UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2008
Commission File Number 001-12629

NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
 
36-4128138
(State or other jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
 
Identification No.)

120 Broadway, 27th Floor, New York, NY 10271
(Address including zip code of principal executive offices)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (212) 417-8000

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 x  No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “accelerated filer”, “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (check one).
 
Large Accelerated Filer o
Accelerated Filer o
   
Non-Accelerated Filer o
Smaller Reporting Company x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). YES o  NO x

As of May 13, 2008 there were 8,622,628 shares of the registrant's common stock outstanding.

 
 

 

NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

ASSETS

   
March 31,
 
September 30,
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
   
(unaudited)
 
(see note below)
 
           
CASH
 
$
4,141,000
 
$
4,957,000
 
DEPOSITS WITH CLEARING ORGANIZATIONS
   
402,000
   
402,000
 
RECEIVABLES FROM BROKER-DEALERS AND CLEARING ORGANIZATIONS
   
3,589,000
   
4,739,000
 
OTHER RECEIVABLES, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $467,000 at March 31, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively
   
663,000
   
784,000
 
ADVANCES TO REGISTERED REPRESENTATIVES
   
3,594,000
   
4,010,000
 
SECURITIES OWNED
             
Marketable, at market value
   
441,000
   
1,191,000
 
FIXED ASSETS, net
   
294,000
   
304,000
 
SECURED DEMAND NOTE
   
500,000
   
500,000
 
OTHER ASSETS
   
833,000
   
396,000
 
               
TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
14,457,000
 
$
17,283,000
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
             
               
PAYABLE TO BROKER-DEALERS AND CLEARING ORGANIZATIONS
 
$
17,000
 
$
1,115,000
 
SECURITIES SOLD, BUT NOT YET PURCHASED, at market
   
424,000
   
77,000
 
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE, ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER LIABILITIES
   
5,090,000
   
7,907,000
 
CONVERTIBLE NOTES PAYABLE, net of debt discount of $395,000 at March 31, 2008
   
2,605,000
   
-
 
NOTES PAYABLE, net of debt discounts of $89,000 and $138,000 at March 31, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively
   
911,000
   
862,000
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES
   
9,047,000
   
9,961,000
 
               
SUBORDINATED BORROWINGS
   
500,000
   
500,000
 
               
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
             
               
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
             
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 200,000 shares authorized; 50,000 shares designated as Series A and 20,000 shares designated as Series B
             
Series A 9% cumulative convertible preferred stock, $.01 par value, 50,000 shares authorized; 37,550 shares issued and outstanding (liquidation preference: $3,755,000) at March 31, 2008 and September 30, 2007
   
-
   
-
 
Series B 9% cumulative convertible preferred stock, $.01 par value, 20,000 shares authorized; 0 shares issued and outstanding (liquidation preference: $0) at March 31, 2008 and September 30, 2007
   
-
   
-
 
Common stock, $.02 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized; 8,622,628 and 8,602,628 shares issued and outstanding, at March 31, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively
   
172,000
   
172,000
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
20,538,000
   
19,919,000
 
Accumulated deficit
   
(15,800,000
)
 
(13,269,000
)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
   
4,910,000
   
6,822,000
 
               
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
$
14,457,000
 
$
17,283,000
 

Note: The balance sheet at September 30, 2007 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date.

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
2

 

NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)

   
-------- Three Months Ended ---------
 
-------- Six Months Ended ---------
 
   
March 31,
 
March 31,
 
March 31,
 
March 31,
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
REVENUES:
                         
Commissions
 
$
9,924,000
 
$
8,522,000
 
$
23,216,000
 
$
16,944,000
 
Net dealer inventory gains
   
3,639,000
   
3,760,000
   
7,833,000
   
7,059,000
 
Investment banking
   
67,000
   
3,112,000
   
67,000
   
3,667,000
 
                           
Total commission and fee revenues
   
13,630,000
   
15,394,000
   
31,116,000
   
27,670,000
 
                           
Interest and dividends
   
880,000
   
796,000
   
1,810,000
   
1,361,000
 
Transfer fees and clearing services
   
962,000
   
1,005,000
   
2,273,000
   
2,015,000
 
Other
   
812,000
   
420,000
   
1,450,000
   
853,000
 
                           
TOTAL REVENUES
   
16,284,000
   
17,615,000
   
36,649,000
   
31,899,000
 
                           
EXPENSES:
                         
Commissions
   
12,551,000
   
12,392,000
   
28,754,000
   
22,176,000
 
Employee compensation and related expenses
   
2,308,000
   
1,749,000
   
4,549,000
   
3,262,000
 
Clearing fees
   
522,000
   
343,000
   
1,136,000
   
718,000
 
Communications
   
253,000
   
426,000
   
608,000
   
828,000
 
Occupancy and equipment costs
   
869,000
   
741,000
   
1,733,000
   
1,476,000
 
Professional fees
   
463,000
   
559,000
   
1,051,000
   
1,517,000
 
Interest
   
70,000
   
105,000
   
143,000
   
209,000
 
Taxes, licenses, registration
   
77,000
   
164,000
   
207,000
   
342,000
 
Other administrative expenses
   
535,000
   
560,000
   
1,000,000
   
880,000
 
                           
TOTAL EXPENSES
   
17,648,000
   
17,039,000
   
39,181,000
   
31,408,000
 
                           
NET (LOSS) INCOME
   
(1,364,000
)
 
576,000
   
(2,532,000
)
 
491,000
 
                           
Preferred stock dividends
   
(83,000
)
 
(103,000
)
 
(169,000
)
 
(208,000
)
                           
Net income attributable to common stockholders
 
$
(1,447,000
)
$
473,000
 
$
(2,701,000
)
$
283,000
 
                           
NET (LOSS) INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
                         
                           
Basic:
                         
Net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders
 
$
(0.17
)
$
0.09
 
$
(0.31
)
$
0.05
 
                           
Diluted:
                         
Net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders
 
$
(0.17
)
$
0.05
 
$
(0.31
)
$
0.05
 
                           
Weighted average number of shares outstanding
                         
Basic
   
8,609,628
   
5,370,917
   
8,606,090
   
5,310,762
 
Diluted
   
8,609,628
   
11,193,816
   
8,606,090
   
10,909,161
 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
3

 

NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

   
----------Six Months Ended--------------
 
   
March 31, 2008
 
March 31, 2007
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
             
Net income
 
$
(2,532,000
)
$
491,000
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
             
Depreciation and amortization
   
101,000
   
74,000
 
Amortization of deferred financing costs
   
6,000
   
4,000
 
Amortization of note discount
   
49,000
   
61,000
 
Compensatory element of common stock option issuances
   
210,000
   
29,000
 
Changes in assets and liabilities
             
Deposits with clearing organizations
   
-
   
(1,000
)
Receivables from broker-dealers, clearing organizations and others
   
1,687,000
   
(1,976,000
)
Securities owned: marketable, at market value
   
750,000
   
(415,000
)
Securities owned: non-marketable, at fair value
   
-
   
402,000
 
Other assets
   
(144,000
)
 
(146,000
)
Payables
   
(3,908,000
)
 
1,392,000
 
Securities sold, but not yet purchased, at market
   
347,000
   
14,000
 
Net cash used in operating activities
   
(3,434,000
)
 
(71,000
)
               
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
             
Purchase of fixed assets
   
(91,000
)
 
(58,000
)
               
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
             
Net proceeds from issuance of convertible notes payable
   
3,000,000
   
-
 
Net proceeds from issuance of notes payable
   
-
   
1,000,000
 
Cash payment of deferred financing costs
   
(80,000
)
 
(22,000
)
Payment of notes payable
   
-
   
(850,000
)
Dividends paid
   
-
   
(50,000
)
Deferred offering costs
   
(219,000
)
 
-
 
Exercise of stock options
   
8,000
   
14,000
 
Exercise of warrants
   
-
   
132,000
 
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
2,709,000
   
224,000
 
               
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH
   
(816,000
)
 
95,000
 
               
CASH BALANCE
             
Beginning of the period
   
4,957,000
   
1,441,000
 
 
             
End of the period
 
$
4,141,000
 
$
1,536,000
 
               
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
             
Cash paid during the period for:
             
Interest
 
$
107,000
 
$
163,000
 
Income taxes
 
$
23,000
 
$
-
 
Series B preferred stock dividends
 
$
-
 
$
50,000
 
               
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NONCASH INVESTING AND
             
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
             
Warrants issued in connection with debt
 
$
395,000
 
$
195,000
 
Series A Preferred stock dividends
 
$
-
 
$
317,000
 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
4

 

NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2008
(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of National Holdings Corporation (“National Holdings” or the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial statements and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and disclosures required for annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The condensed consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2008 and for the periods ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007 are unaudited. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the fiscal year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes included thereto in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007.

NOTE 2. CONSOLIDATION

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of National Holdings and its wholly owned subsidiaries. National Securities Corporation (“National Securities”) is a Washington corporation organized in 1947. National Securities conducts a national securities brokerage business through its main offices in Seattle, Washington and New York, New York. The Company’s business includes securities brokerage for individual and institutional clients, market-making trading activities, asset management and corporate finance services. National Securities is an introducing broker and clears all transactions through clearing organizations on a fully disclosed basis. National Asset Management, Inc. (“NAM”), a Washington corporation, is a federally-registered investment adviser that provides asset management advisory services to high net worth clients for a fee based upon a percentage of assets managed. National Insurance Corporation (“National Insurance”), a Washington corporation, provides fixed insurance products to its clients, including life insurance, disability insurance, long term care insurance and fixed annuities. National Insurance commenced business operations during the second quarter of fiscal year 2007 that have been diminimus. National Securities Futures Corporation (“National Futures”), National Holdings Mortgage Corporation (“National Mortgage”), and National Group Benefits Corporation (“National Group Benefits”), each a Washington corporation, have not commenced active business operations. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

NOTE 3. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Effective October 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109" ("FIN 48"). FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. Differences between tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and the benefit recognized and measured pursuant to the interpretation are referred to as "unrecognized benefits". A liability is recognized (or amount of net operating loss carry forward or amount of tax refundable is reduced) for an unrecognized tax benefit because it represents an enterprise's potential future obligation to the taxing authority for a tax position that was not recognized as a result of applying the provisions of FIN 48.

 
5

 
 
In accordance with FIN 48, interest costs related to unrecognized tax benefits are required to be calculated (if applicable) and would be classified as “Interest” expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Penalties would be recognized as a component of "Other administrative expenses".

In many cases the Company's uncertain tax positions are related to tax years that remain subject to examination by relevant tax authorities. The Company files income tax returns in the United States (federal) and in various state and local jurisdictions. In most instances, the Company is no longer subject to federal, state and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2004.

The adoption of the provisions of FIN 48 did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations. As of March 31, 2008, no liability for unrecognized tax benefits was required to be recorded.

The Company recognized a deferred tax asset of approximately $5.0 million as of March 31, 2008, primarily relating to net operating loss carryovers of approximately $12.0 million, available to offset future taxable income through 2025.

The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. The Company considers projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. At present, the Company does not have a sufficient history of income to conclude that it is more likely than not that the Company will be able to realize all of its tax benefits in the near future and therefore a valuation allowance was established in the full value of the deferred tax asset. A valuation allowance will be maintained until sufficient positive evidence exists to support the reversal of any portion or all of the valuation allowance net of appropriate reserves.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141(R)”). SFAS 141(R) replaces SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations”, and is effective for the Company for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. SFAS 141(R) requires the new acquiring entity to recognize all assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transactions; establishes an acquisition-date fair value for acquired assets and liabilities; and fully discloses to investors the financial effect the acquisition will have.  The Company is evaluating the impact of this pronouncement on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements” (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 requires all entities to report minority interests in subsidiaries as equity in the consolidated financial statements, and requires that transactions between entities and noncontrolling interests be treated as equity.  SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and earlier adoption is prohibited. The Company is evaluating the impact of this pronouncement on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
In March 2008, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161 "Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 "("SFAS 161"). SFAS 161 changes the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities. Entities are required to provide enhanced disclosures about (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133 and its related interpretations, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity's financial position, financial performance and cash flows. The guidance in SFAS 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged. This Statement encourages, but does not require, comparative disclosures for earlier periods at initial adoption. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of SFAS 161 and its impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements has not yet been determined.

 
6

 
 
NOTE 4. STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

Effective October 1, 2005, the Company adopted FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 123R “Share Based Payment”.  This statement is a revision of SFAS Statement No. 123, and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, and its related implementation guidance. SFAS 123R addresses all forms of share based payment (“SBP”) awards including shares issued under employee stock purchase plans, stock options, restricted stock and stock appreciation rights. Under SFAS 123R, SBP awards will result in a charge to operations that will be measured at fair value on the awards grant date, based on the estimated number of awards expected to vest over the service period.  During the three and six months ended March 31, 2007, the Company granted 570,000 and 720,000 stock options, respectively, with a fair value of approximately $478,000 and $574,000, respectively. A charge of approximately $23,000 and $30,000 was recorded in the three and six months ended March 31, 2007, respectively, relating to the amortization of the fair value associated with stock option grants. During the three and six months ended March 31, 2008, the Company granted 180,000 stock options with a fair value of approximately $201,000. A charge of approximately $108,000 and $210,000 was recorded in the three and six months ended March 31, 2008, respectively, relating to the amortization of the fair value associated with stock option grants.
 
The Black-Scholes option valuation model is used to estimate the fair value of the options granted. The model includes subjective input assumptions that can materially affect the fair value estimates. The model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and that are fully transferable. For example, the expected volatility is estimated based on the most recent historical period of time equal to the weighted average life of the options granted. Options issued under the Company's option plans have characteristics that differ from traded options. In management's opinion, this valuation model does not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its employee stock options. Principal assumptions used in applying the Black-Scholes model along with the results from the model were as follows:

   
2008
 
2007
 
Assumptions:
             
Risk-free interest rate
   
1.47% - 2.19%
 
 
4.40%
 
               
Expected life, in years
   
3.0
   
3.0
 
               
Expected volatility
   
81%
 
 
83%
 
 
 
7

 
 
A summary of the stock option activity as of March 31, 2008, and changes during the six month period then ended is presented below:

           
Weighted
     
       
Weighted
 
Average
     
       
Average
 
Remaining
 
Aggregate
 
       
Exercise
 
Contractual
 
Intrinsic
 
   
Shares
 
Price
 
Term
 
Value
 
Outstanding at September 30, 2007
   
2,007,000
 
$
1.62
   
3.64
 
$
2,359,000
 
                           
Granted
   
180,000
 
$
2.10
   
4.95
 
$
18,000
 
                           
Exercised
   
(20,000
)
$
0.40
             
                           
Expired
   
(75,000
)
$
2.00
             
                           
Outstanding at March 31, 2008
   
2,092,000
 
$
1.66
   
3.29
 
$
1,204,000
 
                           
Exerciseable at March 31, 2008
   
1,293,250
 
$
1.40
   
2.89
 
$
1,045,000
 

As of March 31, 2008, there was $919,000 of total unrecognized deferred compensation costs related to share-based compensation arrangements, that will be amortized over periods ranging from six months to four years. The Company expects that future forfeitures will be diminimus.

A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested shares as of March 31, 2008, and changes during the six month period then ended is presented below:
 
       
Weighted
 
       
Average
 
       
Grant Date
 
Nonvested Shares
 
Shares
 
Fair Value
 
Nonvested at September 30, 2007
   
900,000
 
$
0.95
 
               
Granted
   
180,000
 
$
2.10
 
               
Vested
   
(206,250
)
$
0.71
 
               
Expired
   
(75,000
)
$
2.00
 
             
Nonvested at March 31, 2008
   
798,750
 
$
1.20
 

NOTE 5. SECURITIES OWNED AND SECURITIES SOLD, BUT NOT YET PURCHASED

The following table shows the quoted market values of securities owned by the Company, and securities sold but not yet purchased by the Company, as of March 31, 2008:

   
Securities held 
 
Securities sold, but
 
   
for resale
 
not yet purchased
 
Corporate stocks
 
$
441,000
 
$
38,000
 
Corporate bonds
   
-
   
34,000
 
Government obligations
   
-
   
352,000
 
   
$
441,000
 
$
424,000
 

 
8

 
 
NOTE 6. CONTINGENCIES

In September 2006, the former chairman and chief executive officer of the Company, Steven A. Rothstein, commenced an arbitration against the current chairman and chief executive officer of the Company, Mark Goldwasser, in the matter Rothstein et al. vs. Goldwasser, FINRA No. 06-04000.  Rothstein is alleging fraud and inequitable conduct relating to his attempts to sell his investment in the Company in calendar year 2001, and is seeking approximately $5,750,000 in damages.  The Company is indemnifying Mr. Goldwasser in this action.  The Company and Mr. Goldwasser believe this action is without merit, and intend to vigorously defend this action. As of March 31, 2008, the outcome of this arbitration is not determinable and accordingly the Company has not established a provision for this matter.

The Company is a defendant in various other arbitrations and administrative proceedings, lawsuits and claims seeking in the aggregate damages of approximately $800,000. The Company believes such claims are substantially without merit, and estimates that its liability, primarily for attorney representation, will be less than $200,000 (exclusive of unspecified punitive damages related to certain claims and inclusive of expected insurance coverage). These matters arise in the normal course of business. The Company intends to vigorously defend itself in these actions, and believes that the eventual outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company. However, the ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time. The amounts related to such matters that are reasonably estimable and which have been accrued at March 31, 2008 and 2007, is $91,000 and $331,000 (primarily legal fees), respectively, and have been included in “Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities” in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition. The Company has included in “Professional fees” litigation and FINRA related expenses of $175,000 and $344,000 for the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $490,000 and $1,133,000 for the first six months of fiscal year 2008 and 2007, respectively.

NOTE 7. DIVIDENDS ON CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK

The holders of the Company’s Series A convertible preferred stock, that are convertible into the Company’s common stock at $1.25 per share, are entitled to receive dividends on a quarterly basis at a rate of 9% per annum, per share. Such dividends are cumulative and accrue whether or not declared by the Company’s Board of Directors, but are payable only when, as and if declared by the Company’s Board of Directors. At March 31, 2008, the accumulated unpaid dividends on the Company’s 37,550 issued and outstanding shares of Series A preferred stock was $338,000.

NOTE 8. INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE

Basic income (loss) per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted income (loss) per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the potential dilution that would occur if securities or other contracts to issue common shares were exercised or converted.

 
9

 
 
The following table sets forth the components used in the computation of basic and diluted income per common share:

   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
   
March 31, 2008
 
March 31, 2007
 
March 31, 2008
 
March 31, 2007
 
Numerator:
                         
Net income (loss)
 
$
(1,364,000
)
$
576,000
 
$
(2,532,000
)
$
491,000
 
Preferred stock dividends
   
(83,000
)
 
(103,000
)
 
(169,000
)
 
(208,000
)
Numerator for basic earnings per share
                         
— net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders - as reported
   
(1,447,000
)
 
473,000
   
(2,701,000
)
 
283,000
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                         
Interest on convertible notes
   
-
   
27,000
   
-
   
54,000
 
Preferred stock dividends
   
-
   
103,000
   
-
   
208,000
 
Numerator for basic earnings per share
                         
— net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders - as adjusted
 
$
(1,447,000
)
$
603,000
 
$
(2,701,000
)
$
545,000
 
                           
Denominator:
                         
Denominator for basic earnings per share—weighted average shares
   
8,609,628
   
5,370,917
   
8,606,090
   
5,310,762
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                         
Stock options
   
-
   
207,934
   
-
   
104,786
 
Warrants
   
-
   
277,632
   
-
   
156,280
 
Assumed conversion of:
                         
Series A Preferred Stock
   
-
   
3,004,000
   
-
   
3,004,000
 
Series B Preferred Stock
   
-
   
1,333,333
   
-
   
1,333,333
 
Notes
   
-
   
1,000,000
   
-
   
1,000,000
 
Dilutive potential common shares
   
-
   
5,822,899
   
-
   
5,598,399
 
Denominator for diluted earnings per share—adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions
   
8,609,628
   
11,193,816
   
8,606,090
   
10,909,161
 
                           
Net income available to common stockholders
                         
Basic:
 
$
(0.17
)
$
0.09
 
$
(0.31
)
$
0.05
 
                           
Diluted:
 
$
(0.17
)
$
0.05
 
$
(0.31
)
$
0.05
 

For both the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2008, 7,721,000 common share equivalents were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. For the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2007, 2,744,715 and 2,969,215, respectively, common share equivalents were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

 
10

 
 
The following table sets forth the common share equivalents that were excluded from the calculation:
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
   
March 31, 2008
 
March 31, 2007
 
March 31, 2008
 
March 31, 2007
 
                   
Stock options
   
2,092,000
   
1,399,066
   
2,092,000
   
1,502,214
 
Warrants
   
1,125,000
   
1,345,649
   
1,125,000
   
1,467,001
 
Assumed conversion of:
                         
Series A Preferred Stock
   
3,004,000
   
-
   
3,004,000
   
-
 
Series B Preferred Stock
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Notes
   
1,500,000
   
-
   
1,500,000
   
-
 
                           
Dilutive potential common shares
   
7,721,000
   
2,744,715
   
7,721,000
   
2,969,215
 

NOTE 9. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE, ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER LIABILITIES

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities as of March 31, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively, consist of the following:

   
March 31, 2008
 
September 30, 2007
 
           
Commissions payable
 
$
2,747,000
 
$
5,128,000
 
Deferred clearing fee credits
   
637,000
   
828,000
 
Telecommunications vendors payable
   
248,000
   
366,000
 
Legal payable
   
111,000
   
84,000
 
Deferred rent payable
   
277,000
   
133,000
 
Other vendors
   
1,070,000
   
1,368,000
 
Total
 
$
5,090,000
 
$
7,907,000
 

NOTE 10. NOTES PAYABLE

In February 2008, National Securities and the holder of a $500,000 secured demand note that was scheduled to mature on March 1, 2008, extended the term of the secured demand note to March 1, 2009.
 
NOTE 11. PRIVATE PLACEMENT OF 10% PROMISSORY NOTES

On March 31, 2008, the Company completed a financing transaction under which an investor made an investment in the Company by purchasing a convertible promissory note in the principal amount of $3.0 million, with a warrant to purchase 375,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.50 per share. The promissory note matures in March 2012, is convertible into common stock at a price of $2.00 per share and has a stated interest rate of 10% per annum. The relative fair value of the warrant of approximately $395,000 was calculated using the Black-Scholes Option Valuation Model. This amount has been recorded as a debt discount that will be charged to interest expense over the life of the promissory note.

The Company and the investor entered into a registration rights agreement, wherein the Company has agreed to file a registration statement for the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the note and exercise of the warrant within ninety (90) days of the effective date of the proposed merger with vFinance, Inc. (See Note 14), and to cause the registration statement to be declared effective within one hundred eighty (180) days of the effective date of such merger. Should the Company fail to either file the registration statement or have it declared effective within such time limits then as liquidated damages the interest rate of the note shall increase 1% per annum for each month the applicable failure is not cured, up to a maximum of 15%.

 
11

 
 
The investment was made by St. Cloud Capital Partners II, L.P. (“St. Cloud II”), whose managing partner is Marshall S. Geller, a member of the Company's board of directors. The Company incurred legal fees and other costs related to this capital transaction of approximately $101,000 that were capitalized and will be amortized to interest expense over the life of the promissory note.

NOTE 12. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

In the three and six months ended March 31, 2008 the Company received proceeds of $8,000 from the exercise of 20,000 outstanding stock options.

NOTE 13. NET CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

National Securities, as a registered broker-dealer, is subject to the SEC’s Uniform Net Capital Rule 15c3-1 that requires the maintenance of minimum net capital. National Securities has elected to use the alternative standard method permitted by the rule. This requires that National Securities maintain minimum net capital equal to the greater of $250,000 or a specified amount per security based on the bid price of each security for which National Securities is a market maker. At March 31, 2008, National Securities’ net capital exceeded the requirement by $2,951,000.

Advances, dividend payments and other equity withdrawals from the Company’s subsidiary are restricted by the regulations of the SEC and other regulatory agencies. These regulatory restrictions may limit the amounts that a subsidiary may dividend or advance to the Company.

NOTE 14. MERGER AGREEMENT  

In November 2007, the Company entered into a definitive merger agreement with vFinance, Inc., a publicly traded company with two wholly owned subsidiaries which are also registered broker-dealers with a similar business to National Securities. The merger agreement is subject to numerous conditions, including: execution of definitive transaction documents, compliance with state and federal securities laws and regulations, the completion of an equity or equity related financing with gross proceeds of at least $3.0 million, and corporate, shareholder and regulatory approvals. The Company has completed the equity related financing (See Note 11), and a Form S-4 Registration Statement was filed with the SEC on April 18, 2008 and declared effective on May 9, 2008. The merger must be approved by the stockholders of vFinance, Inc. at a special meeting to be held on June 13, 2008, and is subject to other usual closing conditions. However, no assurance can be given that the Company will consummate the merger with vFinance, Inc.

The Company has capitalized approximately $219,000 of costs associated with this merger that have been included in “Other Assets” in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition as of March 31, 2008. Upon the completion of the merger these costs will be included as part of the purchase price, and if the merger is not consummated the Company will record a charge to operations.

NOTE 15. LIQUIDITY

During the six months ended March 31, 2008, the Company has incurred a net loss of $2,532,000. The Company has historically satisfied its capital needs with cash generated from operations or from financing activities. On March 31, 2008, the Company issued a convertible promissory note in the principal amount of $3.0 million (See Note 11). The Company believes that it will have sufficient funds to maintain its current level of business activities during fiscal year 2008. If market conditions should weaken, the Company would need to consider curtailing certain of its business activities, reducing its fixed overhead costs and/or seek additional sources of financing.

 
12

 
 
NOTE 16. SUBSIDIARIES

In July 1994, National Securities formed a wholly owned subsidiary, National Asset Management, Inc., a Washington corporation ("NAM"). NAM is a federally registered investment adviser providing asset management advisory services to high net worth clients for a fee based upon a percentage of assets managed. In March 2008, all of the issued and outstanding stock of NAM was transferred from National Securities to the Company.

 
13

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

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. This Quarterly Report may contain certain statements of a forward-looking nature relating to future events or future business performance. Any such statements that refer to the Company’s estimated or anticipated future results or other non-historical facts are forward-looking and reflect the Company’s current perspective of existing trends and information. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that cannot be predicted or quantified and, consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, risks and uncertainties detailed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 10, 2007. Any forward-looking statements contained in or incorporated into this Quarterly Report speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2007

The Company’s second quarter of fiscal year 2008 resulted in a decrease in revenues, and an increase in expenses compared to the same period last year. As a result, the Company reported a net loss of $1,364,000 compared with net income of $576,000 for the second quarter of fiscal years 2008 and 2007, respectively.

   
Three Months Ended
         
   
March 31,
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Commissions
 
$
9,924,000
 
$
8,522,000
 
$
1,402,000
   
16
%
Proprietary trading
   
3,580,000
   
3,498,000
   
82,000
   
2
%
Market making
   
8,000
   
168,000
   
(160,000
)
 
(95
%)
Mark-ups and mark-downs
   
51,000
   
94,000
   
(43,000
)
 
(46
%)
Net dealer inventory gains
   
3,639,000
   
3,760,000
   
(121,000
)
 
(3
%)
Investment banking
   
67,000
   
3,112,000
   
(3,045,000
)
 
(98
%)
Interest and dividends
   
880,000
   
796,000
   
84,000
   
11
%
Transfer fees and clearance services
   
962,000
   
1,005,000
   
(43,000
)
 
(4
%)
Other
   
812,000
   
420,000
   
392,000
   
93
%
   
$
16,284,000
 
$
17,615,000
 
$
(1,331,000
)
 
(8
%)

Total revenues decreased $1,331,000, or 8%, in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 to $16,284,000 from $17,615,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2007. This decrease is due to a decline in investment banking revenue, partially offset by an increase in commission revenue. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2008, total trading volume increased 3%, compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2007. The increase in revenues and trading volume is due to an increase in the number of registered representatives associated with the Company, offset in part by a decline in market making activities. Trading volume in this period related to retail brokerage increased 10%. Commission revenue increased $1,402,000, or 16%, to $9,924,000 from $8,522,000 during the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 compared with the same period in fiscal year 2007. Net dealer inventory gains, which includes profits on proprietary trading, market making activities and customer mark-ups and mark-downs, decreased $121,000, or 3%, to $3,639,000 from $3,760,000 during the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 compared with the same period in fiscal year 2007. The decrease is due to a decline in market making activities and customer mark-ups and mark-downs. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2008, revenues from proprietary trading increased $82,000, or 2%, to $3,580,000 from $3,498,000 in the same period of fiscal year 2007, revenues from market making activities decreased $160,000, or 95%, to $8,000 from $168,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2007, and revenues from customer mark-ups and mark-downs decreased $43,000, or 46%, to $51,000 from $94,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2007.   

 
14

 
 
Investment banking revenue decreased $3,045,000, or 98%, to $67,000 from $3,112,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 compared with the second quarter of fiscal year 2007. The Company did not complete any investment banking transactions in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008, and received only modest fee income. Interest and dividend income increased $84,000, or 11%, to $880,000 from $796,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 compared with the same period last year. The increase in interest income is attributable to an increase in the amount of debit balances in National Securities’ customer accounts from the same period last year. Transfer fees decreased $43,000, or 4%, to $962,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 from $1,005,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2007. The decrease reflects certain production that does not generate a charge for transfer fees.

Other revenue, consisting of asset management fees, miscellaneous transaction fees, trading fees and other investment income, increased $392,000, or 93%, to $812,000 from $420,000 during the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2007. The increase is due to an increase in fee based assets under management.

In comparison with the 8% decrease in total revenues, total expenses increased 4%, or $609,000, to $17,648,000 for the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 compared to $17,039,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2007. The increase in total expenses is primarily the result of greater employee compensation.

   
Three Months Ended
         
   
March 31,
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Commission expense related to:
                         
Commission revenue
 
$
9,430,000
 
$
7,629,000
 
$
1,801,000
   
24
%
Net dealer inventory gains
   
3,121,000
   
2,927,000
   
194,000
   
7
%
Investment banking
   
-
   
1,836,000
   
(1,836,000
)
 
(100
%)
Commissions
   
12,551,000
   
12,392,000
   
159,000
   
1
%
Employee compensation
   
2,308,000
   
1,749,000
   
559,000
   
32
%
Clearing fees
   
522,000
   
343,000
   
179,000
   
52
%
Communications
   
253,000
   
426,000
   
(173,000
)
 
(41
%)
Occupancy and equipment costs
   
869,000
   
741,000
   
128,000
   
17
%
Professional fees
   
463,000
   
559,000
   
(96,000
)
 
(17
%)
Interest
   
70,000
   
105,000
   
(35,000
)
 
(33
%)
Taxes, licenses and registration
   
77,000
   
164,000
   
(87,000
)
 
(53
%)
Other administrative expenses
   
535,000
   
560,000
   
(25,000
)
 
(4
%)
   
$
17,648,000
 
$
17,039,000
 
$
609,000
   
4
%

Commission expense, which includes expenses related to commission revenue, net dealer inventory gains and investment banking, increased $159,000, or 1%, to $12,551,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 from $12,392,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2007. Commission expense related to commission revenue increased $1,801,000, or 24%, to $9,430,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 from $7,629,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2007; and commission expense related to net dealer inventory gains increased $194,000, or 7%, to $3,121,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 from $2,927,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2007. Commission expense as a percentage of commission revenues increased to 95% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 from 90% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2007. This increase is attributable to changes in the production of particular brokers, not all of who are paid at the same commission rate and higher payouts for registered representatives recently affiliated with the Company. Commission expense as a percentage of net dealer inventory gains increased to 86% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 from 78% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2007. This increase is attributable to changes in the securities traded, and their related commission payouts. Commission expense includes the amortization of advances to registered representatives of $313,000 and $346,000 for the second quarter of fiscal years 2008 and 2007, respectively. These amounts fluctuate based upon the amounts of advances outstanding and the time period for which the registered representatives have agreed to be affiliated with National Securities.

 
15

 
 
Employee compensation expense increased $559,000, or 32%, to $2,308,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 from $1,749,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2007. The increase is attributable to new employees hired during fiscal years 2008 and 2007, and salary increases for certain employees. Overall, combined commission and employee compensation expense, as a percentage of revenue increased to 91% from 80% in the second quarter of fiscal years 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Clearing fees increased $179,000, or 52%, to $522,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 from $343,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2007. The increase in clearing fees is attributable to the increase in commission revenue in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 as compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2007. The greater increase in clearing fees as compared to the increase in commission revenue is attributable to lower average commission revenue per ticket in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008.

Communications expense decreased $173,000, or 41%, to $253,000 from $426,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2007. The decrease is due to the Company’s ability to acquire certain of these services at a lower price. Occupancy costs increased $128,000, or 17%, to $869,000 from $741,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2007. The increase in occupancy expense is primarily due to annual rent increases contained in the Company’s office leases. Professional fees decreased $96,000, or 17%, to $463,000 from $559,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2007. The decrease in professional fees is primarily a result of legal fees and costs incurred to settle certain arbitrations in the second quarter of fiscal year 2007.

Interest expense decreased $35,000, or 33%, to $70,000 from $105,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2007. The decrease in interest expense is due to the retirement of certain debt in fiscal year 2007. Taxes, licenses and registration decreased $87,000, or 53%, to $77,000 from $164,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2007. The decrease in taxes, licenses and registration is due to lower registration fees paid on behalf of brokers in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2007. Other administrative expenses decreased $25,000, or 4%, to $535,000 from $560,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2007.

The Company reported a net loss of $1,364,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 compared to net income of $576,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2007. The net loss attributable to common stockholders in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 was $1,447,000, or $.17 per common share, as compared to the diluted earnings attributable to common stockholders of $473,000, or $.05 per common share, in the second quarter of fiscal year 2007. The net income attributable to common stockholders reflects $83,000 and $103,000 of cumulative preferred stock dividends on the Company’s preferred stock for the second quarter of fiscal years 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Six Months Ended March 31, 2008 Compared to Six Months Ended March 31, 2007

The Company’s first six months of fiscal year 2008 resulted in an increase in revenues, and a greater increase in expenses compared to the same period last year. As a result, the Company reported a net loss of $2,532,000 compared with net income of $491,000 for the first six months of fiscal years 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
 
16

 
 
   
Six Months Ended
         
   
March 31,
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Commissions
 
$
23,216,000
 
$
16,944,000
 
$
6,272,000
   
37
%
Proprietary trading
   
7,679,000
   
6,299,000
   
1,380,000
   
22
%
Market making
   
143,000
   
615,000
   
(472,000
)
 
(77
%)
Mark-ups and mark-downs
   
11,000
   
145,000
   
(134,000
)
 
(92
%)
Net dealer inventory gains
   
7,833,000
   
7,059,000
   
774,000
   
11
%
Investment banking
   
67,000
   
3,667,000
   
(3,600,000
)
 
(98
%)
Interest and dividends
   
1,810,000
   
1,361,000
   
449,000
   
33
%
Transfer fees and clearance services
   
2,273,000
   
2,015,000
   
258,000
   
13
%
Other
   
1,450,000
   
853,000
   
597,000
   
70
%
   
$
36,649,000
 
$
31,899,000
 
$
4,750,000
   
15
%

Total revenues increased $4,750,000, or 15%, in the first six months of fiscal year 2008 to $36,649,000 from $31,899,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2007. This increase is due to increases in commissions and net dealer inventory gains, partially offset by a decline in investment banking revenue. During the first six months of fiscal year 2008, total trading volume increased 28%, compared to the first six months of fiscal year 2007. The increase in revenues and trading volume is due to an increase in the number of registered representatives associated with the Company, offset in part by a decline in market making activities. Trading volume in this period related to retail brokerage increased 38%. Commission revenue increased $6,272,000, or 37%, to $23,216,000 from $16,944,000 during the first six months of fiscal year 2008 compared with the same period in fiscal year 2007. Net dealer inventory gains, which includes profits on proprietary trading, market making activities and customer mark-ups and mark-downs, increased $774,000, or 11%, to $7,833,000 from $7,059,000 during the first six months of fiscal year 2008 compared with the same period in fiscal year 2007. The increase is due to increased trading activity in foreign securities partially offset set by a decline in market making activities and customer mark-ups and mark-downs. During the first six months of fiscal year 2008, revenues from proprietary trading increased $1,380,000, or 22%, to $7,679,000 from $6,299,000 in the same period of fiscal year 2007, revenues from market making activities decreased $472,000, or 77%, to $143,000 from $615,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2007, and revenues from customer mark-ups and mark-downs decreased $134,000, or 92%, to $11,000 from $145,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2007.   

Investment banking revenue decreased $3,600,000, or 98%, to $67,000 from $3,667,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2008 compared with the first six months of fiscal year 2007. The Company did not complete any investment banking transactions in the first six months of fiscal year 2008, and received only modest fee income. Interest and dividend income decreased $449,000, or 33%, to $1,810,000 from $1,361,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2008 compared with the same period last year. The increase in interest income is attributable to an increase in the amount of debit balances in National Securities’ customer accounts from the same period last year, and an adjustment of the interest sharing agreement with one of the Company’s clearing firms. Transfer fees increased $258,000, or 13%, to $2,273,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2008 from $2,015,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2007. The increase is due to the higher trading volume experienced during the first quarter of fiscal year 2008.

Other revenue, consisting of asset management fees, miscellaneous transaction fees, trading fees and other investment income, increased $597,000, or 70%, to $1,450,000 from $853,000 during the first six months of fiscal year 2008 compared to the first six months of fiscal year 2007. The increase is due to an increase in fee based assets under management.
 
 
17

 
 
In comparison with the 15% increase in total revenues, total expenses increased 25%, or $7,773,000, to $39,181,000 for the first six months of fiscal year 2008 compared to $31,408,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2007. The increase in total expenses is primarily the result of greater commission expense and employee compensation.
 
   
Six Months Ended
         
   
March 31,
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Commission expense related to:
                         
Commission revenue
 
$
22,190,000
 
$
14,962,000
 
$
7,228,000
   
48
%
Net dealer inventory gains
   
6,564,000
   
5,368,000
   
1,196,000
   
22
%
Investment banking
   
-
   
1,846,000
   
(1,846,000
)
 
(100
%)
Commissions
   
28,754,000
   
22,176,000
   
6,578,000
   
30
%
Employee compensation
   
4,549,000
   
3,262,000
   
1,287,000
   
39
%
Clearing fees
   
1,136,000
   
718,000
   
418,000
   
58
%
Communications
   
608,000
   
828,000
   
(220,000
)
 
(27
%)
Occupancy and equipment costs
   
1,733,000
   
1,476,000
   
257,000
   
17
%
Professional fees
   
1,051,000
   
1,517,000
   
(466,000
)
 
(31
%)
Interest
   
143,000
   
209,000
   
(66,000
)
 
(32
%)
Taxes, licenses and registration
   
207,000
   
342,000
   
(135,000
)
 
(39
%)
Other administrative expenses
   
1,000,000
   
880,000
   
120,000
   
14
%
   
$
39,181,000
 
$
31,408,000
 
$
7,773,000
   
25
%
 
Commission expense, which includes expenses related to commission revenue, net dealer inventory gains and investment banking, increased $6,578,000, or 30%, to $28,754,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2008 from $22,176,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2007. Commission expense related to commission revenue increased $7,228,000, or 48%, to $22,190,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2008 from $14,962,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2007; and commission expense related to net dealer inventory gains increased $1,196,000, or 22%, to $6,564,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2008 from $5,368,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2007. Commission expense as a percentage of commission revenues increased to 96% in the first six months of fiscal year 2008 from 88% in the first six months of fiscal year 2007. This increase is attributable to changes in the production of particular brokers, not all of who are paid at the same commission rate and higher payouts for registered representatives recently affiliated with the Company, and an increase in the amortization of advances to registered representatives. Commission expense as a percentage of net dealer inventory gains increased to 84% in the first six months of fiscal year 2008 from 76% in the first six months of fiscal year 2007. This increase is attributable to changes in the securities traded, and their related commission payouts. Commission expense includes the amortization of advances to registered representatives of $804,000 and $576,000 for the first six months of fiscal years 2008 and 2007, respectively. These amounts fluctuate based upon the amounts of advances outstanding and the time period for which the registered representatives have agreed to be affiliated with National Securities.

Employee compensation expense increased $1,287,000, or 39%, to $4,549,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2008 from $3,262,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2007. The increase is attributable to new employees hired during fiscal years 2008 and 2007, and salary increases for certain employees. Overall, combined commission and employee compensation expense, as a percentage of revenue increased to 91% from 80% in the first six months of fiscal years 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Clearing fees increased $418,000, or 58%, to $1,136,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2008 from $718,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2007. The increase in clearing fees is attributable to the increase in commission revenue in the first quarter of fiscal year 2008 as compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2007. The greater increase in clearing fees as compared to the increase in commission revenue is attributable to lower average commission revenue per ticket in the first six months of fiscal year 2008.

 
18

 
 
Communications expense decreased $220,000, or 27%, to $608,000 from $828,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2008 compared to the first six months of fiscal year 2007. The decrease is due to the Company’s ability to acquire certain of these services at a lower price. Occupancy costs increased $257,000, or 17%, to $1,733,000 from $1,476,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2008 compared to the first six months of fiscal year 2007. The increase in occupancy expense is primarily due to annual rent increases contained in the Company’s office leases. Professional fees decreased $466,000, or 31%, to $1,051,000 from $1,517,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2008 compared to the first six months of fiscal year 2007. The decrease in professional fees is primarily a result of legal fees and costs incurred to settle certain arbitrations in the first six months of fiscal year 2007.

Interest expense decreased $66,000, or 32%, to $207,000 from $342,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2008 compared to the first six months of fiscal year 2007. The decrease in interest expense is due to the retirement of certain debt in fiscal year 2007. Taxes, licenses and registration decreased $135,000, or 39%, to $207,000 from $342,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2008 compared to the first six months of fiscal year 2007. The decrease in taxes, licenses and registration is due to lower registration fees paid on behalf of brokers in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2007. Other administrative expenses increased $120,000, or 14%, to $1,000,000 from $880,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2008 compared to the first six months of fiscal year 2007. The other administrative expenses increase is primarily attributable due to an increase in marketing and other promotional expenses in the first quarter of fiscal year 2008.

The Company reported a net loss of $2,532,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2008 compared to net income of $491,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2007. The net loss attributable to common stockholders in the first six months of fiscal year 2008 was $2,701,000, or $.31 per common share, as compared to the diluted earnings attributable to common stockholders of $283,000, or $.05 per common share, in the first six months of fiscal year 2007. The net income attributable to common stockholders reflects $169,000 and $208,000 of cumulative preferred stock dividends on the Company’s preferred stock for the second quarter of fiscal years 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

National Securities, as a registered broker-dealer, is subject to the SEC’s Uniform Net Capital Rule 15c3-1 that requires the maintenance of minimum net capital. National Securities has elected to use the alternative standard method permitted by the rule. This requires that National Securities maintain minimum net capital equal to the greater of $250,000 or a specified amount per security based on the bid price of each security for which National Securities is a market maker. At March 31, 2008, National Securities’ net capital exceeded the requirement by $2,951,000.

Advances, dividend payments and other equity withdrawals from the Company’s broker-dealer subsidiary are restricted by the regulations of the SEC and other regulatory agencies. These regulatory restrictions may limit the amounts that a broker-dealer subsidiary may dividend or advance to the Company.

The Company extends unsecured credit in the normal course of business to its brokers. The determination of the appropriate amount of the reserve for uncollectible accounts is based upon a review of the amount of credit extended, the length of time each receivable has been outstanding, and the specific individual brokers from whom the receivables are due.

The objective of liquidity management is to ensure that the Company has ready access to sufficient funds to meet commitments, fund deposit withdrawals and efficiently provide for the credit needs of customers.

 
19

 
 
In April 2005, National Securities entered into a clearing agreement with National Financial Services LLC (“NFS”) that became effective in June 2005. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2007, NFS paid National Securities a $750,000 general business credit that is being amortized over an eight year period ending November 2014, corresponding with the expiration date of the clearing agreement. In the second quarter of fiscal year 2007, NFS provided National Securities a $250,000 clearing fee waiver that is being amortized over a two year period ending December 2008, corresponding with the time period that certain performance standards were to be achieved. The clearing agreement includes a termination fee if National Securities terminates the agreement without cause. In June 2005, National Securities entered into a clearing agreement with Penson Financial Services, Inc. (“Penson”) for the purpose of providing clearing services that are not provided by NFS. Additionally, in June 2007, National Securities entered into a clearing agreement with Legent Clearing LLC (“Legent”) for the purpose of providing clearing services that are not provided by NFS and to maintain a pre-existing clearing relationship for brokers newly associated with National Securities. The Company believes that the overall effect of its clearing relationships has been beneficial to the Company’s cost structure, liquidity and capital resources. 

In February 2007, the Company completed a financing transaction under which certain investors made an investment in the Company by purchasing 10% promissory notes in the principal amount of $1.0 million, with warrants to purchase an aggregate of 250,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.40 per share. The promissory notes mature in February 2009, and have a stated interest rate of 10% per annum. The relative fair value of the warrants was calculated using the Black-Scholes Option Valuation Model. The Company recorded a debt discount of approximately $195,000 that will be charged to interest expense over the life of the promissory notes. The investment included $500,000 by Christopher C. Dewey and $250,000 by St. Cloud Capital Partners, L.P. (“St. Cloud”). Mr. Dewey, and Marshall S. Geller, the Co-Founder and Senior Managing Partner of St. Cloud, are each members of the Company’s board of directors. The Company incurred legal fees and other costs related to this capital transaction in the amount of $22,000 that were capitalized and will be amortized to interest expense over the life of the promissory notes. The Company used $850,000 of the proceeds to pay in full promissory notes that had maturity dates in February 2007.

In February 2008, National Securities and the holder of a $500,000 secured demand note that was scheduled to mature on March 1, 2008, extended the term of the secured demand note to March 1, 2009.

On March 31, 2008, the Company completed a financing transaction under which an investor made an investment in the Company by purchasing a convertible promissory note in the principal amount of $3.0 million, with a warrant to purchase 375,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.50 per share. The promissory note matures in March 2012, is convertible into common stock at a price of $2.00 per share and has a stated interest rate of 10% per annum. The relative fair value of the warrant of approximately $395,000 was calculated using the Black-Scholes Option Valuation Model. This amount has been recorded as a debt discount that will be charged to interest expense over the life of the promissory note. The Company and the investor entered into a registration rights agreement, wherein the Company has agreed to file a registration statement for the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the note and exercise of the warrant within ninety (90) days of the effective date of the proposed merger with vFinance, and to cause the registration statement to be declared effective within one hundred eighty (180) days of the effective date of such merger. Should the Company fail to either file the registration statement or have it declared effective within such time limits then as liquidated damages the interest rate of the note shall increase 1% per annum for each month the applicable failure is not cured, up to a maximum of 15%. The investment was made by St. Cloud II, an affiliate of St. Cloud. The Company incurred legal fees and other costs related to this capital transaction of approximately $101,000 that were capitalized and will be amortized to interest expense over the life of the promissory note.

In the three and six months ended March 31, 2008 the Company received proceeds of $8,000 from the exercise of outstanding stock options.

 
20

 
 
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company's primary market risk arises from the fact that it engages in proprietary trading and historically made dealer markets in equity securities. Accordingly, the Company may be required to maintain certain amounts of inventories in order to facilitate customer order flow. The Company may incur losses as a result of price movements in these inventories due to changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, equity prices and other political factors. The Company is not subject to direct market risk due to changes in foreign exchange rates. However, the Company is subject to market risk as a result of changes in interest rates and equity prices, which are affected by global economic conditions. The Company manages its exposure to market risk by limiting its net long or short positions. Trading and inventory accounts are monitored daily by management and the Company has instituted position limits.

Credit risk represents the amount of accounting loss the Company could incur if counterparties to its proprietary transactions fail to perform and the value of any collateral proves inadequate. Although credit risk relating to various financing activities is reduced by the industry practice of obtaining and maintaining collateral, the Company maintains more stringent requirements to further reduce its exposure. The Company monitors its exposure to counterparty risk on a daily basis by using credit exposure information and monitoring collateral values. The Company maintains a credit committee, which reviews margin requirements for large or concentrated accounts and sets higher requirements or requires a reduction of either the level of margin debt or investment in high-risk securities or, in some cases, requiring the transfer of the account to another broker-dealer.

The Company monitors its market and credit risks daily through internal control procedures designed to identify and evaluate the various risks to which the Company is exposed. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company's risk management procedures and internal controls will prevent losses from occurring as a result of such risks.

The following table shows the quoted market values of marketable securities owned ("long") by the Company, securities sold but not yet purchased ("short") the Company, and net positions as of March 31, 2008:
 
   
Long
 
Short
 
Net
 
Corporate stocks
 
$
441,000
 
$
38,000
 
$
403,000
 
Corporate bonds
   
-
   
34,000
   
(34,000
)
Government obligations
   
-
   
352,000
   
(352,000
)
   
$
441,000
 
$
424,000
 
$
17,000
 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) required by the Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b), the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were adequate and effective to ensure that material information relating to the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries would be made known to them by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report on Form 10-Q was being prepared.

Changes in internal controls. There were no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect those controls and procedures subsequent to the date of our evaluation nor any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in such disclosure controls and procedures requiring corrective actions.

 
21

 
 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

During the quarter ended March 31, 2008, there were no significant developments in the Company’s legal proceedings. For a detailed discussion of the Company’s legal proceedings, please refer to Note 6 herein, and the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There are no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2007.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Previously reported in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 2, 2008.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

The Company held its annual meeting of shareholders on March 12, 2008. Proxies were solicited by the Company pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. At the annual meeting, the Company’s shareholders approved the following proposals:

1. The number of shares voted “for” and “withhold authority” in connection with the election of Marshall S. Geller as a Class I Director to the Board of Directors of the Company was as follows:
 
       
Withhold
 
   
For
 
Authority
 
In Person
 
-
 
-
 
By Proxy
   
6,290,349
   
266,293
 
               
Total
   
6,290,349
   
266,293
 

 
22

 

The number of shares voted “for” and “withhold authority” in connection with the election of Christopher C. Dewey as a Class I Director to the Board of Directors of the Company was as follows:

 
       
Withhold
 
   
For
 
Authority
 
In Person
   
-
   
-
 
By Proxy
   
6,479,969
   
76,673
 
               
Total
   
6,479,969
   
76,673
 

The terms of Robert J. Rosan and Norman J. Kurlan, Class II Directors, and Mark Goldwasser and Gary A. Rosenberg, Class III Directors, continued after the annual meeting.

2. The number of shares voted “for”, “against” and “abstain” in connection with the approval of the Company's 2008 Stock Option Plan was as follows:
 
   
For
 
Against
 
Abstain
 
In Person
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
By Proxy
   
3,960,492
   
72,839
   
198,027
 
                     
Total
   
3,960,492
   
72,839
   
198,027
 

3. The number of shares voted “for”, “against” and “abstain” in connection with the ratification of Marcum & Kliegman LLP as the Company’s independent public accountants for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008 was as follows:
 
   
For
 
Against
 
Abstain
 
In Person
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
By Proxy
   
6,553,944
   
70
   
2,628
 
                     
Total
   
6,553,944
   
70
   
2,628
 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

31.1
Chief Executive Officer’s Certificate pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2
Chief Financial Officer’s Certificate pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1
Chief Executive Officer’s Certificate pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2
Chief Financial Officer’s Certificate pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 
23

 

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.

 
NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
     
May 15, 2008
By:
/s/ Mark Goldwasser
   
Mark Goldwasser
   
President and Chief Executive Officer
     
     
May 15, 2008
By:
/s/ Robert H. Daskal
   
Robert H. Daskal
   
Chief Financial Officer

 
24