deposit. See "Description of Business-Capital Markets Division."
RETAIL CUSTOMER SERVICE. Siebert provides retail customers, at no
additional charge, with personal service via toll-free access to dedicated
customer support personnel for all of its products and services. The customer
service department is located in its home office in New York City. The
department is staffed and supervised by securities professionals qualified to
address all of the clients' needs. Each representative is equipped with powerful
workstations running multiple software programs simultaneously for quick
response to customer inquiries. The workstations display real-time quotes,
market information, up-to-date equity and margin balances, positions and account
history.
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES. Siebert offers retail customers a variety of
products and services designed to assist them with their investment needs and
allow them the convenience of maintaining a single brokerage account for
simplicity and security. The firm backs up its order execution service with a
guarantee that states, "If you are dissatisfied with a trade for any reason,
that trade is commission free" which excludes losses due to fluctuations in the
market value of securities and applies only to commissions.
Siebert's products and services include the Siebert Asset Management
account featuring no-fee, no minimum check writing with payee detail; a dividend
reinvestment program that allows for the automatic reinvestment of cash
dividends as well as capital gains distribution; retirement accounts that are
free of fees if the account maintains assets of at least $10,000; $100 million
in protection per account, consisting of $500,000 in standard insurance and
$99.5 million in additional protection at no charge; and free safekeeping
services.
ELECTRONIC SERVICES. Siebert provides customers with electronic
delivery of services through a variety of means, as discussed below. Siebert
believes, however, that the electronic delivery services, while cost efficient,
do not offer a customer the ultimate in flexibility. Siebert believes a
combination of electronic services and personalized telephonic service maintains
customer loyalty and best serves the needs of most customers. To that end, all
of the services of the firm are supported by trained licensed securities
professionals.
SIEBERTNET - Internet access with features including the efficiency and
manageability of placing low commission stock and option orders, obtaining real
time quotes, confirmation of pending and executed orders, access to late
breaking news and valuable financial reports, as well as current account
information including balances and positions.
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SIEBERT ONLINE - the firm's popular PC software runs on Windows 3.1(4)
and Windows95(5) through a secure private connection. It features easy
installation and intuitive operations but its design lends itself to the active
trader as well. With the click of a mouse, investors can check their account
status, get real-time quotes and place orders 24 hours a day.
SIEBERT MARKETPHONE(R) - allows customers to trade at their convenience
through touch-tone phones and to check balances and executions and receive free
real-time quotes (including closed end mutual funds). The service also permits
automatic transfer to a live broker or the use of the fax-on-demand feature to
select an investment report to be delivered to a fax machine through the firm's
Research by Fax(R) service.
SELECTNET AND INSTINET - gives customers access to extended trading
hours.
PERFORMANCEFAX - allows customers to receive a comprehensive profit and
loss analysis of their portfolios faxed each morning before the market opens.
Alternatively, the customer can select from weekly and monthly schedules for
receipt of PerformanceFax reports.
SIEBERT FUNDEXCHANGE(R) - the FundExchange(R) Mutual Fund service
provides customers with access to approximately 6,000 mutual funds, including
1,800 no-load funds, about 800 of which have no transaction fees.
ON-LINE STATEMENT IMAGING SYSTEM - electronic imaging of customer
statements are displayed directly on the screen of Siebert representatives for
fast accurate detail of customer accounts.
VISA(R)(6) DEBIT CARD - allows customers the convenience of a Siebert
VISA debit card.
SIEBERT RESEARCH BY FAX - customers are able to call toll free from any
touch tone telephone and select from a list of research reports that will be
faxed 24 hours a day. Upon request, such reports will be mailed to customers or
made available for customer pickup at any branch.
VIP PREMIERE STATEMENT - these statements offer a more sophisticated
view of the brokerage account information including an account valuation
section, an asset allocation pie chart, an enhanced activity section and a
detailed income summary section.
Siebert is currently developing and will offer during the next year new
products and services including the following:
o Major upgrades and improvements to each of its major electronic
services - SiebertNet, Siebert Online, and MartketPhone. These
upgrades are intended to vastly improve the efficiency and content
of these services.
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(4) Windows 3.1 is a trademark of the Microsoft Corporation.
(5) Windows95 is a trademark of the Microsoft Corporation.
(6) VISA is a registered trademark of VISA International, Inc.
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o Brand new wireless trading and market data service - this new
product will allow clients to place trades, receive quotes and
access other market information by utilizing the latest in wireless
technology.
o News and trade execution alert service - customers are able to keep
abreast of the market whether at home or traveling using the firm's
alert service via PC, beeper or fax.
NEW ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT. Siebert maintains a separate New Accounts
department to familiarize each customer with Siebert's variety of services,
policies and procedures. The department assists in the development of new
business received through the firm's print and broadcast advertising as well as
its referral programs.
The New Accounts department assesses the credit worthiness of customers
and monitors control procedures for each new customer. These procedures include
the use of a combination of nationally recognized fraud prevention services,
credit bureaus and internal controls developed and maintained by Siebert.
Management feels that these procedures minimize Siebert's exposure to customers'
fraudulent activities.
The New Accounts department staff also assists customers in document
management and compliance with regulatory requirements.
RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS. Siebert offers customers a variety of
self-directed retirement accounts for which it acts as agent on all
transactions. Custodial services are provided through an affiliate of NFSC, the
firm's clearing agent, which also serves as trustee for such accounts. IRA, SEPP
IRA, ROTH IRA, 401(k) and KEOGH accounts can be invested in a wide array of
mutual funds, stocks, bonds and other investments all through one consolidated
account. Cash balances in these accounts are swept daily to the money market
fund chosen by the customer. Retirement accounts in excess of $10,000 in assets
are free of maintenance fees. Retirement accounts also enjoy free dividend
reinvestment in more than 12,000 publicly traded securities and mutual funds
allowing customers to automatically reinvest cash dividends and capital gains
distributions for additional shares of the same security.
CUSTOMER FINANCING. Customers' securities transactions are effected on
either a cash or margin basis. Generally, a customer buying securities in a
cash-only brokerage account is required to make payment by the settlement date,
generally three business days after the trade is executed. However, for
purchases of certain types of securities, such as options, a customer must have
a cash or a money market fund balance in his or her account sufficient to pay
for the trade prior to its execution. When selling securities, a customer is
required to deliver the securities, and is entitled to receive the proceeds, on
the settlement date. In an account authorized for margin trading, Siebert
arranges for the clearing agent to lend its customer a portion of the market
value of certain securities up to the limit imposed by the Federal Reserve
Board, which for most equity securities is initially 50%. Such loans are
collateralized by the securities in the customer's account. Short sales of
securities represent sales of borrowed securities and create an obligation to
purchase the securities at a later date. Customers may sell securities short in
a margin account subject to minimum equity and applicable margin requirements
and the availability of such securities to be
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borrowed.
In permitting a customer to engage in transactions, Siebert assumes the
risk of its customer's failure to meet his or her obligations in the event of
adverse changes in the market value of the securities positions in his or her
account. Both Siebert and its clearing agent reserve the right to set margin
requirements higher than those established by the Federal Reserve Board.
Pursuant to its clearing agreement, Siebert participates in its
clearing agent's income from financing Siebert customers' transactions. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation."
OFFICES. Siebert currently maintains seven retail discount brokerage
offices. See "Properties." Customers can visit the offices to obtain market
information, place orders, open accounts, deliver and receive checks and
securities, and obtain related customer services in person. Nevertheless, most
of Siebert's activities are conducted by telephone and mail.
The New York office remains open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m.
to 7:30 p.m., Eastern Time, while branch offices remain open from 9 a.m. to 5
p.m., Eastern Time, to service customers in person and by telephone.
RISK MANAGEMENT. The principal credit risk to which the Company is
exposed on a regular basis is to customers who fail to pay for their purchases
or who fail to maintain the minimum required collateral for amounts borrowed
against securities positions.
Siebert has established policies with respect to maximum purchase
commitments for new customers or customers with inadequate collateral to support
a requested purchase. Managers have some flexibility in allowing certain
transactions. When transactions occur outside normal guidelines, such accounts
are monitored closely until their payment obligation is completed; if the
customer does not meet the commitment, steps are taken to close out the purchase
and minimize any losses.
Siebert has a risk unit specifically responsible for monitoring all
customer positions for the maintenance of required collateral. The unit also
monitors accounts that may be concentrated unduly in one or more securities
whereby a significant decline in the value of a particular concentrated security
could reduce the value of the account's collateral below the account's loan
obligation.
Siebert has not had significant credit losses in the last five years.
INFORMATION SYSTEMS. Siebert's operations rely heavily on its
information processing and communications systems. Siebert's system for
processing securities transactions is highly automated. Registered
representatives equipped with online computer terminals can access customer
account information, obtain securities prices and related information and enter
and confirm orders online.
To support its customer service delivery systems, as well as other
applications such as clearing functions, account administration, record keeping
and direct customer access to investment
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information, Siebert maintains a computer network in New York. Through its
clearing agent, Siebert's computers are also linked to the major registered
United States securities exchanges, the National Securities Clearing Corporation
and The Depository Trust Company. Failure of Siebert's information processing or
communication systems for a significant period of time could limit its ability
to process its large volume of transactions accurately and rapidly. This could
cause Siebert to be unable to satisfy its obligations to customers and other
securities firms, and could result in regulatory violations. External events,
such as an earthquake or power failure, loss of external information feeds, such
as security price information, as well as internal malfunctions, such as those
that could occur during the implementation of system modifications, could render
part or all of such systems inoperative.
To enhance the reliability of the system and integrity of data, Siebert
maintains carefully monitored backup and recovery functions. These include
logging of all critical files intra-day, duplication and storage of all critical
data outside of its central computer site each evening, and maintenance of
facilities for backup and communications located offsite.
CAPITAL MARKETS DIVISION
In 1991, Siebert formalized its commitment to its institutional
customer base by creating a separate capital markets division (the "Capital
Markets Division"). This group has served as a co-manager, selling group member
or underwriter on a full spectrum of new issue offerings by municipalities,
corporations and Federal agencies. The Capital Markets Division has been
involved in issues from New York to California. In addition, the Capital Markets
Division's distribution system is extensive.
The two principal areas of the Capital Markets Division are investment
banking and institutional equity execution services.
INVESTMENT BANKING. Siebert offers investment banking services to
corporate and municipal clients through its Capital Markets Division which
participates in public offerings of equity and debt securities with
institutional and individual investors.
Siebert has participated as an underwriter for taxable and tax-exempt
debt, raising capital for many types of issuers including states, counties,
cities, transportation authorities, sewer and water authorities and housing and
education agencies. Since it began underwriting in 1989, the firm has either
senior managed or co-managed over $99 billion in municipal debt. Siebert has
participated as an underwriter in several of the largest common stock offerings
that have come to market, including Conrail, Allstate, PacTel Corporation, Estee
Lauder and Lucent Technologies. To date, the firm has participated as an
underwriter and/or selling group member in over 210 corporate offerings,
including debt issuances, totaling over $137 billion.
During 1996, Siebert formed the Siebert, Brandford, Shank division of
the investment banking group to add to the former activities of Siebert's tax
exempt underwriting department. This division is primarily comprised of a group
of investment banking professionals who were previously employed by the 13th
largest tax exempt underwriting firm in the country. The operations of the
Siebert, Brandford, Shank division will shortly be moved to a newly formed
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entity, Siebert, Brandford, Shank & Co., L.L.C. Two individuals, Mr. Napoleon
Brandford and Ms. Suzanne F. Shank, own 51% of the equity and are entitled to
51% of the net profits, after Siebert's recovery of start-up expenses, while
Siebert is entitled to the balance. The group has made Siebert a more
significant factor in the tax exempt underwriting area. The division is expected
to enhance Siebert's government and institutional relationships as well as the
breadth of products that can be made available to retail clients.
Pending transfer to Siebert, Brandford, Shank & Co., L.L.C., the
municipal bond business has been operated as a division of Siebert, utilizing
the financial arrangement previously described.
In addition to occupying a portion of Siebert's existing offices in New
York, the Siebert, Brandford, Shank division operates out of offices in San
Francisco, Seattle, Houston, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles and Dallas.
To date, the Siebert, Brandford, Shank division has co-managed
offerings of approximately $20 billion and senior managed offerings of
approximately $700 million. Clients include the States of California, Texas and
Washington and the Cities of New York, Chicago, Detroit and St. Louis.
The principal sources of revenue of the Capital Markets Division are
underwriting profits and management fees derived from underwriting.
Certain risks are involved in the underwriting of securities.
Underwriting syndicates agree to purchase securities at a discount from the
initial public offering price. If the securities must be sold below the
syndicate cost, an underwriter is exposed to losses on the securities that it
has committed to purchase. In the last several years, investment banking firms
have increasingly underwritten corporate and municipal offerings with fewer
syndicate participants or, in some cases, without an underwriting syndicate. In
such cases, the underwriter assumes a larger part or all of the risk of an
underwriting transaction. Under Federal securities laws, other laws and court
decisions, an underwriter is exposed to substantial potential liability for
material misstatements or omissions of fact in the prospectus used to describe
the securities being offered. While municipal securities are exempt from the
registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
underwriters of municipal securities nevertheless are exposed to substantial
potential liability in connection with material misstatements or omissions of
fact in the offering documents prepared in connection with offerings of such
securities.
INSTITUTIONAL EQUITY EXECUTION SERVICES. The firm emphasizes
personalized service, professional order handling and client satisfaction to
approximately 600 institutional accounts. It utilizes up to 15 independent floor
brokers that use an extensive network linked via direct "ring down" circuits.
Each broker is strategically located on a major exchange which allows Siebert to
execute orders in all market environments. Utilizing its clearing arrangement,
Siebert has the ability to provide foreign execution and clearing services to
institutional customers. Although the firm has a proprietary trading function,
it does not execute customer orders against such proprietary positions because
Siebert believes its client's interest in a transaction should always be placed
above any other interest. The firm's institutional client list includes some of
the largest pension funds, investment managers and banks across the country. The
firm trades an average of 540,000 shares
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daily for institutional investors and for its own account.
The Institutional Equity Execution Services department utilizes the
Siebert Real-Time List Execution ("SRLX") system. The SRLX system is designed
exclusively for institutional customers who employ the use of basket trading
strategies in their portfolio management. This system enables the Capital
Markets Division to simultaneously manage an array of baskets for multiple
clients while providing real-time analysis. The SRLX system can be integrated
into an existing local area network. It is built with the latest 32 bit
technology to take advantage of today's Pentium(7)-based PCs running Microsoft
Windows95(8) or Windows NT(9). Data integrity is assured through a private
digital T1 line with built-in network redundancy.
The SRLX system is built for institutional customers with features
designed to add significant value to their trading capabilities. This system's
features include: design and development by in-house professionals for
reliability and speed; sophisticated graphical interface allowing exceptional
control and monitoring; real-time order entry, reporting and messaging from the
inter-market trading network; real-time basket analysis including average
pricing and liquidity; multiple basket management from a single window; account
allocation and automated report uploading; customized client reports; active
intervention for large blocks or inactive stocks; and built-in fail-safe and
recovery system.
ADVERTISING, MARKETING AND PROMOTION
Siebert develops and maintains its retail customer base through printed
advertising in financial publications, broadcast commercials over national and
local cable TV channels as well as promotional efforts and public appearances by
Ms. Siebert. Additionally, a significant portion of the firm's new business is
developed directly from referrals by satisfied customers. Many of the firm's
competitors expend substantial funds in advertising and direct solicitation of
prospects and customers to increase their share of the market.
The Capital Markets Division maintains a practice of announcing in
advance that it will contribute a portion of the net commission revenues it
derives from sales of certain negotiated new issue equity, municipal and
government bonds to charitable organizations. Siebert is certified as a WBE with
numerous states, agencies and authorities. Siebert is the only WBE which offers
both retail and institutional product distribution capabilities. It is also the
largest WBE with significant minority participation. Although it has been a
member of the New York Stock Exchange since 1967, new business opportunities
have become available to it based upon its status as a WBE. See "Description of
Business - Regulation."
COMPETITION
Siebert encounters significant competition from full-commission and
discount brokerage firms, as well as from financial institutions, mutual fund
sponsors and other organizations many of which are significantly larger and
better capitalized than Siebert. The general financial success of
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(7) Pentium is a trademark of the Intel Corporation.
(8) Microsoft Windows95 is a trademark of the Microsoft Corporation.
(9) WindowsNT is a trademark of the Microsoft Corporation.
-10-
the securities industry over the past several years has strengthened existing
competitors. Siebert believes that such success will continue to attract
additional competitors such as banks, insurance companies, providers of online
financial and information services and others as they expand their product
lines. Many of these competitors are larger, more diversified, have greater
capital resources, and offer a wider range of services and financial products
than Siebert. Siebert competes with a wide variety of vendors of financial
services for the same customers. Siebert believes that its main competitive
advantages are quality of execution and service, responsiveness, price of
services and products offered and the breadth of its product line.
Among Siebert's principal retail competitors are Charles Schwab, Quick
and Reilly, Fidelity Investments, Waterhouse Securities, Jack White & Co. and
Kennedy Cabot. Siebert charges commissions generally lower than some other
discount brokers including Charles Schwab, Quick & Reilly and Fidelity
Investments. In investment banking, Siebert's principal competitors for business
include both national and regional firms, some of whom have resources
substantially greater than Siebert's.
REGULATION
The securities industry in the United States is subject to extensive
regulation under both Federal and state laws. The SEC is the Federal agency
charged with administration of the Federal securities laws. Siebert is
registered as a broker-dealer with the SEC, the NYSE and the National
Association of Securities Dealers ("NASD"). Much of the regulation of
broker-dealers has been delegated to self-regulatory organizations, principally
the NASD and national securities exchanges such as the NYSE which is Siebert's
primary regulator with respect to financial and operational compliance. These
self-regulatory organizations adopt rules (subject to approval by the SEC)
governing the industry and conduct periodic examinations of broker-dealers.
Securities firms are also subject to regulation by state securities authorities
in the states in which they do business. Siebert is registered as a
broker-dealer in 48 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
The principal purpose of regulations and discipline of broker-dealers
is the protection of customers and the securities markets, rather than
protection of creditors and stockholders of broker-dealers. The regulations to
which broker-dealers are subject cover all aspects of the securities business,
including training of personnel, sales methods, trading practices among
broker-dealers, uses and safekeeping of customers' funds and securities, capital
structure of securities firms, record keeping, fee arrangements, disclosure to
clients, and the conduct of directors, officers and employees. Additional
legislation, changes in rules promulgated by the SEC and by self-regulatory
organizations or changes in the interpretation or enforcement of existing laws
and rules may directly affect the method of operation and profitability of
broker-dealers and investment advisers. The SEC, self-regulatory organizations
and state securities authorities may conduct administrative proceedings which
can result in censure, fine, cease and desist orders or suspension or expulsion
of a broker-dealer or an investment adviser, its officers or its employees.
Neither the Company nor Siebert has been the subject of any such administrative
proceedings.
As a registered broker-dealer and NASD member organization, Siebert is
required by Federal law to belong to the Securities Investor Protection
Corporation ("SIPC") which provides, in the event of the liquidation of a
broker-dealer, protection for securities held in customer accounts
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held by the firm of up to $500,000 per customer, subject to a limitation of
$100,000 on claims for cash balances. The SIPC is funded through assessments on
registered broker-dealers. In addition, Siebert, through its clearing agent, has
purchased from private insurers additional account protection of up to $99.5
million per customer, as defined, for customer securities positions only.
Stocks, bonds, mutual funds and money market funds are considered securities and
are protected on a share basis for the purposes of SIPC protection and the
additional protection. Neither SIPC protection nor the additional protection
applies to fluctuations in the market value of securities.
Siebert is also authorized by the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board
to effect transactions in municipal securities on behalf of its customers and
has obtained certain additional registrations with the SEC and state regulatory
agencies necessary to permit it to engage in certain other activities incidental
to its brokerage business.
Margin lending arranged by Siebert is subject to the margin rules of
the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the NYSE. Under such
rules, broker-dealers are limited in the amount they may lend in connection with
certain purchases and short sales of securities and are also required to impose
certain maintenance requirements on the amount of securities and cash held in
margin accounts. In addition, those rules and rules of the Chicago Board Options
Exchange govern the amount of margin customers must provide and maintain in
writing uncovered options.
In 1996, voters in the State of California approved Proposition 209, a
proposed statewide constitutional amendment by initiative, and the Governor
issued an executive order requiring state officials to immediately implement the
initiative. Proposition 209 bans preferential treatment for women and minorities
in state programs. Under Proposition 209, state agencies have been ordered to
end all quotas or set asides. A number of lawsuits were filed challenging the
constitutionality of the proposition under the Fourteenth Amendment and the
equal protection clause and a court in San Francisco issued an injunction
blocking the implementation of the proposition. The Court of Appeals for the
Ninth Circuit considered the appeal of the injunction blocking Proposition 209's
implementation. Such Court expressly upheld Proposition 209 and the Governor
responded to the decision by signing an executive order abolishing minority
preferences in the awarding of state contracts. Ms. Siebert believes that,
irrespective of the legal requirements, as long as there is a "sensitivity to
diversity and competitive equality," opportunities will be available for
qualified WBEs and MWBEs. See "Description of Business Advertising, Marketing
and Promotion."
NET CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
As a registered broker-dealer, Siebert is subject to the SEC's Uniform
Net Capital Rule (Rule 15c3-1) (the "Net Capital Rule"), which has also been
adopted through incorporation by reference in NYSE Rule 325. Siebert is a member
firm of the NYSE and the NASD. The Net Capital Rule specifies minimum net
capital requirements for all registered broker-dealers and is designed to
measure financial integrity and liquidity. Failure to maintain the required
regulatory net capital may subject a firm to suspension or expulsion by the NYSE
and the NASD, certain punitive actions by the SEC and other regulatory bodies
and, ultimately, may require a firm's liquidation.
-12-
Regulatory net capital is defined as net worth (assets minus
liabilities), plus qualifying subordinated borrowings, less certain deductions
that result from excluding assets that are not readily convertible into cash and
from conservatively valuing certain other assets. These deductions include
charges that discount the value of firm security positions to reflect the
possibility of adverse changes in market value prior to disposition.
The Net Capital Rule requires notice of equity capital withdrawals to
be provided to the SEC prior to and subsequent to withdrawals exceeding certain
sizes. The Net Capital Rule also allows the SEC, under limited circumstances, to
restrict a broker-dealer from withdrawing equity capital for up to 20 business
days.
The firm falls within the provisions of Rule 240.15c3-1(a)(1)(ii)
promulgated by the SEC. Siebert has elected to use the alternative method,
permitted by the rule, which requires that Siebert maintain minimum net capital,
as defined, equal to the greater of $250,000 or 2 percent of aggregate debit
balances arising from customer transactions, as defined. (The net capital rule
of the NYSE also provides that equity capital may not be withdrawn or cash
dividends paid if resulting net capital would be less than 5 percent of
aggregate debits.) At December 31, 1997 and 1996, Siebert had net capital of
$9.1 million and $7.8 million, respectively, and net capital requirements of
$250,000 under Regulation 240.15c3-1(a)(1)(ii). Siebert is not subject to SEC
Rule 15c3-3 and claims exemption from the reserve requirement under Section
15c3-3(k)(2)(ii). The firm maintains net capital in excess of the SEC Rule
17a-11 requirement.
EMPLOYEES
As of March 27, 1998, the Company had approximately 120 employees, all
of whom were full time and four of whom were corporate officers. None of the
employees are represented by a union, and the Company believes that its
relations with its employees are good.
-13-
ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY.
Siebert operates its business out of the following fourteen leased
offices:
Expiration
Approximate Date Of
Office Area in Current Renewal
Location Square Feet Lease Terms
-------- ----------- ----- -----
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS, RETAIL AND
INVESTMENT BANKING OFFICE
885 Third Ave. 7,828 SF 4/30/03 None
New York, NY 10022
RETAIL OFFICES 1,000 SF 12/31/00 None
9693 Wilshire Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
4400 North Federal Highway 1,038 SF 2/28/02 None
Boca Raton, FL 33431
66 South Street 1,341 SF 8/31/98 None
Morristown, NJ 07960
400 Fifth Avenue - South 1,008 SF 4/22/99 None
Naples, FL 33940
240A South County Road 770 SF 10/14/00 2 year option
Palm Beach, FL 33480
9569 Harding Avenue 1,150 SF 9/30/98 None
Surfside, FL 33154
INVESTMENT BANKING OFFICES
30 N. Lasalle Street 1,613 SF 8/31/99 None
Chicago, IL 60602
1845 Woodall Rodgers Freeway 224 SF Month to None
Dallas, TX 75201 month
400 Renaissance Center 1,500 SF Month to None
Detroit, MI 48243 month
-14-
Expiration
Approximate Date Of
Office Area in Current Renewal
Location Square Feet Lease Terms
-------- ----------- ----- -----
523 West 6th Street 1,138 SF 5/16/98 None
Los Angeles, CA 90014
220 Sansome Street 3,250 SF 2/28/00 None
San Francisco, CA 94104
601 Union Street 325 SF 4/30/98 1 year option
Seattle, WA 98101
The Company believes that its properties are in good condition and are
suitable and adequate for the Company's business operations.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
Siebert is involved in various routine lawsuits of a nature which is
deemed customary and incidental to its business. In the opinion of management,
the ultimate disposition of such actions will not have a material adverse effect
on its financial position or results of operations.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
At the Company's Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on December 1,
1997, the shareholders voted on the following five proposals: (1) election of
five members of the Board of Directors to serve until the next Annual Meeting of
Shareholders; (2) ratification and approval of a Stock Option Plan approved by
the Board of Directors; (3) approval of the granting of stock options to the
non-employee members of the Company's Board of Directors; (4) approval of
certain proposed amendments to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation; and
(5) ratification and approval of the appointment by the Board of Directors of
Richard A. Eisner & Company, LLP as the Company's independent auditors for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1997. All such proposals were approved, with the
following votes cast:
(1) Election of Board of Directors
The five members of the Board of Directors, Muriel F. Siebert,
Nicholas P. Dermigny, Patricia L. Francy, Jane H. Macon and Monte E.
Wetzler, were elected to serve until the 1998 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders and in each case until their respective successors are
elected and qualified. Each nominee for director received a minimum
vote of 5,209,720 shares for, a maximum of 70 shares against and no
shares abstaining.
-15-
For Against Abstain
--- ------- -------
(2) Ratification of Stock Option Plan 5,111,379 6,577 24,060
(3) Grant of Stock Options 5,111,413 30,600 3
(4) Amendments to the Certificate of
Incorporation 5,204,038 5,727 25
(5) Appointment of the Company's
independent auditors 5,208,566 1,221 3
-16-
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
The Common Stock commenced trading on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market under
the symbol "SIEB" on November 12, 1996. The high and low sales prices of the
Common Stock reported by the Nasdaq SmallCap Market during the following periods
were:
High Low
------- ------
Period from November 12, 1996 to December 31, 1996 $12.000 $9.000
First Quarter - 1997 ............................ $12.375 $9.250
Second Quarter - 1997 ........................... $ 9.500 $9.250
Third Quarter - 1997 ............................ $ 9.250 $5.250
Fourth Quarter - 1997 ........................... $ 9.000 $7.500
Period from January 1, 1998 to March 27, 1998 ... $48.250 $9.688
The closing price of the Common Stock on March 27, 1998 on the Nasdaq
SmallCap Market was $31.75 per share.
As of March 27, 1998, there were approximately 200 holders of record
and approximately 800 beneficial holders of Common Stock.
DIVIDEND POLICY
On December 22, 1997 and March 16, 1998, dividends of $.09 per share
were declared for all stockholders of record as of December 30, 1997 and March
20, 1998, respectively. Ms. Siebert, as the majority shareholder of the Company,
waived her right to receive the two cash dividends declared by the Company and
may from time to time waive her right to receive future cash dividends declared,
if any.
Subject to statutory and regulatory constraints, prevailing financial
conditions and future earnings, the Company may pay cash dividends in the future
on its Common Stock. In considering whether to pay such dividends, the Company's
Board of Directors will review the earnings of the Company, its capital
requirements, its economic forecasts and such other factors as are deemed
relevant. Some portion of the Company's earnings will be retained to provide
capital for the operation and expansion of its business.
LIMITED OFFERING OF SHARES
In January 1997, the Company offered to "odd lot" shareholders the
opportunity to round up to the closest 100 shares any holdings of an odd amount
at a price of $9.375 per share. The offer expired March 21, 1997. 1,713 shares
were issued pursuant to the offer.
-17-
ITEM 6. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OR PLAN OF OPERATION.
This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company's
audited Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto contained
elsewhere in this Annual Report.
Statements in this "Management's Discussion and Analysis or Plan of
Operation" and elsewhere in this document as well as oral statements that may be
made by the Company or by officers, directors or employees of the Company acting
on the Company's behalf that are not statements of historical or current fact
constitute "forward looking statements" within the meaning of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements
involve risks and uncertainties and known and unknown factors that could cause
the actual results of the Company to be materially different from the historical
results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward looking
statements, including, without limitation: changes in general economic and
market conditions, fluctuations in volume and prices of securities, changes and
prospects for changes in interest rates and demand for brokerage and investment
banking services, increases in competition within and without the discount
brokerage business through broader services offerings or otherwise, competition
from electronic discount brokerage firms offering greater discounts on
commissions than the Company, prevalence of a flat fee environment, decline in
participation in equity or municipal finance underwritings, decreased ticket
volume in the discount brokerage division, limited trading opportunities,
increases in expenses and changes in net capital or other regulatory
requirements.
BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
Market conditions during 1997 reflected a continuation of the 1996 bull
market characterized by record volume and record high market levels. At the same
time, competition has continued to intensify both among all classes of brokerage
firms and within the discount brokerage business as well as from new firms not
previously in the discount brokerage business. Electronic trading continues to
grow as a retail discount market segment with some firms offering very low flat
rate trading execution fees that are difficult for any conventional discount
firm to meet. Many of the flat fee brokers, however, impose charges for services
such as mailing, transfers and handling exchanges which the Company does not and
also direct their executions to captive market makers. Continued competition
from ultra low cost, flat fee brokers and broader service offerings from other
discount brokers could also limit the Company's growth or even lead to a decline
in the Company's customer base which would adversely affect its results of
operations. Industry-wide changes in trading practices are expected to cause
continuing pressure on fees earned by discount brokers for the sale of order
flow.
The Company, like other securities firms, is directly affected by
general economic and market conditions including fluctuations in volume and
prices of securities, changes and prospects for changes in interest rates and
demand for brokerage and investment banking services, all of which can affect
the Company's relative profitability. In periods of reduced market activity,
profitability is likely to be adversely affected because certain expenses,
including salaries and related costs, portions of communications costs and
occupancy expenses, remain relatively fixed. Accordingly, earnings for any
period should not be considered representative of any other period.
-18-
Siebert's clearing broker has represented that its computer systems
will be year 2000 operable and fully tested by December 31, 1998. The Company's
own systems are presently being modified or replaced. The Company believes its
cost for meeting this problem will not be material.
CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS
During the fourth quarter of 1997, the Company, through its Siebert,
Brandford, Shank division, acted as either senior manager or co-manager for a
total of $3.8 billion of municipal bond offerings. In addition, the Company was
appointed as senior manager for several large offerings including the Oakland
State Building Authority ($158 million) and the City of North Forest Independent
School District ($47 million).
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
Total revenues for 1997 were $25.9 million, an increase of $1.7 million
or 7.1% over 1996. Investment banking revenues, trading and interest and
dividend revenues increased as compared to the prior year, however, commission
and fee income decreased.
Commission and fee income decreased $1.2 million or 6.1% to $18.9
million due to lower commissions earned per trade resulting from the increase of
lower priced electronic trading, price reductions on other related services
caused by increased competition from ultra low cost flat fee brokers and a
reduction of order flow fees.
Trading profits increased $926,000 or 107% to $1,795,000 primarily due
to increased activity in secondary municipal bond trading by the Siebert,
Brandford, Shank division and improved trading opportunities in the principal
listed bond funds trading activity.
Interest and dividends increased $48,000 or 7.4% to $705,000 primarily
due to trading strategies which generated greater dividend income.
Investment banking revenues increased $2.0 million or 77% to $4.5
million primarily due to a whole year of tax exempt underwriting activity by the
Siebert, Brandford, Shank division in 1997. This division operated for only
three months of the year in 1996.
Total expenses for 1997 were $21.2 million, a decrease of $806,000 or
3.7% over 1996. Both employee compensation and benefits and advertising and
promotion decreased. All other categories of costs increased.
Employee compensation and benefit costs decreased $1.5 million or 16%
to $8.2 million primarily due to Muriel Siebert's compensation reduction, offset
by a full year's worth of compensation for the Siebert, Brandford, Shank
division's principals, municipal investment banking staff and commission based
municipal trading personnel.
Clearing and brokerage fees increased $90,000 or 2.0% to $4.7 million.
Such costs increased due to a higher volume of tickets.
-19-
Advertising and promotion expense decreased $514,000 or 15.7% to $2.8
million due to decreased branch and service promotion; 1996 included several one
time expenses related to branch expansion and on-line trading.
Communications expense increased $87,000 or 6.4% to $1.4 million as the
client base and volume increased and more services were offered directly on-line
and from activities of the investment banking staff. These increases were
partially offset by telephone contract price reductions.
Occupancy costs increased $245,000 or 61% to $649,000 principally due
to a full year's worth of rent in 1997 for new retail and investment banking
branch offices opened during 1996.
Interest expense increased $128,000 or 44% to $418,000 primarily due to
greater use of margin borrowings and short positions in proprietary trading
activity.
Other general and administrative expenses increased $704,000 or 30% to
$3.0 million primarily due to travel and entertainment expenses related to the
new municipal investment banking staff and a range of miscellaneous costs
associated with increased volume.
Current and pro forma provision for income taxes increased $1.1 million
or 116% to $2.1 million while net income for 1997 was $2.6 million, an increase
of $1.4 million or 116% over 1996, both proportional to a similar increase in
pre-tax income.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
Total revenues for 1996 were $24.2 million, an increase of $3.1 million
or 15% over 1995. Commission and fee income and investment banking revenues
increased and trading and interest and dividend revenues declined.
Commission and fee income increased $4.5 million or 29% to $20.1
million due to the continued bull market and increased spending for advertising
and promotion to attract additional clients. In addition, under a new clearing
agreement which was phased in during the second quarter of 1995, Siebert
received additional commission income on client margin and free credit balances
and investments in certain mutual and money market funds and the amounts of
related customer balances and investments increased substantially.
Trading profits declined $1.7 million or 67% to $869,000 due to a
continuing lack of liquidity and substantially reduced volatility in markets in
which the firm trades, thus limiting trading and arbitrage opportunities
compared to the prior year.
Interest and dividends decreased $733,000 or 53% to $656,000 due to
decreases in long trading positions and in trading strategies which generated
greater dividend income in 1995 over the corresponding period in 1996.
Investment banking revenues increased $1.1 million or 81% to $2.5
million due to increased participation in both equity and tax exempt
underwritings over the prior year period. This resulted from providing
additional resources to the development of both types of business
-20-
and, from October 1, 1996, the addition of over 20 municipal investment banking
professionals to form the Siebert, Brandford, Shank division engaged in tax
exempt underwriting.
Total costs and expenses for 1996 were $22.0 million, an increase of
$2.2 million or 11% over 1995. All categories of costs increased except interest
expense and other general and administrative expenses.
Employee compensation and benefit costs increased $1.2 million or 14%
to $9.8 million due to provisions for bonus payments and to increases in
staffing to cover the trading and service needs of the retail commission
business, and, in the fourth quarter, the tax exempt underwriting business.
Management, staff and incentive bonuses increased $350,000 reflecting volume,
improved performance and firm profitability. The balance of the increase relates
primarily to an increase in average head count of 73 for 1995 to 95 for 1996, an
increase of 32%. The staff increase is primarily related to the increase in
retail commission business and, in the fourth quarter, the addition of the
municipal investment banking professionals.
Clearing and brokerage fees increased $336,000 or 7.9% to $4.6 million.
Such costs increased substantially less than commission volume due to the effect
of a new clearing cost structure that became effective in the second quarter of
1995.
Advertising and promotion expense increased $780,000 or 31% to $3.3
million due to increased branch and service promotion (for example, the opening
of the Naples office in early 1996 and the Surfside and Palm Beach offices in
late 1996 and the introduction of new products such as "Siebert OnLine") and
increased advertising and promotion to differentiate Siebert from other firms in
an increasingly competitive environment.
Communications expense increased $240,000 or 22% to $1.4 million as the
client base and volume increased and more services were offered directly
on-line.
Occupancy costs increased $77,000 or 24% to $403,000 principally due to
opening a new branch in Naples, Florida in December 1995, pre-opening and rental
costs of three new retail branches in late 1996, and the new location costs for
the Siebert, Brandford, Shank division for the fourth quarter of 1996.
Interest expense declined $278,000 or 49% to $291,000 primarily due to
the decreased use of equity trading strategies that involve large short
positions. Dividend charges against short positions are included as part of
interest expense.
Other general and administrative expenses decreased $122,000 or 5% to
$2.3 million due principally to reduced legal and consulting fees in the current
year. Included in general and administrative costs for 1996 are approximately
$210,000 in legal, accounting and printing costs related to the JMI merger in
November 1996.
Siebert's current and pro forma provision for income taxes increased
$405,000 or 74% to $953,000 while pro forma net income for 1996 was $1.2
million, an increase of $516,000 or 74% over 1995, both proportional to a
similar increase in pre-tax income.
-21-
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
Total revenues for 1995 were $21.0 million, an increase of $3.7 million
or 21% over 1994. Commission and fee income and interest and dividend revenues
increased and trading and investment banking revenues declined.
Commission and fee income increased $3.5 million or 29% to $15.6
million due to the continued bull market and increased spending for advertising
to attract additional clients.
Trading profits declined $607,000 or 19% to $2.6 million due to a lack
of liquidity and substantially reduced volatility in the firm's markets during
the second half of the year thus limiting the trading and arbitrage
opportunities present in the first half of the year and in the prior period.
Interest and dividends increased $927,000 or 200% to $1.4 million due
to increases in long trading positions and in trading strategies which generated
greater dividend income.
Investment banking revenues decreased $139,000 or 9.1% to $1.4 million
due to reduced underwriting volume generally in municipal markets and a shift
from negotiated underwriting transactions to competitively bid transactions
which are relatively less profitable for participants.
Total costs and expenses for 1995 were $19.8 million, an increase of
$3.0 million or 18% over 1994. All categories of costs increased except interest
expense.
Employee compensation and benefit costs increased $2.5 million or 40%
to $8.6 million due to an increase in Subchapter-S compensation to Ms. Siebert
of $1.76 million, an increase in contractual incentive bonus compensation of
$355,000 and an increase in the bonus provision for other staff and executives
of $365,000.
Clearing and brokerage fees increased $282,000 or 7.1% to $4.2 million.
Such costs increased substantially less than commission volume due to the effect
of a new clearing cost structure that became effective in the second quarter of
1995.
Advertising and promotion expense increased $186,000 or 8.1% to $2.5
million primarily in increased advertising to differentiate Siebert from other
firms in an increasingly competitive environment.
Communications expense increased $117,000 or 12% to $1.1 million due to
increased market volume, increased use of "800" number service resulting from
national television advertising and increased use of Siebert's market phone
service for orders as well as customer inquiries. Also as a result of increased
volume, the cost of quote services increased $58,000 or 14%.
Occupancy costs increased $3,000 or 0.9% to $326,000 primarily from
cost escalation provisions in existing leases.
-22-
Interest expense declined $34,000 or 5.7% to $568,000 primarily due to
the decreased use of equity trading strategies that involve large short
positions. Dividend charges against short positions are included as part of
interest expense.
Pro forma provision for income taxes increased $303,000 or 124% to
$548,000 and pro forma net income for 1995 was $697,000, an increase of $385,000
or 123% over 1994, both proportional to a similar increase in pre-tax income.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company's assets are highly liquid, consisting generally of cash,
money market funds and securities freely salable in the open market. Siebert's
total assets at December 31, 1997 were $17.9 million, of which $2.0 million took
the form of a secured demand note. $13.1 million or 73% of total assets were
highly liquid.
Siebert is subject to the net capital requirements of the SEC, the NYSE
and other regulatory authorities. At December 31, 1997, Siebert's regulatory net
capital was $9.1 million, $8.8 million in excess of its minimum capital
requirement of $250,000.
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
See index immediately following the signature page.
ITEM 8. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None.
-23-
PART III
ITEM 9. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS; COMPLIANCE
WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT.
(a) Identification of Directors
The information required by this item is incorporated by
reference from the Company's definitive proxy statement to be
filed by the Company pursuant to Regulation 14A.
(b) Identification of Executive Officers
The executive officers of the Company are:
NAME AGE POSITION
---- --- --------
Muriel F. Siebert 65 Chair and President
Nicholas P. Dermigny 40 Executive Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer
Richard M. Feldman 36 Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer and
Assistant Secretary
Daniel Iesu 38 Secretary
Certain information regarding each executive officer's business
experience is set forth below.
MURIEL F. SIEBERT has been Chair, President and a director of Siebert
since 1967 and the Company since November 8, 1996. The first woman member of the
New York Stock Exchange on December 28, 1967, Ms. Siebert served as
Superintendent of Banks of the State of New York from 1977 to 1982. She is a
director of the New York State Business Council, the National Women's Business
Council, the International Women's Forum and the Boy Scouts of Greater New York.
NICHOLAS P. DERMIGNY has been Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer of Siebert since joining the firm in 1989 and the Company
since November 8, 1996. Prior to 1993, he was responsible for the Retail
division. Mr. Dermigny became a director of the Company on November 8, 1996.
RICHARD M. FELDMAN has been Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Assistant Secretary of Siebert and the Company since October 20,
1997. From August 1992 to October 1997, Mr. Feldman served as Chief Financial
Officer of various broker dealers, including Waterhouse Securities, Inc., a
national discount brokerage firm headquartered in New
-24-
York City. Prior to these positions, Mr. Feldman worked ten years for Deloitte &
Touche, a large international accounting firm. Mr. Feldman is a Certified Public
Accountant.
DANIEL IESU has been Secretary of Siebert since October 1996 and the
Company since November 8, 1996. He has been Controller of Siebert since 1989.
ITEM 10. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from
the Company's definitive proxy statement to be filed by the Company pursuant to
Regulation 14A.
ITEM 11. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from
the Company's definitive proxy statement to be filed by the Company pursuant to
Regulation 14A.
ITEM 12. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from
the Company's definitive proxy statement to be filed by the Company pursuant to
Regulation 14A.
ITEM 13. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
(a) Exhibits
The exhibits required by Item 601 of the Regulations S-K filed as
part of, or incorporated by reference in, this report are listed
in the accompanying Exhibit Index.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
None.
-25-
SIGNATURES
In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the
registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized.
SIEBERT FINANCIAL CORP.
By: /s/ MURIEL F. SIEBERT
---------------------
Muriel F. Siebert
Chair and President
Date: March 30, 1998
In accordance with the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below
by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and
on the dates indicated.
NAME TITLE DATE
---- ----- ----
/s/ MURIEL F. SIEBERT Chair, President and Director March 30, 1998
- ------------------------ (principal executive officer)
Muriel F. Siebert
/s/ NICHOLAS P. DERMIGNY Executive Vice President, March 30, 1998
- ------------------------ Chief Operating Officer and
Nicholas P. Dermigny Director
/s/ RICHARD M. FELDMAN Executive Vice President, March 30, 1998
- ------------------------ Chief Financial Officer
Richard M. Feldman and Assistant Secretary
(principal financial and
accounting officer)
/s/ PATRICIA L. FRANCY Director March 30, 1998
- ------------------------
Patricia L. Francy
/s/ JANE H. MACON Director March 30, 1998
- ------------------------
Jane H. Macon
/s/ MONTE E. WETZLER Director March 30, 1998
- ------------------------
Monte E. Wetzler
-26-
SIEBERT FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARY
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PAGE
----
Report of Independent Auditors F-1
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at
December 31, 1997 and 1996 F-2
Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the
years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997 F-3
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 1997 F-4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the
years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997 F-5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-6
-27-
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Board of Directors
Siebert Financial Corp.
New York, New York
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition
of Siebert Financial Corp. and its wholly owned subsidiary as of December 31,
1997 and December 31, 1996, and the related consolidated statements of income,
changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1997. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Siebert Financial
Corp. and its wholly owned subsidiary as of December 31, 1997 and December 31,
1996, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for
each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Richard A. Eisner & Company, LLP
New York, New York
February 13, 1998
F-1
SIEBERT FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------
ASSETS 1997 1996
----------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents $ 4,394,142 $ 231,029
Cash equivalents - restricted 1,300,000 --
Receivable from clearing broker 2,134,839 1,141,439
Securities owned, at market value 6,564,668 10,116,248
Secured demand note receivable from affiliate 2,000,000 2,000,000
Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements, net 475,553 450,254
Investment in affiliate 392,000 --
Prepaid expenses and other assets 620,387 433,738
----------- -----------
$17,881,589 $14,372,708
=========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities:
Securities sold, not yet purchased, at market value $ 2,037,547 $ 1,447,143
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 3,171,485 2,824,000
----------- -----------
5,209,032 4,271,143
----------- -----------
Commitments and contingent liabilities
Subordinated borrowings payable to affiliate 3,000,000 3,000,000
----------- -----------
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value; 49,000,000 shares authorized,
5,237,610 shares outstanding at December 31, 1997 and 5,235,897
shares outstanding at December 31, 1996 52,376 52,359
Additional paid-in capital 6,742,091 6,771,049
Retained earnings 2,878,090 278,157
----------- -----------
9,672,557 7,101,565
----------- -----------
$17,881,589 $14,372,708
=========== ===========
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-2
SIEBERT FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
----------- ----------- -----------
Revenues:
Commissions and fees $18,879,674 $20,105,127 $15,645,334
Investment banking 4,487,594 2,532,795 1,396,967
Trading profits 1,795,104 868,823 2,608,078
Interest and dividends 704,911 656,434 1,389,612
----------- ----------- -----------
25,867,283 24,163,179 21,039,991
----------- ----------- -----------
Expenses:
Employee compensation and benefits 8,208,006 9,753,847 8,586,116
Clearing fees, including floor brokerage 4,675,368 4,585,398 4,249,050
Advertising and promotion 2,751,755 3,265,692 2,485,426
Communications 1,446,817 1,359,325 1,119,189
Occupancy 648,763 403,534 326,089
Interest 418,405 290,465 568,326
Other general and administrative 3,043,068 2,339,483 2,461,122
----------- ----------- -----------
21,192,182 21,997,744 19,795,318
----------- ----------- -----------
Income before income taxes 4,675,101 2,165,435 --
Provision for income taxes - current 2,057,000 201,000 --
----------- ----------- -----------
NET INCOME - HISTORICAL $ 2,618,101 1,964,435 1,244,673
===========
Pro forma provision for income taxes 752,000 548,000
----------- -----------
NET INCOME - PRO FORMA 1,212,435 $ 696,673
===========
SUPPLEMENTARY PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENT:
Effect of officer's salary reduction
as though 1997 salary had been in
effect in 1996 2,975,000
Related income taxes (1,309,000)
-----------
SUPPLEMENTARY PRO FORMA NET INCOME $ 2,878,435
===========
Net income per share of common stock -
basic and diluted:
Historical $ .50
Pro forma $ .23 $ .13
Supplementary pro forma $ .55
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES DEEMED OUTSTANDING 5,237,371 5,235,897 5,235,897
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-3
SIEBERT FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
COMMON STOCK
-----------------------
NUMBER ADDITIONAL
OF $.01 PAR PAID-IN RETAINED
SHARES VALUE CAPITAL EARNINGS TOTAL
--------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
BALANCE - JANUARY 1, 1995 5,105,000 $ 51,050 $ -- $ 3,841,407 $ 3,892,457
Net income -- -- -- 1,244,673 1,244,673
--------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
BALANCE - DECEMBER 31, 1995 5,105,000 51,050 -- 5,086,080 5,137,130
Net income as subchapter - S corporation
January 1, 1996 - November 8, 1996 -- -- -- 1,686,278 1,686,278
Transfer upon change in tax status -- -- 6,772,358 (6,772,358) --
Issuance of shares in connection with
reorganization 130,897 1,309 (1,309) -- --
Net income as C corporation
November 9, 1996 - December 31, 1996
-- -- -- 278,157 278,157
--------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
BALANCE - DECEMBER 31, 1996 5,235,897 52,359 6,771,049 278,157 7,101,565
Net income -- -- -- 2,618,101 2,618,101
Issuance of shares in connection with
offering, net of expenses 1,713 17 (28,958) -- (28,941)
Dividend on common stock -- -- -- (18,168) (18,168)
--------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
BALANCE - DECEMBER 31, 1997 5,237,610 $ 52,376 $ 6,742,091 $ 2,878,090 $ 9,672,557
========= =========== =========== =========== ===========
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-4
SIEBERT FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
----------- ----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $ 2,618,101 $ 1,964,435 $ 1,244,673
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 157,010 108,460 67,360
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Net decrease (increase) in securities owned, at market value 3,551,580 3,630,683 (8,006,577)
Net change in receivable from clearing broker (993,400) (6,377,785) 8,151,165
(Increase) in prepaid expenses and other assets (186,649) (292,409) (2,097)
Net increase (decrease) in securities sold, not yet purchased,
at market value 590,404 868,653 (994,994)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued
liabilities 347,485 (515,229) 1,432,940
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 6,084,531 (613,192) 1,892,470
----------- ----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Investment in cash equivalents-restricted (1,300,000) -- --
Purchase of furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements (182,309) (319,850) (95,771)
Investment in affiliate (392,000) -- --
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash (used in) investing activities (1,874,309) (319,850) (95,771)
----------- ----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Subordinated borrowings from affiliate -- 1,000,000 --
Repayment of subordinated borrowings from affiliate -- -- (2,000,000)
Issuance of shares, net of expenses (28,941) -- --
Dividend on common stock (18,168) -- --
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (47,109) 1,000,000 (2,000,000)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 4,163,113 66,958 (203,301)
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year 231,029 164,071 367,372
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents - end of year $ 4,394,142 $ 231,029 $ 164,071
=========== =========== ===========
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES:
Cash paid for:
Interest $ 405,000 $ 290,465 $ 568,326
Income taxes 1,796,000 234,850 126,342
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ON NONCASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
During 1995, an affiliate issued a secured demand note to the Company and the
Company issued a subordinated note to a shareholder, both in the amount of
$2,000,000.
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-5
SIEBERT FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
NOTE A - ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
[1] ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION:
Siebert Financial Corp. ("Financial"), through its wholly owned
subsidiary, Muriel Siebert & Co., Inc. ("Siebert"), engages in the
business of providing discount brokerage services for customers,
investment banking services for institutional clients and trading
securities for its own account.
In accordance with a Plan and Agreement of Merger (the "Agreement") which
closed on November 8, 1996 (the "Merger"), J. Michaels, Inc. ("JMI")
issued 5,105,000 shares (post one-for-seven reverse split) to Muriel
Siebert in exchange for all the issued and outstanding shares of Muriel
Siebert Capital Markets Group, Inc., sole shareholder of Siebert. The
Agreement provided that JMI liquidate all its assets other than shares of
Siebert, and distribute the proceeds to the pre-merger stockholders of
JMI who, by virtue of the Merger, collectively retained a 2 1/2% interest
in the surviving company which has been renamed Siebert Financial Corp.
The Merger has been accounted for as a reorganization of Siebert whereby
Financial issued 130,897 shares of its common stock to the pre-merger
stockholders of JMI. Accordingly, the financial statements for 1996 and
1995 are the historical basis financial statements of Siebert.
The financial statements reflect the results of operations, financial
condition and cash flows of Siebert and, from the date of the Merger,
Financial. All significant intercompany accounts have been eliminated.
Financial and Siebert collectively are referred to herein as the
"Company".
[2] SECURITY TRANSACTIONS:
Prior to 1996, security transactions, commissions, revenues and expenses
were recorded on a settlement date basis, generally the third day
following the transaction for securities and the next day for options.
Revenues and related expenses on a trade date basis were not materially
different. Effective January 1, 1996, security transactions, commissions,
revenues and expenses are recorded on a trade date basis.
Siebert clears all its security transactions through an unaffiliated
clearing firm on a fully disclosed basis. Accordingly, Siebert does not
hold funds or securities for, or owe funds or securities to, its
customers. Those functions are performed by the clearing firm which is
highly capitalized.
[3] INCOME TAXES:
Prior to November 8, 1996, the Company was considered a subchapter-S
corporation for tax purposes. Such status was terminated by virtue of the
Merger. The historical financial statements do not include a provision
for income taxes for the period prior to the termination of the S
election. A pro forma provision for income taxes has been reflected which
represents taxes which would have been provided had the Company operated
as a C corporation for the entire year.
F-6
SIEBERT FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
NOTE A - ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
[3] INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED):
The Company accounts for income taxes utilizing the asset and liability
approach requiring the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities
for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between
the basis of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and
tax purposes. The Company files a consolidated Federal income tax return.
[4] FURNITURE, EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS:
Property and equipment is stated at cost and depreciation is calculated
using the straight-line method over the lives of the assets, generally
five years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the period of the
lease.
[5] CASH EQUIVALENTS:
For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash equivalents include money
market funds.
[6] ADVERTISING COSTS:
Advertising costs are charged to expense as incurred.
[7] USE OF ESTIMATES:
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles 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 those
estimates.
[8] EARNINGS PER SHARE:
In 1997, the Company adopted SFAS #128, "Earnings Per Share". SFAS #128
requires the reporting of earnings per basic share and earnings per
diluted share. Earnings per basic share are calculated by dividing net
income by the weighted average outstanding shares during the period.
Earnings per diluted share are calculated by dividing net income by the
basic shares and all dilutive securities including options. Adoption of
SFAS #128 had no effect on prior periods.
F-7
SIEBERT FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
NOTE A - ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
[9] PRO FORMA AND SUPPLEMENTARY PRO FORMA DATA:
Pro forma net income and pro forma earnings per share give effect to
income taxes which would have been provided had the Company operated as a
C corporation for all of 1996 and 1995.
Supplementary pro forma net income and supplementary pro forma earnings
per share give effect to the adjustment of Ms. Siebert's salary to the
amount set forth in her current salary arrangement and the related tax
effect.
[10] INVESTMENT BANKING:
Investment banking revenues include gains and fees, net of syndicate
expenses, arising primarily from municipal bond offerings in which the
Siebert, Brandford, Shank ("SBS") division of Siebert acts as an
underwriter or agent. Investment banking management fees are recorded on
offering date, sales concessions on settlement date and underwriting fees
at the time the underwriting is completed and the income is reasonably
determinable.
[11] CASH EQUIVALENTS - RESTRICTED:
Cash equivalents - restricted represents cash invested in a money market
account which is pledged as collateral for a secured demand note in the
amount of $1,200,000 executed in favor of Siebert, Brandford, Shank &
Co., L.L.C., an affiliated registered broker dealer.
NOTE B - INVESTMENT IN AFFILIATE
In March 1997, Siebert and two individuals (the "Principals") formed Siebert,
Brandford, Shank & Co., L.L.C. to succeed to the tax exempt underwriting
business of the SBS division of Siebert when regulatory requirements have been
met. The agreements with the Principals provide that profits will be shared 51%
to the Principals and 49% to Siebert. Losses incurred in the amount of
approximately $601,000 through March 10, 1997 are to be recouped by Siebert
prior to any profit allocation to the Principals. Siebert invested $392,000 as
its share of the members' capital of Siebert, Brandford, Shank & Co., L.L.C.
Siebert operated the SBS division business during 1997 in accordance with the
terms of the agreements with the Principals.
F-8
SIEBERT FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
NOTE C - SUBORDINATED BORROWINGS AND SECURED DEMAND NOTE RECEIVABLE
The subordinated borrowings at December 31, 1997 are payable to an affiliate and
consist of the following:
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------
1997 1996
-------------- --------------
Secured demand note collateral agreement, 4%, due
December 31, 1999 $ 2,000,000 $ 2,000,000
Subordinated note, 8%, due January 31, 1999 500,000 500,000
Subordinated note, 8%, due October 31, 1999 500,000 500,000
-------------- --------------
$ 3,000,000 $ 3,000,000
============== ==============
The long-term borrowings are automatically renewed for a period of one year if
notice of demand for payment is not given thirteen months prior to maturity.
The subordinated borrowings are available in computing net capital under the
Securities and Exchange Commission's (the "SEC") Uniform Net Capital Rule. To
the extent that such borrowings are required for Siebert's continued compliance
with minimum net capital requirements, they may not be repaid.
Interest paid on subordinated borrowings was approximately $160,000, $123,000
and $160,000 for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
The secured demand note receivable of $2,000,000 at December 31, 1997 and 1996
is collateralized by marketable securities with a market value of approximately
$2,446,000 and $2,363,000, respectively.
F-9
SIEBERT FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
NOTE D - FURNITURE, EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS, NET
Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements consist of the following:
DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------
1997 1996
------------ ------------
Equipment $ 638,534 $ 569,471
Leasehold improvements 128,655 70,576
Furniture and fixtures 84,468 61,539
------------ ------------
851,657 701,586
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 376,104 251,332
------------ ------------
$ 475,553 $ 450,254
============ ============
Depreciation and amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 1997,
1996 and 1995 amounted to approximately $157,000, $108,000 and $67,000,
respectively.
NOTE E - INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense (pro forma for periods prior to November 8, 1996) consists of
the following:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
-------------- ------------- --------------
Federal income tax $ 1,360,000 $ 624,000 $ 359,000
State and local income tax 697,000 329,000 189,000
-------------- ------------- --------------
Income tax expense $ 2,057,000 $ 953,000 $ 548,000
============== ============= ==============
F-10
SIEBERT FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
NOTE E - INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
A reconciliation between the income tax expense (pro forma for periods prior to
November 8, 1996) and income taxes computed by applying the statutory Federal
income tax rate to income before taxes is as follows:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
-------------- ------------- --------------
Expected income tax provision at statutory Federal tax rate $ 1,590,000 $ 736,000 $ 423,000
State and local taxes, net of Federal tax effect 467,000 217,000 125,000
-------------- ------------- --------------
Income tax expense $ 2,057,000 $ 953,000 $ 548,000
============== ============= ==============
There are no significant temporary differences which give rise to deferred tax
assets or liabilities at December 31, 1997 and 1996.
NOTE F - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Siebert is subject to the SEC's Uniform Net Capital Rule (Rule 15c3-1), which
requires the maintenance of minimum net capital. Siebert has elected to use the
alternative method, permitted by the rule, which requires that Siebert maintain
minimum net capital, as defined, equal to the greater of $250,000 or 2 percent
of aggregate debit balances arising from customer transactions, as defined. (The
net capital rule of the New York Stock Exchange also provides that equity
capital may not be withdrawn or cash dividends paid if resulting net capital
would be less than 5 percent of aggregate debits.) At December 31, 1997 and
1996, Siebert had net capital of approximately $9,052,000 and $7,754,000,
respectively, as compared with net capital requirements of $250,000. Siebert
claims exemption from the reserve requirement under Section 15c3-3(k)(2)(ii).
In an offering completed on March 21, 1997, the Company offered to its
shareholders with "odd lots" the opportunity to "round up" their shares to the
next nearest 100 shares. 1,713 shares were issued with proceeds to the Company
of approximately $16,000. Costs related to the offering approximated $45,000.
On December 22, 1997 the Company declared a quarterly dividend of $.09 per
share. The principal shareholder waived her right to receive her portion of the
dividend.
On February 13, 1998 the Company announced that in order to comply with the
rules of The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. relating to listings on the SmallCap
Market, it will split its stock 4 for 1 in April 1998.
F-11
SIEBERT FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
NOTE G - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK AND
CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK
In the normal course of business, Siebert enters into transactions in various
financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk. This risk includes both
market and credit risk, which may be in excess of the amounts recognized in the
statement of financial condition.
Retail customer transactions are cleared through National Financial Services
Corp. ("NFSC") on a fully disclosed basis. In the event that customers are
unable to fulfill their contractual obligations, NFSC may charge Siebert for any
loss incurred in connection with the purchase or sale of securities at
prevailing market prices to satisfy customers' obligations. Siebert regularly
monitors the activity in its customer accounts for compliance with its margin
requirements.
Siebert is exposed to the risk of loss on unsettled customer transactions in the
event customers and other counterparties are unable to fulfill contractual
obligations. Securities transactions entered into as of December 31, 1997
settled with no adverse effect on Siebert's financial condition.
NOTE H - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
The Company rents office space under long-term operating leases expiring in
various periods through 2003. These leases call for base rent plus escalations
for taxes and operating expenses.
Future minimum rental payments for base rent plus operating expenses under these
operating leases are as follows:
YEAR ENDING
DECEMBER 31, AMOUNT
------------ ------------
1998 $ 362,000
1999 356,000
2000 343,000
2001 325,000
2002 307,000
Thereafter 103,000
------------
$ 1,796,000
============
Rent expense, including escalations for operating costs, amounted to
approximately $424,000, $360,000 and $289,000 for the years ended December 31,
1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Payments are being charged to expense over
the entire lease term on a straight-line basis.
F-12
SIEBERT FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
NOTE H - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (CONTINUED)
Siebert is party to certain claims, suits and complaints arising in the ordinary
course of business. In the opinion of management, all such claims, suits and
complaints are without merit, or involve amounts which would not have a
significant effect on the financial position of the Company.
Siebert sponsors a defined contribution retirement plan under Section 401(k) of
the Internal Revenue Code that covers substantially all employees. Participant
contributions to the plan are voluntary and are subject to certain limitations.
Siebert may also make discretionary contributions to the plan. No contributions
were made by Siebert in 1997, 1996 and 1995.
Siebert executed a demand note payable in favor of SBS in the amount of
$1,200,000 collaterized by approximately $1,300,000 of cash equivalents which
are reported as cash equivalents - restricted. This obligation is not included
in the Company's statement of financial condition.
NOTE I - OPTIONS
In 1997, the shareholders of the Company approved the 1997 Stock Option Plan
(the "Plan"). The Plan authorizes the grant of options to purchase up to an
aggregate of 525,000 shares, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances.
Both non-qualified options and options intended to qualify as "Incentive Stock
Options" under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, may be
granted under the Plan. A Stock Option Committee of the Board of Directors
administers the Plan which has the authority to determine when options are
granted, the term during which an option may be exercised (provided no option
has a term exceeding 10 years), the exercise price and the exercise period. The
exercise price shall generally be not less than the fair market value on the
date of grant. No option may be granted under the Plan after December 2007.
On March 11, 1997, the Company granted to non-employee directors options to
purchase 30,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock at an exercise price of
$9.25 per share. The directors' options are exercisable six months from the date
of grant and expire five years from the date of grant. On May 16, 1997, pursuant
to the Plan, the Company granted options to certain of its employees to purchase
199,750 shares of the Company's Common Stock at an exercise price of $9.25 per
share. On November 6, 1997, pursuant to the Plan, the Company granted options to
an employee to purchase 10,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock at an
exercise price of $8.875 per share. All such employee options vest 20% per year
for five years and expire ten years from the date of grant. No employee options
are currently exercisable.
F-13
SIEBERT FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
NOTE I - OPTIONS (CONTINUED)
A summary of the Company's stock option transactions for the year ended December
31, 1997 is presented below:
1997
---------------------
WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
EXERCISE
SHARES PRICE
-------- ---------
Outstanding - beginning of year
Granted 239,750 $ 9.23
Forfeited (8,450) $ 9.25
-------
Outstanding - end of year 231,300 $ 9.23
=======
Exercisable at end of year 30,000 $ 9.25
Weighted average fair value of options granted $ 4.70
The following table summarizes information related to options outstanding at
December 31, 1997:
OPTIONS OUTSTANDING OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------
WEIGHTED-AVERAGE WEIGHTED- WEIGHTED-
RANGE NUMBER REMAINING AVERAGE NUMBER AVERAGE
EXERCISE PRICES OUTSTANDING CONTRACTUAL LIFE EXERCISE PRICE EXERCISABLE EXERCISE PRICE
--------------- ----------- ---------------- -------------- ----------- --------------
$ 9.25 221,300 8.68 Years $9.25 30,000 $9.25
$ 8.88 10,000 9.85 Years $8.88 - -
-------- ------
$8.88 - $9.25 231,300 8.73 Years $9.23 30,000 $9.25
======== ======
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the
Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average
assumptions: dividend yield of zero (0%) percent, expected volatility of
twenty-five (25%) percent, risk-free interest rates ranging from 6.21% to 6.43%,
and expected lives ranging from 5 to 10 years.
F-14
SIEBERT FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
NOTE I - OPTIONS (CONTINUED)
The Company applies APB Opinion 25 and related Interpretations in accounting for
its options. Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for its stock
option grants. The effect of applying SFAS No. 123 on 1997 pro forma net income
is not necessarily representative of the effects on reported net income for
future years due to, among other things, (1) the vesting period of stock options
and (2) the fair value of additional stock options in future years. Had
compensation costs for the Company's stock option grants been determined based
on the fair value at the grant dates for awards, the Company's net income and
earnings per share would have reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below.
1997
------------
Net Income As reported $ 2,618,101
Pro forma $ 2,439,101
Net Income Per Share As reported $ .50
Pro forma $ .47
NOTE J - RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statements of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income" and No.
131, "Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information"
effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. The Company
believes that the above pronouncements will not have a significant effect on its
financial position or results of operations.
F-15
SIEBERT FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARY
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
-------------- ---------------------------------------------------
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of Siebert Financial
Corp., formerly known as J. Michaels, Inc.,
originally filed on April 9, 1934, as amended to
date
10.1 Siebert Financial Corp. 1998 Restricted Stock Award
Plan
21.1 Subsidiaries of the registrant
23.1 Consent of Independent Auditors
27.1 Financial Data Schedule (EDGAR filing only)