ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Forward-Looking Statements
This report, including, without limitation, Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” contains or incorporates both historical and “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “future” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Any such forward-looking statements in this report reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance and are subject to a variety of factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from historical results or from anticipated results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Because of such factors, we cannot assure you that the results anticipated in this report will be realized. As noted elsewhere in this report, various aspects of our business are subject to extreme volatility often as a result of factors beyond our ability to anticipate or control. In particular, factors, such as the condition of the securities markets, which are in turn based on popular perceptions of the health of the economy generally, can be expected to affect the volume of our business as well as the value of the securities maintained in our trading and investment accounts.
General
Paulson Capital Corp., established in 1970, is a holding company whose operating subsidiary, Paulson Investment Company, Inc., is a full service brokerage firm engaged in operations in four principal categories, all of them in the financial services industry. These categories are:
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securities brokerage activities for which we earn commission revenues;
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corporate finance revenues consisting principally of underwriting discounts and underwriter warrants;
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securities trading from which we record profit or loss, depending on trading results; and
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investment income resulting from earnings on, and increases or decreases in the value of, our investment portfolio.
In addition, Paulson Capital Properties, LLC, a 100% owned subsidiary, was established for the purpose of purchasing, improving and remarketing underappreciated real estate. Through December 31, 2011, we had not purchased any real estate.
On February 29, 2012, Paulson Investment Company, Inc. announced that it reached an agreement in principle to transfer its retail securities brokerage activities to JHS Capital Advisors LLC. The transaction is subject to approval by FINRA and negotiation of final transaction documents. After the contemplated transaction, Paulson will continue to operate independently as a broker/dealer focused on its core competencies in boutique investment banking activities. The effect of the transaction on each of the four principal categories is described below.
Overview
Because we operate in the financial services industry, our revenues and earnings are substantially affected by general conditions in financial markets. Further, past performance is not necessarily indicative of results to be expected in future periods. In our securities brokerage business, the amount of our revenues depends on levels of market activity requiring the services we provide. Our corporate finance activity, which consists of acting as the managing underwriter of initial and follow-on public offerings, private investments in public equity (“PIPEs”) and private placements for smaller companies, is similarly affected by the strength of the market for new equity offerings, which has historically experienced substantial cyclical fluctuation. Global IPO volume decreased by about 29% in 2011 compared to 2010, as the number of IPO's from Asia fell by about 36%. Global IPO proceeds declined 42% in 2011 from 2010. In the U.S., there were 125 IPO’s, which was down from 154 in 2010. Most of the U.S. IPO’s were completed in the first half of 2011 before the European debt crisis chilled all markets, although the market demonstrated some recovery in the 4th quarter. IPO proceeds in the U.S. were down only about 6% in 2011 from 2010 to $36.3 billion from $38.7 billion due to a jump in billion-dollar IPO's (six in 2011 compared to just one in 2010). The outlook for U.S. IPO’s in 2012 is indicating possible improvement from 2011. The early rebound in the broader market indices has led to some optimism for the IPO market. The U.S. IPO pipeline started the year with just above 200 IPO’s in registration, the highest level since 2000.
Although we attempt to match operating costs with activity levels, many of our expenses are either fixed or difficult to change on short notice. Accordingly, fluctuations in brokerage and corporate finance revenues tend to result in sharper fluctuations, on a percentage basis, in net income or loss.
Our investment and trading income or loss is affected by changes in market valuation of securities generally and, in particular, by changes in valuation of the equity securities of microcap companies in which our investments and trading activities tend to be concentrated. Equity markets in general, and microcap equity markets in particular, have always experienced significant volatility and this volatility has, in recent years, been extreme. As a result, the value of our investment portfolio and securities held in connection with our trading and investment activities has experienced large quarterly fluctuations in income or loss, and our net worth has substantially increased or decreased as our securities holdings are marked to market.
A substantial portion of our corporate finance business consists of acting as managing underwriter of initial and follow-on public offerings for microcap and smallcap companies. As a part of our compensation for these activities, we typically receive warrants exercisable to purchase securities similar to those that we offer and sell to the public. The warrants generally have a five-year expiration date and are subject to a restricted period of six months to one year during which we cannot exercise. The exercise price is typically 120% of the price at which the securities were initially sold to the public. Accordingly, unless there is at least a 20% increase in the price of these securities at some time more than six months and less than five years after the offering, the warrants will remain “under water” and will ultimately expire unexercised. We also receive warrants in connection with PIPEs, which have varying terms and conditions.
The following table shows the portion of our revenues that was attributable to each revenue category for the last two fiscal years (in thousands):
In 2011 and 2010, none of our revenue was from foreign sources and no customer represented 10% or more of our total revenue. In addition, all of our long-lived assets were located within the U.S.
Clearing Firm
Pursuant to our agreement with RBC Correspondent Services, a division of RBC Capital Markets Corporation (“RBC CS”), RBC CS carries all of our customer securities accounts and performs the following services: (1) preparation and mailing of monthly statements to our customers; (2) settlement of contracts and transactions in securities between us and other broker-dealers and between us and our customers; (3) custody and safe-keeping of securities and cash, the handling of margin accounts, dividends, exchanges, rights offerings and tender offers; and (4) the execution of customer orders placed on an exchange. We determine the amount of commission to be charged to our customers on principal and agency transactions, as well as the price of securities purchased or sold in principal transactions. RBC CS receives compensation based on the number of transactions and revenue sharing arrangements. In the event of a liability arising from a bad debt from a customer, we are required to indemnify RBC CS against any loss. This potential liability is uninsured.
After the contemplated transaction with JHS Capital Advisors LLC, Paulson will continue to utilize RBC CS as our clearing firm for our investment banking activities.
Commissions
As a securities broker, we act as agent for our customers in the purchase and sale of common and preferred stocks, options, warrants and debt securities traded on securities exchanges or in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market. A portion of our revenue is derived from commissions from customers on these transactions. In the OTC market, transactions with customers in securities may be effected as principal, rather than agent, primarily in securities for which we are a market maker. Customer transactions in securities are effected either on a cash or margin basis.
We also enter into dealer agreements with mutual fund management companies and publicly registered limited partnerships. Commissions on the sale of these securities are derived from the standard dealer discounts, which range from approximately 1% to 8.5% of the purchase price of the securities, depending on the terms of the dealer agreement and the amount of the purchase. We do not generally sell interests in limited partnerships that are not publicly registered.
In the case of corporate finance transactions, described below, a portion of the discount applicable to securities placed by our retail brokerage group is credited to securities brokerage commissions and the commission payable to the broker is recorded as securities brokerage commission expense.
After the contemplated transaction with JHS Capital Advisors LLC, Paulson’s commission revenues will be derived from our investment banking activities and the retail securities brokerage activities of our remaining investment banking employees.
Corporate Finance
While a substantial portion of our corporate finance business consists of acting as managing underwriter of initial and follow-on public offerings for microcap and smallcap companies, we also act as a placement agent for PIPEs and private placements for smaller companies. We underwrite the public offerings on a “firm commitment” basis, which means that we agree to purchase a specific amount of securities from the issuer at a discount and resell the securities to the public at a specified price after the registration statement for the offering is declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Managing these public offerings involves the risk of loss if we are unable to resell at a profit the securities we are committed to purchase. This risk is usually reduced by including other stock brokerage firms as a part of an underwriting syndicate in which each member commits to purchase a specified amount of the offering. We, and the other underwriters, may also sell a portion of our respective commitments through a “selling group” of other stock brokerage firms that participate in selling the offering but are not subject to an underwriter’s commitment. As an underwriter, we are also subject to potential liability under federal and state securities laws if the registration statement or prospectus contains a material misstatement or omission. We do not have insurance to cover our potential liabilities as an underwriter.
The commitment of our capital between the time a firm commitment underwriting agreement becomes effective and the time we resell the securities constitutes a charge against our net capital. Accordingly, our participation in, or initiation of, underwritings may be limited by the financial requirements of the SEC and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). See “Net Capital Requirements” below.
Between June 1, 1978 and December 31, 2011, we acted as the managing underwriter or co-managing underwriter for 165 public securities offerings, raising approximately $1.2 billion for corporate finance clients. Of these, 94 were initial public offerings. We typically receive 2% to 3% of the aggregate amount of money raised in an offering to cover nonaccountable expenses and between 7% and 9% as compensation to underwriters, selling group members and registered representatives, although these percentages may be lower for larger transactions.
As a part of our compensation for the underwriting activities, we also typically receive warrants exercisable to purchase securities similar to those that we offer and sell to the public. The warrants generally have a five-year expiration date and vest immediately. The warrants are generally subject to a restricted period of six months to one-year in which we cannot exercise the warrants. The exercise price is typically 120% of the price at which the securities are initially sold to the public. Accordingly, unless there is at least a 20% increase in the price of these securities at some time more than six months and less than five years after the offering, the warrants will remain “under water” and will ultimately expire unexercised. We also receive warrants in connection with our PIPEs, which have varying terms and conditions. A portion of these underwriter warrants are typically transferred to other co-managing underwriters in the public offering.
In 2011, we completed one initial public offering in which we raised $4.8 million in gross proceeds for Vanguard Energy Corporation. In addition, we completed two private placements for Patron Company, Inc. in which we raised a total of $1.7 million in gross proceeds.
After the contemplated transaction with JHS Capital Advisors LLC, Paulson will continue to operate independently as a broker/dealer focused on its core competencies in boutique investment banking activities.
Investment Income
We hold securities for investment, which are maintained in investment accounts that are segregated from our trading accounts. Our investment portfolio principally consists of securities purchased for investment and underwriter warrants.
From time to time, we make investments as a principal in companies that are, or are expected to be, corporate finance clients. The investment may be as convertible debt in anticipation of a public offering, in which case, if the offering is successful, the principal and interest are either converted to equity or repayable from the offering proceeds. If the offering is not successful, the debt is typically converted to equity. We also make investments in companies that are not anticipating an immediate public offering. In such cases, the investment is typically made in the form of the purchase of restricted equity securities. Typically, these type of investments have ranged from $50,000 to $1.0 million. At December 31, 2011, we held securities of 5 privately-held companies in our investment accounts with a fair value of $3.9 million.
After the contemplated transaction with JHS Capital Advisors LLC, Paulson will continue to manage its investment portfolio, including making investments as a principal in companies that are, or are expected to be, corporate finance clients.
Trading Income and Market Making
In addition to executing trades as an agent, we regularly act as a principal in executing trades in equity securities, corporate debt securities and municipal bonds. At December 31, 2011, we made a market in 23 securities of 15 issuers. Of these, 6 were issuers for which we had acted as managing or co-managing underwriter of public financings.
Our market making activities are conducted both with other dealers in the “wholesale market” and with our customers. Transactions with customers are effected as principal at a net price equal to the current interdealer price plus or minus the approximate equivalent of a brokerage commission. In such transactions, the commission is recorded as securities brokerage commissions revenue while any profit or loss attributable to a change in value of the security in our trading account is recorded as trading profit or loss. Our transactions as principal expose us to risk because securities positions are subject to fluctuations in fair value and liquidity. Profits or losses on trading and investment positions depend upon the skills of the employees in our trading department and employees responsible for taking investment positions. The trading department is headquartered in our Portland, Oregon office.
After the contemplated transaction with JHS Capital Advisors LLC, Paulson will continue to manage its trading accounts, and act as a market maker in certain securities, primarily those of our corporate finance clients.
Limitations on Investment and Trading Securities
The size of our investment and trading securities positions at any date may not be representative of our exposure on any other date, because the securities positions vary substantially depending upon economic and market conditions, the allocation of capital among types of inventories, underwriting commitments, customer demands and trading volume. The aggregate value of inventories that we may carry are limited by certain requirements under the SEC’s net capital rules. See “Net Capital Requirements” below.
Branch Offices
Our branch offices are generally run by independent contractors who assume liability for all the operating expenses of the branch. We typically receive between 10% and 15% of the gross commission earned by the branch, with the balance retained by the branch to pay its expenses and staff. Persons in these branches are registered with us, and we assume the same compliance and regulatory obligations as would be the case if we were fully responsible for the branch’s expenses. As of December 31, 2011, we had 38 branch offices in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Utah and Washington. All of these branches, except our offices in Portland and Salem, Oregon and Manhattan, New York, operate as independent contractor offices. We continue to be responsible for all expenses of the Portland, Salem and Manhattan offices.
After the contemplated transaction with JHS Capital Advisors LLC, Paulson will maintain one office, located in Portland, Oregon.
Regulation
We are registered with the SEC as a broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are a member of FINRA. We are also registered as a broker-dealer and investment advisor under the laws of all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.
We are a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation ("SIPC"), which provides, in the event of the liquidation of a broker-dealer, protection for customers' accounts (including the customer accounts of other securities firms when it acts on their behalf as a clearing broker) held by the firm of up to $500,000 for each customer, subject to a limitation of $100,000 for claims for cash balances. SIPC is funded through assessments on registered broker-dealers.
The securities business is subject to extensive regulation under federal and state laws. The principal purpose of regulation and discipline of broker-dealers is the protection of customers and the securities markets rather than protection of creditors and stockholders of broker-dealers. The SEC is the federal agency charged with administration of the federal securities laws. Much of the regulation of broker-dealers, however, has been delegated to self-regulatory organizations, principally FINRA. These self-regulatory organizations adopt rules (subject to approval by the SEC) that govern the industry and conduct periodic examinations of member broker-dealers. Securities firms are also subject to regulation and examination by state securities commissions in the states in which they are registered.
The regulations to which broker-dealers are subject cover all aspects of the securities business, including sales methods, trading practices among broker-dealers, capital structure of securities firms, record keeping and the conduct of directors, officers and employees. Additional legislation, changes in rules promulgated by the SEC and by self-regulatory bodies or changes in the interpretation or enforcement of existing laws and rules often directly affect the method of operation and profitability of broker-dealers. The SEC, FINRA and state regulatory authorities may conduct administrative proceedings that can result in censure, fine, suspension or expulsion of a broker-dealer, its officers or employees.
Net Capital Requirements
We are required to maintain minimum “net capital” under the SEC’s net capital rule of not less than 6.67% of our “aggregate indebtedness” or $100,000, whichever is greater. In general, net capital consists of the broker-dealer’s net worth, adjusted by numerous factors specified in the applicable regulations. In particular, the value of securities that can be included in net capital is subject to reduction in fair value or principal amount. The amount of the required reduction, or “haircut,” depends on the nature of the security. As of December 31, 2011, we had net capital of $5.9 million, which exceeded our minimum requirement of $0.1 million by $5.8 million. The ratio of aggregate indebtedness of $1.0 million to net capital of $5.9 million at December 31, 2011, was 0.17 to 1.
In a public offering in which we act as an underwriter, we must have sufficient net capital to cover the amount of securities underwritten, applying the applicable formula mandated by the SEC, during the period between effectiveness and the closing of the transaction, usually 3 business days. This results in a significant temporary increase in our required net capital. Although this has never happened, in some cases, the amount of securities underwritten by us could be limited by our net capital. Any significant reduction in our net capital, even if we were still in compliance with the SEC’s net capital rule for its retail and trading activities, could have a material adverse effect on our ability to continue our investment banking activities.
Industry and Competition
All aspects of our business are highly competitive. In our general brokerage activities, we compete directly with numerous other broker-dealers, some of which are large well-known firms. Many of our competitors employ extensive advertising and actively solicit potential clients in order to increase business. In addition, brokerage firms compete by furnishing investment research publications to existing clients, the quality and breadth of which are considered important in the development of new business and the retention of existing clients. We also compete with a number of smaller regional brokerage firms.
Some commercial banks and thrift institutions offer securities brokerage services. Many commercial banks offer a variety of investment banking services. Competition among financial services firms also exists for investment representatives and other personnel.
The securities industry has become more concentrated and more competitive since we were founded, as numerous securities firms have either ceased operations or have been acquired by or merged into other firms. In addition, the 2008 financial crisis had an unprecedented impact on the financial services industry. Many of the biggest investment banks, including Bear Stearns, and Lehman Bros. no longer exist, and Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley have become bank holding companies. These developments resulted in uncertainty in the securities industry that abated somewhat in late 2009. The surviving investment banks reported strong earnings in 2010, which was driven by fixed income activity and the reduction of competition, before the market turmoil caused by the European debt crisis negatively affected earnings in 2011.
The securities industry has experienced substantial commission discounting by broker-dealers competing for brokerage business. In addition, specialized firms offer “discount” services to individual customers. These firms generally effect transactions for their customers on an “execution only” basis without offering other services such as portfolio valuation, investment recommendations and research. Discount brokerage firms may offer their services over the Internet, further decreasing offered commission rates and increasing ease of use for customers. Competition within the discount brokerage segment is fierce. Weaker online trading volumes and falling commission rates have prompted the discount brokers to merge in order to expand their client base, achieve operating synergies, and diversify their business away from heavy reliance on trading commissions. In addition, rapid growth in the mutual fund industry is presenting potential customers of ours with an increasing number of alternatives to traditional stock brokerage accounts.
In our investment banking activities, we compete with other brokerage firms, venture capital firms, banks and all other sources of capital for small, growing companies. Since we generally manage offerings smaller than $45 million, we do not typically compete with the investment banking departments of large, well-known national brokerage firms. Nevertheless, we have, in the past, occasionally managed larger offerings. In addition, large national and regional investment banking firms occasionally manage offerings of a size that is competitive with us, typically for fees and compensation less than that charged by us. When the market for initial public offerings is active, many small regional firms that do not typically engage in investment banking activities also begin to compete with us.
Employees
At December 31, 2011, we had 62 employees (of which 60 were full-time). Of these, 33 were executives and support staff and 29 were involved in brokerage activities and compensated primarily on a commission basis. We also had independent contractor arrangements with 67 independent contractors, all of whom are compensated solely on a commission basis.
After the contemplated transaction with JHS Capital Advisors LLC, Paulson is expected to employ 10 or fewer employees.
ITEM 1A.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
As a Smaller Reporting Company, information regarding Risk Factors is not required. However, the following risk factor, which is not inclusive of all risks applicable to us, should be considered as part of any investment decision regarding our stock.
Our stock may be delisted from The NASDAQ Capital Market, which could affect its market price and liquidity.
We are required to continually meet NASDAQ's listing requirements of The NASDAQ Capital Market (including a minimum bid price for our common stock of $1.00 per share) to maintain the listing of our common stock on The NASDAQ Capital Market. On October 21, 2011, we received a deficiency letter from The NASDAQ Stock Market indicating that for 30 consecutive trading days our common stock had a closing bid price below the $1.00 per share minimum closing bid as required for continued listing. In accordance with NASDAQ Marketplace Rules, we were provided a compliance period of 180 calendar days, or until April 18, 2012, to regain compliance with this requirement. We can regain compliance with the minimum closing bid price requirement if the bid price of our common stock closes at $1.00 per share or higher for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days during the suspension period. If we do not regain compliance with the minimum closing bid price requirement during the initial 180-day compliance period, we will be granted an additional 180-day compliance period if we comply with The NASDAQ Capital Market's continued listing requirement for market value of publicly held shares and all other applicable listing requirements except the bid price requirement. If we do not regain compliance with the minimum closing bid price requirement during this second 180-day compliance period, NASDAQ will provide written notice that our securities will be delisted from The NASDAQ Capital Market. At such time, we are entitled to appeal the delisting determination to a NASDAQ Listing Qualifications Panel. We cannot provide any assurance that our stock price will recover within the permitted grace period. If our common stock is delisted, it could be more difficult to buy or sell our common stock and to obtain accurate quotations, and the price of our stock could suffer a material decline. Delisting may also impair our ability to raise capital.
ITEM 1B.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable as there are no outstanding comment letters.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
We lease 17,100 square feet of office space in Portland, Oregon under a lease expiring July 31, 2012. The base monthly rental rate on this lease is currently $30,445. Our Salem, Oregon office leases 3,759 square feet of space under a lease renewal that expires in October 2014 at a monthly rent of $4,625, with rent subject to increases based upon inflation. We also lease 2,500 square feet of space for our office in Manhattan, New York under a lease expiring March 31, 2012. The base monthly rental rate on this lease is currently $14,573. Our operating leases are accounted for on a straight-line basis. Based on the upcoming expiration of the leases in Portland and Manhattan, we are currently evaluating our office space needs and options in these markets. The other branch offices lease space but, under the terms of the relationship between us and these offices, we are not responsible for these leasing costs.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are named in and subject to various proceedings and claims arising primarily from our securities business activities, including lawsuits, arbitration claims, class actions and regulatory matters. Some of these claims seek substantial compensatory, punitive or indeterminate damages. We are also involved in other reviews, investigations and proceedings by governmental and self-regulatory agencies regarding our business, certain of which may result in adverse judgments, settlements, fines, penalties, injunctions or other relief. Because litigation is inherently unpredictable, particularly in cases where claimants seek substantial or indeterminate damages or when investigations and proceedings are in the early stages, we cannot predict with certainty the losses or range of losses related to such matters, how such matters will be resolved, when they will ultimately be resolved, or what the eventual settlement, fine, penalty or other relief might be. Consequently, we cannot estimate losses or ranges of losses for matters where there is only a reasonable possibility that a loss may have been incurred. Although the ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be ascertained at this time, it is the opinion of management, after consultation with counsel, that the resolution of the foregoing matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole; such resolution may, however, have a material effect on the operating results in any future period, and, depending on the outcome and timing of any particular matter, may be material to the operating results for any period depending on the operating results for that period. We have provided loss allowances for such matters when the likelihood of them occurring is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The ultimate resolution may differ materially from the amounts provided. Settlement expense (not including associated legal fees) totaled $25,000 and $116,000 in 2011 and 2010, respectively, and at December 31, 2011, we had $25,000 accrued for pending legal matters.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Stock Prices and Dividends
Our common stock trades on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “PLCC,” but it is not actively traded. The following table sets forth the high and low closing sale prices of our common stock for each quarter in the two years ended December 31, 2011.
As of December 31, 2011, we had 421 shareholders of record and 370 beneficial shareholders.
No dividends were declared or paid in 2010 or 2011. Net capital requirements may limit our ability to pay future dividends to our shareholders.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
See Item 12. for Equity Compensation Plan Information.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
As a Smaller Reporting Company, this information is not required.
ITEM 7.
ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW
Substantially all of our business consists of the securities brokerage and corporate finance activities of our wholly-owned subsidiary, Paulson Investment Company, Inc., which has operations in four principal categories, all of them in the financial services industry. These categories are:
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securities brokerage activities for which we earn commission revenues;
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corporate finance revenues consisting principally of underwriting discounts and underwriter warrants;
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securities trading from which we record profit or loss, depending on trading results; and
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investment income resulting from earnings on, and increases or decreases in the value of, our investment portfolio.
In addition, Paulson Capital Properties, LLC, a 100% owned subsidiary, was established for the purpose of purchasing, improving and remarketing underappreciated real estate. Through December 31, 2011, we had not purchased any real estate.
On February 29, 2012, the Company announced that it reached an agreement in principle to transfer its retail operations to JHS Capital Advisors LLC, a member of FINRA and SIPC and an MSRB registrant that is headquartered in Tampa, Fla. The transaction is subject to approval by FINRA and negotiation of the final transaction documents. Terms were not disclosed, and the Company was unable in good faith to make a determination of an estimate or range of estimates with respect to the transaction. After the contemplated transaction, Paulson will continue to operate independently as a broker/dealer focused on its core competencies in boutique investment banking activities.
Because we operate in the financial services industry, our revenues and earnings are substantially affected by general conditions in financial markets. Further, past performance is not necessarily indicative of results to be expected in future periods. In our securities brokerage business, the amount of our revenues depends on levels of market activity requiring the services we provide. Our corporate finance activity, which consists of acting as the managing underwriter of initial and follow-on public offerings, private investments in public equity (“PIPEs”) and private placements for smaller companies, is similarly affected by the strength of the market for new equity offerings, which has historically experienced substantial cyclical fluctuation. Global IPO volume decreased about 29% in 2011 from 2010, primarily due to a 36% drop in IPOs in Asia. During 2011, there were 125 IPOs in the U.S., with proceeds totaling $36.3 billion compared to 154 IPOs in the U.S. during 2010 with proceeds totaling $38.7 billion. IPO activity in both the U.S. and globally was weak in the 2nd half of 2011, but a rebound in the broader markets has resulted in an increase in new IPO filings for 2012. Although we attempt to match operating costs with activity levels, many of our expenses are either fixed or difficult to change on short notice. Accordingly, fluctuations in brokerage and corporate finance revenues tend to result in sharper fluctuations, on a percentage basis, in net income or loss.
Our investment and trading income or loss is affected by changes in market valuation of securities generally and, in particular, by changes in valuation of the equity securities of microcap companies in which our investments and trading activities tend to be concentrated. Equity markets in general, and microcap equity markets in particular, have always experienced significant volatility and this volatility has, in recent years, been extreme. As a result, the value of our investment portfolio and securities held in connection with our trading and investment activities has experienced large quarterly fluctuations in income or loss and our net worth has substantially increased or decreased as our securities holdings are marked to market.
A substantial portion of our corporate finance business consists of acting as managing underwriter of initial and follow-on public offerings for microcap and smallcap companies. As a part of our compensation for these activities, we typically receive warrants exercisable to purchase securities similar to those that we offer and sell to the public. The warrants generally have a five-year expiration date and are subject to a restricted period of six months to one-year during which we cannot exercise. The exercise price is typically 120% of the price at which the securities were initially sold to the public. Accordingly, unless there is at least a 20% increase in the price of these securities at some time more than six months and less than five years after the offering, the warrants will remain “under water” and will ultimately expire unexercised. We also receive warrants in connection with PIPEs, which have varying terms and conditions.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND USE OF ESTIMATES
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based, in part, upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. In preparing our consolidated financial statements, we must make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements. Actual results are likely to differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions.
As a result of the factors described below, our revenues and earnings are subject to substantial fluctuation from period to period based on a variety of circumstances, many of which are beyond our control. An increase in financial market activity, and/or an increase in equity valuations, will generally result in increases in our revenues, earnings and net worth as our activity levels and the value of our investment portfolio increase. Conversely, a general market retrenchment will typically lead to decreased revenues, earnings and net worth as a result of both decreased activity and the need to adjust high investment portfolio values to lower levels. Accordingly, results for any historical period are not necessarily indicative of similar results for any future period.
The critical accounting policies described below include those that reflect significant judgments and uncertainties, which potentially could produce materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. We believe our critical accounting policies are limited to those described below.
Revenue Recognition
Securities transactions and related commissions revenue, including the sale of investment company shares, are recorded on a trade date basis. Underwriter’s fees and other underwriting revenues are recognized at the time the underwriting is completed. Revenue from sales of other securities including tax deferred units and insurance products is recorded when the units are sold. Revenue from the receipt of underwriter warrants is recognized when the underwriting is completed and the warrants are received based on the estimated fair value of the securities received as estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model taking into account the exercise price, remaining life of the warrant, the current price of the underlying stock and its expected volatility, expected dividends on the stock and the risk-free interest rate for the remaining term of the warrant.
Value of Underwriter Warrants
We are required to estimate the value of all securities that we hold at the date of any financial statements and to include that value, and changes in such value, in those financial statements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value of our underwriter warrants is recorded as an asset on our balance sheet. When a new warrant is received, its fair value is included in corporate finance revenue on the date on which it is earned. Subsequently, any change in fair value is recorded as investment income or loss. When a warrant is exercised, the fair value is adjusted to reflect the value of the securities purchased, net of the exercise price, and the adjustment amount is recorded as income or loss for the relevant period. If a warrant expires unexercised, the fair value is adjusted to zero and the decrease is recorded as a loss in the relevant period. In addition, we, at times, have recorded a liability related to underwriter warrants that were previously held by certain employees. We are obligated to pay a bonus to these employees equal to the gain recognized by us when the warrants are exercised and the related stock is sold.
We estimate the value of our underwriter warrants using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model. The Black-Scholes model requires us to use five inputs including: price, risk free rate, exercise price, time remaining on the warrant and price volatility. After stock price, the most influential factor in this model is price volatility, which we calculate for each company's warrants based on each company's own historical stock closing prices as well as an index of historical prices for comparable companies. When we initially receive a new underwriter warrant from an initial public offering, its calculated volatility factor is entirely based on the volatility of an index of comparable companies, since there is no price history for a new publicly traded company. As each underwriter warrant approaches its expiration date, its volatility factor is derived primarily from the historical prices of its underlying common stock. There is no assurance that we will ultimately be able to exercise any of our warrants in a way that will realize the value that has been recorded in our financial statements based on this model. At December 31, 2011, the value of underwriter warrants was $1.395 million, which was included as a separate line item on our consolidated balance sheet.
Fair Value of Investments
In addition to our underwriter warrants, we hold other securities, some of which have very limited liquidity and some of which do not have a readily ascertainable fair value. We are required to carry these securities at fair value. The fair value of not readily marketable securities is estimated by management using available information including the following: quoted market prices of similar securities (i.e., unrestricted shares of the same company); price of recent known trades of the same or similar securities; the cost of the security, if recently purchased, adjusted for changes in the financial condition of the issuer; all other information available from review of available documents related to the issuer or discussions with management of the issuer. Changes in the value of these securities are reflected currently in our results of operations as a component of investment income. Our estimates regarding the fair value of securities that are not readily marketable are significant estimates and these estimates could change in the near term. At December 31, 2011, the fair value of investments which do not have a readily ascertainable fair value was $3.9 million and was included as a component of trading and investment securities owned on our consolidated balance sheet.
Legal Reserves
We record reserves related to legal proceedings resulting from lawsuits and arbitrations, which arise from our business activities. Some of these lawsuits and arbitrations claim substantial amounts, including punitive damage claims. Management has determined that it is likely that ultimate resolution in favor of the claimant will result in losses to us on certain of these claims. We have, after consultation with outside legal counsel and consideration of facts currently known by management, recorded estimated losses to the extent we believe certain claims are probable of loss and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Factors considered by management in estimating our liability are the loss and damages sought by the claimant/plaintiff, the merits of the claim, the amount of loss in the client’s account, the possibility of wrongdoing on the part of our employee and/or independent contractor, the total cost of defending the litigation, the likelihood of a successful defense against the claim, and the potential for fines and penalties from regulatory agencies. Results of litigation and arbitration are inherently uncertain, and management’s assessment of risk associated therewith is subject to change as the proceedings evolve. After discussion with legal counsel, management, based on its understanding of the facts, accrues what they consider appropriate to reserve against probable loss for certain claims, which is included in the consolidated balance sheets under the caption “accounts payable and accrued expenses.” At December 31, 2011, we had $25,000 accrued for pending legal matters.
Income Taxes
Benefits for uncertain tax positions are recognized when they are considered “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained by the taxing authority. At December 31, 2011, we did not have any unrecognized tax benefits which would have an impact on the effective tax rate if recognized. If we generate income before income taxes in future periods, our conclusion about the realizability of our deferred tax assets and therefore the appropriateness of the valuation allowance could change in a future period and we could record a substantial gain in our consolidated statement of operations when that occurs.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-based compensation for equity awards is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the employee’s requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity award). Our awards typically vest on the date of grant and, accordingly, the expense would be recognized on the date of grant. We utilize the Black-Scholes option pricing model for determining the fair value of stock option awards.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Our revenues and operating results are influenced by fluctuations in the equity markets as well as general economic and market conditions, particularly conditions in the NASDAQ and over-the-counter markets, where our investment and trading positions and the underlying stock for the underwriter warrants are heavily concentrated. Significant fluctuations can occur in our revenues and operating results from one period to another. Our results of operations depend upon many factors, such as the number of companies that are seeking financing, the quality and financial condition of those companies, market conditions in general, the performance of our previous underwritings and interest in certain industries by investors. As a result, revenues and income derived from these activities may vary significantly from period to period. Our revenues include the following:
·
Commissions, which represent amounts earned from our retail securities brokerage activities;
·
Corporate finance revenues, which are a function of total proceeds from offerings done during the period, compensation per offering and the fair value of underwriter warrants received;
·
Investment income (loss), which includes (i) the unrealized appreciation and depreciation of securities held based on quoted market prices, (ii) the unrealized appreciation and depreciation of securities held that are not readily marketable, based upon our estimate of their fair value, (iii) realized gains and losses on the sale of securities with quoted market prices and securities that are not readily marketable, (iv) income on the exercise of underwriter warrants, and (v) the unrealized appreciation and depreciation of underwriter warrants held; and
·
Trading income (loss), which is the gain or loss from trading positions before commissions paid to the representatives in the trading department.
The following table sets forth the changes in our operating results in 2011 compared to 2010 (dollars in thousands):
Revenues
The European debt crisis had a negative effect on the global markets during the second half of 2011. The turmoil and uncertainty in the financial markets have had a prolonged adverse effect on all equity classes, which has been particularly acute in the small cap markets and in the pace of initial public offerings. This had a negative effect on our corporate finance and retail commissions revenues for the year. For the period from December 31, 2010 to December 31, 2011, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (the “Dow”) increased by 5.5%, while the NASDAQ composite index decreased by 1.8%.
Commissions decreased 9.6% in 2011 compared to 2010, primarily due to the weakness in the Company's primary markets. We had 96 registered representatives at December 31, 2011 compared to 95 at December 31, 2010.
Corporate finance revenue in 2011 included:
·
underwriting fees earned from the initial public offering of Vanguard Energy Corporation in the fourth quarter of 2011, in which we raised $4.8 million in gross proceeds, as well as the Black-Scholes value of the underwriter warrants received in connection with that offering.
·
fees earned in relation to two private placements, totaling $1,665,000 in gross proceeds, for Patron Company Inc., as well as the value of underwriting warrants received in connection with those offerings.
·
revenue related to our participation in closed-end mutual funds.
Corporate finance revenue in 2010 included:
·
underwriting fees earned from a follow-on public offering in the first quarter of 2010, in which we raised $6.0 million for BioCurex, Inc., as well as the Black-Scholes value of the underwriter warrants received in connection with that offering;
·
underwriting fees earned from an initial public offering in the second quarter of 2010, in which we, together with a co-underwriter, raised $15.4 million in gross proceeds for S&W Seed Company, as well as the Black-Scholes value of the underwriter warrants received in connection with that offering;
·
underwriting fees earned from a follow-on public offering in the fourth quarter of 2010, in which we raised $0.7 million in gross proceeds for Healthy Fast Food, Inc., as well as the Black-Scholes value of the underwriter warrants received in connection with that offering; and
·
revenue related to our participation in closed-end mutual funds.
Investment income (loss) included the following (in thousands):
We did not exercise any underwriter warrants in 2011 or 2010. Generally, when we exercise a warrant to obtain the underlying common stock, the common stock is subsequently sold in the near term and the related gain is reflected as a component of investment income.
Investment income (loss) is volatile from period to period due to the fact that it is driven by the fair value of the securities and underwriter warrants held. In addition, the performance of the securities in which we have a concentration can significantly affect our investment income from period to period.
Trading income decreased $1.6 million in 2011 compared to 2010. In 2011, trading income was negatively affected by the market value of certain securities in which we make a market. Our focus is on very small capitalization issues, especially those tied to our corporate finance clients.
Expenses
Total expenses decreased $1.0 million in 2011 compared to 2010, as described in more detail below.
Commissions and salaries decreased $973,000 in 2011 compared to 2010. The decrease was primarily due to lower commissions earned on lower commission revenue and decreased compensation earned as a result of decreased investment banking activity in 2011.
Underwriting expenses decreased $169,000 in 2011 compared to 2010 as a result of the timing and level of investment banking activity in the respective periods.
Bad debt expense totaled $353,000 in 2011, and $182,000 in 2010, primarily due to allowances for doubtful accounts being established against receivables from and advances to noncustomers (independent brokers).
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our primary sources of liquidity include our cash and receivables from our clearing organization, offset by payables to our clearing organization.
In addition, our sources of liquidity include, to a certain extent, our trading positions, borrowings on those positions and profits realized upon the sale of the securities underlying underwriter warrants exercised. The liquidity of the market for many of our securities holdings, however, varies with trends in the stock market. Since many of the securities we hold are thinly traded, and we are, in many cases, a primary market maker in the issues held, any significant sales of our positions could adversely affect the liquidity of the issues held. In general, falling prices in NASDAQ and over-the-counter securities (which make up most of our trading positions) lead to decreased liquidity in the market for these issues, while rising prices in NASDAQ and over-the-counter issues tend to increase the liquidity of the market for these securities.
We believe our cash and receivables from our clearing organization at December 31, 2011 are sufficient to meet our cash and regulatory net capital needs for at least the next twelve-month period from December 31, 2011. Our liquidity could be negatively affected by protracted unfavorable market conditions.
As a securities broker-dealer, we are required by SEC regulations to meet certain liquidity and capital standards. We believe we were in compliance with these standards at December 31, 2011.
Following the lapse of restrictions upon issuance, capital available from the sale of the underlying securities of underwriter warrants exercised can fluctuate significantly from period to period as the value of the underlying securities fluctuates with overall market and individual company financial condition or performance. There is no public market for the underwriter warrants. The securities receivable upon exercise of the underwriter warrants cannot be resold unless the issuer has registered these securities with the SEC and with the states in which the securities will be sold unless exemptions are available. Any delay or other problem in the registration of these securities would have an adverse impact upon our ability to obtain funds from the exercise of the underwriter warrants and the resale of the underlying securities.
At December 31, 2011, we owned 13 underwriter warrants from 10 issuers, all but 1 of which were exercisable. None of the warrants had an exercise price below the December 31, 2011 market price of the securities receivable upon exercise. There is little or no direct relationship between the intrinsic value of our underwriter warrants at the end of any given period and the fair value calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The prices of the securities underlying the underwriter warrants are very volatile, and substantial fluctuations in their fair value can be expected in the future.
Cash used by operating activities totaled $39,000 in 2011, primarily due to our net loss of $3.1 million and changes in our operating assets and liabilities as discussed in more detail below.
Our net receivable from our clearing organization totaled $5.1 million at December 31, 2011, compared to $7.8 million at December 31, 2010. Our net receivable from our clearing organization is affected by the results of the activity in our trading and investment accounts, as well as the timing of general corporate expenditures and cash flow requirements.
Notes and other receivables decreased $0.2 million to $0.6 million at December 31, 2011 from $0.8 million at December 31, 2010, primarily due to the increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts from $0.1 million to $0.4 million.
Income taxes receivable decreased $120,000 to $11,000 at December 31, 2011 from $126,000 at December 31, 2010, due to the receipt of income tax refunds during the year.
Changes in our trading and investment securities owned are dependent on the purchase and sale of securities during the period, as well as changes in their fair values during the period.
A summary of activity related to the fair value of our underwriter warrants was as follows (in thousands):
Deferred revenue of $0.2 million at December 31, 2011 was related to amounts received from our clearing firm pursuant to a five-year agreement with two, one-year extensions, and is being amortized at the rate of $12,755 per month through June 2013.
In September 2001, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program pursuant to which we are authorized to repurchase up to 600,000 shares of our common stock. In June 2008, our Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to a total of an additional 200,000 shares of our common stock. We repurchased a total of 2,000 shares of our common stock during 2011 at an average price of $1.20 per share for a total of $2,400. Through December 31, 2011, 730,989 shares had been repurchased and, as of December 31, 2011, 69,011 shares remained available for repurchase. No repurchases were made during the fourth quarter of 2011. These repurchase programs do not have an expiration date.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
See Note 18. of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
CONTRACTUAL PAYMENT OBLIGATIONS
Tabular disclosure of contractual payment obligations is not required for Smaller Reporting Companies.
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
As a Smaller Reporting Company, this information is not required.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The financial statements and notes thereto required by this item begin on page of this document, as listed in Item 15 of Part IV. The Supplementary Data is not included as it is not required for a Smaller Reporting Company.
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management has evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Based on that evaluation, our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported in a timely manner, and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a -15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2011.
This Annual Report on Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting as it is not required of Smaller Reporting Companies.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the information under the captions “Election of Directors,” “Executive Officers,” “Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors,” “Audit Committee Financial Expert” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in our Proxy Statement for our 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year.
We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to our officers (including our principal executive, financial and accounting officers), directors, employees and consultants. The text of our code of ethics is posted at our Internet website, located at www.paulsoninvestment.com. Furthermore, if disclosure of an amendment or waiver to our code of ethics is required by Item 5.05 of Form 8-K, we intend to satisfy such disclosure either by timely filing a Form 8-K or by posting such information at the same Internet website.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the information under the captions “Director Compensation” and “Executive Compensation” in our Proxy Statement for our 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table summarizes equity securities authorized for issuance pursuant to compensation plans as of December 31, 2011.
(1) Includes our 1999 Stock Option Plan, which expired in September 2009.
Additional information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the information under the caption “Stock Ownership of Principal Owners and Management” in our Proxy Statement for our 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the information under the caption “Director Independence” in our Proxy Statement for our 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year.
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the information under the caption “Independent Registered Public Accountants” in our Proxy Statement for our 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year.
PART IV
ITEM 15.
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Financial Statements and Schedules
The Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedules, together with the reports thereon of Peterson Sullivan LLP are included on the pages indicated below:
Exhibits
Unless otherwise noted, the following exhibits are filed herewith and this list is intended to constitute the exhibit index. Exhibit numbers marked with an asterisk (*) represent management or compensatory arrangements.
Number
Description
3.1
Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 18, 1989).
3.2
Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K filed December 18, 2007).
10.1
Office Lease renewal for the period from June 1, 1997 to May 31, 2001, dated as of May 6, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended June 30, 1997).
10.2
Amendment 1 to Office Lease dated as of May 6, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2001).
10.3
Amendment 2 to Office Lease dated as of May 6, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008).
10.4
Amendment 3, dated September 21, 2010, to Office Lease dated as of May 6, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010).
10.5
Lease between Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America and Paulson Investment Company, Inc. dated July 28, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010).
10.6*
1999 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 1999).
10.7*
Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement for July 2009 stock option grants pursuant to the Paulson Capital Corporation 1999 Stock Option Plan. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009).
10.8*
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for July 2009 stock option grants pursuant to the Paulson Capital Corporation 1999 Stock Option Plan. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009).
10.9
Fully Disclosed Clearing Agreement between RBC Dain Correspondent Services and Paulson Investment Company, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006).
10.10
Amendment, dated October 3, 2008, to Fully Disclosed Clearing Agreement between RBC Dain Correspondent Services and Paulson Investment Company, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010).
10.11
Amendment, dated February 12, 2010, to Fully Disclosed Clearing Agreement between RBC Dain Correspondent Services and Paulson Investment Company, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010).
Subsidiaries of Paulson Capital Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008).
23.1
Consent of Peterson Sullivan LLP.
31.1
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
31.2
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
32.1**
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
32.2**
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
101.INS***
XBRL Instance
101.SCH***
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL***
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation
101.DEF***
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition
101.LAB***
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels
101.PRE***
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation
**
Furnished herewith
***
XBRL information is furnished and not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Paulson Capital Corp. has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on March 8, 2012:
PAULSON CAPITAL CORP. (Registrant)
By:
/s/ CHESTER L. F. PAULSON
Chester L. F. Paulson President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated on March 8, 2012.
SIGNATURE
TITLE
/s/ CHESTER L. F. PAULSON
Chairman of the Board, President
Chester L. F. Paulson
and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ MURRAY G. SMITH
Chief Financial Officer
Murray G. Smith
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ STEVE H. KLEEMANN
Director
Steve H. Kleemann
/s/CHARLES L. F. PAULSON
Director
Charles L.F. Paulson
/s/ SHANNON P. PRATT
Director
Shannon P. Pratt
/s/ PAUL F. SHOEN
Director
Paul F. Shoen
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Paulson Capital Corp.
Portland, Oregon
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Paulson Capital Corp. and Subsidiaries ("the Company") as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for the years then ended. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule of Paulson Capital Corp. and Subsidiaries listed in Item 15. These financial statements and the financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and the financial statement schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company has determined that it is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Paulson Capital Corp. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
/S/ PETERSON SULLIVAN LLP
Seattle, Washington
March 8, 2012
Paulson Capital Corp. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Paulson Capital Corp. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Paulson Capital Corp. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
For the Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Paulson Capital Corp. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
PAULSON CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Organization
Paulson Capital Corp. is a holding company whose wholly-owned subsidiary, Paulson Investment Company, Inc., is a registered broker-dealer in securities under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). We provide broker-dealer services in securities on both an agency and a principal basis to our customers who are introduced to RBC Correspondent Services, a division of RBC Capital Markets Corporation (“RBC CS”), our clearing organization, on a fully-disclosed basis. We also act as lead underwriter or participating selling group member for securities offerings. We conduct business throughout the United States.
We operate under the provision of paragraph (k)(2)(ii) of rule 15c3-3 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 and, accordingly, are exempt from the remaining provisions of that rule. Essentially, the requirements of paragraph (k)(2)(ii) provide that we clear all transactions on behalf of our customers on a fully disclosed basis with a clearing broker-dealer and promptly transmit all customer funds and securities to the clearing broker-dealer. The clearing broker-dealer carries all of the accounts of the customers and maintains and preserves all related books and records as are customarily kept by a clearing broker-dealer.
We also have a 100% owned subsidiary, Paulson Capital Properties, LLC, for the purpose of purchasing, improving and remarketing undervalued real estate. Through December 31, 2011, we had not purchased any real estate.
Note 19 describes a subsequent event that, if approved by FINRA, will impact the organization.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Paulson Capital Corp. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Paulson Investment Company, Inc. and Paulson Capital Properties, LLC. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Our estimates regarding the fair value of underwriter warrants, not readily marketable securities and legal reserves are significant estimates and these estimates could change in the near term. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition
Securities transactions and related commissions revenue, including the sale of investment company shares, are recorded on a trade date basis. Underwriter’s fees and other underwriting revenues are recognized at the time the underwriting is completed. Revenue from sales of other securities including tax deferred units and insurance products is recorded when the units are sold. Revenue from the receipt of underwriter warrants is recognized when the underwriting is completed and the warrants are received based on the estimated fair value of the securities received using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model taking into account the exercise price, remaining life of the warrant, the current price of the underlying stock and its expected volatility, expected dividends on the stock and the risk-free interest rate for the remaining term of the warrant.
Cash
Cash includes cash on hand and cash on deposit with banks.
Fair Value of Trading and Investment Securities Owned
Our trading and investment securities owned consist of both marketable securities and not readily marketable securities and are recorded at fair value. Changes in the value of these securities are reflected currently in our results of operations as a component of investment income. See also Notes 4 and 5.
Fair Value of Underwriter Warrants
We are required to estimate the value of all securities that we hold at the date of the financial statements and to include that value, and changes in such value, in the financial statements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value of our underwriter warrants is recorded as an asset on our balance sheet. When a new warrant is received, its fair value is included in corporate finance revenue on the date on which it is earned. Subsequently, any change in fair value is recorded as investment income or loss in the period incurred. When a warrant is exercised, the fair value is adjusted to reflect the value of the securities purchased, net of the exercise price, and the adjustment amount is recorded as income or loss for the relevant period. If a warrant expires unexercised, the fair value is adjusted to zero and the decrease is recorded as a loss in the relevant period.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Substantially all of our financial instruments are carried at fair value or amounts that approximate fair value. The carrying amounts reflected in the financial statements for cash, receivables and payables approximate their respective fair values due to the short-term nature of these items. The fair values of securities owned and trading securities sold, not yet purchased are equal to the carrying value. Changes in the fair value of these securities are reflected currently in our results of operations. Other than those separately disclosed in Note 4, our remaining financial instruments are generally short-term in nature and their carrying values approximate fair value.
Furniture and Equipment
Depreciation of furniture and equipment is generally computed using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives (5 years). Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of their estimated useful life or the remaining lives of their related leases.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in results of operations in the period that includes the enactment date.
We recognize benefits for uncertain tax positions if we determine that they are “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained by the taxing authority. Interest and penalties accrued on unrecognized tax benefits are recognized as tax expense.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common and dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding during the year. Common equivalent shares from stock options are excluded from the computation when their effect is antidilutive. Basic earnings per share is the same as diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 since we were in a loss position in both years.
Advertising
Advertising costs are charged to expense when incurred.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-based compensation cost for equity classified awards is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the employee’s requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity award). We utilize the Black-Scholes option pricing model for determining the fair value of awards. See also Note 9.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
We had no comprehensive income (loss) items; accordingly, net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) are the same.
NOTE 2 - RECEIVABLE FROM AND PAYABLE TO CLEARING ORGANIZATION
We introduce all customer transactions in securities traded on U.S. securities markets to RBC CS on a fully-disclosed basis. The agreement with our clearing broker provides that we are obligated to assume any exposure related to nonperformance by customers or counterparties. We monitor clearance and settlement of all customer transactions on a daily basis. The exposure to credit risk associated with the nonperformance of customers and counterparties in fulfilling their contractual obligations pursuant to these securities transactions can be directly impacted by volatile trading markets which may impair the customer’s or counterparty’s ability to satisfy their obligations. In the event of nonperformance, we may be required to purchase or sell financial instruments at unfavorable market prices, resulting in a loss. We have not experienced in the past, and we do not anticipate experiencing in the future, significant nonperformance by our customers and counterparties.
At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the receivable from RBC CS was comprised of $0.4 million and $0.6 million, respectively, in commissions receivable and $5.1 million and $7.5 million, respectively, in deposits to facilitate principal trading activity.
At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the payable to RBC CS was comprised entirely of amounts used to finance principal trading activity.
NOTE 3 - NOTES AND OTHER RECEIVABLES
Notes and other receivables consisted of the following (in thousands):
Employees and independent brokers receivables relate principally to advances and expenses in excess of commission earnings and inventory losses charged to our employees and registered representatives. Other receivables are primarily related to advances to underwriting clients, as well as to commissions receivable and amounts receivable from insurance companies as reimbursement for insured losses. An allowance is recorded for specific amounts depending on the borrower’s financial status and when collection is determined by management to be doubtful. In 2011 and 2010, allowances for doubtful accounts were established against receivables from and advances to noncustomers (independent brokers). The December 31, 2011 balance of $387,853 was an increase of $287,853 from the $100,000 allowance at December 31, 2010. The December 31, 2010 balance of $100,000 was an increase of $100,000 from the $0 allowance at December 31, 2009. There were no write-downs charged against the allowances during 2011 or 2010.
For those loans that bear interest, interest income is recognized on an accrual basis
NOTE 4 - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of our assets and liabilities carried at fair value and are summarized into three broad categories:
·
Level 1 - unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical securities;
·
Level 2 - other significant observable inputs, including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.; and
·
Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs, including our own assumptions in determining fair value.
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
Following are the disclosures related to our financial assets and liabilities (in thousands):
Following is a summary of activity related to our Level 3 financial assets and liabilities (in thousands):
Valuation of Marketable Trading and Investment Securities Owned
The fair value of marketable trading and investment securities owned is determined based on quoted market prices. Securities traded on a national exchange are stated at the last reported sales price on the day of valuation; other securities traded in the over-the-counter market and listed securities for which no sale was reported on that date are stated at the last quoted bid price.
Valuation of Not Readily Marketable Investment Securities
Securities not readily marketable include investment securities (a) for which there is no market on a securities exchange or no independent publicly quoted market, (b) that cannot be publicly offered or sold unless registration has been effected under the Securities Act of 1933, or (c) that cannot be offered or sold because of other arrangements, restrictions or conditions applicable to the securities or to us. The fair value of not readily marketable securities is estimated by management using available information including the following: quoted market prices of similar securities (i.e., unrestricted shares of the same company); price of recent known trades of the same or similar securities; the cost of the security, if recently purchased, adjusted for changes in the financial condition of the issuer; all other information available from review of available documents related to the issuer or discussions with management of the issuer.
Valuation of Underwriter Warrants
We estimate the fair value of our underwriter warrants using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model. The warrants generally have a five-year expiration date and vest immediately. The warrants are generally subject to a restriction period of six months to one year in which we cannot exercise the warrants. The Black-Scholes model requires us to use five inputs including: stock price, risk free rate, exercise price, time remaining on the warrant and price volatility. After stock price, the most influential factor in this model is price volatility, which we calculate for each company’s warrants based on each company’s own historical closing stock prices as well as an index of historical prices for comparable companies. When we initially receive a new underwriter warrant from an initial public offering, its calculated volatility factor is entirely based on the volatility of an index of comparable companies, since there is no price history for a new publicly traded company. As each underwriter warrant approaches its expiration date, its volatility factor is derived primarily from the historical prices of its underlying common stock. There is no assurance that we will ultimately be able to exercise any of our warrants in a way that will realize the value that has been recorded in the financial statements based on this model.
Valuation of Trading Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased
As a securities broker-dealer, we are engaged in various securities trading and brokerage activities as principal. In the normal course of business, we sometimes sell securities that we do not currently own and will therefore be obligated to purchase such securities at a future date. This obligation is recorded on our balance sheet at the fair value based on quoted market prices of the related securities and will result in a trading loss on the securities if the fair value increases and a trading gain if the fair value decreases between the balance sheet date and the purchase date.
There were no changes to our valuation methods or techniques during 2011 or 2010.
NOTE 5 - TRADING AND INVESTMENT SECURITIES OWNED AND TRADING SECURITIES SOLD, NOT YET PURCHASED
Certain information regarding our trading and investment securities owned and our trading securities sold, not yet purchased was as follows (in thousands):
Certain information regarding our investment securities was as follows (in thousands):
NOTE 6 - UNDERWRITER WARRANTS
Underwriter warrant activity was as follows (in thousands):
NOTE 7 - FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Furniture and equipment are stated at cost and consisted of the following (in thousands):
NOTE 8 - INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense (benefit) consisted of the following (in thousands):
Income tax expense (benefit) for each year varies from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to earnings before income taxes as follows (in thousands):
The deferred income tax asset (liability) consisted of the following (in thousands):
We recorded an increase to our valuation allowance for 2011 and 2010 of $1,257,000 and $643,000, respectively, based upon management’s assessment that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be fully realized. We exhausted all opportunities to carry back current net operating and capital losses to the greatest extent allowable under current tax law. The realization of these deferred tax assets is dependent on having future taxable income. If we generate income before income taxes in future periods, our conclusion about the realizability of our deferred tax assets and therefore the appropriateness of the valuation allowance could change in a future period and we could record a substantial gain in our consolidated statement of operations when that occurs.
Federal net operating loss carryforwards of $5.3 million at December 31, 2011 fully expire in 2031. State net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $17.1 million at December 31, 2011 expire from 2012 through 2031. State net capital losses of approximately $9.4 million at December 31, 2011 expire from 2013 to 2016.
Following is a roll-forward of our unrecognized tax benefits (in thousands):
We are no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to the tax year ended December 31, 2005. Depending on the jurisdiction, we are no longer subject to state examinations by tax authorities for years prior to the December 31, 2007 tax year. The tax years which remain open to examination in the U.S., our only major taxing jurisdiction, are 2005 through 2011.
NOTE 9 - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
1999 Stock Option Plan
Our 1999 Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”) reserves 1.0 million shares of our common stock for issuance upon exercise of options granted under the Plan. The Plan expired in September 2009 and, accordingly, there were no options available for grant at December 31, 2011. At December 31, 2011, 406,000 shares of our common stock were reserved for issuance related to the Plan. Activity under the Plan for the two most recent fiscal years was as follows:
Certain information regarding options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2011 was as follows:
Stock-Based Compensation
We estimate the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. This valuation model takes into account the exercise price of the award, as well as a variety of significant assumptions. We believe that the valuation technique and the approach utilized to develop the underlying assumptions are appropriate in calculating the fair values of our stock options. Estimates of fair value are not intended to predict actual future events or the value ultimately realized by persons who receive equity awards. Our options are fully vested upon the date of grant. Accordingly, we recognize the related stock-based compensation expense on the grant date as a component of commissions and salaries on our consolidated statements of operations. Stock-based compensation totaled $0 and $0 in 2011 and 2010, respectively.
No options were granted during 2010 or 2011.
The risk-free rate used is based on the U.S. Treasury yield over the expected life of the options granted. Expected lives were estimated using the simplified method, which considers the vesting term and original contract term. The expected volatility is calculated based on the historical volatility of our common stock.
Shares to be issued upon the exercise of stock options will come from newly issued shares.
Certain information regarding our stock-based compensation plan was as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
As of December 31, 2011, there was no unrecognized stock-based compensation.
NOTE 10 - LOSS PER SHARE
Shares used for our basic net loss per share and our diluted net loss per share were the same in both 2011 and 2010 since we were in a loss position.
Stock options not included in the diluted net loss per share calculations because they would be antidilutive were 406,000 and 423,800 in 2011 and 2010, respectively.
NOTE 11 - COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND GUARANTEES
Leases
We lease office space under the terms of various non-cancellable operating leases, expiring between 2012 and 2014. The future minimum payments required for leases are as follows (in thousands):
The leases are accounted for on a straight-line basis and provide for payment of taxes and other expenses by us. Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 was approximately $578,000 and $549,000, respectively.
Legal
We are named in and subject to various proceedings and claims arising primarily from our securities business activities, including lawsuits, arbitration claims, class actions and regulatory matters. Some of these claims seek substantial compensatory, punitive or indeterminate damages. We are also involved in other reviews, investigations and proceedings by governmental and self-regulatory agencies regarding our business, certain of which may result in adverse judgments, settlements, fines, penalties, injunctions or other relief. Because litigation is inherently unpredictable, particularly in cases where claimants seek substantial or indeterminate damages or when investigations and proceedings are in the early stages, we cannot predict with certainty the losses or range of losses related to such matters, how such matters will be resolved, when they will ultimately be resolved, or what the eventual settlement, fine, penalty or other relief might be. Consequently, we cannot estimate losses or ranges of losses for matters where there is only a reasonable possibility that a loss may have been incurred. Although the ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be ascertained at this time, it is the opinion of management, after consultation with counsel, that the resolution of the foregoing matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole; such resolution may, however, have a material effect on the operating results in any future period, and, depending on the outcome and timing of any particular matter, may be material to the operating results for any period depending on the operating results for that period. We have provided loss allowances for such matters when the likelihood of them occurring is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The ultimate resolution may differ materially from the amounts provided. Settlement expense (not including associated legal fees) totaled $25,000 and $116,000 in 2011 and 2010, respectively, and, at December 31, 2011, we had $25,000 accrued for pending legal matters.
Guarantees
There are no guarantees made by the Company that may result in a loss or future obligations as of December 31, 2011.
NOTE 12 - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Retirement benefits for our employees who have completed certain service requirements are provided by a defined contribution profit-sharing plan. Plan contributions are determined by the Board of Directors. Contributions to the plan for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 were $0 for both years.
NOTE 13 - NET CAPITAL REQUIREMENT
We are subject to the Securities and Exchange Commission Uniform Net Capital Rule (Rule 15c3-1), which requires the maintenance of minimum net capital (as defined) of 6 2/3% of total aggregate indebtedness or $100,000, whichever is greater. At December 31, 2011, the required minimum net capital was $100,000. At December 31, 2011, we had net capital of $5,899,118, which was $5,799,118 in excess of our required net capital of $100,000. In addition, we are not allowed to have a ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital in excess of 15 to 1. The Rule also provides that equity capital may not be withdrawn or cash dividends paid if the resulting net capital ratio would exceed 10 to 1. Our net capital ratio was 0.17 to 1 at December 31, 2011.
NOTE 14 - SHARE REPURCHASE PLAN
In September 2001, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program pursuant to which we are authorized to repurchase up to 600,000 shares of our common stock. In addition, in June 2008, our Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to a total of an additional 200,000 shares of our common stock. During 2011 and 2010, we repurchased a total of 2,000 share for $2,400 and 124,000 shares for $179,000, respectively, and, at December 31, 2011, 69,011 shares remained available for repurchase. These repurchase programs do not have an expiration date.
NOTE 15 - CONCENTRATION OF RISK AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Our trading and investment securities owned include investments in the common stock and warrants of the following companies, which represent more than 10% of trading and investment securities owned at December 31, 2011 and 2010 (dollars in thousands):
In 2011 and 2010, none of our revenue was from foreign sources and no customer represented 10% or more of our total revenue. In addition, all of our long-lived assets were located within the United States.
Warrants from two companies represented 80% of the total underwriting warrants owned as of December 31, 2011.
Securities sold not yet purchased represent one U.S. treasury bond as of December 31, 2011.
We are also exposed to concentrations of credit risk related to our cash deposits. We maintain cash at a financial institution where the total cash balance is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to its limit. At any given time, our cash balance may exceed the balance insured by the FDIC. We monitor such credit risk at the financial institution and have not experienced any losses related to such risks to date.
In addition, we are engaged in trading and brokerage activities with RBC CS. In the event RBC CS does not fulfill its obligations, we may be exposed to risk. The risk of default depends on the creditworthiness of RBC CS. It is our policy to review, as necessary, the credit standing of RBC CS.
NOTE 16 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010. we paid approximately $80,000 and $154,000, respectively, of legal costs on behalf of our officers, employees and independent contractors.
NOTE 17 - DEFERRED REVENUE
Deferred revenue consists of amounts received related to our clearing firm agreement. Other income in both 2011 and 2010 included $153,000 and $142,000, respectively, in amortization of deferred revenue.
NOTE 18 - NEW ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE
In April 2011, the FASB issued guidance to achieve common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements between GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. This guidance amends current fair value measurement and disclosure guidance to include increased transparency around valuation inputs and investment categorization. The guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this new guidance will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
In June 2011, the FASB issued guidance regarding presentation of other comprehensive income in the financial statements. This guidance will eliminate the option under GAAP to present other comprehensive income in the statement of changes in equity. Under the guidance, the Company will have the option to present the components of net income and comprehensive income in either one or two consecutive financial statements. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this new guidance will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
NOTE 19 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Subsequent to December 31, 2011, the Company announced that it reached an agreement in principle to transfer its retail operations to JHS Capital Advisors LLC, a member of FINRA and SIPC and an MSRB registrant that is headquartered in Tampa, Fla. The transaction is subject to approval by FINRA. Terms were not disclosed, and the Company was unable in good faith to make a determination of an estimate or range of estimates with respect to the transaction. After the contemplated transaction, Paulson will continue to operate independently as a broker/dealer focused on its core competencies in boutique investment banking activities.
Paulson Capital Corp. and Subsidiaries
SUPPLEMENTARY SCHEDULE OF WARRANTS OWNED
As of December 31, 2011