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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2004

For the Transition Period from                  to                 .

Commission file number: 1-15831

MCF CORPORATION

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

(415) 248-5697

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).  Yes  x    No  ¨

The number of shares of Registrant’s common stock outstanding as of May 5, 2004 was 58,970,792.

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Form 10-Q

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited)

MCF CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(unaudited)

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

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MCF CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

(unaudited)

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

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MCF CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

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

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MCF CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

1. Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The interim financial statements included herein for MCF Corporation, or the Company, have been prepared, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In the opinion of management, the financial statements included in this report reflect all normal recurring adjustments that the Company considers necessary for the fair presentation of the results of operations for the interim periods covered and the financial position of the Company at the date of the interim statement of financial condition. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to understand the information presented. The operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the entire year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 2003 audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

Institutional Brokerage Revenue

Agency commission revenue includes revenue resulting from executing stock exchange-listed securities, over-the counter securities and other transactions as agent. Principal transactions consist of a portion of dealer spreads attributed to the Company’s securities trading activities as principal in NASDAQ-listed and other securities, and include transactions derived from activities as a market-maker. Additionally, principal transactions include gains and losses resulting from market price fluctuations that occur while holding positions in trading security inventory. Revenue generated from institutional brokerage transactions and related expenses are recorded on a trade date basis.

Investment Banking Revenue

Investment banking revenue consists of fees earned from private placements, mergers and acquisitions, management fees for

underwritten offerings, financial restructurings and other advisory services provided to clients. Investment banking fees are recorded as revenue when the related service has been rendered, the client is contractually obligated to pay, and its collection is probable. Certain fees received in advance of services rendered are recognized as revenue over the service period.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company uses the intrinsic value-based method in accordance with Accounting Principles Board, or APB, Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, to account for employee stock-based compensation. Accordingly, compensation cost is recorded on the date of grant to the extent the fair value of the underlying share of common stock exceeds the exercise price for a stock option or the purchase price for a share of common stock. Such compensation cost is amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the individual award. Pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, or SFAS, No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, the Company discloses the pro forma effect of using the fair value method of accounting for employee stock-based compensation. Stock-based awards granted to nonemployees are accounted for pursuant to the fair value method in SFAS No. 123 and Issue No. 96-18 of the Emerging Issues Task Force. The associated expense is measured and recognized by the Company over the period the services are performed by the nonemployee.

In December 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure. SFAS 148 amends SFAS 123 to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, SFAS 148 amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. The Company adopted SFAS No. 148 during 2002.

The Company has elected to continue to account for its stock-based compensation in accordance with the provisions of APB 25 and present the pro forma disclosures required by SFAS 123 as amended by SFAS 148. Stock-based employee compensation for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 was accounted for under the intrinsic value method and, therefore, no compensation expense was recognized for those stock options that had no intrinsic value at the date of grant.

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MCF CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED

(unaudited)

If the Company were to recognize compensation expense over the relevant service period under the fair value method with respect to stock options granted for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and all prior periods, net income (loss) would have changed, resulting in pro forma net income (loss) and pro forma net income (loss) per share as presented below:

The above pro forma disclosures are not necessarily representative of the effects on reported net income or loss for future years.

Newly Issued Accounting Standards

In January 2003, the FASB issued FIN 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51. In December 2003, the FASB issued a revision to FIN 46, or Revised Interpretation, to clarify some of the provisions of FIN 46. FIN 46 provides guidance on how to identify a variable interest entity, or VIE, and determine when the assets, liabilities, non-controlling interests, and results of operations of a VIE must be included in a company’s consolidated financial statements. A company that holds variable interests in an entity is required to consolidate the entity if the company’s interest in the VIE is such that the company will absorb a majority of the VIEs expected losses and/or receive a majority of the entity’s expected residual returns, if any. VIEs created after January 31, 2003, but prior to January 1, 2004, may be accounted for either based on the original interpretation or the Revised Interpretations. However, the Revised Interpretations must be applied no later than the first quarter of fiscal year 2004. VIEs created after January 1, 2004 must be accounted for under the Revised Interpretations. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.

Reclassification

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year consolidated financial statement presentation.

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MCF CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED

(unaudited)

2. Net Income (Loss) per Share

The following is a reconciliation of the basic and diluted net income (loss) available to common stockholders and the number of shares used in the basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share computations for the periods presented:

Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss), less dividends on preferred stock, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is calculated for the three months ended March 31, 2004 by dividing net income, less dividends on preferred stock, by the weighted average number of common shares used in the basic earnings per share calculation plus the number of common shares that would be issued assuming exercise or conversion of all potentially dilutive common shares outstanding. Diluted loss per share is unchanged from basic loss per share for the three months ended March 31, 2003, because the addition of common shares that would be issued assuming exercise or conversion would be anti-dilutive.

Shares used in the diluted net income (loss) per share computation in the above table include the dilutive impact of the Company’s stock options and warrants. The impact of the Company’s stock options and warrants on shares used for the diluted earnings per share computation is calculated based on the average share price of the Company’s common stock for each period using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the tax-effected proceeds that would be hypothetically received from the exercise of all stock options and warrants with exercise prices below the average share price of the Company’s common stock are assumed to be used to repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock. The dilutive impact of the Company’s stock options was calculated using an average price of the Company’s common stock of $1.74 per share for the three months ended March 31, 2004. Because the Company reported a net loss during the three months ended March 31, 2003, the Company excluded the impact of all stock options and warrants in the computation of dilutive earnings per share, as their effect would be anti-dilutive.

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MCF CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED

(unaudited)

The Company excludes all potentially dilutive securities from its diluted net income (loss) per share computation when their effect would be anti-dilutive. The following common stock equivalents were excluded from the earnings per share computation, as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive:

3. Regulatory Requirements

Merriman Curhan Ford & Co. is a broker-dealer subject to Rule 15c3-1 of the Securities and Exchange Commission, which specifies uniform minimum net capital requirements, as defined, for their registrants. As of March 31, 2004, Merriman Curhan Ford & Co. had regulatory net capital, as defined, of $3,811,000, which exceeded the amount required by $3,427,000. Merriman Curhan Ford & Co. is exempt from Rules 15c3-3 and 17a-13 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 because it does not carry customer accounts, nor does it hold customer securities or cash.

4. Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2004 was approximately 24%. The effective tax rate for 2004 reflects the utilization of some of the Company’s net operating loss carryforwards. The Company did not record a provision for income taxed during the three month ended March 31, 2003 because it reported a net loss for the period.

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This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements regarding future events and our future results that are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about the industries in which we operate and the beliefs and assumptions of our management. Words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “targets,” “goals,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue,” variations of such words, and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to projections of our future financial performance, our anticipated growth and trends in our businesses, and other characterizations of future events or circumstances, are forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are only predictions and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Readers are referred to risks and uncertainties identified under “Risk Factors” beginning on Page 12 and elsewhere herein. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

Overview

We are a financial services holding company that provides research, capital markets services, asset management, corporate and venture services, and investment banking through our operating subsidiaries, Merriman Curhan Ford & Co. and MCF Asset Management, LLC. Merriman Curhan Ford & Co. is a securities broker-dealer and investment bank focused on emerging growth companies and growth-oriented institutional investors. Merriman Curhan Ford & Co. is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a broker-dealer and is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and Securities Investors Protection Corporation. MCF Asset Management, LLC, a registered investment advisor, will engage in fixed income asset management for corporate clients and will manage alternative investment vehicles through a fund of funds.

Our aim is to fill the void in San Francisco-based investment banking services for emerging growth companies by offering research, brokerage, investment banking, advisory and corporate services for our institutional and corporate clients. By the end of the 1990’s, many of the investment banking firms that previously served emerging-growth companies were acquired by large commercial banks and subsequently refocused to serve larger clients and larger transactions. We are filling the gap created by the refocusing of such firms by originating differentiated research for our institutional investor clients and providing specialized services for our emerging-growth corporate clients. The market sectors for our research focus include technology, consumer, healthcare and life technology. Within these sectors, the specific industries covered include enterprise data equipment, industrial technologies, enterprise software, internet applications and services, data communications, wireless technologies, media, entertainment, restaurants, biotechnology and health-enabling technologies. Our mission is to become a leader in the researching, advising, financing and trading of emerging growth companies.

Executive Overview

Our diluted earnings per share were $0.02 for the three months ended March 31, 2004, compared to a net loss of $0.04 per share during the first quarter of 2003. Our profit margin was 11% and our return on average stockholders’ equity was 19%. The increase in our first quarter results, compared with the same period last year, reflects strong growth in each of our lines of business, including investment banking and institutional brokerage. In investment banking, revenue was up significantly reflecting the continued strong demand for private placements in public entities and an increase in industry-wide equity underwriting activity during the quarter. In institutional brokerage, we continued to see increased trading and investing opportunities for our clients.

Though our operating results were strong in the first quarter, our business, by its nature, does not produce predictable earnings. Our results in any given period can be materially affected by conditions in global financial markets and economic conditions generally.

Business Environment

The overall business environment during the quarter ended March 31, 2004 could be characterized as exhibiting an above expectations level of economic activity that finally began producing the job growth that central bankers have long been anticipating. Improvement in consumer confidence has lagged expectations despite the overall economic improvement. The Federal Reserve Open

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Market Committee (FOMC) maintained a very accommodative monetary policy by keeping the Fed Funds rate at a historically low 1% level. The low short and long-term rates have acted to support the interest sensitive industries such as housing and autos. The low rates prevalent during the month of March opened the window for homeowners seeking to refinance their home mortgage. The monthly savings recognized helped consumers to offset the spike in energy prices that took place during the quarter. Economically sensitive commodity prices, as measured by the CRB index, moved to multi-year highs, reducing the risk of disinflationary pressures damaging the economic recovery. Thus far the FOMC has been very patient with their interest rate policy, preferring to be sure the economic recovery is firmly in place before boosting rates. The Democratic Party selected its presumptive presidential nominee in a wild, albeit abbreviated primary season. This sets the stage for one of the longest election seasons in our country’s history. With the nation’s electorate still largely divided and so much at stake from a fiscal and foreign policy perspective, this election cycle may have a dramatic impact on the economic outlook. The equity markets have had a difficult time establishing a defined trend thus far in 2004. Most markets managed modest gains for the quarter with smaller capitalization shares continuing the trend of relative outperformance. This helped our securities broker dealer in the quarter as that sector is the focus of our activities.

Our securities broker-dealer and investment banking activities are linked to the capital markets. In addition, our business activities are focused in the consumer growth, healthcare, specialty growth and technology sectors. By their nature, our business activities are highly competitive and are not only subject to general market conditions, volatile trading markets and fluctuations in the volume of market activity, but also to the conditions affecting the companies and markets in our areas of focus.

Fluctuations in revenues also occur due to the overall level of market activity, which, among other things, affects the flow of investment dollars and the size, number and timing of investment banking transactions. In addition, a downturn in the level of market activity can lead to a decrease in brokerage commissions. Therefore, revenues in any particular period may vary significantly from year to year.

The financial services industry continues to be affected by an intensifying competitive environment. The relaxation of banks’ barriers to entry into the securities industry and expansion by insurance companies into traditional brokerage products, coupled with the repeal of laws separating commercial and investment banking activities, has led to an increase in the number and size of companies competing for a similar customer base; many of such competitors have greater capital resources and additional associated services with which to pursue these activities.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which require us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to the valuation of securities owned and deferred tax assets. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from those estimates. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

Valuation of Securities Owned

Securities owned that are not readily marketable are carried at fair value, with the accompanying gains and losses reflected in our results of operations. The fair value of securities, for which a quoted market or dealer price is not available, is based on management’s estimates. Among the factors considered by management in determining the fair value of securities are the cost of the security, terms and liquidity, developments since the acquisition of the securities, the sales price of recently issued securities, the financial condition and operating results of the issuer, earnings trends and consistency of operating cash flows, the long-term business potential of the issuer, the quoted market price of securities with similar quality and yield that are publicly traded, and other factors generally pertinent to the valuation of securities. The fair value of these securities is subject to a high degree of volatility and may be susceptible to significant fluctuation in the near term. Where available, we use prices from independent sources such as listed market prices or dealer quotations.

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Revenue Recognition

We recognize brokerage revenue once the trade is consummated and the earnings process is complete. Investment banking revenue consists of fees earned from private placements, mergers and acquisitions, management fees for underwritten offerings, financial restructurings and other advisory services provided to clients. Investment banking fees are recorded as revenue when the related service has been rendered, the client is contractually obligated to pay, and its collection is probable. Certain fees received in advance of services rendered are recognized as revenue over the service period. Transaction-related expenses to date have been expensed as incurred.

Stock-Based Compensation

As part of our compensation of employees, we may use stock-based compensation, including stock options, restricted stock and other stock-based awards. Compensation related to restricted stock and other stock-based awards is amortized over the vesting period of the award, which is generally three to four years, and is included in our results of operations as compensation. Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States allow alternative methods of accounting for stock options, including an “intrinsic value” method and a “fair value” method. The intrinsic value method is intended to reflect the impact of stock options on stockholders based on the appreciation in the stock option over time, generally driven by financial performance. The fair value method requires an estimate of the value of stock options to be recognized as compensation over the vesting period of the awards. Currently, we use the intrinsic value method and do not recognize the impact of these awards as compensation expense. Accordingly, we provide disclosure of the impact of the estimated fair value of the stock options on our compensation and reported income in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. In determining the estimated fair value of stock options, we use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which requires judgment regarding certain assumptions, including the expected life of the options granted, dividend yields and stock volatility.

Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance

We account for income taxes in accordance with the provision of SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities at tax rates expected to be in effect when these balances reverse. Future tax benefits attributable to temporary differences are recognized to the extent that the realization of such benefits is more likely than not. We have concluded that it is more likely than not that our deferred tax assets as of March 31, 2004 and 2003 will not be realized based on the scheduling of deferred tax liabilities and projected taxable income. The amount of the deferred tax assets actually realized, however, could vary if there are differences in the timing or amount of future reversals of existing deferred tax liabilities or changes in the actual amounts of future taxable income. Should we determine that we will be able to realize all or part of the deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset will be recorded in the period such determination is made.

Financial Condition

March 31, 2004 Compared to December 31, 2003

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents increased by $3,173,000, or 52%, from $6,143,000 as of December 31, 2003 to $9,316,000 as of March 31, 2004. Cash and cash equivalents were higher primarily as a result of net cash provided by our operating activities and proceeds from the exercise of stock options and warrants.

Securities Owned

Securities owned increased by $1,107,000, or 89%, from $1,246,000 as of December 31, 2003 to $2,353,000 as of March 31, 2004. This increase consisted of $626,000 related to marketable securities and $481,000 related to securities owned, not readily marketable. We increased the level of marketable equity securities owned as of March 31, 2004 in connection with our proprietary trading activity. The higher balance of securities owned that were not readily marketable resulted primarily from a change in management’s estimate for the carrying value of non-marketable securities, including stock warrants.

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Due from Clearing Broker

Due from clearing broker increased by $485,000, or 63%, from $776,000 as of December 31, 2003 to $1,261,000 as of March 31, 2004. The increase was attributed to the growth in our brokerage revenue during the first quarter 2004. Amounts receivable from our clearing broker are typically collected monthly, one month in arrears.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable increased by $229,000, or 46%, from $498,000 as of December 31, 2003 to $727,000 as of March 31, 2004. The higher balance was primarily the result of our participation in two equity underwritings during the first quarter of 2004. Receivables from underwritten transactions are typically collected 90 days following the closing date.

Commissions Payable

Commission payable increased by $1,368,000, or 136%, from $1,006,000 as of December 31, 2003 to $2,374,000 as of March 31, 2004. The increase was attributed to the growth in our revenue across each of our lines of business. Commissions are typically paid monthly, one month in arrears.

Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities increased by $865,000, or 75%, from $1,149,000 as of December 31, 2003 to $2,014,000 as of March 31, 2004. The increase was the result of higher accruals for discretionary bonuses and vacation time.

Convertible Notes Payable

Convertible Notes Payable decreased by $124,000, or 24%, from $521,000 as of December 31, 2003 to $397,000 as of March 31, 2004. During the first quarter of 2004, investors converted notes payable with a principal sum of $150,000 into common stock. The notes payable that were converted into equity were carried on the balance sheet net of discounts amounting to $20,000.

Additional Paid-In Capital

Additional paid-in capital increased by $1,695,000, or 2%, from $95,870,000 as of December 31, 2003 to $97,565,000 as of March 31, 2004. The increase resulted primarily from the following transactions: (i) $755,000 from the exercise of stock warrants to purchase 1,368,000 shares of common stock, (ii) $264,000 from the exercise of stock options to purchase 264,000 shares of common stock, (iii) $294,000 from the issuance of 212,500 shares of restricted common stock to employees and directors, (iv) $150,000 from the conversion of notes payable into 405,000 shares of common stock, (v) $144,000 for the issuance of stock options accounted for at intrinsic value and (vi) $66,000 for the issuance of 203,000 shares of common stock to employees in connection with their participation in the employee stock purchase plan.

Results of Operations

Three Months ended March 31, 2004 Compared to Three Months ended March 31, 2003

Revenue

Revenue was $11,222,000 and $1,867,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The increase in revenue of approximately $9,355,000, or 501%, from 2003 to 2004 was attributed to the growth of our securities broker-dealer and investment banking activities.

Agency commissions amounted to $5,906,000, or 53%, of our revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2004. This represented a 361% increase over the $1,280,000 recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2003. The higher agency commissions were primarily attributed to the hiring of additional sales and research professionals and an increase in the number of active client accounts during 2004 as compared to the similar period in 2003. During the three months ended March 31, 2004, no single brokerage customer accounted for more than 10% of our revenue, while one brokerage customer accounted for 12% of our revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2003.

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Principal transactions revenue, including market making and proprietary trading for our own account, amounted to $624,000, or 5%, of our revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2004. This represented a 190% increase compared to the $215,000 recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2003. The 2004 amount includes $264,000 from our participation in the selling group of a registered offering, $336,000 from a change in management’s estimate for the carrying value of non-marketable securities, including stock warrants, and $175,000 from net gains resulting from proprietary trading, partially offset by the decline in value of certain securities owned.

Investment banking revenue amounted to $4,688,000, or 42%, of our revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2004. This represented a significant increase compared to the $372,000 recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2003. Investment banking revenue resulted primarily from advisory service fees in connection with the closing of five private placement offerings and one co-managed underwriting transaction, as well as the recording of the receipt of non-marketable securities including stock warrants during the three months ended March 31, 2004. During the three months ended March 31, 2004, one investment banking customer accounted for 11% of our revenue, while no single investment banking customer accounted for more than 10% of our revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2003.

During the three months ended March 31, 2004, one sales professional accounted for 16% of our revenue. Two sales professional accounted for more than 10% of our revenue and combined accounted for 44% during the three months ended March 31, 2003.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation and benefits expense was $7,601,000 and $1,388,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The increase of approximately $6,213,000, or 448%, from 2003 to 2004 was due primarily to higher commissions and variable compensation related to the growth in revenue. Additionally, our headcount increased from 46 at March 31, 2003 to 93 at March 31, 2004.

Brokerage and Clearing Fees

Brokerage and clearing fees were $718,000 and $303,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The increase of approximately $415,000, or 137%, from 2003 to 2004 was due to greater volume of brokerage transactions during the first quarter of 2004 as compared to the similar period in 2003. Merriman Curhan Ford & Co. is a fully-disclosed broker-dealer that has engaged a third party clearing broker to perform all of the clearance functions. The clearing broker-dealer processes and settles the customer transactions for MCF & Co. and maintains the detailed customer records. Additionally, security trades are executed by third-party broker-dealers and electronic trading systems.

Professional Services

Professional services expense was $254,000 and $84,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The increase of approximately $170,000, or 203%, from 2003 to 2004 was primarily attributed to higher accounting and compliance costs. We intend to be in compliance with the internal control reporting requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 as of December 31, 2004. This effort is being supported by external consultants.

Occupancy and Equipment

Occupancy and equipment expense was $152,000 and $74,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The increase of approximately $78,000, or 105%, from 2003 to 2004 resulted mostly from equipment purchases and the increase in office space rental due to the continued hiring of institutional brokerage and investment banking professionals and the establishment of new branch offices.

Communications and Technology

Communications and technology expense was $265,000 and $185,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The increase of approximately $80,000, or 44%, from 2003 to 2004 was due to higher telephone and data service fees incurred in our brokerage operations during 2004. The higher telephone and data service charges are the result of increased headcount and the opening of offices in California, New York and Massachusetts.

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Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense was $24,000 and $15,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The increase of approximately $9,000, or 57%, from 2003 to 2004 was due primarily to our growth in personnel. We purchased $221,000 of equipment and fixtures and did not dispose of any equipment or fixtures during 2003. For the first three months of 2004, we purchased $104,000 of equipment and fixtures and did not dispose of any equipment and fixtures.

Other Operating Expense

Other operating expense was $518,000 and $437,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The increase of approximately $81,000, or 19%, from 2003 to 2004 was attributed mostly to higher travel costs incurred in 2004.

Interest Income

Interest income was $10,000 and $4,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The increase of approximately $6,000, or 144%, from 2003 to 2004 was due to a higher average balance of interest earning assets, which increased during the three months ended March 31, 2004 as compared to the similar period in 2003.

Interest Expense

Interest expense was $59,000 and $212,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The 2004 amount included $10,000 for interest expense and $49,000 for amortization of discounts and debt issuance costs, while the 2003 amount included $121,000 for interest expense and $91,000 for amortization of discounts and debt issuance costs. The decline in interest expense resulted from the retirement of long-term debt during 2003.

Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2004 was approximately 24%. The effective tax rate for 2004 reflects the utilization of some of our net operating loss carryforwards. We did not record a provision for income taxed during the three month ended March 31, 2003 because we reported a net loss for the period.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Historically, we have satisfied our liquidity and regulatory capital needs through the issuance of equity and debt securities. During the three months ended March 31, 2004, we increased our liquidity through positive cash flow provided by our operations and through proceeds from the exercise of stock options and stock warrants and from the issuance of common stock. As of March 31, 2004, our working capital was $8,416,000 and we had long-term notes payable of $1,783,000, net of certain discounts.

Our principal assets consist of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities held for trading purposes, restricted cash, receivables and equipment and fixtures. As of March 31, 2004, liquid assets consisted primarily of cash and cash equivalents of $9,316,000 and marketable securities of $1,235,000, for a total of $10,551,000.

Merriman Curhan Ford & Co., as a broker-dealer, is subject to Rule 15c3-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which specifies uniform minimum net capital requirements, as defined, for their registrants. As of March 31, 2004, Merriman Curhan Ford & Co. had regulatory net capital, as defined, of $3,811,000, which exceeded the amount required by $3,427,000.

Cash and cash equivalents increased by $3,173,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2004. During the first quarter of 2004, cash provided by operating activities was $2,128,000, primarily attributed to our net income adjusted for certain non-cash expenses and gains, as well as increases and decreases in operating assets and liabilities. Non-cash expenses included depreciation and amortization, stock based compensation and amortization of discounts on convertible notes payable. Cash provided by financing activities was $1,063,000 during the first three months of 2004 due primarily to the exercise of stock options and stock warrants. Cash used in investing activities during the first quarter of 2004 was $17,000, reflecting the purchase of equipment and fixtures.

We believe that our existing cash balances and investments will be sufficient to meet our liquidity and capital spending requirements, both for the next twelve months as well as for the long-term. However, we have mostly incurred operating losses since inception and, to date, we have generated only limited revenue. Furthermore, we may require additional capital investment to fund our working capital if we incur future operating losses. We cannot be certain that additional debt or equity financing will be available when required or, if available, that we can secure it on terms satisfactory to us.

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Risk Factors

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. In addition to the other information contained in this quarterly report, including reports we incorporate by reference, you should consider the following factors before investing in our securities.

It is difficult to evaluate our business and prospects because we have a limited operating history.

We began actively engaging in providing securities brokerage and investment banking services in January 2002. This was an entirely new business for us, and was a complete break with our previous business, the bandwidth brokerage business. Accordingly, we have a limited operating history on which to base an evaluation of our business and prospects. Our prospects must be considered in light of the risks, expenses and difficulties frequently encountered by companies in their early stage of development. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in addressing these risks and our failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

We may not be able to maintain a positive cash flow and profitability.

Our ability to maintain a positive cash flow and profitability depends on our ability to generate and maintain greater revenue while incurring reasonable expenses. This, in turn, depends, among other things, on the development of our securities brokerage and investment banking business, and we may be unable to maintain profitability if we fail to do any of the following:

We cannot be certain that we will be able to sustain or increase a positive cash flow and profitability on a quarterly or annual basis in the future. Our inability to maintain profitability or positive cash flow could result in disappointing financial results, impede implementation of our growth strategy or cause the market price of our common stock to decrease. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that we will be able to generate the cash flow and profits necessary to sustain our business expectations, which makes our ability to successfully implement our business plan uncertain.

Because we are a developing company, the factors upon which we are able to base our estimates as to the gross revenue and the number of participating clients that will be required for us to maintain a positive cash flow and any additional financing that may be needed for this purpose are unpredictable. For these and other reasons, we cannot assure you that we will not require higher gross revenue, and an increased number of clients, securities brokerage and investment banking transactions, and/or more time in order for us to complete the development of our business that we believe we need to be able to cover our operating expenses, or obtain the funds necessary to finance this development. It is more likely than not that our estimates will prove to be inaccurate because actual events more often than not differ from anticipated events. Furthermore, in the event that financing is needed in addition to the amount that is required for this development, we cannot assure you that such financing will be available on acceptable terms, if at all.

We have a history of operating losses and negative cash flow and we anticipate losses and negative cash flow may occur in the foreseeable future. Unless we are able to generate profits and positive cash flow we may not be able to continue operations.

We have mostly incurred net losses since our inception and financed our operations primarily through sales of equity and debt securities. Although we had a net profit of $2,971,000 for the year ended December 31, 2003, we incurred net losses of $3,405,000 and $30,072,000 for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively, and negative cash flow from operations of $3,434,000 and $13,360,000 in 2002 and 2001, respectively. At March 31, 2004, our accumulated deficit since inception was $87,773,000. We may not sustain or increase a positive cash flow and profitability on a quarterly or annual basis in the future. If we are unable to sustain a positive cash flow and profitability, we may be unable to continue our operations.

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The markets for securities brokerage and investment banking services are highly competitive. If we are not able to compete successfully against current and future competitors, our business and results of operations will be adversely affected.

We are engaged in the highly competitive financial services and investment industries. We compete with large Wall Street securities firms, securities subsidiaries of major commercial bank holding companies, U.S. subsidiaries of large foreign institutions, major regional firms, smaller niche players, and those offering competitive services via the Internet. Many competitors have greater personnel and financial resources than we do. Larger competitors are able to advertise their products and services on a national or regional basis and may have a greater number and variety of distribution outlets for their products, including retail distribution. Discount and Internet brokerage firms market their services through aggressive pricing and promotional efforts. In addition, some competitors have much more extensive investment banking activities than we do and therefore, may possess a relative advantage with regard to access to deal flow and capital.

Increased pressure created by any current or future competitors, or by our competitors collectively, could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations. Increased competition may result in reduced revenue and loss of market share. Further, as a strategic response to changes in the competitive environment, we may from time to time make certain pricing, service or marketing decisions or acquisitions that also could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations. We cannot assure you that we will be able to compete successfully against current and future competitors. In addition, new technologies and the expansion of existing technologies may increase the competitive pressures on us.

We may experience reduced revenue due to declining market volume, price and liquidity, which can also cause counterparties to fail to perform.

Our revenue may decrease in the event of a decline in the market volume of securities transactions, prices or liquidity. Declines in the volume of securities transactions and in market liquidity generally result in lower revenue from trading activities and commissions. Lower price levels of securities may also result in a reduction in our revenue from corporate finance fees, as well as losses from declines in the market value of securities held by us in trading. Sudden sharp declines in market values of securities can result in illiquid markets and the failure of counterparties to perform their obligations, as well as increases in claims and litigation, including arbitration claims from customers. In such markets, we may incur reduced revenue or losses in our principal trading, market-making, investment banking, and advisory services activities.

We may experience significant losses if the value of our marketable security positions deteriorates.

We conduct securities trading, market-making and investment activities for our own account, which subjects our capital to significant risks. These risks include market, credit, counterparty and liquidity risks, which could result in losses for us. These activities often involve the purchase, sale or short sale of securities as principal in markets that may be characterized as relatively illiquid or that may be particularly susceptible to rapid fluctuations in liquidity and price.

We may experience significant fluctuations in our quarterly operating results due to the nature of our business and therefore may fail to meet profitability expectations.

Our revenue and operating results may fluctuate from quarter to quarter and from year to year due to a combination of factors, including:

We record revenue from a capital markets advisory transaction only when we have rendered the services, the client is contractually obligated to pay and collection is probable; generally, most of the fee is earned only upon the closing of a transaction. Accordingly, the timing of our recognition of revenue from a significant transaction can materially affect our quarterly operating results.

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We have registered one of our subsidiaries as a securities broker-dealer and, as such, are subject to substantial regulations. If we fail to comply with these regulations, our business will be adversely affected.

Because we have registered Merriman Curhan Ford & Co. with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., or NASD, as a securities broker-dealer, we are subject to extensive regulation under federal and state laws, as well as self-regulatory organizations. The principal purpose of regulation 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 Securities and Exchange Commission is the federal agency charged with administration of the federal securities laws. Much of the regulation of broker-dealers, however, has been delegated to self-regulatory organizations, such as the NASD and national securities exchanges. The NASD is our primary self-regulatory organization. These self-regulatory organizations adopt rules, which are subject to SEC approval, that govern the industry and conduct periodic examinations of member broker-dealers. Broker-dealers are also subject to regulation by state securities commissions in the states in which they are registered. The regulations to which broker-dealers are subject cover all aspects of the securities business, including net capital requirements, sales methods, trading practices among broker-dealers, capital structure of securities firms, record keeping and the conduct of directors, officers and employees. The SEC and the self-regulatory bodies may conduct administrative proceedings, which can result in censure, fine, suspension or expulsion of a broker-dealer, its officers or employees. If we fail to comply with these rules and regulations, our business may be materially and adversely affected.

The regulatory environment in which we operate is also subject to change. Our business may be adversely affected as a result of new or revised legislation or regulations imposed by the SEC, other United States or foreign governmental regulatory authorities or the NASD. We also may be adversely affected by changes in the interpretation or enforcement of existing laws and rules by these governmental authorities and the NASD.

Our business may suffer if we lose the services of our executive officers or operating personnel.

We depend on the continued services and performance of D. Jonathan Merriman, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, for our future success. We currently have an employment agreement with Mr. Merriman, which ends on January 1, 2007, but can be terminated by either party on 60 days’ notice. The agreement contains provisions that obligate us to make certain payments to Mr. Merriman and substantially reduce vesting periods of options granted to him if we should terminate him without cause or certain events resulting in a change of control of our Board were to occur.

In addition to Mr. Merriman, we are currently managed by a small number of key management and operating personnel. We do not maintain “key man” insurance on any employee. Our future success depends, in part, on the continued service of our key executive, management and technical personnel, many of whom have only recently been hired, and our ability to attract highly skilled employees. Our business could be harmed if any key officer or employee were unable or unwilling to continue in his or her current position. From time to time we have experienced, and we expect to continue to experience, difficulty in hiring and retaining highly skilled employees. Competition for employees in our industry is significant. If we are unable to retain our key employees or attract, integrate or retain other highly qualified employees in the future, such failure may have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Our business is dependent on the services of skilled professionals, and may suffer if we can not recruit or retain such skilled professionals.

During the three months ended March 31, 2004, one sales professional accounted for 16% of our revenue. We have a number of revenue producers employed by our securities brokerage and investment banking subsidiary. We do not have employment contracts with these employees. The loss of one or more of these employees could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

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Our compensation structure may negatively impact our financial condition if we are not able to effectively manage our expenses and cash flows.

We are able to recruit and retain investment banking, research and sales and trading professionals, in part because our business model provides that we pay our revenue producing employees a percentage of their earned revenue. Compensation and benefits is our largest expenditure and this variable compensation component represents a significant proportion of this expense. Compensation for our employees is derived as a percentage of our revenue regardless of the profitability of the Company. Therefore, we may continue to pay individual revenue producers a significant amount of cash compensation as the overall business experiences negative cash flows and/or net losses. We may not be able to recruit or retain revenue producing employees if we modify or eliminate the variable compensation component from our business model.

We may be dependent on a limited number of customers for a significant portion of our revenue.

During the three months ended March 31, 2004, one investment banking customer accounted for 11% of our revenue. We cannot assure you that we will not become dependent on one customer, or on a small number of customers, for a large percentage of our revenue in the future. If we do become dependent on a single customer or small group of customers, the loss of one or more large customers could materially adversely affect our business and results of operations.

We may suffer losses through our investments in securities purchased in secondary market transactions or private placements.

Occasionally, our company, its officers and/or employees may make principal investments in securities through secondary market transactions or through direct investment in companies through private placements. In many cases, employees and officers with investment discretion on behalf of our company decide whether to invest in our company’s account or their personal account. It is possible that gains from investing will accrue to these individuals because investments were made in their personal accounts, and our company will not realize gains because it did not make an investment. Conversely, it is possible that losses from investing will accrue to our company, while these individuals do not experience losses in their personal accounts because the individuals did not make investments in their personal accounts.

We may be unable to effectively manage rapid growth that we may experience, which could place a continuous strain on our resources and, accordingly, adversely affect our business.

We plan to expand our operations. Our growth, if it occurs, will impose significant demands on our management, financial, technical and other resources. We must adapt to changing business conditions and improve existing systems or implement new systems for our financial and management controls, reporting systems and procedures and expand, train and manage a growing employee base in order to manage our future growth. We believe that future growth will require implementation of new and enhanced communications and information systems and training of our personnel to operate such systems. Furthermore, we may acquire existing companies or enter into strategic alliances with third parties, in order to achieve rapid growth. For us to succeed, we must make our existing business and systems work effectively with those of any strategic partners without undue expense, management distraction or other disruptions to our business. We may be unable to implement our business plan if we fail to manage any of the above growth challenges successfully. Our financial results may suffer and we could be materially and adversely affected if that occurs.

Our business and operations would suffer in the event of system failures.

Our success, in particular our ability to successfully facilitate securities brokerage transactions and provide high-quality customer service, largely depends on the efficient and uninterrupted operation of our computer and communications systems. Our systems and operations are vulnerable to damage or interruption from fire, flood, power loss, telecommunication failures, break-ins, earthquake and similar events. Despite the implementation of network security measures, redundant network systems and a disaster recovery plan, our servers are vulnerable to computer viruses, physical or electronic break-ins and similar disruptions, which could lead to interruptions, delays, loss of data or the inability to accept and fulfill customer orders. Additionally, computer viruses may cause our systems to incur delays or other service interruptions, which may cause us to incur additional operating expenses to correct problems we may experience. Any of the foregoing problems could materially adversely affect our business or future results of operations.

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We are highly dependent on proprietary and third-party systems; therefore, system failures could significantly disrupt our business.

Our business is highly dependent on communications and information systems, including systems provided by our clearing brokers. Any failure or interruption of our systems, the systems of our clearing broker or third party trading systems could cause delays or other problems in our securities trading activities, which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

In addition, our clearing brokers provide our principal disaster recovery system. We cannot assure you that we or our clearing brokers will not suffer any systems failure or interruption, including one caused by an earthquake, fire, other natural disaster, power or telecommunications failure, act of God, act of war or otherwise, or that our or our clearing brokers’ back-up procedures and capabilities in the event of any such failure or interruption will be adequate.

Our common stock price may be volatile, which could adversely affect the value of your shares.

The market price of our common stock has in the past been, and may in the future continue to be, volatile. A variety of events may cause the market price of our common stock to fluctuate significantly, including:

Many of these factors are beyond our control. Any one of the factors noted herein could have an adverse effect on the value of our common stock.

In addition, the stock market in recent years has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that have particularly affected the market prices of equity securities of many companies and that often have been unrelated to the operating performance of such companies. These market fluctuations have adversely impacted the price of our common stock in the past and may do so in the future.

We could be sued in a securities class action lawsuit.

In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, securities class action litigation often has been instituted against that company. Such litigation is expensive and diverts management’s attention and resources. We can not assure you that we will not be subject to such litigation. If we are subject to such litigation, even if we ultimately prevail, our business and financial condition may be adversely affected.

Your ability to sell your shares may be restricted because there is a limited trading market for our common stock.

Although our common stock is currently traded on the American Stock Exchange, a trading market in our stock has been sporadic. Accordingly, you may not be able to sell your shares when you want or at the price you want.

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Your ability to sell your shares could be significantly adversely affected because our common stock could be delisted from trading on the American Stock Exchange.

Although our common stock is listed for trading on the American Stock Exchange, it could be delisted because we may be unable to satisfy certain American Stock Exchange listing guidelines including market value, market price, financial condition and results of operations criteria. In particular, beginning December 31, 2003, we are required to maintain net assets of at least $2,000,000 in order to comply with listing requirements. If we incur a loss from continuing operations and/or net loss for fiscal 2004, we will be required to maintain net assets of at least $4,000,000. As of March 31, 2004, we had net assets of approximately $7,910,000. We cannot assure you that we will be able to satisfy these guidelines on a continuing basis and accordingly, we cannot assure you that our common stock will continue to be listed. If the listing is not retained and our common stock is thereafter quoted only on the OTC Electronic Bulletin Board, a significantly less liquid market than the American Stock Exchange, a stockholder may find it even more difficult to dispose of, or to obtain accurate quotations as to the price of, the common stock. A delisting could also negatively affect our ability to raise additional capital in the future.

Our stock could become subject to the “penny stock” rules, which could impair the liquidity of your investment in our stock.

Depending on several factors including, among others, the future market price of our common stock, our stock could become subject to the so-called “penny stock” rules that impose additional sales practice and market making requirements on broker-dealers who sell and/or make a market in such securities. These factors could affect the ability or willingness of broker-dealers to sell our common stock and the ability of purchasers of our common stock to sell their shares in the secondary market.

Anti-takeover provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law could discourage a merger or other type of corporate reorganization or a change in control even if it could be favorable to the interests of our stockholders.

The Delaware General Corporation Law contains provisions that may enable our management to retain control and resist our takeover. These provisions generally prevent us from engaging in a broad range of business combinations with an owner of 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock for a period of three years from the date that such person acquires his or her stock. Accordingly, these provisions could discourage or make more difficult a change in control or a merger or other type of corporate reorganization even if it could be favorable to the interests of our stockholders.

Because our Board of Directors can issue common stock without stockholder approval, you could experience substantial dilution.

Our Board of Directors has the authority to issue up to 300,000,000 shares of common stock and to issue options and warrants to purchase shares of our common stock without stockholder approval in certain circumstances. Future issuance of additional shares of our common stock could be at values substantially below the price at which you may purchase our stock and, therefore, could represent substantial dilution. In addition, our Board of Directors could issue large blocks of our common stock to fend off unwanted tender offers or hostile takeovers without further stockholder approval.

The rights of the holders of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock may adversely affect your rights as a common stockholder.

We currently have outstanding 169,364 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. The holders of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock have a liquidation preference equal to $2.75 per share, plus dividends at the rate of 6% per annum payable in additional shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock.

The liquidation preferences described above are payable to the holders of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock prior to any payments to the holders of common stock in the event of a liquidation and in certain other situations, such as an acquisition of the Company or its assets. The rights of the holders of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock might have the effect of discouraging potential acquirers of the Company and delaying or deterring an acquisition which would be favorable to the holders of common stock. Alternatively, the rights of the holders of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock might result in the holders of common stock receiving a lower price or other consideration for their shares in the event of an acquisition or liquidation of the Company, or in the holders of common stock receiving no consideration in the event of an acquisition or liquidation of the Company.

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Our ability to issue additional preferred stock may adversely affect your rights as a common stockholder and could be used as an anti take-over device.

Our Articles of Incorporation authorize our Board of Directors to issue up to an additional 37,293,000 shares of preferred stock, without approval from our stockholders. If you hold our common stock, this means that our Board of Directors has the right, without your approval as a common stockholder, to fix the relative rights and preferences of the preferred stock. This would affect your rights as a common stockholder regarding, among other things, dividends and liquidation. We could also use the preferred stock to deter or delay a change in control of our Company that may be opposed by our management even if the transaction might be favorable to you as a common stockholder.

Our officers and directors exercise significant control over our affairs, which could result in their taking actions of which other stockholders do not approve.

Our executive officers and directors, and entities affiliated with them, currently control approximately xx% of our outstanding common stock prior to any conversion of any outstanding notes and/or exercise of options and warrants. These stockholders, if they act together, will be able to exercise substantial influence over all matters requiring approval by our stockholders, including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions. This concentration of ownership may also have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of us and might affect the market price of our common stock.

Any exercise of outstanding options and warrants will dilute then-existing stockholders’ percentage of ownership of our common stock.

We have a significant number of outstanding options and warrants. Shares issuable upon the exercise of these options and warrants, at prices ranging currently from approximately $0.18 to $14.40 per share, represent approximately 25% of our total outstanding stock on a fully diluted basis using the treasury stock method. The exercise of the outstanding options and warrants would dilute the then-existing stockholders’ percentage ownership of our common stock. Any sales resulting from the exercise of options and warrants in the public market could adversely affect prevailing market prices for our common stock. Moreover, our ability to obtain additional equity capital could be adversely affected since the holders of outstanding options and warrants may exercise them at a time when we would also wish to enter the market to obtain capital on terms more favorable than those provided by such options and warrants. We lack control over the timing of any exercise or the number of shares issued or sold if exercises occur.

The following discussion about market risk disclosures involves forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. We may be exposed to market risks related to changes in equity prices, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative, trading or any other purpose.

Equity Price Risk

The potential for changes in the market value of our trading positions is referred to as “market risk.” Our trading positions result from proprietary trading activities. Equity price risks result from exposures to changes in prices and volatilities of individual equities and equity indices. We seek to manage this risk exposure through diversification and limiting the size of individual positions within the portfolio. The effect on earnings and cash flows of an immediate 10% increase or decrease in equity prices generally is not ascertainable and could be positive or negative, depending on the positions we hold at the time. We do not establish hedges in related securities or derivatives.

Interest Rate Risk

Our exposure to market risk resulting from changes in interest rates relates primarily to our investment portfolio and long term debt obligations. Our interest income and cash flows may be impacted by changes in the general level of U.S. interest rates. We do not hedge this exposure because we believe that we are not subject to any material market risk exposure due to the short-term nature of our investments. We would not expect an immediate 10% increase or decrease in current interest rates to have a material effect on the fair market value of our investment portfolio.

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Our long term debt obligations bear interest at a fixed rate. Accordingly, an immediate 10% increase or decrease in current interest rates would not have an impact on our interest expense or cash flows. The fair market value of our long term fixed interest rate debt is subject to interest rate risk. Generally, the fair market value of fixed interest rate debt will increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise. We would not expect an immediate 10% increase or decrease in current interest rates to have a material impact on the fair market value of our long term debt obligations.

Foreign Currency Risk

We do not have any foreign currency denominated assets or liabilities or purchase commitments and have not entered into any foreign currency contracts. Accordingly, we are not exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. The Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-14(c) and 15d-14(c) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms. There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the last fiscal quarter that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Glen, Lukrich, Reichard v. MCF Corporation, Merriman Curhan Ford & Co. Superior Court of California, City and County of San Francisco, Case No. CGC-04430343.

A former member of the board of directors from April 1999 to February 2000, a former independent contractor who performed the corporate controller function from December 1998 to May 2000 and a former chief executive and member of the board of directors from May 1999 to October 2000 are named plaintiffs in a complaint filed on April 8, 2004 seeking damages for breach of contract.

The plaintiffs allege that stock option agreements given to them in May of 1999 are still valid and exercisable. The Company has rejected the plaintiffs’ requests to exercise their stock option grants on the basis that they expired several years ago after the plaintiffs completed their services to the Company. The Company alleges further that the plaintiffs were given notice of the expiration of their stock option grants and that the alleged terms extending the exercisability of those grants was not authorized by the board of directors and is wholly inconsistent with the 1999 Stock Option and Incentive Plan. The Company has not yet responded to the complaint, having been served recently.

On March 1, 2004 our broker-dealer subsidiary received a letter from attorneys representing the interests of The Seidler Companies Incorporated, or Seidler. The letter claimed that one of Seidler’s former employees, who has since joined our company, breached a term in an employment contract he entered into with Seidler. Seidler sought monetary damages related to a financial services fee earned by Merriman Curhan Ford & Co. The Company rejected Seidler’s claim. There has been no other action regarding this matter.

Additionally, from time to time, we are involved in ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business.

None.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

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