Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024
OR
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission file number: 001-32026
COHEN & COMPANY INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Maryland
16-1685692
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
Cira Centre
2929 Arch Street, Suite 1703
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
19104
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (215) 701-9555
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
COHN
NYSE AMERICAN STOCK EXCHANGE
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or
for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this
chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the
definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
☐
Accelerated filer
☐
Non-accelerated filer
☐
Smaller Reporting Company
☒
Emerging Growth Company
☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting
standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under
Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an
rror to previously issued financial statements. ☒
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of
he registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
As of June 28, 2024, the aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was approximately $11.9 million. As of March 5, 2025, there were
,054,674 shares of Common Stock of Cohen & Company Inc. outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Registrant’s 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.
Table of Contents
COHEN & COMPANY INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
PART I
Item 1.
Business.
5
Item 1A.
Risk Factors.
15
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments.
36
Item 1C.
Cybersecurity
36
Item 2.
Properties.
37
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings.
37
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures.
37
PART II
Item 5.
Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
38
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data.
38
Item 7.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
39
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
77
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
79
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
79
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures.
79
Item 9B.
Other Information.
80
Item 9C.
Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
80
PART III
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
81
Item 11.
Executive Compensation.
81
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
81
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
81
Item 14.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
81
PART IV
Item 15.
Exhibit and Financial Statement Schedules.
82
Item 16.
Form 10-K Summary.
87
1
Table of Contents
Forward Looking Statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. Forward-looking
statements discuss matters that are not historical facts. Because they discuss future events or conditions, forward-looking statements may include words such as
“anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “intend,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “may,” “seek,” “plan,” “might,” “will,” “expect,” “predict,” “project,” “forecast,” “potential,”
“continue,” negatives thereof or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, are based on various underlying assumptions
and current expectations about the future and are not guarantees. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause
our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievement to be materially different from the results of operations or plans expressed or implied by such forward-
looking statements.
These forward-looking statements are found at various places throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K and include information concerning possible or assumed
future results of our operations, including statements about the following subjects:
• integration of operations;
• business strategies;
• growth opportunities;
• competitive position;
• market outlook;
• expected financial position;
• expected results of operations;
• future cash flows;
• financing plans;
• plans and objectives of management;
• tax treatment of the business combinations;
• our investments in both SPACs and SPAC sponsor entities, including through our SPAC Series Funds;
• our role as asset manager and sponsor in our SPAC franchise;
• fair value of assets; and
• any other statements regarding future growth, future cash needs, future operations, business plans, future financial results, and any other statements that are not
historical facts.
These forward-looking statements represent our intentions, plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and
other factors. Many of those factors are outside of our control and could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by those forward-
looking statements. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the events described in the forward-looking statements might not occur or might occur to a
different extent or at a different time than we have described. You should consider the areas of risk and uncertainty described above and discussed under “Item 1A —
Risk Factors.” Actual results may differ materially as a result of various factors, some of which are outside our control, including the following:
•
a decline in general economic conditions or the global financial markets;
•
economic uncertainty and capital markets disruption which has been significantly impacted by geopolitical instability;
•
losses and reduced transaction volumes as a result of increasing interest rates and inflation;
•
risks and liabilities due to our investments in the equity interests of SPACs and SPAC sponsor entities including the risk of increased regulation applicable to
SPACs, risks regarding litigation in connection with the SPACs in which we invest and those which we sponsor, uncertainty of whether the SPACs in which we
invest and those we sponsor will consummate a business combination, significant competition for business opportunities in the SPAC industry, write-downs or
write-offs with respect to the securities which we hold subsequent to the consummation of an initial business combination by the SPACs in which we invest
and those which we sponsor, and the target of a SPAC being an early-stage and financially unstable company;
•
losses caused by financial or other problems experienced by third parties;
•
losses due to unidentified or unanticipated risks;
•
losses (whether realized or unrealized) on our principal investments;
•
a lack of liquidity, i.e., ready access to funds for use in our businesses, or the availability of financing at prohibitive rates;
•
the ability to attract and retain personnel;
•
the ability to meet regulatory capital requirements administered by federal agencies;
•
the ability to pay dividends;
•
an inability to generate incremental income from acquired, newly established, or expanded businesses;
•
unanticipated market closures due to inclement weather or other disasters;
•
the volume of trading in securities including collateralized securities transactions;
•
the liquidity in capital markets;
•
the creditworthiness of our correspondents, trading counterparties, and banking and margin customers;
•
changing interest rates and their impacts on U.S. residential mortgage volumes;
2
Table of Contents
•
competitive conditions in each of our business segments;
•
the availability of borrowings under credit lines, credit agreements, warehouse agreements, and our credit facilities;
•
the potential misconduct or errors by our employees or by entities with whom we conduct business; and
•
the potential for litigation and other regulatory liability.
You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. All
subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning other matters addressed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and attributable to us or any person
acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Except to the
extent required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, a change in
events, conditions, circumstances or assumptions underlying such statements, or otherwise.
Our Internet website is www.cohenandcompany.com and we make available on our website our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including
annual reports, quarterly reports, current reports and any amendments to those filings. The reference to our website address does not constitute incorporation by
reference of the information contained therein into this Form 10-K. We also use our website to disseminate other material information to our investors (on the Home Page
and in the “Investor Relations” section of our website). We also post on our website our press releases and information about our public conference calls (including the
scheduled dates, times and the methods by which investors and others can listen to those calls), and we make available for replay webcasts of those calls and other
presentations for a limited time, if applicable.
3
Table of Contents
Certain Terms Used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K
In this Annual Report on Form 10-K, unless otherwise noted or as the context otherwise requires, the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Cohen & Company Inc.
(formerly Institutional Financial Markets, Inc.), a Maryland corporation, and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis; and “Cohen & Company, LLC” (formerly IFMI,
LLC) or the “Operating LLC” refer to the main operating subsidiary of the Company.
“Cohen Brothers” refers to the pre-merger Cohen Brothers, LLC and its subsidiaries; “AFN” refers to the pre-merger Alesco Financial Inc. and its subsidiaries;
“AFN Merger” refers to the December 16, 2009 closing of the merger of AFN, Alesco Financial Holdings, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of AFN, with and into Cohen
Brothers, which resulted in Cohen Brothers becoming a majority owned subsidiary of the Company.
“JVB Holdings” refers to JVB Financial Holdings, L.P., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Operating LLC; “JVB” refers to J.V.B. Financial Group, LLC, a wholly owned
broker-dealer subsidiary of JVB Holdings; "CCFESA" refers to Cohen & Company Financial (Europe) S.A., a majority owned subsidiary regulated by the Autorité de
Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution ("ACPR") in France; and “CCFEL” refers to Cohen & Company Financial (Europe) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the
Operating LLC formerly regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland (the “CBI”).
“Securities Act” refers to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; and “Exchange Act” refers to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
4
Table of Contents
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS.
INFORMATION REGARDING COHEN & COMPANY INC.
Overview
We are a Maryland corporation that incorporated on October 6, 2003. We are a financial services company specializing in an expanding range of capital markets and
asset management services. Our business segments are Capital Markets, Asset Management, and Principal Investing. Our Capital Markets business segment consists
of fixed income sales, trading, gestation repo financing, new issue placements in corporate and securitized products, underwriting, and advisory services, operating
primarily through our subsidiaries, JVB in the United States (the “U.S.”) and CCFESA in Europe. A division of JVB, Cohen & Company Capital Markets (“CCM”) is our
full-service boutique investment bank that focuses on mergers and acquisitions (“M&A”), capital markets, and SPAC advisory services. Our Capital Markets business
segment also includes investment returns on financial instruments that we have received as consideration for advisory, underwriting, and new issue placement services
provided by CCM. Our Asset Management business segment manages assets through investment vehicles, such as collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”), managed
accounts, joint ventures, and investment funds (collectively, “Investment Vehicles”). As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately $2.3 billion of assets under
management (“AUM”) in primarily fixed income assets in a variety of asset classes including U.S. and European bank and insurance trust preferred securities (“TruPS”),
debt issued by small and medium sized European, U.S., and Bermudian insurance and reinsurance companies, equity interests of SPACs and their sponsor entities, and
commercial real estate loans. Our Principal Investing business segment is comprised primarily of investments we hold related to our SPAC franchise and investments
that we have made for the purpose of earning an investment return rather than investments made to support our trading or other capital markets business activity.
Capital Markets
Our Capital Markets business segment consists primarily of fixed income sales, trading, gestation repo financing, new issue placements in corporate and securitized
products, underwriting, and advisory services operating primarily through our subsidiaries, JVB in the U.S. and CCFESA in Europe. JVB is our sole operating U.S.
broker-dealer, under our JVB Holdings subsidiary, and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and the Securities Industry Protection
Corporation (“SIPC”). CCFESA is regulated by the ACPR. Our Capital Markets business segment also includes investment returns on financial instruments that we have
received as consideration for advisory, underwriting, and new issue placement services provided by CCM.
CCM was established in 2021 as a division of JVB to address the coverage gaps and structural shortfalls at leading investment banks. CCM is a boutique investment
bank that provides innovative strategic and financial advice in M&A, capital markets, and SPAC advisory services. CCM is one of the most active SPAC advisors on
Wall Street with differentiated and inventive products for clients. In addition, we are growing our team of investment banking professionals with experience in a number
of emerging growth verticals and continue to expand offerings for our clients. We are a lead advisor on the majority of the transactions we advise, showcasing an ability
to navigate complex transactions and volatile markets. As of December 31, 2024, CCM had 21 investment banking professionals with substantial industry and capital
markets experience.
Our fixed income sales and trading group provides trade execution to corporate investors, institutional investors, mortgage originators, and other smaller broker-dealers.
We specialize in a variety of products, including but not limited to: corporate bonds and loans, asset-backed securities (“ABS”), mortgage backed securities (“MBS”),
residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), collateralized bond obligations (“CBOs”), collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), municipal securities, to-be-
announced securities (“TBAs”) and other forward agency MBS contracts, Small Business Administration loans ("SBA loans"), U.S. government bonds, U.S.
government agency securities, brokered deposits and certificates of deposit (“CDs”) for small banks, and hybrid capital of financial institutions including whole
loans and other structured financial instruments.
In 2012, we established a trading desk for “to-be-announced” securities, or TBAs, as part of our mortgage group. TBAs are forward mortgage-backed securities with
exact collateral that remains unknown until just prior to the trade settlement, although the characteristics of the collateral are known. The forward collateral types are
exclusively issued by U.S. government agencies, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
(“Freddie Mac”), and the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”). One objective of our mortgage group is to provide capital markets execution
services to small and middle market institutional mortgage originators that hedge their mortgage pipelines. In addition to providing credit for MBS trading lines and
execution services, our mortgage group offers trading of specified pools and financing for qualified originators. Our mortgage group offers a range of solutions for
institutional clients seeking to enhance their mortgage pipeline execution and overall portfolio profitability. In addition, our mortgage group acts as an intermediary
between borrowers and lenders of short-term funds and provides funding for various inventory positions using repurchase agreements.
In addition, JVB operates a gestation repo financing program. In general, JVB lends money to a counterparty after obtaining collateral securities from that counterparty
via a reverse repurchase agreement. JVB also borrows money from another counterparty using the same collateral securities via a repurchase agreement. JVB seeks to
earn net interest margin on these transactions. Gestation repo involves entering into repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements where the underlying collateral
security represents a pool of newly issued mortgage loans. The borrowers (the reverse repurchase agreement counterparties) are generally mortgage originators. The
lenders (the repurchase agreement counterparties) are a diverse group of counterparties comprised of banks, insurance companies, and other financial
institutions. Gestation trades can be structured in two ways: (i) on balance sheet trades and (ii) agency trades. For on balance sheet trades, JVB borrows from one
counterparty and lends to another on a principal basis and earns net interest margin. For agency trades, JVB receives a fee (which is paid by the borrower and is a
function of the reverse repo notional amount), while the borrower and lender transact with each other directly.
From 2017 through 2021, we also operated a matched book general collateral funding (“GCF”) repo business as a full netting member of the Fixed Income Clearing
Corporation’s (“FICC”) Government Services Division. Primarily due to reduced spreads in the repo market for GCF collateral, we exited the GCF business in 2021.
Our Capital Markets business segment generates revenue through the following activities: (1) trading activities, which include execution and brokerage services,
gestation repo, riskless trading activities as well as gains and losses (unrealized and realized), and income and expense earned on securities classified as trading, (2) new
issue and advisory revenue comprised of (a) origination fees for newly created financial instruments originated by us, (b) revenue from advisory services, (c)
underwriting, and (d) new issue revenue associated with arranging and placing the issuance of newly created financial instruments, and (3) any investment returns on
financial instruments that we have acquired or received as consideration for services provided by CCM. Our Capital Markets business segment has offices in Boca
Raton (Florida), Memphis (Tennessee), Menlo Park (California), New York City (New York), Paris (France), and Philadelphia (Pennsylvania).
5
Table of Contents
Trades in our Capital Markets business segment can be either “riskless” or risk-based. Riskless trades are transacted with a customer order in hand, resulting in limited
risk to us. Risk-based trades involve us owning the securities and thus placing our capital at risk. Such risk-based trading activity may include the use of leverage. We
believe that the prudent use of capital to facilitate client orders increases trading volume and profitability. Any gains or losses on trading securities that we have
classified as investments-trading are recorded in our Capital Markets business segment. In addition, any gains or losses on trading securities that we have classified as
other investments, at fair value, which were acquired or received as consideration for services provided by CCM, are recorded in our Capital Markets business segment.
Whereas any gains or losses on securities that we have classified as other investments, at fair value, which were not received as consideration for services provided by
CCM, are recorded in our Principal Investing business segment.
From time to time, CCM receives financial instruments as consideration for advisory, underwriting, and new issue placement services provided. We generally record the
fair value of the investment consideration as new issue and advisory revenue at the time it is received, and record subsequent gains and losses, including periodic mark-
to-market unrealized gains and losses, as principal transactions revenue, which remain in the Capital Markets segment. A description of our investment portfolio can be
found under the heading "Principal Investing" below, reflecting the value as of December 31, 2024 of the financial instruments that CCM has acquired or received as
consideration for services provided.
Our commercial real estate lending platform (“CRE Opportunities” or "CREO"), which operates outside of JVB, was created in 2021 with a primary focus on multi-family
transitional loans and a team of professionals with extensive origination, underwriting, and securitization experience in the commercial real estate market.
Asset Management
Our Asset Management business segment manages and services assets within a variety of Investment Vehicles. We earn management fees for our ongoing asset
management services provided to these Investment Vehicles, which may include fees both senior and subordinate to the securities issued by the Investment Vehicles.
Management fees are based on the value of the AUM or the investment performance of the vehicle, or both. As of December 31, 2024, we had $2.3 billion in AUM.
AUM equals the sum of the net asset value (“NAV”) or gross assets of the Investment Vehicles we manage based on whichever measurement serves as the basis for the
calculation of our management fees. Beginning in November 2023, we earn an annual servicing fee on the notional amount of the loans owned by the CREO JV and, from
that point, the notional amount of these loans has been included in our AUM. Our calculation of AUM may differ from the calculations of other asset managers and, as
a result, this measure may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other asset managers. This definition of AUM is not necessarily identical to any
definition of AUM that may be used in our management agreements. We do not receive management fees for assets managed within our SPAC Series Funds. See
discussion below.
As of December 31, 2024, we had four subsidiaries that act as managers to our Investment Vehicles. Two of these subsidiaries, Cohen & Company Financial
Management, LLC (“CCFM”) and Dekania Capital Management, LLC (“DCM”), are registered investment advisors under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the
“Investment Advisers Act”). CCFESA is based in France and regulated by the ACPR. Cohen CREO LLC, which is not a registered investment advisor, provides services
for the assets of the CREO JV.
Subsidiary
Product Line
CCFM
SPAC Fund, SPAC Series Funds, Alesco CDOs
DCM
U.S. Insurance JV, Dekania Europe CDOs
CCFESA
PriDe Funds and other managed accounts.
Cohen CREO LLC
CREO JV
The table below shows changes in our AUM by product line for the last five years.
ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT
(Dollars in Millions)
As of December 31,
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
PriDe Funds and Other Managed Accounts
$
855 $
865 $
813 $
721 $
587
U.S. Insurance JV
154
166
122
142
48
CREO JV
309
296
-
-
-
SPAC Fund
-
-
81
125
53
SPAC Series Funds
41
35
47
130
24
Non-CDO Investment Vehicles
1,359
1,362
1,063
1,118
712
Alesco CDOs
862
884
946
1,099
1,890
Dekania Europe CDOs.
104
111
107
141
167
Total CDO AUM
966
995
1,053
1,240
2,057
Total AUM
$
2,325 $
2,357 $
2,116 $
2,358 $
2,769
6
Table of Contents
A description of Investment Vehicles that were under management as of December 31, 2024 is set forth below.
PriDe Funds and Other Managed Accounts. In July 2014, we became the investment advisor of a newly created French investment fund with total commitments of
€238 million, an initial investment period of two years (which was later extended by two years), and a maturity date of July 2026 (which was later extended until July
2028). This fund was fully invested in December 2017. In January 2017, the second vintage Investment Vehicles in the series of these funds closed with total
commitments of €203.5 million, an initial investment period of three years (which was later extended by two years), and a maturity date of January 2032. These
Investment Vehicles were fully invested in July 2021. In July 2020, the third vintage Investment Vehicles in the series of these funds closed with total commitments of
€375.5 million, an initial investment period of three years (which was later extended by two years), and a maturity date of July 2035. In November 2024, the fourth vintage
Investment Vehicles in the series of these funds closed with total commitments of €337 million, an initial investment period of three years, and a maturity date of
November 2037. This series of Investment Vehicles is referred to in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as the “PriDe Funds.” The PriDe Funds earn investment returns by
investing in a diversified portfolio of debt securities issued by small and medium sized European and Bermudian insurance companies that have limited access to capital
markets. CCFESA earns investment advisor regular fees and investment advisor performance fees depending on the level of returns achieved. We have not made an
investment, nor do we expect to make any investment, in the PriDe Funds. In addition, we provide investment management or advisory services to a number of
separately managed accounts owned by family offices, high net worth individuals, and asset managers. The investment focus of the separately managed accounts is on
CDO, collateralized loan obligations ("CLO") notes, and debt instruments where our professionals have relevant expertise. For the services provided to these managed
accounts, we are paid gross annual base management or advisory fees of approximately 1.5% plus a gross annual performance fee of 20% of cash-on-cash returns in
excess of an 8% hurdle. There is also an early redemption fee if any of the clients were to terminate their arrangement within the first five years of the relationship. AUM
of the PriDe Funds and other managed accounts was $855.3 million as of December 31, 2024.
U.S. Insurance JV. In May 2018, we committed to invest up to $3.0 million in a newly formed joint venture (the “U.S. Insurance JV”) with an outside investor. The U.S.
Insurance JV was formed for the purposes of investing in debt issued by small and medium sized U.S. and Bermudian insurance and reinsurance companies and is
managed by DCM. We were required to invest 4.5% of the total equity of the U.S. Insurance JV with an absolute limit of $3.0 million. As of December 31, 2024, the NAV
of the U.S. Insurance JV was $151.6 million, we had fulfilled our investment commitment, and our investment in the U.S. Insurance JV was valued at $2.8 million. In
addition, the insurance company debt that will be funded by the U.S. Insurance JV may be originated by us and there may be origination fees earned in connection with
such transactions. We also earn management fees as manager of the U.S. Insurance JV. We are entitled to a quarterly base management fee, an annual incentive fee (if
certain return hurdles are met), and an additional incentive fee upon the liquidation of the portfolio (if certain return hurdles are met).
CREO JV. In September 2021, we committed to invest up to $15.0 million of equity into a newly formed joint venture (the “CREO JV”) with an outside investor that
committed to invest approximately $435.0 million of equity into the CREO JV. We are required to invest 7.5% of the total equity of the CREO JV with a maximum
investment of $15.0 million. As of December 31, 2024, the NAV of the CREO JV was $85.8 million, we had invested $4.9 million of our $15.0 million investment
commitment, and our investment in the CREO JV was valued at $6.4 million. The CREO JV is managed by us. The CREO JV was formed for the purposes of investing in
primarily multi-family commercial real estate mortgage-backed loans collateralized by mostly transitional commercial real estate mortgage-backed loans. “CRE CLO”
means any pooling of commercial real estate mortgage-backed loans into a collateralized loan obligation. The commercial real estate loans that are funded by the CREO
JV may be originated by us and we may earn origination fees in connection with such transactions. In addition, we may earn structuring fees in connection with
structuring and consummating a CRE CLO consisting of a pooling of commercial real estate loans. Any origination fees or structuring fees earned by us will be in our
Capital Markets segment. We will also earn management fees as manager of any CRE CLOs based on the value of the assets consolidated into a CRE CLO (calculated in
accordance with the terms of such CRE CLO), payable from the proceeds generated by and in accordance with the distribution waterfall of such CRE CLO. The CREO JV
has a repurchase facility to finance its assets until they can be securitized into CRE CLOs. Through December 31, 2024, we had not yet structured or consummated a
CRE CLO and, accordingly, had not earned any management fees as manager of any CRE CLO. In November 2023, we began earning an annual portfolio servicing fee on
the notional amount of loans owned by the CREO JV, which is equal to 0.25%. Once we have earned aggregate portfolio servicing fees of $1.5 million, the annual
percentage will drop to 0.10%. From November 2023 through 2024, we have earned $0.8 million from the CREO portfolio servicing fee.
SPAC Fund. In 2018, we invested in and became the investment manager and general partner of a newly formed fund structure that was created for the purpose of
investing primarily in the equity interests of SPACs and, in certain circumstances, SPAC sponsor entities including SPACs sponsored by us, our affiliates, and third
parties (the “SPAC Fund”). Prior to March 31, 2023, the general partner of the SPAC Fund (“Vellar GP”) had an investment in the SPAC Fund, had the potential to earn
incentive fees, and had not consolidated the SPAC Fund. Effective April 1, 2023, all of the investors in the SPAC Fund, other than the Vellar GP, redeemed all of their
interests in the SPAC Fund. As a result, effective April 1, 2023, the Vellar GP became the sole owner of, and began consolidating, the SPAC Fund. We owned a one-third
interest in the Vellar GP, and effective April 1, 2023, we began consolidating the SPAC Fund as well. CCFM was the manager of the SPAC Fund and was entitled to a
quarterly base management fee based on a percentage of the NAV of the SPAC Fund until April 1, 2023. In February 2025, we sold our one-third interest in the Vellar GP
and going forward will no longer consolidate the Vellar GP or have any interest in the Vellar GP or the SPAC Fund. See note 31 to our consolidated financial statements
included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
SPAC Series Funds. As a complement to the SPAC Fund, we established and became the managing member and investment manager to two newly formed umbrella
limited liability companies (the “SPAC Series Funds”) that issue a separate series for each investment portfolio, which typically consists of investments in the sponsor
entities of individual SPACs. The investing activity of the SPAC Series Funds includes purchasing interests in the placement units of certain SPAC sponsor entities that,
in addition to placement units, entitle the SPAC Series Funds to certain amounts of founder shares, for a nominal purchase price. The number of founder shares
allocated to the SPAC Series Funds is not finally determined until the related business combination (if any) is completed by the applicable SPAC. The amount of founder
shares allocable to each SPAC Series Fund is subject to change for two main reasons. First, if a business combination is not completed by the applicable SPAC within
the allowed timeframe, the SPAC Series Funds will forfeit all the founder shares allocated to them for that particular SPAC. Second, even if a business combination by the
applicable SPAC is completed, the economic terms of the combination are subject to negotiation between the target company and that SPAC. In many cases, the total
amount of founder shares to which the sponsor entities are entitled will be reduced as part of these negotiations. In these cases, any allocation to the SPAC Series
Funds will also be reduced. Although we do not charge a management fee for most of the SPAC Series Funds, nor do we earn a performance fee from most of the SPAC
Series Funds, we and certain of our employees receive a portion of the allocations of founder shares, for a nominal purchase price, from the SPAC sponsor entities in
which the SPAC Series Funds invest. As of December 31, 2024, the SPAC Series Funds had issued limited liability company interests and invested in 13 SPAC sponsor
entities, and the aggregated total net asset carrying value of the remaining SPAC Series Funds was $41.9 million. As of December 31, 2024, our investment in the SPAC
Series Funds was carried at $1.9 million. As of December 31, 2024, in our capacity as the asset manager of the SPAC Series Funds, we received and still hold an allocation
of 1.7 million founder shares, for a nominal purchase price, from six different SPAC sponsor entities that have not completed any business combinations. These
allocations will be worthless if the underlying SPACs fail to complete their business combination and liquidate. Furthermore, even if a business combination is
completed, the founder shares allocable to us may be adjusted significantly downward based on final negotiation with the business combination counterparty. See
below for a description of our Principal Investments as of December 31, 2024.
7
Table of Contents
CDOs. As of December 31, 2024, we managed five Alesco CDOs and two Dekania Europe CDOs, which were initially securitized during 2004 to 2007. A CDO is a form of
borrowing secured by different types of fixed income assets such as corporate or mortgage loans or bonds. The borrowing is in the form of a securitization, which means
that the lenders are actually investing in notes secured by the assets. In the event of a default, the lender will have recourse only to the assets securing the loan. These
structures can hold different types of securities, but as of December 31, 2024, our only remaining CDOs under management were backed by U.S. and European bank and
insurance TruPS and subordinated debt. In general, our Alesco and Dekania Europe deals have the following terms. We receive senior and subordinate management
fees. On the Alesco CDOs, we can be removed as manager without cause if 66.7% of the rated note holders voting separately by class and 66.7% of the equity holders
vote to remove us, or if 75% of the most senior note holders vote to remove us when certain over-collateralization ratios fall below 100%. We can be removed as manager
for cause if a majority of the controlling class of note holders or a majority of equity holders vote to remove us. “Cause” includes unremedied violations of the collateral
management agreement or indenture, defaults attributable to certain actions of the manager, misrepresentations or fraud, criminal activity, bankruptcy, insolvency or
dissolution. There was a non-call period for the equity holders, which ranged from three to six years. Once this non-call period expires, a majority of the equity holders
can trigger an optional redemption as long as the liquidation of the collateral generates sufficient proceeds to pay all principal and accrued interest on the rated notes
and all expenses. In ten years after the closing, an auction call will be triggered if the rated notes have not been redeemed in full. In an auction call redemption, an
appointee will conduct an auction of the collateral, which will only be executed if the highest bid results in sufficient proceeds to pay all principal and accrued interest
on the rated notes and all expenses. If the auction is not successfully completed, all residual interest that would normally be distributed to equity holders will be
sequentially applied to reduce the principal of the rated notes. Any failure of an over-collateralization coverage test redirects interest to paying down notes until
compliance is restored. The securities mature up to 30 years from closing. An event of default will occur if certain over-collateralization ratios drop below 100%. While an
event of default exists, a majority of the senior note holders can declare the principal and accrued and unpaid interest immediately due and payable. All of the Alesco
and Dekania Europe CDOs that we manage have reached their auction call redemption features, which means the portfolio of collateral for each CDO is subject to an
auction on either a quarterly or bi-annual basis. If an auction is successful, the management contract related to such CDO will be terminated in connection with the
liquidation of the CDO and we will lose the related management fees.
In addition, we have historically received revenue shares from certain asset management businesses that we initially sponsored or owned, and subsequently sold or
spun-off. A description of our only remaining asset management revenue share as of December 31, 2024 is set forth below.
Infrastructure Finance Business. On March 12, 2012, we entered into an agreement with unrelated third parties whereby we agreed to assist in the establishment of an
international infrastructure finance business (“IIFC”). As consideration for our assistance in establishing IIFC, we received 8.0% of certain revenues of the manager of
IIFC through October 31, 2021, and effective November 1, 2021, we receive 7.35% of certain revenues of the manager of IIFC. The IIFC revenue share arrangement
expires when we have earned a cumulative $20 million in revenue share payments or with the dissolution of IIFC’s management company. In 2024, we earned $2.6 million
from the IIFC revenue share. From inception through 2024, we have earned $8.2 million.
8
Table of Contents
Principal Investing
Our Principal Investing business segment has historically been comprised of investments in the Investment Vehicles we manage, as well as investments in certain other
structured products, and the related gains and losses that they generate. In 2014, we refocused our Principal Investing portfolio on products that we do not manage for
the purpose of earning an investment return. More recently, capitalizing on our SPAC expertise, we have become active in multiple aspects of the SPAC market, including
as a sponsor, asset manager, and investor, and as a result we hold various investments related to our SPAC franchise.
A SPAC is a shell corporation formed for the sole purpose of raising investment capital through an initial public offering (“IPO”), which is then used to acquire or merge
with one or more unspecified businesses to be identified after the IPO. SPACs are formed and sponsored by experienced business executives who are confident that
their reputation and experience will help them identify a profitable company to acquire or with which to merge. The sponsors of the applicable SPAC generally provide
the starting capital for that SPAC and such sponsors stand to benefit from a sizeable stake in the post-business combination acquired or merged company (assuming a
business combination is consummated by the SPAC that they sponsor). The capital raised in the SPAC’s IPO is placed in an interest-bearing trust account and cannot
be disbursed except to complete a business combination or to return the money to investors (if the SPAC does not complete a business combination within the required
time period and must be liquidated.) A SPAC generally has approximately two years to complete a deal. In return for the capital invested by investors in the SPAC IPO,
investors typically receive units in the SPAC, with each unit often comprising a share of common stock and a warrant (or fraction thereof) to purchase more stock at a
later date. The purchase price per unit of the securities is typically $10.00. After a SPAC’s IPO, the pre-IPO units of the SPAC become separable into shares of common
stock and warrants. The purpose of the warrant is to provide investors with additional compensation for investing in the SPAC. The warrants generally become
exercisable either 30 days after the completion of a business combination or twelve months after the IPO. The fair market value of the target company must be at least
80% (but generally much more) of the SPAC’s trust assets. Upon successful completion of a business combination, the sponsors will profit from their stake in the post-
business combination acquired or merged company, while the investors receive an equity interest according to their respective investment amounts The founders of the
SPAC generally purchase founder shares at the initiation of the SPAC, paying nominal consideration for the number of shares that, based on recent transactions, results
in or around a 20% to 25% ownership stake in the outstanding shares after the completion of the IPO.
Since 2018, we have sponsored three SPACs. Our first sponsored SPAC, Insurance Acquisition Corp. (“Insurance SPAC”), completed its $150.7 million IPO in March
2019, entered into a merger agreement in June 2020, and completed its business combination in October 2020 with Shift Technologies, Inc. (“Shift”), a car-buying e-
commerce platform. Our second sponsored SPAC, INSU Acquisition Corp. II (“Insurance SPAC II”), completed its $250 million IPO in September 2020 and entered into a
merger agreement in November 2020 with Metromile, Inc., a digital insurance platform and pay-by-mile auto insurer (“MetroMile”), which closed on February
9, 2021. Subsequently, MetroMile was acquired by Lemonade, Inc. (NYSE:LMND) (“Lemonade”). Our third sponsored SPAC, INSU Acquisition Corp. III (“Insurance
SPAC III”), completed its $218 million IPO in December 2020 and was liquidated in December 2022 without completing a business combination within the required
timeframe.
Subject to changes in the overall SPAC market, which are evolving rapidly, we may continue to grow our SPAC franchise and capitalize on opportunities in the space. In
addition to our sponsored SPACs, we receive founder shares and purchase placement units and IPO units in various SPACs sponsored by third parties and affiliates,
through our SPAC Series Funds and our Principal Investing portfolio. The amount of founder shares allocated to us is not finally determined until the related business
combination is completed. The amount of founder shares allocable to us is subject to change for two main reasons. First, if a business combination is not completed by
the applicable SPAC within the allowed time frame, we will forfeit all the founder shares allocated to us for that particular SPAC. Second, even if a business combination
is completed by the applicable SPAC, the economic terms of the combination are subject to negotiation between the target company and that SPAC. In many cases, the
total amount of founder shares to which the sponsor entities are entitled will be reduced as part of these negotiations. In these cases, any allocation of founder shares
to us will also be reduced.
We invest in SPAC sponsor entities that we do not consolidate because we are not the managing member of such sponsor entity or otherwise do not have the power to
direct the sponsor entity's most important activities. In these cases, we treat our investment in the SPAC sponsor entity as an equity method investment. Furthermore,
because of the difficulty of determining the fair value of such an investment during the applicable SPAC's pre-business combination period, we generally have not
elected the fair value option. If a SPAC completes a business combination and we have an equity method investment in the associated sponsor entity, the sponsor
entity will record income equal to the difference between the fair value of the restricted and unrestricted shares it receives and the carrying value of its equity method
investment in the SPAC. We will recognize our share of this gain as income from equity method affiliates. The sponsor entity will continue to mark its investment in the
SPAC to market after the business combination and we will recognize our share of the change in fair value as income or loss from equity method affiliates. Once the
sponsor entity distributes to us our share of the SPAC shares it owns, we will reclassify our investment from investment in equity method affiliates to other investments,
at fair value as we will then hold the SPAC shares directly (rather than through an equity method investee). We will then record principal transactions income and loss
until the SPAC shares themselves are liquidated.
Through Vellar GP, we have also engaged in several transactions known as “share forward arrangements” (“SFAs”). In a typical SFA transaction, we acquire an interest in
a publicly traded company (referred to as the “SFA Counterparty”) through open market purchases, direct acquisitions from the SFA Counterparty, or a combination
thereof. These interests can take the form of unrestricted common shares, restricted common shares, equity derivatives, or fair value receivables. Upon acquiring these
interests, we enter into an SFA derivative arrangement with the SFA Counterparty. In cases where we acquire our interests in the SFA Counterparty through open market
purchases, the SFA generally requires an up-front payment to us from the SFA Counterparty. The amount of this up-front payment equals the cost we paid for our
interests in the SFA Counterparty, less a shortfall amount in certain cases. To fund the shortfall portion of the initial investment, we will utilize available cash on hand or
available financing. The SFA stipulates that we must make a payment to the SFA Counterparty on or subsequent to a certain maturity date. Depending on the terms of
the SFA, this payment may be made in cash, by returning the interests we acquire in the SFA Counterparty, or through a combination of both. In some cases, the SFA
requires the payment to be made exclusively in cash. Importantly, the SFA does not obligate us to hold the interests that we acquired in the SFA Counterparty. Following
the execution of the SFA, we are free to sell the interests we acquired in the SFA Counterparty (assuming the interests themselves are not restricted from transfer).
Additionally, SFAs generally include a feature whereby if we hold the interests we acquired in the SFA Counterparty until maturity or another agreed-upon date, we
become eligible to receive an additional payment from the SFA Counterparty, either in cash or in additional interests in the SFA Counterparty. Such a payment is known
as the “Maturity Consideration.” Furthermore, SFAs usually include a provision allowing us to terminate the SFA, either in whole or in part, before its maturity by making
an agreed-upon payment based on an amount defined in the SFA (the “Reset Price”). The Reset Price may either remain fixed throughout the term of the SFA, or fluctuate
based on certain calculations within the SFA. SFAs also impose various obligations on the SFA Counterparty, which may include registering a predetermined number of
the interests in the SFA Counterparty (subject to the SFA) with the SEC, maintaining the listing of the SFA Counterparty securities on a national exchange, and/or that
the closing price of the SFA Counterparty’s shares on the public exchange does not fall below a predetermined price for a specific period of time. If any of these SFA
Counterparty obligations are breached or not satisfied, we may have the right to terminate the SFA and accelerate the payment of the Maturity Consideration upon
termination. The SFAs provide the right of set off in the case of Maturity Consideration, thereby allowing us to keep the interests we hold in the SFA Counterparty and
offset the Maturity Consideration we are owed following termination of the applicable SFA. On February 25, 2025, we sold all of our interests in Vellar GP and do not
anticipate engaging in additional SFA transactions in the foreseeable future.
9
Table of Contents
As of December 31, 2024, our investment portfolio included other investments, at fair value, which were valued at $35.3 million, and investments in equity method
affiliates, which were carried at $23.4 million, net of other investments sold, not yet purchased, which were valued at $1.7 million, and the related non-convertible non-
controlling interests, which were valued at $11.5 million. Any financial instruments that CCM receives as consideration for services provided are included in the Capital
Markets segment, while all other financial instruments are included in the Principal Investing segment; financial instruments from both our Capital Markets and Principal
Investing segments are shown in the chart below. In addition, several of the positions listed below are subject to trading restrictions or are warrants, units, or notes that
are convertible into publicly traded equity.
A description of our investments as of December 31, 2024 is set forth below.
Inv in
Equity
Other Inv
Non-
Convertible,
Net
($000s)
Other Investments at Fair Value
Method
Sold, Not
Yet
Non-
Controlling Investment
12/31/24
Investments
Ticker
CCM
Other
Total
Affiliates Purchased
Interest
Value
Share
Price
Post-Business Combination SPACs -
Abpro Corporation
ABP
$
358 $
-
358 $
- $
- $
- $
358 $
1.79
Baird Medical Investment Holdings
Limited
BDMD
380
-
380
-
-
-
380
7.60
Brand Engagement Network, Inc.
BNAI
950
189
1,139
-
-
(844)
295
0.97
Captivision Inc.
CAPT
1,753
-
1,753
-
-
-
1,753
0.71
Critical Metals Corp.
CRML
137
3,006
3,143
454
-
(1,607)
1,990
6.79
Crown LNG Holdings Limited
CGBS
1,224
-
1,224
-
-
-
1,224
0.40
Murano Global Investments Plc
MRNO
-
-
-
15,876
-
(7,569)
8,307
10.24
Payoneer Global Inc.
PAYO
-
2,850
2,850
-
-
-
2,850
10.04
Rezolve Limited
RZLV
7,563
1,888
9,451
1,224
(1,121)
(164)
9,390
3.82
Veea Inc.
VEEA
1,037
-
1,037
-
-
-
1,037
3.81
Vellar - SPVs
NA
-
470
470
-
(470)
(827)
(827)
NA
ZoomCar Holdings, Inc. (convertible
note and shares)
ZCAR
1,565
-
1,565
146
-
-
1,711
1.81
Other
NA
139
298
437
5
(60)
(451)
(69)
NA
Subtotal
15,106
8,701
23,807
17,705
(1,651)
(11,462)
28,399
Pre-Business Combination SPACs -
Chenghe Acquisition II Co.
CHEB
183
-
183
-
-
-
183
10.21
Dynamix Corporation (warrants)
DYNXW
388
-
388
-
-
-
388
0.28
FACT II Acquisition Corp (units)
FACTU
621
-
621
-
-
-
621
9.98
Melar Acquisition Corp I
MACI
138
-
138
-
-
-
138
10.06
Other
NA
257
-
257
-
-
-
257
NA
Subtotal
1,587
-
1,587
-
-
-
1,587
Other Investments -
CREO JV
NA
-
6,432
6,432
-
-
-
6,432
NA
Dutch Real Estate
NA
-
-
-
5,105
-
-
5,105
NA
U.S. Insurance JV
NA
-
2,825
2,825
-
-
-
2,825
NA
Other
NA
73
538
611
621
-
-
1,232
NA
Subtotal
73
9,795
9,868
5,725
-
-
15,593
Total Investment Portfolio
$
16,766 $
18,496 $
35,262 $
23,430 $
(1,651) $
(11,462) $
45,579
Investment in Post-Business Combination SPACs. These are investments in publicly traded companies that were issued in connection with business combinations with
SPACs. A significant portion of this equity was received as consideration for services provided by CCM. The portion that is not related to CCM consideration, is related
to allocations of founder shares to us, for a nominal purchase price, from the SPAC sponsor entities in which the SPAC Series Funds invested. An investment in post-
business combination SPACs is classified as other investments, at fair value after we receive our allocation of the post-business combination publicly traded company
shares. During the period between the closing of the business combination and receiving our allocation of shares in the post-business combination publicly traded
company, an investment in post-business combination SPACs is classified as an investment in equity method affiliates, representing an investment in the sponsor of the
SPAC, entitling us to an eventual allocation of post-business combination public company shares. As of December 31, 2024, our investment in the public equity of post-
business combination SPACs was valued at $23.8 million as a component of other investments, at fair value, $15.1 million of which was received as consideration for
services provided by CCM, and our investment in the sponsors entitling us to public equity of post-business combination SPACs had a carrying value of $17.7 million
as a component of investment in equity method affiliates. As of December 31, 2024, these investments had offsetting liabilities that were valued at $1.7 million as a
component of other investments sold, not yet purchased, and $11.5 million as a component of non-convertible non-controlling interests, representing the portion of the
investment that we do not ultimately own. Certain of the shares are subject to restrictions on transfer until threshold trading prices are met. See notes 4 and 9 to our
consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Investment in Pre-Business Combination SPACs. These are investments in publicly traded pre-business combination SPACs, which are primarily shares received as
consideration for CCM acting as underwriter in the IPOs of SPACs or performing other advisory services. As of December 31, 2024, our investment in the public equity
of pre-business combination SPACs was valued at $1.6 million as a component of other investments, at fair value.
Investment in CREO JV. In September 2021, we co-established and committed to invest up to $15.0 million in the CREO JV. As of December 31, 2024, we had invested
$4.9 million of our $15.0 million investment commitment, our investment in the CREO JV was valued at $6.4 million, which was included as a component of other
investments, at fair value in our consolidated balance sheet, and the NAV of the CREO JV was $85.8 million.
Investment in Dutch Real Estate. In December 2019, we acquired a 45% interest in CK Capital Partners B.V. (“CK Capital”), a private company incorporated in the
Netherlands, which provides asset and investment advisory services relating to real estate holdings, as well as a 10% interest in a related real estate holding company. In
December 2021, we invested an additional $2.4 million in the related real estate holding company. As of December 31, 2024, our investment in these Dutch real estate
entities was carried at $5.1 million, $0.4 million in CK Capital and $4.7 million in the real estate holding company, which was included as a component of investment in
equity method affiliates in our consolidated balance sheet.
10
Table of Contents
Investment in U.S. Insurance JV. During 2018, we co-established and committed to invest up to $3.0 million in the U.S. Insurance JV. As of December 31, 2024, we had
fulfilled our investment commitment, our investment in the U.S. Insurance JV was valued at $2.8 million, which was included as a component of other investments, at fair
value in our consolidated balance sheet, and the NAV of the U.S. Insurance JV was $151.6 million.
Investment in Other Securities. We have invested in various original issuance securities that we have originated and certain other securities that we have not
originated including private equity, public equity, and real estate loans. As of December 31, 2024, our investments in these other securities were valued at $0.6 million,
which was included as a component of other investments, at fair value, and $0.6 million, which was included as a component of investment in equity method affiliates, in
our consolidated balance sheet.
Employees
As of December 31, 2024, we employed a total of 113 full-time professionals and support staff. This number includes 76 employees of our JVB subsidiary, six employees
of our CRE Opportunities group, five employees of our Principal Investing business segment, eight employees of our U.S. Asset Management business segment, five
employees of our European Asset Management business segment, and 13 employees of our executive and support services group. We consider our employee relations
to be good and believe that our compensation and employee benefits are competitive with those offered by other financial services firms that we compete with for
personnel. None of our employees is subject to any collective bargaining agreements. Our core asset is our professionals, their intellectual capital, and their dedication
to providing the highest quality services to our clients. Prior to joining us, members of our management team held positions with other leading financial services firms,
accounting firms, law firms, investment firms, or other public companies. Lester R. Brafman, Daniel G. Cohen, and Joseph W. Pooler, Jr. are our executive operating
officers, and biographical information relating to each of these officers is incorporated by reference in “Part III — Item 10 — Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate
Governance” to the Company’s Proxy Statement, to be filed in connection with the Company’s 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Competition
All areas of our business are intensely competitive, and we expect them to remain so. We believe that the principal factors affecting competition in our business include
the economic environment, the quality and price of our products and services, our client relationships, our reputation, our market focus, and the ability of our
professionals.
Our competitors are other public and private investment banks, brokerage firms, merchant banks, financial advisory firms, and asset managers. We compete globally and
on a regional, product, and niche basis. Many of our competitors have substantially greater capital and resources than we do and offer a broader range of financial
products and services. Certain of these competitors continue to raise additional amounts of capital to pursue business strategies that may be similar to ours. Some of
these competitors may also have access to liquidity sources that are not available to us, which may pose challenges for us with respect to investment opportunities. In
addition, some of these competitors may have higher risk tolerances or make different risk assessments than we do, allowing them to consider a wider variety of
investments and establish broader business relationships.
There has been substantial consolidation and convergence among companies in the financial services industry, including among many of our former competitors. In
particular, a number of large commercial banks have established or acquired broker-dealers or have merged with other financial institutions. Many of these firms have the
ability to offer a wider range of products than we offer, including loans, deposit taking, and insurance. Many of these firms also offer more comprehensive investment
banking services, which may enhance their competitive position. They also have the ability to support investment banking and securities products with commercial
banking and other financial services revenue in an effort to gain market share, which could result in pricing pressure in our business. This trend toward consolidation
and convergence has significantly increased the capital base and geographic reach of our competitors.
Competition is intense for the recruitment and retention of experienced and qualified professionals. The success of our business and our ability to continue to compete
effectively will depend significantly upon our continued ability to retain and motivate our existing professionals and attract new professionals. We compete, among
other factors, on the level and nature of compensation and long-term incentives, workplace culture, and opportunities for professional and personal development for our
employees. Our ability to continue to compete effectively in our businesses will depend upon our ability to attract new employees and retain and motivate our existing
employees, in each case, at appropriate compensation levels. See “Item 1A — Risk Factors."
Regulation
Certain of our subsidiaries, in the ordinary course of their business, are subject to extensive regulation by government and self-regulatory organizations both in the U.S.
and abroad. As a matter of public policy, these regulatory bodies are responsible for safeguarding the integrity of the securities and other financial markets. The
regulations promulgated by these regulatory bodies are designed primarily to protect the interests of the investing public generally, and thus cannot be expected to
protect or further the interests of our company or our stockholders and may have the effect of limiting or curtailing our activities, including activities that might be
profitable.
As of December 31, 2024, our regulated subsidiaries include: JVB, a U.S. registered broker-dealer regulated by FINRA and subject to oversight by the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission (the “SEC”); CCFESA, a French company regulated by the French Prudential Supervision and Resolution Authority (Autorité de Contrôle
Prudentiel et de Résolution, the “ACPR”); and CCFM and DCM, each of which is a registered investment adviser regulated by the SEC under the Investment Advisers
Act. Since our inception, our businesses have been operated within a legal and regulatory framework that is constantly developing and changing, requiring us to be
able to monitor and comply with a broad range of legal and regulatory developments that affect our activities.
Certain of our businesses are also subject to compliance with laws and regulations of U.S. federal and state governments, foreign governments, their respective
agencies and/or various self-regulatory organizations or exchanges relating to, among other things, the privacy of client information and any failure to comply with
these regulations could expose us to liability and/or reputational damage. Additional legislation, changes in rules promulgated by financial authorities and self-
regulatory organizations or changes in the interpretation or enforcement of existing laws and rules, either in the U.S. or abroad, may directly affect our mode of operation
and profitability.
The U.S. and foreign government agencies and self-regulatory organizations, as well as state securities commissions in the U.S., are empowered to conduct periodic
examinations and initiate administrative proceedings that can result in censures, fines, the issuances of cease-and-desist orders, and/or the suspension or expulsion of a
broker-dealers or their directors, officers, or employees. See “Item 1A — Risk Factors” beginning on page 16.
11
Table of Contents
U.S. Regulation. As of December 31, 2024, JVB was registered as a broker-dealer with the SEC and was a member of and regulated by FINRA. JVB is subject to the
regulations of FINRA and industry standards of practice that cover many aspects of its business, including initial licensing requirements, sales and trading practices,
relationships with customers (including the handling of cash and margin accounts), capital structure, capital requirements, record-keeping and reporting procedures,
experience and training requirements for certain employees, and supervision of the conduct of affiliated persons, including JVB's directors, officers, and employees.
FINRA has the power to expel, fine, and otherwise discipline member firms and their employees for violations of these rules and regulations. JVB is also registered as a
broker-dealer in certain U.S. states, requiring it to comply with the laws, rules, and regulations of each state in which JVB is registered. Each state may revoke the
registration to conduct a securities business in that state and may fine or otherwise discipline broker-dealers and their employees for failure to comply with such state’s
laws, rules, and regulations.
The SEC, FINRA, and various other regulatory agencies within and outside of the U.S. have stringent rules and regulations with respect to the maintenance of specific
levels of net capital by regulated entities. Generally, a broker-dealer’s net capital is net worth plus qualified subordinated debt less deductions for certain types of
assets. The net capital rule under the Exchange Act requires that at least a minimum part of a broker-dealer’s assets be maintained in a relatively liquid form. The SEC
and FINRA impose rules that require notification when net capital falls below certain predefined criteria. These rules also dictate the ratio of debt to equity in the
regulatory capital composition of a broker-dealer and constrain the ability of a broker-dealer to expand its business under certain circumstances. If a firm fails to maintain
the required net capital, it may be subject to suspension or revocation of registration by the applicable regulatory agency, and suspension or expulsion by these
regulators could ultimately lead to a firm’s liquidation. Additionally, the net capital rule under the Exchange Act and certain FINRA rules impose requirements that may
have the effect of prohibiting a broker-dealer from distributing or withdrawing capital and requiring prior notice to the SEC and FINRA for certain capital withdrawals.
If these net capital rules are changed or expanded, or if there is an unusually large charge against our net capital, our operations that require the intensive use of capital
would be limited. A large operating loss or charge against our net capital could adversely affect our ability to expand or even maintain current levels of business, which
could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
Our investment adviser subsidiaries, CCFM and DCM, are registered with the SEC as investment advisers and are subject to the rules and regulations of the Investment
Advisers Act. The Investment Advisers Act imposes numerous obligations on registered investment advisers including record-keeping, operational and marketing
requirements, disclosure obligations, limitations on principal transactions between an adviser and its affiliates and advisory clients, and prohibitions on fraudulent
activities. The SEC is authorized to institute proceedings and impose sanctions for violations of the Investment Advisers Act, ranging from fines and censure to
termination of an investment adviser’s registration. Investment advisers are also subject to certain state securities laws and regulations.
We are also subject to the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 (the “Patriot Act”), which imposes obligations regarding the prevention and detection of money-laundering
activities, including the establishment of customer due diligence, customer verification, and other compliance policies and procedures. These regulations require certain
disclosures by, and restrict the activities of, broker-dealers, among others. Failure to comply with these new requirements may result in monetary, regulatory and, in the
case of the Patriot Act, criminal penalties.
In July 2010, the federal government passed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”). The Dodd-Frank Act has
significantly restructured and intensified regulation in the financial services industry, with provisions that have created a systemic risk oversight body (i.e., the
Financial Stability Oversight Council), expanded the authority of existing regulators, increased regulation of and restrictions on OTC derivatives markets and
transactions, broadened the reporting and regulation of executive compensation, expanded the standards for market participants in dealing with clients and customers,
and provided for the regulation of fiduciary duties owed by municipal advisors or conduit borrowers of municipal securities. In addition, Section 619 of the Dodd-Frank
Act (known as the “Volker Rule”) and section 716 of the Dodd-Frank Act (known as the “swaps push-out rule”) limit proprietary trading of certain securities and swaps
by certain banking entities. Although we are not a banking entity and are not otherwise subject to these rules, some of our clients and many of our counterparties are
banks or entities affiliated with banks and will be subject to these restrictions. These sections of the Dodd-Frank Act and the regulations that are adopted to implement
them could negatively affect the swaps and securities markets by reducing their depth and liquidity and thereby affect pricing in these markets. To date, we
have adapted successfully to the applicable legislative and regulatory requirements of Dodd-Frank. However, the Dodd-Frank Act as a whole and the intensified
regulatory environment will likely alter certain business practices and change the competitive landscape of the financial services industry, which may have an adverse
effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
In June 2018, in response to the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, we created a new subsidiary, Cohen & Company Financial (Europe) Limited (“CCFEL”) in Ireland, for the
purpose of seeking to become regulated to perform asset management and capital markets activities in Ireland and the European Union. In April 2019, CCFEL received
authorization from the CBI under the European Union (Markets in Financial Instruments) Regulations 2017 to provide Financial Instruments. The services for which
CCFEL received authorization include the receipt and transmission of orders in relation to Financial Instruments, the execution of orders on behalf of clients, portfolio
management, investment advice and investment research, and financial analysis. In addition, CCFEL applied for approval of a French branch, which approval was
granted by the CBI and the branch was authorized by the French regulators in April 2019. Following authorization of the French branch of CCFEL, various contracts
originally entered into by Cohen & Company Financial Limited (“CCFL”), formerly regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom, were novated
to the French branch of CCFEL. The novation of contracts was completed on July 1, 2019. In order to finalize our Brexit plans and to increase the efficiency of our
activity in Europe (and as all the regulated activity of CCFEL was carried out by its French branch), we created a new subsidiary, CCFESA, in France in 2021, for the
purpose of taking over our regulated European activities under one regulated entity. In October 2021, CCFESA received authorization from the ACPR to act as an
Investment Firm under the European Union (Markets in Financial Instruments) Regulations 2017 to provide Financial Instruments. The services for which CCFESA
received authorization include the receipt and transmission of orders in relation to Financial Instruments, the execution of orders on behalf of clients, portfolio
management, investment advice and investment research, and financial analysis. Following authorization of CCFESA, various contracts originally entered into by CCFL
and CCFEL were novated to CCFESA. The novation of contracts was completed on November 1, 2021. Further to such novation, both CCFL and CCFEL stopped
carrying out any regulated activity and have been liquidated.
12
Table of Contents
French Regulation. Our French subsidiary, Cohen & Company Financial (Europe) S.A. (“CCFESA”) is an investment services provider authorized and regulated by the
French Prudential Supervision and Resolution Authority (Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution, the “ACPR”). CCFESA is subject to the ACPR’s rules and
guidance, but also to the rules of the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorité des Marchés Financiers, the “AMF”) and the relevant provisions of the French
Monetary and Financial Code and the AMF’s general regulations. CCFESA’s license by the ACPR covers the following activities: (1) order reception and transmission
for third parties; (2) order execution for third parties; (3) investment advice; and (4) portfolio management for third parties; it can also carry out research and financial
analysis. An overview of key aspects of France’s regulatory regime, which apply to CCFESA, is set out below.
Ongoing regulatory obligations. As a French regulated entity, CCFESA is subject to ongoing regulatory obligations, which cover the following wide-ranging aspects of
its business. The ACPR sets conditions that all French authorized investment firms, including CCFESA, must satisfy in order to become and remain authorized by the
ACPR. These relate to the firm’s initial capital and appropriate financial resources for the proposed activities, the identity and status of direct and indirect shareholders,
a management that has the knowledge, experience and fitness of investment firms and is located in France and has a program of operations for each of the proposed
services approved by the AMF.
CCFESA is expected to comply with the ACPR’s regulatory frameworks. Consequently, the ACPR imposes overarching responsibilities on the directors and senior
management of a regulated firm. Key requirements in this context include the need to have adequate systems and controls in relation to: (1) senior management
arrangements and general organizational requirements; (2) compliance, internal audit, and financial crime prevention; (3) outsourcing; (4) record keeping; (5) risk
management; and (6) managing conflicts of interest.
CCFESA permitted activity is to deal only with eligible counterparties and professional clients as defined under Schedule 2 of the MIFID II Regulations in relation to the
regulated activities it conducts. The level with which CCFESA must comply is dependent on the categorization of its clients, which should be considered in the context
of the regulated activity being performed. These rules include requirements relating to the type and level of information that must be provided to clients before business
is conducted with or for them, the regulation of financial promotions, procedures for entering into client agreements, obligations relating to the suitability and
appropriateness of investments, and rules about managing investments and reporting to clients.
Reporting. All authorized firms in France are required to report to the ACPR and to the AMF on a periodic basis. CCFESA’s reporting requirements are based on the
scope of its license. The ACPR will use the information submitted by CCFESA to monitor it on an ongoing basis. There are also high-level reporting obligations,
whereby CCFESA is required to engage with the AMF in an open and co-operative way and to disclose appropriately anything relating to its activity and which would
affect its business plan, activity or any relevant information submitted to the regulators in the context of its license application.
Enforcement powers. The ACPR has a wide range of disciplinary and enforcement tools that it can use should a regulated firm fail to comply with its regulatory
obligations. However, this primary jurisdiction does not exclude that of the AMF with regard more specifically to any failure by persons placed under its supervision
(and therefore within investment firms) to fulfill their professional obligations. In addition, the AMF has the option of delegating its power of control, in particular to
market operators and clearing houses and to the ACPR. For its part, the ACPR can also delegate its power of control, in particular to the AMF.
A wide range of tools can be used to take action against regulated entities and/or individuals which fall short of our expected standards of behavior including:
● issuance of a warning;
● issuance of a rebuke;
● prohibition, for a maximum period of 10 years, from carrying out certain operations and any other limitations in the exercise of its activity;
● temporary suspension or compulsory resignation, for a maximum period of 10 years, of one or more managers, with or without the appointment of a provisional
administrator;
● partial or total withdrawal of approval or removal from the list of authorized persons, with or without the appointment of a liquidator;
● temporary or definitive withdrawal of the professional card, temporary ban on trading for their own account, temporary or definitive ban on the exercise of all or part
of the activities or the exercise of management functions within the relevant entity; and
● imposition of a fine.
With regard to the pecuniary sanctions which may be imposed by the ACPR and/or the AMF instead of or in addition to the aforementioned sanctions, such fines
cannot exceed 100 million euros (or ten times the amount of the benefit derived from such breach if this can be determined) or 15% of net annual turnover for breaches
specifically referred to in the French Monetary and Financial Code (article L621-9). Fines issued against individuals under the authority or acting on behalf of an
investment firm cannot exceed 15 million euros (or ten times the amount of the benefit derived from the breach if this can be determined).
In addition to the general sanctions regime as described above, a specific regime is provided for breaches of the provisions of the Capital Requirement (CRR) Regulation
and the Capital Requirement Directive IV (CRD), which establish in particular the capital and liquidity requirements, as well as the rules of governance to which
investment firms are subject.
Financial Resources. As part of the firm regulatory requirements under the ACPR it must maintain adequate financial resources as set out in the European Union
Regulation (EU) 2019/2033, also known as the Investment Firms Regulation (IFR), and Directive (EU) 2019/2034, also known as the Investment Firms Directive (IFD). The
IFR and the IFD apply to investment firms deemed sufficiently small and non-interconnected (so called “class 3” firms). Class 3 firms are subject to less stringent
financial requirements; specifically, the capital requirement for a class 3 firm is equal to the higher of (1) €75,000 of permanent minimum capital requirement (PMR) or (2) a
quarter of its fixed overhead measured on the basis of the previous year’s activity. CCFESA is classified as a class 3 firm and is subject to a base regulatory tangible
capital requirement of €621,000.
In addition, this base capital will be reviewed on an annual basis. The Company's capital will also be reviewed in the event of a material change in the Company's
business since the preceding year.
Anti-money Laundering Requirements. A French financial institution is subject to additional client acceptance requirements, which stem from anti-money laundering
and terrorist financing legislation that requires a firm to identify its clients before conducting business with or for them and to retain appropriate documentary evidence
of this process. Relevant anti-money laundering legislation in France is derived from EU Directives and more particularly EU Directive 2015/849 of 20 May 2015 (also
known as the “Fourth Directive”) and EU Directive 2018/843 of 30 May 2018 (also known as the “Fifth Directive”). The fight against money laundering and terrorist
financing (AML-CFT) is one of the AMF’s main supervisory priorities. The ACPR is also responsible for protecting the customers of the supervised institutions and
ensuring the fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism. It also has resolution powers.
13
Table of Contents
The obligations derived from the Fourth Directive were implemented into the French Monetary and Financial Code (refer to articles L561-1 and L561-50) and include:
● risk assessment;
● identification and verification of the identity of clients and their beneficial owners;
● due diligence measures upon entry and throughout the business relation;
● obligation to file suspicious transaction reports to TRACFIN;
● internal audit and reporting to the AMF; and
● implementation of asset freezing measures.
The Fifth Directive was implemented into French law at the beginning of 2020. It sets out a series of measures to fight against terrorist financing more effectively and
guarantee improved transparency of financial transactions.
Changes in Existing Laws and Rules. Additional legislation and regulations, changes in rules promulgated by the government regulatory bodies, or changes in the
interpretation or enforcement of laws and regulations may directly affect the manner of our operation, our net capital requirements, or our profitability. In addition, any
expansion of our activities into new areas may subject us to additional regulatory requirements that could adversely affect our business, reputation, and results of
operations.
The AML package, a new body of regulations to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), was published on June 19, 2024. It consists of
one directive, the 6th Anti-Money Laundering Directive (hereafter “AMLD6”), and two regulations, one concerning the creation of the new European AML-FT
authority - known by the acronym “AMLA” - and the other relating to the requirements that supervised entities must meet to protect the European Union's internal
market against BC-FT risks. As part of the AMLA package, the 6th Anti-Money Laundering Directive aims to improve the organization of national AML/CFT systems
by establishing clear rules for national authorities, notably in terms of cooperation between Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) and national supervisors. The main
contributions of this new directive concern the centralization and harmonization of information required for financial investigations, in particular bank account
information and information on beneficial owners.
European Regulation 2022/2554 of December 14, 2022 on the digital operational resilience of the financial sector (DORA) came into force on January 17, 2025. The
requirements of this regulation apply, with certain exceptions, to all entities in the financial sector and concern:
● IT risk management;
● incident reporting;
● resilience testing; and
● management of third-party risk borne by IT service providers.
Available Information
On our internet website address at www.cohenandcompany.com, we make available, free of charge, our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form
10-Q, our Current Reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports that we file or furnish pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as
reasonably practicable after we electronically file such information with, or furnish such information to, the SEC. Copies of such reports and other information are also
available at no charge to any person who requests them at Cohen & Company, Attention: Investor Relations, 2929 Arch Street, Suite 1703, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2870
(Telephone: (215) 701-8952).
Our filings can also be obtained for free on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. The reference to our website address does not constitute incorporation by
reference of the information contained on our website in this filing or in other filings with the SEC, and the information contained on our website is not part of this filing.
14
Table of Contents
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.
You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. If any of these risks actually occur, our
business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations could be adversely affected. The risks and uncertainties described below constitute all of the material
risks of the Company of which we are currently aware; however, the risks and uncertainties described below may not be the only risks the Company will face. Additional
risks and uncertainties of which we are presently unaware, or that we do not currently deem to be material, may become important factors that affect us and could
materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and the trading price of our securities. Investing in the Company’s securities
involves risk and the following risk factors, together with the other information contained in this report and the other reports and documents filed by us with the SEC,
including Forms ADV filed by CCFM and DCM, should be considered carefully.
Summary of Risk Factors
The following summary highlights some of the principal risks that could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. This summary is
not complete and the risks summarized below are not the only risks we face.
Risks Related to Our Business and Our Industry:
●
Difficult market conditions have adversely affected our business and may continue to do so.
●
Economic slowdown, market volatility, a recession and increasing interest rates may impair investments and operating results.
●
We may experience write downs of financial instruments and other losses due to the volatile and illiquid market conditions.
●
We have incurred losses for certain periods covered by this report and in the recent past and may incur losses in the future.
●
Continued difficulties in our Capital Markets segment due to intense competition has resulted in significant strain on our administrative, operational
and financial resources and these difficulties may continue in the future.
●
Our gestation repo business serves a narrow market and is likely subject to highly volatile demand.
●
Our mortgage group’s revenue is highly dependent on the U.S. housing market, generally.
●
Our Capital Markets segment depends significantly on a limited group of customers.
●
Underwriting activities expose us to risk.
●
Failure to retain senior management and qualified personnel may result in our not being able to execute our business strategy.
●
Payment of severance could strain our cash flow.
●
If additional cash is not available, our business and financial performance will be significantly harmed.
●
Failure to obtain or maintain adequate capital and funding would adversely affect the growth and results of our operations.
●
The lack of liquidity in certain investments may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
●
Our investments in the equity interests of SPACs and SPAC Sponsor Entities may expose us to increased risks and liabilities.
●
Our investments in SPAC Sponsor Entities are highly speculative, subject to total loss, and completely illiquid prior to business combination.
●
Our investments in post-business combination SPACs are carried at fair value but subject to sale restrictions which could result in significant losses to our
business.
●
Our failure to deal appropriately with actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest could damage our reputation and materially adversely affect our
business.
●
Our strategic relationship with Cohen Circle, LLC ("Cohen Circle"), formerly Fintech Masala, LLC could result in conflicts of interest and termination of
such relationship could result in losses to our businesses.
●
If we are unable to manage the risks of international operations effectively, our business could be adversely affected.
●
The securities settlement process exposes us to risks that may adversely affect our business.
●
We are exposed to the risk that third parties that are indebted to us will not perform their obligations.
●
We are exposed to various risks related to margin requirements under repurchase agreements and securities financing arrangements and are highly
dependent on our clearing relationships.
●
We have market risk exposure from unmatched principal transactions entered into by our brokerage desks.
●
Pricing and other competitive pressures may impair the revenues and profitability of our brokerage business.
●
Increase in capital commitments in our trading business increases the potential for significant losses.
●
Our principal trading and investments expose us to risk of loss.
●
Our principal investments are subject to various risks and expose us to a significant risk of capital loss.
●
Historical returns of our funds and managed accounts may not be indicative of their future results.
●
There is increasing regulatory supervision of alternative asset management companies.
●
Asset management clients generally may redeem their investments, which could reduce our asset management fee revenues.
●
The investment management business is intensely competitive, which could have a material adverse impact on our business.
●
Poor performance of our investment funds’ and separately managed accounts’ investments could result in a decline in our asset management revenue
and earnings and investors terminating our management agreements.
●
Any agreement to indemnify a SPAC against certain claims could negatively affect our financial results.
●
We may make future loans to SPACs which may not be repaid.
●
Our management may allocate some portion of their time to the business of the SPAC, which may create conflicts of interest.
●
If our risk management systems for our businesses are ineffective, we may be exposed to material unanticipated losses.
●
Failures in our information and communications systems could significantly disrupt our business.
●
We may not be able to keep pace with continuing changes in technology.
●
The development and use of artificial intelligence presents risks and challenges that could adversely impact our business, financial condition, and results
of operations.
●
Failure to protect client data or prevent breaches of our information systems could expose us to liability/reputational damage.
●
We are largely dependent on Pershing LLC to provide clearing services and margin financing.
●
Our substantial level of indebtedness could adversely affect our financial health and ability to compete.
●
Changes in accounting interpretations or assumptions could adversely impact our financial statements.
●
Any change of our investment strategy, hedging strategy, asset allocation and operational policies may result in riskier investments and adversely
affect the market value of our Common Stock.
●
Maintenance of our Investment Company Act exemption imposes limits on our operations.
●
The soundness of other financial institutions and intermediaries affects us.
15
Table of Contents
●
We operate in a highly regulated industry and may face increasing restrictions on, and examination of, the conduct of our operations.
●
Substantial legal liability or significant regulatory action could materially affect our business.
●
Highly competitive markets could have a material effect on our business.
●
Employee misconduct or error could harm our business.
●
We receive financial instruments instead of cash as consideration for some of our services, which may be illiquid, and the price we ultimately realize
may be materially lower than current fair value.
●
SFA transactions may obligate us to make payments on certain payments upon or subsequent to maturity which may adversely impact our liquidity.
Risks Related to Our Organizational Structure and Ownership of Our Common Stock:
●
We could repurchase shares of our Common Stock at price levels considered excessive, the amount of our Common Stock we repurchase may decrease
from historical levels, or we may not repurchase any additional shares of our Common Stock in the future.
●
We are dependent on distributions from the Operating LLC as a holding company.
●
Daniel G. Cohen’s significant ownership interests in the Operating LLC and other entities could create conflicts of interest.
●
As a “controlled company,” our other stockholders may lose certain corporate governance protections.
●
Future sales of our Common Stock in the public market could lower the price of our Common Stock and impair our ability to raise funds in future securities
offerings.
●
Your percentage ownership in the Company may be diluted in the future.
●
Redemptions of our outstanding LLC Units may cause substantial dilution to our existing stockholders.
●
We may not fully realize our deferred tax asset.
●
The Maryland General Corporation Law and our charter and bylaws may prevent potentially beneficial takeover attempts.
Risks Related to General and Global Factors:
●We are currently operating in a period of economic uncertainty and capital markets disruption, which has been significantly impacted by geopolitical instability
due to the ongoing military conflicts in Ukraine and in Israel and the surrounding areas. Our business, financial condition and results of operations may be
materially adversely affected by any negative impact on the global economy and capital markets resulting from the conflicts in Ukraine, Israel, or any other
geopolitical tensions.
●Climate change concerns and incidents could disrupt our business, adversely affect the profitability of certain of our investments, adversely affect customer
activity levels, adversely affect the creditworthiness of our counterparties, and damage our reputation.
●
If we fail to control our costs effectively, our business could be disrupted and adversely affected.
●
We may need to offer new investment strategies and products in order to continue to generate revenue.
●
Our failure to deal appropriately with conflicts of interest could damage our reputation and adversely affect our business.
●
Insurance may be inadequate to cover risks facing the Company.
●
We depend on third-party software licenses and the loss of key licenses could adversely affect our brokerage services.
●
Failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls could harm our business.
●
The market price of our Common Stock may be volatile and may be affected by market conditions beyond our control.
●
Our Common Stock may be delisted, which may have a material adverse effect on the liquidity and our Common Stock value.
16
Table of Contents
Risks Related to Our Business and Our Industry
Difficult market conditions have adversely affected our business in many ways and may continue to adversely affect our business in a manner which could
materially reduce our revenues.
Our business has been and may continue to be materially affected by conditions in the global financial markets and economic conditions. The financial markets continue
to be volatile and continue to present many challenges such as the level and volatility of interest rates, investor sentiment, the availability and cost of credit, the status
of the U.S. mortgage and real estate markets, consumer confidence, unemployment and geopolitical issues.
Global economic conditions and global financial markets remain vulnerable to the potential risks posed by certain events, which could include, among other things, level
and volatility of interest rates, economic growth or its sustainability, unforeseen changes to gross domestic product, inflation, fluctuations or other changes in both
debt and equity capital markets and currencies, political and financial uncertainty in the United States and the European Union, ongoing concern about Asia’s
economies, global supply disruptions, complications involving terrorism and armed conflicts around the world (including the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and in
Israel and the surrounding areas), or other challenges to global trade or travel, such as those that have occurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. More generally,
because our business is closely correlated to the general economic outlook, a significant deterioration in that outlook or realization of certain events would likely have
an immediate and significant negative impact on our business and overall results of operations.
Unfavorable market conditions may also lead to a reduction in revenues from our new issue and advisory revenues, including from underwriting and placement
activities. Our CCM revenue, in the form of advisory services and underwriting, is directly related to general economic conditions and corresponding financial market
activity. When the outlook for such economic conditions is uncertain or negative, financial market activity generally tends to decrease, which reduces our CCM
revenues. Reduced expectations of U.S. economic growth or a decline in the global economic outlook could cause financial market activity to decrease and negatively
affect our investment banking revenues.
A prolonged economic slowdown, volatility in the markets, a recession, and increasing interest rates could impair our investments and harm our operating results.
Our investments are, and will continue to be, susceptible to economic slowdowns, recessions and rising interest rates, which may lead to financial losses in our
investments and a decrease in revenues, net income and asset values. These events may reduce the value of our investments, reduce the number of attractive
investment opportunities available to us and harm our operating results, which, in turn, may adversely affect our cash flow from operations.
Our ability to raise capital in the long-term or short-term debt capital markets or the equity markets, or to access secured lending markets, has been and could continue to
be adversely affected by conditions in the U.S. and international markets and the economy. Global market and economic conditions have been, and continue to be,
disrupted and volatile. In particular, the cost and availability of funding have been and may continue to be adversely affected by illiquid credit markets and wider credit
spreads and volatility of interest rates (including overnight repo). As a result of concern about the stability of the markets generally and the strength of counterparties
specifically, many lenders and institutional investors have reduced and, in some cases, ceased to provide funding to borrowers. Continued turbulence in the U.S. and
international markets and economy may adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition and the willingness of certain counterparties to do business with us.
In addition, global macroeconomic conditions and U.S. financial markets remain vulnerable to the potential risks posed by exogenous shocks, which could include,
among other things, political and financial uncertainty in the U.S. and the European Union (the “EU”), continued effects of the global novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”)
pandemic, renewed concern about China’s economy, cybersecurity incidents and events, climate-related incidents, complications involving terrorism and armed conflicts
around the world, or other challenges to global trade or travel. More generally, because our business is closely correlated to the macroeconomic outlook, a significant
deterioration in that outlook or an exogenous shock would likely have an immediate negative impact on our overall results of operations.
We may experience write downs of financial instruments and other losses related to the volatile and illiquid market conditions.
The credit markets in the U.S. experienced significant disruption and volatility from mid-2007 through early 2009, and challenging conditions have continued since that
time. Although financial markets have become more stable, there remains a certain degree of uncertainty about a global economic recovery. Available liquidity also
declined precipitously during the credit crisis and remains significantly depressed. The disruption in these markets generally, and in the U.S. and European markets in
particular, impacted and may continue to impact our business. We have exposure to these markets and products, and if market conditions continue to worsen, the fair
value of our investments and our management fees could deteriorate. In addition, market volatility, illiquid market conditions and disruptions in the global credit markets
have made it extremely difficult to value certain of our securities. Subsequent valuations, in light of factors then prevailing, may result in significant changes in the
values of these securities, and when such securities are sold, it may be at a price materially lower than the current fair value. Any of these factors could require us to
take further write downs in the fair value of our investment portfolio or cause our management fees to decline, which may have an adverse effect on our results of
operations in future periods.
We have incurred losses for certain periods covered by this report and in the recent past and may incur losses in the future.
Although the Company recorded net income of $8.2 and $10.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively we may incur losses in future
periods. If we are unable to finance future losses, those losses may have a significant effect on our liquidity as well as our ability to operate our business.
In addition, the Company has incurred and may further incur significant expenses in connection with initiating new business activities or in connection with any
expansion or reorganization of our businesses. We may also engage in strategic acquisitions and investments for which we may incur significant expenses. Accordingly,
we may need to increase our revenue at a rate greater than our expenses in order to achieve and maintain our profitability. If our revenue does not increase sufficiently,
or even if our revenue does increase but we are unable to manage our expenses, we will not achieve and maintain profitability in future periods.
17
Table of Contents
We have experienced difficulties in our Capital Markets segment over the past several years due to intense competition in our industry, which has resulted in
significant strain on our administrative, operational and financial resources. These difficulties may continue in the future.
The financial services industry and all of our businesses are intensely competitive, and we expect them to remain so. We compete with commercial banks, brokerage
firms, insurance companies, sponsors of mutual funds, hedge funds and other companies offering financial services in the U.S., globally, and through the internet. We
compete on the basis of several factors, including transaction execution, capital or access to capital, products and services, innovation, reputation, risk appetite and
price. Over time, certain sectors of the financial services industry have become more concentrated as institutions involved in a broad range of financial services have
been acquired by or merged into other firms or have declared bankruptcy. These developments could result in our competitors gaining greater capital and other
resources such as a broader range of products and services and geographic diversity. We have experienced and may continue to experience pricing pressures in our
Capital Markets segment as a result of these factors and as some of our competitors may seek to increase market share by reducing prices.
Both margins and volumes in certain products and markets within the fixed income brokerage business have decreased materially as competition has increased and
general market activity has declined. Further, we expect that competition will increase over time, resulting in continued margin pressure. These challenges have materially
adversely affected our Capital Markets segment’s results of operations and may continue to do so.
We continue to focus on improving the performance of our Capital Markets segment, which could place additional demands on our resources and increase our
expenses. Improving the performance of our Capital Markets segment will depend on, among other things, our ability to successfully identify groups and individuals to
join our firm and our ability to successfully grow our existing business lines and platforms and opportunistically expand into other complementary business areas.
Generally, it may take more than a year for us to determine whether we have successfully integrated new individuals, and lines of business and capabilities into our
operations. During that time, we may incur significant expenses and expend significant time and resources toward training, integration and business development. If we
are unable to hire and retain senior management or other qualified personnel, such as salespeople, investment bankers, and traders, we will not be able to grow our
business and our financial results may be materially and adversely affected.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully improve the operations of our Capital Markets segment, and any failure to do so could have a material
adverse effect on our ability to generate revenue and control expenses.
Our gestation repo business serves a narrow market and is likely subject to highly volatile demand.
We operate a matched gestation repo program. Gestation repo involves entering into repo and reverse repo transactions where the underlying collateral security
represents a pool of newly issued mortgages. Our reverse repo counterparties are mortgage originators. This type of financing would only be of interest to mortgage
originators. Therefore, demand for gestation repo financing is narrow and volumes will therefore be more volatile.
Mortgage and U.S. Housing Market-Related Risks
In recent years, our mortgage group has become an increasingly important component of our Capital Markets segment and the Company overall. The mortgage group
primarily earns revenue by providing hedging execution, securities financing, and trade execution services to mortgage originators and other investors in mortgage
backed securities. Therefore, this group’s revenue is highly dependent on the volume of mortgage originations in the U.S. Origination activity is highly sensitive to
interest rates, the U.S. job market, housing starts, sale activity of existing housing stock, as well as the general health of the U.S. economy. In addition, any new
regulation that impacts U.S. government agency mortgage backed security issuance activity, residential mortgage underwriting standards, or otherwise impacts
mortgage originators will impact our business. We have no control over these external factors and there is no effective way for us to hedge against these risks. Our
mortgage group’s volumes and profitability will be highly impacted by these external factors.
Our Capital Markets segment depends significantly on a limited group of customers.
From time to time, based on market conditions, a small number of our customers may account for a significant portion of the revenues earned in our Capital Markets
segment. None of our customers are obligated contractually to use our services. Accordingly, these customers may direct their activities to other firms at any time. The
loss of or a significant reduction in demand for our services from any of these customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and
operating results.
Underwriting activities expose us to risks.
As part of our CCM business, we sometimes act as an underwriter in public offerings and other distributions of securities or as a financial advisor in connection with a
capital raise. If we act as an underwriter, we may incur losses and be subject to reputational harm to the extent that, for any reason, the underwriting syndicate in any
given transaction is unable to sell the relevant securities at the anticipated price levels. Similarly, we may incur losses and be subject to reputational harm to the extent
that, for any reason, we are unable to assist a client in raising capital at anticipated price levels when we act as financial advisor. As underwriters, we also are subject to
liability for material misstatements or omissions in prospectuses and other offering documents relating to offerings which we underwrite. In such instances, any
indemnification provisions in the applicable underwriting agreement may not be enforceable or available to us, or may not be sufficient to protect us against losses
arising from such liability. Further, the associated litigation process can place operational strain on our business.
18
Table of Contents
If we do not retain our senior management and continue to attract and retain qualified personnel, we may not be able to execute our business strategy.
The members of our senior management team have extensive experience in the financial services industry. Their reputations and relationships with investors, financing
sources and members of the business community in our industry, among others, are critical elements in operating and expanding our business. As a result, the loss of
the services of one or more members of our senior management team could impair our ability to execute our business strategies, which could hinder our ability to achieve
and sustain profitability. The Company has various employment arrangements with the members of its senior management team, but there can be no assurance that the
terms of these employment arrangements will provide sufficient incentives for each of the members of the senior management team to continue employment with us.
We depend on the diligence, experience, skill and network of business contacts of our senior management team and our employees in connection with (1) our Capital
Markets segment, (2) our asset management operations, (3) our investment activities, (4) the evaluation, negotiation, structuring and management of new business
opportunities, and (5) our SPAC franchise, including our investments in SPACs and SPAC sponsors and our serving as the asset manager for certain SPAC Funds. Our
business depends on the expertise of our personnel and their ability to work together as an effective team and our success depends substantially on our ability to
attract and retain qualified personnel. Competition for employees with the necessary qualifications is intense, and we may not be successful in our efforts to recruit and
retain the required personnel. The inability to recruit and retain qualified personnel could affect our ability to provide an acceptable level of service to our clients and
funds, attract new clients, and develop new lines of business, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Payment of severance could strain our cash flow.
Certain members of our senior management team have agreements that provide for substantial severance payments. Should several of these senior managers leave our
employ under circumstances entitling them to severance, or become disabled or die, the need to pay these severance benefits could put a strain on our cash flow.
Our business will require a significant amount of cash, and if it is not available, our business and financial performance will be significantly harmed.
We require a substantial amount of cash to fund our operations, make investments, pay our expenses, and hold our assets. More specifically, we require cash to:
•
meet our working capital requirements and debt service obligations;
•
make incremental investments in our Capital Markets segment;
•
make investments in our growing asset management business;
•
make investments supporting our SPAC franchise, including in pre- and post-business combination SPAC public companies and in SPAC
sponsor entities;
•
hire new employees; and
•
meet other needs.
Our primary sources of working capital and cash are expected to consist of:
•
revenue from operations, including net trading revenue, asset management revenue, new issue and advisory revenue, interest income and
dividends from our investment portfolio and potential monetization of principal investments;
•
securities financing including repurchase agreements and margin loans;
•
interest income from temporary investments and cash equivalents;
•
sales of assets; and
•
proceeds from future borrowings or any offerings of our equity or debt securities.
We may not be able to generate a sufficient amount of cash from operations and investing and financing activities in order to successfully execute our business
strategy.
Failure to obtain or maintain adequate capital and funding would adversely affect the growth and results of our operations and may, in turn, negatively affect the
market price of our Common Stock.
Liquidity is essential to our businesses. We depend upon the availability of adequate funding and capital for our operations. In particular, we may need to raise
additional capital in order to significantly grow our business. In past years, we have engaged in a number of capital raising transactions with Daniel G. Cohen, the
Executive Chairman of the Board, and/or persons or entities controlled by or close to Mr. Cohen because the terms of such transactions have been more favorable than
terms available from unrelated third parties. Our liquidity could be substantially adversely affected by our inability to raise funding in the long-term or short-term debt
capital markets or the equity capital markets or our inability to access the secured lending markets. Factors that we cannot control, such as continued or additional
disruption of the financial markets, or negative views about the financial services industry generally, have limited and may continue to limit our ability to raise capital. In
addition, our ability to raise capital could be impaired if lenders develop a negative perception of our long-term or short-term financial prospects or if Mr. Cohen becomes
unwilling to continue to fund the Company’s operations. Lenders could develop negative perceptions if we incur large trading losses, we suffer a decline in the level of
our business activity, we suffer material litigation losses, regulatory authorities take significant action against us, or we discover significant employee misconduct or
illegal activity, among other reasons. Sufficient funding or capital may not be available to us in the future on terms that are acceptable, or at all. If we are unable to raise
funding using the methods described above, we would likely need to finance or liquidate unencumbered assets, such as our investment and trading portfolios, in order
to meet our maturing liabilities. We may be unable to sell some of our assets, or we may have to sell assets at a discount from market value, either of which could
adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows. If we are unable to meet our funding needs on a timely basis, our business would be adversely affected and
there may be a negative impact on the market price of our Common Stock.
19
Table of Contents
Our investments in the equity interests of SPACs and SPAC Sponsor Entities may expose us to increased risks and liabilities.
We have and may continue to invest in the equity interests of SPACs and SPAC sponsor entities, including SPACs sponsored by us, our affiliates, and third parties.
There are numerous risks associated with investing in the equity interests of SPACs and SPAC sponsor entities, including: (i) because a SPAC is raised without a
specifically-identified acquisition target, it may never, or only after an extended period of time, be able to find and execute a suitable business combination, during which
period the capital which we have invested in or committed to the SPAC will not be available to us for other uses; (ii) investments made by us in a SPAC and SPAC
sponsor entities may be entirely lost or otherwise decline in value if the SPAC does not timely execute a business combination; (iii) SPACs typically invest in single
assets and not diversified portfolios, and investments therein are therefore subject to significant concentration risk; (iv) SPACs incur substantial fees, costs and
expenses related to their initial public offerings, being a public company and in connection with pursuing a business combination (in some cases, regardless of whether,
or when, the SPAC ultimately consummates a business transaction); and (v) there remains substantial uncertainty regarding the viability of SPAC investing on a large
scale, the supply of desirable transactions and whether regulatory, tax or other authorities will implement additional or adverse policies relating to SPACs and SPAC
investing. We expect regulatory scrutiny of SPACs and other blank check companies to continue to increase and the regulations regarding SPACs may change. Our
investments in the equity interests of SPACs and SPAC sponsor entities may also subject us to the risk of litigation by third parties, including fund investors
dissatisfied with the performance or management of SPAC Funds, public investors in SPACs and a variety of other potential litigants. Any losses relating to these
developments could adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition, as well as harm our professional reputation.
Our investments in SPAC Sponsor Entities are highly speculative, subject to total loss, and completely illiquid prior to business combination.
The Company has invested in the sponsor entities of SPACs and these investments are highly speculative. Generally, SPAC sponsor entities are LLC’s that pool their
members’ interests and invest in the private placement of a SPAC. The SPAC will also raise funds in a public offering and seek to complete a business combination
within an agreed upon timeframe. The SPAC will use the proceeds of the private placement to pay transaction and operating expenses during the period it is seeking a
business combination. The proceeds of the public offering are placed in an interest-bearing trust and can only be used to complete the business combination.
Typically, the public investors must approve any business combination prior to its effectiveness. If a business combination is not completed within the agreed upon
timeframe, the SPAC will liquidate and return the funds to the public investors. If there are funds remaining after liquidation, the sponsor entities may receive some
portion of their investment back, but will likely suffer a total loss of investment. Accordingly, our investments in SPAC sponsor entities is subject to a total loss of our
investment and such losses may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
During the period prior to the distribution of our interests in the SPAC sponsor entity, the Company includes its investment as a component of investment in equity
method affiliates. As of December 31, 2024, of the Company’s $23.4 million balance of investment in equity method affiliates, $17.8 million represents direct or indirect
investments in SPAC sponsor entities. These investments are subject to transfer restrictions (as described in greater detail below), are completely illiquid and could be
worthless if the underlying sponsor entities liquidate without completing a business combination.
Our investments in post-business combination SPACs are carried at fair value but are subject to sale restrictions which could result in significant losses to our
business.
We hold securities in public companies that were merger partners with the SPACs in which we invested or sponsored and we intend to continue to invest in SPACs and
SPAC sponsor entities in the future. A significant portion of the securities in the post-business combination SPACs are and will be restricted for sale and may require
the securities to trade above a certain price level for a certain period of time prior to becoming transferable. It is possible that the securities which we hold in post-
business combination SPACs never trade at the applicable price levels for the requisite period of time and, in turn, the transfer restrictions thereon are never lifted. In
such event, such restricted securities may be completely illiquid and this could significantly reduce their value, if not render them completely worthless. Further,
investments in post-business combination SPAC securities may not be transferable until such securities are registered for sale with the SEC. The Company could suffer
significant mark-to-market losses on these restricted securities prior to being able to sell them. In some cases, we hedge these positions by entering into short options
trades on the underlying unrestricted equity. However, we are limited in our ability to enter into these because of capital and financing requirements associated with
such trades.
As of December 31, 2024, out of the $35.3 million reported as other investments, at fair value, $10.6 million represented restricted shares of post-business combination
SPACs that were subject to transfer restrictions and could not be sold and $12.9 million related to interest in SPVs and other receivables, which have no ready market. If
these securities do not trade at the applicable per share price levels for the requisite periods of time and, in turn, the transfer restrictions thereon are never lifted, we
could suffer significant losses and these securities could be rendered illiquid and even worthless, which could result in significant harm to our business and results of
operations.
Our strategic relationship with Cohen Circle, LLC (“Cohen Circle”) could terminate, which could adversely affect the growth and viability of our SPAC franchise,
which, in turn would negatively affect our results of our operations, and our strategic relationship with Cohen Circle could also result in conflicts of interest which
could negatively affect our SPAC franchise and our business.
Cohen Circle, an entity of which Daniel G. Cohen and his mother, Betsy Cohen, are members, is a fintech investing platform and the sponsor of third party SPACs. We
have entered into consulting agreements with Cohen Circle pursuant to which Betsy Cohen and other Cohen Circle representatives have provided and will continue to
provide consulting services to us regarding our SPAC franchise and the SPAC entities of which we are sponsors. We anticipate that we will continue to enter into
consulting arrangements with Cohen Circle in connection with the SPACs which we sponsor in the future. In the event that our strategic relationship with Cohen Circle
is terminated, the loss of the services of Cohen Circle’s personnel could significantly impair our SPAC franchise's ability to continue to succeed, which could hinder our
ability to achieve and sustain profitability.
20
Table of Contents
In addition, certain of our employees also provide consulting and other SPAC-related services to Cohen Circle pursuant to contractual arrangements with the SPACs of
which Cohen Circle is a sponsor. Pursuant to these contractual relationships, our employees may be incentivized to identify and consummate potential SPAC business
combinations on behalf of Cohen Circle rather than for us. Further, these contractual relationships could result in our competing with Cohen Circle for potential SPAC
business combination targets and other opportunities. All of the foregoing could result in lost opportunities for our SPAC franchise, which could have negative impacts
on our SPAC franchise and business as a whole.
If we are unable to manage the risks of international operations effectively, our business could be adversely affected.
We currently provide services and products to clients in Europe, through offices in Dublin and Paris. There are certain additional risks inherent in doing business in
international markets, particularly in the regulated brokerage and asset management industries. These risks include:
•
additional regulatory requirements;
•
difficulties in recruiting and retaining personnel and managing the international operations;
•
potentially adverse tax consequences, tariffs and other trade barriers;
•
adverse labor laws;
•
reduced protection for intellectual property rights; and
•
changes as a result of global elections, including changes in the U.S. presidential administrations or Congress, changes to global trade policies,
supply chain complications, investment restrictions, or a combination of these and other factors.
In 2024, numerous elections were held globally, including the recent U.S. presidential election. The outcomes of the elections are expected to result in changes in policy,
which could also have adverse effects on us or the business environment in which we operate more generally. For example, the new U.S. presidential administration has
imposed or increased tariffs, including on imports from China, and proposed imposing or increasing tariffs on U.S. trading partners.
If we are unable to manage any of these risks effectively, our business could be adversely affected.
In addition, our current international operations expose us to the risk of fluctuations in currency exchange rates generally and fluctuations in the exchange rates for the
Euro in particular. Although we may hedge our foreign currency risk, we may not be able to do so successfully and may incur losses that could adversely affect our
financial condition or results of operations.
The securities settlement process exposes us to risks that may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We provide brokerage services to our clients in the form of “matched principal transactions” or by providing liquidity by purchasing securities from them on a principal
basis. In “matched principal transactions” we act as a “middleman” by serving as a counterparty to both a buyer and a seller in matching reciprocal back-to-back trades.
These transactions, which generally involve bonds, are then settled through clearing institutions with which we have a contractual relationship. There is no guarantee
that we will be able to maintain existing contractual relationships with clearing institutions on favorable terms or that we will be able to establish relationships with new
clearing institutions on favorable terms, or at all.
In executing matched principal transactions, we are exposed to the risk that one of the counterparties to a transaction may fail to fulfill its obligations, either because it is
not matched immediately or, even if matched, one party fails to deliver the cash or securities it is obligated to deliver upon settlement. In addition, some of the products
we trade or may trade in the future are in less commoditized markets which may exacerbate this risk because transactions in such markets may not settle on a timely
basis. Adverse movements in the prices of securities that are the subject of these transactions can increase our risk. In addition, widespread technological or
communication failures, as well as actual or perceived credit difficulties, or the insolvency of one or more large or visible market participants, could cause market-wide
credit difficulties or other market disruptions. These failures, difficulties or disruptions could result in a large number of market participants not settling transactions or
otherwise not performing their obligations.
We are subject to financing risk in these circumstances because if a transaction does not settle on a timely basis, the resulting unmatched position may need to be
financed, either directly by us or through one of our clearing organizations at our expense. These charges may not be recoverable from the failing counterparty. Finally,
in instances where the unmatched position or failure to deliver is prolonged or widespread due to rapid or widespread declines in liquidity for an instrument, there may
also be regulatory capital charges required to be taken by us which, depending on their size and duration, could limit our business flexibility or even force the
curtailment of those portions of our business requiring higher levels of capital. Credit or settlement losses of this nature could adversely affect our financial condition or
results of operations.
In the process of executing matched principal transactions, miscommunications and other errors by our clients or by us can arise whereby a transaction is not completed
with one or more counterparties to the transaction, leaving us with either a long or short unmatched position. If the unmatched position is promptly discovered and
there is a prompt disposition of the unmatched position, the risk to us is usually limited. If the discovery of an out trade is delayed, the risk is heightened by the
increased possibility of intervening market movements prior to disposition. Although out trades usually become known at the time of, or later on the day of, the trade, it
is possible that they may not be discovered until later in the settlement process. When out trades are discovered, our policy will generally be to have the unmatched
position disposed of promptly, whether or not this disposition would result in a loss to us. The occurrence of unmatched positions generally rises with increases in the
volatility of the market and, depending on their number and amount, such out trades have the potential to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and
results of operations.
From time to time, we may also provide brokerage services in the form of agency transactions. In agency transactions, we charge a commission for connecting buyers
and sellers and assisting in the negotiation of the price and other material terms of the transaction. After all material terms of a transaction are agreed upon, we identify
the buyer and seller to each other and leave them to settle the trade directly. We are exposed to credit risk for commissions we bill to clients for agency brokerage
services.
Participation in matched principal, principal, or agency transactions subjects us to disputes, counterparty credit risk, lack of liquidity, operational failure or other market
wide or counterparty specific risks. Any losses arising from such risks could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations. In addition, the failure of a
significant number of counterparties or a counterparty that holds a significant amount of derivatives exposure, or that has significant financial exposure to, or reliance
on, the mortgage, asset-backed or related markets, could have a material adverse effect on the trading volume and liquidity in a particular market for which we provide
brokerage services or on the broader financial markets.
21
Table of Contents
We have policies and procedures to identify, monitor and manage these risks, through reporting and control procedures and by monitoring credit standards applicable
to our clients. These policies and procedures, however, may not be fully effective. Some of our risk management methods will depend upon the evaluation of information
regarding markets, clients or other matters that are publicly available or otherwise accessible by us. That information may not, in all cases, be accurate, complete, up-to-
date or properly evaluated. If our policies and procedures are not fully effective or we are not always successful in monitoring or evaluating the risks to which we may
be exposed, our financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected. In addition, we may not be able to obtain insurance to cover all of the types of
risks we face and any insurance policies we do obtain may not provide adequate coverage for covered risks.
We are exposed to the risk that third parties that are indebted to us will not perform their obligations.
Credit risk refers to the risk of loss arising from borrower, counterparty or obligor default when a borrower, counterparty or obligor does not meet its obligations. We
incur significant credit risk exposure through our Capital Markets segment. This risk may arise from a variety of business activities, including but not limited to
extending credit to clients through various lending commitments; providing short or long-term funding that is secured by physical or financial collateral whose value
may at times be insufficient to fully cover the loan repayment amount; entering into swap or other derivative contracts under which counterparties have obligations to
make payments to us; and posting margin and/or collateral to clearing houses, clearing agencies, exchanges, banks, securities firms and other financial counterparties.
We incur credit risk in traded securities and loan pools whereby the value of these assets may fluctuate based on realized or expected defaults on the underlying
obligations or loans.
There is a possibility that continued difficult economic conditions may further negatively impact our clients and our current credit exposures. Although we regularly
review our credit exposures, default risk may arise from events or circumstances that are difficult to detect or foresee.
We are exposed to various risks related to margin requirements under repurchase agreements and securities financing arrangements and are highly dependent on
our clearing relationships.
We maintain repurchase agreements with various third-party financial institutions and other counterparties. Under those repurchase agreements we act as both a buyer
and a seller of the subject securities. Our business related to these repurchase agreements is predominantly matched, meaning that we do not purchase or sell securities
unless there is another institution prepared to simultaneously purchase or sell securities to or from us, as applicable. There are limits to the amount of securities that may
be transferred pursuant to these agreements, and available lines both for us and our counterparties for whom we purchase securities are approved on a case-by-case
basis after each counterparty has gone through a credit review process. The repurchase agreements we execute with our counterparties include substantive provisions
other than those covenants and other customary provisions contained in standard master repurchase agreements. However, while these additional provisions may work
to mitigate some of the risks related to repurchase agreement transactions, these additional substantive provisions do not guarantee the performance of a counterparty
or alleviate all of the potential risks we could face from entering into repurchase agreement transactions.
The repurchase agreements generally require a seller under a repurchase agreement to transfer additional securities to the counterparty who is acting as the buyer under
the repurchase agreement in the event that the value of the securities then held by the buyer falls below specified levels. Each repurchase agreement contains events of
default in cases where a counterparty breaches its obligations under the agreement. When we are acting in the capacity of a seller under these agreements, we receive
margin calls from time to time in the ordinary course of business, and no assurance can be given that we will be able to satisfy requests from our counterparties to post
additional collateral in the future. Similarly, when we are acting in the capacity of a buyer under these agreements, we make margin calls from time to time to our seller
counterparties in the ordinary course of business and no assurance can be given that our counterparties will have adequate funds or collateral to satisfy such margin
call requirements. Generally, if there was an event of default under a repurchase agreement, such event of default would provide the non-defaulting counterparty with
the option to terminate all outstanding repurchase transactions with us and make all amounts due from the defaulting counterparty immediately payable. However, there
can be no assurance that any such defaulting counterparty will have the funds or collateral needed to fully satisfy any such margin call or other amount due. Generally,
repurchase obligations are full recourse obligations and if we were to default under a repurchase obligation, the counterparty would have recourse to our other assets if
the collateral was insufficient to satisfy our obligation in full.
In addition, our clearing brokers provide securities financing arrangements including margin arrangements and securities borrowing and lending arrangements. These
arrangements generally require us to (i) transfer additional securities or cash to the clearing broker in the event that the value of the securities then held by the clearing
broker in the margin account falls below specified levels and (ii) contain events of default that would be triggered if we were to breach our obligations under such
agreements. An event of default under a clearing agreement would give the clearing broker the option to terminate the clearing arrangement and any amounts owed to
the clearing broker would be immediately due and payable. These obligations are full recourse to us.
Furthermore, we are highly dependent on our relationships with our clearing brokers. Any termination of our clearing arrangements whether due to a breach of the
agreement by us or a default, bankruptcy or reorganization of a clearing broker would result in a significant disruption to our business as we clear all trades through
these entities. Any such termination would have a significant negative impact on our dealings and relationships with our customers and there is no guarantee we would
be able to replace any such clearing broker on similar terms.
We have market risk exposure from unmatched principal transactions entered into by our brokerage desks, which could result in substantial losses to us and
adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
We allow certain of our brokerage desks access to limited amounts of capital to enter into unmatched principal transactions in the ordinary course of business for the
purpose of facilitating clients’ execution needs for transactions initiated by such clients or to add liquidity to certain illiquid markets. As a result, we have market risk
exposure on these unmatched principal transactions. Our exposure will vary based on the size of the overall positions, the terms and liquidity of the instruments
brokered, and the amount of time the positions will be held before we dispose of the positions.
We do not track our exposure to unmatched positions on an intra-day basis. These unmatched positions are intended to be held short-term, however, due to a number of
factors, including the nature of a position and access to the market on which we trade, we may not be able to match each position or effectively hedge our exposure and
often may be forced to hold a position overnight that has not been hedged. To the extent any unmatched positions are not disposed of intra-day, we mark those
positions to market. Adverse movements in the securities underlying the positions or a downturn or disruption in the markets for the positions could result in our
sustaining a substantial loss. In addition, any principal gains and losses resulting from these positions could, from time to time, have a disproportionate positive or
negative effect on our financial condition and results of operations for a particular reporting period.
22
Table of Contents
Pricing and other competitive pressures may impair the revenues and profitability of our brokerage business.
In recent years, we have experienced significant pricing pressures on trading margins and commissions, primarily in debt trading. In the fixed income market, regulatory
requirements have resulted in greater price transparency, leading to increased price competition and decreased trading margins. The trend toward using alternative
trading systems is continuing to grow, which may result in decreased commission and trading revenue, reduce our participation in the trading markets and our ability to
access market information, and lead to the creation of new and stronger competitors. Additional pressure on sales and trading revenue may impair the profitability of our
brokerage business. We believe that price competition and pricing pressures in these and other areas will continue as institutional investors continue to reduce the
amounts they are willing to pay, including reducing the number of brokerage firms they use, and some of our competitors seek to obtain market share by reducing fees,
commissions or margins.
Increase in capital commitments in our trading business increases the potential for significant losses.
We may enter into transactions in which we commit our own capital as part of our trading business. The number and size of these transactions may materially affect our
results of operations in a given period. We may also incur significant losses from our trading activities due to market fluctuations and volatility from quarter to quarter.
We maintain trading positions in the fixed income markets to facilitate client trading activities. To the extent that we own security positions, in any of those markets, a
downturn in the value of those securities or in those markets could result in losses from a decline in value. Conversely, to the extent that we have sold securities we do
not own in any of those markets, an upturn in those markets could expose us to potentially unlimited losses as we attempt to acquire the securities in a rising market.
Moreover, taking such positions in times of significant volatility can lead to significant unrealized losses, which further impact our ability to borrow to finance such
activities.
Our principal trading and investments expose us to risk of loss.
A significant portion of our revenue is derived from trading in which we act as principal. The Company may incur trading losses relating to the purchase, sale or short
sale of corporate and asset-backed fixed income securities and other securities for our own account and from other principal trading. In any period, we may experience
losses as a result of price declines, lack of trading volume, general market conditions, employee inexperience, errors or misconduct, or illiquidity. From time to time, we
may engage in a large block trade in a single security or maintain large position concentrations in a single security, securities of a single issuer, or securities of issuers
engaged in a specific industry. In general, any downward price movement in these securities could result in a reduction of our revenues and profits.
In addition, we may engage in hedging transactions and strategies that may not properly mitigate losses in our principal positions. If the transactions and strategies are
not successful, we could suffer significant losses.
Our principal investments are subject to various risks and expose us to a significant risk of capital loss, which may materially and adversely affect our results of
operations and cash flows.
We use a portion of our own capital in a variety of principal investment activities, each of which involves risks of illiquidity, loss of principal and revaluation of assets.
As of December 31, 2024, we had $35.3 million in other investments, at fair value.
We may use our capital, including on a leveraged basis, for principal investments in both private and public company securities that may be illiquid and volatile. The
equity securities of any privately held entity in which we make a principal investment are likely to be restricted as to resale and may otherwise be highly illiquid. In the
case of SPAC-related or similar investments, our investments may be illiquid until such investment vehicles are liquidated. We expect that there will be restrictions on
our ability to resell any such securities that we acquire for a period of time after we acquire such securities. Thereafter, a public market sale may be subject to volume
limitations or be dependent upon securing a registration statement for an initial, and potentially secondary, public offering of the securities. Even if we make an
appropriate investment decision, we cannot be assured that general market conditions will not cause the market value of our investments to decline. For example, an
increase in interest rates, a general decline in the equity markets, or other market and industry conditions adverse to the type of investments we make and intend to make
could result in a decline in the value of our investments or a total loss of our investment.
There are no regularly quoted market prices for some of the investments we make. The value of our investments is determined using fair value methodologies described
in our valuation policies, which may take into consideration, among other things, the nature of the investment, the expected cash flows from the investment, bid or ask
prices provided by third parties for the investment, the trading price of recent sales of securities (in the case of publicly traded securities), restrictions on transfer, and
other recognized valuation methodologies. The methodologies we use in valuing individual investments are based on estimates and assumptions specific to the
particular investments. Therefore, the value of our investments does not necessarily reflect the prices that would actually be obtained by us when such investments are
sold. Realizations at values significantly lower than the values at which investments have been previously held would result in losses of potential incentive income and
principal investments.
In addition, in our principal investment activities, our concentrated holdings, illiquidity and market volatility may make it difficult to value certain of our investment
securities. Subsequent valuations, in light of factors then prevailing, may result in significant changes in the values of these securities in future periods. In addition, at
the time of any sales and settlements of these securities, the price we ultimately realize will depend on the demand and liquidity in the market at that time and may be
materially lower than current fair value of such securities. Any of these factors could require us to take write-downs in the value of our investment and securities
portfolio, which may have an adverse effect on our results of operations in future periods. If we are unable to manage any of these risks effectively, our results of
operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.
23
Table of Contents
The historical returns of our funds and managed accounts may not be indicative of the future results of our funds and managed accounts.
The historical returns of our funds and managed accounts should not be considered indicative of future results expected from such fund and managed accounts or from
any future funds we may raise or managed accounts we may open. Our rates of return reflect unrealized gains, as of the applicable measurement date, which may never
be realized due to changes in market and other conditions not in our control that may adversely affect the ultimate valuation of the investments in a fund. The returns of
our funds may have also benefited from investment opportunities and general market conditions that may not repeat themselves, and there can be no assurance that our
current or future funds will be able to avail themselves of profitable investment opportunities. Furthermore, the historical and potential future returns of the funds we
manage also may not necessarily bear any relationship to potential returns on our shares.
There is increasing regulatory supervision of alternative asset management companies.
In the past several years, the financial services industry has been the subject of heightened scrutiny by regulators around the globe. In particular, the SEC and its staff
have focused more narrowly on issues relevant to alternative asset management firms, forming specialized units devoted to examining such firms and, in certain cases,
bringing enforcement actions against the firms, their principals and employees. In the last few years, there were a number of enforcement actions within the industry.
The SEC announced that the 2020 examination priorities for the Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations include such items as market infrastructure,
information security, and anti-money laundering programs, but the SEC also signaled its intention to examine firms in emerging risk areas, such as robo-advice, digital
assets, cybersecurity, SPACs, and new rules under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended and interpretations on standards of care. It is unclear, however,
whether the SEC and its staff will increase the level of enforcement if, in the future, there is an effort on the part of the federal government to increase restrictions on
business conduct, which could result in significant changes in, and uncertainty with respect to, legislation, regulation and government policy.
Some of our asset management clients generally may redeem their investments, which could reduce our asset management fee revenues.
Our asset management fund agreements generally permit investors to redeem their investments with us after an initial “lockup” period, during which redemptions are
restricted or penalized. However, any such restrictions may be waived by us. Thereafter, redemptions are permitted at quarterly or annual intervals. If the return on the
assets under our management does not meet investors’ expectations, investors may elect to redeem their investments and invest their assets elsewhere, including with
our competitors. Our management fee revenues correlate directly with the amount of assets under our management; therefore, redemptions may cause our fee revenues
to decrease. Investors may decide to reallocate their capital away from us and to other asset managers for a number of reasons, including poor relative investment
performance, changes in prevailing interest rates that make other investments more attractive, changes in investor perception regarding our focus or alignment of
interest, dissatisfaction with changes in or a broadening of a fund’s investment strategy, changes in our reputation, and departures or changes in responsibilities of key
investment professionals. For these and other reasons, the pace of redemptions and corresponding reduction in our assets under management could accelerate. In the
future, redemptions could require us to liquidate assets under unfavorable circumstances, which would further harm our reputation and results of operations.
The investment management business is intensely competitive, which could have a material adverse impact on our business.
We have been working to grow our asset management business and we compete as an investment manager for both fund investors and investment opportunities. The
investment management business is highly fragmented, with our competitors consisting primarily of sponsors of public and private investment funds, real estate
development companies, SPACs, business development companies, investment banks, commercial finance companies and operating companies acting as strategic
buyers of businesses. We believe that competition for fund investors is based primarily on:
•
investment performance;
•
investor liquidity and willingness to invest;
•
investor perception of investment managers’ drive, focus and alignment of interest;
•
business reputation;
•
the quality of services provided to fund investors;
•
pricing;
•
fund terms (including fees); and
•
the relative attractiveness of the types of investments that have been or will be made.
24
Table of Contents
We believe that competition for investment opportunities is based primarily on the pricing, terms and structure of a proposed investment and certainty of execution. A
number of factors serve to increase our competitive risks:
•
our competitors may have greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources and more personnel than we do, and, in the case of some
asset classes or geographic regions, longer operating histories, more established relationships, greater expertise or a better reputation;
•
fund investors may materially decrease their allocations in new funds due to their experiences following an economic downturn, the limited
availability of capital, regulatory requirements or a desire to consolidate their relationships with investment firms;
•
certain of our competitors may have agreed to terms with respect to their investment funds or products that are more favorable to investors
than our funds or products, such as lower management fees, greater fee sharing or higher performance hurdles for carried interest and,
therefore, we may be forced to match or otherwise revise our terms to be less favorable to us than they have been in the past;
•
certain of our funds may not perform as well as competitors’ funds or other available investment products;
•
our competitors have raised or may raise significant amounts of capital, and many of them have similar investment objectives and strategies to
our funds, which may create additional competition for investment opportunities and may reduce the size and duration of pricing inefficiencies
that many alternative investment strategies seek to exploit;
•
certain of our competitors may have a lower cost of capital and access to funding sources that are not available to us, which may create
competitive disadvantages for us with respect to investment opportunities;
•
certain of our competitors may have higher risk tolerances, different risk assessments or lower return thresholds, which could allow them to
consider a wider variety of investments and to bid more aggressively than us for investments;
•
certain of our competitors may be subject to less regulation or less regulatory scrutiny and accordingly, may have more flexibility to undertake
and execute certain businesses or investments than we do and/or bear less expense to comply with such regulations than we do;
•
there are relatively few barriers to entry impeding the formation of new funds, including a relatively low cost of entering these businesses, and
the successful efforts of new entrants into our various lines of business, including major commercial and investment banks and other financial
institutions, have resulted in increased competition;
•
certain fund investors may prefer to invest with an investment manager that is not publicly traded, is larger or manages more investment
products; and
•
other industry participants will from time to time seek to recruit our investment professionals and other employees away from us.
We may lose investment opportunities in the future if we do not match investment prices, structures and terms offered by competitors. Our competitors that are
corporate buyers may be able to achieve synergistic cost savings in respect of an investment, which may provide them with a competitive advantage in bidding for an
investment. Alternatively, we may experience decreased investment returns and increased risks of loss if we match investment prices, structures and terms offered by
competitors. Moreover, as a result, if we are forced to compete with other investment firms on the basis of price, we may not be able to maintain our current fund fee,
carried interest or other terms. There is a risk that fees and carried interest in the alternative investment management industry will decline, without regard to the historical
performance of a manager. Fee or carried interest income reductions on existing or future funds, without corresponding decreases in our cost structure, could materially
and adversely affect our revenues and profitability.
In addition, if interest rates were to rise or if market conditions for competing investment products become or are more favorable and such products begin to offer rates
of return superior to those achieved by our funds, the attractiveness of our funds relative to investments in other investment products could decrease. This competitive
pressure could materially and adversely affect our ability to make successful investments and limit our ability to raise future funds, either of which could adversely
impact our business, results of operations and cash flow.
If the investments we have made or make on behalf of our investment funds and separately managed accounts perform poorly, we will suffer a decline in our asset
management revenue and earnings because some of our fees are subject to the credit performance of the portfolios of assets. In addition, the investors in our
investment funds and our separately managed accounts may seek to terminate our management agreements based on poor performance. Any of these results could
adversely affect our results of operations and our ability to raise capital for future investment funds and separately managed accounts.
Our revenue from our asset management business is partially derived from management fees paid by the investment funds and separate accounts we manage. In the
case of the investment funds and separately managed accounts, our management fees are based on the equity of and net income earned by the vehicles, which is
substantially based on the performance of the securities in which they invest.
In addition, investment performance is one of the most important factors in retaining existing investors and competing for new asset management business. Investment
performance may be poor as a result of current or future difficult market or economic conditions, including changes to interest rates or inflation, terrorism or political
uncertainty, our investment style, the particular investments that we make, and other factors beyond our control. In the event that our investment funds or separately
managed accounts perform poorly, our asset management revenues and earnings will suffer a decline. We may be unable to raise capital for new investment funds or
separately managed accounts to offset any losses we may experience. In addition, our management contracts may be terminated for various reasons.
25
Table of Contents
Any agreement to indemnify a SPAC against certain claims could negatively affect our financial results.
In connection with our investments in SPACs in which we sponsor, we have agreed to and may continue to agree in the future to, indemnify a SPAC for all claims by
third parties for services rendered or products sold to the SPAC, or claims by any prospective target business with which the SPAC discusses entering into a
transaction agreement, subject to certain limitations. Our indemnification of a SPAC with respect to any such claims could negatively affect our financial results. In
addition, if the SPAC liquidates, we may be liable to a SPAC under these indemnification obligations.
We may in the future make loans to the SPACs in which we sponsor, which may not be repaid, in which event our financial results could be adversely affected.
We have made loans to the SPACs in which we have sponsored to fund the SPAC’s operating expenses following its IPO and may continue to do so in the
future. These loans generally bear no interest and, if a SPAC consummates a business combination in the required time frame, we would expect the loan to be repaid
from the funds held in the SPAC’s trust account. If a SPAC to which we have loaned funds does not consummate a business combination in the required time frame, no
funds from the SPAC’s trust account will be available to repay any loan we have made to such SPAC. If these loans are not repaid, our financial results could be
adversely affected.
Our executive officers and members of our senior management team may allocate some portion of their time to the business of the SPACs of which we are a sponsor
and to the SPACs of third party entities, which may create conflicts of interest in their determination as to how much time to devote to our affairs and may have a
negative impact on our business.
Our executive officers and members of our senior management team have served key roles in the SPACs of which we are a sponsor. Our executive officers and members
of our senior management team may serve as key employees for future SPACs of which we are the sponsors. If our executive officers’ and members of our senior
management team’s involvement in the business affairs of the SPACs of which we are a sponsor require any of them to devote substantial amounts of time to such
affairs, it could limit their ability to devote time to our business affairs, which may have a negative impact on our business.
Daniel G. Cohen is a member of Cohen Circle, a fintech investing platform and the sponsor of third party SPACs. Mr. Cohen’s involvement in Cohen Circle could also
limit his ability to devote time to our business affairs, which may have a negative impact on our business.
If our risk management systems for our businesses are ineffective, we may be exposed to material unanticipated losses.
We seek to manage, monitor, and control our operational, legal and regulatory risk through operational and compliance reporting systems, internal controls, management
review processes and other mechanisms, and may not fully mitigate the risk exposure of our businesses in all economic or market environments or protect against all
types of risk. Further, our risk management methods may not effectively predict future risk exposures, which could be significantly greater than the historical measures
indicate. In addition, some of our risk management methods are based on an evaluation of information regarding markets, clients, and other matters that are based on
assumptions that may no longer be accurate. A failure to adequately manage our growth, or to effectively manage our risk, could materially and adversely affect our
business and financial condition. In addition, we are deploying our own capital in our funds and in principal investments, and limitations on our ability to withdraw some
or all of our investments in these funds or liquidate our investment positions, whether for legal, reputational, illiquidity or other reasons, may make it more difficult for us
to control the risk exposures relating to these investments.
We are highly dependent on information and communications systems. Systems failures could significantly disrupt our business, which may, in turn, negatively
affect our operating results.
Our business will depend, to a substantial degree, on the proper functioning of our information and communications systems and our ability to retain the employees and
consultants who operate and maintain these systems. Any failure or interruption of our systems, due to systems failures, staff departures or otherwise, could result in
delays, increased costs or other problems which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results. A disaster, such as water damage to an office, an
explosion or a prolonged loss of electrical power, could materially interrupt our business operations and cause material financial loss, regulatory actions, reputational
harm or legal liability. In addition, if security measures contained in our systems are breached as a result of third-party action, employee error, malfeasance or otherwise,
our reputation may be damaged, and our business could suffer. We have developed a business continuity plan, however, there are no assurances that such plan will be
successful in preventing, timely and adequately addressing, or mitigating the negative effects of any failure or interruption.
There can be no assurance that our information systems and other technology will continue to be able to accommodate our operations, or that the cost of maintaining
the systems and technology will not materially increase from the current level. A failure to accommodate our operations, or a material increase in costs related to
information systems and technology, could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We may not be able to keep pace with continuing changes in technology.
Our market is characterized by rapidly changing technology. To be successful, we must adapt to this rapidly changing environment by continually improving the
performance, features, and reliability of our services. We could incur substantial costs if we need to modify our services or infrastructure or adapt our technology to
respond to these changes (including in response to artificial intelligence or other emerging technologies). A delay or failure to address technological advances and
developments or an increase in costs resulting from these changes could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
The development and use of artificial intelligence presents risks and challenges that could adversely impact our business, financial condition, and results of
operations.
We, or our third-party service providers, may develop or incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) technology in certain business processes, products, or services. The
development and use of AI presents a number of risks and challenges. The legal and regulatory environment relating to AI is uncertain and rapidly evolving, which
could require changes in our potential use and implementation of AI technology, limit our ability to integrate AI, and increase our compliance costs and the risk of non-
compliance.
Additionally, we may integrate AI into our operations, technology, products, and services in the future. AI models may produce output or take action that is incorrect,
infringe on the intellectual property rights of others, or is otherwise harmful. In addition, the complexity of AI models may make it challenging to understand why they
generate particular outputs. There can be no assurance that any products or services that utilize AI will be successful or that we will keep pace with the rapid evolution
of AI. Additionally, others may use AI to increase the frequency and severity of cybersecurity attacks against us or our third-party service providers, which could
adversely impact our business and results of operations.
26
Table of Contents
Failure to protect client data or prevent breaches of our information systems could expose us to liability or reputational damage.
The secure transmission of confidential information over public networks is a critical element of our operations. We are dependent on information technology networks
and systems to securely process, transmit and store electronic information and to communicate among our locations and with our clients and vendors. As the breadth
and complexity of this infrastructure continue to grow, the potential risk of security breaches and cyber-attacks increases. As a financial services company, we may be
subject to cyber-attacks and phishing scams by third parties. In addition, vulnerabilities of our external service providers and other third parties could pose security
risks to client information. Such breaches could lead to shutdowns or disruptions of our systems and potential unauthorized disclosure of confidential information and
violations of privacy laws and regulations.
In providing services to clients, we manage, utilize and store sensitive and confidential client data, including personal data. As a result, we are subject to numerous laws
and regulations designed to protect this information, such as U.S. federal and state laws and foreign regulations governing the protection of personally identifiable
information. These laws and regulations are increasing in complexity and number, change frequently and sometimes conflict. If any person, including any of our
employees, negligently disregards or intentionally breaches our established controls with respect to client data, or otherwise mismanages or misappropriates that data,
we could be subject to significant monetary damages, regulatory enforcement actions, fines and/or criminal prosecution in one or more jurisdictions. Unauthorized
disclosure of sensitive or confidential client data, whether through systems failure, employee negligence, fraud or misappropriation, could damage our reputation and
cause us to lose clients. Similarly, unauthorized access to or through our information systems, whether by our employees or third parties, including a cyber-attack by
computer programmers and hackers who may deploy viruses, worms or other malicious software programs, could result in negative publicity, significant remediation
costs, legal liability, financial responsibility under our security guarantee to reimburse clients for losses resulting from unauthorized activity in their accounts and
damage to our reputation and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. Further, the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) requires
entities processing the personal data of individuals in the European Union to meet certain requirements regarding the handling of that data. Failure to meet GDPR
requirements could result in substantial penalties and materially adversely impact our financial results. The occurrence of any of these incidents could result in
reputational damage, adverse publicity, loss of consumer confidence, reduced sales and profits, complications in executing our growth initiatives and regulatory and
legal risk, including criminal penalties or civil liabilities. In addition, our liability insurance might not be sufficient in type or amount to cover us against claims related to
security breaches, cyber-attacks, phishing scams and other related breaches.
We are largely dependent on Pershing LLC to provide clearing services and margin financing.
Our broker-dealer relies on Pershing LLC to provide clearing services, as well as other operational and support functions that cannot be provided for internally. In
addition, currently all of our margin financing is obtained from Pershing LLC. As of December 31, 2024, our total margin loan payable to Pershing LLC is $66.7 million. If
our relationship with Pershing LLC is terminated, there can be no assurance that the functions and margin loan financing previously provided could be replaced on
comparable economic terms.
Our substantial level of indebtedness could adversely affect our financial health and ability to compete. In addition, our failure to satisfy the financial covenants in
our debt agreements could result in a default and acceleration of repayment of the indebtedness thereunder.
Our balance sheet includes approximately $57.8 million par value of recourse indebtedness. Our indebtedness could have important consequences to our stockholders.
For example, our indebtedness could:
•
make it more difficult for us to pay our debts as they become due during general adverse economic and market industry conditions because any
related decrease in revenues could cause our cash flows from operations to decrease and make it difficult for us to make our scheduled debt
payments;
•
limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate and consequently, place us at a
competitive disadvantage to our competitors with less debt;
•
require a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to be used for debt service payments, thereby reducing the availability of our
cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes;
•
limit our ability to borrow additional funds to expand our business or alleviate liquidity constraints, as a result of financial and other restrictive
covenants in our indebtedness; and
•
result in higher interest expense in the event of increases in interest rates since some of our borrowings are and will continue to be, at variable
rates of interest.
Under the junior subordinated notes related to the Alesco Capital Trust, we are required to maintain a total debt to capitalization ratio of less than 0.95 to 1.0. Also,
because the aggregate amount of our outstanding subordinated debt exceeds 25% of our net worth, we are unable to issue any further subordinated debt. As of
December 31, 2024, we have a substantial amount of debt with variable interest rates. We may experience material increases in our interest expense as a result of
increases in general interest rate levels. In addition, our indebtedness imposes restrictions that limit our discretion with regard to certain business matters, including our
ability to engage in consolidations and mergers and our ability to transfer and lease certain of our properties. Such restrictions could make it more difficult for us to
expand, finance our operations and engage in other business activities that may be in our interest. Our ability to comply with these and any other provisions of such
agreements will be affected by changes in our operating and financial performance, changes in business conditions or results of operations, adverse regulatory
developments or other events beyond our control. The breach of any of these covenants could result in a default, which could cause our indebtedness to become due
and payable. If the maturity of our indebtedness were accelerated, we may not have sufficient funds to pay such indebtedness. Any additional indebtedness we may
incur in the future may subject us to similar or even more restrictive conditions.
Accounting rules for certain of our transactions are highly complex and involve significant judgment and assumptions. Changes in accounting interpretations or
assumptions could adversely impact our financial statements.
Accounting rules for transfers of financial assets, income taxes, compensation arrangements including share-based compensation, securitization transactions,
consolidation of variable interest entities, determining the fair value of financial instruments and other aspects of our operations are highly complex and involve
significant judgment and assumptions. These complexities could lead to delay in preparation of our financial information. Changes in accounting interpretations or
assumptions could materially impact our financial statements.
27
Table of Contents
We may change our investment strategy, hedging strategy, asset allocation and operational policies without our stockholders’ consent, which may result in riskier
investments and adversely affect the market value of our Common Stock.
We may change our investment strategy, hedging strategy, asset allocation and/or operational policies at any time without the consent of our stockholders. A change in
our investment or hedging strategy may increase our exposure to various risks including interest rate and exchange rate fluctuations. Furthermore, our board of directors
will determine our operational policies and may amend or revise our policies, including polices with respect to our acquisitions, growth, operations, indebtedness,
capitalization and distributions, or our board may approve transactions that deviate from these policies without a vote of, or notice to, our stockholders. Operational
policy changes could adversely affect the market value of our Common Stock.
Maintenance of our Investment Company Act exemption imposes limits on our operations, and loss of our Investment Company Act exemption would adversely
affect our operations.
We seek to conduct our operations so that we are not required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. Section 3(a)(l)(C) of the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), defines an “investment company” as any issuer that is engaged or proposes to engage
in the business of investing, reinvesting, owning, holding or trading in securities and owns or proposes to acquire investment securities having a value exceeding 40%
of the value of the issuer’s total assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis. Excluded from the term “investment
securities,” among other things, are securities issued by majority-owned subsidiaries that are not themselves investment companies and are not relying on the exception
from the definition of investment company set forth in Section 3(c)(l) or Section 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act.
We are a holding company that conducts our business primarily through the Operating LLC as a voting-controlled subsidiary. Whether or not we qualify under the 40%
test is primarily based on whether the securities we hold in the Operating LLC are investment securities. If we were required to register as an investment company under
the Investment Company Act, we would become subject to substantial regulation with respect to our capital structure (including our ability to use leverage),
management, operations, transactions with affiliated persons (as defined in the Investment Company Act) and other matters. Such limitations could have a material
adverse effect on our business and operations. As of December 31, 2024, we are in compliance with and meet the Section 3(a)(1)(C) exclusion.
The soundness of other financial institutions and intermediaries affects us.
We face the risk of operational failure, termination or capacity constraints of any of the clearing agents, exchanges, clearing houses or other financial intermediaries that
we use to facilitate our securities transactions. As a result of the consolidation over the years of clearing agents, exchanges and clearing houses, our exposure to certain
financial intermediaries has increased and could affect our ability to find adequate and cost-effective alternatives should the need arise. Any failure, termination or
constraint of these intermediaries could adversely affect our ability to execute transactions, service our clients and manage our exposure to risk.
Our ability to engage in routine trading and funding transactions could be adversely affected by the actions and commercial soundness of other financial institutions.
Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, funding, and counterparty or other relationships. We have exposure to many different
industries and counterparties, and we routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial industry, including brokers and dealers, commercial banks,
investment banks, mortgage originators and other institutional clients. As a result, defaults by, or even rumors or questions about the financial condition of, one or more
financial services institutions, or the financial services industry generally, have historically led to market-wide liquidity problems and could lead to losses or defaults by
us or by other institutions. Many of these transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of default of our counterparty or client. In addition, our credit risk may be
exacerbated when the collateral held by us cannot be realized or is liquidated at prices insufficient to recover the full amount of the loan or derivative exposure due us.
Although we have not suffered any material or significant losses as a result of the failure of any financial counterparty, any such losses in the future may materially
adversely affect our results of operations.
We operate in a highly regulated industry and may face restrictions on, and examination of, the way we conduct certain of our operations.
Our business is subject to extensive government and other regulation, and our relationship with our broker-dealer clients may subject us to increased regulatory
scrutiny. These regulations are designed to protect the interests of the investing public generally rather than our stockholders and may result in limitations on our
activities. Governmental and self-regulatory organizations, including the SEC, FINRA, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and other agencies and securities
exchanges such as the NYSE and NYSE American regulate the U.S. financial services industry, and regulate certain of our operations in the U.S. Some of our
international operations are subject to similar regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including rules promulgated by the ACPR which apply to our operations in
France. These regulatory bodies are responsible for safeguarding the integrity of the securities and other financial markets and protecting the interests of investors in
those markets. In addition, all records of registered investment advisors and broker-dealers are subject at any time, and from time to time, to examination by the SEC.
Some aspects of the business that are subject to extensive regulation and/or examination by regulatory agencies, include:
•
sales methods, trading procedures and valuation practices;
•
investment decision making processes and compensation practices;
•
use and safekeeping of client funds and securities;
•
the manner in which we deal with clients;
•
the safeguarding of personally identifiable information;
•
capital requirements;
•
financial and reporting practices;
•
required record keeping and record retention procedures;
•
the licensing of employees;
•
the conduct of directors, officers, employees and affiliates;
•
systems and control requirements;
•
conflicts of interest including, but not limited to allocation of investment opportunities and targets for business combinations for SPACs;
•
restrictions on marketing, gifts and entertainment; and
•
client identification and anti-money laundering requirements.
28
Table of Contents
The SEC, FINRA, ACPR, and various other domestic and international regulatory agencies also have stringent rules and regulations with respect to the maintenance of
specific levels of net capital by broker-dealers. Generally, in the U.S., a broker-dealer’s net capital is defined as its net worth, plus qualified subordinated debt, less
deductions for certain types of assets. If these net capital rules are changed or expanded, or if there is an unusually large charge against net capital, our operations that
require the intensive use of capital would be limited. Also, our ability to withdraw capital from our regulated subsidiaries is subject to restrictions, which in turn could
limit our ability or that of our subsidiaries to pay dividends, repay debt, make distributions, and redeem or purchase shares of our Common Stock or other equity
interests in our subsidiaries. A large operating loss or charge against net capital could adversely affect our ability to expand or even maintain our expected levels of
business, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, we may become subject to net capital requirements in other foreign jurisdictions in
which we operate. While we expect to maintain levels of capital in excess of regulatory minimums, we cannot predict our future capital needs or our ability to obtain
additional financing.
If we or any of our subsidiaries fail to comply with any of these laws, rules, or regulations, we or such subsidiary may be subject to censure, significant fines, cease-and-
desist orders, suspension of business, suspensions of personnel or other sanctions, including revocation of registrations with FINRA, withdrawal of authorizations
from or revocation of registrations with international agencies to whose regulation we are subject, which would have a material adverse effect on our business. The
adverse publicity arising from the imposition of sanctions against us by regulators, even if the amount of such sanctions is small, could harm our reputation and cause
us to lose existing clients or fail to gain new clients.
The authority to operate as a broker-dealer in a jurisdiction is dependent on the registration or authorization in that jurisdiction or the maintenance of a proper exemption
from such registration or authorization. Our ability to comply with all applicable laws and rules is largely dependent on our compliance, credit approval, audit and
reporting systems and procedures, as well as our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel. Any growth or expansion of our business may create additional strain
on our compliance, credit approval, audit and reporting systems and procedures and could result in increased costs to maintain and improve such systems and
procedures.
In addition, new laws or regulations or changes in the enforcement of existing laws or regulations applicable to us and our clients may adversely affect our business,
and our ability to function in this environment will depend on our ability to constantly monitor and react to these changes. Such changes may cause us to change the
way we conduct our business, both in the U.S. and internationally. The government agencies that regulate us have broad powers to investigate and enforce compliance
and punish noncompliance with their rules, regulations, and industry standards of practice. If we and our directors, officers and employees fail to comply with the rules
and regulations of these government agencies, we and they may be subject to claims or actions by such agencies.
Substantial legal liability or significant regulatory action could have material adverse financial effects or cause significant reputational harm, either of which
could seriously harm our business.
We face substantial regulatory and litigation risks and conflicts of interests and may face legal liability and reduced revenues and profitability if our business is not
regarded as compliant or for other reasons. We are subject to extensive regulation, and many aspects of our business will subject us to substantial risks of liability. We
engage in activities in connection with (1) the evaluation, negotiation, structuring, marketing, and sales and management of our investment funds and financial
products, (2) our Capital Markets segment, (3) our asset management operations, and (4) our investment activities. Our activities may subject us to the risk of significant
legal liabilities under securities or other laws for material omissions or materially false or misleading statements made in connection with securities offerings and other
transactions. In addition, to the extent our clients, or investors in our investment funds and financial products, suffer losses, they may claim those losses resulting from
our or our officers’, directors’, employees’, agents’ or affiliates’ breach of contract, fraud, negligence, willful misconduct or other similar misconduct, and may bring
actions against us under federal or state securities or other applicable laws. Dissatisfied clients may also make claims against us regarding quality of trade execution,
improperly settled trades, or mismanagement. We may become subject to these claims as the result of failures or malfunctions of electronic trading platforms or other
brokerage services, including failures or malfunctions of third-party providers’ systems which are beyond our control, and third parties may seek recourse against us for
any losses. In addition, investors may claim breaches of collateral management agreements, which could lead to our termination as collateral manager under such
agreements.
Following the start of the financial crisis in 2007, the volume of claims and amount of damages claimed in litigation and regulatory proceedings against financial advisors
and asset managers increased. With respect to the asset management business, we make investment decisions on behalf of our clients that could result in, and in some
instances in the past have resulted in, substantial losses. In addition, as a manager, we are responsible for clients’ compliance with regulatory requirements. Investment
decisions we make on behalf of clients could cause such clients to fail to comply with regulatory requirements and could result in substantial losses. Although
our management agreements generally include broad indemnities and provisions designed to limit our exposure to legal claims relating to our services, these provisions
may not protect us or may not be enforced in all cases.
In addition, we are exposed to risks of litigation or investigation relating to transactions which present conflicts of interest that are not properly addressed. In such
actions, we could be obligated to bear legal, settlement and other costs (which may be in excess of available insurance coverage). Also, with a workforce consisting of
many very highly paid professionals, we may face the risk of lawsuits relating to claims for compensation, which may individually or in the aggregate be significant in
amount. Similarly, certain corporate events, such as a reduction in our workforce or employee separations, could also result in additional litigation or arbitration. In
addition, as a public company, we are subject to the risk of investigation or litigation by regulators or our public stockholders arising from an array of possible claims,
including investor dissatisfaction with the performance of our business or our share price, allegations of misconduct by our officers and directors or claims that we
inappropriately dealt with conflicts of interest or investment allocations. In addition, we may incur significant expenses in defending claims, even those without merit. If
any claims brought against us result in a finding of substantial legal liability and/or require us to incur all or a portion of the costs arising out of litigation or
investigation, our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. Such litigation or investigation, whether
resolved in our favor or not or ultimately settled, could cause significant reputational harm, which could seriously harm our business.
In our Investment Management business, we make investment decisions on behalf of our clients that could result in substantial losses. This also may subject us to the
risk of legal liability or actions alleging negligent misconduct, breach of fiduciary duty or breach of contract. These risks often may be difficult to assess or quantify and
their existence and magnitude often remain unknown for substantial periods of time. In addition, the activities of our CCM business may subject us to the risk of
significant legal actions by our clients and third parties and subject us to regulatory proceedings. Particularly in highly volatile markets, the volume of claims and
amount of damages claimed in litigation and regulatory proceedings against financial advisors and underwriters can be significant. Our business is also subject to
regulation in the countries in which it operates. As this regulatory environment continues to change (in some cases potentially significantly) it is difficult to assess
future litigation and regulatory risks. Regulatory changes make it harder for our clients to estimate future potential losses that may be incurred. Our advisory
and underwriting activities may subject us to the risk of significant legal liability to our clients and third parties, including our clients’ stockholders, under securities or
other laws for materially false or misleading statements made in connection with securities and other transactions and potential liability for the fairness opinions and
other advice provided to participants in corporate transactions. We may incur significant legal expenses in defending ourselves against litigation or regulatory or
governmental action. Substantial legal liability or significant regulatory or governmental action against us could materially adversely affect our business, financial
condition or results of operations and cause significant reputational harm to us, which could seriously harm our business.
29
Table of Contents
The competitive pressures we face as a result of operating in highly competitive markets could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition,
liquidity and results of operations.
A number of entities conduct asset management, origination, investment, and broker-dealer activities. We compete with public and private funds, SPACs and SPAC
sponsors, REITs, commercial and investment banks, savings and loan institutions, mortgage bankers, insurance companies, institutional bankers, governmental bodies,
commercial finance companies, traditional asset managers, brokerage firms and other entities.
Many firms offer similar and/or additional products and services to the same types of clients that we target or may target in the future. Many of our competitors are
substantially larger and have more relevant experience, have considerably greater financial, technical and marketing resources, and have more personnel than we have.
There are few barriers to entry, including a relatively low cost of entering these lines of business, and the successful efforts of new entrants into our expected lines of
business, including major banks and other financial institutions, may result in increased competition. Other industry participants may, from time to time, seek to recruit
our investment professionals and other employees away from us.
With respect to our asset management activities, our competitors may have more extensive distribution capabilities, more effective marketing strategies, more attractive
investment vehicle structures and broader name recognition than we do. Further, other investment managers may offer services at more competitive prices than we do,
which could put downward pressure on our fee structure. With respect to our origination and investment activities, some competitors may have a lower cost of funds,
enhanced operating efficiencies, and access to funding sources that are not available to us. In addition, some of our competitors may have higher risk tolerances or
different risk assessments, which could allow them to consider a wider variety of investments and establish more relationships than we can. The competitive pressures
we face, if not effectively managed, may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.
Also, as a result of this competition, we may not be able to take advantage of attractive asset management, origination and investment opportunities and, therefore, may
not be able to identify and pursue opportunities that are consistent with our business objectives. Competition may limit the number of suitable investment opportunities
offered to us. It may also result in higher prices, lower yields and a narrower spread of yields over our borrowing costs, making it more difficult for us to acquire new
investments on attractive terms. In addition, competition for desirable investments could delay the investment in desirable assets, which may in turn reduce our earnings
per share.
With respect to our broker-dealer activities, our revenues could be adversely affected if large institutional clients that we have (i) increase the amount of trading they do
directly with each other rather than through our broker-dealer, (ii) decrease the amount of trading they do with our broker-dealer because they decide to trade more with
our competitors, (iii) decrease their trading of certain over-the-counter (“OTC”) products in favor of exchange-traded products, or (iv) hire in-house professionals to
handle trading that our broker-dealer would otherwise be engaged to do.
We have experienced intense price competition in our fixed income brokerage business in recent years. Some competitors may offer brokerage services to clients at lower
prices than we offer, which may force us to reduce our prices or to lose market share and revenue. In addition, we intend to focus primarily on providing brokerage
services in markets for less commoditized financial instruments. As the markets for these instruments become more commoditized, we could lose market share to other
inter-dealer brokers, exchanges and electronic multi-dealer brokers who specialize in providing brokerage services in more commoditized markets. If a financial instrument
for which we provide brokerage services becomes listed on an exchange or if an exchange introduces a competing product to the products, we broker in the OTC market,
the need for our services in relation to that instrument could be significantly reduced. Further, the recent consolidation among exchange firms, and expansion by these
firms into derivative and other non-equity trading markets, will increase competition for customer trades and place additional pricing pressure on commissions and
spreads.
Employee misconduct or error, which can be difficult to detect and deter, could harm us by impairing our ability to attract and retain clients and by subjecting us
to significant legal liability and reputational harm.
There have been a number of highly publicized cases involving fraud, trading on material non-public information, or other misconduct by employees and others in the
financial services industry, and there is a risk that our employees could engage in misconduct that adversely affects our business. For example, we may be subject to the
risk of significant legal liabilities under securities or other laws for our employees’ material omissions or materially false or misleading statements in connection with
securities and other transactions. In addition, our advisory business requires that we deal with confidential matters of great significance to our clients. If our employees
were to improperly use or disclose confidential information provided by our clients, we could be subject to regulatory sanctions and could suffer serious harm to our
reputation, financial position, current client relationships and ability to attract future clients. We are also subject to extensive regulation under securities laws and other
laws in connection with our asset management business. Failure to comply with these legislative and regulatory requirements by any of our employees could adversely
affect us and our clients. It is not always possible to deter employee misconduct, and any precautions taken by us to detect and prevent this activity may not be
effective in all cases.
Furthermore, employee errors, including mistakes in executing, recording or reporting transactions for clients (such as entering into transactions that clients may
disavow and refuse to settle) could expose us to financial losses and could seriously harm our reputation and negatively affect our business. The risk of employee error
or miscommunication may be greater for products that are new or have non-standardized terms.
We receive financial instruments instead of cash as consideration for some of our services, which may be illiquid, and the price we ultimately realize may be
materially lower than their current fair value.
The value of the financial instruments which we receive as consideration for our services may be subject to transfer or other restrictions, which may render such
securities or financial instruments to be illiquid. Further, the financial instruments may be materially affected by market fluctuations. Market volatility, illiquid market
conditions and disruptions in the markets may make it difficult to value and monetize certain of our securities or financial instruments, particularly during periods of
market uncertainty. Subsequent valuations in future periods may result in significant changes in the value of these financial instruments. In addition, at the time of any
sales and settlements of these financial instruments, the price we ultimately realize will depend on the demand and liquidity in the market at that time and may be
materially lower than the fair value at the time we receive them. Any of these factors could cause a decline in the value of financial instruments which we hold.
SFA transactions may obligate the Company to make payments on a certain payments at, or subsequent to, maturity which may be made in cash, by returning the
acquired interests in kind, or through a combination of both, which could affect our liquidity.
A i
ifi
f
i
i
l i
h
f
SFA
SFA
i
l
h
k
h SFA C
A significant component of our principal investment revenue has come from SFAs. SFAs stipulate that we must make a payment to the SFA Counterparty on or
subsequent to a certain maturity date, which may be in cash, by returning the acquired assets in kind, or a combination of both. Payment to the SFA Counterparty
pursuant to the SFAs may have an adverse impact on our liquidity. We may need to incur additional indebtedness to finance these payments to the extent our cash
resources are insufficient to meet our obligations under the SFAs as a result of timing discrepancies or otherwise, and these obligations could negatively effect our
business, financial condition, and results of operations.
30
Table of Contents
Risks Related to Our Organizational Structure and Ownership of Our Common Stock
We could repurchase shares of our Common Stock at price levels considered excessive, the amount of our Common Stock we repurchase may decrease from
historical levels, or we may not repurchase any additional shares of our Common Stock in the future.
We could repurchase shares of our Common Stock at price levels considered excessive, thereby spending more cash on such repurchases then deemed reasonable and
effectively retiring fewer shares than would be retired if repurchases were effected at lower prices. Further, our future repurchases of shares of our Common Stock, if
any, and the number of shares of Common Stock we may repurchase will depend upon our financial condition, results of operations and other factors deemed relevant
by our board of directors. There can be no assurance that we will continue our practice of repurchasing shares of our Common Stock or that we will have the financial
resources to repurchase shares of our Common Stock in the future.
We are a holding company whose primary asset is units of membership interests in the Operating LLC, and we are dependent on distributions from the Operating
LLC to pay taxes and other obligations.
We are a holding company whose primary assets are units of membership interests in the Operating LLC. Since the Operating LLC is a limited liability company taxed as
a partnership, we, as a member of the Operating LLC, could incur tax obligations as a result of our allocable share of the income from the operations of the Operating
LLC. In addition, we have convertible senior debt and junior subordinated notes outstanding. The Operating LLC will pay distributions to us in amounts necessary to
satisfy our tax obligations and regularly scheduled payments of interest in connection with our junior subordinated notes, and we are dependent on these distributions
from the Operating LLC in order to generate the funds necessary to meet these obligations and liabilities. Industry conditions and financial, business and other factors
will affect our ability to generate the cash flows we need to make these distributions. There may be circumstances under which the Operating LLC may be restricted from
paying dividends to us under applicable law or regulation (for example due to Delaware Limited Liability Company Act limitations on the Operating LLC’s ability to make
distributions if liabilities of the Operating LLC after the distribution would exceed the value of the Operating LLC’s assets).
As a holding company that does not conduct business operations in its own right, substantially all of the assets of the Company are comprised of our minority
economic ownership interest in the Operating LLC. The Company’s ability to pay any dividends to our stockholders will be dependent on any distributions we receive
from the Operating LLC and subject to the Operating LLC’s operating agreement (the “Operating LLC Agreement”). The amount and timing of distributions by the
Operating LLC will be at the discretion of the Operating LLC’s board of managers, which is comprised of Daniel G. Cohen, our Executive Chairman and the majority
owner of the Operating LLC, Lester Brafman, our Chief Executive Officer and Joseph W. Pooler, Jr., our Chief Financial Officer.
Certain subsidiaries of the Operating LLC have restrictions on the withdrawal of capital and otherwise in making distributions and loans. JVB is subject to net capital
restrictions imposed by the SEC and FINRA, which require certain minimum levels of net capital to remain in JVB. In addition, these restrictions could potentially impose
notice requirements or limit the Company’s ability to withdraw capital above the required minimum amounts (excess capital) whether through distribution or loan.
CCFESSA is regulated by the ACPR and must maintain certain minimum levels of capital.
Our failure to deal appropriately with actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest could damage our reputation and materially adversely affect our business.
As we have expanded the scope of our relating to our Advisory and Asset Management businesses, we increasingly confront actual, potential and perceived conflicts
of interest. It is possible that actual, potential or perceived conflicts could give rise to client dissatisfaction, litigation or regulatory enforcement actions. Identifying and
managing actual, potential and perceived conflicts of interest is difficult, and our reputation could be damaged if we fail to deal appropriately with one or more actual,
potential or perceived conflicts of interest. Regulatory scrutiny of, or litigation in connection with, conflicts of interest would have a material adverse effect on our
reputation which would materially adversely affect our business. Additionally, client-imposed conflicts requirements could place additional limitations on us, for
example, by limiting our ability to accept advisory engagements.
Policies, controls and procedures that we may be required to implement to address additional regulatory requirements, including as a result of foreign jurisdictions in
which we operate, our underwriting activities, or to mitigate actual or potential conflicts of interest, may result in increased costs, including for additional personnel and
infrastructure and information technology improvements, as well as limit our activities and reduce the benefit of positive synergies that we seek to cultivate across our
businesses.
Daniel G. Cohen, our Executive Chairman, has significant ownership interests in the Operating LLC and competing duties to other entities (including Cohen
Circle) that could create potential conflicts of interest and may result in decisions that are not in the best interests of other Cohen & Company Inc. stockholders.
As of December 31, 2024, Daniel G. Cohen, our Executive Chairman, individually and through an entity he wholly owns, Cohen Bros. Financial, LLC (“CBF”), owns
22,975,501 units of membership interests (including both unrestricted and restricted units), or 37.4% of the membership interests in the Operating LLC. In addition, as of
December 31, 2024 the DGC Trust owns 20,225,095 or 32.9% units of the membership interests in the Operating LLC. The DGC Trust was formed by Daniel G. Cohen.
Although Daniel G. Cohen is neither a trustee nor a named beneficiary of the DGC Trust and does not have any voting or dispositive control of securities held by the
trust, he may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of all securities held by the DGC Trust as a result of his ability to acquire any of the DGC Trust’s assets, including any
securities held by the DGC Trust (and, in turn, the sole voting and sole dispositive power with respect to such securities), by substituting other property of an
equivalent value without the approval or consent of any person, including any trustee or beneficiary of the DGC Trust.
Cohen & Company, Inc. also holds units of membership interests in the Operating LLC and has the majority voting power of the Operating LLC through a proxy granted
to it by Mr. Cohen and the DGC Trust. On September 25, 2020, the Securities Purchase Agreement dated December 30, 2019, by and among the Company, the Operating
LLC, Daniel Cohen, and DGC Trust and the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of the Operating LLC were amended to provide that the voting
proxy shall be revoked in the event that Daniel G. Cohen and/or his affiliates cease to beneficially own a majority of the voting securities of the Company. See notes 21
and 31.
Additionally, as of December 31, 2024, Daniel G. Cohen directly owns 4.1% of our Common Stock. Further, as of such date, Mr. Cohen may be deemed to be the
beneficial owner of additional shares of our Common Stock representing 3.9%, which is owned by EBC 2013 Family Trust (“EBC”) as the result of Mr. Cohen’s position
as trustee of the trust and as a result of the fact that Mr. Cohen has sole voting power with respect to all securities held by EBC. As noted above, Daniel G. Cohen may
control certain actions of the Company. As an owner of interests in the Operating LLC, Daniel G. Cohen may have interests that differ from the stockholders of the
Company, including in circumstances in which there may be tax consequence to the members of the Operating LLC. Further, Daniel G. Cohen’s ownership interests in
third party entities, including Cohen Circle, may result in his interests differing from the stockholders of the Company. As a result of his ownership in both the
Company, the Operating LLC and third party entities, including Cohen Circle, it is possible that Daniel G. Cohen as a shareholder of the Company could approve or reject
actions based on his own interests as a stockholder that may or may not be in the best interests of the other the Company’s stockholders.
31
Table of Contents
We are controlled by Daniel G. Cohen, whose interests in our business may be different than our other stockholders, and, as a “controlled company” within the
meaning of the rules of NYSE American, our other stockholders will not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to certain
corporate governance requirements.
Mr. Cohen currently owns approximately 40.1% of the voting power of the Company as a result of his ownership of our outstanding Common Stock, Series E Preferred
Stock and Series F Preferred Stock.
Further, the DGC Family Fintech Trust (the “DGC Trust”), a trust formed by Mr. Cohen, owns 9,880,268 shares of our Series F Preferred Stock. Our Series F Preferred
Stock votes together with the holders of our Common Stock on all matters, entitling the holders thereof to one vote for every ten shares of Series F Preferred Stock
held. Accordingly, the shares of Series F Preferred Stock held by the DGC Trust entitle the DGC Trust to 988,027 votes on matters presented to holders of our Common
Stock. Although Daniel G. Cohen is neither a trustee nor a named beneficiary of the DGC Trust and does not have any voting or dispositive control of securities held by
the DGC Trust, pursuant to the terms of the DGC Trust, Mr. Cohen has the ability to acquire any of the DGC Trust’s assets, including the 9,880,268 units of the
membership interests in the Operating LLC held by the DGC Trust (at any time and without the consent of the trustees or beneficiaries of the DGC Trust) by substituting
such assets with other property of equivalent value. Accordingly, Mr. Cohen, at any time, could become the owner of the membership interests in the Operating
LLC currently held by the DGC Trust and, in turn, an additional 20.7% of the voting power of the Company.
As a result of Mr. Cohen’s voting control of the Company, Mr. Cohen has the right to designate all members of our board of directors and his nominees to our board of
directors will have the ability to control the appointment of our management, the entering into of mergers, material acquisitions and dispositions and other extraordinary
transactions and to influence amendments to our charter, bylaws and other corporate governance documents. So long as Mr. Cohen continues to own, directly or
indirectly, a majority of our voting stock, he will have the ability to control the vote in any election of directors and will have the ability to approve or prevent any
transaction that requires stockholder approval regardless of whether others believe the transaction are or are not in our best interests. In any of these matters, the
interests of Mr. Cohen may differ from or conflict with the interests of our other stockholders. Moreover, this concentration of voting stock ownership may also
adversely affect the trading price for our Common Stock to the extent investors perceive disadvantages in owning stock of a company with a controlling stockholder.
In addition, because Mr. Cohen controls a majority of our voting stock, we are a “controlled company” within the meaning of the corporate governance standards of
NYSE American. Under these rules, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by an individual, group or another company is a “controlled
company” and may elect not to comply with certain corporate governance requirements, including the requirements that a majority of the board of directors consist of
independent directors and the requirements that the executive compensation committee and nominating and corporate governance committee each be comprised entirely
of independent directors. We may take advantage of certain of these exemptions for as long as we continue to qualify as a “controlled company.” Accordingly, our
stockholders may not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance requirements of NYSE
American.
Any future distributions to our stockholders will depend upon certain factors affecting our operating results, some of which are beyond our control. Any future
distributions to our stockholders will depend upon certain factors affecting our operating results, some of which are beyond our control.
Our ability to make cash distributions is based on many factors, including the return on our investments, operating expense levels and certain restrictions imposed by
Maryland law. Some of these factors are beyond our control and a change in any such factor could affect our ability to make distributions in the future. We may not be
able to make distributions. Our stockholders should rely on increases, if any, in the price of our Common Stock for any return on their investment. Furthermore, we are
dependent on distributions from the Operating LLC to be able to make distributions. See the risk factor above titled “We are a holding company whose primary asset is
units of membership interest in the Operating LLC and we are dependent on distributions from the Operating LLC to pay taxes and other obligations.”
Future sales of our Common Stock in the public market could lower the price of our Common Stock and impair our ability to raise funds in future securities
offerings.
Future sales of a substantial number of shares of our Common Stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales may occur, could adversely affect the then
prevailing market price of our Common Stock and could make it more difficult for us to raise funds in the future through a public offering of our securities.
Your percentage ownership in the Company may be diluted in the future.
Your percentage ownership in the Company may be diluted in the future because of equity awards that have been, or may be, granted to our directors, officers, and
employees. We have adopted equity compensation plans that provide for the grant of equity-based awards, including restricted stock, stock options and other equity-
based awards to our directors, officers and other employees, advisors and consultants. At December 31, 2024, we had 404,791 shares of restricted stock outstanding to
employees and directors of the Company and there were 385,400 shares available for future awards under our equity compensation plans. The Operating LLC also has
issued 4,465,998 units that are restricted. Vesting of restricted stock, Operating LLC units, and stock option grants is generally contingent upon performance conditions
and/or service conditions. Vesting of those shares of restricted units and stock would dilute the ownership interest of existing stockholders. Equity awards will continue
to be a source of compensation for employees and directors.
If we raise additional capital, we expect it will be necessary for us to issue additional equity or convertible debt securities. If we issue equity or convertible debt
securities, the price at which we offer such securities may not bear any relationship to our value, the net tangible book value per share may decrease, the percentage
ownership of our current stockholders would be diluted, and any equity securities we may issue in such offering or upon conversion of convertible debt securities
issued in such offering, may have rights, preferences or privileges with respect to liquidation, dividends, redemption, voting and other matters that are senior to or more
advantageous than our Common Stock. If we finance acquisitions by issuing equity securities or securities convertible into equity securities, our existing stockholders
will also be diluted.
32
Table of Contents
The issuance of the shares of Common Stock upon the redemption, if any, of the issued and outstanding LLC Units may cause substantial dilution to our existing
stockholders and may cause the price of our Common Stock to decline.
There are 61,443,567 units of membership interests in the Operating LLC issued and outstanding, of which 22,975,501 units of membership interests in the Operating LLC
are beneficially owned by Daniel G. Cohen. and 20,225,095 LLC Units are held by the DGC Family Fintech Trust of which Daniel G. Cohen is a beneficial owner. Subject
to certain restrictions, pursuant to the Operating LLC Agreement, a holder of unrestricted units of membership interests in the Operating LLC may cause the Operating
LLC to redeem such units at any time for, at the Company’s option, (A) cash or (B) one share of the Company’s Common Stock for every ten units of membership
interests in the Operating LLC. If the outstanding units of membership interests in the Operating LLC are redeemed by the Company for Common Stock, our existing
stockholders could be significantly diluted and the price of our Common Stock may decline. See note 21 to our consolidated financial statements included in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K.
We may not be able to generate sufficient taxable income to fully realize our deferred tax asset, which would also have to be reduced if U.S. federal income tax
rates are lowered.
As of December 31, 2024, we have recorded a deferred tax asset of $2.3 million. If we are unable to generate sufficient taxable income prior to the expiration of our NOLs,
the NOLs would expire unused. Our projections of future taxable income required to fully realize the recorded amount of the net deferred tax asset reflect numerous
assumptions about our operating businesses and investments and are subject to change as conditions change specific to our business units, investments or general
economic conditions. Changes that are adverse to us could result in the need to increase our deferred tax asset valuation allowance resulting in a charge to results of
operations and a decrease to total stockholders’ equity. In addition, any decrease in the federal statutory tax rate, or other changes in federal tax statutes, could also
cause a reduction in the economic benefit of the NOL currently available to us.
The Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”), and provisions in our charter and bylaws may prevent takeover attempts that could be beneficial to our
stockholders.
Provisions of the MGCL and our charter and bylaws could discourage a takeover of us even if a change of control would be beneficial to the interests of our
stockholders. These statutory, charter and bylaw provisions include the following:
•
the MGCL generally requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of all votes entitled to be cast on the matter to approve a merger, consolidation,
or share exchange involving us or the transfer of all or substantially all of our assets;
•
our board of directors has the power to classify and reclassify authorized and unissued shares of our Common Stock or preferred stock and,
subject to certain restrictions in the Operating LLC Agreement, authorize the issuance of a class or series of Common Stock or preferred stock
without stockholder approval;
•
our charter may be amended only if the amendment is declared advisable by our board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of the
holders of our Common Stock entitled to cast at least two-thirds of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter;
•
a director may be removed from office at any time with or without cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of our Common Stock entitled to
cast at least two-thirds of the votes of the stock entitled to be cast in the election of directors;
•
an advance notice procedure for stockholder proposals to be brought before an annual meeting of our stockholders and nominations of
persons for election to our board of directors at an annual or special meeting of our stockholders;
•
no stockholder is entitled to cumulate votes at any election of directors; and
•
our stockholders may take action in lieu of a meeting with respect to any actions that are required or permitted to be taken by our stockholders
at any annual or special meeting of stockholders only by unanimous consent.
33
Table of Contents
Risks Related to General and Global Factors
We are currently operating in a period of economic uncertainty and capital markets disruption, which has been significantly impacted by geopolitical instability
due to the ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely affected
by any negative impact on the global economy and capital markets resulting from the conflict in Ukraine or any other geopolitical tensions.
U.S. and global markets are experiencing volatility and disruption following the escalation of geopolitical tensions and the start of the military conflict between Russia
and Ukraine. On February 24, 2022, a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops was reported. Although the length and impact of the ongoing military
conflict is highly unpredictable, the conflict in Ukraine has led to market disruptions, including significant volatility in credit and capital markets.
Additionally, Russia’s prior annexation of Crimea, the recognition of two separatist republics in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine and subsequent military
interventions in Ukraine have led to sanctions and other penalties being levied by the United States, European Union and other countries against Russia, Belarus, the
Crimea Region of Ukraine, the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic, and the so-called Luhansk People’s Republic, including the removal of certain Russian financial
institutions from the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (“SWIFT”) payment system. Additional potential sanctions and penalties have also
been proposed and/or threatened. Russian military actions and the resulting sanctions could adversely affect the global economy and financial markets.
Any of the above-mentioned factors could affect our business, prospects, financial condition, and operating results. The extent and duration of the military action,
sanctions and resulting market disruptions are difficult to predict, but could be substantial. Any such disruptions may also magnify the impact of other risks described in
this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Climate change concerns and incidents could disrupt our business, adversely affect the profitability of certain of our investments, adversely affect customer activity
levels, adversely affect the creditworthiness of our counterparties, and damage our reputation.
Climate change may cause extreme weather events that disrupt our business operations, which may negatively affect our ability to service and interact with our
customers, and also may adversely affect the value of certain of our investments, including those in the real estate markets. Climate change may also have a negative
impact on the financial condition of our customers, which may decrease revenues from those customers and increase the credit risk associated with loans and other
credit exposures to those customers. Additionally, our reputation and customer relationships may be damaged as a result of our involvement, or our customers’
involvement, in certain industries or projects associated with causing or exacerbating climate change, as well as any decisions we make to continue to conduct or
change our activities in response to considerations relating to climate change. New regulations or guidance relating to climate change, as well as the perspectives of
shareholders, employees and other stakeholders regarding climate change, may affect whether and on what terms and conditions we engage in certain activities or offer
certain products.
If we fail to control our costs effectively, our business could be disrupted, and our financial results could be adversely affected.
The Company continues to look for ways to reduce infrastructure costs and reposition itself in the financial services industry. Beginning in 2010 and continuing to the
present, the Company executed initiatives that created efficiencies within its business and decreased operating expenses through the realignment of operating facilities,
a merger of its two registered U.S. broker-dealer subsidiaries, and a restructuring of operating systems and systems support.
Our cost management initiatives have included reducing our workforce, which has placed increased burdens on our management, systems and resources, and generally
increased our dependence on key persons and reduced functional back-ups. As a result, our ability to respond to unexpected challenges may be impaired, and we may
be unable to take advantage of new opportunities. In addition, if these and other initiatives do not have the desired effects or result in the projected increased
efficiencies, the Company may incur additional or unexpected expenses, reputational damage, or loss of customers which would adversely affect the Company’s
operations and revenues.
In response to changes in industry and market conditions, the Company may be required to further strategically realign its resources and consider restructuring,
disposing of, or otherwise exiting businesses. We cannot assure you that we will be able to:
•
Expand our capabilities or systems effectively;
•
Successfully develop new products or services;
•
Allocate our human resources optimally;
•
Identify, hire or retain qualified employees or vendors;
•
Incorporate effectively the components of any business that we may acquire in our effort to achieve growth;
•
Sell businesses or assets at their fair market value; or
•
Effectively manage the costs associated with developing, growing, acquiring or exiting a business.
34
Table of Contents
We may need to offer new investment strategies and products in order to continue to generate revenue.
The asset management industry is subject to rapid change. Strategies and products that had historically been attractive may lose their appeal for various reasons. Thus,
strategies and products that have generated fee revenue for us in the past may fail to do so in the future, in which case we would have to develop new strategies and
products. It could be both expensive and difficult for us to develop new strategies and products, and we may not be successful in this regard. Since the disruptions in
the global financial markets, we have had difficulty expanding our offerings which has inhibited our growth and harmed our competitive position in the asset
management industry, and this may continue in the future.
Our failure to deal appropriately with conflicts of interest could damage our reputation and adversely affect our business.
Appropriately dealing with conflicts of interest is complex and difficult and our reputation could be damaged if we fail, or appear to fail, to deal appropriately with one or
more potential or actual conflicts of interest. It is possible that potential or perceived conflicts could give rise to investor dissatisfaction or litigation or regulatory
enforcement actions. In addition, regulatory scrutiny of, or litigation in connection with, conflicts of interest would have a material adverse effect on our reputation,
which could materially and adversely affect our business in a number of ways, including an inability to raise additional funds, a reluctance of counterparties to do
business with us and the costs of defending litigation.
Our Insurance coverage may be inadequate to cover the risks facing the Company
Our operations and financial results are subject to risks and uncertainties related to our use of a combination of insurance, self-insured retention and self-insurance for a
number of risks, including most significantly: property and casualty, workers’ compensation, errors and omissions liability, general liability and the portion of employee-
related health care benefits plans we fund, among others.
While we endeavor to purchase insurance coverage that is appropriate to our assessment of risk, we are unable to predict with certainty the frequency, nature or
magnitude of claims for direct or consequential damages. Our business may be negatively affected in the future if our insurance proves to be inadequate or unavailable.
In addition, insurance claims may harm our reputation or divert management attention and resources away from operating our business.
We depend on third-party software licenses and the loss of any of our key licenses could adversely affect our ability to provide our brokerage services.
We license software from third parties, some of which is integral to our electronic brokerage systems and our business. Such licenses are generally terminable if we
breach our obligations under the licenses or if the licensor gives us notice in advance of the termination. If any of these relationships were terminated, or if any of these
third parties were to cease doing business, we may be forced to spend significant time and money to replace the licensed software. These replacements may not be
available on reasonable terms, or at all. A termination of any of these relationships could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of
operations.
If we fail to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures in the future, we may not be able to accurately
report our financial results, which could have an adverse effect on our business.
If our internal controls over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures are not effective, we may not be able to provide reliable financial information.
Because we are a smaller reporting company, we are not required to obtain, nor have we voluntarily obtained, an auditor attestation regarding the effectiveness of our
controls as of December 31, 2024. Therefore, as of December 31, 2024, we have only performed management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal controls
and management has determined that our internal controls are effective as of December 31, 2024. Any failure to maintain effective controls in the future could adversely
affect our business or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. Such non-compliance could also result in an adverse reaction in the financial marketplace due to
a loss of investor confidence in the reliability of our financial statements. In addition, perceptions of our business among customers, suppliers, rating agencies, lenders,
investors, securities analysts and others could be adversely affected.
The market price of our Common Stock may be volatile and may be affected by market conditions beyond our control.
The market price of our Common Stock is subject to significant fluctuations in response to, among other factors:
•
variations in our operating results and market conditions specific to our business;
•
changes in financial estimates or recommendations by securities analysts;
•
the emergence of new competitors or new technologies;
•
operating and market price performance of other companies that investors deem comparable;
•
changes in our board or management;
•
sales or purchases of our Common Stock by insiders;
•
commencement of, or involvement in, litigation;
•
changes in governmental regulations;
•
the relatively low trading volumes of our Common Stock; and
•
general economic conditions and slow or negative growth of related markets.
In addition, if the market for stocks in our industry, or the stock market in general, experience a loss of investor confidence, the market price of our Common Stock could
decline for reasons unrelated to our business, financial condition, or results of operations. If any of the foregoing occurs, it could cause the price of our Common Stock
to fall and may expose us to lawsuits that, even if unsuccessful, could be costly to defend and a distraction to the board of directors and management.
Our Common Stock may be delisted, which may have a material adverse effect on the liquidity and value of our Common Stock.
To maintain our listing on the NYSE American, we must meet certain financial and liquidity criteria. The market price of our Common Stock has been and may continue to
be subject to significant fluctuation as a result of periodic variations in our revenues and results of operations. If we violate the NYSE American listing requirements, our
Common Stock may be delisted. If we fail to meet any of the NYSE American’s listing standards, our Common Stock may be delisted. In addition, our board may
determine that the cost of maintaining our listing on a national securities exchange outweighs the benefits of such listing. A delisting of our Common Stock from
the NYSE American may materially impair our stockholders’ ability to buy and sell our Common Stock and could have an adverse effect on the market price of, and the
efficiency of the trading market for, our Common Stock. In addition, the delisting of our Common Stock could significantly impair our ability to raise capital.
35
Table of Contents
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
None.
ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY
Risk Management and Strategy
The Company has processes in place to identify, assess, and monitor material risks from cybersecurity threats, which are part of the Company’s overall enterprise risk
management process and have been embedded in the Company’s operating procedures, internal controls, and information systems.
The Company’s comprehensive cybersecurity and information security framework includes risk assessment and mitigation through a threat intelligence-driven approach,
application controls, and enhanced security with ransomware defense. The framework leverages the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cyber Security
Framework (“NIST CSF”) for measuring overall readiness to respond to cyber threats, and Sarbanes-Oxley for assessment of internal controls.
The Company contracts with external firms to assess the Company’s cybersecurity controls relative to its peers using the NIST CSF. The Company also has a third-party
risk management program that assesses risks from vendors and suppliers. In addition, the Company maintains business continuity and disaster recovery plans as well as
a cybersecurity insurance policy.
The Company has established cybersecurity and information security awareness training programs. Formal training on topics relating to the Company’s cybersecurity,
data privacy, and information security policies and procedures is mandatory at least annually for all employees. Training topics include how to escalate suspicious
activities including phishing, viruses, spams, insider threats, suspect human behaviors, or safety issues. Based on role and location, some employees receive additional
in-depth training to provide more comprehensive knowledge on potential risks related to their individual job responsibilities. Training is supplemented through regular
Company communications with frequent updates to educate on the latest adversary trends and social engineering techniques. Certain employees also obtain industry
certifications, such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional or Certified Information Security Manager.
The Company engages in cyber crisis response simulations to assess the Company’s ability to adapt to information and operational technology threats. Improper or
illegitimate use of the Company’s information system resources or violation of the Company’s information security policies and procedures is subject to disciplinary
action. The Company’s security posture is supported by a comprehensive defense-in-depth strategy that relies on layers of technology including multi-factor
authentication and principles of zero trust to ensure that access to information and communication is vetted and secure.
The Company also utilizes internal and external audits and assessments, vulnerability testing, governance processes over outsourced service providers, active risk
management, and benchmarking against peers in the industry to validate the Company’s security posture. The Company also engages external firms to measure the
Company’s NIST CSF maturity level.
No risks from cybersecurity threats, including those resulting from any previous cybersecurity incidents, have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially
affect, the Company, including its business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition.
Governance
Role of the Board and Management
The Company’s board recognizes the importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding the Company’s sensitive data. The board is responsible for overseeing overall risk
management for the Company, including review and approval of the enterprise risk management approach and processes implemented by management to identify,
assess, manage, and mitigate risk, at least annually. The board has delegated responsibility for oversight of the Company’s cybersecurity, information security
framework, and risk management to the Company’s management cybersecurity committee (the “Cybersecurity Committee”).
Pursuant to its charter, the Cybersecurity Committee must consist of at least four members of the Company’s executive management team, which shall include the
Company’s director of technology, chief operating officer, chief compliance officer, and chief financial officer, each of whom is required to have working familiarity,
knowledge, and competencies in relevant areas, including data privacy, public policy, information technology (“IT”) strategy, IT development and deployment, or IT risk
assessment and management, including information security management. In addition, the Company’s director of technology has formal education in IT and extensive
experience working in and leading the Company’s information systems and technology function.
The principal responsibilities and duties of the Cybersecurity Committee, pursuant to its written charter, are to:
●
Review and provide oversight on the effectiveness of the Company’s information security and privacy policies and procedures with respect to
its products and services and internal-use information technology systems;
●
Review and provide oversight on the policies and procedures of the Company in preparation for responding to any material information security
or privacy incidents;
●
Review and provide oversight on the Company’s disaster recovery, business continuity, and business resiliency capabilities, including
escalation protocols, relating to its customer-facing products and services and internal-use IT systems;
●
Review annually the appropriateness and adequacy of the Company’s cyber-insurance coverage;
●
Review and provide oversight on the policies and procedures of the Company with respect to data privacy, and oversee the Company’s
compliance with applicable data privacy and cybersecurity laws and regulations;
●
Evaluate the Cybersecurity Committee’s composition and performance on an annual basis;
●
Review and reassess the adequacy of the Cybersecurity Committee’s written charter annually and recommend to the board any changes the
Cybersecurity Committee determines are appropriate; and
●
Perform any other activities required by applicable law, rules, or regulations (including the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the NYSE
American Stock Exchange regarding reporting and disclosure obligations related to cybersecurity risks, costs, and incidents), and take such
other actions and perform and carry out any other responsibilities and duties delegated to it by the board or as the Cybersecurity Committee
deems necessary or appropriate consistent with its purpose.
The Cybersecurity Committee, including the Company’s director of technology, receives regular updates from the Company’s management on cybersecurity matters,
results of mitigation efforts, and cybersecurity incident response and remediation.
36
Table of Contents
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
The following table lists our current leases as of December 31, 2024.
City
Description
Square Feet
Expiration Date
Status (1)
New York, NY
3 Columbus Circle- 24th Floor
31,614
7/31/2035
Partially Occupied / Partially Subleased
Philadelphia, PA
2929 Arch Street
9,501
11/30/2029
Partially Occupied / Partially Subleased
Boca Raton, FL
1800 N. Military Trail
3,776
3/31/2032
Occupied
Paris, France
17 avenue de l'Opera
1,830
5/31/2030
Occupied
Menlo Park, CA
2727 Sand Hill Road
2,735
8/31/2025
Occupied
Memphis, TN
6000 Poplar Avenue
330
Month-to-month
Occupied
(1)
For purposes of this table, “Partially Occupied / Partially Subleased” means we occupy a portion of the space and sublease the remaining portion to a third-party
or third parties and “Occupied” means we fully utilize the space for our operations.
The properties that we occupy are used either by the Company’s Capital Markets, Asset Management, or Principal Investing segments or all three. We believe that the
facilities we occupy are suitable and adequate for our current operations.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
From time to time, the Company is a party to various routine legal proceedings, claims, and regulatory inquiries arising out of the ordinary course of the Company’s
business. Management believes that the results of these routine legal proceedings, claims, and regulatory matters will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company’s financial condition, or on the Company’s operations and cash flows. However, the Company cannot estimate the legal fees and expenses to be incurred in
connection with these routine matters and, therefore, is unable to determine whether these future legal fees and expenses will have a material impact on the Company’s
operations and cash flows. It is the Company’s policy to expense legal and other fees as incurred.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
Not applicable.
37
Table of Contents
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
Market Information for Our Common Stock and Dividends
Our Common Stock trades under the symbol "COHN" on the NYSE American Stock Exchange. The closing price of our Common Stock was $9.30 on March 5, 2025. We
had 2,054,674 shares of Common Stock outstanding held by 57 holders of record as of March 5, 2025.
Commencing on March 22, 2004, our Common Stock began trading on the NYSE under the symbol “SFO.” On October 6, 2006, upon completion of our merger with
Alesco Financial Trust and our name change from Sunset Financial Resources, Inc. to Alesco Financial Inc., our NYSE symbol was changed to “AFN.”
On December 16, 2009, we effectuated a 1-for-10 reverse stock split. Also, our name changed from Alesco Financial Inc. to Cohen & Company Inc., we moved our listing
of Common Stock from the NYSE to the NYSE American Stock Exchange (formerly known as the NYSE MKT LLC) and our trading symbol was changed to “COHN.”
Effective January 21, 2011, we changed our name to Institutional Financial Markets, Inc. and our Common Stock began trading on the NYSE American Stock Exchange
under the symbol “IFMI.”
On September 1, 2017, we effectuated a second 1-for-10 reverse stock split and changed our name to Cohen & Company Inc. Our trading symbol was changed to
“COHN.”
During the third quarter of 2010, our board of directors initiated a dividend of $0.50 per quarter, which was paid regularly through December 31, 2011. Beginning in 2012,
our board of directors declared a dividend of $0.20 per quarter, which was paid regularly through the first quarter of 2019. Each time a cash dividend was declared by our
board of directors, a pro rata distribution was made to the other members of the Operating LLC upon payment of dividends to our stockholders. On August 2, 2019, we
announced that our board of directors decided to suspend our quarterly cash dividend.
On July 29, 2021, our board of directors reinstated our quarterly dividend declaring a cash dividend of $0.25 per share. We have paid a cash dividend of $0.25 regularly
since then. In addition to our routine quarterly distribution, on March 8, 2022, our board of directors declared a special dividend of $0.75 per share. Any future
determination to declare and pay dividends will be made at the discretion of our board of directors, after taking into account a variety of factors, including business,
financial, and regulatory considerations as well as any limitations under Maryland law or imposed by any agreements governing our indebtedness.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
None
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
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 Dollar
Value of Shares that
May Yet be
Purchased under the
Plans or Programs (1)
October 1, 2024 - October 31, 2024
- $
-
- $
-
November 1, 2024 - November 30, 2024
- $
-
- $
-
December 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
- $
-
- $
-
Total
-
-
Equity Compensation Plans
Information on certain of our equity compensation plans, for which shares of our common stock are authorized for issuance, is included in the section of our Proxy
Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act in connection with the Company’s 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the headings
“Cash and Equity Plan Compensation” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 6. [Reserved]
38
Table of Contents
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” is based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been
prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts
of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On a regular basis, we evaluate these estimates, including fair
value of financial instruments. These estimates are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the
circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
All amounts in this disclosure are in thousands (except share, unit, per share, and per unit data) except where otherwise noted.
Overview
We are a financial services company specializing in an expanding range of capital markets and asset management services. We are organized into three business
segments: Capital Markets, Asset Management, and Principal Investing.
•
Capital Markets: Our Capital Markets business segment consists primarily of fixed income sales, trading, gestation repo financing, new issue placements in
corporate and securitized products, underwriting, and advisory services. Our fixed income sales and trading group provides trade execution to corporate
investors, institutional investors, mortgage originators, and other smaller broker-dealers. We specialize in a variety of products, including but not limited to:
corporate bonds, ABS, MBS, RMBS, CBOs, CMOs, municipal securities, TBAs and other forward agency MBS contracts, SBA loans, U.S. government
bonds, U.S. government agency securities, brokered deposits and CDs for small banks, and hybrid capital of financial institutions including whole loans and
other structured financial instruments. We carry out our capital markets activities primarily through our subsidiaries: JVB in the United States and CCFESA in
Europe. A division of JVB, Cohen & Company Capital Markets ("CCM") is our full-service boutique investment bank that provides innovative strategic and
financial advice in M&A, capital markets, and SPAC advisory services. Our Capital Markets business segment also includes unrealized and realized gains and
losses on our other investments, at fair value and other investments sold, not yet purchased, at fair value that were acquired as part of our CCM business.
•
Asset Management: Our Asset Management business segment manages assets within CDOs, managed accounts, joint ventures, and investment funds
(collectively, “Investment Vehicles”). A CDO is a form of secured borrowing. The borrowing is secured by different types of fixed income assets such as
corporate or mortgage loans or bonds. The borrowing is in the form of a securitization, which means that the lenders are actually investing in notes backed by
the assets. In the event of default, the lenders will have recourse only to the assets securing the loan. Our Asset Management business segment includes our
fee-based asset management operations, which include on-going base and incentive management fees. As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately $2,325
in assets under management (“AUM”) of which 42% was in CDOs. A significant portion of our asset management revenue is earned from the management of
CDOs. We have not completed a new securitization since 2008. As a result, our asset management revenue has declined from its historical highs as the assets
of the CDOs decline due to maturities, repayments, auction call redemptions, liquidations, and defaults. Our ability to complete securitizations in the future will
depend upon, among other things, our asset origination capacity and success, our ability to arrange warehouse financing to originate assets, our willingness
and capacity to fund required amounts to obtain warehouse financing and securitized financings, and the demand in the markets for such securitizations. The
remaining portion of our AUM is from a diversified mix of other Investment Vehicles that were more recently formed.
•
Principal Investing: Our Principal Investing business segment is comprised of investments that we hold related to our SPAC franchise and other investments
we have made for the purpose of earning an investment return rather than investments to support our trading and CCM activities. These investments are a
component of our other investments, at fair value, other investments sold, not yet purchased, and investments in equity method affiliates in our consolidated
balance sheet.
We generate our revenue by business segment primarily through the following activities.
Capital Markets:
•
Our trading activities, which include execution and brokerage services, riskless trading activities, as well as gains and losses (unrealized and realized) and
income and expense earned on securities classified as trading;
•
Revenue earned on our gestation repo financing program;
•
New issue and advisory revenue comprised of (a) origination fees for newly created financial instruments originated by us, (b) revenue from advisory services,
(c) underwriting; and (d) revenue associated with originating, arranging, or placing newly created financial instruments; and
•
Gains and losses (unrealized and realized) and income and expense earned on securities classified as other investments, at fair value and other investments
sold, not yet purchased, which were acquired in connection with our CCM business.
Asset Management:
•
Asset management fees for our on-going asset management services provided to certain Investment Vehicles, which may include fees both senior and
subordinate to the securities issued in the Investment Vehicle; and
•
Incentive management fees earned based on the performance of Investment Vehicles.
Principal Investing:
•
Gains and losses (unrealized and realized) and income and expense earned on securities classified as other investments, at fair value and other investments
sold, not yet purchased, which were not acquired as part of our CCM business; and
•
Income and loss earned on equity method investments.
39
Table of Contents
Business Environment
Our business in general and our Capital Markets business segment in particular do not produce predictable earnings. Our results can vary dramatically from year-to-
year and quarter-to-quarter. Our business is materially affected by economic conditions in the financial markets, political conditions, broad trends in business and
finance, the housing and mortgage markets, changes in volume and price levels of securities transactions, and changes in interest rates, including overnight funding
rates, all of which can affect our profitability and are unpredictable and beyond our control. These factors may affect the financial decisions made by investors and
companies, including their level of participation in the financial markets and their willingness to participate in corporate transactions. Severe market fluctuations or weak
economic conditions could reduce our trading volume and revenues, negatively affect our ability to generate new issue and advisory revenue, and adversely affect our
profitability.
As a general rule, our trading business benefits from increased market volatility. Increased volatility usually results in increased activity from our clients and
counterparties. However, periods of extreme volatility may at times result in clients reducing their trading volumes, which would negatively impact our results. Also,
periods of extreme volatility may result in large fluctuations in securities valuations and we may incur losses on our holdings. Also, our mortgage group’s business
benefits when mortgage volumes increase, and may suffer when mortgage volumes decrease. Among other things, mortgage volumes are significantly impacted by
changes in interest rates. In addition, as a smaller firm, we are exposed to intense competition. Although we provide financing to our customers, larger firms have a
much greater capability to provide their clients with financing, giving them a competitive advantage. We are much more reliant upon our employees’ relationships,
networks, and abilities to identify and capitalize on market opportunities. Therefore, our business may be significantly impacted by the addition or loss of key
personnel.
We try to address these challenges by (i) focusing our business on clients and asset classes that are underserved by the large firms, (ii) continuing to monitor our fixed
costs to enhance operating leverage and limit our losses during periods of low volumes, and (iii) attempting to hire and retain entrepreneurial and effective traders,
investment bankers, and salespeople. Our business environment is rapidly changing. New risks and uncertainties emerge continuously and it is not possible for us to
predict all the risks we will face. This may negatively impact our operating performance.
A portion of our revenue is generated from net trading activity. We engage in proprietary trading for our own account, provide securities financing for our customers,
and execute “riskless” trades with a customer order in hand resulting in limited market risk to us. The inventory of securities held for our own account, as well as held to
facilitate customer trades, and our market making activities are sensitive to market movements.
A portion of our revenue is generated from new issue and advisory engagements. The fees charged and volume of these engagements are sensitive to the overall
business environment. We provide origination services in Europe through our subsidiary CCFESA, and new issue and advisory services in the U.S. through our
subsidiary JVB. A division of JVB, CCM is our full-service boutique investment bank that provides innovative strategic and financial advice in M&A, capital markets,
and SPAC advisory services. In some cases, CCM will receive financial instruments in lieu of cash for its advisory transactions. In these cases, we record revenue equal
to the fair value of the instruments received. Subsequent to receipt, the instruments are carried at fair value as a component of other investments, at fair value in our
consolidated balance sheets. Any change in the fair value of these instruments subsequent to recording the new issue revenue will be recorded as principal
transactions gain or loss in our consolidated statement of operations. Currently, our primary source of new issue and advisory revenue is from investment banking and
advisory services through CCM, as well as originating assets for our U.S. and European insurance asset management business including our U.S. Insurance JV and for
our CREO JV.
A portion of our revenue is generated from management fees. Our ability to charge management fees and the amount of those fees is dependent upon the underlying
investment performance and stability of the Investment Vehicles. If these types of investments do not provide attractive returns to investors, the demand for such
instruments will likely fall, thereby reducing our opportunity to earn new management fees or maintain existing management fees. As of December 31, 2024, 42% of our
existing AUM were in CDOs. The creation of CDOs has depended upon a vibrant securitization market. Since 2008, volumes within the securitization market have
dropped significantly and have not fully recovered since that time. We have not completed a new securitization since 2008. The remaining portion of our AUM is from a
diversified mix of other Investment Vehicles most of which were more recently formed.
A significant portion of our asset management revenue is earned from the management of CDOs. As a result, our asset management revenue has declined from its
historical highs as the assets of the CDOs decline due to maturities, repayments, auction call redemptions, liquidations, and defaults. Our ability to complete
securitizations in the future will depend upon, among other things, our asset origination capacity and success, our ability to arrange warehouse financing to originate
assets, our willingness and capacity to fund required amounts to obtain warehouse financing and securitized financings, and the demand in the markets for such
securitizations.
A portion of our revenues is generated from our principal investing activities. Therefore, our revenues are impacted by the overall market supply and demand of these
investments as well as the individual performance of each investment. Our principal investments are included within other investments, at fair value; other investments
sold, not yet purchased; and investments in equity method affiliates in our consolidated balance sheets. More recently, a significant component of our principal
investment revenue has come from SPAC related equity investments, primarily in entities that have been the result of sponsored SPAC business combinations, share
forward arrangements ("SFAs"), CCM engagements, or related party sponsored SPAC business combinations. Access to these investments is reliant on a robust SPAC
market. Performance of the resulting principal investments can be materially impacted by overall performance of the equity markets. See note 8 to our consolidated
financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The SPAC Market
In 2018, we began sponsoring a series of SPACs. Each sponsored SPAC either completed or was seeking to complete a business combination with a company involved
in the insurance market. In addition, we invest in other SPACs at various stages of their business life cycle. Beginning in 2019, these SPAC activities have become a
significant portion of our Principal Investing business segment. In August 2018, we invested in and became the general partner of a newly formed investment fund (the
“SPAC Fund”), which was created for the purpose of investing in the equity interests of SPACs and SPAC sponsor entities including SPACs sponsored by us, our
affiliates, and third parties. Effective April 1, 2023, all of the investors in the SPAC Fund, other than the Vellar GP, redeemed all of their interests in the SPAC Fund. See
recent events below for additional information regarding the consolidation of the SPAC Fund.
As a complement to the SPAC Fund, we established and became manager of two newly formed umbrella limited liability companies (the “SPAC Series Funds”) that issue
a separate series of interest for each investment portfolio, which typically consist of investments in the sponsor entities of individual SPACs. Generally, when a SPAC
acquires or merges with a privately held target company, the target company winds up owning a majority of the resulting outstanding equity of the SPAC so the
transaction is accounted for as a reverse merger. Private companies utilize reverse mergers with SPACs as a method of going public as an alternative to a traditional
IPO. All of our business activity related to SPACs is highly sensitive to the volume of activity in the SPAC market. Volumes could be negatively impacted if target
companies no longer see SPACs as an attractive alternative thereby reducing the number of suitable potential business combination targets. Also, investor demand for
SPACs would be negatively impacted if the stock of SPACs that successfully complete a business combination underperform the market. If volumes of SPAC activity
decline, our results of operations will likely be significantly negatively impacted.
40
Table of Contents
Equity prices of SPACs and post-business combination SPACs declined significantly during 2023 and 2024. We are exposed to public equity prices of SPACs and post-
business combination SPACs both through our other investments, at fair value and investments in equity method affiliates as well as our other investments sold, not yet
purchased. As a result, we recorded significant principal transaction losses and equity method losses during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2024 in certain
SPAC related investments. Continued declines in the equity prices of these companies will result in further losses for us.
Margin Pressures in Fixed Income Brokerage Business
Performance in the financial services industry in which we operate is highly correlated to the overall strength of the economy and financial market activity. Overall
market conditions are a product of many factors beyond our control and can be unpredictable. These factors may affect the financial decisions made by investors,
including their level of participation in the financial markets. In turn, these decisions may affect our business results. With respect to financial market activity, our
profitability is sensitive to a variety of factors including the volatility of the equity and fixed income markets, the level and shape of the various yield curves, and the
volume and value of trading in securities.
Margins and volumes in certain products and markets within the fixed income brokerage business continue to decrease materially as competition has increased and
general market activity has declined. Further, we continue to expect that competition will increase over time, resulting in continued margin pressure.
Our response to this margin compression has included: (i) building a diversified fixed income trading platform; (ii) acquiring or building out new product lines and
expanding existing product lines; (iii) building a hedging execution and funding operation to service mortgage originators; (iv) building out CCM, and (v) monitoring our
fixed costs. Our cost management initiatives are ongoing. However, there can be no certainty that these efforts will be sufficient. If insufficient, we will likely see a
decline in profitability.
U.S. Housing Market
In recent years, our mortgage group has grown in significance to our Capital Markets segment and our company overall. The mortgage group primarily earns revenue
by providing hedging execution, securities financing, and trade execution services to mortgage originators and other investors in mortgage-backed securities.
Therefore, this group’s revenue is highly dependent on the volume of mortgage originations in the U.S. Origination activity is highly sensitive to interest rates, the U.S.
job market, housing starts, sale activity of existing housing stock, as well as the general health of the U.S. economy. In addition, any new regulation that impacts U.S.
government agency mortgage-backed security issuance activity, residential mortgage underwriting standards, or otherwise impacts mortgage originators will impact our
business. We have no control over these external factors and there is no effective way for us to hedge against these risks. Our mortgage group’s volumes and
profitability will be highly impacted by these external factors.
Rising Interest Rates and Inflation
During 2022 and 2023, the U.S. Federal Reserve began a process of raising the federal funds rate and quantitative tightening to address rising inflation. Recently, the
U.S. Federal Reserve reduced interest rates for the first time in several years. It is unclear as to whether or how quickly interest rates will continue to decline, if at all. For
most of the periods presented herein, rates were rising or elevated versus historical lows, which negatively impacted our business in the following ways:
1.
Rising rates reduced the fair value of the fixed income securities we hold on our balance sheet.
2.
Rising rates created instability in the equity markets, which has reduced equity financing and business combination volumes and negatively impacted CCM.
3.
Rising rates reduced the volumes of new issue fixed income instruments, which has negatively impacted our CREO JV.
4.
Rising rates significantly reduced mortgage activity. Our mortgage group's profitability is mainly impacted by the volume of mortgage activity in the U.S. (both
mortgages for new home purchases as well as refinancing). Furthermore, our mortgage group engages in repo lending to mortgage originators. Reduced
mortgage volumes impose financial pressures on mortgage originators and may increase the risk that originators default on their repo obligations to us. See
note 11 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
5.
Rising rates may ultimately push the U.S. into recession, which may further reduce overall transaction volumes in the financial markets negatively impacting our
business generally.
41
Table of Contents
Recent Events and Transactions
Redemption of Redeemable Financial Instrument and Issuance of the 2024 Note
Effective September 1, 2024, we entered into the Redemption Agreement, which terminated the JKD Investment Agreement in its entirety. As of September 1, 2024, the
investment balance under the JKD Investment Agreement was $7,719. Pursuant to the Redemption Agreement, we (i) paid $2,573 of the investment balance in cash, and
(ii) issued a senior promissory note (the “2024 Note”) in the aggregate principal amount of $5,146, representing the remaining balance payable under the JKD Investment
Agreement. The 2024 Note bears interest at 12% and its principal is to be repaid as follows: (i) $2,573 of the principal amount will be due and payable on August 31, 2025,
and (ii) $2,573 will be due and payable on August 31, 2026. The 2024 Note may not be prepaid in whole or in part prior to January 31, 2025. The 2024 Note may, with at
least 31 days’ prior written notice to the holder of the 2024 Note, be prepaid in whole or in part at any time following January 31, 2025, without penalty or premium. See
notes 4 and 19 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information relating to the Redemption Agreement
and 2024 Note.
Sale of Membership Interests in Vellar GP
On February 25, 2025, the Operating LLC entered into (i) a Limited Liability Company Interest Purchase Agreement with Jason Capone and Solomon Cohen, who is the
son of our Executive Chairman, Daniel G. Cohen (the “Vellar Purchase Agreement”); and (ii) a Transition Services Agreement (the “Vellar Transition Services Agreement”
and, together with the Vellar Purchase Agreement, the “Vellar Agreements”) with Vellar GP.
Prior to entering into the Vellar Agreements, the Operating LLC was the managing member and owner of 33.4% of Vellar GP.
Pursuant to the Vellar Purchase Agreement, the Operating LLC sold all of its 33.4% interest in Vellar GP for an aggregate of $10. As of February 25, 2025 and as a result of
the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Vellar Purchase Agreement, the Company no longer had any investment in Vellar GP. Pursuant to the Vellar
Purchase Agreement, the Operating LLC resigned as the managing member of Vellar GP, effective February 25, 2025. In the first quarter of 2025, we expect to record a
net loss of $404 related to Vellar GP which includes both the loss on sale and results of operations for the 2025 period prior to the sale.
Pursuant to the Vellar Transition Services Agreement, in exchange for The Operating LLC’s agreement to provide certain transitional services to Vellar GP, Vellar GP
agreed to pay to The Operating LLC certain defined net revenue share amounts up to an aggregate of $4,234; and (ii) agreed to decrease the amount which The
Operating LLC had previously agreed to pay to Vellar GP in connection with the funding of certain Vellar GP litigation expenses from $2,121 to $1,084.
42
Table of Contents
Consolidated Results of Operations
The following section provides a comparative discussion of our consolidated results of operations for the specified periods. The period-to-period comparisons of
financial results are not necessarily indicative of future results.
Year Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2023
The following table sets forth information regarding our consolidated results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
COHEN & COMPANY INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in Thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
Favorable / (Unfavorable)
2024
2023
$ Change
% Change
Revenues
Net trading
$
36,409 $
30,926 $
5,483
18%
Asset management
9,009
7,337
1,672
23%
New issue and advisory
63,422
28,264
35,158
124%
Principal transactions and other income
(29,242)
16,454
(45,696)
(278)%
Total revenues
79,598
82,981
(3,383)
(4)%
Operating expenses
Compensation and benefits
56,388
52,092
(4,296)
(8)%
Business development, occupancy, equipment
6,617
5,204
(1,413)
(27)%
Subscriptions, clearing, and execution
9,639
8,965
(674)
(8)%
Professional fee and other operating
14,421
9,296
(5,125)
(55)%
Depreciation and amortization
556
563
7
1%
Total operating expenses
87,621
76,120
(11,501)
(15)%
Operating income / (loss)
(8,023)
6,861
(14,884)
(217)%
Non-operating income / (expense)
Interest expense, net
(5,821)
(6,526)
705
11%
Income / (loss) from equity method affiliates
21,704
15,609
6,095
39%
Income / (loss) before income taxes
7,860
15,944
(8,084)
(51)%
Income tax expense / (benefit)
(329)
5,545
5,874
106%
Net income / (loss)
8,189
10,399
(2,210)
(21)%
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the non-convertible non-controlling interest
8,675
19,590
10,915
56%
Enterprise net income (loss)
(486)
(9,191)
8,705
95%
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the convertible non-controlling interest
(357)
(4,078)
(3,721)
(91)%
Net income / (loss) attributable to Cohen & Company Inc.
$
(129) $
(5,113) $
4,984
97%
Revenues
Revenues decreased by $3,383, or 4%, to $79,598 for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to $82,981 for the year ended December 31, 2023. As discussed in
more detail below, the change was comprised of (i) an increase of $5,483 in net trading revenue; (ii) an increase of $1,672 in asset management revenue; (iii) an increase of
$35,158 in new issue and advisory revenue; and (iv) a decrease of $45,696 in principal transactions and other income.
43
Table of Contents
Net Trading
Net trading revenue increased by $5,483, or 18%, to $36,409 for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to $30,926 for the year ended December 31, 2023. The
following table shows the detail by trading group.
NET TRADING
(Dollars in Thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
2024
2023
Change
Mortgage
$
5,207 $
(1,523) $
6,730
Matched book repo
15,152
16,315
(1,163)
High yield corporate
3,318
4,768
(1,450)
Investment grade corporate
(56)
(420)
364
Wholesale and other
12,788
11,786
1,002
Total
$
36,409 $
30,926 $
5,483
Our net trading revenue includes unrealized gains on our trading investments, as of the applicable measurement date, which may never be realized due to changes in
market or other conditions not in our control. This may adversely affect the ultimate value realized from these investments. In addition, our net trading revenue also
includes realized gains on certain proprietary trading positions. Our ability to derive trading gains from such trading positions is subject to overall market conditions.
Due to the volatility and uncertainty in the capital markets generally, the net trading revenue recognized during the year may not be indicative of future results.
Furthermore, from time to time, some of the assets included in the investments-trading line of our consolidated balance sheets represent level 3 valuations within the
FASB valuation hierarchy. Level 3 assets are carried at fair value based on estimates derived using internal valuation models and other estimates. See notes 9 and 10 to
our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The fair value estimates made by us may not be indicative of the final sale price at
which these assets may be sold. We consider our matched book repo business to be subject to significant concentration risk. See note 11 to our consolidated financial
statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. All net trading revenue is included in our Capital Markets segment. See note 29 to our consolidated financial
statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Asset Management
Assets Under Management
Our AUM equals the sum of the NAV or gross assets of the Investment Vehicles we manage based on whichever measurement serves as the basis for the calculation of
our management fees. Our calculation of AUM may differ from the calculations used by other asset managers and, as a result, this measure may not be comparable to
similar measures presented by other asset managers. This definition of AUM is not necessarily identical to the definitions of AUM that may be used in our management
agreements.
ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT
(Dollars in Thousands)
As of December 31,
2024
2023
2022
Company-sponsored CDOs
$
965,887 $
995,191 $
1,053,430
Other Investment Vehicles (1)
1,359,310
1,362,484
1,061,250
Assets under management (2)
$
2,325,197 $
2,357,675 $
2,114,680
(1)
Other Investment Vehicles include any Investment Vehicle that is not a Company-sponsored CDO.
(2)
The accounts we manage may employ leverage. In some cases, our fees are based on gross assets and in other cases on net assets. Finally, in the case of the
SPAC Series Funds, there are no management fees earned. AUM included herein is calculated using either gross or net assets of each managed account or CDO
based on whichever serves as the basis for our management fees. In the case where no management fees are earned, the net assets are included.
44
Table of Contents
Asset management fees increased by $1,672, or 23%, to $9,009 for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to $7,337 for the year ended December 31, 2023, as
discussed in more detail below.
ASSET MANAGEMENT
(Dollars in Thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
2024
2023
Change
CDOs
$
1,566 $
1,638 $
(72)
Other
7,443
5,699
1,744
Total
$
9,009 $
7,337 $
1,672
Asset management fees from CDOs remained relatively unchanged. Asset management fees from other increased primarily due to the recognition in 2024 of deferred
performance fees related to certain PriDe Funds and the portfolio servicing fee on the notional amount of loans owned by the CREO JV.
All asset management revenue is included in our asset management segment. See note 29 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on
Form 10-K.
New Issue and Advisory Revenue
New issue and advisory revenue increased by $35,158, or 124%, to $63,422 for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to $28,264 for the year ended December
31, 2023.
Year Ended December 31,
2024
2023
Change
CCM
$
61,567 $
26,174 $
35,393
Commercial Real Estate Originations
484
47
437
U.S. Insurance Originations
-
800
(800)
European Insurance Originations
1,371
1,243
128
Total
$
63,422 $
28,264 $
35,158
Our revenue earned from new issue and advisory has been, and we expect will continue to be, volatile. We earn revenue from a limited number of engagements.
Therefore, a small change in the number of engagements can result in large fluctuations in the revenue recognized. Further, even if the number of engagements remains
consistent, the average revenue per engagement can fluctuate considerably. Finally, our revenue is generally earned when an underlying transaction closes (rather than
on a monthly or quarterly basis). Therefore, the timing of underlying transactions increases the volatility of our revenue recognition. In addition, we often incur certain
costs related to new issue engagements. These costs are included as a component of either subscriptions, clearing and execution, or professional fees and other. All
new issue revenue is included in our Capital Markets segment. See note 29 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
CCM is our full-service boutique investment bank that provides innovative strategic and financial advice in M&A, capital markets, and SPAC advisory services. In
addition, we generate new issue revenue by originating new assets for the U.S. Insurance JV, CREO JV, and our PriDe Funds in Europe.
In some cases, CCM will receive financial instruments in lieu of cash for its advisory transactions. In these cases, we record advisory revenue equal to the fair value of
the instruments received. Subsequent to receipt, the instruments are carried at fair value as a component of other investments, at fair value in our consolidated balance
sheets. Any change in the fair value of these instruments subsequent to recording the new issue revenue will be recorded as principal transactions gain or loss in
our consolidated statement of operations. Further, the financial instruments we receive in these cases are often either (i) common stock investments that are restricted
for resale for some period of time; (ii) convertible or non-convertible notes receivable that are not publicly traded; (iii) equity investments in special purpose entities
that are not publicly traded; or (iv) unrestricted common stock investments in public companies with low trading volumes. As a result, it may take us a significant
period of time to liquidate these financial instruments. We may suffer significant principal transactions loss prior to final liquidation of these financial instruments.
See Principal Transactions and Other Income below.
45
Table of Contents
Principal Transactions and Other Income
Principal transactions and other income decreased by $45,696 to ($29,242) for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to $16,454 for the year ended December
31, 2023.
PRINCIPAL TRANSACTIONS & OTHER INCOME
(Dollars in Thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
2024
2023
Change
Interests in public companies:
Abpro Corporation (NASDQ: ABP)
$
(640) $
- $
(640)
Next.e.GO N.V. (OTC: EGOXF)
(7,440)
(665)
(6,775)
Baird Medical Investment Holdings Limited (NASDQ: BDMD)
(1,727)
-
(1,727)
Brand Engagement Network, Inc. (NASDAQ: BNAI)
(290)
-
(290)
Captivision Inc. (NASDAQ: CAPT)
(591)
376
(967)
CERo Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: CERO)
(966)
-
(966)
Crown LNG Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: CGBS)
414
-
414
DevvStream Corp. (NASDAQ: DEVS)
1,881
-
1,881
GCT Semiconductor Holding, Inc. (NYSE: GCTS)
(425)
-
(425)
Nuburu, Inc. (NYSE American: BURU)
(7)
(485)
478
Veea Inc. (NASDAQ: VEEA)
(2,398)
-
(2,398)
Psyence Biomedical Ltd. (NASDAQ: PBM)
(368)
-
(368)
Rezolve AI Limited (NASDAQ: RZLV)
515
-
515
Rubicon Technologies (OTC: RBTC)
-
(2,897)
2,897
Semilux International Ltd. (NASDAQ: SELX)
(2,406)
-
(2,406)
Stardust Power Inc. (NASDAQ: SDST)
(1,500)
-
(1,500)
Tevogen Bio Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: TVGN)
(2,842)
-
(2,842)
Zapata Computing Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ZPTA)
(1,124)
-
(1,124)
Zoomcar Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZCAR)
(2,285)
39
(2,324)
Other
(445)
(680)
235
Capital markets principal transactions
(22,644)
(4,312)
(18,332)
-
Interests in public companies:
Brand Engagement Network, Inc. (NASDAQ: BNAI)
(773)
-
(773)
Critical Metals Corp. (NASDAQ: CRML)
(1,392)
-
(1,392)
Heliogen, Inc. (OTC: HLGN)
(3)
(324)
321
Holdco Nuvo Group DG Ltd. (OTC: NUVOQ)
(2,198)
-
(2,198)
Payoneer Global Inc. (NASDAQ: PAYO)
1,406
(95)
1,501
Rezolve AI Limited (NASDAQ: RZLV)
(1,386)
-
(1,386)
Syntec Optics Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: OPTX)
(863)
(1,141)
278
Tevogen Bio Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: TVGN)
(401)
-
(401)
Zoomcar Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZCAR)
(7,097)
(6)
(7,091)
CREO JV
617
901
(284)
U.S. Insurance JV
(17)
463
(480)
Stoa USA Inc./FlipOs
-
(6,847)
6,847
SFAs
1,476
25,395
(23,919)
Bridge loan
-
1,050
(1,050)
Other
391
(135)
526
Investing principal transactions
(10,240)
19,261
(29,501)
Total principal transactions
(32,884)
14,949
(47,833)
IIFC revenue share
2,557
1,105
1,452
All other income
1,085
400
685
Other income
3,642
1,505
2,137
Total principal transactions and other income
$
(29,242) $
16,454 $
(45,696)
46
Table of Contents
Principal Transactions
In the table above, our principal transactions are broken out into two groups:
1. Capital Markets Principal Transactions: In some cases, CCM acquires financial instruments or receives financial instruments in lieu of cash for its advisory
transactions. We carry these instruments at fair value with changes in fair value included as a component of principal transactions and other income in our consolidated
income statement. Gains and losses on these instruments are included in our Capital Markets segment as these instruments were acquired as part of CCM's activities.
See note 29 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
2. Principal Investing Principal Transactions: In other cases, we will acquire a financial instrument for the purposes of earning an investment return. We also carry these
instruments at fair value with changes in fair value included as a component of principal transactions and other income in our consolidated income statement. However,
gains and losses on these instruments are included in our Principal Investing segment as these investments were acquired to earn a return. Note that a particular
instrument may be included in both categories if it was acquired as part of CCM's activities and separately acquired to earn an investment return.
Interests in Public Companies
These investments represent our direct and indirect investments in certain public companies. These investments may be in the form of unrestricted common stock,
restricted common stock, equity derivatives, convertible notes and non-convertible notes receivable, as well as equity interest in SPVs that have investments in these
public companies. The name and stock symbol of each public company in which we have a direct or indirect investment is listed in the table above. The amounts shown
represent the change in the fair value of our investment during each time period noted in the table. Many of the interests in the public companies listed above were
acquired as non-cash compensation related to new issue and advisory engagements. When we received these investments, we recorded new issue and advisory
revenue for the fair value of those instruments at that time.
Other Principal Investments
The CREO JV invests in primarily multi-family commercial real estate mortgage-backed loans. We carry our investment in the CREO JV at its reported NAV.
The U.S. Insurance JV invests in insurance company debt. We carry our investment in the U.S. Insurance JV at its reported NAV.
Stoa USA Inc. / FlipOS was a private company in which we owned common equity. During 2023, Stoa USA Inc. / FlipOS announced it had ceased operations. We wrote
off our investment in 2023. We have no remaining investment in Stoa USA Inc. / FlipOS.
We have engaged in several SFA transactions. In a typical SFA transaction, we acquire an interest in a publicly traded company and enter into an offsetting derivative
with the same company. Both the interest in the public company and the offsetting derivative are carried at fair value. The amount shown in the table above represents
the net change in fair value recorded during the periods presented. The interests we hold in SFA Counterparties are included as a component of other investments, at
fair value. The derivatives are included as a component of other investments sold, not yet purchased, at fair value. See note 8 to our consolidated financial statements
included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information regarding our SFAs.
The bridge loan exit fee was earned on a bridge loan made to an early stage growth company.
Other principal investments consist of realized and unrealized gains and losses from other investments reported at fair value.
Other Income
Other income is comprised of an ongoing revenue share arrangement as well as other miscellaneous operating income items. The revenue share arrangement noted in
the table above entitles us to a percentage of revenue earned by IIFC. The IIFC revenue share arrangement expires at the earlier of (i) the dissolution of IIFC or (ii) when
we have earned a cumulative $20,000 in revenue share payments. To date, we have earned $8,175. Other income is recorded in all three of our segments. See note 29 to
our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
47
Table of Contents
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses increased by $11,501, or 15%, to $87,621 for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to $76,120 for the year ended December 31, 2023. As
discussed in more detail below, the change was comprised of (i) an increase of $4,296 in compensation and benefits; (ii) an increase of $1,413 in business development,
occupancy, and equipment; (iii) an increase of $674 in subscriptions, clearing, and execution; (iv) an increase of $5,125 in professional fee and other operating; and (v) a
decrease of $7 in depreciation and amortization.
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation and benefits increased by $4,296, or 8%, to $56,388 for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to $52,092 for the year ended December 31, 2023.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
(Dollars in Thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
2024
2023
Change
Cash compensation and benefits
$
51,720 $
47,701 $
4,019
Equity-based compensation
4,668
4,391
277
Total
$
56,388 $
52,092 $
4,296
Cash compensation and benefits in the table above is primarily comprised of salary, incentive compensation, severance, employer portion of payroll taxes, and
benefits. Cash compensation and benefits increased by $4,019 to $51,720 for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to $47,701 for the year ended December 31,
2023. Our headcount decreased to 113 as of December 31, 2024 from 118 as of December 31, 2023. Cash compensation increased primarily due to an increase in incentive
compensation related to the increase in new issue and advisory revenue and income from equity method affiliates, as well as the year over year overall improvement in
operating performance.
Equity-based compensation increased due to a higher number of restricted shares granted in 2024 as compared to 2023.
Business Development, Occupancy, and Equipment
Business development, occupancy, and equipment increased by $1,413, or 27%, to $6,617 for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to $5,204 for the year
ended December 31, 2023. This increase was comprised of an increase in business development of $867 and an increase in other occupancy of $546.
48
Table of Contents
Subscriptions, Clearing, and Execution
Subscriptions, clearing, and execution increased by $674, or 8%, to $9,639 for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to $8,965 for the year ended December 31,
2023. The increase was comprised of an increase in subscriptions and dues of $660 and an increase in clearing and execution of $14.
Professional Fee and Other Operating Expenses
Professional fee and other operating expenses increased by $5,125, or 55%, to $14,421 for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to $9,296 for the year ended
December 31, 2023. The increase was comprised of an increase in professional fees of $1,913 and an increase in other operating expenses of $3,212. A large portion of
the increase in other operating expense was the result of bad debt expense of $2,556 recorded during 2024 related to CCM accounts receivable.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization decreased by $7, or 1%, to $556 for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to $563 for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Non-Operating Income and Expense
Interest Expense, net
Interest expense, net decreased by $705 to $5,821 for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to $6,526 for the year ended December 31, 2023.
INTEREST EXPENSE
(Dollars in Thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
2024
2023
Change
Junior subordinated notes
$
4,695 $
5,247 $
(552)
2020/2024 Notes
740
450
290
Byline Bank
76
338
(262)
Redeemable Financial Instrument - JKD Capital Partners I LTD
310
491
(181)
$
5,821 $
6,526 $
(705)
See notes 19 and 20 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding our redeemable financial
truments and debt.
49
Table of Contents
Income / (Loss) from Equity Method Affiliates
Income / (loss) from equity method affiliates increased by $6,095 to $21,704 for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to $15,609 for the year ended December
31, 2023. See note 12 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Year Ended December 31,
2024
2023
Change
SPAC Sponsor Entities
$
22,463 $
15,275 $
7,188
Dutch Real Estate Entities
(759)
334
(1,093)
$
21,704 $
15,609 $
6,095
SPAC sponsor entities includes both indirect and direct investments in SPAC sponsor entities. Several of these SPAC sponsor entities are invested in SPACs that have
completed their business combinations. Those SPAC sponsor entities hold restricted and unrestricted equity interests in the public post-merger entities. We account
for our investments in SPAC sponsor entities under the equity method of accounting. If the SPAC sponsor entity distributes SPAC shares to us, we account for those
SPAC shares as a component of other investments, at fair value. The following table shows the equity method income or loss included in other SPAC sponsor entities
above broken out by the ultimate public company investee. For several of the investments described below, we also had an investment in the same company accounted
for at fair value as a component of other investments, at fair value during the periods presented. See discussion of principal transactions above.
Year Ended December 31,
2024
2023
Change
Rezolve AI Limited (NASDAQ: RZLV)
$
3,468 $
(83) $
3,551
Critical Metals Corp. (NASDAQ: CRML)
4,785
(72)
4,857
Zoomcar Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZCAR)
(2,516)
10,013
(12,529)
Syntec Optics Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: OPTX)
(14)
4,304
(4,318)
Next.e.GO N.V. (OTC: EGOXF)
(279)
212
(491)
African Agriculture Holdings Inc. (NASDQ: AAGR)
(2,362)
2,358
(4,720)
Brand Engagement Network, Inc. (NASDAQ: BNAI)
2,059
(2)
2,061
Tevogen Bio Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: TVGN)
786
(3)
789
Murano Global Investments Plc (NASDAQ: MRNO)
15,914
(11)
15,925
Holdco Nuvo Group DG Ltd. (OTC: NUVOQ)
2,198
(8)
2,206
Other
(1,576)
(1,433)
(143)
$
22,463 $
15,275 $
7,188
See note 12 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
50
Table of Contents
Income Tax Expense / (Benefit)
Income tax expense / (benefit) was ($329) for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to $5,545 for the year ended December 31, 2023. See note 23 to our
consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The tax benefit recognized in 2024 was comprised of a deferred tax benefit of $677 and current tax expense of $348. The current tax expense incurred was the result of
foreign, state, and local income tax. The deferred tax benefit was due to routine timing differences between recognition of income and expense items for GAAP and tax
purposes.
The tax expense recognized in 2023 was comprised of a deferred tax expense of $5,354 and current tax expense of $191. The current tax expense incurred was the result of
foreign, state, and local income tax. The deferred tax expense was U.S. federal, state, and local tax expense, which was the result of the increase in the valuation
allowance applied against the Company's carryforward tax assets.
We have significant carryforward tax assets. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had a federal net operating loss (“NOL”) of approximately $92,543, which will be
available to offset future taxable income, subject to limitations described below. If not used, this NOL will begin to expire in 2028. The Company also had net capital
losses (“NCLs”) in excess of capital gains of $57,239 as of December 31, 2024, which can be carried forward to offset future capital gains. If not used, this carryforward
will begin to expire in 2025. ASC 746 requires that we record a valuation allowance against these assets so that the net asset recognized is, in management's judgment,
more likely than not to be realized.
Each reporting period, management determines the expected amount of taxable income it will generate in each jurisdiction where the Company has NOLs. Management
then schedules this income against each carryforward asset and determines what portion of the asset it believes is more likely than not to be realized. This
determination is subjective and subject to many assumptions and factors including: profitability of our business in the future, the timing of that future income as
compared to carryforward asset expiration, the character of future income (ordinary or capital), and the jurisdiction in which the income will be generated. To the extent
management's determination changes, an adjustment will be made to the valuation allowance resulting in deferred tax expense or benefit. We recorded deferred tax
expense in 2023 because expectations of future income decreased and the Company increased the valuation allowance it had applied against carryforward assets. Due
to the magnitude of the Company's carryforward assets as well as the volatility of the Company's operating results, significant adjustments to the valuation allowance
are likely going forward. These future adjustments may likewise result in material amounts of deferred tax benefit or expense going forward.
Net Income/ (Loss) Attributable to the Non-Convertible Non-Controlling Interest
Net income / (loss) attributable to the non-convertible non-controlling interest for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was comprised of the non-controlling
interest related to member interests in consolidated subsidiaries of the Operating LLC other than interests held by us for the relevant periods. These interests are not
convertible into Common Stock.
Year Ended December 31,
2024
2023
Change
Vellar GP
$
634 $
14,755 $
(14,121)
Other SPAC related
8,041
4,835
3,206
$
8,675 $
19,590 $
(10,915)
Prior to March 31, 2023, the Vellar GP was the general partner of the SPAC Fund but did not consolidate it. Effective April 1, 2023, the Vellar GP began consolidating the
SPAC Fund. The Vellar GP primarily invests in share forward arrangements. On February 25, 2025, the Operating LLC sold its 33.4% interest in the Vellar GP pursuant to
the Vellar Purchase Agreement and will no longer consolidate Vellar GP. See notes 4, 10, and 21 to our consolidated financials included in this Annual Report on Form 10-
K. Other SPAC related is mainly comprised of an entity that we consolidated but do not wholly own that invests in other SPAC sponsor entities.
51
Table of Contents
Net Income / (Loss) Attributable to the Convertible Non-Controlling Interest
Net income / (loss) attributable to the convertible non-controlling interest for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was comprised of the non-controlling interest
related to member interests in the Operating LLC other than interests held by us for the relevant periods.
SUMMARY CALCULATION OF CONVERTIBLE NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST
For the Year Ended December 31, 2024
Wholly Owned
Subsidiaries
Other
Consolidated
Subsidiaries
Total Operating
LLC
Consolidated
Cohen &
Company Inc.
Consolidated
Net income / (loss) before tax
$
(5,805) $
13,665 $
7,860
$
7,860
Income tax expense / (benefit)
(316)
(316)
(13)
(329)
Net income / (loss) after tax
(5,489)
13,665
8,176
13
8,189
Other consolidated subsidiary non-controlling interest
8,675
8,675
Net income / (loss) attributable to the Operating LLC
(5,489)
4,990
(499)
Average effective Operating LLC non-controlling interest % (1)
71.54%
Operating LLC non-controlling interest
$
(357)
Summary
Other consolidated subsidiary non-controlling interest
$
8,675
Operating LLC non-controlling interest
(357)
$
8,318
SUMMARY CALCULATION OF CONVERTIBLE NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST
For the Year Ended December 31, 2023
Wholly Owned
Subsidiaries
Other
Consolidated
Subsidiaries
Total Operating
LLC
Consolidated
Cohen &
Company Inc.
Consolidated
Net income / (loss) before tax
$
(23,091) $
39,035 $
15,944 $
- $
15,944
Income tax expense / (benefit)
1,972
-
1,972
3,573
5,545
Net income / (loss) after tax
(25,063)
39,035
13,972
(3,573)
10,399
Other consolidated subsidiary non-controlling interest
19,590
19,590
Net income / (loss) attributable to the Operating LLC
(25,063)
19,445
(5,618)
Average effective Operating LLC non-controlling interest % (1)
72.59%
Operating LLC non-controlling interest
$
(4,078)
Summary
Other consolidated subsidiary non-controlling interest
$
19,590
Operating LLC non-controlling interest
(4,078)
$
15,512
(1)
Non-controlling interest is recorded on a quarterly basis. Because earnings are recognized unevenly throughout the year and the non-controlling interest
percentage may change during the period, the average effective non-controlling interest percentage may not equal the percentage at the end of any period or the
simple average of the beginning and ending percentages.
52
Table of Contents
Year Ended December 31, 2023 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2022
The following table sets forth information regarding our consolidated results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
COHEN & COMPANY INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in Thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
Favorable / (Unfavorable)
2023
2022
$ Change
% Change
Revenues
Net trading
$
30,926 $
40,009 $
(9,083)
(23)%
Asset management
7,337
9,004
(1,667)
(19)%
New issue and advisory
28,264
24,721
3,543
14%
Principal transactions and other income
16,454
(29,347)
45,801
(156)%
Total revenues
82,981
44,387
38,594
87%
Operating expenses
Compensation and benefits
52,092
50,290
(1,802)
(4)%
Business development, occupancy, equipment
5,204
5,076
(128)
(3)%
Subscriptions, clearing, and execution
8,965
8,274
(691)
(8)%
Professional fee and other operating
9,296
8,153
(1,143)
(14)%
Depreciation and amortization
563
557
(6)
(1)%
Total operating expenses
76,120
72,350
(3,770)
(5)%
Operating income / (loss)
6,861
(27,963)
34,824
(125)%
Non-operating income / (expense)
Interest expense, net
(6,526)
(4,982)
(1,544)
(31)%
Income / (loss) from equity method affiliates
15,609
(20,931)
36,540
175%
Income / (loss) before income taxes
15,944
(53,876)
69,820
130%
Income tax expense / (benefit)
5,545
4,794
(751)
(16)%
Net income / (loss)
10,399
(58,670)
69,069
118%
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the non-convertible non-controlling interest
19,590
(23,203)
(42,793)
(184)%
Enterprise net income (loss)
(9,191)
(35,467)
26,276
74%
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the convertible non-controlling interest
(4,078)
(22,078)
(18,000)
(82)%
Net income / (loss) attributable to Cohen & Company Inc.
$
(5,113) $
(13,389) $
8,276
62%
Revenues
Revenues increased by $38,594, or 87%, to $82,981 for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $44,387 for the year ended December 31, 2022. As discussed in
more detail below, the change was comprised of (i) a decrease of $9,083 in net trading revenue; (ii) a decrease of $1,667 in asset management revenue; (iii) an increase of
$3,543 in new issue and advisory revenue; and (iv) an increase of $45,801 in principal transactions and other income.
53
Table of Contents
Net Trading
Net trading revenue decreased by $9,083, or 23%, to $30,926 for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $40,009 for the year ended December 31, 2022. The
following table shows the detail by trading group.
NET TRADING
(Dollars in Thousands)
For the Year Ended December 31,
2023
2022
Change
Mortgage
$
(1,523) $
56 $
(1,579)
Matched book repo
16,315
30,595
(14,280)
High yield corporate
4,768
4,694
74
Investment grade corporate
(420)
1,197
(1,617)
Wholesale and other
11,787
3,467
8,320
Total
$
30,927 $
40,009 $
(9,082)
Our net trading revenue includes unrealized gains on our trading investments, as of the applicable measurement date, which may never be realized due to changes in
market or other conditions not in our control. This may adversely affect the ultimate value realized from these investments. In addition, our net trading revenue also
includes realized gains on certain proprietary trading positions. Our ability to derive trading gains from such trading positions is subject to overall market conditions.
Due to the volatility and uncertainty in the capital markets generally, the net trading revenue recognized during the year may not be indicative of future results.
Furthermore, from time to time, some of the assets included in the investments-trading line of our consolidated balance sheets represent level 3 valuations within the
FASB valuation hierarchy. Level 3 assets are carried at fair value based on estimates derived using internal valuation models and other estimates. See notes 9 and 10 to
our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The fair value estimates made by us may not be indicative of the final sale price at
which these assets may be sold. We consider our matched book repo business to be subject to significant concentration risk. See note 11 to our consolidated financial
statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. All net trading revenue is included in our Capital Markets segment. See note 29 to our consolidated financial
statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Asset Management
Asset management fees decreased by $1,667, or 19%, to $7,337 for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $9,004 for the year ended December 31, 2022, as
discussed in more detail below.
ASSET MANAGEMENT
(Dollars in Thousands)
For the Year Ended December 31,
2023
2022
Change
CDOs
$
1,638 $
3,454 $
(1,816)
Other
5,699
5,550
149
Total
$
7,337 $
9,004 $
(1,667)
A significant portion of our asset management fees are earned from the management of CDOs. We have not completed a new securitization since 2008. As a result, our
asset management revenue from CDOs has declined from its historical highs as the assets of the CDOs decline due to maturities, repayments, auction call redemptions,
liquidations, and defaults. Our ability to complete securitizations in the future will depend upon, among other things, our asset origination capacity and success, our
ability to arrange warehouse financing to originate assets, our willingness and capacity to fund required amounts to obtain warehouse financing and securitized
financings, and the demand in the markets for such securitizations.
Asset management fees from CDOs decreased primarily because one of the securitizations we manage completed a successful auction during 2022. As a result, we
received payment of deferred subordinated management fees of $1,600 in 2022. Otherwise, asset management fees from CDOs declined by $216 during 2023 mainly due
to a decline in AUM due to liquidations and principal paydowns of collateral.
Asset management fees from other investment vehicles remained relatively unchanged.
All asset management revenue is included in our asset management segment. See note 29 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on
Form 10-K.
54
Table of Contents
New Issue and Advisory Revenue
New issue and advisory revenue increased by $3,543, or 14%, to $28,264 for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $24,721 for the year ended December 31,
2022.
Year Ended December 31,
2023
2022
Change
CCM
$
26,174 $
16,880 $
9,294
Commercial Real Estate Originations
47
1,897
(1,850)
U.S. Insurance Originations
800
4,753
(3,953)
Europe Insurance Originations
1,243
1,191
52
Total
$
28,264 $
24,721 $
3,543
Our revenue earned from new issue and advisory has been, and we expect will continue to be, volatile. We earn revenue from a limited number of engagements.
Therefore, a small change in the number of engagements can result in large fluctuations in the revenue recognized. Further, even if the number of engagements remains
consistent, the average revenue per engagement can fluctuate considerably. Finally, our revenue is generally earned when an underlying transaction closes (rather than
on a monthly or quarterly basis). Therefore, the timing of underlying transactions increases the volatility of our revenue recognition. In addition, we often incur certain
costs related to new issue engagements. These costs are included as a component of either subscriptions, clearing and execution, or professional fees and other. All
new issue revenue is included in our Capital Markets segment. See note 29 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
CCM is our full-service boutique investment bank that provides innovative strategic and financial advice in M&A, capital markets, and SPAC advisory services. In
addition, we generate new issue revenue by originating new assets for the U.S. Insurance JV, CREO JV, and our PriDe Funds in Europe.
In some cases, CCM will receive financial instruments in lieu of cash for its advisory transactions. In these cases, we record advisory revenue equal to the fair value of
the instruments received. Subsequent to receipt, the instruments are carried at fair value as a component of other investments, at fair value in our consolidated balance
sheets. Any change in the fair value of these instruments subsequent to recording the new issue revenue will be recorded as principal transactions gain or loss in
our consolidated statement of operations. Further, the financial instruments we receive in these cases are often either (i) common stock investments that are restricted
for resale for some period of time; (ii) convertible or non-convertible debt investments that are not publicly traded; (iii) equity investments in special purpose entities
that are not publicly traded; or (iv) unrestricted common stock investments in public companies with low trading volumes. As a result of the above, it may take us a
significant period of time to liquidate these financial instruments. We may suffer significant principal transactions loss prior to final liquidation of these financial
instruments. See Principal Transactions and Other Income below.
55
Table of Contents
Principal Transactions and Other Income
Principal transactions and other income increased by $45,801 to $16,454 for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to ($29,347) for the year ended December 31,
2022.
PRINCIPAL TRANSACTIONS & OTHER INCOME
(Dollars in Thousands)
For the Year Ended December 31,
2023
2022
Change
Interests in public companies:
Next.e.GO N.V. (OTC: EGOXF)
$
(665) $
- $
(665)
Captivision Inc. (NASDAQ: CAPT)
376
-
376
Nuburu, Inc. (NYSE American: BURU)
(485)
-
(485)
Rubicon Technologies (OTC: RBTC)
(2,897)
(1,576)
(1,321)
FOXO Technologies Inc. (NYSE American: FOXO)
-
(1,092)
1,092
Other
(641)
(407)
(234)
Capital markets principal transactions
(4,312)
(3,075)
(1,237)
-
Interests in public companies:
Heliogen, Inc. (OTC: HLGN)
(324)
(14,754)
14,430
FOXO Technologies Inc. (NYSE American: FOXO)
(126)
(1,045)
919
Lemonade, Inc. (NYSE:LMND)
97
(2,805)
2,902
Payoneer Global Inc. (NASDAQ: PAYO)
(95)
(511)
416
Perella Weinberg Partners (NASDAQ: PWP)
91
(418)
509
REE Automotive Ltd. (NASDAQ: REE)
(165)
(4,755)
4,590
Shift Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SFT)
(233)
(5,539)
5,306
Syntec Optics Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: OPTX)
(1,141)
-
(1,141)
Wejo Group Limited (OTC: WEJWF)
-
(1,617)
1,617
CREO JV
901
32
869
U.S. Insurance JV
463
11
452
Stoa USA Inc./FlipOs
(6,847)
4,196
(11,043)
SFAs
25,395
-
25,395
Bridge loan
1,050
-
1,050
Other
195
(351)
546
Investing principal transactions
19,261
(27,556)
46,817
Total principal transactions
14,949
(30,631)
45,580
IIFC revenue share
1,105
673
432
All other income / (loss)
400
611
(211)
Other income
1,505
1,284
221
Total principal transactions and other income
$
16,454 $
(29,347) $
45,801
56
Table of Contents
Principal Transactions
In the table above, our principal transactions revenue is broken out into two groups:
1. Capital Markets Principal Transactions: In some cases, CCM acquires financial instruments or receives financial instruments in lieu of cash for its advisory
transactions. We carry these instruments at fair value with changes in fair value included as a component of principal transactions and other income in our consolidated
income statement. Gains and losses on these instruments are included in our Capital Markets segment as these instruments were acquired as a result of CCM's
activities. See note 29 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
2. Principal Investing Principal Transactions: In other cases, we will acquire a financial instrument for the purposes of earning an investment return. We also carry these
instruments at fair value with changes in fair value included as a component of principal transactions and other income in our consolidated income statement. However,
gains and losses on these instruments are included in our Principal Investing segment as these investments were acquired to earn a return. Note that a particular
instrument may be included in both categories if it was acquired as a result of CCM's activities and separately acquired to earn an investment return.
Interests in Public Companies
These investments represent our direct and indirect investments in certain public companies. These investments may be in the form of unrestricted common stock,
restricted common stock, equity derivatives, convertible notes, non-convertible notes, fair value receivables, as well as equity interest in SPVs that have investments in
these public companies. The name and stock symbol of each public company in which we have a direct or indirect investment is listed in the table above. The amounts
shown represent the change in the fair value of our investment in each time period noted in the table. Many of the interests in the public companies listed above were
acquired as non-cash compensation related to new issue and advisory engagements. When we received these investments, we recorded new issue and advisory
revenue for the fair value of those instruments at that time.
Other Principal Investments
The CREO JV invests in primarily multi-family commercial real estate mortgage-backed loans. We carry our investment in the CREO JV at its reported NAV.
The U.S. Insurance JV invests in insurance company debt. We carry our investment in the U.S. Insurance JV at its reported NAV.
Stoa USA Inc. / FlipOS was a private company in which we owned common equity. During 2023, Stoa USA Inc. / FlipOS announced it had ceased operations and
declared bankruptcy. We wrote off our investment in 2023. We have no remaining investment in Stoa USA Inc. / FlipOS.
We have engaged in several SFA transactions. In a typical SFA transaction, we acquire an interest in a publicly traded company and enter into an offsetting derivative
with the same company. Both the interest in the public company and the offsetting derivative are carried at fair value. The amount shown in the table above represents
the net change in fair value recorded during the periods presented. The interests we hold in SFA Counterparties are included as a component of other investments, at
fair value. The derivatives are included as a component of other investments sold, not yet purchased, at fair value. See note 8 to our consolidated financial statements
included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information regarding our SFAs.
The bridge loan exit fee was earned on a bridge loan made to an early stage growth company.
Other principal investments consist of realized and unrealized gains and losses from other investments reported at fair value.
Other Income
Other income is comprised of an ongoing revenue share arrangement as well as other miscellaneous operating income items. The revenue share arrangement noted in
the table above entitles us to a percentage of revenue earned by IIFC. The IIFC revenue share arrangement expires at the earlier of (i) the dissolution of IIFC or (ii) when
we have earned a cumulative $20,000 in revenue share payments. To date, we have earned $8,715. See note 29 to our consolidated financial statements included in our
Annual Report on Form 10-K.
57
Table of Contents
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses increased by $3,770, or 5%, to $76,120 for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $72,350 for the year ended December 31, 2022. As
discussed in more detail below, the change was comprised of (i) an increase of $1,802 in compensation and benefits; (ii) an increase of $128 in business development,
occupancy, and equipment; (iii) an increase of $691 in subscriptions, clearing, and execution; (iv) an increase of $1,143 in professional fee and other operating; and (v)
an increase of $6 in depreciation and amortization.
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation and benefits increased by $1,802, or 4%, to $52,092 for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $50,290 for the year ended December 31, 2022.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
(Dollars in Thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
2023
2022
Change
Cash compensation and benefits
$
47,701 $
45,900 $
1,801
Equity-based compensation
4,391
4,390
1
Total
$
52,092 $
50,290 $
1,802
Cash compensation and benefits in the table above is primarily comprised of salary, incentive compensation, severance, employer portion of payroll taxes, and
benefits. Cash compensation and benefits increased by $1,801 to $47,701 for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $45,900 for the year ended December 31,
2022. Our headcount decreased to 118 as of December 31, 2023 from 121 as of December 31, 2022. Cash compensation increased primarily due to an increase in incentive
compensation related to the increase in overall revenue and income from equity method affiliates.
Equity-based compensation remained relatively flat.
Business Development, Occupancy, and Equipment
Business development, occupancy, and equipment increased by $128, or 3%, to $5,204 for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $5,076 for the year ended
December 31, 2022. This increase was comprised of an increase in occupancy and equipment of $297, partially offset by a decrease in business development of $169.
Subscriptions, Clearing, and Execution
Subscriptions, clearing, and execution increased by $691, or 8%, to $8,965 for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $8,274 for the year ended December 31,
2022. The increase was comprised of an increase in subscriptions and dues of $573 and an increase in clearing and execution of $118.
58
Table of Contents
Professional Fee and Other Operating Expenses
Professional fee and other operating expenses increased by $1,143, or 14%, to $9,296 for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $8,153 for the year ended
December 31, 2022. The increase was comprised of an increase in professional fees of $1,001 and an increase in other operating expenses of $142.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization increased by $6, or 1%, to $563 for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $557 for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Non-Operating Income and Expense
Interest Expense, net
Interest expense, net increased by $1,544, or 31%, to $6,526 for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $4,982 for the year ended December 31, 2022.
INTEREST EXPENSE
(Dollars in Thousands)
For the Year Ended December 31,
2023
2022
Change
Junior subordinated notes
$
5,247 $
3,442 $
1,805
2020 Senior Notes
450
458
(8)
2017 Convertible Note
-
327
(327)
Byline Bank
338
247
91
Redeemable Financial Instrument - JKD Capital Partners I LTD
491
508
(17)
$
6,526 $
4,982 $
1,544
See notes 19 and 20 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Income / (Loss) from Equity Method Affiliates
Income / (loss) from equity method affiliates increased by $36,540 to $15,609 for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to ($20,931) for the year
ended December 31, 2022. See note 12 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Year Ended December 31,
2023
2022
Change
Insurance SPACs
$
- $
(5,898) $
5,898
SPAC Sponsor Entities
15,275
(14,963)
30,238
Dutch Real Estate Entities
334
(70)
404
$
15,609 $
(20,931) $
36,540
SPAC sponsor entities includes both indirect and direct investments in SPAC sponsor entities. Several of these SPAC sponsor entities are invested in SPACs that have
completed their business combinations. Those SPAC sponsor entities hold restricted and unrestricted equity interests in the public post-merger entities. We account
for our investments in SPAC sponsor entities under the equity method of accounting. If the SPAC sponsor entity distributes SPAC shares to us, we account for those
SPAC shares as a component of other investments, at fair value. The following table shows the equity method income or loss included in SPAC sponsor entities above
broken out by the ultimate public company investee. For several of the investments described below, we also had an investment in the same company accounted for at
fair value as a component of other investments, at fair value during the periods presented. See discussion of principal transactions above.
Year Ended December 31,
2023
2022
Change
Heliogen, Inc. (OTC: HLGN)
$
- $
(10,625) $
10,625
Wejo Group Limited (OTC: WEJWF)
-
(2,214)
2,214
Alpha Tau Medical Ltd. (NASDAQ: DRTS)
(51)
374
(425)
FOXO Technologies Inc. (NYSE American: FOXO)
(3)
1,017
(1,020)
Syntec Optics Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: OPTX)
4,304
-
4,304
Zoomcar Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZCAR)
10,013
(837)
10,850
African Agriculture Holdings Inc. (OTC: AAGR)
2,358
(7)
2,365
Other
(1,346)
(2,671)
1,325
$
15,275 $
(14,963) $
30,238
See note 12 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-K.
59
Table of Contents
Income Tax Expense / (Benefit)
The income tax expense was $5,545 for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $4,794 for the year ended December 31, 2022. See note 23 to our consolidated
financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The tax expense recognized in 2023 was comprised of a deferred tax expense of $5,354 and current tax expense of $191. The current tax expense incurred was the result of
foreign, state, and local income tax. The deferred tax expense was U.S. federal, state, and local tax expense, which was the result of the increase in the valuation
allowance applied against the Company's carryforward tax assets.
The tax expense recognized in 2022 was comprised of a deferred tax expense of $4,579 and current tax expense of $215. The current tax expense incurred was the result of
foreign, state, and local income tax. The deferred tax expense was U.S. federal, state, and local tax expense, which was the result of the increase in the valuation
allowance applied against the Company's carryforward tax assets.
We have significant carryforward tax assets. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had a federal net operating loss (“NOL”) of approximately $96,457, which will be
available to offset future taxable income, subject to limitations described below. The Company also had net capital losses (“NCLs”) in excess of capital gains of
$59,844 as of December 31, 2023, which can be carried forward to offset future capital gains. ASC 746 requires that we record a valuation allowance against these assets
so that the net asset recognized is, in management's judgment, more likely than not to be realized.
Each reporting period, management determines the expected amount of taxable income it will generate in each jurisdiction where the Company has NOLs. Management
then schedules this income against each carryforward tax asset and determines what portion of the asset it believes is more likely than not to be realized. This
determination is subjective and subject to many assumptions and factors including: profitability of our business in the future, the timing of that future income as
compared to carryforward asset expiration, the character of future income (ordinary or capital), and the jurisdiction in which the income will be generated. To the extent
management's determination changes, an adjustment will be made to the valuation allowance resulting in deferred tax expense or benefit. We recorded deferred tax
expense in 2022 and 2023 because expectations of future income decreased and the Company increased the valuation allowance it had applied against carryforward tax
assets. Due to the magnitude of the Company's carryforward tax assets as well as the volatility of the Company's operating results, significant adjustments to the
valuation allowance are likely going forward. These future adjustments may likewise result in material amounts of deferred tax benefit or expense going forward.
60
Table of Contents
Net Income / (Loss) Attributable to the Non-Convertible Non-Controlling Interest
Net income / (loss) attributable to the non-convertible non-controlling interest for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was comprised of the non-controlling
interest related to member interests in consolidated subsidiaries of the Operating LLC other than interests held by us for the relevant periods. These interests are not
convertible into Common Stock.
Year Ended December 31,
2023
2022
Change
Insurance SPAC III Sponsor Entities
$
- $
(4,808) $
4,808
Vellar GP
14,755
-
14,755
Other SPAC related
4,835
(18,395)
23,230
$
19,590 $
(23,203) $
42,793
Insurance SPAC III sponsor entities are the sponsor entities formed by us for our sponsored SPAC, Insurance SPAC III. Prior to March 31, 2023, Vellar GP was the
general partner of the SPAC Fund but did not consolidate it. Effective April 1, 2023, Vellar GP began consolidating the SPAC Fund. Vellar GP primarily invests in share
forward arrangements. On February 25, 2025, the Operating LLC sold its 33.4% interest in Vellar GP pursuant to the Vellar Purchase Agreement and will no longer
consolidate Vellar GP. See notes 4, 10, and 21 to our consolidated financials included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Other SPAC related is mainly comprised of an
entity that we consolidated but do not wholly own that invests in other SPAC sponsor entities.
Net Income / (Loss) Attributable to the Convertible Non-Controlling Interest
Net income / (loss) attributable to the convertible non-controlling interest for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was comprised of the non-controlling interest
related to member interests in the Operating LLC other than interests held by us for the relevant periods.
SUMMARY CALCULATION OF CONVERTIBLE NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST
For the Year Ended December 31, 2023
Wholly Owned
Subsidiaries
Other
Consolidated
Subsidiaries
Total Operating
LLC
Consolidated
Cohen &
Company Inc.
Consolidated
Net income / (loss) before tax
$
(23,091) $
39,035 $
15,944 $
- $
15,944
Income tax expense / (benefit)
1,972
-
1,972
3,573
5,545
Net income / (loss) after tax
(25,063)
39,035
13,972
(3,573)
10,399
Other consolidated subsidiary non-controlling interest
-
19,590
19,590
Net income / (loss) attributable to the Operating LLC
(25,063)
19,445
(5,618)
Average effective Operating LLC non-controlling interest % (1)
72.59%
Operating LLC non-controlling interest
$
(4,078)
Summary
Other consolidated subsidiary non-controlling interest
$
19,590
Operating LLC non-controlling interest
(4,078)
$
15,512
SUMMARY CALCULATION OF CONVERTIBLE NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST
For the Year Ended December 31, 2022
Wholly Owned
Subsidiaries
Other
Consolidated
Subsidiaries
Total Operating
LLC
Consolidated
Cohen &
Company Inc.
Consolidated
Net income / (loss) before tax
$
(20,287) $
(33,589) $
(53,876) $
- $
(53,876)
Income tax expense / (benefit)
(381)
182
(199)
4,993
4,794
Net income / (loss) after tax
(19,906)
(33,771)
(53,677)
(4,993)
(58,670)
Other consolidated subsidiary non-controlling interest
-
(23,203)
(23,203)
Net income / (loss) attributable to the Operating LLC
(19,906)
(10,568)
(30,474)
Average effective Operating LLC non-controlling interest % (1)
72.45%
Operating LLC non-controlling interest
$
(22,078)
Summary
Other consolidated subsidiary non-controlling interest
$
(23,203)
Operating LLC non-controlling interest
(22,078)
$
(45,281)
(1)
Non-controlling interest is recorded on a quarterly basis. Because earnings are recognized unevenly throughout the year and the non-controlling interest
percentage may change during the period, the average effective non-controlling interest percentage may not equal the percentage at the end of any period or the
simple average of the beginning and ending percentages.
61
Table of Contents
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity is a measurement of our ability to meet potential cash requirements including ongoing commitments to repay debt borrowings, make interest payments on
outstanding borrowings, fund investments, and support other general business purposes. In addition, our U.S. and European broker-dealer subsidiaries are subject to
certain regulatory requirements to maintain minimum levels of net capital. Historically, our primary sources of funds have been our operating activities and general
corporate borrowings. In addition, our trading operations have generally been financed by use of collateralized securities financing arrangements as well as margin
loans.
Certain subsidiaries of the Operating LLC have restrictions on the withdrawal of capital and otherwise in making distributions and loans. JVB is subject to net capital
restrictions imposed by the SEC and FINRA that require certain minimum levels of net capital to remain in this subsidiary. In addition, these restrictions could potentially
impose notice requirements or limit our ability to withdraw capital above the required minimum amounts (excess capital) whether through a distribution or a loan.
CCFESA is subject to the regulations of the ACPR, which imposes minimum capital requirements. See note 25 to our consolidated financial statements included in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Dividends and Distributions
During the third quarter of 2010, our board of directors initiated a dividend of $0.50 per quarter, which was paid regularly through December 31, 2011. Beginning in 2012,
our board of directors declared a dividend of $0.20 per quarter, which was paid regularly through the first quarter of 2019. Each time a cash dividend was declared by our
board of directors, a pro rata distribution was made to the other members of the Operating LLC upon payment of dividends to our stockholders.
On July 29, 2021, our board of directors reinstated our quarterly dividend declaring a cash dividend of $0.25 per share. We have paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25
regularly since that date. In addition to our routine quarterly distribution, on March 8, 2022, our board of directors declared a special cash dividend of $0.75 per share.
On March 10, 2025, our board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share payable on April 9, 2024 to shareholders of record on March 26, 2024.
Repurchases of Common Stock
The Company did not repurchase any shares of Common Stock in 2022, 2023, or 2024.
Issuances of Common Stock
On October 5, 2023, we entered into an equity distribution agreement (the “2023 Equity Agreement”) relating to the ATM Program, pursuant to which we are permitted to
sell an aggregate of up to $4,712 in Shares, which represented one-third of the value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates. As of December 31, 2024, 13,500 shares
had been sold under the 2023 Equity Agreement for total proceeds of $154.
62
Table of Contents
During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, we had the following other significant financing transactions. This excludes non-cash transactions. See
notes 19 and 20 in our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
During 2024:
o
We repaid our redeemable financial instrument in the amount of $2,573. The remainder was converted to the 2024 Note.
o
We paid dividends of $1,873 and distributions to the convertible non-controlling interest of $4,819
o
We paid distributions of $6,758 to the non-convertible non-controlling interest.
During 2023:
o
We drew and repaid $15,000 on a revolving line of credit.
o
We paid dividends of $1,750 and distributions to the convertible non-controlling interest of $4,344.
o
We paid distributions of $10,041 to the non-convertible non-controlling interest.
During 2022:
o
We issued a new 2020 Senior Note for $2,250 and used the proceeds to pay off an existing 2020 Senior Note
o
We paid dividends of $2,258 and distributions to the convertible non-controlling interest of $6,485
o
We paid distributions of $2,236 to non-convertible non-controlling interest.
Cash Flows
We have seven primary uses for capital:
(1)
To fund the operations of our Capital Markets business segment. Our Capital Markets business segment utilizes capital (i) to fund securities inventory to
facilitate client trading activities; (ii) for risk trading for our own account; (iii) to fund our collateralized securities lending activities; (iv) for temporary capital
needs associated with underwriting activities; (v) to fund business expansion into existing or new product lines including additional capital dedicated to our
mortgage group as well as our matched book repo business; and (vi) to fund any operating losses incurred.
(2)
To fund the expansion of our Asset Management business segment. We generally grow our AUM by sponsoring new Investment Vehicles. The creation of a
new Investment Vehicle often requires us to invest a certain amount of our own capital to attract outside capital to manage. Also, the new Investment Vehicles
often require warehouse and other third-party financing to fund the acquisition of investments. Finally, we generally will hire employees to manage new
Investment Vehicles and will operate at a loss for a startup period.
(3)
To fund investments. We make principal investments (including sponsor and other investments in SPACs) to generate returns. We may need to raise additional
debt or equity financing in order to ensure we have the capital necessary to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities.
(4)
To fund mergers or acquisitions. We may opportunistically use capital to acquire other asset managers, individual asset management contracts, or financial
services firms. To the extent our liquidity sources are insufficient to fund our future merger or acquisition activities, we may need to raise additional funding
through an equity or debt offering. No assurances can be given that additional financing will be available in the future, or that, if available, such financing will
be on favorable terms.
(5)
To fund potential dividends and distributions. We sometimes pay dividends. Each time a cash dividend was declared by our board of directors, a pro rata
distribution was made to the other members of the Operating LLC upon payment of dividends to our stockholders.
(6)
To fund potential repurchases of Common Stock. We have opportunistically repurchased Common Stock in private transactions. See note 21 to our
consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(7)
To pay off debt as it matures. We have indebtedness that must be repaid as it matures. See note 20 to our consolidated financial statements included in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K.
63
Table of Contents
If we are unable to raise sufficient capital on economically favorable terms, we may need to reduce the amount of capital invested for the uses described above, which
may adversely impact earnings and our ability to pay dividends.
As of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we maintained cash and cash equivalents of $19,590 and $10,650, respectively. We generated cash from or used cash
for the activities described below.
SUMMARY CASH FLOW INFORMATION
(Dollars in Thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
2024
2023
2022
Cash flow from operating activities
$
9,475 $
(39,660) $
(23,488)
Cash flow from investing activities
16,506
38,123
13,798
Cash flow from financing activities
(16,717)
(17,105)
(11,504)
Effect of exchange rate on cash
(324)
191
(272)
Net cash flow
8,940
(18,451)
(21,466)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning
10,650
29,101
50,567
Cash and cash equivalents, ending
$
19,590 $
10,650 $
29,101
See the statements of cash flows in our consolidated financial statements. We believe our available cash and cash equivalents, as well as our investment in our trading
portfolio and related borrowing capacity, will provide sufficient liquidity to meet the cash needs of our ongoing operations in the near term.
2024 Cash Flows
As of December 31, 2024, our cash and cash equivalents were $19,590, representing an increase of $8,940 from December 31, 2023. The increase was attributable to cash
flow from operating activities of $9,475, cash provided by investing activities of $16,506, cash used in financing activities of $16,717, and the decrease in cash resulting
from a change in exchange rates of $324.
The cash provided from operating activities of $9,475 was comprised of (a) net cash inflow of $1,527 related to working capital fluctuations; (b) net cash inflow of
$8,310 from trading activities comprised of our investments-trading, trading securities sold, not yet purchased, securities sold under agreement to repurchase,
receivables under resale agreements, and receivables and payables from brokers, dealers, and clearing agencies, as well as the changes in unrealized gains and losses on
the investments-trading and trading securities sold, not yet purchased; and (c) net cash outflow from other earnings items of $362 (which represents net income or loss
adjusted for the following non-cash operating items: deferred taxes, other income / (expense), non-cash advisory revenue, realized and unrealized gains and losses on
other investments, at fair value, other investments sold, not yet purchased, income / (loss) from equity method affiliates, equity-based compensation, depreciation, and
amortization).
The cash provided from investing activities of $16,506 was comprised of (a) $78,834 in proceeds from sales of other investments, at fair value; (b) $214 in proceeds from
sales from other investments sold, not yet purchased; and (c) $1,026 in distributions received from equity method affiliates; partially offset by (d) $60,675 of purchases
of other investments, at fair value; (e) $1,408 of purchases of other investments sold, not yet purchased; (f) $236 used to invest in equity method affiliates, and (g) $1,249
of purchases of furniture, equipment, and leasehold improvements.
The cash used in financing activities of $16,717 was comprised of (a) $2,573 used to repay our redeemable financial instrument; (b) $189 used to net settle equity awards;
(c) $1,873 paid in dividends on Common Stock; (d) $4,819 paid in distributions to the convertible non-controlling interest; (e) $659 of redemptions of convertible non-
controlling interest; and (f) $6,758 paid in distributions to the non-convertible non-controlling interest; partially offset by (g) $154 in proceeds from the issuance of
Common Stock.
64
Table of Contents
2023 Cash Flows
As of December 31, 2023, our cash and cash equivalents were $10,650, representing a decrease of $18,451 from December 31, 2022. The decrease was attributable to cash
used in operating activities of $39,660, cash provided by investing activities of $38,123, cash used in financing activities of $17,105, and the increase in cash resulting
from a change in exchange rates of $191.
The cash used in operating activities of $39,660 was comprised of (a) net cash outflow of $77,599 related to working capital fluctuations; (b) net cash inflow of $65,282
from trading activities comprised of our investments-trading, trading securities sold, not yet purchased, securities sold under agreement to repurchase, receivables
under resale agreements, and receivables and payables from brokers, dealers, and clearing agencies, as well as the changes in unrealized gains and losses on the
investments-trading and trading securities sold, not yet purchased; and (c) net cash outflow from other earnings items of $27,343 (which represents net income or loss
adjusted for the following non-cash operating items: deferred taxes, other income / (expense), non-cash advisory revenue, realized and unrealized gains and losses on
other investments, at fair value, other investments sold, not yet purchased, income / (loss) from equity method affiliates, equity-based compensation, depreciation, and
amortization).
The cash provided from investing activities of $38,123 was comprised of (a) $75,906 in proceeds from sales of other investments, at fair value; (b) $53,928 in proceeds
from sales of other investments sold, not yet purchased, at fair value; and (c) $2,091 in proceeds from distributions from equity method affiliates; partially offset by (d)
$86,021 in cash used to purchase other investments, at fair value; (e) $5,512 in cash used to purchase other investments sold, not yet purchased, at fair value; (f) $1,896
in cash used to invest in equity method affiliates; and (g) $373 in purchases of furniture, equipment, and leasehold improvements.
The cash used in financing activities of $17,105 was comprised of (a) $15,000 of cash used to repay debt; (b) $175 of cash used to settle equity awards; (c) $1,750 of cash
used to pay dividends on Common Stock; (d) $4,344 in cash used for distributions to the convertible non-controlling interest; and (e) $10,041 in cash used for
distributions to the non-convertible non-controlling interests; partially offset by (f) $15,000 in proceeds from the issuance of debt; (g) $39 in cash proceeds from
investments in the non-convertible non-controlling interests; and (h) $834 of cash used for the redemption of convertible non-controlling interest units.
2022 Cash Flows
As of December 31, 2022, our cash and cash equivalents were $29,101, representing a decrease of $21,466 from December 31, 2021. The decrease was attributable to cash
used in operating activities of $23,488, cash provided by investing activities of $13,798, cash used in financing activities of $11,504, and the decrease in cash resulting
from a change in exchange rates of $272.
The cash used in operating activities of $23,488 was comprised of (a) net cash outflows of $23,461 related to working capital fluctuations; (b) net cash inflows of
$4,365 from trading activities comprised of our investments-trading, trading securities sold, not yet purchased, securities sold under agreement to repurchase,
receivables under resale agreements, and receivables and payables from brokers, dealers, and clearing agencies, as well as the changes in unrealized gains and losses on
the investments-trading and trading securities sold, not yet purchased; and (c) net cash outflows from other earnings items of $4,392 (which represents net income or
loss adjusted for the following non-cash operating items: deferred taxes, other income / (expense), non-cash advisory revenue, realized and unrealized gains and losses
on other investments, at fair value, other investments sold, not yet purchased, income / (loss) from equity method affiliates, equity-based compensation, depreciation,
impairment of goodwill, and amortization).
The cash provided investing activities of $13,798 was comprised of (a) $27,091 in proceeds from sales of other investments, at fair value; (b) $3,054 in proceeds from
sales of other investments sold, not yet purchased, at fair value; and (c) $77 in proceeds from distributions from equity method affiliates; partially offset by (d) $7,236 in
cash used to purchase other investments, at fair value; (e) $6,001 in cash used to purchase other investments sold, not yet purchased, at fair value; (f) $2,614 in cash
used to invest in equity method affiliates; and (g) $573 in cash used to purchase furniture, equipment, and leasehold improvements.
The cash used in financing activities of $11,504 was comprised of (a) $2,250 in cash used to repay debt; (b) $234 in cash used to settle equity awards; (c) $2,558 in cash
used to pay dividends on Common Stock; (d) $6,485 in cash used to pay distributions to the convertible non-controlling interest; and (e) $2,236 in cash used to pay
distributions to the non-convertible non-controlling interests; partially offset by (f) $2,250 in proceeds from the issuance of debt; and (g) $9 in cash proceeds from
investments in the non-convertible non-controlling interests.
65
Table of Contents
Regulatory Capital Requirements
We have two subsidiaries that are licensed securities dealers: JVB in the U.S. and CCFESA in France. As a U.S. broker-dealer, JVB is subject to the Uniform Net Capital
Rule in Rule 15c3-1 under the Exchange Act. CCFESA is subject to the regulations of the ACPR. The amount of net assets that these subsidiaries may distribute is
subject to restrictions under these applicable net capital rules. These subsidiaries have historically operated in excess of minimum net capital requirements. Our minimum
capital requirements at December 31, 2024 were as follows.
MINIMUM NET CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands)
As of December 31,
2024
U.S.
$
250
France
643
Total
$
893
We operate with more than the minimum regulatory capital requirement in our licensed broker-dealers and at December 31, 2024 total net capital, or the equivalent as
defined by the relevant statutory regulations, in our licensed broker-dealers was $49,988. See note 25 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K. In addition, our licensed broker-dealers are generally subject to capital withdrawal notification requirements and restrictions.
Restrictions of Distributions of Capital from JVB
As of December 31, 2024, our total equity on a consolidated basis was $90,283. However, the total equity of JVB was $77,328. Therefore, only $12,955 of equity exists
outside of JVB. During certain periods of time, we have generated losses or negative cash flow outside of JVB. We are dependent on taking distributions of income
(and potentially returns of capital) from JVB to satisfy the cash needs outside of JVB, such as to cover losses incurred outside of JVB, to satisfy other obligations
that come due outside of JVB, and to make investments outside of JVB. However, we are subject to significant limitations on our ability to make distributions from
JVB such as the limitations imposed by FINRA under rule 15c3-1 (described immediately above) and limitations under our line of credit with Byline Bank (see note
20 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K). Furthermore, counterparties to JVB have their own internal counterparty
credit requirements. The specific requirements are not generally shared with us. However, if we take too much in capital distributions from JVB (beyond its net
income), we may not be able to trade with certain counterparties, which may cause JVB’s operations to deteriorate.
Securities Financing
We maintain repurchase agreements with various third-party financial institutions. There is no maximum limit as to the amount of securities that may be transferred
pursuant to these agreements, and transactions are approved on a case-by-case basis. The repurchase agreements do not include substantive provisions other than
those covenants and other customary provisions contained in standard master repurchase agreements. The repurchase agreements generally require us to transfer
additional securities to the counterparty in the event the value of the securities then held by the counterparty in the margin account falls below specified levels and
contain events of default were we to breach our obligations under the agreement. We receive margin calls from our repurchase agreement counterparties from time to
time in the ordinary course of business. To date, we have maintained sufficient liquidity to meet margin calls, and we have never been unable to satisfy a margin call,
however, no assurance can be given that we will be able to satisfy requests from our counterparties to post additional collateral in the future. See note 11 to our
consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
If there were an event of default under a repurchase agreement, the counterparty would have the option to terminate all repurchase transactions existing with us and
make any amount due from us to the counterparty payable immediately. Repurchase obligations are full recourse obligations to us. If we were to default under a
repurchase obligation, the counterparty would have recourse to our other assets if the collateral was not sufficient to satisfy our obligations in full. Most of our
repurchase agreements are entered into as part of our gestation repo business.
Our clearing brokers provide securities financing arrangements including margin arrangements and securities borrowing and lending arrangements. These arrangements
generally require us to transfer additional securities or cash to the clearing broker in the event the value of the securities then held by the clearing broker in the margin
account falls below specified levels and contain events of default were we to breach our obligations under such agreements.
An event of default under the clearing agreement would give the counterparty the option to terminate the clearing arrangement. Any amounts owed to the clearing
broker would be immediately due and payable. These obligations are recourse to us. Furthermore, a termination of any of our clearing arrangements would result in a
significant disruption to our business and would have a significant negative impact on our dealings and relationship with our customers.
66
Table of Contents
The following table presents our period end balance, average monthly balance, and maximum balance at any month end for receivables under resale agreements and
securities sold under agreements to repurchase.
For the Twelve
Months Ended
December 31, 2024
For the Twelve
Months Ended
December 31, 2023
Receivables under resale agreements
Period end
$
668,259 $
408,408
Monthly average
$
566,987 $
430,672
Maximum month end
$
743,654 $
564,527
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
Period end
$
695,966 $
408,203
Monthly average
$
570,715 $
438,576
Maximum month end
$
742,120 $
563,542
Fluctuations in the balance of our repurchase agreements from period-to-period and intra-period are dependent on business activity in those periods. The fluctuations
in the balances of our receivables under resale agreements over the periods presented were impacted by our clients’ desires to execute collateralized financing
arrangements through the repurchase market or other financing products.
Average balances and period end balances will fluctuate based on market and liquidity conditions and we consider such intra-period fluctuations as typical for the
repurchase market. Month-end balances may be higher or lower than average period balances.
Debt Financing
The following table summarizes our long-term indebtedness and other financing outstanding. See note 20 to our consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report
on Form 10-K for more information.
DETAIL OF DEBT
(Dollars in Thousands)
Description
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Interest Rate
Terms
Interest (2)
Maturity
Non-convertible debt:
12.00% senior note (the "2024 Note")
$
5,146 $
-
Fixed
12.00%
August 2026
12.00% senior note (the "2020 Note")
4,500
4,500
Fixed
12.00%
January 2026
Junior subordinated notes (1):
Alesco Capital Trust I
28,125
28,125
Variable
8.85%
July 2037
Sunset Financial Statutory Trust I
20,000
20,000
Variable
9.02%
March 2035
Less unamortized discount
(22,867)
(22,909)
25,258
25,216
Byline Credit Facility
-
-
Variable
N/A
June 2025
Total
$
34,904 $
29,716
67
Table of Contents
(1) The junior subordinated notes represent debt the Company owes to the two trusts noted above. The total par amount owed by the Company to the trusts is
$49,614. However, the Company owns the common stock of the trusts in a total par amount of $1,489. The Company pays interest (and at maturity, principal) to
the trusts on the entire $49,614 junior subordinated notes outstanding. However, the Company receives back from the trusts the pro rata share of interest and
principal on the common stock held by the Company. These trusts are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) and the Company does not consolidate them even
though the Company holds the common stock. The Company carries the common stock on its balance sheet at a value of $0. The junior subordinated notes are
recorded at a discount to par. When factoring in the discount, the yield to maturity of the junior subordinated notes as of December 31, 2024 on a combined
basis was 20.55% assuming the variable rate in effect on the last day of the reporting period remains in effect until maturity.
(2) Represents the interest rate in effect as of the last day of the reporting period.
Redeemable Financial Instruments
As of the dates presented below, we had the following sources of financing, which we accounted for as redeemable financial instruments. See note 19 to our
consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
REDEEMABLE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
JKD Investor
$
- $
7,868
$
- $
7,868
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Other than as described in note 10 (derivative financial instruments) and note 18 (variable interest entities) to our consolidated financial statements included in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K, there were no material off balance sheet arrangements as of December 31, 2024.
68
Table of Contents
Contractual Obligations
The table below summarizes our significant contractual obligations as of December 31, 2024 and the future periods in which such obligations are expected to be settled
in cash. Our junior subordinated notes are assumed to be repaid on their respective maturity dates. Excluded from the table are obligations that are short-term in nature,
including trading liabilities and repurchase agreements. In addition, amortization of discount on debt is excluded.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
December 31, 2024
(Dollars in Thousands)
Payment Due by Period
Total
Less than 1 Year
1 - 3 Years
3 - 5 Years
More than 5
Years
Operating lease arrangements
$
22,054 $
2,022 $
4,886 $
4,871 $
10,275
Maturity of 2024 Notes (1)
5,146
2,573
2,573
-
-
Interest on 2024 Notes (1)
875
592
283
-
-
Maturity of 2020 Notes (1)
4,500
-
4,500
-
-
Interest on 2020 Notes (1)
722
540
182
-
-
Maturities on junior subordinated notes
48,125
-
-
-
48,125
Interest on junior subordinated notes (1)
50,220
4,292
8,585
8,585
28,758
Other Operating Obligations (2)
1,447
1,263
183
1
-
$
133,089 $
11,282 $
21,192 $
13,457 $
87,158
(1) The interest on the junior subordinated notes related to Alesco Capital Trust I is variable. The interest rate of 8.85% (based on a 90-day SOFR rate in effect as
of December 31, 2024 plus 4.00%) was used to compute the contractual interest payment in each period noted. The interest on the junior subordinated notes
related to Sunset Financial Statutory Trust I is variable. The interest rate of 9.02% (based on a 90-day SOFR rate in effect as of December 31, 2024 plus 4.15%)
was used to compute the contractual interest payment in each period noted.
(2) Represents material operating contracts for various services.
We believe that we will be able to continue to fund our current operations and meet our contractual obligations through a combination of existing cash resources and
other sources of credit. Due to the uncertainties that exist in the economy, we cannot be certain that we will be able to replace existing financing or find sources of
additional financing in the future.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our accounting policies are essential to understanding and interpreting the financial results in our consolidated financial statements. Our industry is subject to a number
of highly complex accounting rules and requirements, many of which place heavy burdens on management to make judgments relating to our business. We encourage
readers of this Form 10-K to read all of our critical accounting policies, which are included in note 3 to our consolidated financial statements included herein for a full
understanding of these issues and how the financial statements are impacted by these judgments. Certain of these policies are considered to be particularly important to
the presentation of our financial results because they require us to make assumptions and estimates about future events and apply judgments that affect the reported
amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and the related disclosures. We base our assumptions, estimates, and judgments on historical experience, current
trends, and other factors that management believes to be relevant at the time our consolidated financial statements are prepared. On a regular basis, management
reviews the accounting policies, assumptions, estimates, and judgments to ensure that our financial statements are presented fairly and in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
However, because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our assumptions and estimates, and such
differences could be material.
69
Table of Contents
We consider the accounting policies discussed below to be the policies that are the most impactful to our financial statements and also subject to significant
management judgment.
Valuation of Financial Instruments
How fair value determinations impact our financial statements
All of the securities we own that are classified as investments-trading, securities sold, not yet purchased, other investments, at fair value, or other investments sold, not
yet purchased are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value (both unrealized and realized) recorded in earnings.
Unrealized and realized gains and losses on securities classified as investments-trading and securities sold, not yet purchased in the consolidated balance sheets are
recorded as a component of net trading revenue in the consolidated statements of operations. Unrealized and realized gains and losses on securities classified as other
investments, at fair value, and other investments sold, not yet purchased in the consolidated balance sheets are recorded as a component of principal transactions and
other income in the consolidated statements of operations.
How we determine fair value for securities
We account for our investment securities at fair value under various accounting literature, including Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting
Standards Codification (“ASC”) 320, Investments — Debt and Equity Securities (“ASC 320”), pertaining to investments in debt and equity securities and the fair value
option of financial instruments in ASC 825, Financial Instruments (“ASC 825”). We also account for certain assets at fair value under applicable industry guidance such
as: (a) FASB ASC 946, Financial Services-Investment Companies (“ASC 946”) and (b) FASB ASC 940-320, Proprietary Trading Securities (“ASC 940-320").
The determination of fair value is based on quoted market prices of an active exchange, independent broker market quotations, market price quotations from third-party
pricing services, or, when independent broker quotations or market price quotations from third-party pricing services are unavailable, valuation models prepared by
management. These models include estimates and the valuations derived from them could differ materially from amounts realizable in an open market exchange.
We adopted the fair value measurement provisions in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”), applicable to financial assets and financial
liabilities effective January 1, 2008. ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell the asset or paid to transfer the liability between market
participants at the measurement date (“exit price”). An exit price valuation will include margins for risk even if they are not observable. In accordance with ASC 820, we
categorize our financial instruments, based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three-level valuation hierarchy. The hierarchy gives the highest
priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3
measurements). The three levels of the hierarchy under ASC 820 are described below.
Level 1 Financial assets and liabilities with values that are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for
identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
Level 2 Financial assets and liabilities with values that are based on one or more of the following: (a) quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; (b)
quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets; (c) pricing models with inputs that are derived, other than quoted prices, and are
observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; or (d) pricing models with inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by
observable market data through correlation or other means for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
Level 3 Financial assets and liabilities with values that are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value
measurement and unobservable. These inputs reflect management’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the
asset or liability.
In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the valuation hierarchy. In such cases, the level of the valuation hierarchy within
which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or
liability.
70
Table of Contents
Financial instruments carried at contract amounts with short-term maturities (one year or less) are repriced frequently or bear market interest rates. Accordingly, those
contracts are carried at amounts approximating fair value. Financial instruments carried at contract amounts on our consolidated balance sheets include receivables from
and payables to brokers, securities purchased under agreements to resell (“reverse repurchase agreements” or “receivables under resale agreements”), and sales of
securities under agreements to repurchase (“repurchase agreements”).
How we determine fair value for investments in investment funds and similar vehicles
A portion of our other investments, at fair value represents investments in investment funds and other non-publicly traded entities that have the attributes of
investment companies as described in ASC 946-15-2. We estimate the fair value of these entities using the reported net asset value per share as of the reporting date in
accordance with the “practical expedient” provisions related to investments in certain entities that calculated net asset value per share (or its equivalent) included in
ASC 820.
Derivative Financial Instruments
We do not utilize hedge accounting for our derivatives. Accordingly, all derivatives are carried at fair value with unrealized and realized gains recognized in earnings.
If the derivative is expected to be managed by employees of our Capital Markets business segment or is a hedge for an investment classified as investments-trading, the
derivative will be carried as a component of investments-trading if it is an asset or securities sold, not yet purchased if it is a liability. If the derivative is a hedge for an
investment carried as a component of other investments, at fair value, the derivative will be recorded in other investments, at fair value if it is an asset or other
investments sold, not yet purchased if it is a liability.
We may, from time to time, enter into derivatives as investments or to manage our risk exposures arising from (i) fluctuations in foreign currency rates with respect to our
investments in foreign currency denominated investments; (ii) our investments in interest sensitive investments; (iii) our investments in various equity instruments; and
(iv) our facilitation of mortgage-backed trading. Derivatives entered into by us, from time to time, may include (i) foreign currency forward contracts; (ii) purchase and
sale agreements of TBAs and other forward agency MBS contracts; (iii) other extended settlement trades; (iv) equity options such as calls and puts; and (v) SFAs.
In addition to the derivatives noted above, we may from time to time enter into other securities or loan trades that do not settle within the normal securities settlement
period. In those cases, the purchase or sale of the security or loan is not recorded until the settlement date. However, from the trade date until the settlement date, our
interest in the security is accounted for as a derivative as either a forward purchase commitment or a forward sale commitment.
Derivatives involve varying degrees of off-balance sheet risk, whereby changes in the level or volatility of interest rates or market values of the underlying financial
instruments may result in changes in the value of a particular financial instrument in excess of its carrying amount. Depending on our investment strategy, realized and
unrealized gains and losses are recognized in principal transactions and other income or in net trading in our consolidated statements of operations on a trade date
basis.
Accounting for Income Taxes
We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax
consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the
differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to
reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
We record net deferred tax assets to the extent we believe these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such a determination, we consider all available
positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies, and recent financial
operations. In the event we were to determine that we would be able to realize our deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, we
would make an adjustment to the valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.
Our policy is to record penalties and interest as a component of provision for income taxes in our consolidated statements of operations.
71
Table of Contents
Our voting-controlled subsidiary, the Operating LLC, is treated as a pass-through entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes and in most of the states in which we do
business. The Operating LLC is subject to entity level taxes in certain state and foreign jurisdictions. However, as a result of the AFN Merger, we acquired significant
deferred tax assets and liabilities and now have significant tax attributes. Effective as of January 1, 2010, we began to be treated as a C corporation for U.S. federal and
state income tax purposes.
As shown in note 23 to the consolidated financial statements contained herein, we currently have significant recognized as well as unrecognized deferred tax assets.
Deferred tax assets should only be recognized to the extent that we determine we can benefit in the future from the asset. Generally, this determination is based on our
estimates of our ability to generate future taxable income. This determination is complex and subject to judgment. The determination is ongoing and subject to change.
If we were to change this determination in the future, a significant deferred tax benefit or deferred tax expense would be recognized as a component of earnings.
Revenue Recognition
Net trading
Net trading includes: (i) all gains, losses, interest income, dividend income, and interest expense from securities classified as investments-trading and trading securities
sold, not yet purchased; (ii) interest income and expense from collateralized securities transactions; and (iii) commissions and riskless trading profits. Net trading is
reduced by margin interest, which is recorded on an accrual basis. We refer to investments included as a component of investments - trading and trading securities
sold, not yet purchased as trading assets.
Riskless trades are transacted through our proprietary account with a customer order in hand, resulting in little or no market risk to us. Transactions that settle in the
regular way are recognized on a trade date basis. Extended settlement transactions are recognized on a settlement date basis (although in cases of extended settlement
trades, the unsettled trade is accounted for as a derivative between trade and settlement date). See notes 3 and 10 to our consolidated financial statements included in
this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The investments classified as trading are carried at fair value. The determination of fair value is based on quoted market prices of an
active exchange, independent broker market quotations, market price quotations from third-party pricing services or, when independent broker quotations or market
price quotations from third-party pricing services are unavailable, valuation models prepared by our management. The models include estimates, and the valuations
derived from them could differ materially from amounts realizable in an open market exchange. See note 9 to our consolidated financial statements included in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Asset management
Asset management revenue consists of management fees earned from Investment Vehicles. In the case of CDOs, the fees earned by us generally consist of senior,
subordinated, and incentive fees.
The senior asset management fee is generally senior to all the securities in the CDO capital structure and is recognized on a monthly basis as services are performed.
The senior asset management fee is generally paid on a quarterly basis.
The subordinated asset management fee is an additional payment for the same services but has a lower priority in the CDO cash flows. If the CDO experiences a certain
level of asset defaults and deferrals, these fees may not be paid. There is no recovery by the CDO of previously paid subordinated asset management fees. It is our
policy to recognize these fees on a monthly basis as services are performed. The subordinated asset management fee is generally paid on a quarterly basis. However, if
we determine that the subordinated asset management fee will not be paid (which generally occurs on the quarterly payment date), we will stop recognizing additional
subordinated asset management fees on that particular CDO and will reverse any subordinated asset management fees that are accrued and unpaid. We will begin
accruing the subordinated asset management fee again if payment resumes and, in management’s estimate, continued payment is reasonably assured. If payment were
to resume but we were unsure of continued payment, we would recognize the subordinated asset management fee as payments were received and would not accrue
such fees on a monthly basis.
The incentive management fee is an additional payment, made typically after five to seven years of the life of a CDO, which is based on the clearance of an accumulated
cash return on investment (“Hurdle Return”) received by the most junior CDO securities holders. It is an incentive for us to perform in our role as asset manager by
minimizing defaults and maximizing recoveries. The incentive management fee is not ultimately determined or payable until the achievement of the Hurdle Return by the
most junior CDO securities holders. We recognize incentive fee revenue when it is probable and there is not a significant chance of reversal in the future.
In the case of Investment Vehicles other than CDOs, generally we earn a base fee and, in some cases, an incentive fee. Base fees will generally be recognized monthly as
services are performed and will be paid monthly or quarterly. The contractual terms of each arrangement will determine our revenue recognition policy for incentive fees
in each case. However, in all cases, we recognize the incentive fees when they are probable and there is not a significant chance of reversal in the future.
72
Table of Contents
New issue and advisory
New issue and advisory revenue includes: (i) new issue revenue associated with origination fees for newly created financial instruments originated by us; (ii) revenue
from advisory services; (iii) underwriting; and (iv) new issue revenue associated with arranging the issuance of and placing newly created financial instruments. New
issue and advisory revenue is recognized when the Company’s performance obligations have been satisfied and collectability is reasonably assured.
Principal transactions and other income
Principal transactions include all gains, losses, and income (interest and dividend) from financial instruments classified as other investments, at fair value and other
investments sold, not yet purchased in the consolidated balance sheets.
The investments classified as other investments, at fair value and other investments sold, not yet purchased are carried at fair value. The determination of fair value is
based on quoted market prices of an active exchange, independent broker market quotations, market price quotations or models from third-party pricing services, or,
when independent broker quotations or market price quotations or models from third-party pricing services are unavailable, valuation models prepared by management.
These models include estimates, and the valuations derived from them could differ materially from amounts realizable in an open market exchange. Dividend income is
recognized on the ex-dividend date.
Other income / (loss) includes foreign currency gains and losses, interest earned on cash and cash equivalents, interest earned and losses incurred on notes receivable,
and other miscellaneous income including revenue from revenue sharing arrangements.
Variable Interest Entities
FASB ASC 810, Consolidation (“ASC 810”) contains the guidance surrounding the definition of VIEs, the definition of variable interests, and the consolidation rules
surrounding VIEs. In general, VIEs are entities in which equity investors lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk
for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support. As a general matter, a reporting entity must consolidate a VIE when it is deemed
to be the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity that has both (a) the power to direct the matters that most significantly impact the VIE’s financial
performance and (b) a significant variable interest in the VIE.
We can potentially become involved with a VIE in three main ways:
Our Principal Investing Portfolio
For each investment made within the principal investing portfolio, we assess whether the investee is a VIE and if we are the primary beneficiary. If we determine the
entity is a VIE and we are the primary beneficiary, we will consolidate it.
Our Asset Management Activities
For each investment management contract we enter into, we will assess whether the entity being managed is a VIE and if we are the primary beneficiary. If we determine
the entity is a VIE and we are the primary beneficiary, we will consolidate it.
Our Trading Portfolio
From time to time, we may have an interest in a VIE through the investments we make as part of our trading activities. Because of the high volume of trading activity in
which we engage, we do not perform a formal assessment of each individual investment within our trading portfolio to determine if the investee is a VIE and if we are the
primary beneficiary. Even if we were to obtain a variable interest in a VIE through our trading portfolio, we would not be deemed to be the primary beneficiary for two
main reasons: (a) we do not usually obtain the power to direct activities that most significantly impact any investee’s financial performance and (b) a scope exception
exists within the consolidation guidance for cases where the reporting entity is a broker-dealer and any control (either as the primary beneficiary of a VIE or through a
controlling interest in a voting interest entity) was deemed to be temporary. In the unlikely case that we obtained the power to direct activities and obtained a significant
variable interest in an investee in our trading portfolio that was a VIE, any such control would be deemed to be temporary due to the rapid turnover within the trading
portfolio.
Stock Compensation
We account for stock compensation according to FASB ASC 718, Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). In the periods presented herein, we had three different types of
grants that fall under ASC 718.
First, we sometimes grant restricted common stock in Cohen & Company Inc. to employees and directors. These grants vest over a period of time and only have service
based vesting criteria. In these cases, we determine the fair value of the grants by taking the closing stock price of Cohen & Company Inc. on the grant date and
multiplying it by the number of restricted shares granted. We recognize the expense over the service period on a straight-line basis. We assume no forfeitures up front
and record forfeitures as they occur by reducing expense. The recipient is entitled to dividends that are declared and paid during the vesting period but they are paid
only if (and to the extent) the restricted share grant ultimately vests.
Second, we sometimes grant operating units of the Operating LLC to employees. These grants also vest over a period of time and only have service based vesting
criteria. Because there is a fixed exchange ratio between units of the Operating LLC and shares of Cohen & Company Inc., the fair value of the grant is calculated by
taking the closing stock price of Cohen & Company Inc. on the grant date, adjusting for the exchange ratio, and then multiplying by the number of units of the
Operating LLC granted. We recognize the expense over the service period on a straight-line basis. We assume no forfeitures up front and record forfeitures as they
occur by reducing expense. The recipient is entitled to distributions that are declared and paid during the vesting period but they are paid only if (and to the extent) the
unit grant ultimately vests.
73
Table of Contents
Third, employees sometimes invest in the membership interests of consolidated SPAC sponsor entities (the Insurance SPAC Sponsor Entities, the Insurance SPAC
II Sponsor Entities, and the Insurance SPAC III Sponsor Entities). Because these entities are consolidated and the employees are investing in the consolidated
company's non-controlling interest, these equity interests fall under ASC 718. Generally, the employee invests a de minimis amount and receives an allocation of the
founder shares held by the sponsor entity. The investment does not have any explicit vesting criteria associated with it. Generally, the employee's investment will be
worthless if the SPAC is liquidated and it will become worth something if the SPAC completes its business combination. Therefore, we treat these grants as having a
performance condition (i.e. the completion of the SPAC business combination). Further, at the time of the investments, we treat this performance condition as being
non-probable. The effect of this is that we record no expense related to these investments until (and only if) the business combination is completed. Upon completion
of the business combination, we record compensation expense in an amount equal to the fair value of the grant. The fair value of the grant is equal to the public trading
price of the SPAC on the date of the grant adjusted for certain sale restrictions imposed on the shares the employee receives (generally, they are restricted for sale for
some time period and subject to certain hurdle prices before they become freely tradeable). We use a Monte Carlo simulation model to determine the appropriate
discount to place on shares that are subject to hurdle prices. The compensation amount is recorded with an offsetting credit to non-controlling interest. From that point
forward, the shares received by the employee are treated as part of the non-controlling interest and allocated income, expense, gains, and losses accordingly until the
applicable sponsor entity is liquidated or otherwise de-consolidated.
Investments in Special Purpose Acquisition Companies ("SPACs") Sponsor Entities
We invest in the sponsor entities of SPACs. The sponsor entities are limited liability companies (each an "LLC") that pool their members' interests and invest in the
private placement and founder shares (together, sponsor shares) of a SPAC. The SPAC will also raise funds in a public offering and seek to complete a business
combination within an agreed upon time frame. The SPAC will use the proceeds raised from the sponsor shares to pay transaction and operating expenses during the
period it is seeking a business combination. The proceeds of the public offering are placed in an interest bearing trust and can only be used to complete the business
combination and pay taxes on the interest earned. Generally, the public investors must approve any business combination prior to its effectiveness. If a business
combination is not completed within the agreed upon time frame, the SPAC will liquidate and return the public investors' investment to them. If there are funds
remaining after liquidation, the sponsor entities may receive some portion of their investment back, but it is likely they will suffer a total loss of their investment. If the
business combination is completed, the sponsor entities' private placement in the SPAC will entitle them to a combination of unrestricted common, restricted common,
and (in some cases) warrants of the post-business combination SPAC (which is a publicly traded company). The following summarizes our accounting policies related
to our investments in these entities:
•
The sponsor entities are LLCs that give all important decision making rights to their respective managing member. Furthermore, the other members of the LLC cannot
replace the managing member. Accordingly, we concluded that the sponsor entities are VIEs and the managing member has the power to direct its most important
economic activities. In all cases where we are the managing member of a sponsor entity, we also have had a significant economic interest in such sponsor entity and
therefore consolidate such sponsor entity.
•
In all cases where we consolidated a sponsor entity, we determined that the sponsor entity's private placement investment in the SPAC that it sponsors should be
treated as an equity method investment during the SPAC's pre-business combination period. Furthermore, due to the difficulty of determining the fair value of such
an investment in the SPAC's pre-business combination period, we have chosen to not elect the fair value option.
•
If a SPAC completes its business combination, the sponsor entity's investment in the SPAC will be converted to a combination of unrestricted and restricted shares
in the post-business combination SPAC. At this point (assuming we consolidate the sponsor entity), we will account for the shares received at fair value. We will
reclassify any remaining equity method investment balance to other investments, at fair value and record principal transactions income for the difference. We will
record non-controlling interest expense for the SPAC shares that are distributable to the non-controlling interest holders of the sponsor entity. The fair value of the
unrestricted shares received is equal to the public trading price of the SPAC on the date of the business combination. The fair value of the restricted shares received
is adjusted downwards from the public trading price for certain sale restrictions imposed (generally, they are restricted for sale for some time period and subject to
certain hurdle prices before they become freely tradeable). We use a Monte Carlo simulation model to determine the appropriate discount to place on shares that are
subject to hurdle prices. In the case of a SPAC business combination where we consolidate the sponsor entity, generally there is also an equity-based compensation
entry to be recorded at the date of the business combination. See the equity-based compensation section above. We will continue to mark the sponsor entity's
investment in the SPAC to market and record principal transactions income or loss and offsetting non-controlling interest income or expense until the sponsor entity
itself distributes all of the SPAC shares it owns to its members and liquidates. At that point, we will hold the SPAC shares directly (rather than through a
consolidated subsidiary) and will record principal transaction income and loss until the SPAC shares themselves are liquidated.
•
We also invest in sponsor entities that we do not consolidate because we are not the managing member of such sponsor entity or otherwise do not have the power
to direct the sponsor entity's most important activities. In these cases, we treat our investment in the sponsor entity as an equity method investment. Furthermore,
due to the difficulty of determining the fair value of such an investment in the applicable SPAC's pre-business combination period, we have chosen to not elect the
fair value option.
•
If a SPAC completes a business combination and we have an equity method investment in the associated sponsor entity, the sponsor entity will record income equal
to the difference between the fair value of the restricted and unrestricted shares it will receive and the carrying value of its equity method investment in the SPAC.
We will recognize our share of this gain as income from equity method affiliates. The sponsor entity will continue to mark its investment in the SPAC to market after
the business combination and we will recognize our share of the change in fair value as income or loss from equity method affiliates. Once the sponsor entity
distributes our allocable share of the SPAC shares it owns, we will reclassify our investment from investment in equity method affiliate to other investments, at fair
value as we will then hold the SPAC shares directly (rather than through an equity method investee). We will then record principal transactions income and loss until
the SPAC shares themselves are liquidated.
•
If a SPAC liquidates and we have an investment in it (either directly in the case of consolidated sponsor entities or indirectly in the case of equity method sponsor
entities), we will write-off our remaining equity method balance and record a loss on the equity method investment. In the case of consolidated sponsor entities, we
will also record an offsetting entry to non-controlling interest.
74
Table of Contents
Share Forward Arrangements
We have also engaged in several transactions known as “share forward arrangements” (“SFAs”). In a typical SFA transaction, we acquire an interest in a publicly traded
company (referred to as the “SFA Counterparty”) through open market purchases, direct acquisitions from the SFA Counterparty, or a combination thereof. These
interests can take the form of unrestricted common shares, restricted common shares, equity derivatives, or fair value receivables. Upon acquiring these interests, we
enter into an SFA derivative arrangement with the SFA Counterparty. In cases where we acquire our interests in the SFA Counterparty through open market purchases,
the SFA generally requires an up-front payment to us from the SFA Counterparty. The amount of this up-front payment equals the cost we paid for our interests in the
SFA Counterparty, less a shortfall amount in certain cases. To fund the shortfall portion of the initial investment, we will utilize available cash on hand or available
financing. The SFA stipulates that we must make a payment to the SFA Counterparty on a certain maturity date. Depending on the terms of the SFA, this payment may
be made in cash, by returning the interests we acquire in the SFA Counterparty, or through a combination of both. In some cases, the SFA requires the payment to be
made exclusively in cash. Importantly, the SFA does not obligate us to hold the interests which we acquired in the SFA Counterparty. Following the execution of the
SFA, we are free to sell the interests we acquired in the SFA Counterparty (assuming the interests themselves are not restricted from transfer). Additionally, SFAs
generally include a feature whereby if we hold the interests we acquired in the SFA Counterparty until maturity or another agreed-upon date, we become eligible to
receive an additional payment from the SFA Counterparty, either in cash or in additional interests in the SFA Counterparty. Such a payment is known as the “Maturity
Consideration.” Furthermore, SFAs usually include a provision allowing us to terminate the SFA, either in whole or in part, before its maturity by making an agreed-upon
payment based on an amount defined in the SFA (the “Reset Price”). The Reset Price may either remain fixed throughout the term of the SFA, or fluctuate based on
certain calculations within the SFA. SFAs also impose various obligations on the SFA Counterparty, which may include registering a predetermined number of the
interests in the SFA Counterparty (subject to the SFA) with the SEC, maintaining the listing of the SFA Counterparty securities on a national exchange, and/or that the
closing price of the SFA Counterparty’s shares on the public exchange does not fall below a predetermined price for a specific period of time. If any of these SFA
Counterparty obligations are breached or not satisfied, we may have the right to terminate the SFA and accelerate the payment of the Maturity Consideration upon
termination. The SFAs provide the right of set off in the case of Maturity Consideration, thereby allowing us to keep the interests we hold in the SFA Counterparty and
offset the Maturity Consideration we are owed following termination of the applicable SFA.
We account for SFA transactions as follows:
●The interests in public companies that we own are carried at fair value. Refer to note 9 for further details on determining the fair value of unrestricted common
shares, restricted common shares, equity derivatives, or fair value receivables.
●The derivative obligation arising from the SFA is also carried at fair value. Fair value represents the amount we would need to pay to settle the SFA obligation at any
reporting period date. If the SFA provides us with multiple methods of settling the obligation, we will choose the most advantageous one to value the derivative
obligation. In performing this calculation, only settlement methods contractually available to us at the reporting date will be considered (i.e., ones available at some
future date will not be considered). For instance, if we may terminate the SFA early by either returning common shares or making a cash payment based on the Reset
Price, the liability will be valued at the lower of: (i) the fair value of the common shares and (ii) the cash amount based on the Reset Price.
●We do not recognize any Maturity Consideration as revenue until it is earned under the contract, either by meeting the hold period requirement or due to a breach
of obligation by the SFA Counterparty that enables us to terminate the SFA early.
●In cases where we earn Maturity Consideration and the amount we are owed exceeds the fair value of the interest we own that is available to offset, we will consider
the probability of payment of the remaining Maturity Consideration based on the credit quality of the SFA Counterparty and general market conditions. If we
determine that the collection of the remaining Maturity Consideration owed is not probable, we will not record the unpaid portion.
75
Table of Contents
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
The following is a list of recent accounting pronouncements that, we believe, will have a continuing impact on our financial statements going forward. For a more
complete list of recent pronouncements, see note 3 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
In August 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-05, Business Combinations— Joint Venture Formations (Subtopic 805-60): Recognition and Initial Measurement.
The ASU applies to the formation of entities that meet the definition of a joint venture (or a corporate joint venture) as defined in the FASB Accounting Standards
Codification Master Glossary. The amendments in the ASU require that a joint venture apply a new basis of accounting upon formation. As a result, a newly formed
joint venture, upon formation, would initially measure its assets and liabilities at fair value. The ASU is effective on a prospective basis for all joint ventures with a
formation date on or after January 1, 2025. Early adoption of ASU No. 2023-05 is permitted in any interim or annual period in which financial statements have not yet
been issued. We are currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it may have on our consolidated financial statements.
In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-06, Disclosure Improvements—Codification Amendments in Response to the Securities and Exchange Commission
(“SEC’”) Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative. These amendments clarify or improve disclosure and presentation requirements of a variety of topics and
align the requirements in the FASB accounting standard codification with the SEC’s regulations. The ASU will be effective on the date the related disclosure are
removed from Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K by the SEC and will no longer be effective if the SEC has not removed the applicable disclosure requirement by June 30,
2027. Early adoption in not permitted. We are currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it may have on our consolidated financial statements,
which, is not expected to be material.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740). The amendments in this ASU address investor requests for more transparency about
income tax information through improvements to income tax disclosures primarily related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. The amendments in
this ASU are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024 and should be applied on a prospective basis. Retrospective application is permitted. We
are currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it may have on our consolidated financial statements.
In March 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-01, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope Application of Profits Interest and Similar Awards. The ASU
provides an illustrative example intended to demonstrate how entities that account for profits interest and similar awards would determine whether a profits interest
award should be accounted for as share-based payment arrangements in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification (FASB ASC) 718, Compensation-
Stock Compensation. The ASU is effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024 and interim periods with those annual
periods. We are currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it may have on our consolidated financial statements.
In March 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-02, Codification Improvements — Amendments to Remove References to the Concepts Statements. The ASU amends the
Codification to remove references to various concepts statements. In most instances, the references are extraneous and not required to understand or apply the
guidance. In other instances, the references were used in prior Statements to provide guidance in certain topical areas. The ASU is effective for public business
entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. We do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial
statements.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement — Reporting Comprehensive Income Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-
40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses. The ASU requires additional disclosure of the nature of expenses included in the income statement as well as
disclosures about specific types of expenses included in the expense captions presented in the income statements. The ASU is effective for all entities for annual
reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2025 and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. We are currently evaluating the new guidance
to determine the impact it may have on our consolidated financial statements.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-04, Debt— Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20): Induced Conversions of Convertible Debt
Instruments, which clarifies the requirements for determining whether certain settlements of convertible debt instruments should be accounted for as an induced
conversion or extinguishment of convertible debt. The ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2025, and interim periods within those
annual periods. We are currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it may have on our consolidated financial statements.
76
Table of Contents
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
All amounts in this section are in thousands unless otherwise noted.
Market Risk
Market risk is the risk of economic loss arising from the adverse impact of market changes to the market value of our trading and investment positions. 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. For purposes of analyzing the components of market risk, we have broken out our investment portfolio into
three broad categories, plus debt as described below.
Fixed Income Securities: We hold, from time to time, the following securities: U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. government agency MBS, U.S. government agency debt
securities, CMOs, non-government MBS, corporate bonds, non-redeemable and redeemable preferred stock, municipal bonds, certificates of deposits, residential loans,
whole loans, and unconsolidated investments in the middle and senior tiers of securitization entities and TruPS. We attempt to mitigate our exposure to market risk by
entering into economic hedging transactions, which may include TBAs. The fixed income category can be broadly broken down into two subcategories: fixed rate and
floating rate.
Floating rate securities are not in themselves particularly sensitive to interest rate risk. As they generally accrue interest income at a variable rate, the movement in
interest rates typically does not impact their fair value. Fluctuations in their current income due to variations in interest rates are generally not material to us. Floating
rate securities are subject to other market risks such as: default risk of the underlying issuer, changes in the issuer’s credit spreads, prepayment rates, investor demand,
and supply of securities within a particular asset class or industry class of the ultimate obligor. The sensitivity to any individual market risk can be difficult to quantify.
The fair value of fixed rate securities is sensitive to changes in interest rates. However, fixed rate securities that have low credit ratings or represent junior interests in
securitizations are not particularly interest rate sensitive. In general, when we acquire interest rate sensitive securities, we enter into an offsetting short position for a
similar fixed rate security. Alternatively, we may enter into other interest rate hedging arrangements such as interest rate swaps or Eurodollar futures. We measure our
net interest rate sensitivity by determining how the fair value of our net interest rate sensitive assets would change as a result of a 100 basis points (“bps”) adverse shift
across the entire yield curve. Based on this analysis, as of December 31, 2024, we would have incurred a loss of $3,159 if the yield curve rose 100 bps across all
maturities and a gain of $3,156 if the yield curve fell 100 bps across all maturities. As of December 31, 2023, we would have incurred a loss of $1,368 if the yield curve rose
100 bps across all maturities and a gain of $1,364 if the yield curve fell 100 bps across all maturities.
Equity Securities: We hold equity interests in both public and private entities. These investments are subject to equity price risk. Equity price risk results from changes
in the level or volatility of underlying equity prices, which affect the value of equity securities or instruments that in turn derive their value from a particular stock. We
also hold a significant amount of equity in public companies that recently completed a merger with a SPAC we sponsored or invested in. A significant portion of the
equity we hold in these types of entities are subject to sale restrictions. We attempt to reduce the risk of loss inherent in our inventory of equity securities by closely
monitoring those security positions or in some cases entering into derivatives trades to hedge this exposure. We also have had equity investments in entities where the
investment is denominated in a foreign currency, or where the investment is denominated in U.S. Dollars but the investee primarily makes investments in foreign
currencies. The fair values of these investments are subject to change as the spot foreign exchange rate between these currencies and the U.S. Dollar (our functional
currency) fluctuates. We may, from time to time, enter into foreign exchange rate derivatives to hedge all or a portion of this risk. We measure our net equity price
sensitivity and foreign currency sensitivity by determining how the net fair value of our equity price sensitive and foreign exchange sensitive assets would change as a
result of a 10% adverse change in equity prices or foreign exchange rates. Based on this analysis, as of December 31, 2024, our equity price sensitivity was $1,189 and
our foreign exchange currency sensitivity was $0. As of December 31, 2023, our equity price sensitivity was $1,383 and our foreign exchange currency sensitivity was
$0.
Other Securities: These investments are primarily made up of residual interests in securitization entities. The fair value of these investments will fluctuate over time
based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, liquidity of the investment type, the credit performance of the individual assets and issuers within the
securitization entity, the asset class of the securitization entity and the relative supply of and demand for investments within that asset class, credit spreads in general,
the transparency of valuation of the assets and liabilities of the securitization entity, and investors’ view of the accuracy of ratings prepared by the independent rating
agencies. The sensitivity to any individual market risk cannot be quantified.
Debt: In addition to the risks noted above, we incur interest rate risk related to our debt obligations. We have debt that accrues interest at either variable rates or fixed
rates. As of December 31, 2024, a 100 bps change in the three-month SOFR would have resulted in a change in our annual cash to be paid for interest in the amount of
$481. A 100 bps adverse change in the market yield to maturity would have resulted in an increase in the fair value of the debt in the amount of $2,618 as of December 31,
2024.
77
Table of Contents
Counterparty Risk and Settlement Risk
We are subject to counterparty risk primarily in two areas: (1) our collateralized securities transactions described in note 11 to our consolidated financial statements
included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and (2) our TBA and other forward agency MBS activities described in note 10 to our consolidated financial statements
included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. With respect to the matched book repo financing activities, our risk is that the counterparty does not fulfill its obligation
to repurchase the underlying security when it is due. In this case, we would typically liquidate the underlying security, which may result in a loss if the security has
declined in value in relation to the balance due from the counterparty under the reverse repurchase agreement.
With respect to our TBA and other forward agency MBS activities, our risk is that the counterparty does not settle the TBA trade on the scheduled settlement date. In
this case, we would have to execute the trade, which may result in a loss based on market movement in the value of the underlying trade between its initial trade date
and its settlement date (which in the case of TBAs can be as long as 90 days). If we were to incur a loss under either of these activities, we have recourse to the
counterparty pursuant to the underlying agreements.
Finally, we have general settlement risk in all of our regular way fixed income and equity trading activities. If a counterparty fails to settle a trade, we may incur a loss in
closing out the position and would be forced to try to recover this loss from the counterparty. If the counterparty has become insolvent or does not have sufficient
liquid assets to reimburse us for the loss, we may not get reimbursed.
How we manage these risks
Market Risk
We seek to manage our market risk by utilizing our underwriting and credit analysis processes that are performed in advance of acquiring any investment. In addition,
we continually monitor our investments on a daily basis. We perform an in-depth monthly analysis on all our investments and our risk committee meets on a weekly
basis to review specific issues within our portfolio and to make recommendations for dealing with these issues. In addition, our broker-dealer has an assigned chief risk
officer that reviews the firm’s positions and trading activities on a daily basis.
Counterparty Risk
We seek to manage our counterparty risk primarily through two processes. First, we perform a credit assessment of each counterparty to ensure the counterparty has
sufficient equity, liquidity, and profitability to support the level of trading or lending we plan to do with them. Second, we may require counterparties to post cash or
other liquid collateral (“margin”) to support changes in the market value of the underlying securities or trades on an ongoing basis.
In the case of collateralized securities financing transactions, we will generally lend less than the market value of the underlying security initially. The difference between
the amount lent and the value of the security is referred to as the haircut. We will seek to maintain this haircut while the loan is outstanding. If the value of the security
declines, we will require the counterparty to post margin to offset this decline. If the counterparty fails to post margin, we will sell the underlying security. The haircut
serves as a buffer against market movements to prevent or minimize a loss.
In the case of TBA and other forward agency MBS activities, we sometimes require counterparties to post margin with us in case the market value of the underlying
TBA trade declines. If the counterparty fails to post margin, we will close out the underlying trade. In the case of TBA and other forward agency MBS activities, we will
sometimes obtain initial margin or a cash deposit from the counterparty that serves a purpose similar to the haircut as an additional buffer against losses. However, some
of our TBA and other forward agency MBS activities are done without initial margin or cash deposits.
Risks Related to our Matched Book Repo Business
We enter into repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements as part of our matched book repo business. In general, we will lend money to a counterparty after
obtaining collateral securities from that counterparty pursuant to a reverse repurchase agreement. We will borrow money from another counterparty using those same
collateral securities pursuant to a repurchase agreement. We seek to earn net interest income on these matched transactions.
78
Table of Contents
In our gestation repo business, we will generally ensure that the maturity dates of our reverse repurchase agreements match the maturity dates of the matched
repurchase agreements. Because our maturities are matched, we can pass along any changes in funding terms imposed upon us by our repurchase agreement
counterparty to our reverse repurchase agreement counterparty. Therefore, we are not exposed to a great deal of interest rate or funding risk. The main risk we are
exposed to is credit risk. We manage this risk by obtaining collateral in excess of the contractual repo balance and performing credit reviews of counterparties and
updating them on a routine basis.
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
The financial statements of the Company, the related notes and schedules to the financial statements, together with the Report of Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm thereon, are set forth beginning on page F-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and are incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None.
ITEM 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We have established and maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that material information relating to the Company (and its
consolidated subsidiaries) required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in
the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer,
who certify our financial reports, and to other members of senior management and the board of directors. Under the supervision and with the participation of our chief
executive officer and chief financial officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2024. Based on that evaluation, the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer concluded
that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at December 31, 2024.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the
Exchange Act. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of
effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risks that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the
policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024. In making this assessment, management used the
criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) as described in the revised (2013) version in Internal Control-
Integrated Framework. Based on this assessment, management believed that, as of December 31, 2024, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.
79
Table of Contents
This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.
Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s auditors pursuant to rules of the SEC that permit us to provide only management’s report in this
Annual Report.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2024 that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION.
Trading Plans
During the three months ended December 31, 2024, no director or officer of the Company adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-
1 trading arrangement,” as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.
ITEM 9C.
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTION THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS.
Not applicable.
80
Table of Contents
PART III
ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
Our board of directors has adopted the Code of Conduct applicable to all directors, officers, and employees of the Company. The Code of Conduct is free and available
on our website at http://cohenandcompany.com/investor-relations/corporate-governance/code-of-conduct/ and the Company intends to satisfy the disclosure
requirements under Item 5.05 of the SEC’s Current Report on Form 8-K regarding amendments to, or waivers from, the Code of Conduct by posting such information on
its website.
The information required by Item 10 is included in the sections entitled “Executive Officers,” “Election of Directors,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting
Compliance,” and “Corporate Governance and Board of Directors Information” in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement, to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in connection with the Company’s 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
Insider Trading Arrangements and Policies
We are committed to promoting high standards of ethical business conduct and compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. As part of this commitment, we
have an Insider Trading Policy governing the purchase, sale, and/or other dispositions of our securities by our directors, officers, employees and others that we believe
is reasonably designed to promote compliance with insider trading laws, rules and regulations. A copy of our Insider Trading Policy is filed as Exhibit 19 to the
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.
ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
The information required by Item 11 is included in the sections entitled “Executive Compensation” and “Compensation of Directors” in the Company’s definitive Proxy
Statement, to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act in connection with the Company’s 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated
herein by reference.
ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
The information required by Item 12 with respect to the “Share Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and "Executive Compensation" is included in
the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement, to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act in connection with the Company’s 2025 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
The following table provides information regarding the 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan as of December 31, 2024.
(a)
(b)
(c)
Number of securities
to be issued upon the
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(1)
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants, and rights
Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column
(a))
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
-
-
385,400
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
-
-
-
Total
-
-
385,400
(1)
See note 22 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information regarding the 2020 Long-Term Incentive
Plan.
The remainder of the information required by Item 12 is included in the Section entitled “Share Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in the
Company’s definitive Proxy Statement, to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act in connection with the Company’s 2025 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.
The information required by Item 13 is included in the sections entitled “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” and “Corporate Governance and Board
of Directors Information — Director Independence” in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement, to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 in connection with the Company’s 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.
The information required by Item 14 is included in the sections entitled “Principal Accounting Firm Fees” in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement, to be filed
pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act in connection with the Company’s 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
81
Table of Contents
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
(F) a) Documents filed as a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
(F) 1) The following financial statements of the Company are included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
(i)
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID Number 248)
F-2
(ii)
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023
F-3
(iii)
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income / (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
F-4
(iv)
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
F-5
(v)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
F-6
(vi)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2024
F-7
(2)
Schedules to Consolidated Financial Statements:
I.
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
F-82
82
Table of Contents
(b) Exhibit List
The following exhibits are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
Exhibit No.
Description
2.1
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 20, 2009, by and among Alesco Financial Inc., Fortune Merger Sub, LLC and Cohen Brothers, LLC
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 23, 2009). #
2.2
Amendment No. 1 to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 1, 2009, by and among Alesco Financial Inc., Fortune Merger Sub, LLC, Alesco
Financial Holdings, LLC, and Cohen Brothers, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC
on June 2, 2009). #
2.3
Amendment No. 2 to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 20, 2009, by and among Alesco Financial Inc., Alesco Financial Holdings, LLC and
Cohen Brothers, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 20, 2009). #
2.4
Amendment No. 3 to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of September 30, 2009, by and among Alesco Financial Inc., Alesco Financial Holdings, LLC,
and Cohen Brothers, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 30, 2009).
2.5
Purchase and Contribution Agreement, dated as of September 14, 2010, by and among Cohen & Company Inc., Cohen Brothers, LLC, JVB Financial
Holdings, L.L.C., the Sellers Listed on Annex I thereto and the Management Employees, as defined therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 14, 2010). #
2.6
Amendment No. 1 to Purchase and Contribution Agreement, dated as of October 29, 2010, by and among Cohen & Company Inc., Cohen Brothers, LLC, JVB
Financial Holdings, L.L.C., the Sellers listed on Annex I to the original Purchase and Contribution Agreement, dated as of September 14, 2010, and the
Management Employees as defined in the original Purchase and Contribution Agreement, dated as of September 14, 2010 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 2.6 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 4, 2011).
2.7
Amendment No. 2 to Purchase and Contribution Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2010, by and among Cohen & Company Inc., Cohen Brothers, LLC,
JVB Financial Holdings, L.L.C., the Sellers listed on Annex I to the original Purchase and Contribution Agreement, dated as of September 14, 2010, and the
Management Employees as defined in the original Purchase and Contribution Agreement, dated as of September 14, 2010 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 2.7 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 4, 2011).
2.8
Amendment No. 3 to Purchase and Contribution Agreement, dated as of January 11, 2011, by and among Cohen & Company Inc., Cohen Brothers, LLC, JVB
Financial Holdings, L.L.C., the Sellers listed on Annex I to the original Purchase and Contribution Agreement, dated as of September 14, 2010, and the
Management Employees as defined in the original Purchase and Contribution Agreement, dated as of September 14, 2010 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 2.8 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 4, 2011). #
2.9
Contribution Agreement, dated as of April 19, 2011, by and among IFMI, LLC, PrinceRidge Partners LLC and PrinceRidge Holdings LP (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 25, 2011).
2.10
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 20, 2014, by and among IFMI, LLC, Cohen Asia Investments Ltd., Dekania Investors, LLC, Star Asia
Management Ltd., Star Asia Capital Management, LLC, Star Asia Advisors Ltd., Star Asia Advisors II Ltd., Star Asia Partners Ltd., Star Asia Partners II Ltd.,
an investment vehicle managed by Taro Masuyama and Malcolm MacLean, for purposes of Section 7.1 thereof only, Taro Masuyama and Malcolm
MacLean, and, for purposes of Section 7.2 thereof only, Institutional Financial Markets, Inc. and Daniel G. Cohen (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to
the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 20, 2014). #
3.1
Second Articles of Amendment and Restatement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on
Form S-11 filed with the SEC on February 6, 2004).
3.2
Articles of Amendment changing name to Alesco Financial Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form
S-3 filed with the SEC on October 20, 2006).
3.3
Articles of Amendment to Effectuate a Reverse Stock Split (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with
the SEC on December 17, 2009).
3.4
Articles of Amendment to Set Par Value (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on
December 17, 2009).
3.5
Articles Supplementary — Series A Voting Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-
K filed with the SEC on December 17, 2009).
3.6
Articles Supplementary — Series B Voting Non-Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 17, 2009).
3.7
Articles of Amendment to change Name to Cohen & Company Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K
filed with the SEC on December 17, 2009).
3.8
Articles Supplementary — Series C Junior Participating Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-
K filed with the SEC on December 28, 2009).
83
Table of Contents
3.9
Articles of Amendment Changing Name to Institutional Financial Markets, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 24, 2011).
3.10
By-laws, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 11, 2005).
3.11
Articles Supplementary — Series D Voting Non-Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 31, 2012).
3.12
Articles Supplementary — Series E Voting Non-Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 13, 2013).
3.13
Articles of Amendment Changing Name to Cohen & Company Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K
filed with the SEC on September 1, 2017).
3.14
Articles of Amendment to Effectuate a Reverse Stock Split and to Set Par Value (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 1, 2017).
3.15
Cohen & Company Inc. Articles Supplementary Series F Voting Non-Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 31, 2019).
4.1
Form of 10.50% Contingent Convertible Senior Notes due 2027 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed
with the SEC on July 26, 2011).
4.2
Junior Subordinated Indenture, dated as of June 25, 2007, by and between Alesco Financial Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 29, 2007).
4.3
Supplemental Indenture No. 1 to Junior Subordinated Indenture, dated January 26, 2024, by and between Cohen & Company Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank,
N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 29, 2024).
4.4
Form of Specimen Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 10,
2010).
4.5
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 9, 2013, by and among the Company, Cohen Bros. Financial, LLC and Mead Park Capital Partners LLC
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 13, 2013).
4.6
Form of Indenture (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.18 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC on February 14, 2014).
4.7
Section 382 Rights Agreement, dated as of January 2, 2024, between Cohen & Company Inc. and Computershare Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 2, 2024).
4.8
Description of Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.*
10.1
Management Agreement, dated as of January 31, 2006, by and between Alesco Financial Trust and Cohen Brothers Management, LLC (incorporated by
reference to Annex E to the Company’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on September 8, 2006).
10.2
Form of Restricted Share Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on
March 16, 2007).
10.3
Form of Indemnification Agreement by and between Alesco Financial Inc. and each of its directors and officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to
the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 20, 2006).
10.4
Employment Agreement between Cohen Brothers, LLC and Joseph W. Pooler, Jr., dated as of May 7, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the
Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC on June 2, 2009). +
10.5
Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement between Cohen Brothers, LLC and Joseph W. Pooler, Jr., dated as of February 20, 2009 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC on June 2, 2009). +
10.6
Amendment No. 2 to Employment Agreement between Joseph W. Pooler, Jr. and Cohen Brothers, LLC, dated as of February 18, 2010 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 10, 2010). +
10.7
Amendment No. 3 to Employment Agreement, dated February 3, 2021, by and between Cohen & Company, LLC and Joseph W. Pooler, Jr. (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 5, 2021).
10.8
Alesco Financial Inc. Cash Bonus Plan (incorporated by reference to Annex B to Alesco Financial Inc.’s Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on
Form S-4 filed with the SEC on August 20, 2009). +
10.9
Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Cohen Brothers, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current
Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 17, 2009).
84
Table of Contents
10.10
Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of IFMI, LLC, dated as of June 20, 2011 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 11, 2011).
10.11
Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of IFMI, LLC, dated as of May 9, 2013 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 13, 2013).
10.12
Amendment No. 3 to Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated October 30, 2019, by and among each of the Members set forth on
the signature pages thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 30, 2019).
10.13
Amendment No. 4 to Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated September 25, 2020, by and among each of the Members set forth
on the signature pages thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 29,
2020).
10.14
Amendment No. 5 to Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated December 20, 2021, by and among each of the Members set forth
on the signature pages thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 21,
2021)
10.15
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of May 9, 2013, by and among IFMI, LLC, Institutional Financial Markets, Inc., Daniel G. Cohen,
C&Co/PrinceRidge Holdings LP and C&Co/PrinceRidge Partners LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-
K filed with the SEC on May 13, 2013).+
10.16
Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated May 24, 2022, by and among Cohen & Company Inc., Cohen & Company, LLC,
Daniel G. Cohen, J.V.B. Financial Group Holdings, LP and C&Co/Prince Ridge Partners LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 25, 2022). +
10.17
2010 Executive Officers’ Cash Bonus Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on
March 10, 2010). +
10.18
Form of Award for 2010 Executive Officers’ Cash Bonus Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed
with the SEC on March 10, 2010). +
10.19
Second Amended and Restated Institutional Financial Markets, Inc. 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 5, 2013). +
10.20
Amendment No. 1 to Second Amended and Restated Institutional Financial Markets, Inc. 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to
Appendix A to the Company’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on November 10, 2016).
10.21
Form of Restricted Stock Award under Institutional Financial Markets, Inc. 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.46 to the
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 4, 2011). +
10.22
Second Amended and Restated Institutional Financial Markets, Inc. 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan Non-Qualified Stock Option Award, dated as of
November 30, 2013, by and between Institutional Financial Markets, Inc. and Lester R. Brafman (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.73 to the Company’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 6, 2014).
10.23
Second Amended and Restated Institutional Financial Markets, Inc. 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan Non-Qualified Stock Option Award, dated as of
November 30, 2013, by and between Institutional Financial Markets, Inc. and Lester R. Brafman (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.74 to the Company’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 6, 2014).
10.24
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 9, 2013, by and between Institutional Financial Markets, Inc. and Cohen Bros. Financial, LLC (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 13, 2013).
10.25
Preferred Stock Exchange Agreement, dated as of May 9, 2013, by and among Institutional Financial Markets, Inc., Cohen Bros. Financial, LLC and Daniel G.
Cohen (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 13, 2013).
10.26
Investment Agreement, dated as of October 3, 2016, by and between IFMI, LLC and JKD Capital Partners I LTD (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to
the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 5, 2016).
10.27
Amendment No. 1 to Investment Agreement, dated as of March 6, 2019, by and between Cohen & Company, LLC and JKD Capital Partners I LTD
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 8, 2019).
10.28
Amendment No. 2 to Investment Agreement, date February 13, 2023, by and between Cohen and Company, LLC and JKD Capital Partners I LTD.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 filed with the SEC on March
9, 2023
10.29
Convertible Senior Secured Promissory Note, dated March 10, 2017, issued by IFMI, LLC to DGC Family Fintech Trust in the aggregate principal amount of
$15,000,000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 10, 2017).
10.30
Amendment No. 1 to Convertible Senior Secured Promissory Note, dated September 25, 2020, by and between Cohen & Company, LLC and the DGC Family
Fintech Trust (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 29, 2020).
85
Table of Contents
10.32
Investment Agreement, dated September 29, 2017, by and between Cohen & Company, LLC and the DGC Family Fintech Trust (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 5, 2017).
10.31
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 30, 2019, by and among Cohen & Company Inc., Cohen & Company, LLC, Daniel G. Cohen and the
DGC Family Fintech Trust (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 31, 2019).
10.32
Amendment No. 1 to Securities Purchase Agreement, dated September 25, 2020, by and among Cohen & Company Inc., Cohen & Company, LLC, Daniel G.
Cohen and the DGC Family Fintech Trust (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on
September 29, 2020).
10.33
Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 31, 2020, by and among Cohen & Company, LLC, JKD Capital Partners I LTD and RN Capital Solutions LLC
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 3, 2020).
10.34
Amended and Restated Senior Promissory Note, dated January 31, 2022, issued by Cohen & Company, LLC to JKD Capital Partners I LTD in the aggregate
principal amount of $4,500,000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 31,
2022).
10.35
Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Senior Promissory Note, dated January 5, 2024, by and between Cohen & Company, LLC and JKD Capital
Partners I LTD. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 5, 2024).
10.36
Cohen & Company Inc. Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K
filed with the SEC on February 12, 2020).
10.37
Cohen & Company Inc. 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with
the SEC on April 7, 2020).
86
Table of Contents
10.38
Amendment No. 1 to the Cohen & Company Inc. 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated April 1, 2021, to the original Cohen & Company Inc. 2020 Long-Term
Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Annex A of the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on April 13, 2021).
10.39
Amendment No. 2 to the Cohen & Company Inc. 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated March 29, 2022, to the original Cohen & Company Inc. 2020 Long-
Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Annex A of the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on April 14,
2022).
10.40
Form of Restricted Stock Award under Cohen & Company Inc. 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.53 to the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 5, 2021).
10.41
Second Amended and Restated Revolving Note and Cash Agreement, dated December 21, 2022, by and between J.V.B. Financial Group, LLC and Byline
Bank (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 23, 2022).
10.42
Third Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated June 9, 2023, by and between J.V.B. Financial Group, LLC and Byline Bank (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 9, 2023).
10.43
First Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated December 22, 2023, by and between J.V.B. Financial Group, LLC and Byline Bank
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 26, 2023).
10.44
Second Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated June 18, 2024, by and between J.V.B. Financial Group, LLC and Byline Bank
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 18, 2024).
10.45
Equity Distribution Agreement, dated October 5, 2023, by and between Cohen & Company Inc. and Northland Capital Markets (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 5, 2023).
10.46
Redemption Agreement, dated September 23, 2024 and effective September 1, 2024, by and between Cohen & Company, LLC and JKD Capital Partners I
LTD. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 24, 2024)
10.47
Senior Promissory Note, dated September 1, 2024, issued by Cohen & Company, LLC to JKD Capital Partners I LTD in the aggregate principal amount of
$5,145,926.67 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 24, 2024).
14.1
Code of Conduct (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 10, 2010).
19
Company Insider Trading Policy *
21.1
List of Subsidiaries. *
23.1
Consent of Grant Thornton, LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, regarding the financial statements of Cohen & Company, Inc. *
31.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended. *
31.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended. *
32.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended. *
32.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended. *
97.1
Cohen & Company, Inc. Incentive Compensation Policy. *
101
Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T formatted inline XBRL: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2024 and December
31, 2023, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income / (Loss) for the Year Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, (iii) the
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the Year Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for Year
Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022; and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. *
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted in inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
*
Filed herewith.
**
Furnished herewith.
+
Constitutes a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
#
Schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. Cohen & Company, Inc. hereby undertakes to furnish supplementally
copies of any of the omitted schedules or exhibits upon request by the SEC.
†
Confidential treatment has been requested for portions of this document. An unredacted version of this exhibit has been filed separately with SEC.
(c) The financial statement schedules listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules listed under Item 15.1(a) are
included under Item 8 and are presented beginning on page F-1 of this Form 10-K. All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting
regulations of the SEC are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable or is not present in amount sufficient to require submission of the schedule, and
therefore have been omitted.
ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY.
None.
87
Table of Contents
COHEN & COMPANY INC.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
DATE: March 12, 2025
COHEN & COMPANY INC.
By:
/S/ LESTER R. BRAFMAN
Lester R. Brafman
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
Name
Title
Date
/s/ DANIEL G. COHEN
Executive Chairman
March 12, 2025
Daniel G. Cohen
/S/ G. STEVEN DAWSON
Director
March 12, 2025
G. Steven Dawson
/S/ JACK J. DIMAIO, JR.
Vice Chairman
March 12, 2025
Jack J. DiMaio, Jr.
/S/ JACK HARABURDA
Director
March 12, 2025
Jack Haraburda
/S/ DIANA L. LIBERTO
Director
March 12, 2025
Diana L. Liberto
/S/ DOUGLAS LISTMAN
Chief Accounting Officer and Assistant Treasurer
March 12, 2025
Douglas Listman
(Principal Accounting Officer)
/S/ JOSEPH W. POOLER, JR.
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
March 12, 2025
Joseph W. Pooler, Jr.
(Principal Financial Officer)
88
Table of Contents
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
89
Table of Contents
COHEN & COMPANY INC.
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID Number 248)
F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023
F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income / (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
F-4
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2024
F-7
Schedules to Consolidated Financial Statements:
I. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
F-82
F-1
Table of Contents
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of Directors and Shareholders
Cohen & Company Inc.
Opinion on the financial statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Cohen & Company, Inc. (a Maryland corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of
December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income / (loss), changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the
consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America.
Basis for opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s
consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance
about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to
perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial
reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no
such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing
procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical audit matters
Critical audit matters are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit
committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex
judgments. We determined that there are no critical audit matters.
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2001.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 12, 2025
F-2
Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
COHEN & COMPANY INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)
December 31,
2024
2023
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
19,590 $
10,650
Receivables from brokers, dealers, and clearing agencies
45,650
66,801
Due from related parties
941
772
Other receivables
6,526
5,373
Investments-trading
148,332
181,328
Other investments, at fair value
35,262
72,217
Receivables under resale agreements
668,259
408,408
Investments in equity method affiliates
23,430
14,241
Deferred income taxes
2,257
1,580
Goodwill
109
109
Right-of-use asset - operating leases
15,540
7,541
Other assets
5,253
3,741
Total assets
$
971,149 $
772,761
Liabilities
Payables to brokers, dealers, and clearing agencies
$
66,655 $
111,085
Accounts payable and other liabilities
10,913
8,115
Accrued compensation
17,770
17,268
Lease liability - operating leases
16,575
8,216
Trading securities sold, not yet purchased
36,432
65,751
Other investments sold, not yet purchased
1,651
24,742
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase
695,966
408,203
Redeemable financial instruments
-
7,868
Debt
34,904
29,716
Total liabilities
880,866
680,964
Commitments and contingencies (See note 28)
Stockholders' Equity:
Voting Non-Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value per share, 50,000,000 shares authorized, 27,413,098 shares
issued and outstanding, respectively
27
27
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 2,040,052 and 1,893,747 shares issued and
outstanding, respectively, including 404,791 and 367,491 unvested or restricted share awards, respectively
20
19
Additional paid-in capital
76,704
74,594
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(1,007)
(944)
Accumulated deficit
(34,016)
(32,014)
Total stockholders' equity
41,728
41,682
Non-controlling interest
48,555
50,115
Total equity
90,283
91,797
Total liabilities and equity
$
971,149 $
772,761
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-3
Table of Contents
COHEN & COMPANY INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME / (LOSS)
(Dollars in thousands, except share or per share information)
Year Ended December 31,
2024
2023
2022
Revenues
Net trading
$
36,409 $
30,926 $
40,009
Asset management
9,009
7,337
9,004
New issue and advisory
63,422
28,264
24,721
Principal transactions and other income
(29,242)
16,454
(29,347)
Total revenues
79,598
82,981
44,387
Operating expenses
Compensation and benefits
56,388
52,092
50,290
Business development, occupancy, equipment
6,617
5,204
5,076
Subscriptions, clearing, and execution
9,639
8,965
8,274
Professional fee and other operating
14,421
9,296
8,153
Depreciation and amortization
556
563
557
Total operating expenses
87,621
76,120
72,350
Operating income / (loss)
(8,023)
6,861
(27,963)
Non-operating income / (expense)
Interest expense, net
(5,821)
(6,526)
(4,982)
Income / (loss) from equity method affiliates
21,704
15,609
(20,931)
Income / (loss) before income tax expense / (benefit)
7,860
15,944
(53,876)
Income tax expense / (benefit)
(329)
5,545
4,794
Net income / (loss)
8,189
10,399
(58,670)
Less: Net income / (loss) attributable to the non-convertible non-controlling interest of
the Operating LLC
8,675
19,590
(23,203)
Enterprise net (loss)
(486)
(9,191)
(35,467)
Less: Net (loss) attributable to the convertible non-controlling interest of Cohen &
Company Inc.
(357)
(4,078)
(22,078)
Net (loss) attributable to Cohen & Company Inc.
$
(129) $
(5,113) $
(13,389)
Income / (loss) per share data (see note 26):
Loss per common share-basic:
Basic (loss) per common share
$
(0.08) $
(3.38) $
(9.43)
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic
1,614,897
1,513,469
1,420,383
Income / (loss) per common share-diluted:
Diluted (loss) per common share
$
(0.08) $
(3.38) $
(9.43)
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted
5,675,616
1,513,469
1,420,383
Comprehensive income / (loss):
Net income / (loss)
$
8,189 $
10,399 $
(58,670)
Other comprehensive income / (loss) item:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $0
(167)
86
(206)
Other comprehensive income / (loss), net of tax of $0
(167)
86
(206)
Comprehensive income / (loss)
8,022
10,485
(58,876)
Less: comprehensive income / (loss) attributable to the non-controlling interest
8,199
15,573
(45,433)
Comprehensive (loss) attributable to Cohen & Company Inc.
$
(177) $
(5,088) $
(13,443)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-4
Table of Contents
COHEN & COMPANY INC.
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
(Dollars in thousands)
Cohen & Company Inc.
Preferred
Stock
Common
Stock
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
Retained
Earnings /
(Accumulated
Deficit)
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income /
(Loss)
Total
Stockholders'
Equity
Non-
controlling
Interest
Total
Equity
Balance at December 31, 2021
$
27 $
17 $
72,006 $
(9,204) $
(905)
61,941 $
89,492 $ 151,433
Net loss
-
-
-
(13,389)
-
(13,389)
(45,281)
(58,670)
Other comprehensive (loss)
-
-
-
-
(54)
(54)
(152)
(206)
Acquisition / (surrender) of additional units in
consolidated subsidiary, net
-
-
(338)
-
4
(334)
334
-
Equity-based compensation
-
-
1,209
-
-
1,209
3,181
4,390
Shares withheld for employee taxes
-
-
(76)
-
-
(76)
(158)
(234)
Dividends/distributions to convertible non-controlling
interest
-
-
-
(2,558)
-
(2,558)
(6,485)
(9,043)
Convertible non-controlling interest investment
-
-
-
-
-
-
15,000
15,000
Non-convertible non-controlling interest investment
-
-
-
-
-
-
9
9
Non-convertible non-controlling interest distributions
-
-
-
-
-
-
(8,653)
(8,653)
Balance at December 31, 2022
$
27 $
17 $
72,801 $
(25,151) $
(955) $
46,739 $
47,287 $
94,026
Net income / (loss)
-
-
-
(5,113)
-
(5,113)
15,512
10,399
Other comprehensive income
-
-
-
-
25
25
61
86
Acquisition / (surrender) of additional units in
consolidated subsidiary, net
-
-
636
-
(14)
622
(622)
-
Equity-based compensation
-
2
1,205
-
-
1,207
3,184
4,391
Shares withheld for employee taxes
-
-
(48)
-
-
(48)
(127)
(175)
Dividends/distributions to convertible non-controlling
interest
-
-
-
(1,750)
-
(1,750)
(4,344)
(6,094)
Redemption of convertible non-controlling interest
units
-
-
-
-
-
-
(834)
(834)
Non-convertible non-controlling interest investment
-
-
-
-
-
-
39
39
Non-convertible non-controlling interest distributions
-
-
-
-
-
-
(10,041)
(10,041)
Balance at December 31, 2023
$
27 $
19 $
74,594 $
(32,014) $
(944) $
41,682 $
50,115 $
91,797
Net income / (loss)
-
-
-
(129)
-
(129)
8,318
8,189
Other comprehensive (loss)
-
-
-
-
(48)
(48)
(119)
(167)
Common stock issued, net
-
154
154
-
154
Acquisition / (surrender) of additional units of
consolidated subsidiary, net
-
-
679
-
(15)
664
(664)
-
Equity-based compensation
-
1
1,331
-
-
1,332
3,336
4,668
Shares withheld for employee taxes
-
-
(54)
-
-
(54)
(135)
(189)
Dividends/distributions to convertible non-controlling
interest
-
-
-
(1,873)
-
(1,873)
(4,819)
(6,692)
Redemption of convertible non-controlling interest
units
-
-
-
-
-
-
(659)
(659)
Non-convertible non-controlling interest distributions
-
-
-
-
-
-
(6,818)
(6,818)
Balance at December 31, 2024
$
27 $
20 $
76,704 $
(34,016) $
(1,007) $
41,728 $
48,555 $
90,283
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-5
Table of Contents
COHEN & COMPANY INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Dollars in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
2024
2023
2022
Operating activities
Net income (loss)
$
8,189 $
10,399 $
(58,670)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Equity-based compensation
4,668
4,391
4,390
Loss (gain) on other investments, at fair value
62,560
92,931
30,914
Loss (gain) on other investments, sold not yet purchased
(29,658)
(107,816)
(307)
Noncash advisory fees received
(24,338)
(18,248)
(7,416)
(Income) / loss from equity method affiliates
(21,704)
(15,609)
20,931
Depreciation and amortization
556
563
557
Amortization of discount on debt
42
692
630
Deferred tax provision / (benefit)
(677)
5,354
4,579
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net:
Change in receivables from/ payables to brokers, dealers, and clearing agencies
(23,279)
118,298
(98,452)
Change in receivables from / payables to related parties, net
(169)
15
3,794
(Increase) decrease in other receivables
(1,153)
4,154
(6,324)
(Increase) decrease in investments-trading
32,996
30,500
12,037
(Increase) decrease in receivables under resale agreement
(259,851)
29,284
2,737,953
(Increase) decrease in other assets
(8,818)
1,829
981
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and other liabilities
11,165
(88,431)
(11,769)
Increase (decrease) in accrued compensation
502
4,834
(10,143)
Increase (decrease) in trading securities sold, not yet purchased
(29,319)
(68,206)
71,445
Increase (decrease) in securities sold under agreement to repurchase
287,763
(44,594)
(2,718,618)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
9,475
(39,660)
(23,488)
Investing activities
Purchase of investments - other investments, at fair value
(60,675)
(86,021)
(7,236)
Purchase of investments - other investments sold, not yet purchased, at fair value
(1,408)
(5,512)
(6,001)
Sales and returns of principal - other investments, at fair value
78,834
75,906
27,091
Sales and returns of principal - other investments sold, not yet purchased, at fair value
214
53,928
3,054
Investments in equity method affiliates
(236)
(1,896)
(2,614)
Distribution from equity method affiliate
1,026
2,091
77
Purchase of furniture, equipment, and leasehold improvements
(1,249)
(373)
(573)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
16,506
38,123
13,798
Financing activities
Repayment of redeemable financial instrument
(2,573)
-
-
Proceeds from draws on revolving credit facility
-
15,000
-
Repayment of draws on revolving credit facility
-
(15,000)
-
Proceeds from debt
-
-
2,250
Repayment of debt
-
-
(2,250)
Cash used to net share settle equity awards
(189)
(175)
(234)
Proceeds from issuance of Common Stock
154
-
-
Cohen & Company Inc. dividends
(1,873)
(1,750)
(2,558)
Convertible non-controlling interest distributions
(4,819)
(4,344)
(6,485)
Redemption of convertible non-controlling interest units
(659)
(834)
-
Non-convertible non-controlling interest investment
-
39
9
Non-convertible non-controlling interest distributions
(6,758)
(10,041)
(2,236)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(16,717)
(17,105)
(11,504)
Effect of exchange rate on cash
(324)
191
(272)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
8,940
(18,451)
(21,466)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
10,650
29,101
50,567
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
19,590 $
10,650 $
29,101
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-6
Table of Contents
COHEN & COMPANY INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2024
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share information)
1. ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS
Organizational History
Cohen Brothers, LLC (“Cohen Brothers”) was formed on October 7, 2004 by Cohen Bros. Financial, LLC (“CBF”). Cohen Brothers was established to acquire the net
assets of CBF’s subsidiaries (the “Formation Transaction”): Cohen Bros. & Company, Inc.; Cohen Frères SAS; Dekania Investors, LLC; Emporia Capital Management,
LLC; and the majority interest in Cohen Bros. & Toroian Investment Management, Inc. The Formation Transaction was accomplished through a series of transactions
occurring between March 4, 2005 and May 31, 2005.
From its formation until December 16, 2009, Cohen Brothers operated as a privately-owned limited liability company. On December 16, 2009, Cohen Brothers completed
its merger (the “AFN Merger”) with a subsidiary of Alesco Financial Inc. (“AFN”), a publicly traded real estate investment trust ("REIT").
As a result of the AFN Merger, AFN contributed substantially all of its assets into Cohen Brothers in exchange for newly issued units of membership interests directly
from Cohen Brothers. In addition, AFN received additional Cohen Brothers membership interests directly from its members in exchange for AFN common stock. In
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), the AFN Merger was accounted for as a reverse acquisition,
and Cohen Brothers was deemed to be the accounting acquirer. As a result, all of AFN’s assets and liabilities were required to be revalued at fair value as of the
acquisition date. The remaining units of membership interests of Cohen Brothers that were not held by AFN were included as a component of non-controlling interest in
the consolidated balance sheets.
Subsequent to the AFN Merger, AFN was renamed Cohen & Company Inc. In January 2011, it was renamed again as Institutional Financial Markets, Inc. (“IFMI”) and
on September 1, 2017 it was renamed again as Cohen & Company Inc. Effective January 1, 2010, the Company ceased to qualify as a REIT.
The Company
The Company is a financial services company specializing in an expanding range of capital markets and asset management services. As of December 31, 2024, the
Company had $2.3 billion in assets under management (“AUM”) of which $1.0 billion was in collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”). The remaining portion of AUM
was from a diversified mix of Investment Vehicles (as defined herein).
In these financial statements, the “Company” refers to Cohen & Company Inc. and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. Cohen & Company, LLC or the “Operating
LLC” refers to the main operating subsidiary of the Company. “Cohen Brothers” refers to the pre-AFN Merger Cohen Brothers, LLC and its subsidiaries. “AFN” refers
to the pre-merger Alesco Financial Inc. and its subsidiaries. When the term “Cohen & Company Inc.” is used, it is referring to the parent company itself. “JVB Holdings”
refers to J.V.B. Financial Holdings, LP, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Operating LLC; “JVB” refers to J.V.B. Financial Group LLC, a wholly owned broker dealer
subsidiary of JVB Holdings; "CCFESA" refers to Cohen & Company Financial (Europe) S.A., a consolidated subsidiary regulated by the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel
et de Résolution ("ACPR") in France; “CCFEL” refers to Cohen & Company Financial (Europe) Limited, a subsidiary formerly regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
“CCM,” a division of JVB, refers to Cohen & Company Capital Markets, the Company's full-service boutique investment bank, which focuses on M&A, underwriting,
capital markets, and SPAC advisory services.
The Company’s business is organized into the following three business segments.
Capital Markets: The Company’s Capital Markets business segment consists primarily of fixed income sales, trading, gestation repo financing, underwriting, new issue
placements in corporate and securitized products, and advisory services. The Company’s fixed income sales and trading group provides trade execution to corporate
investors, institutional investors, mortgage originators, and other smaller broker-dealers. The Company specializes in a variety of products, including but not limited to:
corporate bonds, asset backed securities (“ABS”), mortgage backed securities (“MBS”), residential mortgage backed securities (“RMBS”), collateralized bond
obligations (“CBOs”), collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), municipal securities, to-be-announced securities (“TBAs”) and other forward agency MBS
contracts, Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans, U.S. government bonds, U.S. government agency securities, brokered deposits and certificates of deposit
(“CDs”) for small banks, and hybrid capital of financial institutions including whole loans and other structured financial instruments. The Company operates its capital
markets activities primarily through its subsidiaries: JVB in the United States and CCFESA in Europe.
Asset Management: The Company’s Asset Management business segment manages assets within collateralized debt obligations ("CDOs"), managed accounts, joint
ventures, and investment funds (collectively referred to as “Investment Vehicles”). A CDO is a form of secured borrowing. The borrowing is secured by different types
of fixed income assets such as corporate or mortgage loans or bonds. The borrowing is in the form of a securitization, which means that the lenders are actually
investing in notes backed by the assets. In the event of default, the lenders will have recourse only to the assets securing the loan. The Company’s Asset Management
business segment includes its fee-based asset management operations, which include ongoing base and incentive management fees.
F-7
Table of Contents
Principal Investing: The Company’s Principal Investing business segment is comprised of investments that the Company holds related to its SPAC franchise and other
investments the Company has made for the purpose of earning an investment return rather than investments made to support the Company’s trading and other Capital
Markets business segment activities. These investments are included in the Company’s other investments, at fair value; other investments sold, not yet purchased; and
investments in equity method affiliates in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
The Company generates its revenue by business segment primarily through the following activities:
Capital Markets
•
Trading activities of the Company, which include execution and brokerage services, riskless trading activities as well as gains and losses (unrealized
and realized) and income and expense earned on securities and derivatives classified as trading;
•
Revenue earned on the Company’s gestation repo financing program;
•
New issue and advisory revenue comprised of (a) origination fees for newly created financial instruments originated by the Company, (b) revenue from
advisory services, (c) underwriting, and (d) revenue associated with arranging and placing the issuance of newly created financial instruments; and
•
Gains and losses (unrealized and realized) and income and expense earned on securities classified as other investments, at fair value and other
investments, sold not yet purchased received or acquired as part of CCM's activities.
Asset Management
•
Asset management fees for the Company’s on-going asset management services provided to certain Investment Vehicles, which may include fees both
senior and subordinate to the securities in the Investment Vehicle, and incentive management fees earned based on the performance of the various
Investment Vehicles.
Principal Investing
•
Gains and losses (unrealized and realized) and income and expense earned on securities classified as other investments, at fair value and other
investments, sold not yet purchased; and
•
Income and loss earned on equity method investments.
The Company carries out certain activities at the Operating LLC (including a material amount of its principal investing activities). The remaining activities noted above
were carried out through the following main operating subsidiaries of the Company as of December 31, 2024.
1.
Cohen & Company Financial Management, LLC (“CCFM”) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Operating LLC and acts as asset manager and investment
adviser to the Alesco III, Alesco IV, Alesco V, Alesco VI, and Alesco VIII CDOs. Alesco CDOs invest in bank and insurance company trust preferred securities
("TruPS") as well as insurance company subordinated debt. CCFM also manages the SPAC Series Funds and managed the SPAC Fund.
2.
Dekania Capital Management, LLC (“DCM”) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Operating LLC and acts as asset manager and investment adviser to the
Company’s Dekania Europe II and Dekania Europe III CDOs. The Dekania Europe CDOs invest primarily in financial institution TruPS and insurance company
subordinated debt denominated in Euros. DCM also manages the U.S. Insurance JV.
3.
JVB is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Operating LLC. JVB is a securities broker-dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and
is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and the Securities Industry Protection Corporation (“SIPC”). JVB carries out the
Company’s Capital Market business segment activities in the U.S.
4.
CCFESA is regulated by the ACPR, and performs asset management and capital market activities in France and the European Union.
5.
Cohen & Compagnie SAS (formerly Cohen Fréres SAS), the Company’s French subsidiary, acted as a credit research adviser to DCM and CCFESA in analyzing
the creditworthiness of insurance companies and financial institutions in Europe with respect to all assets included in the Dekania Europe CDOs and certain
other Investment Vehicles. This entity was merged into CCFESA in 2023.
6.
SPAC Sponsor Entities: A series of LLCs set up to pool investor funds and invest in private placements of Company sponsored special purpose acquisition
companies ("SPACs"). See note 4.
7.
Vellar GP is an LLC in which the Operating LLC owns a one-third interest and consolidates. Prior to March 31, 2023, the Vellar GP was the general partner of the
SPAC Fund but did not consolidate it. Effective April 1, 2023, the Vellar GP began consolidating the SPAC Fund. The Vellar GP primarily invests in share forward
arrangements. See notes 4, 10, and 31.
F-8
Table of Contents
2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to U.S. GAAP. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period
presentation.
The Company’s management has evaluated subsequent events through the date of issuance of the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein. There have been
no subsequent events, except as already disclosed, that occurred during such period that would require disclosure in this Form 10-K or would be required to be
recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2024.
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
A. Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements reflect the accounts of Cohen & Company Inc. and its subsidiaries that are required to be consolidated under Financial
Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810, Consolidation (“ASC 810”). All intercompany accounts and transactions
have been eliminated in consolidation.
The Company consolidates the Operating LLC, which is its main operating subsidiary and through which it carries out nearly all of its activities. With the exception of
the junior subordinated notes included as a component of debt and the deferred tax liability, nearly all of the assets and liabilities included in the Company’s
consolidated balance sheet are owned by the Operating LLC or its consolidated subsidiaries. In addition, with the exception of interest expense related to the junior
subordinated notes and corporate tax expense, nearly all revenues, expenses, gains, and losses recognized in the consolidated statement of operations are generated by
the Operating LLC or its consolidated subsidiaries.
Effective December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company controlled 51.00% of the voting interest and owned 28.70% and 27.55%, respectively, of the economic interest of the
Operating LLC. Although the Company’s economic interest is below 50%, it continues to consolidate the Operating LLC as it controls over 50% of the voting interests.
Earnings and loss are allocated to the Company and other members of the Operating LLC based on their economic interest rather than their voting interest. For the years
ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, 71.55%, 72.60%, and 72.45%, respectively, of the Operating LLC’s income or loss were treated as a non-controlling interest as
the result of the issuance of the additional equity interest in the Operating LLC during 2019. See notes 21 and 31.
B. Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make assumptions and estimates that affect the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during
the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
F-9
Table of Contents
C. Adoption of New Accounting Standards
In October 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-08, Codification Improvements to Subtopic 310-20, Receivables—Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs. The ASU
clarifies that an entity should reevaluate whether a callable debt security is within the scope of ASC paragraph 310-20-35-33 for each reporting period. The Company’s
adoption of the provisions of ASU 2020-08, effective January 1, 2022, did not have an effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In October 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-10 Codification Improvements. The ASU affects a wide variety of Topics in the Codification. The ASU, among other
things, contains amendments that improve consistency of the Codification by including all disclosure guidance in the appropriate Disclosure Section. Many of the
amendments arose because the FASB provided an option to give certain information either on the face of the financial statements or in the notes to financial statements
and that option only was included in the Other Presentation Matters Section of the Codification. The option to disclose information in the notes to financial statements
should have been codified in the Disclosure Section as well as the Other Presentation Matters Section (or other Section of the Codification in which the option to
disclose in the notes to financial statements appears).The Company’s adoption of the provisions of ASU 2020-10, effective January 1, 2022, did not have an effect on the
Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In May 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-04, Earnings Per Share (Topic 260), Debt—Modifications and Extinguishments (Subtopic 470-50), Compensation (Topic
718), and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity's Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Issuer's Accounting for Certain Modifications or Exchanges of
Freestanding Equity-Classified Written Call Options. This ASU provides guidance for a modification or an exchange of a freestanding equity-classified written call
option that is not within the scope of another topic. It specifically addresses: (1) how an entity should treat a modification of the terms or conditions or an exchange of a
freestanding equity-classified written call option that remains equity classified after modification or exchange; (2) how an entity should measure the effect of a
modification or an exchange of a freestanding equity-classified written call option that remains equity classified after modification or exchange; and (3) how an entity
should recognize the effect of a modification or an exchange of a freestanding equity-classified written call option that remains equity classified after modification or
exchange. The Company’s adoption of the provisions of ASU 2021-04, effective January 1, 2022, did not have an effect on the Company’s consolidated financial
statements.
In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with
Customers. This ASU requires entities to apply Topic 606 to recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities in a business combination. The amendments
in improve comparability after the business combination by providing consistent recognition and measurement guidance for revenue contracts with customers acquired
in a business combination and revenue contracts with customers not acquired in a business combination. The Company’s adoption of the provisions of ASU 2021-08,
effective January 1, 2022, did not have an effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-10, Government Assistance (Topic 832): Disclosures by Business Entities about Government Assistance. This ASU
includes amendments that are expected to increase transparency in financial reporting by requiring business entities to disclose information about certain types of
government assistance they receive. The amendments require the following annual disclosures about transactions with a government that are accounted for by
applying a grant or contribution accounting model by analogy to other accounting guidance: (i) information about the nature of the transactions and the related
accounting policy used to account for the transactions; (ii) the line items on the balance sheet and income statement that are affected by the transactions, and the
amounts applicable to each financial statement line item; and (iii) significant terms and conditions of the transactions, including commitments and contingencies. The
Company’s adoption of the provisions of ASU 2021-10, effective January 1, 2022, did not have an effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings ("TDRs") and Vintage Disclosures.
The amendments in this ASU eliminate TDR recognition and measurement guidance and instead, require that an entity evaluate (consistent with the accounting for
other loan modifications) whether the modification represents a new loan or a continuation of an existing loan. The amendments also enhance existing disclosure
requirements and introduce new requirements related to certain modifications of receivables made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. The
Company's adoption of the provisions of ASU 2022-02, effective January 1, 2023, did not have an effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in
Entity's Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity's Own Equity. This ASU simplifies accounting for
convertible instruments by removing major separation models currently required. The ASU removes certain settlement conditions that are required for equity contracts
to qualify for the derivative scope exception. The ASU also simplifies the diluted earnings per share (EPS) calculation in certain areas. The Company's adoption of the
provisions of ASU 2020-06, effective January 1, 2024, did not have an effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-03, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale
Restrictions. The amendments clarify that a contractual restriction on the sale of an equity security is not considered part of the unit of account of the equity security
and, therefore, is not considered in measuring fair value. Early adoption is permitted. The Company's adoption of the provisions of ASU 2022-03, effective January 1,
2024, did not have an effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-02, Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures
Using the Proportional Amortization Method. These amendments allow reporting entities to elect to account for qualifying tax equity investments using the
proportional amortization method, regardless of the program giving rise to the related income tax credits. The ASU responds to stakeholder feedback that the
proportional amortization method provides investors and other allocators of capital with a better understanding of the returns from investments that are made primarily
for the purpose of receiving income tax credits and other income tax benefits. The Company's adoption of the provisions of ASU 2032-02, effective January 1, 2024, did
not have an effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The amendments in this ASU are
designed to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements primarily through enhance disclosures about significant segment expenses and other segment items on
an interim and annual basis. The Company adopted ASU 2023-07 during the year ended December 31, 2024.
F-10
Table of Contents
D. Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and short-term, highly liquid investments that have original maturities of three months or less. A portion of the Company’s
cash and cash equivalents are in the form of short-term investments and are not held in federally insured bank accounts.
E. Financial Instruments
The Company accounts for its investment securities at fair value under various accounting literature including FASB ASC 320, Investments — Debt and Equity
Securities (“ASC 320”), pertaining to investments in debt and equity securities and the fair value option of financial instruments in FASB ASC 825, Financial
Instruments (“ASC 825”). The Company also accounts for certain assets at fair value under applicable industry guidance such as: (a) FASB ASC 946, Financial
Services-Investment Companies (“ASC 946”) and (b) FASB ASC 940-320, Proprietary Trading Securities (“ASC 940-320").
Certain of the Company’s assets and liabilities are required to be measured at fair value. For those assets and liabilities, the Company determines fair value according to
the fair value measurement provisions included in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”). ASC 820 establishes a single authoritative
definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, establishes a valuation hierarchy based on the quality of inputs used to measure fair value, and
requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements. The definition of fair value focuses on the price that would be received to sell the asset or paid to transfer
the liability between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). An exit price valuation will include margins for risk even if they are not observable. ASC
820 establishes a valuation hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels (level 1, 2, and 3).
In addition, the Company has elected to account for certain of its other financial assets at fair value under the fair value option provisions included in ASC 825. This
standard provides companies the option of reporting certain instruments at fair value (with changes in fair value recognized in the statement of operations) that were
previously either carried at cost, not recognized on the financial statements, accounted for as an equity method investment, or carried at fair value with changes in fair
value recognized as a component of equity rather than in the statement of operations. The election is made on an instrument-by-instrument basis and is irrevocable. See
note 9 for the information regarding the effects of applying the fair value option to the Company’s financial instruments on the Company’s consolidated financial
statements.
For financial instruments held by JVB, the Company accounts for them under ASC 940-320. ASC 940-320 requires all financial instruments to be carried at fair value with
unrealized and realized gains included recorded in the consolidated statement of operations. The main difference between ASC 940-320 and ASC 320 is that ASC 940-
320 does not allow for available for sale or held to maturity treatment.
For financial instruments held outside of JVB, the Company accounts for them under ASC 320. ASC 320 requires that the Company classify its investments as either
(i) held to maturity, (ii) available for sale, or (iii) trading. This determination is made at the time a security is purchased. ASC 320 requires that both trading and available
for sale securities are to be carried at fair value. However, in the case of trading assets, both unrealized and realized gains and losses are recorded in the statement of
operations. For available for sale securities, only realized gains and losses are recognized in the statement of operations while unrealized gains and losses are recognized
as a component of other comprehensive income (“OCI”). However, if the reporting entity elects to account for an otherwise available for sale security under the fair
value option (ASC 825), then the security is accounted for at fair value with both unrealized and realized gains recorded in the statement of operations. In all the
periods presented, all securities accounted for under ASC 320 were either classified as trading or available for sale. No securities were classified as held to maturity.
Furthermore, the Company elected the fair value option, in accordance with ASC 825, for all securities that were classified as available for sale. Therefore, for all periods
presented, all securities owned by the Company were accounted for at fair value with unrealized and realized gains and losses recorded in the consolidated statement of
operations.
When the Company acquires an investment for the purpose of earning a return rather than to support the Company’s trading or matched book repo operations, the
Company classifies that investment as either other investments, at fair value or other investments sold, not yet purchased in the consolidated balance sheet and
unrealized and realized gains will be included as a component of principal transactions and other income in the in the consolidated statement of operations. Otherwise,
the investment is classified as investments-trading or securities sold, not yet purchased in the consolidated balance sheet and unrealized and realized gains will be
included as a component of net trading revenue in the in the consolidated statement of operations.
F-11
Table of Contents
When the Company acquires an investment that is required to be accounted for under the equity method, the Company will elect the fair value option when the fair
value of the investment is either readily determinable or is eligible to be accounted for at NAV under the practical expedient of ASC 946. In those cases, the investment
will be included as a component of other investments, at fair value in the consolidated balance sheet and unrealized and realized gains will be included as a component
of principal transactions and other income in the in the consolidated statement of operations. If the fair value is not readily determined, the Company will account for
the investment under the equity method. In those cases, the investment will be included as a component of investments in equity method affiliates in the consolidated
balance sheet and the Company will recognize its allocable share of the investee’s income or loss as a component of income / (loss) from equity method affiliates in the
consolidated statement of operations. See note 12.
The determination of fair value is based on either quoted market prices of an active exchange, independent broker market quotations, market price quotations from third-
party pricing services, or, when independent broker quotations or market price quotations from third-party pricing services are unavailable, valuation models prepared
by the Company’s management. These models include estimates, and the valuations derived from them could differ materially from amounts realizable in an open market
exchange.
Also, from time to time, the Company may be deemed to be the primary beneficiary of a VIE and may be required to consolidate it and its investments under the
provisions included in ASC 810. See note 18. In those cases, the Company’s classification of the assets as trading, other investments, at fair value, available for sale, or
held to maturity will depend on the intended use of the investment by the variable interest entity.
Investments-Trading
Unrealized and realized gains and losses on securities classified as investments-trading are recorded in net trading in the consolidated statements of operations.
Trading Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased
Trading securities sold, not yet purchased represent obligations of the Company to deliver the specified security at the contracted price, thereby creating a liability to
purchase the security in the market at prevailing prices. The Company is obligated to acquire the securities sold short at prevailing market prices, which may exceed the
amount reflected on the consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized and realized gains and losses on trading securities sold, not yet purchased are recorded in net trading
in the consolidated statements of operations.
Other Investments, at Fair Value
All gains and losses (unrealized and realized) from securities classified as other investments, at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets are recorded as a
component of principal transactions and other income in the consolidated statements of operations.
Other investments sold, not yet purchased
Other investments sold, not yet purchased represent obligations of the Company to deliver the specified security at the contracted price, thereby creating a liability to
purchase the security in the market at prevailing prices. These investments differ from investments classified as trading securities sold, not yet purchased as they are
either acquired for purposes of earning a return rather than supporting the Company’s trading or matched book operations or they are acquired as an economic hedge to
investments classified as other investments, at fair value. The Company is obligated to acquire the securities sold short at prevailing market prices, which may exceed
the amount reflected on the statement of financial condition. Unrealized and realized gains and losses on other investments sold, not yet purchased are recorded as a
component of principal transactions and other in the consolidated statement of operations.
F. Derivative Financial Instruments
FASB ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”), provides for optional hedge accounting. When a derivative is deemed to be a hedge and certain documentation
and effectiveness testing requirements are met, reporting entities can record all or a portion of the change in the fair value of a designated hedge as an adjustment to
OCI rather than as a gain or loss in the statements of operations. To date, the Company has not designated any derivatives as hedges under the provisions included in
ASC 815.
All of the derivatives that the Company enters into contain master netting arrangements. If certain requirements are met, the offsetting provisions included in FASB
ASC 210, Balance Sheet (“ASC 210”), allow (but do not require) the reporting entity to net the derivative asset and liability on the consolidated balance sheets. It is the
Company’s policy to present the assets and liabilities on a net basis if the conditions of ASC 210 are met. However, in general the Company does not enter into
offsetting derivatives with the same counterparties.
Derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value. If the derivative was entered into as part of the Company’s broker-dealer operations, it will be included as a
component of investments-trading or trading securities sold, not yet purchased. Otherwise, it is included in other investments, at fair value or other investments sold,
not yet purchased.
The Company may, from time to time, enter into derivatives as investments or to manage its risk exposures arising from (i) fluctuations in foreign currency rates with
respect to the Company’s investments in foreign currency denominated investments; (ii) the Company’s investments in interest sensitive investments; (iii) the
Company's investments in equities; and (iv) the Company’s facilitation of mortgage-backed trading. Derivatives entered into by the Company may include (a) foreign
currency forward contracts; (b) purchase and sale agreements of TBAs and other forward agency MBS contracts; (c) other extended settlement trades; and (d) share
forward arrangements ("SFAs"). See note 10.
TBAs are forward contracts to purchase or sell MBS with collateral that remains “to be announced” until just prior to the trade settlement. In addition to TBAs, the
Company sometimes enters into forward purchases or sales of agency MBS where the underlying collateral has been identified. These transactions are referred to as
other forward agency MBS contracts. TBAs and other forward agency MBS contracts are accounted for as derivatives by the Company under ASC 815. The
settlement of these transactions is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
F-12
Table of Contents
In addition to TBAs and other forward agency MBS contracts as part of the Company’s broker-dealer operations, the Company may from time to time enter into other
securities or loan trades that do not settle within the normal securities settlement period. In those cases, the purchase or sale of the security or loan is not recorded until
the settlement date. However, from the trade date until the settlement date, the Company’s interest in the security is accounted for as a derivative as either a forward
purchase commitment or forward sale commitment. The Company will classify the related derivative either within investments-trading or other investments, at fair value
depending on where it intends to classify the investment once the trade settles.
Derivatives involve varying degrees of off-balance sheet risk, whereby changes in the level or volatility of interest rates or market values of the underlying financial
instruments may result in changes in the value of a particular financial instrument in excess of its carrying amount. Depending on the Company’s investment strategy,
realized and unrealized gains and losses are recognized in principal transactions and other income or in net trading in the Company’s consolidated statements of
operations on a trade date basis. See note 10.
G. Receivables from and payables to brokers, dealers, and clearing agencies
Receivables from brokers, dealers, and clearing agencies may include amounts receivable for deposits placed with clearing agencies, funds in the Company’s accounts
held with clearing agencies, and amounts receivable from securities or repo transactions that have failed to deliver. Payables to brokers, dealers, and clearing agencies
may include amounts payable from securities or repo transactions that have failed to receive as well as amounts borrowed from clearing agencies under margin loan
arrangements. In addition, receivables or payables arising from unsettled regular way trades are reflected on a net basis either as a component of receivables from or
payables to brokers, dealers, and clearing agencies. These receivables are subject to the requirements of ASU 2016-13, which potentially may require the recording of
credit losses. The Company’s trades and contracts are cleared through a clearing organization and settled daily between the clearing organization and the Company.
Due to this daily settlement, the amount of unsettled credit exposures is limited to the amount owed the Company for a very short period of time. The Company
continually reviews the credit quality of its counterparties and has not incurred a material loss. As a result, the Company has not recorded a credit loss allowance on
these receivables. See note 6.
H. Furniture, Equipment, and Leasehold Improvements, Net
Furniture, equipment, and leasehold improvements are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation, and amortization, and are included as a component of other assets
in the consolidated balance sheets. Furniture and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful life of 3 to 5 years. Leasehold
improvements are amortized over the lesser of their useful life or lease term, which generally ranges from 5 to 10 years. See note 16.
I. Goodwill and Intangible Assets with Indefinite Lives
Goodwill represents the amount of the purchase price in excess of the fair value assigned to the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed in various acquisitions
completed by the Company. See note 13. In accordance with FASB ASC 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”), goodwill and intangible assets deemed to
have indefinite lives are not amortized to expense but rather are analyzed for impairment.
The Company measures its goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or when events indicate that goodwill may be impaired. The impairment test is performed by
comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge would be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds
the reporting unit's fair value; however, any loss recognized could not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. Any impairment loss is
included in the consolidated statements of operations as impairment of goodwill and is included as a component of operating expense.
The Company includes intangible assets comprised primarily of its broker-dealer licenses in other assets on its consolidated balance sheets that it considers to have
indefinite useful lives. The Company reviews these assets for impairment on an annual basis.
J. Variable Interest Entities
ASC 810 contains the guidance surrounding the definition of a VIE, the definition of variable interests, and the consolidation rules surrounding VIEs. In general, VIEs
are entities in which equity investors lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its
activities without additional subordinated financial support. The Company has variable interests in VIEs through its management contracts and investments in various
securitization entities including CLOs and CDOs, CREO JV, U.S. Insurance JV, SPAC sponsor entities, the SPAC Fund (prior to its consolidation), and interest in SPVs.
Once it is determined that the Company holds a variable interest in a VIE, ASC 810 requires that the Company perform a qualitative analysis to determine (i) which entity
has the power to direct the matters that most significantly impact the VIE’s financial performance and (ii) if the Company has the obligation to absorb the losses of the
VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive the benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The entity that has both
of these characteristics is deemed to be the primary beneficiary and required to consolidate the VIE. This assessment must be done on an ongoing basis. The Company
has included the required disclosures for VIEs in its consolidated financial statements. See note 18 for further details.
K. Collateralized Securities Transactions
The Company may enter into transactions involving purchases of securities under agreements to resell (“reverse repurchase agreements” or “receivables under resale
agreements”) or sales of securities under agreements to repurchase (“repurchase agreements”). The resulting interest income and expense are included in net trading in
the consolidated statements of operations.
In the case of reverse repurchase agreements, the Company generally takes possession of securities as collateral. Likewise, in the case of repurchase agreements, the
Company is required to provide the counterparty with securities as collateral.
In certain cases, a repurchase agreement and a reverse repurchase agreement may be entered into with the same counterparty. If certain requirements are met, the
offsetting provisions included in ASC 210 allow (but do not require) the reporting entity to net the asset and liability on the consolidated balance sheets.
ASC 210 provides the option to present reverse repo and repo on a net basis if certain netting conditions are met. The Company's accounting policy is to present repo
transactions on a gross basis even if netting thresholds are met.
F-13
Table of Contents
The Company classifies reverse repurchase agreements as a separate line item within the assets section of the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The Company
classifies repurchase agreements as a separate line item within the liabilities section of the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
In the case of reverse repurchase agreements, if the counterparty is unable or unwilling to fulfill its obligation to repurchase the collateral securities at maturity, the
Company can sell the collateral securities to repay the obligation. However, the Company is at risk that it may sell at unfavorable market prices and may sustain
significant losses. The Company’s policy to control this risk is monitoring the market value of securities pledged or used as collateral on a daily basis and requiring
additional collateral in the event the market value of the existing collateral declines.
In the case of repurchase agreements, if the counterparty makes a margin call and the Company is unable or unwilling to meet the margin call, the counterparty can sell
the securities to repay the obligation. The Company is at risk that the counterparty may sell the securities at unfavorable market prices and the Company may sustain
significant losses. The Company controls this risk by monitoring its liquidity position to ensure it has sufficient cash or liquid securities to meet margin calls.
In general, reverse repurchase agreements and repurchase agreements allow each counterparty to re-pledge or resell the collateral securities to other counterparties.
The Company also receives fees for arranging repo financing for counterparties. See discussion of Agency Repo in note 11.
L. Debt
Debt is recorded at its face amount, less any discount or plus any premium. Debt issuance costs are included as a component of discount on debt. Any discount on
debt is amortized as a component of interest expense using the effective interest method. The Company has not elected to account for any of its debt at fair value under
ASC 825. See note 20.
M. Redeemable Financial Instruments
Redeemable financial instruments are investments made in the Operating LLC or other operating subsidiaries. These investments entitle the holder to an investment
return that is variable and is based on the operating results of certain business units of the Company. These investments can be redeemed by the Company under
certain circumstances or the holder may require redemption under certain circumstances. However, there are no fixed maturity dates. The Company treats these
investments as liabilities and carries these investments at the redemption value plus any accrued and unpaid investment return on its consolidated balance sheets. The
redemption value is included in redeemable financial instruments and the accrued and unpaid investment return is included in accounts payable and other liabilities in
the consolidated balance sheets. Investment return is recorded on an accrual basis and is included as a component of interest expense in the consolidated statements
of operations. See notes 19 and 31.
N. Revenue Recognition
Net trading
Net trading includes: (i) all gains, losses, interest income, dividend income, and interest expense from securities classified as investments-trading and trading securities
sold, not yet purchased; (ii) interest income and expense from collateralized securities transactions; and (iii) commissions and riskless trading profits. Net trading is
reduced by margin interest, which is recorded on an accrual basis. Riskless trades are transacted through the Company’s proprietary account with a customer order in
hand, resulting in little or no market risk to the Company. Transactions that settle in the regular way are recognized on a trade date basis. Extended settlement
transactions are recognized on a settlement date basis (although in cases of extended settlement trades, the unsettled trade is accounted for as a derivative between
trade and settlement date). See note 10. The investments classified as trading (both investments-trading and trading securities sold, not yet purchased) are carried at
fair value. The determination of fair value is based on quoted market prices of an active exchange, independent broker market quotations, market price quotations from
third-party pricing services or, when independent broker quotations or market price quotations from third-party pricing services are unavailable, valuation models
prepared by the Company’s management. The models include estimates, and the valuations derived from them could differ materially from amounts realizable in an open
market exchange.
Asset management
Asset management revenue consists of management fees earned from Investment Vehicles. In the case of CDOs, the fees earned by the Company generally consist of
senior, subordinated, and incentive fees. The senior asset management fee is generally senior to all the securities in the CDO capital structure and is recognized on a
monthly basis as services are performed. The senior asset management fee is generally paid on a quarterly basis. The subordinated asset management fee is an
additional payment for the same services but has a lower priority in the CDO cash flows. If the CDO experiences a certain level of asset defaults and deferrals, these fees
may not be paid. There is no recovery by the CDO of previously paid subordinated asset management fees. It is the Company’s policy to recognize these fees on a
monthly basis as services are performed. The subordinated asset management fee is generally paid on a quarterly basis. However, if the Company determines that the
subordinated asset management fee will not be paid (which generally occurs on the quarterly payment date), the Company will stop recognizing additional subordinated
asset management fees on that particular CDO and will reverse any subordinated asset management fees that are accrued and unpaid. The Company will begin accruing
the subordinated asset management fee again if payment resumes and, in management’s estimate, continued payment is reasonably assured. If payment were to resume
but the Company was unsure of continued payment, it would recognize the subordinated asset management fee as payments were received and would not accrue such
fees on a monthly basis. The incentive management fee is an additional payment, made typically after five to seven years of the life of a CDO, which is based on the
clearance of an accumulated cash return on investment (“Hurdle Return”) received by the most junior CDO securities holders. It is an incentive for the Company to
perform in its role as asset manager by minimizing defaults and maximizing recoveries. The incentive management fee is not ultimately determined or payable until the
achievement of the Hurdle Return by the most junior CDO securities holders. The Company recognizes incentive fee revenue when it is probable and there is not a
significant chance of reversal in the future. In the case of Investment Vehicles other than CDOs, generally the Company earns a base fee and, in some cases, also earns
an incentive fee. Base fees will generally be recognized on a monthly basis as services are performed and will be paid monthly or quarterly. The contractual terms of
each arrangement will determine the Company’s revenue recognition policy for incentive fees in each case. However, in all cases the Company recognizes the incentive
fees when they are probable and there is not a significant chance of reversal in the future.
New issue and advisory
New issue and advisory revenue is comprised of (a) origination fees for newly created financial instruments originated by the Company, (b) revenue from advisory
services, (c) revenue from underwriting, and (d) revenue associated with arranging and placing the issuance of newly created financial instruments. New issue and
advisory revenue is recognized when the Company’s performance obligations have been satisfied and collectability is reasonably assured.
F-14
Table of Contents
Principal transactions and other income
P i
i
l t
ti
i
l d
ll
i
l
d i
f
fi
i l i
t
t
l
ifi d
th
i
t
t
t f i
l
d th
i
t
t
ld
t
t
Principal transactions include all gains, losses, and income from financial instruments classified as other investments, at fair value and other investments sold, not yet
purchased in the consolidated balance sheets.
Investments classified as other investments, at fair value and other investments sold, not yet purchased are carried at fair value. The determination of fair value is based
on quoted market prices of an active exchange, independent broker market quotations, market price quotations or models from third-party pricing services, or, when
independent broker quotations or market price quotations or models from third-party pricing services are unavailable, valuation models prepared by the Company’s
management. These models include estimates, and the valuations derived from them could differ materially from amounts realizable in an open market exchange.
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date.
Other income/(loss) includes foreign currency gains and losses, interest earned on cash and cash equivalents, interest earned and losses incurred on notes receivable,
and other miscellaneous income including transaction break up fees and revenue from revenue sharing arrangements.
O. Interest Expense, net
Interest expense incurred, other than interest income and expense included as a component of net trading, is recorded on an accrual basis and presented in the
consolidated statements of operations as a separate non-operating expense. See notes 19 and 20.
P. Leases
The Company leases office space and certain computer and related equipment. From time to time, the Company sub-leases office space to other tenants. Under the
requirements of ASC 842, the Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at the inception date of the contract. The Company measures operating lease liabilities
using an estimated incremental borrowing rate as there is no rate implicit in the Company’s operating lease arrangements. An incremental borrowing rate was calculated
for each operating lease based on the term of the lease, the U.S. Treasury term interest rate, and an estimated spread to borrow on a secured basis. During the periods
presented, all leases to which the Company was a party were classified as operating leases and rent expense was recognized on a straight-line basis and included as a
component of business development, occupancy, and equipment in the consolidated statements of operations.
Q. Non-Controlling Interest
The equity interests of any consolidated subsidiary that are not owned by the Company are treated as non-controlling interests. See note 21.
R. Equity-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for equity-based compensation issued to its employees using the fair value-based methodology prescribed by the provisions related to share-
based payments included in FASB ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). In the periods presented herein, the Company had three different types
of grants that fall under ASC 718.
First, the Company may grant restricted common stock in Cohen & Company Inc. to employees and directors. These grants vest over a period of time and only have
service based vesting criteria. In these cases, the Company determines the fair value of the grants by taking the closing stock price of Cohen & Company Inc. on the
grant date and multiplying it by the number of restricted shares granted. The recipient is entitled to dividends during the vesting period but they are paid only if (and to
the extent) the restricted share grant ultimately vests. Any dividends paid for periods prior to vesting are treated as compensation expense. The Company recognizes
the expense over the service period on a straight line basis. The Company assumes no forfeitures up front and records forfeitures as they occur by reducing expense.
Second, the Company may grant operating units of the Operating LLC to employees. These grants also vest over a period of time and only have service based vesting
criteria. Because there is a fixed exchange ratio between units of the Operating LLC and shares of Cohen & Company Inc., the fair value of the grant is calculated by
taking the closing stock price of Cohen & Company Inc. on the grant date, adjusting for the exchange ratio, and then multiplying by the number of units of the
Operating LLC granted. The recipient is entitled to distributions during the vesting period but they are paid only if (and to the extent) the unit grant ultimately vests.
Any distributions paid for periods prior to vesting are treated as compensation expense. The Company recognizes the expense over the service period on a straight line
basis. The Company assumes no forfeitures up front and record forfeitures as they occur by reducing expense.
Third, employees may invest in the membership interests of consolidated SPAC sponsor entities. Because these entities are consolidated and the employees are
investing in the consolidated company's non-controlling interest, these equity interests fall under ASC 718. Generally, the employee invests a de minimis amount and
receives an allocation of the founder shares held by the sponsor entity. The investment generally does not have any explicit vesting criteria associated with it.
Generally, the employee's investment will be worthless if the SPAC in which the sponsor entity has invested is liquidated and it will become worth something if the SPAC
completes its business combination. Therefore, the Company treats these grants as having a performance condition (i.e. the completion of the SPAC business
combination). Further, at the time of the investments, the Company treats this performance condition as being non-probable. The effect of this is that the
Company records no expense related to these investments until (and only if) the business combination is completed. Upon completion of the business combination, the
Company records compensation expense in an amount equal to the fair value of the grant. The fair value of the grant is equal to the public trading price of the SPAC on
the date the business combination is completed adjusted for certain sale restrictions imposed on the shares the employee receives (generally, the shares are restricted
for sale for some time period and subject to certain hurdle prices before they become freely tradeable). The Company uses a Monte Carlo simulation model to determine
the appropriate discount to place on shares that are subject to hurdle prices. The compensation amount is recorded with an offsetting credit to non-controlling interest.
From that point forward, the shares received by the employee are treated as part of the non-controlling interest and allocated income, expense, gains, and losses
accordingly until the applicable sponsor entity is liquidated or otherwise de-consolidated.
F-15
Table of Contents
S. Accounting for Income Taxes
Cohen & Company Inc. is treated as a C corporation for United States federal and state income tax purposes. The Company’s voting-controlled subsidiary, the
Operating LLC, is treated as a pass-through entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes and in most of the states in which it does business. However, in the periods
presented, the Operating LLC or its subsidiaries have been subject to entity level income taxes in certain foreign jurisdictions as well as in New York City and
Philadelphia.
The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future
tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the
differences between the U.S. GAAP and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse.
The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
The Company records net deferred tax assets to the extent the Company believes these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such a determination, the
Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning
strategies, and recent financial operations. As shown in note 23 to the consolidated financial statements contained herein, the Company currently has significant
recognized as well as unrecognized deferred tax assets. Deferred tax assets should only be recognized to the extent that the Company determines it can benefit in the
future from the asset. Generally, this determination is based on the Company's estimates of its ability to generate future taxable income. This determination is complex
and subject to judgment. The determination is ongoing and subject to change. If the Company were to change this determination in the future, a significant deferred tax
benefit or deferred tax expense would be recognized as a component of earnings.
The Company’s policy is to record penalties and interest as a component of income tax expense (benefit) in the consolidated statements of operations.
T. Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss)
The Company reports the components of comprehensive income / (loss) within the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income / (loss).
Comprehensive income / (loss) includes net income / (loss) from foreign translation adjustment.
U. Earnings / (Loss) Per Common Share
In accordance with FASB ASC 260, Earnings Per Share (“ASC 260”), the Company presents both basic and diluted earnings / (loss) per common share in its
consolidated financial statements and footnotes. Basic earnings / (loss) per common share (“Basic EPS”) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income or
loss allocable to common stockholders or members by the weighted average number of common shares and restricted stock entitled to non-forfeitable dividends
outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share (“Diluted EPS”) reflects the potential dilution of common stock equivalents (such as restricted stock and
restricted units entitled to forfeitable dividends, in-the-money stock options, and convertible debt, if they are not anti-dilutive). See note 26 for the computation of
earnings/(loss) per common share.
V. Business Concentration
A significant portion of the Company’s asset management revenues in a year may be derived from a small number of transactions. For the year ended December 31, 2024,
the Company earned asset management revenue from CDOs of $1,566 and $7,443 from other investment funds.
Other than revenue earned in its gestation repo operations, the Company’s trading revenue is generated from transactions with a diverse set of institutional
customers. The Company does not consider its trading revenue, other than revenue earned in its gestation repo operations, to be concentrated from a customer or
counterparty perspective. See note 11 for discussion of concentrations within the gestation repo operations.
F-16
Table of Contents
W. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating the fair value of its financial instruments. These determinations were based on
available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. Considerable judgment is required to interpret market data to develop the estimates and,
therefore, these estimates may not necessarily be indicative of the amount the Company could realize in a current market exchange. The use of different market
assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts. Refer to note 9 for a discussion of the valuation hierarchy
with respect to the investments carried by the Company at fair value.
Cash equivalents: Cash equivalents are carried at historical cost, which is assumed to approximate fair value. The estimated fair value measurement of cash and cash
equivalents is classified within level 1 of the valuation hierarchy.
Investments-trading: These amounts are carried at fair value. The fair value is based on either quoted market prices of an active exchange, independent broker market
quotations, market price quotations from third-party pricing services, or valuation models when quotations are not available.
Other investments, at fair value: These amounts are carried at fair value. The fair value is based on quoted market prices of an active exchange, independent broker
market quotations, or valuation models when quotations are not available. In the case of investments in alternative investment funds, fair value is generally based on the
reported net asset value of the underlying fund.
Receivables under resale agreements: Receivables under resale agreements are carried at their contracted resale price, have short-term maturities, and are repriced
frequently or bear market interest rates and, accordingly, these contracts are at amounts that approximate fair value. The estimated fair value measurements of
receivables under resale agreements are based on observations of actual market activity and are generally classified within level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.
Trading securities sold, not yet purchased: These amounts are carried at fair value. The fair value is based on quoted market prices of an active exchange, independent
market quotations, market price quotations from third-party pricing services, or valuation models when quotations are not available.
Other investments, sold not purchased: These amounts are carried at fair value. The fair value is based on quoted market prices of an active exchange, independent
broker market quotations, or valuation models when quotations are not available.
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase: The liabilities for securities sold under agreement to repurchase are carried at their contracted repurchase price, have
short-term maturities, and are repriced frequently with amounts normally due in one month or less and, accordingly, these contracts are at amounts that approximate fair
value. The estimated fair value measurements of securities sold under agreement to repurchase are based on observations of actual market activity and are generally
classified within level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.
Redeemable financial instruments: The liabilities for redeemable financial instruments are carried at their redemption value, which approximates fair value. The estimated
fair value measurement of the redeemable financial instruments is classified within level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.
Debt: These amounts are carried at outstanding principal less unamortized discount. However, a substantial portion of the Company's debt was assumed in the AFN
Merger and recorded at fair value as of that date. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the fair value of the Company’s debt was estimated to be $44,352 and $37,474,
respectively. The estimated fair value measurements of the debt are generally based on discounted cash flow models prepared by the Company’s management primarily
using discount rates for similar instruments issued to companies with similar credit risks to the Company and are generally classified within level 3 of the valuation
hierarchy.
Derivatives: These amounts are carried at fair value. Derivatives may be included as a component of investments-trading; trading securities sold, not yet purchased; and
other investments, at fair value. See notes 10 and 11. The fair value is generally based on quoted market prices on an exchange that is deemed to be active for derivative
instruments such as foreign currency forward contracts and Eurodollar futures. For derivative instruments, such as TBAs and other extended settlement trades, the fair
value is generally based on market price quotations from third-party pricing services.
F-17
Table of Contents
X. Investments in Special Purpose Acquisition Companies ("SPACs") Sponsor Entities
The Company invested in the sponsor entities of SPACs. Sponsor entities are limited liability companies (each an "LLC") that pool their members' interests and invest in
the private placement of a SPAC. The SPAC will also raise funds in a public offering and seek to complete a business combination within an agreed upon time frame.
The SPAC will use the proceeds raised from the private placement to pay transaction and operating expenses during the period it is seeking a business combination.
The proceeds of the public offering are placed in an interest bearing trust and can only be used to complete the business combination. Generally, the public investors
must approve any business combination prior to its effectiveness. If a business combination is not completed within the agreed upon time frame, the SPAC will liquidate
and return the public investors' investment to them. If there are funds remaining after liquidation, the sponsor entities may receive some portion of their investment
back, but it is likely they will suffer a total loss of their investment. If the business combination is completed, the sponsor entities' private placement in the SPAC entitles
them to a combination of unrestricted common stock, restricted common stock, and (in some cases) warrants of the post-business combination SPAC (which is a
publicly traded company). The following summarizes the Company's accounting policies related to its investments in these entities:
•
The sponsor entities are LLCs that give all important decision making rights to their respective managing member. Furthermore, the other members of the LLC cannot
replace the managing member. Accordingly, the Company has concluded that the sponsor entities are VIEs and the managing member has the power to direct its
most important economic activities. In all cases where the Company was the managing member of a sponsor entity, it also had a significant economic interest in such
sponsor entity and therefore consolidated such sponsor entity.
•
In all cases where the Company consolidated a sponsor entity, it has determined that the sponsor entity's private placement investment in the SPAC that it
sponsored should be treated as an equity method investment during the SPAC's pre-business combination period. Furthermore, due to the difficulty of determining
the fair value of such an investment in the SPAC's pre-business combination period, the Company has chosen not to elect the fair value option.
•
If a SPAC completed its business combination, the sponsor entity's investment in the SPAC was converted to a combination of unrestricted and restricted shares in
the post-business combination SPAC. At this point (assuming the Company consolidated the sponsor entity), the Company accounted for the shares received at fair
value. The Company reclassified any remaining equity method investment to other investments, at fair value and recorded principal transactions income for the
difference. The Company recorded non-controlling interest expense for the SPAC shares that were distributable to the non-controlling interest holders of the
sponsor entity. The fair value of the unrestricted shares received is equal to the public trading price of the SPAC on the date of the business combination. The fair
value of the restricted shares received was adjusted downwards from the public trading price for certain sale restrictions imposed (generally, they are restricted for
sale for some time period and subject to certain hurdle prices before they become freely tradeable). The Company uses a Monte Carlo simulation model to determine
the appropriate discount to place on shares that are subject to hurdle prices. In the case of a SPAC business combination where the Company consolidated the
sponsor entity, generally there is also an equity-based compensation entry to be recorded at the date of the business combination. See the equity-based
compensation section above. The Company will continue to mark the sponsor entity's investment in the SPAC to market and record principal transactions income or
loss and offsetting non-controlling interest income or expense until the sponsor entity itself distributes all of the SPAC shares it owns to its members and liquidates.
At that point, the Company holds the SPAC shares directly (rather than through a consolidated subsidiary) and records principal transaction income and loss until
the SPAC shares are liquidated.
•
The Company also invested in sponsor entities that it does not consolidate because it was not the managing member of such sponsor entity or otherwise did not
have the power to direct the sponsor entity's most important activities. In these cases, the Company treated its investment in the sponsor entity as an equity method
investment. Furthermore, because of the difficulty of determining the fair value of such an investment in the applicable SPAC's pre-business combination period, the
Company has chosen to not elect the fair value option.
•
If a SPAC completed a business combination and the Company had an equity method investment in the associated sponsor entity, upon completing a business
combination, the sponsor entity recorded income equal to the difference between the fair value of the restricted and unrestricted shares it received and the carrying
value of its equity method investment in the SPAC. The Company recognized its share of this gain as income from equity method affiliates. The sponsor entity
continued to mark its investment in the SPAC to market after the business combination and the Company recognized its share of the change in fair value as income or
loss from equity method affiliates. Once the sponsor entity distributed the Company's share of the SPAC shares it owned, the Company reclassified its investment
from investment in equity method affiliate to other investments, at fair value as the Company held the SPAC shares directly (rather than through an equity method
investee). The Company then recorded principal transactions income and loss until the SPAC shares are liquidated.
•
If a SPAC liquidated and the Company had an investment in it (either directly in the case of consolidated sponsor entities or indirectly in the case of equity method
sponsor entities), the Company wrote off its remaining equity method balance and recorded a loss on its equity method investment. In the case of consolidated
sponsor entities, the Company recorded an offsetting entry to non-controlling interest.
F-18
Table of Contents
Y. Recent Accounting Developments
In August 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-05, Business Combinations— Joint Venture Formations (Subtopic 805-60): Recognition and Initial Measurement.
The ASU applies to the formation of entities that meet the definition of a joint venture (or a corporate joint venture) as defined in the FASB Accounting Standards
Codification Master Glossary. The amendments in the ASU require that a joint venture apply a new basis of accounting upon formation. As a result, a newly formed
joint venture, upon formation, would initially measure its assets and liabilities at fair value. The ASU is effective on a prospective basis for all joint ventures with a
formation date on or after January 1, 2025. Early adoption of ASU No. 2023-05 is permitted in any interim or annual period in which financial statements have not yet
been issued. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it may have on its consolidated financial statements.
In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-06, Disclosure Improvements—Codification Amendments in Response to the Securities and Exchange Commission
(“SEC’”) Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative. These amendments clarify or improve disclosure and presentation requirements of a variety of topics and
align the requirements in the FASB accounting standard codification with the SEC’s regulations. The ASU will be effective on the date the related disclosure are
removed from Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K by the SEC and will no longer be effective if the SEC has not removed the applicable disclosure requirement by June 30,
2027. Early adoption in not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it may have on the consolidated financial
statements, which, is not expected to be material.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740). The amendments in this ASU address investor requests for more transparency about
income tax information through improvements to income tax disclosures primarily related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. The amendments in
this ASU are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024 and should be applied on a prospective basis. Retrospective application is permitted. The
Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it may have on its consolidated financial statements.
In March 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-01, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope Application of Profits Interest and Similar Awards. The ASU
provides an illustrative example intended to demonstrate how entities that account for profits interest and similar awards would determine whether a profits interest
award should be accounted for as share-based payment arrangements in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification (FASB ASC) 718, Compensation-
Stock Compensation. The ASU is effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024 and interim periods with those annual
periods. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it may have on its consolidated financial statements.
In March 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-02, Codification Improvements — Amendments to Remove References to the Concepts Statements. The ASU amends the
Codification to remove references to various concepts statements. In most instances, the references are extraneous and not required to understand or apply the
guidance. In other instances, the references were used in prior Statements to provide guidance in certain topical areas. The ASU is effective for public business
entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a significant impact to the Company's
consolidated financial statements.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement — Reporting Comprehensive Income Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-
40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses. The ASU requires additional disclosure of the nature of expenses included in the income statement as well as
disclosures about specific types of expenses included in the expense captions presented in the income statements. The ASU is effective for all entities for annual
reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2025 and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. The Company is currently evaluating the new
guidance to determine the impact it may have on its consolidated financial statements.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-04, Debt— Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20): Induced Conversions of Convertible Debt
Instruments, which clarifies the requirements for determining whether certain settlements of convertible debt instruments should be accounted for as an induced
conversion or extinguishment of convertible debt. The ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2025, and interim periods within those
annual periods. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it may have on its consolidated financial statements.
F-19
Table of Contents
4. OTHER RECENT EVENTS
JKD Investor
On October 3, 2016, the Operating LLC entered into an investment agreement (the “JKD Investment Agreement”) as amended, by and between the Operating LLC and
JKD Capital Partners I LTD ("JKD Investor"), pursuant to which JKD Investor agreed to invest up to $12,000 in the Operating LLC (the “JKD Investment”), $6,000 of
which was invested upon the execution of the JKD Investment Agreement, an additional $1,000 was invested in January 2017, and an additional $1,268 was invested in
January 2019. The JKD Investor is owned by Jack J. DiMaio, the vice chairman of the board of directors, and his spouse. The Company recorded the JKD Investment as
a redeemable financial instrument on the consolidated balance sheets.
Pursuant to the JKD Investment Agreement, upon the termination of the JKD Investment Agreement, the Operating LLC would pay to the JKD Investor an amount
equal to the Investment Balance (as is defined in the JKD Investment Agreement) as of the day prior to such termination.
Effective September 1, 2024, the Operating LLC and the JKD Investor entered into a Redemption Agreement (the “Redemption Agreement”), pursuant to which, the JKD
Investment Agreement was redeemed and terminated in its entirety. As of September 1, 2024, the JKD Investment Balance under the JKD Investment Agreement was
$7,719.
Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Redemption Agreement, the Operating LLC (i) paid to JKD Investor $2,573 of the outstanding amount in cash; and (ii) the
Company issued to JKD Investor a senior promissory note (the “2024 Note”) in the aggregate principal amount of $5,146 representing the remaining balance of the JKD
Investment. See note 19.
2024 Note
Effective September1, 2024, as is noted immediately above, the Company issued to JKD Investor the 2024 Note pursuant to the Redemption Agreement. The 2024 Note
evidences the Operating LLC’s obligation to repay to the JKD Investor the original principal amount of $5,146. Pursuant to the 2024 Note, the unpaid principal amount
and all accrued but unpaid interest thereunder will be due and payable as follows: (i) $2,573 of the principal amount will be due and payable on August 31, 2025, and (ii)
$2,573 will be due and payable on August 31, 2026.
The 2024 Note accrues interest on the unpaid principal amount from September 1, 2024 until maturity at a rate equal to 12% per year. Interest on the 2024 Note is payable
in cash quarterly on each January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1, commencing on October 1, 2024. Under the 2024 Note, upon the occurrence or existence of any
“Event of Default” thereunder, the outstanding principal amount is (or in certain instances, at the option of the holder thereof, may be) immediately accelerated. Further,
upon the occurrence of any Event of Default under the 2024 Note and for so long as such Event of Default continues, all principal, interest and other amounts payable
under the 2024 Note will bear interest at a rate equal to 13% per year.
The 2024 Note may not be prepaid in whole or in part prior to January 31, 2025. The 2024 Note may, with at least 31 days’ prior written notice from the Operating LLC to
the holder of the 2024 Note, be prepaid in whole or in part at any time following January 31, 2025 without the prior written consent of the holder of the 2024 Note and
without penalty or premium. See note 20.
Consolidation of the SPAC Fund
Prior to March 31, 2023, the Vellar GP had an investment in the SPAC Fund, the potential to earn incentive fees, and did not consolidate the SPAC Fund. Effective April
1, 2023, all of the investors in the SPAC Fund, other than the Vellar GP, redeemed all of their interests in the SPAC Fund. As a result, effective April 1, 2023, the Vellar GP
became the sole owner of the SPAC Fund and began consolidating it. The Company owns an interest in and consolidates the Vellar GP, and effective April 1, 2023, the
Company began consolidating the SPAC Fund as well. The Company recorded the following entry upon consolidation:
Asset/(Liability)
Cash and cash equivalents
$
257
Receivables from brokers, dealers, and clearing agencies
68,066
Other investments, at fair value
40,388
Other assets
108
Accounts payable and other liabilities
(82,968)
Other investments sold, not yet purchased
(25,806)
Vellar GP's remaining investment in the SPAC Fund
$
45
As of December 31, 2023, all amounts due to the redeeming investors in the SPAC Fund were paid in full. See note 31 for discussion of sale of the Company's interest in
Vellar GP subsequent to year end.
F-20
Table of Contents
The 2020 Senior Notes
On January 31, 2020, the Operating LLC entered into a note purchase agreement (the “Original Purchase Agreement”) with JKD Investor and RN Capital Solutions LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company (“RNCS”). The note purchased by the JKD Investor is herein referred to as the “JKD Note.”
Pursuant to the Original Purchase Agreement, JKD Investor and RNCS each purchased a senior promissory note in the principal amount of $2,250 (for an aggregate
investment of $4,500). The senior promissory notes bore interest at a fixed rate of 12% per annum and matured on January 31, 2022. On January 31, 2022, the Operating
LLC and JKD Investor entered into a note purchase agreement (the "2022 Purchase Agreement"), pursuant to which, among other things, on such date, (i) JKD Investor
paid to the Operating LLC an additional $2,250 and (ii) in consideration for such funds, the Operating LLC issued to JKD Investor an amended and restated senior
promissory note in the aggregate principal amount of $4,500 (the “Amended and Restated Note”), which Amended and Restated Note amended and restated the JKD
Note in its entirety. The 2022 Purchase Agreement contains customary representations and warranties on the part of each of JKD Investor and the Operating LLC. The
Company used these proceeds to retire the $2,250 of 2020 Senior Notes held by RNCS. See notes 20 and 31.
On January 5, 2024, the Operating LLC and JKD Investor entered into an amendment to the Amended and Restated Note, pursuant to which the Amended and Restated
Note was amended to (a) extend (i) the maturity date thereof from January 31, 2024 to January 31, 2026, (ii) the date following which the Amended and Restated may be
redeemed by JKD Investor from January 31, 2023 to January 31, 2025, and (iii) the date following which the Amended and Restated Note may be prepaid by the
Operating LLC from January 31, 2023 to January 31, 2025; and (b) increase the interest rate payable under the Amended and Restated Note from 10% per annum to 12%
per annum effective as of January 31, 2024.
F-21
Table of Contents
5. NET TRADING
Net trading consisted of the following in the periods presented.
NET TRADING
(Dollars in Thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
2024
2023
2022
Net realized gains / (losses)- trading inventory
$
19,163 $
18,962 $
12,583
Net unrealized gains / (losses)-trading inventory
1,742
(2,087)
(2,463)
Gains and losses
20,905
16,875
10,120
Interest income-trading inventory
4,375
4,250
2,888
Interest income-reverse repos
37,958
28,238
47,023
Interest income
42,333
32,488
49,911
Interest expense-repos
(34,496)
(25,072)
(31,021)
Interest expense-margin payable
(3,852)
(6,267)
(2,680)
Interest expense
(38,348)
(31,339)
(33,701)
Other trading revenue
11,519
12,902
13,679
Net trading
$
36,409 $
30,926 $
40,009
Trading inventory includes investments classified as investments-trading as well as trading securities sold, not yet purchased. For discussion of margin payable, see
note 6. Other trading revenue is primarily comprised of revenue earned on the Company's agency repo business. See note 11.
F-22
Table of Contents
6. RECEIVABLES FROM AND PAYABLES TO BROKERS, DEALERS, AND CLEARING AGENCIES
Amounts receivable from brokers, dealers, and clearing agencies consisted of the following.
RECEIVABLES FROM BROKERS, DEALERS, AND CLEARING AGENCIES
(Dollars in Thousands)
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Deposits with clearing agencies
$
250 $
250
Unsettled regular way trades, net
2,263
1,527
Receivable from clearing organizations
43,137
65,024
Receivables from brokers, dealers, and clearing agencies
$
45,650 $
66,801
Amounts payable to brokers, dealers, and clearing agencies consisted of the following.
PAYABLES TO BROKERS, DEALERS, AND CLEARING AGENCIES
(Dollars in Thousands)
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Margin payable
$
66,655 $
111,085
Payables to brokers, dealers, and clearing agencies
$
66,655 $
111,085
Deposits with clearing agencies represent contractual amounts the Company is required to deposit with its clearing agents.
Securities transactions that settle in the regular way are recorded on the trade date, as if they had settled. The related amounts receivable and payable for unsettled
securities transactions are recorded net in receivables from or payables to brokers, dealers, and clearing agencies on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The
related amounts receivable and payable for unsettled securities transactions are recorded net in receivables from or payables to brokers, dealers, and clearing agencies
on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
Receivables from clearing agencies are primarily comprised of cash received by the Company upon execution of short trades that is restricted from withdrawal by the
clearing agent.
Margin payable represents amounts borrowed from Pershing, LLC to finance the Company’s trading portfolio. See note 5 for interest expense incurred on margin
payable. All of the Company's securities included in investments-trading and a portion of the Company's securities included in other investments, at fair value serve as
collateral for this margin loan. See note 8.
F-23
Table of Contents
7. OTHER RECEIVABLES
Other receivables consisted of the following.
OTHER RECEIVABLES
(Dollars in Thousands)
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
New issue fee and advisory fee receivable - gross
$
3,408 $
1,181
Allowance for credit losses
(2,250)
-
New issue fee and advisory fee receivable - net
1,158
1,181
Asset management fees receivable
2,183
1,085
Accrued interest receivable
1,595
1,689
Revenue share receivable
-
321
Agency repo income receivable
522
391
Miscellaneous other receivables
1,068
706
Other receivables
$
6,526 $
5,373
New issue and advisory fees receivable represent amounts owed to JVB from various counterparties for services rendered. New issue and advisory revenue is
recognized when the Company’s performance obligations have been satisfied, and collectability is reasonably assured. However, in certain cases, collectability becomes
doubtful at a later date. At each reporting period, the Company assesses the collectability of its new issue and advisory receivables. Each receivable is unique and
does not share similar characteristics to be pooled so they are evaluated on an individual basis. The company records an allowance when, in management’s judgement,
one is necessary for credit losses. During 2024, the Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $2,556, which is included as a component of professional fees and
other operating expenses in the statement of operations and we fully wrote off $306 of receivables. It is the Company's policy to fully write off the receivable and related
allowance when it has abandoned collection efforts.
Asset management fees receivable are of a routine and short-term nature. These amounts are generally accrued monthly and paid on a monthly or quarterly basis.
Accrued interest receivable represents interest and dividends accrued on the Company’s investment securities included as a component of investments-trading or other
investments, at fair value. Interest payable on securities sold, not yet purchased is included as a component of accounts payable and other liabilities. See note 17.
Revenue share receivable represents the amount due to the Company for the Company’s share of a revenue arrangement generated from an entity in which the Company
receives a share of the entity’s revenue.
Agency repo income receivable represents income receivable on gestation repo trades. See note 11.
Miscellaneous other receivables are receivables that are of a short-term nature.
F-24
Table of Contents
8. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Investments—Trading
Investments-trading consisted of the following.
INVESTMENTS - TRADING
(Dollars in Thousands)
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Corporate bonds and redeemable preferred stock
$
27,043 $
53,657
Derivatives
4,836
7,470
Equity securities
965
928
Foreign government bond
88
-
Municipal bonds
19,914
20,572
Residential mortgage loans
-
3,113
RMBS
5
9
SBA loans
28,328
-
U.S. government agency MBS and CMOs
45,911
88,000
U.S. government agency debt securities
21,242
6,567
U.S. Treasury securities
-
1,012
Investments-trading
$
148,332 $
181,328
Substantially all of the Company's investments-trading other than SBA loans serve as collateral for the Company's margin loan payable. See note 6. The SBA loans
serve as collateral for the Company's repurchase obligations. See note 11.
Trading Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased
Trading securities sold, not yet purchased consisted of the following.
TRADING SECURITIES SOLD, NOT YET PURCHASED
(Dollars in Thousands)
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Corporate bonds and redeemable preferred stock
$
7,342 $
24,355
Derivatives
4,050
6,719
Equity securities
83
393
U.S. government agency debt securities
40
-
U.S. Treasury securities
24,917
34,284
Trading securities sold, not yet purchased
$
36,432 $
65,751
The Company manages its exposure to changes in interest rates for the interest rate sensitive securities it holds by entering into offsetting short positions for similar
fixed rate securities. See note 5 for realized and unrealized gains recognized on investments-trading and trading securities sold, not yet purchased.
F-25
Table of Contents
Other Investments, at Fair Value
Other investments, at fair value consisted of the following.
OTHER INVESTMENTS, AT FAIR VALUE
(Dollars in Thousands)
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Equity securities
$
1,954 $
38,038
Equity derivatives
73
1,447
Restricted equity securities
10,632
2,054
Corporate bonds and redeemable preferred stock
531
506
Notes receivable
11,250
9,541
Interests in SPVs
1,565
12,609
CREO JV
6,432
4,783
U.S. Insurance JV
2,825
3,107
Residential loans
-
132
Other investments, at fair value
$
35,262 $
72,217
As of December 31, 2024, $470 of unrestricted equity securities represented long positions related to share forward arrangements (“SFAs”) entered into by the Company.
As of December 31, 2023, $26,079 of unrestricted equity securities, $1,447 of equity derivatives, and $6,278 of the fair value receivables represented long positions
related to SFAs entered into by the Company.
Notes receivable include convertible and non-convertible notes receivable from various counterparties in connection with the Company's advisory business and SFAs
that may be convertible into equity shares. These receivables are carried at fair value.
Interests in SPVs represents interests the Company has received in SPVs as consideration for services provided by CCM, rather than cash. The SPVs hold convertible
notes receivable interests in the counterparties. The Company does not consolidate the SPVs and carries its interests in the SPVs at fair value. See note 9 for
discussion of the determination of fair value.
A total of $1,721 and $946 of the amounts shown in other investments, at fair value above serve as collateral for the Company's margin loan payable for the years ended
December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. See note 6.
Other Investments Sold, Not Yet Purchased
OTHER INVESTMENTS SOLD, NOT YET PURCHASED
(Dollars in Thousands)
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Equity securities
$
1,181 $
347
Share forward liabilities
470
24,395
Other investments sold, not yet purchased
$
1,651 $
24,742
F-26
Table of Contents
9. FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES
Fair Value Option
The Company has elected to account for certain of its other financial assets at fair value under the fair value option provisions of ASC 825. The primary reason for
electing the fair value option was to reduce the burden of monitoring the differences between the cost and the fair value of the Company’s investments, previously
classified as available for sale securities, including the assessment as to whether the declines are temporary in nature and to further remove an element of management
judgment.
Such financial assets accounted for at fair value include:
•
securities that would otherwise qualify for available for sale treatment;
•
investments in equity method affiliates that have the attributes in ASC 946-10-15-2 (commonly referred to as investment companies) or that have fair
values that are readily determinable; and
•
investments in residential mortgage loans.
The changes in fair value (realized and unrealized gains and losses) of these instruments for which the Company has elected the fair value option are recorded in
principal transactions and other income in the consolidated statements of operations. All of the investments for which the Company has elected the fair value option are
included as a component of other investments, at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets.
The Company recognized net gains (losses) of ($62,560), ($92,931), and ($30,914) related to changes in fair value of investments that were included as a component of
other investments, at fair value during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. The Company recognized net gains (losses) of $29,658, $107,816,
and $307 related to changes in fair value of investments that are included as a component of other investments, sold not yet purchased during the years ended
December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.
Fair Value Measurements
In accordance with ASC 820, the Company has categorized its financial instruments, based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three-
level valuation hierarchy. The valuation hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1
measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurement). The three levels of the valuation hierarchy under ASC 820 are described below.
Level 1
Financial assets and liabilities with values that are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for
identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
Level 2
Financial assets and liabilities with values that are based on one or more of the following:
1.
Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
2.
Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets;
3.
Pricing models with inputs that are derived, other than quoted prices, and are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; or
4.
Pricing models with inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data through correlation or other means for
substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
Level 3
Financial assets and liabilities with values that are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value
measurement and unobservable. These inputs reflect management’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in
pricing the asset or liability.
In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the valuation hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the valuation hierarchy within
which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the
asset or liability.
Both observable and unobservable inputs may be used to determine the fair value of positions that the Company has classified within the level 3 category. As a result,
the unrealized gains and losses for assets and liabilities within the level 3 category that may be presented in the tables below may include changes in fair value that were
attributable to both observable (e.g., changes in market interest rates) and unobservable (e.g., changes in unobservable long-dated volatilities) inputs.
F-27
Table of Contents
The following tables present information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and indicate the valuation
hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value.
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS ON A RECURRING BASIS
As of December 31, 2024
(Dollars in Thousands)
Significant
Significant
Quoted Prices in Other Observable
Unobservable
Active Markets
Inputs
Inputs
Assets
Fair Value
(Level 1)
(Level 2)
(Level 3)
Investments-trading:
Corporate bonds and redeemable preferred stock
$
27,043 $
- $
27,043 $
-
Derivatives
4,836
-
4,836
-
Equity securities
965
352
613
-
Foreign government bond
88
-
88
-
Municipal bonds
19,914
-
19,914
-
RMBS
5
-
5
-
SBA loans
28,328
-
28,328
-
U.S. government agency MBS and CMOs
45,911
-
45,911
-
U.S. government agency debt securities
21,242
-
21,242
-
Total investments - trading
$
148,332 $
352 $
147,980 $
-
Other investments, at fair value:
Equity securities
$
1,954
1,954 $
- $
-
Equity derivatives
73
-
73
-
Restricted equity securities
10,632
6,722
3,910
-
Corporate bonds and redeemable preferred stock
531
-
531
-
Notes receivable
11,250
-
11,250
-
Interests in SPVs
1,565
1,565
26,005 $
8,676 $
17,329 $
-
Investments measured at NAV (1)
9,257
Total other investments, at fair value
$
35,262
Liabilities
Trading securities sold, not yet purchased:
Corporate bonds and redeemable preferred stock
$
7,342 $
- $
7,342 $
-
Derivatives
4,050
-
4,050
-
Equity securities
83
83
-
-
U.S. government agency debt securities
40
-
40
-
U.S. Treasury securities
24,917
24,917
-
-
Total trading securities sold, not yet purchased
$
36,432 $
25,000 $
11,432 $
-
Other investments, sold not yet purchased:
Equity securities
$
1,181 $
1,181 $
- $
-
Share forward liabilities
470
-
470
-
Total other investments, sold not yet purchased
$
1,651 $
1,181 $
470 $
-
(1) As a practical expedient, the Company uses NAV (or its equivalent) to measure the fair value of its investments in the U.S. Insurance JV and the CREO JV. The U.S.
Insurance JV invests in U.S. Dollar ("USD") denominated debt issued by small insurance and reinsurance companies. The CREO JV invests in primarily multi-family
commercial real estate mortgage-backed loans. According to ASC 820, these investments are not categorized within the valuation hierarchy.
F-28
Table of Contents
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS ON A RECURRING BASIS
As of December 31, 2023
(Dollars in Thousands)
Significant
Significant
Quoted Prices in Other Observable
Unobservable
Active Markets
Inputs
Inputs
Assets
Fair Value
(Level 1)
(Level 2)
(Level 3)
Investments-trading:
Corporate bonds and redeemable preferred stock
$
53,657 $
- $
53,657 $
-
Derivatives
7,470
-
7,470
-
Equity securities
928
639
289
-
Municipal bonds
20,572
-
20,572
-
Residential mortgage loans
3,113
-
3,113
-
RMBS
9
-
9
-
U.S. government agency MBS and CMOs
88,000
-
88,000
-
U.S. government agency debt securities
6,567
-
6,567
-
U.S. Treasury securities
1,012
1,012
-
-
Total investments - trading
$
181,328 $
1,651 $
179,677 $
-
Other investments, at fair value:
Equity securities
$
38,038 $
38,038 $
- $
-
Equity derivatives
1,447
1,447
Restricted equity securities
2,054
-
2,054
-
Corporate bonds and redeemable preferred stock
506
-
506
-
Notes receivable
9,541
9,541
Interests in SPVs
12,609
12,609
Residential loans
132
-
132
-
64,327 $
38,038 $
26,289 $
-
Investments measured at NAV (1)
7,890
Total other investments, at fair value
$
72,217
Liabilities
Trading securities sold, not yet purchased:
Corporate bonds and redeemable preferred stock
$
24,355 $
- $
24,355 $
-
Derivatives
6,719
-
6,719
-
Equity securities
393
393
-
-
U.S. Treasury securities
34,284
34,284
-
-
Total trading securities sold, not yet purchased
$
65,751 $
34,677 $
31,074 $
-
Other investments, sold not yet purchased:
Equity securities
$
347 $
347 $
- $
-
Share forward liabilities
24,395
-
24,395
-
Total other investments, sold not yet purchased
$
24,742 $
347 $
24,395 $
-
(1) As a practical expedient, the Company uses NAV (or its equivalent) to measure the fair value of its investments in the U.S. Insurance JV and the CREO JV. The
U.S. Insurance JV invests in USD denominated debt issued by small insurance and reinsurance companies. The CREO JV invests in primarily multi-family
commercial real estate mortgage-backed loans. According to ASC 820, these investments are not categorized within the valuation hierarchy.
F-29
Table of Contents
The following provides a brief description of the types of financial instruments the Company holds, the methodology for estimating fair value, and the level within the
valuation hierarchy of the estimate. The discussion that follows applies regardless of whether the instrument is included in investments-trading; other investments sold,
not yet purchased; other investments, at fair value; or trading securities sold, not yet purchased.
Corporate Bonds and Redeemable Preferred Stock: The Company uses recently executed transactions or third-party quotations from independent pricing services to
arrive at the fair value of its investments in corporate bonds and redeemable preferred stock. These valuations are based on a market approach. The Company generally
classifies the fair value of these bonds within level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. In instances where the fair values of securities are based on quoted prices in active
markets (for example with redeemable preferred stock), the Company classifies the fair value of these securities within level 1 of the valuation hierarchy.
Equity Securities: The fair value of equity securities that represent unrestricted investments in publicly traded companies (common or preferred shares, options,
warrants, and other equity investments) are determined using the closing price of the security as of the reporting date. These are securities that are traded on a
recognized liquid exchange and the Company classifies their fair value within level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. The fair value of equity securities that represent
investments in privately held companies is generally determined either (i) based on a valuation model or (ii) based on recently observed transactions in the same
instrument or similar instrument that the Company holds. These valuations are generally classified within either level 2 or level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.
Equity Securities Without Readily Determinable Fair Value: From time to time, the Company invests in equity securities that do not have a readily determinable fair value
that also do not qualify for equity method accounting or the practical expedient for investments in investment companies which are measured at NAV. In those cases,
the Company utilizes the measurement alternative of ASC 321-10-35-2. This alternative allows the Company to carry the investment at cost minus impairment. If the
Company observes a market transaction for an identical or similar instrument, it will adjust the carrying value of the equity security. These securities are included as a
component of other investments, at fair value. When measured at fair value using an orderly observable market transaction, it will generally be classified as level 1 in
the valuation hierarchy. Otherwise, it will be classified as level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.
Restricted Equity Securities: Restricted equity securities are investments in publicly traded companies. However, they are restricted from re-sale until either (a) the share
price trades above a certain threshold for a certain period of time or (b) a certain period of time elapses, or both. The Company determines the fair value by utilizing a
model that starts with the publicly traded share price but then applies a discount based on a Monte Carlo simulation. The inputs to this model are observable so the
Company generally classifies these securities within level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. If the restriction is short and deemed immaterial, the Company will determine fair
value to be equal to the publicly traded share price without discount and will classify the securities within level 1 of the hierarchy. The Company is not allowed to sell
these shares during the restriction period and there is no certainty as to when these hurdles will be met or if they will be met at all.
Notes receivable: Notes receivable includes convertible and non-convertible notes. The Company values these instruments using a model. The main input is the risk-
based cash flow discount rates. In the case where the receivable is convertible into counterparty equity, additional inputs include the counterparty’s share price,
volatility, and the risk free rate of return. The inputs to this model are observable so the Company classifies these securities within level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.
Foreign Government Bond: The fair value of foreign government bond is estimated using valuations provided by third-party pricing services and classifies the fair value
within level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.
Interests in SPVs: The Company values these instruments using a model. The model first determines the fair value of the financial instruments in the SPV and then
determines what portion of that fair value is allocable to the Company’s interest in the SPV. If appropriate, the Company determines the fair value of the financial
instruments held by the SPV using a model which may include a Monte Carlo simulation. The main inputs are the counterparty’s share price, volatility, risk-free rate of
return, and risk-based cash flow discount rates. The inputs to this model are observable so the Company classifies these securities within level 2 of the hierarchy.
Municipal Bonds: Municipal bonds, which include obligations of U.S. states, municipalities, and political subdivisions, primarily include bonds or notes issued by U.S.
municipalities. The Company generally values these securities using third-party quotations such as market price quotations from third-party pricing services. The
Company generally classifies the fair value of these bonds within level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. The valuations are based on a market approach. In instances where
the Company is unable to obtain reliable market price quotations from third-party pricing services, the Company will use its own internal valuation models. In these
cases, the Company will classify such securities as level 3 within the valuation hierarchy until it is able to obtain third-party pricing.
F-30
Table of Contents
Residential Mortgage Loans: The Company generally values these loans using a model. The model’s main inputs are current market quotations for pooled mortgage
loan securities with similar characteristics. The Company considers the inputs to be observable and therefore classifies the fair value of these loans within level 2 of the
valuation hierarchy.
RMBS: The Company generally values these securities using third-party quotations such as unadjusted broker-dealer quoted prices or market price quotations from
third-party pricing services. These valuations are based on a market approach. The Company generally classifies the fair value of these securities based on third-party
quotations within level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.
SBA Loans: The Company generally values these securities using third party quotations such as unadjusted broker-dealer quoted prices, internal valuation models
using observable inputs, or market price quotations from third party pricing services. The Company generally classifies these investments within level 2 of the valuation
hierarchy.
U.S. Government Agency MBS and CMOs: These are securities that are generally traded over the counter. The Company generally values these securities using third-
party quotations such as unadjusted broker-dealer quoted prices or market price quotations from third-party pricing services. These valuations are based on a market
approach. The Company classifies the fair value of these securities within level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.
U.S. Government Agency Debt Securities: Callable and non-callable U.S. government agency debt securities are measured primarily based on quoted market prices
obtained from third-party pricing services. Non-callable U.S. government agency debt securities are generally classified within level 1 and callable U.S. government
agency debt securities are classified within level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.
U.S. Treasury Securities: U.S. Treasury securities include U.S. Treasury bonds and notes, and the fair values of the U.S. Treasury securities are based on quoted prices
or market activity in active markets. Valuation adjustments are not applied. The Company classifies the fair value of these securities within level 1 of the valuation
hierarchy.
Derivatives:
TBAs and Other Forward Agency MBS Contracts
The Company generally values these securities using third party quotations such as unadjusted broker-dealer quoted prices or market price quotations from third party
pricing services. TBAs and other forward agency MBS contracts are generally classified within level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. If there is limited transaction activity or
less transparency to observe market-based inputs to valuation models, TBAs and other forward agency MBS contracts are classified within level 3 of the valuation
hierarchy. U.S. government agency MBS and CMOs include TBAs and other forward agency MBS contracts. Unrealized gains on TBAs and other forward agency
MBS contracts are included in investments trading on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and unrealized losses on TBAs and other forward agency MBS
contracts are included in trading securities sold, not yet purchased on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. See note 10.
Other Extended Settlement Trades
When the Company buys or sells a financial instrument that will not be settled in the regular time period, the Company will account for that purchase or sale on the
settlement date rather than the trade date. In those cases, the Company accounts for the transaction between trade date and settlement date as a derivative (as either a
purchase commitment or sale commitment). The Company will record an unrealized gain or unrealized loss on the derivative for the difference between the fair value of
the underlying financial instrument as of the reporting date and the agreed upon transaction price. The Company will determine the fair value of the financial instrument
using the methodologies described above.
Equity Derivatives
The Company may enter into equity derivatives, which include listed options as well as other derivative transactions with an underlying equity instrument. Listed
options are traded on a recognized liquid exchange and the Company classifies the fair value of these securities within level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Other equity
derivatives (where the underlying equity instrument is publicly traded but the derivative itself is not) are classified within level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. See note 10.
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
Foreign currency forward contracts are exchange-traded derivatives, which transact on an exchange that is deemed to be active. The fair value of the foreign currency
forward contracts is based on current quoted market prices. Valuation adjustments are not applied. These are classified within level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. See
note 10.
Share Forward Liabilities
Share forward liabilities are included as a component of other investments sold, not yet purchased in the Company's balance sheets. The Company utilizes a model to
value these instruments with observable inputs and considers these derivatives as level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. See note 10.
F-31
Table of Contents
Investments in Certain Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share (or its Equivalent)
The following table presents additional information about investments in certain entities that calculate NAV per share (regardless of whether the “practical expedient”
provisions of ASC 820 have been applied), which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS OF INVESTMENTS IN CERTAIN ENTITIES
THAT CALCULATE NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE (OR ITS EQUIVALENT)
(Dollars in Thousands)
December 31, 2024
Unfunded Commitments
Redemption Frequency
Redemption Notice
Period
Other investments, at fair value
CREO JV (a)
$
6,432 $
10,118
N/A
N/A
U.S. Insurance JV (b)
2,825
N/A
N/A
N/A
$
9,257
December 31, 2023
Unfunded Commitments
Redemption Frequency
Redemption Notice
Period
Other investments, at fair value
CREO JV (a)
$
4,783 $
11,150
N/A
N/A
U.S. Insurance JV (b)
3,107
N/A
N/A
N/A
$
7,890
N/A – Not applicable.
(a)
The CREO JV invests in primarily multi-family commercial real estate mortgage-backed loans.
(b)
The U.S. Insurance JV invests in USD denominated debt issued by small and medium sized insurance and reinsurance companies.
F-32
Table of Contents
10. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company may, from time to time, enter into the following derivative instruments:
Equity Derivatives
A significant portion of the Company’s equity holdings are carried at fair value. From time to time, the Company hedges a portion of this exposure by entering into
equity derivatives such as puts and short call options. These derivative positions are held at fair value as a component of other investments, at fair value and other
investments sold, not yet purchased in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had no
options. From time to time, the Company may also enter into forward purchase commitments for equity securities.
In addition, the Company may engage in advisory transactions that result in a receivable that can be paid in cash or a variable number of equity instruments. In such
instances, the Company would record the receivable as a component of other assets in its consolidated balance sheets and record the equity component as an
embedded derivative. All equity derivatives are carried at fair value as a component of other investments, at fair value or other investments sold, not yet purchased in
the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had equity derivatives included in other investments at fair
value of $73 and $1,447, respectively.
The Company may hedge a portion of the exposure from these equity investments by entering into short trades. These short trades are not treated as derivatives and
are carried as a component of other investments sold, not yet purchased in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. See note 8.
TBAs and Other Forward Agency MBS Contracts
The Company enters into TBAs and other forward agency MBS transactions for three main reasons.
(i)
The Company trades U.S. government agency obligations. In connection with these activities, the Company may be required to maintain inventory in order
to facilitate customer transactions. In order to mitigate exposure to market risk, the Company may enter into the purchase and sale of TBAs and other
forward agency MBS contracts.
(ii) The Company also enters into TBAs and other forward agency MBS contracts in order to assist clients (generally small to mid-size mortgage loan
originators) in hedging the interest rate risk associated with the mortgages owned by these clients.
(iii) Finally, the Company may enter into TBAs and other forward agency MBS contracts on a speculative basis.
The Company carries the TBAs and other forward agency MBS contracts at fair value and includes them as a component of investments-trading or trading securities
sold, not yet purchased in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2024, the Company had open TBA and other forward MBS purchase
agreements in the notional amount of $852,450 and open TBA and other forward MBS sale agreements in the notional amount of $883,900. At December 31, 2023, the
Company had open TBA and other forward agency MBS purchase agreements in the notional amount of $592,000 and open TBA and other forward agency MBS sale
agreements in the notional amount of $618,425.
Other Extended Settlement Trades
When the Company buys or sells a financial instrument that will not settle in the regular time period, the Company will account for that purchase and sale on the
settlement date rather than the trade date. In those cases, the Company accounts for the transaction between trade date and settlement date as either a forward
purchase commitment or a forward sale commitment, both considered derivatives. The Company will record an unrealized gain or unrealized loss on the derivative for
the difference between the fair value of the underlying financial instrument as of the reporting date and the agreed upon transaction price. As of December 31, 2024, the
Company had open forward purchase commitments in the notional amount of $1,593 and open forward sales commitments in the notional amount of $0. At December 31,
2023, the Company had no open forward purchase or sale commitments.
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
The Company invests in foreign currency denominated investments that expose it to fluctuations in foreign currency rates, and, therefore, the Company may, from time
to time, hedge such exposure by using foreign currency forward contracts. The Company carries the foreign currency forward contracts at fair value and includes them
as a component of other investments, at fair value in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had no outstanding
foreign currency forward contracts.
The following table presents the Company’s derivative financial instruments and the amount and location of the fair value (unrealized gain / (loss)) presented in the
consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS-BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION
(Dollars in Thousands)
Derivative Financial Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Under ASC 815
Balance Sheet Classification
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
TBAs and other forward agency MBS
Investments-trading
$
4,836 $
7,470
TBAs and other forward agency MBS
Trading securities sold, not yet purchased
(4,050)
(6,719)
Equity derivatives
Other investments, at fair value
73
1,447
Share forward liabilities
Other investments sold, not yet
purchased, at fair value
(470)
(24,645)
$
389 $
(22,447)
F-33
Table of Contents
The following table presents the Company’s derivative financial instruments and the amount and location of the net gain (loss) recognized in the consolidated statement
of operations.
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS-STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS INFORMATION
(Dollars in Thousands)
For the Year Ended December 31,
Derivative Financial Instruments Not Designated as
Hedging Instruments Under ASC 815
Income Statement Classification
2024
2023
2022
TBAs and other forward agency MBS
Revenues-net trading
$
5,230 $
3,933 $
8,883
Equity derivatives
Principal transactions and other
income (loss)
-
603
-
Share forward liabilities
Principal transactions and other
income (loss)
22,871
108,084
-
$
28,101 $
112,620 $
8,883
The share forward liabilities offset certain long positions included as a component of other investments, at fair value. The offsetting long positions had income / (loss)
of ($20,919) and ($83,707) for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
SFAs
The Company has engaged in several transactions known as SFAs. In a typical SFA transaction, the Company acquires an interest in a publicly traded company
(referred to as the “SFA Counterparty”) through open market purchases, direct acquisitions from the SFA Counterparty, or a combination thereof. These interests can
take the form of unrestricted common shares, restricted common shares, equity derivatives, or notes receivable. Upon acquiring these interests, the Company enters into
an SFA derivative arrangement with the SFA Counterparty. In cases where the Company acquires its interests in the SFA Counterparty through open market purchases,
the SFA generally requires an up-front payment to the Company from the SFA Counterparty. The amount of this payment equals the cost paid by the Company paid for
those interests, less a shortfall amount in certain cases. To fund the shortfall portion of the initial investment, the Company will utilize available cash on hand or
available financing.
The SFA stipulates that the Company must make a payment to the SFA Counterparty on a certain maturity date. Depending on the terms of the SFA, this payment may
be made in cash, by returning the acquired interests, or through a combination of both. In some cases, the SFA requires the payment to be made exclusively in cash.
Importantly, the SFA does not obligate the Company to hold the interests that it acquired in the SFA Counterparty. Following the execution of the SFA, the Company is
free to sell the interests in the SFA Counterparty (assuming the interests themselves are not restricted from transfer). Additionally, SFAs generally include a feature
whereby if the Company holds the interests in the SFA Counterparty that it acquired until maturity or another agreed-upon date, the Company becomes eligible to
receive an additional payment from the SFA Counterparty, either in cash or in additional interests in the SFA Counterparty. Such a payment is known as the “Maturity
Consideration.”
Furthermore, SFAs usually include a provision allowing the Company to terminate the SFA, either in whole or in part, before its maturity by making an agreed-upon
payment based on an amount defined in the SFA (the “Reset Price”). The Reset Price may either remain fixed throughout the term of the SFA, or fluctuate based on
certain calculations within the SFA.
SFAs also impose various obligations on the SFA Counterparty, that may include registering a predetermined number of the interests in the SFA Counterparty (subject
to the SFA) with the SEC, maintaining a listing of the SFA Counterparty securities on a national exchange, and/or that the closing price of the SFA Counterparty’s shares
on the public exchange does not fall below a predetermined price for a specific period of time. If any of these SFA Counterparty obligations are breached or not satisfied,
the Company may have the right to terminate the SFA early and accelerate the payment of the Maturity Consideration upon termination. The SFAs provide the right of
set off in the case of Maturity Consideration, thereby allowing the Company to keep the interests it holds in the SFA Counterparty and offset the Maturity
Consideration it is owed following termination of the applicable SFA.
The Company accounts for SFA transactions as follows:
●The interests in public companies that it owns are carried at fair value. Refer to note 9 for further details on determining the fair value of unrestricted common
shares, restricted common shares, equity derivatives, or note receivable.
●The derivative obligation arising from the SFA is also carried at fair value. Fair value represents the amount the Company would need to pay to settle the SFA
obligation at any reporting period date. If the SFA allows the Company multiple methods of settling the obligation, the Company will choose the most advantageous
one to value the derivative obligation. In performing this calculation, only settlement methods contractually available to the Company at the reporting date will be
considered (i.e., ones available at some future date will not be considered). For instance, if the Company may terminate the SFA early by either returning common
shares or making a cash payment based on the Reset Price, the liability will be valued at the lower of: (i) the fair value of the common shares and (ii) the cash amount
based on the Reset Price.
●The Company does not recognize any Maturity Consideration as revenue until it is earned under the contract, either by meeting the hold period requirement or due
to a breach of obligation by the SFA Counterparty that enables the Company to terminate the SFA early.
●In cases where the Company earns Maturity Consideration and the amount it is owed exceeds the fair value of the interest it owns that is available to offset, the
Company will consider the probability of payment of the remaining Maturity Consideration based on the credit quality of the SFA Counterparty and general market
conditions. If the Company determines that the collection of the remaining Maturity Consideration owed is not probable, the Company will not record the unpaid
portion.
F-34
Table of Contents
The following table shows the carrying value of the assets and liabilities of SFA transactions as of the reporting period dates.
SHARE FORWARD ARRANGEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands)
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Equity securities
$
470 $
26,079
Equity derivatives
-
1,447
Notes receivable
-
6,278
Share forward liabilities
-
(24,645)
Net fair value of share forward arrangements
$
470 $
9,159
The Company entered into SFAs primarily through its consolidated subsidiary, Vellar GP. See note 31 for discussion of sale of the Company's interest in Vellar GP
subsequent to year end. Therefore, the Company does not expect to have significant SFA activity in the future.
F-35
Table of Contents
11. COLLATERALIZED SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS
Gestation Repo
Gestation repo involves entering into repo and reverse repo transactions where the underlying collateral security represents a pool of newly issued mortgage
loans. The borrowers (the reverse repo counterparties) are generally mortgage originators. The lenders (the repo counterparties) are a diverse group of the
counterparties comprised of banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions. The Company self-clears its gestation repo transactions.
Gestation trades can be structured in two ways:
On Balance Sheet: The Company executes a reverse repo with the borrower and a matching repo (with the same collateral and maturity date) with the lender. In this case,
the Company is a principal to each trade and is borrowing from one counterparty and lending to another and earning net interest margin. These transactions are referred
to by the Company as on balance sheet gestation repo trades.
Agency Repo: Similar to the on balance sheet repo, the Company first executes a reverse repo with the borrower and a matching repo (with the same collateral and
maturity date) with the lender. However, in this case, all three parties (the borrower, the lender, and the Company) simultaneously enter into an assignment agreement.
The effect of this assignment is to remove the Company as principal to the reverse repo and repo and have the lender and borrower directly face each other in a repo
trade. The Company receives a fee for its role in arranging the financing. These transactions are referred to by the Company as agency gestation repo trades.
Bankruptcy of Gestation Counterparty
As of June 30, 2022, the Company had an outstanding reverse repo balance with First Guaranty Mortgage Corporation (“FGMC”) totaling $269,228. Effective June 30,
2022, FGMC filed for bankruptcy. Subsequent to June 30, 2022, the Company issued a default notice to FGMC under the reverse repo. The Company took possession
of the collateral and began liquidating it.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company had liquidated all of the collateral residential mortgage loans. As of December 31, 2023, the Company held $3,113 of collateral
residential mortgage loans. The loans were carried at fair value and included in investments-trading in the consolidated balance sheets.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded a gross loss of $5,454 in connection with the FGMC reverse repo. Of the $5,454 loss, $5,244 was
recorded as a reduction in net trading revenue and $210 was recorded in professional fees and other operating expenses in the Company's statement of operations. The
Company has filed an unsecured claim under bankruptcy proceedings related to this loss but does not expect to receive a material recovery. To the extent any recovery
is received, the Company will recognize it on a cash basis as received, as a component of net trading revenue. In connection with the loss, the Company recorded a
reversal of accrued incentive compensation of $1,753. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the net impact to earnings was $3,701. During the years ended
December 31, 2023 and 2024, the Company recorded additional losses of $1,752 and $4, respectively, which were included as a component of net trading revenue related
to the decline in fair value of the remaining collateral.
Other Repo Transactions
In addition to the Company’s matched book repo business, the Company may also enter into reverse repos to acquire securities to cover short positions or as an
investment. Additionally, the Company may enter into repos to finance the Company’s securities positions held in inventory. These repo and reverse repo
agreements are generally cleared on a bilateral or triparty basis; no clearing broker is involved.
F-36
Table of Contents
Concentration
In the gestation repo business, the demand for borrowed funds is generated by the reverse repo counterparty and the supply of funds is provided by the repo
counterparty.
The gestation repo business has been, and continues to be, concentrated as to reverse repo counterparties. The Company conducts this business with a limited
number of reverse repo counterparties. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company’s gestation reverse repos shown in the tables below represented balances from
7 and 7 counterparties, respectively. The Company also has a limited number of repo counterparties in the gestation repo business. However, this is primarily a function
of the limited number of reverse repo counterparties with whom the Company conducts this business rather than a reflection of a limited supply of funds. Therefore, the
Company considers the gestation repo business to be concentrated on the demand side.
Repo Information
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company held reverse repos of $668,259 and $408,408, respectively, and the fair value of securities and cash received as collateral
under reverse repos was $673,684 and $415,057, respectively.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had repos of $695,966 and $408,203, respectively, and the fair value of securities pledged as collateral under repos was
$700,202 and $415,057 respectively. These amounts include collateral for reverse repos that were re-pledged as collateral for repos.
The total net revenue earned by the Company on its gestation repo business (net interest and fee revenue) was $15,151, $16,068, and $30,595, for the years ended
December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.
ASC 210 provides the option to present reverse repo and repo on a net basis if certain netting conditions are met. The Company presents all repo and reverse repo
transactions as well as counterparty cash collateral (see note 17) on a gross basis even if the underlying netting conditions are met. The amounts in the table below are
presented on a gross basis.
The following tables summarize the remaining contractual maturity of the gross obligations under repos accounted for as secured borrowings segregated by the
underlying collateral pledged as of each date shown. All amounts as well as counterparty cash collateral (see notes 7 and 17) are subject to master netting
arrangements.
SECURED BORROWINGS
(Dollars in Thousands)
December 31, 2024
Repurchase Agreements
Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
Collateral Type:
Overnight and
Continuous
Up to 30 days
30 - 90 days
Greater than 90
days
Total
MBS (gestation repo)
$
- $
667,548 $
- $
- $
667,548
SBA loans
28,418
-
-
-
28,418
$
28,418 $
667,548 $
- $
- $
695,966
Reverse Repurchase Agreements
Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
Collateral Type:
Overnight and
Continuous
Up to 30 days
30 - 90 days
Greater than 90
days
Total
MBS (gestation repo)
$
- $
668,259 $
- $
- $
668,259
The weighted average interest rate of the repurchase agreements outstanding as of December 31, 2024 was 5.18%. The weighted average interest rate of the reverse
repurchase agreements outstanding as of December 31, 2024 was 5.81%.
SECURED BORROWINGS
(Dollars in Thousands)
December 31, 2023
Repurchase Agreements
Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
Collateral Type:
Overnight and
Continuous
Up to 30 days
30 - 90 days
Greater than 90
days
Total
MBS (gestation repo)
$
- $
408,203 $
- $
- $
408,203
Reverse Repurchase Agreements
Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
Collateral Type:
Overnight and
Continuous
Up to 30 days
30 - 90 days
Greater than 90
days
Total
MBS (gestation repo)
$
- $
408,408 $
- $
- $
408,408
The weighted average interest rate of the repurchase agreements outstanding as of December 31, 2023 was 6.1%. The weighted average interest rate of the reverse
repurchase agreements outstanding as of December 31, 2023 was 6.87%.
F-37
Table of Contents
12. INVESTMENTS IN EQUITY METHOD AFFILIATES
Equity method accounting requires that the Company record its investments in equity method affiliates on the consolidated balance sheets and recognize its share of
the equity method affiliates’ net income as earnings in each reporting period. The Company elected to use the cumulative earnings approach for the distributions it
receives from its equity method investments. Under the cumulative earnings approach, any distributions received up to the amount of cumulative earnings are treated as
return on investment and classified in operating activities within the cash flows. Any excess distributions would be considered as return of investments and classified in
investing activities.
The Company has certain equity method affiliates for which it has elected the fair value option. Those investees are excluded from the table below. Those investees are
included as a component of other investments, at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. All gains and losses (unrealized and realized) from investments
classified as other investments, at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets are recorded as a component of principal transactions and other income in the
consolidated statement of operations.
The following table summarizes the activities and earnings of the Company’s investments that are accounted for under the equity method. See note 4 and note 31.
INVESTMENTS IN EQUITY METHOD AFFILIATES
(Dollars in Thousands)
Insurance SPAC
III
Dutch Real
Estate Entities
SPAC Sponsor
Entities and
Other
Total
December 31, 2021
$
4,543 $
5,600 $
38,095 $
48,238
Investments / advances
1,355
-
1,259
2,614
Distributions / repayments
-
-
(77)
(77)
Reclasses to (from)
-
-
(20,915)
(20,915)
Earnings / (loss) realized
(5,898)
(70)
(14,963)
(20,931)
December 31, 2022
-
5,530
3,399
8,929
Investments / advances
-
-
1,896
1,896
Distributions / repayments
-
-
(2,091)
(2,091)
Reclasses to (from)
-
-
(10,102)
(10,102)
Earnings / (loss) realized
-
334
15,275
15,609
December 31, 2023
-
5,864
8,377
14,241
Investments / advances
-
-
236
236
Distributions / repayments
-
-
(1,026)
(1,026)
Reclasses to (from)
-
-
(11,725)
(11,725)
Earnings / (loss) realized
-
(759)
22,463
21,704
December 31, 2024
$
- $
5,105 $
18,325 $
23,430
Insurance SPAC III represents the Company's consolidated subsidiaries' equity method investments in INSU Acquisition Corp. III, which completed its IPO in
December 2020 and was liquidated in December 2022 without completing a business combination within the required time period.
Dutch Real Estate Entities includes: (i) Amersfoort Office Investment I Coöperatief U.A. (“AOI”), a company based in the Netherlands that invests in real estate, and (ii)
CK Capital Partners B.V. (“CK Capital”), a company based in the Netherlands that manages investments in real estate.
The amounts included as SPAC Sponsor Entities and Other represent the Company's investment in SPAC sponsor entities that have not yet completed a business
combination or from SPAC sponsor entities that have completed business combinations but have not yet distributed shares to sponsor investors and other equity
method investments. If these SPAC sponsor entities are unsuccessful in completing a business combination and the underlying SPAC liquidates, the Company will
likely receive no distributions in kind or in cash related to these investments and the remaining balances will be recorded as a component of loss from equity method
investments in the consolidated statement of operations.
F-38
Table of Contents
The following tables show certain summary financial data of all the Company's equity method investees. These amounts include all equity method investees whether
accounted for under the equity method or at fair value. All information is presented on a combined basis.
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Total Assets
$
620,512 $
628,495
Liabilities
$
317,160 $
329,661
Equity allocable to the controlling interest
303,227
298,709
Noncontrolling interest
125
125
Total Equity
303,352
298,834
Total Liabilities & Equity
$
620,512 $
628,495
Year Ended December 31,
2024
2023
2022
Net income/(loss)
$
19,618 $
17,858 $
(100,481)
Net income/(loss) attributable to the investee
$
19,603 $
17,843 $
(100,495)
F-39
Table of Contents
13. GOODWILL
Goodwill is comprised of the following.
GOODWILL
(Dollars in Thousands)
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
AFN
$
109 $
109
Goodwill
$
109 $
109
The annual impairment testing date for AFN goodwill is October 1. The first testing date following the AFN Merger was October 1, 2010. The Company determined the
goodwill was not impaired as of 2024, 2023, and 2022. The Company concluded there was no triggering event for the goodwill related to AFN.
F-40
Table of Contents
14. LEASES
As of December 31, 2024, all of the leases to which the Company was a party were operating leases. The weighted average remaining term of the leases was
9.4 years. The weighted average discount rate for the leases was 5.95%. Maturities of operating lease liability payments consisted of the following.
FUTURE MATURITY OF LEASE LIABILITIES
(Dollars in Thousands)
December 31, 2024
2025
$
2,051
2026
2,437
2027
2,458
2028
2,471
2029
2,400
Thereafter
10,274
Total
22,091
Less imputed interest
(5,516)
Lease obligation
$
16,575
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, total cash payments of $1,948 and $2,700, respectively, were recorded as a reduction in the operating lease
obligation. No cash payments were made to acquire right of use assets.
In December 2023, the Company executed a second amendment ("Second Lease Amendment") to its 3 Columbus Circle LLC original lease agreement. The Second Lease
Amendment provided for the Company to lease additional space in the building in conjunction with surrendering certain currently occupied premises. The Second Lease
Amendment provided for the landlord, at its sole cost and expense and without charge to the Company, to perform certain work expressly set forth in the Second Lease
Amendment. The commencement date for the new lease is defined in the Second Lease Amendment as the date the landlord delivers to the Company the additional
space as defined in the Second Lease Amendment with the landlord's work substantially complete, which occurred in the fourth quarter of 2024. The cash flow
payments and related lease liability pertaining to the Second Lease Amendment are included in the table and amounts presented above. See note 28.
F-41
Table of Contents
15. OTHER ASSETS
Other assets consisted of the following.
OTHER ASSETS
(Dollars in Thousands)
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Deferred costs
$
93 $
-
Prepaid expenses
2,305
1,328
Prepaid income taxes
-
235
Deposits
714
730
Furniture, equipment, and leasehold improvements, net
1,975
1,282
Intangible assets
166
166
Other assets
$
5,253 $
3,741
Deferred costs and prepaid expenses represent amounts paid for services that are being amortized over their expected period of use and benefit. They are all routine and
short-term in nature. Deposits are amounts held by landlords or other parties, which will be returned or offset upon satisfaction of a lease or other contractual
arrangement. Intangible assets represent the carrying value of the JVB broker-dealer license.
F-42
Table of Contents
16. FURNITURE, EQUIPMENT, AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS, NET
Furniture, equipment, and leasehold improvements, net, which are included as a component of other assets on the consolidated balance sheets, were as follows.
FURNITURE, EQUIPMENT, AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS, NET
(Dollars in Thousands)
Estimated Useful Lives
(In Years)
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Furniture and equipment
3 to 5
$
4,150 $
3,448
Leasehold improvements
5 to 10
756
560
4,906
4,008
Accumulated depreciation
(2,931)
(2,726)
Furniture, equipment, and leasehold improvements, net
$
1,975 $
1,282
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company wrote-off fully depreciated furniture, equipment, and leasehold improvements of $350.
The Company recognized depreciation and amortization expense of $556, $563, and $557 for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively, as a
component of depreciation and amortization on the consolidated statements of operations, all of which represented depreciation of furniture, equipment, and leasehold
improvements.
F-43
Table of Contents
17. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND OTHER LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and other liabilities consisted of the following.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND OTHER LIABILITIES
(Dollars in Thousands)
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Accounts payable
$
812 $
1,180
Redeemable financial instrument accrued interest
-
90
Accrued income tax
284
-
Accrued interest payable
651
474
Accrued interest on securities sold, not yet purchased
225
725
Payroll taxes payable
2,056
2,118
Cash collateral held from repo and or reverse repo counterparties
3,930
-
Accrued expense and other liabilities
2,955
3,528
Accounts payable and other liabilities
$
10,913 $
8,115
The redeemable financial instrument accrued interest represents accrued interest on the JKD Capital Partners I LTD redeemable financial instruments. See notes 19 and
20.
Cash collateral from repo and or reverse repo counterparties represents collateral received by the Company, which is owed back to reverse repurchase agreement
counterparties. When the Company enters into a reverse repo, the Company obtains collateral in excess of the principal of the reverse repo. The Company accepts
collateral in the form of liquid securities or cash. To the extent the Company receives cash collateral, the Company includes it as a component of other liabilities in the
table above. See note 11.
F-44
Table of Contents
18. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
As a general matter, a reporting entity must consolidate a VIE when it is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity that has both (a) the
power to direct the matters that most significantly impact the VIE’s financial performance and (b) a significant variable interest in the VIE.
Consolidated VIEs
The Company determined it was the primary beneficiary of several VIEs and therefore has consolidated them. The following table provides certain summary information
regarding the consolidated VIEs.
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Cash and cash equivalents
$
59 $
27
Other receivables
19
-
Receivables from brokers, dealers, and clearing agencies
2,154
461
Other investments, at fair value
5,680
34,129
Investment in equity method affiliates
15,881
2,638
Accounts payable and other liabilities
(4)
-
Other investments sold, not yet purchased
(1,591)
(24,396)
Non-controlling interest
(11,460)
(9,604)
Investment in consolidated VIEs
$
10,738 $
3,255
The maximum potential loss the Company could incur related to the consolidated VIEs is the investment in the consolidated VIEs shown in the table above.
The Company’s Principal Investing Portfolio
Included in other investments, at fair value and investment in equity method affiliates in the consolidated balance sheets are unconsolidated investments in several
VIEs. In each case, the Company determined that it was not the primary beneficiary. The maximum potential financial statement loss the Company would incur if the
VIEs were to default on all their obligations would be the loss of the carrying value of these investments as well as any future investments the Company were to
make. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, there were $10,118 and $11,150, respectively, of unfunded investment commitments to VIEs in which the Company has
invested. Other than its investment in these entities, the Company did not provide financial support to these VIEs during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023,
and had no liabilities, contingent liabilities, or guarantees (implicit or explicit) related to these VIEs at December 31, 2024 and 2023. See table below.
For each investment management contract entered into by the Company, the Company assesses whether the entity being managed is a VIE and if the Company is the
primary beneficiary. Certain of the Investment Vehicles managed by the Company are VIEs. Under the current guidance of FASB ASU 2015-12, the Company has
concluded that its asset management contracts are not variable interests. Currently, the Company has no other interests in entities it manages that are considered
variable interests and are considered significant. Therefore, the Company is not the primary beneficiary of any VIEs that it manages.
The Company’s Trading Portfolio
From time to time, the Company may acquire an interest in a VIE through the investments it makes as part of its trading operations, which are included as investments-
trading or securities sold, not yet purchased in the consolidated balance sheets. Due to the high volume of trading activity in which the Company engages, the
Company does not perform a formal assessment of each individual investment within its trading portfolio to determine if the investee is a VIE and if the Company is a
primary beneficiary. Even if the Company were to obtain a variable interest in a VIE through its trading portfolio, the Company would not be deemed to be the primary
beneficiary for two main reasons: (a) the Company does not usually obtain the power to direct activities that most significantly impact any investee’s financial
performance and (b) a scope exception exists within the consolidation guidance for cases where the reporting entity is a broker-dealer and any control (either as the
primary beneficiary of a VIE or through a controlling interest in a voting interest entity) was deemed to be temporary. In the unlikely case that the Company obtained the
power to direct activities and obtained a significant variable interest in an investee in its trading portfolio that was a VIE, any such control would be deemed to be
temporary due to the rapid turnover of the Company’s trading portfolio.
The following table presents the carrying amounts of the assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets related to the Company’s variable interests in
identified VIEs with the exception of (i) the two trust VIEs that hold the Company’s junior subordinated notes (see note 20) and (ii) any security that represents an
interest in a VIE that is included in investments-trading or securities sold, not yet purchased in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The table below shows the
Company’s maximum exposure to loss associated with these identified nonconsolidated VIEs in which it holds variable interests at December 31, 2024 and 2023.
CARRYING VALUE OF VARIABLE INTERESTS IN NON-CONSOLIDATED VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
(Dollars in Thousands)
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Other investments, at fair value
$
10,822 $
20,499
Investments in equity method affiliates
2,446
5,739
Maximum Exposure
$
13,268 $
26,238
F-45
Table of Contents
19. REDEEMABLE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Redeemable financial instruments consisted of the following.
REDEEMABLE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands)
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
JKD Investor
$
- $
7,868
$
- $
7,868
JKD Investor
On October 3, 2016, the Operating LLC entered into the JKD Investment Agreement by and between the Operating LLC and JKD Investor, pursuant to which JKD
Investor agreed to invest up to $12,000 in the Operating LLC, $6,000 of which was invested upon the execution of the JKD Investment Agreement, an additional $1,000
was invested in January 2017, and an additional $1,268 was invested in January 2019. The JKD Investor is owned by Jack J. DiMaio, the vice chairman of the board of
directors, and his spouse. The JKD Investment Agreement was amended on March 6, 2019 and again on February 13, 2023.
In exchange for the JKD Investment, the Operating LLC agreed to pay to JKD Investor during the term of the JKD Investment Agreement an amount equal to 50% of the
difference between (i) the revenues generated during a quarter by the activities of the Institutional Corporate Trading Business of JVB (as defined in the JKD Investment
Agreement, as amended) and (ii) certain expenses incurred by such Institutional Corporate Trading Business. This JKD Investment Return was recorded monthly as
interest expense or (interest income) with the related accrued interest recorded in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities. If the return was negative in an
individual quarter, it would reduce the balance of the JKD Investment. Payments on the JKD Investment Return were made on a quarterly basis.
Pursuant to the JKD Investment Agreement, upon the termination of the JKD Investment Agreement, as amended, the Operating LLC would pay to the JKD Investor an
amount equal to the Investment Balance (as such term is defined in the JKD Investment Agreement, as amended) as of the day prior to such termination.
Effective September 1, 2024, the Operating LLC and the JKD Investor entered into the Redemption Agreement, pursuant to which the JKD Investment Agreement was
redeemed and terminated in its entirety. As of September 1, 2024, the JKD Investment Balance under the JKD Investment Agreement was $7,719.
Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Redemption Agreement, the Operating LLC (i) paid to JKD Investor $2,573 of the outstanding amount in cash, and (ii)
issued to JKD Investor the 2024 Note in the aggregate principal amount of $5,146 representing the remaining balance of the JKD Investment. See note 20.
The Redemption Agreement contains customary representations and warranties on the part of each of the Operating LLC and JKD Investor.
See note 4 for additional information regarding the Redemption Agreement and the 2024 Note.
F-46
Table of Contents
20. DEBT
DETAIL OF DEBT
(Dollars in Thousands)
Description
December 31,
2024
December 31,
2023
Interest Rate
Terms
Interest (2)
Maturity
Non-convertible debt:
12.00% senior note (the "2024 Note")
$
5,146 $
-
Fixed
12.00%
August 2026
12.00% senior note (the "2020 Note")
4,500
4,500
Fixed
12.00%
January 2026
Junior subordinated notes (1):
Alesco Capital Trust I
28,125
28,125
Variable
8.85%
July 2037
Sunset Financial Statutory Trust I
20,000
20,000
Variable
9.02%
March 2035
Less unamortized discount
(22,867)
(22,909)
25,258
25,216
Byline Credit Facility
-
-
Variable
N/A
June 2025
Total
$
34,904 $
29,716
(1) The junior subordinated notes listed represent debt the Company owes to the two trusts noted above. The total par amount owed by the Company to the trusts is
$49,614. However, the Company owns the common stock of the trusts in a total par amount of $1,489. The Company pays interest (and at maturity, principal) to
the trusts on the entire $49,614 junior notes outstanding. However, the Company receives back from the trusts the pro rata share of interest and principal on the
common stock held by the Company. These trusts are VIEs and the Company does not consolidate them even though the Company holds the common stock. The
Company carries the common stock on its balance sheet at a value of $0. The junior subordinated notes are recorded at a discount to par. When factoring in the
discount, the yield to maturity of the junior subordinated notes as of December 31, 2024 on a combined basis was 20.55% assuming the variable rate in effect on
the last day of the reporting period remains in effect until maturity.
(2) Represents the interest rate in effect as of the last day of the reporting period.
F-47
Table of Contents
The 2024 Note
On September 1, 2024, pursuant to the Redemption Agreement, the Operating LLC issued to JKD Investor the 2024 Note, which evidences the Operating LLC’s
obligation to repay to the JKD Investor the original principal amount of $5,146. Pursuant to the 2024 Note, the unpaid principal amount and all accrued but unpaid
interest thereunder will be due and payable as follows: (i) $2,573 of the principal amount will be due and payable on August 31, 2025, and (ii) $2,573 will be due and
payable on August 31, 2026.
The 2024 Note accrues interest on the unpaid principal amount from September 1, 2024 until maturity at a rate equal to 12% per year. Interest on the 2024 Note is payable
in cash quarterly on each January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1, commencing on October 1, 2024. Under the 2024 Note, upon the occurrence or existence of any
“Event of Default” thereunder, the outstanding principal amount is (or in certain instances, at the option of the holder thereof, may be) immediately accelerated. Further,
upon the occurrence of any “Event of Default” under the 2024 Note and for so long as such Event of Default continues, all principal, interest and other amounts payable
under the 2024 Note will bear interest at a rate equal to 13% per year.
The 2024 Note may not be prepaid in whole or in part prior to January 31, 2025. The 2024 Note may, with at least 31 days’ prior written notice from the Operating LLC to
the holder thereof, be prepaid in whole or in part at any time following January 31, 2025 without the prior written consent of the holder and without penalty or premium.
The 2024 Note and the payment of all principal, interest and any other amounts payable thereunder are senior obligations of the Operating LLC and will be senior to any
Indebtedness (as defined in the 2024 Note) of the Operating LLC outstanding as of and issued following September 1, 2024. Pursuant to the 2024 Note, following
September 1, 2024, the Operating LLC may not incur any Indebtedness that is a senior obligation to the 2024 Note. See notes 4 and 19.
The 2020 Note
On January 31, 2020, the Operating LLC entered into the Original Purchase Agreement with the JKD Investor and RNCS. The JKD Investor is owned by Jack DiMaio, the
vice chairman of the Company’s board of directors, and his spouse. The note purchased by the JKD Investor is herein referred to as the JKD Note.
Pursuant to the Original Purchase Agreement, JKD Investor and RNCS each purchased a senior promissory note in the principal amount of $2,250 (for an aggregate
investment of $4,500). The senior promissory notes bore interest at a fixed rate of 12% per annum and matured on January 31, 2022. On February 3, 2020, pursuant to
the Original Purchase Agreement, the Operating LLC used the proceeds received from the issuance of the senior promissory notes to the JKD Investor and RNCS to
repay in full all amounts outstanding under the senior promissory note, dated September 25, 2019, issued by the Company to Pensco Trust Company, Custodian fbo
Edward E. Cohen IRA in the principal amount of $4,386 (the “Cohen IRA Note”). The Cohen IRA Note was fully paid and extinguished on February 3, 2020. Subsequent
to this repayment, $2,400 of the 2019 Senior Notes remained outstanding.
On January 31, 2022, the Operating LLC and JKD Investor entered into 2022 Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which, among other things, on such date, (i) JKD Investor
paid to the Operating LLC an additional $2,250 and (ii) in consideration for such funds, the Operating LLC issued to JKD Investor the Amended and Restated Note in
the aggregate principal amount of $4,500, which Amended and Restated Note amended and restated the JKD Note in its entirety. The Company used these proceeds to
retire $2,250 of existing 2020 Senior Notes held by RNCS.
The Amended and Restated Note evidences Operating LLC’s obligation to repay to JKD Investor (i) the original principal amount of $2,250 paid by JKD Investor to the
Operating LLC under the Original Purchase Agreement, plus (ii) the additional $2,250 paid by JKD Investor to the Operating LLC under the 2022 Purchase
Agreement. Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Note, which is substantially identical to the JKD Note, the unpaid principal amount and all accrued but unpaid
interest thereunder would be due and payable in full on January 31, 2024; provided, that, at any time after January 31, 2023 and prior to January 31, 2024, the holder of
the Amended and Restated Note could, with at least 31 days’ prior written notice from the holder to the Operating LLC, declare the entire unpaid principal amount
outstanding and all interest accrued and unpaid on the Amended and Restated Note to be immediately due and payable.
The Amended and Restated Note accrued interest on the unpaid principal amount from January 31, 2022 until maturity at a rate equal to 10% per year. Interest on the
Amended and Restated Note is payable in cash quarterly on each January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1, which commenced on April 1, 2022. Under the Amended and
Restated Note, upon the occurrence or existence of any “Event of Default” thereunder, the outstanding principal amount is (or in certain instances, at the option of the
holder thereof, may be) immediately accelerated. Further, upon the occurrence of any “Event of Default” under the Amended and Restated Note and for so long as such
Event of Default continues, all principal, interest and other amounts payable under the Amended and Restated Note will bear interest at a rate equal to 11% per year.
The Amended and Restated Note could not be prepaid in whole or in part prior to January 31, 2023. The Amended and Restated Note may, with at least 31 days’ prior
written notice from the Operating LLC to the holder thereof, be prepaid in whole or in part at any time following January 31, 2023 without the prior written consent of the
holder and without penalty or premium.
The Amended and Restated Note and the payment of all principal, interest, and any other amounts payable thereunder are senior obligations of the Operating LLC and
will be senior to any Indebtedness (as defined in the Amended and Restated Note) of the Operating LLC outstanding as of and issued following January 30, 2020 (the
original issuance date of the JKD Note). Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Note, following January 31, 2022, the Operating Company may not incur indebtedness
that is a senior obligation to the Amended and Restated Note.
On January 5, 2024, the Operating LLC and JKD Investor entered into an amendment to the Amended and Restated Note, pursuant to which the Amended and Restated
Note was amended to (a) extend (i) the maturity date thereof from January 31, 2024 to January 31, 2026, (ii) the date following which the Amended and Restated Note may
be redeemed by JKD Investor from January 31, 2023 to January 31, 2025, and (iii) the date following which the Amended and Restated Note may be prepaid by the
Operating LLC from January 31, 2023 to January 31, 2025; and (b) increase the interest rate payable under the Amended and Restated Note from 10% per annum to 12%
per annum effective as of January 31, 2024. See note 4.
F-48
Table of Contents
The 2017 Convertible Note
The 2017 Convertible Note had a par value of $15,000 and bore interest at 8% per annum and was held by the DGC Trust, a trust established by Daniel G. Cohen. Daniel
G. Cohen is the executive chairman of the Company’s board of directors and executive chairman of the board of managers of the Operating LLC. Pursuant to the DGC
Trust’s governing documents, Daniel G. Cohen has the ability to acquire at any time any of the DGC Trust’s assets, including the units of membership interests, by
substituting other property of an equivalent value without the approval or consent of any person, including any trustee or beneficiary of the DGC Trust.
The 2017 Convertible Note was convertible into Operating LLC units at a price of $1.45 per unit (the equivalent of $14.50 per common share). On March 20, 2022, the
DGC Trust elected to convert the 2017 Convertible Note into an aggregate of 10,344,827 units of membership interests in the Operating LLC at the conversion rate
specified in the 2017 Convertible Note of $1.45 per unit. See notes 21 and 31. As a result of such conversion, the 2017 Convertible Note was cancelled in its entirety.
Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Operating LLC’s Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated December 16, 2009, as amended, a
holder of LLC units of membership interests may cause the Operating LLC to redeem such units of membership interests at any time for, at the Company’s option, (A)
cash or (B) one share of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Common Stock”), for every ten of such units of membership interests. Accordingly,
the units of membership interests may be redeemed at any time by the DGC Trust into an aggregate of 1,034,482 shares of Common Stock.
Junior Subordinated Notes
The Company assumed $49,614 aggregate principal amount of junior subordinated notes outstanding at the time of the AFN Merger. The Company recorded the debt at
fair value on the acquisition date. Any difference between the fair value of the junior subordinated notes on the AFN Merger date and the principal amount of debt is
amortized into earnings over the estimated remaining life of the underlying debt as an adjustment to interest expense.
The junior subordinated notes are payable to two special purpose trusts:
1. Alesco Capital Trust I: $28,995 in aggregate principal amount issued in June 2007. The notes mature on July 30, 2037 and may be called by the Company at any time.
While LIBOR was still being published, the notes accrued interest payable quarterly at a floating interest rate equal to 90-day LIBOR plus 400 basis points per annum.
LIBOR ceased being published effective June 30, 2023. Subsequent to LIBOR no longer being published, the notes accrue interest at the 90-day standard overnight
financing rate plus a tenor spread adjustment of 0.26161% (“Term SOFR”) plus 400 basis points per annum. All principal is due at maturity. Alesco Capital Trust I
simultaneously issued 870 shares of Alesco Capital Trust I’s common securities to the Company for a purchase price of $870, which constitutes all of the issued and
outstanding common securities of Alesco Capital Trust I.
2. Sunset Financial Statutory Trust I (“Sunset Financial Trust”): $20,619 in aggregate principal amount issued in March 2005. The notes mature on March 30, 2035.
While LIBOR was still being published, the notes accrued interest payable quarterly at a floating rate of interest of 90-day LIBOR plus 415 basis points. LIBOR ceased
being published effective June 30, 2023. Subsequent to LIBOR no longer being published, the notes accrue interest at Term SOFR plus 415 basis points per annum.
All principal is due at maturity. Sunset Financial Trust simultaneously issued 619 shares of Sunset Financial Trust’s common securities to the Company for a purchase
price of $619, which constitutes all of the issued and outstanding common securities of Sunset Financial Trust.
Alesco Capital Trust I and Sunset Financial Trust (collectively, the “Trusts”) described above are VIEs pursuant to variable interest provisions included in FASB ASC
810 because the holders of the equity investment at risk do not have adequate decision making ability over the Trusts’ activities. The Company is not the primary
beneficiary of the Trusts as it does not have the power to direct the activities of the Trusts. The Trusts are not consolidated by the Company and, therefore, the
Company’s consolidated financial statements include the junior subordinated notes issued to the Trusts as a liability, and the investment in the Trusts’ common
securities as an asset. The common securities were deemed to have a fair value of $0 as of the AFN Merger date. These are accounted for as cost method investments;
therefore, the Company does not adjust the value at each reporting period. Any income generated on the common securities is recorded as interest income, a component
of interest expense, net, in the consolidated statement of operations.
The junior subordinated notes have several financial covenants. Since the AFN Merger, Cohen & Company Inc. has been in violation of one covenant of Alesco Capital
Trust I. As a result of this violation, Cohen & Company Inc. is prohibited from issuing additional debt that is either subordinated to or pari passu with the Alesco Capital
Trust I debt. This violation does not prohibit Cohen & Company Inc. from issuing senior debt or the Operating LLC from issuing debt of any kind. Cohen & Company
Inc. is in compliance with all other covenants of the junior subordinated notes. The Company does not consider this violation to have a material adverse impact on its
operations or on its ability to obtain financing in the future.
F-49
Table of Contents
Byline Bank Line of Credit
On October 28, 2020, the Company entered into an unsecured line of credit with Byline Bank, as lender, and JVB, as borrower (the "Byline Credit Facility"). From
October 28, 2020 to June 18, 2024, the Company and Byline Bank have entered into several amendments that changed the terms such as: (i) interest rate; (ii) total line of
credit; (iii) financial covenants; and (iv) maturity dates. During that period, the Company complied with all financial covenants and all payment terms of the Byline
Credit Facility and there were no defaults or events of default, thereunder during the period.
Effective as of December 31, 2024, the Byline Credit Facility consisted of a single $15,000 unsecured line of credit under which JVB is the borrower and which is
guaranteed by the Company, the Operating LLC, JVB Holdings, JVB, and C&Co PrinceRidge Holdings, LP. On June 18, 2024, the Operating LLC and Byline Bank entered
into the Second Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, pursuant to which both the maturity date and the final date upon which loans can be
made under the Byline Credit Facility were extended from June 18, 2024 to June 18, 2025.
Loans under the Byline Credit Facility bear interest at a per annum rate equal to Term SOFR plus 6.0%, provided that in no event can the interest rate be less than 7.0%.
The Company is required to pay on a quarterly basis an undrawn commitment fee at a per annum rate equal to 0.50% of the undrawn portion of Byline Bank’s $15,000
commitment under the Byline Credit Facility.
The Company is also required to pay on each anniversary, a commitment fee at a per annum rate equal to 0.50% of the $15,000 commitment under the Byline Credit
Facility. Loans under the Byline Credit Facility must be used by the Company for working capital purposes and general liquidity. The Company may request a reduction
in Byline Bank’s $15,000 commitment in a minimum amount of $1,000 and multiples of $500 thereafter upon not less than five days’ prior notice to Byline Bank. The
Company may draw on the facility until June 18, 2025. Loans (both principal and interest) made by Byline Bank under the amended and restated agreement are
scheduled to mature and become immediately due and payable in full on June 18, 2025.
The Company is subject to the following financial covenants in the Byline Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company was in compliance with all of
the following financial covenants.
1.
JVB’s tangible net worth as defined must exceed $70,000.
2.
JVB's excess net capital as defined in Rule 15c3-1 must exceed $40,000.
3.
The total amount drawn on the facility must not exceed 25% of JVB's tangible net worth as defined.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, no amounts were outstanding under the Byline Credit Facility, and the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants,
thereunder.
F-50
Table of Contents
Deferred Financing
The Company incurred $1,400 of deferred financing costs associated with the issuance of the 2017 Convertible Note. These amounts were initially recorded as a
discount on debt and were amortized to interest expense over the life of the notes under the effective interest method.
The Company also incurred $410 of deferred financing costs associated with the Byline Credit Facility. These costs were initially recorded as a component of other
assets and were amortized to interest expense over the life of the line of credit using the straight-line method.
The Company recognized interest expense from deferred financing costs of $76, $222, and $185 for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.
Interest Expense, Net
Interest expense incurred is shown in the table below by instrument for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022.
INTEREST EXPENSE
(Dollars in Thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
2024
2023
2022
Junior subordinated notes
$
4,695 $
5,247 $
3,442
2020/2024 Notes
740
450
458
2017 Convertible Note
-
-
327
Byline Credit Facility
76
338
247
Redeemable Financial Instrument - JKD Capital I LTD
310
491
508
$
5,821 $
6,526 $
4,982
F-51
Table of Contents
21. EQUITY
Common Stock
The holders of the Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters presented to the Company's stockholders. These holders are entitled to receive
distributions on such stock when, as, and if authorized by the Company’s board of directors out of funds legally available and declared by the Company, and to share
ratably in the assets legally available for distribution to the Company’s stockholders in the event of its liquidation, dissolution, or winding up after payment of or
adequate provision for all of the Company’s known debts and liabilities, including the preferential rights on dissolution of any class or classes of preferred stock. The
holders of the Common Stock have no preference, conversion, exchange, sinking fund, redemption, or, so long as the Common Stock remains listed on a national
exchange, appraisal rights and have no preemptive rights to subscribe for any of the Company’s securities. Shares of the Common Stock have equal dividend,
liquidation, and other rights.
Preferred Stock
Series C Junior Participating Preferred Stock: Series C Junior Participating Preferred Stock (“Series C Preferred Stock”) was authorized by the Company’s board of
directors in connection with the Stockholder Rights Plan discussed below. The Series C Preferred Stock has a par value of $0.001 per share and 10,000 shares were
authorized as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. The holders of Series C Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, when, as, and if declared by the Company’s board of
directors out of funds legally available for the purpose, quarterly dividends payable in cash on the last day of March, June, September, and December in each year
commencing on the first quarterly dividend payment date after the first issuance of a share or fraction of a share of Series C Preferred Stock. Dividends accrue and are
cumulative. The holder of each share of Series C Preferred Stock is entitled to 10,000 votes on all matters submitted to a vote of the Company’s stockholders. Holders of
Series C Preferred Stock are entitled to receive dividends, distributions or distributions upon liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the Company in an amount equal
to $100,000 per share of Series C Preferred Stock, plus an amount equal to accrued and unpaid dividends and distributions, whether or not declared, prior to payments
made to holders of shares of stock ranking junior to the Series C Preferred Stock. The shares of Series C Preferred Stock are not redeemable. There were no shares of
Series C Preferred Stock issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Series E Voting Non-Convertible Preferred Stock: Each share of the Company’s Series E Voting Non-Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series E Preferred Stock”) has no
economic rights but entitles the holders thereof, to vote the Series E Preferred Stock on all matters presented to the Company’s stockholders. For every 10 shares of
Series E Preferred Stock, the holders thereof are entitled to one vote on any such matter. Daniel G. Cohen, the Company’s executive chairman, is the sole holder of all
4,983,557 shares of Series E Preferred Stock outstanding as of December 31, 2024. The Series E Preferred Stock held by Daniel G. Cohen gives him the same voting rights
he would have if all of the Operating LLC units of membership interests held by him were exchanged for Common Stock on a ten for one basis and effectively gives him
voting rights at the Company in the same proportion as his economic interest (as his units of membership interests of the Operating LLC do not carry voting rights at
the Company level). The Series E Preferred Stock effectively enables Daniel G. Cohen to exercise approximately 10.4% of the voting power of the Company’s total shares
outstanding that were entitled to vote as of December 31, 2024 (in addition to the voting power he holds through his common share ownership and Series F Preferred
Stock (defined below). The terms of the Series E Preferred Stock provide that, if the Company causes the redemption of or otherwise acquires any of the Operating LLC
units owned by Daniel G. Cohen as of May 9, 2013, then the Company will redeem an equal number of shares of Series E Preferred Stock. The Series E Preferred Stock is
otherwise perpetual. As of December 31, 2024, there were 4,983,557 shares of Series E Preferred Stock issued and outstanding. See Non-Controlling Interest — Future
Conversion / Redemption of Operating LLC Units below.
Series F Voting Non-Convertible Preferred Stock: On December 23, 2019, the board of directors adopted a resolution that reclassified 25,000,000 authorized but unissued
shares of Preferred Stock, par value $.001 per share, of the Company as a series of Preferred Stock designated as Series F Voting Non-Convertible (“Series F Preferred
Stock”). In conjunction with a previously disclosed securities purchase agreement, the Company issued 12,549,273 Series F Preferred Stock to Daniel G. Cohen and
9,880,268 Series F Preferred Stock to the DGC Trust. The holders of the Series F Preferred Stock are not entitled to receive any dividends or distributions (whether in
cash, stock or property of the Company). The holders of Series F Preferred Stock and Common Stock are required to vote, together as a single class on all matters with
respect to which a vote of the stockholders of the Corporation is required or permitted. Each outstanding share of Series F Preferred Stock entitles the holder to one (1)
vote for every ten (10) shares of Series F Preferred Stock on each matter submitted to the Holders for their vote. The Series F Preferred Stock held by Daniel G. Cohen
and the DGC Trust give them the same voting rights they would have if all of the Operating LLC units of membership interests held by each were exchanged for Common
Stock on a ten for one basis and effectively gives Daniel G. Cohen and the DGC Trust voting rights at the Company in the same proportion as their economic interest
(as units of membership interests of the Operating LLC do not carry voting rights at the Company level). The Series F Preferred Stock effectively enable Daniel G.
Cohen and the DGC Trust to exercise approximately 46.9% of the voting power of the Company’s total shares outstanding that were entitled to vote as of December 31,
2024 (in addition to the voting power held through his common share ownership and Series E Preferred Stock ownership). As of December 31, 2024, there were
22,429,541 shares of Series F Preferred Stock issued and outstanding.
F-52
Table of Contents
Together, the Series E and Series F Preferred Stock enables Daniel G. Cohen and the DGC Trust to exercise approximately 57.3% of the voting power of the Company’s
total shares outstanding that were entitled to vote as of December 31, 2024, in addition to the voting power held through Mr. Cohen’s common share ownership.
Stockholder Rights Plan
On January 2, 2024, the Company entered into a Section 382 Rights Agreement (the “Rights Agreement”) between the Company and Computershare Inc., as rights agent
(the “Rights Agent”).
The Rights Agreement provides for a distribution of one preferred stock purchase right (each, a “Right,” and collectively, the “Rights”) for each share of the Company’s
Common Stock outstanding to stockholders of record at the close of business on January 16, 2024 (the “Record Date”). Each Right entitles the registered holder thereof
to purchase from the Company a unit (a “Unit”) consisting of one ten-thousandth of a share of the Company’s Series C Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value
$0.001 per share (the “Series C Preferred Stock”), at a purchase price of $100.00 per Unit (the “Purchase Price”), subject to adjustment. The description and terms of the
Rights are set forth in the Rights Agreement.
The Company’s board of directors adopted the Rights Agreement in an effort to protect stockholder value by attempting to protect against a possible limitation on the
Company’s ability to use its carryforward (net operating loss, “NOL”, and net capital loss, “NCL”) deferred tax assets (the “deferred tax assets”) to reduce potential
future federal income tax obligations. The Company has experienced substantial operating and capital losses, and under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the “Code”), and rules promulgated by the Internal Revenue Service, the Company may “carry forward” these losses in certain circumstances to offset any current and
future earnings and thus reduce the Company’s federal income tax liability, subject to certain requirements and restrictions. To the extent that the deferred tax assets do
not otherwise become limited, the Company believes that it will be able to carry forward a significant amount of deferred tax assets, and therefore these deferred tax
assets could be a substantial asset to the Company. However, if the Company experiences an “Ownership Change,” as such term is defined in Section 382 of the Code,
its ability to use the deferred tax assets will be substantially limited, and the timing of the usage of the deferred tax assets could be substantially limited and/or delayed,
which could therefore significantly impair the value of those assets.
The Rights attached to all Common Stock certificates representing shares then outstanding and in the case of uncertificated shares of Common Stock registered in book
entry form (“Book Entry Shares”) by notation in book entry (which certificates for Common Stock and Book Entry Shares shall be deemed also to be certificates for
Rights), and no separate Rights certificates will be distributed.
Subject to certain exceptions specified in the Rights Agreement, the Rights will separate from the Common Stock and a “Distribution Date” will occur upon the earlier of
(i) 10 days following a public announcement that a person or group of affiliated or associated persons has become an “Acquiring Person” (as defined below) (the “Stock
Acquisition Date”) and (ii) 10 business days following the commencement of a tender offer or exchange offer that would result in a person or group becoming an
Acquiring Person. Pursuant to the Rights Agreement, an “Acquiring Person” means any person or entity who or which, together with all affiliates and associates of
such person or entity, is the beneficial owner of 4.95% or more of the shares of Common Stock then outstanding, but does not include the Company or any “Exempted
Person” (as defined below). Until the Distribution Date, (i) the Rights will be evidenced by the Common Stock certificates and will be transferred with and only with such
Common Stock certificates, (ii) new Common Stock certificates after the Record Date will contain a notation incorporating the Rights Agreement by reference, and (iii)
the surrender for transfer of any certificates for Common Stock outstanding will also constitute the transfer of the Rights associated with the Common Stock represented
by such certificate.
Pursuant to the Rights Agreement, an “Exempted Person” is any person or entity who, together with all affiliates and associates of such person or entity, is or may
become, as of January 2, 2024, the beneficial owner of Common Stock and/or other securities exercisable for shares of Common Stock representing 4.95% or more of the
shares of Common Stock outstanding as of January 2, 2024. However, any such person or entity will no longer be deemed to be an Exempted Person and shall be deemed
an Acquiring Person under the Rights Agreement if such person or entity, together with all affiliates and associates of such person or entity, becomes the beneficial
owner (and so long as such person continues to be the beneficial owner of 4.95% or more of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock) of additional shares of
Common Stock, except (x) pursuant to equity compensation awards granted to such person or entity by the Company or options or warrants outstanding and
beneficially owned by such person or entity as of January 2, 2024, or as a result of an adjustment to the number of shares of Common Stock represented by such equity
compensation award pursuant to the terms thereof; or (y) as a result of a stock split, stock dividend or the like. In addition, any person or entity who, together with all
affiliates and associates of such person or entity, becomes the beneficial owner of Common Stock and/or other securities exercisable for shares of Common Stock
representing 4.95% or more of the shares of Common Stock then outstanding as a result of a purchase by the Company or any of its subsidiaries of shares of Common
Stock will also be an “Exempted Person.” However, any such person will no longer be deemed to be an Exempted Person and will be deemed to be an Acquiring Person if
such person, together with all affiliates and associates of such person, becomes the beneficial owner, at any time after the date such person became the beneficial owner
of 4.95% or more of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock, of additional shares of Common Stock, except if such additional securities are acquired (x) pursuant
to the exercise of options or warrants to purchase Common Stock outstanding and beneficially owned by such person as of the date such person became the beneficial
owner of 4.95% or more of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock or as a result of an adjustment to the number of shares of Common Stock for which such
options or warrants are exercisable pursuant to the terms thereof, or (y) as a result of a stock split, stock dividend or the like.
In addition, the Rights Agreement defined the term “Exempted Person” to also include any person or entity who, together with all affiliates and associates of such
person or entity, is the beneficial owner of Common Stock and/or other securities exercisable for shares of Common Stock representing 4.95% or more of the shares of
Common Stock outstanding, and whose beneficial ownership would not, as determined by the Company’s board of directors, jeopardize or endanger the availability of
the Company of its deferred tax assets. However, any such person or entity will cease to be an Exempted Person if (x) such person or entity ceases to beneficially own
4.95% or more of the shares of the then outstanding Common Stock or (y) the Company’s board of directors makes a contrary determination with respect to the effect of
such person’s or entity’s beneficial ownership (together with all affiliates and associates of such person) with respect to the availability to the Company of its deferred
tax assets.
Pursuant to the Rights Agreement, a purchaser, assignee or transferee of the shares of Common Stock (or options or warrants exercisable for Common Stock) from an
Exempted Person will not be considered an Exempted Person, except that a transferee from the estate of an Exempted Person who receives Common Stock as a bequest
or inheritance from an Exempted Person will be an Exempted Person so long as such transferee continues to be the beneficial owner of 4.95% or more of the then
outstanding shares of Common Stock.
The Rights are not exercisable until the Distribution Date and will expire on the earliest of (i) the close of business on December 31, 2026, (ii) the time at which the Rights
are redeemed pursuant to the Rights Agreement, (iii) the time at which the Rights are exchanged pursuant to the Rights Agreement, (iv) the repeal of Section 382 of the
Code or any successor statute if the Company’s board of directors determines that the Rights Agreement is no longer necessary or desirable for the preservation of
certain tax benefits, and (v) the beginning of a taxable year of the Company to which the Company’s board of directors determines that certain tax benefits may not be
carried forward. At no time will the Rights have any voting power.
Except as otherwise determined by the Company’s board of directors, only shares of Common Stock issued prior to the Distribution Date will be issued with Rights.
F-53
Table of Contents
Pursuant to the Rights Agreement, in the event that a person or entity becomes an Acquiring Person, each other holder of a Right will thereafter have the right to
receive, upon exercise, Common Stock (or, in certain circumstances, cash, property or other securities of the Company), having a value equal to two times the exercise
price of the Right. The exercise price is the Purchase Price times the number of Units associated with each Right (initially, one). For example, at an exercise price of
$100.00 per Right, each Right not owned by an Acquiring Person (or by certain related parties) following an event set forth in the preceding paragraph would entitle its
holder to purchase $200.00 worth of Common Stock (or other consideration, as noted above) for $100.00. If the Common Stock at the time of exercise had a market value
per share of $20.00, the holder of each valid Right would be entitled to purchase ten (10) shares of Common Stock for $100.00.
Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, following the occurrence of a person or entity becoming an Acquiring Person (a “Flip-In Event”), all Rights that are, or (under
certain circumstances specified in the Rights Agreement) were, beneficially owned by such Acquiring Person will be null and void.
In the event that, at any time following the Stock Acquisition Date, (i) the Company engages in a merger or other business combination transaction in which the
Company is not the surviving corporation; (ii) the Company engages in a merger or other business combination transaction in which the Company is the surviving
corporation and the Common Stock is changed or exchanged; or (iii) 50% or more of the Company’s assets, cash flow or earning power is sold or transferred, each holder
of a Right (except Rights which have previously been voided as set forth above) will thereafter have the right to receive, upon exercise of the Right, common stock of
the acquiring company having a value equal to two times the exercise price of the Right.
However, Rights are not exercisable following the occurrence of a Flip-In Event until such time as the Rights are no longer redeemable by the Company as set forth
below.
The Purchase Price payable, and the number of Units of Series C Preferred Stock or other securities or property issuable, upon exercise of the Rights are subject to
adjustment from time to time to prevent dilution (i) in the event of a stock dividend on, or a subdivision, combination or reclassification of, the Series C Preferred Stock,
(ii) if holders of the Series C Preferred Stock are granted certain rights or warrants to subscribe for Series C Preferred Stock or convertible securities at less than the
current market price of the Series C Preferred Stock, or (iii) upon the distribution to holders of the Series C Preferred Stock of evidences of indebtedness or assets
(excluding regular quarterly cash dividends) or of subscription rights or warrants (other than those referred to above).
With certain exceptions, no adjustments in the Purchase Price will be required until cumulative adjustments amount to at least 1% of the Purchase Price. No fractional
Units will be issued and, in lieu thereof, an adjustment in cash will be made based on the market price of the Series C Preferred Stock on the last trading date prior to the
date of exercise.
At any time after the Stock Acquisition Date, the Company may exchange all or part of the Rights (other than Rights owned by an Acquiring Person) for Common Stock
at an exchange ratio equal to (i) a number of shares of Common Stock per Right with a value equal to the spread between the value of the number of shares of Common
Stock for which the Rights may then be exercised and the Purchase Price or (ii) if prior to the acquisition by the Acquiring Person of 50% or more of the then
outstanding shares of Common Stock, one share of Common Stock per Right (subject to adjustment).
At any time until ten days following the Stock Acquisition Date, the Company may redeem the Rights in whole, but not in part, at a price of $0.001 per Right. Immediately
upon the action of the Company’s board of directors ordering redemption of the Rights, the Rights will terminate and the only right of the holders of Rights will be to
receive the $0.001 redemption price.
Until a Right is exercised, the holder thereof, as such, will have no rights as a stockholder of the Company, including, without limitation, the right to vote or to receive
dividends. While the distribution of the Rights will not be taxable to shareholders or to the Company, stockholders may, depending upon the circumstances, recognize
taxable income in the event that the Rights become exercisable for Common Stock (or other consideration) of the Company as set forth above or in the event the Rights
are redeemed.
Other than those provisions relating to the principal economic terms of the Rights, any of the provisions of the Rights Agreement may be amended by the Company’s
board of directors prior to the Distribution Date. After the Distribution Date, the provisions of the Rights Agreement may be amended by the Company’s board of
directors in order to cure any ambiguity, to make changes which do not adversely affect the interests of holders of Rights (excluding the interests of any Acquiring
Person), or to shorten or lengthen any time period under the Rights Agreement; provided, however, that no amendment to adjust the time period governing redemption
shall be made at such time as the Rights are not redeemable.
F-54
Table of Contents
Net Share Settlement of Restricted Stock
The Company may net share settle equity-based awards for the payment of employees’ tax obligations to taxing authorities related to the vesting of such equity-based
awards. The total shares withheld and retired are based on the value of the restricted award on the applicable vesting date as determined by the Company’s closing
stock price. These net share settlements reduce the number of shares that would have otherwise been issued as a result of the vesting and do not represent an expense
to the Company.
Equity Distribution Agreement
On October 5, 2023, the Company entered into an equity distribution agreement (the “Equity Agreement”) with Northland Securities, Inc. (trade name Northland Capital
Markets), as sales agent (the “Sales Agent”), relating to the issuance and sale from time to time by the Company (the “ATM Program”), through the Sales Agent, of
shares of the Company's Common Stock, having an aggregate offering price of up to $75,000 (collectively the “Shares”). Sales of the Shares, if any, under the Equity
Agreement will be made in sales deemed to be “at-the-market offerings” as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act as agreed with the Sales Agent. In accordance
with the applicable rules of the SEC, the Company is permitted to sell an aggregate of up to $4,712 in Shares under the Equity Agreement, which represents one-third of
the value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates.
The Equity Agreement includes customary representations, warranties, and covenants by the Company and customary obligations of the parties and termination
provisions. The Company has agreed to indemnify the Sales Agent against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments
the Sales Agent may be required to make with respect to any of those liabilities. The Company will pay the Sales Agent a commission of 2.5% of the gross offering
proceeds of the Shares sold through the Sales Agent pursuant to the Equity Agreement.
The offering of the Common Stock pursuant to the Equity Agreement will terminate upon the sale of all of the Shares pursuant to the Equity Agreement, unless sooner
terminated in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Equity Agreement.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company sold 13,500 shares in the open market pursuant to the Equity Agreement for a total net sale price of $154. No
shares were sold under the Equity Agreement during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
F-55
Table of Contents
Dividends and Distributions
During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company paid cash dividends of $1.00 per common share, respectively. During the year ended December 2022,
the Company paid cash dividends of $1.75, which included a special cash dividend of $0.75 per share paid on April 5, 2022.
In the aggregate, during 2024, 2023, and 2022, the Company paid cash dividends on its outstanding Common Stock in the amount of $1,873, $1,750, and
$2,558, respectively. Pro-rata distributions were made to the other members of the Operating LLC upon the payment of dividends to the Company’s stockholders. During
2024, 2023, and 2022, the Company paid cash distributions of $4,819, $4,344, and $6,485, respectively, to the holders of the non-controlling interest (that is, the members
of the Operating LLC other than Cohen & Company Inc.).
Certain subsidiaries of the Operating LLC have restrictions on the withdrawal of capital and otherwise in making distributions and loans. JVB is subject to net capital
restrictions imposed by the SEC and FINRA, which require certain minimum levels of net capital to remain in this subsidiary. In addition, these restrictions could
potentially impose notice requirements or limit the Company’s ability to withdraw capital above the required minimum amounts (excess capital) whether through
distribution or loan. CCFESA is regulated by the ACPR and subject to certain minimum levels of capital.
Shares Outstanding of Stockholders’ Equity of the Company
The following table summarizes share transactions that occurred in stockholders’ equity during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022.
ROLLFORWARD OF SHARES OUTSTANDING OF
COHEN & COMPANY INC.
Common Stock
Restricted Stock
Total
Common Stock
Restricted Stock
Total
December 31, 2021
1,331,150
366,293
1,697,443
Issuance as equity-based compensation
-
92,400
92,400
Vesting of shares
117,634
(117,634)
-
Shares withheld for employee taxes
(15,501)
-
(15,501)
December 31, 2022
1,433,283
341,059
1,774,342
Issuance as equity-based compensation
-
143,900
143,900
Vesting of shares
113,301
(113,301)
-
Shares withheld for employee taxes
(20,328)
-
(20,328)
Forfeiture / cancellation of restricted stock
-
(4,167)
(4,167)
December 31, 2023
1,526,256
367,491
1,893,747
Issuance of shares
13,500
-
13,500
Issuance as equity-based compensation
-
153,125
153,125
Vesting of shares
114,491
(114,491)
-
Shares withheld for employee taxes
(26,195)
-
(26,195)
Units exchanged for shares
7,209
-
7,209
Forfeiture / cancellation of restricted stock
-
(1,334)
(1,334)
December 31, 2024
1,635,261
404,791
2,040,052
F-56
Table of Contents
Convertible Non-Controlling Interest
Voting Proxy
Effective December 30, 2019, the Company, Daniel G. Cohen, and the DGC Trust entered in an agreement whereby if the Company owns a number of units of membership
interests in the Operating LLC representing less than a majority of the votes entitled to be cast at any meeting or any other circumstances upon which a vote, agreement,
consent (including unanimous written consents), or other approval is sought from the holders of units of membership interests in the Operating LLC (each, a
“Meeting”), then for so long as the Company owns a number of units of membership interests in the Operating LLC representing less than a majority of the votes
entitled to be cast at any Meeting, Daniel G. Cohen and the DGC Trust have agreed to grant a voting proxy to the Company pursuant to which the Company may vote at
any Meeting the number of units of membership interests in the Operating LLC owned by Daniel G. Cohen and the DGC Trust necessary to give the Company a majority
of the votes at such Meeting. This agreement gives the Company a controlling vote on all matters of the Operating LLC even though the Company's economic interest
in the Operating LLC is less than 50%.
On September 25, 2020, the agreement was amended to provide that the voting proxy shall be revoked in the event that Daniel G. Cohen and/or his affiliates cease to
beneficially own a majority of the voting securities of the Company. See notes 21 and 31.
Future Conversion / Redemption of Operating LLC Units
Each Operating LLC unit of membership interest is redeemable at the member’s option, at any time, for (i) cash in an amount equal to the average of the per share closing
prices of the Common Stock for the ten consecutive trading days immediately preceding the date the Company receives the holder’s redemption notice, or (ii) at the
Company’s option, for one share of the Common Stock for every 10 units subject, in each case, to appropriate adjustment upon the occurrence of an issuance of
additional shares of the Common Stock as a dividend or other distribution on the Company’s outstanding Common Stock, or a further subdivision or combination of the
outstanding shares of the Common Stock.
Unit Issuance and Surrender Agreement — Acquisition and Surrender of Additional Units of the Operating LLC, net
Effective January 1, 2011 and revised effective May 27, 2021, Cohen & Company Inc. and the Operating LLC entered into a Unit Issuance and Surrender Agreement (the
“UIS Agreement”) that was approved by the board of directors of Cohen & Company Inc. and the board of managers of the Operating LLC. In an effort to maintain a
1:10 ratio of Common Stock to the number of units of membership interests Cohen & Company Inc. holds in the Operating LLC, the UIS Agreement calls for the issuance
of additional units of membership interests of the Operating LLC to Cohen & Company Inc. when the Cohen & Company Inc. issues its Common Stock to employees
under existing equity compensation plans or issues its Common Stock in a public or private offering. In certain cases, the UIS Agreement calls for Cohen & Company
Inc. to surrender units to the Operating LLC when certain restricted shares are forfeited by the employee or repurchased by the Company.
The following table summarizes the transactions that resulted in changes in the unit ownership of the Operating LLC including unit issuances and forfeitures related to
the UIS Agreement.
ROLLFORWARD OF UNITS OUTSTANDING OF
THE OPERATING LLC
Cohen &
Company Inc. Daniel G. Cohen
DGC Trust
Others
Total
December 31, 2021
13,311,494
18,605,315
9,880,268
72,098
41,869,175
Issuance of Units under UIS Agreement, net
1,021,330
-
-
-
1,021,330
Vesting of units
-
751,540
-
-
751,540
Issuance of units under 2017 Convertible Note
-
-
10,344,827
-
10,344,827
December 31, 2022
14,332,824
19,356,855
20,225,095
72,098
53,986,872
Issuance of Units under UIS Agreement, net
929,730
-
-
-
929,730
Vesting of units
-
967,830
-
470,330
1,438,160
Redemption of convertible non-controlling interest units
-
(479,380)
-
(470,330)
(949,710)
December 31, 2023
15,262,554
19,845,305
20,225,095
72,098
55,405,052
Issuance of Units under UIS Agreement, net
1,090,048
-
-
-
1,090,048
Vesting of units
-
940,669
-
540,663
1,481,332
Redemption of convertible non-controlling interest units
-
(443,474)
-
(555,389)
(998,863)
December 31, 2024
16,352,602
20,342,500
20,225,095
57,372
56,977,569
F-57
Table of Contents
The following table presents the impact to equity from Cohen & Company Inc.’s ownership interest in the Operating LLC.
For the Year Ended December 31,
2024
2023
2022
Net income / (loss) attributable to Cohen & Company Inc.
$
(129) $
(5,113) $
(13,389)
Transfers (to) from the non-controlling interest:
Increase / (decrease) in Cohen & Company Inc.'s paid in capital for the acquisition /
(surrender) of additional units in consolidated subsidiary, net
679
636
(338)
Changes from net income / (loss) attributable to Cohen & Company Inc. and transfers (to)
from non-controlling interest
$
550 $
(4,477) $
(13,727)
Detail of Non-Controlling Interest
The Company has two major categories of non-controlling interest. Convertible non-controlling interest represents the portion of the Operating LLC not owned by the
Company. The convertible non-controlling interest is exchangeable in certain circumstances into Common Stock. Non-convertible non-controlling interest represents
the portion of various subsidiaries of the Operating LLC that are not wholly owned by the Operating LLC. The non-convertible non-controlling interest is not
exchangeable into Common Stock.
ROLLFORWARD OF NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS
(Dollars in Thousands)
Operating LLC
Insurance
SPACs Sponsor
Entities
Other
Consolidated
Subsidiaries
Total
December 31, 2021
$
57,628 $
4,808 $
27,056 $
89,492
Non-controlling interest share of (loss)
(22,078)
(4,808)
(18,395)
(45,281)
Other comprehensive income
(152)
-
-
(152)
Acquisition / (surrender) of additional units of consolidated subsidiary
334
-
-
334
Equity-based compensation
3,181
-
-
3,181
Shares withheld for employee taxes
(158)
-
-
(158)
Dividends/distributions to convertible non-controlling interest
(6,485)
-
-
(6,485)
Convertible non-controlling interest investment
15,000
-
-
15,000
Non-convertible non-controlling interest investment
-
-
9
9
Non-convertible non-controlling interest distributions
-
-
(8,653)
(8,653)
December 31, 2022
$
47,270 $
- $
17 $
47,287
Non-controlling interest share of (loss)
(4,078)
-
19,590
15,512
Other comprehensive income
61
-
-
61
Acquisition / (surrender) of additional units of consolidated subsidiary
(622)
-
-
(622)
Equity-based compensation
3,184
-
-
3,184
Shares withheld for employee taxes
(127)
-
-
(127)
Dividends/distributions to convertible non-controlling interest
(4,344)
-
-
(4,344)
Redemption of convertible non-controlling interest units
(834)
-
-
(834)
Non-convertible non-controlling interest investment
-
-
39
39
Non-convertible non-controlling interest distributions
-
-
(10,041)
(10,041)
December 31, 2023
$
40,510 $
- $
9,605 $
50,115
Non-controlling interest share of (loss)
(357)
-
8,675
8,318
Other comprehensive income
(119)
-
-
(119)
Acquisition / (surrender) of additional units of consolidated subsidiary
(664)
-
-
(664)
Equity-based compensation
3,336
-
-
3,336
Shares withheld for employee taxes
(135)
-
-
(135)
Dividends/distributions to convertible non-controlling interest
(4,819)
-
-
(4,819)
Redemption of convertible non-controlling interest units
(659)
-
-
(659)
Non-convertible non-controlling interest distributions
-
-
(6,818)
(6,818)
December 31, 2024
$
37,093 $
- $
11,462 $
48,555
The Operating LLC non-controlling interest is included as convertible non-controlling interest in the consolidated statement of operations. The other components of
non-controlling interest are included as non-convertible non-controlling interest in the statement of operations.
F-58
Table of Contents
Partial redemption of convertible non-controlling interests
On February 1, 2024, Daniel G. Cohen, the Company’s executive chairman, in accordance with the Operating LLC operating agreement, redeemed 443,474 LLC Units for
which the Company paid to Mr. Cohen an aggregate of $315, or $0.711 per LLC Unit. The LLC Units were redeemed by Mr. Cohen in order to fund certain tax liabilities
incurred by Mr. Cohen in connection with the vesting, on January 31, 2024, of 940,669 restricted LLC Units that had been previously granted to Mr. Cohen under the
2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan. On February 1, 2023, Daniel G. Cohen, in accordance with the Operating LLC operating agreement, redeemed 479,380 LLC Units for
which the Company paid to Mr. Cohen an aggregate of $421, or $0.878 per LLC Unit. The LLC Units were redeemed by Mr. Cohen in order to fund certain tax liabilities
incurred by Mr. Cohen in connection with the vesting, on January 31, 2023, of 967,830 restricted LLC Units that had been previously granted to Mr. Cohen under the
2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan.
On February 1, 2024, Lester Brafman, the Company’s chief executive officer, in accordance with the Operating LLC operating agreement, redeemed 483,301 LLC Units for
which the Company paid to Mr. Brafman an aggregate of $344, or $0.711 per LLC Unit. The LLC Units were redeemed by Mr. Brafman in order to fund certain tax liabilities
incurred by Mr. Brafman in connection with the vesting, on January 31, 2024, of 540,633 restricted LLC Units and 40,000 restricted shares of the Company’s Common
Stock, all of which had been previously granted to Mr. Brafman under the 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan. On February 1, 2023, Lester Brafman, in accordance with the
Operating LLC operating agreement, redeemed 470,330 LLC Units for which the Company paid to Mr. Brafman an aggregate of $413, or $0.878 per LLC Unit. The LLC
Units were redeemed by Mr. Brafman in order to fund certain tax liabilities incurred by Mr. Brafman in connection with the vesting, on January 31, 2023, of 470,330
restricted LLC Units and 49,750 restricted shares of the Company’s Common Stock, all of which had been previously granted to Mr. Brafman under the 2020 Long-Term
Incentive Plan.
F-59
Table of Contents
22. EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION
The following table summarizes the amounts the Company recognized as equity-based compensation expense including restricted stock, restricted units, membership
units of consolidated sponsor entities and stock options. These amounts are included as a component of compensation and benefits in the consolidated statements of
operations. The remaining unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested awards at December 31, 2024 was $7,835 and the weighted average period of time
over which this expense will be recognized is approximately 1.6 years.
EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION INCLUDED IN COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
(Dollars in Thousands)
For the Year Ended December 31,
2024
2023
2022
Equity-based compensation expense
$
4,668 $
4,391 $
4,390
Non equity-based compensation expense
51,720
47,701
45,900
Total compensation and benefits
$
56,388 $
52,092 $
50,290
The following table summarizes the equity-based compensation by plan. Each plan is discussed in detail below.
DETAIL OF EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION BY PLAN
(Dollars in Thousands)
For the Year Ended December 31,
2024
2023
2022
Restricted Stock or Units - 2020 Plan
$
4,668 $
4,391 $
4,369
Restricted Stock or Units - 2006/2010 Plans
-
-
21
Total equity-based compensation expense
$
4,668 $
4,391 $
4,390
The Company’s 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan – Restricted Common Stock, Restricted Units, and Stock Options
On April 7, 2020, the board of directors of the Company adopted a long-term incentive plan (the “2020 Long Term Incentive Plan”), which was approved by the
Company’s stockholders at the Company’s annual meeting on June 18, 2020. On April 1, 2021 and June 9, 2021, the board of directors and the Company stockholders,
respectively, approved Amendment No. 1 to the 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan, which increased the maximum number of shares of common stock available for issuance
under the 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan from 600,000 shares of common stock to 1,200,000 shares of common stock. On March 28, 2022 and June 2, 2022, the board of
directors and the Company stockholders, respectively, approved Amendment No. 2, which increased the maximum number of shares of common stock available for
issuance under the 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended, from 1,200,000 shares of common stock to 1,900,000 shares of common stock. As of December 31, 2024,
385,400 shares remain available to be issued under the Company's 2020 Long-term Incentive Plan. No award may be granted under the 2020 Long Term Incentive Plan
after April 7, 2030.
The Company's 2010 Long- Term-Incentive Plan and the AFN 2006 Equity Plan expired in 2020 and there are no shares available to be issued under these plans.
Membership Interests of Consolidated Sponsor Entities
Employees sometimes invest in the membership interests of consolidated SPAC sponsor entities. Because these entities are consolidated and the employees are
investing in the consolidated company's non-controlling interest, these equity interests fall under FASB ASC 718. Generally, the employee invests a de minimis amount
and receives an allocation of the founder shares held by the sponsor entity. The investment generally does not have any explicit vesting criteria associated with it.
Generally, the employee's investment will be worthless if the SPAC in which the sponsor entity has invested is liquidated and it will become worth something if the SPAC
completes its business combination. Therefore, the Company treats these grants as having a performance condition (i.e. the completion of the SPAC business
combination). Further, at the time of the investments, the Company treats this performance condition as being non-probable. The effect of this is that the
Company records no expense related to these investments until (and only if) the business combination is completed. Upon completion of the business combination, the
Company records compensation expense in an amount equal to the fair value of the grant. The fair value of the grant is equal to the public trading price of the SPAC on
the grant date adjusted for certain sale restrictions imposed on the shares the employee receives (generally, the shares are restricted for sale for some time period and
subject to certain hurdle prices before they become freely tradeable).
F-60
Table of Contents
RESTRICTED STOCK - SERVICE BASED VESTING
Number of Shares of
Restricted Stock
Weighted Average Grant Date
Fair Value
Unvested at January 1, 2022
366,293 $
16.80
Granted
92,400
11.13
Vested
(117,634)
14.08
Unvested at December 31, 2022
341,059
16.17
Granted
143,900
7.57
Vested
(113,301)
17.18
Forfeiture
(4,167)
(11.65)
Unvested at December 31, 2023
367,491
12.54
Granted
153,125
8.91
Vested
(114,491)
13.97
Forfeiture
(1,334)
8.81
Unvested at December 31, 2024
404,791 $
10.79
OPERATING LLC RESTRICTED UNITS - SERVICE BASED VESTING
Number of Restricted
Units
Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at January 1, 2022
6,871,030 $
1.46
Granted
422,000
1.93
Vested
(751,540)
0.85
December 31, 2022
6,541,490
1.35
Granted
422,000
0.68
Vested
(1,438,160)
1.97
Unvested at December 31, 2023
5,525,330
1.82
Granted
422,000
1.02
Vested
(1,481,332)
1.87
Unvested at December 31, 2024
4,465,998 $
1.73
During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, the total fair value of all equity awards vested in each year based on the fair market value of the Common
Stock on the vesting date was $1,940, $2,249, and $2,899, respectively.
The restricted shares and restricted units of Common Stock typically may vest either quarterly, annually, or at the end of a specified term on a straight-line basis over the
remaining term of the awards, assuming the recipient is continuing in service to the Company at such date, and, in the case of performance-based equity awards, the
performance thresholds have been attained. In the case of director grants, the equity awards have no performance or service conditions. In the cases of graded vesting,
the Company typically expenses the grant on a straight-line basis if only service conditions are present but expenses on a graded basis if performance-based conditions
are present.
F-61
Table of Contents
SPONSOR ENTITY MEMBERSHIP UNITS - PERFORMANCE BASED VESTING
Membership Units
Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at January 1, 2022
1,732,500 $
9.97
Granted
-
-
Vested
-
-
Forfeited
(1,732,500)
9.97
December 31, 2022
-
-
Granted
-
-
Vested
-
-
Forfeited
-
-
Unvested at December 31, 2023
-
-
Granted
-
-
Vested
-
-
Forfeited
-
-
Unvested at December 31, 2024
- $
-
During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, the total fair value of all equity awards vested in each year based on the fair market value of the membership
units on the vesting date was $0, $0, and $0, respectively.
F-62
Table of Contents
23. INCOME TAXES
Cohen & Company Inc. is treated as a C corporation for United States federal income tax purposes. The components of income tax expense (benefit) included in the
consolidated statements of operations for each year presented herein are shown in the table below.
INCOME TAX EXPENSE
(Dollars in Thousands)
For the Year Ended December 31,
2024
2023
2022
Current income tax expense (benefit)
Federal income tax expense (benefit)
$
- $
- $
-
Foreign income tax expense (benefit)
118
120
198
State and local income tax expense (benefit)
230
71
17
348
191
215
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
Federal income tax expense (benefit)
(1)
3,205
4,634
Foreign income tax expense (benefit)
-
-
-
State and local income tax expense (benefit)
(676)
2,149
(55)
(677)
5,354
4,579
Total
$
(329) $
5,545 $
4,794
The components of income (loss) before income taxes are shown below.
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES
(Dollars in Thousands)
For the Year Ended December 31,
2024
2023
2022
Domestic
$
7,220 $
15,705 $
(54,749)
Foreign
640
239
873
Total
$
7,860 $
15,944 $
(53,876)
F-63
Table of Contents
The Company had prepaid taxes of $0 and $235 in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The expected income tax expense /(benefit) using the federal statutory rate differs from income tax expense / (benefit) pertaining to pre-tax income / (loss) as a result of
the following for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022.
INCOME TAX RATE RECONCILIATION
(Dollars in Thousands)
For the Year Ended December 31,
2024
2023
2022
Federal statutory rate
$
1,650 $
3,348 $
(11,314)
Pass through impact
(1,746)
(3,257)
9,509
Deferred tax valuation allowance and other
95
3,114
6,439
State and local tax
(446)
2,220
143
Foreign tax
118
120
17
Total
$
(329) $
5,545 $
4,794
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the book basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities using tax rates in effect for the
year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The recognition of deferred tax assets is reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that the tax
benefits will not be realized.
The components of the net deferred tax asset (liability) are as follows.
DEFERRED TAX ASSET AND LIABILITY
(Dollars in Thousands)
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Asset
Liability
Net
Asset
Liability
Net
Federal net operating loss carryforward
$
19,434 $
- $
19,434 $
20,256 $
- $
20,256
State and local net operating loss carryforward
4,293
-
4,293
3,862
-
3,862
Federal capital loss carryforward
12,020
-
12,020
12,567
-
12,567
Disallowed interest expense carryforward
885
-
885
925
-
925
Unrealized gain on debt
-
(5,712)
(5,712)
-
(5,716)
(5,716)
Investment in Operating LLC
13,141
-
13,141
13,225
-
13,225
Other
1,000
(5)
995
306
252
558
Gross deferred tax asset / (liability)
50,773
(5,717)
45,056
51,141
(5,464)
45,677
Less: valuation allowance
(42,799)
-
(42,799)
(44,097)
-
(44,097)
Net deferred tax asset / (liability)
$
7,974 $
(5,717) $
2,257 $
7,044 $
(5,464) $
1,580
As of December 31, 2024, the Company had a federal net operating loss (“NOL”) of approximately $92,543, which will be available to offset future taxable income, subject
to limitations described below. If not used, this NOL will begin to expire in 2028. The Company also had net capital losses (“NCLs”) in excess of capital gains of
$57,239 as of December 31, 2024, which can be carried forward to offset future capital gains, subject to the limitations described below. If not used, this carryforward will
begin to expire in 2024. No assurance can be made that the Company will have future taxable income or future capital gains to benefit from its NOL and NCL carry
forwards.
The Company has determined that its NOL and NCL carry forwards are not currently limited by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
“Code”). However, the Company may experience an ownership change as defined in that section (“Ownership Change”) in the future. If an Ownership Change were to
occur in the future, the Company’s ability to use its NOLs, NCLs, and certain recognized built-in losses to reduce its taxable income in a future year would generally be
limited to an annual amount (the “Section 382 Limitation”) equal to the fair value of the Company immediately prior to the Ownership Change multiplied by the “long
term tax-exempt interest rate.” In the event of an Ownership Change, NOLs and NCLs that exceed the Section 382 Limitation in any year will continue to be allowed as
carryforwards for the remainder of the carryforward period, and such NOLs and NCLs can be used to offset taxable income for years within the carryforward period
subject to the Section 382 Limitation in each year. However, if the carryforward period for any NOL or NCL were to expire before that loss is fully utilized, the unused
portion of that loss would be lost. See discussion of stockholder rights plan in note 21.
F-64
Table of Contents
Notwithstanding the fact that the Company has determined that the use of its remaining NOL and NCL carryforwards are not currently limited by Section 382 of the
Code, the Company recorded a valuation allowance for a substantial portion of its NOLs and NCLs when calculating its net deferred tax liability as of December 31,
2024.
Each reporting period, management determines the expected amount of taxable income it will generate in each jurisdiction where the Company has NOLs. Management
then schedules this income against each carryforward asset and determines what portion of the asset it believes is more likely than not to be realized. This
determination is subjective and subject to many assumptions and factors including: profitability of the Company's business in the future, the timing of that future
income as compared to carryforward asset expiration, the character of future income (ordinary or capital), and the jurisdiction the income will be generated in. To the
extent management's determination changes, an adjustment will be made to the valuation allowance resulting in deferred tax expense or benefit. The Company recorded
deferred tax expense in 2023 and 2024 because expectations of future income decreased and the Company increased the valuation allowance it had applied against
carryforward assets. Because of the magnitude of the Company's carryforward assets as well as the volatility of the Company's operating results, significant
adjustments to the valuation allowance are likely going forward. These future adjustments will likewise result in material amounts of deferred tax benefit or expense
going forward.
The Company files tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, various states or local jurisdictions, and France. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to
examination for years prior to 2018.
The Company applies ASC 740-10 in determining uncertain tax positions. The Company has evaluated its tax positions under this criteria and has determined that as of
December 31, 2024 and 2023 it has not taken any material uncertain tax positions that would require adjustment to the financial statements.
F-65
Table of Contents
24. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME / (LOSS) ("AOCI")
The following table shows the components of other comprehensive income / (loss) and the tax effects allocated to other comprehensive income / (loss). AOCI consists
solely of foreign currency items.
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME / (LOSS) AND INCOME TAX EFFECT OF ITEMS ALLOCATED TO OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME /
(LOSS)
(Dollars in Thousands)
OCI Items
Tax Effect
Total
December 31, 2021
$
(905) $
- $
(905)
Change in foreign currency items
(54)
-
(54)
Other comprehensive income / (loss), net
(54)
-
(54)
Acquisition / (surrender) of additional units in consolidated subsidiary, net
4
-
4
December 31, 2022
(955)
-
(955)
Change in foreign currency items
25
-
25
Other comprehensive income / (loss), net
25
-
25
Acquisition / (surrender) of additional units in consolidated subsidiary, net
(14)
-
(14)
December 31, 2023
(944)
-
(944)
Change in foreign currency items
(48)
-
(48)
Other comprehensive income / (loss), net
(48)
-
(48)
Acquisition / (surrender) of additional units in consolidated subsidiary, net
(15)
-
(15)
December 31, 2024
$
(1,007) $
- $
(1,007)
F-66
Table of Contents
25. NET CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
JVB is subject to the net capital provision of Rule 15c3-1 under the Exchange Act, which requires the maintenance of minimum net capital, as defined therein. CCFESA, a
subsidiary of the Company, is regulated by the ACPR in France. CCFESA is subject to certain regulatory capital requirements in accordance with Articles L.533-2 et seq.
of the French Financial and Monetary Code, implementing the new framework set out in the Investment Firm Regulation ("IFR") and the Investment Firm Directive
("IFD"). CCFEL cancelled its license with the CBI effective April 7, 2022.
The following tables shows the actual net capital for JVB and actual net liquid capital for CCFESA as compared to the required amounts for the periods indicated.
STATUTORY NET CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2024
Actual Net Capital or
Liquid Capital
Amount Required
Excess
JVB
$
48,414 $
250 $
48,164
CCFESA
1,574
643
931
Total
$
49,988 $
893 $
49,095
December 31, 2023
Actual Net Capital or
Liquid Capital
Amount Required
Excess
JVB
$
49,878 $
250 $
49,628
CCFESA
1,761
685
1,076
Total
$
51,639 $
935 $
50,704
F-67
Table of Contents
26. EARNINGS / (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE
The following table presents a reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings / (loss) per common share for the periods indicated.
EARNINGS / (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE
(Dollars in Thousands, except share or per share information)
Year Ended December 31,
2024
2023
2022
Net income / (loss) attributable to Cohen & Company Inc.
$
(129) $
(5,113) $
(13,389)
Add/ (deduct): Income / (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest attributable to
Operating LLC membership (1)
(357)
-
-
Add / (deduct): Adjustment (2)
33
-
-
Net income / (loss) on a fully converted basis
$
(453) $
(5,113) $
(13,389)
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Basic
1,614,897
1,513,469
1,420,383
Unrestricted Operating LLC units of membership interests exchangeable into Cohen &
Company Inc. shares (1)
4,060,719
-
-
Restricted units or shares
-
-
-
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Diluted
5,675,616
1,513,469
1,420,383
Net income / (loss) per common share - Basic
$
(0.08) $
(3.38) $
(9.43)
Net income / (loss) per common share - Diluted (3)
$
(0.08) $
(3.38) $
(9.43)
(1)
The Operating LLC units of membership interests not held by Cohen & Company Inc. (that is, those held by the non-controlling interest) may be redeemed and
exchanged into shares of the Company on a ten-for-one basis. The Operating LLC units of membership interests not held by Cohen & Company Inc. are
redeemable, at the member’s option at any time, for (i) cash in an amount equal to the average of the per share closing prices of the Common Stock for the ten
consecutive trading days immediately preceding the date the Company receives the member’s redemption notice, or (ii) at the Company’s option, one tenth of a
share of the Common Stock, subject, in each case, to appropriate adjustment upon the occurrence of an issuance of additional shares of the Common Stock as a
dividend or other distribution on the outstanding Common Stock, or a further subdivision or combination of the outstanding shares of the Common Stock. These
units are not included in the computation of basic earnings per share. These units enter into the computation of diluted net income (loss) per common share when
the effect is not anti-dilutive using the if-converted method.
(2)
An adjustment is included because the Company would have incurred a higher income tax expense or realized a higher income tax benefit if the Operating LLC
units of membership interests had been converted at the beginning of the period.
(3)
Potentially diluted securities that were not included in the diluted per share calculations because they would be anti-dilutive were as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
2024
2023
2022
2017 Convertible Note
-
-
224,138
Restricted Common Stock
59,655
9,060
18,182
Restricted Operating LLC units
22,977
4,010,179
3,735,004
82,632
4,019,239
3,977,324
F-68
Table of Contents
27. RESERVE REQUIREMENTS
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, JVB claimed exemptions to the reserve requirements under Rule 15c3-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 under two separate
exemptions. First, JVB does not carry securities accounts for its customers or perform custodial functions relating to customer securities and, therefore, qualifies for an
exemption under Rule 15c3-3(k)(2)(ii). Second, JVB qualifies for an exemption under Footnote 74 of the SEC Release No. 34-70073 because it limits its business activities
to certain activities allowed under this exemption and it does not hold customer funds or securities, carry customer accounts, and does not carry PAB accounts.
F-69
Table of Contents
28. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Lease Commitments
The Company leases office space in several cities under lease agreements. As of December 31, 2024, future minimum commitments under these operating leases are as
follows.
FUTURE LEASE COMMITMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands)
Lease
Less: Sublease
Net Commitment
2025
$
3,310 $
(26) $
3,284
2026
2,612
-
2,612
2027
2,458
-
2,458
2028
2,471
-
2,471
2029
2,400
-
2,400
2030 and thereafter
10,275
-
10,275
$
23,526 $
(26) $
23,500
Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 was $2,724, $2,538, and $2,522, respectively, and was included in business development, occupancy,
and equipment expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Rent expense was recorded net of sublease income of $92, $94, and $102 for the years ended
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The lease commitments noted above represent the actual cash commitments and will not necessarily match the amount of rent expense recorded in the consolidated
statements of operations.
Legal and Regulatory Proceedings
From time to time, the Company is a party to various routine legal proceedings, claims, and regulatory inquiries arising out of the ordinary course of the Company’s
business. Management believes that the results of these routine legal proceedings, claims, and regulatory matters will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company’s financial condition, or on the Company’s operations and cash flows. However, the Company cannot estimate the legal fees and expenses to be incurred in
connection with these routine matters and, therefore, is unable to determine whether these future legal fees and expenses will have a material impact on the Company’s
operations and cash flows. It is the Company’s policy to expense legal and other fees as incurred.
One of the Company's investment advisers, Cohen & Company Financial Management LLC ("CCFM"), is currently subject to an investigation by the SEC’s enforcement
division, which is reviewing its disclosure practices around conflicts of interest and other issues. As is the Company's current practice, it is cooperating with the SEC
staff and is in the process of responding to their requests for information. The Company cannot predict the outcome of this investigation. The costs related to
responding to and cooperating with the SEC staff may be material and could continue to be material at least through the completion of the SEC investigation.
F-70
Table of Contents
29. SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Segment Information
The Company operates within three business segments: Capital Markets, Asset Management, and Principal Investing. See note 1. The Company's chief executive
officer is the chief operating decision-maker (“CODM”) and is responsible for allocating resources and assessing the performance of the business segments. The
CODM relies on enterprise net income / (loss) to allocate resources because it provides insight into profitability for the entire enterprise including the convertible non-
controlling interest but excluding non-convertible non-controlling interest. The CODM uses enterprise net income / (loss) in the annual budgeting and forecasting
process. The CODM considers budget to actual variances on a monthly basis when making allocation decisions.
The Company’s business segment information was prepared in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the CODM and represents the information
that is relied upon by management in its decision-making processes. Revenues and expenses directly associated with each business segment are included in
determining net income / (loss) by segment.
Beginning with this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company presents principal transactions gains and losses that relate to financial instruments that the Company
received through CCM's activities as part of the Capital Markets segment with all other principal transactions gains and losses included in the Principal Investing
segment. Prior to this report, all principal transactions gains and losses were included in the Principal Investing segment. The Company recast all prior periods
presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to be consistent. The CODM evaluates the performance of the Capital Markets segment including the gains and losses
on the financial instruments received through CCM's activities.
Interest expense in the table below includes non-operating interest expense. Interest income and expense relating to operations is included in net trading revenue. See
note 5. Indirect expenses (such as general and administrative expenses including executive and indirect overhead costs) not directly associated with specific business
segments are not allocated to the business segments’ statements of operations. See (1) below.
Beginning in 2024 annual reporting, the Company adopted ASU 2023-07 retrospectively. The following table sets forth our segment information of revenue, expenses,
and income (loss) from operations.
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Statement of Operations Information
For the Year Ended December 31, 2024
(Dollars in Thousands)
Capital
Asset
Principal
Segment
Markets
Management
Investing
Total
Unallocated (1)
Total
Net trading
$
36,409 $
- $
-
$
36,409 $
- $
36,409
Asset management
-
9,009
-
9,009
-
9,009
New issue and advisory
63,422
-
-
63,422
-
63,422
Principal transactions
(22,644)
-
(10,240)
(32,884)
-
(32,884)
Other income
10
2,615
1,017
3,642
-
3,642
Total revenues
77,197
11,624
(9,223)
79,598
-
79,598
Compensation
42,536
6,059
1,648
50,243
1,477
51,720
Stock based compensation
575
144
-
719
3,949
4,668
Business development
1,377
250
14
1,641
641
2,282
Occupancy and equipment
2,976
213
-
3,189
1,146
4,335
Subscriptions, clearing, and execution
8,893
368
170
9,431
208
9,639
Professional fee and other operating
7,591
1,772
1,216
10,579
3,842
14,421
Depreciation and amortization
-
6
-
6
550
556
Total operating expenses
63,948
8,812
3,048
75,808
11,813
87,621
Operating income / (loss)
13,249
2,812
(12,271)
3,790
(11,813)
(8,023)
Interest income (expense)
(76)
-
-
(76)
(5,745)
(5,821)
Income from equity method affiliates
-
-
21,704
21,704
-
21,704
Income /(loss) before income taxes
13,173
2,812
9,433
25,418
(17,558)
7,860
Income tax expense (benefit)
-
-
-
-
(329)
(329)
Net income / (loss)
13,173
2,812
9,433
25,418
(17,229)
8,189
Less: Net income attributable to the non-
convertible non-controlling interest of the
Operating LLC
-
1
8,674
8,675
-
8,675
Enterprise net income /(loss)
13,173
2,811
759
16,743
(17,229)
(486)
Less: Net (loss) attributable to the convertible
non-controlling interest of Cohen & Company
Inc.
-
-
-
-
(357)
(357)
Net income / (loss) attributable to Cohen &
Company Inc.
$
13,173 $
2,811 $
759
$
16,743 $
(16,872) $
(129)
Other statement of operations data
Cash compensation as a percentage of
revenue
55.10%
52.12%
(17.87)%
63.12%
N/A
64.98%
Operating income / (loss) as a percentage of
revenue
17.16%
24.19%
(133.05)%
4.76%
N/A
(10.08)%
Net income / (loss) as a percentage of revenue
17.06%
24.19%
(102.28)%
31.93%
N/A
10.29%
Net income / (loss) attributable to Cohen &
Company Inc. as a percentage of revenue
17.06%
24.18%
(8.23)%
21.03%
N/A
(0.16)%
F-71
Table of Contents
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Statement of Operations Information
For the Year Ended December 31, 2023
(Dollars in Thousands)
Capital
Asset
Principal
Segment
Markets
Management
Investing
Total
Unallocated (1)
Total
Net trading
$
30,926 $
- $
- $
30,926 $
- $
30,926
Asset management
-
7,337
-
7,337
-
7,337
New issue and advisory
28,264
-
-
28,264
-
28,264
Principal transactions
(4,312)
-
19,261
14,949
-
14,949
Other income
1
1,071
433
1,505
-
1,505
Total revenues
54,879
8,408
19,694
82,981
-
82,981
Compensation
30,641
5,777
2,335
38,753
8,948
47,701
Stock based compensation
515
106
-
621
3,770
4,391
Business development
741
268
23
1,032
383
1,415
Occupancy and equipment
2,560
202
-
2,762
1,027
3,789
Subscriptions, clearing, and execution
8,125
334
251
8,710
255
8,965
Professional fee and other operating
4,320
1,408
843
6,571
2,725
9,296
Depreciation and amortization
-
6
-
6
557
563
Total operating expenses
46,902
8,101
3,452
58,455
17,665
76,120
Operating income / (loss)
7,977
307
16,242
24,526
(17,665)
6,861
Interest income (expense)
(338)
-
-
(338)
(6,188)
(6,526)
Income from equity method affiliates
-
-
15,609
15,609
-
15,609
Income (loss) before income taxes
7,639
307
31,851
39,797
(23,853)
15,944
Income tax expense / (benefit)
-
-
-
-
5,545
5,545
Net income / (loss)
7,639
307
31,851
39,797
(29,398)
10,399
Less: Net income attributable to the non-
convertible non-controlling interest of the
Operating LLC
-
17
19,573
19,590
-
19,590
Enterprise net income/ (loss)
7,639
290
12,278
20,207
(29,398)
(9,191)
Less: Net (loss) attributable to the convertible
non-controlling interest of Cohen & Company
Inc.
-
-
-
-
(4,078)
(4,078)
Net income / (loss) attributable to Cohen &
Company Inc.
$
7,639 $
290 $
12,278 $
20,207 $
(25,320) $
(5,113)
Other statement of operations data
Cash compensation as a percentage of revenue
55.83%
68.71%
11.86%
46.70%
N/A
57.48%
Operating income / (loss) as a percentage of
revenue
14.54%
3.65%
82.47%
29.56%
N/A
8.27%
Net income / (loss) as a percentage of revenue
13.92%
3.65%
161.73%
47.96%
N/A
12.53%
Net income / (loss) attributable to Cohen &
Company Inc. as a percentage of revenue
13.92%
3.45%
62.34%
24.35%
N/A
(6.16)%
F-72
Table of Contents
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Statement of Operations Information
For the Year Ended December 31, 2022
(Dollars in Thousands)
Capital
Asset
Principal
Segment
Markets
Management
Investing
Total
Unallocated (1)
Total
Net trading
$
40,009 $
- $
-
$
40,009
$
- $
40,009
Asset management
-
9,004
-
9,004
-
9,004
New issue and advisory
24,721
-
-
24,721
-
24,721
Principal transactions
(3,075)
-
(27,556)
(30,631)
-
(30,631)
Other income
1
855
428
1,284
-
1,284
Total revenues
61,656
9,859
(27,128)
44,387
-
44,387
Compensation
31,919
7,480
1,086
40,485
5,415
45,900
Stock based compensation
515
132
-
647
3,743
4,390
Business development
582
529
22
1,133
450
1,583
Occupancy and equipment
2,722
168
-
2,890
603
3,493
Subscriptions, clearing, and execution
7,610
348
87
8,045
229
8,274
Professional fee and other operating
3,625
1,123
619
5,367
2,786
8,153
Depreciation and amortization
-
5
-
5
552
557
Total operating expenses
46,973
9,785
1,814
58,572
13,778
72,350
Operating income / (loss)
14,683
74
(28,942)
(14,185)
(13,778)
(27,963)
Interest income (expense)
(247)
-
-
(247)
(4,735)
(4,982)
(Loss) from equity method affiliates
-
-
(20,931)
(20,931)
-
(20,931)
Income before income taxes
14,436
74
(49,873)
(35,363)
(18,513)
(53,876)
Income tax expense / (benefit)
-
-
-
-
4,794
4,794
Net income /(loss)
14,436
74
(49,873)
(35,363)
(23,307)
(58,670)
Less: Net (loss) attributable to the non-
convertible non-controlling interest of the
Operating LLC
-
-
(23,203)
(23,203)
-
(23,203)
Enterprise net income /(loss)
14,436
74
(26,670)
(12,160)
(23,307)
(35,467)
Less: Net (loss) attributable to the convertible
non-controlling interest of Cohen & Company
Inc.
-
-
-
-
(22,078)
(22,078)
Net income (loss) attributable to Cohen &
Company Inc.
$
14,436 $
74 $
(26,670)
$
(12,160)
$
(1,229) $
(13,389)
Other statement of operations data
Cash compensation as a percentage of
revenue
51.77%
75.87%
(4.00)%
91.21%
N/A
103.41%
Operating income / (loss) as a percentage of
revenue
23.81%
0.75%
(106.69)%
(31.96)%
N/A
(63.00)%
Net income / (loss) as a percentage of
revenue
23.41%
0.75%
(183.84)%
(79.67)%
N/A
(132.18)%
Net income / (loss) attributable to Cohen &
Company Inc. as a percentage of revenue
23.41%
0.75%
(98.31)%
(27.40)%
N/A
(30.16)%
(1)
Unallocated includes certain expenses incurred by indirect overhead and support departments (such as the executive, finance, legal, information technology,
human resources, risk, compliance, and other similar overhead and support departments). Some of the items not allocated include: (1) operating expenses (such as
cash compensation and benefits, equity-based compensation expense, professional fees, travel and entertainment, consulting fees, and rent) related to support
departments excluding certain departments that directly support the Capital Markets business segment; (2) interest expense on debt; and (3) income taxes.
Management does not consider these items necessary for an understanding of the operating results of these business segments and such amounts are excluded
in business segment reporting to the CODM.
F-73
Table of Contents
BALANCE SHEET DATA
As of December 31, 2024
(Dollars in Thousands)
Capital
Asset
Principal
Segment
Markets
Management
Investing
Total
Unallocated (1)
Total
Total Assets
$
888,780 $
7,371 $
44,175 $
940,326 $
30,823 $
971,149
Included within total assets:
Investments in equity method affiliates
$
- $
- $
23,430 $
23,430 $
- $
23,430
Goodwill (2)
$
54 $
55 $
- $
109 $
- $
109
Intangible assets (2)
$
166 $
- $
- $
166 $
- $
166
BALANCE SHEET DATA
As of December 31, 2023
(Dollars in Thousands)
Capital
Asset
Principal
Segment
Markets
Management
Investing
Total
Unallocated (1)
Total
Total Assets
$
683,426 $
5,633 $
69,117 $
758,176 $
14,585 $
772,761
Included within total assets:
Investments in equity method affiliates
$
- $
- $
14,241 $
14,241 $
- $
14,241
Goodwill (2)
$
54 $
55 $
- $
109 $
- $
109
Intangible assets (2)
$
166 $
- $
- $
166 $
- $
166
(1)
Unallocated assets primarily include (1) amounts due from related parties; (2) furniture and equipment, net; and (3) other assets that are not considered necessary
for an understanding of business segment assets and such amounts are excluded from business segment reporting to the CODM.
(2)
Goodwill and intangible assets are allocated to the Capital Markets and Asset Management business segments as indicated in the table above.
Geographic Information
The Company has conducted its business activities through offices in the following locations: (1) United States and (2) Europe and other. Total revenues by geographic
area are summarized as follows.
GEOGRAPHIC DATA
(Dollars in Thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
2024
2023
2022
Total Revenues:
United States
$
72,573 $
77,532 $
39,669
Europe & Other
7,025
5,449
4,718
Total
$
79,598 $
82,981 $
44,387
Long-lived assets attributable to an individual country, other than the United States, are not material. The Capital Markets segment has earned non-cash advisory
revenue of $24,338, $18,248, and $7,416 in the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2023 respectively.
F-74
Table of Contents
30. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURE
Cash flows from investments (including derivatives) classified as investments-trading or trading securities sold, not yet purchased are presented on a net basis as a
component of cash flows from operations. Cash flows from investments (including derivatives) classified as other investments, at fair value or other investments sold,
not yet purchased are presented on a gross basis as a component of cash flows from investing.
Interest paid by the Company on its debt and redeemable financial instruments was $6,014, $5,607, and $4,782 for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022,
respectively.
The Company paid income taxes of $60, $539, and $327 for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively, and received income tax refunds of $240, $96,
and $0, for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.
In 2024, the Company had the following significant non-cash transactions that are not reflected on the statement of cash flows:
• The Company net received units of membership interest in the Operating LLC. The Company recognized a net increase in additional paid-in capital of $679, a
net decrease in AOCI of $15, and a decrease in non-controlling interest of $664. See note 21.
• The Company recorded a net decrease in investments in equity method affiliates of $14,586, a net increase in other investments, at fair value of $14,586, and an
increase of $2,861 in other investments, sold not purchased resulting from an in-kind distribution from an equity method affiliate.
•
In connection with the Redemption Agreement, the Company recorded a reduction in the redeemable financial instrument of $5,146 and a corresponding
increase of $5,146 in debt resulting from the issuance of the 2024 Note.
In 2023, the Company had the following significant non-cash transactions that are not reflected on the statement of cash flows:
• The Company net surrendered units of membership interests in the Operating LLC. The Company recognized a net increase in additional paid-in capital of $636,
a net decrease of $14 in AOCI, and a decrease of $622 in non-controlling interest. See note 21.
• In conjunction with the consolidation of the SPAC Fund, the Company recorded an increase in receivables from brokers, dealers, and clearing agencies of
$68,066, an increase in other investments, at fair value of $40,388, an increase in other assets of $63, an increase in accounts payable of $82,711, and an increase
in other investments sold, not yet purchased of $25,806. See note 4.
• The Company recorded a net decrease in investments in equity method affiliates of $10,102 and a net increase in other investments, at fair value of $10,102
resulting from an in-kind distribution from an equity method affiliate.
• In connection with several SFA transactions, the Company received equity shares in a public company, recorded a net increase of $58,286 in other investments,
at fair value, and a corresponding increase in other investments, sold not yet purchased of $58,286.
In 2022, the Company had the following significant non-cash transactions that are not reflected on the statement of cash flows:
• The Company net surrendered units of membership interests in the Operating LLC. The Company recognized a net decrease in additional paid-in capital of $338,
a net increase of $4 in AOCI, and an increase of $334 in non-controlling interest. See note 21.
• The Company recorded a $15,000 increase in convertible non-controlling interest and a $15,000 decrease in debt as a result of the DGC Trust election to convert
the 2017 Convertible Note into units of membership interest of the Operating LLC.
•
The Company recorded a decrease in equity method affiliates of $20,915 and an increase in other investments, at fair value of $20,915 resulting from an in-kind
distribution from equity method affiliates.
•
The Company recorded a decrease in other investments, at fair value of $6,417 and a corresponding decrease in non-controlling interest resulting from in-kind
distributions to the non-controlling interest of certain SPAC sponsor entities.
•
The Company recorded an increase in other investments, at fair value of $844 and a corresponding decrease in other investment, not yet purchased of $844
resulting from an investment reclass.
F-75
Table of Contents
31. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company has identified the following related party transactions for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022. The transactions are listed by related party
and, unless otherwise noted in the text of the description, the amounts are disclosed in the tables at the end of this section.
A. JKD Investor
The JKD Investor is an entity owned by Jack J. DiMaio, the vice chairman of the board of directors and vice chairman of the Operating LLC’s board of managers, and his
spouse. On October 3, 2016, the Operating LLC and JKD Investor entered into the JKD Investment Agreement. The interest expense incurred relating to the JKD
Investment Agreement is disclosed in the table below. See notes 4 and 15.
Effective September 1, 2024, JKD Investor and the Operating LLC entered into the Redemption Agreement, which terminated the JKD Investment Agreement in its
entirety and resulted in the full redemption of the redeemable financial instrument. Pursuant to the Redemption Agreement, the Company issued to JKD Investor the
2024 Note in the principal amount of $5,146. The interest incurred on the 2024 Note is disclosed in the table below. See notes 4, 19, and 20.
On January 31, 2020, JKD Investor purchased $2,250 of the 2020 Notes. On January 31, 2022, the Operating LLC and JKD Investor entered into the 2022 Note Purchase
Agreement, pursuant to which, among other things, on such date, (i) JKD Investor paid to the Operating LLC an additional $2,250 and (ii) in consideration for such
funds, the Operating LLC issued to JKD Investor the 2020 Note in the aggregate principal amount of $4,500. See note 20. The Company incurred interest expense on this
debt, which is disclosed in the table below.
B. DGC Trust
DGC Trust has been identified as a related party because Daniel G. Cohen's children are the beneficiaries of the trust and the trust was established by Daniel G. Cohen,
executive chairman of the Company’s board of directors and executive chairman of the Operating LLC’s board of managers. Daniel G. Cohen does not have any voting or
dispositive control of securities held in the interest of the trust. Pursuant to the DGC Trust’s governing documents, Daniel G. Cohen has the ability to acquire at any
time any of the DGC Trust’s assets, including the units of membership interests, by substituting other property of an equivalent value without the approval or consent
of any person, including any trustee or beneficiary of the DGC Trust. In March 2017, the 2017 Convertible Note was issued to DGC Trust. The Company incurred
interest expense on the 2017 Convertible Note which is included in the table below.
C. Duane Morris, LLP (“Duane Morris”)
Duane Morris is an international law firm and serves as legal counsel to the Company. Duane Morris is considered a related party because a partner at Duane Morris is
a member of the same household as a director of the Company. Expense incurred by the Company for services provided by Duane Morris is included within
professional fees and operating expense in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income and are disclosed in the table below.
D. Cohen Circle, LLC ("Cohen Circle")
The Company engaged Betsy Cohen, as an agent of Cohen Circle, as a consultant to provide certain services related to Insurance SPAC III. See note 12. The Company
agreed to pay a consultant fee of $1 per month, which commenced on December 1, 2020 and continued through November 18, 2022, the date Insurance SPAC
III announced that it would not consummate an initial business combination within the time period required. The expense incurred by the Company for the consulting
services provided by Cohen Circle is included within professional fees and operating expense in the consolidated income statement and are disclosed in the table
below.
The Company has a sublease agreement as sub-lessor for certain office space with Cohen Circle. The Company received payments under this sublease agreement,
which are recorded as a reduction in rent and utility expenses. This sublease agreement commenced on August 1, 2018 and has a term that automatically renews for one
year periods if not cancelled by either party upon 90 days’ notice prior to the end of the then-existing term. The income earned pursuant to this sublease agreement is
included as a reduction in rent expense in the consolidated statements of income and is disclosed in the table below.
F-76
Table of Contents
E. Investment Vehicles and Other
Stoa USA Inc. / FlipOS
Stoa USA Inc. / FlipOS was a private company in which the Company owned common equity. It was considered a related party because Daniel G. Cohen was a
member of the board of directors. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had made cumulative investments of $847 in Stoa USA Inc. / FlipOS. During the year
ended December 31, 2023, Stoa USA Inc. / FlipOS announced that it had ceased operations. The Company wrote off its investment during the three months ended
September 30, 2023 and recorded a principal transactions loss. The Company has no remaining investment in Stoa USA Inc. / FlipOS.
The fair value of these investments was included in other investments, at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets; any realized and unrealized gains on
these investments was included in principle transactions and other income on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. All realized
and unrealized gains (losses) are included in the table below.
CK Capital and AOI
In December 2019, the Company acquired a 45% interest in CK Capital Partners B.V. ("CK Capital"). The Company purchased this interest for $18 (of which $17
was paid to an entity controlled by Daniel G. Cohen). CK Capital is a private company incorporated in the Netherlands and provides asset and investment
advisory services relating to real estate holdings. In addition, the Company also acquired a 10% interest in Amerisfoot Office Investment I Cooperatief U.A.
("AOI"), a real estate holding company, for $1 from entities controlled by Daniel G. Cohen. CK Capital and AOI are related parties as they are equity method
investments of the Company. Income earned, or loss incurred, by the Company on the equity method investments in CK Capital and AOI is included in the tables
below. In accordance with the CK Capital shareholders agreement, the Company may receive fees for consulting services provided by the Company to CK
Capital. Any fees earned for such consulting services are included in principal transactions and other income in the table below. See note 12.
CREO JV
CREO JV is considered a related party because it is an equity method investment of the Company. The Company has an investment in and a servicing agreement
with CREO JV. Income earned, or loss incurred, on the investment is included as part of principal transactions and other income. Revenue earned on the
servicing contract is included as part of asset management in the table below. As of December 31, 2024, the Company owned 7.5% of the equity of CREO JV.
U.S. Insurance JV
U.S. Insurance JV is considered a related party because it is an equity method investment of the Company. The Company has an investment in and a management
contract with U.S. Insurance JV. Income earned, or loss incurred, on the investment is included as part of principal transactions and other income. Revenue
earned on the management contract is included as part of asset management in the table below. As of December 31, 2024, the Company owned 1.86% of the
equity of U.S. Insurance JV.
SPAC Fund
The SPAC Fund was considered a related party because it was an equity method investment of the Company prior to its consolidation effective April 1, 2023 (see
note 4). The Company had an investment in and a management contract with the SPAC Fund. Income earned, or loss incurred, on the investment prior to
consolidation is included as part of principal transactions and other income in the table below. Revenue earned on the management contract prior to
consolidation is included as part of asset management in the table below.
Insurance SPAC III
Insurance SPAC III was considered a related party because it was an equity method investment of the Company. The Operating LLC was the manager of the
Insurance SPAC III Sponsor Entities, and the Company consolidated the Insurance SPAC III Sponsor Entities. On November 18, 2022, Insurance SPAC
III announced that, as it would not consummate an initial business combination within the time period required, it would dissolve and liquidate, effective as of the
close of business on December 22, 2022. Prior to November 18, 2022, Insurance SPAC III Sponsor Entities owned 47.3% of the equity in Insurance SPAC III
Sponsor Entities. Income earned, or loss incurred, on the equity method investment in the Insurance SPAC III is included in the table below. The Operating LLC
and Insurance SPAC III entered into an administrative services agreement, dated December 17, 2020, pursuant to which the Operating LLC and Insurance SPAC
III agreed that, commencing on the date that Insurance SPAC III’s securities were first listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market through the earlier of Insurance
SPAC III’s consummation of a business combination and its liquidation, Insurance SPAC III would pay the Operating LLC $20 per month for certain office space,
utilities, and shared personnel support as may be requested by Insurance SPAC III. Revenue earned by the Company from the administrative services agreement
is included as part of principal transactions and other income in the table below.
The Operating LLC loaned to Insurance SPAC III approximately $71 to cover IPO expenses, which was repaid in full at the closing of the IPO. Insurance
Acquisition Sponsor III and its affiliates, including the Operating LLC, also committed to loan Insurance SPAC III up to $1,500 to cover operating and acquisition
related expenses following the IPO, of which $960 was borrowed by Insurance SPAC III prior to November 18, 2022. The loans bore no interest and, as the
Insurance SPAC III failed to consummate a business combination in the required timeframe, the loans will not be repaid The write-off of the loans is included in
equity method loss in 2022. See notes 4 and 12.
F-77
Table of Contents
SPAC Sponsor Entities and Other
In general, a SPAC is initially funded by a sponsor and that sponsor invests in and receives private placement and founder shares of the SPAC. The sponsor may
be organized as a single legal entity or multiple entities under common control. In either case, the entity (or entities) is referred in this section as the sponsor of
the applicable SPAC. The Company had the following transactions with various sponsors of SPACs that are related parties, which the Company does not
consolidate.
Fintech Acquisition Corp. V ("FTAC V") was a SPAC. The sponsor of FTAC V ("FTAC V Sponsor") is a related party as it was an equity method
investment of the Company. The Company made a sponsor investment in FTAC V Sponsor, receiving an allocation of 140,000 founder shares. On December
14, 2020, the Operating LLC entered into a letter agreement with FTAC V Sponsor whereby the Operating LLC would provide personnel to serve as the chief
financial officer as well as other accounting and administrative services to FTAC V Sponsor for a period not longer than 24 months. As consideration for
these services, the Company received an allocation of 35,000 founder shares of FTAC V stock to the Operating LLC and recorded an equity method
investment of $40 for the valuation of these services. The revenue earned on this arrangement is disclosed in principal transactions and other income, other
SPAC entities in the table below. FTAC V liquidated in 2022.
Fintech Acquisition Corp. VI ("FTAC VI") was a SPAC. The sponsor of FTAC VI ("FTAC VI Sponsor") is a related party as it was an equity method
investment of the Company. On June 26, 2021, the Operating LLC entered into a letter agreement with FTAC VI Sponsor whereby the Operating LLC would
provide personnel to serve as the chief financial officer as well as other accounting and administrative services to FTAC VI Sponsor for a period not longer
than 24 months. As consideration for these services, the Company received an allocation of 35,000 founder shares of FTAC VI stock to the Operating LLC
and recorded an equity method investment of $40 for the valuation of these services. The revenue earned on this arrangement is disclosed in principal
transactions and other income, other SPAC entities in the table below. FTAC VI liquidated in 2022.
FTAC Athena Acquisition Corp. ("FTAC Athena") was a SPAC. The sponsor of FTAC Athena ("FTAC Athena Sponsor") is a related party as it was an
equity method investment of the Company. On February 26, 2021, the Operating LLC entered into a letter agreement with FTAC Athena Sponsor whereby
the Operating LLC would provide personnel to serve as the chief financial officer as well as other accounting and administrative services to FTAC Athena
Sponsor for a period not longer than 24 months. As consideration for these services, the Company received an allocation of 35,000 founder shares of FTAC
Athena stock to the Operating LLC and recorded an equity method investment of $40 for the valuation of these services. The revenue earned on this
arrangement is disclosed in principal transactions and other income, other SPAC entities in the table below. FTAC Athena liquidated in 2023.
FTAC Hera Acquisition Corp. ("FTAC Hera") was a SPAC. The sponsor of FTAC Hera ("FTAC Hera Sponsor") is a related party as it was an equity method
investment of the Company. On March 5, 2021, the Operating LLC entered into a letter agreement with FTAC Hera Sponsor whereby the Operating LLC
would provide personnel to serve as the chief financial officer as well as other accounting and administrative services to FTAC Hera Sponsor for a period
not longer than 24 months. As consideration for these services, the Company received an allocation of 35,000 founder shares of FTAC Hera stock to the
Operating LLC and recorded an equity method investment of $40 for the valuation of these services. The revenue earned on this arrangement is disclosed in
principal transactions and other income, other SPAC entities in the table below. FTAC Hera liquidated in 2022.
FTAC Parnassus Acquisition Corp. ("FTAC Parnassus") was a SPAC. The sponsor of FTAC Parnassus ("FTAC Parnassus Sponsor") is a related party as it
was an equity method investment of the Company. On March 15, 2021, the Operating LLC entered into a letter agreement with FTAC
Parnassus Sponsor whereby the Operating LLC would provide personnel to serve as the chief financial officer as well as other accounting and
administrative services to FTAC Parnassus Sponsor for a period not longer than 24 months. As consideration for these services, the Company received an
allocation of 35,000 founder shares of FTAC Parnassus stock to the Operating LLC and recorded an equity method investment of $40 for the valuation of
these services. The revenue earned on this arrangement is disclosed in principal transactions and other income, other SPAC entities in the table below.
FTAC Parnassus liquidated in 2022.
F-78
Table of Contents
FTAC Zeus Acquisition Corp. ("FTAC Zeus") was a SPAC. The sponsor of FTAC Zeus ("FTAC Zeus Sponsor") is a related party as it was an equity
method investment of the Company. On November 24, 2021, the Operating LLC entered into a letter agreement with FTAC Zeus Sponsor whereby the
Operating LLC would provide personnel to serve as the chief financial officer as well as other accounting and administrative services to FTAC
Zeus Sponsor for a period not longer than 24 months. As consideration for these services, the Company received an allocation of 35,000 founders shares of
FTAC Zeus stock to the Operating LLC and recorded an equity method investment of $40 for the valuation of these services. The revenue earned on this
arrangement is disclosed in principal transactions and other income, other SPAC entities in the table below. FTAC Zeus liquidated in 2023.
FTAC Emerald Acquisition Corp. ("FTAC Emerald") is a SPAC. The sponsor of FTAC Emerald ("FTAC Emerald Sponsor") is a related party as it is an
equity method investment of the Company. On December 20, 2021, the Operating LLC entered into a letter agreement with FTAC Emerald Sponsor whereby
the Operating LLC would provide personnel to serve as the chief financial officer as well as other accounting and administrative services to FTAC
Emerald Sponsor for a period not longer than 24 months. As consideration for these services, the Company received an allocation of 35,000 founders
shares of FTAC Emerald stock to the Operating LLC and recorded an equity method investment of $40 for the valuation of these services. The revenue
earned on this arrangement is disclosed in principal transactions and other income, other SPAC entities in the table below. The Company made an
additional investment of $47 in another subsidiary of FTAC Emerald Sponsor in the form of a promissory note and this amount was written off in 2024. This
write off is included in income (loss) from equity method affiliates in the table below.
Vellar Opportunities GP, LLC
On February 25, 2025, the Operating LLC entered into (i) a Limited Liability Company Interest Purchase Agreement with Jason Capone and Solomon Cohen,
who is the son of our Executive Chairman, Daniel G. Cohen (the “Vellar Purchase Agreement”); and (ii) a Transition Services Agreement (the “Vellar
Transition Services Agreement” and, together with the Vellar Purchase Agreement, the “Vellar Agreements”) with Vellar Opportunities GP LLC, a Delaware
limited liability company (“Vellar GP”).
Prior to entering into the Vellar Agreements, the Operating LLC was the managing member and owner of 33.4% of Vellar GP.
Pursuant to the Vellar Purchase Agreement, the Operating LLC sold all of its 33.4% interest in Vellar GP to each of Solomon Cohen and Jason Capone for an
aggregate of $10. As of February 25, 2025 and as a result of the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Vellar Purchase Agreement, the
Company no longer had any investment in Vellar GP. Pursuant to the Vellar Purchase Agreement, the Operating LLC resigned as the managing member of
Vellar GP, effective February 25, 2025. In the first quarter of 2025, the Company expects to record a net loss of $404 related to Vellar GP which includes both
the loss on sale and results of operations for the 2025 period prior to the sale.
Pursuant to the Vellar Transition Services Agreement, in exchange for the Operating LLC’s agreement to provide certain transitional services to Vellar GP,
Vellar GP agreed to pay to the Operating LLC certain defined revenue share amounts up to an aggregate of $4,234; and (ii) agreed to decrease the amount
which the Operating LLC had previously agreed to pay to Vellar GP in connection with the funding of certain Vellar GP litigation expenses from $2,121 to
$1,084.
Other
The Company invests in sponsor entities of SPACS, either directly or through its interest in the SPAC Series Funds, which are not otherwise affiliated with
the Company, but are considered related parties because they are accounted for under the equity method. As of December 31, 2024, the Company owned
5.35% of these entities in the aggregate. Income earned, or loss incurred, on the equity method investment in these other SPAC sponsor entities is included
in the table below.
F-79
Table of Contents
The following table displays the routine transactions recognized in the statements of operations from the identified related parties that are described above.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
(Dollars in Thousands)
For the Years Ended December 31,
2024
2023
2022
Asset management
CREO JV
$
711 $
113 $
-
SPAC Fund
-
173
954
U.S. Insurance JV
1,165
1,201
1,069
$
1,876 $
1,487 $
2,023
Principal transactions and other income
CREO JV
$
617 $
901 $
32
Insurance SPAC III
-
-
220
Other SPAC Entities
5
50
160
SPAC Fund
-
28
(43)
Stoa USA Inc./FlipOS
-
(6,847)
4,196
U.S. Insurance JV
17
463
11
$
639 $
(5,405) $
4,576
Income (loss) from equity method affiliates
Dutch Real Estate Entities
$
(759) $
334 $
(71)
Insurance SPAC III
-
-
(5,896)
Other SPAC Entities
22,463
15,275
(14,962)
$
21,704 $
15,609 $
(20,929)
Operating expense (income)
Duane Morris
$
632 $
432 $
621
Cohen Circle
(104)
(103)
(66)
$
528 $
329 $
555
Interest expense (income)
JKD Investor
$
1,050 $
941 $
943
DGC Trust
-
-
327
$
1,050 $
941 $
1,270
The following related party transactions are non-routine and are not included in the table above.
H. Directors and Employees
On October 1, 2024, the Company assumed the final year obligation of a three-year corporate aircraft program arrangement from the Company's executive chairman,
Daniel G. Cohen. The cost of the final year obligation is $1,208. The arrangement allows for an allotted number of hours of air travel on selected aircraft. The Company
intends to use the air travel for general business purposes. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recognized $291 of amortization expense on this
lease, which is record in business development, occupancy, equipment expense in the consolidated statement of operations.
The Company has entered into employment agreements with Daniel G. Cohen, its executive chairman, and Joseph W. Pooler, Jr., its chief financial officer. The Company
has entered into its standard indemnification agreement with each of its directors and executive officers.
The Company maintains a 401(k)-savings plan covering substantially all its employees. The Company matches 50% of employee contributions for all participants not to
exceed 3% of their salary. Contributions made to the plan on behalf of the Company were $438, $396, and $377 for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022,
respectively.
The Company leased office space from Zucker and Moore, LLC. Zucker and Moore, LLC is partially owned by Jack DiMaio, Jr., the vice chairman of the Company's
board of directors. The lease terminated June 20, 2022. The Company recorded $48 of rent expense related to this agreement for the year ended December 31, 2022, which
is included as a component of business development, occupancy, and equipment in the statement of operations.
F-80
Table of Contents
32. DUE FROM / DUE TO RELATED PARTIES
Amounts due to related parties related to redeemable financial instruments and outstanding debt are included as components of those balances in the consolidated
balance sheets. In addition, interest or investment return owed on those balances are included as a component of accounts payable and other liabilities in the
consolidated balance sheets. Any investment made in an equity method affiliate for which the Company does not elect the fair value option is included as a component
of investments in equity method affiliates in the consolidated balance sheets. Any investment made in an equity method affiliate for which the Company elected the fair
value option is included as a component of other investments, at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets.
The following table summarizes the outstanding due from /due to related parties. These amounts may result from normal operating advances, employee advances, or
from timing differences between the transactions disclosed in note 31 and final settlement of those transactions in cash. All amounts are primarily non-interest bearing.
DUE FROM/DUE TO RELATED PARTIES
(Dollars in Thousands)
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
CREO JV
$
74 $
-
Employee & other
458
319
SPAC Fund - other receivable
127
15
U.S. Insurance JV
282
438
Due from Related Parties
$
941 $
772
F-81
Table of Contents
SCHEDULE I
COHEN & COMPANY INC.
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
COHEN & COMPANY INC. (PARENT COMPANY)
Unaudited
Balance Sheets
(Dollars in Thousands)
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Assets
Cash
$
- $
-
Investment in Cohen & Company, LLC
67,743
67,670
Prepaid income taxes
20
38
Total assets
$
67,763 $
67,708
Liabilities
Accrued interest and other liabilities
$
340 $
342
Deferred income taxes
437
468
Debt
25,258
25,216
Total liabilities
26,035
26,026
Stockholders’ Equity
Preferred Stock
27
27
Common Stock
20
19
Additional paid-in capital
76,704
74,594
Accumulated deficit
(34,016)
(32,014)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(1,007)
(944)
Total stockholders’ equity
41,728
41,682
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
67,763 $
67,708
See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
F-82
Table of Contents
COHEN & COMPANY INC.
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
COHEN & COMPANY INC. (PARENT COMPANY)
Unaudited
Statements of Operations
(Dollars in Thousands)
For the Year Ended December 31,
2024
2023
2022
Revenues
Equity in undistributed earnings / (loss) from Cohen & Company, LLC
$
4,553 $
3,708 $
(4,953)
Total revenues
4,553
3,708
(4,953)
Operating income / (loss)
4,553
3,708
(4,953)
Non-operating expense
Interest expense
(4,695)
(5,247)
(3,443)
Income / (loss) before income taxes
(142)
(1,539)
(8,396)
Income tax (benefit) / expense
(13)
3,574
4,993
Net income / (loss)
$
(129) $
(5,113) $
(13,389)
See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
F-83
Table of Contents
COHEN & COMPANY INC.
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
COHEN & COMPANY INC. (PARENT COMPANY)
Unaudited
Statements of Cash Flows
(Dollars in Thousands)
For the Year Ended December 31,
2024
2023
2022
Operating activities
Net income / (loss)
$
(129) $
(5,113) $
(13,389)
Adjustments to reconcile net income / (loss) to net cash provided by / (used) in operating
activities:
Equity in undistributed earnings / (loss) from Cohen & Company, LLC
(4,553)
(3,708)
4,953
Distributions from / (contributions to) Cohen & Company, LLC
6,428
6,223
5,433
Amortization of discount of debt
42
692
563
(Increase) / decrease in other assets
18
108
(166)
Increase / (decrease) in accounts payable and other liabilities
(2)
35
199
Increase / (decrease) in deferred income taxes
(31)
3,561
5,041
Net cash provided by / (used in) operating activities
1,773
1,798
2,634
Financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of Common Stock
154
-
-
Cash used to net share settle equity awards
(54)
(48)
(76)
Dividends paid to stockholders
(1,873)
(1,750)
(2,558)
Net cash provided by / (used in) financing activities
(1,773)
(1,798)
(2,634)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
-
-
-
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
-
-
-
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
- $
- $
-
See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
F-84
Table of Contents
COHEN & COMPANY INC.
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
COHEN & COMPANY INC. (PARENT COMPANY)
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Unaudited
(Dollars in thousands)
The accompanying condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes of Cohen & Company
Inc. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. The Company paid or received cash distributions to / from
Cohen & Company, LLC as disclosed above in the statements of cash flow.
F-85