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Cohen & Co Inc. - Quarter Report: 2012 September (Form 10-Q)

Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended: September 30, 2012

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from              to             

Commission File Number: 001-32026

 

 

INSTITUTIONAL FINANCIAL MARKETS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Maryland   16-1685692

(State or other jurisdiction of

Incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification Number)

Cira Centre

2929 Arch Street, 17th Floor

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  19104
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (215) 701-9555

 

 

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.    x  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).    x  Yes    ¨  No

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

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   x

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    ¨  Yes    x  No

As of November 1, 2012 there were 11,784,907 shares of common stock ($0.001 par value per share) of Institutional Financial Markets, Inc. outstanding.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

INSTITUTIONAL FINANCIAL MARKETS, INC.

FORM 10-Q

INDEX TO QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

September 30, 2012

 

         Page  

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

 

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

     5   
 

Consolidated Balance Sheets—September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011

     5   
 

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)—Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011

     6   
 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity—Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012

     7   
 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011

     8   
 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

     9   

Item 2.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     51   

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

     80   

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

     82   

Part II. OTHER INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

     83   

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

     83   

Item 2.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

     83   

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

     84   

Signatures

     85   

 

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Forward Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements discuss matters that are not historical facts. Because they discuss future events or conditions, forward-looking statements may include words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “intend,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “may,” “seek,” “plan,” “might,” “will,” “expect,” “predict,” “project,” “forecast,” “potential,” “continue” negatives thereof or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, are based on various underlying assumptions and current expectations about the future and are not guarantees. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievement to be materially different from the results of operations or plans expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

While we cannot predict all of the risks and uncertainties, they include, but are not limited to, those described in “Item 1A - Risk Factors” included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. Accordingly, such information should not be regarded as representations that the results or conditions described in such statements or that our objectives and plans will be achieved and we do not assume any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are found at various places throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and include information concerning possible or assumed future results of our operations, including statements about the following subjects:

 

   

benefits, results, cost reductions and synergies resulting from the Company’s business combinations;

 

   

integration of operations;

 

   

business strategies;

 

   

growth opportunities;

 

   

competitive position;

 

   

market outlook;

 

   

expected financial position;

 

   

expected results of operations;

 

   

future cash flows;

 

   

financing plans;

 

   

plans and objectives of management;

 

   

tax treatment of business combinations;

 

   

fair value of assets; and

 

   

any other statements regarding future growth, future cash needs, future operations, business plans and future financial results, and any other statements that are not historical facts.

These forward-looking statements represent our intentions, plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors. Many of those factors are outside of our control and could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the events described in the forward-looking statements might not occur or might occur to a different extent or at a different time than we have described. You should consider the areas of risk and uncertainty described above and discussed under “Item 1A - Risk Factors” included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning other matters addressed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Except to the extent required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, a change in events, conditions, circumstances or assumptions underlying such statements, or otherwise.

 

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Certain Terms Used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, unless otherwise noted or as the context otherwise requires: “IFMI” refers to Institutional Financial Markets, Inc., a Maryland corporation. The “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to IFMI and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis; “IFMI, LLC” (formerly Cohen Brothers, LLC), or the “Operating LLC” refer to the main operating subsidiary of the Company; “Cohen Brothers” refers to the pre-merger Cohen Brothers, LLC and its subsidiaries; “AFN” refers to the pre-merger Alesco Financial Inc. and its subsidiaries; “Merger Agreement” refers to the Agreement and Plan of Merger among AFN, Alesco Financial Holdings, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of AFN which we refer to as the “Merger Sub,” and Cohen Brothers, dated as of February 20, 2009 and amended on June 1, 2009, August 20, 2009 and September 30, 2009; “Merger” refers to the December 16, 2009 closing of the merger of Merger Sub with and into Cohen Brothers pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, which resulted in Cohen Brothers becoming a majority owned subsidiary of the Company. When the term, “IFMI” is used, it is referring to the parent company itself, Institutional Financial Markets, Inc. “JVB” refers to JVB Financial Holdings, L.L.C.; “CCFL” refers to Cohen & Company Financial Limited (formerly known as EuroDekania Management LTD); “PrinceRidge Holdings” refers to PrinceRidge Holdings LP and its subsidiaries; “PrinceRidge GP” refers to PrinceRidge Partners LLC; and “PrinceRidge” refers to PrinceRidge Holdings together with PrinceRidge GP.

Securities Act” refers to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; and “Exchange Act” refers to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or “U.S. GAAP,” the Merger was accounted for as a reverse acquisition, Cohen Brothers was deemed to be the accounting acquirer and all of AFN’s assets and liabilities were required to be revalued at fair value as of the acquisition date. Therefore, any financial information reported herein prior to the Merger is the historical financial information of Cohen Brothers. As used throughout this filing, the terms, the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to the operations of Cohen Brothers and its consolidated subsidiaries prior to December 17, 2009 and the combined operations of the merged company and its consolidated subsidiaries from December 17, 2009 forward. AFN refers to the historical operations of Alesco Financial Inc. through to December 16, 2009, the date of the Merger, or the “Merger Date.”

 

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

INSTITUTIONAL FINANCIAL MARKETS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in Thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     September 30, 2012     December 31, 2011  

Assets

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 12,876      $ 18,221   

Receivables from brokers, dealers, and clearing agencies

     3,149        70,963   

Due from related parties

     712        679   

Other receivables

     7,023        5,531   

Investments-trading

     204,854        124,546   

Other investments, at fair value

     39,472        42,772   

Receivables under resale agreements

     153,039        129,978   

Goodwill

     11,113        11,206   

Other assets

     15,364        16,694   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 447,602      $ 420,590   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

    

Payables to brokers, dealers, and clearing agencies

   $ 102,549      $ 24,633   

Accounts payable and other liabilities

     11,755        13,567   

Accrued compensation

     10,081        8,657   

Trading securities sold, not yet purchased

     55,800        99,613   

Securities sold under agreement to repurchase

     153,173        134,870   

Deferred income taxes

     7,914        7,500   

Debt

     25,646        37,167   

Mandatorily redeemable equity interests

     8,368        3,149   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     375,286        329,156   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (See Note 17)

    

Temporary Equity:

    

Redeemable non-controlling interest

     770        14,026   

Permanent Equity:

    

Stockholders’ Equity:

    

Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value per share, 50,000,000 shares authorized:

    

Series A Voting Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value per share, 1 share authorized, no shares issued and outstanding

     —          —     

Series B Voting Non-Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value per share, 4,983,557 shares authorized, 4,983,557 shares issued and outstanding

     5        5   

Series C Junior Participating Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value per share, 10,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding

     —          —     

Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 11,784,907 and 12,730,117 shares issued, respectively; 11,784,907 and 12,679,717 shares outstanding, respectively, including 1,246,909 and 2,597,620 unvested restricted share awards, respectively

     11        10   

Additional paid-in capital

     64,290        63,032   

Accumulated deficit

     (10,024     (5,121

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (503     (626

Treasury stock at cost (0 and 50,400 shares of Common Stock, respectively)

     —          (328
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     53,779        56,972   

Non-controlling interest

     17,767        20,436   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total permanent equity

     71,546        77,408   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 447,602      $ 420,590   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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INSTITUTIONAL FINANCIAL MARKETS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME / (LOSS)

(Dollars in Thousands, except share or per share information)

(Unaudited)

 

    Three months ended September 30,     Nine months ended September 30,  
    2012     2011     2012     2011  

Revenues

       

Net trading

  $ 13,669      $ 14,008      $ 51,311      $ 57,522   

Asset management

    8,465        5,296        18,010        16,521   

New issue and advisory

    1,758        705        3,024        1,945   

Principal transactions and other income

    4,174        869        (482     661   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

    28,066        20,878        71,863        76,649   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses

       

Compensation and benefits

    16,484        19,399        49,811        62,820   

Business development, occupancy, equipment

    1,520        1,942        3,970        5,216   

Subscriptions, clearing, and execution

    2,602        3,500        8,574        9,042   

Professional fees and other operating

    4,015        3,237        9,702        12,389   

Depreciation and amortization

    289        612        1,023        1,585   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

    24,910        28,690        73,080        91,052   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income / (loss)

    3,156        (7,812     (1,217     (14,403
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-operating income / (expense)

       

Interest expense, net

    (868     (1,282     (3,187     (4,211

Gain on repurchase of debt

    83        —          86        —     

Other income / (expense)

    —          —          (4,357     —     

Income / (loss) from equity method affiliates

    647        838        2,689        5,368   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income / (loss) before income tax expense / (benefit)

    3,018        (8,256     (5,986     (13,246

Income tax expense / (benefit)

    54        (571     108        (917
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income / (loss)

    2,964        (7,685     (6,094     (12,329

Less: Net income / (loss) attributable to the non-controlling interest

    956        (3,640     (2,165     (5,288
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income / (loss) attributable to IFMI

  $ 2,008      $ (4,045   $ (3,929   $ (7,041
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income / (loss) per share data (see Note 16):

       

Income / (loss) per common share—basic:

       

Income / (loss) per common share

  $ 0.19      $ (0.38   $ (0.37   $ (0.65
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding—basic

    10,849,220        10,594,916        10,683,076        10,772,106   

Income / (loss) per common share—diluted:

       

Income / (loss) per common share

  $ 0.18      $ (0.38   $ (0.37   $ (0.65
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted

    16,176,898        15,853,092        15,935,078        16,047,202   

Dividends declared per common share

  $ 0.02      $ 0.05      $ 0.06      $ 0.15   

Comprehensive income / (loss):

       

Net income / (loss) (from above)

  $ 2,964      $ (7,685   $ (6,094   $ (12,329

Other comprehensive income / (loss) item:

       

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $0

    237        (193     197        161   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income / (loss), net of tax of $0

    237        (193     197        161   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

    3,201        (7,878     (5,897     (12,168

Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the non-controlling interest

    1,033        (3,707     (2,118     (5,235
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income / (loss) attributable to IFMI

  $ 2,168      $ (4,171   $ (3,779   $ (6,933
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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INSTITUTIONAL FINANCIAL MARKETS, INC.

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

(Dollars in Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

    Institutional Financial Markets, Inc.                    
    Preferred
Stock
Class A
$ Amount
    Preferred
Stock
Class B
$ Amount
    Common
Stock $
Amount
    Additional
Paid-In
Capital
    Retained
Earnings/
(Accumulated
Deficit)
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income /
(Loss)
    Treasury
Stock
    Total
Stockholders’
Equity
    Non-controlling
Interest
    Total
Permanent
Equity
    Redeemable
non-
controlling
interest
(Temporary
Equity)
 

Balance at December 31, 2011

  $ —        $ 5      $ 10      $ 63,032      $ (5,121   $ (626   $ (328   $ 56,972      $ 20,436      $ 77,408      $ 14,026   

Measurement period adjustment (1)

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          (93

Net loss

    —          —          —          —          (3,929     —          —          (3,929     (1,916     (5,845     (249

Other comprehensive income / (loss) (2)

    —          —          —          —          —          150        —          150        47        197        —     

Acquisition / (surrender) of additional units of consolidated subsidiary, net

    —          —          —          804        —          (27     —          777        (777     —          —     

Equity-based compensation and vesting of shares

    —          —          1        456        —          —          —          457        293        750        (316

Shares withheld for employee taxes

    —          —          —          (2     —          —          —          (2     (1     (3     —     

Retirement of treasury stock

    —          —          —          —          (328 )     —          328        —          —          —          —     

Purchase of non-controlling interest, net

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          (6,152

Redemption of non-controlling interest, net

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          (6,446

Dividends/Distributions

    —          —          —          —          (646     —          —          (646     (315     (961     —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2012

  $ —        $ 5      $ 11      $ 64,290      $ (10,024   $ (503   $ —        $ 53,779      $ 17,767      $ 71,546      $ 770   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) See note 2.
(2) Represents foreign currency translation adjustment.

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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INSTITUTIONAL FINANCIAL MARKETS, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Dollars in Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2012     2011  

Operating activities

    

Net income / (loss)

   $ (6,094   $ (12,329

Adjustments to reconcile net income / (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

    

Gain on repurchase of debt

     (86     —     

Equity-based compensation

     434        6,087   

Realized loss / (gain) on other investments

     (1,407     2,715   

Change in unrealized (gain) / loss on other investments, at fair value

     3,245        (2,376

Depreciation and amortization

     1,023        1,585   

(Income) / loss from equity method affiliates

     (2,689     (5,368

Change in operating assets and liabilities, net:

    

(Increase) decrease in other receivables

     (1,310     2,942   

(Increase) decrease in investments-trading

     (80,308     126,793   

(Increase) decrease in other assets

     142        4,835   

(Increase) decrease in receivables under resale agreement

     (23,061     119,499   

Change in receivables from / payables to related parties, net

     (18     572   

Increase (decrease) in accrued compensation

     1,396        (8,704

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and other liabilities

     (1,814     (3,780

Increase (decrease) in trading securities sold, not yet purchased

     (43,813     6,015   

Change in receivables from / payables to brokers, dealers, and clearing agencies, net

     145,756        (51,502

Increase (decrease) in securities sold under agreement to repurchase

     18,303        (185,675

Increase (decrease) in deferred income taxes

     414        (1,070

Change in mandatorily redeemable equity interests

     (437     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     9,676        239   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing activities

    

Cash paid for acquisition of JVB, net of cash acquired

     —          (14,956

Cash acquired from acquisition of PrinceRidge Partners, LLC and PrinceRidge Holdings, LP

     —          2,149   

Purchase of investments-other investments, at fair value

     (290     (2,943

Sales and return of principal of other investments, at fair value

     48        3,980   

Sale of cost method investment

     1,937        —     

Investment in equity method affiliates

     (4,706     (4,723

Return from equity method affiliates

     7,325        6,529   

Purchase of furniture, equipment, and leasehold improvements

     (101     (368
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     4,213        (10,332
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing activities

    

Repayment and repurchase of debt

     (11,446     (4,068

Payments for deferred issuance and financing cost

     —          (264

Cash used to net share settle equity awards

     (3     (55

Purchase of common stock for treasury

     —          (1,457

Purchase of non-controlling interest, net

     (6,152     (107

Redemption of mandatorily redeemable equity interests

     (790     —     

Distributions to non-controlling interest

     (315     (791

Dividends

     (646     (1,603
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (19,352     (8,345
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate on cash

     118        125   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (5,345     (18,313

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     18,221        43,946   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 12,876      $ 25,633   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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INSTITUTIONAL FINANCIAL MARKETS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Dollars in Thousands, except share or per share information)

(Unaudited)

1. ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS

The Formation Transaction

Cohen Brothers was formed on October 7, 2004 by Cohen Bros. Financial, LLC (“CBF”). Cohen Brothers was formed to acquire the net assets of CBF’s subsidiaries (the “Formation Transaction”): Cohen Bros. & Company, Inc.; Cohen Frères SAS; Dekania Investors, LLC; Emporia Capital Management, LLC; and the majority interest in Cohen Bros. & Tororian Investment Management, Inc. The Formation Transaction was accomplished through a series of transactions occurring between March 4, 2005 and May 31, 2005.

The Company

From its formation until December 16, 2009, Cohen Brothers operated as a privately owned limited liability company. On December 16, 2009, Cohen Brothers completed its merger (the “Merger”) with a subsidiary of Alesco Financial Inc. (“AFN”) a publicly traded real estate investment trust.

As a result of the Merger, AFN received 10,343,347 or 66.2% of the membership interests in Cohen Brothers. Of the 66.2% of Cohen Brothers received by AFN in connection with the Merger, 38.5% was received in the form of units issued directly by Cohen Brothers. The remaining 27.7% was acquired by AFN from Cohen Brothers members in exchange for the issuance of AFN common stock to those members. The remaining 5,283,556 membership interests or 33.8% of Cohen Brothers was held by Daniel Cohen (31.9% or 4,983,557 membership interests) and other members (1.9% or 299,999 membership interests). Each of Mr. Cohen’s membership units is redeemable at Mr. Cohen’s option, at any time on or after January 1, 2014, for (i) cash in an amount equal to the average of the per share closing prices of the Company’s Common Stock for the ten consecutive trading days immediately preceding the date the Company receives Mr. Cohen’s redemption notice, or (ii) at the Company’s option, one share of the Company’s Common Stock, subject, in each case, to appropriate adjustment upon the occurrence of the issuance of additional shares of the Company’s Common Stock as a dividend or other distribution on the Company’s outstanding Common Stock, or a further subdivision or combination of the outstanding shares of the Company’s Common Stock. The membership units held by the other members have the same redemption rights as described for Mr. Cohen except that the members holding these units may elect to redeem their shares at any time.

Therefore, the members of Cohen Brothers at the time of the Merger received 61.5% of the total ownership interests in the combined entity (33.8% remained as members of Cohen Brothers and 27.7% exchanged their interest in Cohen Brothers for AFN stock). In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), the Merger was accounted for as a reverse acquisition, and Cohen Brothers was deemed to be the accounting acquirer primarily because the owners of Cohen Brothers at the time of the Merger received the majority interest in the merged entity as previously described. As a result, all of AFN’s assets and liabilities were required to be revalued at fair value as of the acquisition date. The financial statements presented herein include the operations of the merged entity.

Subsequent to the Merger, AFN was renamed Cohen & Company Inc. In January 2011, it was renamed again as Institutional Financial Markets, Inc. (“IFMI”). As used in these consolidated financial statements, the term “the Company” refers to the combined operations of the merged company and its consolidated subsidiaries subsequent to December 17, 2009. “AFN” refers to the historical operations of Alesco Financial Inc. through the December 16, 2009 Merger Date. When the term “IFMI” is used, it is referring to the parent company itself, Institutional Financial Markets, Inc. Subsequent to the Merger, Cohen Brothers changed its name to IFMI, LLC and functions as the main operating majority-owned subsidiary of the Company, and in these statements it is referred to as the “Operating LLC.”

Effective January 1, 2010, the Company ceased to qualify as a real estate investment trust, or a REIT. The Company trades on the NYSE Amex LLC under the ticker symbol “IFMI.” The Company is an investment firm specializing in credit related fixed income investments. As of September 30, 2012, the Company had $6.3 billion in assets under management (“AUM”) of which 97%, or $6.0 billion, was in collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”).

The Company’s business is organized into the following three business segments:

Capital Markets: The Company’s Capital Markets segment consists of credit-related fixed income securities sales, trading, and financing, as well as new issue placements in corporate and securitized products and advisory services revenue.

 

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The Company’s fixed income sales and trading group provides trade execution to corporate and institutional investors and other broker-dealers. The Company specializes in the following products: corporate bonds and loans, asset backed securities (“ABS”), mortgage backed securities (“MBS”), collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”), CDOs, collateralized bond obligations (“CBOs”), collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), commercial mortgage backed securities (“CMBS”), residential mortgage backed securities (“RMBS”), Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans, municipal bonds, U.S. government bonds, U.S. government agency securities, brokered deposits and CDs for small banks, hybrid capital of financial institutions including trust preferred securities (“TruPS”), whole loans, and other structured financial instruments. The Company also offers execution and brokerage services for cash equity and derivative products. The Company carries out its capital market activities primarily through its subsidiaries: JVB, PrinceRidge Holdings, and CCFL.

Asset Management: Historically, the Company has served the needs of client investors by managing assets within investment funds, managed accounts, permanent capital vehicles, and CDOs (collectively referred to as “Investment Vehicles”). A CDO is a form of secured borrowing. The borrowing is secured by different types of fixed income assets such as corporate or mortgage loans or bonds. The borrowing is in the form of a securitization, which means that the lenders are actually investing in notes backed by the assets. The lender will have recourse only to the assets securing the loan. The Company’s Asset Management segment includes its fee-based asset management operations, which include ongoing base and incentive management fees.

Principal Investing: The Company’s Principal Investing segment is comprised primarily of its investments in certain Investment Vehicles it manages.

The Company generates its revenue by segment primarily through the following activities:

Capital Markets:

 

   

trading activities of the Company, which include execution and brokerage services, securities lending activities, riskless trading activities as well as gains and losses (unrealized and realized) and income and expense earned on securities classified as trading;

 

   

new issue and advisory revenue comprised primarily of (i) origination fees for corporate debt issues originated by the Company; (ii) revenue from advisory services; and (iii) new issue revenue associated with arranging the issuance of newly created debt, equity, and hybrid financial instruments;

Asset Management:

 

   

asset management fees for the Company’s on-going services as asset manager charged and earned by managing Investment Vehicles, which may include fees both senior and subordinated to the securities in the Investment Vehicle;

 

   

incentive management fees earned based on the performance of the various Investment Vehicles;

Principal Investing:

 

   

gains and losses (unrealized and realized) and income and expense earned on securities (primarily seed capital investments in certain Investment Vehicles which the Company manages) classified as other investments, at fair value; and

 

   

income or loss from equity method affiliates.

2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The financial statements of the Company included herein were prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. The information furnished includes all adjustments and accruals of a normal recurring nature, which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of results for the interim months’ periods. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire year or any subsequent interim period. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Capitalized terms used herein without definition have the meanings ascribed to them in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

 

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In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805, Business Combinations, the Company has one year from the closing of the transaction, referred to as the measurement period, to finalize the accounting for business combinations. The measurement period for the PrinceRidge acquisition expired on May 31, 2012. During the second quarter of 2012, the Company made a measurement period adjustment to the redeemable non-controlling interest with a corresponding adjustment to goodwill related to the acquisition of PrinceRidge. The adjustment reduced goodwill and the redeemable non-controlling interest by $93. The balance sheet at December 31, 2011 was not retrospectively adjusted to reflect these adjustments since the Company believes this revision was not material based on the Company’s assessment performed in accordance with the SEC’s Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 99, Materiality.

3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

A. Adoption of New Accounting Standards

In April 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2011-03, Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements (“ASU 2011-03”), which revises the criteria for assessing effective control for repurchase agreements and other agreements that both entitle and obligate a transferor to repurchase or redeem financial assets before their maturity. The determination of whether the transfer of a financial asset subject to a repurchase agreement is a sale is based, in part, on whether the entity maintains effective control over the financial asset. ASU 2011-03 removes from the assessment of effective control: the criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial asset on substantially agreed terms, even in the event of default by the transferee, and the related requirement to demonstrate that the transferor possesses adequate control to fund substantially all the cost of purchasing replacement financial assets. The amendments in ASU 2011-03 will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011, early adoption is prohibited, and the amendments will be applied prospectively to transactions or modifications of existing transactions that occur on or after the effective date. The Company’s adoption of the provisions of ASU 2011-03 effective January 1, 2012 did not have an effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs (“ASU 2011-04”), which amends ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements. The amended guidance changes the wording used to describe many requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. Additional disclosure requirements include transfers between levels 1 and 2; and for level 3 fair value measurements, a description of the Company’s valuation processes and additional information about unobservable inputs impacting level 3 measurements. Additionally, the amendments clarify the FASB’s intent about the application of existing fair value measurement requirements. The amendments result in a consistent definition of fair value and common requirements for measurement of and disclosure about fair value between U.S. GAAP and IFRS. The guidance provided in ASU 2011-04 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and is applied prospectively. The Company’s adoption of the provisions of ASU 2011-04 effective January 1, 2012 did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), Presentation of Comprehensive Income, (“ASU 2011-05”) which requires companies to present the components of net income and other comprehensive income either as one continuous statement or as two consecutive statements. ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. The standard does not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income, how such items are measured or when they must be reclassified to net income. ASU 2011-05 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-12, Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05 (“ASU 2011-12”). ASU 2011-12 defers the requirement that companies present reclassification adjustments and the effect of those reclassification adjustments for each component of accumulated other comprehensive income in both net income and other comprehensive income on the face of the financial statements. The effective dates for ASU 2011-12 are consistent with the effective dates for ASU 2011-05. Effective January 1, 2012, the Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2011-05 and ASU 2011-12, which resulted in the Company presenting the components of comprehensive income (loss) within the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The Company’s adoption of the new guidance did not have an effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment (“ASU 2011-08”), which permits companies to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is “more likely than not” that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test described in Topic 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other. The more likely than not threshold is defined as having a likelihood of more than 50%. Under this option, a company

 

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would no longer be required to calculate the fair value of the reporting unit unless the company determines, based on that qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. A company has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period and proceed directly to performing the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment tests. A company may resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. The guidance also includes examples of the types of events and circumstances to consider in conducting the qualitative assessment. These examples of events and circumstances supersede (1) the previous examples included in Topic 350 of event and circumstances that a company should consider when testing goodwill for impairment between annual tests and (2) the previous examples of events and circumstances that a company having a reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount should consider in determining whether to perform the second step of the impairment test, used to measure the amount of the loss, if any. The guidance provided in ASU 2011-08 is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company’s adoption of the provisions of ASU 2011-08 effective January 1, 2012 did not have an effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

B. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating the fair value of its financial instruments. These determinations were based on available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. Considerable judgment is required to interpret market data to develop the estimates and, therefore, these estimates may not necessarily be indicative of the amount the Company could realize in a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts. Refer to note 6 for a discussion of the fair value hierarchy with respect to investments-trading, other investments, at fair value and the derivatives held by the Company.

Cash and cash equivalents: Cash is carried at historical cost which is assumed to approximate fair value. The estimated fair value measurements of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash are generally classified within level 1 of the valuation hierarchy.

Investments-trading: These amounts are carried at fair value. The fair value is based on either quoted market prices of an active exchange, independent broker market quotations, market price quotations from third party pricing services, or valuation models when quotations are not available. See note 6 for disclosures about the categorization of the fair value measurements of investments-trading within the three level fair value hierarchy.

Other investments, at fair value: These amounts are carried at fair value. The fair value is based on quoted market prices of an active exchange, independent broker market quotations, or valuation models when quotations are not available. In the case of investments in alternative investment funds, fair value is generally based on the reported net asset value of the underlying fund. See note 6 for disclosures concerning the categorization of the fair value measurements of other investments, at fair value within the three level fair value hierarchy.

Receivables under resale agreements: Receivables under resale agreements are carried at their contracted resale price, have short-term maturities, and are repriced frequently or bear market interest rates and, accordingly, these contracts are at amounts that approximate fair value. The estimated fair value measurements of receivables under resale agreements are based on observations of actual market activity and are generally classified within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Trading securities sold, not yet purchased: These amounts are carried at fair value. The fair value is based on quoted market prices of an active exchange, independent market quotations, market price quotations from third party pricing services, or valuation models when quotations are not available. See note 6 for disclosures concerning the categorization of the fair value measurements of trading securities sold, not yet purchased within the three level fair value hierarchy.

Securities sold under agreement to repurchase: The liability for securities sold under agreement to repurchase are carried at their contracted repurchase price, have short-term maturities and are repriced frequently with amounts normally due in one month or less and, accordingly, these contracts are at amounts that approximate fair value. The estimated fair value measurements of securities sold under agreement to repurchase are based on observations of actual market activity and are generally classified within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Debt: These amounts are carried at outstanding principal less unamortized discount. However, a substantial portion of the debt was assumed in the Merger and recorded at fair value as of that date. As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the fair value of the Company’s debt was estimated to be $33.0 million and $43.5 million, respectively. The estimated fair value measurements of the debt are generally based on discounted cash flow models prepared by the Company’s management primarily using discount rates for similar instruments issued to companies with similar credit risks to the Company and are generally classified within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

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Derivatives: These amounts are carried at fair value. Derivatives may be included as a component of investments-trading; trading securities sold, not yet purchased; and other investments, at fair value. See notes 6 and 7. The fair value is generally based on quoted market prices on an exchange that is deemed to be active for derivative instruments such as foreign currency forward contracts and EuroDollar futures. For derivative instruments, such as “to-be-announced” securities (“TBAs”), the fair value is generally based on market price quotations from third party pricing services. See note 6 for disclosures concerning the categorization of the fair value measurements within the three level fair value hierarchy.

C. Recent Accounting Developments

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (“ASU 2011-11”), which requires companies to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on a company’s financial position. The amendments require enhanced disclosures by requiring improved information about financial statements and derivative instruments that are either (1) offset in accordance with current literature, or (2) subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement, irrespective of whether they are offset in accordance with current literature. ASU 2011-11 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods. The disclosures required by ASU 2011-11 will be applied retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2011-11 on its disclosures about offsetting assets and liabilities.

In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU No. 2012-02, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment (“ASU 2012-02”), which provides an option for companies to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If a company concludes that it is not more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, then the company is not required to take further action. However, if a company concludes otherwise, then it is required to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset and perform the quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value with the carrying amount in accordance with Subtopic 350-30. A company also has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any indefinite-lived intangible asset in any period and proceed directly to performing the quantitative assessment in any subsequent period. The Company will adopt the provisions of ASU 2012-02 effective January 1, 2013 and is currently evaluating the effect of the adoption on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.

4. RECEIVABLES FROM AND PAYABLES TO BROKERS, DEALERS, AND CLEARING AGENCIES

Amounts receivable from brokers, dealers, and clearing agencies consist of the following at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

RECEIVABLES FROM BROKERS, DEALERS, AND CLEARING AGENCIES

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     September 30, 2012      December 31, 2011  

Receivable from clearing organizations

   $ 1,274       $ 51,619   

Unsettled regular way trades, net

     —           17,232   

Deposits with clearing organizations

     1,875         2,112   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Receivables from brokers, dealers, and clearing agencies

   $ 3,149       $ 70,963   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Receivable from clearing organizations represents un-invested cash held by the clearing organization, which includes cash proceeds from short sales.

Amounts payable to brokers, dealers, and clearing agencies consists of the following at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

 

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PAYABLES TO BROKERS, DEALERS, AND CLEARING AGENCIES

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     September 30, 2012      December 31, 2011  

Unsettled regular way trades, net

   $ 31,990       $ —     

Margin payable

     70,559         24,633   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Payables to brokers, dealers, and clearing agencies

   $ 102,549       $ 24,633   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Securities transactions are recorded on the trade date, as if they had settled. The related amounts receivable and payable for unsettled securities transactions are recorded net in receivables from or payables to brokers, dealers, and clearing agencies on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The Company incurred interest on margin payable of $1,128 and $1,822 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $297 and $839 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

5. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Investments - Trading

The following table displays the carrying value of all investments classified as investments-trading as of the periods indicated:

INVESTMENTS - TRADING

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

Security Type

   September 30, 2012      December 31, 2011  

U.S. government agency MBS and CMOs (1)

   $ 65,719       $ 7,563   

U.S. government agency debt securities

     29,934         14,600   

RMBS

     589         7,108   

CMBS

     —           1,587   

U.S. Treasury securities

     6,812         8,524   

Interests in securitizations (2)

     2,524         608   

SBA loans

     7,761         9,049   

Corporate bonds and redeemable preferred stock

     63,493         65,445   

Foreign government bonds

     511         67   

Municipal bonds

     23,809         9,225   

Certificates of deposit

     3,626         710   

Equity securities

     76         60   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Investments-trading

   $ 204,854       $ 124,546   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes TBAs. See note 7.
(2) Primarily comprised of CDOs, CLOs, and ABS.

Trading Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased

The following table displays the carrying value of all trading securities sold, not yet purchased as of the periods indicated:

TRADING SECURITIES SOLD, NOT YET PURCHASED

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

Security Type

   September 30, 2012      December 31, 2011  

U.S. government agency MBS (1)

   $ 49       $ 16   

U.S. Treasury securities

     20,323         11,755   

Corporate bonds and redeemable preferred stock

     22,141         87,537   

Foreign government bonds

     37         158   

Municipal bonds

     121         143   

Exchange traded funds

     3,021         —    

Certificates of deposit

     10,108         4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Trading Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased

   $ 55,800       $ 99,613   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Represents TBAs. See note 7.

 

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The Company tries to manage its exposure to changes in interest rates for the interest rate sensitive securities it holds by entering into offsetting short positions for similar fixed rate securities.

The Company included the change in unrealized losses in the amount of $611 and $2,537 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, in net trading revenue in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

Other Investments, at fair value

The following table provides detail of the investments included within other investments, at fair value:

OTHER INVESTMENTS, AT FAIR VALUE

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     September 30, 2012  

Security Type

   Cost      Carrying
Value
    Unrealized
Gain / (Loss)
 

Interests in securitizations (1)

   $ 217       $ 94      $ (123

Equity Securities:

       

EuroDekania

     7,792         2,371        (5,421

Star Asia

     23,219         33,925        10,706   

Tiptree Financial Partners, L.P.

     5,561         2,755        (2,806

Other securities

     232         117        (115
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity securities

     36,804         39,168        2,364   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Residential loans

     240         252        12   

Foreign currency forward contracts

     —           (42     (42
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other investments, at fair value

   $ 37,261       $ 39,472      $ 2,211   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     December 31, 2011  

Security Type

   Cost      Carrying
Value
     Unrealized
Gain / (Loss)
 

Interests in securitizations (1)

   $ 217       $ 88       $ (129

Equity Securities:

        

EuroDekania

     7,792         2,370         (5,422

Star Asia

     23,219         37,358         14,139   

Tiptree Financial Partners, L.P.

     5,561         2,533         (3,028

Other securities

     232         156         (76
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total equity securities

     36,804         42,417         5,613   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Residential loans

     278         267         (11
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other investments, at fair value

   $ 37,299       $ 42,772       $ 5,473   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Represents an interest in a CDO.

6. FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES

Fair Value Option

The Company has elected to account for certain of its other financial assets at fair value under the fair value option provisions of FASB ASC 825, Financial Instruments (“FASB ASC 825”). The primary reason for electing the fair value option when it first became available in 2008, was to reduce the burden of monitoring the differences between the cost and

 

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the fair value of the Company’s investments, previously classified as available for sale securities, including the assessment as to whether the declines are temporary in nature and to further remove an element of management judgment. In addition, the election was made for certain investments that were previously required to be accounted for under the equity method because their fair value measurements were readily obtainable.

Such financial assets accounted for at fair value include:

 

   

in general, securities that would otherwise qualify for available for sale treatment;

 

   

in general, investments in equity method affiliates where the affiliate has all of the attributes in FASB ASC 946-10-15-2 (commonly referred to as investment companies); and

 

   

in general, investments in residential loans.

The changes in fair value (realized and unrealized gains and losses) of these instruments for which the Company has elected the fair value option are recorded in principal transactions and other income in the consolidated statements of operations. All of the investments for which the Company has elected the fair value option are included as a component of other investments, at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company recognized net losses of $3,525 and $339 related to changes in fair value of investments that are included as a component of other investments, at fair value during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company recognized net gains of $1,683 and $783 related to changes in fair value of investments that are included as a component of other investments, at fair value during the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Fair Value Measurements

In accordance with FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“FASB ASC 820”), the Company has categorized its financial instruments, based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three level fair value hierarchy. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements). The three levels of the hierarchy under FASB ASC 820 are described below:

 

Level 1    Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
Level 2    Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on one or more of the following:
  

1. Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;

  

2. Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets;

  

3. Pricing models whose inputs, other than quoted prices, are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; or

  

4. Pricing models whose inputs are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data through correlation or other means for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3    Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable. These inputs reflect management’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability.

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.

Both observable and unobservable inputs may be used to determine the fair value of positions that the Company has classified within the level 3 category. As a result, the unrealized gains and losses for assets and liabilities within the level 3 category presented in the tables below may include changes in fair value that were attributable to both observable (e.g., changes in market interest rates) and unobservable (e.g., changes in unobservable long-dated volatilities) inputs.

A review of the fair value hierarchy classifications is conducted on a quarterly basis. Changes in the type of inputs may result in a reclassification for certain financial assets or liabilities. There were no transfers between level 1 and level 2 of the fair value hierarchy during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011. Reclassifications impacting level 3 of the fair value hierarchy are reported as transfers in or transfers out of the level 3 category as of the beginning of the quarter in which reclassifications occur.

 

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The following table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS ON A RECURRING BASIS

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

    September 30,
2012
Fair Value
    Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
(Level 1)
    Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
    Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Assets:

       

Investments-trading:

       

U.S. government agency MBS and CMOs

  $ 65,719      $ —        $ 65,719      $ —     

U.S. government agency debt securities

    29,934        —          29,934        —     

RMBS

    589        —          589        —     

U.S. Treasury securities

    6,812        6,812        —          —     

Interests in securitizations (1)

    2,524        —          1,592        932   

SBA loans

    7,761        —          7,761        —     

Corporate bonds and redeemable preferred stock

    63,493        1,196        62,297        —     

Foreign government bonds

    511        —          511        —     

Municipal bonds

    23,809        —          23,809        —     

Certificates of deposit

    3,626        —          3,626        —     

Equity securities

    76        19        —          57   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investments-trading

  $ 204,854      $ 8,027      $ 195,838      $ 989   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other investments, at fair value:

       

Equity Securities:

       

Other Investment Vehicles

       

EuroDekania (2)

  $ 2,371      $ —        $ —        $ 2,371   

Star Asia (3)

    33,925        —          —          33,925   

Tiptree Financial Partners L.P. (4)

    2,755        —          —          2,755   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    39,051        —          —          39,051   

Other

    117        26        —          91   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity securities

    39,168        26        —          39,142   

Interests in securitizations (1)

    94        —          —          94   

Residential loans

    252        —          252        —     

Foreign currency forward contracts

    (42     (42     —          —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other investments, at fair value

  $ 39,472      $ (16   $ 252      $ 39,236   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities:

       

Trading securities sold, not yet purchased:

       

U.S. government agency MBS

  $ 49      $ —        $ 49      $ —     

U.S. Treasury securities

    20,323        20,323        —          —     

Corporate bonds and redeemable preferred stock

    22,141        —          22,141        —     

Foreign government bonds

    37        —          37        —     

Municipal bonds

    121        —          121        —     

Exchange traded funds

    3,021        3,021        —          —     

Certificates of deposit

    10,108        —          10,108        —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total trading securities sold, not yet purchased

  $ 55,800      $ 23,344      $ 32,456      $ —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Primarily comprised of CDOs, CLOs, and ABS.
(2) Hybrid Securities Fund - European.
(3) Real Estate Fund - Asian.
(4) Diversified Fund.

 

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Table of Contents

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS ON A RECURRING BASIS

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     December 31,
2011
Fair Value
     Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
(Level 1)
     Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Assets:

           

Investments-trading:

           

U.S. government agency MBS and CMOs

   $ 7,563       $ —         $ 7,563       $ —     

U.S. government agency debt securities

     14,600         144         14,456         —     

RMBS

     7,108         —           2,176         4,932   

CMBS

     1,587         —           1,587         —     

U.S. Treasury securities

     8,524         8,524         —           —     

Interests in securitizations (1)

     608         —           387         221   

SBA loans

     9,049         —           9,049         —     

Corporate bonds and redeemable preferred stock

     65,445         779         64,666         —     

Foreign government bonds

     67         —           67         —     

Municipal bonds

     9,225         —           9,225         —     

Certificates of deposit

     710         —           710         —     

Equity securities

     60         25         —           35   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments-trading

   $ 124,546       $ 9,472       $ 109,886       $ 5,188   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other investments, at fair value:

           

Equity Securities:

           

Other Investment Vehicles

           

EuroDekania (2)

   $ 2,370       $ —         $ —         $ 2,370   

Star Asia (3)

     37,358         —           —           37,358   

Tiptree Financial Partners L.P. (4)

     2,533         —           —           2,533   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     42,261         —           —           42,261   

Other

     156         24         —           132   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total equity securities

     42,417         24         —           42,393   

Interests in securitizations (1)

     88         —           —           88   

Residential loans

     267         —          —          267   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other investments, at fair value

   $ 42,772       $ 24       $ —         $ 42,748   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities:

           

Trading securities sold, not yet purchased:

           

U.S. government agency MBS

   $ 16       $ —         $ 16       $ —     

U.S. Treasury securities

     11,755         11,755         —           —     

Corporate bonds and redeemable preferred stock

     87,537         1,084         86,453         —     

Foreign government bonds

     158         —           158         —     

Municipal bonds

     143         —           143         —     

Certificates of deposit

     4         —           4         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total trading securities sold, not yet purchased

   $ 99,613       $ 12,839       $ 86,774       $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Primarily comprised of CDOs, CLOs, and ABS.
(2) Hybrid Securities Fund - European.
(3) Real Estate Fund - Asian.
(4) Diversified Fund.

 

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Table of Contents

The following provides a brief description of the types of financial instruments the Company holds, the methodology for estimating fair value, and the level within the hierarchy of the estimate.

U.S. Government Agency MBS and CMOs: These are securities which are generally traded over-the-counter. The Company generally values these securities using third party quotations such as unadjusted broker-dealer quoted prices or market price quotations from third party pricing services. These valuations are based on a market approach. This is considered a level 2 valuation in the hierarchy.

In instances where the securities are either new issuances or experience illiquidity, such as CMOs and, more specifically, agency inverse interest-only securities, principal only, and fixed interest only among others, the Company may use its own internal valuation models, which are based on an income approach. In some cases, new issuances are senior in nature or fairly liquid, however, due to the fact that it is a new issuance, it is difficult to obtain third party pricing and the Company uses internal models to determine fair value. In these cases, the Company will classify such an issuance as level 3 within the hierarchy until it is able to obtain third party pricing. Fair values based on internal valuation models prepared by the Company’s management are generally classified within level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. In general, the fair values of U.S. government agency MBS and CMOs, which are classified as level 3 are determined primarily using discounted cash flow and option adjusted spread methodologies. Key inputs to these models are interest rates and prepayment rates. Attributes of the underlying mortgage loans, in the case of CMOs, that affect the pricing inputs include, but are not limited to, weighted average coupon; average and maximum loan size; loan-to-value ratios; credit scores; documentation type; geographic location; weighted average loan age; originator; servicer; and historical prepayment. Yield curves used in the discounted cash flow models are based on observed market prices for comparable securities and published interest rate data to estimate market yields. The level 3 classification of the fair value measurements of certain CMOs was applicable during the 2011 period.

U.S. Government Agency Debt Securities: Callable and non-callable U.S. government agency debt securities are measured primarily based on quoted market prices obtained from third party pricing services. Non-callable U.S. government agency debt securities are generally classified within level 1 and callable U.S. government agency debt securities are classified within level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

 

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Table of Contents

RMBS and CMBS: The Company generally values these securities using third party quotations such as unadjusted broker-dealer quoted prices or market price quotations from third party pricing services. These valuations are based on a market approach. The Company generally classifies the fair value of these securities based on third party quotations within level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

In instances where the Company is unable to obtain a reliable market price quotation from third party pricing services and there are no substantially similar securities that trade frequently as the securities held in trading inventory, the Company may determine the fair value of those securities using its own internal valuation models, which are based on an income approach. Fair values based on internal valuation models prepared by the Company’s management are generally classified within level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. Information utilized in the Company’s internal valuation models may include the security’s credit rating, coupon rate, estimated prepayment speeds, expected weighted average life, collateral composition, estimated future interest rates, expected credit losses, credit enhancement, and recently executed transactions. The level 3 classification of the fair value measurements of certain RMBS and CMBS was applicable during the 2011 period.

U.S. Treasury Securities: U.S. Treasury securities include U.S. Treasury bonds and notes and the fair values of the U.S. Treasury securities are based on quoted prices in active markets. Valuation adjustments are not applied. The Company classifies the fair value of these securities within level 1 of the valuation hierarchy.

Interests in Securitizations: Interests in securitizations may be comprised of CDOs, CLOs, and ABS, which may include, but are not limited to, securities backed by auto loans, credit card receivables, or student loans. Where the Company is able to obtain independent market quotations from at least two broker-dealers and where a price within the range of at least two broker-dealers is used or market price quotations from third party pricing services is used, interests in securitizations will generally be classified as level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. These valuations are based on a market approach. The independent market quotations from broker-dealers are generally nonbinding. The Company seeks quotations from broker-dealers that historically have actively traded, monitored, issued, and been knowledgeable about interests in securitizations. The Company generally believes that to the extent that (1) it receives two quotations in a similar range from broker-dealers knowledgeable about interests in securitizations, and (2) the Company believes the broker-dealers gather and utilize observable market information such as new issue activity in the primary market, trading activity in the secondary market, credit spreads versus historical levels, bid-ask spreads, and price consensus among market participants and sources, then classification as level 2 of the valuation hierarchy is appropriate. In the absence of two broker-dealer market quotations, a single broker-dealer market quotation may be used without corroboration of the quote in which case the Company generally classifies the fair value within level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

If quotations are unavailable, prices observed by the Company for recently executed market transactions may be used or valuation models prepared by the Company’s management may be used, which are based on an income approach. The models prepared by the Company’s management include estimates and the valuations derived from them could differ materially from amounts realizable in an open market exchange. Fair values based on internal valuation models prepared by the Company’s management are generally classified within level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

Establishing fair value is inherently subjective given the volatile and sometimes illiquid markets for certain interests in securitizations and requires management to make a number of assumptions, including assumptions about the future of interest rates, discount rates and the timing of cash flows. The assumptions the Company applies are specific to each security. Although the Company may rely on internal calculations to compute the fair value of certain interest in securitizations, the Company requests and considers indications of fair value from third party pricing services to assist in the valuation process.

SBA Loans: The Company generally values these securities using third party quotations such as unadjusted broker-dealer quoted prices or market price quotations from third party pricing services. The Company generally classifies these investments within level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. These valuations are based on a market approach.

Corporate Bonds, Redeemable Preferred Stock, and Foreign Government Bonds: The Company uses recently executed transactions or third party quotations from independent pricing services to arrive at the fair value of its investments in corporate bonds, redeemable preferred stock, and foreign government bonds. These valuations are based on a market approach. The Company generally classifies the fair value of these bonds within level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. In instances where the fair values of securities are based on quoted prices in active markets (for example with redeemable preferred stock), the Company classifies the fair value of these securities within level 1 of the valuation hierarchy.

Municipal Bonds: Municipal bonds, which include obligations of U.S. states, municipalities, and political subdivisions, primarily include bonds or notes issued by U.S. municipalities. The Company generally values these securities using third party quotations such as market price quotations from third party pricing services. The Company generally classifies the fair

 

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value of these bonds within level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. The valuations are based on a market approach. In instances where the Company is unable to obtain reliable market price quotations from third party pricing services, the Company will use its own internal valuation models. In these cases, the Company will classify such securities as level 3 within the hierarchy until it is able to obtain third party pricing.

Exchange Traded Funds: Exchange traded funds are investment funds that trade in active markets, similar to public company stocks. The fair values of exchange traded funds are based on quoted prices in active markets. Valuation adjustments are not applied. The Company classifies the fair value of these securities within level 1 of the valuation hierarchy.

Equity Securities: The fair value of equity securities that represent investments in publicly traded companies (common or preferred shares, options, warrants, and other equity investments) are determined using the closing price of the security as of the reporting date. These are securities which are traded on a recognized liquid exchange. This is considered a level 1 value in the valuation hierarchy. In some cases, the Company owns options or warrants in publicly traded companies when the option or warrant itself is not publicly traded. In those cases, the Company uses an internal valuation model and classifies the investment within level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. The non-exchange traded equity options and warrants are measured using the Black-Scholes model with key inputs impacting the valuation including the underlying security price, implied volatility, dividend yield, interest rate curve, strike price, and maturity date. Other equity securities represent investments in investment funds and other non-publicly traded entities. Substantially all of these other entities have the attributes of investment companies as described in FASB ASC 946-15-2. The Company estimates the fair value of these entities using the reported net asset value per share as of the reporting date in accordance with the “practical expedient” provisions related to investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value per share (or its equivalent) included in FASB ASC 820 for all entities except Star Asia. The Company generally classifies these estimates within either level 2 of the valuation hierarchy if its investment in the entity is currently redeemable or level 3 if its investment is not currently redeemable.

In the case of Star Asia, the Company utilizes a series of valuation models to determine fair value, which use both market and income based approaches, and generally classifies its investment within level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. Star Asia accounts for itself as an investment company as described in ASC 946, Financial Services - Investment Companies. As an investment company, Star Asia carries its assets at fair value and reports NAV per share to its investors. However, Star Asia issued subordinated debt securities in 2009 at a significant discount to par. Upon issuance, Star Asia did not elect the fair value option for these liabilities and was not required to do so under ASC 946. Over time, it is the Company’s assessment that the fair value of the subordinated debt securities has diverged from its carrying value. Because Star Asia’s published NAV is calculated using the amortized cost of these subordinated debt securities, the Company has concluded it would be appropriate to adjust Star Asia’s reported NAV to recalculate it as if Star Asia’s subordinated debt were recorded at fair value as opposed to its historical amortized cost. The Company estimates the fair value of Star Asia’s subordinated debt securities by projecting the remaining debt cash outflows and discounting them at an estimated market rate as of the reporting date, which is derived from similar non-investment grade long term subordinated debt issuances.

The Company used discount rates of 7.50% and 7.10% as of December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2012, respectively, in determining the fair value of Star Asia’s subordinated debt securities. If the Company had used Star Asia’s unadjusted NAV, rather than the Company’s financial model described above, in determining the fair value of the Company’s investment in Star Asia, the Company would have recorded its investment in Star Asia at a value of $46,031 and $43,502 as of December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2012, respectively, as compared to the fair value as determined by the Company’s internal valuation model of $37,358, and $33,925 as of December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2012, respectively.

Residential Loans: Management utilizes home price indices to value the residential loans. Previously management had considered adjustments to these indices but has elected going forward to not adjust the indices. Adjustments to the index implied a level 3 valuation. The new methodology uses an unadjusted index, which is considered an observable input and moves these investments into level 2.

Certificates of Deposit: The fair value of certificates of deposit is estimated using valuations provided by third party pricing services. Certificates of deposit are generally categorized in level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. However, in instances where the certificates of deposit are new issuances or the payments of certificate of deposit are linked to an index, it may be difficult to obtain third party pricing and, in these cases, the Company uses internal models to determine fair value and the fair value is generally classified within level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. The level 3 classification of the fair value measurements of certain certificates of deposit was applicable during the 2011 period.

 

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Table of Contents

Derivatives:

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts

Foreign currency forward contracts are exchange-traded derivatives which transact on an exchange that is deemed to be active. The fair value of the foreign currency forward contracts is based on current quoted market prices. Valuation adjustments are not applied. These are considered a level 1 value in the hierarchy. See note 7.

TBAs

The Company generally values these securities using third party quotations such as unadjusted broker-dealer quoted prices or market price quotations from third party pricing services. TBAs are generally classified within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. If there is limited transaction activity or less transparency to observe market based inputs to valuation models, TBAs are classified in level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. U.S. government agency MBS and CMOs include TBAs. Unrealized gains on TBAs are included in investments-trading on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and unrealized losses on TBAs are included in trading securities sold, not yet purchased on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. See note 7.

Level 3 Financial Assets and Liabilities

Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The following table presents additional information about assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the Company has utilized level 3 inputs to determine fair value for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.

LEVEL 3 INPUTS

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

    January 1,
2012
    Total gains
and losses included
in earnings
          Purchases     Sales     September 30,
2012
    Change in
unrealized
gains/(losses)
for the period
included in
earnings (1)
 
    Net
trading
    Principal
transactions
and other
income
    Transfers
out of
Level 3
         

Assets:

               

Investments-trading:

               

RMBS

  $ 4,932      $ 17      $ —        $ —        $ 171      $ (5,120   $ —        $ —     

Interests in securitizations (2)

    221        53        —          —          2,861        (2,203     932        74   

Equity securities

    35        (104     —          —          126        —          57        (104
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investments-trading

  $ 5,188      $ (34   $ —          —        $ 3,158      $ (7,323   $ 989      $ (30
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other investments, at fair value:

               

Equity Securities:

               

Other Investment Vehicles

               

EuroDekania (3)

  $ 2,370      $ —        $ 1        —        $ —        $ —        $ 2,371      $ 1   

Star Asia (4)

    37,358        —          (3,433     —          —          —          33,925        (3,433

Tiptree Financial Partners, L.P. (5)

    2,533        —          222        —          —          —          2,755        222   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    42,261        —          (3,210     —          —          —          39,051        (3,210
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other

    132        —          (41     —          —          —          91        (41
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity securities

    42,393        —          (3,251     —          —          —          39,142        (3,251

Interests in securitizations (2)

    88        —         6        —         —         —         94        6   

Residential loans

    267        —          —          (267     —          —          —          —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other investments, at fair value

  $ 42,748      $ —        $ (3,245   $ (267   $ —        $ —        $ 39,236      $ (3,245
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Represents the change in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the reporting period.
(2) Primarily comprised of CDOs, CLOs, and ABS.
(3) Hybrid Securities Funds - European.
(4) Real Estate Funds - Asian.
(5) Diversified Fund.

 

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Table of Contents

LEVEL 3 INPUTS

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

    January 1,
2011
    Total gains
and losses included
in earnings
    Transfers
into
Level 3
    Purchases     Sales (1)     September 30,
2011
    Change in
unrealized
gains/(losses)
for the period
included in
earnings (2)
 
    Net
trading
    Principal
transactions
and other
income
           

Assets:

               

Investments-trading:

               

U.S. government agency MBS and CMOs

  $ 68,885      $ 584      $ —        $ 4,332      $ 20,805      $ (94,390   $ 216      $ 10   

RMBS

    —          (159     —          7,814        4,494        (3,570 )     8,579        10   

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

    —          (825     —          —          1,233        (338     70        (656

Interests in securitizations (3)

    4,500        5,480        —          —          10,364        (12,543     7,801        (298

Municipal bonds

    —          4        —          —          977        (559     422        1   

Certificates of deposit

    —          3        —          —          761        (764     —          —     

Equity securities

    —          (42     —          —          70        (28     —          —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investments-trading

  $ 73,385      $ 5,045      $ —        $ 12,146      $ 38,704      $ (112,192   $ 17,088      $ (933
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other investments, at fair value:

               

Equity Securities:

               

Other Investment Vehicles

               

EuroDekania (4)

  $ 1,258      $ —        $ 1,208      $ —        $ 533      $ —        $ 2,999      $ 1,208   

Star Asia (5)

    38,025        —          429        —          226        (476     38,204        429   

Tiptree Financial Partners, L.P.(6)

    2,480        —          28        —          —          —          2,508        28   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    41,763        —          1,665        —          759        (476     43,711        1,665   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment Funds

               

Deep Value (7)

    28        —         (9     —          —         (19     —         —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    28        —          (9     —          —          (19     —          —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other

    500        —          (125     —          36        (59     352        (125
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity securities

    42,291        —          1,531        —          795        (554     44,063        1,540   

Interests in securitizations (3)

    105        —          (17     —          —          —          88        (17

Residential loans

    303        —          23        —          —          (47     279        23   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other investments, at fair value

  $ 42,699      $ —        $ 1,537      $ —        $ 795      $ (601   $ 44,430      $ 1,546   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes return of principal/capital of interests in U.S. government agency MBS and CMOs, securitizations, investment funds, and residential loans. The sale of $476 attributable to Star Asia represents the transfer of 54,452 shares of Star Asia to an employee for services rendered during 2010. See note 19.
(2) Represents the change in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the reporting period.
(3) Primarily comprised of CDOs and CLOs.
(4) Hybrid Securities Funds - European.
(5) Real Estate Funds - Asian.
(6) Diversified Fund.
(7) Real Estate Funds.

 

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Table of Contents

LEVEL 3 INPUTS

Three Months Ended September 30, 2012

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

    June 30,
2012
    Total gains
and losses included
in earnings
          Purchases     Sales     September 30,
2012
    Change in
unrealized
gains/(losses)
for the period
included in
earnings (1)
 
    Net
trading
    Principal
transactions
and other
income
    Transfers
out of
Level 3
         

Assets:

               

Investments-trading:

               

Interests in securitizations (2)

  $ 185      $ 111      $ —        $ —        $ 636     $ —        $ 932      $ 111  

Equity securities

    63        (6     —          —          —          —          57        (6
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investments-trading

  $ 248      $ 105      $ —          —        $ 636     $ —        $ 989      $ 105   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other investments, at fair value:

               

Equity Securities:

               

Other Investment Vehicles

               

EuroDekania (3)

  $ 2,103      $ —        $ 268      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 2,371      $ 268   

Star Asia (4)

    32,299        —          1,626        —          —          —          33,925        1,626   

Tiptree Financial Partners, L.P. (5)

    2,703        —         52        —         —         —         2,755        52   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    37,105        —          1,946        —          —          —          39,051        1,946   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other

    88        —          3        —          —          —          91        3   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity securities

    37,193        —          1,949        —          —          —          39,142        1,949   

Interests in securitizations (2)

    97        —          (3     —          —          —          94        (3 )
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other investments, at fair value

  $ 37,290      $ —        $ 1,946      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 39,236      $ 1,946   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Represents the change in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the reporting period.
(2) Primarily comprised of CDOs, CLOs, and ABS.
(3) Hybrid Securities Funds - European.
(4) Real Estate Funds - Asian.
(5) Diversified Fund.

 

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Table of Contents

LEVEL 3 INPUTS

Three Months Ended September 30, 2011

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

    June 30,
2011
    Total gains
and losses included
in earnings
    Transfers
into
Level 3
    Purchases     Sales (1)     September 30,
2011
    Change in
unrealized
gains/(losses)
for the period
included in
earnings (2)
 
    Net
trading
    Principal
transactions
and other
income
           

Assets:

               

Investments-trading:

               

U.S. government agency MBS and CMOs

  $ 8,619      $ 132      $ —        $ —        $ 206      $ (8,741   $ 216      $ 10   

RMBS

    1,473        (159     —          7,814       3,021        (3,570     8,579        10  

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

    1,347       (939     —          —          —          (338     70        (770

Interests in securitizations (3)

    7,291        (758     —          —          2,263        (995     7,801        (615

Municipal bonds

    —          4          —          977        (559     422        1   

Certificates of deposit

    1        —          —          —          —          (1     —          —     

Equity securities

    98        (72     —          —          —          (26     —          —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investments-trading

  $ 18,829      $ (1,792   $ —        $ 7,814      $ 6,467      $ (14,230   $ 17,088      $ (1,364
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other investments, at fair value:

               

Equity Securities:

               

Other Investment Vehicles

               

EuroDekania (4)

  $ 3,410      $ —        $ (411   $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 2,999      $ (411

Star Asia (5)

    35,761        —          2,443        —          —          —          38,204        2,443   

Tiptree Financial Partners, L.P. (6)

    2,551        —         (43     —         —         —         2,508        (43
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    41,722        —          1,989        —          —          —          43,711        1,989   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other

    265        —          87        —          —          —          352        87   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity securities

    41,987        —          2,076        —          —          —          44,063        2,076   

Interests in securitizations (3)

    105        —          (17     —          —          —          88        (17

Residential loans

    276        —          18        —          —          (15     279        18   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other investments, at fair value

  $ 42,368      $ —        $ 2,077      $ —        $ —        $ (15   $ 44,430      $ 2,077   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes return of principal/capital of interests in U.S. government agency MBS and CMOs, securitizations, investment funds, and residential loans.
(2) Represents the change in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the reporting period.
(3) Primarily comprised of CDOs and CLOs.
(4) Hybrid Securities Funds - European.
(5) Real Estate Funds - Asian.
(6) Diversified Fund.

 

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Table of Contents

The circumstances that would result in transferring certain financial instruments from level 2 to level 3 of the valuation hierarchy would typically include what the Company believes to be a decrease in the availability, utility, and reliability of observable market information such as new issue activity in the primary market, trading activity in the secondary market, credit spreads versus historical levels, bid-ask spreads, and price consensus among market participants and sources.

During 2009, the liquidity and transparency surrounding structured credit products, such as interests in securitizations, continued to diminish. The absence of new issue activity in the primary market led to a continually decreasing level of transparency, as seasoned secondary issuances could not be analyzed on a comparative basis relative to new issuances. In addition, diminished trading activity in the secondary market also led the Company to believe that broker-dealer quotations may not be based on observable and reliable market information. The Company has maintained this assessment during 2012 and has not transferred any of these assets out of level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

Investments-trading: During the nine and three months ended September 30, 2012, there were no transfers into or out of level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, there were no transfers out of level 3 and there were transfers of $12,146 into level 3 of the valuation hierarchy, comprised of $4,332 related to one U.S. government agency mortgage-backed security, which was transferred into level 3 during the first quarter of 2011, and $7,814 related to certain residential mortgage-backed securities, which were transferred into level 3 during the third quarter of 2011. In the case of the U.S. government agency mortgage-backed security, as of December 31, 2010, the Company was able to obtain a reliable quote from a third party pricing service. During the period of time that the Company held the U.S. government agency mortgage-backed security in 2011, the Company was unable to obtain a reliable quote and relied upon an internal valuation model for that same security. In the case of the residential mortgage-backed securities, the Company was unable to obtain reliable quotes from a third party pricing service and relied upon internal valuation models.

Other investments, at fair value: During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company transferred $267 in residential loans from level 3 to level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. During the three months ended September 30, 2012, there were no transfers into or out of level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

 

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Table of Contents

During the nine and three months ended September 30, 2011, there were no transfers into or out of level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

The following table provides the quantitative information about level 3 fair value measurements as of September 30, 2012:

QUANTITATIVE INFORMATION ABOUT LEVEL 3 FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     Fair Value at
September 30,
2012
    

Valuation
Technique

  

Significant

Unobservable

Inputs

   Weighted
average
    Range of
Significant
Inputs
 

Assets:

             

Investments-trading:

             

Equity securities

   $ 57       Black Scholes   

Expected Life

Volatility

Dividend Yield

    

 

 

5 years

25

0

  

   

 

 

5 years

25

0

  

Other investments, at fair value:

             

Equity Securities:

             

Star Asia

   $ 33,925       Adjusted NAV    Discount rate on debt      7.10     7.10

Other

   $ 91       Black Scholes   

Expected Life

Volatility

Dividend Yield

    

 

 

5.3 years

25

0

  

   

 

 

5-10 years

25

0

  

Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share (Or Its Equivalent)

The following table presents additional information about investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value per share (regardless of whether the “practical expedient” provisions of FASB ASC 820 have been applied) which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS OF INVESTMENTS IN CERTAIN ENTITIES

THAT CALCULATE NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE (OR ITS EQUIVALENT)

 

     Fair Value at
September 30, 2012
(dollars in
thousands)
     Unfunded
Commitments
     Redemption
Frequency
(if Currently
Eligible)
     Redemption
Notice Period
 

Other Investment Vehicles:

           

EuroDekania (a)

   $ 2,371         N/A         N/A         N/A   

Star Asia (b)

     33,925         N/A         N/A         N/A   

Tiptree Financial Partners, L.P. (c)

     2,755         N/A         N/A         N/A   
  

 

 

          
   $ 39,051            
  

 

 

          

 

     Fair Value at
December 31, 2011
(dollars in
thousands)
     Unfunded
Commitments
     Redemption
Frequency
(if Currently
Eligible)
     Redemption
Notice Period
 

Other Investment Vehicles:

           

EuroDekania (a)

   $ 2,370         N/A         N/A         N/A   

Star Asia (b)

     37,358         N/A         N/A         N/A   

Tiptree Financial Partners, L.P. (c)

     2,533         N/A         N/A         N/A   
  

 

 

          
   $ 42,261            
  

 

 

          

 

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Table of Contents

N/A - Not applicable.

 

(a) EuroDekania’s investment strategy is to make investments in hybrid capital securities that have attributes of debt and equity, primarily in the form of subordinated debt issued by insurance companies, banks and bank holding companies based primarily in Western Europe; widely syndicated leveraged loans issued by European corporations; CMBS, including subordinated interests in first mortgage real estate loans; and RMBS and other ABS backed by consumer and commercial receivables. The majority of the assets are denominated in Euros and U.K. Pounds Sterling. The fair value of the investment in this category has been estimated using the net asset value per share of the investment in accordance with the “practical expedient” provisions of FASB ASC 820.
(b) Star Asia’s investment strategy is to make investments in Asian real estate structured finance investments, including CMBS, corporate debt of REITs and real estate operating companies, whole loans, mezzanine loans; and other commercial real estate fixed income investments. The fair value of the investment in this category has been estimated using a series of internal valuation models that use both the market and income approach. If the Company had used Star Asia’s unadjusted reported net asset value to determine its fair value, the carrying value of its investment in Star Asia would have been $43,502 as of September 30, 2012 and $46,031 as of December 31, 2011.
(c) The investment strategy of Tiptree Financial Partners, L.P. (“Tiptree”) is currently focused on investing in (a) specialty finance companies; (b) alternative asset management companies; and (c) diversified credit assets and related equity interests. Tiptree primarily seeks to acquire majority ownership interests in its investees. The fair value of the investment in this category has been estimated using the net asset value per share of the investment in accordance with the “practical expedient” provisions of FASB ASC 820. The Company uses the latest reported net asset value from Tiptree. From time to time, the net asset value may be one quarter in arrears.

7. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

FASB ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“FASB ASC 815”), provides for optional hedge accounting. When a derivative is deemed to be a hedge and certain documentation and effectiveness testing requirements are met, reporting entities are allowed to record all or a portion of the change in the fair value of a designated hedge as an adjustment to other comprehensive income (“OCI”) rather than as a gain or loss in the statements of operations. To date, the Company has not designated any derivatives as hedges under the provisions included in FASB ASC 815.

Derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value in the consolidated statements of operations and are included within investments-trading; other investments, at fair value; and trading securities sold, not yet purchased.

The Company may, from time to time, enter into derivatives to manage its risk exposures (i) arising from fluctuations in foreign currency rates with respect to the Company’s investments in foreign currency denominated investments; (ii) arising from the Company’s investments in interest rate sensitive investments; and (iii) arising from the Company’s facilitation of mortgage-backed trading. Derivatives entered into by the Company, from time to time, may include (i) foreign currency forward contracts; (ii) EuroDollar futures; and (iii) purchase and sale agreements of TBAs. TBAs are forward mortgage-backed securities whose collateral remain “to be announced” until just prior to the trade settlement. TBAs are accounted for as derivatives under FASB ASC 815 when either of the following conditions exists: (i) when settlement of the TBA trade is not expected to occur at the next regular settlement date (which is typically the next month) or (ii) a mechanism exists to settle the contract on a net basis. Otherwise, TBAs are recorded as a standard security trade. The settlement of these transactions is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Derivatives involve varying degrees of off-balance sheet risk, whereby changes in the level or volatility of interest rates or market values of the underlying financial instruments may result in changes in the value of a particular financial instrument in excess of its carrying amount. Depending on the Company’s investment strategy, realized and unrealized gains and losses are recognized in principal transactions and other income or in net trading in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations on a trade date basis.

The Company may, from time to time, enter into the following derivative instruments:

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts

The Company invests in foreign currency denominated investments that expose it to fluctuations in foreign currency rates and, therefore, the Company may, from time to time, hedge such exposure by using foreign currency forward contracts. The Company carries the foreign currency forward contracts at fair value and includes them as a component of other investments, at fair value in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. As of September 30, 2012, the Company had 80 outstanding foreign currency forward contracts with a notional amount of 12,500 Japanese Yen per contract. As of December 31, 2011, the Company had no outstanding foreign currency forward contracts.

 

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Table of Contents

EuroDollar Futures

The Company invests in floating rate investments that expose it to fluctuations in interest and, therefore, the Company may, from time to time, hedge such exposure using EuroDollar futures. The Company carries the EuroDollar futures contracts at fair value and includes them as a component of investments-trading in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had no outstanding EuroDollar futures contracts.

TBAs

The Company trades U.S. Government agency obligations. In connection with these activities, the Company may be required to maintain inventory in order to facilitate customer transactions. In order to mitigate exposure to market risk, the Company enters in to the purchase and sale of TBAs. The Company carries the TBAs at fair value and includes them as a component of investments - trading or trading securities sold, not yet purchased in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. At September 30, 2012, the Company had open TBA sale agreements in the notional amount of $38,425, and open TBA purchase agreements in the notional amount of $25,305. At December 31, 2011, the Company had open TBA sale agreements in the notional amount of $4,325.

The following table presents the Company’s derivative financial instruments and the amount and location of the fair value recognized in the consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS-BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Not Designated as
Hedging Instruments under FASB ASC 815

  

Balance Sheet Classification

   Unrealized Gain /
(Loss) as of
September 30, 2012
    Unrealized Gain /
(Loss) as of
December 31, 2011
 

Foreign currency forward contracts

  

Other investments, at fair value

   $ (42   $ —     

TBAs

  

Investments-trading

     27        —     

TBAs

  

Trading securities sold, not yet purchased

     (49     (16
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
      $ (64   $ (16
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

In addition to the above activities related to TBAs, the Company also enters into TBAs in order to assist clients (generally small to middle size mortgage loan originators) in hedging the interest rate risk associated with the mortgages the clients hold. In general, the Company will enter into a TBA purchase agreement with the client. Then, the Company will immediately enter into a TBA sale agreement with the exact same terms and settlement date with a separate counter-party. The Company seeks to profit through a small mark up in the price of the transaction. The TBAs will match underlying terms and settlement dates. Because the Company has purchased and sold the same security, it is no longer exposed to market movements of the underlying TBA. The gain or loss on the transaction is recorded as a component of net trading in the consolidated statement of operations and is included in due to or due from broker in the consolidated balance sheet until it settles. As of September 30, 2012, the Company had unsettled TBA purchase contracts and offsetting TBA sale agreements in the notional amount of $333,297. The net profit on these transactions is recorded as a component of net trading revenue and is included as a component of TBA revenue in the table below. Any revenue on trades that have not yet settled is included as a component of due to or due from brokers, dealers, and clearing organizations.

 

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Table of Contents

The following table presents the Company’s derivative financial instruments and the amount and location of the net gain (loss) recognized in the consolidated statement of operations for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS-STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS INFORMATION

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Not Designated as
Hedging Instruments under FASB ASC 815

  

Income Statement

Classification

   Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2012
    Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2011
 

Foreign currency forward contracts

  

Revenues—principal transactions and other income

   $ (323   $ (1,492

EuroDollar futures contracts

  

Revenues—net trading

     —          (2

TBAs

  

Revenues—net trading

     680        (9,272
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
      $ 357      $ (10,766
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Not Designated as
Hedging Instruments under FASB ASC 815

  

Income Statement

Classification

   Three Months Ended
September 30, 2012
    Three Months Ended
September 30, 2011
 

Foreign currency forward contracts

  

Revenues—principal transactions and other income

   $ (288   $ (1,273

TBAs

  

Revenues—net trading

     426        (1,302
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
      $ 138      $ (2,575
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

8. COLLATERALIZED SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS

Securities purchased under agreements to resell (“reverse repurchase agreements” or “receivables under resale agreements”) or sales of securities under agreements to repurchase (“repurchase agreements”), principally U.S. government and federal agency obligations, SBA loans, and mortgage-backed securities, are treated as collateralized financing transactions and are recorded at their contracted resale or repurchase amounts plus accrued interest. The resulting interest income and expense are included in net trading in the consolidated statements of operations.

In the case of reverse repurchase agreements, the Company generally takes possession of securities as collateral. Likewise, in the case of repurchase agreements, the Company is required to provide the counterparty with securities.

In certain cases a repurchase agreement and a reverse repurchase agreement may be entered into with the same counterparty. If certain requirements are met, the offsetting provisions included in FASB ASC 210, Balance Sheet (“FASB ASC 210”), allow (but do not require) the reporting entity to net the asset and liability on the balance sheet. It is the Company’s policy to present the assets and liabilities on a gross basis even if the conditions described in offsetting provisions included in FASB ASC 210 are met. The Company classifies reverse repurchase agreements as a separate line item within the assets section of the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The Company classifies repurchase agreements as a separate line item within the liabilities section of the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

In the case of reverse repurchase agreements, if the counterparty does not meet its contractual obligation to return securities used as collateral, or does not deposit additional securities or cash for margin when required, the Company may be exposed to the risk of reacquiring the securities or selling the securities at unfavorable market prices in order to satisfy its obligations to its customers or counterparties. The Company’s policy to control this risk is monitoring the market value of securities pledged or used as collateral on a daily basis and requiring adjustments in the event of excess market exposure.

In the case of repurchase agreements, if the counterparty makes a margin call and the Company is unable or unwilling to meet the margin call, the counterparty can sell the securities to repay the obligation. The Company is at risk that the counterparty may sell the securities at unfavorable market prices and the Company may sustain significant loss. The Company controls this risk by monitoring its liquidity position to ensure it has sufficient cash or liquid securities to meet margin calls.

In the normal course of doing business, the Company enters into reverse repurchase agreements that permit it to re-pledge or resell the securities to others.

The Company enters into reverse repurchase agreements to acquire securities to cover short positions or as an investment. The Company enters into repurchase agreements to finance the Company’s securities positions held in inventory or to finance reverse repurchase agreements entered into as an investment.

 

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At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company held reverse repurchase agreements of $153,039 and $129,978, respectively, and the fair value of securities received as collateral under reverse repurchase agreements was $161,866 and $137,829, respectively. Substantially all of the collateral for reverse repurchase agreements was re-pledged as collateral for repurchase agreements.

At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had repurchase agreements of $153,173 and $134,870, respectively, and the fair value of securities pledged as collateral under repurchase agreements was $160,667 and $142,295, respectively. These amounts include collateral for reverse repurchase agreements that were re-pledged as collateral for repurchase agreements.

As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company’s reverse repurchase agreements and repurchase agreements were predominantly collateralized securities in the following asset classes: Agency Specified Pools, Agency Hybrid Arms, and Fixed Rate Agency CMOs.

9. INVESTMENTS IN EQUITY METHOD AFFILIATES

The Company has several investments that are accounted for under the equity method. Equity method accounting requires that the Company record its investment on the consolidated balance sheets and recognize its share of the affiliate’s net income as earnings each year. Investment in equity method affiliates is included as a component of other assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

The Company has certain equity method affiliates for which it has elected the fair value option. The Company elected the fair value option for its investments in Muni Funding Company of America (“MFCA”) effective January 1, 2008 and effective with the ownership increase in Star Asia in March 2010, which qualified it for equity method treatment, the Company continued its fair value election regarding Star Asia. See notes 5 and 6. Prior to this increase, Star Asia had been treated as an available for sale security for which the fair value option had been elected.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company had the following equity method investees (excluding equity method affiliates for which it had adopted the fair value option): (i) Star Asia Manager; (ii) Deep Value GP; (iii) Deep Value GP II; (iv) Star Asia SPV; (v) Star Asia Opportunity; (vi) Star Asia Capital Management; and (vii) Star Asia Opportunity II (see note 20). The following table summarizes the activity and the earnings of the Company’s equity method affiliates.

INVESTMENT IN EQUITY METHOD AFFILIATES

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     Investment in        
     Star
Asia
Manager
    Deep
Value
GP
    Deep
Value
GP II
     Star Asia
SPV
    Star  Asia
Opportunity
    Star Asia
Capital
Management
    Star Asia
Opportunity
II
    Total  

Balance at January 1, 2012

   $ 1,046      $ 21      $ 33       $ 466      $ 4,460      $ 50      $ —        $ 6,076   

Investments / advances

     —          —          —           —          —          6        4,700        4,706   

Distributions/repayments

     (1,300     —          —           (662     (4,982     (517     —          (7,461

Earnings / (loss) realized

     859        (14     —           1,000        544        328        (28     2,689   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2012

   $ 605      $ 7      $ 33       $ 804      $ 22      $ (133   $ 4,672      $ 6,010   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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The following table summarizes the combined financial information for all equity method investees, including equity method investees for which the fair value option was elected. This aggregated summarized financial data does not represent the Company’s proportionate share of equity method investees’ assets or earnings.

SUMMARY DATA OF EQUITY METHOD INVESTEES

(unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     September 30,
2012
     December 31,
2011
 

Total Assets

   $ 299,073       $ 257,735   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities

   $ 118,959       $ 68,530   

Equity attributable to the investees

     179,245         188,170   

Non-controlling interest

     869         1,035   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities & Equity

   $ 299,073       $ 257,735   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Three Months  Ended
September 30,
     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2012      2011      2012     2011  

Net income / (loss)

   $ 9,313       $ 12,575       $ (419   $ 8,805   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income / (loss) attributable to the investees

   $ 9,201       $ 12,363       $ (253   $ 8,850   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

See note 20 for information regarding transactions with the Company’s equity method investees.

10. OTHER ASSETS AND ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND OTHER LIABILITIES

Other assets include prepaid expenses; security deposits; miscellaneous other assets; cost method investments; furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements, net; intangible assets; and investments in private partnerships and limited liability companies that are valued using the equity method of accounting.

Other assets at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 included:

 

     September 30, 2012      December 31, 2011  

Prepaid expenses

   $ 3,499       $ 3,819   

Security deposits

     2,581         2,541   

Miscellaneous other assets

     440         97   

Cost method investment

     —           250   

Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements, net

     2,462         3,373   

Intangible assets

     372         538   

Equity method affiliates

     6,010         6,076   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other assets

   $ 15,364       $ 16,694   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Accounts payable and other liabilities include accounts payable, rent payable, payroll tax liabilities, accrued interest payable, accrued income taxes, guarantee liabilities related to Alesco XIV (see note 17), contingent settlement payable (see note 17), deferred income, and other general accrued expenses.

 

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Accounts payable and other liabilities at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 included:

 

     September 30, 2012      December 31, 2011  

Accounts payable

   $ 842       $ 1,181   

Rent payable

     1,021         1,289   

Accrued interest payable

     540         662   

Income and payroll taxes payable

     1,554         1,947   

Guarantee liability

     1,084         1,084   

Settlement payable

     4,412         —     

Deferred income

     611         1,761   

Other general accrued expenses

     1,691         5,643   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Accounts payable and other liabilities

   $ 11,755       $ 13,567   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

11. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

FASB ASC 810, Consolidation (“FASB ASC 810”) contains the guidance surrounding the definition of variable interest entities (“VIEs”), the definition of variable interests, and the consolidation rules surrounding VIEs. In general, VIEs are entities in which equity investors lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support. The Company has variable interests in VIEs through its management contracts and investments in various securitization entities including CLOs and CDOs.

Once it is determined that the Company holds a variable interest in a VIE, FASB ASC 810 requires that the Company perform a qualitative analysis to determine (i) which entity has the power to direct the matters that most significantly impact the VIEs financial performance and (ii) if the Company has the obligation to absorb the losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive the benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The entity that has both of these characteristics is deemed to be the primary beneficiary and required to consolidate the VIE. This assessment must be done on an ongoing basis.

The Company classifies the VIEs it is involved with into two groups: (i) VIEs managed by the Company and (ii) VIEs managed by third parties. In the case of the VIEs that the Company has been involved with, the Company has generally concluded that the entity that manages the VIE has the power to direct the matters that most significantly impact the VIEs financial performance. This is not a blanket conclusion as it is possible for an entity other than the manager to have the power to direct such matters. However, for all the VIEs the Company is involved with as of September 30, 2012, the Company has drawn this conclusion.

In the case where the Company has an interest in a VIE managed by a third party, the Company has concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary because the Company does not have the power to direct its activities. In the case of an interest in a VIE managed by the Company, the Company will perform an additional qualitative analysis to determine if its interest (including any investment as well as any management fees that qualify as variable interests) could absorb losses or receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE. This analysis considers the most optimistic and pessimistic scenarios of potential economic results that could reasonably be experienced by the VIE. Then, the Company compares the benefits it would receive (in the optimistic scenario) or the losses it would absorb (in the pessimistic scenario) as compared to all benefits and losses absorbed by the VIE in total. If the benefits or losses absorbed by the Company were significant as compared to total benefits and losses absorbed by all variable interest holders, then the Company would conclude it is the primary beneficiary.

As of September 30, 2012, the Company has variable interests in various securitizations but it has determined that it is not the primary beneficiary and, therefore, is not consolidating the securitization VIEs. The maximum potential financial statement loss the Company would incur if the securitization vehicles were to default on all of their obligations would be (i) the loss of value of the interests in securitizations that the Company holds in its inventory at the time and (ii) any management fee receivables in the case of managed VIEs. The Company has not provided financial support to these VIEs during the nine and three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 and had no liabilities, contingent liabilities, or guarantees (implicit or explicit) related to these VIEs at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

 

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The following table presents the carrying amounts of the assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets that relate to the Company’s variable interest in identified VIEs with the exception of the two trust VIEs that hold the Company’s junior subordinated notes (see note 12) and the Company’s maximum exposure to loss associated with these identified nonconsolidated VIEs in which it holds variable interests at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

NON-CONSOLIDATED VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     September 30, 2012  
     Carrying Amount      Maximum Exposure  to
loss in  non-
consolidated
VIEs
 
     Other
Receivables
     Other Investments, at
Fair Value
    

Managed VIEs

   $ 1,390       $ —         $ 1,390   

Third party managed VIEs

     18         94         112   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,408       $ 94       $ 1,502   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     December 31, 2011  
     Carrying Amount      Maximum Exposure  to
loss in  non-
consolidated
VIEs
 
     Other
Receivables
     Other Investments, at
Fair Value
    

Managed VIEs

   $ 1,830       $ —         $ 1,830   

Third party managed VIEs

     175         88         263   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 2,005       $ 88       $ 2,093   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

12. DEBT

The Company had the following debt outstanding as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively:

DETAIL OF DEBT

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

Description

   Current
Outstanding
Par
    September 30,
2012
     December 31,
2011
     Interest
Rate
Terms
    Weighted
Average
Interest Rate
at 09/30/2012
    Weighted Average
Maturity

Contingent convertible senior notes:

              

7.625% contingent convertible senior notes (the “Old Notes”)

   $ —        $ —         $ 10,303         N/A        N/A      July 2012(1)

10.50% contingent convertible senior notes (the “New Notes”)

     8,121        8,058         8,030         10.50     10.50   May 2014(2)
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

        
   $ 8,121        8,058       $ 18,333          
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

        

Junior subordinated notes:

              

Alesco Capital Trust I

   $ 28,125 (3)    $ 10,081         10,404         4.36     4.36   July 2037

Sunset Financial Statutory Trust I

     20,000 (3)      7,170         6,939         4.51     4.51   March 2035
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

        
     48,125 (3)      17,251         17,343          
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

        

Subordinated notes payable

   $ 337        337         1,491         12.00 %(4)      12.00   June 2013
    

 

 

    

 

 

        

Total

     $ 25,646       $ 37,167          
    

 

 

    

 

 

        

 

(1) Represents the date the Company redeemed the remaining $100 aggregate principal amount of Old Notes outstanding for cash.

 

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(2) Represents the weighted average put date maturity. The weighted average contractual maturity for the New Notes is May 2027.

The Company may redeem all or part of the $8,121 aggregate principal amount of the New Notes for cash on or after May 20, 2014, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the New Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, to, but excluding, the repurchase date. The holders of the New Notes may require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of the New Notes for cash on May 15, 2014; May 15, 2017; and May 15, 2022 for a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the New Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, to, but excluding, the repurchase date. The holders of the New Notes are required to provide notice to the Company of their plan to redeem the New Notes at any time during the 30 days prior to May 15, 2014; May 15, 2017; and May 15, 2022.

(3) The outstanding par represents the total par amount of the junior subordinated notes held by two separate VIE trusts. The Company does not consolidate these trusts. The Company holds $1,489 par value of these junior subordinated notes, comprised of $870 par value of junior subordinated notes related to Alesco Capital Trust I and $619 par value of junior subordinated notes related to Sunset Financial Statutory Trust I. These notes held by the Company have a carrying value of $0. Therefore, the net par value held by third parties is $48,125.
(4) Comprised of 9% paid currently and 3% paid in kind.

Refer to note 19 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 for a discussion of the Company’s debt.

In March 2012, the Company repurchased $150 aggregate principal amount of the Old Notes from an unrelated third party for $147 excluding accrued interest. The Company recognized a gain from repurchase of debt of $3 which was included as a separate component of non-operating income / (expense) in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

On May 15, 2012, the holders of $10,110 aggregate principal amount of the Old Notes exercised their option to require the Company to repurchase their Old Notes. On July 5, 2012, the Company, at its option, redeemed the remaining $100 aggregate principal amount of the Old Notes outstanding.

In September 2012, the Company repurchased $1,177 principal amount of subordinated notes payable from an unrelated third party for $1,089 excluding accrued cash interest and paid in kind interest. The Company recognized a gain from repurchase of debt of $83, net of expenses, which was included as a separate component of non-operating income / (expense) in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. See note 20.

13. REDEEMABLE NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST (TEMPORARY EQUITY) AND MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE EQUITY INTERESTS

The redeemable non-controlling interest represents the equity interests of PrinceRidge which are not owned by the Company. The members of PrinceRidge have the right to withdraw from PrinceRidge and require PrinceRidge to redeem the interests for cash over a contractual payment period. The Company has concluded these interests should be treated as temporary equity under Accounting Series Release 268 (“ASR 268”). These interests are shown outside of the permanent equity of IFMI in its consolidated balance sheet as redeemable non-controlling interests.

In June 2011, the Company reclassified $3,536 from redeemable non-controlling interest to mandatorily redeemable equity interests in its consolidated balance sheets due to a partnership withdrawal from PrinceRidge.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company reclassified $6,446 from redeemable non-controlling interest to mandatorily redeemable equity interests in its consolidated balance sheets due to partnership withdrawals from PrinceRidge. In addition, PrinceRidge purchased $6,172 of non-controlling interest for cash during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 from existing partners, including the former Chief Executive Officer of PrinceRidge and member of the Board of Managers of PrinceRidge GP, Michael T. Hutchins, and the former Chairman of the Board of Managers of PrinceRidge GP, John P. Costas, and received $20 in cash related to capital contributions made to PrinceRidge during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

Per the terms of the governing documents, PrinceRidge may redeem a partner’s equity interests over a period of time of up to 2 to 5 years. The amount actually due to a withdrawing partner will fluctuate over time based on the operating results of PrinceRidge. The carrying value of the liability owed to a withdrawing partner will be recorded at the amount owed as of each balance sheet date. Any increases or decreases in the amount owed will be recorded as interest income or expense and will be included in the non-operating section of the consolidated statement of operations. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company distributed cash of $790 to the holders of mandatorily redeemable equity interests. As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the mandatorily redeemable equity interests totaled $8,368 and $3,149, respectively.

 

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During the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company repurchased certain mandatorily redeemable equity interests of PrinceRidge. See note 22.

14. PERMANENT EQUITY

Stockholders’ Equity

Common Equity: The following table reflects the activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 related to the number of shares of unrestricted common stock that the Company had issued as of September 30, 2012:

 

     Common Stock
Shares
 

Balance at December 31, 2011 (1)

     10,132,497   

Shares issued in connection with the redemption of Operating LLC units

     186,339   

Vesting of shares

     271,342   

Shares withheld for employee taxes

     (1,780

Retirement of treasury stock

     (50,400
  

 

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2012

     10,537,998   
  

 

 

 

 

(1) Included 50,400 shares of the Company’s common stock held as treasury stock.

In connection with the acquisition of JVB in January 2011, the Company issued 559,020 restricted units of the Operating LLC to certain of the former owners of JVB that remained employees of JVB following the acquisition. These units include a service requirement and vest over a three year period and are treated as compensation for future service rather than as part of the purchase price to acquire JVB. In January 2012, 186,339 restricted units of the Operating LLC vested, and the holders of these vested Operating LLC membership units elected to redeem these units. The Company, at its discretion, issued 186,339 shares of IFMI common stock to the JVB sellers in exchange for the 186,339 vested membership units.

During the third quarter of 2012, the Company retired 50,400 shares, resulting in an increase of $328 in accumulated deficit, and a decrease of $328 in treasury stock. The shares remain as authorized stock; however, they are now considered unissued. In conjunction with this retirement, IFMI surrendered an equal number of units to the Operating LLC.

Acquisition and Surrender of Additional Units of the Operating LLC, net: Effective January 1, 2011, IFMI and the Operating LLC entered into a Unit Issuance and Surrender Agreement (the “UIS Agreement”) which was approved by IFMI’s Board of Directors and the board of managers of the Operating LLC. In an effort to maintain a 1:1 ratio of IFMI’s common stock to the number of membership units IFMI holds in the Operating LLC, the UIS Agreement calls for the issuance of additional membership units of the Operating LLC to IFMI when IFMI issues its common stock to employees under existing equity compensation plans. In certain cases, the UIS Agreement calls for IFMI to surrender units to the Operating LLC when certain restricted shares are forfeited by the employee or repurchased. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Operating LLC issued to IFMI 494,946 units related to the UIS Agreement.

In January 2012, IFMI received 186,339 vested membership units from certain former owners of JVB in exchange for the Company’s issuance of 186,339 shares of IFMI common stock to the same former owners.

In summary, during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, IFMI received (net of surrenders) 630,885 units of the Operating LLC pursuant to the UIS Agreement, as a result of the vesting and redemption of membership units of the Operating LLC by certain former owners of JVB for IFMI common stock, and as a result of the retirement of common stock. The Company recognized a net increase in additional paid in capital of $804 and a net increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $27 with an offsetting decrease in non-controlling interest of $777 in connection with the acquisition and surrender of additional units of the Operating LLC.

 

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The following schedule presents the effects of changes in IFMI’s ownership interest in the Operating LLC on the equity attributable to IFMI:

 

     September 30, 2012     September 30, 2011  

Net income / (loss) attributable to IFMI

   $ (3,929   $ (7,041

Transfers (to) from the non-controlling interest:

    

Increase in IFMI’s paid in capital for the acquisition / (surrender) of additional units of consolidated subsidiary, net

     804        91   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Changes from net income / (loss) attributable to IFMI and transfers (to) from non-controlling interest

   $ (3,125   $ (6,950
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

15. NET CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

The U.S. broker-dealer subsidiaries of the Company are subject to the net capital provision of Rule 15c3-1 under the Exchange Act, which requires the maintenance of minimum net capital, as defined therein. As of September 30, 2012, the Company had the following three U.S. broker-dealers: Cohen & Company Securities, LLC (“CCS”), JVB, and the PrinceRidge Group LLC (“TPRG”). In February 2012, PrinceRidge merged its broker-dealer subsidiary, Cohen & Company Capital Markets, LLC (“CCCM”) into TPRG.

As of September 30, 2012, JVB’s adjusted net capital was $9,181, which exceeded the minimum requirements by $9,047. As of September 30, 2012, TPRG had net capital of $13,151, which exceeded the minimum requirements by $12,901.

CCS has conducted no securities-related business activities since May 2011. Subsequent to the final resolution of its outstanding litigation described in Note 17, CCS filed a Form BDW seeking to withdraw all of its registrations with the SEC and each jurisdiction in which it was licensed or registered as a securities broker-dealer as well as its membership in FINRA, the NASDAQ Stock Market and the International Securities Exchange. CCS expects that its withdrawal from all such regulatory authorities will become effective by the end of 2012. As of September 30, 2012, CCS had net capital of ($2,977) which was less than its then minimum requirement of $3,365. The deficiency in its net capital arose because, under the SEC’s net capital rule and the SEC Staff’s interpretations thereof, CCS was required to accrue the entire settlement amount in full on its financial statements, notwithstanding that a portion of the same was guaranteed by IFMI and was to be paid out over time. CCS had notified the SEC and FINRA of this deficiency in conjunction with the filing of its Form BDW. CCS does not expect this deficiency to adversely impact the approval of the withdrawal by the various regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the firm.

CCFL, a subsidiary of the Company regulated by the Financial Services Authority in the United Kingdom, is subject to the net liquid capital provision of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, GENPRU 2.140R to 2.1.57R, relating to financial prudence with regards to the European Investment Services Directive and the European Capital Adequacy Directive, which requires the maintenance of minimum liquid capital, as defined therein. As of September 30, 2012, the total minimum required net liquid capital was $1,928, and net liquid capital in EuroDekania Management Limited was $5,795 which exceeded the minimum requirements by $3,867 and was in compliance with the net liquid capital provisions.

 

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16. EARNINGS / (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE

The following table presents a reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings / (loss) per common share for the periods indicated. Membership units that may be issued in connection with the vesting of a restricted unit issued pursuant to the Amended and Restated Cohen Brothers, LLC 2009 Equity Award Plan (the “2009 Equity Award Plan”) have been excluded from the diluted weighted average shares outstanding calculations because of the obligations of Mr. Daniel G. Cohen, the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, under the Equity Plan Funding Agreement to transfer to (1) the Operating LLC the number of Operating LLC membership units or shares of the Company’s Common Stock equal to the number of Operating LLC membership units to be issued by the Operating LLC to the participants in the 2009 Equity Award Plan in connection with vesting of an Operating LLC restricted unit, or (2) the Company the number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock equal to the number of Operating LLC membership units to be issued by the Operating LLC to the participants in the 2009 Equity Award Plan in connection with the vesting of an Operating LLC restricted unit. See note 22 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

EARNINGS / (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE

(Dollars in Thousands, except share or per share information)

 

     Three months ended
September 30,
    Nine months ended
September 30,
 
     2012     2011     2012     2011  

Net income / (loss) attributable to IFMI

   $ 2,008      $ (4,045   $ (3,929   $ (7,041

Add / (deduct): Income / (loss) attributable to the non-controlling interest attributable to Operating LLC membership units exchangeable into IFMI shares (1)

     967        (2,305     (1,916     (3,900

Add /(deduct): Adjustment (2)

     (5     247        (93     440   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income / (loss) on a fully converted basis

   $ 2,970      $ (6,103   $ (5,938   $ (10,501
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding—Basic

     10,849,220        10,594,916        10,683,076        10,772,106   

Unrestricted Operating LLC membership units exchangeable into IFMI shares (1)

     5,252,002        5,258,176        5,252,002        5,275,096   

Restricted shares of IFMI common stock

     75,676        —          —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding—Diluted (3)

     16,176,898        15,853,092        15,935,078        16,047,202   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income / (loss) per common share—Basic

   $ 0.19      $ (0.38   $ (0.37   $ (0.65
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income / (loss) per common share—Diluted

   $ 0.18      $ (0.38   $ (0.37   $ (0.65
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) The Operating LLC membership units not held by IFMI (that is, those held by the non-controlling interest for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011) may be redeemed and exchanged into shares of the Company on a one-to-one basis. These units are not included in the computation of basic earnings per share. These units enter into the computation of diluted net income / (loss) per common share when the effect is dilutive using the if-converted method.
(2) An adjustment is included for the following: (i) if the Operating LLC membership units had been converted at the beginning of the period, the Company would have incurred a higher income tax expense or realized a higher income tax benefit, as applicable; and (ii) to adjust the non-controlling interest amount to be consistent with the weighted average share calculation.
(3) Due to the net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the weighted average shares calculation excluded (i) restricted Operating LLC membership units of 7,752 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012; (ii) restricted shares of IFMI Common Stock of 36,834 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012; and (iii) restricted units of IFMI’s Common Stock of 1,702 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

Due to the net loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, the weighted average shares calculation excluded (i) restricted Operating LLC membership units of 0 and 2,409 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively; and (ii) restricted shares of IFMI Common Stock of 4,075 and 19,375 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively.

17. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Legal and Regulatory Proceedings

One of the Company’s U.S. broker-dealer subsidiaries, CCS, is a party to litigation commenced on January 12, 2009 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (the “Illinois Court”) under the caption Frederick J. Grede, not individually, but as Liquidation Trustee and Representative of the Estate of Sentinel Management Group, Inc. v. Delores E. Rodriguez, Barry C. Mohr, Jr., Jacques de Saint Phalle, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., and Cohen & Company Securities, LLC. The plaintiff in this case is the Liquidation Trustee (the “Liquidation Trustee”) for the Estate of Sentinel Management Group, Inc. (“Sentinel”), which filed a bankruptcy petition in August 2007. The Liquidation Trustee alleges that CCS sold Sentinel securities, mainly CDOs that the Liquidation Trustee contends were unsuitable for Sentinel and that CCS

 

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violated Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5. The Liquidation Trustee also seeks relief under the Illinois Blue Sky Law, the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act, the United States Bankruptcy Code, and under common law theories of negligence and unjust enrichment. The relief sought by the Liquidation Trustee under these various legal theories includes damages, rescission, disgorgement, and recovery of allegedly voidable transactions under the Bankruptcy Code, as well as costs and attorneys’ fees. By order dated July 8, 2009, the Illinois Court dismissed the Liquidation Trustee’s Illinois Consumer Fraud Act claim.

CCS is also party to litigation commenced on May 21, 2009 in the Illinois Court under the caption Frederick J. Grede, not individually, but as Liquidation Trustee of the Sentinel Liquidation Trust, Assignee of certain claims v. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., Cohen & Company Securities, LLC., Delores E. Rodriguez, Barry C. Mohr, Jr., and Jacques de Saint Phalle. The plaintiff in this case is the Liquidation Trustee of the Sentinel Liquidation Trust, which emerged from the bankruptcy of Sentinel, filed in August 2007. The Liquidation Trustee, purportedly as the assignee of claims of Sentinel’s customers, alleges that, by recommending that Sentinel purchase securities, mainly CDOs, that the trustee deems to have been unsuitable for Sentinel’s customer accounts, CCS aided and abetted breaches of fiduciary duties purportedly owed by Sentinel and its head trader to Sentinel’s customers, in violation of Illinois common law. The complaint also alleges claims under common law theories of negligence and unjust enrichment. The relief sought by the Liquidation Trustee under these various legal theories includes damages, disgorgement, costs, and attorneys’ fees. CCS filed a motion to dismiss the Liquidation Trustee’s complaint on July 21, 2009; that motion was dismissed “as moot” on March 29, 2011.

During the second quarter of 2012, CCS and the Liquidation Trustee reached an agreement in principle to settle both of the above actions calling for CCS to make an initial payment of $3,000 and an additional payment of $2,250 in the future. In connection with the agreement, the Company agreed to guaranty the second payment of $2,250. On September 6, 2012, CCS and the Trustee, among other parties to the cases brought by the Liquidation Trustee as described above, presented a joint motion to the Illinois Court seeking approval of the settlement and entry of an order barring contribution claims against defendants, including CCS. The Illinois Court has not yet entered an order granting that motion. As a result of this agreement, the Company accrued a contingent liability of $4,357 representing the initial payment of $3,000, the discounted present value of the future payment of $1,978, partially offset by additional estimated insurance proceeds receivable of $621. This expense was included in the statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as a component of non-operating income / (expense). The discount of $272 will be amortized as a component of interest expense over the period spanning the date of signing of the agreement through the final payment date.

The Company has been named in litigation commenced in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on June 29, 2012, under the caption U.S. Bank National Association v. Institutional Financial Markets, Inc. The plaintiff, U.S. Bank, alleges breach of contract respecting certain fees allegedly owing to U.S. Bank, as Trustee, in connection with the issuance of trust preferred securities, seeking damages and a declaration that the Company must make certain future fee payments. The Company filed a motion to dismiss the complaint in lieu of an answer on October 26, 2012. U.S. Bank has until November 26, 2012, to file its response to the motion. The Company intends to defend the action vigorously.

In addition to the matters set forth above, the Company is a party to various routine legal proceedings and regulatory inquiries arising out of the ordinary course of the Company’s business. Management believes that the results of these routine legal proceedings and regulatory matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, or on the Company’s operations and cash flows. However, the Company cannot estimate the legal fees and expenses to be incurred in connection with these routine matters and, therefore, is unable to determine whether these future legal fees and expenses will have a material impact on the Company’s operations and cash flows. It is the Company’s policy to expense legal and other fees as incurred.

Alesco XIV Guarantee

AFN invested in a CDO (Alesco XIV) in which Assured Guaranty (“Assured”) was providing credit support to the senior interests in securitizations. Alesco XIV made a loan (the “Guaranteed Loan”) to a particular borrower and AFN entered into an arrangement with Assured whereby AFN agreed to make payments to Assured upon the occurrence of both (i) a loss on the Guaranteed Loan; and (ii) a loss suffered by Assured on its overall credit support arrangement to Alesco XIV security holders. This arrangement is accounted for as a guarantee by the Company. At the Merger Date, the Company recorded a liability of $1,084 related to this arrangement which is included in accounts payable and other liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. This amount does not represent the expected loss; rather it represents the Company’s estimate of the fair value of its guarantee (i.e. the amount it would have to pay a third party to assume this obligation). This arrangement is being accounted for as a guarantee. The value will be adjusted under certain limited circumstances such as: (i) when the guarantee is extinguished or (ii) if payment of amounts under the guarantee become probable and estimable. The maximum potential loss to the Company on this arrangement is $8,750. Under certain circumstances, Assured can require the Company to post liquid collateral.

 

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Contribution to Alesco Preferred Funding X Legal Settlement

Alesco Preferred Funding X, Ltd. (“Alesco X”) is a CDO that was managed by Cohen & Company Financial Management, LLC (“CCFM”). Alesco X owned $4,000 of Trust Preferred Securities issued by Leawood Bancshares Statutory Trust I (the “Leawood TruPS”). Leawood Bancshares, Inc. (“Leawood”), and Alesco X entered into a letter agreement dated March 1, 2010 (the “Leawood/Alesco Agreement”) regarding the sale back to Leawood of the Leawood TruPS in exchange for $1,000 upon the occurrence of certain conditions related to the sale of Leawood to CrossFirst Holdings, LLC (“CrossFirst”). The proposed transaction contemplated by the Leawood/Alesco Agreement never closed as a result of the objections of investors in Alesco X, but the ultimate transaction between Leawood and CrossFirst did close.

On or about July 23, 2010, Leawood and CrossFirst Holdings, LLC filed a lawsuit against Alesco X in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, Civil Action No. 10-CV-5637 (JSR) alleging that there was a breach of the Leawood/Alesco Agreement. CCFM was not named in the lawsuit. ATP Management LLC, as purchaser of the management rights of Alesco X from CCFM, took over the defense of the action. In late October 2011, the Court issued a summary judgment decision against Alesco X and in favor of Leawood and CrossFirst. On or about December 6, 2011, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York issued a judgment in favor of Leawood and against Alesco in the amount of $1,618 and in favor of CrossFirst and against Alesco X in the amount of $1,840. In exchange for a full release from Leawood, CrossFirst and Alesco X, the Company agreed to contribute $2,250 to Alesco X’s settlement of the judgment. This amount was included as a component of professional services and other operating expense in the consolidated statement of operations in the fourth quarter of 2011. The Company made the payment of $2,250 in April 2012.

Accumulated Dividends and Dividend Equivalents on Restricted Stock and Restricted Units

From time to time, the Company has granted restricted stock and restricted units which are entitled to receive dividends or dividend equivalents as and when such dividends or dividend equivalents are declared and paid by the Company; provided, however, that the cash dividends or dividend equivalents on such restricted stock or restricted units are held by the Company until the period of forfeiture lapses and forfeited if the underlying restricted shares or restricted units are forfeited. The Company’s potential liability, assuming the restricted stock or restricted units were to vest as of September 30, 2012, is approximately $194.

18. SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

Segment Information

The Company operates within three business segments: Capital Markets, Asset Management, and Principal Investing. See note 1.

The Company’s business segment information for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 is prepared using the following methodologies and generally represents the information that is relied upon by management in its decision making processes:

(a) Revenues and expenses directly associated with each business segment are included in determining net income / (loss) by segment.

(b) Indirect expenses (such as general and administrative expenses including executive and indirect overhead costs) not directly associated with specific business segments are not allocated to the segments’ statements of operations. Accordingly, the Company presents segment information consistent with internal management reporting. See note (1) in the table below for more detail on unallocated items. The following tables present the financial information for the Company’s segments for the periods indicated.

 

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As of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2012

   Capital
Markets
    Asset
Management
     Principal
Investing
    Segment
Total
    Unallocated (1)     Total  

Summary statement of operations

             

Net trading

   $ 51,311      $ —         $ —        $ 51,311      $ —        $ 51,311   

Asset management

     —          18,010         —          18,010        —          18,010   

New issue and advisory

     4,024        —           —          4,024        (1,000     3,024   

Principal transactions and other income

     68        728         (1,278     (482     —          (482
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     55,403        18,738         (1,278     72,863        (1,000     71,863   

Total operating expenses

     56,793        6,995         592        64,380        8,700        73,080   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income / (loss)

     (1,390     11,743         (1,870     8,483        (9,700     (1,217

Income / (loss) from equity method affiliates

     —         —          2,689        2,689        —         2,689   

Other non operating income / (expense)

     (3,974     —           —          (3,974     (3,484     (7,458
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income / (loss) before income taxes

     (5,364     11,743         819        7,198        (13,184     (5,986

Income tax expense / (benefit)

     —          —           —          —          108        108   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income / (loss)

     (5,364     11,743         819        7,198        (13,292     (6,094

Less: Net income / (loss) attributable to the non-controlling interest

     (249     —           —          (249     (1,916     (2,165
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income / (loss) attributable to IFMI

   $ (5,115   $ 11,743       $ 819      $ 7,447      $ (11,376   $ (3,929
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other statement of operations data:

             

Depreciation and amortization (included in total operating expense)

   $ 658      $ 10       $ —        $ 668      $ 355      $ 1,023   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance sheet data:

             

Total assets (2) (3)

   $ 383,283      $ 6,085       $ 45,478      $ 434,846      $ 12,756      $ 447,602   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment in equity method affiliates (included in total assets)

   $ —        $ —         $ 6,010      $ 6,010      $ —        $ 6,010   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

As of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2011

   Capital
Markets
    Asset
Management
     Principal
Investing
    Segment
Total
    Unallocated (1)     Total  

Summary statement of operations

             

Net trading

   $ 57,522      $ —         $ —        $ 57,522      $ —        $ 57,522   

Asset management

     —          16,521         —          16,521        —          16,521   

New issue and advisory

     1,945        —           —          1,945        —          1,945   

Principal transactions and other income

     (40     1,124         (423     661        —          661   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     59,427        17,645         (423     76,649        —          76,649   

Total operating expenses

     60,894        4,346         396        65,636        25,416        91,052   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income / (loss)

     (1,467     13,299         (819     11,013        (25,416     (14,403

Income / (loss) from equity method affiliates

     —          4,359         1,009        5,368        —          5,368   

Other non operating income / (expense)

     320        —           —          320        (4,531     (4,211
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income / (loss) before income taxes

     (1,147     17,658         190        16,701        (29,947     (13,246

Income tax expense / (benefit)

     —          —           —          —          (917     (917
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income / (loss)

     (1,147     17,658         190        16,701        (29,030     (12,329

Less: Net income / (loss) attributable to the non-controlling interest

     (1,388     —           —          (1,388     (3,900     (5,288
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income / (loss) attributable to IFMI

   $ 241      $ 17,658       $ 190      $ 18,089      $ (25,130   $ (7,041
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other statement of operations data:

             

Depreciation and amortization (included in total operating expense)

   $ 377      $ 11       $ —        $ 388      $ 1,197      $ 1,585   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance sheet data:

             

Total assets (2) (3)

   $ 243,975      $ 10,238       $ 50,346      $ 304,559      $ 16,481      $ 321,040   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment in equity method affiliates (included in total assets)

   $ —        $ —         $ 5,772      $ 5,772      $ —        $ 5,772   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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For the three months ended September 30, 2012

   Capital
Markets
    Asset
Management
     Principal
Investing
     Segment
Total
    Unallocated (1)     Total  

Summary statement of operations

              

Net trading

   $ 13,669      $ —         $ —         $ 13,669      $ —        $ 13,669   

Asset management

     —          8,465         —           8,465        —          8,465   

New issue and advisory

     2,758        —          —          2,758        (1,000 )     1,758   

Principal transactions and other income

     102        335         3,737         4,174        —          4,174   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     16,529        8,800         3,737         29,066        (1,000     28,066   

Total operating expenses

     19,117        4,153         436         23,706        1,204        24,910   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income / (loss)

     (2,588     4,647         3,301         5,360        (2,204     3,156   

Income / (loss) from equity method affiliates

     —          —           647         647        —          647   

Other non operating income / (expense)

     250        —           —           250        (1,035     (785
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income / (loss) before income taxes

     (2,338     4,647         3,948         6,257        (3,239     3,018   

Income tax expense / (benefit)

     —          —           —           —          54        54   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income / (loss)

     (2,338     4,647         3,948         6,257        (3,293     2,964   

Less: Net income / (loss) attributable to the non-controlling interest

     (11     —           —           (11     967        956   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income / (loss) attributable to IFMI

   $ (2,327   $ 4,647       $ 3,948       $ 6,268      $ (4,260   $ 2,008   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other statement of operations data:

              

Depreciation and amortization (included in total operating expense)

   $ 206      $ 3       $ —         $ 209      $ 80      $ 289   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2011

   Capital
Markets
    Asset
Management
     Principal
Investing
     Segment
Total
    Unallocated (1)     Total  

Summary statement of operations

              

Net trading

   $ 14,008      $ —         $ —         $ 14,008      $ —        $ 14,008   

Asset management

     —          5,296         —           5,296        —          5,296   

New issue and advisory

     705        —           —           705        —          705   

Principal transactions and other income

     (214     204         879         869        —          869   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     14,499        5,500         879         20,878        —          20,878   

Total operating expenses

     22,707        1,029         239         23,975        4,715        28,690   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income / (loss)

     (8,208     4,471         640         (3,097     (4,715     (7,812

Income / (loss) from equity method affiliates

     —          —           838         838        —          838   

Other non operating income / (expense)

     307        —           —           307        (1,589     (1,282
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income / (loss) before income taxes

     (7,901     4,471         1,478         (1,952     (6,304     (8,256

Income tax expense / (benefit)

     —          —           —           —          (571     (571
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income / (loss)

     (7,901     4,471         1,478         (1,952     (5,733     (7,685

Less: Net income / (loss) attributable to the non-controlling interest

     (1,335     —           —           (1,335     (2,305     (3,640
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income / (loss) attributable to IFMI

   $ (6,566   $ 4,471       $ 1,478       $ (617   $ (3,428   $ (4,045
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other statement of operations data:

              

Depreciation and amortization (included in total operating expense)

   $ 232      $ 4       $ —         $ 236      $ 376      $ 612   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents
(1) Unallocated includes certain expenses incurred by indirect overhead and support departments (such as the executive, finance, legal, information technology, human resources, risk, compliance, and other similar overhead and support departments). Some of the items not allocated include: (1) operating expenses (such as cash compensation and benefits, equity-based compensation expense, professional fees, travel and entertainment, consulting fees, and rent) related to support departments excluding certain departments that directly support the capital markets segment; (2) interest expense on debt; and (3) income taxes. Management does not consider these items necessary for an understanding of the operating results of these segments and such amounts are excluded in segment reporting to the Chief Operating Decision Maker. During the third quarter of 2012, PrinceRidge (capital markets segment) entered into an intercompany engagement with CCFL (asset management segment). This intercompany transaction was eliminated in the unallocated segment.
(2) Unallocated assets primarily include (1) amounts due from related parties; (2) furniture and equipment, net; and (3) other assets that are not considered necessary for an understanding of segment assets and such amounts are excluded in segment reporting to the Chief Operating Decision Maker.
(3) Goodwill and intangible assets as of September 30, 2012 and 2011 are allocated to the Capital Markets and Asset Management segments as indicated in the table listed below.

As of September 30, 2012:

 

     Capital
Markets
     Asset
Management
     Principal
Investing
     Segment
Total
     Unallocated      Total  

Goodwill

   $ 7,937       $ 3,176       $ —         $ 11,113       $ —         $ 11,113   

Intangible assets (included in other assets)

   $ 372       $ —         $ —         $ 372       $ —         $ 372   

As of September 30, 2011:

 

     Capital
Markets
     Asset
Management
     Principal
Investing
     Segment
Total
     Unallocated      Total  

Goodwill

   $ 8,000       $ 3,176       $ —         $ 11,176         —         $ 11,176   

Intangible assets (included in other assets)

   $ 538       $ —         $ —         $ 538         —         $ 538   

Geographic Information

The Company conducts its business activities through offices in the following locations: (1) United States and (2) United Kingdom and other. Total revenues by geographic area are summarized as follows:

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     Three months ended
September 30,
     Nine months ended
September 30,
 
     2012      2011      2012      2011  

Total Revenues:

           

United States

   $ 22,750       $ 19,520       $ 60,253       $ 68,766   

United Kingdom & Other

     5,316         1,358         11,610         7,883   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 28,066       $ 20,878       $ 71,863       $ 76,649   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Long-lived assets attributable to an individual country, other than the United States, are not material.

19. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURE

Interest paid by the Company on its debt was $3,655 and $3,942 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

The Company paid income taxes of $134 and $56 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and received income tax refunds of $0 and $115 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

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For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company had the following significant non-cash transactions which are not reflected on the statement of cash flows:

 

   

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company acquired additional units of the Operating LLC pursuant to the UIS Agreement. In an effort to maintain a 1:1 ratio of the Company’s Common Stock to the number of membership units the Company holds in the Operating LLC, the UIS Agreement calls for the issuance of additional membership units of the Operating LLC to the Company when the Company issues its Common Stock to employees under existing equity compensation plans. In certain cases, the UIS Agreement calls for the Company to surrender units to the Operating LLC when certain restricted shares are forfeited by the employee or repurchased. In addition, the Company acquired additional units of the Operating LLC from certain former owners of JVB in exchange for the Company’s issuance of 186,339 shares of the Company’s Common Stock to them in January 2012 and surrendered units of the Operating LLC in connection with the retirement of the Company’s Common Stock. The Company recognized a net increase in additional paid-in capital of $804, a net increase of $27 in accumulated other comprehensive loss, and a decrease of $777 in non-controlling interest. See note 14.

 

   

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company reclassified $6,446 from redeemable non-controlling interest to mandatorily redeemable equity interests in its consolidated balance sheets due to partnership withdrawals from PrinceRidge.

 

   

In September 2012, the Company retired 50,400 shares of common stock it held in treasury. The Company recognized an increase of $328 in accumulated deficit and a decrease of $328 in treasury stock.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company had the following significant non-cash transactions which are not reflected on the statement of cash flows:

 

   

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company acquired additional units of the Operating LLC pursuant to the UIS Agreement. In addition, the Company acquired additional units of the Operating LLC in connection with the JVB acquisition and surrendered units of the Operating LLC in connection with the retirement of the Company’s common stock. The Company recognized a net increase in additional paid-in capital of $91, a net increase of $7 in accumulated other comprehensive loss, and a decrease of $84 in non-controlling interest.

 

   

During the first quarter of 2011, the Company transferred 54,452 shares of Star Asia in the amount of $476 to an employee for services rendered during 2010.

 

   

In connection with the consummation of the JVB acquisition in January 2011, the Company acquired the net assets of JVB for approximately $16,813, consisting of $14,956 in cash and 313,051 shares of the Company’s Common Stock for stock consideration of $1,531 and other liabilities of $326.

 

   

In connection with the consummation of the PrinceRidge acquisition on May 31, 2011, the Company made a contribution of $45,000, consisting of cash, amounts payable, and all of the equity ownership interests of CCCM in exchange for an approximate 70% interest (consisting of equity and profit interests) in PrinceRidge. The remaining 30% in PrinceRidge not owned by the Company at the acquisition date represented a redeemable non-controlling interest of $18,502.

 

   

In July 2011, the Company exchanged $7,621 aggregate principal amount of the 7.625% Contingent Convertible Senior Notes due 2027 for $7,621 aggregate principal amount of a new series of 10.50% Contingent Convertible Senior Notes due 2027.

 

   

In August 2011, the Company retired 647,701 shares of common stock it had acquired in a private transaction. The Company recognized a decrease of common stock at par value of $1, a decrease of additional paid in capital of $1,456 and a decrease in treasury stock of $1,457.

20. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Company has identified the following related party transactions for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011. The transactions are listed by related party and, unless otherwise noted in the text of the description, the amounts are disclosed in the tables at the end of this section.

A. Cohen Bros. Financial, LLC (“CBF”)

CBF has been identified as a related party because (i) CBF is a non-controlling interest of the Company and (ii) CBF is wholly owned by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

 

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Beginning in October 2008, the Company began receiving a monthly advisory fee for consulting services provided by the Company to CBF. The Company stopped providing these services and stopped receiving this fee as of March 31, 2012. The fee was recognized as a component of asset management revenue in the consolidated statements of operations. This fee is disclosed as management fee revenue in the tables at the end of this section.

B. The Bancorp, Inc.

The Bancorp, Inc. (“TBBK”) is identified as a related party because TBBK’s Chairman is the Company Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

TBBK maintained deposits for the Company in the amount of $47 and $91 as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

As part of the Company’s broker-dealer operations, the Company from time to time purchases securities from third parties and sells those securities to TBBK. The Company may purchase securities from TBBK and ultimately sell those securities to a third party. In either of the cases listed above, the Company includes the trading revenue earned (i.e. the gain or loss realized, or commission earned) by the Company for the entire transaction in the amounts disclosed as part of net trading in the table at the end of this section.

C. Investment Vehicles and Other

The following are identified as related parties. Amounts with respect to the transactions identified below are summarized in a table at the end of this section.

1. Star Asia invests primarily in Asian commercial real estate structured finance products, including CMBS, corporate debt of REITs and real estate operating companies, B notes, mezzanine loans and other commercial real estate fixed income investments. As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company directly owned approximately 28% of Star Asia’s outstanding shares. Star Asia has been identified as a related party because in the absence of the fair value option of FASB ASC 825, Star Asia would be treated as an equity method affiliate, and because the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company is a member of Star Asia’s board of directors. The Company has an investment in Star Asia. Dividends received on that investment are disclosed as part of dividend income in the tables at the end of this section. Gains or losses recognized from its investment are disclosed as part of gain / (loss) in the tables at the end of this section.

2. EuroDekania invests primarily in hybrid capital securities of European bank and insurance companies, CMBS, RMBS and widely syndicated leverage loans. As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company directly owned approximately 10% of EuroDekania’s outstanding shares. EuroDekania has been identified as a related party because the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company is a member of EuroDekania’s board of directors. The Company has a management contract with and an investment in EuroDekania. Dividends received on that investment are disclosed as part of dividend income in the tables at the end of this section. Gains or losses recognized from its investment are disclosed as part of the gain / (loss) in the tables at the end of this section. Amounts earned from its management contract are disclosed as part of management fee revenue in the tables at the end of this section.

As part of the Company’s broker-dealer operations, the Company from time to time purchases securities from third parties and sell those securities to EuroDekania. Or, the Company may purchase securities from EuroDekania and ultimately sell those securities to third parties. In either case, the Company includes the trading revenue earned (i.e. the gain or loss realized) by the Company for the entire transaction in the amounts disclosed as part of net trading in the table at the end of this section.

3. Star Asia Manager serves as external manager of Star Asia and Star Asia SPV (see C-8 listed below) and the Company owns 50% of Star Asia Manager. Star Asia Manager has been identified as a related party because it is an equity method investee of the Company. The Company recognizes its share of the income or loss of Star Asia Manager as income or loss from equity method affiliates in the consolidated statements of operations. Income or loss recognized under the equity method is disclosed in the table at the end of this section.

4. Prior to June 23, 2011 the Company owned approximately 3% of MFCA’s outstanding shares. On June 23, 2011, MFCA became a wholly owned subsidiary of Tiptree. As part of that transaction, the Company exchanged its 1,000,200 shares of MFCA for 111,133 shares of Tiptree. As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company owned approximately 1% of Tiptree. Prior to MFCA’s merger with Tiptree, MFCA had been identified as a related party because: (i) in the absence of the fair value option of FASB ASC 825, MFCA would have been treated as an equity method affiliate of the Company; (ii) the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company was the former Chairman of MFCA’s board and

 

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served as a member of the board until June 22, 2011; and (iii) the former President of the Company served as Vice Chairman of MFCA’s board until March 18, 2009. In March 2009, the board of directors of MFCA assigned the management contract to an unrelated third party. The Company had a management contract with MFCA. The Company had an investment in MFCA and had a shared services arrangement with MFCA. Dividends received on that investment are disclosed as part of dividend income in the tables at the end of this section. Gains or losses recognized from its investment are disclosed as part of gain / (loss) in the tables at the end of this section. Amounts earned from its management contract are disclosed as part of management fee revenue in the tables at the end of this section. Payments received under the shared services arrangement are disclosed as part of shared services (paid) / received in the tables at the end of this section. In June 2011, MFCA was merged into Tiptree. No employees of the Company serve on the board of Tiptree and Tiptree is not an equity method investee of the Company. Therefore, Tiptree is not a related party.

5. Cohen Financial Group, Inc. (“CFG”) had been identified as a related party because it was a member of the Company prior to the Merger. CFG filed a Certificate of Dissolution with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on December 16, 2009, and was liquidated in May 2012. From time to time, the Company had advanced CFG funds for normal operating purposes; these amounts were treated as due from related party in the consolidated balance sheets.

6. The Deep Value GP serves as the general partner for the feeder funds of Strategos Deep Value Funds (in the case of the first master fund) and as the general partner of the master fund itself (in the case of a second master fund). The Deep Value GP II serves as the general partner for the offshore feeder fund (in the case of a third master fund). The Deep Value GP and the Deep Value GP II are collectively referred to as the “Deep Value GPs.” The Company owns 50% of the Deep Value GP and 40% of the Deep Value GP II. The Deep Value GP and the Deep Value GP II have been identified as related parties because the Deep Value GPs are equity method affiliates of the Company. Income or loss recognized under the equity method is disclosed in the table at the end of this section. The Company previously served as the investment advisor to these funds and sold these advisory contracts in March 2011.

7. Deep Value is a series of closed-end distressed debt funds. Deep Value raises capital from investors, and earns investment returns by investing in a diversified portfolio of asset backed securities consisting primarily of RMBS and other real estate related securities, as well as other U.S. real estate related assets and related securities. As of June 30, 2011, the first Deep Value fund was completely liquidated. Deep Value (as a group) had been identified as a related party because in the absence of the fair value option of FASB ASC 825, the onshore and offshore feeders in which the Company had an investment would be treated as equity method affiliates of the Company. The Company had a management contract with and an investment in Deep Value. Amounts earned from its management contract are disclosed as part of management fee revenue in the tables at the end of this section. Gains or losses recognized from its investment are disclosed as part of gain / (loss) in the tables at the end of this section. The Company previously served as the investment advisor to these funds and sold these advisory contracts in March 2011.

8. Star Asia SPV is a Delaware limited liability company formed in 2010. It was formed to create a pool of assets that would provide collateral to investors who participated in Star Asia’s 2010 rights offering. The investors in Star Asia’s rights offering also received equity interests in Star Asia SPV. Star Asia SPV purchased certain assets from Star Asia and the equity interest holders of Star Asia SPV receive investment returns on the assets held in the SPV up to an agreed upon maximum. Returns above that agreed upon maximum are remitted back to Star Asia. The Company directly owned approximately 31% of Star Asia SPV’s outstanding shares as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Star Asia SPV has been identified as a related party because it is an equity method investee of the Company. Income or loss recognized under the equity method is disclosed in the table at the end of this section.

9. Duart Capital is a Delaware limited liability company formed in 2010. The Company directly owned 20% of Duart Capital’s outstanding equity interests as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Duart Capital has been identified as a related party because it is an equity method investee of the Company. Duart Capital also serves as the investment manager of the Duart Fund (see below). The Company did not elect the fair value option for its investment in Duart Capital. Income or loss recognized under the equity method is disclosed in the table at the end of this section.

10. The Duart Fund is a specialized deep value and special situations opportunity fund that was formed in September 2010. The Duart Fund’s investment objective is to provide superior absolute returns by investing primarily in a portfolio of long and short positions in public and private real estate equity securities, equity-linked securities, or debt securities (including, but not limited to, convertible debt, debt with warrants, warrants, and credit default swaps that related to real estate securities) and partnership or fund interests in the real estate markets. Effective December 31, 2010, the Company submitted a redemption notice to the Duart Fund to redeem 100% of its capital. The Company received its redemption in April 2011. The Duart Fund had been identified as a related party because in the absence of the fair value option of FASB ASC 825, the onshore feeder fund in which the Company had an investment was treated as an equity method affiliate of the Company. Gains or losses recognized from its investment are disclosed as part of the gain / (loss) in the tables at the end of this section.

 

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11. Star Asia Opportunity is a Delaware limited liability company formed in July 2011 to partially finance the acquisition of seven real estate properties in Japan. As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company directly owned approximately 28% of Star Asia Opportunity’s outstanding equity interests. Star Asia Opportunity has been identified as a related party because it is an equity method investee of the Company. The Company recognizes its share of the income or loss of Star Asia Opportunity as income or loss from equity method affiliates in the consolidated statements of operations. Income or loss recognized under the equity method is disclosed in the table at the end of this section.

12. Star Asia Capital Management serves as external manager of Star Asia Opportunity (see C-11 listed above) and the Company owns 33% of Star Asia Capital Management. Star Asia Capital Management has been identified as a related party because it is an equity method investee of the Company. The Company recognizes its share of the income or loss of Star Asia Capital Management as income or loss from equity method affiliates in the consolidated statements of operations. Income or loss recognized under the equity method is disclosed in the table at the end of this section.

13. Star Asia Opportunity II is a Delaware limited liability company formed in August 2012 to partially finance the acquisition of a real estate property in Japan. As of September 30, 2012, the Company directly owned 20% of Star Asia Opportunity II’s outstanding equity interests. Star Asia Opportunity II has been identified as a related party because it is an equity method investee of the Company. The Company recognizes its share of the income or loss of Star Asia Opportunity II as income or loss from equity method affiliates in the consolidated statements of operations. Income or loss recognized under the equity method is disclosed in the table at the end of this section.

The following tables display the routine intercompany transactions recognized in the statements of operations from the identified related parties during the nine and three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, which are described above. Amounts shown as shared services (paid) / received are included as a component of operating expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations:

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Nine months ended September 30, 2012

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

                   Principal transactions and
other income
    Income /  (loss)
from equity
method
affiliates
    Shared
Services
(Paid) /
Received
 
     Management
fee revenue
     Net trading      Dividend
income and
other
     Gain/
(Loss)
     

CBF

   $ 64       $ —         $ —         $ —        $ —        $ —     

TBBK

     —           76         —           —          —          —     

Star Asia

     —           —           —           (3,433     —          —     

Star Asia Manager

     —           —           —           —          859        —     

Star Asia SPV

     —           —           —           —          1,000        —     

Star Asia Opportunity

     —           —           —           —          544        —     

Star Asia Opportunity II

     —           —           —           —          (28     —     

Star Asia Capital Management

     —           —           —           —          328        —     

EuroDekania

     139         —           569         1        —          —     

Deep Value

     —           —           —           —          (14     —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 203       $ 76       $ 569       $ (3,432   $ 2,689      $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Three months ended September 30, 2012

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

                   Principal transactions and
other income
     Income /  (loss)
from equity
method
affiliates
    Shared  
     Management
fee revenue
     Net trading      Dividend
income and
other
     Gain/
(Loss)
       Services
(Paid) /
Received
 

TBBK

   $ —         $ 5       $ —         $ —         $ —        $ —     

Star Asia

     —           —           —           1,626         —          —     

Star Asia Manager

     —           —           —           —           279        —     

Star Asia SPV

     —           —           —           —           276        —     

Star Asia Opportunity

     —           —           —           —           (75     —     

Star Asia Opportunity II

     —           —           —           —           (28     —     

Star Asia Capital Management

     —           —           —           —           198        —     

EuroDekania

     —           —           386         268         —          —     

Deep Value

     —           —           —           —           (3     —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ —         $ 5       $ 386       $ 1,894       $ 647      $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Nine months ended September 30, 2011

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

                  Principal transactions and
other income
    Income /  (loss)
from equity
method
affiliates
    Shared  
     Management
fee revenue
     Net trading     Dividend
income and
other
     Gain/
(Loss)
      Services
(Paid) /
Received
 

CBF

   $ 207       $ —        $ —         $ —        $ —        $ —     

TBBK

     —           562        —           —          —          —     

Star Asia

     —           —          38        429        —          —     

Star Asia Manager

     —           —          —           —          1,337        —     

Star Asia SPV

     —           —          —           —          385        —     

Star Asia Opportunity

     —           —          —           —          26        —     

Star Asia Capital Management

     —           —          —           —          11        —     

EuroDekania

     500         (101     201        1,208        —          —     

MFCA

     —           —          32         71        —          9   

Deep Value

     452         —          —           (9     4,369        —     

Duart Fund

     —           —          —           (456     —          —     

Duart Capital

     —           —          —           —          (760     —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,159       $ 461      $ 271       $ 1,243      $ 5,368      $ 9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Three months ended September 30, 2011

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

                   Principal transactions and
other income
    Income / (loss)
from equity
method
affiliates
    Shared
Services
(Paid) /
Received
 
     Management
fee revenue
     Net trading      Dividend
income and
other
     Gain/
(Loss)
     

CBF

   $ 69       $ —         $ —         $ —        $ —        $ —     

TBBK

     —           247         —           —          —          —     

Star Asia

     —           —           38        2,443        —          —     

Star Asia Manager

     —           —           —           —          826        —     

Star Asia SPV

     —           —           —           —          72        —     

Star Asia Opportunity

     —           —           —           —          26        —     

Star Asia Capital Management

     —           —           —           —          11        —     

EuroDekania

     167         —           201        (411     —          —     

Deep Value

     —           —           —           —          (3     —     

Duart Capital

     —           —           —           —          (94     —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 236       $ 247       $ 239      $ 2,032      $ 838      $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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The following related party transactions are non-routine and are not included in the tables above.

D. Resource Securities, Inc. (formerly known as Chadwick Securities, Inc.), a registered broker-dealer subsidiary of Resource America, Inc. (“REXI”)

REXI is a publicly traded specialized asset management company in the commercial finance, real estate and financial fund management sectors. It has been identified as a related party because (i) the Chairman of the board of REXI is the father of the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; and (ii) the Chief Executive Officer of REXI is the brother of the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. In September 2012, the Company paid a fee of $6 to Resource Securities, Inc. for its services as the introducing agent for a transaction in which the Company bought back $1,177 principal amount of subordinated notes payable from an unrelated third party. The $6 fee was treated as a reduction to the gain recognized on the repurchase of debt, which was included as a component of non-operating income / (expense) in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012. See note 12.

E. Directors and Employees

In addition to the employment agreements the Company has entered into with its Chairman and its Chief Financial Officer, the Company has entered into its standard indemnification agreement with each of its directors and executive officers.

21. DUE FROM / DUE TO RELATED PARTIES

The following table summarizes the outstanding due from / to related parties. These amounts may result from normal operating advances or from timing differences between the transactions disclosed in note 20 and final settlement of those transactions in cash. All amounts are non-interest bearing.

DUE FROM/DUE TO RELATED PARTIES

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     September 30,
2012
     December 31,
2011
 

Deep Value GP

   $ 75       $ 29   

Deep Value GP II

     76         61   

Star Asia Manager

     81         50   

Cohen Brothers Financial, LLC

     88         306   

Employees and other

     392         233   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Due from Related Parties

   $ 712       $ 679   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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22. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Repurchase of Mandatorily Redeemable Equity Interests

On October 5, 2012 (the “Effective Date”), PrinceRidge and the Company entered into a Separation, Release and Repurchase Agreement (collectively, the “Separation Agreements”) with each of Ahmed Alali (“Alali”), Ronald J. Garner (“Garner”) and Matthew G. Johnson (“Johnson” and, together with Alali and Garner, the “Separated Employees”).

Under the Separation Agreements, each of the Separated Employees resigned from all positions and offices held with PrinceRidge and its affiliates, including, with respect to Alali and Johnson, as members of the Board of Managers of PrinceRidge GP. In addition, each of the Separated Employees, on one hand, and PrinceRidge, IFMI and the Company, on the other hand, entered into a mutual release of claims.

Under the Separation Agreements, PrinceRidge agreed on the Effective Date to accelerate its obligation to repurchase all of the mandatorily redeemable equity interests from the Separated Employees. In connection with the repurchase of the mandatorily redeemable equity interests, PrinceRidge paid the Separated Employees, in the aggregate, approximately $2.6 million in cash on the Effective Date, and PrinceRidge issued to the Separated Employees promissory notes (collectively, the “Notes”) in the initial aggregate principal amount of approximately $4.8 million. The aggregate consideration received by the Separated Employees represented a discount of approximately 6% from the aggregate value of the Separated Employees’ capital accounts in PrinceRidge as of September 30, 2012.

The terms and conditions of each of the Notes are substantially the same. Under each of the Notes, interest accrues on the unpaid balance of the principal amount at a rate of five percent (5%) per annum (“Interest”) from the Effective Date until the aggregate principal amount is paid in full. Each of the Notes matures on December 21, 2012 and there is no penalty for pre-paying the Notes. Payment of the principal amount under each of the Notes will be accelerated upon the occurrence of certain standard events of default and if the aggregate book value of the equity interests of PrinceRidge held by the Operating LLC is less than $30 million.

Following the repurchase of the Separated Employees’ outstanding equity interests in PrinceRidge, the Operating LLC owned 98% of PrinceRidge.

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

The following discussion and analysis of the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of Institutional Financial Markets, Inc. and its majority owned subsidiaries (collectively, “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company”) should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” is based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On a regular basis, we evaluate these estimates, including fair value of financial instruments. These estimates are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

All amounts in this disclosure are in thousands (except share and per share data) unless otherwise noted.

Overview

We are an investment firm specializing in credit-related fixed income investments. We began operations, through our predecessors, in 1999 as an investment firm focused on small and mid-cap banks, but have grown over the past years into a more diversified fixed income specialty investment firm. We are organized into three business segments: Capital Markets, Asset Management, and Principal Investing.

 

   

Capital Markets: Our Capital Markets business segment consists of credit-related fixed income sales, trading and financing, as well as new issue placements in corporate and securitized products and advisory services revenue. Our fixed income sales and trading group provides trade execution to corporate and institutional investors. We specialize in the following products: corporate bonds and loans, ABS, MBS, CLOs, CBOs, CDOs, CMBS, RMBS, TBA contracts, SBA loans, municipal bonds, U.S. government bonds, U.S. government agency securities, brokered deposits and CDs for small banks, and hybrid capital of financial institutions including TruPS, whole loans, and other structured financial instruments. We also offer execution and brokerage services for cash equity and derivative products. We carry out our capital market activities primarily through our subsidiaries: JVB, PrinceRidge, and CCFL.

 

   

Asset Management: We manage assets within managed accounts, permanent capital vehicles, and CDOs (collectively, “investment vehicles”). A CDO is a form of secured borrowing. The borrowing is secured by different types of fixed income assets such as corporate or mortgage loans or bonds. The borrowing is in the form of a securitization which means that the lenders are actually investing in notes backed by the assets. The lenders have recourse only to the assets securing the loan. Our Asset Management business segment includes our fee based asset management operations which include on-going base and incentive management fees. As of September 30, 2012, we had approximately $6.3 billion in AUM of which 97%, or $6.0 billion, was in CDOs.

 

   

Principal Investing: Our Principal Investing business segment is comprised primarily of our seed capital investments in investment vehicles we manage.

We generate our revenue by business segment primarily through:

Capital Markets:

 

   

our trading activities, which include execution and brokerage services, providing securities financing to customers, riskless trading activities, as well as gains and losses (unrealized and realized) and income and expense earned on securities classified as trading;

 

   

new issue and advisory revenue comprised of (a) origination fees for corporate debt issues originated by us; (b) revenue from advisory services; and (c) new issue revenue associated with arranging the issuance of newly created debt, equity, and hybrid financial instruments;

Asset Management:

 

   

asset management fees for our on-going services as asset manager charged and earned by managing investment vehicles, which may include fees both senior and subordinated to the securities issued by the investment vehicle;

 

   

incentive management fees earned based on the performance of the various investment vehicles;

 

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Principal Investing:

 

   

gains and losses (unrealized and realized) and income and expense earned on securities, primarily seed capital investments in vehicles we manage, classified as other investments, at fair value; and

 

   

income or loss from equity method affiliates.

Business Environment

Our business is materially affected by economic conditions in the financial markets, political conditions, broad trends in business and finance, changes in volume and price levels of securities transactions, and changes in interest rates, all of which can affect our profitability and which are unpredictable and beyond our control. These factors may affect the financial decisions made by investors, including their level of participation in the financial markets. Severe market fluctuations or weak economic conditions could continue to reduce our trading volume and revenues and adversely affect our profitability.

The markets remain uneven and vulnerable to changes in investor sentiment. We believe the general business environment will continue to be challenging for the remainder of 2012.

A portion of our revenues is generated from net trading activity. We engage in proprietary trading for our own account, provide securities financing for our customers, and execute “riskless” trades with a customer order in hand resulting in limited market risk to us. The inventory of securities held for our own account, as well as held to facilitate customer trades, and our market making activities are sensitive to market movements.

A portion of our revenues is generated from new issue and advisory engagements. The fees charged and volume of these engagements are sensitive to the overall business environment.

A portion of our revenues is generated from management fees. Our ability to charge management fees and the amount of those fees is dependent upon the underlying investment performance and stability of the investment vehicles. If these types of investments do not provide attractive returns to investors, the demand for such instruments will likely fall, thereby reducing our opportunity to earn new management fees or to maintain existing management fees. Ninety-seven percent of our existing AUM are CDOs. The creation of CDOs and permanent capital vehicles has depended upon a vibrant securitization market. Since 2008, volumes within the securitization market have dropped significantly and have not recovered since that time. Consequently, we have been unable to complete a new securitization since 2008.

A portion of our revenues is generated from our principal investing activities. Therefore, our revenues are impacted by the underlying operating results of these investments. As of September 30, 2012, we had $39,472 of other investments, at fair value representing our principal investment portfolio. Of this amount, $39,051, or 99%, is comprised of investments in three separate investment funds and permanent capital vehicles: Star Asia, EuroDekania, and Tiptree. Furthermore, the investment in Star Asia is our largest single principal investment and, as of September 30, 2012, had a fair value of $33,925, representing 86% of the total amount of other investments, at fair value. Star Asia seeks to invest in Asian commercial real estate structured finance products, including CMBS, corporate debt of REITs and real estate operating companies, whole loans, mezzanine loans, other commercial real estate fixed income investments, and in real property located in Japan. Therefore, our results of operations and financial condition will be significantly impacted by the financial results of these investments and, in the case of Star Asia, the Japanese real estate market in general. Our investment in Star Asia and our principal investing revenue was impacted by the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster in Japan that occurred during the first quarter of 2011. See “Revenues - Principal Transactions and Other Income” below.

Margin Pressures in Corporate Bond Brokerage Business

Performance in the financial services industry in which we operate is highly correlated to the overall strength of the economy and financial market activity. Overall market conditions are a product of many factors, beyond our control and can be unpredictable. These factors may affect the financial decisions made by investors, including the level of participation in the financial markets. In turn, these decisions may affect our business results. With respect to financial market activity, our profitability is sensitive to a variety of factors including, the volatility of the equity and fixed income markets, the level and shape of the various yield curves, and the volume and value of trading in securities.

Since 2010, both margins and volumes in certain products and markets within the corporate bond brokerage business have decreased materially as competition has increased and general market activity has declined. Further, we continue to expect that competition will increase over time, resulting in continued margin pressure.

 

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Our response to this margin compression has included: (i) building a diversified securitized product trading platform; (ii) building our European capital markets business; (iii) acquiring new product lines, including through the acquisitions of JVB and PrinceRidge in 2011; and (iv) monitoring our fixed costs. During the third quarter of 2011, the Company implemented significant cost savings initiatives. These initiatives included the elimination of duplicative costs that arose with the PrinceRidge transaction as well as net reductions in overall costs to address adverse market conditions. The initiatives included: termination of staff, reductions in compensation and benefits of remaining staff, the sublease and termination of duplicative leases, termination of or reduction in pricing of subscriptions, and other measures. More recently we have undertaken additional cost-cutting initiatives by merging support functionality among and across many of our subsidiaries and business lines. However, there can be no certainty that these efforts will be sufficient. If insufficient, we will likely see a decline in profitability.

Recent Legislation Affecting the Financial Services Industry

On July 21, 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) was signed into law. The Dodd-Frank Act contains a variety of provisions designed to regulate financial markets, including credit and derivative transactions. Many aspects of the Dodd-Frank Act are subject to rulemaking that will take effect over the next several years, thus making it difficult to assess the impact on the financial industry, including us, at this time. The Dodd-Frank Act establishes new and enhanced compensation and corporate governance oversight for the financial services industry, provides a specific framework for payment, clearing and settlement regulation, and empowers the SEC to adopt regulations requiring new fiduciary duties and other more stringent regulation of broker-dealers, investment companies and investment advisers. We will continue to monitor all applicable developments in the implementation of the Dodd-Frank Act and expect to adapt successfully to any new applicable legislative and regulatory requirements.

Recent Events

Repurchase of Mandatorily Redeemable Equity Interests

On October 5, 2012, PrinceRidge and the Company entered into a Separation, Release and Repurchase Agreement (collectively, the “Separation Agreements”) with each of Ahmed Alali (“Alali”), Ronald J. Garner (“Garner”), and Matthew G. Johnson (“Johnson” and, together with Alali and Garner, the “Separated Employees”).

Under the Separation Agreements, each of the Separated Employees resigned from all positions and offices held with PrinceRidge and its affiliates, including, with respect to Alali and Johnson, as members of the Board of Managers of PrinceRidge GP. In addition, each of the Separated Employees, on one hand, and PrinceRidge, the Operating LLC and the Company, on the other hand, entered into a mutual release of claims.

See note 22 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Departure of Certain Officers of PrinceRidge

On July 19, 2012, PrinceRidge and the Company entered into a Separation, Release and Repurchase Agreement with each of Michael T. Hutchins, the former CEO of PrinceRidge and member of the Board of Managers of PrinceRidge GP, and John P. Costas, the former Chairman of the Board of Managers of PrinceRidge GP, whereby (i) PrinceRidge repurchased all of the equity and profit units in PrinceRidge held by Messrs. Hutchins and Costas; (ii) Messrs. Hutchins and Costas resigned as employees of PrinceRidge and as members of the Board of Managers of PrinceRidge GP; (iii) Messrs. Hutchins and Costas agreed to forfeit all of their unvested equity awards both from PrinceRidge and IFMI; and (iv) Messrs. Hutchins and Costas withdrew as members of PrinceRidge GP and as partners of PrinceRidge Holdings. Daniel G. Cohen, the Company’s Chairman and CEO, was subsequent appointed as Chairman of the Board of Managers of PrinceRidge GP and CEO of PrinceRidge by the Board of Managers of PrinceRidge GP.

Consolidated Results of Operations

The following section provides a comparative discussion of our consolidated results of operations for the specified periods. The period-to-period comparisons of financial results are not necessarily indicative of future results.

 

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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011

The following table sets forth information regarding our consolidated results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.

INSTITUTIONAL FINANCIAL MARKETS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Dollars in Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Nine months ended
September 30,
    Favorable/(Unfavorable)  
     2012     2011     $ Change     % Change  

Revenues

        

Net trading

   $ 51,311      $ 57,522      $ (6,211     (11 )% 

Asset management

     18,010        16,521        1,489        9

New issue and advisory

     3,024        1,945        1,079        55

Principal transactions and other income

     (482     661        (1,143     (173 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total revenues

     71,863        76,649        (4,786     (6 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating expenses

        

Compensation and benefits

     49,811        62,820        13,009        21

Business development, occupancy, equipment

     3,970        5,216        1,246        24

Subscriptions, clearing, and execution

     8,574        9,042        468        5

Professional fees and other operating

     9,702        12,389        2,687        22

Depreciation and amortization

     1,023        1,585        562        35
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total operating expenses

     73,080        91,052        17,972        20
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating income / (loss)

     (1,217     (14,403     13,186        92
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Non operating income / (expense)

        

Interest expense, net

     (3,187     (4,211     1,024        24

Other

     (4,357     —          (4,357     NM   

Gain on repurchase of debt

     86        —          86        NM   

Income / (loss) from equity method affiliates

     2,689        5,368        (2,679     (50 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Income / (loss) before income tax expense / (benefit)

     (5,986     (13,246     7,260        55

Income tax expense / (benefit)

     108        (917     (1,025     (112 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net income / (loss)

     (6,094     (12,329     6,235        51

Less: Net income / (loss) attributable to the non-controlling interest

     (2,165     (5,288     (3,123     (59 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net income / (loss) attributable to IFMI

   $ (3,929   $ (7,041   $ 3,112        44
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

NM = Not Meaningful

Revenues

Revenues decreased by $4,786, or 6%, to $71,863 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 from $76,649 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. As discussed in more detail below, the change was comprised of decreases of $6,211 in net trading and $1,143 in principal transactions and other income, partially offset by an increase of $1,079 in new issue and advisory revenue and $1,489 in asset management revenue.

Net Trading

Net trading revenue decreased by $6,211, or 11%, to $51,311 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 from $57,522 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

 

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The following table provides detail on net trading revenue by operation. JVB was acquired effective January 1, 2011 and PrinceRidge was acquired on May 31, 2011. The PrinceRidge and other capital markets line below includes the operations of PrinceRidge since its acquisition on May 31, 2011, as well as the results from the Company’s other capital markets professionals not included in the JVB or CCFL lines below for 2011. In conjunction with the acquisition of PrinceRidge, we contributed substantially all of our capital markets professionals (with the exception of those within JVB and CCFL) to PrinceRidge. Therefore, the revenues earned from PrinceRidge during the period we owned them include the revenues earned by the capital markets professionals contributed.

 

     September 30,
2012
     September 30,
2011
     Change  

JVB

   $ 17,901       $ 14,115       $ 3,786   

PrinceRidge and other capital markets

     28,472         38,432         (9,960

CCFL

     4,938         4,975         (37
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 51,311       $ 57,522       $ (6,211
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Our net trading revenue includes unrealized gains on our trading investments, as of the applicable measurement date, which may never be realized due to changes in market or other conditions not in our control that may adversely affect the ultimate value realized from these investments. In addition, our net trading revenue also includes realized gains on certain proprietary trading positions. Our ability to derive trading gains from trading positions is subject to overall market conditions. Due to volatility and uncertainty in the capital markets, the net trading revenue recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, may not be indicative of future results. Furthermore, some of the assets included in the Investments-trading line of our consolidated balance sheets represent level 3 valuations within the FASB fair value hierarchy. Level 3 assets are carried at fair value based on estimates derived using internal valuation models and other estimates. See notes 5 and 6 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The fair value estimates made by the Company may not be indicative of the final sale price at which these assets may be sold.

Asset Management

Assets Under Management

Our assets under management, or AUM, equals the sum of: (1) the gross assets included in CDOs that we have sponsored and manage; plus (2) the NAV of the permanent capital vehicles and investment funds we manage; plus (3) the NAV of other accounts we manage.

Our calculation of AUM may differ from the calculations used by other asset managers and, as a result, this measure may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other asset managers. This definition of AUM is not necessarily identical to a definition of AUM that may be used in our management agreements.

ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT

(dollars in thousands)

 

     As of September 30,      As of December 31,  
     2012      2011      2011      2010  

Company sponsored CDOs

   $ 6,042,098       $ 8,283,280       $ 7,859,755       $ 9,730,374   

Permanent capital vehicles

     173,938         167,982         169,237         171,028   

Investment funds

     —           —           —           129,027   

Managed accounts (1)

     44,869         33,872         33,644         288,608   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Assets under management (2)

   $ 6,260,905       $ 8,485,134       $ 8,062,636       $ 10,319,037   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Average assets under management—company sponsored CDOs

   $ 6,730,427       $ 9,084,175       $ 8,835,773       $ 12,199,716   

 

(1) Represents client funds managed pursuant to separate account arrangements. Subsequent to March 28, 2011, certain separate account arrangements were excluded due to the sale of those management contracts to a new entity owned by two former Company employees, known as Strategos Capital Management, LLC.
(2) AUM for company sponsored CDOs, permanent capital vehicles, investment funds and other managed accounts represents total AUM at the end of the period indicated.

 

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Asset management fees increased by $1,489, or 9%, to $18,010 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 from $16,521 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, as discussed in more detail below. The following table provides a more detailed comparison of the two periods:

ASSET MANAGEMENT

(dollars in thousands)

 

     September 30,
2012
     September 30,
2011
     Change  

CDOs and related service agreements

   $ 17,136       $ 14,379       $ 2,757   

Investment funds

     —           452         (452

Other

     874         1,690         (816
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 18,010       $ 16,521       $ 1,489   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

CDOs

Asset management revenue from company-sponsored CDOs increased by $2,757 to $17,136 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 from $14,379 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The following table summarizes the periods presented by asset class:

FEES EARNED BY ASSET CLASS

(dollars in thousands)

 

     September 30,
2012
     September 30,
2011
     Change  

TruPS and insurance company debt—U.S.

   $ 8,632       $ 8,946       $ (314

High grade and mezzanine ABS

     1,230         1,745         (515

TruPS and insurance company debt—Europe

     5,857         2,375         3,482   

Broadly syndicated loans—Europe

     1,417         1,313         104   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 17,136       $ 14,379       $ 2,757   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Asset management fees for TruPS and insurance company debt of United States companies decreased primarily because the average AUM in this asset class declined as a result of greater levels of deferrals, defaults, and prepayments of the underlying assets.

On July 29, 2010, we entered into a Master Transaction Agreement pursuant to which we sold to a third party collateral management rights and responsibilities arising after the sale relating to the Alesco X through XVII securitizations. In connection with the Master Transaction Agreement, we entered into a three-year Services Agreement under which we provide and will continue to provide certain services to the third party purchaser. $4,664 of the cash received up front was recognized as deferred revenue and is amortized into revenue over the life of the Services Agreement. In addition, the Master Transaction Agreement calls for additional payments to be made to us on a quarterly basis through February 23, 2017 if the management fees earned by the third party exceed certain thresholds. The assets of the Alesco X through XVII securitizations are not included in our AUM disclosed in the table above as we are no longer the manager. However, we continue to generate revenue through the Services Agreement related to these securitizations.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, we recognized $4,885 and $5,054, respectively, in revenue for the Alesco X through XVII securitizations, which is included in the TruPS and insurance company debt - U.S. in the table above. Of these amounts, $510 and $405 represent incentive payments received from the third party under the Master Transaction Agreement during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. As of September 30, 2012, we have the potential to earn additional incentive payments (through February of 2017) if certain performance hurdles are met. Not including any potential incentive fees, we expect to recognize an additional $2,431 in revenue in the remainder of 2012 and over the remaining term of the Services Agreement (ending February 2013). Of that $2,431 in revenue, $1,891 is from payments under the Services Agreement and $539 represents amortization of the initial payment of $4,664 received up front. Beginning March 2013, with the exception of potential incentive payments, the Company will stop recognizing revenue from the Alesco X through XVII securitizations.

Substantially all of our TruPS trusts (both for the U.S. and Europe) have stopped paying subordinated management fees due to diversion of cash flow to pay down the senior notes of the securitization as a result of defaults within the securitization. In this case, we do not recognize revenue for unpaid subordinated fees. We will begin accruing the subordinated asset management fees again if payments resume and, in our estimate, continued payment by the trusts is reasonably assured. If payments resume in the future, but we are unsure of continued payment, we will recognize the subordinated asset management fee as payments are received and will not accrue the fee on a monthly basis. We do not anticipate that we will receive additional subordinated asset management fees in the near future.

 

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Asset management fees for high grade and mezzanine ABS declined primarily because the average AUM in this asset class declined due to defaults of the underlying assets and liquidations of certain CDOs.

Asset management fees for TruPS and insurance company debt of European companies increased due to the receipt of a final CDO asset management fee for one of our European deals during the third quarter of 2012. This fee was earned in connection with the agreed upon resignation of CCFL as asset manager of such deal and CCFL agreeing to forego certain collateral manager rights, which were unique to this CDO, related to the auction provisions in such deal . This fee was approved by the relevant security holders of the CDO. This one-time final asset management fee more than offset declines in the underlying collateral balances as a result of lower foreign exchange rates, as well as the occurrence of prepayments and defaults. The total revenue recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 related to this one European CDO, including the final CDO asset management fee, was $3,906. No asset management revenue will be earned on this CDO going forward as a result of the resignation.

Asset management fees for broadly syndicated loans of Europe represent revenue from a single CLO. Prior to August 2012, we served only as the junior manager of this CLO and we shared the management fees evenly with the lead manager. In August, we became lead manager (and remained as junior manager). Subsequent to becoming the lead manager, we earn all of the management fees related to this CLO. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, $140 represented fees earned as lead manager. The remaining amount represented fees earned as junior manager.

Investment Funds and Other

Our asset management revenue from investment funds was comprised of fees from the management of Deep Value prior to 2012.

 

     September 30,
2012
     September 30,
2011
     Change  

Deep Value

   $ —         $ 452       $ (452

Separate accounts and other

     874         1,690         (816
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 874       $ 2,142       $ (1,268
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The decrease in Deep Value revenue was primarily because we sold our investment advisory agreements relating to the Deep Value funds to Strategos Capital Management, LLC (the “Buyer”), a newly formed entity owned by two former Company employees, on March 29, 2011. Pursuant to the terms of the sale, we will be entitled to 10% of all revenue, net of certain expenses, earned by the Buyer between March 29, 2011 and December 31, 2014. This revenue sharing arrangement is recorded as a component of principal transactions and other income going forward.

The net decrease of $816 from separate accounts and other was primarily comprised of (a) a decrease of $335 relating to certain managed accounts sold to the Buyer in 2011 as part of the transaction described above and (b) a decrease in fees earned primarily from other accounts of $481.

New Issue and Advisory Revenue

New issue and advisory revenue increased by $1,079, or 55%, to $3,024 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, as compared to $1,945 for the same period in 2011.

Our revenue earned from new issue and advisory has been, and we expect will continue to be, volatile. We earn revenue from a limited number of engagements. Therefore, a small change in the number of engagements can result in large fluctuations in the revenue recognized. Even if the number of engagements stays consistent, the average revenue per engagement can fluctuate considerably because of the small number of engagements. Finally, our revenue is generally earned when an underlying transaction closes (rather than on a monthly or quarterly basis). Therefore, the timing of underlying transactions increases the volatility of our revenue recognition.

Principal Transactions and Other Income

Principal transactions and other income decreased by $1,143 to a loss of $482 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, as compared to income of $661 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

 

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Principal Transactions & Other Income

(dollars in thousands)

 

     September 30,
2012
    September 30,
2011
    Change  

Change in fair value of other investments, at fair value

   $ (3,525   $ (339   $ (3,186

Gain on sale of cost method investment

     1,687        —          1,687   

Foreign currency

     (74     (319     245   

Dividend, interest, and other income

     1,430        1,319        111   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ (482   $ 661      $ (1,143
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in fair value of other investments, at fair value

The decrease in the change in fair value of other investments of $3,186 is comprised of the following:

 

     September 30,
2012
    September 30,
2011
    Change  

EuroDekania

   $ 1      $ 1,208      $ (1,207

Star Asia

     (3,433     429        (3,862

Yen Hedge

     (323     (1,492     1,169   

Tiptree (MFCA prior to June 23, 2011)

     222        28        194   

Deep Value

     —          (9     9   

Duart Fund

     —          (456     456   

Other

     8        (47     55   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ (3,525   $ (339   $ (3,186
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the change in the value of our investment in EuroDekania was entirely comprised of the change in the underlying NAV of EuroDekania. During the second quarter of 2011, we acquired 353,244 additional shares of EuroDekania at an amount less than its underlying NAV. Accordingly, this investment resulted in a gain. Of the total gain recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, $365 represented unrealized gains recognized on the newly purchased shares and $843 represented the change in the underlying NAV of EuroDekania.

Star Asia is an investment fund that, like any other investment fund, is exposed to changes in its value due to the performance of its underlying investments. The value of our investment in Star Asia has also been impacted by the following items: (a) during 2011, we acquired shares of Star Asia from unrelated third party investors at amounts less than the underlying NAV of Star Asia; (b) in 2011, certain of Star Asia’s investments were impacted by the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster in Japan that occurred during the first quarter; and (c) Star Asia’s investments are primarily denominated in Japanese Yen and Star Asia itself does not hedge against currency fluctuations. The following table shows the change in the value of our investment in Star Asia and how it was impacted by these items:

 

     September 30,
2012
    September 30,
2011
    Change  

Purchase or receipt of shares for below NAV

   $ —        $ 1,020      $ (1,020

Foreign exchange

     (235     3,970        (4,205

Earthquake, tsunami, nuclear disaster

     —          (4,770     4,770   

Underlying investment values, net

     (3,198     209        (3,407
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ (3,433   $ 429      $ (3,862
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Purchase or receipt of shares for below NAV: During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we did not purchase any shares of Star Asia. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we purchased 151,074 shares directly from unrelated third parties for $226. All of these purchases were made at amounts below Star Asia’s NAV.

Foreign exchange: These amounts represent the impact to fair value of our investment in Star Asia from currency fluctuations. This is because Star Asia’s investments are primarily denominated in Japanese Yen and Star Asia itself does not hedge against currency fluctuations. Accordingly, we are exposed to increases and decreases in the value of our investment in Star Asia that result from fluctuations of the Japanese Yen as compared to the U.S. Dollar. We may seek to minimize this risk by entering into a Yen hedge. However, our hedging activities could negatively impact our liquidity. That is, the hedge itself settles in cash on a periodic basis while our investment in Star Asia is comparatively illiquid. Therefore, we continuously consider the appropriate level for the Yen hedge, especially considering our overall corporate liquidity position. During the

 

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nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, we hedged a portion of our investment in Star Asia and recorded the gains or losses as a component of principal transactions. We may or may not enter into hedges in the future based on our corporate liquidity. Any un-hedged portion of our investment in Star Asia will continue to be exposed to currency fluctuations. There was no Yen hedge put in place during the first quarter of 2012. During that period, Star Asia experienced negative mark-to-market loss due to exchange rate movement. During the period the hedge was in place, Star Asia experienced gains due to exchange rate movement (but less than the losses during the first quarter). Accordingly, for the nine month period, we experienced both a loss on the hedge and a mark-to-market loss on our investment in Star Asia due to exchange rate movements.

As of September 30, 2012, our long exposure to Japanese Yen through our investment in Star Asia was 3.8 billion Yen (representing the total net Yen based assets of Star Asia multiplied by our ownership percentage of 27%). Our hedge was 1.0 billion Yen resulting in net long exposure of 2.8 billion Yen. The spot rate of the U.S. Dollar to Japanese Yen was 77.96 as of September 30, 2012, which means the un-hedged portion of Star Asia was $35.3 million. As of September 30, 2011, our long exposure to Japanese Yen was 4.3 billion Yen. Our hedge was 2.4 billion Yen resulting in net long exposure of 1.9 billion Yen. The spot rate of U.S. Dollar to Japanese Yen was 76.86 as of September 30, 2011, which means our un-hedged portion of Star Asia was $25.3 million.

As of September 30, 2012, we had 80 outstanding foreign currency forward contracts with a notional amount of 12,500 Japanese Yen per contract. An unrealized loss of $42 was included in other investments, at fair value, in our consolidated balance sheets.

Earthquake, tsunami, nuclear disaster: During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, certain of Star Asia’s investments were impacted by the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster in Japan that occurred during the first quarter of 2011.

Underlying investment values: This represents the impact to the fair value of our investment in Star Asia from changes in the underlying net investment values of Star Asia’s investments, net of debt, exclusive of the impact of foreign currency changes.

In June 2011, MFCA became a wholly owned subsidiary of Tiptree. We exchanged our 1,000,200 shares of MFCA for 111,133 shares of Tiptree. We carry our investment in Tiptree at the NAV of the underlying fund. We carried our investment in MFCA at the NAV of the underlying fund.

As of June 30, 2011, Deep Value completed its liquidation. We carried our investment in Deep Value at the NAV of the underlying fund. The fund was substantially liquidated in the fourth quarter of 2010; the 2011 change in NAV was primarily attributable to wind down costs of the fund.

We carried our investment in the Duart Fund at the NAV of the underlying fund. Effective December 31, 2010, we submitted a redemption notice to the Duart Fund to redeem 100% of our capital. We received our redemption in April 2011.

The change in other investments of $55 was comprised of (i) an overall net increase of $63 to changes in fair value in certain warrants and options the Company held as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011; (ii) a net increase of $24 to changes in fair value in other investments; partially offset by (iii) $32 related to certain investments in securitizations that were sold for a gain during the first quarter of 2011.

Gain on sale of cost method investment

During the three months ended September 30, 2012, we recognized a gain of $1,687 related to the sale of an equity interest in a private company, which we were accounting for under the cost method.

Foreign currency

We earn certain revenues in Euros and U.K. Pounds Sterling, however, our functional currency is the U.S. Dollar. The foreign currency fluctuations are due to changes in the exchange rates between Euros, U.K. Pounds Sterling, and U.S. Dollars in the related periods. We have not hedged our foreign currency exposure related to management fees paid in Euros or U.K. Pounds Sterling to date.

Dividends, interest, and other

The change in dividend, interest and other income of $111 primarily related to a decrease in other income of (i) $479 of revenue share from our revenue share arrangement related to NPPF 1; partially offset by an increase of (ii) $126 from our revenue share arrangement related to the Buyer which was not in place until March 29, 2011; an increase in (iii) the amount of $325 in dividends and interest income received on our investments in other investments, at fair value, and an increase in (iv) the amount of $139 in miscellaneous income.

 

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Operating Expenses

Operating expenses decreased by $17,972, or 20%, to $73,080 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 from $91,052 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The change was due to decreases of $13,009 in compensation and benefits; $2,687 in professional fees and other operating expenses; $1,246 in business development, occupancy, equipment; $468 in subscriptions, clearing and execution; and $562 in depreciation and amortization.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation and benefits decreased by $13,009, or 21%, to $49,811 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 from $62,820 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

(dollars in thousands)

 

    September 30,
2012
    September 30,
2011
    Change  

Cash compensation and benefits

  $ 47,273      $ 52,851      $ (5,578

Compensation charge for payment to the former CEO of capital markets segment

    —          3,000        (3,000

Compensation charge for payments to the former CEO and board member of PrinceRidge and the former Chairman of the board of PrinceRidge

    2,104        —          2,104   

Equity-based compensation

    434        6,969        (6,535
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 49,811      $ 62,820      $ (13,009
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash compensation and benefits in the table above is primarily comprised of salary, incentive compensation, and benefits. The decrease in cash compensation and benefits is primarily a result of the decrease in incentive compensation which is tied to revenue and operating profitability.

From time to time, the Company pays employees severance when they are terminated without cause. These severance payments are included within cash compensation in the table above.

On July 19, 2012, PrinceRidge and the Company entered into a Separation, Release and Repurchase Agreement with each of Michael T. Hutchins, the former CEO of PrinceRidge and member of the Board of Managers of PrinceRidge GP, and John P. Costas, the former Chairman of the Board of Managers of PrinceRidge GP, whereby (i) PrinceRidge repurchased all of the equity and profit units in PrinceRidge held by Messrs. Hutchins and Costas; (ii) Messrs. Hutchins and Costas resigned as employees of PrinceRidge and as members of the Board of Managers of PrinceRidge GP; (iii) Messrs. Hutchins and Costas agreed to forfeit all of their unvested equity awards both from PrinceRidge and IFMI; and (iv) Messrs. Hutchins and Costas withdrew as members of PrinceRidge GP and as partners of PrinceRidge Holdings. Daniel G. Cohen, the Company’s Chairman and CEO, was subsequent appointed as Chairman of the Board of Managers of PrinceRidge GP and CEO of PrinceRidge by the Board of Managers of PrinceRidge GP. PrinceRidge repurchased Mr. Costas’ and Mr. Hutchins’ equity and profit units for $8,234. PrinceRidge recorded compensation expense of $2,104 and a reduction of temporary equity of $6,130 related to the repurchase of these units. This payment is separately broken out separately in the table above.

In the second quarter of 2011, we incurred an expense of $3,000 for cash compensation owed to the former CEO of our capital markets segment, Mr. Christopher Ricciardi, as a result of an amendment of his employment agreement. These payments are separately broken out in the table above.

Our total headcount decreased from 240 at September 30, 2011 to 204 at September 30, 2012.

Compensation and benefits includes equity-based compensation, which decreased by $6,535 to $434 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 from $6,969 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The decrease was comprised of (i) $2,839 which primarily represented IFMI stock awards granted to IFMI employees that were subsequently forfeited primarily as a result of employees leaving the Company in 2012; (ii) $775 related to PrinceRidge membership unit grants and $1,091 related to IFMI stock grants that were subsequently forfeited primarily as a result of Mr. Hutchins and Mr. Costas leaving the Company in 2012; (iii) $30 related to IFMI stock grants to employees of JVB which were subsequently forfeited

 

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primarily as a result of employees leaving the Company in 2012; and (iv) the fact that the 2011 period included $1,800 of expense attributable to an award of 360,000 restricted shares granted during the first half of 2011 to our former president, Mr. Christopher Ricciardi, which was fully expensed during the first half of 2011 as a result of his amended employment agreement.

Business Development, Occupancy, and Equipment

Business development, occupancy, and equipment decreased by $1,246, or 24%, to $3,970 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 from $5,216 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The decrease was primarily due to decreases in business development expenses, such as promotion, advertising, travel and entertainment of $397; in rent expense of $675; and in other expenses associated with occupancy and equipment of $174. Included in the rent expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was $459 of costs incurred by us for the termination or subletting of office leases during the third quarter of 2011 as part of our cost savings measure following the acquisition of PrinceRidge. The decreases for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011, are primarily due to our cost saving measures instituted following the acquisition of PrinceRidge in May 2011.

Subscriptions, Clearing and Execution

Subscriptions, clearing, and execution decreased by $468, or 5%, to $8,574 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 from $9,042 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The decrease included a decrease of $224 in subscriptions primarily due to a reduction in total subscriptions as a result of a reduction in headcount as well as cost savings measures implemented. The decrease in clearing and execution costs of $244 is primarily attributable to decreased clearing costs primarily in JVB and CCFL.

Professional Fees and Other Operating Expenses

Professional fees and other operating expenses decreased by $2,687, or 22%, to $9,702 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 from $12,389 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The decrease included a decrease in legal and professional fees of $2,465 and an overall net decrease of $222 in other costs.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization decreased by $562, or 35%, to $1,023 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 from $1,585 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The entire decline was due to a decrease in depreciation expense related to certain property and equipment that was fully depreciated prior to January 1, 2012.

Non-Operating Income and Expense

Interest Expense, net

Interest expense decreased by $1,024, or 24%, to $3,187 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 from $4,211 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. This decrease of $1,024 was comprised of (a) a decrease of $371 of interest incurred on our bank debt which we paid off and terminated during the fourth quarter of 2011; (b) a decrease of $440 of interest incurred on the convertible senior notes (comprised of our Old Notes and our New Notes) due to repurchases of Old Notes in November 2011, and March 2012, and redemptions of Old Notes in May 2012 and July 2012; (c) a decrease of $148 of interest incurred on the junior subordinated notes, a portion of which have a variable rate of interest; (d) a decrease of $3 of interest incurred on subordinated notes payable; (e) an increase of $117 of interest income related to the reduction of the amount owed to withdrawing partners of PrinceRidge which is recorded as interest income; and (f) an increase of $55 related to the amortization of discount attributable to the contingent settlement payable. See notes 13 and 17 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Gain on Repurchase of Debt

In March 2012, we repurchased $150 aggregate principal amount of Old Notes from an unrelated third party for $151, including accrued interest of $4. The notes had a carrying value of $150 resulting in a gain from repurchase of debt of $3, which was included as a separate component of non-operating income / (expense) in our consolidated statements of operations.

In September 2012, the Company repurchased $1,177 principal amount of subordinated notes payable from an unrelated third party for $1,139, including accrued cash interest and paid in kind interest of $50. The Company recognized a gain from repurchase of debt of $83, net of expenses, which was included as a separate component of non-operating income / (expense) in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. See note 20 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

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We did not repurchase any debt in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2011.

Other

During the second quarter of 2012, CCS and the Liquidation Trustee in the Sentinel litigation reached an agreement in principle to settle such litigation. That agreement calls for CCS to make an initial payment of $3,000 and an additional payment of $2,250 in the future. See note 17 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Income / (Loss) from Equity Method Affiliates

Income from equity method affiliates decreased by $2,679 to $2,689 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 from $5,368 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Income or loss from equity method affiliates represents our share of the related entities’ earnings. As of September 30, 2011, we had seven equity method investees: (i) Star Asia Manager; (ii) Deep Value GP; (iii) Deep Value GP II; (iv) Star Asia SPV; (v) Star Asia Opportunity; (vi) Star Asia Capital Management; and (vii) Duart Capital. As of September 30, 2012, we had seven equity method investees: (i) Star Asia Manager; (ii) Deep Value GP; (iii) Deep Value GP II; (iv) Star Asia SPV; (v) Star Asia Opportunity; (vi) Star Asia Capital Management; and (vii) Star Asia Opportunity II. See notes 9 and 20 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

During the second quarter of 2011, one of the Deep Value funds for which Deep Value GP served as the general partner was substantially liquidated. In conjunction with the liquidation and distribution of funds to investors, the Deep Value GP recognized its incentive fee earned in the amount of $8,719. We own 50% of the Deep Value GP. Therefore, our share of this incentive fee was $4,359 and was included as a component of income from equity method affiliates during the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

Income Tax Expense / (Benefit)

The income tax benefit decreased by $1,025 to income tax expense of $108 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 from an income tax benefit of $917 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

As of September 30, 2012, we had substantial net operating loss and net capital loss carry-forwards in the U.S., in the states where we have done business, and in the U.K. As a result, the tax expense realized by us during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was primarily the result of French income tax incurred in our French subsidiary.

The tax benefit realized by us during the nine months ended September 30, 2011, was the result of the book loss during the nine months ended September 30, 2011. We had recorded a tax benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, for the U.S. federal and state net operating losses to the extent that the deferred tax liabilities were scheduled to reverse during the carry-forward periods available for U.S. federal and various U.S. state jurisdictions. Accordingly, we booked a tax benefit representing the increase in the deferred tax asset for net operating losses incurred during 2011 (net of related valuation allowance). See note 23 to the December 31, 2011 consolidated financial statements of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more complete description of the Company’s tax attributes and unrecognized tax benefits.

Net Income / (Loss) Attributable to the Non-controlling Interest

Net income / (loss) attributable to the non-controlling interest for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 includes the 32.6% non-controlling interest and 33.7% non-controlling interest, respectively, related to member interests in the Operating LLC other than interests held by us for the relevant periods. In addition, net income / (loss) attributable to the non-controlling interest also includes the redeemable non-controlling interest related to partnership interests in PrinceRidge other than interests held by us for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011. PrinceRidge was acquired by us effective May 31, 2011. On October 5, 2012, PrinceRidge entered into the Separation Agreements to repurchase the Separated Employees’ outstanding equity interests in PrinceRidge. See note 22 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Following the repurchase of the Separated Employees’ outstanding equity interests in PrinceRidge, the Operating LLC owned 98% of PrinceRidge.

 

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Summary calculation of non-controlling interest - Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012

 

    Wholly owned
subsidiaries
    Majority
owned
subsidiaries
    Total
Operating
LLC
    IFMI     Consolidated  

Net loss before tax

  $ (3,520   $ (2,466   $ (5,986   $ —        $ (5,986

Income tax expense

    —          —          108        —          108   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income / (loss) after tax

    (3,520     (2,466     (6,094     —          (6,094

Majority owned subsidiary non-controlling interest

      (249     (249    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Net loss attributable to the Operating LLC

    (3,520     (2,217     (5,845    

Average Effective Operating LLC non-controlling interest (1)%

        32.780    
     

 

 

     

Operating LLC non-controlling interest

        (1,916    

Majority owned subsidiary non-controlling interest

        (249    
     

 

 

     

Total non-controlling interest

      $ (2,165    
     

 

 

     

Summary calculation of non-controlling interest - Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011

 

    Wholly owned
subsidiaries
    Majority
owned
subsidiaries
    Total
Operating
LLC
    IFMI     Consolidated  

Net loss before tax

  $ (7,891   $ (5,355   $ (13,246   $ —        $ (13,246

Income tax benefit

    —          —          (121     (796     (917
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income / (loss) after tax

    (7,891     (5,355     (13,125     796        (12,329

Majority owned subsidiary non-controlling interest

      (1,388     (1,388    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Net loss attributable to the Operating LLC

    (7,891     (3,967     (11,737    

Average effective Operating LLC non-controlling interest (1)%

        33.228    
     

 

 

     

Operating LLC non-controlling interest

        (3,900    

Majority owned subsidiary non-controlling interest

        (1,388    
     

 

 

     

Total non-controlling interest

      $ (5,288    
     

 

 

     

 

(1)

Non-controlling interest is recorded on a monthly basis. Because earnings are recognized unevenly throughout the year and the non-controlling interest percentage may change during the period, the average effective non-controlling interest percentage may not equal the percentage at the end of any period or the simple average of the beginning and ending percentages.

 

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Three Months Ended September 30, 2012 compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2011

The following table sets forth information regarding our consolidated results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.

INSTITUTIONAL FINANCIAL MARKETS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Dollars in Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three months ended
September 30,
    Favorable/(Unfavorable)  
     2012     2011     $ Change     % Change  

Revenues

        

Net trading

   $ 13,669      $ 14,008      $ (339     (2 )% 

Asset management

     8,465        5,296        3,169        60

New issue and advisory

     1,758        705        1,053        149

Principal transactions and other income

     4,174        869        3,305        380
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total revenues

     28,066        20,878        7,188        34
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating expenses

        

Compensation and benefits

     16,484        19,399        2,915        15

Business development, occupancy, equipment

     1,520        1,942        422        22

Subscriptions, clearing, and execution

     2,602        3,500        898        26

Professional fees and other operating

     4,015        3,237        (778     (24 )% 

Depreciation and amortization

     289        612        323        53
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total operating expenses

     24,910        28,690        3,780        13
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating income / (loss)

     3,156        (7,812     10,968        140
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Non operating income / (expense)

        

Interest expense, net

     (868     (1,282     414        32

Gain on repurchase of debt

     83        —          83        NM   

Income / (loss) from equity method affiliates

     647        838        (191     (23 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Income / (loss) before income tax expense / (benefit)

     3,018        (8,256     11,274        137

Income tax expense / (benefit)

     54        (571     (625     (109 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net income / (loss)

     2,964        (7,685     10,649        139

Less: Net income / (loss) attributable to the non-controlling interest

     956        (3,640     (4,596     (126 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net income / (loss) attributable to IFMI

   $ 2,008      $ (4,045   $ 6,053        150
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

NM = Not Meaningful

Revenues

Revenues increased by $7,188, or 34%, to $28,066 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 from $20,878 for the three months ended September 30, 2011. As discussed in more detail below, the change was comprised of an increase of $3,169 in asset management revenue, $1,053 in new issue and advisory revenue, and $3,305 in principal transactions and other income, partially offset by a decrease of $339 in net trading.

Net Trading

Net trading revenue decreased by $339, or 2%, to $13,669 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 from $14,008 for the three months ended September 30, 2011.

 

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The following table provides detail on net trading revenue by operation. JVB was acquired effective January 1, 2011 and PrinceRidge was acquired on May 31, 2011. The PrinceRidge and other capital markets line below includes the operations of PrinceRidge since its acquisition on May 31, 2011, as well as the results from the Company’s other capital markets professionals not included in the JVB or CCFL lines below for 2011. In conjunction with the acquisition of PrinceRidge, we contributed substantially all of our capital markets professionals (with the exception of those within JVB and CCFL) to PrinceRidge. Therefore, the revenues earned from PrinceRidge during the period we owned them include the revenues earned by the capital markets professionals contributed.

 

     September 30,
2012
     September 30,
2011
     Change  

JVB

   $ 5,425       $ 5,254       $ 171   

PrinceRidge and other capital markets

     7,676         8,215         (539

CCFL

     568         539         29   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 13,669       $ 14,008       $ (339
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Our net trading revenue includes unrealized gains on our trading investments, as of the applicable measurement date, which may never be realized due to changes in market or other conditions not in our control that may adversely affect the ultimate value realized from our trading investments. In addition, our net trading revenue also includes realized gains on certain proprietary trading positions. Our ability to derive trading gains from trading positions is subject to overall market conditions. Due to volatility and uncertainty in the capital markets, the net trading revenue recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2012, may not be indicative of future results. Furthermore, some of the assets included in the investments-trading line of our consolidated balance sheets represent level 3 valuations within the FASB fair value hierarchy. Level 3 assets are carried at fair value based on estimates derived using internal valuation models and other estimates. See notes 5 and 6 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The fair value estimates made by the Company may not be indicative of the final sale price at which these assets may be sold.

Asset Management

Asset management fees increased by $3,169, or 60%, to $8,465 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 from $5,296 for the three months ended September 30, 2011, as discussed in more detail below. The following table provides a more detailed comparison of the two periods:

ASSET MANAGEMENT

(dollars in thousands)

 

     September 30,
2012
     September 30,
2011
     Change  

CDOs and related service agreements

   $ 8,254       $ 4,784       $ 3,470   

Other

     211         512         (301
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 8,465       $ 5,296       $ 3,169   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

CDOs

Asset management revenue from company-sponsored CDOs increased by $3,470 to $8,254 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 from $4,784 for the three months ended September 30, 2011. The following table summarizes the periods presented by asset class:

FEES EARNED BY ASSET CLASS

(dollars in thousands)

 

     September 30,
2012
     September 30,
2011
     Change  

TruPS and insurance company debt—U.S.

   $ 2,871       $ 2,991       $ (120

High grade and mezzanine ABS

     371         555         (184

TruPS and insurance company debt—Europe

     4,455         795         3,660   

Broadly syndicated loans—Europe

     557         443         114   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 8,254       $ 4,784       $ 3,470   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Asset management fees for TruPS and insurance company debt of U.S. companies decreased primarily because the average AUM in this asset class declined as a result of greater levels of deferrals, defaults, and prepayments of the underlying assets.

 

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On July 29, 2010, we entered into a Master Transaction Agreement pursuant to which we sold to a third party collateral management rights and responsibilities arising after the sale relating to the Alesco X through XVII securitizations. In connection with the Master Transaction Agreement, we entered into a three-year Services Agreement under which we provide and will continue to provide certain services to the third party purchaser. $4,664 of the cash received up front was recognized as deferred revenue and is amortized into revenue over the life of the Services Agreement. In addition, the Master Transaction Agreement calls for additional payments to be made to us on a quarterly basis through February 23, 2017, if the management fees earned by the third party exceed certain thresholds. It should be noted that the assets of the Alesco X through XVII securitizations are not included in our AUM disclosed in the table above as we are no longer the manager. However, we continue to generate revenue through the services agreement related to these securitizations.

During the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, we recognized $1,628 and $1,697, respectively, in revenue for the Alesco X through XVII securitizations, which is included in the TruPS and insurance company debt - U.S. in the table above. Of these amounts, $169 and $148 represent incentive payments received from the third party under the Master Transaction Agreement during the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Substantially all of our U.S. and European TruPS trusts have stopped paying subordinated management fees due to diversion of cash flow to pay down the senior notes of the securitization as a result of defaults within the securitization. In this case, we do not recognize revenue for unpaid subordinated fees. We will begin accruing the subordinated asset management fees again if payments resume and, in our estimate, continued payment by the trusts is reasonably assured. If payments resume in the future, but we are unsure of continued payment, we will recognize the subordinated asset management fee as payments are received and will not accrue the fee on a monthly basis. We do not anticipate that we will receive additional subordinated asset management fees in the near future.

Asset management fees for high grade and mezzanine ABS declined primarily because the average AUM in this asset class declined due to defaults of the underlying assets and liquidations of certain CDOs.

Asset management fees for TruPS and insurance company debt of European companies increased due to the receipt of a final CDO asset management fee for one of our European deals during the third quarter of 2012. This fee was earned in connection with the agreed upon resignation of CCFL as asset manager of such deal and CCFL agreeing to forego certain collateral manager rights, which were unique to this CDO, related to the auction provisions in such deal. This fee was approved by the relevant security holders of the CDO. This one-time final asset management fee more than offset declines in the underlying collateral balances as a result of lower foreign exchange rates, as well as the occurrence of prepayments and defaults. The total revenue recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2012 related to this one European CDO, including the final CDO asset management fee, was $3,824. No asset management revenue will be earned on this CDO going forward as a result of the resignation.

Asset management fees for broadly syndicated loans of Europe represent revenue from a single CLO. Prior to August 2012, we served only as the junior manager of this CLO and we shared the management fees evenly with the lead manager. In August, we became the lead manager (and remained as junior manager). Subsequent to becoming the manager, we earn all of the management fees related to this CLO. For the three months ended September 30, 2012, $140 represented fees earned as lead manager. The remaining amount represented fees earned as junior manager. See operating expenses - professional services and other operating below.

Other

Our other revenue was comprised of fees from separate accounts and other managed accounts. The net decrease of $301 from separate accounts and other was primarily due to a decrease of $236 in other fees and a decrease of $65 related to fees earned primarily from other separate accounts.

New Issue and Advisory Revenue

New issue and advisory revenue increased by $1,053, or 149%, to $1,758 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to $705 for the same period in 2011.

Our revenue earned from new issue and advisory has been, and we expect will continue to be, volatile. We earn revenue from a limited number of engagements. Therefore, a small change in the number of engagements can result in large fluctuations in the revenue recognized. Even if the number of engagements stays consistent, the average revenue per engagement can fluctuate considerably because of the small number of engagements. Finally, our revenue is generally earned when an underlying transaction closes (rather than on a monthly or quarterly basis). Therefore, the timing of underlying transactions increases the volatility of our revenue recognition.

Principal Transactions and Other Income

Principal transactions and other income increased by $3,305, or 380%, to $4,174 for the three months ended September 30, 2012, as compared to $869 for the three months ended September 30, 2011.

 

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Principal Transactions & Other Income

(dollars in thousands)

 

     September 30,
2012
    September 30,
2011
    Change  

Change in fair value of other investments, at fair value

   $ 1,683      $ 783      $ 900   

Gain on sale of cost method investment

     1,687        —          1,687   

Foreign currency

     (12     (326     314   

Dividend, interest, and other income

     816        412        404   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 4,174      $ 869      $ 3,305   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in fair value of other investments, at fair value

The increase in the change in fair value of other investments of $900 is comprised of the following:

 

     September 30,
2012
    September 30,
2011
    Change  

EuroDekania

   $ 268      $ (411   $ 679   

Star Asia

     1,626        2,443        (817

Yen Hedge

     (288     (1,273     985   

Tiptree (MFCA prior to June 23, 2011)

     52        (43     95   

Other

     25        67        (42
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,683      $ 783      $ 900   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2012, the change in the value of our investment in EuroDekania was entirely comprised of the change in the underlying NAV. During the second quarter of 2011, we acquired 353,244 additional shares of EuroDekania at an amount less than its underlying NAV. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, the change in the value of our investment in EuroDekania was comprised of an increase of $219 from the purchase of shares at an amount below the underlying NAV and a decrease of $630 from changes in the underlying NAV of EuroDekania.

Star Asia is an investment fund that, like any other investment fund, is exposed to changes in its value due to the performance of its underlying investments. The value of our investment in Star Asia has also been impacted by the following items: (a) in 2011, certain of Star Asia’s investments were impacted by the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster in Japan that occurred during the first quarter; and (b) Star Asia’s investments are primarily denominated in Japanese Yen and Star Asia itself does not hedge against currency fluctuations. The following table shows the change in the value of our investment in Star Asia and how it was impacted by these items:

 

     September 30,
2012
     September 30,
2011
    Change  

Foreign exchange

   $ 1,056       $ 3,200      $ (2,144

Earthquake, tsunami, nuclear disaster

     —           (620     620   

Underlying investment values, net

     570         (137     707   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,626       $ 2,443      $ (817
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Foreign exchange: These amounts represent the impact to fair value of our investment in Star Asia from currency fluctuations. This is because Star Asia’s investments are primarily denominated in Japanese Yen and Star Asia itself does not hedge against currency fluctuations. Accordingly, we are exposed to increases and decreases in the value of our investment in Star Asia that result from fluctuations of the Japanese Yen as compared to the U.S. Dollar. We may seek to minimize this risk by entering into a Yen hedge. However, our hedging activities could negatively impact our liquidity. That is, the hedge itself settles in cash on a periodic basis while our investment in Star Asia is comparatively illiquid. Therefore, we continuously consider the appropriate level for the Yen hedge, especially considering our overall corporate liquidity position. During the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, we had hedged a portion of our investment in Star Asia and recorded the gains or losses as a component of principal transactions. We may or may not enter into hedges in the future based on our corporate liquidity. Any un-hedged portion of our investment in Star Asia will continue to be exposed to currency fluctuations.

 

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As of September 30, 2012, our long exposure to Japanese Yen through our investment in Star Asia was 3.8 billion Yen (representing the total net Yen based assets of Star Asia multiplied by our ownership percentage of 27%). Our hedge was 1.0 billion Yen resulting in net long exposure of 2.8 billion Yen. The spot rate of the U.S. Dollar to Japanese Yen was 77.96 as of September 30, 2012, which means the un-hedged portion of our investment in Star Asia was $35.3 million. As of September 30, 2011, our long exposure to Japanese Yen was 4.3 billion Yen. Our hedge was 2.4 billion Yen, resulting in net long exposure of 1.9 billion Yen. The spot rate of U.S. Dollar to Japanese Yen was 76.86 as of September 30, 2011, which means our un-hedged portion of our investment in Star Asia was $25.3 million.

As of September 30, 2012, we had 80 outstanding foreign currency forward contracts with a notional amount of 12,500 Japanese Yen per contract. An unrealized loss of $42 was included in other investments, at fair value, in our consolidated balance sheets.

Earthquake, tsunami, nuclear disaster: During the three months ended September 30, 2011, certain of Star Asia’s investments were impacted by the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster in Japan that occurred during the first quarter of 2011.

Underlying investment values: This represents the impact to the fair value of our investment in Star Asia from changes in the underlying net investment values of Star Asia’s investments, net of debt, exclusive of the impact of foreign currency changes.

In June 2011, MFCA became a wholly owned subsidiary of Tiptree. We exchanged our 1,000,200 shares of MFCA for 111,133 shares of Tiptree. We carry our investment in Tiptree at the NAV of the underlying fund. We carried our investment in MFCA at the NAV of the underlying fund.

The change in other investments of $42 primarily related to the decrease in unrealized gains for the three months ended September 30, 2012, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011, of certain warrants and options the Company held as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

Gain on sale of cost method investment

During the three months ended September 30, 2012, we recognized a gain of $1,687 related to the sale of an equity interest in a private company that we were accounting for under the cost method.

Foreign currency

We earn certain revenues in Euros and U.K. Pounds Sterling; however, our functional currency is the U.S. Dollar. The foreign currency fluctuations are due to changes in the exchange rates between Euros, U.K. Pounds Sterling, and U.S. Dollars in the related periods. We have not hedged our foreign currency exposure related to management fees paid in Euros or U.K. Pounds Sterling to date.

Dividends, interest, and other

The change in dividend, interest and other income of $404 primarily related to (i) an increase in other income of $137 of revenue share from our revenue share arrangement related to NPPF 1; (ii) an increase in the amount of $181 in dividends and interest income received on our investments in other investments, at fair value; and (iii) an increase in the amount of $86 in miscellaneous income.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses decreased by $3,780, or 13%, to $24,910 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 from $28,690 for the three months ended September 30, 2011. The change was due to decreases of $2,915 in compensation and benefits; $898 in subscriptions, clearing, and execution; $422 in business development, occupancy, equipment; and $323 in depreciation and amortization; partially offset by an increase of $778 in professional fees and other operating expenses.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation and benefits decreased by $2,915, or 15%, to $16,484 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 from $19,399 for the three months ended September 30, 2011.

 

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COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

(dollars in thousands)

 

     September 30,
2012
    September 30,
2011
     Change  

Cash compensation and benefits

   $ 15,914      $ 17,856       $ (1,942

Compensation charge for payments to the CEO and board member of PrinceRidge and the former Chairman of the board of PrinceRidge

     2,104       —           2,104   

Equity-based compensation

     (1,534     1,543         (3,077
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 16,484      $ 19,399       $ (2,915
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash compensation and benefits in the table above is primarily comprised of salary, incentive compensation, and benefits. The decrease in cash compensation and benefits is primarily the result of a decrease in incentive compensation, which is tied to revenue and operating profitability. From time to time, the Company pays employees severance when they are terminated without cause. These severance payments are included within cash compensation in the table above.

On July 19, 2012, PrinceRidge and the Company entered into a Separation, Release and Repurchase Agreement with each of Michael T. Hutchins, the former CEO of PrinceRidge and member of the Board of Managers of PrinceRidge GP, and John P. Costas, the former Chairman of the Board of Managers of PrinceRidge GP, whereby (i) PrinceRidge repurchased all of the equity and profit units in PrinceRidge held by Messrs. Hutchins and Costas; (ii) Messrs. Hutchins and Costas resigned as employees of PrinceRidge and as members of the Board of Managers of PrinceRidge GP; (iii) Messrs. Hutchins and Costas agreed to forfeit all of their unvested equity awards from both PrinceRidge and IFMI; and (iv) Messrs. Hutchins and Costas withdrew as members of PrinceRidge GP and as partners of PrinceRidge Holdings. Daniel G. Cohen, the Company’s Chairman and CEO, was subsequent appointed as Chairman of the Board of Managers of PrinceRidge GP and CEO of PrinceRidge by the Board of Managers of PrinceRidge GP. PrinceRidge repurchased Mr. Costas’ and Mr. Hutchins’ equity and profit units for $8,234. PrinceRidge recorded compensation expense of $2,104 and a reduction of temporary equity of $6,130 related to the repurchase of these units. This payment is separately broken out in the table above.

Our total headcount decreased from 240 at September 30, 2011 to 204 at September 30, 2012.

Compensation and benefits includes equity-based compensation, which decreased by $3,077 to $(1,534) for the three months ended September 30, 2012 from $1,543 for the three months ended September 30, 2011. The decrease was comprised of (i) $253 which primarily represented IFMI stock awards granted to IFMI employees that were subsequently forfeited due to employees leaving the Company in 2012; (ii) $1,132 related to PrinceRidge membership unit grants and $1,587 related to IFMI stock grants that were subsequently forfeited primarily as a result of Mr. Hutchins and Mr. Costas leaving the Company; and (iii) $105 related to IFMI stock grants to employees of JVB that were subsequently forfeited primarily as a result of employees leaving the Company in 2012.

Business Development, Occupancy and Equipment

Business development, occupancy, and equipment decreased by $422, or 22%, to $1,520 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 from $1,942 for the three months ended September 30, 2011. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in rent expense of $485, partially offset by an increase in business development expenses, such as promotion, advertising, travel and entertainment of $60 and an increase in other expenses associated with occupancy and equipment of $3. Included in the rent expense for the three months ended September 30, 2011, was $459 of costs incurred by us in connection with the termination or subletting of office leases during the third quarter of 2011 as part of our cost saving measures following the acquisition of PrinceRidge. The decreases for the three months ended September 30, 2012, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011, are primarily due to our cost saving measures instituted following the acquisition of PrinceRidge in May 2011.

Subscriptions, Clearing, and Execution

Subscriptions, clearing, and execution decreased by $898, or 26%, to $2,602 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 from $3,500 for the three months ended September 30, 2011. The decrease included a decrease of $555 in subscriptions primarily due to a decrease in total subscriptions as a result of a decrease in headcount. The decrease in clearing and execution costs of $343 was primarily attributable to an overall decrease in trading volume.

 

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Professional Fees and Other Operating Expenses

Professional fees and other operating expenses increased by $778, or 24%, to $4,015 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 from $3,237 for the three months ended September 30, 2011. The increase included increases in consulting fees of $876 and in legal and professional fees of $249, partially offset by an overall net decrease of $347 in other costs. The increase in consulting fees was primarily due to certain upfront costs incurred in conjunction with becoming the lead manager for a CLO of broadly syndicated loans in Europe.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization decreased by $323, or 53%, to $289 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 from $612 for the three months ended September 30, 2011. The entire decline was due to a decrease in depreciation expense related to certain property and equipment that was fully depreciated prior to January 1, 2012.

Non-Operating Income and Expense

Interest Expense, net

Interest expense decreased by $414, or 32%, to $868 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 from $1,282 for the three months ended September 30, 2011. This decrease of $414 was comprised of (a) a decrease of $104 of interest incurred on our bank debt, which we paid off and terminated during the fourth quarter of 2011; (b) a decrease of $377 of interest incurred on the convertible senior notes primarily as the result of the redemption of the Old Notes in May 2012 and in July 2012; (c) an increase of $16 of interest incurred on the junior subordinated notes, due to an increase in the effective interest rate; (d) decrease of $6 of interest incurred on subordinated notes payable; (e) a decrease of $2 of interest income related to the reduction in the amount owed to withdrawing partners of PrinceRidge which is recorded as interest income; and (f) an increase of $55 related to the amortization of discount attributable to the contingent settlement payable. See notes 13 and 17 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Gain on Repurchase of Debt

In September 2012, the Company repurchased $1,177 principal amount of subordinated notes payable from an unrelated third party for $1,139, including accrued cash interest and paid in-kind interest of $50. The Company recognized a gain from repurchase of debt of $83, net of expenses, which was included as a separate component of non-operating income / (expense) in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. See note 20 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

We did not repurchase any debt in the three month period ended September 30, 2011.

Income / (Loss) from Equity Method Affiliates

Income from equity method affiliates decreased by $191, or 23%, to $647 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 from $838 for the three months ended September 30, 2011. Income or loss from equity method affiliates represents our share of the related entities’ earnings. As of September 30, 2011, we had seven equity method investees: (i) Star Asia Manager; (ii) Deep Value GP; (iii) Deep Value GP II; (iv) Star Asia SPV; (v) Star Asia Opportunity; (vi) Star Asia Capital Management; and (vii) Duart Capital. As of September 30, 2012, we had seven equity method investees: (i) Star Asia Manager; (ii) Deep Value GP; (iii) Deep Value GP II; (iv) Star Asia SPV; (v) Star Asia Opportunity; (vi) Star Asia Capital Management; and (vii) Star Asia Opportunity II. See notes 9 and 20 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Income Tax Expense / (Benefit)

The income tax benefit decreased by $625 to income tax expense of $54 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 from an income tax benefit of $571 for the three months ended September 30, 2011.

As of September 30, 2012, we had substantial net operating loss and net capital loss carry-forwards in the U.S., in the states where we have done business, and in the U.K. As a result, the tax expense realized by us during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, was primarily the result of French income tax incurred in our French subsidiary.

The tax benefit realized by us during the three months ended September 30, 2011 was a result of the book loss during the first nine months of 2011. We had recorded a tax benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 for the U.S. federal and state net operating losses to the extent that the deferred tax liabilities were scheduled to reverse during the carry-forward periods available for U.S. federal and various U.S. state jurisdictions. Accordingly, we booked a tax benefit representing the increase in the deferred tax asset for net operating losses incurred during 2011 (net of related valuation allowance).

 

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See note 23 to the December 31, 2011 consolidated financial statements of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more complete description of the Company’s tax attributes and unrecognized tax benefits.

Net Income / (Loss) Attributable to the Non-controlling Interest

Net income / (loss) attributable to the non-controlling interest for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 includes the 32.6% non-controlling interest and the 33.7% non-controlling interest, respectively, related to member interests in the Operating LLC, other than interests held by us for the relevant periods. In addition, net income / (loss) attributable to the non-controlling interest also includes the redeemable non-controlling interest related to partnership interests in PrinceRidge other than interests held by us for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011. PrinceRidge was acquired by us effective May 31, 2011. On October 5, 2012, PrinceRidge entered into the Separation Agreements with the Separated Employees to repurchase their outstanding equity interests in PrinceRidge. See note 22 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q following the repurchase of the Separated Employees’ outstanding equity interests in PrinceRidge, the Operating LLC owned 98% of PrinceRidge.

Summary calculation of non-controlling interest - Three Months Ended September 30, 2012

 

     Wholly owned
subsidiaries
     Majority
owned
subsidiaries
    Total
Operating
LLC
    IFMI      Consolidated  

Net income / (loss) before tax

   $ 4,452       $ (1,434   $ 3,018      $ —         $ 3,018   

Income tax expense

     —           —          54        —           54   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income / (loss) after tax

     4,452         (1,434     2,964        —           2,964   

Majority owned subsidiary non-controlling interest

        (11     (11     
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

      

Net income / (loss) attributable to the Operating LLC

     4,452         (1,423     2,975        

Average Effective Operating LLC non-controlling interest (1)%

          32.50     
       

 

 

      

Operating LLC non-controlling interest

          967        

Majority owned subsidiary non-controlling interest

          (11     
       

 

 

      

Total non-controlling interest

        $ 956        
       

 

 

      

Summary calculation of non-controlling interest - Three Months Ended September 30, 2011

 

     Wholly owned
subsidiaries
    Majority
owned
subsidiaries
    Total
Operating
LLC
    IFMI     Consolidated  

Net loss before tax

   $ (3,107   $ (5,149   $ (8,256   $ —        $ (8,256

Income tax benefit

     —          —          (86     (485     (571
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income / (loss) after tax

     (3,107     (5,149     (8,170     485        (7,685

Majority owned subsidiary non-controlling interest

       (1,335     (1,335    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Net loss attributable to the Operating LLC

     (3,107     (3,814     (6,835    

Average effective Operating LLC non-controlling interest (1)%

         33.72    
      

 

 

     

Operating LLC non-controlling interest

         (2,305    

Majority owned subsidiary non-controlling interest

         (1,335    
      

 

 

     

Total non-controlling interest

       $ (3,640    
      

 

 

     

 

(1)

Non-controlling interest is recorded on a monthly basis. Because earnings are recognized unevenly throughout the year and the non-controlling interest percentage may change during the period, the average effective non-controlling interest percentage may not equal the percentage at the end of any period or the simple average of the beginning and ending percentages.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity is a measurement of our ability to meet potential cash requirements including ongoing commitments to repay debt borrowings, make interest payments on outstanding borrowings, fund investments, and support other general business purposes. In addition, our United States and United Kingdom broker-dealer subsidiaries are subject to certain regulatory requirements to maintain minimum levels of net capital. Historically, our primary sources of funds have been our operating activities and general corporate borrowings. In addition, our trading operations have generally been financed by use of collateralized securities financing arrangements as well as margin loans. Since January 2010, we significantly expanded our trading operations leading to a greater amount of securities owned as well as greater balances of securities purchased under agreements to resell and securities sold under agreements to repurchase.

As a holding company that does not conduct business operations in its own right, substantially all of the assets of the Company are comprised of our majority ownership interest in the Operating LLC. Substantially all of our subsidiaries are subject to restrictions on paying distributions to us.

In this regard, effective September 30, 2012, the Company’s investment in PrinceRidge of $37,174 is subject to withdrawal restrictions as a result of the Operating LLC’s investment in PrinceRidge. Distributions from PrinceRidge to the Operating LLC are governed by the PrinceRidge partnership agreement. In general, the agreement calls for annual distributions equal to one half of the net income of PrinceRidge. However, the board of PrinceRidge GP can decide to forgo these distributions or to pay distributions in excess of this amount with the approval of the board. Each member/partner of PrinceRidge has the ability to borrow up to 30% of their investment from PrinceRidge. The member must provide 45 days notice of such borrowing and PrinceRidge must determine that the loan would not cause material harm to it. The borrowing member must pay 10% interest on this borrowing and the borrowing may only be outstanding for one year. Each partner may exercise this right to borrow once every two year period.

In May 2012, the Operating LLC borrowed $8,000 from PrinceRidge. The loan bears interest at 10% and will mature on May 2, 2013. Under the terms of this loan, IFMI will pay interest on the unpaid balance of the loan’s principal amount quarterly. Pursuant to the loan, in order to secure all of IFMI’s obligations thereunder, IFMI granted to PrinceRidge a first priority security interest in all of IFMI’s right, title, and interest in and to 100% of IFMI’s capital account in PrinceRidge and 100% of IFMI’s units in PrinceRidge (collectively, the “Collateral”). Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default (as defined in the loan), subject to certain rights of IFMI to cure such default, PrinceRidge may declare the principal, interest and all other amounts owing under the loan to be immediately due and payable, and may exercise all of its rights and remedies against the Collateral. The loan may be prepaid in whole or in part at any time and from time to time without premium, penalty or fee, together with interest accrued on the amount prepaid to the date of any such prepayment.

On October 5, 2012, PrinceRidge entered into the Separation Agreements with the Separated Employees to repurchase their outstanding equity interests in PrinceRidge. See note 22 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. As a result of the execution of the Separation Agreements, the Board of Managers of PrinceRidge GP was reduced to three members, all of whom are designated by the Operating LLC. If PrinceRidge were to declare a distribution after October 5, 2012, but prior to the full repayment of the Notes to the Separated Employees (which are due in December 2012), the Separated Employees can require a pro rata repayment of their Notes. Other than this temporary restriction, effective October 5, 2012, the Operating LLC effectively controls the amount and timing of distributions from PrinceRidge. Following the repurchase of the Separated Employees outstanding equity interests in PrinceRidge, the Operating LLC owned 98% of PrinceRidge.

On May 15, 2012, the holders of $10,110 aggregate principal amount of the Old Notes exercised the option to require us to repurchase their Old Notes. The remaining $100 aggregate principal amount of the Old Notes were called by us and redeemed for cash on July 5, 2012. See Liquidity and Capital Resources - Debt Financing and Liquidity and Capital Resources - Contractual Obligations below.

On July 19, 2012, PrinceRidge and the Company entered into a Separation, Release and Repurchase Agreement with each of Michael T. Hutchins, the former CEO of PrinceRidge and member of the Board of Managers of PrinceRidge GP, and John P. Costas, the former Chairman of the Board of Managers of PrinceRidge GP, whereby (i) PrinceRidge repurchased all of the equity and profit units in PrinceRidge held by Messrs. Hutchins and Costas; (ii) Messrs. Hutchins and Costas resigned as employees of PrinceRidge and as members of the Board of Managers of PrinceRidge GP; (iii) Messrs. Hutchins and Costas agreed to forfeit all of their unvested equity awards from both PrinceRidge and IFMI; and (iv) Messrs. Hutchins and Costas withdrew as members of PrinceRidge GP and as partners of PrinceRidge Holdings. Daniel G. Cohen, the Company’s Chairman and CEO, was subsequent appointed as Chairman of the Board of Managers of PrinceRidge GP and CEO of PrinceRidge by the Board of Managers of PrinceRidge GP. PrinceRidge repurchased Mr. Costas’ and Mr. Hutchins’ equity and profit units for $8,234. PrinceRidge recorded compensation expense of $2,104 and a reduction of temporary equity of $6,130 related to the repurchase of these units.

 

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Our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders will be dependent on distributions we receive from the Operating LLC and subject to the Operating LLC’s operating agreement. The amount and timing of distributions by the Operating LLC will be at the discretion of the Operating LLC’s board of managers.

During the third quarter of 2010, our board of directors initiated a dividend of $0.05 per quarter, which was paid regularly through December 31, 2011. The Company declared a $0.02 dividend for the first, second, third, and fourth quarters of 2012. The Company’s board of directors has the power to decide to increase, reduce, or eliminate dividends in the future. The board’s decision will depend on a variety of factors, including business, financial, and regulatory considerations as well as any limitations under Maryland law or imposed by any agreements governing indebtedness of the Company. There can be no assurances that such dividends will be maintained or increased and, if maintained or increased, will not subsequently be discontinued.

Each time a cash dividend was declared by our board of directors, a pro rata distribution was made to the other members of the Operating LLC upon the payment of dividends to stockholders of the Company.

We filed a Registration Statement on Form S-3 on April 29, 2010, which was declared effective by the SEC on May 24, 2010. This registration statement enables us to offer and sell, in the aggregate, up to $300,000 of debt securities, preferred stock (either separately or represented by depositary shares), or Common Stock (including, if applicable, any associated preferred stock purchase rights, subscription rights, stock purchase contracts, stock purchase units and warrants, as well as units that include any of these securities). The debt securities, preferred stock, subscription rights, stock purchase contracts, stock purchase units and warrants may be convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock or preferred stock of IFMI. We may offer and sell these securities separately or together, in any combination with other securities. The registration statement provides another source of liquidity in addition to the alternatives already in place. The net proceeds from a sale of our securities may be used for our operations and for other general corporate purposes including, but not limited to, capital expenditures, repayment or refinancing of borrowings, working capital, investments, and acquisitions.

Cash Flows

We have four primary uses for capital:

(1) To fund the operations of our capital markets segment: Our capital markets segment utilizes capital (i) to fund securities inventory to facilitate client trading activities; (ii) for risk trading on the firm’s own account; (iii) to fund our collateralized securities lending activities; (iv) for temporary capital needs associated with underwriting activities; (v) to fund business expansion into existing or new product lines; and (vi) to fund any operating losses incurred.

(2) To fund investments: Our investments take several forms, including investments in securities and “sponsor investments” in permanent capital vehicles or investment funds. We may need to raise additional debt or equity financing in order to ensure we have the capital necessary to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities.

(3) To fund mergers or acquisitions: We may opportunistically use capital to acquire other asset managers or individual asset management contracts or financial services firms. To the extent our liquidity sources are insufficient to fund our future activities, we may need to raise additional funding through an equity or debt offering. No assurances can be given that additional financing will be available in the future, or that, if available, such financing will be on favorable terms.

(4) To fund potential dividends and distributions: During the third quarter of 2010 and for each subsequent quarter through September 30, 2012, we have declared a dividend. A pro rata distribution has been paid to the other members of the Operating LLC upon the payment of any dividends to stockholders of IFMI.

If we are unable to raise sufficient capital on economically favorable terms, we may need to reduce the amount of capital invested for the uses described above, which may adversely impact earnings and our ability to pay dividends.

 

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As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we maintained cash and cash equivalents of $12,876 and $18,221, respectively. We generated cash from or used cash for the following activities:

SUMMARY CASH FLOW INFORMATION

(dollars in thousands)

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2012     2011  

Cash flow from operating activities

   $ 9,676      $ 239   

Cash flow from investing activities

     4,213        (10,332

Cash flow from financing activities

     (19,352     (8,345

Effect of exchange rate on cash

     118        125   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flow

     (5,345     (18,313

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning

     18,221        43,946   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, ending

   $ 12,876      $ 25,633   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See the statement of cash flows in our consolidated financial statements. We believe our available cash and cash equivalents as well as our investment in our trading portfolio, will provide sufficient liquidity to meet the cash needs of our ongoing operations in the near term.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012

As of September 30, 2012, our cash and cash equivalents were $12,876, representing a net decrease of $5,345 from December 31, 2011. The decrease was attributable to the cash provided by operating activities of $9,676, the cash provided by investing activities of $4,213, the cash used for financing activities of $19,352, and the effect of the increase of the exchange rate on cash of $118.

The cash provided by operating activities of $9,676 was comprised of (a) net cash outflows of $1,627 related to working capital fluctuations primarily comprised of net outflows of $1,814 related to a decrease in accounts payable and other liabilities offset by other working capital fluctuations; (b) $16,877 of net cash inflows from trading activities comprised of our investments-trading, trading securities sold, not yet purchased, securities sold under agreement to repurchase, and receivables and payables from brokers, dealers, and clearing agencies, as well as the changes in unrealized gains and losses on the investments-trading and trading securities sold, but not yet purchased; and (c) a net cash outflow from other earnings items of $5,574 (which represents net income or loss adjusted for the following non-cash operating items: gain on repurchase of debt, realized and unrealized gains and losses on other investments, income or loss from equity method affiliates, equity-based compensation, and depreciation and amortization).

The cash provided in investing activities of $4,213 was comprised of (a) cash received of $7,325 from our equity method affiliates, Star Asia Manager, Star Asia SPV, Star Asia Opportunity, and Star Asia Capital Management (See note 9 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q); (b) cash proceeds from the return of principal of $30 from our investments in certain residential loans and $18 from the sale of a certain residential loan; (c) cash proceeds from the sale of a cost method investment of $1,937; partially offset by (d) the purchase of additional furniture and leasehold improvements of $101; (e) the investment of $6 in the equity method affiliate Star Asia Capital Management and the investment of $4,700 in the equity method affiliate Star Asia Opportunity II; and (f) the purchase of other investments of $290, primarily related to foreign currency forward contracts.

The cash used in financing activities of $19,352 was comprised of (a) the repurchase of $150 notional amount of Old Notes for $147; (b) the redemption of $10,210 notional amount of the Old Notes for $10,210; (c) the purchase of $1,177 principal amount of subordinated notes payable for $1,089; (d) distributions to mandatorily redeemable equity interests of $790; (e) distributions to the non-controlling interest holders of $315; (f) dividends to the Company’s stockholders of $646; (g) the net redemption of the redeemable non-controlling interest of $6,152 to withdrawing partners from PrinceRidge (see note 13 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q); and (h) the payment of $3 for employees’ tax obligations to taxing authorities related to the vesting of equity based awards. In the case of (h), the total shares withheld were determined based on the value of the restricted stock award on the applicable vesting date based on the closing price of the Company’s Common Stock. These net share settlements reduced and retired the number of shares that would have otherwise been issued as a result of the vesting and did not represent an expense to the Company.

 

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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011

As of September 30, 2011, our cash and cash equivalents were $25,633, representing a net decrease of $18,313 from December 31, 2010. The decrease was attributable to the cash provided by operating activities of $239 and the effect of the increase in the exchange rate on cash of $125, partially offset by the cash used for investing activities of $10,332 and the cash used for financing activities of $8,345.

The cash provided by operating activities of $239 was comprised of (a) net outflows of $8,028 related to working capital fluctuations primarily comprised of net outflows of $8,704 related to a decrease in accrued compensation payable offset by other working capital fluctuations; (b) $17,953 of net cash inflows from investments in our overall net trading activities comprised of our investments-trading, trading securities sold, not yet purchased, securities sold under agreement to repurchase, and receivables and payables from brokers, dealers, and clearing agencies and restricted cash on deposit which is related to various trading activities as well as the unrealized gains and losses on the investments-trading and trading securities sold, but not yet purchased; and (c) a decrease in cash generated from other earnings items of $9,686 (which represents net income or loss adjusted for the following non-cash operating items: realized and unrealized gains and losses on other investments, income or loss from equity method affiliates, equity-based compensation, and depreciation and amortization).

The cash used in investing activities of $10,332 was comprised of (a) the cash consideration paid, net of cash acquired, for the acquisition of JVB of $14,956; (b) the investment of $4,723 in equity method affiliates related to Duart Capital, Star Asia SPV, Star Asia Opportunity, and Star Asia Capital; (c) the purchase of other investments, at fair value of $2,943, specifically the purchase of additional shares of Star Asia in the amount of $226 directly from unrelated third parties during the first quarter of 2011, the purchase of additional shares of EuroDekania in the amount of $533, and the purchase of other investments, which consisted primarily of the Japanese Yen currency forward contract of $2,184; (d) the purchase of additional furniture and leasehold improvements of $368 related to the New York and Philadelphia offices and the CCFL office in the United Kingdom partially offset by (e) cash proceeds from the return of principal of $3,887, which was comprised of $3,821 from our investment in the Duart Fund, $19 from the final liquidation of the first Deep Value fund, and $47 from our investments in certain residential loans; (f) cash received of $93 from the sale of certain investments in securitizations that were classified as other investments, at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets; (g) cash of $6,529 we received from equity method affiliates Deep Value GP, Star Asia Manager, and Star Asia SPV; and (h) the cash acquired in the acquisition of PrinceRidge of $2,149.

The cash used in financing activities of $8,345 was comprised of (a) the repayment of $4,068 of outstanding borrowings under our secured credit facility entered into on July 29, 2010 between our subsidiary, Dekania Investors, LLC, and T.D. Bank, N.A. (the “2010 Credit Facility”), which was subsequently paid in full and terminated by the Company during the fourth quarter of 2011; (b) the payment of deferred issuance and financing costs of $264 related to the exchange of $7,621 principal amount of the Old Notes for the New Notes; (c) distributions to the non-controlling interest holders of $791; (d) dividends to the Company’s stockholders of $1,603; and (e) the payment of $107 for the redemption of the membership units of the Operating LLC by one of the non-controlling interest holders; (f) the acquisition of common stock for treasury of $1,457; and (g) $55 for the payment of the employees’ tax obligations to taxing authorities related to the vesting of equity based awards and the surrender of 16,236 shares of the Company’s Common Stock. In the case of (g), the total shares withheld were determined based on the value of the restricted stock award on the applicable vesting date based on the closing price of the Company’s Common Stock. These net share settlements reduced and retired the number of shares that would have otherwise been issued as a result of the vesting and did not represent an expense to the Company.

Regulatory Capital Requirements

Four of our majority owned subsidiaries are licensed securities dealers in the United States and the United Kingdom. As broker-dealers, our subsidiaries, CCS, JVB, and TPRG, are subject to Uniform Net Capital Rule, Rule 15c3-1 under the Exchange Act, and our London-based subsidiary, CCFL, is subject to the regulatory supervision and requirements of the FSA in the United Kingdom. The amount of net assets that these subsidiaries may distribute is subject to restrictions under these applicable net capital rules. These subsidiaries have historically operated in excess of minimum net capital requirements. Our minimum capital requirements at September 30, 2012, which amounted to $2,700, were as follows:

MINIMUM NET CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

(dollars in thousands)

 

United States

   $ 772   

United Kingdom

     1,928   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 2,700   
  

 

 

 

 

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With the exception of CCS, we operate with more than the minimum regulatory capital requirement in our licensed broker-dealers and at September 30, 2012, the total net capital, or equivalent as defined by the relevant statutory regulations, in our licensed broker-dealers amounted to $28,127. See note 15 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

In addition, our licensed broker-dealers are generally subject to capital withdrawal notification and restrictions.

Securities Financing

We maintain repurchase agreements with various third party financial institutions. There is no maximum limit as to the amount of securities that may be transferred pursuant to these agreements, and transactions are approved on a case-by-case basis. The repurchase agreements do not include substantive provisions other than those covenants and other customary provisions contained in standard master repurchase agreements. The repurchase agreements generally require us to transfer additional securities to the counterparty in the event the value of the securities then held by the counterparty in the margin account falls below specified levels and contains events of default in cases where we breach our obligations under the agreement. We receive margin calls from our repurchase agreement counterparties from time to time in the ordinary course of business. To date, we have maintained sufficient liquidity to meet margin calls, and we have never been unable to satisfy a margin call; however, no assurance can be given that we will be able to satisfy requests from our counterparties to post additional collateral in the future. See note 8 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

If there were an event of default under the repurchase agreements, we would give our counterparty the option to terminate all repurchase transactions existing with us and make any amount due from us to the counterparty payable immediately. Repurchase obligations are full recourse obligations to us. If we were to default under a repurchase obligation, the counterparty would have recourse to our other assets if the collateral was not sufficient to satisfy the obligation in full.

The Company’s clearing brokers provide securities financing arrangements including margin arrangements and securities borrowing and lending arrangements. These arrangements generally require us to transfer additional securities or cash to the clearing broker in the event the value of the securities then held by the clearing broker in the margin account falls below specified levels and contains events of default in cases where we breach our obligations under the agreements.

An event of default under the clearing agreement would give our counterparty the option to terminate our clearing arrangement. Any amounts owed to the clearing broker would be immediately due and payable. These obligations are recourse to us. Furthermore, a termination of our clearing arrangements would result in a significant disruption to our business and would have a significant negative impact on our dealings and relationships with our customers.

The following table presents our period end balance, average monthly balance, and maximum balance at any month end during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 for receivables under resale agreements and securities sold under agreements to repurchase.

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
 
     2012      2011  

Receivables under Resale Agreements

     

Period end

   $ 153,039       $ 129,978   

Monthly average

     198,617         111,904   

Maximum month end

     262,789         158,099   

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

     

Period end

   $ 153,173       $ 134,870   

Monthly average

     198,759         104,984   

Maximum month end

     260,084         178,998   

Fluctuations in the balance of our repurchase agreements from period to period and intraperiod are dependent on business activity in those periods. The general growth in outstanding repurchase activity in 2012 and 2011 is reflective of supporting our overall business growth, particularly the continued expansion of our sales and trading platform. The fluctuations in the balances of our securities purchased under agreements to resell over the periods presented is impacted in any given period by our clients’ desires to execute collateralized financing arrangements through the repurchase market or other financing products.

 

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Average balances and period end balances will fluctuate based on market and liquidity conditions and we consider such intraperiod fluctuations as typical for the repurchase market. Month-end balances may be higher or lower than average period balances.

Debt Financing

As of September 30, 2012, we had three sources of debt financing other than securities financing arrangements: (1) contingent convertible senior notes, which is comprised of the New Notes; (2) junior subordinated notes payable to the following two special purpose trusts: (a) Alesco Capital Trust I and (b) Sunset Financial Statutory Trust I; and (3) unsecured subordinated financing.

In March 2012, we repurchased $150 aggregate principal amount of the Old Notes from unrelated third parties for $147, excluding accrued interest, and recognized a gain on repurchase of debt of $3. On May 15, 2012, the holders of $10,110 aggregate principal amount of the Old Notes exercised the option to require us to repurchase their Old Notes. We paid $10,110 in cash and funded the repurchase with borrowings of $8,000 under a loan from PrinceRidge and from cash on hand. The remaining $100 aggregate principal amount of the Old Notes were called by us and redeemed for cash on July 5, 2012. In September 2012, we repurchased $1,177 principal amount of subordinated notes payable from an unrelated third party for $1,089 excluding accrued interest and paid in kind interest, and we recognized a gain on repurchase of debt of $83, net of expenses. As of September 30, 2012, we were in compliance with the covenants in our debt financing documents. See note 12 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a discussion of the Company’s outstanding debt.

The following table summarizes the Company’s long-term indebtedness and other financing as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

DETAIL OF DEBT FINANCING SOURCES

(dollars in thousands)

 

    As of September 30, 2012  

Description

  Current
Outstanding Par
    Carrying Value     Interest
Rate
Terms
    Weighted
Average
Interest (5)
    Weighted
Average
Maturity
 

Contingent convertible senior notes:

         

New Notes

  $ 8,121      $ 8,058        10.5     10.5     May 2014 (1) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

       

Junior subordinated notes:

         

Alesco Capital Trust I

  $ 28,125 (2)      10,081        4.4 %(6)      4.4     July 2037   

Sunset Financial Statutory Trust I

    20,000 (2)      7,170        4.5     4.5     March 2035   
 

 

 

   

 

 

       
  $ 48,125 (2)      17,251         
 

 

 

   

 

 

       

Subordinated notes payable

  $ 337        337        12.0 %(3)      12.0     June 2013   
   

 

 

       

Total

    $ 25,646         
   

 

 

       
    As of December 30, 2011  

Contingent convertible senior notes:

         

Old Notes

  $ 10,360      $ 10,303        7.6     7.6     July 2012 (4) 

New Notes

    8,121        8,030        10.5     10.5     May 2014 (1) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

       
  $ 18,481        18,333         
 

 

 

   

 

 

       

Junior subordinated notes:

         

Alesco Capital Trust I

  $ 28,125 (3)      10,404        9.5     9.5     July 2037   

Sunset Financial Statutory Trust I

    20,000 (3)      6,939        4.7     4.7     March 2035   
 

 

 

   

 

 

       
  $ 48,125 (3)      17,343         
 

 

 

   

 

 

       

Subordinated notes payable

  $ 1,491        1,491        12.0 %(3)      12.0     June 2013   
   

 

 

       

Total

    $ 37,167         
   

 

 

       

 

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(1) Represents the holders’ earliest redemption date. The weighted average contractual maturity for the New Notes is May 2027.

We may redeem all or part of the $8,121 aggregate principal amount of the New Notes for cash on or after May 20, 2014, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the New Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, to, but excluding, the repurchase date. The holders of the New Notes may require us to repurchase all or a portion of the New Notes for cash on May 15, 2014; May 15, 2017; and May 15, 2022 for a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the New Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, to, but excluding, the repurchase date. The holders of the New Notes are required to provide notice to us of their plan to redeem the notes at any time during the 30 days prior to May 15, 2014; May 15, 2017; and May 15, 2022.

 

(2) We issued total par of junior subordinated notes of $49,614. These junior subordinated notes are held by two separate VIE trusts. We do not consolidate these trusts. We hold $1,489 par value of these junior subordinated notes, comprised of $870 par value of junior subordinated notes related to Alesco Capital Trust I and $619 par value of junior subordinated notes related to Sunset Financial Statutory Trust I. These notes held by us have a carrying value of $0. Therefore, the net par value held by third parties is $48,125.
(3) Comprised of 9% paid currently and 3% paid in-kind.
(4) The Old Notes had a weighted average put date maturity of May 2012. We redeemed the remaining $100 principal amount of the Old Notes for cash on July 5, 2012.
(5) Weighted average interest rate is calculated as a percentage of par using the rates in effect as of the last day of the reporting period.
(6) Effective July 31, 2012, the interest rate on Alesco Capital Trust 1 changed from a fixed rate of 9.5% to a variable rate based on LIBOR. It will remain variable until maturity.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

AFN invested in a CDO (Alesco XIV) in which Assured Guaranty (“Assured”) was providing credit support to the senior interests in securitizations. Alesco XIV made a loan (the “Guaranteed Loan”) to a particular borrower and AFN entered into an arrangement with Assured whereby AFN agreed to make payments to Assured upon the occurrence of both (i) a loss on the Guaranteed Loan; and (ii) a loss suffered by Assured on its overall credit support arrangement to Alesco XIV security holders. This arrangement is accounted for as a guarantee by us. Upon completion of the Merger, we recorded a liability of $1,084 related to this arrangement which is included in accounts payable and other liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. This amount does not represent the expected loss; rather it represents our estimate of the fair value of our guarantee (i.e. the amount we would have to pay a third party to assume this obligation). The value will be adjusted under certain limited circumstances such as: (i) when the guarantee is extinguished or (ii) if payment of amounts under the guarantee become probable and estimable. The maximum potential loss to us on this arrangement is $8,750. Under certain circumstances, Assured can require us to post liquid collateral.

Contractual Obligations

The table below summarizes our significant contractual obligations as of September 30, 2012 and the future periods in which such obligations are expected to be settled in cash. Our junior subordinated notes and subordinated notes payable are assumed to be repaid on their respective maturity dates. The New Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $8,121 are assumed to be repaid on May 15, 2014, which represents the earliest day that the holders of the New Notes may require us to repurchase the notes for cash. Excluded from the table are obligations that are short-term in nature, including trading liabilities and repurchase agreements. In addition, excluded from the table is an unrecognized tax benefit of $1,231 because we are unable, at this time, to make a reasonably reliable estimate of the period of cash settlement. See note 23 to our consolidated financial statements included in the 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information about the unrecognized tax benefit.

 

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CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

As of September 30, 2012

(dollars in thousands)

 

     Payment Due by Period  
     Total      Less than
1 year
     1-3
Years
     3-5
Years
     More Than
5 Years
 

Operating lease arrangements

   $ 5,592       $ 2,195       $ 3,160       $ 237       $ —     

Maturity of the New Notes (1)

     8,121         —           8,121         —           —     

Interest on the New Notes (1)

     1,706         853         853         —           —     

Maturities on junior subordinated notes

     48,125         —           —           —           48,125   

Interest on junior subordinated notes (2)

     50,935         2,128         4,255         4,255         40,297   

Maturities of subordinated notes payable (3)

     347         347         —           —           —     

Interest on subordinated notes payable (4)

     31         31         —           —           —     

Mandatorily redeemable equity interests (5)

     7,839         7,757         82         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 122,696       $ 13,311       $ 16,471       $ 4,492       $ 88,422   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Assumes the New Notes are repurchased on May 15, 2014. Interest includes amounts payable during the period the New Notes are outstanding at an annual rate of 10.50%.
(2) The interest on the junior subordinated notes related to the Alesco Capital Trust is variable. The interest rate of 4.3585% (based on a 90-day LIBOR rate as of September 30, 2012 plus 4.00%) was used to compute the contractual interest payment in each period noted. The interest on the junior subordinated notes related to the Sunset Financial Statutory Trust is variable. The interest rate of 4.5085% (based on a 90-day LIBOR rate as of September 30, 2012 plus 4.15%) was used to compute the contractual interest payment in each period noted.
(3) The subordinated notes payable mature on June 20, 2013 and bear interest at an annual rate of 12% (9% is payable in cash and 3% is paid in-kind semiannually on May 1 and November 1). Maturities include in-kind interest of $34. All accrued in-kind interest is added to the unpaid principal balance of the subordinated notes payable on each May 1 and November 1, and thereafter the increased principal balance accrues interest at the annual rate of 12%.
(4) Represents the cash interest payable on the outstanding balance of the subordinated notes payable in each period noted.
(5) The total balance as of September 30, 2012 is $8,368. The amounts shown in the above table take into account the negotiated repurchase of outstanding equity interests that are described in note 22 in the consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which occurred in October 2012. The difference between the amounts shown above of $7,839 and the balance as of September 30, 2012 of $8,368 is $529. This amount represents the discounted value of the agreed upon repurchase price as compared to the capital balances as of September 30, 2012. The $529 discount will be recognized as income in the quarter ended December 31, 2012. After the repurchase of these interests, there remains $82 of mandatorily redeemable equity interests representing the balance owed to one partner that is required to be paid over three years. The amount actually due to this partner may fluctuate based on the income or loss allocation to that partner.

We believe that we will be able to continue to fund our current operations and meet our contractual obligations through a combination of existing cash resources and other sources of credit. Due to the uncertainties that exist in the economy, we cannot be certain that we will be able to replace existing financing or find sources of additional financing in the future.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

The following is a list of recent accounting pronouncements that we believe will have a continuing impact on our financial statements going forward.

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (“ASU 2011-11”), which requires companies to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on a company’s financial position. The amendments require enhanced disclosures by requiring improved information about financial statements and derivative instruments that are either (1) offset in accordance with current literature, or (2) subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement, irrespective of whether they are offset in accordance with current literature. ASU 2011-11 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The disclosures required by ASU 2011-11 will be applied retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2011-11 on its disclosures about offsetting assets and liabilities.

 

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In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU No. 2012-02, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment (“ASU 2012-02”), which provides an option for companies to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If a company concludes that it is not more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, then the company is not required to take further action. However, if a company concludes otherwise, then it is required to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset and perform the quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value with the carrying amount in accordance with Subtopic 350-30. A company also has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any indefinite-lived intangible asset in any period and proceed directly to performing the quantitative assessment in any subsequent period. The Company will adopt the provisions of ASU 2012-02 effective January 1, 2013 and is currently evaluating the effect of the adoption on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our accounting policies are essential to understanding and interpreting the financial results reported in our condensed consolidated financial statements. The significant accounting policies used in the preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements are summarized in note 3 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements and notes thereto found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. Certain of those policies are considered to be particularly important to the presentation of our financial results because they require us to make assumptions and estimates about future events, and apply judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and the related disclosures. We base our assumptions, estimates and judgments on historical experience, current trends and other factors that management believes to be relevant at the time our consolidated financial statements are prepared. On a regular basis, management reviews the accounting policies, assumptions, estimates and judgments to ensure that our financial statements are presented fairly and in accordance with U.S. GAAP. However, because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our assumptions and estimates, and such differences could be material.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, there were no material changes to matters discussed under the heading “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” in Part II, Item 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

All amounts in this section are in thousands unless otherwise noted.

Market Risk

Market risk is the risk of economic loss arising from the adverse impact of market changes to the market value of our trading and investment positions. Market risk is inherent to both derivative and non-derivative financial instruments, and accordingly, the scope of our market risk management procedures extends beyond derivatives to include all market risk sensitive financial instruments. For purposes of analyzing the components of market risk, we have broken out our investment portfolio into three broad categories:

Fixed Income Securities: We hold, from time to time, the following securities: U.S. treasury securities, U.S. government agency MBS, U.S government agency debt securities, CMOs, non-government MBS, corporate bonds, non-redeemable and redeemable preferred stock, municipal bonds, certificates of deposits, SBA loans, residential loans, whole loans, and unconsolidated investments in the middle and senior tiers of securitization entities and TruPS. We attempt to mitigate our exposure to market risk by entering into economic hedging transactions, which may include TBAs. The fixed income category can be broadly broken down into two subcategories: fixed rate and floating rate.

Floating rate securities are not in themselves particularly sensitive to interest rate risk. Because they generally accrue income at a variable rate, the movement in interest rates typically does not impact their fair value. Fluctuations in their current income due to variations in interest rates are generally not material to us. Floating rate fixed income securities are subject to other market risks such as: default risk of the underlying issuer, changes in issuer’s credit spreads, prepayment rates, investor demand and supply of securities within a particular asset class or industry class of the ultimate obligor. The sensitivity to any individual market risk can be difficult to quantify.

 

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The fair value of fixed rate securities is sensitive to changes in interest rates. However, fixed rate securities that have low credit ratings or represent junior interests in securitizations are not particularly interest rate sensitive. In general, when we acquire interest rate sensitive securities, we enter into an offsetting short position for a similar fixed rate security. Alternatively, we may enter into other interest rate hedging arrangements such as interest rate swaps or EuroDollar futures. We measure our net interest rate sensitivity by determining how the fair value of our net interest rate sensitive assets would change as a result of a 100 basis points (“bps”) adverse shift across the entire yield curve. Based on this analysis, as of September 30, 2012, we would incur a loss of $5,281 if the yield curve rises 100 bps across all maturities and a gain of $5,282 if the yield curve falls 100 bps across all maturities.

Equity Securities: We hold, from time to time, equity interests in the form of investments in investment funds, permanent capital vehicles, and equity instruments of publicly traded companies. These investments are subject to equity price risk. Equity price risk results from changes in the level or volatility of underlying equity prices, which affect the value of equity securities or instruments that in turn derive their value from a particular stock. We attempt to reduce the risk of loss inherent in our inventory of equity securities by closely monitoring those security positions. However, since we generally make investments in our investment funds and permanent capital vehicles in order to facilitate third party capital raising (and hence increase our AUM and asset management fees), we may be unwilling to sell these positions as compared to investments in unaffiliated third parties. We have one permanent capital vehicle investment that is denominated in Euros and another permanent capital vehicle for which our investment is denominated in U.S. Dollars, but for which the underlying net assets are primarily based in Japanese Yen. The fair values of these investments are subject to change as the spot foreign exchange rate between these currencies and the U.S. Dollar (our functional currency) fluctuates. We may, from time to time, enter into foreign exchange rate derivatives to hedge all or a portion of this risk. We measure our net equity price sensitivity and foreign currency sensitivity by determining how the net fair value of our equity price sensitive and foreign exchange sensitive assets would change as a result of a 10% adverse change in equity prices or foreign exchange rates. Based on this analysis, as of September 30, 2012 our equity price sensitivity was $3,917 and our foreign exchange currency sensitivity was $3,449.

Other Securities: These investments are primarily made up of residual interests in securitization entities. The fair value of these investments will fluctuate over time based on a number of factors including, but not limited to: liquidity of the investment type, the credit performance of the individual assets and issuers within the securitization entity, the asset class of the securitization entity and the relative supply of and demand for investments within that asset class, credit spreads in general, the transparency of valuation of the assets and liabilities of the securitization entity, and investors’ view of the accuracy of ratings prepared by the independent rating agencies. The sensitivity to any individual market risk cannot be quantified.

Debt: In addition to the risks noted above, we incur interest rate risk related to our debt obligations. We have debt that accrues interest at either variable rates or fixed rates. As of September 30, 2012, a 100 bps change in the three month LIBOR would result in a change in our annual cash paid for interest in the amount of $481. A 100 bps adverse change in the market yield to maturity would result in an increase in the fair value of the debt in the amount of $2,770.

Counterparty Risk:

We incur counterparty risk primarily in two areas: our collateralized securities transactions described in note 8 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and our TBA hedging activities described in note 7 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. In regards to the matched book repo financing activities, our risk is that the counterparty does not fulfill their obligation to repurchase the underlying security when it is due. In this case, we would typically liquidate the underlying security which may result in a loss if the security has declined in value in relation to the balance due from the counterparty under the reverse repurchase agreement. In regards to our TBA hedging activities, our risk is that the counterparty does not settle the TBA trade on the scheduled settlement date. In this case, we would have to execute the trade which may result in a loss based on market movement in the value of the underlying trade between its initial trade date and its settlement date (which in the case of TBAs can be as long as 90 days). If we were to incur a loss under either of these activities, we have recourse to the counterparty via our underlying agreements.

How we manage these risks

Market Risk

We will seek to manage our market risk by utilizing our underwriting and credit analysis processes that are performed in advance of acquiring any investment. In addition, we continually monitor our investments - trading and our trading securities sold, not yet purchased on a daily basis and our other investments on a monthly basis. We perform an in-depth monthly analysis on all our investments and our risk committee meets on a monthly basis to review specific issues within our portfolio and to make recommendations for dealing with these issues.

 

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Counterparty Risk

We seek to manage our counterparty risk through two major tools. First, we perform a credit assessment of each counterparty to ensure the counterparty has sufficient equity, liquidity, and profitability to support the level of trading or lending we plan to do with them. Second, we require counterparties to post cash or other liquid collateral (“margin”) in the case of changes in the market value of the underlying securities or trades on an ongoing basis.

In the case of collateralized securities financing transactions, we will generally lend less than the market value of the underlying security initially. The difference between the amount lent and the value of the security is referred to as the haircut. We will seek to maintain this haircut while the loan is outstanding. If the value of the security declines, we will require the counterparty to post margin to offset this decline. If the counterparty fails to post margin, we will sell the underlying security. The haircut serves as a buffer against market movements to prevent or minimize a loss.

In the case of TBA hedging, we also require counterparties to post margin with us in the case of market value of the underlying TBA trade declines. If the counterparty fails to post margin, we will close out the underlying trade. In the case of TBA hedging we will sometimes obtain initial margin or a cash deposit from the counterparty which serves a purposes similar to the haircut; that is it serves as an additional buffer against losses. However, some of our TBA hedging activities are done without initial margin or cash deposits.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We have established and maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that material information relating to the Company (and its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, who certify our financial reports and to other members of senior management and the board of directors.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of September 30, 2012. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at September 30, 2012.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. As described in “Item 9A - Controls and Procedures” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company is currently in the process of integrating controls of PrinceRidge with the controls of IFMI. The Company expects to have this integration complete by the end of 2012.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Incorporated by reference to the headings titled “Legal and Regulatory Proceedings” in note 17 to the consolidated financial statements include in Item 1 in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

In addition to the information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should also carefully review and consider the risk factors contained in our other reports and periodic filings with the SEC, including without limitation the risk factors contained under the caption “Item 1A - Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. The risk factors discussed in that Form 10-K do not identify all risks that we face because our business operations could also be affected by additional factors that are not presently known to us or that we currently consider to be immaterial to our operations. Other than as set forth below, there have been no material changes in the significant factors that may affect our business and operations as described in “Item 1A - Risk Factors” of the Annual Report on 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Failure to obtain or maintain adequate capital and funding would adversely affect the growth and results of our operations and may, in turn, negatively affect the market price of our Common Stock.

Liquidity is essential to our businesses. We depend upon the availability of adequate funding and capital for our operations. In particular, we may need to raise additional capital in order to significantly grow our business. Our liquidity could be substantially affected negatively by our inability to raise funding in the long-term or short-term debt capital markets or the equity capital markets or our inability to access the secured lending markets. Factors that we cannot control, such as continued or additional disruption of the financial markets or negative views about the financial services industry generally, have limited and may continue to limit our ability to raise capital. In addition, our ability to raise capital could be impaired if lenders develop a negative perception of our long-term or short-term financial prospects. Such negative perceptions could be developed if we incur large trading losses, we suffer a decline in the level of our business activity, we suffer material litigation losses, regulatory authorities take significant action against us, or we discover significant employee misconduct or illegal activity, among other reasons. Sufficient funding or capital may not be available to us in the future on terms that are acceptable, or at all. If we are unable to raise funding using the methods described above, we would likely need to finance or liquidate unencumbered assets, such as our investment and trading portfolios, to meet maturing liabilities. We may be unable to sell some of our assets, or we may have to sell assets at a discount from market value, either of which could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows.

PrinceRidge entered into the Separation Agreements whereby it repurchased substantially all of the remaining equity interests not held by the Operating LLC. This repurchase will require payment of $7,757 in the fourth quarter of 2012. PrinceRidge will use available funds to make these purchases. As a result of the repurchases, the Operating LLC owned 98% of PrinceRidge. Any remaining withdrawals by the non-controlling partners will not result in material cash outflows. In May 2014, some or all of the holders of our 10.50% contingent convertible senior notes due 2027 may exercise their right to require us to repurchase up to $8.1 million aggregate principal amount of their notes. These payments have reduced and will continue to reduce the availability of capital for our operations. Our liquidity could be constrained if we are unable to obtain financing to pay for such redemptions and repurchases on acceptable terms, or at all. If we are unable to meet our funding needs on a timely basis, our business would be adversely affected and there may be a negative impact on the market price of our Common Stock.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Effective January 1, 2010, the Company ceased to qualify as a REIT and, therefore, is not required to make any dividends or other distributions to its stockholders. However, the Company’s board of directors has the power to decide to increase, reduce, or eliminate dividends in the future. The board’s decision will depend on a variety of factors, including business, financial and regulatory considerations as well as any limitations under Maryland law or imposed by any agreements governing indebtedness of the Company.

In addition, the Company’s ability to pay dividends to its stockholders will be dependent on distributions it receives from the Operating LLC and subject to the Operating LLC’s operating agreement. The amount and timing of distributions by the Operating LLC will be at the discretion of the Operating LLC’s board of managers and is subject to the provisions of the Operating LLC’s operating agreement. In this regard, effective September 30, 2012, the Company’s investment in PrinceRidge of $37,174 is subject to withdrawal restrictions as a result of the Operating LLC’s investment in PrinceRidge.

 

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Distributions from PrinceRidge to the Operating LLC are governed by the PrinceRidge partnership agreement. In general, the agreement calls for annual distributions equal to one half of the net income of PrinceRidge. However, the board of PrinceRidge GP can decide to forego these distributions or to pay distributions in excess of this amount with the approval vote of the board. Each member/partner of PrinceRidge has the ability to borrow up to 30% of their investment from PrinceRidge. The member must provide 45 days notice of such borrowing and PrinceRidge must determine that the loan would not cause material harm to it. The borrowing member must pay 10% interest on this borrowing and the borrowing may only be outstanding for one year. Each partner may exercise this right to borrow once every two year period.

In May 2012, the Operating LLC borrowed $8,000 from PrinceRidge. The loan bears interest at 10% and will mature on May 2, 2013. Under the terms of this loan, IFMI will pay interest on the unpaid balance of the loan’s principal amount quarterly. Pursuant to the loan, in order to secure all of IFMI’s obligations thereunder, IFMI granted to PrinceRidge a first priority security interest in all of IFMI’s right, title, and interest in and to 100% of IFMI’s capital account in PrinceRidge and 100% of IFMI’s units in PrinceRidge (collectively, the “Collateral”). Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default (as defined in the loan), subject to certain rights of IFMI to cure such default, PrinceRidge may declare the principal, interest, and all other amounts owing under the loan to be immediately due and payable, and may exercise all of its rights and remedies against the Collateral. The loan may be prepaid in whole or in part at any time and from time to time without premium, penalty or fee, together with interest accrued on the amount prepaid to the date of any such prepayment.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit

No.

  

Description

  10.1    Separation, Release and Repurchase Agreement, dated as of July 19, 2012, by and among PrinceRidge Partners LLC, PrinceRidge Holdings LP, IFMI, LLC, Institutional Financial Markets, Inc. and Michael T. Hutchins (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 19, 2012).
  10.2    Separation, Release and Repurchase Agreement, dated as of July 19, 2012, by and among PrinceRidge Partners LLC, PrinceRidge Holdings LP, IFMI, LLC, Institutional Financial Markets, Inc. and John P. Costas (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 19, 2012).
  11.1    Statement Regarding Computation of Per Share Earnings.*
  31.1    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended.**
  31.2    Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended.**
  32.1    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended.***
  32.2    Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended.***
101    Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, (iii) the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011; and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.***

 

* Data required by FASB Accounting Standards Codification 260, “Earnings per Share,” is provided in note 16 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
** Filed herewith.
*** Furnished herewith.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

    Institutional Financial Markets, Inc.
    By:  

/s/    DANIEL G. COHEN        

      Daniel G. Cohen
Date: November 8, 2012       Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
    Institutional Financial Markets, Inc.
    By:  

/s/    JOSEPH W. POOLER, JR.        

      Joseph W. Pooler, Jr.
Date: November 8, 2012       Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

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