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 September 30, 2013
¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934. |
For the Transition Period from ____________ to ____________.
Commission file number: 1-15831
MERRIMAN HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Delaware | | 11-2936371 |
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
600 California Street, 9th Floor San Francisco, CA | | 94108 |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) | | (Zip Code) |
(415) 248-5603 |
(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 ¨ No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Large accelerated filer ¨ | Accelerated filer ¨ |
| Non-accelerated filer ¨ | Smaller reporting company x |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ¨ No x
The number of shares of Registrant’s common stock outstanding as of November 8, 2013 was 121,276,894.
Merriman Holdings, Inc.
Index
| | Page No. |
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION | | |
ITEM 1. Financial Statements (unaudited) | | |
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations For the Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 | | 3 |
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 | | 4 |
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 | | 5 |
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 | | 6 |
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements | | 7 |
ITEM 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | | 24 |
ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | | 34 |
ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures | | 35 |
| | |
PART II OTHER INFORMATION | | |
ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings | | 36 |
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors | | 37 |
ITEM 6. Exhibits | | 38 |
Signatures | | 39 |
Certifications | | |
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Financial Statements (unaudited)
MERRIMAN HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited)
| | Three Months Ended | | Nine Months Ended | |
| | September 30, | | September 30, | | September 30, | | September 30, | |
| | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2013 | | 2012 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Revenues | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Commissions | | $ | 1,057,800 | | $ | 1,716,268 | | $ | 3,276,160 | | $ | 4,615,763 | |
Principal transactions | | | (96,157) | | | (294,326) | | | (60,779) | | | (277,428) | |
Investment banking | | | 484,650 | | | 468,010 | | | 1,546,344 | | | 4,690,879 | |
Advisory and other | | | 483,041 | | | 569,555 | | | 1,629,559 | | | 1,415,138 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total revenues | | | 1,929,334 | | | 2,459,507 | | | 6,391,284 | | | 10,444,352 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Compensation and benefits | | | 1,531,207 | | | 2,279,700 | | | 5,530,637 | | | 9,660,592 | |
Brokerage and clearing fees | | | 95,218 | | | 158,199 | | | 297,994 | | | 438,782 | |
Professional services | | | 113,329 | | | 80,726 | | | 260,583 | | | 535,112 | |
Occupancy and equipment | | | 358,058 | | | 420,746 | | | 1,051,354 | | | 1,307,823 | |
Communication and technology | | | 194,667 | | | 240,808 | | | 537,942 | | | 815,202 | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 39,899 | | | 5,590 | | | 46,900 | | | 16,530 | |
Travel and entertainment | | | 60,605 | | | 104,304 | | | 166,241 | | | 306,556 | |
Legal services | | | 303,601 | | | 159,544 | | | 369,645 | | | 495,329 | |
Cost of underwriting capital | | | - | | | - | | | 49,600 | | | 152,600 | |
Other | | | 328,115 | | | 9,971 | | | 895,618 | | | 901,475 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total operating expenses | | | 3,024,699 | | | 3,459,588 | | | 9,206,514 | | | 14,630,001 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating loss | | | (1,095,365) | | | (1,000,081) | | | (2,815,230) | | | (4,185,649) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other income | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | 15,000 | |
Interest income | | | - | | | - | | | 1,566 | | | 1,763 | |
Interest expense | | | (81,849) | | | (64,513) | | | (248,894) | | | (179,116) | |
Amortization of debt discount | | | (35,370) | | | (30,290) | | | (109,561) | | | (87,027) | |
Loss on early extinguishment of debt | | | - | | | - | | | (293,347) | | | - | |
Loss on equity exchange | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | (1,086,329) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss before income tax | | | (1,212,584) | | | (1,094,884) | | | (3,465,466) | | | (5,521,358) | |
Income tax expense | | | (2,737) | | | - | | | (11,999) | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss | | $ | (1,215,321) | | $ | (1,094,884) | | $ | (3,477,465) | | $ | (5,521,358) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic and diluted net loss per share | | $ | (0.01) | | $ | (0.25) | | $ | (0.04) | | $ | (1.01) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average number of common shares | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic and diluted | | | 118,957,830 | | | 4,307,809 | | | 80,554,586 | | | 5,459,375 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
MERRIMAN HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
(unaudited)
| | September 30, | | December 31, | |
| | 2013 | | 2012 | |
| | | | | | | |
ASSETS | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 507,768 | | $ | 1,316,990 | |
Securities owned | | | | | | | |
Marketable, at fair value | | | 1,226,946 | | | 709,333 | |
Not readily marketable, at estimated fair value | | | 761,287 | | | 728,312 | |
Restricted cash | | | 891,828 | | | 680,028 | |
Due from clearing broker | | | 168,757 | | | 127,702 | |
Accounts receivable, net | | | 564,091 | | | 533,606 | |
Prepaid expenses and other assets | | | 493,974 | | | 504,920 | |
Capital lease assets, net | | | 327,379 | | | - | |
Equipment and fixtures, net | | | 9,806 | | | 17,647 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total assets | | $ | 4,951,836 | | $ | 4,618,538 | |
| | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | | | | | |
Liabilities | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable | | $ | 210,914 | | $ | 271,412 | |
Commissions and bonus payable | | | 122,715 | | | 403,978 | |
Accrued expenses and other | | | 522,702 | | | 661,144 | |
Deferred rent | | | 455,113 | | | 326,832 | |
Deferred revenue | | | 67,010 | | | 140,404 | |
Capital lease obligations | | | 348,841 | | | - | |
Notes payable, net of debt discount | | | 1,244,038 | | | 1,205,281 | |
Notes payable to related parties, net of debt discount | | | 1,904,320 | | | 2,075,888 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 4,875,653 | | | 5,084,939 | |
| | | | | | | |
Shareholders’ equity | | | | | | | |
Convertible preferred stock, Series A$0.0001 par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized; 2,000,000 shares issued and 0 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012; aggregate liquidation preference of $0 | | | - | | | - | |
Convertible preferred stock, Series B$0.0001 par value; 12,500,000 shares authorized; 8,750,000 shares issued and 0 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012; aggregate liquidation preference of $0 | | | - | | | - | |
Convertible preferred stock, Series C$0.0001 par value; 14,200,000 shares authorized; 11,800,000 shares issued and 0 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012; aggregate liquidation preference of $0 | | | - | | | - | |
Convertible preferred stock, Series D$0.0001 par value; 24,000,000 shares authorized, 23,720,916 and 23,720,916 shares issued and 0 and 17,001,579 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively; aggregate liquidation preference of $0 | | | - | | | 1,701 | |
Convertible preferred stock, Series E$0.0001 par value; 7,300,000 shares authorized, 6,825,433 and 6,825,433 shares issued and 0 and 6,303,799 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively; aggregate liquidation preference of $0 | | | - | | | 630 | |
Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 300,000,000 shares authorized; 120,943,561 and 5,425,149 shares issued and 120,914,125 and 5,395,713 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively | | | 12,095 | | | 543 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 148,683,949 | | | 144,673,121 | |
Treasury stock | | | (225,613) | | | (225,613) | |
Accumulated deficit | | | (148,394,248) | | | (144,916,783) | |
| | | | | | | |
Total shareholders’ equity (deficit) | | | 76,183 | | | (466,401) | |
| | | | | | | |
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | | $ | 4,951,836 | | $ | 4,618,538 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
MERRIMAN HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
(unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Additional | | | | | | | |
| | Preferred Stock | | Common Stock | | Treasury Stock | | Paid-in | | Accumulated | | | | |
| | Shares | | Amount | | Shares | | Amount | | Shares | | Amount | | Capital | | Deficit | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at January 1, 2013 | | 23,305,378 | | $ | 2,331 | | 5,425,149 | | $ | 543 | | (29,436) | | $ | (225,613) | | $ | 144,673,121 | | $ | (144,916,783) | | $ | (466,401) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (3,477,465) | | | (3,477,465) | |
Conversion of Series D Convertible | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Preferred Stock to common stock | | (17,001,579) | | | (1,701) | | 5,802,126 | | | 580 | | - | | | - | | | 1,121 | | | - | | | - | |
Conversion of Series E Convertible | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Preferred Stock to common stock | | (6,303,799) | | | (630) | | 6,303,799 | | | 630 | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | |
Issuance of restricted common stock and warrants for cash | | - | | | - | | 63,079,156 | | | 6,308 | | - | | | - | | | 1,956,067 | | | - | | | 1,962,375 | |
Issuance of restricted common stock and warrants in connection with debt conversion | | - | | | - | | 40,333,331 | | | 4,034 | | - | | | - | | | 1,499,314 | | | - | | | 1,503,348 | |
Stock-based compensation | | - | | | - | | - | | | - | | - | | | - | | | 554,326 | | | - | | | 554,326 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at September 30, 2013 | | - | | $ | - | | 120,943,561 | | $ | 12,095 | | (29,436) | | $ | (225,613) | | $ | 148,683,949 | | $ | (148,394,248) | | $ | 76,183 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
MERRIMAN HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
| | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |
| | 2013 | | 2012 | |
| | | | | | | |
Cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | | | |
Net loss | | $ | (3,477,465) | | $ | (5,521,358) | |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 9,160 | | | 16,530 | |
Amortization of capital leases | | | 21,462 | | | - | |
Stock-based compensation | | | 554,326 | | | 2,049,560 | |
Amortization of debt issuance costs | | | 109,561 | | | 87,027 | |
Loss on early extinguishment of debt | | | 293,347 | | | - | |
Loss on equity exchange | | | - | | | 1,086,329 | |
Loss on sale of accounts receivable | | | - | | | 7,000 | |
Provision for uncollectible accounts receivable | | | 152,429 | | | 245,275 | |
Securities received for services | | | (354,087) | | | (290,767) | |
Unrealized loss on securities owned | | | 113,683 | | | 564,291 | |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | | | | | | | |
Securities owned | | | (310,182) | | | 713,684 | |
Restricted Cash | | | (211,800) | | | - | |
Due from clearing broker | | | (41,055) | | | 75,756 | |
Accounts receivable | | | 45,643 | | | (120,510) | |
Prepaid expenses and other assets | | | (217,612) | | | (447,227) | |
Accounts payable | | | (60,498) | | | 86,318 | |
Commissions payable | | | (281,263) | | | (652,116) | |
Accrued expenses and other | | | 118,045 | | | (1,485,189) | |
| | | | | | | |
Net cash used in operating activities | | | (3,536,306) | | | (3,585,397) | |
| | | | | | | |
Cash flows from investing activities: | | | | | | | |
Sale of note receivable | | | - | | | 125,000 | |
Sale of accounts receivable | | | - | | | 500,000 | |
Purchase of equipment and fixtures | | | (1,319) | | | (7,897) | |
| | | | | | | |
Net cash used in investing activities | | | (1,319) | | | 617,103 | |
| | | | | | | |
Cash flows from financing activities: | | | | | | | |
Issuance of note receivable | | | - | | | (125,000) | |
Proceeds from issuance of debt | | | 166,028 | | | 375,000 | |
Proceeds from issuance of restricted common stock | | | 1,962,375 | | | - | |
Proceeds from issuance of convertible promissory note | | | 600,000 | | | - | |
Proceeds from issuance of temporary subordinated borrowings | | | 1,600,000 | | | 4,100,000 | |
Repayment of temporary subordinated borrowings | | | (1,600,000) | | | (4,100,000) | |
Proceeds form issuance of preferred stock | | | - | | | 459,576 | |
Payment of preferred stock dividend | | | - | | | (42,061) | |
| | | | | | | |
Net cash provided by financing activities | | | 2,728,403 | | | 667,515 | |
| | | | | | | |
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents | | | (809,222) | | | (2,300,779) | |
| | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period | | | 1,316,990 | | | 4,003,512 | |
| | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period | | $ | 507,768 | | $ | 1,702,733 | |
| | | | | | | |
Supplementary disclosure of cash flow information: | | | | | | | |
Cash paid during the year: | | | | | | | |
Interest and cost of underwriting capital | | $ | 236,027 | | $ | 268,852 | |
| | | | | | | |
Non-cash financing activities: | | | | | | | |
Issuance of common stock in connection with debt conversion | | $ | 1,210,000 | | $ | - | |
Conversion of Series D Preferred to common stock | | $ | - | | $ | - | |
Conversion of Series E Preferred to common stock | | $ | - | | $ | - | |
Warrants issued in connection with debt | | $ | - | | $ | 77,792 | |
Property and equipment acquired through capital leases | | $ | 327,379 | | $ | - | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
MERRIMAN HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
1. Description of Business
Merriman Holdings, Inc. (the Company) is a financial services platform company that provides capital markets advisory and research, corporate services, and investment banking through its wholly-owned operating subsidiary, Merriman Capital, Inc. (hereafter MC). MC is an investment bank and securities broker-dealer whose clients are fast growing public and private companies and the entrepreneurs that manage those companies. MC is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC).
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP). Under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 855, Subsequent Events, the Company has evaluated all subsequent events until the date these consolidated financial statements were filed with the SEC.
For the purposes of presentation, dollar amounts displayed in these Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements were rounded to the nearest thousand.
The Company’s interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. In the opinion of management, the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report reflect all normal recurring adjustments that the Company considers necessary for the fair presentation of the consolidated results of operations for the interim periods covered and the consolidated financial condition of the Company at the date of the interim statements of financial condition. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, the Company believes all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary to make the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements not misleading have been included. The operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the entire year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 2012 audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2012.
2. Liquidity/Going Concern
The Company incurred substantial losses during the first nine months of 2013, having net losses of $3,477,000 and negative operating cash flows of approximately $3,536,000. As of September 30, 2013, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $148,394,000. These facts raise substantial doubt as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue on a going concern basis which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business and do not include any adjustments that might result from uncertainty about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Management’s plan to alleviate the going-concern uncertainty includes, but is not limited to, the issuance of equity and debt instruments for working capital. The Company’s continued existence is also dependent upon its ability to increase revenues generated from operations which will enable the Company to achieve a profitable level of operations.
If anticipated operating results are not achieved, management has the intent, and believes it has the ability, to further delay or reduce expenditures. In such case, the further reduction in operating expenses might need to be substantial. Failure to generate sufficient cash flows from operations, raise additional capital, or reduce certain discretionary spending would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to achieve its intended business objectives. The Company can give no assurance that it will be successful in its plans and can give no assurance that additional financing will be available on terms advantageous to the existing terms or that additional financing will be available at all. Should the Company not be successful in obtaining the necessary financing to fund its operations, the Company would need to curtail certain or all of its operational activities and/or contemplate the sale of its assets if necessary.
MERRIMAN HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
2. Liquidity/Going Concern continued
On March 28, 2013 and April 26, 2013, the Company issued 60,745,824 shares of common stock at $0.03 per share and 15,186,454 warrants for total proceeds of $1,822,375. In addition, the Company issued 40,333,331 shares of common stock at $0.03 per share and 19,249,998 warrants in connection with the conversion of $1,210,000 debt. (See Note 6)
On September 16, 2013, the Company issued 2,333,332 shares of common stock at $0.06 per share and 583,332 warrants for total proceeds of $140,000.
3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Stock-Based Compensation Expense
The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense based on estimated fair values for all stock-based awards made to employees and directors, including stock options, restricted stock, and warrants. The Company estimates fair value of stock-based awards on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations over the requisite service periods. Because stock-based compensation expense is based on awards that are ultimately expected to vest, stock-based compensation expense has been reduced to account for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.
To calculate stock-based compensation resulting from the issuance of options, restricted common stock, and warrants, the Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. No tax benefits were attributed to the share-based compensation expense because a valuation allowance was maintained for all net deferred tax assets.
Earnings (Loss) Per Share
Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, excluding shares of non-vested stock. Diluted income per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares used in the basic income per share calculation plus the number of common shares that would be issued assuming exercise or conversion of all potentially dilutive common shares outstanding, including non-vested stock. Diluted loss per share is unchanged from basic loss per share because the addition of common shares that would be issued assuming exercise or conversion would be anti-dilutive. Interest and dividends for convertible debt and convertible preferred stock are also not considered since including them in the calculation of diluted loss per share would be anti-dilutive.
MERRIMAN HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
(unaudited)
3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued
The table below represents a list of potentially dilutive securities outstanding as of September 30, 2013 and 2012:
| | September 30, | |
| | 2013 | | 2012 | |
Series D convertible preferred stock warrants | | 3,388,677 | | | 3,388,677 | |
Conversion of Series D preferred stock | | - | | | 6,358,872 | |
Series E convertible preferred stock warrants | | 3,412,721 | | | 3,817,621 | |
Conversion of Series E preferred stock | | - | | | 6,825,433 | |
Stock options | | 12,796,463 | | | 3,040,532 | |
Warrants issued in connection with Secured Promissory Notes | | 492,620 | | | 87,720 | |
Warrants issued in connection with recapitalization | | 35,019,779 | | | - | |
Other outstanding warrants | | 759,287 | | | 759,286 | |
Potentially dilutive securities oustanding | | 55,869,547 | | | 24,278,141 | |
Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
The Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Emerging Issues Task Force and the SEC have issued certain accounting standards updates and regulations as of September 30, 2013 that will become effective in subsequent periods; however, management of the Company does not believe that any of those updates would have significantly affected the Company’s financial accounting measures or disclosures had they been in effect during the period, and does not believe that any of those pronouncements will have a significant impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements at the time they become effective.
Securities Owned
Securities owned and securities sold, not yet purchased in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition consist of financial instruments carried at fair value with related unrealized gains or losses recognized in principal transactions in the consolidated statement of operations. The securities owned are classified into “Marketable” and “Non-marketable.” Marketable securities are those that can readily be sold, either through a stock exchange or through a direct sales arrangement. Non-marketable securities are typically securities restricted under the Federal Securities Act of 1933 provided by SEC Rule 144 (Rule 144) or have some restriction on their sale whether or not a buyer is identified.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Substantially all of the Company’s financial instruments are recorded at fair value or contract amounts that approximate fair value. The carrying amounts of the Company’s financial instruments, which include cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, due from clearing broker, accounts receivable, accounts payable, commissions and bonus payable, accrued expenses and other, securities sold, not yet purchased, deferred revenue, and capital lease obligation, approximate their fair values.
Fair Value MeasurementDefinition and Hierarchy
The Company follows the provisions of ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures, for its financial assets and liabilities. Under ASC 820, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
Where available, fair value is based on observable market prices or parameters, or derived from such prices or parameters. Where observable prices or inputs are not available, valuation models are applied. These valuation techniques involve some level of management estimation and judgment, the degree of which is dependent on the price transparency for the instruments or market and the instruments’ complexity. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the consolidated statement of financial condition are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. Hierarchical levels, defined by ASC 820 and directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs to fair valuation of these assets and liabilities, are as follows:
MERRIMAN HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
(unaudited)
3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued
Level 1 Unadjusted, quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date. The types of assets and liabilities carried at Level 1 fair value generally are G-7 government and agency securities, equities listed in active markets, investments in publicly traded mutual funds with quoted market prices and listed derivatives.
Level 2 Pricing inputs (other than quoted prices included in Level 1) are either directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability through correlation with market data at the measurement date and for the duration of the instrument’s anticipated life. Fair valued assets which are generally included in this category are stock warrants for which market-based implied volatilities are available, and unregistered common stock.
Level 3 Pricing inputs are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable. These inputs generally reflect management’s best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. Consideration is given to the risk inherent in the valuation technique and the risk inherent in the inputs to the model. Fair valued assets which are generally included in this category are stock warrants for which market-based implied volatilities are not available.
In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
For further information on financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis, and a description of valuation techniques, see Note 4.
Concentrations and Credit Risk
Substantially all of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents are held at two major U.S. financial institutions. The majority of the Company’s cash equivalents consist of short-term marketable securities. Deposits held with banks may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon demand.
As of September 30, 2013, the Company held concentrated positions in three securities with total fair values of $1,176,000. The prices of these securities are highly volatile.
As of September 30, 2013, the Company held concentrated positions in accounts receivable with one client which exceeded 10% of total accounts receivable (approximately $80,000).
During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, two sales professionals accounted for more than 10% of total revenue (approximately $2,426,000) and one customer accounted for more than 10% of total revenue (approximately $731,000). During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, one sales professionals accounted for more than 10% of total revenue (approximately $1,670,000) and one customer accounted for more than 10% of total revenue (approximately $1,149,000).
The Company is also exposed to credit risk as it relates to the collection of receivables from third parties, including lead managers in underwriting transactions and the Company’s corporate clients related to private placements of securities and financial advisory services.
Subsequent Events
Under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 855 Subsequent Events, the Company has evaluated all subsequent events through the date these consolidated financial statements were issued. (See Note 12)
MERRIMAN HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
(unaudited)
4. Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities
Fair value is defined as the price at which an asset would sell for or an amount paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (the exit price). Where available, fair value is based on observable market prices or parameters or derived from such prices or parameters. Where observable prices or parameters are not available, valuation models are applied. These valuation techniques involve some level of management estimation and judgment, the degree of which is dependent on the price transparency for the instruments or the market on which they are primarily traded, and the instruments’ complexity. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the consolidated statements of financial condition are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value.
A description of the valuation techniques applied to the Company’s major categories of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis follows.
Corporate Equities
Corporate equities are comprised primarily of exchange-traded equity securities that the Company takes selective proprietary positions based on expectations of future market movements and conditions.
Also, as compensation for investment banking services, the Company frequently receives common stock of the client as an additional compensation to cash fees. The common stock is typically issued prior to a registration statement becoming effective. The Company classifies these securities as “not readily marketable securities” as they are restricted stock and may be freely traded only upon the effectiveness of a registration statement covering them or upon the satisfaction of the requirements to qualify under the exemption to Rule 144, including the requisite holding period. Once a registration statement covering the securities is declared effective by the SEC or the securities have satisfied the Rule 144 requirements, the Company classifies them as “marketable securities.”
Typically, the common stock is traded on stock exchanges and most are classified as Level 1 securities. The fair value is based on the observed closing stock price at the measurement date. As of September 30, 2013, the fair value of this type of securities included in securities owned in the statements of financial condition is approximately $1,227,000.
Certain securities are traded infrequently and therefore do not have observable prices based on actively traded markets. These securities are classified as Level 3 securities, if pricing inputs or adjustments are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable. The Company determines the fair value of infrequently trading securities using the observed closing price at measurement date, discounted for the put option value calculated through the Black-Scholes model or similar valuation techniques. Valuation inputs used in the Black-Scholes model include observable inputs such as interest rate, expected term and market price of the underlying stock, in addition to unobservable inputs such as stock volatility.
As of September 30, 2013, the fair value of this type of securities included in securities owned in the condensed consolidated statement of financial condition is $283,000.
Stock Warrants
Also as partial compensation for investment banking services, the Company may receive stock warrants issued by the client. If the underlying stock of the warrants is freely tradable, the warrants are considered to be marketable. If the underlying stock is restricted, subject to a registration statement or to satisfying the requirements for a Rule 144 exemption, the warrants are considered to be non-marketable. Such positions are considered illiquid and do not have readily determinable fair values, and therefore require significant management judgment or estimation.
The fair value of the stock warrants is determined using the Black-Scholes model or similar valuation techniques. Valuation inputs used in the Black-Scholes model include observable inputs such as interest rate, expected term and market price of the underlying stock, in addition to unobservable inputs such as stock volatility. Generally, a change in stock volatility results in a directionally similar change in fair value. As these require significant management assumptions, they are classified as Level 3 securities.
As of September 30, 2013, the fair value of this type of securities included in securities owned in the condensed consolidated statement of financial condition is approximately $453,000.
MERRIMAN HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
(unaudited)
4. Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities continued
Underwriters’ Purchase Options
The Company may receive partial compensation for its investment banking services also in the form of underwriters’ purchase options (“UPOs”). UPOs are identical to warrants other than with respect to the securities for which they are exercisable. UPOs grant the holder the right to purchase a “bundle” of securities, including common stock and warrants to purchase common stock. UPOs grant the right to purchase securities of companies for which the Company acted as an underwriter to account for any overallotment of these securities in a public offering. Such positions are considered illiquid and do not have readily determinable fair values, and therefore require significant management judgment or estimation.
The fair value of the UPO is determined using the Black-Scholes model or similar technique, applied in two stages. The first stage is to determine the value of the warrants contained within the “bundle” which is then added to the fair value of the stock within the bundle. Once the fair value of the underlying “bundle” is established, the Black-Scholes model is used again to estimate a value for the UPO. The fair value of the “bundle” as estimated by Black-Scholes in the first stage is used instead of the price of the underlying stock as one of the inputs in the second stage of the Black-Scholes. Valuation inputs used in the Black-Scholes model include observable inputs such as interest rate; stock expected term and market price of the underlying stock, in addition to unobservable inputs such as stock volatility. Generally, a change in stock volatility results in a directionally similar change in fair value. The use of the valuation techniques requires significant management assumptions and therefore UPOs are classified as Level 3 securities.
As of September 30, 2013, the fair value of this type of securities included in securities owned in the condensed consolidated statement of financial condition is approximately $25,000.
Preferred Stock
Preferred stock represents preferred equity in companies. The preferred stock owned by the Company is convertible at the Company’s discretion. For these securities, the Company uses the exchange-quoted price of the common stock equivalents to value the securities. They are classified within Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy depending on the availability of an observable stock price on actively traded markets.
As of September 30, 2013, the fair value of this type of securities included in securities owned in the condensed consolidated statement of financial condition was deemed de minimis.
Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased
Securities sold, not yet purchased are comprised primarily of exchange-traded equity securities that the Company sold short based on expectations of future market movements and conditions. They are generally valued based on quoted prices from the exchange. To the extent these securities are actively traded, valuation adjustments are not applied and they are categorized in Level 1 liability of the fair value hierarchy.
The following table summarizes quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s Level 3 financial instruments:
| | Valuation Technique | | Unobservable Input | | Range | | Weighted Average | |
Financial instruments and other inventory positions owned: | | | | | | | | | |
Stock warrants | | Black-Scholes option pricing model | | Stock volatility | | 69 - 372% | | 156% | |
Underwriters' purchase options | | Black-Scholes option pricing model | | Stock volatility | | 200% | | 200% | |
Preferred stock | | Exchange-quoted price of common stock equivalents | | Preferred stock to common stock conversion rate | | 1.6 | | 1.6 | |
MERRIMAN HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
(unaudited)
4. Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities continued
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:
| | Assets at Fair Value at September 30, 2013 | |
| | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | Total | |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Corporate equities | | $ | 1,226,946 | | $ | - | | $ | 282,897 | | $ | 1,509,843 | |
Stock warrants | | | - | | | - | | | 452,906 | | | 452,906 | |
Underwriters' purchase option | | | - | | | - | | | 25,187 | | | 25,187 | |
Preferred stock | | | - | | | - | | | 297 | | | 297 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total securities owned | | $ | 1,226,946 | | $ | - | | $ | 761,287 | | $ | 1,988,233 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Securities sold, not yet purchased | | $ | 836 | | $ | - | | $ | - | | $ | 836 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total fair value liabilities | | $ | 836 | | $ | - | | $ | - | | $ | 836 | |
The following summarizes the change in carrying values associated with Level 3 financial instruments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013:
| | | | | | | | Underwriters' | | | | | | |
| | Corporate | | Stock | | Purchase | | | | | | |
| | Equities | | Warrants | | Options | | Preferred Stock | | Total | |
Balance at June 30, 2013 | | $ | 284,552 | | $ | 366,149 | | $ | 28,190 | | $ | 156 | | $ | 679,047 | |
Purchases or receipt (a) | | | - | | | 54,740 | | | - | | | - | | | 54,740 | |
Gains (losses): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Realized | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | |
Unrealized | | | (1,655) | | | 32,017 | | | (3,003) | | | 141 | | | 27,500 | |
Balance at September 30, 2013 | | $ | 282,897 | | $ | 452,906 | | $ | 25,187 | | $ | 297 | | $ | 761,287 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Change in unrealized gains | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(losses) relating to instruments still held | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
at September 30, 2013 | | $ | (1,655) | | $ | 32,017 | | $ | (3,003) | | $ | 141 | | $ | 27,500 | |
(a) Includes purchases of securities and securities received for services
MERRIMAN HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
(unaudited)
4. Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities continued
| | | | | | | | Underwriters' | | | | | | | |
| | Corporate | | Stock | | Purchase | | | | | | | |
| | Equities | | Warrants | | Options | | Preferred Stock | | Total | |
Balance at December 31, 2012 | | $ | 241,767 | | $ | 468,848 | | $ | 17,634 | | $ | 63 | | $ | 728,312 | |
Purchases or receipt (a) | | | - | | | 94,741 | | | - | | | - | | | 94,741 | |
Sales or exercises | | | - | | | (40,426) | | | - | | | - | | | (40,426) | |
Gains (losses): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Realized | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | |
Unrealized | | | 41,130 | | | (70,257) | | | 7,553 | | | 234 | | | (21,340) | |
Balance at September 30, 2013 | | $ | 282,897 | | $ | 452,906 | | $ | 25,187 | | $ | 297 | | $ | 761,287 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to instruments still held at September 30, 2013 | | $ | 41,130 | | $ | (70,257) | | $ | 7,553 | | $ | 234 | | $ | (21,340) | |
(a) Includes purchases of securities and securities received for services
Net gains and losses (both realized and unrealized) for Level 3 financial assets are a component of principal transactions in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Transfers within the Fair Value Hierarchy
The Company assesses its financial instruments on a quarterly basis to determine the appropriate classification within the fair value hierarchy, as defined by ASC 820. Transfers between fair value classifications occur when there are changes in pricing observability levels. Transfers of financial instruments among the levels occur at the end of the reporting period. There were no transfers between our Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 classified instruments during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
MERRIMAN HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
(unaudited)
5. Issuance of Debt
Convertible Secured Promissory Notes
On February 22, 2013 and December 28, 2012, the Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors loaned $600,000 and $500,000 to the Company in two convertible secured promissory notes (the “Convertible Notes”) maturing on November 22, 2013 and September 28, 2013, respectively, bearing interest rates at eight percent (8%) per annum payable at maturity. Each Convertible Note is secured pursuant to a certain Stock Pledge Agreement dated December 13, 2012 and includes a conversion feature which provides for the note to automatically convert into the Company’s common shares upon the consummation of a “Qualified Financing,” defined as an equity investment in one or a series of related transactions resulting in not less than $2,000,000, including the amount converted under the Convertible Notes. The number of common shares issued will be equal to the Convertible Notes’ principals divided by the price per share paid by the investors in the Qualified Financing. (See Notes 5.a below and Note 6)
Debt Conversion
a. Conversion of Convertible Secured Promissory Notes
The March 28, 2013 sale of common stock (see Note 6) was the catalyst to the Qualified Financing, triggering an automatic conversion of the Convertible Notes into the Company’s common shares at $0.03 per share. For every two common shares purchased by means of surrender of the Convertible Notes, the holder received a warrant to purchase one share of common stock at $0.04 per share, for a term of five years. A total of 36,666,666 common shares and 18,333,333 warrants were issued.
The Company accounted for this transaction in accordance with ASC 470, Debt, as an extinguishment of debt, whereby a gain or loss was calculated as the difference between the reacquisition price and net carrying value of the debt. The reacquisition price was determined as the sum of the fair value of the common stock and new warrants. The warrants were valued using the Black-Scholes fair value model.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, a loss of approximately $267,000 was recorded on the transaction based on a reacquisition price of approximately $1,367,000 and fair value of the debt exchanged of approximately $1,100,000.
b. Conversion of Subordinated Notes Payable
On March 28, 2013, certain subordinated notes payable holders, all of whom are directors and officers of the Company, agreed to convert $110,000 subordinated notes payable into the Company’s common shares at $0.03 per share. For every four common shares purchased by means of surrender of the subordinated notes payable, the holders received a warrant to purchase one share of common stock at $0.04 per share, for a term of five years. A total of 3,666,665 common shares and 916,665 warrants were issued.
The Company accounted for this transaction in accordance with ASC 470, Debt, as an extinguishment of debt, whereby a gain or loss was calculated as the difference between the reacquisition price and net carrying value of the debt. The reacquisition price was determined as the sum of the fair value of the common stock and new warrants. The warrants were valued using the Black-Scholes fair value model.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, a loss of approximately $26,000 was recorded on the transaction based on a reacquisition price of approximately $136,000 and fair value of the debt exchanged of approximately $106,000.
MERRIMAN HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
(unaudited)
5. Issuance of Debt continued
Secured Promissory Notes
On December 13, 2012, an unrelated party and the Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors loaned $300,000 and $200,000 to the Company in two secured promissory notes (the “Secured Notes”) maturing on June 13, 2013, respectively, bearing interest rates at eight percent (8%) per annum payable at maturity. On June 13, 2013, the Secured Notes were extended to July 8, 2013 at the same terms. On July 8, 2013, while interest rates remain un-changed, the Secured Notes’ maturity dates were extended as follows:
| | | Maturity Dates | |
Principal | | 31-Oct-13 | | 31-Dec-13 | |
| | | | | | | | |
$ | 300,000 | | $ | 100,000 | | $ | 200,000 | |
$ | 200,000 | | $ | 66,667 | | $ | 133,333 | |
On September 26, 2013, the $200,000 note was further extended to mature on March 31, 2014 with the interest rate increased to ten percent (10%) per annum payable at maturity.
On September 12, 2013 the Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors loaned $166,028 to the Company in a secured promissory note maturing on February 7, 2014, bearing interest rates at ten percent (10%) per annum payable at maturity.
6. Capital Leases
During the third quarter of 2013, the Company entered into certain leases for a portion of its property and equipment with various financing institutions and equipment providers for periods ranging from three to four years.
The following is an analysis of the leased assets included in capital lease assets at September 30, 2013 and 2012.
| | September 30, | |
| | 2013 | | 2012 | |
| | | | | | | |
Property and equipment | | $ | 365,118 | | $ | - | |
Less: accumulated depreciation | | | (37,739) | | | - | |
Capital lease assets, net | | $ | 327,379 | | $ | - | |
Capital lease liabilities to financial institutions and equipment providers are due in monthly installments totaling $10,000, including fixed interest rates varying from 8.00% to 9.00%. Maturity of the capital leases vary from May 2016 to May 2017. As of September 30, 2013 and 2012, the outstanding capital lease liabilities were $349,000 and $0, respectively.
Interests related to these capital leases charged to interest expenses totaled $9,000 and $0, for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
The following is a schedule by years of future minimum payments required under the capital leases together with their present value as of September 30, 2013:
| | Amount | |
| | | | |
2013 | | $ | 35,260 | |
2014 | | | 119,762 | |
2015 | | | 119,762 | |
2016 | | | 90,376 | |
2017 | | | 26,597 | |
Thereafter | | | - | |
Total minimum lease payments | | | 391,757 | |
Less: amount representing interest | | | (42,916) | |
Net commitments | | $ | 348,841 | |
MERRIMAN HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
(unaudited)
7. Shareholders’ Equity
Sale of Common Stock
On March 28, 2013 and April 26, 2013, the Company entered into a definitive agreement (the “Stock Purchase Agreement”) for the sale and issuance of 60,745,824 common shares at $0.03 per share, resulting in total proceeds to the Company of $1,822,375. For every four common shares purchased, the investors received a warrant to purchase one share of common stock at $0.04 per share, for a term of five years. A total of 15,186,454 warrants were issued.
The total proceeds of $1,822,375 is accounted for as an issuance of common stock with warrants and was allocated to the individual instruments based on the relative fair value of each instrument at the time of issuance. Based on such allocation method, the values allocated to common stock and warrants were $1,466,000 and $356,000, respectively.
On September 16, 2013, the Company entered into a definitive agreement (the “Stock Purchase Agreement”) for the sale and issuance of 2,333,332 common shares at $0.06 per share, resulting in total proceeds to the Company of $140,000. For every four common shares purchased, the investors received a warrant to purchase one share of common stock at $0.08 per share, for a term of five years. A total of 583,332 warrants were issued.
The total proceeds of $140,000 is accounted for as an issuance of common stock with warrants and was allocated to the individual instruments based on the relative fair value of each instrument at the time of issuance. Based on such allocation method, the values allocated to common stock and warrants were $113,000 and $27,000, respectively.
Conversion of Series D and E Convertible Preferred Stock to Common Stock
In connection with the sale of common stock described above, the Investors Rights Agreement dated September 9, 2009 by and among the Company and investors in its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock was terminated and a new Voting Agreement dated March 28, 2013 was entered into.
On March 28, 2013, all outstanding shares of Series D and Series E Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company were converted into shares of common stock. Each share of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock was converted into 0.34127 share of common stock. Each share of Series E Convertible Preferred Stock was converted into one share of common stock. At the time of the conversion, all dividends accumulated but not declared on the Series D and series E Convertible Preferred Stock were canceled.
On March 28, 2013, 17,001,579 shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock and 6,303,799 shares of Series E Convertible Preferred Stock were converted into 5,802,126 and 6,303,799 shares of common stock, respectively.
8. Stock-based Compensation Expense
Stock Options
The following table is a summary of the Company’s stock option activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
| | | | | Weighted- | |
| | | | | Average | |
| | | | | Exercise | |
| | Shares | | | Price | |
| | | | | | |
Outstanding at December 31, 2012 | | 3,005,532 | | $ | 0.76 | |
Granted | | 9,985,000 | | | 0.12 | |
Exercised | | - | | | - | |
Expired | | (194,069) | | | (0.64) | |
| | | | | | |
Outstanding at September 30, 2013 | | 12,796,463 | | $ | 0.26 | |
| | | | | | |
Exercisable at September 30, 2013 | | 3,624,233 | | $ | 0.42 | |
| | | | | | |
Vested and expected to vest as of September 30, 2013 | | 9,022,446 | | | | |
During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company granted 9,985,000 options to purchase common shares at exercise prices of $0.12 and $0.20. The options vest in 3 and 4 years and have a fair value of $300,000.
Compensation expense for stock options during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $540,000 and $1,425,000, respectively. As of September 30, 2013, total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock options was approximately $863,000. This amount is expected to be recognized as expense over a weighted-average period of 2.24 years.
MERRIMAN HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
(unaudited)
8. Stock-based Compensation Expense continued
Restricted Stock
At the date of grant, the recipients of restricted stock have most of the rights of a stockholder other than voting rights, subject to certain restrictions on transferability and a risk of forfeiture. Restricted shares typically vest over a two to four year period beginning on the date of grant. The fair value of each restricted stock award is based on the market value of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. The Company recognizes the compensation expense for restricted stock on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.
The following table is a summary of the Company's restricted stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
| | | | Weighted- | | | | |
| | Restricted | | Average | | Aggregate | |
| | Stock | | Grant Date | | Intrinsic | |
| | Outstanding | | Fair Value | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Balance as of December 31, 2012 | | 257,660 | | $ | 0.58 | | $ | 110,794 | |
Granted | | - | | | - | | | | |
Vested | | (4,595) | | | (2.72) | | | | |
Cancelled | | (250,000) | | | (0.51) | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Balance as of September 30, 2013 | | 3,065 | | $ | 2.72 | | $ | 307 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Vested and expected to vest as of September 30, 2013 | | 2,943 | | | | | | | |
Compensation expense for restricted stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $14,000 and $625,000, respectively. As of September 30, 2013, total unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock was approximately $5,000. This expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.14 years. There was no restricted stock granted for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
9. Regulatory Requirements
MC is a broker-dealer subject to Rule 15c3-1 of the SEC which specifies uniform minimum net capital requirements, as defined, for their registrants. As of September 30, 2013, MC had regulatory net capital, as defined, of approximately $728,000 which exceeded the amount required by approximately $478,000. MC complies with the alternative net capital requirement allowed in Appendix E of Rule 15c3-1. MC is exempt from Rules 15c3-3 and 17a-13 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 because it does not carry customer accounts nor does it hold customer securities or cash.
Under its rules, FINRA may prohibit a member firm from expanding its business or paying dividends if resulting net capital would be less than 5 percent of aggregate debit balances. Advances to affiliates, repayment of subordinated debt, dividend payments and other equity withdrawals by MC are subject to certain notification and other provisions of the SEC and FINRA rules. In addition, MC is subject to certain notification requirements related to withdrawals of excess net capital.
MERRIMAN HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
(unaudited)
10. Litigation
Del Biaggio/Cacchione Matters
A number of lawsuits were filed against the Company and MC (collectively, “Merriman Parties”), in connection with the actions of William Del Biaggio III (Del Biaggio), a former customer of MC, and David Scott Cacchione (Cacchione), a former retail broker of MC in 2088 and years prior. Del Biaggio and Cacchione pleaded guilty to securities fraud and were subsequently imprisoned. All of these lawsuits have been settled or dismissed. During the quarter ended September 30, 2013 and subsequently, developments in lawsuits against the Merriman Parties in connection with Cacchione’s activities are as follows:
Trustee for the Bankruptcy estates of William James “Boots” Del Biaggio and BDB Management, LLC v. Merriman Capital, Inc. and D. Jonathan Merriman
On September 2, 2011, a complaint was filed in FINRA arbitration against MC and D. Jonathan Merriman by the bankruptcy estates of William James “Boots” Del Biaggio III and BDB Management, LLC. The complaint alleged various causes of action arising from alleged unauthorized trading and cross collateralization in plaintiff’s accounts at MC and sought damages of $7.2 million. On November 2, 2011, MC filed an answer to the complaint on its behalf and D. Jonathan Merriman’s, denying the allegations and asserting, among other things, the right to set off damages caused to the Merriman Parties by Del Biaggio, who is currently serving an eight year sentence in federal prison for fraud, in an amount well in excess of plaintiff’s alleged damages. In August 2013, the parties entered into a settlement agreement and release, and the case was dismissed. The settlement amount was fully accrued for and included in the consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
Khachaturian, Peterson and Salvi v. Merriman Capital, Inc. and Merriman Holdings, Inc.
Complaints were filed in the San Francisco County Superior Court, California by Henry Khachaturian in January 2011, by Chuck Peterson in February 2010 and by Dolores Salvi in October 2010. The complaints also named as defendants the Company’s officers and former officers D. Jonathan Merriman, Gregory Curhan, and Robert Ford. Messrs. Curhan and Ford were dropped from the case in January 2011. The complaints were consolidated into one case in March 2011. The complaints alleged that plaintiffs were convinced by the Company to purchase shares of a small, risky stock in which MC held a position. It further alleged that the Company did not permit plaintiffs to sell the shares when the stock’s price fell. In October 2013, the parties entered into a settlement agreement and release, and the case was dismissed.
Additionally, from time to time, the Company is involved in ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business.
11. Related Party Transactions
Temporary Subordinated Borrowings
On March 4, 2013, the Company borrowed $400,000 from the Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors. The loan was in the form of a temporary subordinated loan in accordance with Rule 15c3-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Total fees incurred were $24,800, which amount was included in cost of underwriting capital in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations. The loan and related fees were paid in full on April 5, 2013.
On January 31, 2013, the Company borrowed $1,200,000 from the Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors. The loan was in the form of a temporary subordinated loan in accordance with Rule 15c3-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Total fees incurred were $52,800, which amount was included in cost of underwriting capital in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations. The loan and related fees were paid in full on February 22, 2013.
MERRIMAN HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
(unaudited)
11. Related Party Transactions continued
Convertible Secured Promissory Notes
On February 22, 2013 and December 28, 2012, the Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors loaned $600,000 and $500,000 to the Company in two convertible secured promissory notes (the “Convertible Notes”) maturing on November 22, 2013 and September 28, 2013, respectively, bearing interest rates at eight percent (8%) per annum payable at maturity. Each Convertible Note is secured pursuant to a certain Stock Pledge Agreement dated December 13, 2012 and includes a conversion feature which provides for the note to automatically convert into the Company’s common shares upon the consummation of a “Qualified Financing,” defined as an equity investment in one or a series of related transactions resulting in not less than $2,000,000, including the amount converted under the Convertible Notes. The number of common shares issued will be equal to the Convertible Notes’ principals divided by the price per share paid by the investors in the Qualified Financing. (See Note 5)
Secured Promissory Notes
On December 13, 2012, the Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors loaned $200,000 to the Company in a secured promissory notes (the “Secured Note”) maturing on September 13, 2013 and bearing interest rates at eight percent (8%) per annum payable at maturity. On September 13, 2013, the Secured Note was extended to July 8, 2013 at the same terms. On July 8, 2013, while interest rate remains unchanged, the Secured Note’s maturity date was extended as follows:
| | | Maturity Dates | |
Principal | | 31-Oct-13 | | 31-Dec-13 | |
| | | | | | | | |
$ | 200,000 | | $ | 66,667 | | $ | 133,333 | |
On September 26, 2013, the $200,000 note was further extended to mature on March 31, 2014 with the interest rate increased to ten percent (10%) per annum payable at maturity.
On September 12, 2013 the Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors loaned $166,028 to the Company in a secured promissory note maturing on February 7, 2014, bearing interest rates at ten percent (10%) per annum payable at maturity.
Debt Conversion
a. Conversion of Convertible Secured Promissory Notes
The March 28, 2013 sale of common stock (see Note 6) was the impetus to the Qualified Financing specified in the Convertible Notes, triggering an automatic conversion of the Convertible Notes into the Company’s common shares at $0.03 per share. For each common share purchased by means of surrender of the Convertible Notes, the holder received a warrant to purchase 0.50 share of common stock at $0.04 per share, for a term of five years. A total of 36,666,666 common shares and 18,333,333 warrants were issued.
The Company accounted for this transaction in accordance with ASC 470, Debt, as an extinguishment of debt, whereby a gain or loss was calculated as the difference between the reacquisition price and net carrying value of the debt. The reacquisition price was determined as the sum of the fair value of the common stock and new warrants. The warrants were valued using the Black-Scholes fair value model.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, a loss of approximately $267,000 was recorded on the transaction based on a reacquisition price of approximately $1,367,000 and fair value of the debt exchanged of approximately $1,100,000.
MERRIMAN HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
(unaudited)
11. Related Party Transactions continued
b. Conversion of Subordinated Notes Payable
On March 28, 2013, certain subordinated notes payable holders, all of whom are directors and officers of the Company, agreed to convert $110,000 subordinated notes payable into the Company’s common shares at $0.03 per share. For each common share purchased by means of surrender of the subordinated notes payable, the holders received a warrant to purchase 0.25 share of common stock at $0.04 per share, for a term of five years. A total of 3,666,665 common shares and 916,665 warrants were issued.
The Company accounted for this transaction in accordance with ASC 470, Debt, as an extinguishment of debt, whereby a gain or loss was calculated as the difference between the reacquisition price and net carrying value of the debt. The reacquisition price was determined as the sum of the fair value of the common stock and new warrants. The warrants were valued using the Black-Scholes fair value model.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, a loss of approximately $26,000 was recorded on the transaction based on a reacquisition price of approximately $136,000 and fair value of the debt exchanged of approximately $106,000.
Other Related Party Transactions
From time to time, officers and employees of the Company may invest in private placements which the Company arranges and for which the Company charges investment banking fees.
The Company’s employees may, at times, provide certain services and supporting functions to its affiliate entities. The Company is not reimbursed for any costs related to providing those services.
12. Segment Reporting
The Company’s business results are categorized into three operating segments: MC, FEP and CMAG. The Company's reportable segments are strategic business units that offer products and services which are compatible with its core business strategy. The MC segment includes a broad range of services, such as capital raising and financial advisory services for corporate clients, and brokerage and equity research services for our institutional investor clients. The FEP segment includes capital raising services through a network of independent investment bankers and CMAG includes assisting corporate issuers in listing on OTCQX, the premier OTC Market tier, along with other services that facilitate the access to institutional capital markets.
The accounting policies of the segments are consistent with those described in the Significant Accounting Policies in Note 3. The Company evaluates segment results based on revenue and segment income. There are no revenue-generating activities between segments. Segment asset disclosures are not provided as no significant assets are separately determinable for FEP or CMAG. Revenue and expenses directly associated with each segment are included in determining segment income, which is also the internal performance measure used by management to assess the performance of each business in a given period.
Consolidation items and eliminations include the effects of eliminating transactions between operating segments, and certain non-allocated amounts. Consolidation items and elimination is not an operating segment. Rather, it is added to operating segment totals to reconcile to consolidated totals on the financial statements. Certain amounts included in consolidation items and elimination costs are not allocated to operating segments because they are excluded from the measurement of their operating performance for internal purposes. These include Board of Directors compensation, interest on general borrowings, litigation settlement costs and other charges.
MERRIMAN HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED
(unaudited)
12. Segment Reporting continued
Management believes that the following information provides a reasonable representation of each segment’s contribution to revenue and loss or operating results:
| | Three Months Ended September 30, | | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |
| | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2013 | | 2012 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Revenues | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
MC | | $ | 1,034,487 | | $ | 1,706,682 | | $ | 3,987,787 | | $ | 8,054,476 | |
FEP | | | 417,344 | | | 233,833 | | | 835,012 | | | 1,125,469 | |
CMAG | | | 477,508 | | | 515,972 | | | 1,569,666 | | | 1,233,552 | |
Total segment revenues | | | 1,929,339 | | | 2,456,487 | | | 6,392,465 | | | 10,413,497 | |
Consolidation items and elimination | | | (6) | | | 3,020 | | | (1,181) | | | 30,855 | |
Consolidated revenues | | $ | 1,929,333 | | $ | 2,459,507 | | $ | 6,391,284 | | $ | 10,444,352 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment loss | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
MC | | $ | (1,194,186) | | $ | (1,471,808) | | $ | (3,950,159) | | $ | (5,023,782) | |
FEP | | | 105,389 | | | 23,383 | | | 276,811 | | | 110,192 | |
CMAG | | | 245,338 | | | 437,416 | | | 1,126,014 | | | 744,412 | |
Total segment loss | | | (843,459) | | | (1,011,009) | | | (2,547,334) | | | (4,169,178) | |
Consolidation items and elimination | | | (369,125) | | | (83,875) | | | (918,132) | | | (1,352,180) | |
Consolidated net loss before income taxes | | $ | (1,212,584) | | $ | (1,094,884) | | $ | (3,465,466) | | $ | (5,521,358) | |
Substantially all of the reported revenues are from customers located in the United States and all of our long-lived assets are located in the United States.
ITEM 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements regarding future events and our future results that are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about the industries in which we operate and the beliefs and assumptions of our management. Words such as “may,” “should,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “targets,” “goals,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue,” variations of such words, and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to projections of our future financial performance, our anticipated growth and trends in our businesses, and other characterizations of future events or circumstances, are forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are only predictions and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Readers are referred to risks and uncertainties identified under “Risk Factors” beginning on page 36 and elsewhere herein. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason. Numbers expressed herein may be rounded to thousands of dollars.
Overview
Merriman Holdings, Inc. (the Company) is a financial services platform company that provides capital markets advisory and research, corporate services, and investment banking through its wholly-owned operating subsidiary, Merriman Capital, Inc. (hereafter MC). MC is an investment bank and securities broker-dealer whose clients are fast growing public and private companies and the entrepreneurs that manage those companies. MC is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC).
Our mission is to be the leader in advising, financing, trading and investing in fast-growing companies under $1 billion in market capitalization. We originate differentiated equity research, brokerage and trading services primarily to institutional investors, as well as investment banking and advisory services to our fast-growing corporate clients.
We are headquartered in San Francisco, CA with an additional office in New York, NY. As of September 30, 2013, we had 30 employees.
Executive Summary
Our total revenues were approximately $1,929,000 and $6,391,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, representing a 21% and 39% decrease over the same period in 2012. The decrease was primarily due to the Company’s reorganizing and repositioning of its business segments, including the discontinuance of certain non-profitable businesses and reduction in force.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, commission revenues decreased 38% and 29% year-over-year, respectively, due to fewer sales producers in 2013. Principal transactions decreased 67% and 78%, respectively, from the same periods in 2012 primarily due to market volatility. Investment banking revenues for the same periods increased 4% and decreased 67% year over year, respectively, due to fewer banking transactions being closed as a result of market condition and the Company having fewer bankers. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, due to the Company’s repositioning its business model to focus on capital markets advisory and platform revenue model, we saw a 15% increase in advisory and other revenues, respectively.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, net loss was approximately $1,215,000 and $3,477,000 or $0.01 and $0.04 per share, respectively. Net loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 included stock based compensation expenses of approximately ($22,000) and $548,000, respectively.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, net loss was approximately $1,095,000 and $5,521,000 or $0.25 and $1.01 per share, respectively. Net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2012 included stock based compensation expense of approximately $172,000. Net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 included stock based compensation expense and loss on equity exchange of approximately $2,048,000 and $1,086,000, respectively.
Liquidity/Going Concern
The Company incurred substantial losses during the first nine months of 2013, having net losses of $3,477,000 and negative operating cash flows of approximately $3,536,000. As of September 30, 2013, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $148,394,000. These facts raise substantial doubt as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue on a going concern basis which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business and do not include any adjustments that might result from uncertainty about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Management’s plan to alleviate the going-concern uncertainty includes, but is not limited to, the issuance of equity and debt instruments for working capital. The Company’s continued existence is also dependent upon its ability to increase revenues generated from operations which will enable the Company to achieve a profitable level of operations.
If anticipated operating results are not achieved, management has the intent, and believes it has the ability, to further delay or reduce expenditures. In such case, the further reduction in operating expenses might need to be substantial. Failure to generate sufficient cash flows from operations, raise additional capital, or reduce certain discretionary spending would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to achieve its intended business objectives. The Company can give no assurance that it will be successful in its plans and can give no assurance that additional financing will be available on terms advantageous to the existing terms or that additional financing will be available at all. Should the Company not be successful in obtaining the necessary financing to fund its operations, the Company would need to curtail certain or all of its operational activities and/or contemplate the sale of its assets if necessary.
On March 28, 2013 and April 26, 2013, the Company issued 60,745,824 shares of common stock at $0.03 per share and 15,186,454 warrants for total proceeds of $1,822,375. In addition, the Company issued 40,333,331 shares of common stock at $0.03 per share and 19,249,998 warrants in connection with the conversion of $1,210,000 debt. On September 16, 2013, the Company issued 2,333,332 shares of common stock at $0.06 per share and 583,332 warrants for total proceeds of $140,000.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
| | Three Months Ended | | Nine Months Ended | |
| | September 30, | | September 30, | | September 30, | | September 30, | |
| | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2013 | | 2012 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Revenues | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Commissions | | $ | 1,057,800 | | $ | 1,716,268 | | $ | 3,276,160 | | $ | 4,615,763 | |
Principal transactions | | | (96,157) | | | (294,326) | | | (60,779) | | | (277,428) | |
Investment banking | | | 484,650 | | | 468,010 | | | 1,546,344 | | | 4,690,879 | |
Advisory and other | | | 483,041 | | | 569,555 | | | 1,629,559 | | | 1,415,138 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total revenues | | | 1,929,334 | | | 2,459,507 | | | 6,391,284 | | | 10,444,352 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Compensation and benefits | | | 1,531,207 | | | 2,279,700 | | | 5,530,637 | | | 9,660,592 | |
Brokerage and clearing fees | | | 95,218 | | | 158,199 | | | 297,994 | | | 438,782 | |
Professional services | | | 113,329 | | | 80,726 | | | 260,583 | | | 535,112 | |
Occupancy and equipment | | | 358,058 | | | 420,746 | | | 1,051,354 | | | 1,307,823 | |
Communication and technology | | | 194,667 | | | 240,808 | | | 537,942 | | | 815,202 | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 39,899 | | | 5,590 | | | |