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

FORM 10-Q

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

For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2014

OR

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

Commission File Number 001-15799

Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Florida
65-0701248
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification Number)
 
 
4400 Biscayne Boulevard, 12th Floor
 
Miami, Florida
33137
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(305) 572-4100
(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  X    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__X__ No___

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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
 [ ]
 
 
Accelerated filer
[x]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
[ ]
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
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  X 
As of May 2, 2014 there were 181,811,984 shares of the registrant's common stock outstanding.





LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2014

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 
Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013

 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013

 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2014

 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013

 
 
 
 
6

 
 
 
15

 
 
 
24

 
 
 
24

 
 
 
PART  II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
24

 
 
 
   Item 1A.
25

 
 
 
25

 
 
 
26

 
 
 
27




1



PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
 
March 31, 2014 
 (Unaudited)
 
December 31, 2013
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
48,529

 
$
50,329

Securities owned, at fair value
6,717

 
4,789

Receivables from clearing brokers
40,059

 
31,391

Receivables from other broker-dealers
4,824

 
2,126

Notes receivable from financial advisors, net
29,973

 
31,751

Other receivables, net
23,105

 
21,687

Fixed assets, net
16,883

 
15,866

Restricted assets
470

 
570

Intangible assets, net
73,430

 
76,251

Goodwill
90,481

 
90,501

Unamortized debt issue cost
951

 
1,069

Cash surrender value of life insurance
11,526

 
12,370

Other assets
21,479

 
22,120

 
 
 
 
      Total assets
$
368,427

 
$
360,820



 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities sold, but not yet purchased, at fair value
$
6,010

 
$
83

Accrued compensation
13,267

 
20,098

Commissions and fees payable
36,726

 
32,800

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
18,129

 
19,846

Deferred rent
1,782

 
1,871

Deferred income taxes
7,753

 
7,499

Deferred compensation liability
18,457

 
19,056

Accrued interest
1,440

 
1,506

Notes payable, net of $1,180 and $1,618 unamortized discount in 2014 and 2013, respectively
54,857

 
64,648

      Total liabilities
158,421

 
167,407

 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)


 


Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
Preferred stock, $.0001 par value; authorized 25,000,000 shares in 2014 and 2013: 8% Series A cumulative redeemable preferred stock; 8,290,000 shares authorized; 6,798,983 and 6,189,497 shares issued and outstanding in 2014 and 2013, respectively (liquidation preference $169,975 in 2014 and $154,737 in 2013)
1

 
1

Common stock, $.0001 par value; authorized 600,000,000 shares in 2014 and 2013; shares issued and outstanding, 181,829,745 in 2014 and 181,433,815 in 2013
18

 
18

   Additional paid-in capital
363,109

 
350,780

   Accumulated deficit
(153,153
)

(157,438
)
 
 
 
 
      Total shareholders’ equity of the Company
209,975

 
193,361

 
 
 
 
Noncontrolling interest
31

 
52

 
 
 
 
      Total shareholders' equity
210,006

 
193,413

 
 
 
 
      Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
368,427

 
$
360,820

See accompanying notes.

2



LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

 
 
Three months ended
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
Commissions
 
$
100,599

 
$
93,067

 
Advisory fees
 
76,879

 
63,337

 
Investment banking
 
15,999

 
13,069

 
Principal transactions
 
782

 
420

 
Interest and dividends
 
1,703

 
1,611

 
Service fees and other income
 
15,856

 
15,801

 
Total revenues
 
211,818

 
187,305

 
Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
Commissions and fees
 
151,739

 
134,468

 
Compensation and benefits
 
27,890

 
23,635

 
Non-cash compensation
 
1,927

 
1,413

 
Brokerage, communication and clearance fees
 
4,407

 
2,588

 
Rent and occupancy, net of sublease revenue
 
1,533

 
1,499

 
Professional services
 
2,148

 
2,088

 
Interest
 
1,893

 
6,236

 
Depreciation and amortization
 
3,838

 
3,907

 
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 
314

 

 
Amortization of retention loans
 
1,788

 
1,808

 
Other
 
9,496

 
9,040

 
Total expenses
 
206,973

 
186,682

 
Income before item shown below
 
4,845

 
623

 
Change in fair value of contingent consideration
 
12

 
23

 
Income before income taxes
 
4,857

 
646

 
Income tax expense
 
593

 
523

 
Net income
 
4,264

 
123

 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
(21
)
 
(13
)
 
Net income attributable to the Company
 
$
4,285

 
$
136

 
Dividends declared on preferred stock
 
(3,225
)
 

 
Net income available to common shareholders
 
$
1,060

 
$
136

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per share available to common shareholders (basic and diluted)
 
$
0.01

 
$
0.00

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares used in computation of per share data:
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
181,502,068

 
183,459,124

 
Diluted
 
202,332,855

 
188,458,448

 


See accompanying notes.



3



LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES
IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands, except share amounts)
(Unaudited)


 
 
Preferred Stock
 
Common Stock
 
Additional Paid-In Capital
 
Accumulated Deficit
 
Noncontrolling Interest
 
 
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2013
 
6,189,497

 
$
1

 
181,433,815

 
$
18

 
$
350,780

 
$
(157,438
)
 
$
52

 
$
193,413

Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan
 

 

 
37,795

 

 
109

 

 

 
109

Exercise of stock options
 

 

 
650,744

 

 
732

 

 

 
732

Stock-based compensation to consultants and independent financial advisors
 

 

 

 

 
993

 

 

 
993

Stock-based compensation to employees
 

 

 

 

 
934

 

 

 
934

Repurchase and retirement of common stock
 

 

 
(292,609)

 

 
(904
)
 

 

 
(904
)
Preferred stock issued, net of expenses of $279
 
609,486

 

 

 

 
13,690

 

 

 
13,690

Preferred stock dividends declared and paid
 

 

 

 

 
(3,225)

 

 

 
(3,225
)
Net income (loss)
 

 

 

 

 

 
4,285

 
(21
)
 
4,264

Balance, March 31, 2014
 
6,798,983

 
$
1

 
181,829,745

 
$
18

 
$
363,109

 
$
(153,153
)
 
$
31

 
$
210,006



See accompanying notes.

4

LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)

 
Three months ended 
 March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
Net income
$
4,264

 
$
123

      Adjustments to reconcile net income to
 
 
 
          net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Change in fair value of contingent consideration
(12
)
 
(23
)
Adjustment to deferred rent
(89
)
 
(187
)
Amortization of intangible assets
2,821

 
2,936

Depreciation and other amortization
1,017

 
971

Loss on extinguishment of debt
314

 

Amortization of debt discount
142

 
498

Amortization of debt issue cost
100

 
119

Amortization of retention loans
1,788

 
1,808

Deferred income taxes
254

 
262

Benefit attributable to reduction of goodwill
20

 
19

Non-cash interest expense on forgivable loan
210

 
467

Non-cash compensation expense
1,927

 
1,413

Loss on write-off of furniture, fixtures and leasehold improvements, net
3

 
146

 
 
 
 
(Increase) decrease in operating assets:
 
 
 
Securities owned, at fair value
(1,928
)
 
(988
)
Receivables from clearing brokers
(8,668
)
 
(3,535
)
Receivables from other broker-dealers
(2,698
)
 
(483
)
Other receivables, net
(1,418
)
 
(140
)
Notes receivable from financial advisors, net
(10
)
 
(38
)
Cash surrender value of life insurance
844

 
233

Other assets
641

 
806

 
 
 
 
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
 
 
 
Securities sold, but not yet purchased, at fair value
5,927

 
14

Accrued compensation
(6,831
)
 
(1,947
)
Accrued interest
(276
)
 
(151
)
Commissions and fees payable
3,926

 
977

Deferred compensation liability
(599
)
 
(331
)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
(1,705
)
 
171

      Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities   
(36
)
 
3,140

 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Purchases of fixed assets
(2,037
)
 
(912
)
Decrease in restricted assets
100

 

      Net cash used in investing activities   
(1,937
)
 
(912
)
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Issuance of Series A preferred stock
13,690

 

Issuance of common stock
841

 
325

Series A preferred stock dividends paid
(3,225
)
 

Repurchases of common stock
(904
)
 
(157
)
Principal repayments on notes payable
(10,229
)
 
(57
)
Principal borrowings under revolving credit facility, net

 
460

Third party investment in subsidiary

 
60

      Net cash provided by financing activities   
173

 
631

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(1,800
)
 
2,859

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
50,329

 
35,434

      Cash and cash equivalents, end of period   
$
48,529

 
$
38,293

 
 
 
 
Supplemental cash flow information:
 
 
 
Interest paid
$
1,717

 
$
5,920

Taxes paid
1,446

 
217


See accompanying notes.

5


LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited; in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

1. Description of Business and Basis of Presentation

Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. (the “Company”) is a holding company. Its principal operating subsidiaries are Securities America, Inc. (collectively with related companies, ‘‘Securities America’’), Triad Advisors, Inc. (‘‘Triad’’), Investacorp, Inc. (collectively with related companies, ‘‘Investacorp’’), Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. (‘‘Ladenburg’’), Ladenburg Thalmann Asset Management Inc. (‘‘LTAM’’) and Premier Trust, Inc. (‘‘Premier Trust’’).

Securities America, Triad and Investacorp are registered broker-dealers and investment advisors that have been serving the independent financial advisor community since 1984, 1998 and 1978, respectively. The independent financial advisors of Securities America, Triad and Investacorp primarily serve retail clients. Securities America, Triad and Investacorp derive revenue from advisory fees and commissions, primarily from the sale of mutual funds, variable annuity products and other financial products and services.

Ladenburg is a full service registered broker-dealer that has been a member of the New York Stock Exchange since 1879. Broker-dealer activities include sales and trading and investment banking. Ladenburg provides its services principally to middle-market and emerging growth companies and high net worth individuals through a coordinated effort among corporate finance, capital markets, brokerage and trading professionals.

LTAM is a registered investment advisor. It offers various asset management products utilized by Ladenburg and Premier Trust’s clients, as well as clients of Securities America’s, Triad's and Investacorp’s financial advisors.

Premier Trust, a Nevada trust company, provides wealth management services, including administration of personal trusts and retirement accounts, estate and financial planning and custody services.

Securities America's, Triad's, Investacorp's and Ladenburg's customer transactions are cleared through clearing brokers on a fully-disclosed basis and such entities are subject to regulation by, among others, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA") and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board. Each of Securities America, Triad, Investacorp and Ladenburg is a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation. Securities America is also subject to regulation by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission and the National Futures Association. Premier Trust is subject to regulation by the Nevada Department of Business and Industry Financial Institutions Division.

Basis of Presentation
The condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. In the opinion of management, the interim data includes all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the periods presented. Because of the nature of the Company’s business, interim period results may not be indicative of full year or future results.
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all information and notes required in annual audited financial statements in conformity with GAAP. The statement of financial condition at December 31, 2013 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statement presentation. Please refer to the notes to the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 as filed with the SEC, for additional disclosures and a description of accounting policies.

2. Securities Owned and Securities Sold, But Not Yet Purchased
The components of securities owned and securities sold, but not yet purchased at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:

6

LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(Unaudited; in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 
 
Securities Owned   
 
Securities Sold,
But Not Yet Purchased
March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
Certificates of deposit
 
$
113

 
$
(21
)
Debt securities
 
1,257

 
(15
)
U.S. Treasury notes
 
4

 
(50
)
Common stock and warrants
 
3,195

 
(5,924
)
Restricted common stock and warrants
 
862

 

Other investments
 
1,286

 

Total
 
$
6,717

 
$
(6,010
)
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
Certificates of deposit
 
$
24

 
$

Debt securities
 
1,402

 
(46
)
U.S. Treasury notes
 
1

 

Common stock and warrants
 
689

 
(33
)
Restricted common stock and warrants
 
725

 
(4
)
Other investments
 
1,948

 

Total
 
$
4,789

 
$
(83
)

As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, approximately $6,034 and $4,014, respectively, of securities owned were deposited with clearing brokers and may be sold or hypothecated by the clearing brokers pursuant to clearing agreements with such clearing brokers. Securities sold, but not yet purchased, at fair value represents obligations of the Company’s subsidiaries to purchase the specified financial instrument at the then current market price. Accordingly, these transactions result in off-balance-sheet risk as the Company’s subsidiaries’ ultimate obligation to repurchase such securities may exceed the amount recognized in the consolidated statements of financial condition.
    
Authoritative accounting guidance defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and establishes a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market. Valuation techniques that are consistent with the market, income or cost approach are used to measure fair value.

The fair value hierarchy ranks the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

• Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

• Level 2 — Inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable, either directly or indirectly, and
reasonably available. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the
asset or liability and are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company.

• Level 3 — Unobservable inputs which reflect the assumptions that the Company develops based on available
information about what market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability.


Securities are carried at fair value and classified as follows:

    




7

LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(Unaudited; in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

As of March 31, 2014:
Securities owned, at fair value
 
   Level 1
 
   Level 2
 
   Level 3
 
   Total
Debt securities
 
$

 
$
1,257

 

 
$
1,257

Certificates of deposit
 
113

 

 

 
113

U.S. Treasury notes
 

 
4

 

 
4

Common stock and warrants
 
3,195

 
862

 

 
4,057

Other investments
 

 
1,286

 

 
1,286

Total
 
$
3,308

 
$
3,409

 
$

 
$
6,717


Securities sold, but not yet purchased, at fair value
 
   Level 1
 
   Level 2
 
   Level 3
 
   Total
Debt securities
 
$

 
$
(15
)
 
$

 
$
(15
)
Certificates of deposit
 
(21
)
 

 

 
(21
)
U.S. Treasury notes
 

 
(50
)
 

 
(50
)
Common stock and warrants
 
(5,924
)
 

 

 
(5,924
)
Total
 
$
(5,945
)
 
$
(65
)
 
$

 
$
(6,010
)

As of December 31, 2013:
Securities owned, at fair value
 
   Level 1
 
   Level 2
 
   Level 3
 
   Total
Debt securities
 
$

 
$
1,402

 
$

 
$
1,402

Certificates of deposit
 
24

 

 

 
24

U.S. Treasury notes
 

 
1

 

 
1

Common stock and warrants
 
689

 
725

 

 
1,414

Other investments
 

 
1,948

 

 
1,948

Total
 
$
713

 
$
4,076

 
$

 
$
4,789


Securities sold, but not yet purchased, at fair value
 
   Level 1
 
   Level 2
 
   Level 3
 
   Total
Debt securities
 
$

 
$
(46
)
 
$

 
$
(46
)
Common stock and warrants
 
(33
)
 
(4
)
 

 
(37
)
Total
 
$
(33
)
 
$
(50
)
 
$

 
$
(83
)
    
Debt securities and U.S. Treasury notes are valued based on recently executed transactions, market price quotations, and pricing models that factor in, as applicable, interest rates and bond default risk spreads.

Warrants are carried at a discount to fair value as determined by using the Black-Scholes option pricing model due to illiquidity. This model takes into account the underlying securities' current market values, the underlying securities' market volatility, the terms of the warrants, exercise prices and risk-free return rate. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the fair values of the warrants were $530 and $534, respectively, and are included in common stock and warrants (level 2) above.

From time to time, Ladenburg receives common stock as compensation for investment banking services. These securities are restricted under applicable securities laws and may be freely traded only upon the effectiveness of a registration statement covering them or upon the satisfaction of the requirements of Rule 144, including the requisite holding period. Restricted common stock is classified as Level 2 securities.

Other investments consist principally of equity interests in Real Estate Investment Trusts, which are valued based on broker-dealer quotations and pricing available from buyers in the secondary market.


3. Net Capital Requirements


8

LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(Unaudited; in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


The Company’s broker-dealer subsidiaries are subject to the SEC’s Uniform Net Capital Rule 15c3-1, which requires the maintenance of minimum net capital. Each of Securities America, Triad, Investacorp and Ladenburg has elected to compute its net capital under the alternative method allowed by this rule. At March 31, 2014, Securities America had regulatory net capital of $8,177, which was $7,927 in excess of its required net capital of $250. At March 31, 2014, Triad had regulatory net capital of $4,395, which was $4,145 in excess of its required net capital of $250. At March 31, 2014, Investacorp had regulatory net capital of $4,319, which was $4,069 in excess of its required net capital of $250. At March 31, 2014, Ladenburg had regulatory net capital of $14,540, which was $14,290 in excess of its required net capital of $250.

Securities America, Triad, Investacorp and Ladenburg claim exemptions from the provisions of the SEC’s Rule 15c3-3 pursuant to paragraph (k)(2)(ii) as they clear their customer transactions through correspondent brokers on a fully disclosed basis.

Premier Trust, chartered by the state of Nevada, is subject to regulation by the Nevada Department of Business and Industry Financial Institutions Division. Under Nevada law, Premier Trust must maintain minimum stockholders’ equity of at least $1,000, including at least $250 in cash. At March 31, 2014, Premier Trust had stockholders’ equity of $1,258, including at least $250 in cash.

4. Income Taxes

The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return and certain combined state and local income tax returns with its subsidiaries. The Company's current tax year ends on December 31st. Income tax expense was $593 and $523 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Income tax expense includes the tax effect of goodwill, which is amortized for income tax purposes, of $294 and $295 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The remainder of the tax provision principally represents federal alternative minimum tax, state and local income taxes for the 2014 period presented and state and local taxes for the 2013 period presented. The tax rate for the periods presented represents the actual effective tax rate for such periods, which the Company believes represents the best estimate of the annual effective tax rate.

The effective tax rate differs from the statutory income tax rate for the 2014 and 2013 periods, primarily due to a tax provision related to amortization of goodwill for tax purposes and utilization of net operating loss carryforwards for which valuation allowances had previously been provided. The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of tax benefits or expense on the temporary differences between the tax basis and financial statement basis of its assets and liabilities as well as tax loss carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those differences are expected to be recovered or settled.


5.
Notes Payable

Notes payable consisted of the following:

 
March 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Note payable under revolving credit agreement with principal shareholder
$

 
$

Notes payable to clearing firm under forgivable loans
14,286

 
14,285

Note payable to a subsidiary of Premier Trust’s former shareholder
388

 
450

Notes payable to finance Securities America acquisition, net of $1,180 and $1,618 of unamortized discount in 2014 and 2013, respectively
38,671

 
48,232

Note payable under term loan with bank
1,512

 
1,681

Total
$
54,857

 
$
64,648


The Company estimates that the fair value of notes payable was $59,670 at March 31, 2014 and $68,908 at December 31, 2013 based on then current interest rates at which similar amounts of debt could then be borrowed (Level 2 inputs). As of March 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all covenants in its debt agreements.


9

LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(Unaudited; in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


The lenders under the notes payable to finance the Securities America acquisition (the "November 2011 Loan") included Frost Nevada Investments Trust ("Frost-Nevada"), an affiliate of the Company's Chairman of the Board and principal shareholder, Vector Group, Ltd. ("Vector Group"), a principal shareholder of the Company, and the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer and a director. The principal amounts loaned by Frost Nevada, Vector Group and the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer were $135,000, $15,000 and $200, respectively.

The Company used the net proceeds from the sale of Series A Preferred Stock during the three months ended March 31, 2014 (see Note 8) and working capital to prepay $10,000 principal amount of the $160,700 aggregate principal amount of the November 2011 Loan. In connection with the prepayment, the Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt for the three months ended March 31, 2014 of $314, which included unamortized discounts and the write-off of debt issuance costs.

6. Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation and Regulatory Matters

In October 2011, a suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware by James Zazzali, as Trustee for the DBSI Private Actions Trust, against 50 firms, including two of the Company’s subsidiaries, and their purported parent corporations, alleging liability for purported fraud in the marketing and sale of DBSI securities. The plaintiff has alleged, among other things, that the defendants failed to conduct adequate due diligence and violated securities laws. The plaintiff seeks an unspecified amount of compensatory damages as well as other relief. Defendants' motions to dismiss the complaint are currently pending. The Company believes the claims are without merit and intends to vigorously defend against them.

In December 2011, a purported class action suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida (“District Court”) against FriendFinder Networks, Inc. (“FriendFinder”), various individuals, Ladenburg and another broker-dealer as underwriters for the May 11, 2011 FriendFinder initial public offering. On June 20, 2013, the plaintiff filed its second amended complaint, alleging that the defendants, including Ladenburg, are liable for violations of federal securities laws. The amended complaint did not specify the amount of damages sought. In September 2013, FriendFinder filed a voluntary petition under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in federal bankruptcy court in Delaware, and in December 2013, the bankruptcy court confirmed the FriendFinder plan of reorganization. As a result, the plaintiff is precluded from pursuing claims against FriendFinder. On March 18, 2014, the District Court granted the remaining defendants’ , including Ladenburg's motions to dismiss and dismissed the complaint with prejudice. On April 15, 2014, the plaintiff filed a notice of appeal. The Company believes that the claims are without merit and intends to vigorously defend against them.

In December 2012, a purported class action suit was filed in the Superior Court of California for San Mateo County against Worldwide Energy & Manufacturing, Inc. (“WEMU”), certain individuals, and Ladenburg as placement agent for a 2010 offering of WEMU securities. The complaint alleges that the defendants, including Ladenburg, are liable for violations of state securities laws, and does not specify the amount of damages sought. On January 27, 2014, the parties entered into a memorandum of understanding that, once memorialized in a settlement agreement would be subject to court approval, resolve all claims in the complaint. The amount expected to be paid by Ladenburg in settlement was accrued at December 31, 2013.

In April 2013, a former client of Securities America filed an arbitration claim against Securities America concerning the suitability of investments in three tenant-in-common interests purchased through Section 1031 tax-deferred exchanges; the claimant seeks compensatory damages equal to the purported total investment loss of approximately $2,164 and other relief. The Company believes the claims are without merit and intends to vigorously defend against them.

During the period from June to November 2013, six former clients of Triad filed arbitration claims concerning the suitability of investments in tenant-in-common interests purchased through Section 1031 tax-deferred exchanges. The claimants seek compensatory damages equal to purported investment losses totaling $5,109, and other relief. The Company believes the claims are without merit and intends to vigorously defend against them.

Commencing in October 2013, the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities requested that Securities America provide information concerning purchases of non-traded REIT securities by Pennsylvania residents since 2007.


10

LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(Unaudited; in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Securities America is complying with the requests. The Company is unable to determine the scope of any potential liability or whether and to what extent the Department may seek to discipline Securities America.

In January 2014, a client of a former Securities America representative requested that the arbitration panel add two Securities America affiliates to an arbitration claim concerning the suitability of a $15,000 life insurance policy, not sold through Securities America or its affiliates. The claim seeks $3,000 in compensatory damages, and other relief. The Company believes the claims are without merit and intends to vigorously defend against them.

In the ordinary course of business, in addition to the above disclosed matters, the Company's subsidiaries are defendants in other litigation and arbitration proceedings and may be subject to unasserted claims primarily in connection with their activities as securities broker-dealers or as a result of services provided in connection with securities offerings. Such litigation and claims may involve substantial or indeterminate amounts and are in varying stages of legal proceedings. When the Company believes that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated, (after giving effect to any expected insurance recovery), the Company accrues such amount. Upon final resolution, amounts payable may differ materially from amounts accrued. The Company had accrued liabilities in the amount of approximately $1,401 at March 31, 2014 and $3,291 at December 31, 2013 for certain pending matters. For other pending matters, the Company was unable to estimate a range of possible loss as of March 31, 2014 or December 31, 2013, as applicable; however, in the opinion of management, after consultation with counsel, the ultimate resolution of these matters is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

7. Off-Balance-Sheet Risk and Concentration of Credit Risk

Securities America, Triad, Investacorp and Ladenburg do not carry accounts for customers or perform custodial functions related to customers’ securities. They introduce all of their customer transactions, which are not reflected in these financial statements, to clearing brokers, which maintain cash and the customers’ accounts and clear such transactions. Also, the clearing brokers provide the clearing and depository operations for proprietary securities transactions. These activities create exposure to off-balance-sheet risk in the event that customers do not fulfill their obligations to the clearing brokers, as each of Securities America, Triad, Investacorp and Ladenburg has agreed to indemnify such clearing brokers for any resulting losses. Each of Securities America, Triad, Investacorp and Ladenburg continually assesses risk associated with each customer who is on margin credit and records an estimated loss when management believes collection from the customer is unlikely.

The clearing operations for the Securities America, Triad, Investacorp and Ladenburg securities transactions are provided by two clearing brokers, which are large financial institutions. At March 31, 2014, amounts due from these clearing brokers were $40,059, which represents a substantial concentration of credit risk should these clearing brokers be unable to fulfill their obligations.

In the normal course of business, Securities America, Triad, Investacorp and Ladenburg may enter into transactions in financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk. As of March 31, 2014, Securities America, Triad and Ladenburg sold securities that they do not own and will therefore be obligated to purchase such securities at a future date. These obligations have been recorded in the statements of financial condition at the market values of the related securities, and such entities will incur a loss if, at the time of purchase, the market value of the securities has increased since the applicable date of sale.

The Company and its subsidiaries maintain cash in bank deposit accounts, which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash.

8. Shareholders’ Equity

Repurchase Program

In March 2007, the Company’s board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to 2,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, depending on market conditions. In October 2011, the board approved an amendment to the repurchase program to permit the purchase of up to an additional 5,000,000 shares.


11

LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(Unaudited; in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Since inception through March 31, 2014, 4,042,366 shares of common stock have been repurchased for $6,993 under the program. During the quarter ended March 31, 2014, the Company repurchased 292,609 shares of common stock for $904.

Stock Compensation Plans

Options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2014 were as follows:

Grant Date
 
Expire Date
Shares
Exercise Price
Fair Value(1)
January 17, 2014
(2)(3) 
January 17, 2024
30,000
$
3.25

$
66

January 17, 2014
(2) 
January 17, 2024
2,268,000
$
3.25

$
3,859

January 22, 2014
(2) 
January 22, 2024
10,000
$
2.89

$
18

March 31, 2014
(2) 
March 31, 2024
30,000
$
3.02

$
55

 
 
 
2,338,000
 
 

(1)
Fair value is calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
(2)
Options vest in four equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the respective grant dates.
(3)
Compensation expense recognized each period is based on the award's estimated value at the most recent reporting date.

Options to purchase 5,567 shares of common stock were forfeited during the three months ended March 31, 2014.

As of March 31, 2014, there was $14,137 of unrecognized compensation cost for stock-based compensation, of which $3,720 related to the 2014 grants described above. This cost is expected to be recognized over the vesting periods of the options, which on a weighted-average basis are approximately 2.1 years for all grants and approximately 3.8 years for the 2014 grants.

Options were exercised to purchase 650,744 shares of the Company’s common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2014, for which the intrinsic value on dates of exercise was $1,087.

Capital Stock
On June 24, 2013, the Company entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement under which it may sell up to an aggregate of 3,000,000 shares of its Series A Preferred Stock from time to time in an “at the market” offering under Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company sold 609,486 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, pursuant to the "at the market" offering, which provided total gross proceeds to the Company of $13,969 before deducting the commission paid to unaffiliated sales agents and offering expenses aggregating $279. From April 1, 2014 through May 2, 2014, the Company sold an additional 448,886 shares of Series A Preferred Stock which provided total gross proceeds of $10,078 before deducting selling expenses of $201.
During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company paid dividends of $3,225 on its outstanding Series A Preferred Stock based on a monthly dividend of approximately $0.17 per share.

9. Per Share Data

Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to the Company, decreased by dividends declared on preferred stock by using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. The dilutive effect of incremental common shares potentially issuable under outstanding options and warrants is included in diluted earnings per share utilizing the treasury method. The computations of basic and diluted per share data were as follows:
 


12

LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(Unaudited; in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Net income
$
4,264

 
$
123

 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
(21
)
 
(13
)
 
Net income attributable to the Company
4,285

 
136

 
Dividends declared on preferred stock
(3,225
)
 

 
Net income available to common shareholders
$
1,060

 
$
136

 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic weighted-average shares
181,502,068

 
183,459,124

 
Effect of dilutive securities:
 
 
 
 
     Common stock options
13,615,579

 
3,249,788

 
     Warrants to purchase common stock
7,215,208

 
1,749,536

 
Dilutive potential common shares
20,830,787

 
4,999,324

 
Weighted average common shares outstanding and dilutive potential common shares
202,332,855

 
188,458,448

 
Net income per share available to common shareholders:
 
 
   
 
Basic and diluted
$
0.01

 
$
0.00

 

For the periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, options and warrants to purchase 6,152,350 and 42,426,047 shares of common stock, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted loss per share as the effect would be anti-dilutive.


10. Noncontrolling Interest

During the quarter ended March 31, 2013, Arbor Point Advisors, LLC (“APA”), a newly-formed registered investment advisor, began operations. Investment advisory services of APA are provided through APA's licensed investment advisor representatives. Securities America holds an 80% interest in APA and an unaffiliated entity owns a 20% interest. Because Securities America is the controlling managing member of APA, the financial statements of APA are included in the Company's consolidated financial statements, and amounts attributable to the 20% unaffiliated investor are recorded as a noncontrolling interest.
    
11. Segment Information

The Company has two operating segments. The independent brokerage and advisory services segment includes the broker-dealer and investment advisory services provided by Securities America, Triad and Investacorp to their independent contractor financial advisors and wealth management services provided by Premier Trust. The Ladenburg segment includes the investment banking, sales and trading and asset management services and investment activities conducted by Ladenburg and LTAM.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, adjusted for acquisition-related expense, amortization of retention loans and change in the fair value of contingent consideration related to acquisitions, loss on extinguishment of debt, interest income and non-cash compensation expense, is the primary profit measure the Company's management uses in evaluating financial performance for its reportable segments. EBITDA, as adjusted, is considered a non-GAAP financial measure as defined by Regulation G promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company considers EBITDA, as adjusted, important in evaluating its financial performance on a consistent basis across various periods. Due to the significance of non-cash and non-recurring items, EBITDA, as adjusted, enables the Company's Board of Directors and management to monitor and evaluate the business on a consistent basis. The Company uses EBITDA, as adjusted, as a primary measure, among others, to analyze and evaluate financial and strategic planning decisions regarding future operating investments and potential acquisitions. The Company believes that EBITDA, as adjusted, eliminates items that are not indicative of its core operating performance, such as amortization of retention loans for the Securities America acquisition, or do not involve a cash outlay, such as stock-related compensation, which is expected


13



to remain a key element in our long-term incentive compensation program. EBITDA, as adjusted, should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, pre-tax income, net income and cash flows from operating activities.

Segment information for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:


 

Independent
Brokerage and
Advisory Services
 
Ladenburg
 
Corporate
 
Total
2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
188,402

 
$
23,337

 
$
79

 
$
211,818

Pre-tax income (loss)
2,066

 
6,364

 
(3,573
)
(1) 
4,857

EBITDA, as adjusted(2)
10,461

 
6,655

 
(2,543
)
 
14,573

Identifiable assets
311,182

 
49,612

 
7,633

 
368,427

Depreciation and amortization
3,700

 
138

 

 
3,838

Interest
1,573

 
3

 
317

 
1,893

Capital expenditures
1,448

 
442

 
147

 
2,037

Non-cash compensation
1,079

 
153

 
695

 
1,927

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2013

 
 
 
 
 

Revenues
$
169,836

 
$
17,400

 
$
69

 
$
187,305

Pre-tax income (loss)(2)
1,005

 
3,839

 
(4,198
)
(1) 
646

EBITDA, as adjusted(2)(3)
12,072

 
4,204

 
(2,315
)
 
13,961

Identifiable assets
313,635

 
23,855

 
2,556

 
340,046

Depreciation and amortization
3,684

 
206

 
17

 
3,907

Interest
4,956

 
3

 
1,277

 
6,236

Capital expenditures
830

 
82

 

 
912

Non-cash compensation
668

 
156

 
589

 
1,413

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1) 
Includes interest on revolving credit and forgivable loan notes, compensation, professional fees and other general and administrative expenses.

(2) 
Management fees paid by the Company's operating segments to the Company have been reclassified within segments to conform to the current period’s presentation.

(3) 
    The following table reconciles EBITDA, as adjusted, to pre-tax income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:




14



 
Three months ended March 31.
EBITDA, as adjusted
2014
 
2013
Independent Brokerage and Advisory Services
$
10,461

 
$
12,072

Ladenburg
6,655

 
4,204

Corporate
(2,543
)
 
(2,315
)
Total Segments
14,573

 
13,961

 
 
 
 
Adjustments:
 
 
 
Interest Income
53

 
39

Change in fair value of contingent consideration
12

 
23

Loss on extinguishment of debt
(314
)
 

Interest expense
(1,893
)
 
(6,236
)
Depreciation and amortization
(3,838
)
 
(3,907
)
Non-cash compensation expense
(1,927
)
 
(1,413
)
Amortization of retention loans
(1,788
)
 
(1,808
)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
(21
)
 
(13
)
Pre-tax income
$
4,857

 
$
646



Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)


Overview

We are engaged in independent brokerage and advisory services, investment banking, equity research, institutional sales and trading, asset management services and trust services through our principal subsidiaries, Securities America, Inc. (collectively with related companies, “Securities America”), Triad Advisors, Inc. (“Triad”), Investacorp, Inc. (collectively with related companies, “Investacorp”), Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. (“Ladenburg”), Ladenburg Thalmann Asset Management Inc. (“LTAM”) and Premier Trust, Inc. (“Premier Trust”). We are committed to establishing a significant presence in the financial services industry by meeting the varying investment needs of our clients.

Through our acquisitions of Securities America in November 2011, Triad in August 2008 and Investacorp in October 2007, we have established a leadership position in the independent broker-dealer industry. During the past decade, this has been one of the fastest growing segments of the financial services industry. With approximately 2,800 financial advisors located in 50 states, we have become one of the approximately 10 largest independent broker-dealer networks. We believe that we have the opportunity through acquisitions, recruiting and internal growth to continue expanding our market share in this segment over the next several years. Since 2007, our plan has been to marry the more stable and recurring revenue and cash flows of the independent broker-dealer business with Ladenburg’s traditional investment banking, capital markets, institutional, sales and trading and related businesses. Ladenburg’s traditional businesses are generally more volatile and subject to the cycles of the capital markets than our independent broker-dealer subsidiaries, but historically have enjoyed strong operating margins in good market conditions. Our goal has been to build sufficient scale in our independent brokerage business, with the accompanying more steady cash flows it can produce, so regardless of capital market conditions, we as a firm can generate significant operating cash to create value for our shareholders.

The appealing growth profile of the independent brokerage and advisory business has been a key factor in setting our strategic path. The independent brokerage channel has expanded significantly over the past decade, driven
in large part by demographic trends, including the graying of America, the retirement of the baby boomer generation and the expected transfer of retirement assets from 401(k) and other group plans to individual retirement accounts. The increasing responsibility of individuals to plan for their own retirement has created demand for the financial advice provided by financial advisors in the independent channel, who are not tied to a particular firm’s proprietary products.


15


These developments have been occurring against a backdrop of the steady migration of client assets and advisors from the wirehouse, insurance and bank channels to the independent channel.

We operate each of our independent broker-dealers separately under their own management teams, which reflects our recognition that each firm has its own unique culture and strengths. We believe this is an important part of the glue that helps bind the advisors to the firm. At the same time, we have taken advantage of the scale we have created across the multiple firms by spreading costs in areas that are not directly visible to the advisors and their clients, such as technology, accounting and other back office functions. We believe that our acquisition of Securities America has provided opportunities that add value to our existing businesses. We offer Securities America’s industry best practice development and coaching tools to our other advisors, while at a firm-wide level we have benefitted from adding its management expertise and systems. In turn, Securities America’s advisors have gained additional resources to enhance their practices, including access to Ladenburg’s proprietary research, investment banking and capital markets services, fixed income trading and syndicate products, Premier Trust’s trust services and LTAM’s wealth management solutions.

Ladenburg is a full service broker-dealer that has been a member of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) since 1879. It provides its services principally for middle market and emerging growth companies and high net worth individuals through a coordinated effort among corporate finance, capital markets, asset management, brokerage and trading professionals.

LTAM is a registered investment advisor. LTAM offers various asset management products utilized by Ladenburg's and Premier Trust's clients, as well as clients of our independent financial advisors.

Premier Trust, a Nevada trust company, provides trust administration of personal and retirement accounts, estate and financial planning, wealth management and custody services. We acquired Premier Trust in September 2010 to provide our network of independent financial advisors with access to a broad array of trust services. This was another important strategic step in our efforts to meaningfully differentiate our independent broker-dealer platform by the breadth of the products and services we offer to our advisors.

Each of Securities America, Triad, Investacorp and Ladenburg is subject to regulation by, among others, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board and is a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation. Securities America is also subject to regulation by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission and the National Futures Association. Premier Trust is subject to regulation by the Nevada Department of Business and Industry Financial Institutions Division.

Acquisition Strategy

We continue to explore opportunities to grow our businesses, including through possible acquisitions of other financial services firms, both domestically and internationally. These acquisitions may involve payments of material amounts of cash, the incurrence of material amounts of debt, which would increase our leverage, or the issuance of significant amounts of our equity securities, which may be dilutive to our existing shareholders. We cannot assure you that we will be able to complete any such possible acquisitions on acceptable terms or at all or, if we do, that any acquired business will be profitable. We also may not be able to integrate successfully acquired businesses into our existing business and operations.

We were incorporated under the laws of the State of Florida in February 1996.
 
Critical Accounting Policies

There have been no material changes from the critical accounting policies set forth in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. Please refer to those sections for disclosures regarding the critical accounting policies related to our business.
                       






16


Results of Operations

The following discussion provides an assessment of our results of operations, capital resources and liquidity and should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of Securities America, Triad, Investacorp, Ladenburg, Premier Trust and our other subsidiaries.

The following table includes a reconciliation of EBITDA, as adjusted, to net income attributable to the Company as reported:

 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Total revenues
$
211,818

 
$
187,305

 
Total expenses
206,973

 
186,682

 
Pre-tax income
4,857

 
646

 
Net income attributable to the Company
4,285

 
136

 
 
 
 
 
 
Reconciliation of EBITDA, as adjusted, to net income attributable to the Company:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EBITDA, as adjusted
$
14,573

 
$
13,961

 
Add:
 
 
 
 
   Interest income
53

 
39

 
 Change in fair value of contingent consideration
12

 
23

 
Less:
 
 
 
 
    Loss on extinguishment of debt
(314
)
 

 
Interest expense
(1,893
)
 
(6,236)

 
Income tax expense
(593
)
 
(523)

 
Depreciation and amortization
(3,838
)
 
(3,907)

 
Non-cash compensation
(1,927
)
 
(1,413)

 
Amortization of retention loans
(1,788
)
 
(1,808)

 
Net income attributable to the Company
$
4,285

 
$
136

 


Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, adjusted for acquisition-related expense, amortization of retention loans, change in the fair value of contingent consideration related to acquisitions, loss on extinguishment of debt, interest income and non-cash compensation expense, is a key metric we use in evaluating our financial performance. EBITDA, as adjusted, is considered a non-GAAP financial measure as defined by Regulation G promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. We consider EBITDA, as adjusted, important in evaluating our financial performance on a consistent basis across various periods. Due to the significance of non-cash and non-recurring items, EBITDA, as adjusted, enables the Company’s Board of Directors and management to monitor and evaluate the business on a consistent basis. We use EBITDA, as adjusted, as a primary measure, among others, to analyze and evaluate financial and strategic planning decisions regarding future operating investments and potential acquisitions. We believe that EBITDA, as adjusted, eliminates items that are not indicative of our core operating performance, such as amortization of retention loans for the Securities America acquisition, or do not involve a cash outlay, such as stock-related compensation. The presentation of EBITDA, as adjusted, should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items or by non-cash items, such as non-cash compensation, which is expected to remain a key element in our long-term incentive compensation program. EBITDA, as adjusted, should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, pre-tax income, net income and cash flows from operating activities.


17



First quarter 2014 EBITDA, as adjusted, was $14,573, an increase of $612 (4.4%) from first quarter 2013 EBITDA, as adjusted, of $13,961, primarily because of increased investment banking activities and increased advisory and commission revenues during the 2014 period. 
    
Segment Description

We have two operating segments. The independent brokerage and advisory services segment includes the broker-dealer and investment advisory services provided by Securities America, Triad and Investacorp to their independent contractor financial advisors and the wealth management services provided by Premier Trust. The Ladenburg segment includes the investment banking, sales and trading and asset management services and investment activities conducted by Ladenburg and LTAM.

 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
   Independent Brokerage and Advisory Services
188,402

 
$
169,836

 
   Ladenburg
23,337

 
17,400

 
   Corporate
79

 
69

 
      Total revenues
$
211,818

 
$
187,305

 
 
 
 
 
 
Pre-tax income (loss):
 
 
 
 
   Independent Brokerage and Advisory Services
2,066

 
$
1,005

 
   Ladenburg
6,364

 
3,839

 
   Corporate(1)   
(3,573
)
 
(4,198
)
 
      Total pre-tax income
$
4,857

 
$
646

 
_____________
(1) Includes interest on revolving credit agreement and forgivable loan notes, compensation, professional fees and other general and administrative expenses.

Three months ended March 31, 2014 versus three months ended March 31, 2013

For the quarter ended March 31, 2014 we had net income attributable to our company of $4,285 as compared to a net income attributable to our company of $136 for the quarter ended March 31, 2013. Net income attributable to our company for the first quarter of 2014 was impacted positively by a 13% increase in revenues, which was partially offset by an 11% increase in expenses, including a loss on extinguishment of debt of $314. Also, there was an $11 decrease in change in contingent consideration and a $70 increase in income tax expense in the first quarter of 2014.

Our total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2014 increased $24,513 (13%) from the 2013 period. First quarter 2014 revenues included increases in commissions of $7,532, advisory fees of $13,542, investment banking revenue of $2,930, service fees and other income of $55, principal transactions of $362 and interest and dividends of $92. Revenues increased in both of our operating segments. Our independent brokerage and advisory services segment revenues increased $18,566 (11%) from the 2013 period primarily due to improved market conditions, successful recruitment of additional advisors and increased advisory assets under management. Our Ladenburg segment revenues in the first quarter of 2014 increased $5,937 (34%) from the 2013 period also due to improved market conditions.
       
Our total expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 increased by $20,291 (11%) as compared to the 2013 period, primarily as a result of increases in commissions and fees expense of $17,271, compensation and benefits expense of $4,255, loss on extinguishment of debt of $314, other expense of $456, professional services expense of $60, and brokerage, communication and clearance fees of $1,819, which were partially offset by decreases in interest expense of $4,343 due to the prepayment of indebtedness.





18


The $7,532 (8%) increase in commissions revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the 2013 period was primarily attributable to our independent brokerage and advisory services segment, which experienced an increase of $7,249 (8%). The increase in commissions revenue resulted primarily from increased mutual fund and variable annuity sales in the 2014 period as compared to the 2013 period. Ladenburg segment commissions revenue increased $284 (6%) in the first quarter of 2014 as compared to the first quarter of 2013.

The $13,542 (21%) increase in advisory fee revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the 2013 period was primarily attributable to increases in advisory fee revenue in our independent brokerage and advisory services segment of $12,794 (21%). Advisory fee revenue for a particular period is primarily affected by the level of advisory assets and market conditions. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, we experienced an increase in advisory assets of 22%, resulting from strong new business development and improved market conditions.
Assuming continued favorable market conditions, we expect advisory fee revenue to increase in the near term due to newly-added advisory assets and the continued shift by our advisors toward the advisory business.

The $2,930 (22%) increase in investment banking revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2014 period as compared to the 2013 period was primarily due to an increase in capital raising activities. Capital raising revenue increased $3,274, and strategic advisory services revenue decreased $344 in the 2014 first quarter period as compared to the 2013 period. We derive investment banking revenue from Ladenburg’s capital raising activities, including underwritten public offerings and private placements, and strategic advisory services. Revenue from capital raising activities was $15,875 for the 2014 first quarter period as compared to $12,601 for the 2013 period primarily due to an increase in capital raising activities for healthcare and biotechnology companies. Strategic advisory services revenue was $124 in the first quarter of 2014 as compared to $468 in the comparable 2013 period.

The $362 (86%) increase in principal transactions revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the 2013 period was primarily attributable to our Ladenburg segment, which had an increase of $499, due to an increase in the value of the firm's investments of $191 and fixed income trading of $308.

The $92 (6%) increase in interest and dividends revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the 2013 period was primarily due to increases in the effective Fed Funds rate, which positively impacted cash spread revenue earned on client cash balances. Any continued increases in interest and dividends revenue are dependent upon changes in prevailing interest rates and asset levels. Our current cash sweep program expires in December 2014. If we are unable to negotiate a new agreement under similar terms, we expect that interest and dividends revenue would decrease.

The $55 (0%) increase in service fees and other income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the 2013 period was primarily attributable to increases at our independent brokerage and advisory services segment in sponsor revenues of $185 and trading-related fees of $331, partially offset by $553 that we received in settlement of a claim at Securities America during the 2013 period.

The $17,271 (13%) increase in commissions and fees expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the 2013 period was directly correlated to the increase in commissions and advisory fees revenue in our independent brokerage and advisory services segment. Commissions and fees expense comprises compensation payments earned by the registered representatives who serve as independent contractors in our independent brokerage and advisory services segment. These payments to the independent contractor registered representatives are calculated based on a percentage of revenues generated by such persons and vary by product. Accordingly, when the independent contractor registered representatives increase their business, both our revenues and expenses increase because our representatives earn additional compensation based on the revenues produced.

The $4,255 (18%) increase in compensation and benefits expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the 2013 period, was primarily due to an increase of $3,158 in compensation expense in the Ladenburg segment, of which $2,975 was directly related to the increase in revenues. Our independent brokerage and advisory services and corporate segments had increases in fixed compensation expense of $1,081 in the first quarter of 2014.

The $514 (36%) increase in non-cash compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the 2013 period was primarily attributable to an increase of $408 from stock option grants made to Securities America financial advisors in connection with the 2011 acquisition. Compensation expense for share-based awards granted to independent financial advisors is measured at their vesting date fair value. The compensation expense recognized each period is based on the awards' estimated value at the most recent reporting date. We use a Black-Scholes model to estimate fair value, which uses volatility, price and interest inputs.


19



Also, we estimate a forfeiture rate based on historical experience. The increase in the price of our common stock and the decrease in the expected forfeitures for these grants has contributed to the increase in our non-cash compensation expense.

The $1,819 (70%) increase in brokerage, communication and clearance fee expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the 2013 period was primarily due to an increase of $1,687 in our independent brokerage and advisory services, which was primarily attributable to an increase in clearing fees in the first quarter of 2014. In addition to increases due to increased transactions in 2014, clearing fee expense for the first quarter of 2013 was reduced by clearing expense credits of $998 provided by our primary clearing firm. These clearing expense credits expired in the fourth quarter of 2013. As a result, we expect clearing expense to increase in future periods as compared to 2013 levels.
 
The $60 (3%) increase in professional services expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the 2013 period was attributable to increases at our independent brokerage and advisory services segment of $147 and increases at our corporate segment of $55, partially offset by decreases in our Ladenburg segment of $142.

The $4,343 (70%) decrease in interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the 2013 period resulted from decreased average debt balances and decreased average interest rates. Our average outstanding debt balance was approximately $64,715 for the first quarter of 2014 as compared to $204,934 for the 2013 period. The average interest rate was 10.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to 10.6% for the 2013 period. Our outstanding debt balance for the 2014 period declined in comparison to the prior-year period as a result of the prepayment of $136,350 for the year ended December 31, 2013 and an additional $10,000 of indebtedness in the first quarter or 2014, which we expect will further reduce interest expense in future periods. We intend to continue to prepay this indebtedness with cash flows from operations and future proceeds, if any, from our at-the-market offering of Series A Preferred Stock.

The $69 (2%) decrease in depreciation and amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the 2013 period was primarily due to a write off of a favorable lease intangible at our Ladenburg segment in the fourth quarter of 2013.
  
The $456 (5%) increase in other expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the 2013 period was primarily attributable to our independent brokerage and advisory services segment due to increases in license and registration expense of $250, bad debt, errors and settlement expense of $143, insurance expense of $129 and other office expenses of $80, partially offset by decreases in deferred compensation plan expense of $433 and forgiveness of financial advisor loans of $148. Also, our Ladenburg segment incurred an increase in other office expenses of $272 and travel, meals and entertainment of $141, partially offset by a decrease in bad debt, errors and settlement expense of $148.

We had income tax expense of $593 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to income tax expense of $523 in 2013. After consideration of all the evidence, both positive and negative, management has determined that a valuation allowance at March 31, 2014 was necessary to fully offset the deferred tax assets based on the likelihood of future realization. The income tax rates for the 2014 period did not bear a customary relationship to effective tax rates, primarily due to a tax provision related to amortization of goodwill for tax purposes and utilization of net operating loss carryforwards for which valuation allowances had previously been provided.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Approximately 27% and 25% of our total assets at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, consisted of cash and cash equivalents, securities owned and receivables from clearing brokers and other broker-dealers, all of which fluctuate, depending upon the levels of customer business and trading activity. Receivables from broker-dealers, which are primarily from clearing brokers, turn over rapidly. A relatively small percentage of our total assets is fixed. Our total assets or the individual components of our total assets may vary significantly from period to period because of changes relating to economic and market conditions.





20


Each of Securities America, Triad, Investacorp and Ladenburg is subject to certain restrictions on the use of capital and their related liquidity. At March 31, 2014, Securities America’s regulatory net capital of $8,177, exceeded minimum net capital requirements of $250 by $7,927. At March 31, 2014, Triad’s regulatory net capital of $4,395 exceeded minimum net capital requirements of $250 by $4,145. At March 31, 2014, Investacorp’s regulatory net capital of $4,319, exceeded minimum net capital requirements of $250, by $4,069. At March 31, 2014, Ladenburg’s regulatory net capital of $14,540 exceeded minimum net capital requirements of $250, by $14,290. Failure to maintain the required net capital may subject our broker-dealer subsidiaries to suspension or expulsion by FINRA, the SEC and other regulatory bodies and ultimately may require their liquidation. The Net Capital Rule also prohibits the payment of dividends, redemption of stock and prepayment or payment of principal of subordinated indebtedness if net capital, after giving effect to the payment, redemption or prepayment, would be less than specified percentages of the minimum net capital requirement. Compliance with the Net Capital Rule could limit Ladenburg’s operations that require the intensive use of capital, such as underwriting and trading activities, and also could restrict our ability to withdraw capital from our subsidiaries, which in turn, could limit our ability to pay dividends and repay debt.

Premier Trust, chartered by the state of Nevada, is subject to regulation by the Nevada Department of Business and Industry Financial Institutions Division. Under Nevada law, Premier Trust must maintain stockholders’
equity of at least $1,000, including cash of at least $250. At March 31, 2014, Premier Trust had stockholders’ equity of $1,258, including at least $250 in cash.

Our primary sources of liquidity include cash flows from operations, sales of securities in public or private transactions and funds available under our $40,000 revolving credit agreement with an affiliate of Dr. Phillip Frost, our chairman and principal shareholder.

During the three months ended March 31, 2014 we sold 609,486 shares of Series A Preferred Stock under our at-the-market offering, which provided net proceeds of approximately $13,690. From April 1, 2014 through May 2, 2014, we sold an additional 448,886 shares of Series A Preferred Stock under our at-the-market offering, which provided net proceeds of $9,877.

Borrowings under the $40,000 revolving credit agreement bear interest at a rate of 11% per annum, payable quarterly. We had no outstanding balance under the revolving credit agreement at either March 31, 2014 or December 31, 2013. We may repay outstanding amounts or re-borrow amounts under our revolving credit facility at any time prior to the maturity date of August 25, 2016, without penalty. We believe our existing assets, sales of equity and debt securities, including possible sales under our at-the-market offering, and funds available under our $40,000 revolving credit facility will provide adequate funds for continuing operations at current activity levels and for payment of required dividends for our outstanding Series A Preferred Stock. We were in compliance with all covenants in our debt agreements as of March 31, 2014.

Cash used in operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was $36, which primarily consisted of our net income of $4,264 adjusted for non-cash expenses, increases in securities owned at fair value, receivables from clearing brokers, receivables from other broker dealers, other receivables, net, and decreases in accrued compensation, accounts payable and accrued liabilities and deferred compensation, partially offset by decreases in cash surrender value of life insurance and other assets and increases in securities sold, but not yet purchased, at fair value and commissions and fees payable. Cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $3,140, which primarily consisted of our net income of $123 adjusted for non-cash expenses, decreases in other assets and increases in commissions and fees payable, partially offset by increases in securities owned at fair value, receivables from clearing brokers, receivables from other broker-dealers and decreases in accrued compensation.

Investing activities used $1,937 for the three months ended March 31, 2014, primarily due to the purchase of furniture, equipment, leasehold improvements and the capitalization of software development costs. Investing activities used $912 for the three months ended March 31, 2013, primarily due to the purchase of furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements.
     
Financing activities provided $173 for the three months ended March 31, 2014, primarily due to $13,690 from the issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock under our at-the-market offering and $841 from the issuance of common stock upon warrant and option exercises and under our employee stock purchase plan, partially offset by a $10,000 loan repayment of outstanding notes related to the Securities America acquisition, payment of $3,225 of dividends on our Series A Preferred Stock and $904 of common stock repurchases.




21


Financing activities provided $631 for the three months ended March 31, 2013, primarily due to loan re-borrowings under our revolving credit agreement, the issuance of common stock upon warrant and option exercises and under our employee stock purchase plan and third party investment in a noncontrolling interest, partially offset by common stock repurchases and repayment of notes payable.
  
At March 31, 2014 we were obligated under several non-cancelable lease agreements for office space, which provide for future minimum lease payments aggregating approximately $24,187 through 2018, exclusive of escalation charges. We have subleased vacant space under subleases to unrelated subtenants, some of whom are engaged in the financial services industry, which entitle us to receive rents aggregating approximately $5,668 through February 2016. Should any of the sub-tenants not pay their respective sublease payments or otherwise default under a sublease, our results of operations may be materially adversely affected.

In connection with the Securities America acquisition, we entered into a senior loan agreement with various lenders, under which the lenders loaned us $160,700, a portion of which we used to fund the acquisition. We refer to this loan as the November 2011 Loan. Interest on this loan is payable quarterly at 11% per year. Interest is payable in cash; however, we may pay interest-in-kind with the consent of certain lenders. This payment-in-kind feature increases the principal sum outstanding on the note that is due at maturity by the amount of such payment-in-kind. All interest payments through March 31, 2014 have been paid in cash.

This loan, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, is due on November 4, 2016. We may voluntarily repay the November 2011 Loan at any time without premium or penalty. In connection with this loan, we issued to the lenders warrants to purchase an aggregate of 10,713,332 shares of our common stock. These warrants are exercisable at any time prior to their expiration on November 4, 2016 at $1.68 per share, which was the closing price of our common stock on the acquisition closing date.

As of December 31, 2013, we had prepaid $110,850 of the November 2011 Loan with proceeds from the Series A Preferred Stock offerings. These prepayments included the installments of the notes that would have been due on December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2015. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we prepaid an additional $10,000 of the November 2011 Loan with cash from operations and proceeds of the Series A Preferred Stock offerings. At March 31, 2014, $39,851 remained outstanding under the November 2011 Loan.

The lenders under the November 2011 Loan included Frost Nevada Investments Trust (“Frost Nevada”), an affiliate of our chairman of the board and principal shareholder, Dr. Phillip Frost, M.D., Vector Group, Ltd. (“Vector Group”), a principal shareholder, and our president and chief executive officer and a director. The principal amounts initially loaned by Frost Nevada, Vector Group and our president and chief executive officer were $135,000, $15,000 and $200, respectively. A special committee of our board was formed to review and consider the terms of the November 2011 Loan, the notes issued thereunder and the warrants. Upon such review and consideration, which included the advice of the committee’s independent financial advisor, the committee determined that the financing was fair from a financial point of view to us and our unaffiliated shareholders.

On November 4, 2011, National Financial Services LLC ("NFS") provided us with a seven-year, $15,000 forgivable loan. We used the proceeds to fund expenses related to the Securities America acquisition. Interest on the loan accrues at the average annual Federal Funds effective rate plus 6% per annum, subject to the maximum rate of 11% per annum. If Securities America meets certain annual clearing revenue targets set forth in the loan agreement, the principal balance of the loan will be forgiven in seven equal yearly installments of $2,143 commencing on November 4, 2012 and continuing on an annual basis through November 2018. Interest payments due with respect to each such year will also be forgiven if the annual clearing revenue targets are met. Any principal amounts not forgiven will be due in November 2018, and any interest payments not forgiven are due annually. If during the loan term any principal amount is not forgiven, we may have such principal forgiven in future years if Securities America exceeds subsequent annual clearing revenue targets. We will expense interest under this loan agreement until such time as such interest is forgiven. Securities America met the annual clearing revenue target for the periods ending November 4, 2012 and 2013, resulting in the forgiveness of $2,143 aggregate principal amount of the loan in each period.

The 2011 forgivable loan agreement contains other covenants including limitations on the incurrence of additional indebtedness, maintaining minimum adjusted shareholders’ equity levels and a prohibition on the termination of our $40,000 revolving credit agreement prior to its current maturity. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the outstanding principal and interest under the loan agreement may be accelerated and become due and payable.


22


If the clearing agreements are terminated prior to the loan maturity date, all amounts then outstanding must be repaid on demand. The loan agreement is secured by our, but not our subsidiaries’, deposits and accounts held at NFS or its affiliates.

In connection with the entering into the new forgivable loan in 2011, Securities America and our other broker–dealer subsidiaries amended their respective clearing agreements with NFS to, among other things, extend the term of those agreements through November 2018. Also, we and NFS amended the terms of the 2009 forgivable loan made by NFS to us such that the remaining principal balance of $7,143 and the related accrued interest will be forgiven, subject to the terms and conditions of the loan, in four equal annual installments commencing in November 2012 without us being required to satisfy the annual clearing revenue targets previously established. We have expensed, and will continue to expense, interest under the 2009 NFS agreement until such interest is forgiven. The required conditions to forgiveness were met in November 2013 for the 2009 and 2011 forgivable loans. Accordingly, we recognized income in 2013 of $3,929 and $1,067 from the forgiveness of principal and interest, respectively, and the outstanding balances under the 2009 and 2011 forgivable loans were reduced to an aggregate of $14,285. We recognized income in 2013 of $3,929 and $1,067 from the forgiveness of principal and interest, respectively.
 
In November 2011, as part of the amendment of Ladenburg’s clearing agreement with NFS, NFS will provide an annual credit of $1,000 to Ladenburg for a five-year period. The first such payment occurred on November 4, 2012. Such expense reduction must be repaid pro-rata if the clearing agreement is terminated prior to the end of the term. We have reflected the expense reduction ratably in our financial statements.

In connection with the Premier Trust acquisition in 2010, we issued a $1,161 promissory note to a subsidiary of Premier Trust’s former shareholder. The note bears interest at 6.5% per annum, is payable quarterly and matures in September 2015. The outstanding balance of this note at March 31, 2014 was $388.

In March 2007, our board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to 2,500,000 shares of our common stock from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions depending on market conditions. In October 2011, our board amended the repurchase program described above to permit the purchase of up to an additional 5,000,000 shares. As of March 31, 2014, 4,042,366 shares had been repurchased for $6,993 under the program, including 292,609 shares repurchased for $904 in the three months ended March 31, 2014.

Off-Balance-Sheet Risk and Concentration of Credit Risk

Each of Securities America, Triad, Investacorp and Ladenburg, as guarantor of its customer accounts to its clearing broker, is exposed to off-balance-sheet risks in the event that its customers do not fulfill their obligations with the clearing broker. Also, if Securities America, Triad, Investacorp or Ladenburg maintains a short position in certain securities, it is exposed to off-balance-sheet market risk, because its ultimate obligation to purchase securities may exceed the amount recognized in the financial statements.

Please see Note 7 to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.

Market Risk

Market risk generally represents the risk of loss that may result from the potential change in the value of a financial instrument as a result of fluctuations in interest and currency exchange rates, equity and commodity prices, changes in the implied volatility of interest rates, foreign exchange rates, equity and commodity prices and also changes in the credit ratings of either the issuer or its related country of origin. Market risk is inherent to both derivative and non-derivative financial instruments, and accordingly, the scope of our market risk management procedures extends beyond derivatives to include all market risk sensitive financial instruments.

Current and proposed underwriting, corporate finance, merchant banking and other commitments are subject to due diligence reviews by our senior management, as well as professionals in the appropriate business and support units involved. Credit risk related to various financing activities is reduced by the industry practice of obtaining and maintaining collateral. We monitor our exposure to counterparty risk through the use of credit exposure information, the monitoring of collateral values and the establishment of credit limits.



23


We maintain inventories of trading securities. At March 31, 2014, the fair market value of our inventories was $6,717 in long positions and ($6,010) in short positions. We performed an entity-wide analysis of our financial instruments and assessed the related market risk. Based on this analysis, we do not expect that the market risk associated with our financial instruments at March 31, 2014 will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

We and our representatives may from time to time make oral or written “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including any statements that may be contained in the foregoing discussion in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this report, elsewhere in this report, and in other filings with the SEC and in our reports to shareholders, which reflect our expectations or beliefs with respect to future events and financial performance. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and, in connection with the “safe-harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, we have identified under “Risk Factors” in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement made by or on behalf of us.

Results actually achieved may differ materially from expected results included in these forward-looking statements as a result of these or other factors. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which such statements are made. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of us.


Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The information under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Market Risk” contained in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is incorporated herein by reference. Through the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, there have been no material changes to the information provided in Item 7A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) are our controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report, and, based on that evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that these controls and procedures were effective as of such date.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS



24


Please see Note 6 to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.


Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in Part 1, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.


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

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

This table shows information regarding our purchases of our common stock during the first quarter of 2014.
Period
 




Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
 





Average Price
Paid
per Share
 


Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
  Plans or Programs
 
Maximum
Number
of Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Plans or
Programs(1)
January 1 to January 31, 2014
 
184,600

 
$
3.08

 
184,600

 
3,565,643
February 1 to February 28, 2014
 

 

 

 
3,565,643
March 1 to March 31, 2014
 
108,009

 
3.11

 
108,009

 
3,457,634
Total
 
292,609

 
$
3.09

 
292,609

 
 

(1)
In March 2007, our board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to 2,500,000 shares of our common stock from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions depending on market conditions. In October 2011, our board amended this repurchase program to permit the purchase of up to an additional 5,000,000 shares. As of March 31, 2014, 4,042,366 shares have been repurchased for $6,993 under the program.



25



Item 6. EXHIBITS
Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
10.1
 
Letter Agreement, dated February 26, 2014, between Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. and Vector Group Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 26, 2014 and filed with the Commission on February 28, 2014).
 
12.1
 
Statement re: Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charge, and Ratios of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charge and Preferred Stock Dividends*
 
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
 
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
 
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002**
 
32.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 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.*
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.*
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.*
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.*
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.*
 

*Filed herewith
**Furnished herewith





26


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.

 
 
 
 
LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
 
 
 
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
 
May 6, 2014
 
By:
/s/ Brett H. Kaufman
 
 
 
 
 
 
Brett H. Kaufman
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 



27


EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No.
 
Description
10.1
 
Letter Agreement, dated February 26, 2014, between Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. and Vector Group Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant's current report on Form 8-K dated February 26, 2014 and filed with the Commission on February 28, 2014).
12.1
 
Statement re: Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charge, and Ratios of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charge and Preferred Stock Dividends*
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002**
32.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 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.*
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.*
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.*
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.*
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.*

* Filed herewith
** Furnished herewith


28