B. Riley Financial, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2017 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017

Or

For the transition period from        to

Commission File Number 001-37503

B. RILEY FINANCIAL, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

(818) 884-3737
(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 ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one) 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.    ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes  ☐ No ☒

As of November 6, 2017, there were 26,467,594 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, outstanding.

B. Riley Financial, Inc. 

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 

For The Quarter Ended September 30, 2017 

Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

B. RILEY FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Dollars in thousands, except par value)

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

B. RILEY FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except share data)

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

B. RILEY FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

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

B. RILEY FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

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

B. RILEY FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

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

B. RILEY FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollars in thousands, except share data)

NOTE 1—ORGANIZATION, BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Organization and Nature of Operations

B. Riley Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively the “Company”) provide investment banking and financial services to corporate, institutional and high net worth clients, and asset disposition, valuation and appraisal and capital advisory services to a wide range of retail, wholesale and industrial clients, as well as lenders, capital providers, private equity investors and professional services firms throughout the United States, Australia, Canada, and Europe and with the acquisition of United Online, Inc. (“UOL”) on July 1, 2016, provide consumer Internet access and related subscription services.

The Company operates in four operating segments: (i) Capital Markets, through which the Company provides investment banking, corporate finance, securities lending, restructuring, research, sales and trading and wealth management services to corporate, institutional and high net worth clients; (ii) Auction and Liquidation, through which the Company provides auction and liquidation services to help clients dispose of assets that include multi-location retail inventory, wholesale inventory, trade fixtures, machinery and equipment, intellectual property and real property; (iii) Valuation and Appraisal, through which the Company provides valuation and appraisal services to clients with independent appraisals in connection with asset based loans, acquisitions, divestitures and other business needs; and (iv) Principal Investments - United Online, through which the Company provides consumer Internet access and related subscription services.

NOTE 2—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of B. Riley Financial, Inc. and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. The condensed consolidated financial statements also include the accounts of (a) Great American Global Partners, LLC which is controlled by the Company as a result of its ownership of a 50% member interest, appointment of two of the three executive officers and significant influence over the funding of operations, and (b) GA Retail Investments, L.P. which is controlled by the Company as a result of its ownership of a 50% partnership interest, appointment of executive officers and significant influence over the operations. The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to interim financial reporting guidelines and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In the opinion of the Company’s management, all adjustments, consisting of only normal and recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and the results of operations for the periods presented have been included. These condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 10, 2017. The results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected for the full fiscal year or any future periods.

The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. Estimates are used when accounting for certain items such as valuation of securities, reserves for accounts receivable and slow moving goods held for sale or auction, the carrying value of intangible assets and goodwill, the fair value of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests, fair value of share-based arrangements, fair value of contingent consideration in business combination’s and accounting for income tax valuation allowances. Estimates are based on historical experience, where applicable, and assumptions that management believes are reasonable under the circumstances. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved with estimates, actual results may differ.

Revenues are recognized in accordance with the accounting guidance when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the related services have been provided, the fee is fixed or determinable, and collection is reasonably assured.

Revenues in the Capital Markets segment are primarily comprised of (i) fees earned from corporate finance, investment banking, restructuring and wealth management services; (ii) revenues from sales and trading activities; and (iii) interest income from securities lending activities.

Fees earned from corporate finance and investment banking services are derived from debt, equity and convertible securities offerings in which the Company acted as an underwriter or placement agent and from financial advisory services rendered in connection with client mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, recapitalizations and other strategic transactions. Fees from underwriting activities are recognized in earnings when the services related to the underwriting transaction are completed under the terms of the engagement and when the income was determined and is not subject to any other contingencies.

Fees earned from wealth management services consist primarily of investment management fees that are recognized over the period the services are provided. Investment management fees are primarily comprised of fees for investment management services and are generally based on the dollar amount of the assets being managed.

Revenues from sales and trading include (i) commissions resulting from equity securities transactions executed as agent or principal and are recorded on a trade date basis; (ii) related net trading gains and losses from market making activities and from the commitment of capital to facilitate customer orders; (iii) fees paid for equity research; and (iv) principal transactions which include realized and unrealized gains and losses and interest and dividend income resulting from our principal investments in equity and other securities for the Company’s account.

Revenues from securities lending activities consist of interest income from equity and fixed income securities that are borrowed from one party and loaned to another. The Company maintains relationships with a broad group of banks and broker-dealers to facilitate the sourcing, borrowing and lending of equity and fixed income securities in a “matched book” to limit the Company’s exposure to fluctuations in the market value or securities borrowed and securities loaned.

Revenues in the Auction and Liquidation segment are comprised of (i) commissions and fees earned on the sale of goods at auctions and liquidations; (ii) revenues from auction and liquidation services contracts where the Company guarantees a minimum recovery value for goods being sold at auction or liquidation; (iii) revenue from the sale of goods that are purchased by the Company for sale at auction or liquidation sales events; (iv) fees earned from real estate services and the origination of loans; (v) revenues from financing activities is recorded over the lives of related loans receivable using the interest method; and (vi) revenues from contractual reimbursable expenses incurred in connection with auction and liquidation contracts.

Commission and fees earned on the sale of goods at auction and liquidation sales are recognized when evidence of an arrangement exists, the sales price has been determined, title has passed to the buyer and the buyer has assumed the risks of ownership, and collection is reasonably assured. The commission and fees earned for these services are included in revenues in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. Under these types of arrangements, revenues also include contractual reimbursable costs.

Revenues earned from auction and liquidation services contracts where the Company guarantees a minimum recovery value for goods being sold at auction or liquidation are recognized based on proceeds received. The Company records proceeds received from these types of engagements first as a reduction of contractual reimbursable expenses, second as a recovery of its guarantee and thereafter as revenue, subject to such revenue meeting the criteria of having been fixed or determinable. Contractual reimbursable expenses and amounts advanced to customers for minimum guarantees are initially recorded as advances against customer contracts in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. If, during the auction or liquidation sale, the Company determines that the proceeds from the sale will not meet the minimum guaranteed recovery value as defined in the auction or liquidation services contract, the Company accrues a loss on the contract in the period that the loss becomes known.

The Company also evaluates revenue from auction and liquidation contracts in accordance with the accounting guidance to determine whether to report Auction and Liquidation segment revenue on a gross or net basis. The Company has determined that it acts as an agent in a substantial majority of its auction and liquidation services contracts and therefore reports the auction and liquidation revenues on a net basis.

Revenues from the sale of goods are recorded gross and are recognized in the period in which the sale of goods held for sale or auction are completed, title to the property passes to the purchaser and the Company has fulfilled its obligations with respect to the transaction. These revenues are primarily the result of the Company acquiring title to merchandise with the intent of selling the items at auction or for augmenting liquidation sales. For liquidation contracts where we take title to retail goods, our net sales represent gross sales invoiced to customers, less certain related charges for discounts, returns, and other promotional allowances and are recorded net of sales or value added tax.

Revenues in the Valuation and Appraisal segment are primarily comprised of fees for valuation and appraisal services. Revenues are recognized upon the delivery of the completed services to the related customers and collection of the fee is reasonably assured. Revenues in the Valuation and Appraisal segment also include contractual reimbursable costs.

Revenues in the Principal Investments - United Online segment are primarily comprised of services revenues, which are derived primarily from fees charged to pay accounts; advertising and other revenues; and products revenues, which are derived primarily from the sale mobile broadband service devices, including the related shipping and handling fees.

Service revenues are derived primarily from fees charged to pay accounts and are recognized in the period in which fees are fixed or determinable and the related services are provided to the customer. The Company’s pay accounts generally pay in advance for their services by credit card, PayPal, automated clearinghouse or check, and revenues are then recognized ratably over the service period. Advance payments from pay accounts are recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as deferred revenue. In circumstances where payment is not received in advance, revenues are only recognized if collectability is reasonably assured.

Advertising revenues consist primarily of amounts from the Company’s Internet search partner that are generated as a result of users utilizing the partner’s Internet search services and amounts generated from display advertisements. The Company recognizes such advertising revenues in the period in which the advertisement is displayed or, for performance-based arrangements, when the related performance criteria are met. In determining whether an arrangement exists, the Company ensures that a written contract is in place, such as a standard insertion order or a customer-specific agreement. The Company assesses whether performance criteria have been met and whether the fees are fixed or determinable based on a reconciliation of the performance criteria and the payment terms associated with the transaction. The reconciliation of the performance criteria generally includes a comparison of customer-provided performance data to the contractual performance obligation and to internal or third-party performance data in circumstances where that data is available.

Direct cost of services relate to service and fee revenues. The costs consist of employee compensation and related payroll benefits, travel expenses, the cost of consultants assigned to revenue-generating activities and direct expenses billable to clients in the Valuation and Appraisal segment. Direct costs of services include participation in profits under collaborative arrangements in which the Company is a majority participant. Direct costs of services also include the cost of consultants and other direct expenses related to auction and liquidation contracts pursuant to commission and fee based arrangements in the Auction and Liquidation segment. Direct cost of services in the Principal Investments - United Online segment include cost of telecommunications and data center costs, personnel and overhead-related costs associated with operating the Company’s networks and data centers, depreciation of network computers and equipment, third party advertising sales commissions, license fees, costs related to providing customer support, costs related to customer billing and processing of customer credit cards and associated bank fees. Direct cost of services does not include an allocation of the Company’s overhead costs.

Interest expense from securities lending activities is included in operating expenses related to operations in the Capital Markets segment.  Interest expense from securities lending activities is incurred from equity and fixed income securities that are loaned to the Company.

Revenue from one liquidation engagement represented 24.4% of total revenues during the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 15.6% of total revenues during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Revenues in the Capital Markets, Valuation and Appraisal and Principal Investments - United Online segments are currently primarily generated in the United States. Revenues in the Auction and Liquidation segment are primarily generated in the United States, Australia, Canada and Europe.

The Company’s activities in the Auction and Liquidation segment are executed frequently with, and on behalf of, distressed customers and secured creditors. Concentrations of credit risk can be affected by changes in economic, industry, or geographical factors. The Company seeks to control its credit risk and potential risk concentration through risk management activities that limit the Company’s exposure to losses on any one specific liquidation services contract or concentration within any one specific industry. To mitigate the exposure to losses on any one specific liquidation services contract, the Company sometimes conducts operations with third parties through collaborative arrangements.

The Company maintains cash in various federally insured banking institutions. The account balances at each institution periodically exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (“FDIC”) insurance coverage, and as a result, there is a concentration of credit risk related to amounts in excess of FDIC insurance coverage. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts. The Company also has substantial cash balances from proceeds received from auctions and liquidation engagements that are distributed to parties in accordance with the collaborative arrangements.

The Company expenses advertising costs, which consist primarily of costs for printed materials, as incurred. Advertising costs totaled $183 and $339 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $1,227 and $1,235 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Advertising expense is included as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

The Company’s share-based payment awards principally consist of grants of restricted stock and restricted stock units. In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance, share-based payment awards are classified as either equity or liabilities. For equity-classified awards, the Company measures compensation cost for the grant of membership interests at fair value on the date of grant and recognizes compensation expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations over the requisite service or performance period the award is expected to vest. The fair value of the liability-classified award will be subsequently remeasured at each reporting date through the settlement date. Change in fair value during the requisite service period will be recognized as compensation cost over that period.

The Company recorded a restructuring charge in the amount of $11,484 during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. In the second and third quarters of 2017, the Company implemented costs savings measures taking into account the planned synergies as a result of the acquisition of FBR & Co. (“FBR”) and Wunderlich Investment Company, Inc. (“Wunderlich”), as more fully described in Note 3, which included a reduction in force for some of the corporate executives of FBR’s and Wunderlich and a restructuring to integrate FBR and Wunderlich’s operations with the Company’s existing operations. These initiatives resulted in a restructuring charge of $6,105 in the second quarter of 2017 and $4,746 in the third quarters of 2017. The restructuring charges during the second and third quarter of 2017 included $2,400 related to severance and $884 related to the accelerated vesting of restricted stock awards to former corporate executives of FBR and Wunderlich and $3,109 of severance and $1,710 related to accelerated vesting of stock awards to employees and $2,748 of lease loss accruals and impairments for the planned consolidation of office space related to operations of FBR and Wunderlich. Of the $10,851 of restructuring charges related to these initiatives, $7,245 related to the Capital Markets segment and $3,606 related to corporate overhead. The restructuring charge in 2017 also included employee termination costs of $150 and $633 in the third quarter and the nine months ended 2017, respectively, related to a reduction in personnel in the principal investments – United Online segment of our operations.

The following table summarizes the changes in accrued restructuring charge during the nine months ended September 30, 2017:

The following tables summarize the restructuring activities during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:

The Company recognizes deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the condensed consolidated financial statements or tax returns. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the difference between the financial statement basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Company estimates the degree to which tax assets and credit carryforwards will result in a benefit based on expected profitability by tax jurisdiction. A valuation allowance for such tax assets and loss carryforwards is provided when it is determined to be more likely than not that the benefit of such deferred tax asset will not be realized in future periods. Tax benefits of operating loss carryforwards are evaluated on an ongoing basis, including a review of historical and projected future operating results, the eligible carryforward period, and other circumstances. If it becomes more likely than not that a tax asset will be used, the related valuation allowance on such assets would be reduced.

The Company recognizes tax benefits from uncertain tax positions only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. Once this threshold has been met, the Company’s measurement of its expected tax benefits is recognized in its financial statements. The Company accrues interest on unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. Penalties, if incurred, would be recognized as a component of income tax expense.

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

As of September 30, 2017, restricted cash balance of $9,269 included $8,759 of cash collateral related to certain retail liquidation engagements and $510 cash segregated in a special bank account for the benefit of customers related to our broker dealer subsidiary and collateral for one of our telecommunication supplier. As of December 31, 2016, restricted cash balance of $3,294 included $1,440 of cash collateral related to a retail liquidation engagement in Australia, $1,320 of cash collateral for foreign exchange contracts and $534 cash segregated in a special bank account for the benefit of customers related to our broker dealer subsidiary and collateral for one of our telecommunication suppliers.

Securities borrowed and securities loaned are recorded based upon the amount of cash advanced or received. Securities borrowed transactions facilitate the settlement process and require the Company to deposit cash or other collateral with the lender. With respect to securities loaned, the Company receives collateral in the form of cash. The amount of collateral required to be deposited for securities borrowed, or received for securities loaned, is an amount generally in excess of the market value of the applicable securities borrowed or loaned. The Company monitors the market value of the securities borrowed and loaned on a daily basis, with additional collateral obtained, or excess collateral recalled, when deemed appropriate.

The Company accounts for securities lending transactions in accordance with Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-01, “Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities,” requiring companies to report disclosures of offsetting assets and liabilities. The Company does not net securities borrowed and securities loaned and these items are presented on a gross basis in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

The Company clears all of its proprietary and customer transactions through other broker-dealers on a fully disclosed basis. The amount receivable from or payable to the clearing brokers represents the net of proceeds from unsettled securities sold, the Company’s clearing deposit and amounts receivable for commissions less amounts payable for unsettled securities purchased by the Company and amounts payable for clearing costs and other settlement charges. This amount also includes the cash collateral received for securities loaned less cash collateral for securities borrowed. Any amounts payable would be fully collateralized by all of the securities owned by the Company and held on deposit at the clearing broker.

Accounts receivable represents amounts due from the Company’s auction and liquidation, valuation and appraisal, capital markets and principal investments - United Online customers. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses inherent in its accounts receivable portfolio. In establishing the required allowance, management utilizes a specific customer identification methodology. Management also considers historical losses adjusted for current market conditions and the customers’ financial condition and the current receivables aging and current payment patterns. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. The Company does not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to its customers. Bad debt expense and changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 are included in Note 5.

Advances against customer contracts represent advances of contractually reimbursable expenses incurred prior to, and during the term of the auction and liquidation services contract. These advances are charged to expense in the period that revenue is recognized under the contract.

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Property and equipment held under capital leases are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life of the asset. Depreciation and amortization expense was $1,243 and $531 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $2,458 and $706 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Securities owned consist of marketable securities and investments in partnership interests and other securities recorded at fair value. Securities sold, but not yet purchased represents obligations of the Company to deliver the specified security at the contracted price and thereby create a liability to purchase the security in the market at prevailing prices. Changes in the value of these securities are reflected currently in the results of operations.

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company’s securities owned and securities sold not yet purchased at fair value consisted of the following securities:

The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market. In general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical instruments that are highly liquid, observable and actively traded in over-the-counter markets. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable and can be corroborated by market data. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

The Company’s securities and other investments owned and securities sold and not yet purchased are comprised of common stocks and warrants, corporate bonds, loans receivable and investments in partnerships. Investments in common stocks are based on quoted prices in active markets which are included in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The Company also holds nonpublic common stocks and warrants for which there is little or no public market and fair value is determined by management on a consistent basis. For investments where little or no public market exists, management’s determination of fair value is based on the best available information which may incorporate management’s own assumptions and involves a significant degree of judgment, taking into consideration various factors including earnings history, financial condition, recent sales prices of the issuer’s securities and liquidity risks. These investments are included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Investments in partnership interests include investments in private equity partnerships that primarily invest in equity securities, bonds, and direct lending funds. The Company’s partnership interests are valued based on the Company’s proportionate share of the net assets of the partnership which is derived from the most recent statements received from the general partner which are included in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The Company also invests in proprietary investment funds that are valued at net asset value (“NAV”) determined by the fund administrator. The underlying securities held by these investment companies are primarily corporate and asset-backed fixed income securities and restrictions exist on the redemption of amounts invested by the Company. As a practical expedient, the Company relies on the NAV of these investments as their fair value. The NAVs that have been provided by the fund administrators are derived from the fair values of the underlying investments as of the reporting date. In accordance with ASU 2015-07, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent),” (“ASU 2015-07”), these investment funds are not categorized within the fair value hierarchy.

The fair value of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests is determined based on the issuance of similar interests for cash, references to industry comparables, and relied, in part, on information obtained from appraisal reports and internal valuation models.

The following tables present information on the financial assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

As of September 30, 2017, securities and other investments owned included $4,852 of investment funds valued at NAV per share. As such, total securities and other investments owned of $95,965 in the condensed consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2017 included investments in investment funds of $4,852 and securities and other investments owned in the amount of $91,113 as outlined in the fair value table above.

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, financial assets measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis and classified within Level 3 were $48,706 and $13,885, respectively, or 4.0% and 5.2%, respectively, of the Company’s total assets. In determining the fair value for these Level 3 financial assets, the Company analyzes various financial, performance and market factors to estimate the value, including where applicable, over-the-counter market trading activity.

The changes in Level 3 fair value hierarchy during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:

The fair value adjustment for contingent consideration of $8 and $78 represents imputed interest for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company had a triggering event in the second quarter of 2017 for the mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests that resulted in a fair value adjustment of $6,050 of the total fair value adjustment of $9,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. In connection with this event, the Company received proceeds of $6,000 from key man life insurance. These amounts have been recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of operations in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the corporate segment. The amount reported in the table above also for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 includes the amount of undistributed earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interests that is distributed on a quarterly basis.

The carrying amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements for cash, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued payroll and related, accrued value added tax, income taxes payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximate fair value based on the short-term maturity of these instruments.

The carrying amount of the senior notes payable approximates fair value because the contractual interest rates or effective yields of such instruments are consistent with current market rates of interest for instruments of comparable credit risk.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, there were no assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis.

In connection with the acquisition of MK Capital Advisors, LLC (“MK Capital”) on February 2, 2015, the purchase agreement required the payment of contingent consideration to the former members of MK Capital in the form of future cash payments of $1,250 and issuance of 166,667 shares of common stock on the first anniversary date of the closing (February 2, 2016) and a final cash payment of $1,250 and issuance of 166,666 shares of common stock on the second anniversary date of the closing (February 2, 2017). The contingent cash consideration was classified as a liability in the condensed consolidated balance sheets in accordance with ASC 805, “Business Combination” (“ASC 805”). The fair value of the contingent cash consideration was discounted at 8.0%. The balance of the contingent consideration liability in the condensed consolidated balance sheets was $1,242 (discount of $8) at December 31, 2016. Imputed interest expense totaled $23 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and $8 and $78 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The fair value of the contingent stock consideration was classified as equity in accordance with ASC 805.

The contingent cash and stock consideration was payable on the first and second anniversary dates of the closing provided that MK Capital generated a minimum amount of gross revenues as defined in the purchase agreement for the twelve months following the first and second anniversary dates of the closing. MK Capital achieved the minimum amount of revenues for the first and second anniversary periods and the contingent cash consideration and contingent stock consideration for the first anniversary period was paid and issued on February 2, 2016 and for the second anniversary period was paid and issued on February 2, 2017. Upon the payment of the contingent stock consideration on February 2, 2017, the Company recorded a deferred tax asset and an increase to additional paid-in capital in the amount of $1,151 in accordance with ASC 805.

The Company periodically uses derivative instruments, which primarily consist of the purchase of forward exchange contracts, for certain auction and liquidation engagements with operations outside the United States. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company’s use of derivatives consisted of the purchase of forward exchange contracts in the amount of $25,000 Australian dollars that was settled on January 31, 2017. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company’s use of derivatives consisted of the purchase of forward exchange contracts (a) in the amount of $10,200 Canadian dollars that was settled at various periods prior to August 31, 2016, (b) in the amount of $20,000 Australian dollars that was settled on December 30, 2016, and (c) 5,600 Euro’s that was settled on December 30, 2016. The forward exchange contract was entered into to improve the predictability of cash flows related to a retail store liquidation engagement that was completed in December 2016. The net loss from forward exchange contracts was $33 and $103 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, and $76 and $115 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. This amount is reported as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

The Company transacts business in various foreign currencies. In countries where the functional currency of the underlying operations has been determined to be the local country’s currency, revenues and expenses of operations outside the United States are translated into United States dollars using average exchange rates while assets and liabilities of operations outside the United States are translated into United States dollars using period-end exchange rates. The effects of foreign currency translation adjustments are included in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. Transaction losses were $389 and $511 during the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $919 and $531 during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. These amounts are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.

The Company issued 821,816 warrants to purchase common stock of the Company in connection with the acquisition of Wunderlich on July 3, 2017. The common stock warrants entitle the holders of the warrants to acquire shares of the Company’s common stock from the Company at a price of $17.50 per share (the “Exercise Price”), subject to, among other matters, the proper completion of an exercise notice and payment. The Exercise Price and the number of shares of Company common stock issuable upon exercise are subject to customary anti-dilution and adjustment provisions, which include stock splits, subdivisions or reclassifications of the Company’s common stock. The common stock warrants expire on July 3, 2022.

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued ASU No. 2016-02: Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”). The amendments in this update require lessees, among other things, to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for those leases classified as operating leases under previous authoritative guidance. This update also introduces new disclosure requirements for leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 will be effective for the Company in fiscal year 2019, but early application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this update on the consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). Under this guidance, revenue is recognized at the time when goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. This standard sets forth a five-step revenue recognition model which replaces the current revenue recognition guidance in its entirety and is intended to eliminate numerous industry-specific pieces of revenue recognition guidance. In March, April, May and December 2016, the FASB issued amendments to this new guidance relating to reporting revenue on a gross versus net basis, identifying performance obligations and licensing arrangements and other narrow scope improvements. This standard is effective in the first quarter of 2018 for public companies and requires either a retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adoption.  The Company believes the adoption of this standard may impact engagements that contain performance-based arrangements in which a success or completion fee is earned when and if certain predefined outcomes occur and engagements and contracts where services are provided under fixed-fees arrangements that have multiple performance obligations. The Company has not completed an assessment and has not yet determined whether the impact of the adoption of this standard on the consolidated financial statements will be material. The Company will adopt this standard on January 1, 2018 but have not concluded on a transition approach. The Company expects to complete the assessment process, including selecting a transition method for adoption during fourth quarter of 2017.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (ASU 2016-15), which clarifies how companies present and classify certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 is effective for us in our first quarter of fiscal year 2019, but early application is permitted. The Company has not yet adopted this update and is currently evaluating the impact it may have on its financial condition and results of operations.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.   This standard simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment. The guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. Goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.  The revised guidance will be applied prospectively, and is effective for calendar year-end SEC filers for its annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019.  Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017.  The Company has not yet adopted this update and currently evaluating the effect this new standard will have on its financial condition and results of operations.

NOTE 3— ACQUISITIONS

Acquisition of Wunderlich Investment Company, Inc.

On May 17, 2017, the Company entered into a Merger Agreement (the “Wunderlich Merger Agreement”) with Wunderlich, a Delaware Corporation. Pursuant to the Wunderlich Merger Agreement, customary closing conditions were satisfied and the acquisition was completed on July 3, 2017. In connection with the Wunderlich acquisition on July 3, 2017, the total consideration of $66,043 paid to Wunderlich shareholders was comprised of (a) cash in the amount of $29,737; (b) 1,974,812 newly issued shares of the Company’s common stock at closing which were valued at $31,414 for accounting purposes determined based on the closing market price of the Company’s shares of common stock on the acquisition date on July 3, 2017, less a 13.3% discount for lack of marketability as the shares issued are subject to certain escrow provisions and restrictions that limit their trade or transfer; and (c) 821,816 newly issued common stock warrants with an estimated fair value of $4,892. The common stock and common stock warrants issued includes 387,365 common shares and 167,352 common stock warrants that are held in escrow and subject to forfeiture to indemnify the Company for certain representations and warranties in connection with the acquisition. The Company believes that the acquisition of Wunderlich will allow the Company to benefit from wealth management, investment banking, corporate finance, and sales and trading services provided by Wunderlich. The acquisition of Wunderlich is accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. The Company also entered into a registration rights agreement with certain shareholders of Wunderlich (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) on July 3, 2017 for the shares issued in connection with the Wunderlich Merger Agreement. The Registration Rights Agreement provides the Wunderlich shareholders with the right to notice of and, subject to certain conditions, the right to register shares of the Company’s common stock in certain future registered offerings of shares of the Company’s common stock.

The assets and liabilities of Wunderlich, both tangible and intangible, were recorded at their estimated fair values as of the July 3, 2017 acquisition date for Wunderlich. The application of the purchase method of accounting resulted in goodwill of $33,568 which represents the benefits from synergies with our existing business and acquired workforce. Acquisition related costs, such as legal, accounting, valuation and other professional fees related to the acquisition of Wunderlich, were charged against earnings in the amount of approximately $53 and included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The preliminary purchase accounting for the acquisition has been accounted for as a stock purchase with all of the recognized goodwill is expected to be non-deductible for tax purposes.

The preliminary purchase price allocation was as follows:

The preliminary assets acquired and assumed was as follows:

The revenue and loss of Wunderlich included in our condensed consolidated financial statements for the period from July 3, 2017 (the date of acquisition) through September 30, 2017 were $20,412 and $1,928, respectively. The loss from Wunderlich of $1,928 includes a restructuring charge in the amount of $1,387 related primarily to severance costs and lease loss accruals for the planned consolidation of office space related to operations in the Capital Markets segment.

Acquisition of FBR & Co.

On February 17, 2017, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “FBR Merger Agreement”) with FBR, pursuant to which FBR was to merge with and into the Company (or a subsidiary of the Company), with the Company (or its subsidiary) as the surviving corporation (the “Merger”). On May 1, 2017, the Company and FBR filed a registration statement for the planned Merger. The stockholders of the Company and FBR approved the acquisition on June 1, 2017, customary closing conditions were satisfied and the acquisition was completed on June 1, 2017. Subject to the terms and conditions of the FBR Merger Agreement, each outstanding share of FBR common stock (“FBR Common Stock”) was converted into the right to receive 0.671 of a share of the Company’s common stock as summarized below. The Company believes that the acquisition of FBR will allow the Company to benefit from investment banking, corporate finance, securities lending, research, and sales and trading services provided by FBR and planned synergies from the elimination of duplicate corporate overhead and management functions with the Company. The acquisition of FBR is accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.

The assets and liabilities of FBR, both tangible and intangible, were recorded at their estimated fair values as of the June 1, 2017 acquisition date for FBR. The application of the purchase method of accounting resulted in goodwill of $14,528 which represents expected overhead synergies and acquired workforce. Acquisition related costs, such as legal, accounting, valuation and other professional fees related to the acquisition of FBR, were charged against earnings in the amount of approximately $1,389 and included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The preliminary purchase accounting for the acquisition has been accounted for as a stock purchase with all of the recognized goodwill is expected to be non-deductible for tax purposes.

The preliminary purchase price allocation was as follows:

The preliminary assets acquired and assumed was as follows:

The revenue and loss of FBR included in our condensed consolidated financial statements for the period from June 1, 2017 (the date of acquisition) through September 30, 2017 were $37,745 and $12,706, respectively. The loss from FBR of $12,706 includes transaction costs of $3,551 related to an employment agreement with the former Chief Executive Officer of FBR and restructuring charges in the amount of $9,096 related primarily to severance costs and lease loss accruals for the planned consolidation of office space related to operations in the Capital Markets segment.

Acquisition of Rights to Manage Dialectic Hedge Funds

On April 13, 2017, the Company entered into an Asset Purchase and Assignment Agreement with Dialectic Capital Management, L.P., Dialectic Capital, LLC and John Fichthorn (collectively “Dialectic”), pursuant to which Dialectic assigned and transferred the rights to manage certain hedge funds to the Company (the “Dialectic Acquisition”). In addition to obtaining the rights to manage certain hedge funds previously managed by Dialectic, the Company hired the employees that were previously employed by the management company that managed the Dialectic hedge funds and assumed Dialectic’s office lease. In connection with the Dialectic Acquisition, the Company paid the Dialectic parties $700 in cash consideration and 158,484 shares of common stock which has a fair value of approximately $1,952 for total purchase consideration of $2,652. The Dialectic Acquisition expands the Company’s assets under management in the Capital Markets segment and the Company believes such acquisition will allow the Company to benefit from planned synergies from the elimination of duplicate administrative functions of the Company. The acquisition of Dialectic is accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.

The assets acquired from Dialectic were recorded at fair value as of April 13, 2017, the acquisition date of Dialectic. The application of the purchase method of accounting resulted in preliminary purchase allocation of $2,552 to goodwill, which represents expected overhead synergies and acquired workforce, and $100 to other intangible assets - customer relationship for total acquisition consideration of $2,652. There were tangible assets or liabilities acquired in connection with Dialectic. The preliminary purchase accounting for the acquisition has been accounted for as an asset purchase with all of the recognized goodwill and other intangible assets expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

The revenue and loss of Dialectic included in our condensed consolidated financial statements for the period from April 13, 2017 (the date of acquisition) through September 30, 2017 were $714 and $392, respectively.

Acquisition of UOL

On May 4, 2016, the Company entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger to acquire all of the outstanding common stock of UOL, a provider of consumer Internet access and related subscription services, for $11.00 per share, or approximately $169,354 in aggregate merger consideration plus an additional $1,352 of cash consideration paid to settle the legal matter as more fully described in Note 11. The shareholders of UOL approved the acquisition on June 29, 2016 and customary closing conditions were satisfied and the acquisition was completed on July 1, 2016. The acquisition of UOL allows the Company to benefit from the expected cash flows of UOL due in part to planned synergies from the elimination of duplicate overhead functions with the Company. The acquisition of UOL is accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.

The assets and liabilities of UOL, both tangible and intangible, were recorded at their estimated fair values as of the July 1, 2016 acquisition date for UOL. The application of the purchase method of accounting resulted in goodwill of $14,375 which represents expected overhead synergies and acquired workforce. The revenue and earnings of UOL included in our condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended September 30, 2017 were $12,327 and $4,944, respectively, and $38,724 and $14,220 respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The revenue and earnings of UOL included in the condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 were $15,646 and $3,423, respectively.

Pro Forma Financial Information

The unaudited financial information in the table below summarizes the combined results of operations of the Company, Wunderlich, FBR and UOL, as though the acquisitions had occurred as of January 1, of the respective periods presented. The pro forma financial information presented includes the effects of adjustments related to the amortization charges from the acquired intangible assets and the elimination of certain activities excluded from the transaction and transaction related costs. The pro forma financial information as presented below is for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisition had taken place at the beginning of the earliest period presented, nor does it intend to be a projection of future results.

NOTE 4— SECURITIES LENDING

As a result of the acquisition of FBR, the Company has an active securities borrowed and loaned business in which it borrows securities from one party and lends them to another. Securities borrowed and securities loaned are recorded based upon the amount of cash advanced or received. Securities borrowed transactions facilitate the settlement process and require the Company to deposit cash or other collateral with the lender. With respect to securities loaned, the Company receives collateral in the form of cash. The amount of collateral required to be deposited for securities borrowed, or received for securities loaned, is an amount generally in excess of the market value of the applicable securities borrowed or loaned. The Company monitors the market value of the securities borrowed and loaned on a daily basis, with additional collateral obtained, or excess collateral recalled, when deemed appropriate.

The following table presents the contractual gross and net securities borrowing and lending balances and the related offsetting amount as of September 30, 2017