UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 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, 2015
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 000-54010

 

 

 

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

 

Delaware 27-0223495

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

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

21860 Burbank Boulevard, Suite 300 South

Woodland Hills, CA

 91367

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
   

(818) 884-3737
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒   No ☐

 

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

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer ☐        Accelerated filer ☐       Non-accelerated filer ☐    Smaller reporting company

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

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

 

As of August 5, 2015, there were 16,311,452 shares of the Registrant’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, outstanding.

 

 

1
 

 

B. Riley Financial, Inc.

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

For The Quarter Ended June 30, 2015

Table of Contents  

       
      Page
       
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION    
     
Item 1. Unaudited Financial Statements   3
       
  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014   3
       
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014   4
       
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014   5
       
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (Deficit) for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014   6
       
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014   7
       
  Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements   8
       
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   26
       
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk   41
       
Item 4. Controls and Procedures   41
       
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION    
     
Item 1. Legal Proceedings   42
       
Item 1A. Risk Factors   42
       
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds   59
       
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities   59
       
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures   59
       
Item 5. Other Information   59
       
Item 6. Exhibits   59
       
  Signatures   60

 

2
 


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

B. RILEY FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Dollars in thousands, except par value)  

                 
    June 30,
2015
    December 31,
2014
 
    (Unaudited)        
Assets                
Current assets:                
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 42,128     $ 21,600  
Restricted cash     502       7,657  
Securities owned, at fair value     13,682       17,955  
Accounts receivable, net     23,424       10,098  
Advances against customer contracts     3,146       16,303  
Due from related parties     1,097        
Goods held for sale or auction     39       4,117  
Deferred income taxes     4,645       6,420  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     1,229       3,795  
Total current assets     89,892       87,945  
Property and equipment, net     729       776  
Goodwill     34,528       27,557  
Other intangible assets, net     4,991       2,799  
Deferred income taxes     15,457       19,181  
Other assets     1,748       732  
Total assets   $ 147,345     $ 138,990  
Liabilities and Equity                
Current liabilities:                
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   $ 21,071     $ 12,233  
Due to related parties           213  
Auction and liquidation proceeds payable           665  
Securities sold not yet purchased     8,057       746  
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests     2,617       2,922  
Asset based credit facility           18,506  
Revolving credit facility     127       56  
Notes payable           6,570  
Contingent consideration- current portion     1,195        
Total current liabilities     33,067       41,911  
Contingent consideration, net of current portion     1,107        
Total liabilities     34,174       41,911  
Commitments and contingencies                
B. Riley Financial, Inc. stockholders’ equity:                
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued            
Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 135,000,000 shares authorized; 16,305,236 and 15,968,607 issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively     2       2  
Additional paid-in capital     115,671       110,598  
Retained earnings (deficit)     (2,523 )     (12,891 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (656 )     (648 )
Total B. Riley Financial, Inc. stockholders’ equity     112,494       97,061  
Noncontrolling interests     677       18  
Total equity     113,171       97,079  
Total liabilities and equity   $ 147,345     $ 138,990  

 

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

 

3
 

 
B. RILEY FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations  

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except share data) 

         
    Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
    2015     2014     2015     2014  
                 
Revenues:                                
Services and fees   $ 39,442     $ 14,947     $ 61,026     $ 27,332  
Sale of goods     6,019             10,466       9,268  
Total revenues     45,461       14,947       71,492       36,600  
Operating expenses:                                
Direct cost of services     8,539       5,807       15,317       11,866  
Cost of goods sold     2,181             3,071       9,064  
Selling, general and administrative expenses     20,072       10,196       32,973       17,984  
Total operating expenses     30,792       16,003       51,361       38,914  
Operating income (loss)     14,669       (1,056 )     20,131       (2,314 )
Other income (expense):                                
Interest income     3       4       5       6  
Interest expense     (418 )     (449 )     (671 )     (1,077 )
Income (loss) before income taxes     14,254       (1,501 )     19,465       (3,385 )
(Provision) benefit for income taxes     (5,685 )     594       (7,460 )     1,408  
Net income (loss)     8,569       (907 )     12,005       (1,977 )
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests     (95 )     (130 )     659       134  
Net income (loss) attributable to B. Riley Financial, Inc.   $ 8,664     $ (777 )   $ 11,346     $ (2,111 )
                                 
Basic income (loss) per share   $ 0.53     $ (0.16 )   $ 0.70     $ (0.66 )
Diluted income (loss) per share   $ 0.53     $ (0.16 )   $ 0.70     $ (0.66 )
Weighted average basic shares outstanding     16,237,860       4,972,203       16,177,824       3,212,929  
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding     16,310,829       4,972,203       16,236,748       3,212,929  

 

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

 

4
 

 

B. RILEY FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands) 

                 
    Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2015     2014     2015     2014  
                 
Net income (loss)   $ 8,569     $ (907 )   $ 12,005     $ (1,977 )
Other comprehensive loss:                                
Change in cumulative translation adjustment     71       4       (8 )     (20 )
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax     71       4       (8 )     (20 )
Total comprehensive income (loss)     8,640       (903 )     11,997       (1,997 )
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests     (95 )     (130 )     659       134  
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to B. Riley Financial, Inc.   $ 8,735     $ (773 )   $ 11,338     $ (2,131 )

  

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

 

5
 

 
B. RILEY FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (Deficit)  

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

                                                         
                            Additional
Paid-in
Capital
  Retained
Earnings
(Deficit)
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
  Noncontrolling
Interests
  Total
Equity
(Deficit)
 
                                     
    Preferred Stock   Common Stock            
    Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount            
Balance, January 1, 2014       $     1,500,107   $   $ 3,086   $ (6,611 ) $ (638 ) $ 12   $ (4,151 )
Issuance of common stock on June 5, 2014 for cash, net of issuance costs of $215                 10,289,300     1     51,232                       51,233  
Foregiveness of long-term debt on June 5, 2014 from the former Great American Group Members                           18,759                     18,759  
Issuance of common stock for acquisition of B. Riley  & Co., Inc. on June 18, 2014                 4,191,512     1     26,406                       26,407  
B. Riley Financial, Inc. common stock owned by B. Riley & Co., Inc. - cancelled upon acquisition                 (3,437 )       (29 )                     (29 )
Net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2014                                   (2,111 )         134     (1,977 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment                                         (20 )     (20 )
Balance, June 30, 2014       $     15,977,482   $ 2   $ 99,454   $ (8,722 ) $ (658 ) $ 146   $ 90,222  
                                                         
Balance, January 1, 2015       $     15,968,607   $ 2   $ 110,598   $ (12,891 ) $ (648 ) $ 18   $ 97,079  
Issuance of common stock for acquisition of  MK Capital, LLC and contigent equity  consideration on February 2, 2015                 333,333         4,657                       4,657  
Issuance of common stock                 3,296         35                       35  
Share based payments                             381                       381  
Dividends paid                                   (978 )               (978 )
Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2015                                   11,346           659     12,005  
Foreign currency translation adjustment                                         (8 )         (8 )
Balance, June 30, 2015       $     16,305,236   $ 2   $ 115,671   $ (2,523 ) $ (656 ) $ 677   $ 113,171  

 

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

 

6
 

 

B. RILEY FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows  

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands) 

         
    June 30,  
    2015     2014  
Cash flows from operating activities:                
Net income (loss)   $ 12,005     $ (1,977 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:                
Depreciation and amortization     421       264  
Provision for credit losses     255       33  
Share based payments     416        
Effect of foreign currency on operations     5       (44 )
Non-cash interest     73        
Deferred income taxes     5,499       (1,410 )
Income allocated to mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests     1,116       1,281  
Change in operating assets and liabilities:                
Accounts receivable and advances against customer contracts     (439 )     (2,621 )
Lease finance receivable           107  
Due from related party     (1,310 )     (288 )
Securities owned     4,273       (1,110 )
Goods held for sale or auction     52       9,058  
Prepaid expenses and other assets     (1,414 )     (459 )
Accounts payable and accrued expenses     9,218       (2,531 )
Securities sold, not yet purchased     7,311       5,567  
Auction and liquidation proceeds payable     (665 )      
Net cash provided by operating activities     36,816       5,870  
Cash flows from investing activities:                
Acquisition of MK Capital, net of cash acquired of $49     (2,451 )      
Purchases of property and equipment     (171 )     (42 )
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment     4        
Decrease in note receivable - related party           1,200  
Cash acquired in acquisition of B. Riley & Co., Inc.           2,491  
Decrease in restricted cash     7,155       243  
Net cashprovided by investing activities     4,537       3,892  
Cash flows from financing activities:                
Repayment of asset based credit facility     (18,506 )     (5,710 )
Proceeds fromrevolving line of credit     71       1,019  
Proceeds from note payable - related party     4,500        
Repayment of note payable - related party     (4,500 )      
Repayment of notes payable and long-term debt           (30,925 )
Proceeds from issuance of common stock           51,240  
Dividends paid     (978 )      
Distribution to mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests     (1,421 )     (1,249 )
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities     (20,834 )     14,375  
Increase in cash and cash equivalents     20,519       24,137  
Effect of foreign currency on cash     9       39  
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents     20,528       24,176  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period     21,600       18,867  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period   $ 42,128     $ 43,043  
Supplemental disclosures:                
Interest paid   $ 413     $ 1,107  
Taxes paid   $ 695     $ 2  

 

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

 

7
 


B. RILEY FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  

(Dollars in thousands, except share data) 

 

NOTE 1—ORGANIZATION, BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

  

Organization and Nature of Operations

  

B. Riley Financial, Inc. (formerly known as Great American Group, Inc.) and its subsidiaries (collectively the “Company”) provide (i) asset disposition, valuation and appraisal and capital advisory services to a wide range of retail, wholesale and industrial clients, as well as lenders, capital providers, private equity investors and professional services firms throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe and (ii) following the Company’s acquisition of B. Riley & Co. Inc. (“BRC”) on June 18, 2014 and MK Capital Advisors, LLC (“MK Capital”) on February 2, 2015, as more fully described below, investment banking, corporate finance, research, wealth management, sales and trading services to corporate, institutional and high net worth clients.

 

With the acquisition of BRC in 2014, the Company now operates in three operating segments: capital market services (“Capital Markets”), auction and liquidation services (“Auction and Liquidation”), and valuation and appraisal services (“Valuation and Appraisal”). In the Capital Markets segment, the Company provides investment banking, corporate finance, research, sales and trading services to corporate, institutional and high net worth clients.  In addition, with the acquisition of MK Capital in 2015, the Company also provides wealth management services in the Capital Markets segment. In the Auction and Liquidation segment, the Company provides auction and liquidation services to help clients dispose of assets and capital advisory services. Such assets include multi-location retail inventory, wholesale inventory, trade fixtures, machinery and equipment, intellectual property and real property. In the Valuation and Appraisal segment, the Company provides valuation and appraisal services to clients with independent appraisals in connection with asset based loans, acquisitions, divestitures and other business needs.

  

The Company was incorporated in Delaware on May 7, 2009 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alternative Asset Management Acquisition Corp. (“AAMAC”). The Company was formed as a “shell company” for the purpose of acquiring Great American Group, LLC (“GAG, LLC”), a California limited liability company. On July 31, 2009, the members of GAG, LLC (the “Great American Members”) contributed all of their membership interests of GAG, LLC to the Company (the “Contribution”) in exchange for 528,000 shares of common stock of the Company and a subordinated unsecured promissory note in an initial principal amount of $60,000 issued in favor of the Great American Members and the phantom equityholders of GAG, LLC (the “Phantom Equityholders”, and together with the Great American Members, the “Contribution Consideration Recipients”) (see Note 8). Concurrently with the Contribution, AAMAC merged with and into AAMAC Merger Sub, Inc. (“Merger Sub”), a subsidiary of the Company (the “Merger” and, together with the Contribution, the “Acquisition”). As a result of the Acquisition, GAG, LLC and AAMAC became wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company. The Acquisition has been accounted for as a reverse merger accompanied by a recapitalization of the Company.

  

Reverse Stock Split

 

On June 3, 2014, the Company completed a 1 for 20 reverse split of its common stock. The reverse split reduced the Company’s then outstanding shares of 30,002,975 to 1,500,107. Fractional shares from the reverse split were paid in cash based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on June 2, 2014. The share amounts and earnings per share amounts in the Company’s consolidated financial statement have been adjusted as if the reverse split occurred on January 1, 2014.

 

Private Placement

 

On June 5, 2014, the Company completed a private placement of 10,289,300 shares of common stock at a purchase price of $5.00 per share (the “Private Placement”). There were fifty-three accredited investors (the “Investors”) that participated in the Private Placement pursuant to the terms and provisions of a securities purchase agreement entered into among the Company and the Investors on May 19, 2014. At the closing of the Private Placement on June 5, 2014, the Company received net proceeds of approximately $51,233. On June 5, 2014, the Company used $30,180 of the net proceeds from the Private Placement to repay long-term debt payable to Andrew Gumaer and Harvey Yellen, the two former Great American Members (as described in Note 8), both of whom were executive officers and directors of the Company at the time of such repayment. The $30,000 principal payment and then outstanding accrued interest of $180 retired the entire $48,759 face amount of the long-term debt at a discount of $18,759. The discount of $18,759 has been recorded as a capital contribution to additional paid in capital.

 

8
 

  

The Company entered into a registration rights agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) with the investors participating in the Private Placement and selling stockholders of BRC. In accordance with the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission covering the resale of the common stock issued in the Private Placement and acquisition of BRC on September 18, 2014 and the registration statement was declared effective on November 7, 2014. The Company filed a post-effective amendment to such registration statement on April 20, 2015 with the Securities and Exchange Commission to convert such Form S-1 registration statement into a registration statement on Form S-3, which registration statement, as amended, was declared effective on July 2, 2015.

 

NOTE 2—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

(a) Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of B. Riley Financial, Inc. and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to interim financial reporting guidelines and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In the opinion of the Company’s management, all adjustments, consisting of only normal and recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and the results of operations for the periods presented have been included. These condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2015. The results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected for the full fiscal year or any future periods.

  

(b) Use of Estimates

 

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

  

(c) Revenue Recognition

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

  

9
 

 

Revenues in the Valuation and Appraisal segment are primarily comprised of fees for valuation and appraisal services. Revenues are recognized upon the delivery of the completed services to the related customers and collection of the fee is reasonably assured. Revenues in the Valuation and Appraisal segment also include contractual reimbursable costs which totaled $753 and $836 for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $1,422 and $1,515 for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

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

 

Commission and fees earned on the sale of goods at auction and liquidation sales are recognized when evidence of an arrangement exists, the sales price has been determined, title has passed to the buyer and the buyer has assumed the risks of ownership, and collection is reasonably assured. The commission and fees earned for these services are included in revenues in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Under these types of arrangements, revenues also include contractual reimbursable costs which totaled $2,041 and $1,427 for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $3,989 and $2,691 for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Fees earned from real estate services and the origination of loans where the Company provides capital advisory services are recognized in the period earned, if the fee is fixed and determinable and collection is reasonably assured.

 

In the normal course of business, the Company will enter into collaborative arrangements with other merchandise liquidators to collaboratively execute auction and liquidation contracts. The Company’s collaborative arrangements specifically include contractual agreements with other liquidation agents in which the Company and such other liquidation agents actively participate in the performance of the liquidation services and are exposed to the risks and rewards of the liquidation engagement. The Company’s participation in collaborative arrangements including its rights and obligations under each collaborative arrangement can vary. Revenues from collaborative arrangements are recorded net based on the proceeds received from the liquidation engagement. Amounts paid to participants in the collaborative arrangements are reported separately as direct costs of revenues. Revenue from collaborative arrangements in which the Company is not the majority participant is recorded net based on the Company’s share of proceeds received. There were $12,508 of revenues and $1,099 of direct cost of services subject to collaborative arrangements during the three months ended June 30, 2015 and t here were $14,009 of revenues and $1,293 of direct cost of services subject to collaborative arrangements during the six months ended June 30, 2015. There were no revenues and direct cost of services subject to collaborative arrangements during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014.

 

10
 

 

(d) Direct Cost of Services

 

Direct cost of services relate to service and fee revenues. The costs consist of employee compensation and related payroll benefits, travel expenses, the cost of consultants assigned to revenue-generating activities and direct expenses billable to clients in the Valuation and Appraisal segment. Direct costs of services include participation in profits under collaborative arrangements in which the Company is a majority participant. Direct costs of services also include the cost of consultants and other direct expenses related to auction and liquidation contracts pursuant to commission and fee based arrangements in the Auction and Liquidation segment. Direct cost of services does not include an allocation of the Company’s overhead costs.

  

(e) Concentration of Risk

 

Revenue from one liquidation engagement represented 25.3% of total revenues during the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 18.1% of total revenues during the six months ended June 30, 2015. Revenue from the sale of goods to one customer from a wholesale and industrial auction engagement represented 8.9% of total revenues during the six months ended June 30, 2014. Revenues in the Valuation and Appraisal segment and the Auction and Liquidation segment are currently primarily generated in the United States. At June 30, 2015, one liquidation engagement represented 44.0% of total accounts receivable.

 

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

 

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

 

(f) Income Taxes

 

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

  

(g) Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

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

  

(h) Restricted Cash

 

As of June 30, 2015, restricted cash included $450 of cash collateral for the purchase of a forward exchange contract as more fully described on Note 2(o) and $52 of cash segregated in a special reserve bank account for the benefit of customers related to our broker dealer subsidiary. As of December 31, 2014, restricted cash included $7,532 of cash collateral for the letters of credit and the outstanding loan balance under the $100,000 asset based credit facility described in Note 7, $50 of cash segregated in a special reserve bank account for the benefit of customers related to our broker dealer subsidiary, and $75 of cash collateral for electronic payment processing in Europe.

 

11
 

 

(i) Accounts Receivable

  

Accounts receivable represents amounts due from the Company’s auction and liquidation, valuation and appraisal, and capital markets customers. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses inherent in its accounts receivable portfolio. In establishing the required allowance, management utilizes a specific customer identification methodology. Management also considers historical losses adjusted for current market conditions and the customers’ financial condition and the current receivables aging and current payment patterns. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. The Company does not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to its customers. Bad debt expense and changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 are included in Note 4.

  

(j) Advances Against Customer Contracts

  

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

 

(k) Goods Held for Sale or Auction

  

Goods held for sale or auction are stated at the lower of cost, determined by the specific-identification method, or market.

 

(l) Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Property and equipment held under capital leases are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life of the asset. Property and equipment under capital leases are stated at the present value of minimum lease payments. Depreciation and amortization expense was $110 and $122 for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $213 and $254 for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

  

(m) Securities Owned and Securities Sold Not Yet Purchased

 

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

 

As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company’s securities owned and securities sold not yet purchased at fair value consisted of the following securities: 

         
    June 30,     December 31,  
    2015     2014  
Securities owned                
Common stocks   $ 4,541     $ 16,667  
Mutual funds     7,237        
Corporate bonds     819       1,188  
Partnership interests and other securities     1,085       100  
    $ 13,682     $ 17,955  
                 
Securities sold not yet purchased                
Common stocks   $ 7,349     $  
Corporate bonds     708       746  
    $ 8,057     $ 746  

   

12
 

 

(n) Fair Value Measurements

  

The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market. The Company also records mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests that were issued after November 5, 2003 at fair value with fair value determined in accordance with the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). The table below presents information about the Company’s securities owned, mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests and securities sold not yet purchased that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 which are categorized using the three levels of fair value hierarchy. In general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical instruments that are highly liquid, observable and actively traded in over-the-counter markets. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable and can be corroborated by market data. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

  

The following tables present information on the assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. 

                 
    Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value on a  
    Recurring Basis at June 30, 2015, Using  
          Quoted prices in     Other     Significant  
    Fair Value at     active markets for     observable     unobservable  
    June 30,     identical assets     inputs     inputs  
    2015     (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)  
Assets:                                
Securities owned                                
Common stocks   $ 4,541     $ 4,515     $     $ 26  
Mutual funds     7,237       7,237              
Corporate bonds     819             819        
Partnership interests and other securities     1,085             1,085        
Total assets measured at fair value   $ 13,682     $ 11,752     $ 1,904     $ 26  
                                 
Liabilities:                                
Securities sold not yet purchased                                
Common stocks   $ 7,349     $ 7,349     $     $  
Corporate bonds     708             708        
Contingent consideration     2,302                   2,302  
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests issued after November 5, 2003     2,147                   2,147  
Total liabilities measured at fair value   $ 12,506     $ 7,349     $ 708     $ 4,449  
                                 
      Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value on a   
      Recurring Basis at December 31, 2014, Using  
            Quoted prices in     Other     Significant  
    Fair Value at     active markets for     observable     unobservable  
    December 31,     identical assets     inputs     inputs  
    2014     (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)  
Assets:                                
Securities owned                                
Common stocks   $ 16,667     $ 16,348     $     $ 319  
Corporate bonds     1,188             1,188        
Partnership interests and other securities     100             100        
Total assets measured at fair value   $ 17,955     $ 16,348     $ 1,288     $ 319  
                                 
Liabilities:                                
Securities sold not yet purchased                                
Corporate bonds   $ 746     $     $ 746     $  
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests issued after November 5, 2003   $ 2,285     $     $     $ 2,285  
Total liabilities measured at fair value   $ 3,031     $     $ 746     $ 2,285  

  

13
 

 

The Company determined the fair value of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests described above based on the issuance of similar interests for cash, references to industry comparables, and relied, in part, on information obtained from appraisal reports and internal valuation models. The changes in Level 3 fair value hierarchy during the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 is as follows: 

  

    Level 3     Level 3 Changes During the Period     Level 3  
    Balance at     Fair     Relating to     Purchases,     Transfer in     Balance at  
    Beginning of     Value     Undistributed     Sales and     and/or out     End of  
    Period      Adjustments      Earnings      Settlements      of Level 3      Period   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015                        
Common stocks   $ 319     $     $     $ (293 )   $     $ 26  
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests issued after November 5, 2003   $ 2,285     $     $ (138 )   $     $     $ 2,147  
Contingent consideration (1)   $     $ 2,302     $     $     $     $ 2,302  
                                                 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014                                                
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests issued after November 5, 2003   $ 2,273     $     $ (193 )   $     $     $ 2,080  

 

(1) Fair value adjustment of $2,258 including initial value of contingent consideration of $2,229 and an adjustment for imputed interest of $73 for the six months ended June 30, 2015.

 

The amount reported in the table above for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 includes the amount of undistributed earnings attributable to the mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests that is distributed on a quarterly basis.

 

The carrying amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements for cash, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximate fair value based on the short-term maturity of these instruments. The carrying amounts of the notes payable (including credit lines used to finance liquidation engagements) and long-term debt approximate fair value because the contractual interest rates or effective yields of such instruments are consistent with current market rates of interest for instruments of comparable credit risk.

 

(o) Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity

 

The Company periodically uses derivative instruments, which primarily consist of the purchase of forward exchange contracts, for certain auction and liquidation engagements with operations outside the United States. At June 30, 2015, the Company’s use of derivatives consists of a forward exchange contract agreement in the amount of $1,870 Canadian dollars.  The forward exchange contract is required to be settled anytime between June 27, 2015 and August 31, 2015.  The net gains and losses from foreign exchange contracts are reported as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated financial statements. The net loss from forward exchange contracts was $54 and $40 during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015. 

  

(p) Foreign Currency Translation

 

The Company transacts business in various foreign currencies. In countries where the functional currency of the underlying operations has been determined to be the local country’s currency, revenues and expenses of operations outside the United States are translated into United States dollars using average exchange rates while assets and liabilities of operations outside the United States are translated into United States dollars using period-end exchange rates. Equity accounts of foreign subsidiaries are translated at the historical rate. The effects of foreign currency translation adjustments are included in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. Foreign currency transaction losses were $207 and $315 during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015. Foreign currency transaction gains were $5 and $44 during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014. These amounts are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.

  

(q) Share-based Compensation

 

Share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the estimated fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the employee’s requisite service period for all stock-based awards granted or modified. The awards principally consist of grants of restricted stock units with the fair value of the award, adjusted for estimated forfeitures. In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance, the grant of restricted stock units are classified as equity based awards.

  

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(r) Supplemental Cash Flows Disclosure

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2015, supplemental non-cash activity included a decrease in goods held for sale or auction of $4,026, a decrease in prepaid expenses of $2,531, and a decrease of note payable of $6,570 related to the bankruptcy filing of Great American Group Energy and Equipment, LLC (“GAGEE”), a wholly-owned special purpose subsidiary of the Company, in the first quarter of 2015 as more fully described in Note 8.

 

(s) Reclassifications

 

Certain reclassifications have been made to the condensed consolidated financial statements in 2014 to conform to the current year presentation. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, $382 and $578, respectively, of costs were reclassified from selling, general and administrative costs to direct costs in the valuation and appraisal segment.

  

(t) Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In February 2015, the FASB issued guidance which makes targeted amendments to current consolidation guidance. Among other things, the standard changes the manner in which we would assesses one of the characteristics of variable interest entities (VIEs) and introduces a separate analyses specific to limited partnerships and similar entities for assessing if the equity holders at risk lack decision making. Limited partnerships and similar entities will be a VIE unless the limited partners hold substantive kick-out rights or participating rights. A right to liquidate an entity is akin to a kick-out right. Guidance for limited partnerships under the voting model has been eliminated. A limited partner and similar partners with a controlling financial interest obtained through substantive kick out rights would consolidate a limited partnership or similar entity. The guidance is effective for our annual and interim periods beginning in 2016. Early adoption is allowed. We have not yet determined the impact that the new guidance will have on our results of operations and financial position and have not yet determined if we will early adopt the standard.

 

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “ Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs ” The update requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability instead of being presented as an asset. Debt disclosures will include the face amount of the debt liability and the effective interest rate. The update requires retrospective application and represents a change in accounting principle. The guidance is effective for our annual and interim periods beginning in 2016. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The adoption of this statement will impact future presentation and disclosures of the financial statements.

 

NOTE 3— ACQUISITIONS

 

Acquisition of MK Capital

 

On January 2, 2015 the Company entered into a purchase agreement to acquire all of the equity interests of MK Capital, a wealth management business with operations primarily in New York. The terms of the purchase agreement required the sellers to meet certain pre-closing conditions. On February 2, 2015, the closing conditions were satisfied and the Company completed the purchase of MK Capital for a total purchase price of $9,386. The purchase price is comprised of a cash payment in the amount of $2,500 and 333,333 newly issued shares of the Company’s common stock at closing which were valued at $2,687 for accounting purposes determined based on the closing market price of the Company’s shares of common stock on the acquisition date on February 2, 2015, less a 19.4% discount for lack of marketability as the shares issued are subject to certain restrictions that limit their trade or transfer. The purchase agreement also requires the payment of contingent consideration in the form of future cash payments with a fair value of $2,229 and the issuance of common stock with a fair value of $1,970. The contingent cash consideration of $2,229 has been recorded based on the payment of the contingent cash consideration of $1,250 on the first anniversary date of the closing (February 2, 2016) and a final cash payment of $1,250 on the second anniversary date of the closing (February 2, 2017) to the former members of MK Capital discounted at 8.0% per annum (initial discount of $271). In accordance with ASC 805, “Business Combination”, the contingent consideration liability has been classified as a liability on the acquisition date. Imputed interest expense totaled $44 and $73 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015. The balance of the contingent consideration liability was $2,302 at June 30, 2015 (discount of $198 at June 30, 2015) and has been recorded as contingent consideration liability – current portion in the amount of $1,195 and contingent consideration liability, net of current portion in the amount of $1,107 in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. The fair value of the contingent stock consideration in the amount of $1,970 has been classified as equity in accordance with ASC 805, “Business Combinations”, and is comprised of the issuance of 166,667 shares of common stock on the first anniversary date of the closing (February 2, 2016) and 166,666 shares of common stock on the second anniversary date of the closing (February 2, 2017). The contingent cash and stock consideration is payable on the first and second anniversary dates of the closing provided that MK Capital generates a minimum amount of gross revenues as defined in the purchase agreement for the twelve months following the first and second anniversary dates of the closing. The acquisition of MK Capital allows the Company to expand into the wealth management business.

 

15
 

 

In connection with the issuance of common stock to the members of MK Capital, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement which allows the selling members of MK Capital to register their shares upon the Company filing a prospectus or registration statement at any time subsequent to the acquisition of MK Capital. The Company filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 22, 2015 that covers the resale of the common stock issued and potentially issuable in the acquisition of MK Capital, and such registration statement, as amended, was declared effective on July 2, 2015.

 

The preliminary purchase price allocation was as follows: 

     
Tangible assets acquired and assumed:        
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 49  
Accounts receivable     8  
Prepaid expenses and other assets     30  
Property and equipment     15  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities     (87 )
Customer relationships     2,400  
Goodwill     6,971  
         
Total   $ 9,386  

 

The amount of revenue and earnings attributable to MK Capital in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 were as follows: 

         
        Period from  
    Three Months     February 2, 2015  
    Ended   through  
    June 30, 2015     June 30, 2015  
Revenues   $ 514     $ 806  
Income before income taxes     155       193  

 

The pro forma financial information for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 as if the MK Capital acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2014 is in management’s opinion immaterial to the pro forma financial information amounts reported below.

 

2014 Acquisition of B. Riley and Co. Inc.

 

On June 18, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of BRC pursuant to the terms of the Acquisition Agreement (the “Acquisition Agreement”), dated as of May 19, 2014, by and among the Company, Darwin Merger Sub I, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, B. Riley Capital Markets, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“BCM”), BRC, B. Riley & Co. Holdings, LLC (“BRH”), Riley Investment Management LLC (“RIM,” and collectively with BRC and BRH, the “B. Riley Entities”) and Bryant Riley, a director of the Company and principal owner of each of the B. Riley Entities. In connection with the Company’s acquisition of BRC, Darwin Merger Sub I, Inc. merged with and into BRC, and BRC subsequently merged with and into BCM, with BCM surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The Company completed the acquisitions of BRH and RIM on August 1, 2014 in accordance with the terms of the Acquisition Agreement.

 

The Company acquired BRC in exchange for the issuance of 4,182,637 shares of newly issued for a total purchase price of $26,351. The fair value of the newly issued shares of the Company’s common stock for accounting purposes was determined based on the closing market price of the Company’s shares of common stock on the acquisition date on June 18, 2014, less a 25% discount for lack of marketability as the shares issued are subject to certain restrictions that limit their trade or transfer. The BRC acquisition has been accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. The assets and liabilities, both tangible and intangible, were recorded at their estimated fair values as of the June 18, 2014 acquisition date for BRC and August 1, 2014 for BRH and RIM. The application of the acquisition method of accounting resulted in goodwill of $21,869. Acquisition related costs, such as legal, accounting, valuation and other professional fees related to the acquisition of BRC in the amount of $997 were charged against earnings in the second quarter of 2014. All of the recognized goodwill is expected to be non-deductible for tax purposes.

 

16
 

The purchase price allocation was as follows: 

     
Tangible assets acquired and assumed:        
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 2,667  
Restricted cash     50  
Securities owned     1,978  
Accounts receivable     1,845  
Prepaid expenses and other assets     302  
Property and equipment     76  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities     (3,194 )
Securities sold, not yet purchased     (922 )
Deferred tax liability     (1,120 )
Customer relationships     1,200  
Tradename     1,600  
Goodwill     21,869  
         
Total   $ 26,351  

 

Pro Forma Financial Information

 

The unaudited financial information in the table below summarizes the combined results of operations of the Company and BRC as well as the related impact of the new employment agreements with Bryant Riley, Andrew Gumaer and Harvey Yellen that became effective upon the acquisition of BRC on a pro forma basis, as though they had occurred as of January 1, 2014. The pro forma financial information presented includes the effects of adjustments related to the amortization charges from the acquired intangible assets and the elimination of certain activities excluded from the transaction. The pro forma financial information as presented below is for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisition had taken place at the beginning of the earliest period presented, nor does it intend to be a projection of future results.     

         
    Pro Forma Unaudited  
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30, 2014     June 30, 2014  
Revenues   $ 22,069     $ 51,114  
Net income (loss) attributable to B. Riley Financial, Inc.   $ 268     $ (235 )
                 
Basic earnings (loss) per share   $ 0.03     $ (0.03 )
Diluted earnings (loss) per share   $ 0.03     $ (0.03 )
Weighted average basic shares outstanding     8,561,982       7,100,203  
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding     8,622,224       7,100,203  

 

NOTE 4— ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE  

 

The components of accounts receivable, net, include the following: 

 

    June 30,     December 31,  
    2015     2014  
Accounts receivable   $ 22,837     $ 7,797  
Investment banking fees, commissions and other receivables     1,159       1,608  
Unbilled receivables     401       1,421  
Total accounts receivable     24,397       10,826  
Allowance for doubtful accounts     (973 )     (728 )
Accounts receivable, net   $ 23,424     $ 10,098  

 

17
 

 

Additions and changes to the allowance for doubtful accounts consist of the following: 

 

    Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
    2015     2014     2015     2014  
Balance, beginning of period   $ 788     $ 275     $ 728     $ 275  
Add:  Additions to reserve     195       33       255       33  
Add:  Additions from B. Riley & Co., Inc. Acquisition           31             31  
Less:  Write-offs     (10 )     (8 )     (10 )     (8 )
Less:  Recoveries                        
Balance, end of period   $ 973     $ 331     $ 973     $ 331  

  

Unbilled receivables represent the amount of contractual reimbursable costs and fees for services performed in connection with fee and service based auction and liquidation contracts. 

 

NOTE 5— GOODS HELD FOR SALE OR AUCTION   

             
    June 30,
2015
    December 31,
2014
 
Machinery and equipment   $     $ 4,026  
Aircraft parts and other     39       91  
Total   $ 39     $ 4,117  

  

Goods held for sale or auction includes machinery and equipment and aircraft parts. At December 31, 2014, machinery and equipment consisted of five oils rigs with a carrying value of $4,026 which includes a lower-of-cost or market adjustment of $1,782 for one of the oil rigs . Aircraft parts and other is primarily comprised of aircraft parts with a carrying value of $39 and $91 which includes a lower of cost or market adjustment of $1,329 at June 30, 2015 and $1,297 at December 31, 2014.

  

The machinery and equipment with a carrying value of $4,026 as of December 31, 2014 served as collateral for the related note payable, which had an outstanding principal amount of $6,570 as of December 31, 2014. The machinery and equipment was owned by GAGEE, a wholly-owned special purpose subsidiary of the Company, which filed for bankruptcy in the first quarter of 2015 as more fully described in Note 8. As a result of the bankruptcy filing, the asset and liabilities of GAGEE including the machinery and equipment of $4,026 at December 31, 2014, is no longer consolidated in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

  

NOTE 6— GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

Goodwill of $27,557 at December 31, 2014 is comprised of $1,975 in the Auction and Liquidation segment, $3,713 of goodwill in the Valuation and Appraisal segment and $21,869 in the Capital Markets segment. On February 2, 2015, goodwill increased by $6,971 from the Company’s purchase of MK Capital. The increase in goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired and was recorded in the Capital Markets segment based on the preliminary purchase price allocation. The acquisition of MK Capital allows the Company to expand into the wealth management business. 

 

Other intangible assets increased from $2,799 at December 31, 2014 to $4,991 at June 30, 2015 from the acquisition of MK Capital. Other intangible assets includes $1,600 for the tradename of B. Riley and $1,200 for customer relationships in connection with the acquisition of BRC on June 18, 2014 and $2,400 for customer relationships related to the acquisition of MK Capital on February 2, 2015. The customer relationships are being amortized over their estimated useful lives of 4 to 13 years and the tradename is not being amortized since it has an indefinite life. Amortization expense was $116 and $208 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and $9 for each of the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2014.

   

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NOTE 7— CREDIT FACILITIES

  

  Credit facilities consist of the following arrangements:

  

(a)      $100,000 Asset Based Credit Facility

  

On July 15, 2013, the Company entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (“Credit Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo Bank”) that amended and restated that certain First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of December 31, 2010. The maximum revolving loan amount under the asset based credit facility remains at $100,000, less the aggregate principal amount borrowed under the UK Credit Agreement (if in effect), and the maturity date has been extended from July 16, 2013 to July 15, 2018. The asset based credit facility can be used for borrowings and letter of credit obligations up to the aggregate amount of $100,000, less the aggregate principal amount borrowed under the UK Credit Agreement (if in effect). The interest rate for each revolving credit advance under the Credit Agreement is, subject to certain terms and conditions, equal to the LIBOR plus a margin of 2.25% to 3.25% depending on the type of advance and the percentage such advance represents of the related transaction for which such advance is provided. The restated Credit Agreement removed the Company’s United Kingdom subsidiary as a party to such agreement and the concept of borrowings thereunder for certain transactions in the United Kingdom. On March 19, 2014, the Company entered into a separate credit agreement (a “UK Credit Agreement”) with an affiliate of Wells Fargo Bank which provides for the financing of transactions in the United Kingdom. The facility allows the Company to borrow up to 50 million British Pounds. Any borrowings on the UK Credit Agreement reduce the availability on the asset based $100,000 credit facility. The UK Credit Agreement is cross collateralized and integrated in certain respects with the Credit Agreement. Cash advances and the issuance of letters of credit under the credit facility are made at the lender’s discretion. The letters of credit issued under this facility are furnished by the lender to third parties for the principal purpose of securing minimum guarantees under liquidation services contracts more fully described in Note 2(c). All outstanding loans, letters of credit, and interest are due on the expiration date which is generally within 180 days of funding. The credit facility is secured by the proceeds received for services rendered in connection with liquidation service contracts pursuant to which any outstanding loan or letters of credit are issued and the assets that are sold at liquidation related to such contract. The credit facility also provides for success fees in the amount of 5% to 20% of the net profits, if any, earned on the liquidation engagements funded under the Credit Agreement as set forth therein. On July 15, 2014, the Company entered into a further amendment to the Credit Agreement whereby Wells Fargo Bank consented to the reverse stock split, Private Placement, repayment of long-term debt as more fully described in Note 8, and the acquisition of BRC. Interest expense totaled $175 (including success fees of $119 and amortization of deferred loan fees of $24) and $89 (including success fees of $62 and amortization of deferred loan fees of $37) for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $321 (including success fees of $119 and amortization of deferred loan fees of $47) and $238 (including success fees of $162 and amortization of deferred loan fees of $50) for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, There was no outstanding balance under this credit facility at June 30, 2015 and the outstanding balance under this credit facility was $18,506 at December 31, 2014.

 

The Credit Agreement governing the credit facility contains certain covenants, including covenants that limit or restrict the Company’s ability to incur liens, incur indebtedness, make investments, dispose of assets, make certain restricted payments, merge or consolidate and enter into certain transactions with affiliates. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the Credit Agreement, the lender may cease making loans, terminate the Credit Agreement and declare all amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement to be immediately due and payable. The Credit Agreement specifies a number of events of default (some of which are subject to applicable grace or cure periods), including, among other things, nonpayment defaults, covenant defaults, cross-defaults to other material indebtedness, bankruptcy and insolvency defaults, and material judgment defaults.

  

(b)      Line of Credit

  

  On May 17, 2011, GAAV entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (Accounts Receivable Line of Credit) (the “Line of Credit”) with BFI Business Finance (“BFI”). The Line of Credit is collateralized by the accounts receivable of GAAV and allows for borrowings in the amount of 85% of the net face amount of prime accounts, as defined in the Line of Credit, with maximum borrowings not to exceed $2,000. The interest rate under the Line of Credit is the prime rate plus 2% (6% at June 30, 2015), payable monthly in arrears. The Line of Credit was amended effective February 3, 2012 and the maximum borrowings allowed was increased from $2,000 to $3,000. The maturity date of the Line of Credit is February 3, 2016 and the maturity date may be extended for successive periods equal to one year, unless GAAV gives BFI written notice of its intent to terminate the Line of Credit at least thirty days prior to the maturity date of the Line of Credit. BFI has the right to terminate the Line of Credit at its sole discretion upon giving sixty days’ prior written notice to GAAV. In connection with the Line of Credit, GAG, LLC entered into a limited continuing guaranty of GAAV’s obligations under the Line of Credit. At June 30, 2015, there was $3,956 of accounts receivable as collateral for the Line of Credit and total borrowings outstanding of $127. There was $2,873 available and unused on the Line of Credit at June 30, 2015. Interest expense totaled $16 for each of the three month periods ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 and $66 and $25 for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

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NOTE 8— NOTES PAYABLE

 

Notes-payable debt consists of the following arrangements:

 

    June 30,     December 31,  
    2015     2014  
Note payable collateralizeed by machinery and equipment   $     $ 6,570  
$4,500 notes payable to related party - Riley Investment Partners, L.P.            
Total notes payable, current portion   $     $ 6,570  

  

(a) Note Payable Collateralized by Machinery and Equipment

 

On May 29, 2008, GAGEE entered into a credit agreement with Garrison Special Opportunities Fund LP and Gage Investment Group LLC (collectively, the “Lenders”) to finance the purchase of certain machinery and equipment to be sold at auction or liquidation. The principal amount of the loan was $12,000 and borrowings bore interest at a rate of 20% per annum. The loan is collateralized by the machinery and equipment which were purchased with the proceeds from the loan as more fully described in Note 5. GAGEE was required to make principal and interest payments from proceeds from the sale of the machinery and equipment. GAGEE is a special purpose entity created to purchase the machinery and equipment, whose assets consist only of the machinery and equipment in question and whose liabilities are limited to the Lenders’ note and certain operational expenses related to this transaction. GAG, LLC guaranteed GAGEE’s liabilities to the Lenders up to a maximum of $1,200. The original maturity date of the loan was May 29, 2009; however, GAGEE exercised its right to extend the maturity date for 120 days until September 26, 2009. On September 26, 2009, the note payable became due and payable.

 

On October 8, 2009, GAGEE and GAG, LLC entered into a Forbearance Agreement effective as of September 27, 2009 (the “Forbearance Agreement”) with the Lenders and Garrison Loan Agency Services LLC (the “Administrative Agent”), relating to the credit agreement, by and among GAGEE, as borrower, GAG, LLC, as guarantor, the Lenders and the Administrative Agent. Pursuant to the terms of the Forbearance Agreement, the Lenders agreed to forbear from exercising any of the remedies available to them under the credit agreement and the related security agreement unless a forbearance default occurs, as specified in the Forbearance Agreement. Pursuant to the Forbearance Agreement, and further amendments to the credit agreement for which the most recent amendment which was effective December 31, 2013 the maturity date of the note payable was extended to June 30, 2015 and the interest rate remained at 0% through maturity. GAGEE has no assets other than those collateralizing the loan which is comprised of prepaid and other current assets of $2,531 and machinery and equipment with a carrying value of $4,026 that is included in goods held for sale or auction in the accompanying balance sheet at December 31, 2014. GAG, LLC has satisfied its obligation to pay the $1,200 guarantee and the credit agreement does not provide for other recourse against GAG, LLC. At December 31, 2014, the note payable balance was $6,570. On January 11, 2015, GAGEE filed for voluntary bankruptcy protection as more fully discussed below.

 

On January 11, 2015, GAGEE filed a voluntary petition with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas for relief under Chapter 7 of Title 11 of the United States Code. At December 31, 2014, GAGEE had total assets of $6,557 and total liabilities of $6,570. Total assets included $2,531 of other receivables included in prepaid and other current assets and $4,026 of goods held for sale which was comprised of five oil rigs (see Note 5). Total liabilities include the $6,570 of notes payable discussed above that is collateralized by the assets of GAGEE. As a result of such bankruptcy filing, the assets and liabilities of GAGEE described above are no longer be consolidated in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for periods subsequent to such bankruptcy filing. In January 2015, upon GAGEE’s filing for bankruptcy the Company recorded a loss on the deconsolidation of GAGEE of $13. On June 29, 2015, the trustee handling the bankruptcy case for GAGEE was discharged and the bankruptcy case was closed. As a result of this process, the Lenders are proceeding with the disposition of the assets of GAGEE in accordance with their security interest in connection with their loan. At the present time, the Company does not have any remaining investment nor any obligations with respect to GAGEE’s liabilities. The Company intends to dissolve GAGEE and wind up its business. If any future expenses or losses are incurred by GAGEE during its wind up, the Company will record its share of losses under the equity method of accounting. Management does not expect these events or any subsequent related actions regarding GAGEE will have a material impact on the consolidated financial position of the Company.

 

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(b) $4,500 Note Payable to Related Party – Riley Investment Partners, L.P.

 

In March 2015, the Company had capital deployed for three retail liquidation engagements. On March 10, 2015, the Company borrowed $4,500 from Riley Investment Partners, L.P. (“RIP”) in accordance with the subordinated unsecured promissory note (the “RIP Note”). The principal amount of $4,500 for the RIP Note accrues interest at the rate of 10% per annum (or 15% in the event of a default under the RIP Note). The borrowings are for short-term working capital needs and capital for other retail liquidation engagements. RIP is also is entitled to a success fee (the “Success Fee”) of 20% of the net profit, if any, earned by the Company in connection with a designated liquidation transaction. Pursuant to the terms of the RIP Note, under no circumstances shall the Company be obligated to pay RIP any portion of the combined amount of interest and the Success Fee which exceeds twelve percent (12%) of the $4,500 principal amount of the RIP Note. The outstanding principal amount, together with the accrued and unpaid interest and the Success Fee, are due and payable by the Company on March 9, 2016. The RIP Note is subordinated in certain respects to the Company’s guaranty relating to its existing credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and, in the event of certain insolvency proceedings, with respect to such credit facility itself, as well as to any other indebtedness of the Company to the extent required by the documents governing the repayment thereof. Interest expense on the RIP Note totaled $181 and $207 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, which includes success fees of $ $140. The RIP Note was repaid on May 4, 2015.

 

Riley Investment Management LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is the general partner of RIP. Bryant Riley, the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, owns or controls approximately 45% of the equity interests of RIP. In addition, Thomas Kelleher, the President of the Company, and one other employee of the Company, own or control de minimis amounts of the equity interests of RIP. After considering the economic interests of Mr. Riley and Mr. Kelleher in the RIP Note and comparing the terms of the RIP Note to terms that may have been available from unaffiliated third parties, the disinterested members of the Company’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the issuance of the RIP Note. 

 

(c) $60,000 Note Payable 

 

On July 31, 2009, the Great American Members contributed all of their membership interests of GAG, LLC to the Company in exchange for 528,000 shares of common stock of the Company and a subordinated unsecured promissory note in an initial principal amount of $60,000 issued in favor of the Great American Members and the Phantom Equityholders. In connection with the closing of the Acquisition, an initial principal payment of $4,383 was made, thereby reducing the principal amount of the note to $55,617. On August 28, 2009, the note was replaced with separate subordinated unsecured promissory notes (collectively, the “Notes”) issued in favor of each of the Great American Members and Phantom Equityholders. At December 31, 2013, the principal amount of $1,724 was payable to the Phantom Equityholders with a maturity date of July 31, 2015 and $48,759 was payable to Andrew Gumaer and Harvey Yellen, the two former Great American Members, both of whom were executive officers and directors of the Company at such time, with a maturity date of July 31, 2018 (subject to annual principal payments based upon cash flow, with certain limitations). The interest rate on these notes was 12.0% on $640 of the principal balance payable to the Phantom Equityholders and 3.75% on the remaining $1,084 principal balance payable to the Phantom Equityholders and $48,759 payable to the Great American Members.

 

On January 31, 2014, the Company paid in full the $640 of principal balance for the Notes to the Phantom Equityholders that had the 12.0% interest rate. On June 5, 2014, the Company used $30,180 of the net proceeds from the Private Placement to repay the Notes payable to Andrew Gumaer and Harvey Yellen. The $30,000 principal payment and then outstanding accrued interest of $180 retired the entire $48,759 face amount of outstanding Notes payable to Andrew Gumaer and Harvey Yellen. The discount of $18,759 for the repayment of the Notes payable to Andrew Gumaer and Harvey Yellen has been recorded as a capital contribution to additional paid in capital in our consolidated financial statements. On July 31, 2014, the remaining outstanding principal amount of $1,085 was paid in full to the Phantom Equityholders. As of August 1, 2014, there is no remaining outstanding principal or interest payable on the Notes.

 

Interest expense was $341 and $808 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014.

  

NOTE 9— INCOME TAXES

  

The Company’s effective income tax rate was 38.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and the effective benefit rate was (41.6)% for the six months ended June 30, 2014. The effective income tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2015 is lower than the statutory federal and state income tax rate due to the tax differential on net income attributable to noncontrolling interests during the six months ended June 30, 2015.

 

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As of June 30, 2015, the Company had federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $19,464, state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $19,678, and foreign tax credit carryforwards of $342. The Company’s federal net operating loss carryforwards will expire in the tax year ending December 31, 2030, the state net operating loss carryforwards will expire in 2032, and the foreign tax credit carryforwards will expire in 2022.

   

The Company establishes a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Tax benefits of operating loss and tax credit carryforwards are evaluated on an ongoing basis, including a review of historical and projected future operating results, the eligible carryforward period, and other circumstances. As a result of the common stock offering that was completed on June 5, 2014, the Company had a more than 50% ownership shift in accordance with Internal Revenue Code Section 382. Accordingly, the Company may be limited to the amount of net operating loss that may be utilized in future taxable years depending on the Company’s actual taxable income. As of June 30, 2015, the Company believes that the net operating loss that existed as of the more than 50% ownership shift will be utilized in future tax periods before the loss carryforwards expire and it is more-likely-than-not that future taxable earnings will be sufficient to realize its deferred tax assets and has not provided an allowance.

 

On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted the accounting guidance for accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. This accounting guidance addresses the determination of how tax benefits claimed or expected to be claimed on a tax return should be recorded in the financial statements. Under the accounting guidance, the Company must 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 a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution. The Company did not recognize any additional liabilities for uncertain tax positions as a result of the implementation of this accounting guidance.

 

The Company’s uncertain tax positions are related to tax years that remain subject to examination by the relevant taxing authorities. The Company is currently open to audit under the statute of limitations by the Internal Revenue Service for the calendar years ended December 31, 2011 to 2014. The Company and its subsidiaries’ state tax returns are also open to audit under similar statutes of limitations for the same tax years. The Company accrues interest on unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. Penalties, if incurred, would be recognized as a component of income tax expense. The Company had no such accrued interest or penalties included in the accrued liabilities associated with unrecognized tax benefits as of the date of adoption. 

 

NOTE 10— EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, after giving effect to all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. Basic common shares outstanding exclude 66,000 common shares that are held in escrow and subject to forfeiture that were issued to the former Great American members upon the final settlement of claims for goods held for sale in connection with the Acquisition. Dilutive common shares outstanding includes contingently issuable shares that are currently in escrow and subject to release if the conditions for the final settlement of claims for goods held for sale in connection with the Acquisition were satisfied at the end of the respective periods. Weighted average diluted shares outstanding during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 exclude 45,159 shares from the computation of net loss per diluted share because the impact would have been anti-dilutive.

 

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share was calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):  

 

    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2015     2014     2015     2014  
Net income (loss) attributable to B. Riley Financial, Inc.   $ 8,664     $ (777 )   $ 11,346     $ (2,111 )
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding:                                
Basic     16,237,860       4,972,203       16,177,824       3,212,929  
Effect of dilutive potential common shares:                                
   Restricted stock units     28,091             14,046        
   Contingently issuable shares     44,878             44,878        
Diluted     16,310,829       4,972,203       16,236,748       3,212,929  
                                 
Basic income (loss) per share   $ 0.53     $ (0.16 )   $ 0.70     $ (0.66 )
Diluted income (loss) per share   $ 0.53     $ (0.16 )   $ 0.70     $ (0.66 )

 

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NOTE 11— COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Legal Matters

  

In January 2015, the Company was served with a lawsuit that seeks to assert claims of breach of contract and other matters in connection with auction services provided to a debtor.  The proceeding is pending in the bankruptcy case of the debtor and its affiliates (the “Debtor”).  In the lawsuit, a former landlord of the Debtor generally alleges that the Company and a joint venture partner were responsible for contamination while performing services in connection with the auction of certain assets of the Debtor and is seeking $10,000.  The Company has filed a Motion to Dismiss the Complaint and has indicated that it will deny the material averments in the Complaint.   In May 2015, the plaintiff filed an Opposition to the Motion to Dismiss and in June 2015, the Company filed a Reply Brief with the Court.  The Company is vigorously defending this lawsuit. This lawsuit is in the initial stages, the financial impact to the Company, if any, cannot be estimated.

 

The Company is subject to certain legal and other claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business. The Company does not believe that the results of these claims are likely to have a material effect on its consolidated financial position or results of operations. 

 

Commitments

 

In April 2015, the Company formed GACP I, L.P. (“GACP”), a direct lending fund that focuses on providing asset-based debt loans to middle market companies. Great American Capital Partners, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is the general partner and manager of GACP. In connection with the formation of GACP, the Company has committed to invest $5,000 in exchange for a 5% partnership interest in GACP. As of June 30, 2015, the Company has funded $1,125, which is included in other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheet, of the $5,000 commitment to invest in GACP.

 

NOTE 12— SHARE BASED PAYMENTS 

 

On May 9, 2015, the Company granted restricted stock units representing 492,862 shares of common stock with a total fair value of $5,171 to certain employees and directors of the Company. The restricted stock units vest, and the shares of common stock underlying such awards are issuable, one-third on December 10, 2015, one-third on December 10, 2016, and one-third on December 10, 2017. Share based compensation expense for the restricted stock units was $381 during each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2015. On May 9, 2015, the Company also paid a stock bonus amounting to 5,600 fully vested shares of common stock with a total value of $59 to certain employees. Of the 5,600 common shares that vested upon grant, 2,304 common shares were forfeited by the employees to pay for employment withholding taxes during the second quarter of 2015. During 2015, 6,943 restricted stock units were forfeited and there are 485,919 restricted stock units that remain unvested as of June 30, 2015. As of June 30, 2015, the expected remaining unrecognized share based compensation expense of $4,468 will be expensed over a weighted average period of 1.5 years. 

 

NOTE 13— RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 

 

At June 30, 2015, amounts due from related party of $1,097 represents amounts due from CA Global Partners, LLC (“CA Global”). As December 31, 2014, amounts due to related party of $213 represents amounts due to CA Global. CA Global is one of the members of Great American Global Partners, LLC (“GA Global Ptrs”), a majority owned subsidiary of the Company, which started operations in the first quarter of 2013. The amount receivable at June 30, 2015 is comprised of expenses paid by the Company and amounts advanced to CA Global and amounts payable at December 31, 2014 is comprised of expenses that were paid on behalf of the Company by CA Global in connection with certain auctions of wholesale and industrial machinery and equipment that they were managed on behalf of GA Global Ptrs. 

 

NOTE 14— BUSINESS SEGMENTS

 

The Company’s operating segments reflect the manner in which the business is managed and how the Company allocates resources and assesses performance internally. The Company has several operating subsidiaries through which it delivers specific services. The Company provides auction, liquidation, capital advisory, financing, real estate, and other services to stressed or distressed companies in a variety of diverse industries that have included apparel, furniture, jewelry, real estate, and industrial machinery. The Company also provides appraisal and valuation services for retail and manufacturing companies. As a result of the acquisition of BRC, the Company provides investment banking, corporate finance, research, sales and trading services to corporate, institutional and high net worth clients. In addition, with the acquisition of MK Capital in 2015, the Company also provides wealth management services in the Capital Markets segment.

 

The Company’s business in 2014 prior to the acquisition of BRC on June 18, 2014, was previously classified by management into the Auction and Liquidation segment and Valuation and Appraisal segment. Upon closing the acquisition of BRC on June 18, 2014, the Company’s business is classified into the Auction and Liquidation segment, Valuation and Appraisal segment, and Capital Markets segment. These reportable segments are all distinct businesses, each with a different marketing strategy and management structure.

 

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The following is a summary of certain financial data for each of the Company’s reportable segments:


    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2015     2014     2015     2014  

Auction and Liquidation reportable segment:

Revenues - Services and fees   $ 18,012     $ 6,085     $ 23,134     $ 11,230  
Revenues - Sale of goods     6,019             10,466       9,268  
Total revenues     24,031       6,085       33,600       20,498  
Direct cost of services     (5,337 )     (2,333 )     (8,920 )     (5,038 )
Cost of goods sold     (2,181 )           (3,071 )     (9,064 )
Selling, general, and administrative expenses     (4,501 )     (3,092 )     (6,465 )     (5,832 )
Depreciation and amortization     (93 )     (31 )     (102 )     (73 )
Segment income (loss)     11,919       629       15,042       491  
Valuation and Appraisal reportable segment:                                
Revenues - Services and fees     7,773       8,495       15,027       15,735  
Direct cost of services     (3,202 )     (3,474 )     (6,397 )     (6,828 )
Selling, general, and administrative expenses     (2,246 )     (2,638 )     (4,434 )     (5,213 )
Depreciation and amortization     (35 )     (38 )     (69 )     (76 )
Segment income     2,290       2,345       4,127       3,618  
Capital markets reportable segment:                                
Revenues - Services and fees     13,657       367       22,865       367  
Selling, general, and administrative expenses     (9,429 )     (519 )     (15,924 )     (519 )
Depreciation and amortization     (143 )     (11 )     (250 )     (11 )
Segment income     4,085       (163 )     6,691       (163 )
Consolidated operating income from reportable segments     18,294       2,811       25,860       3,946  
Corporate and other expenses     (3,625 )     (3,867 )     (5,729 )     (6,260 )
Interest income     3       4       5       6  
Interest expense     (418 )     (449 )     (671 )     (1,077 )
Income (loss) before income taxes     14,254       (1,501 )     19,465       (3,385 )
(Provision) benefit for income taxes     (5,685 )     594       (7,460 )     1,408  
Net income (loss)     8,569       (907 )     12,005       (1,977 )
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests     (95 )     (130 )     659       134  
Net income (loss) attributable to B. Riley Financial, Inc.   $ 8,664     $ (777 )   $ 11,346     $ (2,111 )
                                 
Capital expenditures:                                
Auction and Liquidation segment   $     $     $     $ 36  
Valuation and Appraisal segment     10       1       17       1  
Capital Markets segment           5       108       5  
Corporate and Other     32             46        
Total   $ 42     $ 6     $ 171     $ 42  

  

    As of     As of  
    June 30,     December 31,  
    2015     2014  
Total assets:                
Auction and Liquidation segment   $ 33,281     $ 41,360  
Valuation and Appraisal segment     12,318       9,527  
Capital markets segment     65,946       48,878  
Corporate and other     35,800       39,225  
Total   $ 147,345     $ 138,990  

 

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NOTE 15— NET CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

 

B. Riley & Co., LLC, a subsidiary of the Company, is a registered broker-dealer and, accordingly, is subject to SEC Uniform Net Capital Rule (Rule 15c3-1) which requires B. Riley & Co., LLC to maintain minimum net capital and requires that the ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital, both as defined, shall not exceed 15 to 1. As of June 30, 2015, B. Riley & Co., LLC had net capital of $14,508 (an excess of $14,107). B. Riley & Co., LLC’s net capital ratio for June 30, 2015 was 0.41 to 1.

  

NOTE 16— SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

On August 10, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a dividend of $0.20 per share, which will be paid on or about September 10, 2015 to stockholders of records on August 25, 2015.

 

On April 20, 2015, the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission covering the potential offering of various securities (and securities that may be issuable upon the conversion, exercise or exchange of such securities) with an aggregate initial offering price up to $50,000,000 . Such registration statement also covers the resale of the common stock issued and potentially issuable in the acquisition of MK Capital. Such registration statement, as amended, was declared effective on July 2, 2015.

  

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

This report contains forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential” or “continue,” the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions. Actual events or results may differ materially.

 

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Moreover, neither we, nor any other person, assume responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the forward-looking statements. We are under no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements after the filing of this Annual Report to conform such statements to actual results or to changes in our expectations.

 

The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this Quarterly Report. Readers are also urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by us which attempt to advise interested parties of the factors which affect our business, including without limitation the disclosures made in Item 1A of Part II of this Quarterly Report under the caption “Risk Factors”.

 

Risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements include but are not limited to risks related to: volatility in our revenues and results of operations; changing conditions in the financial markets; our ability to generate sufficient revenues to achieve and maintain profitability; the short term nature of our engagements; the accuracy of our estimates and valuations of inventory or assets in “guarantee” based engagements; competition in the asset management business, potential losses related to our auction or liquidation engagements; our dependence on communications, information and other systems and third parties; potential losses related to purchase transactions in our auction and liquidations business; the potential loss of financial institution clients; potential losses from or illiquidity of our proprietary investments; changing economic and market conditions; potential liability and harm to our reputation if we were to provide an inaccurate appraisal or valuation; potential mark-downs in inventory in connection with purchase transactions; failure to successfully compete in any of our segments; loss of key personnel; our ability to borrow under our credit facilities as necessary; failure to comply with the terms of our credit agreements; and our ability to meet future capital requirements.

 

Except as otherwise required by the context, references in this Annual Report to “the “Company,” “B. Riley,” “we,” “us” or “our” refer to the combined business of B. Riley Financial, Inc. and all of its subsidiaries.

 

Overview

 

We are a leading independent investment bank with offices in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco and New York providing investment banking, corporate finance, research, wealth management, sales and trading services to corporate, institutional and high net worth clients. We are also a leading provider of asset disposition, valuation and appraisal services to a wide range of retail, wholesale and industrial clients, as well as lenders, capital providers, private equity investors and professional service firms throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. We now operate our business in three segments: capital markets services, auction and liquidation solutions and valuation and appraisal services.

 

Our capital markets services segment provides a full array of investment banking, corporate finance, research, wealth management, sales and trading services to corporate, institutional and high net worth clients.  Our corporate finance and investment banking services include merger and acquisitions advisory to public and private companies, initial and secondary public offerings, and institutional private placements. We also provide financial advisory services rendered in connection with client mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, recapitalizations and other strategic transactions as well as market making services to public companies. In addition, we trade equity securities as a principal for the Company’s account.

 

Our auction and liquidation solutions segment utilizes our significant industry experience, network of highly skilled employees and scalable network of independent contractors and industry-specific advisors to tailor our services to the specific needs of a multitude of clients, logistical challenges and distressed circumstances. We have established appraisal and valuation methodologies and practices in a broad array of asset categories which have made us a recognized industry leader. Furthermore, our scale and pool of resources allow us to offer our services on a nationwide basis. Since 1995, we have participated in liquidations involving over $26 billion in aggregate asset value and auctioned assets with an estimated aggregate value of over $6 billion.

 

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Our valuation and appraisal services segment provides valuation and appraisal services to financial institutions, lenders, private equity investors and other providers of capital. These services primarily include the valuation of assets (i) for purposes of determining and monitoring the value of collateral securing financial transactions and loan arrangements and (ii) in connection with potential business combinations. Our valuation and appraisal services divisions operate through limited liability companies that are majority owned by us. Our clients include major financial institutions such as Bank of America, Credit Suisse, GE Capital, JPMorgan Chase, Union Bank of California, and Wells Fargo. Our clients also include private equity firms such as Apollo Management, Goldman Sachs Capital Partners, and Sun Capital Partners.

 

Historically, revenues from our auction and liquidation segment vary significantly from quarter to quarter and have a significant impact on our operating results from period to period. These revenues have historically comprised a significant amount of our total revenues and operating profits. In addition, revenues from investment banking transactions in our capital markets segment will vary from quarter to quarter in the future and have comprised a significant amount of our total revenues and operating profits. During the six months ended June 30, 2015 and year ended December 31, 2014, revenues from our auction and liquidation segment were 47.0% and 35.0% of total revenues. Our profitability in each reporting period is impacted by the number and size of retail liquidation engagements we perform on a quarterly or annual basis.

 

Private Placement and Strategic Combination

 

On June 5, 2014, we completed a private placement of 10,289,300 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $5.00 per share (the “Private Placement”). Fifty-three accredited investors (the “Investors”) participated in the Private Placement pursuant to the terms and provisions of a securities purchase agreement entered into among us and the Investors on May 19, 2014. At the closing of the Private Placement on June 5, 2014, we received net proceeds of approximately $51.2 million. On June 5, 2014, we used $30.2 million of the net proceeds from the Private Placement to repay long-term debt payable to Andrew Gumaer and Harvey Yellen, both of whom were executive officers and directors of the Company at the time of such repayment. The $30.0 million principal payment and then outstanding accrued interest of $0.2 million retired the entire $48.8 million face amount of the long-term debt at a discount of $18.8 million. The discount of $18.8 million has been recorded as a capital contribution to additional paid in capital in our consolidated financial statements.

 

On June 18, 2014, we completed the acquisition of BRC pursuant to the terms of the Acquisition Agreement, dated as of May 19, 2014, by and among the Company, Darwin Merger Sub I, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, B. Riley Capital Markets, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“BCM”), BRC, B. Riley & Co. Holdings, LLC (“BRH”), Riley Investment Management LLC (“RIM”), and collectively with BRC and BRH, the (“B. Riley Entities”) and Bryant Riley, a director of the Company and principal owner of each of the B. Riley Entities. In connection with the Company’s acquisition of BRC, Darwin Merger Sub I, Inc. merged with and into BRC, and BRC subsequently merged with and into BCM, with BCM surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. We completed the acquisitions of BRH, whose operations include asset management and financial advisory services, and RIM, which provides services to certain pooled investment vehicles, on August 1, 2014.

 

The total purchase price for the B. Riley Entities was $26.4 million, which was paid at closing on June 18, 2014, in the form of 4,182,637 newly issued shares of our common stock. The fair value of the newly issued shares of the Company’s common stock for accounting purposes was determined based on the closing market price of the Company’s shares of common stock on the acquisition date, less a 25% discount for lack of marketability as the shares issued are subject to certain restrictions that limit their trade or transfer in the open market.

 

Effective upon the closing of the acquisition on June 18, 2014, Bryant Riley, the principal owner of BRC, was appointed as our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman. As a result of the acquisition of BRC, Bryant Riley owns approximately 24.2% of our outstanding common stock.

 

Revenues from the operations of BRC and MK Capital are reflected in the capital markets segment and totaled $22.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, an increase of $22.5 million, from the $0.4 million of revenues from operations in the comparable the period in 2014 as the revenues in 2014 only reflect revenues from the operations of BRC from June 18, 2014, the date of acquisition, to June 30, 2014. Capital markets segment revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2015 include revenues from investment banking fees of $11.4 million, commissions and other income primarily earned from research, wealth management and sales and trading of $9.5 million, and trading gains of $2.0 million.

 

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Recent Developments

 

During the second quarter of 2014, we initiated a strategic review of our operations taking into account the planned synergies as a result of the acquisition of BRC. As a result of the strategic review, we implemented cost savings measures that resulted in a reduction in corporate overhead and the restructuring of our operations in Europe. In the third quarter of 2014, we implemented a reduction in force for some of our corporate employees and a significant number of our employees in the United Kingdom and we closed our office in Deerfield, Illinois. These initiatives resulted in a restructuring charge of $2.5 million in the third quarter of 2014. As part of the strategic review, we restructured our UK appraisal business whereby we entered into a joint marketing and strategic alliance with an entity owned and controlled by our former UK appraisal senior management. As a result of the restructuring, we anticipate a shift in our strategic focus from Europe which is expected to result in a substantial reduction in revenues from European operations.

 

On January 2, 2015, we entered into a purchase agreement to acquire all of the membership interests of MK Capital Advisors, LLC (“MK Capital”), a wealth management business with operations primarily in New York. The terms of the purchase agreement required the seller to meet certain pre-closing conditions. On February 2, 2015, the closing conditions were satisfied and we completed the purchase of MK Capital for a total purchase price of $9.4 million. Upon closing, we paid the members of MK Capital $2.5 million in cash and issued 333,333 shares of our common stock to such members, which were valued at $2.7 million for accounting purposes determined based on the closing market price of the Company’s shares of common stock on the acquisition date on February 2, 2015, less a 19.4% discount for lack of marketability as the shares issued are subject to certain restrictions that limit their trade or transfer. The purchase agreement also requires the payment of contingent consideration in the form of future cash payments with a fair value of $2.2 million and the issuance of common stock with a fair value of $2.0 million. The contingent cash consideration has been recorded as a note payable to the former members of MK Capital, as more fully described in Note 8. The fair value of the contingent stock consideration in the amount of $2.0 million has been classified as equity in accordance with ASC 805, “ Business Combinations ”, and is comprised the issuance of 166,667 shares of common stock on the first anniversary date of the closing (February 2, 2016) and 166,666 shares of common stock on the second anniversary date of the closing (February 2, 2017). The contingent cash and stock consideration is payable on the first and second anniversary dates of the closing provided that MK Capital generates a minimum amount of gross revenues as defined in the purchase agreement for the twelve months following the first and second anniversary dates of the closing. The acquisition of MK Capital allows the Company to expand into the wealth management business.

 

On January 11, 2015, GAGEE filed a voluntary petition with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas for relief under Chapter 7 of Title 11 of the United States Code. At December 31, 2014, GAGEE had total assets of $6,557 and total liabilities of $6,570. Total assets included $2,531 of other receivables included in prepaid and other current assets and $4,026 of goods held for sale which was comprised of five oil rigs. Total liabilities include the $6,570 of notes payable discussed above that is collateralized by the assets of GAGEE.   As a result of such bankruptcy filing, the assets and liabilities of GAGEE described above are no longer be consolidated in our consolidated financial statements for periods subsequent to such bankruptcy filing.   The loss on deconsolidation of GAGEE was $13 in each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2015. On June 29, 2015, the trustee handling the bankruptcy case for GAGEE was discharged and the bankruptcy case was closed. As a result of this process, the Lenders are proceeding with the disposition of the assets of GAGEE in accordance with their security interest in connection with their loan. At the present time, the Company does not have any remaining investment nor any obligations with respect to GAGEE’s liabilities. The Company intends to dissolve GAGEE and wind up its business. If any future expenses or losses are incurred by GAGEE during its wind up, the Company will record its share of losses under the equity method of accounting. Management does not expect these events or any subsequent related actions regarding GAGEE will have a material impact on the consolidated financial position of the Company.

 

In February 2015, we were engaged to participate in a joint venture involving the liquidation of inventory for the going-out-of-business sale of 133 Target stores located in Canada. The joint venture provided Target Canada with a minimum guarantee of amounts to be realized from the liquidation of inventory. In connection with our portion of the guarantee, we provided a letter of credit to Target Canada in the amount of $14.0 million in February 2015. The liquidation sale of inventory was completed in April 2015 and the amounts realized from the liquidation of inventory exceed the minimum guarantee. In April 2015 the $14.0 million letter of credit provided to Target Canada was returned to us.

 

In March 2015, we purchased inventory and intellectual property of Schoenenreus from a bankruptcy trustee in the Netherlands for $3.2 million. Schoenenreus is a retailer of men’s, women’s and children’s shoes, clothing and accessories and operates 121 retail locations throughout the Netherlands. We started the going-out-of-business sale of all of Schoenenreus’s inventory in March 2015 and completed the sale of all of the inventory in April 2015.

 

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In March 2015, we were engaged to liquidate the inventory for the going-out-of-business sale of 153 CACHE retail stores located throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands. We provided a minimum guarantee of amounts to be realized from the liquidation of inventory. We also acquired CACHE’s intellectual property and lease designation rights for all retail locations which we expect to market to strategic buyers and monetize these assets. The liquidation sale of inventory was completed in April 2015 and amounts realized from the liquidation of inventory exceed the minimum guarantee. Revenues from this retail liquidation engagement were recognized in the second quarter of 2015.

 

In March 2015, the Company had capital deployed for three retail liquidation engagements. On March 10, 2015, we borrowed $4.5 million from Riley Investment Partners, L.P. (“RIP”) in accordance with the subordinated unsecured promissory note (the “RIP Note”). The borrowings are for short-term working capital needs and capital for other retail liquidation engagements. The principal amount of $4.5 million for the RIP Note accrues interest at the rate of 10% per annum (or 15% in the event of a default under the RIP Note). RIP is also entitled to a success fee (the “Success Fee”) of 20% of the net profit, if any, earned by the Company in connection with a designated liquidation transaction. Pursuant to the terms of the RIP Note, under no circumstances shall the Company be obligated to pay to RIP any portion of the combined amount of interest and the Success Fee which exceeds twelve percent (12%) of the $4.5 million principal amount of the RIP Note. The outstanding principal amount, together with the accrued and unpaid interest and the Success Fee, are due and payable by us on March 9, 2016. The RIP Note is subordinated in certain respects to our guaranty relating to our existing credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and, in the event of certain insolvency proceedings, with respect to such credit facility itself, as well as to any other indebtedness of ours to the extent required by the documents governing the repayment thereof. Riley Investment Management LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is the general partner of RIP. Bryant Riley, the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, owns or controls approximately 45% of the equity interests of the RIP. In addition, Thomas Kelleher, the President of the Company, and one other employee of the Company, own or control de minimis amounts of the equity interests of RIP. After considering the economic interests of Mr. Riley and Mr. Kelleher in the RIP Note and comparing the terms of the RIP Note to terms that may have been available from unaffiliated third parties, the disinterested members of our Board of Directors unanimously approved the issuance of the RIP Note. The RIP Note was repaid on May 4, 2015 in accordance with its terms.

 

In April 2015, the Company formed GACP I, L.P. (“GACP”), a direct lending fund that focuses on providing asset-based debt loans to middle market companies. Great American Capital Partners, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is the general partner in GACP. In connection with the formation of GACP, the Company has committed to invest $5.0 million in exchange for an ownership interest of 5% of GACP. As of June 30, 2015, the Company has funded $1.1 million of the $5.0 million commitment to invest in GACP.

 

In June 2015, we entered into an auction services agreement to auction approximately $14.7 million of transportation and field services equipment that is used in the oil and gas industry in Canada. In connection with the auction services agreement, we provided a minimum recovery value of the machinery and equipment that is to be sold on behalf of the receiver. The auction of the machinery and equipment is expected to commence in the third quarter of 2015. As part of the auction services agreement, we will earn a fee for our services and reimbursement of certain expenses, as defined in the auction services agreement, provided the total sales proceeds exceed the minimum recovery value. The auction is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2015.

 

Effective July 16, 2015, our common stock began trading on The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC’s NASDAQ Capital Market tier, under the symbol “RILY”.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Our condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”), which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts. The estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and on other factors that management believes to be reasonable. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Critical accounting policies represent the areas where more significant judgments and estimates are used in the preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements. A discussion of such critical accounting policies, which include revenue recognition, valuation of securities, reserves for accounts receivable and slow moving goods held for sale or auction, the carrying value of goodwill and other intangible assets, the fair value of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests and accounting for income tax valuation allowances can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014. There have been no material changes to the policies noted above as of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2015.

 

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Results of Operations

 

The following period to period comparisons of our financial results and our interim results are not necessarily indicative of future results.

Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2014

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Dollars in thousands)

                           
    Three Months
June 30, 2015
  Three Months
June 30, 2014
 
    Amount   %   Amount   %  
Revenues:                          
Services and fees   $ 39,442     86.8 % $ 14,947     100.0 %
Sale of goods     6,019     13.2 %       0.0 %
Total revenues     45,461     100.0 %   14,947     100.0 %
Operating expenses:                          
Direct cost of services     8,539     18.8 %   5,807     38.9 %
Cost of goods sold     2,181     4.8 %       0.0 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses     20,072     44.1 %   10,196     68.2 %
Total operating expenses     30,792     67.7 %   16,003     107.1 %
Operating income (loss)     14,669     32.3 %   (1,056 )   -7.1 %
Other income (expense):                          
Interest income     3     0.0 %   4     0.0 %
Interest expense     (418 )   -0.9 %   (449 )   -2.9 %
Income (loss) before income taxes     14,254     31.4 %   (1,501 )   -10.0 %
(Provision) benefit for income taxes     (5,685 )   -12.5 %   594     3.9 %
Net income (loss)     8,569     18.9 %   (907 )   -6.1 %
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests     (95 )   0.2 %   (130 )   0.9 %
Net income (loss) attributable to B. Riley Financial, Inc.   $ 8,664     19.1 % $ (777 )   -5.2 %

 

Revenues.

The table below and the discussion that follows are based on how we analyze our business. 

                                       
    Three Months Ended
June 30, 2015
  Three Months Ended
June 30, 2014
  Change  
    Amount   %   Amount   %   Amount   %  
Revenues - Serivces and Fees:                                      
Auction and Liquidation segment   $ 18,012     39.7 % $ 6,085     40.7 % $ 11,927     196.0 %
Valuation and Appraisal segment     7,773     17.1 %   8,495     56.8 %   (722 )   -8.5 %
Capital Markets segment     13,657     30.0 %   367     2.5 %   13,290     n/m  
Subtotal     39,442     86.8 %   14,947     100.0 %   24,495     163.9 %
                                       
Revenues - Sale of goods Auction and Liquidation     6,019     13.2 %       0.0 %   6,019     n/m  
                                       
Total revenues   $ 45,461     100.0 % $ 14,947     100.0 % $ 30,514     204.1 %

 

 

n/m - Not applicable or not meaningful.

 

Total revenues increased $30.5 million, to $45.5 million during the three months ended June 30, 2015 from $15.0 million during the three months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in revenues during the three months ended June 30, 2015 was primarily due to an increase in revenues from services and fees of $24.5 million and an increase in revenues from the sale of goods of $6.0 million. The increase in revenues from services and fees of $24.5 million in 2015 was primarily due to an increase in revenues of (a) $11.9 million in the auction and liquidation segment, and (b) $13.3 million from our capital markets segment which includes the operating results from the operations of BRC which we acquired on June 18, 2014 and the operations of MK Capital which we acquired on February 2, 2015, offset by a decrease in revenues of $0.7 million in our valuation and appraisal segment. Of the $6.0 million of revenues from the sale of goods during the three months ended June 30, 2015, $5.0 million related to the retail liquidation engagement of Schoenenreus, a retailer of men’s, women’s and children’s shoes, clothing and accessories that operated 121 retail locations throughout the Netherlands. We acquired title to the retail goods from the bankruptcy trustee of Schoenenreus in March 2015 for $3.2 million and we sold all of the retail goods in the months of March and April 2015. During the three months ended June 30, 2014, we did not have any sales of goods from any retail or wholesale and industrial engagements.

 

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Revenues from services and fees in the auction and liquidation segment increased $11.9 million, to $18.0 million during the three months ended June 30, 2015 from $6.1 million during the three months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in revenues from services and fees was primarily due to our participation in the joint venture involving the liquidation of inventory for the going-out-of-business sale of 133 Target stores located in Canada. The joint venture provided Target Canada with a minimum guarantee of amounts to be realized from the liquidation of inventory. The liquidation sale of inventory was completed in April 2015 and the amounts realized from the liquidation of inventory exceed the minimum guarantee. Revenues from our participation in the joint venture total $11.5 million during the three months ended June 30, 2015. In the comparable period in 2014, we did not have any similar large retail liquidation engagements that generated a significant amount of revenues from services and fees.

 

Revenues from services and fees in the valuation and appraisal segment decreased $0.7 million, to $7.8 million during the three months ended June 30, 2015 from $8.5 million during the three months ended June 30, 2014. The decrease in revenues was primarily due to a decrease in revenues of (a) $0.6 million related to appraisal engagements where we perform valuations of intellectual property and business valuations, and (b) $0.3 million from our appraisal operations in the United Kingdom which we restructured in the third quarter of 2014. These decreases in revenues were offset by an increase in revenues of $0.2 million related to appraisal engagements where we perform valuations for the monitoring of collateral for financial institutions, lenders, and private equity investors.

 

Revenues from services and fees in the capital markets segment were $13.7 million during the three months ended June 30, 2015. Capital markets segment revenues include revenues from BRC during the current quarter related to investment banking fees of $5.2 million, commissions, fees and other income primarily earned from research, sales and trading, and wealth management services of $6.1 million, and trading gains of $2.4 million. During the three months ended June 30, 2014, revenues in the capital markets segment were $0.4 million which included revenues for the period from June 18, 2014 to June 30, 2014 as a result of our acquisition of BRC on June 18, 2014.

 

Sale of Goods, Cost of Goods Sold and Gross Margin

 

Revenues from the sale of goods totaled $6.0 million during the three months ended June 30, 2015. Of the $6.0 million of revenues from the sale of goods during the three months ended June 30, 2015, $5.0 million related to the retail liquidation engagement of Schoenenreus, a retailer of men’s, women’s and children’s shoes, clothing and accessories that operated 121 retail locations throughout the Netherlands. The remaining $1.0 million of revenues related to the sale of wholesale and industrial equipment where we held title to the goods and sold them at auction and one retail liquidation engagement where we purchased augment goods and sold them during the retail liquidation engagement. Costs of goods sold were $2.2 million resulting in a gross margin of $3.8 million or 63.8% during the three months ended June 30, 2015. There were no revenues from the sale of goods or cost of goods sold during the three months ended June 30, 2014.

 

Operating Expenses

 

Direct Cost of Services. Direct cost of services and direct cost of services measured as a percentage of revenues – services and fees by segment during the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: 

                                       
    Three Months Ended June 30, 2015   Three Months Ended June 30, 2014  
    Auction and
Liquidation
Segment
  Valuation and
Appraisal
Segment
  Total   Auction and
Liquidation
Segment
  Valuation and
Appraisal
Segment
  Total  
Revenues - Services and fees   $ 18,012   $ 7,773     $ 6,085   $ 8,495        
Direct cost of services     5,337     3,202   $ 8,539     2,333     3,474   $ 5,807  
Gross margin on services and fees   $ 12,675   $ 4,571         $ 3,752   $ 5,021        
                                       
Gross margin percentage     70.4 %   58.8 %         61.7 %   59.1 %      

 

Total direct cost of services increased $2.7 million, to $8.5 million during the three months ended June 30, 2015 from $5.8 million during the three months ended June 30, 2014. Direct cost of services in the auction and liquidation segment increased $3.0 million, to $5.3 million during the three months ended June 30, 2015 from $2.3 million during the three months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in expenses was primarily due to an increase in the number of fee and commission type engagements in 2015 where we contractually bill fees, commissions and reimbursable expenses as compared to the same period in 2014. Direct cost of services in the valuation and appraisal services segment decreased $0.3 million, to $3.2 million during the three months ended June 30, 2015 from $3.5 million during the three months ended June 30, 2014. The decrease in direct cost of services in the valuation and appraisal segment was primarily due to a slight decrease in payroll and related expenses during the three months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014.

 

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Gross margin in the auction and liquidation segment for services and fees increased to 70.4% of revenues during the three months ended June 30, 2015, as compared to 61.7% of revenues during the three months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in the gross margin during the three months ended June 30, 2015 was primarily due to a change in the mix of fee type engagements in 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014. In the three months ended June 30, 2015, the increase in the gross margin was primarily due to the impact of the revenues we earned from our participation in the joint venture involving the liquidation of inventory for the going-out-of-business sale of 133 Target stores located in Canada.

 

Gross margins in the valuation and appraisal segment decreased to 58.8% of revenues during the three months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to 59.1% of revenues during the three months ended June 30, 2014. The decrease in the gross margin is primarily to the impact of the decrease in revenues related to appraisal engagements where we perform valuations of intellectual property and business valuations as discussed above.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses during the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 were comprised of the following:

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses 

                                       
    Three Months Ended
June 30, 2015
  Three Months Ended
June 30, 2014
  Change  
    Amount   %   Amount   %   Amount   %  
Auction and Liquidation segment   $ 4,594     22.9 % $ 3,123     30.6 % $ 1,471     47.1 %
Valuation and Appraisal segment     2,281     11.4 %   2,676     26.2 %   (395 )   -14.8 %
Capital Markets segment     9,572     47.6 %   530     5.2 %   9,042     n/m  
Corporate and Other segment     3,625     18.1 %   3,867     38.0 %   (242 )   -6.3 %
Total selling, general & administrative expenses   $ 20,072     100.0 % $ 10,196     100.0 % $ 9,876     96.9 %

 

Total selling, general and administrative expenses increased $9.9 million, or 96.9%, to $20.1 million during the three months ended June 30, 2015 from $10.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014. The increase was primarily due to an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses of (a) $9.0 million in the capital markets segment as a result of the acquisition of BRC on June 18, 2014 and MK Capital on February 2, 2015, and (b) $1.5 million in the auction and liquidation segment, offset by decreases in selling general and administrative expenses of (a) $0.4 million in the valuation and appraisal segment and (b) $0.2 million in corporate and other.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses in the auction and liquidation segment increased $1.5 million, or 47.1%, to $4.6 million during the three months ended June 30, 2015 from $3.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014. The increase was primarily due to an increase in payroll and related expenses due to an increase in incentive compensation and bonuses during the three months ended June 30, 2015 as a result of the increase in operating profit in the auction and liquidation segment in 2015. The increase in incentive compensation in 2015 was offset by a decrease in payroll and other operating expenses of $0.5 million related to the operations of our former real estate advisory services division. 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses in the valuation and appraisal segment decreased $0.4 million, or 14.8%, to $2.3 million during the three months ended June 30, 2015 from $2.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014. The decrease in operating expenses of $0.4 million was primarily due to a decrease in operating expenses from our valuation and appraisal business in Europe resulting from the restructuring of the operations in the third quarter of 2014.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses in the capital markets segment were $9.6 million during the three months ended June 30, 2015. The operating expenses for BRC in 2015 reflects the operating expenses of BRC for the entire three month period ended June 30, 2015 as compared to the prior year which includes the operating expenses of BRC for the period from June 18, 2014, the date of acquisition, through June 30, 2014. 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses for corporate and other decreased $0.2 million, or 6.3%, to $3.6 million during the three months ended June 30, 2015 from $3.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in payroll and related expenses as a result of the restructuring in the third quarter of 2014 which resulted in a reduction of corporate headcount and the closure of our office in Deerfield, Illinois. 

 

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Other Income (Expense). Other income consisted of interest income that was less than $0.1 million during each of the three month periods ended June 30, 2015 and 2014. Other expense is comprised of interest expense which totaled $0.4 million during the each of the three month periods ended June 30, 2015 and 2014. Interest expense during the three months ended June 30, 2015 was primarily comprised of interest expense on our revolving credit facility and borrowings during the period we incurred in connection with our retail liquidation engagements. In the prior year three months ended June 30, 2014, interest expense primarily related to the $48.8 million of long-term debt payable to Andrew Gumaer and Harvey Yellen that was outstanding during the period until it was retired on June 5, 2014 as more fully discussed in Note 8 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes. Income before income taxes was $14.3 million during the three months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to a loss before income taxes of $1.5 million during the three months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in income before income taxes of $15.8 million during the three months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to the loss in such period in 2014 was primarily due to (a) an increase in operating income of $11.3 million in our auction and liquidation segment, and $4.3 million in our capital markets segment, and (b) a decrease in corporate overhead of $0.2 million as discussed above.

 

(Provision) Benefit For Income Taxes. Provision for income taxes was $5.7 million during the three months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to a benefit for income taxes of $0.6 million during the three months ended June 30, 2014. The effective income tax rate was 39.9% during the three months ended June 30, 2015 and a benefit of 39.6% during the three months ended June 30, 2014.

 

Net Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest. Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests represents the proportionate share of net income generated by Great American Global Partners, LLC in 2015 and 2014 that we do not own. The net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests was $0.1 million during each of the three month periods ended June 30, 2015 and 2014.

 

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to the Company. Net income attributable to the Company for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was $8.7 million compared to a net loss of $0.8 million during the three months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in net income during the three months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014 was primarily due to the increase in operating income in our Auction and Liquidations segment and Capital Markets segment as more fully described above.

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2014

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations  

(Dollars in thousands)  

                           
    Six Months
June 30, 2015
  Six Months
June 30, 2014
 
    Amount   %   Amount   %  
Revenues:                          
Services and fees   $ 61,026     85.4 % $ 27,332     74.7 %
Sale of goods     10,466     14.6 %   9,268     25.3 %
Total revenues     71,492     100.0 %   36,600     100.0 %
Operating expenses:                          
Direct cost of services     15,317     21.4 %   11,866     32.4 %
Cost of goods sold     3,071     4.3 %   9,064     24.8 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses     32,973     46.1 %   17,984     49.1 %
Total operating expenses     51,361     71.8 %   38,914     106.3 %
Operating income (loss)     20,131     28.2 %   (2,314 )   -6.3 %
Other income (expense):                          
Interest income     5     0.0 %   6     0.0 %
Interest expense     (671 )   -1.0 %   (1,077 )   -2.9 %
Income (loss) before income taxes     19,465     27.2 %   (3,385 )   -9.2 %
(Provision) benefit for income taxes     (7,460 )   -10.4 %   1,408     3.8 %
Net income (loss)     12,005     16.8 %   (1,977 )   -5.4 %
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests     659     -0.9 %   134     -0.4 %
Net income (loss) attributable to B. Riley Financial, Inc.   $ 11,346     15.9 % $ (2,111 )   -5.8 %

 

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Revenues.

The table below and the discussion that follows are based on how we analyze our business.

                                       
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2015
  Six Months Ended
June 30, 2014
  Change  
    Amount   %   Amount   %   Amount   %  
Revenues - Serivces and Fees:                                      
Auction and Liquidation segment   $ 23,134     32.4 % $ 11,230     30.7 % $ 11,904     106.0 %
Valuation and Appraisal segment     15,027     21.0 %   15,735     43.0 %   (708 )   -4.5 %
Capital Markets segment     22,865     32.0 %   367     1.0 %   22,498     n/m  
Subtotal     61,026     85.4 %   27,332     74.7 %   33,694     123.3 %
                                       
Revenues - Sale of goods                                      
Auction and Liquidation     10,466     14.6 %   9,268     25.3 %   1,198     n/m  
Total revenues   $ 71,492     100.0 % $ 36,600     100.0 % $ 34,892     95.3 %

 

n/m - Not applicable or not meaningful.

Total revenues increased $34.9 million, to $71.5 million during the six months ended June 30, 2015 from $36.6 million during the six months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in revenues during the six months ended June 30, 2015 was primarily due to an increase in revenues from services and fees of $33.7 million and an increase in revenues from the sale of goods of $1.2 million. The increase in revenues from services and fees of $33.7 million in 2015 was primarily due to an increase in revenues of (a) $11.9 million in the auction and liquidation segment, and (b) $22.5 million from our capital markets segment which includes the operating results from the operations of BRC which we acquired on June 18, 2014 and the operations of MK Capital which we acquired on February 2, 2015, offset by a decrease in revenues of $0.7 million in our valuation and appraisal segment. Revenues from the sale of goods during the six months ended June 30, 2015 included $9.4 million related to the retail liquidation engagement of Schoenenreus, a retailer of men’s, women’s and children’s shoes, clothing and accessories that operated 121 retail locations throughout the Netherlands, and the remaining $1.1 million of revenues related the sale of wholesale and industrial equipment where we held title to the goods and sold them at auction and one retail liquidation engagement where we purchased augment goods and sold them during the retail liquidation engagement. We completed the sale of all of the retail goods that we acquired title to from the bankruptcy trustee of Schoenenreus in April 2015. In the comparable period during the six months ended June 30, 2014, the $9.3 million of revenues from the sale of goods was primarily related to an auction of a large industrial plant where we purchased the machinery and equipment and completed the sale of the machinery and equipment during the first quarter of 2014.

 

Revenues from services and fees in the auction and liquidation segment increased $11.9 million, to $23.1 million during the six months ended June 30, 2015 from $11.2 million during the six months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in revenues from services and fees in 2015 was primarily due to our participation in the joint venture involving the liquidation of inventory for the going-out-of-business sale of 133 Target stores located in Canada, offset by a decrease in revenues of $1.4 million related to the operations of our real estate advisory services division. The joint venture provided Target Canada with a minimum guarantee of amounts to be realized from the liquidation of inventory. The liquidation sale of inventory was completed in April 2015 and the amounts realized from the liquidation of inventory exceed the minimum guarantee. Revenues from our participation in the joint venture were $13.0 million during the six months ended June 30, 2015. In the comparable period in 2014, we did not have any similar large retail liquidation engagements that generated a significant amount of revenues from services and fees.

 

Revenues from services and fees in the valuation and appraisal segment decreased $0.7 million, to $15.0 million during the six months ended June 30, 2015 from $15.7 million during the six months ended June 30, 2014. The decrease in revenues was primarily due a decrease in revenues of (a) $1.1 million related to appraisal engagements where we perform valuations of intellectual property and business valuations, and (b) $0.7 million from our appraisal operations in the United Kingdom which we restructured in the third quarter of 2014. These decreases in revenues were offset by an increase in revenues of (a) $0.4 million related to appraisal engagements where we perform valuations for the monitoring of collateral for financial institutions, lenders, and private equity investors, and (b) $0.7 million for appraisals of machinery and equipment.

 

Revenues from services and fees in the capital markets segment were $22.9 million during the six months ended June 30, 2015. Capital markets segment revenues include revenues from BRC during the six months related to investment banking fees of $11.4 million, commissions, fees and other income primarily earned from research, sales and trading, and wealth management services of $9.5 million, and trading gains of $2.0 million. During the six months ended June 30, 2014, revenues in the capital markets segment were $0.4 million which included revenues for the period from June 18, 2014 to June 30, 2014 as a result of our acquisition of BRC on June 18, 2014.

 

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Sale of Goods, Cost of Goods Sold and Gross Margin

 

Revenues from the sale of goods of $10.5 million during the six months ended June 30, 2015 was primarily due to the sale of retail goods related to the retail liquidation engagement of Schoenenreus. Cost of goods sold were $3.1 million resulting in a gross margin of $7.4 million or 70.7% during the six months ended June 30, 2015. Revenues from the sale of goods of $9.3 million during the six months ended June 30, 2014 was primarily due to the sale of goods related to an auction of an industrial plant where we sold machinery and equipment at an auction we held during the first quarter of 2014. Cost of goods sold were $9.1 million resulting in a gross margin of $0.2 million or 2.2% during the six months ended June 30, 2014.

 

Operating Expenses

 

Direct Cost of Services. Direct cost of services and direct cost of services measured as a percentage of revenues – services and fees by segment during the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:

 

    Six Months Ended June 30, 2015     Six Months Ended June 30, 2014  
    Auction and
Liquidation Segment
    Valuation and
Appraisal
Segment
    Total     Auction and
Liquidation Segment
    Valuation and
Appraisal
Segment
    Total  
Revenues - Services and fees   $ 23,134     $ 15,027             $ 11,230     $ 15,735          
Direct cost of services     8,920       6,397     $ 15,317       5,038       6,828     $ 11,866  
Gross margin on services and fees   $ 14,214     $ 8,630             $ 6,192     $ 8,907          
Gross margin percentage     61.4 %     57.4 %             55.1 %     56.6 %        

 

Total direct cost of services increased $3.4 million, to $15.3 million during the six months ended June 30, 2015 from $11.9 million during the six months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in direct cost of services is primarily due to an increase in direct cost of services of $3.9 million in the auction and liquidation segment, offset by a decrease in direct cost of services of $0.4 million in the valuation and appraisal segment. Direct cost of services in the auction and liquidation segment increased $3.9 million, to $8.9 million during the six months ended June 30, 2015 from $5.0 million during the six months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in expenses was primarily due to an increase in the number of fee and commission type engagements in 2015 where we contractually bill fees, commissions and reimbursable expenses as compared to the same period in 2014. Direct cost of services in the valuation and appraisal services segment decreased $0.4 million, to $6.4 million during the six months ended June 30, 2015 from $6.8 million during the six months ended June 30, 2014. The decrease in direct cost of services in the valuation and appraisal segment was primarily due to a slight decrease in headcount from productivity and efficiencies we gained in 2015.

 

Gross margin in the auction and liquidation segment for services and fees increased to 61.4% of revenues during the six months ended June 30, 2015, as compared to 55.1% of revenues during the six months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in the gross margin during the six months ended June 30, 2015 was primarily due to a change in the mix of fee type engagements in 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014. In the six months ended June 30, 2015, the increase in the gross margin was primarily due to the impact of the revenues we earned from our participation in the joint venture involving the liquidation of inventory for the going-out-of-business sale of 133 Target stores located in Canada.

 

Gross margins in the valuation and appraisal segment increased to 57.4% of revenues during the six months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to 56.6% of revenues during the six months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in the gross margin is primarily to due to the increased productivity we experienced during the six months ended June 30, 2015 from the increase in business and revenues from the appraisals for machinery and equipment as compared to the same period in 2014.

  Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses during the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 were comprised of the following:

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

                                       
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2015
  Six Months Ended
June 30, 2014
  Change  
    Amount   %   Amount   %   Amount   %  
Auction and Liquidation segment   $ 6,567     19.9 % $ 5,905     32.8 % $ 662     11.2 %
Valuation and Appraisal segment     4,503     13.7 %   5,289     29.4 %   (786 )   -14.9 %
Capital Markets segment     16,174     49.0 %   530     2.9 %   15,644     n/m  
Corporate and Other segment     5,729     17.4 %   6,260     34.9 %   (531 )   -8.5 %
Total selling, general & administrative expenses   $ 32,973     100.0 % $ 17,984     100.0 % $ 14,989     83.3 %

 

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Total selling, general and administrative expenses increased $15.0 million, or 83.3%, to $33.0 million during the six months ended June 30, 2015 from $18.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. The increase was primarily due to an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses of (a) $15.6 million in the capital markets segment as a result of the acquisition of BRC on June 18, 2014 and MK Capital on February 2, 2015 and (b) $0.7 million in the auction and liquidation segment, offset by decreases in selling, general and administrative expenses of (a) $0.8 million in the valuation and appraisal segment and (b) $0.5 million in corporate and other.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses in the auction and liquidation segment increased $0.7 million, or 11.2%, to $6.6 million during the six months ended June 30, 2015 from $5.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. The increase was primarily due to an increase in incentive compensation and bonuses during the six months ended June 30, 2015 as a result of the increase in operating profit in the auction and liquidation segment in 2015. The increase in incentive compensation in 2015 was offset by a decrease in payroll and other operating expenses of $1.2 million related to the former operations of our GA Keen real estate advisory services division.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses in the valuation and appraisal segment decreased $0.8 million, or 14.9%, to $4.5 million during the six months ended June 30, 2015 from $5.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. The decrease in operating expenses of $0.8 million was primarily due to a decrease in operating expenses from our valuation and appraisal business in Europe resulting from the restructuring of the operations in the third quarter of 2014.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses in the capital markets segment were $16.2 million during the six months ended June 30, 2015. The operating expenses for BRC in 2015 reflects the operating expenses of BRC for the entire six month period ended June 30, 2015 as compared to the prior year which includes the operating expenses of BRC for the period from June 18, 2014, the date of acquisition, through June 30, 2014.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses for corporate and other decreased $0.6 million, or 8.5%, to $5.7 million during the six months ended June 30, 2015 from $6.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in payroll and related expenses as a result of the restructuring in the third quarter of 2014 which resulted in a reduction of corporate headcount and the closure of our office in Deerfield, Illinois.

Other Income (Expense). Other income consisted of interest income that was less than $0.1 million during each of the six month periods ended June 30, 2015 and 2014. Other expense is comprised of interest expense which totaled $0.7 million during the six months ended June 30, 2015, a decrease of $0.4 million from interest expense of $1.1 million during the six months ended June 30, 2014. The decrease in interest expense during the six months ended June 30, 2015 was primarily due to a decrease in interest expense of $0.8 million as a result of the early repayment of a portion of the principal balance of the related party notes payable that accrued interest at 12.0% in January 2014, the retirement of $48.8 million of face amount of long-term debt payable to Andrew Gumaer and Harvey Yellen on June 5, 2014 and the repayment of the remaining principal balance of the related party notes payable of $1.0 million on July 31, 2014 as more fully discussed in Note 8 to the condensed consolidated financial statements. The decrease in interest expense was offset by imputed interest expense of $0.1 million related to the contingent consideration for the acquisition of MK Capital in February 2015 and an increase in interest expense on the revolving line of credit.

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes. Income before income taxes was $19.5 million during the six months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to a loss before income taxes of $3.4 million during the six months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in income before income taxes of $22.9 million during the six months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to the loss in such period in 2014 was primarily due to an increase in operating income of (a) $14.6 million in our auction and liquidation segment, (b) $6.8 million in our capital markets segment, (c) $0.5 million in our valuation and appraisal segment, and (d) a decrease in corporate overhead and interest expense of $1.0 million as discussed above.

(Provision) Benefit For Income Taxes. Provision for income taxes was $7.5 million during the six months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to a benefit for income taxes of $1.4 million during the six months ended June 30, 2014. The effective income tax rate was 38.3% during the six months ended June 30, 2015 and a benefit of 41.6% during the six months ended June 30, 2014.

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest. Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests represents the proportionate share of net income generated by Great American Global Partners, LLC in 2015 and 2014 that we do not own. The net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was $0.7 million during the six months ended June 30, 2015 and $0.1 million during the six months ended June 30, 2014.

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to the Company. Net income attributable to the Company for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $11.3 million compared to a net loss of $2.1 million during the six months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in net income during the six months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014 was primarily due to the increase in operating income in our Auction and Liquidations segment and Capital Markets segment and a decrease in corporate overhead and interest expense as more fully described above.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Our operations are funded through a combination of existing cash on hand, cash generated from operations, proceeds from the private placement of common stock, borrowings under our revolving credit facility and special purposes financing arrangements.  On June 5, 2014, we completed a private placement of 10,289,300 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $5.00 per share and raised net proceeds of $51.2 million. During the six months ended June 30, 2015 we generated net income of $11.3 million and during the year ended December 31, 2014 we generated a net loss of $5.8 million. Our cash flows and profitability are impacted by the number and size of retail liquidation and capital markets engagements performed on a quarterly and annual basis. Our cash flow from operations historically was also impacted by the interest expense and debt service requirements on the $50.5 million in principal of subordinated, unsecured promissory notes. On June 5, 2014, we used $30.2 million of the proceeds from the Private Placement to repay long-term debt payable to Andrew Gumaer and Harvey Yellen, both of whom were executive officers and directors of the Company at the time of such repayment. The $30.0 million principal payment and then outstanding accrued interest of $0.2 million retired the entire $48.8 million face amount of the long-term debt at a discount of $18.8 million. The discount of $18.8 million has been recorded as a capital contribution to additional paid in capital in our consolidated financial statements. On July 31, 2014, principal payments totaling $1.0 million were paid in accordance with the terms of the other subordinated, unsecured promissory notes, which represented the remaining outstanding principal amount on such notes. As of August 1, 2014, there is no remaining outstanding principal or interest payable on such notes. Cash provided by operations was $36.8 million and $5.9 million during the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

As of June 30, 2015, we had $42.1 million of unrestricted cash, $0.5 million of restricted cash, net investments in securities of $5.6 million, and $0.1 million of borrowings outstanding on our revolving credit facility. We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents, funds available under our asset based credit facility and cash expected to be generated from operating activities will be sufficient to meet our working capital and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next 12 months. We continue to monitor our financial performance to ensure sufficient liquidity to fund operations and execute on our business plan.

 

From time to time, we may decide to pay dividends which will be dependent upon our financial condition and results of operations. During the six months ended June 30, 2015, we paid cash dividends of $978 on our common stock. The declaration and payment of any future dividends or repurchases of our common stock will be made at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will be dependent upon our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, capital expenditures, and other factors that may be deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.

 

Cash Flow Summary 

               
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
    2015   2014  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Net cash provided by (used in):              
Operating activities   $ 36,816   $ 5,870  
Investing activities     4,537     3,892  
Financing activities     (20,834 )   14,375  
Effect of foreign currecy on cash     9     39  
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents   $ 20,528   $ 24,176  

 

Cash provided by operating activities was $36.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, an increase of $30.9 million from the $5.9 million of cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2014. Net cash provided by operating activities during the six months ended June 30, 2015 was primarily comprised of (a) net income of $12.0, (b) non-cash items related to depreciation and amortization, provision for credit losses, share based payments, and deferred income taxes of $6.7 million, and (c) the impact of the net changes in operating assets and liabilities of $18.1 million. Net cash provided by investing activities was $4.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, an increase of $0.6 million from the $3.9 million of cash provided by investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2014. Net cash provided by investing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2015 was primarily comprised of cash provided from the decrease in restricted cash of $7.2 million, offset by cash used of $2.5 million in connection with the acquisition of MK Capital and $0.2 million of cash used to purchase property and equipment. The decrease in restricted cash of $7.2 million was primarily the result of the return of cash that was used to collateralize letters of credit that were required in accordance with the terms of certain retail liquidation engagements that we were contracted to provide services for in the first quarter of 2015. Cash used in financing activities was $20.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to cash provided by financing activities of $14.4 million during the comparable period in 2014. Cash used in financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2015 consisted of (a) $18.5 million used to repay the balance outstanding on our asset based credit facility, (b) 1.4 million of distributions to noncontrolling interests, and (c) $1.0 million of dividends paid on our common stock, offset by proceeds from borrowings of $0.1 million under our revolving credit facility.  

37
 

 

Contingent Consideration

In connection with the acquisition of MK Capital on February 2, 2015 for a total purchase price of $9.4 million, at closing $2.5 million of the purchase price was paid in cash and 333,333 newly issued shares of the Company’s common stock with a fair value of $2.7 million were issued to the former members of MK Capital. The purchase agreement also requires the payment of contingent consideration in the form of future cash payments with a fair value of $2.2 million and the issuance of shares of common stock with a fair value of $2.0 million. The contingent cash consideration of $2.2 million payable to the former members of MK Capital represents the fair value of the contingent cash consideration of $1.25 million due on the first anniversary date of the closing (February 2, 2016) and a final cash payment of $1.25 million due on the second anniversary date of the closing (February 2, 2017), with imputed interest expense calculated at 8% per annum. The contingent stock consideration of $2.0 million is comprised the issuance of 166,667 shares of common stock on the first anniversary date of the closing (February 2, 2016) and 166,666 shares of common stock on the second anniversary date of the closing (February 2, 2017). The contingent cash and stock consideration is payable on the first and second anniversary dates of the closing provided that MK Capital generates a minimum amount of gross revenues as defined in the purchase agreement for the twelve months following the first and second anniversary dates of the closing.

 

Credit Agreements

 

From time to time, we utilize our asset based credit facility to fund costs and expenses incurred in connection with liquidation engagements. We also utilize this credit facility in order to issue letters of credit in connection with liquidation engagements conducted on a guaranteed basis. Subject to certain limitations and offsets, we are permitted to borrow up to $100.0 million under the credit facility, less the aggregate principal amount borrowed under the UK Credit Agreement (if in effect), and the maturity date has been extended from July 16, 2013 to July 15, 2018. Borrowings under the credit facility are only made at the discretion of the lender and are generally required to be repaid within 180 days. The interest rate for each revolving credit advance under the related credit agreement is, subject to certain terms and conditions, equal to the LIBOR plus a margin of 2.25% to 3.25% depending on the type of advance and the percentage such advance represents of the related transaction for which such advance is provided. On March 19, 2014, the Company entered into a separate credit agreement (a “UK Credit Agreement”) with an affiliate of Wells Fargo Bank, National Association which provides for the financing of transactions in the United Kingdom. The facility allows the Company to borrow up to 50 million British Pounds. Any borrowings on the UK Credit Agreement reduce the availability on the asset based $100.0 million credit facility. The UK Credit Agreement is cross collateralized and integrated in certain respects with the Credit Agreement. The credit facility is secured by the proceeds received for services rendered in connection with the liquidation service contracts pursuant to which any outstanding loan or letters of credit are issued and the assets that are sold at liquidation related to such contract, if any. The credit facility also provides for success fees in the amount of 5% to 20% of the net profits, if any, earned on liquidation engagements that are financed under the credit facility as set forth in the related credit agreement. We typically seek borrowings on an engagement-by- engagement basis. The credit agreement governing the credit facility contains certain covenants, including covenants that limit or restrict the Company’s ability to incur liens, incur indebtedness, make investments, dispose of assets, make certain restricted payments, merge or consolidate and enter into certain transactions with affiliates. At June 30, 2015, there was no outstanding balance under the credit facility as the balance outstanding of $18.5 million at December 31, 2014 was repaid to Wells Fargo Bank, National Association during the six months ended June 30, 2015.

 

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On May 29, 2008, Great American Group Energy Equipment, LLC (“GAGEE”) entered into a credit agreement to finance the purchase of oil rigs and other equipment related to the oil exploration business to be sold at auction or liquidation. Under the original credit agreement, the principal amount of the loan was $12.0 million and borrowings bear interest at a rate of 20% per annum. The loan is collateralized by the oil rigs and other equipment related to the oil exploration business that was purchased with the proceeds from the loan. GAGEE is required to make principal and interest payments from proceeds from the sale of the oil rigs and other equipment related to the oil exploration business. GAGEE is a special purpose entity created to purchase the oil rigs and other equipment related to the oil exploration business, whose assets consist only of the oil rigs and other equipment related to the oil exploration business in question and whose liabilities are limited to the lenders’ note and certain operational expenses related to this transaction. Under the Third Amendment to the Credit Agreement dated March 19, 2012, the maturity date of the note payable was extended to December 31, 2012 with an interest rate of 0% through maturity. GAGEE entered into a Fourth Amendment to the Credit Agreement effective December 31, 2012 which extended the maturity date of the note payable to December 31, 2013 and the interest rate remained at 0% through maturity. GAGEE entered into a Fifth Amendment to the Credit Agreement effective December 31, 2013 which extended the maturity date of the note payable to June 30, 2015 and the interest rate remained at 0% through maturity. The Third, Fourth and Fifth Amendments to the Credit Agreement also provided for the lender to reimburse GAGEE for certain expenses from proceeds of the sale or lease of the assets that collateralize the note payable. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the lease payments collected from the lease of four oil rigs was used to reduce the outstanding note payable balance by $0.3 million, to $6.6 million at December 31, 2014. GAG, LLC guaranteed GAGEE’s liabilities to the lenders up to a maximum of $1.2 million. GAG, LLC made a payment of $1.2 million on October 9, 2009 in full satisfaction of its guaranty under the credit agreement, which reduced the principal amount of borrowings and interest due under the credit agreement. The credit agreement does not provide for other recourse against us, GAG, LLC or any of our other subsidiaries.

 

On January 11, 2015, GAGEE filed a voluntary petition with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas for relief under Chapter 7 of Title 11 of the United States Code (as amended, the “Bankruptcy Code”). At December 31, 2014, GAGEE had total assets of $6.5 million and total liabilities of $6.6 million. Total assets included $2.5 million of other receivables included in prepaid and other current assets and $4.0 million of goods held for sale which was comprised of five oil rigs, see Note 5 to our condensed consolidated financial statements. Total liabilities included the $6.6 million of notes payable discussed above that is collateralized by the assets of GAGEE.  Under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code the assets of GAGEE will be liquidated and the resulting cash proceeds will be used by the bankruptcy trustee to pay creditors.  As a result of the bankruptcy filing on January 11, 2015, the assets and liabilities of GAGEE described above are no longer consolidated in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for periods subsequent to the bankruptcy filing.  On June 29, 2015, the trustee handling the bankruptcy case for GAGEE was discharged and the bankruptcy case was closed. As a result of this process, the Lenders are proceeding with the disposition of the assets of GAGEE in accordance with their security interest in connection with their loan. At the present time, the Company does not have any remaining investment nor any obligations with respect to GAGEE’s liabilities. The Company intends to dissolve GAGEE and wind up its business. If any future expenses or losses are incurred by GAGEE during its wind up, the Company will record its share of losses under the equity method of accounting. Management does not expect these events or any subsequent related actions regarding GAGEE will have a material impact on the consolidated financial position of the Company.

 

Accounts Receivable Line of Credit

 

On May 17, 2011, one of our majority owned subsidiaries entered into an Accounts Receivable Line of Credit with a finance company. Proceeds from the Accounts Receivable Line of Credit were used to pay off borrowings under the factoring agreement.  The Accounts Receivable Line of Credit is collateralized by the accounts receivable of our majority owned subsidiary and allows for borrowings in the amount of 85% of the net face amount of prime accounts, as defined in the Accounts Receivable Line of Credit, with maximum borrowings not to exceed $2.0 million. The interest rate under the Accounts Receivable Line of Credit is the prime rate plus 2%, payable monthly in arrears. The Accounts Receivable Line of Credit was amended effective February 3, 2012 and the maximum borrowings allowed increased from $2.0 million to $3.0 million. The maturity date of the Accounts Receivable Line of Credit is February 3, 2016 and the maturity date may be extended for successive periods equal to one year, unless our majority owned subsidiary gives the finance company written notice of its intent to terminate the Accounts Receivable Line of Credit at least thirty days prior to the maturity date of the Accounts Receivable Line of Credit. The finance company has the right to terminate the Accounts Receivable Line of Credit at its sole discretion upon giving sixty days’ prior written notice. In connection with the Accounts Receivable Line of Credit, GAG, LLC entered into a limited continuing guaranty of our majority owned subsidiary’s obligations under the Accounts Receivable Line of Credit. Borrowings outstanding under the Accounts Receivable Line of Credit were $0.1 million at each of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

 

Promissory Notes and Other Borrowings

 

As of December 31, 2013, there was $48.8 million in aggregate principal amount outstanding owed to Andrew Gumaer, a member of our Board of Directors and an executive officer, and Harvey Yellen, a former director and executive officer, all of which accrued interest at 3.75%. In addition, there was $1.7 million in aggregate principal amount outstanding payable to other related parties, $1.0 million of which accrued interest at 3.75% and $0.7 million of which accrue interest at 12.0%. On January 31, 2014, the Company paid in full the $0.7 million of principal balance for the notes that had the 12.0% interest rate. The remaining $1.0 million principal amount payable had a maturity date of July 31, 2014. The $48.8 million principal amount payable to Messrs. Gumaer and Yellen had a maturity date of July 31, 2018.

 

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On June 5, 2014, we used $30.2 million of the net proceeds from the Private Placement to repay the principal amount and accrued interest owing to Messrs. Gumaer and Yellen. The $30.0 million principal payment and then outstanding accrued interest of $0.2 million retired the entire $48.8 million face amount of such outstanding notes. The discount of $18.8 million for the repayment of the notes payable was recorded as a capital contribution to additional paid in capital in our consolidated financial statements. On July 31, 2014, the remaining outstanding principal amount of $1.0 million was paid in full to the other related parties. As of August 1, 2014, there is no remaining outstanding principal or interest payable on the notes payable to related parties.

 

On March 10, 2015, the Company borrowed $4.5 million from RIP in accordance with the RIP Note. The principal amount of $4.5 million for the RIP Note accrues interest at the rate of 10% per annum (or 15% in the event of a default under the RIP Note). The borrowings are for short-term working capital needs and capital for other retail liquidation engagements. RIP is also is entitled to the Success Fee of 20% of the net profit, if any, earned by the Company in connection with a designated liquidation transaction. Pursuant to the terms of the RIP Note, under no circumstances shall the Company be obligated to pay to RIP any portion of the combined amount of interest and the Success Fee which exceeds twelve percent (12%) of the $4.5 million principal amount of the RIP Note. The outstanding principal amount, together with the accrued and unpaid interest and the Success Fee, are due and payable by the Company on March 9, 2016. The RIP Note is subordinated in certain respects to the Company’s guaranty relating to its existing credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and, in the event of certain insolvency proceedings, with respect to such credit facility itself, as well as to any other indebtedness of the Company to the extent required by the documents governing the repayment thereof. The RIP Note was repaid on May 4, 2015.

 

Riley Investment Management LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is the general partner of Payee. Bryant Riley, the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, owns or controls approximately 45% of the equity interests of the Payee. In addition, Thomas Kelleher, the President of the Company, and one other employee of the Company, own or control de minimis amounts of the equity interests of the Payee. After considering the economic interests of Mr. Riley and Mr. Kelleher in the RIP Note and comparing the terms of the RIP Note to terms that may have been available from unaffiliated third parties, the disinterested members of the Company’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the issuance of the RIP Note.

 

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We have no obligations, assets or liabilities which would be considered off-balance sheet arrangements and do not participate in transactions that create relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, often referred to as variable interest entities, established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements. We have not guaranteed any debt or commitments of other entities or entered into any options on non-financial assets.

New Accounting Standards

 

In February 2015, the FASB issued guidance which makes targeted amendments to current consolidation guidance. Among other things, the standard changes the manner in which we would assesses one of the characteristics of variable interest entities (VIEs) and introduces a separate analyses specific to limited partnerships and similar entities (such as Nutra SA) for assessing if the equity holders at risk lack decision making. Limited partnerships and similar entities will be a VIE unless the limited partners hold substantive kick-out rights or participating rights. A right to liquidate an entity is akin to a kick-out right. Guidance for limited partnerships under the voting model has been eliminated. A limited partner and similar partners with a controlling financial interest obtained through substantive kick out rights would consolidate a limited partnership or similar entity. The guidance is effective for our annual and interim periods beginning in 2016. Early adoption is allowed. We have not yet determined the impact that the new guidance will have on our results of operations and financial position and have not yet determined if we will early adopt the standard.

 

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” The update requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability instead of being presented as an asset. Debt disclosures will include the face amount of the debt liability and the effective interest rate. The update requires retrospective application and represents a change in accounting principle. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The adoption of this statement will impact future presentation and disclosures of the financial statements.

 

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We carried out an evaluation required by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of the end of our fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2015. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure. Based upon this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of June 30, 2015.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There have been no changes to our internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter covered by this Quarterly Report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Inherent Limitation on Effectiveness of Controls

 

There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures. These limitations include the possibility of human error, the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures and reasonable resource constraints. In addition, because we have designed our system of controls based on certain assumptions, which we believe are reasonable, about the likelihood of future events, our system of controls may not achieve its desired purpose under all possible future conditions. Accordingly, our disclosure controls and procedures provide reasonable assurance, but not absolute assurance, of achieving their objectives.

 

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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

  

From time to time, we are involved in litigation arising out of our operations. We believe that we are not currently a party to any proceedings the adverse outcome of which, individually or in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

Given the nature of our operations and services we provide, a wide range of factors could materially affect our operations and profitability. Changes in competitive, market and economic conditions also affect our operations. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only risks and uncertainties facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known or that are currently considered to be immaterial may also materially and adversely affect our business operations or stock price. If any of the following risks or uncertainties occurs, our business, financial condition or operating results could materially suffer.

 

Our revenues and results of operations are volatile and difficult to predict.

 

Our revenues and results of operations fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter, due to a number of factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

  · Our ability to attract new clients and obtain additional business from our existing client base;

 

  · The number, size and timing of mergers and acquisition transactions, capital raising transactions and other strategic advisory services where we act as an adviser on our auction and liquidation and investment banking engagements;

 

  · The extent to which we acquire assets for resale, or guarantee a minimum return thereon, and our ability to resell those assets at favorable prices;

 

  · Variability in the mix of revenues from the auction and liquidation and valuation and appraisal services businesses;

 

  · The rate of growth of new service areas;

 

  · The types of fees we charge clients, or other financial arrangements we enter into with clients; and

 

  · Changes in general economic and market conditions.

 

We have limited or no control over some of the factors set forth above and, as a result, may be unable to forecast our revenues accurately. For example, our investment banking revenues are typically earned upon the successful completion of a transaction, the timing of which is uncertain and beyond our control. A client’s acquisition transaction may be delayed or terminated because of a failure to agree upon final terms with the counterparty, failure to obtain necessary regulatory consents or board or stockholder approvals, failure to secure necessary financing, adverse market conditions or unexpected financial or other problems in the business of a client or a counterparty. If the parties fail to complete a transaction on which we are advising or an offering in which we are participating, we will earn little or no revenue from the contemplated transaction.

 

We rely on projections of revenues in developing our operating plans for the future and will base our expectations regarding expenses on these projections and plans. If we inaccurately forecast revenues and/or earnings, or fail to accurately project expenses, we may be unable to adjust our spending in a timely manner to compensate for these inaccuracies and, as a result, may suffer operating losses and such losses could have a negative impact on our financial condition and results of operations. If, for any reason, we fail to meet company, investor or analyst projections of revenue, growth or earnings, the market price of the common stock could decline and you may lose all or part of your investment.

 

Conditions in the financial markets and general economic conditions have impacted and may continue to impact our ability to generate business and revenues, which may cause significant fluctuations in our stock price.

 

Our business has in the past, and may in the future, be materially affected by conditions in the financial market and general economic conditions, such as the level and volatility of interest rates, investor sentiment, the availability and the cost of credit, the U.S. mortgage market, the U.S. real estate market, volatile energy prices, consumer confidence, unemployment, and geopolitical issues. Further, certain aspects of our business are cyclical in nature and changes in the current economic environment may require us to adjust our sales and marketing practices and react to different business opportunities and modes of competition. If we are not successful in reacting to changing economic conditions, we may lose business opportunities which could harm our financial condition. For example, we are more likely to conduct auctions and liquidations in connection with insolvencies and store closures during periods of economic downturn relative to periods of economic expansion. Conversely, during an economic downturn, financial institutions that provide asset-based loans typically reduce the number of loans made, which reduces their need for our valuation and appraisal services.

 

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In addition, weakness or disruption in equity markets and diminished trading volume of securities could adversely impact our sales and trading business in the future. Any industry-wide declines in the size and number of underwritings and mergers and acquisitions transactions could also have an adverse effect on our investment banking revenues. Reductions in the trading prices for equity securities tend to reduce the transaction value of investment banking transactions, such as underwriting and mergers and acquisitions transactions, which in turn may reduce the fees we earn from these transactions. Market conditions may also affect the level and volatility of securities prices and the liquidity and value of investments in our funds and proprietary inventory, and we may not be able to manage our business’s exposure to these market conditions. In addition to these factors, deterioration in the financial markets or economic conditions could materially affect our investment banking business in other ways, including the following:

 

  · Our opportunity to act as underwriter or placement agent could be adversely affected by a reduction in the number and size of capital raising transactions or by competing government sources of equity.

 

  · The number and size of mergers and acquisitions transactions or other strategic advisory services where we act as adviser could be adversely affected by continued uncertainties in valuations related to asset quality and creditworthiness, volatility in the equity markets, and diminished access to financing.

 

  · Market volatility could lead to a decline in the volume of transactions that we execute for our customers and, therefore, to a decline in the revenue we receive from commissions and spreads.

 

  · We may experience losses in securities trading activities, or as a result of write-downs in the value of securities that we own, as a result of deteriorations in the businesses or creditworthiness of the issuers of such securities.

 

  · We may experience losses or write downs in the realizable value of our proprietary investments due to the inability of companies we invest in to repay their borrowings.

 

  · Our access to liquidity and the capital markets could be limited, preventing us from making proprietary investments and restricting our sales and trading businesses.

 

  · We may incur unexpected costs or losses as a result of the bankruptcy or other failure of companies for which we have performed investment banking services to honor ongoing obligations such as indemnification or expense reimbursement agreements.

 

  · Sudden sharp declines in market values of securities can result in illiquid markets and the failure of counterparties to perform their obligations, which could make it difficult for us to sell securities, hedge securities positions, and invest funds under management.

 

  · As an introducing broker to clearing firms, we are responsible to the clearing firm and could be held liable for the defaults of our customers, including losses incurred as the result of a customer’s failure to meet a margin call. When we allow customers to purchase securities on margin, we are subject to risks inherent in extending credit. This risk increases when a market is rapidly declining and the value of the collateral held falls below the amount of a customer’s indebtedness. If a customer’s account is liquidated as the result of a margin call, we are liable to our clearing firm for any deficiency.

 

  · Competition in our investment banking, sales, and trading businesses could intensify as a result of the increasing pressures on financial services companies and larger firms competing for transactions and business that historically would have been too small for them to consider.

 

  · Market volatility could result in lower prices for securities, which may result in reduced management fees calculated as a percentage of assets under management.

 

  · Market declines could increase claims and litigation, including arbitration claims from customers.

 

  · Our industry could face increased regulation as a result of legislative or regulatory initiatives. Compliance with such regulation may increase our costs and limit our ability to pursue business opportunities.

 

  · Government intervention may not succeed in improving the financial and credit markets and may have negative consequences for our business.

 

It is difficult to predict how long current financial market and economic conditions will continue, whether they will deteriorate and if they do, which of our business lines will be adversely affected. If one or more of the foregoing risks occurs, our revenues are likely to decline and, if we were unable to reduce expenses at the same pace, our profit margins could erode.

 

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We focus principally on specific sectors of the economy in our investment banking operations, and deterioration in the business environment in these sectors or a decline in the market for securities of companies within these sectors could harm our business.

 

We focus principally on five target industries in our investment banking operations: consumer goods, consumer services, defense, industrials and technology. Volatility in the business environment in these industries or in the market for securities of companies within these industries could adversely affect our financial results and the market value of our common stock. The business environment for companies in some of these industries has been subject to high levels of volatility in recent years, and our financial results have consequently been subject to significant variations from year to year. The market for securities in each of our target industries may also be subject to industry-specific risks. For example, we have research, investment banking and principal investments focused in the areas of defense. This sector has been subject to U.S. Department of Defense budget cuts as well as by disruptions in the financial markets and downturns in the general economy. The consumer goods and services sectors are subject to consumer spending trends, which have been volatile, to mall traffic trends, which have been down, to the availability of credit, and to broader trends such as the rise of Internet retailers. Emerging markets have driven the growth of certain consumer companies but emerging market economies are fragile, subject to wide swings in GDP, and subject to changes in foreign currencies. The technology industry has been volatile, driven by evolving technology trends, by technological obsolescence, by enterprise spending, and by changes in the capital spending trends of major corporations and government agencies around the world.

 

Our investment banking operations focus on various sectors of the economy, and we also depend significantly on private company transactions for sources of revenues and potential business opportunities. Most of these private company clients are initially funded and controlled by private equity firms. To the extent that the pace of these private company transactions slows or the average transaction size declines due to a decrease in private equity financings, difficult market conditions in our target industries or other factors, our business and results of operations may be harmed.

 

Underwriting and other corporate finance transactions, strategic advisory engagements and related sales and trading activities in our target industries represent a significant portion of our investment banking business. This concentration of activity in our target industries exposes us to the risk of declines in revenues in the event of downturns in these industries.

 

Our corporate finance and strategic advisory engagements are singular in nature and do not generally provide for subsequent engagements.

 

Our investment banking clients generally retain us on a short-term, engagement-by-engagement basis in connection with specific corporate finance, merger and acquisition transactions (often as an advisor in company sale transactions) and other strategic advisory services, rather than on a recurring basis under long-term contracts. As these transactions are typically singular in nature and our engagements with these clients may not recur, we must seek new engagements when our current engagements are successfully completed or are terminated. As a result, high activity levels in any period are not necessarily indicative of continued high levels of activity in any subsequent period. If we are unable to generate a substantial number of new engagements that generate fees from new or existing clients, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

 

The asset management business is intensely competitive.

 

Over the past several years, the size and number of asset management funds, including hedge funds and mutual funds, has continued to increase. If this trend continues, it is possible that it will become increasingly difficult for our funds to raise capital. More significantly, the allocation of increasing amounts of capital to alternative investment strategies by institutional and individual investors leads to a reduction in the size and duration of pricing inefficiencies. Many alternative investment strategies seek to exploit these inefficiencies and, in certain industries, this drives prices for investments higher, in either case increasing the difficulty of achieving targeted returns. In addition, if interest rates were to rise or there were to be a prolonged bull market in equities, the attractiveness of our funds relative to investments in other investment products could decrease. Competition is based on a variety of factors, including:

 

  · investment performance;

 

  · investor perception of the drive, focus and alignment of interest of an investment manager;

 

  · quality of service provided to and duration of relationship with investors;

 

  · business reputation; and

 

  · level of fees and expenses charged for services.

 

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We compete in the asset management business with a large number of investment management firms, private equity fund sponsors, hedge fund sponsors and other financial institutions. A number of factors serve to increase our competitive risks, as follows:

 

  · investors may develop concerns that we will allow a fund to grow to the detriment of its performance;

 

  · some of our competitors have greater capital, lower targeted returns or greater sector or investment strategy specific expertise than we do, which creates competitive disadvantages with respect to investment opportunities;

 

  · some of our competitors may perceive risk differently than we do which could allow them either to outbid us for investments in particular sectors or, generally, to consider a wider variety of investments;

 

  · there are relatively few barriers to entry impeding new asset management firms, and the successful efforts of new entrants into our various lines of business, including former “star” portfolio managers at large diversified financial institutions as well as such institutions themselves, will continue to result in increased competition; and

 

  · other industry participants in the asset management business continuously seek to recruit our best and brightest investment professionals away from us.

  

These and other factors could reduce our earnings and revenues and adversely affect our business. In addition, if we are forced to compete with other alternative asset managers on the basis of price, we may not be able to maintain our current base management and incentive fee structures. We have historically competed primarily on the performance of our funds, and not on the level of our fees relative to those of our competitors. However, there is a risk that fees in the alternative investment management industry will decline, without regard to the historical performance of a manager, including our managers. Fee reductions on our existing or future funds, without corresponding decreases in our cost structure, would adversely affect our revenues and distributable earnings.

 

Poor investment performance may decrease assets under management and reduce revenues from and the profitability of our asset management business.

 

Revenues from our asset management business are primarily derived from asset management fees. Asset management fees are generally comprised of management and incentive fees. Management fees are typically based on assets under management, and incentive fees are earned on a quarterly or annual basis only if the return on our managed accounts exceeds a certain threshold return, or “highwater mark,” for each investor. We will not earn incentive fee income during a particular period, even when a fund had positive returns in that period, if we do not generate cumulative performance that surpasses a highwater mark. If a fund experiences losses, we will not earn incentive fees with regard to investors in that fund until its returns exceed the relevant highwater mark.

 

In addition, investment performance is one of the most important factors in retaining existing investors and competing for new asset management business. Investment performance may be poor as a result of the current or future difficult market or economic conditions, including changes in interest rates or inflation, terrorism or political uncertainty, our investment style, the particular investments that we make, and other factors. Poor investment performance may result in a decline in our revenues and income by causing (i) the net asset value of the assets under our management to decrease, which would result in lower management fees to us, (ii) lower investment returns, resulting in a reduction of incentive fee income to us, and (iii) investor redemptions, which would result in lower fees to us because we would have fewer assets under management.

 

To the extent our future investment performance is perceived to be poor in either relative or absolute terms, the revenues and profitability of our asset management business will likely be reduced and our ability to grow existing funds and raise new funds in the future will likely be impaired.

 

The historical returns of our funds may not be indicative of the future results of our funds.

 

The historical returns of our funds should not be considered indicative of the future results that should be expected from such funds or from any future funds we may raise. Our rates of returns reflect unrealized gains, as of the applicable measurement date, which may never be realized due to changes in market and other conditions not in our control that may adversely affect the ultimate value realized from the investments in a fund. The returns of our funds may have also benefited from investment opportunities and general market conditions that may not repeat themselves, and there can be no assurance that our current or future funds will be able to avail themselves of profitable investment opportunities. Furthermore, the historical and potential future returns of the funds we manage also may not necessarily bear any relationship to potential returns on our common stock.

 

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Our asset management clients may generally redeem their investments, which could reduce our asset management fee revenues.

 

Our asset management fund agreements generally permit investors to redeem their investments with us after an initial “lockup” period during which redemptions are restricted or penalized. However, any such restrictions may be waived by us. Thereafter, redemptions are permitted at specified intervals. If the return on the assets under our management does not meet investors’ expectations, investors may elect to redeem their investments and invest their assets elsewhere, including with our competitors. Our management fee revenues correlate directly to the amount of assets under our management; therefore, redemptions may cause our fee revenues to decrease. Investors may decide to reallocate their capital away from us and to other asset managers for a number of reasons, including poor relative investment performance, changes in prevailing interest rates which make other investments more attractive, changes in investor perception regarding our focus or alignment of interest, dissatisfaction with changes in or a broadening of a fund’s investment strategy, changes in our reputation, and departures or changes in responsibilities of key investment professionals. For these and other reasons, the pace of redemptions and corresponding reduction in our assets under management could accelerate. In the future, redemptions could require us to liquidate assets under unfavorable circumstances, which would further harm our reputation and results of operations.

 

We are subject to risks in using custodians.

 

Our asset management subsidiary and its managed funds depend on the services of custodians to settle and report securities transactions. In the event of the insolvency of a custodian, our funds might not be able to recover equivalent assets in whole or in part as they will rank among the custodian’s unsecured creditors in relation to assets which the custodian borrows, lends or otherwise uses. In addition, cash held by our funds with the custodian will not be segregated from the custodian’s own cash, and the funds will therefore rank as unsecured creditors in relation thereto.

 

We may suffer losses if our reputation is harmed.

 

Our ability to attract and retain customers and employees may be diminished to the extent our reputation is damaged. If we fail, or are perceived to fail, to address various issues that may give rise to reputational risk, we could harm our business prospects. These issues include, but are not limited to, appropriately dealing with market dynamics, potential conflicts of interest, legal and regulatory requirements, ethical issues, customer privacy, record-keeping, sales and trading practices, and the proper identification of the legal, reputational, credit, liquidity and market risks inherent in our products and services. Failure to appropriately address these issues could give rise to loss of existing or future business, financial loss, and legal or regulatory liability, including complaints, claims and enforcement proceedings against us, which could, in turn, subject us to fines, judgments and other penalties. In addition, our capital markets operations depend to a large extent on our relationships with our clients and reputation for integrity and high-caliber professional services to attract and retain clients. As a result, if a client is not satisfied with our services, it may be more damaging in our business than in other businesses.

 

Our capital markets operations are highly dependent on communications, information and other systems and third parties, and any systems failures could significantly disrupt our capital markets business.

 

Our data and transaction processing, custody, financial, accounting and other technology and operating systems are essential to our capital markets operations. A system malfunction (due to hardware failure, capacity overload, security incident, data corruption, etc.) or mistake made relating to the processing of transactions could result in financial loss, liability to clients, regulatory intervention, reputational damage and constraints on our ability to grow. We outsource a substantial portion of our critical data processing activities, including trade processing and back office data processing. We also contract with third parties for market data and other services. In the event that any of these service providers fails to adequately perform such services or the relationship between that service provider and us is terminated, we may experience a significant disruption in our operations, including our ability to timely and accurately process transactions or maintain complete and accurate records of those transactions.

 

Adapting or developing our technology systems to meet new regulatory requirements, client needs, expansion and industry demands also is critical for our business. Introduction of new technologies present new challenges on a regular basis. We have an ongoing need to upgrade and improve our various technology systems, including our data and transaction processing, financial, accounting, risk management and trading systems. This need could present operational issues or require significant capital spending. It also may require us to make additional investments in technology systems and may require us to reevaluate the current value and/or expected useful lives of our technology systems, which could negatively impact our results of operations.

 

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Secure processing, storage and transmission of confidential and other information in our internal and outsourced computer systems and networks also is critically important to our business. We take protective measures and endeavor to modify them as circumstances warrant. However, our computer systems, software and networks may be vulnerable to unauthorized access, computer viruses or other malicious code, inadvertent, erroneous or intercepted transmission of information (including by e-mail), and other events that could have an information security impact. If one or more of such events occur, this potentially could jeopardize our or our clients’ or counterparties’ confidential and other information processed and stored in, and transmitted through, our computer systems and networks, or otherwise cause interruptions or malfunctions in our, our clients’, our counterparties’ or third parties’ operations. We may be required to expend significant additional resources to modify our protective measures or to investigate and remediate vulnerabilities or other exposures, and we may be subject to litigation and financial losses that are either not insured against or not fully covered through any insurance maintained by us.

 

A disruption in the infrastructure that supports our business due to fire, natural disaster, health emergency (for example, a disease pandemic), power or communication failure, act of terrorism or war may affect our ability to service and interact with our clients. If we are not able to implement contingency plans effectively, any such disruption could harm our results of operations.

 

The growth of electronic trading and the introduction of new technology in the markets in which our market-making business operates may adversely affect this business and may increase competition.

 

The continued growth of electronic trading and the introduction of new technologies is changing our market-making business and presenting new challenges. Securities, futures and options transactions are increasingly occurring electronically, through alternative trading systems. It appears that the trend toward alternative trading systems will continue to accelerate. This acceleration could further increase program trading, increase the speed of transactions and decrease our ability to participate in transactions as principal, which would reduce the profitability of our market-making business. Some of these alternative trading systems compete with our market-making business and with our algorithmic trading platform, and we may experience continued competitive pressures in these and other areas. Significant resources have been invested in the development of our electronic trading systems, which includes our ATM business, but there is no assurance that the revenues generated by these systems will yield an adequate return on the investment, particularly given the increased program trading and increased percentage of stocks trading off of the historically manual trading markets.

 

Pricing and other competitive pressures may impair the revenues of our sales and trading business.

 

We derive a significant portion of our revenues for our investment banking operations from our sales and trading business. There has been intense price competition and trading volume reduction in this business in recent years. In particular, the ability to execute trades electronically and through alternative trading systems has increased the downward pressure on per share trading commissions and spreads. We expect these trends toward alternative trading systems and downward pricing pressure in the business to continue. We believe we may experience competitive pressures in these and other areas in the future as some of our competitors seek to obtain market share by competing on the basis of price or by using their own capital to facilitate client trading activities. In addition, we face pressure from our larger competitors, which may be better able to offer a broader range of complementary products and services to clients in order to win their trading business. These larger competitors may also be better able to respond to changes in the research, brokerage and investment banking industries, to compete for skilled professionals, to finance acquisitions, to fund internal growth and to compete for market share generally. As we are committed to maintaining and improving our comprehensive research coverage in our target sectors to support our sales and trading business, we may be required to make substantial investments in our research capabilities to remain competitive. If we are unable to compete effectively in these areas, the revenues of our sales and trading business may decline, and our business, results of operations and financial condition may be harmed.

 

Some of our large institutional sales and trading clients in terms of brokerage revenues have entered into arrangements with us and other investment banking firms under which they separate payments for research products or services from trading commissions for sales and trading services, and pay for research directly in cash, instead of compensating the research providers through trading commissions (referred to as “soft dollar” practices). In addition, we have entered into certain commission sharing arrangements in which institutional clients execute trades with a limited number of brokers and instruct those brokers to allocate a portion of the commission directly to us or other broker-dealers for research or to an independent research provider. If more of such arrangements are reached between our clients and us, or if similar practices are adopted by more firms in the investment banking industry, it may further increase the competitive pressures on trading commissions and spreads and reduce the value our clients place on high quality research. Conversely, if we are unable to make similar arrangements with other investment managers that insist on separating trading commissions from research products, volumes and trading commissions in our sales and trading business also would likely decrease.

 

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Larger and more frequent capital commitments in our trading and underwriting businesses increase the potential for significant losses.

 

Certain financial services firms make larger and more frequent commitments of capital in many of their activities. For example, in order to win business, some investment banks increasingly commit to purchase large blocks of stock from publicly traded issuers or significant stockholders, instead of the more traditional marketed underwriting process in which marketing is typically completed before an investment bank commits to purchase securities for resale. We may participate in this activity and, as a result, we may be subject to increased risk. Conversely, if we do not have sufficient regulatory capital to so participate, our business may suffer. Furthermore, we may suffer losses as a result of the positions taken in these transactions even when economic and market conditions are generally favorable for others in the industry.

 

We may increasingly commit our own capital as part of our trading business to facilitate client sales and trading activities. The number and size of these transactions may adversely affect our results of operations in a given period. We may also incur significant losses from our sales and trading activities due to market fluctuations and volatility in our results of operations. To the extent that we own assets, i.e., have long positions, in any of those markets, a downturn in the value of those assets or in those markets could result in losses. Conversely, to the extent that we have sold assets we do not own, i.e., have short positions, in any of those markets, an upturn in those markets could expose us to potentially large losses as we attempt to cover our short positions by acquiring assets in a rising market.

 

We have made and may make principal investments in relatively high-risk, illiquid assets that often have significantly leveraged capital structures, and we may fail to realize any profits from these activities for a considerable period of time or lose some or all of the principal amount we invest in these activities.

 

We may purchase equity securities and, to a lesser extent, debt securities, in venture capital, seed and other high risk financings of early-stage, pre-public or “mezzanine stage”, distressed situations and turnaround companies, as well as funds or other collective investment vehicles. We risk the loss of capital we have invested in these activities.

 

We may use our capital, including on a leveraged basis in proprietary investments in both private company and public company securities that may be illiquid and volatile. The equity securities of a privately-held entity in which we make a proprietary investment are likely to be restricted as to resale and may otherwise be highly illiquid. In the case of fund or similar investments, our investments may be illiquid until such investment vehicles are liquidated. We expect that there will be restrictions on our ability to resell the securities of any such company that we acquire for a period of at least six months after we acquire those securities. Thereafter, a public market sale may be subject to volume limitations or dependent upon securing a registration statement for an initial and potentially secondary public offering of the securities. We may make principal investments that are significant relative to the overall capitalization of the investee company and resales of significant amounts of these securities might be subject to significant limitations and adversely affect the market and the sales price for the securities in which we invest. In addition, our principal investments may involve entities or businesses with capital structures that have significant leverage. The large amount of borrowing in the leveraged capital structure increases the risk of losses due to factors such as rising interest rates, downturns in the economy or deteriorations in the condition of the investment or its industry. In the event of defaults under borrowings, the assets being financed would be at risk of foreclosure, and we could lose our entire investment.

 

Even if we make an appropriate investment decision based on the intrinsic value of an enterprise, we cannot assure you that general market conditions will not cause the market value of our investments to decline. For example, an increase in interest rates, a general decline in the stock markets, or other market and industry conditions adverse to companies of the type in which we invest and intend to invest could result in a decline in the value of our investments or a total loss of our investment.

 

In addition, some of these investments are, or may in the future be, in industries or sectors which are unstable, in distress or undergoing some uncertainty. Further, the companies in which we invest may rely on new or developing technologies or novel business models, or concentrate on markets which are or may be disproportionately impacted by pressures in the financial services and/or mortgage and real estate sectors, have not yet developed and which may never develop sufficiently to support successful operations, or their existing business operations may deteriorate or may not expand or perform as projected. Such investments may be subject to rapid changes in value caused by sudden company-specific or industry-wide developments. Contributing capital to these investments is risky, and we may lose some or all of the principal amount of our investments. There are no regularly quoted market prices for a number of the investments that we make. The value of our investments is determined using fair value methodologies described in valuation policies, which may consider, among other things, the nature of the investment, the expected cash flows from the investment, bid or ask prices provided by third parties for the investment and the trading price of recent sales of securities (in the case of publicly-traded securities), restrictions on transfer and other recognized valuation methodologies. The methodologies we use in valuing individual investments are based on estimates and assumptions specific to the particular investments. Therefore, the value of our investments does not necessarily reflect the prices that would actually be obtained by us when such investments are sold. Realizations at values significantly lower than the values at which investments have been reflected in values would result in loses of potential incentive income and principal investments.

 

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We may experience write downs of our investments and other losses related to the valuation of our investments and volatile and illiquid market conditions.

 

In our proprietary investment activities, our concentrated holdings, illiquidity and market volatility may make it difficult to value certain of our investment securities. Subsequent valuations, in light of factors then prevailing, may result in significant changes in the values of these securities in future periods. In addition, at the time of any sales and settlements of these securities, the price we ultimately realize will depend on the demand and liquidity in the market at that time and may be materially lower than their current fair value. Any of these factors could require us to take write downs in the value of our investment and securities portfolio, which may have an adverse effect on our results of operations in future periods.

 

Our underwriting and market-making activities may place our capital at risk.

 

We may incur losses and be subject to reputational harm to the extent that, for any reason, we are unable to sell securities we purchased as an underwriter at the anticipated price levels. As an underwriter, we also are subject to heightened standards regarding liability for material misstatements or omissions in prospectuses and other offering documents relating to offerings we underwrite. Further, even though underwriting agreements with issuing companies typically include a right to indemnification in favor of the underwriter for these offerings to cover potential liability from any material misstatements or omissions, indemnification may be unavailable or insufficient in certain circumstances, for example if the issuing company has become insolvent. As a market maker, we may own large positions in specific securities, and these undiversified holdings concentrate the risk of market fluctuations and may result in greater losses than would be the case if our holdings were more diversified.

 

Our businesses, profitability and liquidity may be adversely affected by deterioration in the credit quality of, or defaults by, third parties who owe us money, securities or other assets or whose securities or obligations we hold.

 

The amount and duration of our credit exposures have been increasing over the past year, as have the breadth and size of the entities to which we have credit exposures. We are exposed to the risk that third parties that owe us money, securities or other assets will not perform their obligations. These parties may default on their obligations to us due to bankruptcy, lack of liquidity, operational failure or other reasons. Declines in the market value of securities can result in the failure of buyers and sellers of securities to fulfill their settlement obligations, and in the failure of our clients to fulfill their credit obligations. During market downturns, counterparties to us in securities transactions may be less likely to complete transactions. In addition, particularly during market downturns, we may face additional expenses defending or pursuing claims or litigation related to counterparty or client defaults.

 

Our businesses may be adversely affected by the disruptions in the credit markets, including reduced access to credit and liquidity and higher costs of obtaining credit.

 

In the event existing internal and external financial resources do not satisfy our needs, we would have to seek additional outside financing. The availability of outside financing will depend on a variety of factors, such as our financial condition and results of operations, the availability of acceptable collateral, market conditions, the general availability of credit, the volume of trading activities, and the overall availability of credit to the financial services industry.

 

Widening credit spreads, as well as significant declines in the availability of credit, could adversely affect our ability to borrow on an unsecured basis. Disruptions in the credit markets could make it more difficult and more expensive to obtain funding for our businesses. If our available funding is limited or we are forced to fund our operations at a higher cost, these conditions may require us to curtail our business activities and increase our cost of funding, both of which could reduce our profitability, particularly in our businesses that involve investing and taking principal positions.

 

Liquidity, or ready access to funds, is essential to financial services firms, including ours. Failures of financial institutions have often been attributable in large part to insufficient liquidity. Liquidity is of particular importance to our sales and trading business, and perceived liquidity issues may affect the willingness of our clients and counterparties to engage in sales and trading transactions with us. Our liquidity could be impaired due to circumstances that we may be unable to control, such as a general market disruption or an operational problem that affects our sales and trading clients, third parties or us. Further, our ability to sell assets may be impaired if other market participants are seeking to sell similar assets at the same time.

 

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Our clients engaging us with respect to mergers and acquisitions often rely on access to the secured and unsecured credit markets to finance their transactions. The lack of available credit and the increased cost of credit could adversely affect the size, volume and timing of our clients’ merger and acquisition transactions—particularly large transactions—and adversely affect our investment banking business and revenues.

 

We have experienced losses and may not achieve or maintain profitability.

 

Our profitability in each reporting period is impacted by the number and size of retail liquidation and capital markets engagements we perform on a quarterly or annual basis. It is possible that we will continue to experience losses with respect to our current operations as we continue to expand our operations. In addition, we expect that our operating expenses will increase to the extent that we grow our business. We may not be able to generate sufficient revenues to achieve or maintain profitability.

 

Because of their significant stock ownership, some of our existing stockholders will be able to exert control over us and our significant corporate decisions.

 

Our executive officers, directors and their affiliates own or control, in the aggregate, approximately 30.9% of our outstanding common stock as of June 30, 2015. In particular, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Bryant R. Riley, owns or controls, in the aggregate, 3,944,410 shares of our common stock or 24.2% of our outstanding common stock as of June 30, 2015. These stockholders are able to exercise influence over matters requiring stockholder approval, such as the election of directors and the approval of significant corporate transactions, including transactions involving an actual or potential change of control of the company or other transactions that non-controlling stockholders may not deem to be in their best interests. This concentration of ownership may harm the market price of our common stock by, among other things:

 

  · deferring, or preventing a change in control of our company;

 

  · impeding a merger, consolidation, takeover, or other business combination involving our company;

 

  · causing us to enter into transactions or agreements that are not in the best interests of all stockholders; or

 

  · discouraging a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of our company.

 

We may incur losses as a result of “guarantee” based engagements that we enter into in connection with our auction and liquidation solutions business.

 

In many instances, in order to secure an engagement, we are required to bid for that engagement by guaranteeing to the client a minimum amount that such client will receive from the sale of inventory or assets. Our bid is based on a variety of factors, including: our experience, expertise, perceived value added by engagement, valuation of the inventory or assets and the prices we believe potential buyers would be willing to pay for such inventory or assets. An inaccurate estimate of any of the above or inaccurate valuation of the assets or inventory could result in us submitting a bid that exceeds the realizable proceeds from any engagement. If the liquidation proceeds, net of direct operating expenses, are less than the amount we guaranteed in our bid, we will incur a loss. Therefore, in the event that the proceeds, net of direct operating expenses, from an engagement are less than the bid, the value of the assets or inventory decline in value prior to the disposition or liquidation, or the assets are overvalued for any reason, we may suffer a loss and our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

Losses due to any auction or liquidation engagement may cause us to become unable to make payments due to our creditors and may cause us to default on our debt obligations.

 

We have three engagement structures for our auction and liquidation services: (i) a “fee” based structure under which we are compensated for our role in an engagement on a commission basis, (ii) purchase on an outright basis (and take title to) the assets or inventory of the client, and (iii) “guarantee” to the client that a certain amount will be realized by the client upon the sale of the assets or inventory based on contractually defined terms in the auction or liquidation contract. We bear the risk of loss under the purchase and guarantee structures of auction and liquidation contracts. If the amount realized from the sale or disposition of assets, net of direct operating expenses, does not equal or exceed the purchase price (in purchase transaction), we will recognize a loss on the engagement, or should the amount realized, net of direct operating expenses, not equal or exceed the “guarantee,” we are still required to pay the guaranteed amount to the client.

 

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We could incur losses in connection with outright purchase transactions in which we engage as part of our auction and liquidation solutions business.

 

When we conduct an asset disposition or liquidation on an outright purchase basis, we purchase from the client the assets or inventory to be sold or liquidated and therefore, we hold title to any assets or inventory that we are not able to sell. In other situations, we may acquire assets from our clients if we believe that we can identify a potential buyer and sell the assets at a premium to the price paid. We store these unsold or acquired assets and inventory until they can be sold or, alternatively, transported to the site of a liquidation of comparable assets or inventory that we are conducting. If we are forced to sell these assets for less than we paid, or are required to transport and store assets multiple times, the related expenses could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

We depend on financial institutions as primary clients for our valuation and appraisal business. Consequently, the loss of any financial institutions as clients may have an adverse impact on our business.

 

A majority of the revenue from our valuation and appraisal business is derived from engagements by financial institutions. As a result, any loss of financial institutions as clients of our valuation and advisory services, whether due to changing preferences in service providers, failures of financial institutions or mergers and consolidations within the finance industry, could significantly reduce the number of existing, repeat and potential clients, thereby adversely affecting our revenues. In addition, any larger financial institutions that result from mergers or consolidations in the financial services industry could have greater leverage in negotiating terms of engagements with us, or could decide to internally perform some or all of the valuation and appraisal services which we currently provide to one of the constituent institutions involved in the merger or consolidation or which we could provide in the future. Any of these developments could have a material adverse effect on our valuation and appraisal business.

  

We may face liability or harm to our reputation as a result of a claim that we provided an inaccurate appraisal or valuation and our insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover the liability.

  

We could face liability in connection with a claim by a client that we provided an inaccurate appraisal or valuation on which the client relied. Any claim of this type, whether with or without merit, could result in costly litigation, which could divert management’s attention and company resources and harm our reputation. Furthermore, if we are found to be liable, we may be required to pay damages. While our appraisals and valuations are typically provided only for the benefit of our clients, if a third party relies on an appraisal or valuation and suffers harm as a result, we may become subject to a legal claim, even if the claim is without merit. We carry insurance for liability resulting from errors or omissions in connection with our appraisals and valuations; however, the coverage may not be sufficient if we are found to be liable in connection with a claim by a client or third party.

  

We could be forced to mark down the value of certain assets acquired in connection with outright purchase transactions.

 

In most instances, inventory is reported on the balance sheet at its historical cost; however, according to U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, inventory whose historical cost exceeds its market value should be valued conservatively, which dictates a lower value should apply. Accordingly, should the replacement cost (due to technological obsolescence or otherwise), or the net realizable value of any inventory we hold be less than the cost paid to acquire such inventory (purchase price), we will be required to “mark down” the value of such inventory held. If the value of any inventory held on our balance sheet, including, but not limited to, oil rigs and other equipment related to the oil exploration business and airplane parts, is required to be written down, such write down could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations.

  

We operate in highly competitive industries. Some of our competitors may have certain competitive advantages, which may cause us to be unable to effectively compete with or gain market share from our competitors.

 

We face competition with respect to all of our service areas. The level of competition depends on the particular service area and category of assets being liquidated or appraised. We compete with other companies and investment banks to help clients with their corporate finance and capital needs. In addition, we compete with companies and online services in the bidding for assets and inventory to be liquidated. The demand for online solutions continues to grow and our online competitors include other e-commerce providers, auction websites such as eBay, as well as government agencies and traditional liquidators and auctioneers that have created websites to further enhance their product offerings and more efficiently liquidate assets. We expect the market to become even more competitive as the demand for such services continues to increase and traditional and online liquidators and auctioneers continue to develop online and offline services for disposition, redeployment and remarketing of wholesale surplus and salvage assets. In addition, manufacturers, retailers and government agencies may decide to create their own websites to sell their own surplus assets and inventory and those of third parties.

 

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We also compete with other providers of valuation and advisory services. Competitive pressures within the valuation and appraisal services market, including a decrease in the number of engagements and/or a decrease in the fees which can be charged for these services, could affect revenues from our valuation and appraisal services as well as our ability to engage new or repeat clients. We believe that given the relatively low barriers to entry in the valuation and appraisal services market, this market may become more competitive as the demand for such services increases.

  

Some of our competitors may be able to devote greater financial resources to marketing and promotional campaigns, secure merchandise from sellers on more favorable terms, adopt more aggressive pricing or inventory availability policies and devote more resources to website and systems development than we are able to do. Any inability on our part to effectively compete could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, growth potential and results of operations.

  

We compete with specialized investment banks to provide financial and investment banking services to small and middle-market companies. Middle-market investment banks provide access to capital and strategic advice to small and middle-market companies in our target industries. We compete with those investment banks on the basis of a number of factors, including client relationships, reputation, the abilities of our professionals, transaction execution, innovation, price, market focus and the relative quality of our products and services. We have experienced intense competition over obtaining advisory mandates in recent years, and we may experience pricing pressures in our investment banking business in the future as some of our competitors seek to obtain increased market share by reducing fees. Competition in the middle-market may further intensify if larger Wall Street investment banks expand their focus to this sector of the market. Increased competition could reduce our market share from investment banking services and our ability to generate fees at historical levels.

  

We also face increased competition due to a trend toward consolidation. In recent years, there has been substantial consolidation and convergence among companies in the financial services industry. This trend was amplified in connection with the unprecedented disruption and volatility in the financial markets during the past several years, and, as a result, a number of financial services companies have merged, been acquired or have fundamentally changed their respective business models. Many of these firms may have the ability to support investment banking, including financial advisory services, with commercial banking, insurance and other financial services in an effort to gain market share, which could result in pricing pressure in our businesses.

  

If we are unable to attract and retain qualified personnel, we may not be able to compete successfully in our industry.

  

Our future success depends to a significant degree upon the continued contributions of senior management and the ability to attract and retain other highly qualified management personnel. We face competition for management from other companies and organizations; therefore, we may not be able to retain our existing personnel or fill new positions or vacancies created by expansion or turnover at existing compensation levels. Although we have entered into employment agreements with key members of the senior management team, there can be no assurances such key individuals will remain with us. The loss of any of our executive officers or other key management personnel would disrupt our operations and divert the time and attention of our remaining officers and management personnel which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and potential for growth.

  

We also face competition for highly skilled employees with experience in our industry, which requires a unique knowledge base. We may be unable to recruit or retain other existing technical, sales and client support personnel that are critical to our ability to execute our business plan.

  

We frequently use borrowings under credit facilities in connection with our guaranty engagements, in which we guarantee a minimum recovery to the client, and outright purchase transactions.

 

In engagements where we operate on a guaranty or purchase basis, we are typically required to make an upfront payment to the client. If the upfront payment is less than 100% of the guarantee or the purchase price in a “purchase” transaction, we may be required to make successive cash payments until the guarantee is met or we may issue a letter of credit in favor of the client. Depending on the size and structure of the engagement, we may borrow under our credit facilities and may be required to issue a letter of credit in favor of the client for these additional amounts. If we lose any availability under our credit facilities, are unable to borrow under credit facilities and/or issue letters of credit in favor of clients, or borrow under credit facilities and/or issue letters of credit on commercially reasonable terms, we may be unable to pursue large liquidation and disposition engagements, engage in multiple concurrent engagements, pursue new engagements or expand our operations. We are required to obtain approval from the lenders under our existing credit facilities prior to making any borrowings thereunder in connection with a particular engagement. Any inability to borrow under our credit facilities, or enter into one or more other credit facilities on commercially reasonable terms may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and growth.

   

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Defaults under our credit agreements could have an adverse impact on our ability to finance potential engagements.

 

The terms of our credit agreements contain a number of events of default. Should we default under any of our credit agreements in the future, lenders may take any or all remedial actions set forth in such credit agreement, including, but not limited to, accelerating payment and/or charging us a default rate of interest on all outstanding amounts, refusing to make any further advances or issue letters of credit, or terminating the line of credit. As a result of our reliance on lines of credit and letters of credit, any default under a credit agreement, or remedial actions pursued by lenders following any default under a credit agreement, may require us to immediately repay all outstanding amounts, which may preclude us from pursuing new liquidation and disposition engagements and may increase our cost of capital, each of which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

  

If we cannot meet our future capital requirements, we may be unable to develop and enhance our services, take advantage of business opportunities and respond to competitive pressures.

  

We may need to raise additional funds in the future to grow our business internally, invest in new businesses, expand through acquisitions, enhance our current services or respond to changes in our target markets. If we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or equity derivative securities, the issuance of these securities could result in dilution to our existing stockholders. If additional funds are raised through the issuance of debt securities, the terms of that debt could impose additional restrictions on our operations or harm our financial condition. Additional financing may be unavailable on acceptable terms.

 

We are subject to net capital and other regulatory capital requirements; failure to comply with these rules would significantly harm our business.

  

B. Riley & Co., LLC, our broker-dealer subsidiary, is subject to the net capital requirements of the SEC, FINRA, and various self-regulatory organizations of which it is a member. These requirements typically specify the minimum level of net capital a broker-dealer must maintain and also mandate that a significant part of its assets be kept in relatively liquid form. Failure to maintain the required net capital may subject a firm to limitation of its activities, including suspension or revocation of its registration by the SEC and suspension or expulsion by FINRA and other regulatory bodies, and ultimately may require its liquidation. Failure to comply with the net capital rules could have material and adverse consequences, such as:

  

    limiting our operations that require intensive use of capital, such as underwriting or trading activities; or

  

    restricting us from withdrawing capital from our subsidiaries, when our broker-dealer subsidiary has more than the minimum amount of required capital. This, in turn, could limit our ability to implement our business and growth strategies, pay interest on and repay the principal of our debt and/or repurchase our shares.

   

In addition, a change in the net capital rules or the imposition of new rules affecting the scope, coverage, calculation, or amount of net capital requirements, or a significant operating loss or any large charge against net capital, could have similar adverse effects.

  

Furthermore, B. Riley & Co., LLC is subject to laws that authorize regulatory bodies to block or reduce the flow of funds from it to B. Riley Financial, Inc. As a holding company, B. Riley Financial, Inc. depends on dividends, distributions and other payments from its subsidiaries to fund dividend payments, if any, and to fund all payments on its obligations, including debt obligations. As a result, regulatory actions could impede access to funds that B. Riley Financial, Inc. needs to make payments on obligations, including debt obligations, or dividend payments. In addition, because B. Riley Financial, Inc. holds equity interests in the firm’s subsidiaries, its rights as an equity holder to the assets of these subsidiaries may not materialize, if at all, until the claims of the creditors of these subsidiaries are first satisfied.

 

We may incur losses as a result of ineffective risk management processes and strategies.

  

We seek to monitor and control our risk exposure through operational and compliance reporting systems, internal controls, management review processes and other mechanisms. Our investing and trading processes seek to balance our ability to profit from investment and trading positions with our exposure to potential losses. While we employ limits and other risk mitigation techniques, those techniques and the judgments that accompany their application cannot anticipate economic and financial outcomes or the specifics and timing of such outcomes. Thus, we may, in the course of our investment and trading activities, incur losses, which may be significant.

 

In addition, we are investing our own capital in our funds and funds of funds as well as principal investing activities, and limitations on our ability to withdraw some or all of our investments in these funds or liquidate our investment positions, whether for legal, reputational, illiquidity or other reasons, may make it more difficult for us to control the risk exposures relating to these investments.

 

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Our risk management policies and procedures may leave us exposed to unidentified or unanticipated risks.

  

Our risk management strategies and techniques may not be fully effective in mitigating our risk exposure in all market environments or against all types of risk. We seek to manage, monitor and control our operational, legal and regulatory risk through operational and compliance reporting systems, internal controls, management review processes and other mechanisms; however, there can be no assurance that our procedures will be fully effective. Further, our risk management methods may not effectively predict future risk exposures, which could be significantly greater than the historical measures indicate. In addition, some of our risk management methods are based on an evaluation of information regarding markets, clients and other matters that are based on assumptions that may no longer be accurate. A failure to adequately manage our growth, or to effectively manage our risk, could materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition.

  

We are exposed to the risk that third parties that owe us money, securities or other assets will not perform their obligations. These parties may default on their obligations to us due to bankruptcy, lack of liquidity, operational failure, and breach of contract or other reasons. We are also subject to the risk that our rights against third parties may not be enforceable in all circumstances. As an introducing broker, we could be held responsible for the defaults or misconduct of our customers. These may present credit concerns, and default risks may arise from events or circumstances that are difficult to detect, foresee or reasonably guard against. In addition, concerns about, or a default by, one institution could lead to significant liquidity problems, losses or defaults by other institutions, which in turn could adversely affect us. If any of the variety of instruments, processes and strategies we utilize to manage our exposure to various types of risk are not effective, we may incur losses.

 

Our common stock price may fluctuate substantially, and your investment could suffer a decline in value.

 

The market price of our common stock may be volatile and could fluctuate substantially due to many factors, including, among other things:

  

    actual or anticipated fluctuations in our results of operations;

  

    announcements of significant contracts and transactions by us or our competitors;

  

    sale of common stock or other securities in the future;

  

    the trading volume of our common stock;

  

    changes in our pricing policies or the pricing policies of our competitors; and

  

    general economic conditions.

   

In addition, the stock market in general and the market for our shares have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. These broad market factors may materially harm the market price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance.

 

There is a limited market for our common shares and the trading price of our common shares is subject to volatility.

  

Our common shares began trading on the over-the-counter bulletin board in August 2009, and we only recently obtained approval to list and trade our shares on The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC’s NASDAQ Capital Market on July 16, 2015. Trading of our common stock has in the past been highly volatile with low trading volume and an active trading market for shares of our common stock may not develop. In such case, selling shares of our common stock may be difficult because the limited trading market for our shares could result in lower prices and larger spreads in the bid and ask prices of our shares, as well as lower trading volume.  Further, the market price of shares of our common stock could continue to fluctuate substantially. Additionally, if we are not able to maintain our recently obtained listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market, then our common stock will again be quoted for trading on an over-the-counter quotation system and may be subject to more significant fluctuations in stock price and trading volume.

 

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Our certificate of incorporation authorizes our board of directors to issue new series of preferred stock that may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control, which could adversely affect the value of your shares.

  

Our certificate of incorporation, as amended, provides that our board of directors will be authorized to issue from time to time, without further stockholder approval, up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock (subject to potential reduction to 1,000,000 shares in the event a proposed amendment and restatement of our certificate of incorporation is approved by our stockholders at our upcoming annual meeting of stockholders) in one or more series and to fix or alter the designations, preferences, rights and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions of the shares of each series, including the dividend rights, dividend rates, conversion rights, voting rights, rights of redemption, including sinking fund provisions, redemption price or prices, liquidation preferences and the number of shares constituting any series or designations of any series. Such shares of preferred stock could have preferences over our common stock with respect to dividends and liquidation rights. We may issue additional preferred stock in ways which may delay, defer or prevent a change of control of our company without further action by our stockholders. Such shares of preferred stock may be issued with voting rights that may adversely affect the voting power of the holders of our common stock by increasing the number of outstanding shares having voting rights, and by the creation of class or series voting rights.

 

Anti-takeover provisions under our charter documents and Delaware law could delay or prevent a change of control and could also limit the market price of our stock.

  

Our certificate of incorporation, as amended, and our bylaws, as amended, contain provisions that could delay or prevent a change of control of our company or changes in our board of directors that our stockholders might consider favorable. For example, while such structure is currently in the process of being phased out by 2017 following amendments we adopted in October 2014, our certificate of incorporation and bylaws historically provided that our board of directors is classified into three classes of directors, with each class elected at a separate election. Until such phase-out is complete, the existence of a staggered board could delay or prevent a potential acquirer from obtaining majority control of our board, and thus defer potential acquisitions. We are also governed by the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporate Law, which may prohibit certain business combinations with stockholders owning 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock. These and other provisions in our certificate of incorporation, our bylaws and Delaware law could make it more difficult for stockholders or potential acquirers to obtain control of our board of directors or initiate actions that are opposed by the then-current board of directors, including delaying or impeding a merger, tender offer, or proxy contest or other change of control transaction involving our company. Any delay or prevention of a change of control transaction or changes in our board of directors could prevent the consummation of a transaction in which our stockholders could receive a substantial premium over the then current market price for their shares.

 

We may incur significant loss of revenues from European operations in connection with the restructuring and reduction of our European operations.

 

As a result of the strategic review of our operations we conducted in connection with our acquisition of BRC, we implemented cost savings measures in the third quarter of 2014 that resulted in a reduction in corporate overhead and the restructuring of our operations in Europe, including a reduction in force for some of our corporate employees and a significant number of our employees in the United Kingdom. In connection with such strategic review, we also restructured our UK appraisal business whereby we entered into a joint marketing and strategic alliance with an entity owned and controlled by our former UK appraisal senior management. As a result of such restructuring and reductions in force, revenues from our operations in Europe are expected to significantly decrease in the future.

 

Our ability to use net loss carryovers to reduce our taxable income may be limited.

 

As a result of the common stock offering that was completed on June 5, 2014, the Company had a more than 50% ownership shift in accordance with Internal Revenue Code Section 382. Accordingly, the Company may be limited to the amount of net operating loss that may be utilized in future taxable years depending on the Company’s actual taxable income. As of December 31, 2014, the Company believes that the net operating loss that existed as of the more than 50% ownership shift will be utilized in future tax periods before the loss carryforwards expire and it is more-likely-than-not that future taxable earnings will be sufficient to realize its deferred tax assets and has not provided an allowance. However, to the extent that the Company is unable to utilize such net operating loss, it may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Financial services firms have been subject to increased scrutiny over the last several years, increasing the risk of financial liability and reputational harm resulting from adverse regulatory actions.

 

Firms in the financial services industry have been operating in a difficult regulatory environment which we expect will become even more stringent in light of recent well-publicized failures of regulators to detect and prevent fraud. The industry has experienced increased scrutiny from a variety of regulators, including the SEC, the NYSE, FINRA and state attorneys general. Penalties and fines sought by regulatory authorities have increased substantially over the last several years. This regulatory and enforcement environment has created uncertainty with respect to a number of transactions that had historically been entered into by financial services firms and that were generally believed to be permissible and appropriate. We may be adversely affected by changes in the interpretation or enforcement of existing laws and rules by these governmental authorities and self-regulatory organizations. Each of the regulatory bodies with jurisdiction over us has regulatory powers dealing with many aspects of financial services, including, but not limited to, the authority to fine us and to grant, cancel, restrict or otherwise impose conditions on the right to carry on particular businesses. For example, a failure to comply with the obligations imposed by the Exchange Act on broker-dealers and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 on investment advisers, including record-keeping, advertising and operating requirements, disclosure obligations and prohibitions on fraudulent activities, or by the Investment Company Act of 1940, could result in investigations, sanctions and reputational damage. We also may be adversely affected as a result of new or revised legislation or regulations imposed by the SEC, other U.S. or foreign governmental regulatory authorities or FINRA or other self-regulatory organizations that supervise the financial markets. Substantial legal liability or significant regulatory action against us could have adverse financial effects on us or cause reputational harm to us, which could harm our business prospects.

 

In addition, financial services firms are subject to numerous conflicts of interests or perceived conflicts. The SEC and other federal and state regulators have increased their scrutiny of potential conflicts of interest. We have adopted various policies, controls and procedures to address or limit actual or perceived conflicts and regularly review and update our policies, controls and procedures. However, appropriately addressing conflicts of interest is complex and difficult and our reputation could be damaged if we fail, or appear to fail, to appropriately address conflicts of interest. Our policies and procedures to address or limit actual or perceived conflicts may also result in increased costs and additional operational personnel. Failure to adhere to these policies and procedures may result in regulatory sanctions or litigation against us. For example, the research operations of investment banks have been and remain the subject of heightened regulatory scrutiny which has led to increased restrictions on the interaction between equity research analysts and investment banking professionals at securities firms. Several securities firms in the U.S. reached a global settlement in 2003 and 2004 with certain federal and state securities regulators and self-regulatory organizations to resolve investigations into the alleged conflicts of interest of research analysts, which resulted in rules that have imposed additional costs and limitations on the conduct of our business.

 

Asset management businesses have experienced a number of highly publicized regulatory inquiries which have resulted in increased scrutiny within the industry and new rules and regulations for mutual funds, investment advisors and broker-dealers. We are registered as an investment advisor with the SEC and the regulatory scrutiny and rulemaking initiatives may result in an increase in operational and compliance costs or the assessment of significant fines or penalties against our asset management business, and may otherwise limit our ability to engage in certain activities. In addition, the SEC staff has conducted studies with respect to soft dollar practices in the brokerage and asset management industries and proposed interpretive guidance regarding the scope of permitted brokerage and research services in connection with soft dollar practices. The SEC staff has indicated that it is considering additional rulemaking in this and other areas, and we cannot predict the effect that additional rulemaking may have on our asset management or brokerage business or whether it will be adverse to us. In addition, Congress is currently considering imposing new requirements on entities that securitize assets, which could affect our credit activities. It is impossible to determine the extent of the impact of any new laws, regulations or initiatives that may be proposed, or whether any of the proposals will become law. Compliance with any new laws or regulations could make compliance more difficult and expensive and affect the manner in which we conduct business.

 

Recently enacted financial reforms and related regulations may negatively affect our business activities, financial position and profitability.

 

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) institutes a wide range of reforms that will impact financial services firms and requires significant rule-making. In addition, the legislation mandates multiple studies, which could result in additional legislative or regulatory action. For example, in January 2011 the SEC released its mandated study on the effectiveness of current legal and regulatory standards for broker-dealers and investment advisers, which may result in the imposition of fiduciary duties on broker-dealers. The legislation and regulation of financial institutions, both domestically and internationally, include calls to increase capital and liquidity requirements; limit the size and types of the activities permitted; and increase taxes on some institutions. FINRA’s oversight over broker-dealers and investment advisors may be expanded, and new regulations on having investment banking and securities analyst functions in the same firm may be created. Many of the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act are subject to further rule making procedures and studies and will take effect over several years. As a result, we cannot assess the impact of these new legislative and regulatory changes on our business at the present time. However, these legislative and regulatory changes could affect our revenue, limit our ability to pursue business opportunities, impact the value of assets that we hold, require us to change certain of our business practices, impose additional costs on us, or otherwise adversely affect our businesses. If we do not comply with current or future legislation and regulations that apply to our operations, we may be subject to fines, penalties or material restrictions on our businesses in the jurisdiction where the violation occurred. Accordingly, such new legislation or regulation could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

 

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Our failure to deal appropriately with conflicts of interest could damage our reputation and adversely affect our business.

 

As we have expanded the number and scope of our businesses, we increasingly confront potential conflicts of interest relating to our and our funds’ and clients’ investment and other activities. Certain of our funds have overlapping investment objectives, including funds which have different fee structures, and potential conflicts may arise with respect to our decisions regarding how to allocate investment opportunities among ourselves and those funds. For example, a decision to acquire material non-public information about a company while pursuing an investment opportunity for a particular fund gives rise to a potential conflict of interest when it results in our having to restrict the ability of the Company or other funds to take any action.

 

In addition, there may be conflicts of interest regarding investment decisions for funds in which our officers, directors and employees, who have made and may continue to make significant personal investments in a variety of funds, are personally invested. Similarly, conflicts of interest may exist or develop regarding decisions about the allocation of specific investment opportunities between the Company and the funds.

 

We also have potential conflicts of interest with our investment banking and institutional clients including situations where our services to a particular client or our own proprietary or fund investments or interests conflict or are perceived to conflict with a client. It is possible that potential or perceived conflicts could give rise to investor or client dissatisfaction or litigation or regulatory enforcement actions. Appropriately dealing with conflicts of interest is complex and difficult and our reputation could be damaged if we fail, or appear to fail, to deal appropriately with one or more potential or actual conflicts of interest. Regulatory scrutiny of, or litigation in connection with, conflicts of interest would have a material adverse effect on our reputation, which would materially adversely affect our business in a number of ways, including as a result of redemptions by our investors from our hedge funds, an inability to raise additional funds and a reluctance of counterparties to do business with us.

 

Our exposure to legal liability is significant, and could lead to substantial damages.

 

We face significant legal risks in our businesses. These risks include potential liability under securities laws and regulations in connection with our capital markets, asset management and other businesses. The volume and amount of damages claimed in litigation, arbitrations, regulatory enforcement actions and other adversarial proceedings against financial services firms have increased in recent years. We also are subject to claims from disputes with our employees and our former employees under various circumstances. Risks associated with legal liability often are difficult to assess or quantify and their existence and magnitude can remain unknown for significant periods of time, making the amount of legal reserves related to these legal liabilities difficult to determine and subject to future revision. Legal or regulatory matters involving our directors, officers or employees in their individual capacities also may create exposure for us because we may be obligated or may choose to indemnify the affected individuals against liabilities and expenses they incur in connection with such matters to the extent permitted under applicable law. In addition, like other financial services companies, we may face the possibility of employee fraud or misconduct. The precautions we take to prevent and detect this activity may not be effective in all cases and there can be no assurance that we will be able to deter or prevent fraud or misconduct. Exposures from and expenses incurred related to any of the foregoing actions or proceedings could have a negative impact on our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, future results of operations could be adversely affected if reserves relating to these legal liabilities are required to be increased or legal proceedings are resolved in excess of established reserves.

 

Misconduct by our employees or by the employees of our business partners could harm us and is difficult to detect and prevent.

 

There have been a number of highly publicized cases involving fraud or other misconduct by employees in the financial services industry in recent years, and we run the risk that employee misconduct could occur at our firm. For example, misconduct could involve the improper use or disclosure of confidential information, which could result in regulatory sanctions and serious reputational or financial harm. It is not always possible to deter misconduct and the precautions we take to detect and prevent this activity may not be effective in all cases. Our ability to detect and prevent misconduct by entities with whom we do business may be even more limited. We may suffer reputational harm for any misconduct by our employees or those entities with whom we do business.

 

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We may not pay dividends regularly or at all in the future.

 

Prior to the declaration of a dividend by our Board of Directions on October 29, 2014, we historically have not paid dividends on shares of our capital stock. From time to time, we may decide to pay dividends which will be dependent upon our financial condition and results of operations. Our Board of Directors may reduce or discontinue dividends at any time for any reason it deems relevant and there can be no assurances that we will continue to generate sufficient cash to pay dividends, or that we will continue to pay dividends with the cash that we do generate. The determination regarding the payment of dividends is subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors, and there can be no assurances that we will continue to generate sufficient cash to pay dividends, or that we will pay dividends in future periods.

 

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

 

None.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

 

None.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 5. Other Information.

 

None.

 

Item 6. Exhibits.

 

The exhibits filed as part of this Quarterly Report are listed in the index to exhibits immediately preceding such exhibits, which index to exhibits is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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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.

 

    B. Riley Financial, Inc.  
       
Date: August 10, 2015 By: / s / PHILLIP J. AHN  
    Name: Phillip J. Ahn  
    Title: Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer  
    (Principal Financial Officer)  

  

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Exhibit Index  

     
Exhibit No.   Description
     
10.1*#   Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Incentive Plan.
10.2*#   Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Incentive Plan – Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement.
10.3*#   Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Incentive Plan – Stock Bonus Program and Form of Stock Bonus Award Agreement.
10.4*#   Employment Agreement, dated as of April 13, 2015, by and between the registrant and Alan N. Forman.
31.1*   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
31.2*   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
32.1*†   Certification required by 18 United States Code Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2*†   Certification required by 18 United States Code Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

101.INS*   XBRL Instance Document
     
101.SCH*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
     
101.CAL*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
     
101.LAB*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
     
101.PRE*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
     
101.DEF*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

 

* Filed herewith.

These exhibits are being “furnished” and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, nor shall they be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

# Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

 

Exhibit 10.1

 

B. RILEY FINANCIAL, INC.

Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Incentive Plan

 

(formerly Great American Group, Inc.

Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Incentive Plan)

 

(formerly Alternative Asset Management Acquisition Corp.

2009 Stock Incentive Plan)

  

 

Plan Document 

 

   

1.            Establishment, Purpose, and Types of Awards . B. Riley Financial, Inc. (the “ Company ”) hereby establishes this equity-based incentive compensation plan (originally established by Alternative Asset Management Acquisition Corp.) to be known as the “B. Riley Financial, Inc. Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Incentive Plan” (hereinafter referred to as the “ Plan ”), for the following purposes: (a) to enhance the Company’s ability to attract highly qualified personnel; (b) to strengthen its retention capabilities; (c) to enhance the long-term performance and competitiveness of the Company; and (d) to align the interests of Participants with those of the Company’s shareholders.

 

(a)           Effective Date . This Plan shall become effective upon the date adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company; provided that no Awards shall be granted hereunder until the Plan has been approved by a vote of a majority of the votes cast at a duly held meeting of the Company’s shareholders (or by such other shareholder vote that the Committee determines to be sufficient for the issuance of Shares and Awards according to the Company’s governing documents and Applicable Law).

 

(b)           Awards . The Plan permits the granting of the following types of Awards according to the Sections of the Plan listed here:

 

Section 5          Stock Options

Section 6          Share Appreciation Rights (SARs)

Section 7          Restricted Shares, Restricted Share Units (RSUs), and

                         Unrestricted Shares

Section 8          Deferred Share Units (DSUs)

Section 9          Performance Awards

 

(c)           Appendices . Incorporated by reference and thereby part of the Plan are the terms set forth in Appendix I.

 

(d)           Effect on Other Plans, Awards, and Arrangements . This Plan is not intended to affect and shall not affect any stock options, equity-based compensation, or other benefits that the Company or its Affiliates may have provided, or may separately provide in the future, pursuant to any agreement, plan, or program that is independent of this Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, effective upon shareholder approval of this Plan, no further awards shall be granted under the Pride Capital Group, LLC Phantom Stock Plan.

 

2.            Defined Terms . Terms in the Plan and any Appendix that begin with an initial capital letter have the defined meaning set forth in Appendix I , unless the context indicates a different meaning.

 

1
 

 

3.           Shares Subject to the Plan . Subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 13 below, a total of 3,210,133 Shares shall be available for issuance under the Plan. The Shares deliverable pursuant to Awards shall be authorized, but unissued Shares, or Shares that the Company otherwise holds in treasury or in trust. Any Shares subject to an Award that is settled in cash rather than in Shares, or subject to an Award that expires or is forfeited, cancelled or otherwise terminated without the issuance of some or all of the Shares subject to the Award will again be available for future Awards to the extent of such cash settlement, or non-issuance due to expiration, forfeiture, cancellation or termination. In addition, previously issued Shares that are not related to a particular Award (e.g., Shares already owned by a Participant) and Shares subject to an Award that are tendered or withheld by the Company in payment of all or part of the exercise price of such Award or in satisfaction of applicable Withholding Taxes shall be added to the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan. Further, and to the extent permitted under Applicable Laws: (i) the maximum number of Shares available for delivery under the Plan shall not be reduced by any Shares issued under the Plan through the settlement, assumption, or substitution of outstanding awards or obligations to grant future awards in connection with the acquisition by the Company (or an Affiliate of the Company) of another entity; and (ii) the maximum number of Shares available for delivery under the Plan shall be increased by the number of shares available for issuance under any shareholder approved plan of an entity acquired by the Company or an Affiliate of the Company (as such number has been equitably adjusted by the Committee to give effect to the acquisition).

 

4.             Eligibility .

 

(a)           General Rule . Awards may only be made to Eligible Persons (as determined for each Award on its Grant Date). Each Award shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement that sets forth its Grant Date and all other terms and conditions of the Award, that is signed on behalf of the Company (or delivered by an authorized agent through an electronic medium), and that, if required by the Committee, is signed by the Eligible Person as an acceptance of the Award. The grant of an Award shall not obligate the Company or any Affiliate to continue the employment or service of any Eligible Person, or to provide any future Awards or other remuneration at any time thereafter.

 

(b)           Limits on Individual Awards . The maximum number of Shares with respect to which Options, SARs, and Performance Awards may be granted to any Participant in any calendar year shall be 1,000,000 Shares. The foregoing limitations shall be adjusted proportionately in connection with any change in the Company’s capitalization pursuant to Section 13(a), below. To the extent required by Section 162(m) of the Code or the regulations thereunder, in applying the foregoing limitations with respect to a Participant, if any Option or SAR is canceled, the canceled Option or SAR shall continue to count against the maximum number of Shares with respect to which Options and SARs may be granted to the Grantee. For this purpose, the repricing of an Option or SAR shall be treated as the cancellation of the existing Option or SAR and the grant of a new Option or SAR.

 

(c)           Replacement Awards . Subject to Applicable Laws (including any associated shareholder approval requirements), the Committee may, in its sole discretion and upon such terms as it deems appropriate, require as a condition for granting an Award that an Eligible Person surrender for cancellation some or all Awards that have previously been granted under this Plan or otherwise. An Award conditioned upon such surrender may or may not be the same type of Award, may cover the same (or a lesser or greater) number of Shares as such surrendered Award, may have other terms that are determined without regard to the terms or conditions of such surrendered Award, and may contain any other terms that the Committee deems appropriate. Except in connection with a Change in Control, Options or SARs with a per Share exercise price (as adjusted pursuant to Section 13 below) higher than Fair Market Value may not be cancelled under this Section 4(c) without the approval of the Company’s shareholders.

 

5.             Stock Options .

 

(a)           Grants . The Committee may grant Options to Eligible Persons pursuant to Award Agreements setting forth terms and conditions that are not inconsistent with the Plan, and that may include vesting or other requirements for the right to exercise the Option; provided that –

 

(i)          the exercise price for Shares subject to purchase through exercise of an Option shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the underlying Shares on the Grant Date; and

 

(ii)          no Option shall be exercisable for a term ending more than ten years after its Grant Date.

 

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(b)           Method of Exercise . Subject to Section 14 below, Options may be exercised by the Participant (or his guardian or personal representative) giving notice to the Company pursuant to procedures established by the Company for the exercise of Options. Such notice shall state the number of Shares the Participant has elected to purchase under the Option and the method by which the exercise price and any applicable Withholding Taxes will be paid. The exercise price and Withholding Taxes may be paid in cash or check payable to the Company (in U.S. dollars), or to the extent that the Committee or the terms of an Award Agreement expressly permit, all or any part of the exercise price or Withholding Taxes may be satisfied –

 

(i)          by delivery or attestation of Shares (valued at their Fair Market Value) that are subject to the Option being exercised or that the Participant already owns;

 

(ii)          by delivery of a properly executed exercise notice with irrevocable instructions to a broker to deliver to the Company the amount necessary to pay the exercise price or Withholding Taxes from the sale or proceeds of a loan from the broker with respect to the sale of Shares or a broker loan secured by Shares; or

 

(iii)          by a combination of (i) and (ii).

 

An Award Agreement for an Option may provide that, if, on the date upon which such Option or any portion thereof is to expire, Fair Market Value exceeds the per Share exercise price of such Option and if such Option or portion thereof that will expire is otherwise exercisable, the Option shall be automatically exercised by delivery or attestation of Shares that are subject to such Option in satisfaction of the exercise price and any applicable Withholding Taxes.

 

(c)           Exercise of an Unvested Option . The Committee in its sole discretion may allow a Participant to exercise an unvested Option, in which case the Shares then issued shall be Restricted Shares having analogous vesting restrictions to the unvested Option.

 

(d)           Termination of Continuous Service . The Committee may establish and set forth in the applicable Award Agreement the terms and conditions on which an Option shall remain exercisable following termination of a Participant’s Continuous Service. Except to the extent an Award Agreement specifically provides otherwise, an Option shall be exercisable, only to the extent the Participant was entitled to exercise such Option at the date of terminating Continuous Service, only until the “Option Termination Date” determined pursuant to the following table:

 

Reason for terminating Continuous Service   Option Termination Date
(i) By the Company for Cause, or what would have been Cause if the Company had known all of the relevant facts.   Termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service, or when Cause first existed if earlier.
(ii) Disability of the Participant.   Within one year after termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service.
(iii) Retirement of the Participant after age 60 with 5 years or more of Continuous Service.   Within six months after termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service.
(iv) Death of the Participant during Continuous Service or within 90 days thereafter.   Within one year after termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service.
(v) Other than due to Cause or the Participant’s Disability, Retirement, or Death.   Within 90 days after termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event may any Option be exercised after the expiration of the Option term as set forth in the Award Agreement. To the extent that a Participant is not entitled to exercise an Option at the date of his or her termination of Continuous Service, or if the Participant (or other person entitled to exercise the Option) does not exercise the Option to the extent so entitled within the time specified in the Award Agreement or above (as applicable), the Option shall terminate and the Shares underlying the unexercised portion of the Option shall revert to the Plan and become available for future Awards.

 

3
 

 

(e)           Buyout . If a Participant so elects, the Committee may cancel an Option in exchange for a payment to a Participant in cash, cash equivalents, new Awards, or Shares, at such time and on such terms and conditions as the Committee shall have established and communicated to the Participant; provided, however, that, except in connection with a Change in Control, the per Share exercise price of any Option cancelled pursuant to this Section 5(e) (as adjusted pursuant to Section 13 below) shall not be greater than the Fair Market Value of a Share on such date unless the terms of the cancellation of such Option are approved by the shareholders of the Company. In addition, but subject to Section 4(c) above and to any shareholder approval requirement of Applicable Law, if the Fair Market Value for Shares subject to an Option is more than 33% below their exercise price for more than 30 consecutive business days, the Committee may unilaterally terminate and cancel the Option by providing each affected Participant with either cash or a new Award that has (i) a value equal to that of the vested portion of the Option being cancelled (with value being uniformly determined as of the buyout date in accordance with the methodology that the Company generally uses for financial accounting purposes for its Awards), (ii) vesting terms not less favorable to the Participant than the Option being cancelled, and (iii) any other terms and conditions that the Committee may set forth in the Award Agreement for the new Award; subject, except in connection with a Change in Control, to shareholder approval of any Awards or program involving the cancellation of Options in exchange for Option grants having a lower exercise price.

 

(f)           Special ISO Provisions . The following provisions shall control any grants of Options that are denominated as ISOs.

 

(i)           Grants of ISOs . The Committee may grant ISOs only to Employees (including officers who are Employees) of the Company or an Affiliate that is a “parent corporation” or “subsidiary corporation” within the meaning of Section 424 of the Code. Each Option that is intended to be an ISO must be designated in the Award Agreement as an ISO, provided that any Option designated as an ISO will be a Non-ISO to the extent the Option fails to meet the requirements of Code Section 422. In the case of an ISO, the Committee shall determine the acceptable methods of payment on the Date of Grant and it shall be included in the applicable Award Agreement.

 

(ii)           Maximum Limit . The number of Shares that are available for ISO Awards shall not exceed 3,210,133 Shares (as adjusted pursuant to Section 13 of the Plan), and shall be determined, to the extent required under the Code, by reducing the number of Shares designated in Section 3 of the Plan by the number of Shares issued pursuant to Awards, provided that any Shares that are subject to Awards issued under the Plan and forfeited back to the Plan before an issuance of Shares shall be available for issuance pursuant to future ISO Awards.

 

(iii)           $100,000 Limit . To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of Shares with respect to which Options designated as ISOs first become exercisable by a Participant in any calendar year (under this Plan and any other plan of the Company or any Affiliate) exceeds U.S. $100,000, such excess Options shall be treated as Non-ISOs. For purposes of determining whether the U.S. $100,000 limit is exceeded, the Fair Market Value of the Shares subject to an ISO shall be determined as of the Grant Date. In reducing the number of Options treated as ISOs to meet the U.S. $100,000 limit, the most recently granted Options shall be reduced first. In the event that Section 422 of the Code is amended to alter the limitation set forth therein, the limitation of this paragraph shall be automatically adjusted accordingly.

 

(iv)           Grants to 10% Holders . In the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to an Employee who is a Ten Percent Holder on the Grant Date, the term of the Incentive Stock Option shall not exceed five years from the Grant Date, and the exercise price shall be at least 110% of the Fair Market Value of the underlying Shares on the Grant Date. In the event that Section 422 of the Code is amended to alter the limitations set forth therein, the limitation of this paragraph shall be automatically adjusted accordingly.

 

(v)           Substitution of Options . Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Plan, in the event the Company or an Affiliate acquires (whether by purchase, merger or otherwise) all or substantially all of outstanding capital stock or assets of another corporation or in the event of any reorganization or other transaction qualifying under Code Section 424, the Committee may, in accordance with the provisions of that Section, substitute ISOs for ISOs under the plan of the acquired company provided (i) the excess of the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Shares subject to an ISO immediately after the substitution over the aggregate exercise price of such shares is not more than the similar excess immediately before such substitution, and (ii) the new ISO does not give additional benefits to the Participant, including any extension of the exercise period.

 

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(vi)           Notice of Disqualifying Dispositions . By executing an ISO Award Agreement, each Participant agrees to notify the Company in writing immediately after the Participant sells, transfers or otherwise disposes of any Shares acquired through exercise of the ISO, if such disposition occurs within the earlier of (i) two years of the Grant Date, or (ii) one year after the exercise of the ISO being exercised. Each Participant further agrees to provide any information about a disposition of Shares as may be requested by the Company to assist it in complying with any applicable tax laws.

 

6.             SARs .

 

(a)           Grants . The Committee may grant SARs to Eligible Persons pursuant to Award Agreements setting forth terms and conditions that are not inconsistent with the Plan; provided that:

 

(i)            the exercise price for the Shares subject to each SAR shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the underlying Shares on the Grant Date;

 

(ii)           no SAR shall be exercisable for a term ending more than ten years after its Grant Date; and

 

(iii)          each SAR shall, except to the extent a SAR Award Agreement provides otherwise, be subject to the provisions of Section 5(d) relating to the effect of a termination of Participant’s Continuous Service and Section 5(e) relating to buyouts, in each case with “SAR” being substituted for “Option.”

 

(b)           Settlement . Subject to Section 14 below, a SAR shall entitle the Participant, upon exercise of the SAR, to receive Shares having a Fair Market Value on the date of exercise equal to the product of the number of Shares as to which the SAR is being exercised, and the excess of (i) the Fair Market Value, on such date, of the Shares covered by the exercised SAR, over (ii) an exercise price designated in the SAR Award Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a SAR Award Agreement may limit the total settlement value that the Participant will be entitled to receive upon the SAR’s exercise, and may provide for settlement either in cash or in any combination of cash or Shares that the Committee may authorize pursuant to an Award Agreement. An Award Agreement for a SAR may provide that, if, on the date upon which such SAR or any portion thereof is to expire, the Fair Market Value exceeds the per Share exercise price of such SAR and if such SAR or portion thereof that will expire is otherwise exercisable, the SAR shall be automatically exercised and settled pursuant to this Section 6(b).

 

(c)           SARs related to Options . The Committee may grant SARs either concurrently with the grant of an Option or with respect to an outstanding Option, in which case the SAR shall extend to all or a portion of the Shares covered by the related Option and have an exercise price not less than the exercise price of the related Option. A SAR related to an Option shall entitle the Participant who holds the related Option, upon exercise of the SAR and surrender of the related Option, or portion thereof, to the extent the SAR and related Option each were previously unexercised, to receive payment of an amount determined pursuant to Section 6(b) above. Any SAR granted in tandem with an ISO will contain such terms as may be required to comply with the provisions of Code Section 422.

 

7.             Restricted Shares, RSUs, and Unrestricted Share Awards .

 

(a)           Grant . The Committee may grant Restricted Share, RSU, or Unrestricted Share Awards to Eligible Persons, in all cases pursuant to Award Agreements setting forth terms and conditions that are not inconsistent with the Plan. The Committee shall establish as to each Restricted Share or RSU Award the number of Shares deliverable or subject to the Award (which number may be determined by a written formula), and the period or periods of time (the “Restriction Period”) at the end of which all or some restrictions specified in the Award Agreement shall lapse and the Participant shall receive unrestricted Shares (or cash to the extent provided in the Award Agreement) in settlement of the Award. Such restrictions may include, without limitation, restrictions concerning voting rights and transferability and such restrictions may lapse separately or in combination at such times and pursuant to such circumstances or based on such criteria as selected by the Committee, including, without limitation, criteria based on the Participant’s duration of employment, directorship or consultancy with the Company, individual, group, or divisional performance criteria, Company performance, or other criteria selection by the Committee. The Committee may make Restricted Share and RSU Awards with or without the requirement for payment of cash or other consideration. In addition, the Committee may grant Awards hereunder in the form of Unrestricted Shares which shall vest in full upon the Grant Date or such other date as the Committee may determine or which the Committee may issue pursuant to any program under which one or more Eligible Persons (selected by the Committee in its sole discretion) elect to pay for such Shares or to receive Unrestricted Shares in lieu of cash bonuses that would otherwise be paid.

 

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(b)           Vesting and Forfeiture . The Committee shall set forth in an Award Agreement granting Restricted Shares or RSUs, the terms and conditions under which the Participant’s interest in the Restricted Shares or the Shares subject to RSUs will become vested and non-forfeitable. Except as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement or the Committee otherwise determines, upon termination of a Participant’s Continuous Service for any reason, the Participant shall forfeit his or her Restricted Shares and RSUs to the extent the Participant’s interest therein has not vested on or before such termination date; provided that if a Participant purchases Restricted Shares and forfeits them for any reason, the Company shall return the purchase price to the Participant to the extent either set forth in an Award Agreement or required by Applicable Laws.

 

(c)           Certificates for Restricted Shares . Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, the Company shall hold certificates representing Restricted Shares and, if applicable, dividends (whether in Shares or cash) that accrue with respect to them until the restrictions lapse, and the Participant shall provide the Company with appropriate stock powers endorsed in blank. The Participant’s failure to provide such stock powers within ten days after a written request from the Company shall entitle the Committee to unilaterally declare a forfeiture of all or some of the Participant’s Restricted Shares.

 

(d)           Issuance of Shares upon Vesting . As soon as practicable after vesting of a Participant’s Restricted Shares (or of the right to receive Shares underlying RSUs), the Company shall deliver to the Participant, free from vesting restrictions, one Share for each surrendered and vested Restricted Share (or deliver one Share free of the vesting restriction for each vested RSU), unless an Award Agreement provides otherwise and subject to Section 10 below regarding Withholding Taxes. No fractional Shares shall be distributed, and cash shall be paid in lieu thereof.

 

(e)           Dividends Payable on Vesting . If provided in an Award Agreement, whenever Shares are deliverable to a Participant (or duly-authorized transferee) pursuant to Section 7(d) above as a result of the vesting of a Restricted Share or RSU Award, the Participant or his or her duly authorized transferee shall also be entitled to receive, with respect to each Share then vesting, a number of Shares equal to the sum of –

 

(i)          any per-Share dividends which were declared and paid in Shares to the Company’s shareholders of record between the Grant Date and the date Shares are delivered to the Participant pursuant to the particular vesting event for the Award; and

 

(ii)          the Shares that the Participant could have purchased at their Fair Market Value on the payment date of any cash dividends if the Participant had received such cash dividends with respect to each Restricted Share, or Share subject to an RSU, between the Grant Date and the date Shares are delivered to the Participant pursuant to the particular vesting event for the Award.

 

(f)           Deferral Elections for RSUs . To the extent specifically provided in an Award Agreement, a Participant may irrevocably elect, in accordance with Section 8 below, to defer the receipt of all or a percentage of the Shares that would otherwise be transferred to the Participant upon the vesting of an RSU Award. If the Participant makes this election: (i) the Company shall credit the Shares subject to the election, and, if applicable, any associated dividends, to a DSU account established pursuant to Section 8 below on the date such Shares and, if applicable, any associated dividends would otherwise have been delivered to the Participant pursuant to Sections 7(d) and 7(e) above, and (ii) any vesting that would have occurred within the 12-month period following the date of the Participant’s election shall occur on the 12-month anniversary of such election, provided that vesting may occur immediately upon the Participant’s death or Disability if so provided in the Award Agreement.

 

(g)           Section 83(b) Elections . To the extent expressly permitted by an Award Agreement or the Committee, a Participant may make an election under Code Section 83(b) (the “ Section 83(b) Election ”) with respect to Restricted Shares. A Participant who has received RSUs may, within ten days after receiving the RSU Award, provide the Committee with a written notice of his or her desire to make Section 83(b) Election with respect to the Shares subject to such RSUs. The Committee may in its discretion convert the Participant’s RSUs into Restricted Shares, on a one-for-one basis, in full satisfaction of the Participant’s RSU Award. The Participant may then make a Section 83(b) Election with respect to those Restricted Shares; provided that the Participant’s Section 83(b) Election will be invalid if not filed with the Company and the appropriate U.S. tax authorities within 30 days after the Grant Date of the RSUs replaced by the Restricted Shares.

 

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8.             DSUs .

 

(a)           Grants of DSUs . The Committee may make DSU awards to any Eligible Persons pursuant to Award Agreements, regardless of whether or not there is a deferral of compensation, and may permit select Eligible Persons to irrevocably elect, on a form provided by and acceptable to the Committee (the “Election Form”), to forego the receipt of cash or other compensation (including the Shares deliverable pursuant to any RSU Award) and in lieu thereof to have the Company credit to an internal Plan account a number of DSUs having a Fair Market Value equal to the Shares and other compensation deferred. These credits will be made at the end of each calendar quarter (or other period determined by the Committee) during which compensation is deferred. Unless the Company sends an Eligible Person a written notice rejecting an Election Form within five business days after the Company receives it, an Election Form shall take effect on the first day of the next calendar year (or on the first day of the next calendar month in the case of an initial election within 30 days after a Participant becomes first eligible to defer hereunder) after its delivery to the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, a Participant’s Election Form will be ineffective with respect to any compensation that the Participant earns before the date on which the Election Form takes effect. For any Participant who is subject to U.S. income taxation, the Committee shall only authorize deferral elections pursuant to Section 8: (i) under written procedures, and using written election forms, that satisfy the requirements of Code Section 409A, and (ii) shall only be made by Eligible Persons who are Directors, Consultants, or members of a select group of management or highly compensated Employees (within the meaning of the Code).

 

(b)           Vesting . Unless an Award Agreement expressly provides otherwise, each Participant shall be 100% vested at all times in any Shares subject to DSUs.

 

(c)           Issuances of Shares . Unless an Award Agreement or the Committee expressly provides otherwise, the Company shall settle a Participant’s DSU Award, by delivering one Share for each DSU, in five substantially equal annual installments that are issued before the last day of each of the five calendar years that end after the date on which the Participant’s Continuous Service ends for any reason, subject to –

 

(i)          the Participant’s right to elect a different form of distribution, only on a form provided by and acceptable to the Committee, that permits the Participant to select any combination of a lump sum and annual installments that are triggered by, and completed within ten years following, the last day of the Participant’s Continuous Service; and

 

(ii)          the Company’s acceptance of the Participant’s distribution election form executed at the time the Participant elects to defer the receipt of Shares or other compensation pursuant to Section 8(a), provided that the Participant may change a distribution election through any subsequent election that (I) the Participant delivers to the Company at least one year before the date on which distributions are otherwise scheduled to commence pursuant to the Participant’s initial distribution election, and (II) defers the commencement of distributions by at least five years from the originally scheduled distribution commencement date.

 

Fractional shares shall not be issued, and instead shall be paid out in cash.

 

(d)           Dividends . If provided in an Award Agreement, whenever Shares are issued to a Participant pursuant to Section 9(c) above, the Participant shall also be entitled to receive, with respect to each Share issued, a number of Shares determined in a manner consistent with Section 7(e) above (but by reference to the period from the Grant Date of the DSU to its settlement through the issuance of Shares to the Participant).

 

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(e)           Emergency Withdrawals . In the event that a Participant suffers an unforeseeable emergency within the contemplation of this Section, the Participant may apply to the Committee for an immediate distribution of all or a portion of the Participant’s DSUs. The unforeseeable emergency must result from a sudden and unexpected illness or accident of the Participant, the Participant’s spouse, or a dependent of the Participant, casualty loss of the Participant’s property, or other similar extraordinary and unforeseeable conditions beyond the control of the Participant. The Committee shall, in its sole and absolute discretion, determine whether a Participant has a qualifying unforeseeable emergency, may require independent verification of the emergency, and may determine whether or not to provide the Participant with cash or Shares. The amount of any distribution hereunder shall be limited to the amount necessary to relieve the Participant’s unforeseeable emergency plus amounts necessary to pay taxes reasonably anticipated as a result of the distribution. The number of Shares subject to the Participant’s DSU Award shall be reduced by any Shares distributed to the Participant and by a number of Shares having a Fair Market Value on the date of the distribution equal to any cash paid to the Participant pursuant to this Section. For all DSUs granted to Participants who are U.S. taxpayers, the term “unforeseeable emergency” shall be interpreted in accordance with Section 409A of the Code, and the term “dependent” shall be interpreted in accordance with Section 152(a) of the Code.

 

(f)           Unsecured Rights to Deferred Compensation . A Participant’s right to DSUs shall at all times constitute an unsecured promise of the Company to pay benefits as they come due. The right of the Participant (or the Participant’s duly-authorized transferee) to receive benefits hereunder shall be solely an unsecured claim against the general assets of the Company. Neither the Participant nor the Participant’s duly-authorized transferee shall have any claim against or rights in any specific assets, Shares, or other funds of the Company.

 

(g)           Termination of Service . For purposes of Section 8 of the Plan, a Participant’s “Continuous Service” shall only end when the Participant incurs a “separation from service” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations §1.409A-1(h). A Participant shall be considered to have experienced a termination of Continuous Service when the facts and circumstances indicate that either (i) no further services will be performed for the Company or any Affiliate after a certain date, or (ii) that the level of bona fide services the Participant will perform after such date (whether as an Employee, Director, or Consultant) are reasonably expected to permanently decrease to no more than 25% of the average level of bona fide services performed by such Participant (whether as an Employee, Director, or Consultant) over the immediately preceding 36-month period (or full period of services to the Company and its Affiliates if the Participant has been providing such services for less than 36 months).

 

9.             Performance Awards .

 

(a)           Performance Awards . Subject to the limitations set forth in paragraph (b) hereof, the Committee may in its discretion grant Performance Awards, including Performance Units, to any Eligible Person that (i) have substantially the same financial benefits and other terms and conditions as Options, SARs, RSUs, or DSUs, and/or (ii) are settled only in cash. A Performance Award is an Award which is based on the achievement of specific goals with respect to the Company or any Affiliate or the individual performance of the Participant, or any combination thereof, over a specified period of time. All Performance Awards shall be made pursuant to Award Agreements setting forth terms and conditions that are not inconsistent with the Plan.

 

(b)           Deferral Elections . At any time prior to the date that is both at least six months before the close of a Performance Period (or shorter or longer period that the Committee selects) with respect to a Performance Award and at which time vesting or payment is substantially uncertain to occur, the Committee may permit a Participant who is a member of a select group of management or highly compensated employees to irrevocably elect, on a form provided by and acceptable to the Committee, to defer the receipt of all or a percentage of the cash or Shares that would otherwise be transferred to the Participant upon the vesting of such Award. If the Participant makes this election, the cash or Shares subject to the election, and, if applicable, any associated interest and dividends, shall be credited to an account established pursuant to Section 8 hereof on the date such cash or Shares would otherwise have been released or issued to the Participant pursuant to this Section.

 

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(c)           Performance Compensation Awards . Subject to the limitations set forth in Section 9 and in this Appendix II.F., the Committee may, at the time of grant of a Performance Unit, designate such Award as a “ Performance Compensation Award ” (payable in cash or Shares) in order that such Award constitutes “qualified performance-based compensation” under Code Section 162(m), in which event the Committee shall have the power to grant such Performance Compensation Award upon terms and conditions that qualify it as “qualified performance-based compensation” within the meaning of U.S. Code Section 162(m). With respect to each such Performance Compensation Award, the Committee shall establish, in writing within the time required under Code Section 162(m), a “ Performance Period ,” “ Performance Measure(s) ”, and “ Performance Formula(e) ” (each such term being defined below). A Participant shall be eligible to receive payment in respect of a Performance Compensation Award only to the extent that the Performance Measure(s) for such Award is achieved and the Performance Formula(e) as applied against such Performance Measure(s) determines that all or some portion of such Participant’s Award has been earned for the Performance Period. As soon as practicable after the close of each Performance Period, the Committee shall review and certify in writing whether, and to what extent, the Performance Measure(s) for the Performance Period have been achieved and, if so, determine and certify in writing the amount of the Performance Compensation Award to be paid to the Participant and, in so doing, may use negative discretion to decrease, but not increase, the amount of the Award otherwise payable to the Participant based upon such performance.

 

(d)           Limitations on Awards . The maximum Performance Award and the maximum Performance Compensation Award that any one Participant may earn in any one Performance Period shall not together exceed the limitation set forth in Section 4(b) of the Plan for Shares subject to Awards (or, for Performance Units to be settled in cash, U.S. $6,000,000).

 

(e)           Definitions .

 

(i)          “Performance Formula” means, for a Performance Period, one or more objective formulas or standards established by the Committee for purposes of determining whether or the extent to which an Award has been earned based on the level of performance attained or to be attained with respect to one or more Performance Measure(s). Performance Formulae may vary from Performance Period to Performance Period and from Participant to Participant and may be established on a stand-alone basis, in tandem or in the alternative.

 

(ii)          “Performance Measure” means one or more of the following selected by the Committee to measure Company, Affiliate, and/or business unit performance for a Performance Period, whether in absolute or relative terms (including, without limitation, terms relative to a peer group or index):

 

cash flow (before or after dividends)   earnings per share (including, without limitation, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization)
stock price   return on equity
stockholder return or total stockholder return   return on capital (including without limitation return on total capital or return on invested capital)
return on investment   return on assets or net assets
market capitalization   economic value added
debt leverage (debt to capital)             Revenue
sales or net sales   Backlog
income, pre-tax income or net income   operating income or pre-tax profit
operating profit, net operating profit or economic profit   gross margin, operating margin or profit margin
return on operating revenue or return on operating assets   cash from operations
operating ratio   operating revenue
market share improvement   general and administrative expenses
customer service   new production introductions
product line enhancements   strategic mergers or acquisitions
working capital   Research
licensing   Litigation
human resources   information services
sales of assets of Affiliates or business units    

 

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Each such measure shall be, to the extent applicable, determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as consistently applied by the Company (or such other standard applied by the Committee) and, if so determined by the Committee, and in the case of a Performance Compensation Award, to the extent permitted under Code Section 162(m), adjusted to omit the effects of extraordinary items, gain or loss on the disposal of a business segment, unusual or infrequently occurring events and transactions and cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles. Performance Measures may vary from Performance Period to Performance Period and from Participant to Participant, and may be established on a stand-alone basis, in tandem or in the alternative.

 

(iii)          “Performance Period” means one or more periods of time (of not less than one fiscal year of the Company), as the Committee may designate, over which the attainment of one or more Performance Measure(s) will be measured for the purpose of determining a Participant’s rights in respect of an Award.

 

10.           Taxes; Withholding .

 

(a)           General . As a condition to the issuance or distribution of Shares pursuant to the Plan, the Participant (or in the case of the Participant’s death, the person who succeeds to the Participant’s rights) shall make such arrangements as the Company may require for the satisfaction of any applicable federal, state, local or foreign withholding tax obligations that may arise in connection with the Award and the issuance of Shares. The Company shall not be required to issue any Shares until such obligations are satisfied. If the Committee allows the withholding or surrender of Shares to satisfy a Participant’s tax withholding obligations, the Committee shall not allow Shares to be withheld in an amount that exceeds the minimum statutory withholding rates for applicable tax purposes, including payroll taxes.

 

(b)           Surrender of Shares . If permitted by the terms of an Award Agreement or the Committee, in its discretion, a Participant may satisfy the minimum statutory tax withholding and employment tax obligations associated with an Award by surrendering Shares to the Company (including Shares that would otherwise be issued pursuant to the Award) that have a Fair Market Value determined as of the date that the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined under Applicable Law.

 

(c)           Income Taxes and Deferred Compensation . Participants are solely responsible and liable for the satisfaction of any federal state, province, or local taxes that may arise in connection with Awards (including, for Participants subject to taxation in the United States, any taxes arising under Section 409A of the Code, except to the extent otherwise specifically provided in a written agreement with the Company). Neither the Company nor any of its employees, officers, directors, or service providers shall have any obligation whatsoever to pay such taxes, to prevent Participants from incurring them, or to mitigate or protect Participants from any such tax liabilities. In the absence of any other arrangement, an Employee shall be deemed to have directed the Company to withhold or collect from his or her cash compensation an amount sufficient to satisfy such tax obligations from the next payroll payment or payments otherwise payable after the date of the exercise of an Award.

 

To the extent that the committee determines that any Award granted under the Plan is subject to Section 409A of the Code, the Award Agreement evidencing such Award shall incorporate the terms and conditions required by Section 409A of the Code. To the extent applicable, the Plan and Award Agreements shall be interpreted in accordance with Section 409A of the Code and Department of Treasury regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder, including without limitation any such regulations or other guidance that may be issued after the Effective Date. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, in the event that following the effective date of the committee determines that any Award may be subject to Section 409A of the Code and related Department of Treasury guidance (including such Department of Treasury guidance as may be issued after the Effective Date), the Committee may adopt such amendments to the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement or adopt other policies and procedures (including amendments, policies and procedures with retroactive effect), or take any other actions, that the Administrator determines are necessary or appropriate to (a) exempt the Award from Section 409A of the Code and/or preserve the intended tax treatment of the benefits provided with respect to the Award, or (b) comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and related Department of Treasury guidance and thereby avoid the application of any penalty taxes under such Section.

 

The Plan is intended to be an “unfunded” plan for incentive compensation. With respect to any payments not yet made to a Participant pursuant to an Award, nothing contained in the Plan or any Award Agreement shall give the Participant any rights that are greater than those of a general creditor of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company.

 

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11.           Non-Transferability of Awards .

 

(a)           General . Except as set forth in this Section 11, Awards may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution. The designation of a death beneficiary by a Participant will not constitute a transfer. An Award may be exercised, during the lifetime of the holder of an Award, only by such holder, the duly-authorized legal representative of a Participant who is Disabled, or a transferee permitted by this Section 11.

 

(b)           Limited Transferability Rights . Notwithstanding anything else in this Section 11, the Committee may in its discretion provide that an Award may be transferred, on such terms and conditions as the Committee deems appropriate, either (i) by instrument to the Participant’s “Immediate Family” (as defined below), (ii) by instrument to an inter vivos or testamentary trust (or other entity) in which the Award is to be passed to the Participant’s designated beneficiaries, or (iii) by gift to charitable institutions. Any transferee of the Participant’s rights shall succeed and be subject to all of the terms of this Award Agreement and the Plan. “Immediate Family” means any 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, and shall include adoptive relationships.

 

(c)           Death . In the event of the death of a Participant, any outstanding Awards issued to the Participant shall automatically be transferred to the Participant’s Beneficiary (or, if no Beneficiary is designated or surviving, to the person or persons to whom the Participant’s rights under the Award pass by will or the laws of descent and distribution).

 

12.           Modification of Awards and Substitution of Options . Within the limitations of the Plan, the Committee may modify an Award to accelerate the rate at which an Option or SAR may be exercised (including without limitation permitting an Option or SAR to be exercised in full without regard to the installment or vesting provisions of the applicable Award Agreement or whether the Option or SAR is at the time exercisable, to the extent it has not previously been exercised), to accelerate the vesting of any Award, to extend or renew outstanding Awards, to accept the cancellation of outstanding Awards to the extent not previously exercised, or to make any other changes that would be allowed under the Plan for a new Award. However, except in connection with a Change in Control or as approved by the shareholders of the Company, the Committee may not cancel an outstanding Option or SAR whose exercise price per Share is greater than Fair Market Value at the time of cancellation for the purpose of reissuing the Option or SAR to the Participant at a lower exercise price, granting a replacement award of a different type, or exchanging the Award for a cash payment, or otherwise allow for a “repricing” of Options or SARs within the meaning of federal securities laws applicable to proxy statement disclosures. Notwithstanding the foregoing provision, no modification of an outstanding Award shall materially and adversely affect a Participant’s rights thereunder unless either (i) the Participant provides written consent, or (ii) before a Change in Control, the Committee determines in good faith that the modification is not materially adverse to the Participant.

 

13.           Change in Capital Structure; Change in Control; Etc .

 

(a)           Changes in Capitalization . In the event of a Share dividend, Share split, or combination of Shares, Share exchange, recapitalization, merger in which the Company is the surviving corporation, spin-off or split-off of an Affiliate, extraordinary cash dividend or other change in the Company’s capital stock (including, but not limited to, the creation or issuance to shareholders generally of rights, options or warrants for the purchase of capital stock of the Company), the number and kind of Shares or securities of the Company to be subject to the Plan and to Awards then outstanding or to be granted, any and all maximum limits on the number of Shares that may be delivered under the Plan, any exercise price for Awards, and other relevant provisions shall be equitably adjusted by the Committee.

 

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(b)           Change in Control . In the event of a Change in Control but subject to the terms of any Award Agreements or any employment or other similar agreement between the Company or any of its Affiliates and a Participant then in effect, each outstanding Award shall be assumed or a substantially equivalent award shall be substituted by the surviving or successor corporation or a parent or subsidiary of such surviving or successor corporation (the “Successor Corporation”) upon the consummation of the transaction; provided, however, that to the extent outstanding Awards are neither being assumed nor replaced with substantially equivalent Awards by the Successor Corporation, the Committee may in its sole and absolute discretion and authority, without obtaining the approval or consent of the Company’s shareholders or any Participant with respect to his or her outstanding Awards, take one or more of the following actions (with respect to any or all of the Awards, and with discretion to differentiate between individual Participants and Awards for any reason):

 

(i)           accelerate the vesting of Awards so that Awards shall vest (and, to the extent applicable, become exercisable) as to the Shares that otherwise would have been unvested and provide that repurchase rights of the Company with respect to Shares issued pursuant to an Award shall lapse as to the Shares subject to such repurchase right;

 

(ii)           arrange or otherwise provide for the payment of cash or other consideration to Participants in exchange for the satisfaction and cancellation of outstanding Awards (with the Committee determining the amount payable to each Participant based on the Fair Market Value, on the date of the Change in Control, of the Award being cancelled, based on any reasonable valuation method selected by the Committee); or

 

(iii)          terminate all or some Awards upon the consummation of the transaction, provided that the Committee shall provide for vesting of such Awards in full as of a date immediately prior to consummation of the Change in Control. To the extent that an Award is not exercised prior to consummation of a transaction in which the Award is not being assumed or substituted, such Award shall terminate upon such consummation.

Notwithstanding the above and unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement or in any employment or other similar agreement between the Company or any of its Affiliates and a Participant then in effect, in the event a Participant is Involuntarily Terminated on or within 12 months (or other period either set forth in an Award Agreement) following a Change in Control, then any Award that is assumed or substituted pursuant to this Section 13(b) shall accelerate and become fully vested (and become exercisable in full in the case of Options and SARs), and any repurchase right applicable to any Shares shall lapse in full, unless an Award Agreement provides for a more restrictive acceleration or vesting schedule or more restrictive limitations on the lapse of repurchase rights or otherwise places additional restrictions, limitations and conditions on an Award. The acceleration of vesting and lapse of repurchase rights provided for in the previous sentence shall occur immediately prior to the effective date of the Participant’s Involuntary Termination, unless an Award Agreement provides otherwise.

 

(c)           Dissolution or Liquidation . In the event of the dissolution or liquidation of the Company other than as part of a Change in Control, each Award will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such action, subject to the ability of the Committee to exercise any discretion authorized in the case of a Change in Control.

 

14.           Laws and Regulations .

 

(a)           General Rules . This Plan, the grant of Awards, the exercise of Options and SARs, and the obligations of the Company hereunder (including those to pay cash or to deliver, sell or accept the surrender of any of its Shares or other securities) shall be subject to all Applicable Laws. In the event that any Shares are not registered under any Applicable Law prior to the required delivery of them pursuant to Awards, the Company may require, as a condition to their issuance or delivery, that the persons to whom the Shares are to be issued or delivered make any written representations and warranties (such as that such Shares are being acquired by the Participant for investment for the Participant’s own account and not with a view to, for resale in connection with, or with an intent of participating directly or indirectly in, any distribution of such Shares) that the Committee may reasonably require, and the Committee may in its sole discretion include a legend to such effect on the certificates representing any Shares issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan.

 

(b)           Black-out Periods . Notwithstanding any contrary terms within the Plan or any Award Agreement, the Committee shall have the absolute discretion to impose a “blackout” period on the exercise of any Option or SAR, as well as the settlement of any Award, with respect to any or all Participants (including those whose Continuous Service has ended) to the extent that the Committee determines that doing so is either desirable or required in order to comply with applicable securities laws, provided that, if any blackout period occurs, the term of any Option or SAR shall not expire until the earlier of (i) 30 days after the blackout period ends or (ii) the Option’s or SAR’s expiration date but only if within 30 days thereafter the Company makes a cash payment to each affected Participant in an amount equal to the value of the Option or SAR (as determined by the Committee) immediately before its expiration to the extent then vested and exercisable.

 

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(c)           No Shareholder Rights . Neither a Participant nor any transferee of a Participant shall have any rights as a shareholder of the Company with respect to any Shares underlying any Award until the date of issuance of a share certificate to a Participant or a transferee of a Participant for such Shares in accordance with the Company’s governing instruments and Applicable Law. Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, prior to the issuance of Shares pursuant to an Award, a Participant shall not have the right to vote or to receive dividends or any other rights as a shareholder with respect to the Shares underlying the Award, notwithstanding its exercise in the case of Options and SARs. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right that is determined based on a record date prior to the date the stock certificate is issued, except as otherwise specifically provided for in this Plan.

 

(d)           Local Law Adjustments and Sub-plans . To facilitate the making of any grant of an Award under this Plan, the Committee may adopt rules and provide for such special terms for Awards to Participants who are located within the United States, foreign nationals, or who are employed by the Company or any Affiliate outside of the United States of America as the Committee may consider necessary or appropriate to accommodate differences in local law, tax policy or custom. Without limiting the foregoing, the Company is specifically authorized to adopt rules and procedures regarding the conversion of local currency, taxes, withholding procedures and handling of stock certificates which vary with the customs and requirements of particular countries. The Company may adopt sub-plans and establish escrow accounts and trusts, and settle Awards in cash in lieu of shares, as may be appropriate, required or applicable to particular locations and countries.

 

15.           Termination, Rescission and Recapture of Awards .

 

(a)          Each Award under the Plan is intended to align the Participant’s long-term interests with those of the Company. Accordingly, to the extent expressly provided in an Award Agreement, the Company may terminate any outstanding, unexercised, unexpired, unpaid, or deferred Awards (“ Termination ”), rescind any exercise, payment or delivery pursuant to the Award (“ Rescission ”), or recapture any Shares (whether restricted or unrestricted) or proceeds from the Participant’s sale of Shares issued pursuant to an Award (“ Recapture ”), if the Participant, during his or her Continuous Service or within one year after the termination of his or her Continuous Service, engages in activity which: (i) constitutes a material breach of the terms of any applicable patent, proprietary information, confidentiality, non-disclosure, intellectual property, secrecy or other similar agreement between the Participant and the Company or any of its Affiliates; (ii) constitutes the breach of the terms of any non-solicitation, non-competition or similar agreement between the Participant and the Company or any of its Affiliates; or (iii) is materially prejudicial to the interests of the Company and constitutes a breach of a fiduciary duty to the Company or its Affiliates.

 

(b)          Within ten days after receiving notice from the Company of any such activity described in subclauses (i), (ii) or (iii) in Section 15(a) above, the Participant shall deliver to the Company the Shares acquired pursuant to the Award, or, if Participant has sold the Shares, the gain realized, or payment received as a result of the rescinded exercise, payment, or delivery; provided, that if the Participant returns Shares that the Participant purchased pursuant to the exercise of an Option (or the gains realized from the sale of such Shares), the Company shall promptly refund the exercise price, without interest, that the Participant paid for the Shares. Any payment by the Participant to the Company pursuant to this Section shall be made either in cash or by returning to the Company the number of Shares that the Participant received in connection with the rescinded exercise, payment, or delivery.

 

(c)          Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 15, the Company has sole and absolute discretion not to require Termination, Rescission and/or Recapture, and its determination not to require Termination, Rescission and/or Recapture with respect to any particular act by a particular Participant or particular Award shall not in any way reduce or eliminate the Company’s authority to require Termination, Rescission and/or Recapture with respect to any other act or Participant or Award. Nothing in this Section shall be construed to impose obligations on the Participant to refrain from engaging in lawful competition with the Company after the termination of employment that does not violate subclauses (i), (ii) or (iii) of Section 15(a) above.

 

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(d)          All administrative and discretionary authority given to the Company under this Section shall be exercised by such person or committee (including without limitation the Committee) as the Committee may designate from time to time.

 

(e)          If any provision within this Section 15 is determined to be unenforceable or invalid under any Applicable Law, such provision will be applied to the maximum extent permitted by Applicable Law, and shall automatically be deemed amended in a manner consistent with its objectives and any limitations required under Applicable Law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, but subject to any contrary terms expressly set forth in any Award Agreement, this Section 15 shall not be applicable to any Participant from and after his or her termination of Continuous Service after a Change in Control.

 

16.           Recoupment of Awards . To the extent expressly provided in an Award Agreement, and to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the Committee may in its sole and absolute discretion, without obtaining the approval or consent of the Company’s shareholders or of any Participant, require that a Participant reimburse the Company for all or any portion of any Awards granted to him or her under this Plan (“Reimbursement”), or the Committee may require the Termination or Rescission of, or the Recapture associated with, any Award, if and to the extent—

 

(a)          the granting, vesting, or payment of such Award (or portion thereof) was predicated upon the achievement of certain financial results;

 

(b)          in the Committee’s view the Participant engaged in fraud or misconduct that caused a calculation that later proves to be materially inaccurate or partially caused the need for a material financial restatement by the Company or any Affiliate; and

 

(c)          a lower granting, vesting, or payment of such Award would have occurred based upon the conduct described in clause (b) of this Section.

 

In each instance, the Committee may, to the extent practicable and allowable under Applicable Laws, require Reimbursement, Termination or Rescission of, or Recapture relating to, any such Award granted to a Participant.

 

17.           Administration of the Plan . The Committee shall administer the Plan in accordance with its terms, provided that the Board may act in lieu of the Committee on any matter. The Committee shall hold meetings at such times and places as it may determine and shall make such rules and regulations for the conduct of its business as it deems advisable. In the absence of a duly appointed Committee, the Board shall function as the Committee for all purposes of the Plan.

 

(a)           Committee Composition . The Board shall appoint the members of the Committee. If and to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the Committee may authorize one or more executive officers to make Awards to Eligible Persons other than themselves. The Board may at any time appoint additional members to the Committee, remove and replace members of the Committee with or without Cause, and fill vacancies on the Committee however caused.

 

(b)           Powers of the Committee . Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have the authority, in its sole discretion:

 

(i)            to grant Awards and to determine Eligible Persons to whom Awards shall be granted from time to time, and the number of Shares, units, or dollars to be covered by each Award;

 

(ii)           to determine, from time to time, the Fair Market Value of Shares;

 

(iii)          to determine, and to set forth in Award Agreements, the terms and conditions of all Awards, including any applicable exercise or purchase price, the installments and conditions under which an Award shall become vested (which may be based on performance), terminated, expired, cancelled, or replaced, and the circumstances for vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture restrictions, and other restrictions and limitations;

 

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(iv)          to approve the forms of Award Agreements and all other documents, notices and certificates in connection therewith which need not be identical either as to type of Award or among Participants;

 

(v)           to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and any Award Agreement, to determine the meaning of their terms, and to prescribe, amend, and rescind rules and procedures relating to the Plan and its administration;

 

(vi)          to the extent consistent with the purposes of the Plan and without amending the Plan, to modify, to cancel, or to waive the Company’s rights with respect to any Awards, to adjust or to modify Award Agreements for changes in Applicable Law, and to recognize differences in foreign law, tax policies, or customs;

 

(vii)         in the event that the Company establishes for itself, or uses the services of a third party to establish, an automated system for the documentation, granting, settlement, or exercise of Award, such as a system using an internet website or interactive voice response, to implement paperless documentation, granting, settlement, or exercise of Awards by a Participant may be permitted through the use of such an automated system; and

 

(viii)        to make all interpretations and to take all other actions that the Committee may consider necessary or advisable to administer the Plan or to effectuate its purposes.

 

Subject to Applicable Law and the restrictions set forth in the Plan, the Committee may delegate administrative functions to individuals who are Directors or Employees.

 

(c)           Action by Committee . Each member of the Committee is entitled to, in good faith, rely or act upon any report or other information furnished to that member by an officer or other employee of the Company or any Affiliate, the Company’s independent certified public accounts, or any executive compensation consultant or other professional retained by the Company to assist in the administration of the Plan.

 

(d)           Deference to Committee Determinations . The Committee shall have the discretion to interpret or construe ambiguous, unclear, or implied (but omitted) terms in any fashion it deems to be appropriate in its sole discretion, and to make any findings of fact needed in the administration of the Plan or Award Agreements. The Committee’s prior exercise of its discretionary authority shall not obligate it to exercise its authority in a like fashion thereafter. The Committee’s interpretation and construction of any provision of the Plan, or of any Award or Award Agreement, and all determination the Committee makes pursuant to the Plan shall be final, binding, and conclusive. The validity of any such interpretation, construction, decision or finding of fact shall not be given de novo review if challenged in court, by arbitration, or in any other forum, and shall be upheld unless clearly made in bad faith or materially affected by fraud.

 

(e)           No Liability; Indemnification . Neither the Board nor any Committee member, nor any Person acting at the direction of the Board or the Committee, shall be liable for any act, omission, interpretation, construction or determination made in good faith with respect to administering or interpreting the Plan, any Award or any Award Agreement on behalf of the Company. The Company and its Affiliates shall pay or reimburse any member of the Committee, as well as any Director, Employee, or Consultant who in good faith takes action on behalf of the Plan, for all expenses incurred with respect to the Plan, and to the full extent allowable under Applicable Law shall indemnify each and every one of them for any claims, liabilities, and costs (including reasonable attorney’s fees) arising out of their good faith performance of duties on behalf of the Plan. The Company and its Affiliates may, but shall not be required to, obtain liability insurance for this purpose.

 

18.           Governing Law . The terms of this Plan shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflicts of law rules.

 

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19.           Plan Termination or Amendment .

 

If not sooner terminated by the Board, this Plan shall terminate at the close of business on the date ten years after its effective date as determined under Section 1(a) above. No Awards shall be made under the Plan after its termination. The Board may amend or terminate the Plan as it shall deem advisable; provided that no change shall be made that increases the total number of Shares reserved for issuance pursuant to Awards granted under the Plan (except pursuant to Section 13 above) unless such change is authorized by the shareholders of the Company. A termination or amendment of the Plan shall not, without the consent of the Participant, adversely and materially affect a Participant’s rights under an Award previously granted to him or her. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may amend the Plan to comply with changes in tax or securities laws or regulations, or in the interpretation thereof. Furthermore, the Board may not amend the Plan without shareholder approval to allow for either (i) a “repricing” within the meaning of federal securities laws applicable to proxy statement disclosures, except a repricing in connection with a Change in Control or which is otherwise approved by the shareholders, or (ii) the cancellation of an outstanding Option or SAR whose exercise price is greater than Fair Market Value at the time of cancellation for the purpose of reissuing the Option or SAR to the Participant at a lower exercise price, granting a replacement award of a different type or in exchange for a cash payment, except a cancellation and reissuance, grant of a replacement award or cash payment in connection with a Change in Control.

 

20.           Relationship to other Benefits . No payment pursuant to the Plan shall be taken into account in determining any benefits under any pension, retirement, savings, profit sharing, group insurance, welfare or other benefit plan of the Company or any Affiliate except to the extent otherwise expressly provided in writing in such other plan or an agreement thereunder.

 

21.           Expenses . The expenses of administering the Plan shall be borne by the Company and its Affiliates.

 

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B. RILEY FINANCIAL, INC.

Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Incentive Plan

 

(formerly Great American Group, Inc.

Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Incentive Plan)

 

(formerly Alternative Asset Management Acquisition Corp.

2009 Stock Incentive Plan)

 

 

Appendix I: Definitions

 

 

 

As used in the Plan, the following terms have the meanings indicated when they begin with initial capital letters within the Plan:

 

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly controls or is controlled by or under common control with such Person. For the purposes of this definition, “control,” when used with respect to any Person, means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person or the power to elect directors, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “affiliated,” “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing.

 

Applicable Law ” means the legal requirements relating to the administration of options and share-based plans under any applicable laws of the United States, any other country, and any provincial, state, or local subdivision, any applicable stock exchange or automated quotation system rules or regulations, as such laws, rules, regulations and requirements shall be in place from time to time.

 

Award ” means any award made pursuant to the Plan, including awards made in the form of an Option, a SAR, a Restricted Share, a RSU, an Unrestricted Share, a DSU, or a Performance Award, or any combination thereof, whether alternative or cumulative.

 

Award Agreement ” means any document, whether in writing or through an electronic medium, setting forth the terms of an Award that has been authorized by the Committee. The Committee shall determine the form or forms of documents to be used, and may change them from time to time for any reason, including different documents as may be appropriate or applicable for particular locations and countries.

 

Beneficiary ” means the person or entity designated by the Participant, in a form approved by the Company, to exercise the Participant’s rights with respect to an Award or receive payment or settlement under an Award after the Participant’s death.

 

Board ” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

Cause ” will have the meaning set forth in any employment agreement between the Company or any of its Affiliate and the Participant then in effect. In the absence of such an agreement, “Cause” will exist if the Participant is terminated from employment or other service with the Company or an Affiliate for any of the following reasons: (i) the Participant’s willful failure to substantially perform his or her duties and responsibilities to the Company or deliberate violation of a material Company policy; (ii) the Participant’s commission of any material act or acts of fraud, embezzlement, dishonesty, or other willful misconduct; (iii) the Participant’s material unauthorized use or disclosure of any proprietary information or trade secrets of the Company or any other party to whom the Participant owes an obligation of nondisclosure as a result of his or her relationship with the Company; or (iv) Participant’s willful and material breach of any of his or her obligations under any written agreement or covenant with the Company. The foregoing definition does not in any way limit the Company’s ability to terminate a Participant’s employment or consulting relationship at any time, and the term “Company” will be interpreted herein to include any Affiliate or successor thereto, if appropriate.

 

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Change in Control ” shall be deemed to have occurred if:

 

(i)          a sale, transfer, or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets and properties of the Company is closed or consummated;

 

(ii)          any “person,” “entity” or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2)) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), other than the Company or any majority owned subsidiary of the Company, becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities that have the right to vote in the election of directors generally; provided, however, that the following shall not constitute a “Change in Control” for purposes of this subclause (ii):

 

(A)          any acquisition directly from the Company (excluding any acquisition resulting from the exercise of a conversion or exchange privilege in respect of outstanding convertible or exchangeable securities); or

 

(B)          any acquisition by an employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any entity controlled by the Company;

 

(iii)          during any period of two consecutive years during the term of the Plan, individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board of Directors of the Company cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority thereof, unless the election of each director who was not a director at the beginning of such period has been approved in advance by directors representing at least two-thirds of the directors then in office who were directors at the beginning of the period but excluding any director whose initial assumption of office occurred as a result of an actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of any Person other than the Board of Directors of the Company; or

 

(iv)          the shareholders of the Company approve a plan or proposal of liquidation of the Company, or a merger, reorganization, or consolidation involving the Company is closed or consummated, other than a merger, reorganization, or consolidation in which holders of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities that have the right to vote in the election of directors generally immediately prior to such transaction own, either directly or indirectly, fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the securities entitled to vote in the election of directors generally of the merged, reorganized or consolidated entity (or its parent company) immediately following such transaction in substantially the same proportions among such holders as immediately prior to such transaction.

 

Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

Committee ” means one or more committees or subcommittees of the Board appointed by the Board to administer the Plan in accordance with Section 17 above. With respect to any decision involving an Award intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code, the Committee shall consist of two or more Directors of the Company who are “outside directors” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code. With respect to any decision relating to a Reporting Person, the Committee shall consist of two or more directors who are “non-employee directors” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, the Committee shall be the Compensation Committee of the Board or its successor.

 

Company ” means B. Riley Financial, Inc., a Delaware corporation; provided, however, that in the event the Company reincorporates to another jurisdiction, all references to the term “Company” shall refer to the Company in such new jurisdiction.

 

Consultant ” means any person (other than an Employee or Director), including an advisor, who is engaged by the Company or any Affiliate to render services and is compensated for such services.

 

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Continuous Service ” means a Participant’s period of service in the absence of any interruption or termination, as an Employee, Director, or Consultant. Continuous Service shall not be considered interrupted in the case of: (i) sick leave; (ii) military leave; (iii) any other leave of absence approved by the Committee, provided that such leave is for a period of not more than 90 days, unless reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or statute, or unless provided otherwise pursuant to Company policy adopted from time to time; (iv) changes in status from Director to advisory director or emeritus status; or (v) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company and its Affiliates. Changes in status between service as an Employee, Director, and a Consultant will not constitute an interruption of Continuous Service if the individual continues to perform bona fide services for the Company. The Committee shall have the discretion to determine whether and to what extent the vesting of any Awards shall be tolled during any paid or unpaid leave of absence; provided, however, that in the absence of such determination, vesting for all Awards shall be tolled during any such unpaid leave (but not for a paid leave).

 

Deferred Share Units ” or “ DSUs ” mean Awards pursuant to Section 8 of the Plan.

 

Director ” means a member of the Board, or a member of the board of directors of an Affiliate.

 

Disabled ” shall have the meaning set forth in any employment agreement between the Company or any of its Affiliates and the Participant then in effect (and shall include the term “Disability” if that term is so defined in such employment agreement). In the absence of such an agreement, “Disabled” shall mean a condition under which a Participant —

 

(i)           is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, or

 

(ii)          is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, received income replacement benefits for a period of not less than 3 months under an accident or health plan covering employees of the Company or an Affiliate of the Company.

 

Eligible Person ” means any Consultant, Director, or Employee and includes non-Employees to whom an offer of employment has been or is being extended.

 

Employee ” means any person whom the Company or any Affiliate classifies as an employee (including an officer) for employment tax purposes, whether or not that classification is correct. The payment by the Company of a director’s fee to a Director shall not be sufficient to constitute “employment” of such Director by the Company.

 

Employer ” means the Company and each Affiliate that employs one or more Participants.

 

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

 

Fair Market Value ” as of any date (the “Determination Date”) means: (i) the closing price of a Share on the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange or the NASDAQ Global Select Market (collectively, the “Exchange”) on the Determination Date, or, if shares were not traded on the Determination Date, then on the nearest preceding trading day during which a sale occurred; or (ii) if such stock is not traded on the Exchange but is otherwise traded in the over-the-counter market, the mean between the representative bid and asked prices for a Share on the Determination Date; or (iii) if subsections (i) or (ii) do not apply, the fair market value of a Share established in good faith by the Board or the Committee based on relevant facts and circumstances.

 

Grant Date ” means the later of (i) the date designated as the “Grant Date” within an Award Agreement, and (ii) date on which the Committee determines the key terms of an Award, provided that as soon as reasonably practical thereafter the Committee both notifies the Eligible Person of the Award and enters into an Award Agreement with the Eligible Person.

 

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Incentive Stock Option ” or “ ISO ” means, an Option that qualifies for favorable income tax treatment under Code Section 422.

 

Involuntary Termination ” shall mean, to the extent there is an employment agreement between the Company or any of its Affiliates and a Participant then in effect and subject to the terms of such employment agreement, a termination of a Participant’s employment on or after a Change in Control (i) by the Participant for “Good Reason” (as defined in any such employment agreement), or (ii) by the Company or its Affiliates without cause or other than upon death or disability which termination entitles such Participant to accelerated or extended severance benefits pursuant to his or her employment agreement. In the absence of such an agreement, “Involuntary Termination” means a termination of a Participant’s Continuous Service under the following circumstances occurring on or after a Change in Control: (i) termination without Cause by the Company or an Affiliate or successor thereto, as appropriate; or (ii) voluntary termination by the Participant, if: (1) the Participant voluntarily terminates Continuous Service within 60 days of one of the following conditions arising without the Participant’s consent: (A) a material reduction in the Participant’s job responsibilities, provided that neither a mere change in title alone nor reassignment to a substantially similar position shall constitute a material reduction in job responsibilities; (B) an involuntary relocation of the Participant’s work site to a facility or location more than 25 miles from the Participant’s principal work site at the time of the Change in Control; or (C) a material reduction in Participant’s total compensation other than as part of an reduction by the same percentage amount in the compensation of all other similarly-situated Employees or Directors; (2) the Participant gives the Company or an Affiliate written notice of the existence of one or more of the conditions listed in (A) through (C) within ten days of the initial existence of the condition; and (3) the Company or Affiliate fails to cure such condition within 30 days following receipt of such written notice by the Participant.

 

Non-ISO ” means an Option not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option, as designated in the applicable Award Agreement.

 

Option ” means a right to purchase Shares granted under the Plan, at a price determined in accordance with the Plan.

 

Participant ” means any Eligible Person who holds an outstanding Award.

 

Performance Awards ” mean Awards granted pursuant to Section 9.

 

Performance Unit ” means an Award granted pursuant to Section 9(a) of the Plan which may be paid in cash, in Shares, or such combination of cash and Shares as the Committee in its sole discretion shall determine.

 

Person ” means any natural person, association, trust, business trust, cooperative, corporation, general partnership, joint venture, joint-stock company, limited partnership, limited liability company, real estate investment trust, regulatory body, governmental agency or instrumentality, unincorporated organization or organizational entity.

 

Plan ” means this B. Riley Financial, Inc. Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Incentive Plan (including the Appendices hereto).

 

Recapture ” and “ Rescission ” have the meaning set forth in Section 15 of the Plan.

 

Reimbursement ” has the meaning set forth in Section 16 of the Plan.

 

Reporting Person ” means an Employee, Director, or Consultant who is subject to the reporting requirements set forth under Rule 16b-3.

 

Restricted Share ” means a Share awarded with restrictions imposed under Section 7.

 

Restricted Share Unit ” or “ RSU ” means a right granted to a Participant to receive Shares or cash upon the lapse of restrictions imposed under Section 7.

 

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Retirement ” means a Participant’s termination of employment after age 65.

 

Rule 16b-3 ” means Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, as amended from time to time, or any successor provision.

 

Share ” means an ordinary share, no par value, of the Company, as adjusted in accordance with Section 13 of the Plan.

 

SAR ” or “ Share Appreciation Right ” means a right to receive amounts awarded under Section 6.

 

Ten Percent Holder ” means a person who owns (within the meaning of Code Section 422) stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company.

 

Unrestricted Shares ” mean Shares awarded without restrictions pursuant to Section 7 of the Plan.

 

Withholding Taxes ” means the aggregate minimum amount of federal, state, local and foreign income, payroll and other taxes that the Company and any Affiliates are required to withhold in connection with any Award.

 

21
 

 

b. riley financial, Inc.

Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Incentive Plan

 

(formerly Great American Group, Inc.

Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Incentive Plan)

 

(formerly Alternative Asset Management Acquisition Corp.

2009 Stock Incentive Plan)

 

The 2009 Stock Incentive Plan was approved by the Board of Directors of Alternative Asset Management Acquisition Corp. (“AAMAC”) on May 12, 2009 and by the shareholders of Alternative Asset Management Acquisition Corp. (“AAMAC”) on July 31, 2009, and assumed by Great American Group, Inc. on July 31, 2009 (the “2009 Plan”). The 2009 Plan was amended and restated by the Board of Directors of Great American Group, Inc. on August 19, 2009 (the “August 2009 Plan”). The August 2009 Plan was amended and restated by the Board of Directors and stockholders of Great American Group, Inc. on October 7, 2014 (the “2014 Plan”). The 2014 Plan was amended by the Board of Directors of B. Riley Financial, Inc. on February 11, 2015 to reflect the change of the Company’s name from Great American Group, Inc. to B. Riley Financial, Inc. The 2014 Plan was amended by the Board of Directors of B. Riley Financial, Inc. on May 4, 2015 to provide the Committee with discretion to make payments in respect of dividends associated with Shares underlying certain Awards.

 

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Exhibit 10.2 

 

B. RILEY FINANCIAL, INC.

 

Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Incentive Plan

 

NOTICE OF Restricted Stock Unit AWARD

 

  Participant’s Name and Address:  
     
     

 

You (the “Participant”) have been granted an award of Restricted Stock Units (the “Award”), subject to the terms and conditions of this Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Award (the “Notice”), the B. Riley Financial, Inc. Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time (the “Plan”) and the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (the “Agreement”) attached hereto, as follows. Unless otherwise provided herein, the terms in this Notice shall have the same meaning as those defined in the Plan.

 

  Award Number  
  Date of Award  
  Vesting Commencement Date  
  Total Number of Restricted Stock
Units Awarded (the “Units”)
 

 

Vesting Schedule :

 

Subject to the Participant’s Continuous Service and other limitations set forth in this Notice, the Agreement and the Plan, the Units will “vest” in accordance with the following schedule (the “Vesting Schedule”):

 

[____________]

 

In the event of the Participant’s change in status from Employee to Consultant or Director, the determination of whether such change in status results in a termination of Continuous Service will be determined in accordance with Section 409A of the Code.

 

During any authorized leave of absence, the vesting of the Units as provided in this schedule shall be suspended (to the extent permitted under Section 409A of the Code) after the leave of absence exceeds a period of three (3) months. The Vesting Schedule of the Units shall be extended by the length of the suspension. Vesting of the Units shall resume upon the Participant’s termination of the leave of absence and return to service to the Company or an Affiliate; provided, however, that if the leave of absence exceeds six (6) months, and a return to service upon expiration of such leave is not guaranteed by statute or contract, then (a) the Participant’s Continuous Service shall be deemed to terminate on the first date following such six-month period and (b) the Participant will forfeit the Units that are unvested on the date of the Participant’s termination of Continuous Service. An authorized leave of absence shall include sick leave, military leave, or other bona fide leave of absence (such as temporary employment by the government).

 

 
 

 

For purposes of this Notice and the Agreement, the term “vest” shall mean, with respect to any Units, that such Units are no longer subject to forfeiture to the Company. If the Participant would become vested in a fraction of a Unit, such Unit shall not vest until the Participant becomes vested in the entire Unit.

 

Vesting shall cease upon the date the Participant terminates Continuous Service for any reason, including death or Disability. In the event the Participant terminates Continuous Service for any reason, including death or Disability, any unvested Units held by the Participant immediately upon such termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service shall be forfeited and deemed reconveyed to the Company and the Company shall thereafter be the legal and beneficial owner of such reconveyed Units and shall have all rights and interest in or related thereto without further action by the Participant.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Participant have executed this Notice and agree that the Award is to be governed by the terms and conditions of this Notice, the Plan, and the Agreement. 

           
  B. Riley Financial, INC.
  a Delaware corporation
           
  By:  
           
  Name:  
           
  Title:  
           
  Date:  

 

THE PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE UNITS SHALL VEST, IF AT ALL, ONLY DURING THE PERIOD OF THE PARTICIPANT’S CONTINUOUS SERVICE OR AS OTHERWISE SPECIFICALLY PROVIDED HEREIN (NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED THIS AWARD OR ACQUIRING SHARES HEREUNDER). THE PARTICIPANT FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT NOTHING IN THIS NOTICE, THE AGREEMENT, NOR IN THE PLAN, SHALL CONFER UPON THE PARTICIPANT ANY RIGHT WITH RESPECT TO CONTINUATION OF THE PARTICIPANT’S CONTINUOUS SERVICE, NOR SHALL IT INTERFERE IN ANY WAY WITH THE PARTICIPANT’S RIGHT OR THE COMPANY’S RIGHT TO TERMINATE THE PARTICIPANT’S CONTINUOUS SERVICE AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE, AND WITH OR WITHOUT NOTICE. THE PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT UNLESS THE PARTICIPANT HAS A WRITTEN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE COMPANY TO THE CONTRARY, THE PARTICIPANT’S STATUS IS AT WILL.

 

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Participant Acknowledges and Agrees :

 

The Participant acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and the Agreement and represents that he or she is familiar with the terms and provisions thereof, and hereby accepts the Award subject to all of the terms and provisions hereof and thereof. The Participant has reviewed this Notice, the Agreement and the Plan in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Notice and fully understands all provisions of this Notice, the Agreement and the Plan. The Participant further agrees and acknowledges that this Award is a non-elective arrangement pursuant to Section 409A of the Code.

 

The Participant further acknowledges that, from time to time, the Company may be in a “blackout period” and/or subject to applicable federal securities laws that could subject the Participant to liability for engaging in any transaction involving the sale of the Company’s Shares. The Participant further acknowledges and agrees that, prior to the sale of any Shares acquired under this Award, it is the Participant’s responsibility to determine whether or not such sale of Shares will subject the Participant to liability under insider trading rules or other applicable federal securities laws.

 

The Participant understands that the Award is subject to the Participant’s consent to access this Notice, the Agreement, the Plan and the Plan prospectus (collectively, the “Plan Documents”) in electronic form on the Company’s intranet or the website of the Company’s designated brokerage firm, if applicable. By signing below (or providing an electronic signature by clicking below) and accepting the grant of the Award, the Participant: (i) consents to access electronic copies (instead of receiving paper copies) of the Plan Documents via the Company’s intranet or the website of the Company’s designated brokerage firm, if applicable; (ii) represents that the Participant has access to the Company’s intranet or the website of the Company’s designated brokerage firm, if applicable; (iii) acknowledges receipt of electronic copies, or that the Participant is already in possession of paper copies, of the Plan Documents; and (iv) acknowledges that the Participant is familiar with and accepts the Award subject to the terms and provisions of the Plan Documents.

 

The Company may, in its sole discretion, decide to deliver any Plan Documents by electronic means or request the Participant’s consent to participate in the Plan by electronic means. The Participant hereby consents to receive such documents by electronic delivery and agrees to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company.

 

The Participant hereby agrees that all questions of interpretation and administration relating to this Notice, the Plan and the Agreement shall be resolved by the Committee in accordance with Section 8 of the Agreement. The Participant further agrees to the venue and jurisdiction selection in accordance with Section 9 of the Agreement. The Participant further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in his or her residence address indicated in this Notice.

 

[ Remainder of Page Left Intentionally Blank ]

 

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Date:      
      Participant’s Signature
       
      Participant’s Printed Name
       
      Address
       
      City, State & Zip

 

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Award Number: __________________

 

B. RILEY FINANCIAL, INC.

 

Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Incentive Plan

 

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT

 

1.          Issuance of Units . B. Riley Financial, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), hereby issues to the Participant (the “Participant”) named in the Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Award (the “Notice”) an award (the “Award”) of the Total Number of Restricted Stock Units Awarded set forth in the Notice (the “Units”), subject to the Notice, this Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (the “Agreement”) and the terms and provisions of the B. Riley Financial, Inc. Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time (the “Plan”), which is incorporated herein by reference. Unless otherwise provided herein, the terms in this Agreement shall have the same meaning as those defined in the Plan.

 

2.          Transfer Restrictions . The Units may not be transferred in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.

 

3.          Conversion of Units and Issuance of Shares .

 

(a)         General . Subject to Sections 3(b) and 3(c), one Share shall be issuable for each Unit subject to the Award (the “Shares”) upon vesting. Immediately thereafter, or as soon as administratively feasible, the Company will transfer the appropriate number of Shares to the Participant after satisfaction of any required tax or other withholding obligations. Any fractional Unit remaining after the Award is fully vested shall be discarded and shall not be converted into a fractional Share. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the relevant number of Shares shall be issued no later than March 15th of the year following the calendar year in which the Award vests. The Company may however, in its sole discretion, make a cash payment in lieu of the issuance of the Shares in an amount equal to the value of one Share multiplied by the number of Units subject to the Award. Effective upon the consummation of a Change in Control, the Award shall terminate unless it is assumed in connection with the Change in Control.

 

(b)         Delay of Conversion . The conversion of the Units into the Shares under Section 3(a) above, may be delayed in the event the Company reasonably anticipates that the issuance of the Shares would constitute a violation of federal securities laws or other Applicable Law. If the conversion of the Units into the Shares is delayed by the provisions of this Section 3(b), the conversion of the Units into the Shares shall occur at the earliest date at which the Company reasonably anticipates issuing the Shares will not cause a violation of federal securities laws or other Applicable Law. For purposes of this Section 3(b), the issuance of Shares that would cause inclusion in gross income or the application of any penalty provision or other provision of the Code is not considered a violation of Applicable Law.

 

 
 

 

(c)         Delay of Issuance of Shares . The Company shall delay the issuance of any Shares under this Section 3 to the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code (relating to payments made to certain “specified employees” of certain publicly-traded companies); in such event, any Shares to which the Participant would otherwise be entitled during the six (6) month period following the date of the Participant’s termination of Continuous Service will be issuable on the first business day following the expiration of such six (6) month period.

 

4.          Right to Shares . The Participant shall not have any right in, to or with respect to any of the Shares (including any voting rights or rights with respect to dividends paid on the Shares) issuable under the Award until the Award is settled by the issuance of such Shares to the Participant.

 

5.          Taxes .

 

(a)         Tax Liability . The Participant is ultimately liable and responsible for all Withholding Taxes owed by the Participant in connection with the Award, regardless of any action the Company or any Affiliate takes with respect to any Withholding Taxes that arise in connection with the Award. Neither the Company nor any Affiliate makes any representation or undertaking regarding the treatment of any tax withholding in connection with any aspect of the Award, including the grant, vesting, assignment, release or cancellation of the Units, the delivery of Shares, the subsequent sale of any Shares acquired upon vesting and the receipt of any dividends or dividend equivalents. The Company does not commit and is under no obligation to structure the Award to reduce or eliminate the Participant’s tax liability.

 

(b)         Payment of Withholding Taxes . Prior to any event in connection with the Award (e.g., vesting) that the Company determines may result in any Withholding Taxes, the Participant must arrange for the satisfaction of the minimum amount of such Withholding Taxes in a manner acceptable to the Company.

 

(i)         By Share Withholding. If permissible under Applicable Law and upon the exercise of the Company’s sole discretion, the Participant authorizes the Company to withhold from those Shares otherwise issuable to the Participant the whole number of Shares sufficient to satisfy the minimum applicable Withholding Taxes. The Participant acknowledges that the withheld Shares may not be sufficient to satisfy the Participant’s minimum Withholding Taxes. Accordingly, the Participant agrees to pay to the Company or any Affiliate as soon as practicable, including through additional payroll withholding, any amount of the Withholding Taxes that are not satisfied by the withholding of Shares described above.

 

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(ii)        By Sale of Shares . Upon the exercise of the Company’s sole discretion and unless the Participant determines to satisfy the Withholding Taxes by some other means in accordance with clause (iii) below, the Participant’s acceptance of this Award constitutes the Participant’s instruction and authorization to the Company and any brokerage firm determined acceptable to the Company for such purpose to sell on the Participant’s behalf a whole number of Shares from those Shares issuable to the Participant as the Company determines to be appropriate to generate cash proceeds sufficient to satisfy the minimum applicable Withholding Taxes. Such Shares will be sold on the day such Withholding Taxes arise (e.g., a vesting date) or as soon thereafter as practicable. The Participant will be responsible for all broker’s fees and other costs of sale, and the Participant agrees to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any losses, costs, damages, or expenses relating to any such sale. To the extent the proceeds of such sale exceed the Participant’s minimum Withholding Taxes, the Company agrees to pay such excess in cash to the Participant. The Participant acknowledges that the Company or its designee is under no obligation to arrange for such sale at any particular price, and that the proceeds of any such sale may not be sufficient to satisfy the Participant’s minimum Withholding Taxes. Accordingly, the Participant agrees to pay to the Company or any Affiliate as soon as practicable, including through additional payroll withholding, any amount of the Withholding Taxes that is not satisfied by the sale of Shares described above.

 

(iii)       By Check, Wire Transfer or Other Means . At any time not less than five (5) business days (or such fewer number of business days as determined by the Committee) before any Withholding Taxes arise (e.g., a vesting date), the Participant may elect to satisfy the Participant’s Tax Withholding Taxes by delivering to the Company an amount that the Company determines is sufficient to satisfy the Withholding Taxes by (x) wire transfer to such account as the Company may direct, (y) delivery of a certified check payable to the Company, or (z) such other means as specified from time to time by the Committee.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company or an Affiliate also may satisfy any Withholding Taxes by offsetting any amounts (including, but not limited to, salary, bonus and severance payments) payable to the Participant by the Company and/or an Affiliate. Furthermore, in the event of any determination that the Company has failed to withhold a sum sufficient to pay all Withholding Taxes due in connection with the Award, the Participant agrees to pay the Company the amount of such deficiency in cash within five (5) days after receiving a written demand from the Company to do so, whether or not the Participant is an employee of the Company at that time.

 

6.           Entire Agreement; Governing Law . The Notice, the Plan and this Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and the Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Participant’s interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and the Participant. These agreements are to be construed in accordance with and governed by the internal laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to any choice of law rule that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the internal laws of the State of Delaware to the rights and duties of the parties. Should any provision of the Notice or this Agreement be determined to be illegal or unenforceable, the other provisions shall nevertheless remain effective and shall remain enforceable.

 

7.           Construction . The captions used in the Notice and this Agreement are inserted for convenience and shall not be deemed a part of the Award for construction or interpretation. Except when otherwise indicated by the context, the singular shall include the plural and the plural shall include the singular. Use of the term “or” is not intended to be exclusive, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

 

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8.           Administration and Interpretation . Any question or dispute regarding the administration or interpretation of the Notice, the Plan or this Agreement shall be submitted by the Participant or by the Company to the Committee. The resolution of such question or dispute by the Committee shall be final and binding on all persons.

 

9.           Venue and Jurisdiction . The parties agree that any suit, action, or proceeding arising out of or relating to the Notice, the Plan or this Agreement shall be brought exclusively in the United States District Court for the Central District of California (or should such court lack jurisdiction to hear such action, suit or proceeding, in a California state court in the County of Los Angeles) and that the parties shall submit to the jurisdiction of such court. The parties irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection the party may have to the laying of venue for any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such court. If any one or more provisions of this Section 9 shall for any reason be held invalid or unenforceable, it is the specific intent of the parties that such provisions shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it or its application valid and enforceable.

 

10.         Notices . Any notice required or permitted hereunder shall be given in writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon personal delivery, upon deposit for delivery by an internationally recognized express mail courier service or upon deposit in the United States mail by certified mail (if the parties are within the United States), with postage and fees prepaid, addressed to the other party at its address as shown in these instruments, or to such other address as such party may designate in writing from time to time to the other party.

 

11.        Data Privacy .

 

(a)         The Participant hereby explicitly and unambiguously consents to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of the Participant’s personal data as described in the Notice and this Agreement by and among, as applicable, the Participant’s employer, the Company and any Affiliate for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing the Participant’s participation in the Plan.

 

(b)         The Participant understands that the Company and the Participant’s employer may hold certain personal information about the Participant, including, but not limited to, the Participant’s name, home address and telephone number, date of birth, social insurance or other identification number, salary, nationality, job title, any Shares or directorships held in the Company, details of all Units or any other entitlement to Shares awarded, canceled, vested, unvested or outstanding in the Participant’s favor, for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing the Plan (“Data”).

 

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(c)        The Participant understands that Data will be transferred to any third party assisting the Company with the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. The Participant understands that the recipients of the Data may be located in the Participant’s country, or elsewhere, and that the recipients’ country may have different data privacy laws and protections than the Participant’s country. The Participant understands that the Participant may request a list with the names and addresses of any potential recipients of the Data by contacting the Participant’s local human resources representative. The Participant authorizes the Company and any other possible recipients which may assist the Company (presently or in the future) with implementing, administering and managing the Plan to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer the Data, in electronic or other form, for the sole purpose of implementing, administering and managing the Participant’s participation in the Plan. The Participant understands that Data will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage the Participant’s participation in the Plan. The Participant understands that the Participant may, at any time, view Data, request additional information about the storage and processing of Data, require any necessary amendments to Data or refuse or withdraw the consents herein, in any case without cost, by contacting in writing the Participant’s local human resources representative. The Participant understands, however, that refusal or withdrawal of consent may affect the Participant’s ability to participate in the Plan. For more information on the consequences of the Participant’s refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, the Participant understands that the Participant may contact the Participant’s local human resources representative.

 

12.         Language . If the Participant has received this Agreement or any other document related to the Plan translated into a language other than English and if the translated version is different than the English version, the English version will control, unless otherwise prescribed by Applicable Law.

 

13.         Amendment and Delay to Meet the Requirements of Section 409A . The Participant acknowledges that the Company, in the exercise of its sole discretion and without the consent of the Participant, may amend or modify this Agreement in any manner and delay the issuance of any Shares issuable pursuant to this Agreement to the minimum extent necessary to meet the requirements of Section 409A of the Code as amplified by any Treasury regulations or guidance from the Internal Revenue Service as the Company deems appropriate or advisable. In addition, the Company makes no representation that the Award will comply with Section 409A of the Code and makes no undertaking to prevent Section 409A of the Code from applying to the Award or to mitigate its effects on any deferrals or payments made in respect of the Units. The Participant is encouraged to consult a tax adviser regarding the potential impact of Section 409A of the Code.

 

END OF AGREEMENT

 

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Exhibit 10.3

 

B. RILEY FINANCIAL, INC.

 

Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Incentive Plan

 

STOCK BONUS PROGRAM

 

This Stock Bonus Program is being implemented under the B. Riley Financial, Inc. Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) for the purpose of attracting and retaining the best available personnel for service to the Company. Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall have the same defined meanings in this Stock Bonus Program.

 

Pursuant to Section 7 of the Plan, the Committee may grant Unrestricted Share Awards to Eligible Persons. Any Unrestricted Share Awards granted under this Stock Bonus Program shall be governed by the Plan and subject to the terms set forth herein.

 

1.           Eligibility . The Committee will determine, in its sole discretion, the Eligible Persons to whom grants of Unrestricted Share Awards will be made and the number of Shares subject to each Unrestricted Share Award, subject in each case to the limitations set forth in the Plan, including, but not limited to, Sections 3 and 4(b) of the Plan.

 

2.           Rights as Stockholder . Neither the Participant nor any person claiming under or through the Participant will have any of the rights or privileges of a stockholder of the Company in respect of any Unrestricted Shares unless and until certificates representing such Unrestricted Shares will have been issued, recorded on the records of the Company or its transfer agents or registrars, and delivered to the Participant or Participant’s broker.

 

3.           No Effect on Employment . Except as otherwise provided in a written employment agreement between the Participant and the Company and its Affiliates, the Participant’s employment with the Company and its Affiliates is on an at-will basis only. Accordingly, the terms of the Participant’s employment with the Company and its Affiliates will be determined from time to time by the Company or the Affiliate employing the Participant (as the case may be), and the Company or the Affiliate will have the right, which is hereby expressly reserved, to terminate or change the terms of the employment of the Participant at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without good cause or notice.

 

4.           Tax Withholding . The Unrestricted Shares will be paid to the Participant, (or, in the event of the Participant’s death, the Participant’s Beneficiary or, if no Beneficiary is designated or surviving, to the person or persons to whom the Participant’s rights under the Unrestricted Share Award pass by will or the laws of descent and distribution), provided that the Participant must arrange for the satisfaction of the minimum amount of Withholding Taxes in a manner acceptable to the Company.

  

a) By Share Withholding. If permissible under Applicable Law and upon the exercise of the Company’s sole discretion, the Participant authorizes the Company to withhold from those Unrestricted Shares otherwise issuable to the Participant the whole number of Shares sufficient to satisfy the minimum applicable Withholding Taxes. The Participant acknowledges that the withheld Shares may not be sufficient to satisfy the Participant’s minimum Withholding Taxes. Accordingly, the Participant agrees to pay to the Company or any Affiliate as soon as practicable, including through additional payroll withholding, any amount of the Withholding Taxes that are not satisfied by the withholding of Shares described above.

 

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b) By Sale of Shares . Upon the exercise of the Company’s sole discretion and unless the Participant determines to satisfy the Withholding Taxes by some other means in accordance with clause (iii) below, the Participant’s acceptance of this Award constitutes the Participant’s instruction and authorization to the Company and any brokerage firm determined acceptable to the Company for such purpose to sell on the Participant’s behalf a whole number of Shares from those Shares issuable to the Participant as the Company determines to be appropriate to generate cash proceeds sufficient to satisfy the minimum applicable Withholding Taxes. Such Shares will be sold on the day such Withholding Taxes arise or as soon thereafter as practicable. The Participant will be responsible for all broker’s fees and other costs of sale, and the Participant agrees to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any losses, costs, damages, or expenses relating to any such sale. To the extent the proceeds of such sale exceed the Participant’s minimum Withholding Taxes, the Company agrees to pay such excess in cash to the Participant. The Participant acknowledges that the Company or its designee is under no obligation to arrange for such sale at any particular price, and that the proceeds of any such sale may not be sufficient to satisfy the Participant’s minimum Withholding Taxes. Accordingly, the Participant agrees to pay to the Company or any Affiliate as soon as practicable, including through additional payroll withholding, any amount of the Withholding Taxes that is not satisfied by the sale of Shares described above.

 

c) By Check, Wire Transfer or Other Means . At any time not less than five (5) business days (or such fewer number of business days as determined by the Committee) before any Withholding Taxes arise (e.g., a vesting date), the Participant may elect to satisfy the Participant’s Withholding Taxes by delivering to the Company an amount that the Company determines is sufficient to satisfy the Withholding Taxes by (x) wire transfer to such account as the Company may direct, (y) delivery of a certified check payable to the Company, or (z) such other means as specified from time to time by the Committee.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company or an Affiliate also may satisfy any Withholding Taxes by offsetting any amounts (including, but not limited to, salary, bonus and severance payments) payable to the Participant by the Company and/or an Affiliate. Furthermore, in the event of any determination that the Company has failed to withhold a sum sufficient to pay all Withholding Taxes due in connection with an Unrestricted Share Award the Participant agrees to pay the Company the amount of such deficiency in cash within five (5) days after receiving a written demand from the Company to do so, whether or not the Participant is an employee of the Company at that time.

 

5.           Additional Conditions to Issuance of Stock . If at any time the Company will determine, in its discretion, that the listing, registration or qualification of the Unrestricted Shares upon any securities exchange or under any state or federal law, or the consent or approval of any governmental regulatory authority is necessary or desirable as a condition to the issuance of Unrestricted Shares to the Participant, such issuance will not occur unless and until such listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval will have been effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Company. The Company will make all reasonable efforts to meet the requirements of any such state or federal law or securities exchange and to obtain any such consent or approval of any such governmental authority.

 

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6.           Plan Governs . This Stock Bonus Program and the Stock Bonus Award Agreement are subject to all terms and provisions of the Plan. In the event of a conflict between one or more provisions of this Stock Bonus Program or the Stock Bonus Award Agreement and one or more provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan will govern.

 

7.           Committee Authority . The Committee will have the power to interpret the Plan and this Stock Bonus Program and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation and application of this Stock Bonus Program as are consistent therewith and to interpret or revoke any such rules. All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Committee in good faith will be final and binding upon Participant, the Company and all other interested persons. No member of the Committee will be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation made in good faith with respect to this Stock Bonus Program.

 

8.           Severability . In the event that any provision in this Stock Bonus Program is held invalid or unenforceable, such provision will be severable from, and such invalidity or unenforceability will not be construed to have any effect on, the remaining provisions of this Stock Bonus Program.

 

* * *

 

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B. RILEY FINANCIAL, INC.

 

Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Incentive Plan

 

STOCK BONUS AWARD AGREEMENT  

       
  Name:    
       

  You (the “Participant”) have been granted _________ Unrestricted Shares for past services, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Stock Bonus Program and this Stock Bonus Award Agreement (collectively, the “Agreement”). Additional terms of this grant are as follows:

       
  Grant Date:    
       
  Vesting Schedule: Fully vested as of the Grant Date
       

  The Participant acknowledges and agrees that this Agreement does not constitute an express or implied promise of continued engagement as an employee, consultant, or director, as applicable, for any period, or at all, and shall not interfere with the Participant’s right or the Company’s right to terminate the Participant’s relationship with the Company at any time, with or without cause.

 

 The Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Committee upon any questions relating to the Agreement.

 

 By the Participant’s signature below, the Participant agrees that the Agreement constitutes the Participant’s entire agreement with respect to this award and may not be modified adversely to the Participant’s interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company.

 

[ Remainder of Page Left Intentionally Blank ]

 

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Participant Acknowledges and Agrees :

 

The Participant acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and the Agreement and represents that he or she is familiar with the terms and provisions thereof, and hereby accepts the Award subject to all of the terms and provisions hereof and thereof. The Participant has reviewed this Agreement and the Plan in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing the Agreement and fully understands all provisions of the Agreement and the Plan.

 

The Participant further acknowledges that, from time to time, the Company may be in a “blackout period” and/or subject to applicable federal securities laws that could subject the Participant to liability for engaging in any transaction involving the sale of the Company’s Shares. The Participant further acknowledges and agrees that, prior to the sale of any Shares acquired under this Award, it is the Participant’s responsibility to determine whether or not such sale of Shares will subject the Participant to liability under insider trading rules or other applicable federal securities laws.

 

The Participant understands that the Award is subject to the Participant’s consent to access this Agreement, the Plan and the Plan prospectus (collectively, the “Plan Documents”) in electronic form on the Company’s intranet or the website of the Company’s designated brokerage firm, if applicable. By signing below (or providing an electronic signature by clicking below) and accepting the grant of the Award, the Participant: (i) consents to access electronic copies (instead of receiving paper copies) of the Plan Documents via the Company’s intranet or the website of the Company’s designated brokerage firm, if applicable; (ii) represents that the Participant has access to the Company’s intranet or the website of the Company’s designated brokerage firm, if applicable; (iii) acknowledges receipt of electronic copies, or that the Participant is already in possession of paper copies, of the Plan Documents; and (iv) acknowledges that the Participant is familiar with and accepts the Award subject to the terms and provisions of the Plan Documents.

 

The Company may, in its sole discretion, decide to deliver any Plan Documents by electronic means or request the Participant’s consent to participate in the Plan by electronic means. The Participant hereby consents to receive such documents by electronic delivery and agrees to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company.

 

The Participant hereby agrees that all questions of interpretation and administration relating to the Plan and this Agreement shall be resolved by the Committee.

 

[ Remainder of Page Left Intentionally Blank ]

 

5
 

 

       
Date:      
      Participant’s Signature
       
      Participant’s Printed Name
       
      Address
       
      City, State & Zip

 

6

          

Exhibit 10.4

 

[Execution Copy]

 

B. RILEY FINANCIAL, INC.

  

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT 

 

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into as of April 13, 2015, between B. Riley Financial, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and Alan N. Forman (“ Executive ”). 

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ the Executive on the terms and conditions set forth herein; and 

 

WHEREAS, the Executive desires to be employed by the Company on such terms and conditions.

 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained in this Agreement and for other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which is hereby agreed, the Company and Executive agree as follows:  

 

1.             Position and Responsibilities; Term

 

(a)           Term . The Company shall employ Executive, and Executive hereby accepts employment with the Company, upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement for the period beginning on May 12, 2015 (the “ Effective Date ”) and ending on the second anniversary of the Effective Date (the “ Employment Period ”). Commencing on the first anniversary of the Effective Date and on each anniversary thereafter, the Employment Period shall be automatically extended for one year terms, unless either Executive or the Company gives the other party not less than 90 days’ prior written notice of the intention to not extend this Agreement.

  

(b)           Position and Duties . During the Employment Period, Executive shall serve as the Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company, reporting to Bryant R. Riley, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, and shall have the typical duties, responsibilities, functions and authority associated with such position.

  

(c)           Other Activities . Except upon the prior written consent of the Company, Executive will not, during the term of this Agreement, (i) accept any other employment, or (ii) engage, directly or indirectly, in any other business activity (whether or not pursued for pecuniary advantage) that might interfere with Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder or create a conflict of interest with the Company; provided, however, that Executive may serve on civic or charitable boards or engage in charitable activities without remuneration if doing so is not inconsistent with, or adverse to, Executive’s employment hereunder.

 

2.             Compensation and Benefits .

 

(a)           Base Salary . In consideration of the services to be rendered under this Agreement, the Company shall pay Executive a salary at the rate of Three-Hundred-Thousand Dollars ($300,000.00) per year (“ Base Salary ”). The Base Salary shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s regularly established payroll practice. Executive’s Base Salary will be reviewed from time to time in accordance with the established procedures of the Company for adjusting salaries for similarly situated employees and may be adjusted in the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer and the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “ Compensation Committee ”).

 

 
 

 

(b)           Annual Bonus . Within 75 days after the end of each fiscal year during the Employment Period, including the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015, Executive shall have the opportunity to earn an annual bonus (“ Annual Bonus ”) equal to 100% of Base Salary (the “ Target Bonus ”), as in effect at the beginning of the applicable calendar year, based on achievement of annual target performance goals established by the Compensation Committee for the Executive and other members of executive management; provided that, if the Company or Executive achieves superior performance goals established by the Compensation Committee, then the Executive shall be eligible to receive a bonus award in excess of the Target Bonus; provided further that, if the Company or the Executive does not achieve annual target performance goals established by the Compensation Committee but achieves threshold performance goals established by the Compensation Committee, then the Executive shall be eligible to receive a bonus award less than the Target Bonus. The amount of the annual bonus shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s regularly established payroll practice within 75 days of the end of the relevant fiscal year. Any Annual Bonus otherwise payable for the 2015 fiscal year shall be pro-rated for the portion of the 2015 fiscal year in which the Executive is employed following the Effective Date.

  

(c)           Equity Incentive Awards . The Company shall issue to the Executive as soon as possible following the Effective Date, shares of the Company’s restricted common stock (or restricted stock units) having a fair market value equal to $150,000 based upon the then current market price of the Company’s stock; provided however, in no event shall the Company issue less than 12,500 shares nor more than 30,000 shares (the “Award”). The Award shall be issued under the Company’s Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”), or any similar successor plan. The Award shall (i) vest annually over the three year period following the date of issuance, (ii) accelerate and vest upon a Change of Control (as defined in the Plan) and (iii) shall be entitled to dividends as and when declared by the Company prior to vesting if shares of restricted shares of common stock or restricted stock units issued to other members of senior management are so entitled. In the event that the Executive is terminated by the Company without Cause (as defined in Plan) or by the Executive for Good Reason (as hereinafter defined), all unvested restricted shares, restricted stock units and other equity securities issued to Executive shall accelerate and vest as of the date immediately prior to the date of termination.

  

For purposes of this Agreement, “ Good Reason ” shall mean that the Executive shall have the right to resign his employment upon the occurrence (without the Executive’s prior written consent) of any of the following:  (i) a material diminution in the nature or scope of the Executive’s responsibilities, duties or authority in his capacity as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, without regard to any other responsibilities, duties or authority the Executive may have had or performed for the Company at any time; (ii) the Company’s material breach of this Agreement; (iii) any change in the Executive’s reporting relationship so that he no longer reports to Bryant R. Riley, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer; (iv) a relocation of the Executive’s place of employment to a location more than fifty miles by road from New York, NY; or (v) any decrease in the Executive’s Base Salary, target bonus percentage as set forth in Section 2(b), or benefit plans, programs and arrangements as in effect from time to time (other than a general reduction in base salary, target bonus percentages or benefit plans, programs and arrangements that affects all members of senior management equally); provided, however , that the Executive may not resign his employment for Good Reason unless:  (x) the Executive provided the Company with at least 30 days prior written notice of his intent to resign for Good Reason (which notice must be provided within 45 days following (x) the occurrence of the event(s) purported to constitute Good Reason, or (y) if the Executive could not reasonably have known of the occurrence of any of such events, the date on which the Executive had actual knowledge of the occurrence of any of such events); and (z) the Company has not remedied the alleged occurrence(s) within the 30-day period following its receipt of such notice from the Executive.

 

(d)           Business Expenses . During the Employment Period, the Company shall reimburse Executive for all reasonable business expenses incurred by him in the course of performing his duties and responsibilities under this Agreement which are consistent with the Company’s policies for senior executives in effect from time to time with respect to travel, entertainment and other business expenses, subject to the Company’s requirements with respect to reporting and documentation of such expenses. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement for the cost of air travel for any domestic or international travel consistent with the Company’s policy and practice for other senior executives. Membership fees for applicable bar associations, costs incurred for continuing legal education and other professional fees or costs approved by the Chief Executive Officer shall be deemed business expenses.

 

 
 

 

(e)           Benefits . In addition to the Base Salary and any annual bonuses or other compensation payable to Executive pursuant to this Section 2 , Executive shall be entitled to participate in all of the Company’s employee benefit programs for which senior executive employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries are generally eligible on terms and conditions no less favorable than offered to such other senior executives. Executive will be entitled to paid vacation days and paid holidays in accordance with the normal vacation policy and applicable paid holiday policy of the Company, provided that in no event shall Executive be entitled to less than twenty (20) paid vacation days per year. Unless otherwise provided by Company policy, unused vacation days may not be rolled over to the subsequent year.

 

(f)           Indemnification . The Company agrees that it shall defend, indemnify, and hold Executive harmless to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law from and against any and all liabilities, costs and claims, and all expenses actually incurred by Executive in connection therewith by reason of the fact that Executive is or was employed by the Company, served as a director of the Company, or otherwise provided services to the Company including, without limitation, all costs and expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Executive in defense of litigation arising out of Executive’s employment hereunder. All amounts payable to Executive or on Executive’s behalf under this subsection (f) shall be paid to Executive or on Executive’s behalf immediately on Executive incurring such liability. The Company shall maintain directors’ and officers’ insurance on such terms as determined by the Company, naming Executive as an additional insured. The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that the directors’ and officers’ insurance shall provide for a tail period of not less than six years post-employment.

 

3.             Termination .

 

(a)           At-Will Termination by the Company . Executive’s employment with the Company shall be “at-will” at all times. The Company may terminate Executive’s employment with the Company at any time, upon 90 days prior written notice (if without Cause), for any reason or no reason at all, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in or arising from any statements, policies or practices of the Company relating to the employment, discipline or termination of its employees. Upon and after such termination, all obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall cease, except as otherwise provided herein.

 

(b)           At-Will Termination by Executive . Executive may terminate employment with the Company at any time for any reason or no reason at all. Company would request the courtesy of no less than six weeks’ advanced notice prior to Executive’s termination. During such notice period Executive shall continue to diligently perform all of Executive’s duties hereunder. The Company shall have the option, in its sole discretion, to make Executive’s termination effective at any time prior to the end of such notice period. Thereafter all obligations of the Company shall cease, except as otherwise provided herein.

 

(c)           Effect of Termination . Upon termination of Executive’s employment, Executive shall be deemed to have resigned from all offices and directorships then held with the Company. Following any termination of employment, Executive shall cooperate with the Company in the winding up of pending work on behalf of the Company and the orderly transfer of work to other employees. If the Employment Period is terminated for any reason, then Executive shall be entitled to receive his Base Salary through the date of termination or expiration, together with any vested retirement or other benefits accrued on or prior to such termination, accrued life, disability insurance benefits and accrued but untaken vacation days and other amounts owing hereunder as of the date of such termination that have not yet been paid, including, but not limited to unreimbursed business expenses and the Target Bonus pro-rated through the date of termination. Any outstanding equity or equity-based awards granted to Executive prior to the date of termination or expiration shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plan and award agreement and as otherwise contemplated in Section 2(c).

 

 
 

 

(d)           No Other Benefits . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, Executive shall not be entitled to any other salary, bonuses, employee benefits or compensation from the Company or its Subsidiaries after the termination of Executive’s employment by the Company for any reason and all of Executive’s rights to salary, bonuses, employee benefits and other compensation hereunder which would have accrued or become payable after the termination of the Employment Period shall cease upon such termination, other than those expressly required under applicable law (such as COBRA).

 

4.             Confidential Information .

 

(a)           Protection of Confidential Information . Executive acknowledges that confidential and proprietary information is important to the continued success of the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates. All confidential and proprietary information now existing or developed in the future is referred to in this Agreement as “ Confidential Information ”.” Confidential Information includes all information (whether remembered or embodied in a tangible or intangible form) (i) related to the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ or Affiliates’ current or potential business, and (ii) not generally or publicly known. Confidential Information includes, without specific limitation: information and data obtained by Executive during the course of his performance under this Agreement concerning the business and affairs of the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates; information concerning acquisition opportunities in or reasonably related to the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ or Affiliates’ business which Executive becomes aware of during his employment; the identity of current or prospective customers of the Company or its Subsidiaries or Affiliates; Company and Subsidiary strategic, marketing and expansion plans; Company and Subsidiary financial and business plans; Company and Subsidiary employee lists and telephone numbers; new and existing Company and Subsidiary programs and services; and information concerning Company and Subsidiary prices and terms. Executive shall not disclose to any unauthorized person or use for his own account any Confidential Information without the prior written consent of the Company. Confidential Information shall not include information which (i) becomes generally known to and available for use by the public other than as a result of Executive’s acts or omissions to act, (ii) is established by Executive to have been known by Executive on the date hereof or thereof, (iii) is disclosed by the Company to a third party with no obligation to keep the Confidential Information confidential, other than inadvertent disclosures which the Company takes reasonable steps to remedy, (iv)  is received by Executive from a third party without restriction and without breach of any obligations of non-disclosure, or (v) is required to be disclosed pursuant to any applicable law or court order. Executive agrees to deliver to the Company at the end of the Employment Period, or at any other time the Company may request in writing, all memoranda, notes, plans, records, reports, studies and other documents, whether in paper or electronic form (and copies thereof), relating to the business of the Company or its Subsidiaries or Affiliates (including, without limitation, all Confidential Information) that he may then possess or have under his control.

 

(b)           Third Party Information . Executive understands that the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates will receive from third parties confidential or proprietary information (“ Third Party Information ”) subject to a duty on the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ and Affiliates’ part to maintain the confidentiality of such information and to use it only for certain limited purposes. During the Employment Period and thereafter, and without in any way limiting the provision of Section 4(a) above, Executive will hold Third Party Information in the strictest confidence and will not disclose to anyone (other than personnel of the Company or its Subsidiaries and Affiliates who need to know such information in connection with their work for the Company or such Subsidiaries and Affiliates) or use, except in connection with his work for the Company or its Subsidiaries and Affiliates, Third Party Information unless expressly authorized by the third party or by the Company in writing.

 

5.            Intellectual Property, Inventions and Patents . Executive acknowledges that all discoveries, concepts, ideas, inventions, innovations, improvements, developments, methods, designs, analyses, drawings, reports, patent applications, and copyrightable work (whether or not including any confidential information) and all registrations or applications related thereto, all other proprietary information and all similar or related information (whether or not patentable) which relate to the Company’s actual or anticipated business, research and development or existing or future products or services and which are conceived, developed or made by Executive (whether alone or jointly with others) while employed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (“ Work Product ”), belong to the Company.

 

 
 

 

Without limiting any other provision set forth in this Agreement, if any Confidential Information or Work Product are protected by copyright and are deemed in any way to fall within the definition of “work made for hire,” as such term is defined in 17 U.S.C. §101, or any successor provision thereof, such work shall be considered a “work made for hire,” the copyright of which shall be owned solely, completely and exclusively by the Company. Without limiting any other provision set forth in this Agreement, if any Confidential Information or Work Product are protected by copyright and are not considered to be included in the categories of works covered by the “work made for hire” definition contained in 17 U.S.C. §101, or any successor provision thereof, such items shall be deemed to be assigned and transferred completely and exclusively to the Company by virtue of Executive’s execution of this Agreement.

  

Executive agrees that all inventions which Executive makes, conceives, reduces to practice or develops (in whole or in part, either alone or jointly with others) during the term of this Agreement, and relating to the business of the Company shall be the sole property of the Company to the maximum extent permitted by Section 2870 of the California Labor Code, and Executive hereby assigns such inventions and all rights therein to the Company. No assignment in this Agreement shall extend to inventions, the assignment of which is prohibited by Labor Code Section 2870. The Company shall be the sole owner of all rights in connection therewith.

 

  6.             Executive’s Representations . Executive hereby represents and warrants to the Company that, except as previously disclosed in writing to the Company (i) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Executive do not and shall not conflict with breach, violate or cause a default under any contract, agreement, instrument, order, judgment or decree to which Executive is a party or by which he is bound, (ii) Executive is not a party to or bound by any employment agreement, noncompete agreement or confidentiality agreement with any other person or entity and (iii) upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company, this Agreement shall be the valid and binding obligation of Executive, enforceable in accordance with its terms. Executive hereby acknowledges and represents that he has consulted with independent legal counsel regarding his rights and obligations under this Agreement and that he fully understands the terms and conditions contained herein.

 

   7.            Survival . Sections 2(c) through 15 shall survive and continue in full force in accordance with their terms notwithstanding the expiration or termination of the Employment Period

 

8.            Notices . Any notice provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be either personally delivered, sent by reputable overnight courier service or mailed by first class mail, return receipt requested, to the recipient at the address below indicated:

 

Notices to Executive:

 

At the address on file with the Company.

  

Notices to the Company:

 

B. Riley Financial, Inc. 

21860 Burbank Blvd. 

Suite 300 South 

Woodland Hills, CA 91367 

Attention: Chief Executive Officer
 

or such other address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party shall have specified by prior written notice to the sending party. Any notice under this Agreement shall be deemed to have been given when so delivered, sent or mailed.

 

 
 

 

9.           Severability . Whenever possible each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement or any action in. any other jurisdiction, but this Agreement shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.

 

10.          Complete Agreement . Each of this Agreement and the restricted stock agreements contemplated in Section 2(b) embodies the complete agreement and understanding among the parties with respect to, and supersedes and preempts any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the parties, written or oral, which may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way.

 

11.          No Strict Construction . The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties hereto to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any party.

 

12.          Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts (including by means of facsimile or electronic transmission in portable document format (pdf)), each of which is deemed to be an original and all of which taken together constitute one and the same agreement.

 

13.          Assignment; Binding Effect . The performance of Executive is personal hereunder, and Executive agrees that Executive shall have no right to assign and shall not assign or purport to assign any rights or obligations under this Agreement. This Agreement may be assigned by the Company, and nothing in this Agreement shall prevent the consolidation, merger or sale of the Company or a sale of any or all or substantially all of its assets. Subject to the foregoing restriction on assignment by Executive, this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon each of the parties; the affiliates, officers, directors, agents, successors and assigns of the Company; and the heirs, devisees, legal representatives, executors and administrators of Executive.

 

14.          Choice of Law . All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of California without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions (whether of the State of California or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of California.

 

15.          Mutual Agreement to Mediate and/or Arbitrate.

(a)          In the event of any dispute, claim or controversy arising out of this Agreement (collectively “Dispute”) between Company and Executive, both parties agree to submit such Dispute to final and binding arbitration conducted by JAMS, ADR or ARC, or their successors, or another arbitrator or association mutually agreed upon by Executive and Company. The Dispute(s) to be submitted to arbitration include, but are not limited to, claims arising from the employment relationship; claims arising from torts or discrimination under any state, federal or local law; claims arising from the California Constitution; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. §2000e); the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (Cal.Govt.Code §12900 et seq.); the Americans with Disabilities Act; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (29 U.S.C. §§ 621-633a); the Older Workers’ Benefit Protection Act; the California Family Rights Act; the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 and any other family and medical leave law; and claims of intentional infliction of emotional distress, breach of contract, breach of implied contract, or any other statute or common law principle of similar effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing, actions by Executive for workers’ compensation or unemployment benefits shall not fall within the definition of Disputes to be arbitrated. Additionally, any action for an injunction for violations under Sections 11 or 12 shall not be subject to arbitration hereunder. The filing of a judicial action to enable the recording of a notice of pending action, for order of attachment, receivership, injunction or other provisional remedies, shall not constitute a waiver of the right to arbitrate herein.

 

 
 

 

(b)          Before invoking the arbitration provisions set forth herein, the parties shall first participate in the mediation of any Dispute. The mediator shall be a retired judge or practicing attorney agreed upon by the parties. Mediation shall be held in Los Angeles County, California. The cost of the mediation shall be borne by the Company. At least ten (10) business days before the date of the mediation, each side shall provide the mediator with a statement of its position and copies of all supporting documents. Each party shall send to the mediation a person who has authority to bind the party. If the subject dispute will involve third parties, such as insurers, subconsultants, agents, contractors or subcontractors, they shall also be asked to participate in the mediation. If a party has participated in the mediation and if the mediation is unsuccessful or the parties are unable to resolve the matter, a party may then invoke the arbitration provisions of this Agreement. If any party commences a proceeding based on a Dispute without first attempting to resolve the matter through mediation, then in the discretion of the judge, that party shall not be entitled to recover attorneys’ fees even if they would otherwise be available to that party in such proceeding.

 

(c)          Either party may commence the arbitration process called for herein by first delivering/sending a written demand to the other party. The parties then agree to submit the claim to JAMS, ADR, ARC, or their successors, or another arbitrator or association mutually agreed upon by Executive and Company. Thereafter, the demand shall be filed with the organization or individual mutually agreed upon. The arbitration is to be conducted in accordance with the provisions set forth by the organization or the individual elected by the parties and in effect at the time of filing/service of the demand for arbitration. The parties must cooperate with one another and with the mutually selected organization or individual in timely selecting an arbitrator, and in scheduling the arbitration proceedings. All proceedings are to be held in Los Angeles County, California.

 

(d)          The arbitrator will issue a written award discussing the facts and the law within thirty (30) days after the date the arbitration hearing is closed. The arbitrator’s award will be based on established rules of law. The arbitrator shall have the authority to provide for all types of relief that would otherwise be available in a court of law and equity. The arbitrator’s award is subject to review as provided by state, specifically C.C.P. § 1286.2, or federal law. Any court having jurisdiction may enter judgment upon the arbitrator’s award.

 

(e)          For purposes of the arbitration, the parties are entitled to file responsive pleadings, cross demand/claims, demurrers, motions to strike, and motions for summary judgment pursuant to the California Code of Civil Procedure § 1283 et seq. and the California Evidence Code. The parties are entitled to conduct discovery pursuant to the California Code of Civil Procedure.

  

(f)           Company agrees to pay all the fees and costs of the arbitration, including meeting room charges and any other expenses that would not have been incurred if the Dispute(s) were litigated in the judicial forum having jurisdiction over it. Each party shall pay its own attorney fees, witness fees, and other expenses incurred by the party for the party’s own benefit.

 

(g)          Except as otherwise set forth in Section 16(b) above regarding the need to mediate, the prevailing party in the arbitration shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees from the other party in addition to any other relief that may be granted to such prevailing party.

 

 
 

 

16.          Acknowledgment to Arbitrate Dispute. Executive agrees to have all Disputes arising out of or relating to Executive’s employment decided by neutral arbitration, and Executive is giving up any rights Executive might possess to have those matters litigated in a court or jury trial. By initialing in the space below, Executive is giving up Executive’s judicial right to appeal, except as provided by law or specifically set forth in this Agreement. If Executive refuses to submit to arbitration after agreeing to and accepting this provision, Executive may be compelled to arbitrate under federal or state law. Executive’s agreement to this arbitration provision is voluntary.

 

Each of the Company and the Executive has been advised to seek the advice of an attorney regarding the legal effect of this Agreement prior to signing it. Each of the Company and the Executive specifically and expressly acknowledges that he/it is entering into and executing this Agreement knowingly, openly, and voluntarily, and in the total absence of any duress, coercion, undue influence, inducement, promises or representations.

 

17.          Amendment and Waiver . The provisions of this Agreement may be amended or waived only with the prior written consent of the Company and Executive. No course of conduct or course of dealing or failure or delay by any party hereto in enforcing or exercising any of the provisions of this Agreement shall affect the validity, binding effect or enforceability of this Agreement or be deemed to be an implied waiver of any provision of this Agreement.

  

[Signature page immediately follows.]

 

 
 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Employment Agreement as of the date first written above.

  

  B. Riley Financial, Inc.
 

  

  By: /s/Bryant R. Riley
  Its: Chairman and CEO
 

 

4/13/2015 

  Executive :
 

 

  /s/Alan N. Forman
  Alan N. Forman

 

 

EXHIBIT 31.1

 

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 

PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, Bryant R. Riley, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of B. Riley Financial, Inc.;

 

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

 

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

 

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control 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 control over financial reporting.

 

Date: August 10, 2015

     
  /s/ BRYANT R. RILEY  
 

Bryant R. Riley 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 

(Principal Executive Officer)  

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT 31.2

 

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER  

PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, Phillip J. Ahn, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of B. Riley Financial, Inc.;

 

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

 

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

 

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control 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 control over financial reporting.

 

Date: August 10, 2015

     
 

/s/ PHILLIP J. AHN 

 
  Phillip J. Ahn  
  Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer  
  (Principal Financial 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 on Form 10-Q of B. Riley Financial, Inc. (the “Company”) for the quarter ended June 30, 2015 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Bryant R. Riley, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

   

/s/ BRYANT R. RILEY 

 
Bryant R. Riley  
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer  
   
August 10, 2015  

 

 

 

Exhibit 32.2

 

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 on Form 10-Q of B. Riley Financial, Inc. (the “Company”) for the quarter ended June 30, 2015 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Phillip J. Ahn, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

   

/s/ PHILLIP J. AHN 

 
Phillip J. Ahn  
Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer  
   
August 10, 2015