Item 1.
Business
Summary Background
In the third quarter of 2005, the Company began suffering a substantial loss of assets under management due to the departure of key personnel and uncertainty surrounding the future of the business. The deterioration in assets continued during 2006 and by September 30, 2006 the Company had no operating business. During the last quarter of 2006 and into 2007 the Company evaluated a series of business transactions none of which were completed. The Company’s efforts were derailed by a class action suit filed in the second quarter of 2007. The suit was withdrawn in the fourth quarter of 2007 and the Company is again evaluating opportunities.
The Company has no operating business and no assets under management at December 31, 2007. The Company’s principal assets consist of a significant cash position, sizable net operating tax losses to potentially carry forward, its status as an Exchange Act Reporting Company and a small revenue stream consisting of interest and fee sharing payments from departed portfolio managers. This revenue stream is insufficient to cover operating expenses.
As previously disclosed, the Company has been evaluating strategic alternatives. Currently, the Company has two options:
•
Merging with, acquiring or commencing a business potentially being funded by a capital raising event; or
•
Liquidating the Company and distributing a portion of the Company’s remaining cash to stockholders.
The Company continues to evaluate strategic alternatives: either commence a new business or liquidate.
See “Item 7.” Management’s Discussion & Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation.
Introduction
BKF Capital operates entirely through BKF Asset Management, Inc. (“BKF Asset Management”), formerly an SEC-registered investment adviser, and its related entities. BKF Capital operated in one business segment, the investment advisory and asset management business but, as noted above, no longer has an operating business. BKF
Asset Management owns 100% of LEVCO Securities, Inc. (“LEVCO Securities”), formerly a registered broker-dealer, and BKF GP, Inc. (“BKF GP”), which is the general partner of several investment partnerships, which are referred to as the “BKF Partnerships.” BKF Management Co., Inc. (“BKF Management”), which is 100% owned by BKF Capital and in turn owns 100% of BKF Asset Management, provides administrative and management services to BKF Asset Management and its related companies. BKF Management and all its subsidiaries are referred to collectively herein as “BKF.” Prior to January 3, 2006, BKF Asset Management, BKF GP and BKF Management were known as John A. Levin & Co., Inc., Levco GP, Inc. and Levin Management Co., Inc., respectively.
BKF Capital was incorporated in Delaware in 1954. Its executive offices are located at One Rockefeller Plaza, New York, New York 10020. Its telephone number is (212) 332-8400.
Services
At December 31, 2007 the Company is not offering any advisory services. It withdrew its investment advisory registration as of December 19, 2006.
BKF GP, continues to act as the managing general partner of several private investment partnerships which are in the process of being dissolved.
LEVCO Securities which cleared through Bear Stearns Securities Corp. (“Bear Stearns”) on a fully disclosed basis withdrew its Broker/Dealer license as of November 30, 2006 and ceased to service customer accounts at that time.
Employees
As of December 31, 2007, BKF and its subsidiaries employed the services of two directors to act as Chairman and CFO in addition to the continuing part time CFO and one part time employees.
Regulation
BKF’s business continues to be subject to various federal and state laws and regulations. BKF’s registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended was withdrawn on December 19, 2006. BKF Asset Management had also been registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission as a commodity trading advisor and a commodity pool operator, and BKF GP had been registered with that agency as a commodity pool operator. Those registrations have been withdrawn, Levco Securities broker dealer registration was formally withdrawn on November 30, 2006. BKF’s and BKF GP’s members in the National Futures Association has also been withdrawn. As a public company, BKF is subject to provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
The regulations to which BKF was subject are primarily designed to protect investment advisory clients, and the rules to which BKF Capital is subject are primarily designed to protect stockholders. The agencies implementing such regulations have broad administrative powers, including the power to limit, restrict or even prohibit entities from carrying on their business in the event of a failure to comply. Possible sanctions for significant historical failures include the suspension of individual employees, limitations on engaging in certain lines of business for specified periods of time, revocation of investment adviser, broker-dealer or other registrations, suspension or revocation of listing privileges, censures and fines.
Item 1B.
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2.
Item 2.
Properties
BKF’s offices are located at One Rockefeller Plaza, New York, New York. Prior to 2006 the Company ultilized the 56,000 square feet of office space it leased. During 2006 49,000 of the 56,000 square feet originally leased at One Rockefeller Plaza were either subleased or surrendered back to the landlord. The Company maintains its offices in the remaining 7,000 square feet under a lease which the Company was unable to dispose of expiring
November 30, 2008. BKF previously maintained a business continuity facility in Stamford, Connecticut. This facility was governed by a lease which would have expired September 30, 2011 but was surrendered back to the landlord in the second quarter of 2007.
Item 3.
Item 3.
Legal Procedures
There are no material lawsuits currently pending against the Company.
Item 4.
Item 4.
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
No matters were submitted to a vote of BKF Capital’s security holders during the of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 5.
Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholders Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
BKF Capital’s common stock trades over the counter under the symbol BKFG. Prior to August 29, 2006, the primary trading market for the Company’s common stock was the New York Stock Exchange. At the close of business on February 1, 2008, there were 455 holders of record of BKF Capital’s common stock.
The following table sets forth for the periods indicated (i) the high and low reported sale prices per share for the common stock as reported on the NYSE through the second quarter of 2006, (ii) the range of high and low bid information quoted on the Pink Sheets for the third and fourth quarter of 2006 and all of 2007 and (iii) cash dividends per share of common stock declared during the period. Market quotations on the OTCBB reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions:
BKF Capital declared no cash dividends in 2007 or 2006. The declaration and payment of dividends by BKF Capital is at the discretion of BKF Capital’s Board of Directors. BKF Capital is a holding company, and its ability to pay dividends is subject to the ability of its subsidiaries to provide cash to BKF Capital. BKF Capital has discontinued its policy of paying quarterly cash dividends and does not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future.
The following table provides information about purchases by BKF Capital of equity securities that are registered by BKF Capital pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act during 2007.
The purchases described below relate to the withholding of shares from employees in order to satisfy statutory withholding requirements in connection with the delivery of (i) vested shares of restricted stock and (ii) the common stock underlying Restricted Stock Units.
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Item 7.
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Summary Background
In the third quarter of 2005, the Company began suffering a substantial loss of assets under management due to the departure of key personnel and uncertainty surrounding the future of the business. The deterioration in assets continued during 2006 and by September 30, 2006 the Company had no operating business. During the last quarter of 2006 and into 2007 the Company evaluated a series of business transactions none of which were completed. The Company’s efforts were derailed by a class action suit filed in the second quarter of 2007. The suit was withdrawn in the fourth quarter of 2007 and the Company is again evaluating opportunities. In the intervening period the Company has continued to reduce expenses and unwind long term commitments and expects that net losses, if any, going forward will be small.
The Company has no operating business and no assets under management at December 31, 2007. The Company’s principal assets consist of a significant cash position, sizable net operating tax losses to potentially carry forward, its status as an Exchange Act Reporting Company and a small revenue stream consisting of interest and fee sharing payments from departed portfolio managers. This revenue stream will be insufficient to cover operating costs on a cash basis.
As previously disclosed, the Company has been evaluating strategic alternatives. Currently, the Company has two options:
•
Merging with, acquiring or commencing a business potentially being funded by a capital raising event; or
•
Liquidating the Company and distributing a portion of the Company’s remaining cash to stockholders.
The Company continues to evaluate strategic alternatives: either commence a new business or liquidate.
Recent History
In the first half of 2005, a group of stockholders launched a proxy fight to elect three new directors. It was announced at the Company’s annual meeting on June 23, 2005, that these stockholders were successful and three new directors were elected to the Company’s board. The proxy contest created uncertainty for the Company’s business and employees and, as a result, throughout 2005 the Company suffered significant declines in assets under management.
Following the proxy contest, in August 2005, John A. Levin, the Company’s founder and then Chief Executive Officer, agreed to resign effective upon the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer. The new Chief Executive Officer, John C. Siciliano, assumed his role September 28, 2005. Under the terms of a separation agreement the Company entered into with Mr. Levin, he was allowed to solicit clients representing approximately $2.1 billion of assets under management by the Company. Under the separation agreement, the Company has an economic stake equal to 15% of the investment fees generated by Mr. Levin’s firm from such former clients (to the extent clients invest in strategies similar to those that had been utilized by them at the Company for five years).
During the third quarter of 2005, the Company negotiated with various portfolio managers to enter into long-term compensation arrangements. The Company announced on October 18, 2005 that it was not successful in these negotiations. As a result, managers resigned and the Company liquidated their portfolios which represented 41.4% of the Company’s revenues (during 2005).
The Company then entered into compensation arrangements for 2006 with the senior portfolio managers of its two remaining major alternative investment strategies, the actively traded long-short equity and small-mid cap long-short equity strategies, and with Philip Friedman, the Company’s CIO, and the senior portfolio manager of the Company’s long-only equity business. These arrangements contemplated superseding longer-term economic arrangements would be reached in the first quarter of 2006 and provided that the teams in these strategies would receive 25% of their 2006 bonus pool on April 15, 2006 for members of the team still in the employ of the company at March 31, 2006 if no such arrangements were reached. Thereafter, the members of the team would be eligible to receive the balance of 75% of their annual bonus if they were terminated by the company prior to December 31, 2006 or if they were still in the employ of the Company at that date.
The Company was unable to reach long-term compensation with the senior portfolio managers of its actively traded long-short equity and small-mid cap long-short equity strategies were liquidated and the portfolio managers left the Company in April 2006. These strategies represented 23.6% of the Company’s revenues for 2005.
The Company also did not enter into a longer term employment agreement with Mr. Friedman. The Company announced on July 24, 2006 that Mr. Friedman had resigned and that the portfolios following the Company’s “long only” strategies, which represented the remaining $1.9 billion of assets under management as of June 30, 2006, would be liquidated during the third quarter of 2006. As a result, the Company’s “long only” strategies have been liquidated. Currently the Company has no assets under management nor any operating business.
During the latter half of 2006 the Company sought to execute its revised strategy to either revive the business or achieve a business combination. When the probability of quickly achieving such a combination was substantially lessened the Company’s CEO, John Siciliano and CFO, J. Clarke Gray offered their resignations to the board of directors to reduce ongoing expenses. Mr. Siciliano’s resignation became effective January 2, 2007 and Mr. Gray’s was to become effective June 30, 2007 however he continues in that role. Two existing board members Mr. Marvin Olshan and Mr. Harvey J. Bazaar agreed to assume the roles of Chairman and CEO, respectively.
The Company plans to continue to pursue all opportunities and intends to exhaust all possibilities before finally deciding to liquidate.
Historically, BKF Capital operated entirely through BKF, an investment adviser previously registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. BKF specialized in managing equity portfolios for institutional and individual investors. BKF offered long-only equity strategies and a range of alternative investment products and other more specialized investment programs. Most clients were based in the United States, though a significant portion of investors in the alternative investment products were located outside the United States.
BKF acts as the managing general partner of a number of investment partnerships which are in the process of being liquidated and dissolved.
With respect to accounts previously managed pursuant to its long-only equity strategies, BKF generally received advisory fees based on a percentage of the market value of assets under management, including market appreciation or depreciation and client contributions and withdrawals. In some cases, BKF received performance-based fees from accounts pursuing long-only equity strategies. With respect to private investment vehicles and separate accounts managed pursuant to similar strategies, BKF was generally entitled to receive both a fixed management fee based on a percentage of the assets under management and a share of net profits.
Results of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 2007 as Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2006
Revenues
Total revenues for 2007 were $3.6 million, reflecting a decrease of 85.3% from $24.5 million in revenues in 2006. These revenue declines were a direct result of the loss of business described above. The Company no longer has any revenue streams except interest on its cash and trailer fees from departed portfolio management.
Expenses
Total expenses for 2007 were $9.3 million, reflecting a 87% decrease from $71.4 million in 2006. The decrease is a direct result of the loss of the business and reduction of expenses and long term commitments.
Staffing costs continue to decline as the Company no longer has any full time employees.
Occupancy and equipment rental decreased 82% to $829,000 in 2007 from $4.6 million in 2006 due to subleasing of office space during 2006 and surrendering space back to the landlords in 2006 and 2007.
Other operating expenses of BKF Capital for 2007 were $4.7 million, reflecting an decrease of 44% from $8.4 million in 2006. Included in the $4.7 million for 2007 were $2.2 million of professional fees, $1.6 million of insurance costs primarily related to directors and officers liability coverage, and a number of other expenses such as telecommunications, printing, office supplies, settlements. This decrease is primarily due to the substantially reduced level of business activity.
Year Ended December 31, 2006 as Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2005
Revenues
Total revenues for 2006 were $24.5 million, reflecting a decrease of 80.1% from $123.2 million in revenues in 2005. Incentive fees and allocations decreased by 78.6% to $10.1 million in 2005 from $47.2 million in 2005, while asset-based management fees declined 86.7% to $9.2 million in 2006 from $69.5 million in 2005. These revenue declines were a direct result of the loss of business described above. The Company no longer has any of these revenue streams.
Under the terms of an agreement between BKF and John Levin, the former CEO of BKF, clients of BKF representing approximately $2.1 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2005 (including the short-biased investment vehicles) began to have their assets managed by an entity owned and controlled by Mr. Levin as of the beginning of 2006. These accounts have been excluded from BKF’s $4.5 billion of assets under management as of December 31, 2005. BKF has an economic stake equal to 15% of the investment management fees generated for Mr. Levin’s firm from such former clients (to the extent the clients invest in strategies similar to those that had been utilized by them at BKF) for five years. The fees for this agreement were $1.4 million in 2006 and are included in Commission income. Offsetting this increased revenue stream is a reduction in the revenue generated by the broker-dealer business (net of clearing charges) which declined from $712,000 in 2005 to $155,000 in 2006. The broker dealer has currently withdrawn its license and is effectively out of business.
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments and interest and dividend income from consolidated affiliated partnerships decreased to $0.50 million in 2006 from $3.2 million in 2005. Those partnerships have been liquidated and are currently in the process of being formally dissolved.
Expenses
Total expenses for 2006 were $71.4 million, reflecting a 44.7% decrease from $129.2 million in 2005. Included in the 2006 expenses are $32.8 million of restructuring expenses which include $14.8 of goodwill amortization, $11.2 million for losses on leasing activities and severance expense of $6.8 million. Aside from restructuring expenses the remaining $38.6 million includes $24.8 million of employee compensation down from $92.5 million in 2005. This decrease is directly related to the employee staffing level declining from 99 employees at December 31, 2005 to 3 one year later.
Expenses associated with employee equity grants resulted in a credit in 2006 due to the large number of forfeitures related to employee terminations.
Occupancy and equipment rental decreased 31.3% to $4.6 million in 2006 from $6.7 million in 2005 due to subleasing of office space during 2006.
Other operating expenses of BKF Capital for 2006 were $8.4 million, reflecting an decrease of 44.7% from $15.2 million in 2005. This decrease is primarily due to the substantially reduced level of business activity.
The decrease in amortization expense to $1.1 million in 2006 from $9.4 million in 2005 reflects the impairment of the value of certain investment advisory contracts that were treated as intangible assets in connection with the 1996 acquisition of BKF Asset Management by BKF Capital. The value of these contracts is being amortized over a 10-year period concluding on June 30, 2006. The termination of a significant portion of these contracts during the third and fourth quarters of 2005 led to the conclusion that the value of these contracts had been impaired. The final write off of these advisory contracts occurred during the first quarter of 2006.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
BKF’s current assets as of December 31, 2007 consist primarily of cash, short-term investments and receivables. While BKF has historically met its cash and liquidity needs through cash generated by operating activities, because of the significant decrease in revenues as the result of terminations and withdrawals, cash flow from operating activities has not been sufficient to fund operations during 2007. BKF will use its existing working capital for such purposes.
At December 31, 2007, BKF Capital had cash and cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury bills of $24.1 million, as compared to $31.1 million at December 31, 2006. BKF Capital had receivables of $405,000 at December 31, 2007, as compared to $4.0 million at December 31, 2006. This decrease in cash and cash equivalents and receivables primarily reflects the overall reduction in the business as described above. The increase in prepaid expenses and other assets to $2.8 million at December 31, 2007 from $1.7 million at December 31, 2006, primarily reflects the payment made in 2007 for a multi-year Directors & Officers liability insurance policy.
The decrease in fixed assets to $28,000 at December 31, 2007 from $88,000 at December 31, 2006 primarily reflects the depreciation of assets.
Accrued expenses were $1.1 million at December 31, 2007, as compared to $1.4 million at December 31, 2006. This decrease is primarily attributable to reduced business activity and related expenses.
Off Balance Sheet Risk
BKF GP served as the managing general partner for several affiliated investment partnerships which traded primarily in equity securities. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006 virtually all of these partnerships’ investments have been fully liquidated and the proceeds distributed. There is no General Partner or limited partners’ capital remaining in these partnership unless certain illiquid portfolio positions eventually realize a value. BKF GP has not guaranteed any of the affiliated investment partnerships’ obligations, nor does it have any contractual commitments associated with them.
Item 8.
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplemental Data
The independent auditor’s reports and financial statements listed in the accompanying index are included in Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. See Index to Financial Statements on page.
Item 9.
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
There are no unresolved disagreements with the Company’s accountants, Holtz Rubenstein Reminick on Accounting or Financial Disclosure matters.
Item 9A.
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Because of inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all misstatments. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management has assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007. In making this assessment, management used the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Management believes that, as of December 31, 2007, the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
This annual report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the SEC that permit us to provide only management’s report in this annual report.”
There have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2007 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.
Part III
Item 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14
The information required by Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 will be furnished on or prior to April 29, 2008 (and is hereby incorporated by reference) by an amendment hereto or pursuant to a definitive proxy statement pursuant to Regulation 14A which will contain such information.
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this Form 10-K:
(1) Financial Statements
The following financial statements of BKF Capital Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries are filed as part of this report under Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data:
(3) Exhibits
*
Filed herewith
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
BKF Capital Group, Inc.
By:
/s/ J. Clarke Gray
J. Clarke Gray
Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
Date: March 1, 2008
Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Harvey J. Bazaar and J. Clarke Gray and each of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to execute and cause to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission any and all amendments to the Annual Report on Form 10-K, with exhibits thereto and other documents connected therewith and to perform any acts necessary to be done in order to file such documents, and hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorney-in-fact or their substitute or substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors and Stockholders
BKF Capital Group, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of BKF Capital Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) (a Delaware corporation) as of December 31, 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit 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 also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of BKF Capital Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2007, and the consolidated results of their operations, changes in stockholders’ equity and their consolidated cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company’s will continue as a going concern. The Company experienced a total loss of assets under management and as a result the Company has had a significant decline in revenues in 2007 and no longer has an operating business. The Company continues to evaluate strategic alternatives: either commence a new business or liquidate. Historically, the Company has funded its cash and liquidity needs through cash generated from operations; however, in light of the above, the Company expects that cash generated from current operations will not be sufficient to fund operations and that the Company will use its existing working capital to fund operations. These factors, as discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
/s/ HOLTZ RUBENSTEIN REMINICK LLP
New York, New York
March 6, 2008
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors and Stockholders
BKF Capital Group, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of BKF Capital Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) (a Delaware corporation) as of December 31, 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit 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 also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of BKF Capital Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006, and the consolidated results of their operations, changes in stockholders’ equity and their consolidated cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. During 2006, the Company experienced a total loss of assets under management and as a result the Company has had a significant decline in revenues in 2006 and no longer has an operating business. The Company continues to evaluate strategic alternatives: either commence a new business or liquidate. Historically, the Company has funded its cash and liquidity needs through cash generated from operations; however, in light of the above, the Company expects cash generated from current operations will not be sufficient to fund operations and that the Company will use its existing working capital to fund operations. These factors, as discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
New York, New York
February 26, 2007
BKF CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
See accompanying notes
BKF CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
See accompanying notes
BKF CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)
See accompanying notes
BKF CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Years Ended December 31, 2007 and 2006
(Amounts in thousands)
(1)
includes grants of $162 and forfeitures of $(439).
BKF CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1.
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Organization and Basis of Presentation
BKF Capital Group, Inc. (the “Company”) operates through a wholly-owned subsidiary, BKF Management Co., Inc. and its subsidiaries, all of which are referred to as “BKF.” The Company trades on the over the counter market under the symbol (“BKFG”).
The consolidated financial statements of BKF include its wholly-owned subsidiaries BKF Asset Management, Inc., (“BAM”), BAM’s two wholly-owned subsidiaries, BKF GP Inc. (“BKF GP”) and LEVCO Securities, Inc. (“LEVCO Securities”). There were no affiliated partnerships in the December 31, 2007 or 2006 Consolidated Financial Statements.
BAM was an investment advisor which was registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended; it withdrew its registration on December 19, 2006. Prior to that time provided investment advisory services to its clients which included U.S. and foreign corporations, mutual funds, limited partnerships, universities, pension and profit sharing plans, individuals, trusts, not-for-profit organizations and foundations. BAM also participated in broker consulting programs (Wrap Accounts) with several nationally recognized financial institutions. BAM had no operations during 2007. LEVCO Securities was registered with the SEC as a broker- dealer and is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.; it withdrew its registration on November 30, 2006. BKF GP acts as the managing general partner of several affiliated investment partnerships which are in the process of being finally liquidated and dissolved, and Futures Trading Commission as a commodity pool operator.
Going Concern
The Company’s financial statements have been presented on the basis that it is a going concern which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The company experienced a total loss of assets under management and as a result, the Company has had a significant decline in revenues and no longer has an operating business. The Company continues to evaluate strategic alternatives: either commence a new business or liquidate. Historically, the Company has funded its cash and liquidity needs through case generated from operations. Accordingly the cash projected to be generated from operations will not be sufficient to fund operations and the Company will need to use its existing working capital to fund operations. As a result there is substantial doubt about the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern. The accompanying financial statements do not reflect any adjustment for the outcome of this uncertainty.
Consolidation Accounting Policies
Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities - an interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 (“ARB 51”), “Consolidated Financial Statements,” to variable interest entities (“VIE”), (“FIN 46”), which was issued in January 2003 and revised in December 2003 (“FIN 46R”), defines the criteria necessary to be considered an operating company (i.e., voting interest entity) for which the consolidation accounting guidance of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 94, “Consolidation of All Majority-Owned Subsidiaries, (“SFAS 94”) should be applied. As required by SFAS 94, the Company consolidates operating companies in which BKF has a controlling financial interest. The usual condition for a controlling financial interest is ownership of a majority of the voting interest. FIN 46R defines operating companies as businesses that have a sufficient legal equity to absorb the entities’ expected losses and, in each case, for which the equity holders have substantive voting rights and participate substantively in the gains and losses of such entities. Operating companies in which the Company is able to exercise significant influence but do not control are accounted for under the equity method. Significant influence generally is deemed to exist when the Company owns 20% to 50% of the voting equity of an operating entity. The Company has determined that it does not have any VIE. Entities consolidated are based on equity ownership of the entity by the Company and its affiliates. All intercompany accounts have been eliminated.
BKF CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition
Generally, investment advisory fees were billed quarterly, in arrears, based upon a percentage of the market value of each account at the end of the quarter. Wrap account fees were billed quarterly based upon a percentage of the market value of each account as of the previous quarter end. Incentive fees, general partner incentive allocations earned from affiliated investment partnerships, and incentive fees from other accounts were accrued on a quarterly basis and billed quarterly or at the end of their respective contract year, as applicable. Such accruals may have been reversed as a result of subsequent investment performance prior to the conclusion of the applicable contract year.
Commissions earned on securities transactions executed by LEVCO Securities and related expenses were recorded on a trade-date basis net of any sales credits.
Commissions earned on distribution of an unaffiliated investment advisor’s funds were recorded once a written commitment is obtained from the investor.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and United States Treasury Bills
The Company treats all United States Treasury Bills with maturities at acquisition of three months or less as cash equivalents. The U.S. Treasury bills are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value. Investments in money market funds are valued at net asset value. The Company maintains substantially all of its cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury bills invested in interest bearing instruments at two nationally recognized financial institutions, which at times may exceed federally insured limits. As a result the Company is exposed to credit risk related to the money market funds and the market rate inherent in both the U.S. Treasury bills and the money market funds.
Investments in Affiliated Investment Partnerships
BKF GP served as the managing general partner for several affiliated investment partnerships (“AIP”), which primarily engaged in the trading of publicly traded equity securities, and in the case of one partnership, distressed corporate debt. Currently all AIP activities have been terminated and BKF GP is in the process of dissolving those partnerships. There are no material assets and liabilities for results of operations of the AIP are not included in the Company’s consolidated statements of financial condition for the periods ending December 31, 2007 or 2006.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under the liability method prescribed by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” The Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (FIN48) as of January 1, 2007. As a result the Company recognized an increase to beginning accumulated deficit and an increase to the liability for taxes and interest of approximately $562,000. The liability is a result of exposure to state income reallocation exposure for years still subject to audit and based on the results of a recent audit of previous years.
Interest costs and penalties related to income taxes are classified as interest expense and general and administrative costs, respectively, in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
The Company and its subsidiaries file consolidated Federal and combined state and local tax returns. The Company is currently subject to a three year statue of limitations by major tax jurisdictions. Recently the Company settled an examination issue with New York State and New York City related to income allocation for the years 1999, 2000 and 2001. New York State has recently commenced an audit of the years 2002, 2003 and 2004.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to the differences between the financial statement carrying amount of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Future tax benefits are recognized only to the extent that realization of such benefits is more likely than not to occur. The Company has recorded a valuation reserve of approximately $22.9 and $20.4 million against its net deferred tax asset as of December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively. The Company believes that it is not more likely than not that this deferred tax benefit will be utilized in the foreseeable future.
The tax receivable of approximately $1.2 million as of December 31, 2007, represents cash refunds due with respect to the federal carry back claims for 2004 and 2003 taxes paid and is included in other assets.
Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets were accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” which requires impairment losses to be recognized on long-lived assets used in operations when an indication of an impairment exists. If the expected future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the assets, an impairment loss would be recognized to the extent the carrying value of such asset exceeded its fair value.
The Company recorded a charge of approximately $1.1 million in 2006 representing the difference between the fair value as determined by Income approach and the carrying value of the group of assets. Such amounts are reflected in amortization expense in the 2006 Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Fixed Assets
Furniture, fixtures, office and computer equipment and leasehold improvements are carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization in “Fixed Assets” in the consolidated statement of financial condition. Depreciation of furniture, fixtures, office and computer equipment is provided over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the economic life or the term of the lease. Internal use software that qualifies for capitalization under AICPA Statement of Position 98-1, “Accounting for the Cost of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use,” is capitalized and subsequently amortized over the estimated useful life of the software, generally three years.
The firm’s depreciation and amortization is computed using the methods set forth below:
During 2006 BKF abandoned certain furniture and equipment as a result of its subleasing and downsizing activities. As a result approximately $3.7 million was reflected as part of restructuring expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations There were no such abandonments in 2007.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Intangible Assets
The cost in excess of net assets of BKF acquired by the Company in June 1996 was reflected as goodwill, investment advisory contracts, and employment contracts in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Through December 31, 2001, goodwill was amortized straight line over 15 years. Effective January 1, 2002, the Company adopted SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill is no longer amortized but is subject to an impairment test at least annually or when indicators of potential impairment exist. Other intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their useful lives. During 2006 Goodwill of $14.8 million was fully written off and is included in restructuring expenses in the 2006 Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Earnings Per Share
The Company accounts for Earnings Per Share under SFAS No. 128, “Earnings Per Share.” Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the total of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding and common stock equivalents. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed using the treasury stock method.
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted (loss) per share (dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per share data):
In calculating diluted (loss) per share for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, 450,000, and 300,000, common stock equivalents were excluded due to their anti-dilutive effect on the calculation.
Fair Values of Financial Instruments
The fair values of the Company’s assets and liabilities except for fixed assets and investment advisory contracts, which qualify as financial instruments under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107, “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments,” approximate the carrying amounts presented in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
Business Segments
The Company operated in one business segment, the investment advisory and asset management business.
Stock-Based Compensation
Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS No. 123R) requiring that compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions be recognized in the financial statements. The cost is measured at the grant date, based on the calculated fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the employee’s
BKF CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity award). Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company accounted for share-based compensation to employees in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees: (APB No. 25), and related interpretations. The Company followed the disclosure requirements of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” as amended by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure.” The Company adopted SFAS 123R using the modified prospective method and, accordingly, financial statement amounts for prior periods have not been restated to reflect the fair value method of recognizing compensation cost relating to stock options.
The fair value of each option award is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Expected volatility is based on implied volatilities from the public trading price of BKF stock. The Company used a 5 year option life as the expected term for the options granted in 2007. The expected term represents an estimate of the time options are expected to remain outstanding. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The following table sets forth the assumptions used to determine compensation cost for non-qualified stock options consistent with the requirements of SFAS No. 123R for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.
Recent Accounting Developments
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and requires disclosure regarding fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2008. The adoption of SFAS 157 will have no material effect on the Company’s financial statements.
In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The Interpretation also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. The Company adopted FIN 48 in the first quarter of 2007. The impact of the adoption of FIN 48 resulted in an increase to beginning accumulated deficit and an increase to liabilities for taxes and interest of approximately $562,000. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“SFAS 159”), which permits certain financial assets and financial liabilities to be measured at fair value, using an instrument-by-instrument election. The initial effect of adopting SFAS 159 must be accounted for as a cumulative-effect adjustment to opening retained earnings for the fiscal year in which we apply SFAS 159.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Retrospective application of SFAS 159 to fiscal years preceding the effective date is not permitted. SFAS 159 has no effect on the Company’s financial statements.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), Business Combinations (“SFAS 141(R)”). SFAS 141(R) expands the definition of transactions and events that qualify as business combinations; requires that the acquired assets and liabilities, including contingencies, be recorded at the fair value determined on the acquisition date and changes thereafter reflected in revenue, not goodwill; changes the recognition timing for restructuring costs; and requires acquisition costs to be expensed as incurred. Adoption of SFAS 141(R) is required for combinations after December 15, 2008. Early adoption and retroactive application of SFAS 141(R) to fiscal years preceding the effective date are not permitted. The adoption of SFAS 141(R) may have an effect on the Company’s financial statements.
SFAS 160. In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Financial Statements (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 re-characterizes minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries as non-controlling interests and requires the classification of minority interests as a component of equity. Under SFAS 160, a change in control will be measured at fair value, with any gain or loss recognized in earnings. The effective date for SFAS 160 is for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Early adoption and retroactive application of SFAS 160 is for annual periods beginnning on or after December 15, 2008. Early adoption and retroactive application of SFAS 160 to fiscal years preceding the effective date are not permitted. We are evaluating the impact of adoption on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
2.
Off-Balance Sheet Risk
LEVCO Securities acted as an introducing broker and all transactions for its customers were cleared through and carried by a major U.S. securities firm on a fully disclosed basis. LEVCO Securities had agreed to indemnify its clearing broker for losses that the clearing broker sustained from the customer accounts introduced by LEVCO Securities. In the ordinary course of its business, however, LEVCO Securities did not accept orders with respect to client accounts if the funds required for the client to meet its obligations were not on deposit in the client account at the time the order was placed.
3.
Fixed Assets
Fixed assets consist of the following (dollar amounts in thousands):
Depreciation expense was approximately $60,000 and $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The remaining fixed assets represent the original cost of fine art for which no depreciation will be recognized.
During 2006 as a result of the abandonment of certain fixed assets $3.7 million of expenses is included in restructing costs in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2006.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
4.
Intangible Assets
Effective January 1, 2002, the Company adopted SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” BKF historically performed an annual impairment review to determine if the value of the intangible assets had been impaired. The Company used the market method to measure the amount of goodwill impairment. The Company utilized the public market price of its stock to determine if there has been an impairment of its intangible assets. During 2006 the Company determined that goodwill which it carried as $14.8 million since January 1, 2002 had become fully impaired because of the substantial losses the business incurred as a result of the loss of assets under management due to the loss of key personnel. The method indicated that the goodwill of $14.8 million had become fully impaired and as a result the Company recorded a charge of $14.8 million to fully amortize the balance during 2006. Such amount was reflected in restructuring losses in the 2006 Consolidated Statement of Operations.
5.
Significant Customers
The Company had no significant customers during 2007. For the year ended December 31, 2006 the Company recorded revenue from one of its broker consults (wrap fee) programs of approximately $3.1 million or 12.6%, of total revenues, respectively. In addition, the Company recorded revenue from two affiliated investment vehicles, one utilizing the event driven strategy of $179,000 or 0.7%, and one operating under a long-short strategy of $11.3 million or 46.1%, of total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2006. No such revenue was recorded in 2007.
6.
Related Party Transactions
Investments in Affiliated Investment Partnerships and Related Revenue
There was no material carrying value or income from the unconsolidated AIP included in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition or the Consolidated Statement of Operations in the 2007 or 2006.
During 2006 the Company earned investment advisory fees and incentive allocations/fees from unconsolidated affiliated domestic investment partnerships and affiliated offshore investment vehicles of approximately $7.2 million, which is included in the Consolidated Statements of Operation for that year.
Commission Revenues
Commission revenues earned on securities transactions reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Operations have been generated by transactions introduced to a clearing broker by LEVCO Securities during 2006 which acted as a broker for certain investment advisory accounts of the Company. Commission revenues have been presented net of the related clearing expenses. Also included in commission revenues are the Company’s portion of fee sharing arrangements from departed portfolio managers for 2007, and 2006.
7.
Lease Commitment
During 2007 the Company surrendered 4,822 square feet of disaster recovery space back to the landlord and was released from all future obligations in exchange for a $262,000 payment which is included in restructuring expenses.
During 2006 the Company sublet approximately 33,000 square feet of excess office space. Those subleases were executed at a rate which was below the rate of the existing primary lease obligation. As a result the Company recorded lease reserves of $4.8 million. In addition, the Company surrended 18,000 square feet and made a $2.3 million payment to the new tenant in exchange for a release from liability on that space. The Company has remaining office space obligations that require monthly payments plus escalations through September 2011. At
BKF CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
December 31, 2007, the minimum annual rental commitments under the operating lease and related sublease income are as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):
Rent expense net of subrental income was $563,000 and $2.8 million, for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Subrental income was $1.2 million and $346,000 for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
8.
Employee Benefit Plans
BKF had adopted a Section 401(k) plan. All employees with three months or more of service were eligible to participate in the plan. During 2007 the Company terminated the plan by distributing the assets to the employees. As of December 31, 2007 the Company is awaiting a final determination letter from the IRS. There was no company matching contributions for 2007 or 2006.
9.
Stock-Based Compensation Plans
In December 1998, the shareholders of BKF approved an Incentive Compensation Plan (“Compensation Plan”), which was amended in May 2001 that allows the Company to pay officers and employees part of their compensation in restricted stock units (“RSU”), restricted stock and other forms of equity-based compensation, including stock options. At December 31, 2007, the awards authorized and available for future grants under the Compensation Plan were 2,600,000 and 681,636, respectively. All awards are issued at the discretion of BKF’s Compensation Committee.
A.
Restricted Stock Units
RSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2006 is summarized below. There was no 2007 activity.
Employee compensation expense related to the RSU for the years ended December 31, 2006, was approximately ($1.1) million. See Note 10 - Non-Cash Transactions.
There will be no future compensation expense related to RSUs.
BKF CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
B.
Restricted Stock
Restricted stock activity for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 is as follows:
Employee compensation expenses related to restricted stock for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 was approximately $48,000 and $(400,000).
In connection with the restricted stock granted to the directors, the Company recorded directors’ fees expense of approximately $0 and $13,000 for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.
C.
Non-Qualified Stock Options
Stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 is summarized below:
Stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2007 are as follows:
BKF CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
There was $400,000 and $804,000 of compensation cost related to non-qualified stock options recognized in operating results (included in employee compensation and benefits expenses) for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
10.
Non-Cash Transactions
During 2006, the company granted 4,592 shares of restricted stock to non-employee directors of the Company with a value of $59,558 to reduce cash payments for Board of Directors fees. Of the restricted stock, 656 shares with a value of $8,508 were forfeited during the year.
During 2007 there was no restricted stock granted. There were 8,406 shares of common stock withheld for required withholdings in connection with the delivery of 18,750 shares of common stock previously granted.
11.
Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes consists of the following (dollar amounts in thousands):
As of December 31, 2007 the Company has a net operating loss carryforward of approximately $50.3 million the utilization of which may be limited under IRS code section 382 due to changes in the ownership of the Company’s stock. Since it is not likely that deferred tax assets will be realized no current tax credit was recognized. Deferred tax assets arise from the future tax benefit on deferred and non-cash compensation, lease amendment loss, unrealized losses on investment, and depreciation. Deferred tax liabilities arise from deferred revenues, unrealized gains on investments, and state and local taxes.
BKF CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and liabilities, shown net in the deferred tax asset on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, consisted of the following (dollar amounts in thousands):
The Company has recorded a valuation allowance of approximately $22.9 million against its net deferred tax asset as of December 31, 2007. The Company believes that it is not more likely than not that this deferred tax benefit will be utilized in the foreseeable future.
The Company’s provision (benefit) for income taxes differs from the amount of income tax determined by applying the applicable U.S. federal statutory income tax rate principally due to the valuation reserve.
A reconciliation of income tax expense (benefit) with expected federal income tax expense (benefit) computed at the applicable federal tax rate of 35% is as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):
12.
Restructuring Expenses
During 2006, the Company established a restructuring reserve to account for the termination costs associated with employee separation agreements, losses incurred in subleasing excess office space including the write-off of leaseholds and equipment related to those subleases and the write-off of the goodwill balance. A summary of the 2006 and 2007 restructuring expenses follows (dollar amounts in millions):
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
It is expected that no additional liabilities for restructuring expenses will be incurred.
13.
Commitments and Contingencies
The Company could be subject to a variety of claims, suits and proceedings that arise from time to time, including actions with respect to contracts, regulatory compliance and public disclosure. These actions may be commenced by a number of different constituents, including vendors, former employees, regulatory agencies, and stockholders. The following is a discussion of the more significant matters involving the Company.
The Company is a defendant in a lawsuit for claims for repaid services in the amount of approximately $600,000. The complaint was filed in the Supreme Court of New York and alleges unjust enrichment and is currently in the discovery stage. The Company has no specific reserve for this action.
The Company has agreed to reimburse Steel Partners II, L.P. for its reasonable expenses incurred in connection with last year’s proxy contest if certain conditions are met. Warren G. Lichtenstein, a former director of the Company, is the managing member of the general partner of Steel Partners II L.P., and the partnership owns 646,333 shares of the Company. The expense reimbursement will only be made if (i) the EBITDA of the Company is positive for each of four consecutive quarters commencing after March 31, 2006 and (ii) the cumulative EBITDA of the Company during such four-quarter period is equal to or greater than $1.2 million. EBITDA means net income before deducting interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization; provided that there shall be excluded from the calculation of EBITDA any income or loss generated from consolidated affiliated partnerships or any extraordinary or non-recurring item that has the effect of increasing EBITDA. If these conditions are met, the expense reimbursement will be made within 15 days after the Company’s financial statements for the applicable quarterly periods are completed. The proxy contest expenses of Steel Partners II, L.P. are approximately $566,000. The Company has no specific reserve for this contingency.