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8-K - FORM 8-K - NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPnhld20180808_8k.htm

Exhibit 99.1

 

National Holdings Corporation Reports Financial Results for the Fiscal Third Quarter 2018

 

NEW YORK, NY, August 14, 2018 – National Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: NHLD) (“National” or the “Company”), a leading full service independent brokerage, investment banking, trading, insurance, accounting and asset management firm providing diverse services including tax preparation, today announced its financial results for the fiscal third quarter 2018.

 

Fiscal Third Quarter 2018 Financial Highlights:

 

 

Quarterly revenue of $56.2 million, versus $48.0 million for the fiscal third quarter 2017. Continued strength in investment banking, commissions and investment management contributed to a 17% increase in revenue period to period.

 

 

Investment banking revenues increased 48% to $18.7 million in the quarter bolstered by a strong and diversified deal pipeline.

 

 

Income before other expense and income taxes was $1.6 million, up 171% compared to profit of $0.6 million in the prior year quarter. When adjusting for the unrealized warrant portfolio losses in the quarter, income increases to $3.8 million in the current quarter versus $0.6 million in the prior year quarter.

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA increased to $5.2 million from $1.2 million in the prior year quarter. Adjusted EBITDA excludes the unrealized gains and losses on the firm’s warrant portfolio to provide a view on its core operating profitability.

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents of $34.4 million and no debt as of June 30, 2018 versus $27.9 million as of September 30, 2017.

 

 

Equity of $47.7 million as of June 30, 2018 versus $38.9 million as of September 30, 2017. The significant increase in equity period to period is due to the reclassification of the firm’s warrant liability to equity in the second quarter of fiscal 2018, the result of an amendment to the warrant agreement previously disclosed.

 

 

Management Commentary

 

Michael Mullen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of National stated, “I am extremely pleased to see continued outperformance during the third quarter and importantly over the past 22 months since our reorganization. We have been working tirelessly to implement major changes to our risk management systems, upgrade our technology platforms, and fine tune the National leadership team with the addition of highly skilled individuals to ensure all employees, both new and seasoned, remain focused on ensuring the long-term success of National and our clients. It is amazing to see that with increased direction and focus we were able to quickly transform our business and increase profitability across numerous sectors. This is notably visible in our increased third quarter revenue figure, which was bolstered by a highly diversified deal pipeline comprised of 100% non-affiliated deals.”

 

 

 

 

Mr. Mullen continued, “Noteworthy this quarter, we closed on approximately $90 million of investments in two highly sought-after private companies through our Special Purpose Vehicle, Innovation X. The first company is one of the world’s most popular social media apps and one of the 10 most highly valued private companies in the US. The second is a leading aerospace manufacturer and one of the fastest growing providers of launch services. Innovation X is co-managed by National Asset Management and Roger Monteforte, one of our longest tenured branch owners. Roger pioneered this business vertical at National and through his leadership it has grown remarkably, becoming an important part of the diversified product offerings available to our clientele. We believe we have never been better positioned for success and we look forward to an impactful end of year.”

 

 

Fiscal Third Quarter and Year to Date 2018 Financial Results

 

National reported third quarter 2018 revenue of $56.2 million, up $8.2 million or 17% over the third quarter of fiscal 2017. Total expenses increased $7.2 million or 15% to $54.7 million in the quarter.

 

For the nine months to date, revenue increased $22.2 million (15%) to $166.7 million, while expenses increased 16% to $160.6 million. Revenue was negatively impacted by $2.7 million of unrealized losses in our warrant portfolio in the current year. We continue to invest strategically in people, technology and risk management, increasing our operating expense base, but also aiding in the outperformance seen in our increased revenue figures.

 

 

Revenue

 

Our major revenue categories continued to produce strong results in the current quarter. The majority of the revenue increase in Q3 2018 was recorded in investment banking, up $6.1 million (48%) to $18.7 million.

 

 

Commissions and related fees increased $3.5 million (13%) to $30.0 million in the quarter; and investment advisory, an area of strategic importance, was up $1.7 million (47%) versus the prior year quarter to $5.3 million from $3.6 million on the continuing growth of assets under management and equity market values.

 

 

The other significant change occurred in net dealer inventory gains which produced a loss of ($1.3) million versus revenue of $1.8 million in the prior year quarter. The strategic change announced in the second quarter of 2018 to focus on client and deal facilitation, reducing expected revenue levels but increasing overall profitability, was further negatively impacted by unrealized losses in the firm’s warrant portfolio in the current quarter totaling $2.3 million.

 

For the nine months ended June 30, 2018, total revenue increased 15% to $166.7 million on strength in the same categories recognized in the current quarter – commissions and related fees, investment banking, and investment advisory.

 

 

 

 

Operating Expenses

 

The 3rd quarter of 2018 saw an increase of 15% in total expenses, to $54.7 million from $47.5 million in the prior year period. The increase is consistent with our 2018 plan, focusing on strategic upgrading and increasing staff where appropriate.

 

 

Commissions, compensation and fees increased $8.6 million to $48.6 million in the current quarter. The increase in investment banking, commissions, and investment advisory revenue, and therefore compensation expense, contributed to the majority of the increase. As we have previously noted, planned infrastructure spending in technology development and enterprise risk management professionals and the related Incremental employee compensation and benefits contributed to the increase.

 

 

License and registration fees, which includes software licensing, increased $0.5 million (120%) to $0.9 million in the quarter on incremental technology spending. Communications expenses and depreciation expenses increased $0.2 million (24%) and $0.1 million (34%), respectively, also on increased technology spending.

 

 

Other administrative expenses declined $1.9 million (52%) to a more normalized level of spending in the current quarter. The prior year quarter included higher provisions for potential arbitration settlements and higher insurance costs.

 

For the nine months ended June 30, 2018, total operating expenses increased $22 million (16%) to $160.6 million, from $138.6 million in the prior year period. The increases across expense categories are consistent with what the company experienced in the three quarters to date – variable compensation expense associated with commission, investment banking and investment advisory revenue, upgrading staff and incremental staff compensation and benefits as previously noted, and technology development. The reduction in other administrative expenses is principally due to lower provisions for potential legal expenses and arbitration settlements in the current year period.

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

Adjusted EBITDA increased to $5.2 million in the current quarter, from $1.2 million in prior year quarter. For the nine months ended June 30th, AEBITDA of $12.1 million compared to $7.6 million in the comparable 2017 period.

Balance Sheet

 

As of June 30, 2018, National had $34.4 million of cash and cash equivalents, versus $27.9 million as of September 30, 2017. The Company's balance sheet remains debt free.

 

 

Non-GAAP Measures

 

The Non-GAAP measures shown in this release exclude various items detailed further below.

 

 

National defines non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA as GAAP net income (loss) excluding: interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, change in fair value of warrant liability, forgivable loan amortization, unrealized gain/loss on the firm’s warrant portfolio and gain due to a reduction in Gilman branches.

 

Reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures are included with the financial information included in this press release. These measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative for, GAAP and may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies. Management believes that the presentation of non-GAAP results, when shown in conjunction with corresponding GAAP measures, provides useful information to management and investors regarding financial and business trends related to the company's operating results.

 

 

 

 

About National Holdings Corporation

National Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: NHLD) is a full-service investment banking and asset management firm that, through its affiliates, provides a range of services, including independent retail brokerage and advisory services, investment banking, institutional sales and trading, equity research, financial planning, market making, tax preparation and insurance, to corporations, institutions, high net-worth and retail investors. With over 1,000 advisors, registered reps, traders, sales associates and corporate staff, National Holdings operates through various subsidiaries including National Securities Corporation, National Asset Management, Inc., National Insurance Corporation, Gilman Ciocia, Inc. and GC Capital Corporation. Formed as a holding company in 1999, National Holdings’ largest subsidiary National Securities Corporation has been in business since 1947. National Holdings is headquartered in New York and Florida. For more information, visit www.nhld.com. Fortress Biotech, Inc. (NASDAQ: FBIO) through its affiliate FBIO Acquisition, Inc., is a majority shareholder of NHLD.

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements. Any such statements, other than statements of historical fact, are based on management’s current expectations, estimates, projections, beliefs and assumptions about National Holdings, Inc., its current and prospective portfolio investments, and its industry. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond National Holdings, Inc.’s control, difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expected or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Actual developments and results are likely to vary materially from these estimates and projections as a result of a number of factors, including those described from time to time in National Holdings, Inc.’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such statements speak only as of the time when made, and National undertakes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

 

 

CONTACTS:

 

MEDIA CONTACT

Eric Hazard for National

917-765-8720

national@fullyvested.com

 

INVESTOR RELATIONS

Email: ir@nhldcorp.com

 

 

 

 

NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

   

June 30,
2018
(Unaudited)

   

September 30,
2017

 

ASSETS

               

Cash

  $ 28,664,000     $ 23,508,000  

Restricted cash

    1,352,000       1,381,000  

Cash deposits with clearing organizations

    336,000       1,041,000  

Securities owned, at fair value

    8,593,000       7,102,000  

Receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations

    3,181,000       2,850,000  

Forgivable loans receivable

    1,610,000       1,616,000  

Other receivables, net

    5,277,000       5,180,000  

Prepaid expenses

    1,374,000       2,490,000  

Fixed assets, net

    2,532,000       2,397,000  

Intangible assets, net

    4,997,000       4,843,000  

Goodwill

    5,217,000       5,217,000  

Deferred tax asset, net

    4,350,000       6,420,000  

Other assets, principally refundable deposits

    419,000       353,000  

Total Assets

  $ 67,902,000     $ 64,398,000  
                 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

               
                 

Liabilities

               

Securities sold, but not yet purchased, at fair value

  $ 24,000     $ 151,000  

Accrued commissions and payroll payable

    11,974,000       10,065,000  

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    7,471,000       8,715,000  

Deferred clearing and marketing credits

    629,000       786,000  

Warrants issued

          5,597,000  

Other

    77,000       181,000  

Total Liabilities

    20,175,000       25,495,000  
                 

Stockholders’ Equity

               

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; none outstanding

           

Common stock $0.02 par value, authorized 75,000,000 shares at June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017; 12,490,990 and 12,437,916 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively

    249,000       248,000  

Additional paid-in-capital

    85,273,000       66,955,000  

Accumulated deficit

    (37,795,000 )     (28,315,000 )
                 

Total National Holdings Corporation Stockholders’ Equity

    47,727,000       38,888,000  
                 

Non-Controlling interest

          15,000  

Total Stockholders’ Equity

    47,727,000       38,903,000  
                 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

  $ 67,902,000     $ 64,398,000  

 

 

 

 

NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

   

Three Month Period Ended
June 30,

   

Nine Month Period Ended
June 30,

 
   

2018

   

2017

   

2018

   

2017

 

Revenues

                               

Commissions

  $ 28,397,000     $ 24,881,000     $ 85,422,000     $ 73,380,000  

Net dealer inventory gains (losses)

    (1,263,000 )     1,767,000       2,402,000       7,735,000  

Investment banking

    18,733,000       12,645,000       47,812,000       37,253,000  

Investment advisory

    5,281,000       3,604,000       15,811,000       10,690,000  

Interest and dividends

    772,000       675,000       2,003,000       2,065,000  

Transaction fees and clearing services

    1,605,000       1,649,000       5,680,000       5,834,000  

Tax preparation and accounting

    2,445,000       2,527,000       6,835,000       6,527,000  

Other

    267,000       299,000       697,000       1,016,000  

Total Revenues

    56,237,000       48,047,000       166,662,000       144,500,000  
                                 

Operating Expenses

                               

Commissions, compensation and fees

    48,555,000       39,963,000       141,462,000       118,983,000  

Clearing fees

    451,000       470,000       1,772,000       1,826,000  

Communications

    857,000       690,000       2,429,000       2,094,000  

Occupancy

    738,000       972,000       2,834,000       2,916,000  

License and registration

    861,000       391,000       2,028,000       1,223,000  

Professional fees

    1,077,000       1,083,000       3,047,000       3,336,000  

Interest

    25,000       5,000       30,000       13,000  

Depreciation and amortization

    387,000       288,000       1,145,000       871,000  

Other administrative expenses

    1,727,000       3,610,000       5,839,000       7,315,000  

Total Operating Expenses

    54,678,000       47,472,000       160,586,000       138,577,000  

Income before Other (Expense) Income and Income Taxes

    1,559,000       575,000       6,076,000       5,923,000  
                                 

Other (Expense) Income

                               

Gain on disposal of Gilman branches

                      130,000  

Change in fair value of warrant liability

          (642,000 )     (11,194,000 )     5,223,000  

Other income (expense)

    (146,000 )     5,000       90,000       10,000  

Total Other (Expense) Income

    (146,000 )     (637,000 )     (11,104,000 )     5,363,000  

(Loss) Income before Income Taxes

    1,413,000       (62,000 )     (5,028,000 )     11,286,000  
                                 

Income tax expense (benefit)

    601,000       (38,000 )     4,452,000       2,377,000  

Net (Loss) Income

  $ 812,000     $ (24,000 )   $ (9,480,000 )   $ 8,909,000  
                                 

Net (loss) income per share - Basic

  $ 0.07     $     $ (0.76 )   $ 0.72  

Net (loss) income per share - Diluted

  $ 0.06     $     $ (0.76 )   $ 0.72  
                                 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding - Basic

    12,490,539       12,437,916       12,461,776       12,437,916  

Weighted average number of shares outstanding - Diluted

    13,899,374       12,437,916       12,461,776       12,459,834  

 

 

 

 

RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME (LOSS) TO NON-GAAP* ADJUSTED EBITDA

 

   

Three Months Ended

June 30,

   

Nine Months Ended

June 30,

 
   

2018

   

2017

   

2018

   

2017

 

Net (loss) income, as reported

  $ 812,000     $ (24,000 )   $ (9,480,000 )   $ 8,909,000  

Interest expense

    25,000       5,000       30,000       13,000  

Income taxes

    601,000       (38,000 )     4,452,000       2,377,000  

Depreciation

    158,000       91,000       487,000       278,000  

Amortization

    229,000       197,000       658,000       593,000  

EBITDA

    1,825,000       231,000       (3,853,000 )     12,170,000  

Non-cash compensation expense

    929,000       129,000       1,605,000       312,000  

Change in fair value of warrant liability

          642,000       11,194,000       (5,223,000 )

Forgivable loan amortization

    164,000       158,000       474,000       520,000  

Unrealized (gain) loss on the firm’s warrant portfolio

    2,254,000       5,000       2,723,000       (64,000 )

Gain on disposal of Gilman branches

                      (130,000 )

EBITDA, as adjusted

  $ 5,172,000     $ 1,165,000     $ 12,143,000     $ 7,585,000  

 

* National defines non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA as GAAP net income (loss) excluding: interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, change in fair value of warrant liability, forgivable loan amortization, unrealized gain/loss on the firm’s warrant portfolio and gain on disposal of Gilman branches.