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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

 

For the quarterly period ended

June 30, 2021

OR

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

 

For the transition period from ____________________ to ____________________

 

Commission file number

  0-5703

Siebert Financial Corp.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

New York

 

11-1796714

(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

535 Fifth Avenue, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10017

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

(212) 644-2400

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

120 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005

(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock - $0.01 par value

SIEB

The Nasdaq Capital Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes ☒  No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

Yes ☒  No ☐


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

Large accelerated filer ☐

Accelerated filer ☐

Non-accelerated filer ☒

Smaller reporting company ☒

 

Emerging growth company ☐

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes ☐  No ☒

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common equity, as of the latest practicable date: As of August 10, 2021, there were 31,283,364 shares of the registrant’s common stock.


SIEBERT FINANCIAL CORP.

INDEX

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

2

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

5

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

6

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

24

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

34

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

35

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

36

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

36

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

36

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

37

SIGNATURES

38


Forward-Looking Statements

For purposes of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Report”), the terms “Siebert,” “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Siebert Financial Corp., and its subsidiaries collectively, unless the context otherwise requires.

The statements contained throughout this Report, including any documents incorporated by reference, that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words “may,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “estimate,” “target,” “project,” “intend” and similar words or expressions. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections, or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements, which reflect our beliefs, objectives, and expectations as of the date hereof, are based on the best judgement of management. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in such statements, including, without limitation, the following: economic, social and political conditions, global economic downturns resulting from extraordinary events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and other securities industry risks; interest rate risks; liquidity risks; credit risk with clients and counterparties; risk of liability for errors in clearing functions; systemic risk; systems failures, delays and capacity constraints; network security risks; competition; reliance on external service providers; new laws and regulations affecting our business; net capital requirements; extensive regulation, regulatory uncertainties and legal matters; failure to maintain relationships with employees, customers, business partners or governmental entities; the inability to achieve synergies or to implement integration plans and other consequences associated with risks and uncertainties detailed in under Part I, Item 1A - Risk Factors of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 (“2020 Form 10-K”) as well as in our filings with the SEC.

We caution that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive, and new factors may emerge, or changes to the foregoing factors may occur, that could impact our business. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by the federal securities laws.

-1-


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SIEBERT FINANCIAL CORP. & SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

June 30, 2021

(unaudited)

December 31, 2020

ASSETS

 

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

$

2,332,000

$

3,632,000

Cash and securities segregated for regulatory purposes

348,689,000

324,924,000

Receivables from customers

84,850,000

95,358,000

Receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations

9,290,000

15,815,000

Other receivables

2,298,000

1,692,000

Prepaid service contract - current

709,000

809,000

Prepaid expenses and other assets

1,284,000

2,095,000

Securities borrowed

638,169,000

905,785,000

Securities owned, at fair value

4,275,000

2,623,000

Total Current assets

1,091,896,000

1,352,733,000

 

Deposits with broker-dealers and clearing organizations

9,828,000

7,209,000

Prepaid service contract – non-current

650,000

1,004,000

Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements, net

746,000

762,000

Software, net

1,021,000

1,334,000

Lease right-of-use assets

3,246,000

2,290,000

Investments, cost

2,231,000

Deferred tax assets

4,584,000

4,857,000

Intangible assets, net

727,000

809,000

Goodwill

1,989,000

1,989,000

Total Assets

$

1,116,918,000

$

1,372,987,000

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

Liabilities

Current liabilities

Payables to customers

$

391,874,000

$

380,524,000

Payables to non-customers

12,065,000

11,570,000

Drafts payable

1,274,000

4,021,000

Payables to broker-dealers and clearing organizations

6,834,000

1,810,000

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

3,925,000

3,777,000

Securities loaned

643,645,000

920,811,000

Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value

49,000

21,000

Taxes payable

1,270,000

Notes payable - related party

5,200,000

5,200,000

Current portion of lease liabilities

1,350,000

1,314,000

Current portion of long-term debt

998,000

998,000

Total Current liabilities

1,068,484,000

1,330,046,000

 

Lease liabilities, less current portion

2,204,000

1,298,000

Long-term debt, less current portion

3,159,000

3,657,000

Total Liabilities

1,073,847,000

1,335,001,000

 

Commitments and Contingencies

Stockholders’ equity

Common stock, $.01 par value; 100 million shares authorized; 31,283,364 and 30,953,710 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively

312,000

309,000

Additional paid-in capital

23,146,000

21,768,000

Retained earnings

19,613,000

15,909,000

Total Stockholders’ equity

43,071,000

37,986,000

 

Total Liabilities and stockholders' equity

$

1,116,918,000

$

1,372,987,000

Numbers are rounded for presentation purposes. See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

-2-


SIEBERT FINANCIAL CORP. & SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(unaudited)

Three Months Ended

June 30,

Six Months Ended

June 30,

2021

2020

2021

2020

   Revenue

Commissions and fees

$

4,325,000

$

4,887,000

$

11,333,000

$

10,470,000

Interest, marketing and distribution fees

3,623,000

3,034,000

7,082,000

7,659,000

Principal transactions

4,107,000

2,581,000

8,355,000

5,784,000

Market making

1,758,000

615,000

3,372,000

1,085,000

Stock borrow / stock loan

2,240,000

771,000

4,087,000

1,215,000

Advisory fees

403,000

243,000

759,000

505,000

Other income

337,000

488,000

729,000

702,000

Total Revenue

16,793,000

12,619,000

35,717,000

27,420,000

 

Expenses

Employee compensation and benefits

8,745,000

6,614,000

17,911,000

13,905,000

Clearing fees, including execution costs

1,289,000

1,339,000

3,142,000

2,637,000

Technology and communications

1,100,000

953,000

2,341,000

1,934,000

Other general and administrative

1,188,000

401,000

1,958,000

1,255,000

Data processing

695,000

754,000

1,492,000

1,603,000

Rent and occupancy

470,000

698,000

1,040,000

1,425,000

Professional fees

577,000

744,000

1,192,000

1,399,000

Depreciation and amortization

374,000

377,000

766,000

825,000

Referral fees

353,000

162,000

760,000

273,000

Interest expense

89,000

88,000

192,000

164,000

Total Expenses

14,880,000

12,130,000

30,794,000

25,420,000

 

Income before provision for income taxes

1,913,000

489,000

4,923,000

2,000,000

Provision for income taxes

484,000

(10,000

)

1,219,000

525,000

Net income

$

1,429,000

$

499,000

$

3,704,000

$

1,475,000

 

Net income per share of common stock

Basic and diluted

$

0.05

$

0.02

$

0.12

$

0.05

 

Weighted average shares outstanding

Basic and diluted

31,283,364

30,587,794

31,228,725

30,521,878

Numbers are rounded for presentation purposes. See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

-3-


SIEBERT FINANCIAL CORP. & SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(unaudited)

 

Number of Shares

Issued

$.01 Par

Value

Additional Paid-In Capital

Retained Earnings

Total

Balance – January 1, 2021

30,953,710

$

309,000

$

21,768,000

$

15,909,000

$

37,986,000

Shares issued for OpenHand purchase

329,654

3,000

1,378,000

1,381,000

Net income

2,275,000

2,275,000

Balance – March 31, 2021

31,283,364

$

312,000

$

23,146,000

$

18,184,000

$

41,642,000

Net income

1,429,000

1,429,000

Balance – June 30, 2021

31,283,364

$

312,000

$

23,146,000

$

19,613,000

$

43,071,000

Number of Shares

Issued

$.01 Par

Value

Additional Paid-In Capital

Retained Earnings

Total

Balance – January 1, 2020

27,157,188

$

271,000

$

7,641,000

$

12,869,000

$

20,781,000

Shares issued for StockCross purchase

3,302,616

33,000

12,256,000

65,000

12,354,000

Net income

976,000

976,000

Balance – March 31, 2020

30,459,804

$

304,000

$

19,897,000

$

13,910,000

$

34,111,000

Shares issued for payment of professional services

193,906

2,000

1,125,000

1,127,000

Net income

499,000

499,000

Balance – June 30, 2020

30,653,710

$

306,000

$

21,022,000

$

14,409,000

$

35,737,000

Numbers are rounded for presentation purposes. See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

-4-


SIEBERT FINANCIAL CORP. & SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

Six Months Ended

June 30,

2021

2020

   Cash Flows From Operating Activities

Net income

$

3,704,000

$

1,475,000

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:  

Deferred income tax expense

273,000

233,000

Depreciation and amortization

766,000

825,000

 

Changes in

Receivables from customers

10,508,000

5,953,000

Receivables from and deposits with broker-dealers and clearing

organizations

3,906,000

(856,000

)

Securities borrowed

267,616,000

26,277,000

Securities owned, at fair value

(1,652,000

)

644,000

Prepaid expenses and other assets

205,000

58,000

Prepaid service contract

454,000

(972,000

)

Payables to customers

11,350,000

6,007,000

Payables to non-customers

495,000

(344,000

)

Drafts payable

(2,747,000

)

(859,000

)

Payables to broker-dealers and clearing organizations

5,024,000

3,059,000

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

147,000

157,000

Securities loaned

(277,166,000

)

(10,996,000

)

Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value

28,000

(99,000

)

Interest payable

20,000

Lease liabilities

(14,000

)

(77,000

)

Taxes payable

1,270,000

39,000

Net cash provided by operating activities

24,167,000

30,544,000

 

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

Purchase of OpenHand common stock

(850,000

)

Purchase of furniture, equipment, and leasehold improvements

(198,000

)

Purchase of software

(156,000

)

(276,000

)

Net cash used in investing activities

(1,204,000

)

(276,000

)

 

Cash Flows From Financing Activities

Repayments of long-term debt

(498,000

)

Net cash used in financing activities

(498,000

)

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents, and cash and securities segregated for regulatory purposes

22,465,000

30,268,000

Cash and cash equivalents, and cash and securities segregated for regulatory purposes - beginning of year

328,556,000

229,594,000

Cash and cash equivalents, and cash and securities segregated for regulatory purposes - end of period

$

351,021,000

$

259,862,000

 

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period

$

2,332,000

$

4,179,000

Cash and securities segregated for regulatory purposes - end of period

348,689,000

255,683,000

Cash and cash equivalents, and cash and securities segregated for regulatory purposes - end of period

$

351,021,000

$

259,862,000

 

Supplemental cash flow information

Cash paid during the period for income taxes

$

97,000

$

130,000

Cash paid during the period for interest

$

192,000

$

150,000

 

Non-cash investing and financing activities

Shares issued for OpenHand purchase

$

1,381,000

$

Shares issued for payment of professional services

$

$

1,127,000

Numbers are rounded for presentation purposes. See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

-5-


SIEBERT FINANCIAL CORP. & SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

1. Organization and Basis of Presentation

Organization

Overview

Siebert Financial Corp., a New York corporation, incorporated in 1934, is a holding company that conducts the following lines of business through its wholly-owned subsidiaries:

Retail brokerage business through Muriel Siebert & Co., Inc. (“MSCO”), a Delaware corporation and broker-dealer registered with the SEC

Investment advisory services through Siebert AdvisorNXT, Inc. (“SNXT”), a New York corporation registered with the SEC as a Registered Investment Adviser (“RIA”) under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended

Insurance services through Park Wilshire Companies, Inc. (“PW”), a Texas corporation and licensed insurance agency  

Robo-advisory technology development through Siebert Technologies, LLC (“STCH”), a Nevada limited liability company  

Prime brokerage services through WPS Prime Services, LLC (“WPS”), a Delaware limited liability company and a broker-dealer registered with the SEC

StockCross Digital Solutions, Ltd. (“STXD”), an inactive subsidiary headquartered in Bermuda

For purposes of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the terms “Siebert,” “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Siebert Financial Corp., MSCO, SNXT, PW, STCH, WPS, and STXD collectively, unless the context otherwise requires.

The Company is headquartered in New York, NY, with primary operations in New Jersey, Florida, and California. The Company has 15+ branch offices throughout the U.S. and clients around the world. The Company’s SEC filings are available through the Company’s website at www.siebert.com, where investors can obtain copies of the Company’s public filings free of charge. The Company’s common stock, par value $.01 per share, trades on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “SIEB.”

The Company primarily operates in the securities brokerage and asset management industry and has no other reportable segments. All of the Company's revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 were derived from its operations in the U.S.

As of June 30, 2021, the Company is comprised of a single operating segment based on the factors related to management’s decision-making framework as well as management evaluating performance and allocating resources based on assessments of the Company from a consolidated perspective.

Acquisition of StockCross

On January 25, 2019, the Company purchased approximately 15% of the outstanding shares of StockCross Financial Services, Inc. (“StockCross”). Subsequently, the Company acquired the remaining 85% of StockCross’ outstanding shares in exchange for 3,298,774 shares of the Company’s common stock. Effective January 1, 2020, StockCross was merged with and into MSCO, and as of January 1, 2020, all clearing and other services provided by StockCross were performed by MSCO.

Prior to and as of the date of the Company’s acquisition of StockCross, the Company and StockCross were entities under common control of Gloria E. Gebbia, the Company’s principal stockholder, and members of her immediate family (collectively, the “Gebbia Family”). The acquisition represented a change in reporting entity.

COVID-19

The challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy increased significantly starting in the first quarter of 2020. COVID-19 spread across the globe during 2020 and impacted economic activity worldwide. In response to COVID-19, national and local governments around the world instituted certain measures, including travel bans, prohibitions on group events and gatherings, shutdowns of certain businesses, curfews, shelter-in-place orders and recommendations to practice social distancing.

The primary financial impact on the Company from the COVID-19 pandemic for the three months ended June 30, 2021 was lower interest revenue resulting from lower benchmark interest rates.

-6-


The Company is actively monitoring the impact of COVID-19 on its business, financial condition, liquidity, operations, employees, clients and business partners. Based on management’s assessment as of June 30, 2021, the ultimate impact of COVID-19 on the Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows is dependent on future developments, including the duration of the pandemic and the related length of its impact on the global economy, which are uncertain and cannot be predicted at this time.

Refer to Part I, Item 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this Report for additional detail on COVID-19 and its impact on the Company.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements (“financial statements”) of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”) for interim financial information with the instructions for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, the financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring entries) necessary to fairly present such interim results. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations which may be expected for a full year or any subsequent period. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto in the Company’s 2020 Form 10-K. The financial statements include the accounts of Siebert and its wholly-owned subsidiaries and upon consolidation, all intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated. The U.S. dollar is the functional currency of the Company and numbers are rounded for presentation purposes.

Significant Accounting Policies

The Company’s significant accounting policies are included in Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the Company’s 2020 Form 10-K, and any updates as of June 30, 2021 are listed below.

Investments, Cost

Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, generally requires entities to measure equity investments (other than equity method investments, controlling financial interests that result in consolidation of the investee and certain other investments) at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in net income. However, entities will be able to elect a measurement alternative for equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values and do not qualify for the practical expedient in ASC 820 to estimate fair value using the net asset value (NAV) per share.

Pursuant to ASU 2016-01, the Company has made an accounting policy election to measure equity securities without readily determinable fair value at cost, less any impairment, adjusted for any changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer.

Other than the updates described above, there have been no material changes to the Company’s significant accounting policies.

2. New Accounting Standards

Accounting Standards Adopted in Fiscal 2021

ASU 2020-01 - In January 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-01, “Investments - Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) - Clarifying the Interactions between Topic 321, Topic 323, and Topic 815.” The ASU is based on a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force and is expected to increase comparability in accounting for these transactions. ASU 2016-01 made targeted improvements to accounting for financial instruments, including providing an entity the ability to measure certain equity securities without a readily determinable fair value at cost, less any impairment, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. Among other topics, the amendments clarify that an entity should consider observable transactions that require it to either apply or discontinue the equity method of accounting. For public business entities, the amendments in the ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2020-01 on January 1, 2021. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

ASU 2019-12 - In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740) Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes”, as part of its initiative to reduce complexity in the accounting standards. The ASU eliminates certain exceptions from ASC 740 related to the approach for intraperiod tax allocation, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. ASU 2019-12 also clarifies and simplifies other aspects of the accounting for income taxes. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and for interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted ASU 2019-12 on January 1, 2021. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

-7-


Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

ASU 2016-13 - In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial- Instruments”. The ASU changes the impairment model and requires financial assets measured at amortized cost basis, including finance receivables (loans), HTM debt securities, trade receivables, and off-balance sheet credit exposures not accounted for as insurance to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. Under this model, entities will be required to estimate the lifetime expected credit loss on such instruments and record an allowance to offset the amortized cost basis of the financial asset, resulting in a net presentation of the amount expected to be collected on the financial asset. Subsequent ASUs, including 2018-19, 2019-04, 2019-05, 2019-10, 2019-11, and 2020-02 were issued to clarify certain aspects of ASU 2016-13 and to provide transition reliefs. Adoption requires modified retrospective transition through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the entity applies the new guidance. The Company plans to adopt ASU 2016-13 and all subsequent ASU guidance as of January 1, 2023 and is in the process of assessing its impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Management has evaluated other recently issued accounting standards and does not believe that any of these standards will have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements and related disclosures as of June 30, 2021.

3. Acquisitions

StockCross

Overview of Acquisition

Established in 1971, StockCross was one of the largest privately-owned brokerage firms in the nation and its operations consisted primarily of market making, fixed-income products distribution, online or broker-assisted equity trading, securities lending, and equity stock plan services.

Prior to being acquired by the Company, StockCross and the Company were affiliated entities through common ownership and had various related party transactions. In January 2019, the Company acquired approximately 15% ownership of StockCross. Effective January 1, 2020, the Company acquired the remaining 85% of StockCross’ outstanding shares and StockCross was merged with and into MSCO. The purchase price paid was approximately $29,750,000 or 3,298,774 shares of the Company’s common stock which was issued in connection with the acquisition. The acquisition of StockCross added incremental business lines, revenue streams, cost synergies and additional experienced management team members to MSCO.

Accounting for Acquisition

Prior to and as of the date of the acquisition, the Company and StockCross were entities under common control of the Gebbia Family. As such, the acquisition was accounted for as a transaction between entities under common control.

The acquisition represented a change in reporting entity. As such, upon the closing of the acquisition, the net assets of the Company were combined with those of StockCross at their historical carrying amounts and no goodwill was recorded as part of the transaction.

The Company acquired various assets and liabilities from StockCross which were recorded at their historical carrying amounts and summarized below:

-8-


Historical

Carrying Value

 

Assets acquired

Cash and cash equivalents

$

1,588,000

Cash and securities segregated for regulatory purposes

224,814,000

Receivables from customers

86,331,000

Receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations  

3,105,000

Other receivables

627,000

Prepaid expenses and other assets

346,000

Securities borrowed

193,529,000

Securities owned, at fair value

3,018,000

Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements, net  

19,000

Lease right-of-use assets

1,141,000

Deferred tax assets

407,000

Total Assets acquired

514,925,000

 

Liabilities assumed

Payables to customers

308,091,000

Payables to non-customers

9,151,000

Drafts payable

2,834,000

Payables to broker-dealers and clearing organizations

1,406,000

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

963,000

Securities loaned

170,443,000

Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value

28,000

Notes payable – related party

5,000,000

Lease liabilities

1,295,000

Total Liabilities assumed

499,211,000

 

Net Assets acquired

$

15,714,000

4. Receivables From, Payables To, and Deposits With Broker-Dealers and Clearing Organizations

Amounts receivable from, payables to, and deposits with broker-dealers and clearing organizations consisted of the following as of the periods indicated:

As of

June 30, 2021

As of

December 31, 2020

Receivables from and deposits with broker-dealers and clearing organizations

DTCC / OCC / NSCC

$

13,844,000

$

17,841,000

Goldman Sachs

2,729,000

2,430,000

Pershing Capital

1,104,000

1,266,000

NFS

1,064,000

1,061,000

Securities fail-to-deliver

347,000

379,000

Globalshares

30,000

46,000

Total Receivables from and deposits with broker-dealers and clearing organizations

$

19,118,000

$

23,023,000

 

Payables to broker-dealers and clearing organizations

Securities fail-to-receive

$

6,789,000

$

1,810,000

Payables to broker dealers

45,000

Total Payables to broker-dealers and clearing organizations

$

6,834,000

$

1,810,000

Under the DTCC shareholders’ agreement, MSCO is required to participate in the DTCC common stock mandatory purchase. As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, MSCO had shares of DTCC common stock valued at approximately $905,000 and $937,000, respectively, which are included within the line item “Deposits with broker-dealers and clearing organizations” on the statements of financial condition.

-9-


5. Prepaid Service Contract

On April 21, 2020, the Company entered into a Master Services Agreement (“MSA”), with InvestCloud, Inc. (“InvestCloud”). Pursuant to the MSA, InvestCloud agreed to provide the Company with the InvestCloud Platform, a new client and back end interface and related functionalities for the Company’s key operations. The Company agreed to pay InvestCloud as consideration therefore during the initial three-year term an annual license fee of $600,000 as well as an upfront professional service fee of $1.0 million for one-time configuration, installation and customization of the software. Following the initial three-year term, the MSA will automatically renew for additional one-year terms unless terminated by the Company upon 120 days’ notice.

In connection with the MSA, InvestCloud entered into a side letter agreement with the Company pursuant to which InvestCloud acquired 193,906 shares of the Company’s restricted common stock (the “Shares”) at a per share price of $5.81 (the Company’s share price as of the close of May 12, 2020) for a total of $1.1 million for professional services, which approximates the cost of services to be provided, to integrate the InvestCloud Platform into the Company’s existing systems. The Shares were issued to InvestCloud on May 12, 2020 without registration under the Securities Act of 1933 in reliance upon the exemption provided in Section 4(a)(2) and or Regulation D thereunder.

The Company initially recorded a prepaid asset equal to the $2.1 million of the total professional services related to the development work to be performed by InvestCloud, which is within the line item “Prepaid service contract” on the statements of financial condition. The Company amortizes this asset over the 3-year term of the contract, a period during which the arrangement is noncancelable. The license fees related to the Company’s use of the InvestCloud Platform are prepaid three months in advance and are within the line item “Prepaid service contract” on the statements of financial condition. These prepaid license fees are amortized over the three-month term. The amortization for all the prepaid assets related to InvestCloud is within the line item “Technology and Communications” on the statements of income.

The expense related to share-based payments to InvestCloud for professional services was $94,000 and $31,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2021, and 2020, respectively. The expense related to share-based payments to InvestCloud for professional services was $188,000 and $31,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2021, and 2020, respectively.

The total cost related to InvestCloud was $277,000 and $109,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2021, and 2020, respectively. The total cost related to InvestCloud was $604,000 and $109,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2021, and 2020, respectively.

6. Fair Value Measurements

Overview

ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and establishes a hierarchy of fair value inputs. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market. Valuation techniques that are consistent with the market, income, or cost approach, as specified by ASC 820, are used to measure fair value.

The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels:

Level 1 - Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for an identical asset or liability that the Company can assess at the measurement date.  

Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.  

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

The availability of observable inputs can vary from security to security and is affected by a variety of factors, such as the type of security, the liquidity of markets, and other characteristics particular to the security. To the extent that the valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. As such, the degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in level 3.

The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

-10-


Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant rather than an entity-specific measure. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, the Company’s own assumptions are set to reflect those that the Company believes market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date.

A description of the valuation techniques applied to the Company’s major categories of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis is as follows:

U.S. government securities: U.S. government securities are valued using quoted market prices and as such, valuation adjustments are not applied. Accordingly, U.S. government securities are generally categorized in level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

Corporate bonds and convertible preferred stock: The fair value of corporate bonds and convertible preferred stock are determined using recently executed transactions, market price quotations (when observable), bond spreads, or credit default swap spreads obtained from independent external parties such as vendors and brokers, adjusted for any basis difference between cash and derivative instruments. The spread data used is for the same maturity as the bond. If the spread data does not reference the issuer, then data that references a comparable issuer is used. When position-specific external price data is not observable, fair value is determined based on either benchmarking to similar instruments or cash flow models with yield curves, bond, or single-name credit default swap spreads and recovery rates as significant inputs. Corporate bonds and convertible preferred stocks are generally categorized in level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Equity securities: Equity securities are valued based on quoted prices from the exchange. To the extent these securities are actively traded, valuation adjustments are not applied, and they are categorized in level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Securities quoted in inactive markets or with observable inputs are categorized into level 2. If there are no observable inputs or quoted prices, securities are categorized as level 3 assets in the fair value hierarchy. Level 3 assets are not actively traded and subjective estimates based on managements’ assumptions are utilized for valuation.

Certificates of deposit: Certificates of deposit included in investments are valued at cost, which approximates fair value. When certificates of deposits are held directly with banking institutions and issued directly to the Company, these are categorized within prepaid expenses and other assets in level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. When certificates of deposits are available for trading, they are categorized within securities owned, at fair value in level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Unit investment trusts: Units of unit investment trusts are carried at redemption value, which represents fair value. Units of unit investment trusts are categorized in level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

Fair Value Hierarchy Tables

The following tables present the Company's fair value hierarchy for those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of the periods presented.

As of June 30, 2021

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Assets

Securities owned, at fair value

U.S. government securities*

$

2,015,000

$

$

$

2,015,000

Certificates of deposit

91,000

91,000

Corporate bonds

15,000

15,000

Equity securities

1,098,000

1,056,000

2,154,000

Total Securities owned, at fair value

$

3,113,000

$

1,162,000

$

$

4,275,000

 

Liabilities

Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value

Equity securities

$

$

27,000

$

$

27,000

Unit investment trusts

22,000

22,000

Total Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value

$

$

49,000

$

$

49,000

-11-


As of December 31, 2020

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Assets

Securities owned, at fair value

U.S. government securities*

$

2,029,000

$

$

$

2,029,000

Certificates of deposit

91,000

91,000

Corporate bonds

24,000

24,000

Equity securities

345,000

134,000

479,000

Total Securities owned, at fair value

$

2,374,000

$

249,000

$

$

2,623,000

 

Liabilities

Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value

Equity securities

$

$

21,000

$

$

21,000

Total Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value

$

$

21,000

$

$

21,000

*As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, these U.S. government securities mature on 08/31/21

The following represents financial instruments in which the ending balances as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 are not carried at fair value on the statements of financial condition:

Receivables and other assets: Receivables from customers, receivables from and deposits with broker-dealers and clearing organizations, other receivables, prepaid service contract, and prepaid expenses and other assets are recorded at amounts that approximate fair value and are classified as level 2 under the fair value hierarchy. The Company may hold cash equivalents related to rent deposits that are categorized as level 2 under the fair value hierarchy.

Securities borrowed and securities loaned: Securities borrowed and securities loaned are recorded at amounts which approximate fair value and are primarily classified as level 2 under the fair value hierarchy. The Company’s securities borrowed and securities loaned balances represent amounts of equity securities borrow and loan contracts and are marked-to-market daily in accordance with standard industry practices which approximate fair value.

Payables: Payables to customers, payables to non-customers, drafts payable, payables to broker-dealers and clearing organizations, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and taxes payable are recorded at amounts that approximate fair value due to their short-term nature and are classified as level 2 under the fair value hierarchy.

Notes payable – related party: The carrying amount of the notes payable – related party approximates fair value due to the relative short-term nature of the borrowing. Under the fair value hierarchy, the notes payable – related party is classified as level 2.

Line of credit: The carrying amount of the line of credit with East West Bank approximates fair value due to the relative short-term nature of the borrowing. Under the fair value hierarchy, the line of credit is classified as level 2.

Investments, cost: The carrying amount of the investment approximates fair value due to there being no identified events or changes in circumstances during the reporting period that could have a significant adverse effect on the original valuation of the investment. Under the fair value hierarchy, the investment is classified as level 3.

7. Leases

As of June 30, 2021, the Company rents office space under operating leases expiring in 2021 through 2026, and the Company has no financing leases. The leases call for base rent plus escalations as well as other operating expenses. The following table represents the Company’s lease right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on the statements of financial condition. The Company elected not to include short-term leases (i.e., leases with initial terms of twelve months or less), or equipment leases (deemed immaterial) on the statements of financial condition.

As of June 30, 2021, the Company does not believe that any of the renewal options under the existing leases are reasonably certain to be exercised; however, the Company will continue to assess and monitor the lease renewal options on an ongoing basis.

-12-


As of

June 30, 2021

As of

December 31, 2020

Assets

Lease right-of-use assets

$

3,246,000

$

2,290,000

Liabilities

Lease liabilities

$

3,554,000

$

2,612,000

The calculated amounts of the lease right-of-use assets and lease liabilities in the table above are impacted by the length of the lease term and the discount rate used to present value the minimum lease payments. The Company leases some miscellaneous office equipment, but they are immaterial and therefore the Company records the costs associated with this office equipment on the statements of income rather than capitalizing them as lease right-of-use assets. The Company determined a discount rate of 5.0% would approximate the Company’s cost to obtain financing given its size, growth, and risk profile.

Lease Term and Discount Rate

As of

June 30, 2021

As of

December 31, 2020

Weighted average remaining lease term – operating leases

(in years)

3.2

2.2

Weighted average discount rate – operating leases

5.0

%

5.0

%

The following table represents lease costs and other lease information. The Company has elected the practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components, and as such, the variable lease cost primarily represents variable payments such as common area maintenance and utilities which are usually determined by the leased square footage in proportion to the overall office building.

Three Months Ended

June 30,

Six Months Ended

June 30,

2021

2020

2021

2020

Operating lease cost

$

410,000

$

575,000

$

898,000

$

1,146,000

Short-term lease cost

23,000

24,000

44,000

63,000

Variable lease cost

37,000

99,000

98,000

216,000

Sublease income

Total Rent and occupancy

$

470,000

$

698,000

$

1,040,000

$

1,425,000

 

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities

Operating cash flows from operating leases

$

338,000

$

617,000

$

894,000

$

1,231,000

 

Lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities

Operating leases

$

487,000

$

160,000

$

1,875,000

$

2,075,000

Lease Commitments

Future annual minimum payments for operating leases with initial terms of greater than one year as of June 30, 2021 were as follows:

Year

Amount

2021

$

798,000

2022

1,287,000

2023

940,000

2024

399,000

2025

325,000

Thereafter

139,000

Remaining balance of lease payments

3,888,000

Less: difference between undiscounted cash flows and discounted cash flows

334,000

Lease liabilities

$

3,554,000

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As of June 30, 2021, the Company extended its Horsham branch office lease for a term of 3 years. The total commitment of the extension is approximately $128,000, and the lease will commence on August 1, 2021.

8. Investments, Cost

OpenHand Holdings, Inc.

Pursuant to a stock purchase agreement dated as of January 31, 2021, the Company acquired an interest of 5% of OpenHand Holdings, Inc. ("OpenHand") common stock for consideration of a total of $2,231,000 consisting of $850,000 in cash and 329,654 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $1,381,000 or $4.19 per share. The value of the restricted stock was determined using the thirty-day trading average. The Company agreed to register the shares issued to OpenHand by filing a selling shareholder registration statement.

OpenHand is a subscription-based brokerage platform that will provide zero-commission trading for equity and option transactions and credit its members daily with rebates of revenues generated by the clients, less operational expenses. The Company will be the exclusive broker-dealer for all OpenHand account services and will benefit from their cloud-based technology which uses Amazon Web Services. Through this strategic, operational, regulatory, and technological partnership, OpenHand and the Company’s clients will benefit from numerous financial and operational efficiencies. The Company also received an option to purchase an additional 7.5% of OpenHand for approximately $4.5 million, based upon a $60 million valuation of OpenHand. This option expires 18 months after the launch of the OpenHand platform. No value was attributed to the option because it is not a derivative and there were no transaction costs associated with this option as of June 30, 2021.

As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the carrying value of the Company’s investment in OpenHand was $2,231,000 and $0, respectively.

The investment does not have a readily determinable fair value since OpenHand is a private company and its shares are not publicly traded. The Company made an accounting policy election to measure this investment at cost less any impairment. As of June 30, 2021, there were no unrealized gains or losses on this investment. In addition, management concluded that there have been no impairments as there were no identified events or changes in circumstances during the reporting period that could have a significant adverse effect on the original valuation of the investment.

9. Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net

Goodwill

As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company’s carrying amount of goodwill was $1,989,000, all of which came from the Company’s acquisition of WPS.

Intangible Assets, Net

As a result of the Company’s acquisition of WPS, the Company acquired intangible assets consisting of WPS’s customer relationships and trade name, the fair values of which were $987,000 and $70,000, respectively, as of the acquisition date. Pursuant to the Company’s agreement with the original owners of WPS, the Company agreed to discontinue using the name of Weeden Prime Services, LLC and filed to change it to WPS Prime Services, LLC in May 2020. The Company amortizes its acquired intangible assets over their useful lives, and as of June 30, 2021, the WPS trade name has been fully amortized.

Impairment

As of June 30, 2021, management concluded that there have been no impairments to the carrying value of the Company’s goodwill and other tangible and intangible assets.

10. Long-Term Debt

Line of Credit with East West Bank

Overview

On July 22, 2020, the Company entered into a Loan and Security Agreement with East West Bank. In accordance with the terms of this agreement, the Company has the ability to borrow term loans in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $10 million during the two-year period after July 22, 2020. The Company’s obligations under the agreement are secured by a lien on all of the

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Company’s cash, dividends, stocks and other monies and property from time to time received or receivable in exchange for the Company’s equity interests in and any other rights to payment from the Company’s subsidiaries; any deposit accounts into which the foregoing is deposited and all substitutions, products, proceeds (cash and non-cash) arising out of any of the foregoing. Each term loan will have a term of four years, beginning when the draw is made. The repayment schedule will utilize a five-year (60 month) amortization period, with a balloon on the remaining amount due at the end of four years.

Term loans made pursuant to the agreement shall bear interest at the prime rate as reported by the Wall Street Journal, provided that the minimum interest rate on any term loan will not be less than 3.25%. In addition to the foregoing, on the date that each term loan is made, the Company shall pay to the lender an origination fee equal to 0.25% of the principal amount of such term loan. Pursuant to the loan agreement, the Company paid all lender expenses in connection with the loan agreement.

This agreement contains certain financial and non-financial covenants. The financial covenants are that the Company must maintain a debt service coverage ratio of 1.35 to 1, an effective tangible net worth of a minimum of $25 million, and MSCO must maintain a net capital ratio that is not less than 10% of aggregate debit items. Certain other non-financial covenants include that the Company must promptly notify East West Bank of the creation or acquisition of any subsidiary that at any time owns assets with a value of $100,000 or greater. As of June 30, 2021 and the date of the filing of this Report, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants related to this agreement.

In addition, the Company’s obligations under the agreement are guaranteed pursuant to a guarantee agreement by and among, John J. Gebbia, individually, and as a co-trustee of the John and Gloria Living Trust, U/D/T December 8, 1994, and Gloria E. Gebbia, individually and as a co-trustee of the Trust.

As of June 30, 2021, the Company has drawn down a $5.0 million term loan under this agreement and has an outstanding balance of $4.2 million. The Company has an additional $5.0 million remaining to draw down from this line of credit.

Remaining Payments

Future annual minimum payments for the line of credit with East West Bank as of June 30, 2021 were as follows:

Amount

2021

$

500,000

2022

998,000

2023

998,000

2024

1,661,000

Total

$

4,157,000

The interest expense related to this line of credit was $36,000 and $73,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021. The effective interest rate related to this line of credit was 3.25% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021.

11. Notes Payable - Related Party

As of June 30, 2021, the Company had various notes payable to Gloria E. Gebbia, the Company’s principal stockholder, the details of which are presented below:

Description

Issuance Date

Face Amount

Unpaid Principal Amount

4.00% due September 30, 2021

May 31, 2021

$

2,200,000

$

2,200,000

4.00% due November 30, 2021**

November 30, 2020

3,000,000

3,000,000

 

Total Notes payable – related party

$

5,200,000

$

5,200,000

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As of December 31, 2020, the Company had various notes payable to Gloria E. Gebbia, the Company’s principal stockholder, the details of which are presented below:

Description

Issuance Date

Face Amount

Unpaid Principal Amount

4.00% due May 31, 2021*

December 1, 2020

$

2,200,000

$

2,200,000

4.00% due November 30, 2021**

November 30, 2020

3,000,000

3,000,000

 

Total Notes payable – related party

$

5,200,000

$

5,200,000

*On May 31, 2021, this note payable was renewed with a maturity of September 30, 2021.

**This note payable is subordinated to MSCO and is subordinated to the claims of general creditors, approved by FINRA, and is included in MSCO’s calculation of net capital and the capital requirements under FINRA and SEC regulations.

The Company’s interest expense for these notes for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 was $52,000 and $86,000, respectively. The Company’s interest expense for these notes for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 was $104,000 and $146,000, respectively. The Company’s interest payable related to these notes was $0 as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

12. Revenue Recognition

Overview of Revenue

The primary sources of revenue for the Company are as follows:

Commissions and Fees

The Company earns commission revenue for executing trades for clients in individual equities, options, insurance products, futures, fixed income securities, as well as certain third-party mutual funds and ETFs. Commission revenue associated with combined trade execution and clearing services, as well as trade execution services on a standalone basis, is recognized at a point in time on the trade date when the performance obligation is satisfied. The performance obligation is satisfied on the trade date because that is when the underlying financial instrument or purchaser is identified, the pricing is agreed upon, and the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to / from the customer.

Principal Transactions

Principal transactions primarily represent riskless transactions in which the Company, after executing a solicited order, buys or sells securities as principal and at the same time buys or sells the securities with a markup or markdown to satisfy the order. Principal transactions are recognized at a point in time on the trade date when the performance obligation is satisfied. The performance obligation is satisfied on the trade date because that is when the underlying financial instrument or purchaser is identified, the pricing is agreed upon, and the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to / from the customer.

Market Making

Market making revenue is generated from the buying and selling of securities. Market making transactions are recorded on a trade-date basis as the securities transactions occur. The performance obligation is satisfied on the trade date because that is when the underlying financial instrument or purchaser is identified, the pricing is agreed upon, and the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to / from the counterparty. Securities owned are recorded at fair market value at the end of the reporting period.

Stock Borrow / Stock Loan

The Company borrows securities on behalf of retail clients to facilitate short trading, loans excess margin and fully-paid securities from client accounts, facilitates borrow and loan contracts for broker-dealer counterparties, and provides stock locate services to broker-dealer counterparties. The Company recognizes all self-clearing revenues net of operating expenses related to stock borrow / stock loan. Stock borrow / stock loan also includes any revenues generated from the Company’s fully paid lending programs on a self-clearing or introducing basis. The Company does not utilize stock borrow / stock loan activities for the purpose of financing transactions.

The performance obligation is satisfied on the contract date because that is when the underlying financial instrument or purchaser is identified, the pricing is agreed upon, and the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to / from the counterparty.

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For the three months ended June 30, 2021, stock borrow / stock loan revenue was $2,240,000 ($7,021,000 gross revenue less $4,781,000 expenses). For the three months ended June 30, 2020, stock borrow / stock loan revenue was $771,000 ($2,008,000 gross revenue minus $1,237,000 expenses).

For the six months ended June 30, 2021, stock borrow / stock loan revenue was $4,087,000 ($11,851,000 gross revenue less $7,764,000 expenses). For the six months ended June 30, 2020, stock borrow / stock loan revenue was $1,215,000 ($3,671,000 gross revenue minus $2,456,000 expenses).

Advisory Fees

The Company earns advisory fees associated with managing client assets. The performance obligation related to this revenue stream is satisfied over time; however, the advisory fees are variable as they are charged as a percentage of the client’s total asset value, which is determined at the end of the quarter.

Interest, Marketing and Distribution Fees

The Company earns interest from clients’ accounts, net of payments to clients’ accounts, and on the Company’s bank balances. Interest income also includes interest payouts from introducing relationships related to short interest, net of charges.

The Company also earns margin interest which is the net interest charged to customers for holding financed margin positions. Marketing and distribution fees consist of 12b-1 fees which are trailing payments from money market funds. Interest, marketing and distribution fees are recorded as earned.

For the periods presented, the Company combined revenue from interest income and revenue from margin interest, marketing and distribution fees as these revenue streams are similar in nature. These revenue streams were historically disaggregated; however, the Company has combined these revenue streams to most accurately present the statements of income.

Other Income

Other income represents fees generated from correspondent clearing fees, corporate services client fees, payment for order flow, and transactional fees generated from client accounts. Transactional fees are recorded concurrently with the related activity. Other income is recorded as earned.

Categorization of Revenue

The following table presents the Company’s major revenue categories and when each category is recognized:

Three Months Ended

June 30,

Six Months Ended

June 30,

Revenue Category

2021

2020

2021

2020

Timing of Recognition

 

Trading Execution and Clearing Services

Commissions and fees

$

4,325,000

$

4,887,000

$

11,333,000

$

10,470,000

Recorded on trade date

Principal transactions

4,107,000

2,581,000

8,355,000

5,784,000

Recorded on trade date

Market making

1,758,000

615,000

3,372,000

1,085,000

Recorded on trade date

Stock borrow / stock loan

2,240,000

771,000

4,087,000

1,215,000

Recorded as earned

Advisory fees

403,000

243,000

759,000

505,000

Recorded as earned

Total Trading Execution and Clearing Services

12,833,000

9,097,000

27,906,000

19,059,000

 

Other Income

  Interest, marketing and distribution fees

Interest

1,163,000

909,000

2,317,000

2,240,000

Recorded as earned

Margin interest

2,296,000

1,829,000

4,448,000

4,335,000

Recorded as earned

12b-1 fees

164,000

296,000

317,000

1,084,000

Recorded as earned

Total Interest, marketing and distribution fees

3,623,000

3,034,000

7,082,000

7,659,000

 

Other income

337,000

488,000

729,000

702,000

Recorded as earned

 

Total Revenue

$

16,793,000

$

12,619,000

$

35,717,000

$

27,420,000

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The following table presents each revenue category and its related performance obligation:

Revenue Stream

Performance Obligation

Commissions and fees, Principal transactions, Market making, Stock borrow / stock loan, Advisory fees

Provide financial services to customers and counterparties

Interest, marketing and distribution fees, Other income

n / a

Soft Dollar Arrangement

For certain clients of WPS, the Company has soft dollar and commission sharing arrangements with customers that fall both within, and outside of, the safe harbor provisions of Rule 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Rule 28(e)"), as amended. These soft dollar arrangements were determined to be a separate performance obligation that should be allocated a portion of the transaction price.

Under these arrangements, the Company charges additional dollars on customer trades and uses these fees to pay third parties for research, brokerage services, market data, and related expenses (“research services”) on behalf of clients. The Company is an agent in these arrangements, as it does not control the research services before they are transferred to the customer. As such, the revenue from these agreements are recognized net of cost in the line item “Commissions and fees” on the statements of income.

The Company paid client expenses of approximately $103,000 and $134,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company paid client expenses of approximately $330,000 and $352,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company had an outstanding receivable and payable of approximately $34,000 and $225,000, respectively, as of June 30, 2021.

The receivable and payable related to soft dollar arrangements are in the line items “Other receivables” and “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities,” respectively, on the statements of financial condition.

As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, no allowance for uncollectible commissions was necessary as the Company believes all commissions receivable will be realized.

Other Items

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, there were no costs capitalized related to obtaining or fulfilling a contract with a customer, and thus the Company has no balances for contract assets or contract liabilities. The Company concludes that its revenue streams have the same underlying economic factors, and as such, no disaggregation of revenue is required.

13. Referral Fees

In relation to WPS, the Company has agreements with various third parties to share commissions and pay fees as defined in the respective agreements. These expenses were approximately $353,000 and $162,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, which are presented in the line item “Referral fees” on the statements of income. These expenses were approximately $760,000 and $273,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

14. Income Taxes

The Company’s provision for income taxes consists of federal and state taxes, as applicable, in amounts necessary to align the Company’s year-to-date tax provision with the effective rate that it expects to achieve for the full year. Each quarter the Company updates its estimate of the annual effective tax rate and records cumulative adjustments as necessary. As of June 30, 2021, the Company has concluded that its deferred tax assets are realizable on a more-likely-than-not basis with the exception of certain federal net operating losses that are expected to expire unutilized and certain state net operating losses.

On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“American Rescue Plan”) was signed into law to provide additional relief in connection with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The American Rescue Plan includes, among other things, provisions relating to PPP loan expansion, defined pension contributions, excessive employee remuneration, and the repeal of the election to allocate interest expense on a worldwide basis. Under ASC 740, the effects of new legislation are recognized upon enactment. The enactment of the American Rescue Plan did not impact the Company’s income tax provision.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company recorded an income tax provision of $484,000 and $1,219,000 respectively. The effective tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 was both 25%. The effective tax rate differs from the statutory rate of 21% primarily related to certain permanent tax differences and state and local taxes.

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For the three months ended June 30, 2020, the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $10,000 on pre-tax book income of $489,000. The effective tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2020 was (2)%. The Company recorded an income tax benefit of $94,000 primarily related to certain return to provision adjustments as the Company finalized the filing of its 2019 federal and material state and local taxes during the period ended June 30, 2020.

For the six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company recorded an income tax provision of $525,000 on pre-tax book income of $2,000,000. The effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2020 was 26%. The effective tax rate differs from the statutory rate of 21% primarily related to certain permanent tax differences and state and local taxes. The Company recorded a discrete tax expense of $152,000 primarily related to an adjustment of certain deferred tax assets and the impact of finalizing the 2019 federal and material state and local taxes during the period ended June 30, 2020.

15. Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average of the number of outstanding common shares during the period. The Company had net income of $1,429,000 and $499,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company had net income of $3,704,000 and $1,475,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

16. Capital Requirements

MSCO

Net Capital

MSCO is subject to the Uniform Net Capital Rules of the SEC (Rule 15c3-1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Under the alternate method permitted by this rule, net capital, as defined, shall not be less than the lower of $1 million or 2% of aggregate debit items arising from customer transactions. As of June 30, 2021, MSCO’s net capital was $31.6 million, which was approximately $29.5 million in excess of its required net capital of $2.1 million, and its percentage of aggregate debit balances to net capital was 30.6%.

As of December 31, 2020, MSCO’s net capital was $27.5 million, which was approximately $25.2 million in excess of its required net capital of $2.3 million, and its percentage of aggregate debit balances to net capital was 24.3%.

Effective upon the Company’s acquisition of StockCross on January 1, 2020, the capital of MSCO and StockCross was combined.

Special Reserve Account

MSCO is subject to Customer Protection Rule 15c3-3 which requires segregation of funds in a special reserve account for the exclusive benefit of customers. As of June 30, 2021, MSCO had cash deposits of $348.7 million in the special reserve accounts which was $16 million in excess of the deposit requirement of $332.7 million. After adjustments for deposit(s) and / or withdrawal(s) made on July 1, 2021, MSCO had $1.5 million in excess of the deposit requirement.

As of December 31, 2020, MSCO had cash deposits of $324.9 million in the special reserve accounts which was $5.0 million in excess of the deposit requirement of $319.9 million. After adjustments for deposit(s) and / or withdrawal(s) made on January 2, 2021, MSCO had $1.0 million in excess of the deposit requirement.

Effective upon the Company’s acquisition of StockCross on January 1, 2020, the requirements and special reserve accounts of MSCO and StockCross were combined.

WPS

Net Capital

WPS, as a member of FINRA, is subject to the SEC Uniform Net Capital Rule 15c3-1. This rule requires the maintenance of minimum net capital and that the ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital, both as defined, shall not exceed 15 to 1 and that equity capital may not be withdrawn, or cash dividends paid if the resulting net capital ratio would exceed 10 to 1. WPS is also subject to the CFTC's minimum financial requirements which require that WPS maintain net capital, as defined, equal to the greater of its requirements under Regulation 1.17 under the Commodity Exchange Act or Rule 15c3-1.

As of June 30, 2021, WPS’s net capital was approximately $2.8 million which was $2.5 million in excess of its minimum requirement of $250,000 under 15c3-1. As of December 31, 2020, WPS’s net capital was approximately $3.9 million which was $3.7 million in excess of its minimum requirement of $250,000 under 15c3-1.

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17. Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk

The Company enters into various transactions to meet the needs of customers, conduct trading activities, and manage market risks and is, therefore, subject to varying degrees of market and credit risk.

In the normal course of business, the Company's customer activities involve the execution, settlement, and financing of various customer securities transactions. These activities may expose the Company to off-balance sheet risk in the event the customer or other broker is unable to fulfill its contracted obligations and the Company has to purchase or sell the financial instrument underlying the contract at a loss.

The Company's customer securities activities are transacted on either a cash or margin basis. In margin transactions, the Company extends credit to its customers, subject to various regulatory and internal margin requirements, collateralized by cash and securities in the customers' accounts. In connection with these activities, the Company executes and clears customer transactions involving the sale of securities not yet purchased, substantially all of which are transacted on a margin basis subject to individual exchange regulations. As of June 30, 2021, the Company had margin loans extended to its customers of approximately $1.1 billion.

Such transactions may expose the Company to off-balance sheet risk in the event margin requirements are not sufficient to fully cover losses that customers may incur. In the event the customer fails to satisfy obligations, the Company may be required to purchase or sell financial instruments at prevailing market prices to fulfill the customer's obligations.

The Company seeks to control the risks associated with its customer activities by requiring customers to maintain margin collateral in compliance with various regulatory and internal guidelines which meet or exceed regulatory requirements. The Company monitors required margin levels daily and pursuant to such guidelines, requires customers to deposit additional collateral or to reduce positions when necessary.

The Company's customer financing and securities settlement activities may require the Company to pledge customer securities as collateral in support of various secured financing sources such as bank loans and securities loaned. In the event the counterparty is unable to meet its contractual obligation to return customer securities pledged as collateral, the Company may be exposed to the risk of acquiring the securities at prevailing market prices in order to satisfy its customer obligations. The Company seeks to mitigate this risk by monitoring the market value of securities pledged on a daily basis and by requiring adjustments of collateral levels in the event of excess market exposure. In addition, the Company establishes credit limits for such activities and continuously monitors compliance.

The Company’s securities lending transactions are subject to master netting agreements with other broker-dealers; however, amounts are presented gross in the statements of financial condition. The Company further mitigates risk by using a program with a clearing organization which guarantees the return of cash to the Company as well as using industry standard software to ensure daily changes to market value are continuously updated and any changes to collateralization are immediately covered.

There were no material losses for unsettled customer transactions for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.

18. Commitments, Contingencies, and Other

Legal and Regulatory Matters

The Company is party to certain claims, suits and complaints arising in the ordinary course of business.

On July 14, 2021, StockCross entered into a Letter of Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent with FINRA in connection with alleged excessive trading and suitability violations by a registered representative of StockCross in a customer’s account, supervisory failures to comply with supervisory requirements relating to certain equity and options and stock lending transactions, and certain record keeping requirements. These activities occurred prior to the Company’s acquisition of StockCross on January 1, 2020. Pursuant to the consent, MSCO agreed to a censure, pay a fine of $250,000, and made an undertaking to retain an independent consultant to conduct a comprehensive review of MSCO’s compliance with suitability rules in connection with solicited equity and options transactions, as well as possession-or-control requirements in connection with the firm’s stock loan business.

On July 9, 2021, StockCross entered into a Consent Order with the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation in connection with alleged supervisory failures relating to the sale of Unit Investment Trusts to six customers. Pursuant to the Consent Order, StockCross agreed to desist and refrain from violations of California law relating to supervision by broker-dealers, to make a payment of $100,000 to the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation for administrative costs, and to offer rescission of commissions of approximately $315,000 in aggregate to the six customers.

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The foregoing matters were related to activities that occurred prior to the Company’s acquisition of StockCross and will be resolved by the end of the third quarter of 2021. The foregoing matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations or its financial position. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company booked an accrual of $250,000 for the FINRA fine and an accrual of $100,000 for the California administrative costs, which are both within the line item “Other general and administrative” in the statements of operations.

As of June 30, 2021, all other legal matters are without merit or involve amounts which would not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or its financial position.

Overnight Financing

The Company has an available line of credit for short term overnight demand borrowing of up to $15 million with BMO Harris Bank as of June 30, 2021. As of June 30, 2021, the Company had no outstanding loan balance with BMO Harris Bank and there are no commitment fees or other restrictions on line of credit. As of December 31, 2020, in addition to the $15 million line of credit with BMO Harris Bank, MSCO had a $15 million line of credit with Texas Capital Bank, which MSCO did not renew as of June 30, 2021. The removal of this line of credit did not impact MSCO’s ability to meet its liquidity requirements. MSCO utilizes customer or firm securities as a pledge for short-term borrowing needs.

The interest expense for these credit lines was $1,000 and $2,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The interest expense for these credit lines was $15,000 and $18,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

There were no fees associated with these credit lines for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.

General Contingencies

In the normal course of its business, the Company indemnifies and guarantees certain service providers against specified potential losses in connection with their acting as an agent of, or providing services to, the Company. The maximum potential amount of future payments that the Company could be required to make under these indemnifications cannot be estimated. However, the Company believes that it is unlikely it will have to make material payments under these arrangements and has not recorded any contingent liability in the financial statements for these indemnifications.

The Company provides representations and warranties to counterparties in connection with a variety of commercial transactions and occasionally indemnifies them against potential losses caused by the breach of those representations and warranties. The Company may also provide standard indemnifications to some counterparties to protect them in the event additional taxes are owed or payments are withheld, due either to a change in or adverse application of certain tax laws. These indemnifications generally are standard contractual terms and are entered into in the normal course of business. The maximum potential amount of future payments that the Company could be required to make under these indemnifications cannot be estimated. However, the Company believes that it is unlikely it will have to make material payments under these arrangements and has not recorded any contingent liability in the financial statements for these indemnifications.

The Company is self-insured with respect to employee health claims. The Company maintains stop-loss insurance for certain risks and has a health claim reinsurance limit capped at approximately $65,000 per employee as of June 30, 2021. The estimated liability for self-insurance claims is initially recorded in the year in which the event of loss occurs and may be subsequently adjusted based upon new information and cost estimates. Reserves for losses represent estimates of reported losses and estimates of incurred but not reported losses based on past and current experience. Actual claims paid and settled may differ, perhaps significantly, from the provision for losses. This adds uncertainty to the estimated reserves for losses. Accordingly, it is at least possible that the ultimate settlement of losses may vary significantly from the amounts included in the financial statements.

As part of this plan, the Company recognized expenses of $359,000 and $340,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. As part of this plan, the Company recognized expenses of $650,000 and $550,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

The Company had an accrual of $88,000 as of June 30, 2021, which represents the historical estimate of future claims to be recognized for claims incurred during the period.

The Company believes that its present insurance coverage and reserves are sufficient to cover currently estimated exposures, but there can be no assurance that the Company will not incur liabilities in excess of recorded reserves or in excess of its insurance limits.

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19. Related Party Disclosures

StockCross

Prior to being acquired by the Company, StockCross and the Company were affiliated entities through common ownership and had various related party transactions. In January 2019, the Company acquired approximately 15% ownership of StockCross. Effective January 1, 2020, the Company acquired the remaining 85% of StockCross’ outstanding shares and StockCross was merged with and into MSCO. The purchase price paid was approximately $29,750,000 or 3,298,774 shares of the Company’s common stock which was issued in connection with the acquisition. Upon the closing of the transaction on January 1, 2020, all receivables and payables between the Company and StockCross were eliminated upon consolidation.

Kennedy Cabot Acquisition, LLC

Kennedy Cabot Acquisition, LLC (“KCA”) is an affiliate of the Company and is under common ownership with the Company. To gain efficiencies and economies of scale with billing and administrative functions, KCA serves as a paymaster for the Company for payroll and related functions, the entirety of which KCA passes through to the subsidiaries of the Company proportionally. In addition, KCA has purchased the naming rights of the Company for the Company to use.

KCA sponsors a 401(k) profit sharing plan which covers substantially all of the Company’s employees. Employee contributions to the plan are at the discretion of eligible employees. There were no contributions by the Company or KCA to the plan for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020. In January 2020, MSCO sold approximately $288,000 worth of a private equity security to KCA at cost.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, KCA has earned no profit for providing any services to the Company as KCA passes through any revenue or expenses to the Company’s subsidiaries.

Park Wilshire Companies, Inc.

PW brokers the insurance policies for related parties. Revenue for PW from related parties was $7,000 for both the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020. Revenue for PW from related parties was $56,000 and $44,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Gloria E. Gebbia and John J. Gebbia

The Company has entered into various debt agreements with Gloria E. Gebbia, the Company’s principal stockholder. Refer to Note 11 – Notes Payable - Related Party for additional detail.

In addition, the Company’s obligations under its agreement with East West Bank are guaranteed pursuant to a guarantee agreement by and among, John J. Gebbia, individually, and as a co-trustee of the John and Gloria Living Trust, U/D/T December 8, 1994, and Gloria E. Gebbia, individually and as a co-trustee of the Trust. Refer to Note 10 – Long-Term Debt for additional detail.

Gloria E. Gebbia has extended loans to certain Company employees for the purchase of the Company’s shares. These transactions have not materially impacted the Company’s financial statements.

Gebbia Sullivan County Land Trust

The Company operates on a month-to-month lease agreement for its branch office in Omaha, Nebraska with the Gebbia Sullivan County Land Trust, the trustee of which is a member of the Gebbia Family. For both the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, rent expense was $15,000 for this branch office. For both the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, rent expense was $30,000 for this branch office.

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20. Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated events that have occurred subsequent to June 30, 2021 and through August 16, 2021, the date of the filing of this Report.

On July 28, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the Siebert Financial Corp. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan which will be submitted for shareholder approval at the upcoming 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. In addition, on August 6, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a 401(k) matching program for employees of the Company.

Other than the events described above, there have been no material subsequent events that occurred during such period that would require disclosure in this Report or would be required to be recognized in the financial statements as of June 30, 2021.

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

The following discussion provides a narrative of our financial performance and condition that should be read in conjunction with the accompanying financial statements and related notes included under Part I, Item 1 of this Report.

Overview

We are a financial services company and provide a wide variety of financial services to our clients. We operate in the following business lines through our wholly-owned subsidiaries:

Retail brokerage business through MSCO, a Delaware corporation and broker-dealer registered with the SEC

Investment advisory services through SNXT, a New York corporation registered with the SEC as a RIA

Insurance services through PW, a Texas corporation and licensed insurance agency

Robo-advisory technology development through STCH, a Nevada limited liability company

Prime brokerage services through WPS, a Delaware limited liability company and a broker-dealer registered with the SEC

STXD, an inactive subsidiary headquartered in Bermuda

Results in the businesses in which we operate are highly correlated to general economic conditions and, more specifically, to the direction of the U.S. equity and fixed-income markets. Market volatility, overall market conditions, interest rates, economic, political, and regulatory trends, and industry competition are among the factors which could affect us and which are unpredictable and beyond our control. These factors affect the financial decisions made by market participants who include investors and competitors, impacting their level of participation in the financial markets. In addition, in periods of reduced financial market activity, profitability is likely to be adversely affected because certain expenses remain relatively fixed, including salaries and related costs, portions of communications costs and occupancy expenses. Accordingly, earnings for any period should not be considered representative of earnings to be expected for any other period.

COVID-19

Impact

Overview

The World Health Organization declared the spread of COVID-19 a worldwide pandemic in March 2020. The COVID‑19 pandemic has adversely impacted the economic environment, leading to lower interest rates across the curve and heightened volatility in the financial markets. We are actively monitoring the impact of COVID-19 and the possible effects of the roll-out of various vaccines on our business, financial condition, liquidity, operations, employees, clients and business partners.

Financial Impact

In the first quarter of 2020, the Federal Reserve cut the federal funds target overnight rate to near zero. This decline in interest rates led to a decrease in our revenue from interest, marketing and distribution fees, and may continue to have a negative impact on these revenue streams in the near future as we do not anticipate short-term interest rates to recover to levels experienced at beginning of 2020 during 2021.

Management Response

Operations

In response to the pandemic and for the protection of our employees, clients and business partners, we implemented remote work arrangements for nearly 100% of our employees, restricted business travel and temporarily closed some of our branch offices. With our ability to meet a vast majority of our clients' needs through our technology-based platforms and services, these arrangements did not materially affect our ability to maintain our business operations.

Expense Reduction

As of the date of this Report, we are actively involved in contract negotiations with key vendors to reduce many of our fixed costs. In addition, we successfully transitioned our branch offices out of legacy office space into more cost-efficient locations resulting in savings related to occupancy expense.

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We do not believe any of the changes described above will have a negative impact on the operations or financials of our business.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The situation surrounding COVID-19 has not materially impacted our liquidity position or future outlook as we have been able to meet all obligations and believe we will be able to do so in the foreseeable future.

Conclusion

We note that the ultimate impact of COVID-19 on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows is dependent on future developments, including the duration of the pandemic and the possible effects of the roll-out of various vaccines, which are uncertain and cannot be predicted at this time. We are currently monitoring the COVID-19 situation and will continue to respond to meet the demands of our clients as well as protect our employees.

Significant Events

OpenHand

In January 2021, we acquired an interest of 5% of OpenHand common stock for consideration of a total of $2,231,000 consisting of $850,000 in cash and 329,654 restricted shares of our Common Stock valued at $1,381,000 or $4.19 per share. We made an accounting policy election to measure this investment at cost less any impairment.

OpenHand is a subscription-based brokerage platform that will provide zero-commission trading for equity and option transactions and credit its members daily with rebates of revenues generated by the clients, less operational expenses. Siebert will be the exclusive broker-dealer for all OpenHand account services and will benefit from their cloud-based technology which uses Amazon Web Services. Through this strategic, operational, regulatory, and technological partnership, OpenHand and Siebert clients will benefit from additional product offerings and numerous financial and operational efficiencies.

The value of the restricted stock was determined using the thirty-day trading average. We agreed to register the shares issued to OpenHand by filing a selling shareholder registration statement. We also received an option to purchase an additional 7.5% of OpenHand for approximately $4.5 million, based upon a $60 million valuation of OpenHand. This option expires 18 months after the launch of the OpenHand platform. No value was attributed to the option because it is not a derivative and there were no transaction costs associated with this option as of June 30, 2021.

Expansion of Clearing Operations

In December 2020, MSCO was admitted as a member of Euroclear. The admission into Euroclear is a strategic step to enhance our clearing capabilities and to provide additional services to our clients, corporate services companies and counterparties. In addition, we are expanding our clearing services in the U.S. by acting as a correspondent clearing firm for other broker-dealers and anticipate being able to offer these services in 2021.

Hired New Leaders of Securities Finance Group

In November 2020, we hired Anthony Palmeri and Gerard Losurdo to lead our Securities Finance Group, which primarily consists of our stock borrow / stock loan and related services. Mr. Palmeri joined from JPMorgan Chase & Co. where he was an Executive Director, and Mr. Losurdo joined from TD Prime Services, LLC where, as a Managing Director, he led its Securities Lending and Equity Finance division.

Mr. Palmeri and Mr. Losurdo have continued to expand this business line by adding numerous counterparty relationships in both the securities lending and securities locate areas. For the three months ended June 30, 2021, our Securities Finance Group again achieved its highest quarterly revenue of over $2.2 million, which represents an increase of over 190% from the three months ended June 30, 2020.

New Fin-Tech Partnership with InvestCloud

In May 2020, we announced a partnership with InvestCloud, a tech provider of flexible and fully integrated digital apps for financial services, to provide a variety of enhancements and upgrades to our online and mobile client experience. We are working to implement InvestCloud's full suite of applications, ranging from intuitive client-facing portals and mobile apps to back-office operational automation, as well as centralize our digital transformation into a single partner.

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StockCross Acquisition

Overview

Established in 1971, StockCross was one of the largest privately-owned brokerage firms in the nation and its operations consisted primarily of market making, fixed-income products distribution, online and broker-assisted equity trading, securities lending, and equity stock plan services.

In January 2019, we acquired approximately 15% ownership of StockCross. Effective January 1, 2020, we acquired the remaining 85% of StockCross’ outstanding shares in exchange for 3,298,774 shares of our common stock, and StockCross was merged with and into MSCO. As of January 1, 2020, the business and operations of StockCross became part of MSCO, and all clearing and other services provided by StockCross were performed by MSCO.

StockCross Highlights

We have completed the merger of StockCross into MSCO and the acquired business lines have added new revenue streams and supplemented existing ones within MSCO. In addition, the nature of StockCross’ self-clearing business line requires the presentation of various assets and corresponding liabilities on the statements of financial condition.

Operationally, the merger resulted in the expansion of our client services areas and provided additional resources for the combined client base without any material loss of clients during the transition. Further, at the time of acquisition, StockCross added approximately $1.5 billion in retail customer net worth and approximately 30,000 retail accounts to Siebert.

Effective March 16, 2021, MSCO received approval to become an IRA nonbank custodian and trustee. MSCO successfully completed the custodian conversion from StockCross, and MSCO continues to offer IRA services to its clients.

Client Account and Activity Metrics

The following tables set forth metrics we use in analyzing our client account and activity trends for the periods indicated.

Client Account Metrics – Retail and Institutional Customer Net Worth

As of

June 30, 2021

December 31, 2020

Retail and institutional customer net worth (in billions)

$

17.9

$

16.2

Client Account Metrics – Retail Customers

As of

June 30, 2021

December 31, 2020

Retail customer net worth (in billions)

$

16.0

$

14.6

Retail customer margin debit balances (in billions)

$

0.5

$

0.5

Retail customer credit balances (in billions)

$

0.7

$

0.7

Retail customer money market fund value (in billions)

$

0.8

$

0.8

Retail customer accounts

113,359

110,699

Retail customer net worth represents the total value of securities and cash in the retail customer accounts after deducting margin debits

Retail customer margin debit balances represents credit extended to our customers to finance their purchases against current positions

Retail customer credit balances represents client cash held in brokerage accounts

Retail customer money market fund value represents all retail customers accounts invested in money market funds

Retail customer accounts represents the number of retail customers

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Client Account Metrics – Institutional Customers

As of

June 30, 2021

December 31, 2020

Institutional customer net worth (in billions)

$

1.9

$

1.6

Institutional customer net worth represents the total value of securities and cash in the institutional customer accounts after deducting margin debits and short positions.

Client Activity Metrics – Retail Customers

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 30,

June 30,

2021

2020

2021

2020

Total retail trades

111,028

120,821

253,903

241,316

Total retail trades represents retail trades that generate commissions

Statements of Income and Financial Condition

Statements of Income for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020

Revenue

Commissions and fees for the three months ended June 30, 2021 were $4,325,000 and decreased by $562,000 from the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily due to a decrease in our institutional business.

Interest, marketing and distribution fees for the three months ended June 30, 2021 were $3,623,000 and increased by $589,000 from the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily due to an increase in our margin financing and institutional short stock interest revenue. Note that for the periods presented, we combined revenue from interest income and revenue from margin interest, marketing and distribution fees as these revenue streams are similar in nature. These revenue streams were historically disaggregated; however, we are combining these revenue streams as this most accurately presents the statements of income.

Principal transactions for the three months ended June 30, 2021 were $4,107,000 and increased by $1,526,000 from the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily due to strong market conditions during the second quarter of 2021.

Market making for the three months ended June 30, 2021 was $1,758,000 and increased by $1,143,000 from the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily due to favorable market conditions and increased trading activity during the second quarter of 2021.

Stock borrow / stock loan for the three months ended June 30, 2021 was $2,240,000 and increased by $1,469,000 from the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily due to the organic growth of the business, the addition of key personnel, expansion of our stock locate revenues, and additional securities lending and locate counterparty relationships.

Advisory fees for the three months ended June 30, 2021 were $403,000 and increased by $160,000 from the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily due to overall expansion of the advisory business line.

Other income for the three months ended June 30, 2021 was $337,000 and decreased by $151,000 from the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily due a decrease in payment for order flow.

Operating Expenses

Employee compensation and benefits for the three months ended June 30, 2021 were $8,745,000 and increased by $2,131,000 from the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily due to increased commission payouts corresponding to the increase in principal transactions, market making, and stock borrow / stock loan revenue in the second quarter of 2021.

Clearing fees, including execution costs for the three months ended June 30, 2021 were $1,289,000 and decreased by $50,000 from the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily due to the decrease of clearing costs corresponding to the decrease of institutional commissions.

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Technology and communications expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2021 were $1,100,000 and increased by $147,000 from the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily due to development work with InvestCloud related to our online platform.

Other general and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2021 were $1,188,000 and increased by $787,000 from the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily due to regulatory fines as well as the increase of exchange and regulatory fees related to incremental trading activities.

Data processing expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2021 were $695,000 and decreased by $59,000 from the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily due to a renegotiated service cost with our clearing organizations.

Rent and occupancy expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2021 were $470,000 and decreased by $228,000 from the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily due to a decrease in rent related to our transition out of legacy office space into more cost-efficient locations.

Professional fees for the three months ended June 30, 2021 were $577,000 and decreased by $167,000 from the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily due to a decrease in legal fees and one time audit fees related to the StockCross acquisition occurring in the second quarter of 2020.

Depreciation and amortization expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2021 were $374,000 and decreased by $3,000 from the corresponding period in the prior year.

Referral fees for the three months ended June 30, 2021 were $353,000 and increased by $191,000 from the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily due to the expansion of our institutional relationships.

Interest expense for the three months ended June 30, 2021 was $89,000 and increased by $1,000 from the corresponding period in the prior year.

Provision For Income Taxes

Provision for income taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2021 was $484,000 and increased by $494,000 from the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily due to an increase in income before income taxes. Refer to Note 14 – Income Taxes for additional detail.

Statements of Income for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020

Revenue

Commissions and fees for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were $11,333,000 and increased by $863,000 from the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily due to strong market conditions during the first six months of 2021.

Interest, marketing and distribution fees for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were $7,082,000 and decreased by $577,000 from the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily due to the reduction of the 12b-1 fees from money market funds. Note that for the periods presented, we combined revenue from interest income and revenue from margin interest, marketing and distribution fees as these revenue streams are similar in nature. These revenue streams were historically disaggregated; however, we are combining these revenue streams as this most accurately presents the statements of income.

Principal transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were $8,355,000 and increased by $2,571,000 from the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily due to strong market conditions during the first six months of 2021.

Market making for the six months ended June 30, 2021 was $3,372,000 and increased by $2,287,000 from the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily due to favorable market conditions and increased trading activity during the first six months of 2021.

Stock borrow / stock loan for the six months ended June 30, 2021 was $4,087,000 and increased by $2,872,000 from the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily due to the organic growth of the business, the addition of key personnel, expansion of our stock locate revenues, and additional securities lending and locate counterparty relationships.

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Advisory fees for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were $759,000 and increased by $254,000 from the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily due to overall expansion of the advisory business line.

Other income for the six months ended June 30, 2021 was $729,000 and increased by $27,000 from the corresponding period in the prior year.

Operating Expenses

Employee compensation and benefits for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were $17,911,000 and increased by $4,006,000 from the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily due to increased commission payouts corresponding to the increase in commissions and fees, principal transactions, market making, and stock borrow / stock loan revenue in the first six months of 2021.

Clearing fees, including execution costs for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were $3,142,000 and increased by $505,000 from the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily due to an increase in WPS’ client activities in the first quarter of 2021.

Technology and communications expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were $2,341,000 and increased by $407,000 from the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily due to development work with InvestCloud related to our online platform.

Other general and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were $1,958,000 and increased by $703,000 from the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily due to regulatory fines and the increase of exchange and regulatory fees related to incremental trading activities.

Data processing expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were $1,492,000 and decreased by $111,000 from the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily due to a renegotiated service cost with our clearing organizations.

Rent and occupancy expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were $1,040,000 and decreased by $385,000 from the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily due to a decrease in rent related to our transition out of legacy office space into more cost-efficient locations.

Professional fees for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were $1,192,000 and decreased by $207,000 from the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily due to a decrease in legal fees and audit fees related to StockCross and WPS acquisition occurring in the second quarter of 2020.

Depreciation and amortization expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were $766,000 and decreased by $59,000 from the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily due to writing off certain obsolete software in the first quarter of 2020.

Referral fees for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were $760,000 and increased by $487,000 from the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily due to the expansion of our institutional relationships.

Interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2021 was $192,000 and increased by $28,000 from the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily due to the interest on the line of credit with East West Bank.

Provision For Income Taxes

Provision for income taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2021 was $1,219,000 and increased by $694,000 from the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily due to higher pre-tax earnings in the first six months of 2021. Refer to Note 14 – Income Taxes for additional detail.

Statements of Financial Condition as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020

Assets

Assets as of June 30, 2021 were $1,116,918,000 and decreased by $256,069,000 from December 31, 2020, primarily due to a decrease in securities borrowed.

Liabilities

Liabilities as of June 30, 2021 were $1,073,847,000 and decreased by $261,154,000 from December 31, 2020, primarily due to a decrease in securities loaned.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

In terms of the overall performance of the business in relation to liquidity, for the periods presented we have had strong operating cash flows as well as a reasonable and predictable level of investing activities which are mostly related to the purchase of OpenHand common stock, software and internal technology development, as well as miscellaneous leasehold improvements and equipment.

Despite lower interest rates and the effects of COVID-19, we have performed well and have sufficient cash flows to meet our liquidity needs over the periods presented. We believe our ability to generate cash flows will continue into the foreseeable future.

We have a variety of sources of borrowing capability such as an overnight demand borrowing capability with BMO Harris Bank, notes payable to Gloria E. Gebbia, and a line of credit from East West Bank.

The indicators of our liquidity are cash and cash equivalents, and as of the date of this Report, there are not any known or material events that would require us to use large amounts of our liquid assets to cover expenses. As of June 30, 2021, we have a sufficient amount of remaining availability on our various credit lines to facilitate incremental capital needs.

We believe that our operating cash flows, cash and cash equivalents, borrowing capacity, and overall access to capital markets are sufficient to fund our operating, investing and financing requirements for the next twelve months.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Our cash and cash equivalents are unrestricted and are used to fund our working capital needs. Our cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were $2.3 million and $3.6 million, respectively.

Net Capital, Reserve Accounts, Segregation of Funds, and Other Regulatory Requirements

MSCO is subject to the Uniform Net Capital Rules of the SEC (Rule 15c3-1) and the Customer Protection Rule (15c3-3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and maintains capital and segregated cash reserves in excess of regulatory requirements. Requirements under these regulations may vary; however, MSCO has adequate reserves and continency funding plans in place to sufficiently meet any regulatory requirements. In addition to net capital requirements, as a self-clearing broker-dealer, MSCO is subject to cash deposit and collateral requirements with clearing houses, such as the DTCC and Options Clearing Corporation, which may fluctuate significantly from time to time based upon the nature and size of clients’ trading activity and market volatility.

WPS, as a member of FINRA, is subject to the SEC Uniform Net Capital Rule 15c3-1. This rule requires the maintenance of minimum net capital and that the ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital, both as defined, shall not exceed 15 to 1 and that equity capital may not be withdrawn, or cash dividends paid if the resulting net capital ratio would exceed 10 to 1. WPS is also subject to the CFTC's minimum financial requirements which require that WPS maintain net capital, as defined, equal to the greater of its requirements under Regulation 1.17 under the Commodity Exchange Act or Rule 15c3-1.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, MSCO and WPS had sufficient net capital to meet their respective liquidity and regulatory capital requirements. Refer to Note 16 – Capital Requirements for additional detail on our capital requirements.

Sources of Liquidity

Line of Credit with East West Bank

On July 22, 2020, we entered into a Loan and Security Agreement with East West Bank. In accordance with the terms of this agreement, we have the ability to borrow term loans in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $10 million during the two-year period after July 22, 2020. Our obligations under the agreement are guaranteed pursuant to a guarantee agreement by and among, John J. Gebbia, Gloria E. Gebbia and a trust for which they are mutually co-trustees.

As of June 30, 2021, we have drawn down a $5.0 million term loan under this agreement and have an outstanding balance of $4.2 million. We have an additional $5.0 million remaining to draw down from this line of credit. Refer to Note 10 – Long-Term Debt for additional detail on this agreement.

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Future annual minimum payments for the line of credit with East West Bank as of June 30, 2021 were as follows:

Amount

2021

$

500,000

2022

998,000

2023

998,000

2024

1,661,000

Total

$

4,157,000

Overnight Financing

We have an available line of credit for short term overnight demand borrowing of up to $15 million with BMO Harris Bank as of June 30, 2021. As of December 31, 2020, in addition to the $15 million line of credit with BMO Harris Bank, we had a $15 million line of credit with Texas Capital Bank, which we did not renew as of June 30, 2021. The removal of this line of credit did not impact our ability to meet our liquidity requirements.

As of June 30, 2021, we had no outstanding loan balance and there are no commitment fees or other restrictions on the line of credit. MSCO utilizes customer or firm securities as a pledge for short-term borrowing needs.

Notes Payable – Related Party

As of both June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had $5.2 million in notes payable to Gloria E. Gebbia, all of which have maturity dates in 2021. We have sufficient liquidity to meet all maturities of these notes. Refer to Note 11 – Notes Payable - Related Party for additional detail.

Leases

As of June 30, 2021, the remaining balance of our lease payments for operating leases with initial terms of greater than one year was $0.8 million for 2021. The remaining balance of our lease payments for these leases after 2021 was $3.1 million.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We enter into various transactions to meet the needs of customers, conduct trading activities, and manage market risks and are, therefore, subject to varying degrees of market and credit risk.

In the normal course of business, our customer activities involve the execution, settlement, and financing of various customer securities transactions. These activities may expose us to off-balance sheet risk in the event the customer or other broker is unable to fulfill its contracted obligations and we have to purchase or sell the financial instrument underlying the contract at a loss.

Our customer securities activities are transacted on either a cash or margin basis. In margin transactions, we extend credit to our customers, subject to various regulatory and internal margin requirements, collateralized by cash and securities in the customers' accounts. In connection with these activities, we execute and clear customer transactions involving the sale of securities not yet purchased, substantially all of which are transacted on a margin basis subject to individual exchange regulations. As of June 30, 2021, we had margin loans extended to our customers of approximately $1.1 billion.

Such transactions may expose us to off-balance sheet risk in the event margin requirements are not sufficient to fully cover losses that customers may incur. In the event the customer fails to satisfy obligations, we may be required to purchase or sell financial instruments at prevailing market prices to fulfill the customer's obligations.

We seek to control the risks associated with our customer activities by requiring customers to maintain margin collateral in compliance with various regulatory and internal guidelines which meet or exceed regulatory requirements. We monitor required margin levels daily and pursuant to such guidelines, require customers to deposit additional collateral or to reduce positions when necessary.

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Our customer financing and securities settlement activities may require us to pledge customer securities as collateral in support of various secured financing sources such as bank loans and securities loaned. In the event the counterparty is unable to meet its contractual obligation to return customer securities pledged as collateral, we may be exposed to the risk of acquiring the securities at prevailing market prices in order to satisfy customer obligations. We seek to mitigate this risk by monitoring the market value of securities pledged on a daily basis and by requiring adjustments of collateral levels in the event of excess market exposure. In addition, we establish credit limits for such activities and continuously monitor compliance.

Our securities lending transactions are subject to master netting agreements with other broker-dealers; however, amounts are presented gross in the statements of financial condition. We further mitigate risk by using a program with a clearing organization which guarantees the return of cash to us as well as using industry standard software to ensure daily changes to market value are continuously updated and any changes to collateralization are immediately covered.

There were no material losses for unsettled customer transactions for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.

Uncertain Tax Positions

We account for uncertain tax positions in accordance with the authoritative guidance issued under ASC 740-10, which addresses the determination of whether tax benefits claimed or expected to be claimed on a tax return should be recorded in the financial statements. We may recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such position should be measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. ASC 740-10 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods and disclosure requirements.

We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits on the provision for income taxes line on the statements of operations. Accrued interest and penalties would be included on the related tax liability line on the statements of financial condition.

As of both June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we recorded an uncertain tax position of $1,105,000 related primarily to our 2017 to 2019 amended tax returns, as the anticipated tax refunds exceed the amount that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold.

Prepaid Service Contract

We entered into an agreement with InvestCloud for development work related to our online platform. As part of this agreement, we have an obligation to pay for the license fees associated with the InvestCloud Platform for a three-year term. Refer to Note 5 – Prepaid Service Contract for additional detail.

Related Party Disclosures

During the course of business, we enter into various agreements and transactions with related parties. Refer to Note 19 – Related Party Disclosures for additional detail.

Fair Value Measurements

We have securities that are valued using the fair value framework under ASC 820 within our assets and liabilities as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The majority of these assets are level 1 U.S. government securities and equity securities as well as level 2 equity securities in the line item “Securities owned, at fair value” on the statements of financial condition. The liabilities consist of relatively small amounts of level 2 equity securities in the line item “Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value.” Refer to Note 6 – Fair Value Measurements for additional detail.

Impairment

We have concluded as of June 30, 2021, there has been no impairment to the carrying value of Siebert’s goodwill and other tangible and intangible assets.

Segment

We concluded as of June 30, 2021, Siebert is comprised of a single operating segment based on the factors related to management’s decision-making framework as well as management evaluating performance and allocating resources based on assessments of Siebert from a consolidated perspective.

Critical Accounting Policies

Certain of our accounting policies that involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity are discussed in Part I, Item 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our 2020 Form 10-K. There have been no changes to our critical accounting policies or estimates as of June 30, 2021.

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Subsequent Events

On July 28, 2021, our Board of Directors approved the Siebert Financial Corp. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan which will be submitted for shareholder approval at the upcoming 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. On August 6, 2021, our Board of Directors approved a 401(k) matching program for Siebert employees.

New Accounting Standards

We have determined that all accounting standards adopted in the six months ended June 30, 2021 did not have a material impact on our financial statements. We are still assessing the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2023 will have on our financial statements. Refer to Note 2 – New Accounting Standards for additional detail.

Regulatory Matters

On July 14, 2021, StockCross entered into a Letter of Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent with FINRA in connection with alleged excessive trading and suitability violations by a registered representative of StockCross in a customer’s account, supervisory failures to comply with supervisory requirements relating to certain equity and options and stock lending transactions, and certain record keeping requirements. These activities occurred prior to Siebert’s acquisition of StockCross on January 1, 2020. Pursuant to the consent, MSCO agreed to a censure, pay a fine of $250,000, and made an undertaking to retain an independent consultant to conduct a comprehensive review of MSCO’s compliance with suitability rules in connection with solicited equity and options transactions, as well as possession-or-control requirements in connection with the firm’s stock loan business.

On July 9, 2021, StockCross entered into a Consent Order with the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation in connection with alleged supervisory failures relating to the sale of Unit Investment Trusts to six customers. Pursuant to the Consent Order, StockCross agreed to desist and refrain from violations of California law relating to supervision by broker-dealers, to make a payment of $100,000 to the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation for administrative costs, and to offer rescission of commissions of approximately $315,000 in aggregate to the six customers.

The foregoing matters were related to activities that occurred prior to Siebert’s acquisition of StockCross and will be resolved by the end of the third quarter of 2021. The foregoing matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations or its financial position. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, we booked an accrual of $250,000 for the FINRA fine and an accrual of $100,000 for the California administrative costs, which are both within the line item “Other general and administrative” in the statements of operations.

As of June 30, 2021, all other legal matters are without merit or involve amounts which would not have a material impact on our results of operations or financial position.

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Financial Instruments Held For Trading Purposes

We do not directly engage in derivative transactions, have no interest in any special purpose entity and have no liabilities, contingent or otherwise, for the debt of another entity.

Financial Instruments Held For Purposes Other Than Trading

We generally invest our cash and cash equivalents temporarily in dollar denominated bank account(s). These investments are not subject to material changes in value due to interest rate movements.

Customer transactions are cleared through clearing brokers on a fully disclosed basis and are also self-cleared by MSCO. If customers do not fulfill their contractual obligations any loss incurred in connection with the purchase or sale of securities at prevailing market prices to satisfy customer obligations may be incurred by the Company. We regularly monitor the activity in customer accounts for compliance with margin requirements. We are exposed to the risk of loss on unsettled customer transactions if customers and other counterparties are unable to fulfill their contractual obligations. There were no material losses for unsettled customer transactions in the last five years.

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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Executive Vice President / Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Report pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, our management, including the Executive Vice President / Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that the information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC, and to ensure that information required to be disclosed is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Executive Vice President / Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Based on its evaluation, our management, including our Executive Vice President / Chief Financial Officer, concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this Report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

No change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)) was identified during the end of the period covered by this Report, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is party to certain claims, suits and complaints arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of our management, all such matters are without merit, or involve amounts which would not have a significant effect on the results of operations or financial position of the Company.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information set forth in this Report, investors should carefully consider the risk factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A - Risk Factors in our 2020 Form 10-K. Each of such risk factors could materially affect our business, financial position, and results of operations. Other than the supplemental risk factor provided below, there have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in our 2020 Form 10-K.

There may be a limited public market for our Common Stock; Volatility.

13,345,657 shares of our common stock, or approximately 43% of our shares of our common stock outstanding, are currently held by non-affiliates as of August 10, 2021. A stock with a small number of shares held by non-affiliates, known as the “float,” will generally be more volatile than a stock with a large float. Although our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market, there can be no assurance that an active public market will continue.

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

Exhibit

No.

Description of Document

 

4.1

Siebert Financial Corp. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan

 

31.1

Certification of Andrew H. Reich pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

32.1

Certification of Andrew H. Reich of Periodic Financial Report under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document

 

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

 

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase

 

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase

 

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase

 

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbas

 

 

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).

-37-


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

 

SIEBERT FINANCIAL CORP.

 

By:

/s/ Andrew H. Reich

Andrew H. Reich

Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Secretary

(Principal executive, financial and accounting officer)

 

Dated: August 16, 2021

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Exhibit 4.1

SIEBERT FINANCIAL CORP.

2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

1.             Purpose; Eligibility.

1.1              General Purpose. The name of this plan is the Siebert Financial Corp. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the "Plan"). The purposes of the Plan are to (a) enable Siebert Financial Corp., a New York corporation (the "Company"), and any Affiliate to attract and retain the types of Employees, Consultants and Directors who will contribute to the Company's long range success; (b) provide incentives that align the interests of Employees, Consultants and Directors with those of the shareholders of the Company; and (c) promote the success of the Company's business.

1.2              Eligible Award Recipients. The persons eligible to receive Awards are the Employees, Consultants and Directors of the Company and its Affiliates and such other individuals designated by the Committee who are reasonably expected to become Employees, Consultants and Directors after the receipt of Awards.

1.3              Available Awards. Awards that may be granted under the Plan include: (a) Incentive Stock Options, (b) Non-qualified Stock Options, (c) Stock Appreciation Rights, (d) Restricted Awards, (e) Performance Share Awards, (f) Cash Awards, and (g) Other Equity-Based Awards.

2.             Definitions.

"Affiliate" means a corporation or other entity that, directly or through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, the Company.

"Applicable Laws" means the requirements related to or implicated by the administration of the Plan under applicable state corporate law, United States federal and state securities laws, the Code, the applicable rules of any stock exchange or quotation system on which the shares of Common Stock are listed or quoted, and the applicable laws of any foreign country or jurisdiction where Awards are granted under the Plan.

"Award" means any right granted under the Plan, including an Incentive Stock Option, a Non-qualified Stock Option, a Stock Appreciation Right, a Restricted Award, a Performance Share Award, a Cash Award, or an Other Equity-Based Award.

"Award Agreement" means a written agreement, contract, certificate or other instrument or document evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual Award granted under the Plan which may, in the discretion of the Company, be transmitted electronically to any Participant. Each Award Agreement shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

"Beneficial Owner" has the meaning assigned to such term in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that in calculating the beneficial ownership of any particular Person, such Person shall be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all securities that such Person has the right to acquire by conversion or exercise of other securities, whether such right is currently exercisable or is exercisable only after the passage of time. The terms "Beneficially Owns", "Beneficial Ownership", and "Beneficially Owned" have a corresponding meaning.

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"Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company, as constituted at any time.

"Cash Award" means an Award denominated in cash that is granted under Section 10 of the Plan.

"Cause" means:

 

With respect to any Employee or Consultant, unless the applicable Award Agreement states otherwise:

(a) If the Employee or Consultant is a party to an employment or service agreement with the Company or its Affiliates and such agreement provides for a definition of Cause or a similar term, the definition contained therein, provided that with regard to any such agreement under which such definition applies only on occurrence of a change in control or other similar event, such definition shall not apply until such change in control or other similar event actually occurs and then only with regard to a termination thereafter and, until such time, clause (b) below shall apply; or

(b) If no such agreement exists, or if such agreement does not define Cause or a similar term: (i) the commission of, or plea of guilty or no contest to, a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude or the commission of any other act involving willful malfeasance or material fiduciary breach with respect to the Company or an Affiliate; (ii) conduct that brings or is reasonably likely to bring the Company or an Affiliate negative publicity or into public disgrace, embarrassment, or disrepute; (iii) gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to the Company or an Affiliate; (iv) material violation of state or federal securities laws; or (v) material violation of the Company's written policies or codes of conduct, including written policies related to discrimination, harassment, performance of illegal or unethical activities, and ethical misconduct.

 

With respect to any Director, unless the applicable Award Agreement states otherwise, a determination by a majority of the disinterested Board members that the Director has engaged in any of the following:

(a) malfeasance in office;

(b) gross misconduct or neglect;

(c) false or fraudulent misrepresentation inducing the Director's appointment;

(d) willful conversion of corporate funds; or

(e) repeated failure to participate in Board meetings on a regular basis despite having received proper notice of the meetings in advance.

The Committee, in its absolute discretion, shall determine the effect of all matters and questions relating to whether a Participant has been discharged for Cause.

"Change in Control" means:

 

(a) The direct or indirect sale, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger or consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any Person that is not an Affiliate;

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(b) The Incumbent Directors cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board;

(c) The date which is 10 business days prior to the consummation of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company;

(d) The acquisition by any Person of Beneficial Ownership of 50% or more (on a fully diluted basis) of either (i) the then outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company, taking into account as outstanding for this purpose such Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options or warrants, the conversion of convertible stock or debt, and the exercise of any similar right to acquire such Common Stock (the "Outstanding Company Common Stock") or (ii) the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of Directors (the "Outstanding Company Voting Securities"); provided, however, that for purposes of this Plan, the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control: (A) any acquisition by the Company or any Affiliate, (B) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company or any Subsidiary, (C) any acquisition which complies with clauses, (i), (ii) and (iii) of subsection (e) of this definition or (D) in respect of an Award held by a particular Participant, any acquisition by the Participant or any group of persons including the Participant (or any entity controlled by the Participant or any group of persons including the Participant); or

(e) The consummation of a reorganization, merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange or similar form of corporate transaction involving the Company that requires the approval of the Company's shareholders, whether for such transaction or the issuance of securities in the transaction (a "Business Combination"), unless immediately following such Business Combination: (i) more than 50% of the total voting power of (A) the entity resulting from such Business Combination (the "Surviving Company"), or (B) if applicable, the ultimate parent entity that directly or indirectly has beneficial ownership of sufficient voting securities eligible to elect a majority of the members of the board of directors (or the analogous governing body) of the Surviving Company (the "Parent Company"), is represented by the Outstanding Company Voting Securities that were outstanding immediately prior to such Business Combination (or, if applicable, is represented by shares into which the Outstanding Company Voting Securities were converted pursuant to such Business Combination), and such voting power among the holders thereof is in substantially the same proportion as the voting power of the Outstanding Company Voting Securities among the holders thereof immediately prior to the Business Combination; (ii) no Person (other than any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Surviving Company or the Parent Company) is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of 50% or more of the total voting power of the outstanding voting securities eligible to elect members of the board of directors of the Parent Company (or the analogous governing body) (or, if there is no Parent Company, the Surviving Company); and (iii) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors (or the analogous governing body) of the Parent Company (or, if there is no Parent Company, the Surviving Company) following the consummation of the Business Combination were Board members at the time of the Board's approval of the execution of the initial agreement providing for such Business Combination.

"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as it may be amended from time to time. Any reference to a section of the Code shall be deemed to include a reference to any regulations promulgated thereunder.

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"Committee" means a committee of one or more members of the Board appointed by the Board to administer the Plan in accordance with Section 3.3 and Section 3.4.

"Common Stock" means the common stock, $0.01 par value per share, of the Company, or such other securities of the Company as may be designated by the Committee from time to time in substitution thereof.

"Company" means Siebert Financial Corp., a New York corporation, and any successor thereto.

"Consultant" means any individual or entity which performs bona fide services to the Company or an Affiliate, other than as an Employee or Director, and who may be offered securities registerable pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act.

"Continuous Service" means that the Participant's service with the Company or an Affiliate, whether as an Employee, Consultant or Director, is not interrupted or terminated. The Participant's Continuous Service shall not be deemed to have terminated merely because of a change in the capacity in which the Participant renders service to the Company or an Affiliate as an Employee, Consultant or Director or a change in the entity for which the Participant renders such service, provided that there is no interruption or termination of the Participant's Continuous Service; provided further that if any Award is subject to Section 409A of the Code, this sentence shall only be given effect to the extent consistent with Section 409A of the Code. For example, a change in status from an Employee of the Company to a Director of an Affiliate will not constitute an interruption of Continuous Service. The Committee or its delegate, in its sole discretion, may determine whether Continuous Service shall be considered interrupted in the case of any leave of absence approved by that party, including sick leave, military leave or any other personal or family leave of absence. The Committee or its delegate, in its sole discretion, may determine whether a Company transaction, such as a sale or spin-off of a division or Affiliate that employs a Participant, shall be deemed to result in a termination of Continuous Service for purposes of affected Awards, and such decision shall be final, conclusive and binding.

"Deferred Stock Units (DSUs)" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(b) hereof.

"Director" means a member of the Board.

"Disability" means, unless the applicable Award Agreement says otherwise, that the Participant is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment; provided, however, for purposes of determining the term of an Incentive Stock Option pursuant to Section 6.10 hereof, the term Disability shall have the meaning ascribed to it under Section 22(e)(3) of the Code. The determination of whether an individual has a Disability shall be determined under procedures established by the Committee. Except in situations where the Committee is determining Disability for purposes of the term of an Incentive Stock Option pursuant to Section 6.10 hereof within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, the Committee may rely on any determination that a Participant is disabled for purposes of benefits under any long-term disability plan maintained by the Company or any Affiliate in which a Participant participates.

"Disqualifying Disposition" has the meaning set forth in Section 17.12.

4

 

"Effective Date" shall mean the date that the Company's shareholders approve this Plan if such shareholder approval occurs before the first anniversary of the date the Plan is adopted by the Board.

"Employee" means any person, including an Officer or Director, employed by the Company or an Affiliate; provided, that, for purposes of determining eligibility to receive Incentive Stock Options, an Employee shall mean an employee of the Company or a Subsidiary (at the time of the granting of the Incentive Stock Option). Mere service as a Director or payment of a director's fee by the Company or an Affiliate shall not be sufficient to constitute "employment" by the Company or an Affiliate.

"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

"Fair Market Value" means, as of any date, the value of the Common Stock as determined below. If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system, including without limitation, the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market, the Fair Market Value shall be the closing price of a share of Common Stock (or if no sales were reported the closing price on the date immediately preceding such date) as quoted on such exchange or system on the day of determination, as reported in the Wall Street Journal. In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value shall be determined in good faith by the Committee and such determination shall be conclusive and binding on all persons.

"Fiscal Year" means the Company's fiscal year.

"Free Standing Rights" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.

"Good Reason" means, unless the applicable Award Agreement states otherwise:

 

(a) If an Employee or Consultant is a party to an employment or service agreement with the Company or its Affiliates and such agreement provides for a definition of Good Reason or a similar term, the definition contained therein, provided that with regard to any such agreement under which such definition applies only on occurrence of a change in control or other similar event, such definition shall not apply until such change in control or other similar event actually occurs and then only with regard to a termination thereafter and, until such time, clause (b) below shall apply; or

(b) If no such agreement exists or if such agreement does not define Good Reason, the occurrence of one or more of the following without the Participant's express written consent, which circumstances are not remedied by the Company within thirty (30) days of its receipt of a written notice from the Participant describing the applicable circumstances (which notice must be provided by the Participant within ninety (90) days of the Participant's knowledge of the applicable circumstances): (i) any material, adverse change in the Participant's duties, responsibilities, authority, title, status or reporting structure; (ii) a material reduction in the Participant's base salary or bonus opportunity; or (iii) a geographical relocation of the Participant's principal office location by more than fifty (50) miles.

"Grant Date" means the latest to occur of (i) the date on which the Committee adopts a resolution, or takes other appropriate action, expressly granting an Award to a Participant that

5

 

specifies the key terms and conditions of the Award, (ii) the grant or effective date of the Award asset forth in such resolution, or (iii) the date on which the recipient of an Award first becomes eligible to receive an Award under Section 5, provided that the date under this part (iii) does not cause the Award to constitute "nonqualified deferred compensation" within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code.

"Incentive Stock Option" means an Option that is designated by the Committee as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and that meets the requirements set out in the Plan.

"Incumbent Directors" means individuals who, on the Effective Date, constitute the Board, provided that any individual becoming a Director subsequent to the Effective Date whose election or nomination for election to the Board was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Incumbent Directors then on the Board (either by a specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement of the Company in which such person is named as a nominee for Director without objection to such nomination) shall be an Incumbent Director. No individual initially elected or nominated as a director of the Company as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to Directors or as a result of any other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies by or on behalf of any person other than the Board shall be an Incumbent Director.

"Non-Employee Director" means a Director who is a "non-employee director" within the meaning of Rule 16b-3.

"Non-qualified Stock Option" means an Option that by its terms does not qualify or is not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.

"Officer" means a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

"Option" means an Incentive Stock Option or a Non-qualified Stock Option granted pursuant to the Plan.

"Optionholder" means a person to whom an Option is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if applicable, such other person who holds an outstanding Option.

"Option Exercise Price" means the price at which a share of Common Stock may be purchased upon the exercise of an Option.

"Other Equity-Based Award" means an Award that is not an Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit, or Performance Share Award that is granted under Section 10 and is payable by delivery of Common Stock and/or which is measured by reference to the value of Common Stock.

"Participant" means an eligible person to whom an Award is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if applicable, such other person who holds an outstanding Award.

"Performance Goals" means, for a Performance Period, the one or more goals established by the Committee for the Performance Period based upon business criteria or other performance measures determined by the Committee in its discretion.

6

 

"Performance Period" means the one or more periods of time, not less than one fiscal quarter in duration, as the Committee may select, over which the attainment of one or more Performance Goals will be measured for the purpose of determining a Participant's right to and the payment of a Performance Share Award or a Cash Award.

"Performance Share Award" means any Award granted pursuant to Section 9 hereof.

"Performance Share" means the grant of a right to receive a number of actual shares of Common Stock or share units based upon the performance of the Company during a Performance Period, as determined by the Committee.

"Permitted Transferee" means: (a) a member of the Optionholder's immediate family (child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, former spouse, sibling, niece, nephew, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law, including adoptive relationships), any person sharing the Optionholder's household (other than a tenant or employee), a trust in which these persons have more than 50% of the beneficial interest, a foundation in which these persons (or the Optionholder) control the management of assets, and any other entity in which these persons (or the Optionholder) own more than 50% of the voting interests; (b) third parties designated by the Committee in connection with a program established and approved by the Committee pursuant to which Participants may receive a cash payment or other consideration in consideration for the transfer of a Non-qualified Stock Option; and (c) such other transferees as may be permitted by the Committee in its sole discretion.

"Person" means a person as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.

"Plan" means this Siebert Financial Corp. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and/or amended and restated from time to time.

"Related Rights" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.

"Restricted Award" means any Award granted pursuant to Section 8.

"Restricted Period" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.

"Restricted Stock" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.

"Restricted Stock Unit" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.

"Rule 16b-3" means Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act or any successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect from time to time.

"Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

"Stock Appreciation Right" means the right pursuant to an Award granted under Section 7 to receive, upon exercise, an amount payable in cash or shares equal to the number of shares subject to the Stock Appreciation Right that is being exercised multiplied by the excess of (a) the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date the Award is exercised, over (b) the exercise price specified in the Stock Appreciation Right Award Agreement.

"Stock for Stock Exchange" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.4.

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"Subsidiary" means a corporation other than the Company in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company if each of the corporations other than the last corporation in the unbroken chain owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain.

"Substitute Award" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.4.

"Ten Percent Shareholder" means a person who owns (or is deemed to own pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code) stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of any of its Affiliates.

"Total Share Reserve" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.

3.             Administration.

3.1              Authority of Committee. The Plan shall be administered by the Committee or, in the Board's sole discretion, by the Board. Subject to the terms of the Plan, the Committee's charter and Applicable Laws, and in addition to other express powers and authorization conferred by the Plan, the Committee shall have the authority:

(a)               to construe and interpret the Plan and apply its provisions;

(b)               to promulgate, amend, and rescind rules and regulations relating to the administration of the Plan;

(c)               to authorize any person to execute, on behalf of the Company, any instrument required to carry out the purposes of the Plan;

(d)               to delegate its authority to one or more Officers of the Company with respect to Awards that do not involve "insiders" within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act;

(e)               to determine when Awards are to be granted under the Plan and the applicable Grant Date;

(f)                from time to time to select, subject to the limitations set forth in this Plan, those eligible Award recipients to whom Awards shall be granted;

(g)               to determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be made subject to each Award;

(h)               to determine whether each Option is to be an Incentive Stock Option or a Non-qualified Stock Option;

(i)                 to prescribe the terms and conditions of each Award, including, without limitation, the exercise price and medium of payment and vesting provisions, and to specify the provisions of the Award Agreement relating to such grant;

(j)                 to determine the target number of Performance Shares to be granted pursuant to a Performance Share Award, the performance measures that will be used to establish the

8

 

Performance Goals, the Performance Period(s) and the number of Performance Shares earned by a Participant;

(k)               to amend any outstanding Awards, including for the purpose of modifying the time or manner of vesting, or the term of any outstanding Award; provided, however, that if any such amendment impairs a Participant's rights or increases a Participant's obligations under his or her Award or creates or increases a Participant's federal income tax liability with respect to an Award, such amendment shall also be subject to the Participant's consent;

(l)                 to determine the duration and purpose of leaves of absences which may be granted to a Participant without constituting termination of their employment for purposes of the Plan, which periods shall be no shorter than the periods generally applicable to Employees under the Company's employment policies;

(m)             to make decisions with respect to outstanding Awards that may become necessary upon a change in corporate control or an event that triggers anti-dilution adjustments;

(n)               to interpret, administer, reconcile any inconsistency in, correct any defect in and/or supply any omission in the Plan and any instrument or agreement relating to, or Award granted under, the Plan; and

(o)               to exercise discretion to make any and all other determinations which it determines to be necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan.

The Committee also may modify the purchase price or the exercise price of any outstanding Award, provided that if the modification effects a repricing, shareholder approval shall be required before the repricing is effective.

3.2              Committee Decisions Final. All decisions made by the Committee pursuant to the provisions of the Plan shall be final and binding on the Company and the Participants.

3.3              Delegation. The Committee or, if no Committee has been appointed, the Board may delegate administration of the Plan to a committee or committees of one or more members of the Board, and the term "Committee" shall apply to any person or persons to whom such authority has been delegated. The Committee shall have the power to delegate to a subcommittee any of the administrative powers the Committee is authorized to exercise (and references in this Plan to the Board or the Committee shall thereafter be to the committee or subcommittee), subject, however, to such resolutions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as may be adopted from time to time by the Board. The Board may abolish the Committee at any time and revest in the Board the administration of the Plan. The members of the Committee shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Board. From time to time, the Board may increase or decrease the size of the Committee, add additional members to, remove members (with or without cause) from, appoint new members in substitution therefor, and fill vacancies, however caused, in the Committee. The Committee shall act pursuant to a vote of the majority of its members or, in the case of a Committee comprised of only two members, the unanimous consent of its members, whether present or not, or by the written consent of the majority of its members and minutes shall be kept of all of its meetings and copies thereof shall be provided to the Board. Subject to the limitations prescribed by the Plan and the Board, the Committee may establish and follow such rules and regulations for the conduct of its business as it may determine to be advisable.

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3.4              Committee Composition. Except as otherwise determined by the Board, the Committee shall consist solely of two or more Non-Employee Directors. The Board shall have discretion to determine whether or not it intends to comply with the exemption requirements of Rule 16b-3. However, if the Board intends to satisfy such exemption requirements, with respect to any insider subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, the Committee shall be a compensation committee of the Board that at all times consists solely of two or more Non-Employee Directors. Within the scope of such authority, the Board or the Committee may delegate to a committee of one or more members of the Board who are not Non-Employee Directors the authority to grant Awards to eligible persons who are not then subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act. Nothing herein shall create an inference that an Award is not validly granted under the Plan in the event Awards are granted under the Plan by a compensation committee of the Board that does not at all times consist solely of two or more Non-Employee Directors.

3.5              Indemnification. In addition to such other rights of indemnification as they may have as Directors or members of the Committee, and to the extent allowed by Applicable Laws, the Committee shall be indemnified by the Company against the reasonable expenses, including attorney's fees, actually incurred in connection with any action, suit or proceeding or in connection with any appeal therein, to which the Committee may be party by reason of any action taken or failure to act under or in connection with the Plan or any Award granted under the Plan, and against all amounts paid by the Committee in settlement thereof (provided, however, that the settlement has been approved by the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld) or paid by the Committee in satisfaction of a judgment in any such action, suit or proceeding, except in relation to matters as to which it shall be adjudged in such action, suit or proceeding that such Committee did not act in good faith and in a manner which such person reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the Company, or in the case of a criminal proceeding, had no reason to believe that the conduct complained of was unlawful; provided, however, that within 60 days after the institution of any such action, suit or proceeding, such Committee shall, in writing, offer the Company the opportunity at its own expense to handle and defend such action, suit or proceeding.

4.             Shares Subject to the Plan.

4.1              Subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 14, no more than 3 million shares of Common Stock shall be available for the grant of Awards under the Plan (the "Total Share Reserve"), all of which may be granted as Incentive Stock Options. During the terms of the Awards, the Company shall keep available at all times the number of shares of Common Stock required to satisfy such Awards. Shares covered by an Award shall be counted as used as of the Grant Date; provided that Awards that are valued by reference to shares of Common Stock but are required to be paid in cash pursuant to their terms shall not be counted as used from the Total Share Reserve.

4.2              Shares of Common Stock available for distribution under the Plan may consist, in whole or in part, of authorized and unissued shares, treasury shares or shares reacquired by the Company in any manner.

4.3              Any shares of Common Stock subject to an Award that expires or is canceled, forfeited, or terminated without issuance of the full number of shares of Common Stock to which the Award related will again be available for issuance under the Plan. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein: shares subject to an Award under the Plan shall not again be made available for issuance or delivery under the Plan if such shares are (a) shares tendered in payment of

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an Option, (b) shares delivered or withheld by the Company to satisfy any tax withholding obligation, or (c) shares covered by a stock-settled Stock Appreciation Right or other Awards that were not issued upon the settlement of the Award.

4.4              Awards may, in the sole discretion of the Committee, be granted under the Plan in assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding awards previously granted by an entity acquired by the Company or with which the Company combines ("Substitute Awards"). Substitute Awards shall not be counted against the Total Share Reserve; provided, that, Substitute Awards issued in connection with the assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding options intended to qualify as Incentive Stock Options shall be counted against the Total Share Reserve available for Incentive Stock Options. Subject to applicable stock exchange requirements, available shares under a shareholder-approved plan of an entity directly or indirectly acquired by the Company or with which the Company combines (as appropriately adjusted to reflect such acquisition or transaction) may be used for Awards under the Plan and shall not count toward the Total Share Reserve.

5.             Eligibility.

5.1              Eligibility for Specific Awards. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees. Awards other than Incentive Stock Options may be granted to Employees, Consultants and Directors and those individuals whom the Committee determines are reasonably expected to become Employees, Consultants and Directors following the Grant Date.

5.2              Ten Percent Shareholders. A Ten Percent Shareholder shall not be granted an Incentive Stock Option unless the Option Exercise Price is at least 110% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Grant Date and the Option is not exercisable after the expiration of five years from the Grant Date.

6.             Option Provisions. Each Option granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement. Each Option so granted shall be subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 6, and to such other conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement. All Options shall be separately designated Incentive Stock Options or Non-qualified Stock Options at the time of grant, and, if certificates are issued, a separate certificate or certificates will be issued for shares of Common Stock purchased on exercise of each type of Option. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall have no liability to any Participant or any other person if an Option designated as an Incentive Stock Option fails to qualify as such at any time or if an Option is determined to constitute "nonqualified deferred compensation" within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code and the terms of such Option do not satisfy the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. The provisions of separate Options need not be identical, but each Option shall include (through incorporation of provisions hereof by reference in the Option or otherwise) the substance of each of the following provisions:

6.1              Term. Subject to the provisions of Section 5.2 regarding Ten Percent Shareholders, no Incentive Stock Option shall be exercisable after the expiration of 10 years from the Grant Date. The term of a Non-qualified Stock Option granted under the Plan shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, no Non-qualified Stock Option shall be exercisable after the expiration of 10 years from the Grant Date.

6.2              Exercise Price of an Incentive Stock Option. Subject to the provisions of Section 5.2 regarding Ten Percent Shareholders, the Option Exercise Price of each Incentive Stock Option shall be not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the Option on the

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Grant Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Incentive Stock Option may be granted with an Option Exercise Price lower than that set forth in the preceding sentence if such Option is granted pursuant to an assumption or substitution for another option in a manner satisfying the provisions of Section 424(a) of the Code.

6.3              Exercise Price of a Non-qualified Stock Option. The Option Exercise Price of each Non-qualified Stock Option shall be not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the Option on the Grant Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Non-qualified Stock Option may be granted with an Option Exercise Price lower than that set forth in the preceding sentence if such Option is granted pursuant to an assumption or substitution for another option in a manner satisfying the provisions of Section 409A of the Code.

6.4              Consideration. The Option Exercise Price of Common Stock acquired pursuant to an Option shall be paid, to the extent permitted by applicable statutes and regulations, either (a) in cash or by certified or bank check at the time the Option is exercised or (b) in the discretion of the Committee, upon such terms as the Committee shall approve, the Option Exercise Price may be paid: (i) by delivery to the Company of other Common Stock, duly endorsed for transfer to the Company, with a Fair Market Value on the date of delivery equal to the Option Exercise Price (or portion thereof) due for the number of shares being acquired, or by means of attestation whereby the Participant identifies for delivery specific shares of Common Stock that have an aggregate Fair Market Value on the date of attestation equal to the Option Exercise Price (or portion thereof) and receives a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the difference between the number of shares thereby purchased and the number of identified attestation shares of Common Stock (a "Stock for Stock Exchange"); (ii) a "cashless" exercise program established with a broker; (iii) by reduction in the number of shares of Common Stock otherwise deliverable upon exercise of such Option with a Fair Market Value equal to the aggregate Option Exercise Price at the time of exercise; (iv) by any combination of the foregoing methods; or (v) in any other form of legal consideration that may be acceptable to the Committee. Unless otherwise specifically provided in the Option, the exercise price of Common Stock acquired pursuant to an Option that is paid by delivery (or attestation) to the Company of other Common Stock acquired, directly or indirectly from the Company, shall be paid only by shares of the Common Stock of the Company that have been held for more than six months (or such longer or shorter period of time required to avoid a charge to earnings for financial accounting purposes). Notwithstanding the foregoing, during any period for which the Common Stock is publicly traded (i.e., the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system) an exercise by a Director or Officer that involves or may involve a direct or indirect extension of credit or arrangement of an extension of credit by the Company, directly or indirectly, in violation of Section 402(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 shall be prohibited with respect to any Award under this Plan.

6.5              Transferability of an Incentive Stock Option. An Incentive Stock Option shall not be transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and shall be exercisable during the lifetime of the Optionholder only by the Optionholder (or, in the event of legal incapacity or incompetency, the Optionholder’s guardian or legal representative). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Optionholder may, by delivering written notice to the Company, in a form satisfactory to the Company, designate a third party who, in the event of the death of the Optionholder, shall thereafter be entitled to exercise the Option.

6.6              Transferability of a Non-qualified Stock Option. A Non-qualified Stock Option may, in the sole discretion of the Committee, be transferable to a Permitted Transferee, upon written

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approval by the Committee to the extent provided in the Award Agreement. If the Non-qualified Stock Option does not provide for transferability, then the Non-qualified Stock Option shall not be transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and shall be exercisable during the lifetime of the Optionholder only by the Optionholder (or, in the event of legal incapacity or incompetency, the Optionholder’s guardian or legal representative). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Optionholder may, by delivering written notice to the Company, in a form satisfactory to the Company, designate a third party who, in the event of the death of the Optionholder, shall thereafter be entitled to exercise the Option.

6.7              Vesting of Options. Each Option may, but need not, vest and therefore become exercisable in periodic installments that may, but need not, be equal. The Option may be subject to such other terms and conditions on the time or times when it may be exercised (which may be based on performance or other criteria) as the Committee may deem appropriate. The vesting provisions of individual Options may vary. No Option may be exercised for a fraction of a share of Common Stock. The Committee may, but shall not be required to, provide for an acceleration of vesting and exercisability in the terms of any Award Agreement upon the occurrence of a specified event.

6.8              Termination of Continuous Service. Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement or in an employment agreement the terms of which have been approved by the Committee, in the event an Optionholder's Continuous Service terminates (other than upon the Optionholder's death or Disability), the Optionholder may exercise his or her Option (to the extent that the Optionholder was entitled to exercise such Option as of the date of termination) but only within such period of time ending on the earlier of (a) the date three months following the termination of the Optionholder's Continuous Service or (b) the expiration of the term of the Option as set forth in the Award Agreement; provided that, if the termination of Continuous Service is by the Company for Cause, all outstanding Options (whether or not vested) shall immediately terminate and cease to be exercisable. If, after termination, the Optionholder does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified in the Award Agreement, the Option shall terminate.

6.9              Extension of Termination Date. An Optionholder's Award Agreement may also provide that if the exercise of the Option following the termination of the Optionholder's Continuous Service for any reason would be prohibited at any time because the issuance of shares of Common Stock would violate the registration requirements under the Securities Act or any other state or federal securities law or the rules of any securities exchange or interdealer quotation system, then the Option shall terminate on the earlier of (a) the expiration of the term of the Option in accordance with Section 6.1 or (b) the expiration of a period after termination of the Participant's Continuous Service that is three months after the end of the period during which the exercise of the Option would be in violation of such registration or other securities law requirements.

6.10          Disability of Optionholder. Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, in the event that an Optionholder's Continuous Service terminates as a result of the Optionholder's Disability, the Optionholder may exercise his or her Option (to the extent that the Optionholder was entitled to exercise such Option as of the date of termination), but only within such period of time ending on the earlier of (a) the date 12 months following such termination or (b) the expiration of the term of the Option as set forth in the Award Agreement. If, after termination, the Optionholder does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified herein or in the Award Agreement, the Option shall terminate.

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6.11          Death of Optionholder. Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, in the event an Optionholder's Continuous Service terminates as a result of the Optionholder's death, then the Option may be exercised (to the extent the Optionholder was entitled to exercise such Option as of the date of death) by the Optionholder's estate, by a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance or by a person designated to exercise the Option upon the Optionholder's death, but only within the period ending on the earlier of (a) the date 12 months following the date of death or (b) the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement. If, after the Optionholder's death, the Option is not exercised within the time specified herein or in the Award Agreement, the Option shall terminate.

6.12          Incentive Stock Option $100,000 Limitation. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined at the time of grant) of Common Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by any Optionholder during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and its Affiliates) exceeds $100,000, the Options or portions thereof which exceed such limit (according to the order in which they were granted) shall be treated as Non-qualified Stock Options.

7.             Stock Appreciation Rights. Each Stock Appreciation Right granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement. Each Stock Appreciation Right so granted shall be subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 7, and to such other conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement. Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted alone ("Free Standing Rights") or in tandem with an Option granted under the Plan ("Related Rights").

7.1              Grant Requirements for Related Rights.  Any Related Right that relates to a Non-qualified Stock Option may be granted at the same time the Option is granted or at any time thereafter but before the exercise or expiration of the Option. Any Related Right that relates to an Incentive Stock Option must be granted at the same time the Incentive Stock Option is granted.

7.2              Term The term of a Stock Appreciation Right granted under the Plan shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, no Stock Appreciation Right shall be exercisable later than the tenth anniversary of the Grant Date.

7.3              Vesting

Each Stock Appreciation Right may, but need not, vest and therefore become exercisable in periodic installments that may, but need not, be equal. The Stock Appreciation Right may be subject to such other terms and conditions on the time or times when it may be exercised as the Committee may deem appropriate. The vesting provisions of individual Stock Appreciation Rights may vary. No Stock Appreciation Right may be exercised for a fraction of a share of Common Stock. The Committee may, but shall not be required to, provide for an acceleration of vesting and exercisability in the terms of any Stock Appreciation Right upon the occurrence of a specified event.

7.4              Exercise and Payment Upon exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right, the holder shall be entitled to receive from the Company an amount equal to the number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Stock Appreciation Right that is being exercised multiplied by the excess of (i) the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date the Award is exercised, over (ii) the exercise price specified in the Stock Appreciation Right or related Option. Payment with respect to the exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right shall be made on the date of exercise. Payment shall be made in the form of shares of Common Stock (with or without restrictions as to substantial risk of

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forfeiture and transferability, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion), cash or a combination thereof, as determined by the Committee.

7.5              Exercise Price The exercise price of a Free Standing Right shall be determined by the Committee, but shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of one share of Common Stock on the Grant Date of such Stock Appreciation Right. A Related Right granted simultaneously with or subsequent to the grant of an Option and in conjunction therewith or in the alternative thereto shall have the same exercise price as the related Option, shall be transferable only upon the same terms and conditions as the related Option, and shall be exercisable only to the same extent as the related Option; provided, however, that a Stock Appreciation Right, by its terms, shall be exercisable only when the Fair Market Value per share of Common Stock subject to the Stock Appreciation Right and related Option exceeds the exercise price per share thereof and no Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted in tandem with an Option unless the Committee determines that the requirements of Section 7.1 are satisfied.

7.6              Reduction in the Underlying Option Shares Upon any exercise of a Related Right, the number of shares of Common Stock for which any related Option shall be exercisable shall be reduced by the number of shares for which the Stock Appreciation Right has been exercised. The number of shares of Common Stock for which a Related Right shall be exercisable shall be reduced upon any exercise of any related Option by the number of shares of Common Stock for which such Option has been exercised.

7.7              Transferability of Stock Appreciation Rights. A Participant’s Stock Appreciation Rights may, in the sole discretion of the Committee, be transferable to a Permitted Transferee, upon written approval by the Committee to the extent provided in the Award Agreement. If the Award Agreement does not provide for transferability, then the Stock Appreciation Rights shall not be transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and shall be exercisable during the lifetime of the Participant only by the Participant (or, in the event of legal incapacity or incompetency, the Participant’s guardian or legal representative). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Participant may, by delivering written notice to the Company, in a form satisfactory to the Company, designate a third party who, in the event of the death of the Participant, shall thereafter be entitled to exercise the Stock Appreciation Rights.

7.8              Termination of Continuous Service. Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement or in an employment agreement the terms of which have been approved by the Committee, in the event a Participant’s Continuous Service terminates (other than upon the Participant's death or Disability), the Participant may exercise his or her Stock Appreciation Rights (to the extent that the Participant was entitled to exercise such Stock Appreciation Rights as of the date of termination) but only within such period of time ending on the earlier of (a) the date three months following the termination of the Participant's Continuous Service or (b) the expiration of the term of the Stock Appreciation Rights as set forth in the Award Agreement; provided that, if the termination of Continuous Service is by the Company for Cause, all outstanding Stock Appreciation Rights (whether or not vested) shall immediately terminate and cease to be exercisable. If, after termination, the Participant does not exercise his or her Stock Appreciation Rights within the time specified in the Award Agreement, the Stock Appreciation Rights shall terminate.

7.9              Disability of Participant. Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, in the event that an Participant's Continuous Service terminates as a result of the Participant's Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Stock Appreciation Rights (to the extent that the Participant

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was entitled to exercise such Stock Appreciation Rights as of the date of termination), but only within such period of time ending on the earlier of (a) the date 12 months following such termination or (b) the expiration of the term of the Stock Appreciation Rights as set forth in the Award Agreement. If, after termination, the Participant does not exercise his or her Stock Appreciation Rights within the time specified herein or in the Award Agreement, the Stock Appreciation Rights shall terminate.

7.10          Death of Participant. Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, in the event an Participant's Continuous Service terminates as a result of the Participant's death, then the Stock Appreciation Rights may be exercised (to the extent the Participant was entitled to exercise such Stock Appreciation Rights as of the date of death) by the Participant's estate, by a person who acquired the right to exercise the Stock Appreciation Rights by bequest or inheritance or by a person designated to exercise the Stock Appreciation Rights upon the Participant's death, but only within the period ending on the earlier of (a) the date 12 months following the date of death or (b) the expiration of the term of such Stock Appreciation Rights as set forth in the Award Agreement. If, after the Participant's death, the Stock Appreciation Rights are not exercised within the time specified herein or in the Award Agreement, the Stock Appreciation Rights shall terminate.

8.             Restricted Awards A Restricted Award is an Award of actual shares of Common Stock ("Restricted Stock") or hypothetical Common Stock units ("Restricted Stock Units") having a value equal to the Fair Market Value of an identical number of shares of Common Stock, which shall provide that such Restricted Award may not be sold, assigned, transferred or otherwise disposed of, pledged or hypothecated as collateral for a loan or as security for the performance of any obligation or for any other purpose for such period (the "Restricted Period") as the Committee shall determine. Each Restricted Award granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement. Each Restricted Award so granted shall be subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 8, and to such other conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement.

8.1              Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units

(a)               Each Participant granted Restricted Stock shall execute and deliver to the Company an Award Agreement with respect to the Restricted Stock setting forth the restrictions and other terms and conditions applicable to such Restricted Stock. If the Committee determines that the Restricted Stock shall be held by the Company or in escrow rather than delivered to the Participant pending the release of the applicable restrictions, the Committee may require the Participant to additionally execute and deliver to the Company (A) an escrow agreement satisfactory to the Committee, if applicable and (B) the appropriate blank stock power with respect to the Restricted Stock covered by such agreement. If a Participant fails to execute an agreement evidencing an Award of Restricted Stock and, if applicable, an escrow agreement and stock power, the Award shall be null and void. Subject to the restrictions set forth in the Award, the Participant generally shall have the rights and privileges of a shareholder as to such Restricted Stock, including the right to vote such Restricted Stock and the right to receive dividends; provided that, only to the extent specifically provided in the applicable Award Agreement, any cash dividends and stock dividends with respect to the Restricted Stock shall be withheld by the Company for the Participant's account, and interest may be credited on the amount of the cash dividends withheld at a rate and subject to such terms as determined by the Committee. The cash dividends or stock dividends so withheld by the Committee and attributable to any particular share of Restricted Stock (and earnings thereon, if applicable) shall, unless otherwise set forth

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in an applicable Award Agreement, be distributed to the Participant in cash or, at the discretion of the Committee, in shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount of such dividends, if applicable, upon the release of restrictions on such share and, if such share is forfeited, the Participant shall have no right to such dividends.

(b)               The terms and conditions of a grant of Restricted Stock Units shall be reflected in an Award Agreement. No shares of Common Stock shall be issued at the time a Restricted Stock Unit is granted, and the Company will not be required to set aside funds for the payment of any such Award. A Participant shall have no voting rights with respect to any Restricted Stock Units granted hereunder. The Committee may also grant Restricted Stock Units with a deferral feature, whereby settlement is deferred beyond the vesting date until the occurrence of a future payment date or event set forth in an Award Agreement ("Deferred Stock Units"). At the discretion of the Committee, each Restricted Stock Unit or Deferred Stock Unit (representing one share of Common Stock) may be credited with an amount equal to the cash and stock dividends paid by the Company in respect of one share of Common Stock ("Dividend Equivalents"). Unless otherwise set forth in an applicable Award Agreement, Dividend Equivalents shall not vest or become payable unless and until the Restricted Stock Units to which the Dividend Equivalents correspond become vested and nonforfeitable.

8.2              Restrictions

(a)               Restricted Stock awarded to a Participant shall be subject to the following restrictions until the expiration of the Restricted Period, and to such other terms and conditions as may be set forth in the applicable Award Agreement: (A) if an escrow arrangement is used, the Participant shall not be entitled to delivery of the stock certificate; (B) the shares shall be subject to the restrictions on transferability set forth in the Award Agreement; (C) the shares shall be subject to forfeiture to the extent provided in the applicable Award Agreement; and (D) to the extent such shares are forfeited, the stock certificates shall be returned to the Company, and all rights of the Participant to such shares and as a shareholder with respect to such shares shall terminate without further obligation on the part of the Company. Unless the Committee otherwise provides in an Award Agreement or in writing after the Award Agreement is issued, upon the termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service, any shares of Restricted Stock held by such Participant that have not vested, or with respect to which Restriction Period has not expired, shall immediately be deemed forfeited. Upon forfeiture of a Participant’s Restricted Stock, the Participant shall have no further rights with respect to such Award, including but not limited to any right to vote Restricted Stock or any right to receive dividends with respect to shares of Restricted Stock.

(b)               Restricted Stock Units and Deferred Stock Units awarded to any Participant shall be subject to (A) forfeiture until the expiration of the Restricted Period, and satisfaction of any applicable Performance Goals during such period, to the extent provided in the applicable Award Agreement, and to the extent such Restricted Stock Units or Deferred Stock Units are forfeited, all rights of the Participant to such Restricted Stock Units or Deferred Stock Units shall terminate without further obligation on the part of the Company and (B) such other terms and conditions as may be set forth in the applicable Award Agreement. Unless the Committee otherwise provides in an Award Agreement or in writing after the Award Agreement is issued, upon the termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service,

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any Restricted Stock Units held by such Participant that have not vested, or with respect to which Restriction Period has not expired, shall immediately be deemed forfeited. Upon forfeiture of a Participant’s Restricted Stock Units, the Participant shall have no further rights with respect to such Award, including but not limited to any right to receive dividends or Dividend Equivalents with respect to shares of Restricted Stock.

(c)               The Committee shall have the authority to remove any or all of the restrictions on the Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units and Deferred Stock Units whenever it may determine that, by reason of changes in Applicable Laws or other changes in circumstances arising after the date the Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units or Deferred Stock Units are granted, such action is appropriate.

8.3              Restricted Period

With respect to Restricted Awards, the Restricted Period shall commence on the Grant Date and end at the time or times set forth on a schedule established by the Committee in the applicable Award Agreement.

No Restricted Award may be granted or settled for a fraction of a share of Common Stock. The Committee may, but shall not be required to, provide for an acceleration of vesting in the terms of any Award Agreement upon the occurrence of a specified event.

8.4              Delivery of Restricted Stock and Settlement of Restricted Stock Units Upon the expiration of the Restricted Period with respect to any shares of Restricted Stock, the restrictions set forth in Section 8.2 and the applicable Award Agreement shall be of no further force or effect with respect to such shares, except as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement. If an escrow arrangement is used, upon such expiration, the Company shall deliver to the Participant, or his or her beneficiary, without charge, the stock certificate evidencing the shares of Restricted Stock which have not then been forfeited and with respect to which the Restricted Period has expired (to the nearest full share) and any cash dividends or stock dividends credited to the Participant's account with respect to such Restricted Stock and the interest thereon, if any. Upon the expiration of the Restricted Period with respect to any outstanding Restricted Stock Units, or at the expiration of the deferral period with respect to any outstanding Deferred Stock Units, the Company shall deliver to the Participant, or his or her beneficiary, without charge, one share of Common Stock for each such outstanding vested Restricted Stock Unit or Deferred Stock Unit ("Vested Unit") and cash equal to any Dividend Equivalents credited with respect to each such Vested Unit in accordance with Section 8.1(b) hereof and the interest thereon or, at the discretion of the Committee, in shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value equal to such Dividend Equivalents and the interest thereon, if any; provided, however, that, if explicitly provided in the applicable Award Agreement, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, elect to pay cash or part cash and part Common Stock in lieu of delivering only shares of Common Stock for Vested Units. If a cash payment is made in lieu of delivering shares of Common Stock, the amount of such payment shall be equal to the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock as of the date on which the Restricted Period lapsed in the case of Restricted Stock Units, or the delivery date in the case of Deferred Stock Units, with respect to each Vested Unit.

8.5              Stock Restrictions Each certificate representing Restricted Stock awarded under the Plan shall bear a legend in such form as the Company deems appropriate.

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9.             Performance Share Awards Each Performance Share Award granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement. Each Performance Share Award so granted shall be subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 9, and to such other conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement. The Committee shall have the discretion to determine: (i) the number of shares of Common Stock or stock-denominated units subject to a Performance Share Award granted to any Participant; (ii) the Performance Period applicable to any Award; (iii) the conditions that must be satisfied for a Participant to earn an Award; and (iv) the other terms, conditions and restrictions of the Award.

9.1              Earning Performance Share Awards The number of Performance Shares earned by a Participant will depend on the extent to which the performance goals established by the Committee are attained within the applicable Performance Period, as determined by the Committee.

10.         Other Equity-Based Awards and Cash Awards The Committee may grant Other Equity-Based Awards, either alone or in tandem with other Awards, in such amounts and subject to such conditions as the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion. Each Equity-Based Award shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement and shall be subject to such conditions, not inconsistent with the Plan, as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement. The Committee may grant Cash Awards in such amounts and subject to such Performance Goals, other vesting conditions, and such other terms as the Committee determines in its discretion. Cash Awards shall be evidenced in such form as the Committee may determine.

11.         Securities Law Compliance. Each Award Agreement shall provide that no shares of Common Stock shall be purchased or sold thereunder unless and until (a) any then applicable requirements of state or federal laws and regulatory agencies have been fully complied with to the satisfaction of the Company and its counsel and (b) if required to do so by the Company, the Participant has executed and delivered to the Company a letter of investment intent in such form and containing such provisions as the Committee may require. The Company shall use reasonable efforts to seek to obtain from each regulatory commission or agency having jurisdiction over the Plan such authority as may be required to grant Awards and to issue and sell shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Awards; provided, however, that this undertaking shall not require the Company to register under the Securities Act the Plan, any Award or any Common Stock issued or issuable pursuant to any such Award. If, after reasonable efforts, the Company is unable to obtain from any such regulatory commission or agency the authority which counsel for the Company deems necessary for the lawful issuance and sale of Common Stock under the Plan, the Company shall be relieved from any liability for failure to issue and sell Common Stock upon exercise of such Awards unless and until such authority is obtained.

12.         Use of Proceeds from Stock. Proceeds from the sale of Common Stock pursuant to Awards, or upon exercise thereof, shall constitute general funds of the Company.

13.         Miscellaneous.

13.1          Shareholder Rights. Except as provided in the Plan or an Award Agreement, no Participant shall be deemed to be the holder of, or to have any of the rights of a holder with respect to, any shares of Common Stock subject to such Award unless and until such Participant has satisfied all requirements for exercise of the Award pursuant to its terms and no adjustment shall be made for dividends (ordinary or extraordinary, whether in cash, securities or other property) or distributions of other rights for which the record date is prior to the date such Common Stock certificate is issued, except as provided in Section 14 hereof.

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13.2          No Employment or Other Service Rights. Nothing in the Plan or any instrument executed or Award granted pursuant thereto shall confer upon any Participant any right to continue to serve the Company or an Affiliate in the capacity in effect at the time the Award was granted or shall affect the right of the Company or an Affiliate to terminate (a) the employment of an Employee with or without notice and with or without Cause or (b) the service of a Director pursuant to the By-laws of the Company or an Affiliate, and any applicable provisions of the corporate law of the state in which the Company or the Affiliate is incorporated, as the case may be.

13.3          Transfer; Approved Leave of Absence. For purposes of the Plan, no termination of employment by an Employee shall be deemed to result from either (a) a transfer of employment to the Company from an Affiliate or from the Company to an Affiliate, or from one Affiliate to another, or (b) an approved leave of absence for military service or sickness, or for any other purpose approved by the Company, if the Employee's right to reemployment is guaranteed either by a statute or by contract or under the policy pursuant to which the leave of absence was granted or if the Committee otherwise so provides in writing, in either case, except to the extent inconsistent with Section 409A of the Code if the applicable Award is subject thereto.

13.4          Withholding Obligations. To the extent provided by the terms of an Award Agreement and subject to the discretion of the Committee, the Participant may satisfy any federal, state or local tax withholding obligation relating to the exercise or acquisition of Common Stock under an Award by any of the following means (in addition to the Company's right to withhold from any compensation paid to the Participant by the Company) or by a combination of such means: (a) tendering a cash payment; (b) authorizing the Company to withhold shares of Common Stock from the shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable to the Participant as a result of the exercise or acquisition of Common Stock under the Award, provided, however, that no shares of Common Stock are withheld with a value exceeding the maximum amount of tax required to be withheld by law; or (c) delivering to the Company previously owned and unencumbered shares of Common Stock of the Company.

14.         Adjustments Upon Changes in Stock. In the event of changes in the outstanding Common Stock or in the capital structure of the Company by reason of any stock or extraordinary cash dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, an extraordinary corporate transaction such as any recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, combination, exchange, or other relevant change in capitalization occurring after the Grant Date of any Award, Awards granted under the Plan and any Award Agreements, the exercise price of Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, the Performance Goals to which Performance Share Awards and Cash Awards are subject, the Total Share Reserve will be equitably adjusted or substituted, as to the number, price or kind of a share of Common Stock or other consideration subject to such Awards to the extent necessary to preserve the economic intent of such Award. In the case of adjustments made pursuant to this Section 14, unless the Committee specifically determines that such adjustment is in the best interests of the Company or its Affiliates, the Committee shall, in the case of Incentive Stock Options, ensure that any adjustments under this Section 14 will not constitute a modification, extension or renewal of the Incentive Stock Options within the meaning of Section 424(h)(3) of the Code and in the case of Non-qualified Stock Options, ensure that any adjustments under this Section 14 will not constitute a modification of such Non-qualified Stock Options within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code. Any adjustments made under this Section 14 shall be made in a manner which does not adversely affect the exemption provided pursuant to Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act. The Company shall give each Participant notice of an adjustment hereunder and, upon notice, such adjustment shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes.

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15.         Effect of Change in Control.

15.1          Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, the following shall occur (i) upon a Change in Control with respect to Awards not assumed, substituted, or continued as a result of such Change in Control, and (ii) with Awards of assumed, substituted, or continued as a result of a Change in Control, upon the termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service within twelve (12) months after the date of the Change in Control other than a termination for Cause or a resignation without Good Reason:

(a)               All outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights shall become immediately exercisable with respect to 100% of the shares subject to such Options or Stock Appreciation Rights, and/or the Restricted Period shall expire immediately with respect to 100% of the outstanding shares of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units.

(b)               With respect to Performance Share Awards and Cash Awards, all incomplete Performance Periods in respect of such Awards shall end and the Committee shall (i) determine the extent to which Performance Goals with respect to each such Performance Period have been met based upon such audited or unaudited financial information then available as it deems relevant and (ii) cause to be paid to the applicable Participant partial or full Awards with respect to Performance Goals for each such Performance Period based upon the Committee's determination of the degree of attainment of Performance Goals or, if not determinable, assuming that the applicable "target" levels of performance have been attained, or on such other basis determined by the Committee.

15.2          In addition, in the event of a Change in Control, the Committee may in its discretion and upon at least 10 days' advance notice to the affected persons, cancel any outstanding Awards and pay to the holders thereof, in cash or stock, or any combination thereof, the value of such Awards based upon the price per share of Common Stock received or to be received by other shareholders of the Company in the event. In the case of any Option or Stock Appreciation Right with an exercise price (or SAR Exercise Price in the case of a Stock Appreciation Right) that equals or exceeds the price paid for a share of Common Stock in connection with the Change in Control, the Committee may cancel the Option or Stock Appreciation Right without the payment of consideration therefor.

15.3          The obligations of the Company under the Plan shall be binding upon any successor corporation or organization resulting from the merger, consolidation or other reorganization of the Company, or upon any successor corporation or organization succeeding to all or substantially all of the assets and business of the Company and its Affiliates, taken as a whole.

16.         Amendment of the Plan and Awards.

16.1          Amendment of Plan. The Board at any time, and from time to time, may amend or terminate the Plan. However, except as provided in Section 14 relating to adjustments upon changes in Common Stock and Section 16.3, no amendment shall be effective unless approved by the shareholders of the Company to the extent shareholder approval is necessary to satisfy any Applicable Laws. At the time of such amendment, the Board shall determine, upon advice from counsel, whether such amendment will be contingent on shareholder approval.

16.2          Shareholder Approval. The Board may, in its sole discretion, submit any other amendment to the Plan for shareholder approval.

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16.3          Contemplated Amendments. It is expressly contemplated that the Board may amend the Plan in any respect the Board deems necessary or advisable to provide eligible Employees, Consultants and Directors with the maximum benefits provided or to be provided under the provisions of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder relating to Incentive Stock Options or to the nonqualified deferred compensation provisions of Section 409A of the Code and/or to bring the Plan and/or Awards granted under it into compliance therewith.

16.4          No Impairment of Rights. Rights under any Award granted before amendment of the Plan shall not be impaired by any amendment of the Plan unless (a) the Company requests the consent of the Participant and (b) the Participant consents in writing.

16.5          Amendment of Awards. The Committee at any time, and from time to time, may amend the terms of any one or more Awards; provided, however, that the Committee may not affect any amendment which would otherwise constitute an impairment of the rights under any Award unless (a) the Company requests the consent of the Participant and (b) the Participant consents in writing.

17.         General Provisions.

17.1          Forfeiture Events. The Committee may specify in an Award Agreement that the Participant's rights, payments and benefits with respect to an Award shall be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture or recoupment upon the occurrence of certain events, in addition to applicable vesting conditions of an Award. Such events may include, without limitation, breach of non-competition, non-solicitation, confidentiality, or other restrictive covenants that are contained in the Award Agreement or otherwise applicable to the Participant, a termination of the Participant's Continuous Service for Cause, or other conduct by the Participant that is detrimental to the business or reputation of the Company and/or its Affiliates.

17.2          Clawback. Notwithstanding any other provisions in this Plan, the Company may cancel any Award, require reimbursement of any Award by a Participant, and effect any other right of recoupment of equity or other compensation provided under the Plan in accordance with any Company policies that may be adopted and/or modified from time to time ("Clawback Policy"). In addition, a Participant may be required to repay to the Company previously paid compensation, whether provided pursuant to the Plan or an Award Agreement, in accordance with the Clawback Policy. By accepting an Award, the Participant is agreeing to be bound by the Clawback Policy, as in effect or as may be adopted and/or modified from time to time by the Company in its discretion (including, without limitation, to comply with applicable law or stock exchange listing requirements).

17.3          Other Compensation Arrangements. Nothing contained in this Plan shall prevent the Board from adopting other or additional compensation arrangements, subject to shareholder approval if such approval is required; and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases.

17.4          Sub-Plans. The Committee may from time to time establish sub-plans under the Plan for purposes of satisfying securities, tax or other laws of various jurisdictions in which the Company intends to grant Awards. Any sub-plans shall contain such limitations and other terms and conditions as the Committee determines are necessary or desirable. All sub-plans shall be deemed a part of the Plan, but each sub-plan shall apply only to the Participants in the jurisdiction for which the sub-plan was designed.

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17.5          Deferral of Awards. The Committee may establish one or more programs under the Plan to permit selected Participants the opportunity to elect to defer receipt of consideration upon exercise of an Award, satisfaction of performance criteria, or other event that absent the election would entitle the Participant to payment or receipt of shares of Common Stock or other consideration under an Award. The Committee may establish the election procedures, the timing of such elections, the mechanisms for payments of, and accrual of interest or other earnings, if any, on amounts, shares or other consideration so deferred, and such other terms, conditions, rules and procedures that the Committee deems advisable for the administration of any such deferral program.

17.6          Unfunded Plan. The Plan shall be unfunded. Neither the Company, the Board nor the Committee shall be required to establish any special or separate fund or to segregate any assets to assure the performance of its obligations under the Plan.

17.7          Recapitalizations. Each Award Agreement shall contain provisions required to reflect the provisions of Section 14.

17.8          Delivery. Upon exercise of a right granted under this Plan, the Company shall issue Common Stock or pay any amounts due within a reasonable period of time thereafter. Subject to any statutory or regulatory obligations the Company may otherwise have, for purposes of this Plan, 30 days shall be considered a reasonable period of time.

17.9          No Fractional Shares. No fractional shares of Common Stock shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan. The Committee shall determine whether cash, additional Awards or other securities or property shall be issued or paid in lieu of fractional shares of Common Stock or whether any fractional shares should be rounded, forfeited or otherwise eliminated.

17.10      Other Provisions. The Award Agreements authorized under the Plan may contain such other provisions not inconsistent with this Plan, including, without limitation, restrictions upon the exercise of Awards, as the Committee may deem advisable.

17.11      Section 409A. The Plan is intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code to the extent subject thereto, and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, the Plan shall be interpreted and administered to be in compliance therewith. Any payments described in the Plan that are due within the "short-term deferral period" as defined in Section 409A of the Code shall not be treated as deferred compensation unless Applicable Laws require otherwise. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan, to the extent required to avoid accelerated taxation and tax penalties under Section 409A of the Code, amounts that would otherwise be payable and benefits that would otherwise be provided pursuant to the Plan during the six (6) month period immediately following the Participant's termination of Continuous Service shall instead be paid on the first payroll date after the six-month anniversary of the Participant's separation from service (or the Participant's death, if earlier). Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Company nor the Committee shall have any obligation to take any action to prevent the assessment of any additional tax or penalty on any Participant under Section 409A of the Code and neither the Company nor the Committee will have any liability to any Participant for such tax or penalty.

17.12      Disqualifying Dispositions. Any Participant who shall make a "disposition" (as defined in Section 424 of the Code) of all or any portion of shares of Common Stock acquired upon exercise of an Incentive Stock Option within two years from the Grant Date of such Incentive Stock Option or within one year after the issuance of the shares of Common Stock acquired upon exercise of such Incentive Stock Option (a "Disqualifying Disposition") shall be required to immediately

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advise the Company in writing as to the occurrence of the sale and the price realized upon the sale of such shares of Common Stock.

17.13      Section 16. It is the intent of the Company that the Plan satisfy, and be interpreted in a manner that satisfies, the applicable requirements of Rule 16b-3 as promulgated under Section 16 of the Exchange Act so that Participants will be entitled to the benefit of Rule 16b-3, or any other rule promulgated under Section 16 of the Exchange Act, and will not be subject to short-swing liability under Section 16 of the Exchange Act. Accordingly, if the operation of any provision of the Plan would conflict with the intent expressed in this Section 17.13, such provision to the extent possible shall be interpreted and/or deemed amended so as to avoid such conflict.

17.14      Beneficiary Designation. Each Participant under the Plan may from time to time name any beneficiary or beneficiaries by whom any right under the Plan is to be exercised in case of such Participant's death. Each designation will revoke all prior designations by the same Participant, shall be in a form reasonably prescribed by the Committee and shall be effective only when filed by the Participant in writing with the Company during the Participant's lifetime.

17.15      Expenses. The costs of administering the Plan shall be paid by the Company.

17.16      Severability. If any of the provisions of the Plan or any Award Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, whether in whole or in part, such provision shall be deemed modified to the extent, but only to the extent, of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability and the remaining provisions shall not be affected thereby.

17.17      Plan Headings. The headings in the Plan are for purposes of convenience only and are not intended to define or limit the construction of the provisions hereof.

17.18      Non-Uniform Treatment. The Committee's determinations under the Plan need not be uniform and may be made by it selectively among persons who are eligible to receive, or actually receive, Awards. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Committee shall be entitled to make non-uniform and selective determinations, amendments and adjustments, and to enter into non-uniform and selective Award Agreements.

18.         Effective Date of Plan. The Plan shall become effective as of the Effective Date, but no Award shall be exercised (or, in the case of a stock Award, shall be granted) unless and until the Plan has been approved by the shareholders of the Company, which approval shall be within twelve (12) months after the date the Plan is adopted by the Board.

19.         Termination or Suspension of the Plan. The Board may suspend or terminate the Plan at any date pursuant to Section 16.1 hereof. No Awards may be granted under the Plan while the Plan is suspended or after it is terminated.

20.         Choice of Law. The law of the State of New York shall govern all questions concerning the construction, validity and interpretation of this Plan, without regard to such state's conflict of law rules.

As adopted by the Board of Directors of Siebert Financial Corp. on July 28, 2021.

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Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

PURSUANT TO EXCHANGE ACT RULES 13a-14(a) AND 15d-14(a),

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-

OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Andrew H. Reich, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Siebert Financial Corp.;

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.

The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)

Designed such internal controls over financial reporting, or caused such internal controls over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

(c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting; and

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal controls over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the Audit Committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and

(b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting.

/s/ Andrew H. Reich

Date: August 16, 2021

Andrew H. Reich

Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer,

Chief Financial Officer, and Secretary

(Principal executive, financial and accounting officer)


Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION

PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C.

SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Siebert Financial Corp. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2021, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Andrew H. Reich, in my capacity as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Secretary hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. ss. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

1.

The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition of the Company at the end of the period covered by the Report and the results of operations of the Company for the period covered by the Report.

/s/ Andrew H. Reich

Date: August 16, 2021

Andrew H. Reich

Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer,

Chief Financial Officer, and Secretary

(Principal executive, financial and accounting officer)

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other documents authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to Siebert Financial Corp. and will be retained by Siebert Financial Corp. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.