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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2009
Commission File Number 1-15799
LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES
INC.
(Exact Name Of Registrant As Specified In Its Charter)
Florida
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
4400 Biscayne Boulevard, 12th Floor
Miami, Florida
(Address of principal executive offices)
65-0701248
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
33137
(Zip Code)
(212) 409-2000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, par value $.0001 per share
NYSE Amex
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the
Securities Act. Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d)
of the Exchange Act. Yes o No þ
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 þ No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 Regulation S-K is not
contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or
information statement incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate
Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of
Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-
accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated
filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o Smaller reporting company þ
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange
Act). Yes o No þ
As of June 30, 2009 (the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter),
the aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock (based on the closing price on the NYSE Amex on
that date) held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $49,900,000.
As of March 11, 2010, there were 167,932,038 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.
Documents Incorporated by Reference:
Part III (Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated by reference from
the definitive Proxy Statement for the 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the end of the Registrant’s fiscal year covered by this report.
LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Form 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
Business
Risk Factors
Unresolved Staff Comments
Properties
Legal Proceedings
Removed and Reserved
PART II
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer
Purchases of Equity Securities
Selected Financial Data
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial
Disclosure
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 7A.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A(T).
Item 9B.
Controls and Procedures
Other Information
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Executive Compensation
PART III
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related
Stockholder Matters
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
PART IV
SIGNATURES
EX-21
EX-23.1
EX-31.1
EX-31.2
EX-32.1
EX-32.2
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ITEM 1. BUSINESS.
General
PART I
We are engaged in investment banking, equity research, institutional sales and trading, independent
brokerage and advisory services and asset management services through our principal subsidiaries, Ladenburg
Thalmann & Co. Inc. (“Ladenburg”), Investacorp Inc. (collectively with related companies, “Investacorp”),
Triad Advisors, Inc. (“Triad”) and Ladenburg Thalmann Asset Management Inc. (“LTAM”). We are committed
to establishing a significant presence in the financial services industry by meeting the varying investment
needs of our corporate, institutional and retail clients.
Ladenburg is a full service broker-dealer that has been a member of the New York Stock Exchange
(“NYSE”) since 1879. It provides its services principally for middle market and emerging growth companies
and high net worth individuals through a coordinated effort among corporate finance, capital markets, asset
management, brokerage and trading professionals.
Investacorp, headquartered in Miami Lakes, Florida, is an independent broker-dealer and registered
investment advisor that has been serving the independent financial advisor community since 1978.
Investacorp’s national network of independent financial advisors primarily serves retail clients. We acquired
Investacorp in October 2007.
Triad, headquartered in Norcross, Georgia, is an independent broker-dealer and registered investment
advisor that offers a broad range of products, services and total wealth management solutions to independent
contractor financial advisors located nationwide. Triad’s independent financial advisors primarily serve retail
clients. Triad was founded in 1998 and we acquired Triad in August 2008.
LTAM, headquartered in New York, NY, is a registered investment advisor. LTAM offers various asset
management products utilized by Ladenburg clients as well as clients of Investacorp and Triad’s financial
advisors.
Through our acquisitions of Investacorp and Triad, we have become a significant presence in the
independent broker-dealer space. During the past decade, this has been one of the fastest growing segments of
the financial services industry. With combined revenues of approximately $112 million for 2009 and
approximately 1,000 financial advisors for Investacorp and Triad, we have become one of the approximately
25 largest firms in the independent broker-dealer space. We believe that, as a result of the current market
turmoil, we have the opportunity through acquisition and recruiting to significantly expand our market share
in this segment over the next several years. Our goal remains as a public financial services company to marry
the more recurring and predictable revenue and cash flows of the independent broker-dealer business with
Ladenburg’s traditional investment banking, capital markets, institutional equity and related businesses.
Ladenburg’s businesses are generally more volatile and subject to the cycles of the capital markets than our
independent broker-dealer subsidiaries, but historically have enjoyed strong operating margins in good
market conditions.
Each of Ladenburg, Investacorp and Triad is subject to regulation by, among others, the Securities and
Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), and the Municipal
Securities Rulemaking Board (“MSRB”) and is a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation
(“SIPC”). Ladenburg and Triad are also subject to regulation by the Commodities Futures Trading
Commission (“CFTC”) and National Futures Association.
Ladenburg’s private client services and institutional sales departments serve approximately 12,000
accounts nationwide and LTAM provides investment management services to numerous individuals and
institutions. At December 31, 2009, Investacorp’s approximately 460 financial advisors served approximately
134,000 accounts nationwide and Investacorp had approximately $7.3 billion in client assets. Triad’s
approximately 540 financial advisors served approximately 130,000 accounts nationwide and had
approximately $10.3 billion in client assets at December 31, 2009.
We were incorporated under the laws of the State of Florida in February 1996. Our principal executive
offices are located at 4400 Biscayne Boulevard, 12th Floor, Miami, Florida 33137. Our telephone number is
(212) 409-2000. Ladenburg and LTAM’s principal executive offices are located at 520 Madison Avenue, New
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York, New York 10022. Ladenburg has branch offices located in Melville, New York, Miami and Boca Raton,
Florida, Lincolnshire, Illinois, Los Angeles, California and Princeton, New Jersey. Investacorp’s principal
executive offices are located at 15450 New Barn Road, Miami Lakes, Florida 33014. Investacorp’s
independent financial advisors are located in approximately 309 offices in 42 states. Triad’s principal
executive offices are located at 5185 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 280, Norcross, GA 30092. Triad’s independent
financial advisors are located in approximately 257 offices in 40 states.
Available Information
Our corporate filings, including our annual reports on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, our
current reports on Form 8-K, our proxy statements and reports filed by our officers and directors under
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any amendments to those filings, are
available, free of charge, on Ladenburg’s website, www.ladenburg.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after
we electronically file or furnish such material with the SEC. We do not intend for information contained in our
website, or those of our subsidiaries, to be a part of this annual report on Form 10-K. In February 2004, our
board of directors adopted a code of ethics that applies to our directors, officers and employees as well as
those of our subsidiaries. We will provide to any person, without charge, a copy of our code of ethics.
Requests for copies of our code of ethics should be sent in writing to Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services
Inc., 4400 Biscayne Blvd., 12th Floor, Miami, FL 33137, Attn: Corporate Counsel.
Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors
This annual report on Form 10-K includes certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management’s current
expectations or beliefs and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may vary
materially from the expectations contained in this report due to changes in economic, business, competitive,
strategic and/or regulatory factors, and other factors affecting the operation of our businesses. For more
detailed information about these factors, and risk factors about our operations, see Item 1A, “Risk Factors,”
and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition — Special
Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” below. We are not required (and expressly disclaim any
obligation) to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information,
subsequent events or otherwise.
Recent Developments
Amendment of Clearing Arrangements and Forgivable Loan
In August 2009, we amended the terms of our clearing agreements with National Financial Services LLC
(“NFS”), a Fidelity Investments company. NFS now serves as the exclusive clearing broker for Ladenburg,
Investacorp and Triad, and the clearing agreements between the firms and NFS have a seven-year term. We are
realizing significant cost savings as a result of these new clearing arrangements.
On August 25, 2009, NFS provided us with a seven-year, $10,000,000 forgivable loan. Interest on the
loan accrues at the prime rate plus 2%. If our broker-dealer subsidiaries meet certain aggregate annual clearing
revenue targets set forth in the loan agreement, the principal balance of the loan will be forgiven in seven
equal yearly installments of $1,429,000 commencing in August 2010 and continuing on an annual basis
through August 2016. Interest payments due for each such year also will be forgiven if we meet the annual
clearing revenue targets. Any principal amounts not forgiven will be due in August 2016, and any interest
payments not forgiven are due annually. If any principal amount is not forgiven, we may have such principal
forgiven in future years if our broker-dealer subsidiaries exceed subsequent annual clearing revenue targets.
We have expensed, and expect to continue to expense, interest under the loan agreement until such interest is
forgiven.
The loan agreement contains other covenants including limitations on the incurrence of additional
indebtedness, maintenance of minimum adjusted shareholders’ equity levels and a prohibition on the
termination of our revolving credit agreement. If an event of default occurs, the outstanding principal and
interest under the loan agreement may be accelerated and become immediately due and payable. If the
clearing agreements are terminated prior to the loan maturity date, all amounts then outstanding must be
repaid on demand. The loan agreement is
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collateralized by our (but not our broker-dealer subsidiaries’) deposits and accounts held at NFS or its
affiliates, which amounted to $468,000 at December 31, 2009.
We used the loan proceeds to repay amounts outstanding under our revolving credit agreement. We
intend to use the increased availability under that facility to support our strategy to become a leader in the
independent broker-dealer space.
Acquisition Strategy
We continue to explore opportunities to grow our businesses, including through potential acquisitions of
other securities and investment banking firms, both domestically and internationally. These acquisitions may
involve payments of material amounts of cash, the incurrence of material amounts of debt or the issuance of
significant amounts of our equity securities, which may be dilutive to our existing shareholders and/or may
increase our leverage. We cannot assure you that we will be able to complete any such potential acquisitions
on acceptable terms or at all or, if we do, that any acquired business will be profitable. Also we may not be
able to integrate successfully acquired businesses into our existing business and operations.
Business Segments
Effective as of October 19, 2007 (the date we acquired Investacorp), we have two operating segments
which correspond to our Ladenburg subsidiary and our independent brokerage and advisory services business
conducted by Investacorp and Triad. Financial and other information by segment for the years ended
December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 is set forth in Note 16 to our consolidated financial statements.
Ladenburg
Ladenburg is a full-service investment bank that provides investment banking, sales and trading and
equity research to its corporate and institutional clients and high net-worth individuals.
Investment Banking Activities
Ladenburg’s investment banking professionals provide corporate finance and strategic and financial
advisory services to public and private companies, primarily those companies with market capitalizations
below $500 million, which we refer to as middle-market companies. Ladenburg provides these middle-market
companies with capital raising and strategic advisory services throughout their growth cycles. Ladenburg
offers its clients a high level of attention from senior personnel and has designed its organizational structure
so that the investment bankers who are responsible for securing and maintaining client relationships also
actively participate in providing all related transaction execution services to those clients. Ladenburg’s 19
investment banking professionals serve clients nationwide and worldwide from its offices in Miami, Florida
and New York, New York.
Corporate Finance
Ladenburg’s capital markets group provides capital origination services primarily to middle-market
companies. Ladenburg’s investment bankers develop financing strategies, transaction structures and financing
instruments for its corporate clients. Ladenburg offers a broad range of financing options including
underwritten public offerings, registered direct offerings, at-the-market offerings, PIPEs (private investment in
public equity) and other private placements. Ladenburg’s ability to effectively structure offerings and to
identify likely buyers of such offerings makes it a valuable advisor to small and middle-market companies.
Although the initial public offering market may not be favorable consistently in the future, we expect that
Ladenburg will participate in follow-on offerings, PIPEs, registered direct offerings and private placements to
generate corporate finance revenues. We believe there is a significant opportunity for continued growth in the
PIPE and registered direct areas given issuers’ desire to identify and pursue faster and less costly financing
alternatives to traditional follow-on offerings and institutional investors’ continuing interest in these
financing transactions. Further, we believe the establishment of relationships with issuers through our capital
raising efforts will lead to additional investment banking services, including further capital raising, and other
advisory services. In 2009, Ladenburg placed 11 registered direct and
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PIPE offerings, which raised approximately $124 million for clients in the healthcare, biotechnology, energy
and other industries.
Ladenburg seeks to capitalize on its distribution network by focusing on the financial services and
energy/utilities sectors. These sectors have yield-oriented equities which are attractive to institutional and
retail investors. These yield products include offerings by mortgage REITS, business development companies
(BDCs) and master limited partnerships (MLPs). Ladenburg also has dedicated investment bankers focused on
the healthcare and biotechnology sectors.
Strategic and Financial Advisory Services
Ladenburg advises clients on a wide range of strategic and financial issues. When Ladenburg advises a
company in the potential acquisition of another company, business or assets, its services include evaluating
potential acquisition targets, providing valuation analyses, evaluating and proposing financial and strategic
alternatives and rendering, if appropriate, fairness opinions. Ladenburg also may provide advice regarding the
timing, structure, financing and pricing of a proposed acquisition and may assist in negotiating and closing
the acquisition. Ladenburg’s buy-side and sell-side mandates often require that it leverage its extensive
relationships and capital markets expertise. These mandates generally have a limited duration so Ladenburg
seeks to develop new engagements from existing and prior clients, as well as their legal and other advisors.
Ladenburg has extensive expertise in the fairness opinion market. Fairness opinions often are necessary or
requested in a variety of situations, including mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, financings and
privatizations. Ladenburg provides fairness opinions and analyses to boards of directors, independent
committees of boards of directors and shareholders. The firm also provides objective advice on the valuation
of businesses and securities in connection with mergers, acquisitions, leveraged buyouts and restructurings,
going-private transactions and certain other market activities. Also, Ladenburg’s professionals have extensive
valuation expertise and regularly determine the value of private companies, closely-held business interests,
limited partnership interests, intellectual property and other intangible assets and corporate securities with
marketability concerns.
Sales and Trading
Ladenburg’s private client services and institutional sales departments currently serve a total of
approximately 12,000 accounts nationwide. Ladenburg charges commissions to its individual and
institutional clients for executing securities trading orders.
Ladenburg’s sales and trading operation distributes our equity research product and communicates our
proprietary investment recommendations to our growing base of institutional investors. Also, our sales and
trading staff executes equity trades on behalf of our clients and sells the securities of companies for which we
act as an underwriter.
We have established a broad institutional client base through a consistent focus on the investment and
trading objectives of our clients. Our sales and trading professionals work closely with our equity research
staff to provide insight and differentiated investment advice to institutional clients nationwide.
We believe that our sales and trading clients turn to us for timely, differentiated investment advice. We
believe that our equity research features proprietary themes and actionable ideas about industries and
companies that are not widely evaluated by many other investment banks without our middle-market
emphasis. In recent years, many investment banks have reduced equity research coverage and market making
activities for companies with market capitalizations below certain thresholds. However, we continue to
commit research and sales and trading resources to smaller-capitalization companies with the belief that
institutional investors will value such specialized knowledge and service.
Our sales and trading personnel are also central to our ability to market equity offerings and provide after-
market support. Our equity capital markets group manages the syndication, marketing, execution and
distribution of equity offerings. Our syndicate activities include managing the marketing and order-taking
process for underwritten transactions and conducting after-market stabilization and initial market making. Our
syndicate staff is also responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with the syndicate
departments of other investment banks.
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Research Services
We believe that Ladenburg’s research department takes a fresh, critical approach to analyzing primary
sources and developing proprietary research. Many individuals, institutions, portfolio managers and hedge
fund managers, on all levels, have been neglected by brokerage firms that ignore the demand for unbiased
research for small and mid-cap companies. Ladenburg provides a branded in-depth research product.
Ladenburg’s research department focuses on investigating investment opportunities by utilizing fundamental,
technical and quantitative methods to conduct in-depth analysis. Currently, our research department
specializes in small- to mid-cap companies in the power and electric utilities, exploration and production, oil
services, healthcare, healthcare technology and on a special situations basis and may expand to additional
sectors in the future. Ladenburg recently initiated research coverage on numerous Florida-based companies
and intends to increase its coverage in this geographic area. Research is provided on a fee basis to certain
institutional accounts.
Our research department:
• reviews and analyzes general market conditions and other industry groups;
• issues written reports on companies, with recommendations on specific actions to buy, sell or hold;
• furnishes information to retail and institutional customers; and
• responds to inquires from customers and account executives.
Asset Management
Ladenburg Thalmann Asset Management
LTAM is a registered investment advisor. It offers various asset management products utilized by
Ladenburg clients, as well as clients of Investacorp and Triad’s financial advisors.
Ladenburg Asset Management Program
The Ladenburg Asset Management Program provides centralized management of mutual fund and
exchange-traded fund portfolios based on asset allocation models. Features of the program include active
rebalancing at the asset class and security level, minimum account balance, risk analysis, customized
investment policy statements and comprehensive performance reporting.
Investment Consulting Services
LTAM’s Investment Consulting Services (“ICS”) provides clients with access to professional money
managers usually only available to large institutions, across the spectrum of major asset classes. Whether the
client requires a complete asset allocation strategy or an investment manager for a single asset class, each of
our managers has been thoroughly examined for inclusion in the ICS program. Once a manager has been
added to the platform, it is regularly reviewed in order to ensure that it represents a suitable solution. Through
ICS, LTAM services high net worth clients and institutions, such as foundations and hospitals.
Private Investment Management
The Private Investment Management program allows internal managers to provide portfolio services to
clients on a discretionary basis with specific styles of investing for an annual asset-based fee. The Private
Investment Management Program Accredited (“PIMA”) is offered for accredited investors. The internal PIMA
managers manage certain accounts using various investment strategies, including short-selling and use of
leverage. In addition to an annual asset-based fee, certain customers also are charged an incentive fee, if
earned, at the end of each calendar year.
Retirement Plan Sponsor Services
LTAM provides investment consulting services to sponsors of retirement plans, such as 401(k) plans.
These services include: identifying mutual funds for the plan sponsor’s review and final selection based on
the selection criteria stated in the plan’s investment policy statement; assisting in the planning of, and
participating in, enrollment
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and communication meetings; and providing to the plan sponsor quarterly performance reports of the funds
for the purpose of meeting the plan fiduciary’s obligation to monitor plan assets. Certain plan participants
also may engage LTAM to manage their plan assets on a discretionary basis.
Alternative Investments
LTAM provides high net worth clients and institutional investors the opportunity to invest in proprietary
and third party alternative investments. These include, but are not limited to, hedge funds, funds of funds,
private equity, venture capital and real estate.
Ladenburg Architect Program
LTAM provides its customers the Ladenburg Architect Program as a non-discretionary, fee-based,
advisory account that allows them to maintain control over the management of the account and choose from a
diverse group of securities. The program features quarterly performance monitoring, check writing, a debit
card and online account access.
Third Party Advisory Services
Together with its affiliates, LTAM may also provide advisory services, ranging from proprietary
investment solutions to access to professional money managers for the clients of Triad and Investacorp
Advisory Services, Inc. (“IAS”), Investacorp’s registered investment advisor.
Investment Activities
Ladenburg may from time to time seek to realize investment gains by purchasing, selling and holding
securities for its own account on a daily basis. Ladenburg may also from time to time engage for its own
account in the arbitrage of securities. We are required to commit the capital necessary for use in these
investment activities. The amount of capital committed at any particular time will vary according to market,
economic and financial factors, including the other aspects of our business. Also, Ladenburg regularly
receives shares or warrants that entitle it to purchase securities of the corporate issuers for which it raises
capital or provides advisory services.
Independent Brokerage and Advisory Services
Overview
Investacorp and Triad are independent broker-dealers and registered investment advisors, whose non-
employee financial advisors offer securities brokerage and advisory services to their clients, which may
include packaged products such as mutual funds, variable annuities and advisor managed accounts.
We believe that the financial services industry is experiencing an increase in the number of financial
advisors at independent broker-dealers and registered investment advisors as financial advisors are leaving
large national firms. These new independent financial advisors require client and back office support services
and access to technology and typically become affiliated with an independent broker-dealer. We expect this
trend to continue and possibly accelerate in the future.
A financial advisor who becomes affiliated with Investacorp or Triad generally establishes his or her own
office and is solely responsible for the payment of all expenses associated with the operation of the branch
office (including rent, utilities, furniture, equipment, quotation systems, and general office supplies); although
all of that branch’s revenues from securities brokerage transactions and from advisory services conducted
through Investacorp or Triad accrue to Investacorp or Triad. Because an independent financial advisor bears
the responsibility for these expenses, the financial advisor receives a significant percentage of the
commissions or advisory fees he or she generates, typically at least 80%. This compares with a payout rate of
approximately 25% to 50% to financial advisors working in a traditional brokerage setting where the
brokerage firm bears substantially all of sales force costs, including providing employee benefits, office space,
sales assistants, telephone service and supplies. The independent brokerage model permits Investacorp and
Triad to expand their respective base of revenue and retail distribution network of investment products and
services without the capital expenditures that would be required to
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open company-owned offices and the additional administrative and other costs of hiring financial advisors as
in-house employees.
Investacorp’s and Triad’s financial advisors must possess a sufficient level of business experience to
enable the individual to independently operate his or her own office. Insurance agents, financial planners,
accountants and other financial professionals, who already provide financial services to their clients, often
affiliate with independent broker-dealers. These professionals then offer financial products and services to
their clients through Investacorp and Triad and earn commissions and fees for these transactions and services.
Investacorp’s and Triad’s financial advisors have the ability to structure their own practices and to focus in
different areas of the investment business, subject to Investacorp’s and Triad’s supervisory procedures as well
as compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements.
Many of Investacorp’s and Triad’s financial advisors provide financial planning services to their clients,
wherein the financial advisor evaluates a client’s financial needs and objectives, develops a detailed plan, and
then implements the plan with the client’s approval. When the implementation of such objectives involves
the purchase or sale of securities (including the placement of assets within a managed account) such
transactions may be effected through Investacorp or Triad, for which Investacorp or Triad earns either a
commission or a fee. Representatives may be permitted to conduct other approved businesses unrelated to
their Investacorp or Triad activities, such as offering fixed insurance products and accounting, estate planning
and tax services, among others.
Each financial advisor is required to obtain and maintain in good standing each license required by the
SEC and FINRA to conduct the type of securities or advisory business in which he or she engages, and to
register in the various states in which he or she has customers. Each of Investacorp and Triad is ultimately
responsible for supervising all of its financial advisors wherever they are located. We can incur substantial
liability from improper actions of any of Investacorp’s or Triad’s financial advisors.
Many of Investacorp’s and Triad’s financial advisors are also authorized agents of insurance companies.
Investacorp and Triad process insurance business through subsidiaries or sister companies which are licensed
insurance brokers, as well as through other licensed insurance brokers. We do not act as an insurance company
and therefore retain no insurance risk related to insurance and annuity products.
Investacorp and Triad financial advisors also may provide consultation and financial planning services
including: estate planning, retirement and financial goal planning, educational funding, asset allocation and
insurance needs analysis, as well as general analysis and planning. These financial advisors may prepare a
written financial plan based upon the client’s stated goals, needs and investment profile.
Strategy for our Independent Brokerage and Advisory Services Business
Investacorp and Triad are focused on increasing their networks of financial advisors, revenues and client
assets as described below.
• Recruit experienced financial professionals. Each of Investacorp and Triad actively recruits
experienced financial professionals. These efforts are supported by advertising, targeted direct mail and
inbound and outbound telemarketing. Although Investacorp and Triad will continue to attempt to
recruit those financial advisors who sell primarily mutual funds, annuities and insurance, it also intends
to pursue financial advisors who focus on the sale of equities, fixed income and alternative investment
products.
• Provide technological solutions to home-office employees and independent financial advisors. We
believe that it is imperative that Investacorp and Triad continue to possess state-of-the-art technology
so that their employees and independent financial advisors can effectively transact, facilitate, measure
and record business activity in a timely, accurate and efficient manner. By continuing our commitment
to provide a highly capable technology platform to process business, we believe that Investacorp and
Triad can achieve economies of scale and potentially reduce the need to hire additional personnel.
• Build recurring revenue. We have recognized the trend toward increased investment advisory
business and each of Investacorp and Triad is focused on building its fee based investment advisory
business, which may be better suited for certain clients. While these fees generate substantially lower
first year revenue than
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most commission products, the recurring nature of these fees provides a platform for accelerating future
revenue growth.
• Assist financial advisors to increase their sales. Investacorp and Triad are aligned with their financial
advisors in seeking to increase their sales and improve productivity. Investacorp and Triad undertake
initiatives to assist their financial advisors with client recruitment, training, compliance and product
support. Investacorp and Triad also focus on improving back-office support to allow financial advisors
more time to focus on serving their clients, rather than administrative burdens.
• Acquire other independent brokerage firms. We may also pursue the acquisition of other
independent brokerage firms. The ability to realize growth through acquisitions, however, will depend
on the availability of suitable broker-dealer candidates and our ability to successfully negotiate
favorable terms. There can be no assurance that we will be able to consummate any such acquisitions.
Further, there are costs associated with the integration of new businesses and personnel, which may be
more than anticipated.
Investacorp
Investacorp supports its independent contractor financial advisors in providing products and services to
their clients in approximately 309 branch offices located in 42 states. The number of financial advisors in
these offices ranges from one to 15. Approximately one-quarter of the financial advisors are located in Florida
with a significant number located in New York. Revenues generated from Investacorp’s business represented
34% of our total revenues in 2009.
Triad
Triad supports its independent contractor financial advisors in providing products and services to their
clients in approximately 257 branch offices located in 40 states. The number of financial advisors in these
offices ranges from one to seven. Approximately 15% of the financial advisors are located in Georgia with a
significant number located in Michigan. Revenues generated from the business of Triad represented 40% of
our total revenues in 2009.
Investacorp’s and Triad’s Brokerage Business
Each of Investacorp and Triad provides full support services to each of its financial advisors, including:
access to stock and options execution; products such as insurance, mutual funds, unit trusts and investment
advisory programs; and research, compliance, supervision, accounting and related services.
While an increasing number of clients are electing asset-based advisory fee platforms rather than the
traditional commission schedule, in most cases Investacorp and Triad charge commissions on variable
annuity, mutual fund, equity and fixed income transactions. Investacorp and Triad primarily derive revenue
from commissions from the sale of variable annuity and mutual fund products by their independent financial
advisors. Investacorp and Triad continue to focus on growing asset-based advisory fee platforms.
Investacorp’s Asset Management Business
Advisor Managed Accounts
IAS offers five account structures for advisor managed accounts, based on NFS technologies, allowing its
financial advisors and their clients to determine the best structure for their needs. These accounts consist of:
• Architect — a complete “wrap-fee” account with a $50,000 minimum; no transaction costs for mutual
fund, equity, fixed income or ETF trades.
• Structure — a fee-based account with a $25,000 minimum; allowing transactions in mutual funds,
equities, fixed income or ETFs with transaction costs.
• Choice — a fee-based account with a $25,000 minimum; allowing transactions in mutual funds and
ETFs with transaction costs.
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• Edge — a lower cost alternative fee-based account with a $25,000 minimum; allowing transactions in
non-transaction fee mutual funds with no transaction costs.
• Managed Account Solutions — a fee-based account allowing transactions in mutual funds, equities,
fixed income and ETFs with transaction costs which leverages NFS’ direct technology.
IAS currently offers other account structures for advisor managed accounts, based on the technologies of
its clearing firm, allowing its financial advisors and their clients to determine the best structure for their needs
across multiple clearing options. The accounts in this series are titled Target. The services may include
advisory, administrative and processing functions.
Third Party Programs
For financial advisors who prefer not to act as portfolio managers, IAS offers third party management
options. These options employ managers who select diversified, fee-based asset management investment
portfolios based on a client’s needs. The types of portfolios may include separately managed portfolios, multi-
managed accounts, and mutual fund model portfolios. These portfolios may also include portfolio analytics,
performance reporting and position-specific reporting.
Triad’s Asset Management Business
Advisor Managed Accounts
Triad offers four account structures for advisor managed accounts allowing its financial advisors and their
clients to determine the best structure for their needs. These accounts consist of:
• Summit — a mutual fund “wrap” account with a $50,000 minimum; no transaction costs for mutual
fund transactions.
• Pinnacle — a complete “wrap” account with a $150,000 minimum; no transaction costs for mutual
fund, equity, ETF or fixed income trades.
• Apex — no account minimum; discounted transaction costs.
• Crown — no account minimum; $20 annual fee; discounted transaction costs.
Third Party Managed Accounts
For financial advisors who prefer not to act as portfolio managers, Triad offers the following third party
management options:
• Privately managed accounts — provides a broad selection of managers from which to select, together
with consultation with Triad regarding appropriate options.
• Odyssey — designed for “mid-net-worth” accounts; provides a diversified, fee-based asset management
solution with portfolio analytics.
• Managed Account Solutions — provides a turn-key asset management platform offering fee-based asset
management through separate managed accounts, multi-managed accounts and mutual fund model
portfolios; includes analytics and performance and position-specific reporting.
Investalink
Investalink® is our proprietary and customized back-office and financial advisor workstation. We believe
this proprietary technology provides a key competitive advantage in recruitment and retention of financial
advisors in our independent brokerage and advisory services segment. Investalink® allows for online account
opening, consolidated statements for multiple clearing firms and fund families, compliance monitoring,
commissions tracking, comprehensive client management and other features. Also, Investalink’s financial
advisor desktop combines transactional and trend analysis, links to real-time market data, quick logins for
inter-application
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connectivity and integration of third-party applications. Investacorp’s financial advisors currently use
Investalink®. During 2010, Triad will make Investalink® available to its financial advisors.
Administration, Operations, Securities Transactions Processing and Customer Accounts
Our broker-dealer subsidiaries do not hold funds or securities for their customers. Instead, each of
Ladenburg, Triad and Investacorp use the services of NFS as its clearing agent on a fully disclosed basis. The
clearing agent processes all securities transactions and maintains customer accounts on a fee basis. SIPC
coverage protects client accounts up to $500,000 per customer, including up to $100,000 for cash. NFS also
maintains excess securities bonds, “Excess SIPC”, providing additional protection. Clearing agent services
include billing, credit control, and receipt, custody and delivery of securities. The clearing agent provides
operational support necessary to process, record and maintain securities transactions for Ladenburg’s,
Investacorp’s and Triad’s brokerage activities. The clearing agent also lends funds to Ladenburg’s,
Investacorp’s and Triad’s customers through the use of margin credit. These loans are made to customers on a
secured basis, with the clearing agent maintaining collateral in the form of saleable securities, cash or cash
equivalents. We have agreed to indemnify the clearing agent for losses it may incur on these credit
arrangements. During the first quarter of 2010, Investacorp consolidated from three clearing agents to one
firm, NFS.
Seasonality and Cyclical Factors
Seasonality generally does not impact our results. Our revenues may be adversely affected by cyclical
factors, such as the current financial market downturn as well as problems or recessions in the U.S. or global
economies. These downturns may cause investor concern, which results in fewer investment banking
transactions and less investing by institutional and retail investors, thereby reducing our revenues and
potential profits. Such conditions might also expose us to the risk of being unable to raise additional capital
to offset related significant reductions in revenues.
Competition
We encounter intense competition in all aspects of our business and compete directly with many other
providers of financial services for clients as well as financial advisors. We compete directly with many
national and regional full service financial services firms, discount brokers, investment advisors, broker-dealer
subsidiaries of major commercial bank holding companies, insurance companies and other companies offering
financial services in the U.S., globally, and through the Internet. Many of our competitors have significantly
greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources than we do. Also, many firms offer discount
brokerage services and generally effect transactions at substantially lower commission rates on an “execution
only” basis, without offering other services such as investment recommendations and research. Moreover,
there is substantial commission discounting by full-service broker-dealers competing for institutional and
retail brokerage business.
A growing number of brokerage firms offer online trading which has further intensified the competition
for brokerage customers. Ladenburg, Investacorp and Triad currently do not offer any online trading services
to their customers, although they offer on-line account access to their customers to review their account
balances and activity. Competition also is increasing from other financial institutions, notably banking
institutions, insurance companies and other organizations, which offer customers some of the same services
and products presently provided by securities firms. We seek to compete through the quality of our financial
advisors and investment bankers, our level of service, the products and services we offer and our expertise in
certain areas.
There is significant competition for qualified personnel in the financial services industry. Our ability to
compete effectively depends on attracting, retaining and motivating qualified financial advisors, investment
bankers, trading professionals, portfolio managers and other revenue-producing or specialized personnel.
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Government Regulation
The securities industry, including our business, is subject to extensive regulation by the SEC, state
securities regulators and other governmental regulatory authorities. The principal purpose of these regulations
is the protection of customers and the securities markets. The SEC is the federal agency charged with the
administration of the federal securities laws. Much of the regulation of broker-dealers, however, has been
delegated to self-regulatory organizations, principally FINRA and the MSRB. These self-regulatory
organizations adopt rules, subject to approval by the SEC, which govern their members and conduct periodic
examinations of member firms’ operations.
Securities firms are also subject to regulation by state securities commissions in the states in which they
are registered. Ladenburg is a registered broker-dealer with the SEC and a member firm of the NYSE. Each of
Investacorp and Triad is a registered broker-dealer with the SEC. Each of Ladenburg, Investacorp and Triad is
licensed to conduct activities as a broker-dealer in all 50 states.
The regulations to which broker-dealers are subject cover all aspects of the securities industry, including:
• sales methods and supervision;
• trading practices among broker-dealers;
• use and safekeeping of customers’ funds and securities;
• capital structure of securities firms;
• record keeping;
• conduct of directors, officers and employees; and
• advertising, including regulations related to telephone solicitation.
As registered investment advisors under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, Triad, LTAM
and IAS are subject to the regulations under both the Investment Advisers Act and certain state securities laws
and regulations. Such requirements relate to, among other things:
• limitations on the ability of investment advisors to charge performance-based or non-refundable fees to
clients;
• record-keeping and reporting requirements;
• disclosure requirements;
• limitations on principal transactions between an advisor or its affiliates and advisory clients; and
• general anti-fraud prohibitions.
Additional legislation, changes in rules promulgated by the SEC and by self-regulatory bodies and
changes in the interpretation or enforcement of existing laws and rules often directly affect the method of
operation and profitability of broker-dealers. The SEC and the self-regulatory bodies may conduct
administrative proceedings which can result in censure, fine, suspension or expulsion of a broker-dealer, its
officers, employees or financial advisors.
Net Capital Requirements
Our registered broker-dealer subsidiaries are subject to the SEC’s net capital rule, which is designed to
measure the general financial integrity and liquidity of a broker-dealer. Net capital is defined as the net worth
of a broker-dealer subject to certain adjustments. In computing net capital, various adjustments are made to
net worth which exclude assets not readily convertible into cash. Also, the regulations require that certain
assets, such as a broker-dealer’s position in securities, be valued in a conservative manner to avoid over-
inflation of the broker-dealer’s net capital.
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Ladenburg is subject to the SEC’s Uniform Net Capital Rule 15c3-1 and the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission’s Regulation 1.17. Ladenburg has elected to compute its net capital under the alternative method
allowed by these rules. At December 31, 2009, Ladenburg had net capital, as defined by such rules, of
approximately $2,383,000, which exceeded its minimum capital requirement of $500,000 by $1,883,000.
Each of Ladenburg, Investacorp and Triad claims an exemption from the provisions of the SEC’s Rule 15c3-3
pursuant to paragraph (k)(2)(ii) as it clears its customer transactions through its correspondent broker on a
fully disclosed basis.
Investacorp is subject to SEC Rule 15c3-1, which requires the maintenance of minimum net capital and
requires that the ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital, both as defined by such rule, shall not exceed
15 to 1. At December 31, 2009, Investacorp had net capital of approximately $694,000 which was $379,000
in excess of its required net capital of $315,000. At December 31, 2009, Investacorp’s net capital ratio was 6.8
to 1.
Triad is also subject to SEC Rule 15c3-1. At December 31, 2009, Triad had net capital, as defined by such
rule of approximately $937,000, which was $645,000 in excess of its required net capital of $292,000. At
December 31, 2009, Triad’s net capital ratio was 4.67 to 1.
Also, funds invested as equity capital may not be withdrawn, nor may any unsecured advances or loans be
made to any stockholder of a registered broker-dealer, if, after giving effect to the withdrawal, advance or loan
and to any other withdrawal, advance or loan as well as to any scheduled payments of subordinated debt
which are scheduled to occur within six months, the net capital of the broker-dealer would fall below 120% of
the minimum dollar amount of net capital required or the ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital would
exceed 10 to 1. Further, any funds invested in the form of subordinated debt generally must be invested for a
minimum term of one year and repayment of such debt may be suspended if the broker-dealer fails to maintain
certain minimum net capital levels. For example, scheduled payments of subordinated debt are suspended in
the event that the ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital of the broker-dealer would exceed 12 to 1 or
its net capital would be less than 120% of the minimum dollar amount of net capital required. The net capital
rule also prohibits payments of dividends, redemption of stock and the prepayment, or payment in respect of
principal or subordinated indebtedness if net capital, after giving effect to the payment, redemption or
repayment, would be less than the specified percentage (120%) of the minimum net capital requirement.
Failure to maintain the required net capital may subject a firm to suspension or expulsion by FINRA, the
SEC and other regulatory bodies and ultimately may require its liquidation. Compliance with the net capital
rule could limit Ladenburg’s operations that require the intensive use of capital, such as underwriting and
trading activities, and also could restrict our ability to withdraw capital from our subsidiaries, which in turn,
could limit our ability to pay dividends and repay debt. In the past, Ladenburg has entered into, and from time
to time in the future may enter into, temporary subordinated loan arrangements to borrow funds on a short-
term basis from our shareholders or clearing broker to supplement the capital of our broker-dealers to facilitate
underwriting transactions.
Besides regulatory net capital restrictions, Investacorp is restricted contractually from declaring a
dividend to us that would result in its retained earnings and paid-in capital falling below the then outstanding
principal balance of the $15,000,000 promissory note we issued to Investacorp’s former principal shareholder.
At December 31, 2009, this note had an outstanding principal balance of $4,353,511.
Geographic Area
We are domiciled in the United States and substantially all of our revenue is attributed to activities in the
United States. All of our long-lived assets are located in the United States.
Personnel
At December 31, 2009, Ladenburg had a total of 169 employees, of whom 107 are producers and 62 are
other full time employees; Investacorp had approximately 460 non-employee financial advisors and 60 full
time employees; and Triad had approximately 540 non-employee financial advisors and 41 full time
employees. No employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We consider our relationship
with our employees and independent contractors to be good.
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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.
You should carefully consider all of the risks described below regarding our company. Our business,
financial condition or results of operation could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks.
Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial also may
materially and adversely affect our business operations.
Risk Factors Relating to Our Business
Changing conditions in financial markets and the economy could result in decreased revenues, losses or
other adverse consequences.
Our financial results were adversely affected in 2009 and 2008 by the turmoil in the financial markets and
economy in general. As a securities and investment banking firm, changes in the financial markets or
economic conditions in the United States and elsewhere in the world could materially adversely affect our
business in many ways, including the following:
• a market downturn could lead to a decline in the volume of transactions executed for customers and,
therefore, to a decline in the revenues we receive from commissions and spreads;
• unfavorable financial or economic conditions could reduce the number and size of transactions in
which we provide underwriting, financial advisory and other services. Our investment banking
revenues, in the form of financial advisory and underwriting or placement fees, are directly related to
the number and size of the transactions in which we participate and could therefore be adversely
affected by unfavorable financial or economic conditions;
• adverse changes in the market could lead to losses from principal transactions. To the extent that we
own assets, i.e., have long positions, a downturn in the market could result in losses from a decline in
the value of those long positions. Conversely, to the extent that we have sold assets that we do not own,
i.e., have short positions, an upturn in the market could expose us to potentially unlimited losses as we
attempt to cover our short positions by acquiring assets in a rising market;
• adverse changes in the market could also lead to a reduction in revenues from asset management fees.
Even in the absence of a market downturn, below-market investment performance by portfolio
managers could reduce asset management revenues and assets under management and result in
reputational damage that might make it more difficult to attract new investors;
• increases in credit spreads, as well as limitations on the availability of credit, such as occurred during
2008, can affect our ability to borrow on a secured or unsecured basis, which may adversely affect our
liquidity and results of operations;
• new or increased taxes on compensation payments such as bonuses or securities transactions may
adversely affect our financial results; and
• low market interest rates adversely impact interest sharing revenues received from our clearing firm.
We have incurred, and may continue to incur, significant operating losses.
Although we had net income for the year ended December 31, 2007, we incurred significant losses from
operations during the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009 and during each of the four years ended
December 31, 2006. We cannot assure you that we will be able to achieve revenue growth, profitability or
positive cash flow on either a quarterly or annual basis. Although we believe that we have adequate cash and
regulatory capital to fund our current level of operating activities through December 31, 2010, if we are
unable to sustain profitability, we may not be financially viable in the future and may have to curtail, suspend
or cease operations.
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A large portion of our revenue for any period may result from a limited number of underwriting
transactions.
A large part of our revenue for any period may be derived from a limited number of underwritings in
which Ladenburg serves as either the lead or co-manager. We cannot assure you that Ladenburg will continue
to serve as lead or co-manager of similar underwritings in the future. If Ladenburg is not able to do so, our
revenue may significantly decrease and our results of operations may be adversely affected.
Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate substantially due to the nature of our business and therefore
we may fail to meet profitability expectations.
Our revenue and operating results may fluctuate from quarter to quarter and from year to year due to a
combination of factors, including the level of underwriting and advisory transactions completed by us and the
level of fees we receive from those transactions. Accordingly, our results of operations may fluctuate
significantly due to an increased or decreased number of transactions in any particular quarter or year.
Our financial leverage impairs our ability to obtain financing and limits cash flow available for
operations.
Our indebtedness:
• limits our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, regulatory capital requirements,
acquisitions or general corporate purposes;
• requires us to dedicate a substantial portion of cash flows from operations to the payment of debt
service on our indebtedness, resulting in less cash available for operations and other purposes; and
• increases our vulnerability to downturns in our business or in general economic conditions.
Our ability to satisfy our obligations and to reduce our total debt which, as of December 31, 2009 was
$35.4 million, depends on our future operating performance and prospects. Our future operating performance
is subject to many factors, including economic, financial and competitive factors, which may be beyond our
control. As a result, we may not be able to generate sufficient cash flow, and future financings may not be
available to provide sufficient net proceeds, to meet these obligations which would have a material adverse
effect on our business, profitability and results of operations.
Our business depends on commissions and fees generated from the distribution of financial products , and
adverse changes in the structure or amount of fees paid by the sponsors of these products could materially
adversely affect our cash flows, revenues and results of operations.
An important portion of our revenues is generated from commissions and fees related to the distribution of
financial products such as mutual funds and variable annuities by the Investacorp and Triad financial
advisors, and to a lesser extent, Ladenburg’s financial advisors. Changes in the structure or amount of the fees
paid by the sponsors of these products could materially adversely affect our cash flows, revenues and results of
operation.
Also, regulatory agencies and other industry participants have suggested that Rule 12b-1 distribution fees
in the mutual fund industry should be reconsidered and, potentially, reduced or eliminated. Any reduction or
restructuring of Rule 12b-1 distribution fees could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Misconduct by our employees and independent financial advisors is difficult to detect and deter and could
harm our business, results of operations or financial condition.
Misconduct by our employees and independent financial advisors could result in violations of law by us,
regulatory sanctions and/or serious reputational or financial harm.
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Misconduct could include:
• binding us to transactions that exceed authorized limits;
• hiding unauthorized or unsuccessful activities resulting in unknown and unmanaged risks or losses;
• improperly using or disclosing confidential information;
• recommending transactions that are not suitable or in the client’s best interests;
• engaging in fraudulent or otherwise improper activity;
• engaging in unauthorized or excessive trading to the detriment of customers; or
• otherwise not complying with laws or our control procedures.
We cannot always deter misconduct by our employees and independent financial advisors, and the
precautions we take to prevent and detect this activity may not be effective in all cases. Prevention and
detection among our independent financial advisors, who are not employees of our company and tend to be
located in small, decentralized offices, present additional challenges. Misconduct by our employees and
independent financial advisors may have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
We may be prohibited from underwriting securities due to capital limits.
From time to time, our underwriting activities may require that we temporarily receive an infusion of
capital for regulatory purposes. This is predicated on the amount of commitment Ladenburg makes for each
underwriting. In the past, we entered into temporary subordinated loan arrangements with our shareholders or
clearing firm. Should we no longer be able to receive such funding from these sources, and if there are no other
viable sources available, it would have an adverse impact on our ability to underwrite offerings, generate
profits, recruit financial consultants and retain existing customers.
Our capital markets and strategic advisory engagements are singular in nature and do not generally
provide for subsequent engagements.
Ladenburg’s investment banking clients generally retain it on a short-term, engagement-by-engagement
basis in connection with specific capital markets or mergers and acquisitions transactions, rather than on a
recurring basis under long-term contracts. As these transactions are typically singular in nature and our
engagements with these clients may not recur, Ladenburg must seek out new engagements when its current
engagements are successfully completed or are terminated. As a result, high activity levels in any period are
not necessarily indicative of continued high levels of activity in any subsequent period. If we are unable to
generate a substantial number of new engagements that generate fees from new or existing clients, our
business and results of operations would likely be adversely affected.
We depend on our senior employees and the loss of their services could harm our business.
Our success is dependent in large part upon the services of several of our senior executives and
employees, including those of our broker-dealer subsidiaries. We do not maintain and do not intend to obtain
key man insurance on the life of any executive or employee. If our senior executives or employees terminate
their employment with us and we are unable to find suitable replacements in relatively short periods of time,
our business and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
We face significant competition for professional employees.
From time to time, individuals we employ may choose to leave our company to pursue other
opportunities. We have experienced losses of financial advisors, trading and investment banking
professionals in the past, and the level of competition for key personnel remains intense. We cannot assure
you that the loss of key personnel will not occur again in the future. The loss of a financial advisor or a trading
or investment banking professional, particularly a senior professional with a broad range of contacts in an
industry, could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.
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Poor performance of the investment products and services recommended or sold to asset management
clients may have a material adverse effect on our business.
Our investment advisory clients generally may terminate their contracts upon 30 days’ notice. These
clients can terminate their relationship, reduce the aggregate amount of assets under management or shift their
funds to other types of accounts with different rate structures for any number of reasons, including investment
performance, changes in prevailing interest rates, financial market performance and personal client liquidity
needs. Poor performance of the investment products and services recommended or sold to such clients relative
to the performance of other products available in the market or the performance of other investment
management firms tends to result in the loss of accounts. The decrease in revenue that could result from such
an event could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Systems failures could significantly disrupt our business.
Our business depends on our and our clearing firms’ ability to process, on a daily basis, many transactions
across numerous and diverse markets and the transactions we process have become increasingly complex. We
rely heavily on our communications and financial, accounting and other data processing systems, including
systems we maintain and systems provided by our clearing broker and service providers. We face operational
risk arising from mistakes made in the confirmation or settlement of transactions or from transactions not
being properly recorded, evaluated or accounted.
If any of these systems do not operate properly or are disabled, we could suffer financial loss, a disruption
of our business, liability to clients, regulatory intervention or reputational damage. Any failure or interruption
of our systems, the systems of our clearing broker, or third party trading systems could cause delays or other
problems in our securities trading activities, which could have a material adverse effect on our operating
results. Also, our clearing broker provides our principal disaster recovery system. We cannot assure you that
we or our clearing broker will not suffer any systems failures or interruption, including ones caused by
earthquake, fire, other natural disasters, power or telecommunications failure, act of God, act of war, terrorism,
or otherwise, or that our or our clearing broker’s back-up procedures and capabilities in the event of any such
failure or interruption will be adequate. The inability of our or our clearing broker’s systems to accommodate
an increasing volume of transactions could also constrain our ability to expand our business.
A relatively small number of institutional customers generate a significant portion of our institutional
trading revenue.
A relatively small number of our institutional investor customers generate a substantial portion of our
institutional trading revenue. If any key customers depart or reduce their business with us and we fail to attract
new customers that are capable of generating significant trading volumes, our business and results of
operations will be adversely affected.
Our expenses may increase due to real estate commitments.
We have subleased office space in various locations to subtenants, some of whom are engaged in the
financial services industry. Should any of the sub-tenants experience financial difficulty, or otherwise not pay
their rent for an extended period of time, it may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Our risk management policies and procedures may leave us exposed to unidentified risks or an
unanticipated level of risk.
The policies and procedures we employ to identify, monitor and manage risks may not be fully effective.
Some methods of risk management are based on the use of observed historical market behavior. As a result,
these methods may not predict future risk exposures, which could be significantly greater than the historical
measures indicate. Other risk management methods depend on evaluation of information regarding markets,
clients or other matters that are publicly available or otherwise accessible by us. This information may not be
accurate, complete, up-to-date or properly evaluated. Management of operational, legal and regulatory risk
requires, among other
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things, policies and procedures to properly record and verify a large number of transactions and events. We
cannot assure you that our policies and procedures will effectively and accurately record and verify this
information.
We seek to monitor and control our risk exposure through a variety of separate but complementary
financial, credit, operational and legal reporting systems. We believe that we effectively evaluate and manage
the market, credit and other risks to which we are exposed. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of our ability to
manage risk exposure can never be completely or accurately predicted or fully assured. For example,
unexpectedly large or rapid movements or disruptions in one or more markets or other unforeseen
developments can have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. The
consequences of these developments can include losses due to adverse changes in inventory values, decreases
in the liquidity of trading positions, higher volatility in earnings, increases in our credit risk to customers as
well as to third parties and increases in general systemic risk.
We rely on one clearing broker and the termination of the clearing agreements could disrupt our business.
As of the first quarter of 2010, each of Ladenburg, Triad and Investacorp uses one clearing broker to
process securities transactions and maintain customer accounts on a fee basis. The clearing broker also
provides billing services, extends credit and provides for control and receipt, custody and delivery of
securities. Ladenburg, Investacorp and Triad depend on the operational capacity and ability of their clearing
broker for the orderly processing of transactions. By engaging the processing services of a clearing firm, each
of Ladenburg, Investacorp and Triad is exempt from some capital reserve requirements and other regulatory
requirements imposed by federal and state securities laws. If these clearing agreements were terminated for any
reason, we would be forced to find an alternative clearing firm. We cannot assure you that we would be able to
find an alternative clearing firm on acceptable terms to us or at all. Also, the loss of the clearing firm could
hamper Investacorp’s and Triad’s ability to recruit and retain their respective independent financial advisors.
Our clearing broker extends credit to our clients and we are liable if the clients do not pay.
Each of Ladenburg, Investacorp and Triad permits its clients to purchase securities on a margin basis or
sell securities short, which means that the clearing firm extends credit to the client secured by cash and
securities in the client’s account. During periods of volatile markets, the value of the collateral held by the
clearing broker could fall below the amount borrowed by the client. If margin requirements are not sufficient
to cover losses, the clearing broker sells or buys securities at prevailing market prices, and may incur losses to
satisfy client obligations. Each of Ladenburg, Investacorp and Triad has agreed to indemnify the clearing
broker for losses it may incur while extending credit to its clients.
Risk Factors Relating to Our Industry
Credit risk exposes us to losses caused by third parties’ financial or other problems.
We are exposed to the risk that third parties that owe us money, securities or other assets will not perform
their obligations. These parties include:
• trading counterparties;
• customers;
• clearing agents;
• other broker-dealers;
• exchanges;
• clearing houses; and
• other financial intermediaries as well as issuers whose securities we hold.
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These parties may default on their obligations owed to us due to bankruptcy, lack of liquidity,
operational failure or other reasons. This risk may arise, for example, from:
• holding securities of third parties;
• executing securities trades that fail to settle at the required time due to non-delivery by the
counterparty or systems failure by clearing agents, exchanges, clearing houses or other financial
intermediaries; and
• extending credit to clients through bridge or margin loans or other arrangements.
Significant failures by third parties to perform their obligations owed to us could adversely affect our
revenues, results of operations and perhaps our ability to borrow in the credit markets.
Intense competition from existing and new entities may adversely affect our revenues and results of
operations.
The securities industry is rapidly evolving, intensely competitive and has few barriers to entry. We expect
competition to continue and intensify in the future. Many of our competitors have significantly greater
financial, technical, marketing and other resources than we do. Some of our competitors also offer a wider
range of services and financial products than we do and have greater name recognition and a larger client
base. These competitors may be able to respond more quickly to new or changing opportunities, technologies
and client requirements. They may also be able to undertake more extensive promotional activities, offer more
attractive terms to clients, and adopt more aggressive pricing policies. We may not be able to compete
effectively with current or future competitors and competitive pressures faced by us may harm our business
and may adversely affect our revenues and results of operations.
Errors and omissions claims may negatively affect our business and results of operations.
Our subsidiaries are subject to claims and litigation in the ordinary course of business resulting from
alleged and actual errors and omissions in placing insurance, effecting securities transactions and rendering
investment advice. These activities involve substantial amounts of money. Since errors and omissions claims
against our subsidiaries or their financial advisors may allege liability for all or part of the amounts in
question, claimants may seek large damage awards. These claims can involve significant defense costs. Errors
and omissions could include, for example, failure, whether negligently or intentionally, to effect securities
transactions on behalf of clients, to choose suitable investments for any particular client, to supervise a
financial advisor or to provide insurance carriers with complete and accurate information. It is not always
possible to prevent or detect errors and omissions, and the precautions our subsidiaries take may not be
effective in all cases. Moreover, our Ladenburg subsidiary and its financial advisors do not carry errors and
omissions insurance coverage and some of Investacorp’s financial advisors do not carry such coverage either.
Our liability for significant and successful errors and omissions claims may materially and negatively affect
our results of operations.
We are subject to various risks associated with the securities industry.
We are subject to uncertainties that are common in the securities industry. These uncertainties include:
• the volatility of domestic and international financial, bond and stock markets;
• extensive governmental regulation;
• litigation;
• intense competition;
• substantial fluctuations in the volume and price level of securities; and
• dependence on the solvency of various third parties.
As a result, revenues and earnings may vary significantly from quarter to quarter and from year to year. In
periods of low volume, profitability is impaired because certain expenses remain relatively fixed. We are
much smaller and have much less capital than many competitors in the securities industry. In the event of a
market
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downturn, our business could be adversely affected in many ways. Our revenues are likely to decline in such
circumstances and, if we are unable to reduce expenses at the same pace, our profit margins would erode.
Legal liability may harm our business.
Many aspects of our business involve substantial risks of liability. An underwriter, such as Ladenburg, is
exposed to substantial liability under federal and state securities laws, other federal and state laws, and court
decisions, including decisions about underwriters’ liability and limitations on indemnification of underwriters
by issuers. For example, a firm that acts as an underwriter may be held liable for material misstatements or
omissions of fact in a prospectus used in connection with the securities being offered or for statements made
by its securities analysts or other personnel. In recent years, there has been an increasing incidence of
litigation involving the securities industry, including class actions that seek substantial damages. Our
underwriting activities often involve offerings of the securities of smaller companies, which may involve a
higher degree of risk and are more volatile than the securities of more established companies. In comparison
with more established companies, smaller companies are also more likely to be the subject of securities class
actions, to carry directors and officers liability insurance policies with lower limits or not at all, and to become
insolvent. Each of these factors increases the likelihood that an underwriter of a smaller company’s securities
will be required to contribute to an adverse judgment or settlement of a securities lawsuit.
In the normal course of business, our operating subsidiaries have been and continue to be the subject of
numerous civil actions and arbitrations arising out of customer complaints relating to our activities as a
broker-dealer, as an employer or as a result of other business activities. In general, the cases involve various
allegations that our employees or financial advisors had mishandled customer accounts. We believe that,
based on our historical experience and the reserves established by us, the resolution of the claims presently
pending will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition. However, although we typically
reserve an amount we believe will be sufficient to cover any damages assessed against us, we have in the past
been assessed damages that exceeded our reserves. If we misjudge the amount of damages that may be
assessed against us from pending or threatened claims, or if we are unable to adequately estimate the amount
of damages that will be assessed against us from claims that arise in the future and reserve accordingly, our
financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.
Risk Factors Relating to the Regulatory Environment
We are subject to extensive securities regulation and the failure to comply with these regulations could
subject us to penalties or sanctions.
The securities industry and our business is subject to extensive regulation by the SEC, state securities
regulators and other governmental regulatory authorities. We are also regulated by industry self-regulatory
organizations, including FINRA and the MSRB. The regulatory environment is also subject to change and we
may be adversely affected as a result of new or revised legislation or regulations imposed by the SEC, other
federal or state governmental regulatory authorities, or self-regulatory organizations. We also may be
adversely affected by changes in the interpretation or enforcement of existing laws and rules by these
governmental authorities and self-regulatory organizations.
Each of Ladenburg, Investacorp and Triad is a registered broker-dealer with the SEC and FINRA. Broker-
dealers are subject to regulations which cover all aspects of the securities business, including:
• sales methods and supervision;
• trading practices among broker-dealers;
• use and safekeeping of customers’ funds and securities;
• capital structure of securities firms;
• record keeping; and
• conduct of directors, officers and employees.
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Compliance with many of these regulations involves a number of risks, particularly in areas where
applicable regulations may be subject to varying interpretation. The requirements imposed by these regulators
are designed to ensure the integrity of the financial markets and to protect customers and other third parties
who deal with us. Consequently, these regulations often serve to limit our activities, including through net
capital, customer protection and market conduct requirements. Much of the regulation of broker-dealers has
been delegated to self-regulatory organizations, principally FINRA. FINRA adopts rules, subject to SEC
approval, that govern broker-dealers and conducts periodic examinations of firms’ operations.
If we are found to have violated any applicable regulation, formal administrative or judicial proceedings
may be initiated against us that may result in:
• censure;
• fine;
• civil penalties, including treble damages in the case of insider trading violations;
• the issuance of cease-and-desist orders;
• the deregistration or suspension of our broker-dealer activities;
• the suspension or disqualification of our officers or employees; or
• other adverse consequences.
The imposition of any of these or other penalties could have a material adverse effect on our operating
results and financial condition.
Legislative, judicial or regulatory changes to the classification of independent contractors could increase
our operating expenses.
From time to time, various legislative or regulatory proposals are introduced at the federal or state levels
to change the status of independent contractors’ classification to employees for either employment tax
purposes (withholding, social security, Medicare and unemployment taxes) or other benefits available to
employees. Currently, most individuals are classified as employees or independent contractors for
employment tax purposes based on 20 “common law” factors, rather than any definition found in the Internal
Revenue Code or Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) regulations. Each of Investacorp and Triad classifies its
financial advisors as independent contractors for all purposes, including employment tax and employee
benefit purposes. We cannot assure you that legislative, judicial, or regulatory (including tax) authorities will
not introduce proposals or assert interpretations of existing rules and regulations that would change the
employee/independent contractor classification of Investacorp’s and Triad’s financial advisors. The costs
associated with potential changes, if any, to these independent contractor classifications could have a material
adverse effect on us, including our results of operations and financial condition.
Failure to comply with net capital requirements could subject us to suspension or revocation by the SEC
or suspension or expulsion by FINRA.
Our broker-dealer subsidiaries are subject to the SEC’s net capital rule which requires the maintenance of
minimum net capital. Also, Ladenburg and Triad are each subject to the net capital requirements of CFTC
Regulation 1.17. At December 31, 2009, each of our broker-dealer subsidiaries exceeded its minimum net
capital requirement. The net capital rule is designed to measure the general financial integrity and liquidity of
a broker-dealer. In computing net capital, various adjustments are made to net worth which exclude assets not
readily convertible into cash. The regulations also require that certain assets, such as a broker-dealer’s
position in securities, be valued in a conservative manner to avoid over-inflation of the broker-dealer’s net
capital. The net capital rule requires a broker-dealer to maintain a minimum level of net capital. The particular
levels vary depending upon the nature of the activity undertaken by a firm. Compliance with the net capital
rule limits those operations of broker-dealers which require the intensive use of their capital, such as
underwriting commitments and principal trading activities. The rule also limits the ability of securities firms
to pay dividends or make payments on certain
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indebtedness such as subordinated debt as it matures. A significant operating loss or any charge against net
capital could adversely affect the ability of a broker-dealer to expand or, depending on the magnitude of the
loss or charge, maintain its then present level of business. FINRA may enter the offices of a broker-dealer at
any time, without notice, and calculate the firm’s net capital. If the calculation reveals a net capital deficiency,
FINRA may immediately restrict or suspend some or all of the broker-dealer’s activities, including its ability
to make markets. Our broker-dealer subsidiaries may not be able to maintain adequate net capital, or their net
capital may fall below requirements established by the SEC or the CFTC, as applicable, and subject us to
disciplinary action in the form of fines, censure, suspension, expulsion or the termination of business
altogether.
A change in the tax treatment of insurance products or a determination that these products are not
insurance contracts for federal tax purposes could reduce the demand for these products, which may
reduce our revenue.
The market for many insurance products sold by Investacorp’s and Triad’s financial advisors depends on
the favorable tax treatment, including the tax-free build up of cash values and the tax-free nature of death
benefits that these products receive relative to other investment alternatives. A change in the tax treatment of
insurance products or a determination by the IRS that certain of these products are not insurance contracts for
federal tax purposes could remove many of the tax advantages policyholders seek in these policies. Also, the
IRS periodically releases guidance on the tax treatment of products. If the provisions of the tax code were
changed or new federal tax regulations and IRS rulings and releases were issued in a manner that would make
it more difficult for holders of these insurance contracts to qualify for favorable tax treatment or subject
holders to special tax reporting requirements, the demand for the insurance contracts could decrease, which
may reduce our revenue and negatively affect our business.
Risk Factors Relating to Strategic Acquisitions and the Integration of Acquired Operations
We may be unable to successfully integrate acquired businesses into our existing business and operations.
We completed two acquisitions in 2008, one acquisition in 2007 and two acquisitions in 2006. We
continue to explore opportunities to grow our businesses, including through potential acquisitions of other
securities firms, both domestically and internationally. These acquisitions may involve payments of material
amounts of cash incurrence of a material amount of debt or the issuance of significant amounts of our equity
securities, which may increase our leverage and/or be dilutive to our existing shareholders. We may
experience difficulty integrating the operations of these entities or any other entities acquired in the future
into our existing business and operations. Furthermore, we may not be able retain all of the employees we
acquire as a result of these transactions. If we are unable to effectively address these risks, we may be required
to restructure the acquired businesses or write-off the value of some or all of the assets of the acquired
business. If we are unable to successfully integrate acquired businesses into our existing business and
operations in the future, it could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, cash flows and results of
operations.
We may be adversely affected if the firms we acquire do not perform as expected.
Even if we successfully complete acquisitions, we may be adversely affected if the acquired firms do not
perform as expected. The firms we acquire may perform below expectations after the acquisition for various
reasons, including legislative or regulatory changes that affect the products in which a firm specializes, the
loss of key clients, employees and/or financial advisors after the acquisition closing, general economic factors
and the cultural incompatibility of an acquired firm’s management team with us. The failure of firms to
perform as expected at the time of acquisition may have an adverse effect on our earnings and revenue growth
rates, and may result in impairment charges and/or generate losses or charges to earnings.
We face numerous risks and uncertainties as we expand our business.
We expect the growth of our business to come primarily from internal expansion and through
acquisitions. As we expand our business, there can be no assurance that our financial controls, the level and
knowledge of our personnel, our operational abilities, our legal and compliance controls and our other
corporate support systems will be adequate to manage our business and our growth. The ineffectiveness of any
of these controls or systems could adversely affect our business and prospects. In addition, as we acquire new
businesses, we face numerous risks and uncertainties
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integrating their controls and systems into ours, including financial controls, accounting and data processing
systems, management controls and other operations. A failure to integrate these systems and controls, and
even an inefficient integration of these systems and controls, could adversely affect our business, cash flows
and results of operations.
Risk Factors Relating to Owning Our Stock
The price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly, and this may make it difficult for you to resell
the shares of our common stock at prices you find attractive.
The trading price of our common stock has ranged between $0.45 and $1.24 per share for the 52 week
period ended March 12, 2010. We expect that the market price of our common stock may continue to
fluctuate significantly.
The market price of our common stock may fluctuate in response to numerous factors, many of which are
beyond our control. These factors include:
• variations in quarterly operating results;
• general economic and business conditions, including conditions in the securities brokerage and
investment banking markets;
• our announcements of significant contracts, milestones or acquisitions;
• our relationships with other companies;
• our ability to obtain needed capital commitments;
• additions or departures of key personnel;
• the initiation or outcome of litigation or arbitration proceedings;
• sales of common stock, conversion of securities convertible into common stock, exercise of options and
warrants to purchase common stock or termination of stock transfer restrictions;
• changes in financial estimates by securities analysts; and
• fluctuation in stock market price and volume.
Any one of these factors could have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.
Also, the stock market in recent years has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that have
materially affected the market prices of equity securities of many companies and that often have been
unrelated to such companies’ operating performance. These market fluctuations have adversely impacted the
price of our common stock in the past and may do so in the future. Also, shareholders may initiate securities
class action lawsuits if the market price of our stock drops significantly, which may cause us to incur
substantial costs and divert our management’s time and attention. These factors, among others, could
significantly depress the price of our common stock.
Our principal shareholders including our directors and officers control a large percentage of our shares
of common stock and can significantly influence our corporate actions.
At March 11, 2010, our executive officers, directors and companies that these individuals are affiliated
with beneficially owned approximately 45% of our common stock. Accordingly, these individuals and
entities can significantly influence most, if not all, of our corporate actions, including the election of directors
and the appointment of officers. Also, this ownership of our common stock may make it difficult for a third
party to acquire control of us, therefore possibly discouraging third parties from seeking to acquire us. A third
party would have to negotiate any possible transactions with these principal shareholders, and their interests
may be different from the interests of our other shareholders. This may depress the price of our common stock.
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Possible additional issuances will cause dilution.
At December 31, 2009, we had outstanding 167,907,038 shares of common stock and options and
warrants to purchase a total of 27,921,290 shares of common stock. We are authorized to issue up to
400,000,000 shares of common stock and are therefore able to issue additional shares without being required
under corporate law to obtain shareholder approval. If we issue additional shares, or if our existing
shareholders exercise their outstanding options and warrants, our other shareholders may find their holdings
drastically diluted, which if it occurs, means that they will own a smaller percentage of our company.
We may issue preferred stock with preferential rights that may adversely affect your rights.
The rights of our shareholders will be subject to and may be adversely affected by the rights of holders of
any preferred stock that we may issue in the future. Our articles of incorporation authorize our board of
directors to issue up to 2,000,000 shares of “blank check” preferred stock and to fix the rights, preferences,
privilege and restrictions, including voting rights, of these shares without further shareholder approval.
We do not expect to pay any cash dividends.
We intend to retain any future earnings to fund the development and growth of our business. We do not
anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Accordingly, you must rely on sales of your
common stock after price appreciation, which may never occur, as the only way to realize any positive return
on your investment in our common stock. Net capital requirements imposed on our broker-dealer subsidiaries
by the SEC and covenants contained in our outstanding debt agreements may also restrict our ability to pay
dividends.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
Not applicable.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
Our principal executive offices are located at 4400 Biscayne Boulevard, 12th Floor, Miami, Florida
33137, where we lease approximately 15,800 square feet of office space. The lessor is Frost Real Estate
Holdings, LLC, an entity affiliated with Dr. Phillip Frost, our Chairman of the Board and principal
shareholder. Our lease expires in January 2012.
Ladenburg’s principal executive offices are located at 520 Madison Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, New
York 10022, where it subleases approximately 15,400 square feet of office space under a lease that expires in
September 2014. Ladenburg previously leased office space at 590 Madison Avenue, New York, New York and
has subleased all of this space to various unrelated parties at various terms and lease periods. The lease, under
which Ladenburg is still obligated as the main lessor, expires in June 2015. Ladenburg also operates branch
offices in leased office space located in Los Angeles, California, Lincolnshire, Illinois, Miami and Boca
Raton, Florida, Princeton, New Jersey and Melville and New York, New York.
Investacorp’s principal executive offices are located at 15450 New Barn Road, Miami Lakes, Florida
33014, where it leases approximately 15,100 square feet of office space under a lease that expires in July
2011. Investacorp’s independent financial advisors are responsible for the office space they occupy, whether
by lease or otherwise.
Triad’s principal executive offices are located at 5185 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 280 Norcross, Georgia,
30092, where it leases approximately 11,300 square feet of office space under a lease that expires in June
2012. Triad’s independent financial advisors are responsible for the office space they occupy, whether by
lease or otherwise.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
The information under the heading “Litigation and Regulatory Matters” contained in Note 11 to our
consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this annual report on Form 10-K is incorporated
by reference in this Item 3.
ITEM 4. REMOVED AND RESERVED.
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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
Our common stock trades on the NYSE Amex under the symbol “LTS.” The following table sets forth the
high and low sales prices of our common stock for the periods specified:
Period
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Holders
2008
2009
High Low
$.98 $.36
.45
.45
.57
.89
.85
.82
High
$2.45
2.03
2.59
1.88
Low
$1.60
1.51
1.22
0.65
At March 11, 2010, there were approximately 4,033 record holders of our common stock.
Dividends
We have never paid or declared any dividends on our common stock. The payment of future dividends, if
any, will be at our board of director’s discretion after taking into account our financial condition, operating
results, anticipated cash needs and any other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. The net
capital requirements imposed on our broker-dealer subsidiaries by the SEC and covenants contained in our
outstanding debt agreements also restrict our ability to pay dividends.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
The selected financial data set forth below is derived from our audited consolidated financial statements.
You should read this selected financial data together with Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the consolidated financial statements and the notes
thereto included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K:
Operating Results:
Total revenues
Total expenses
(Loss) income before income
$
taxes
Net (loss) income
Per common and equivalent
share:
Basic and diluted:
(Loss) income per
common share
Basic weighted average
common shares
Diluted weighted average
common shares
Balance Sheet Data:
Total assets
Total liabilities
Shareholders’ equity
Other Data:
Book value per share
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Year Ended December 31,
150,675
168,279
$
120,970(a) $
140,214
95,826(b) $
85,922
46,858
42,010
$
30,690
56,607
(17,604)
(18,673)
(19,244)
(20,263)
9,904(c)
9,391(c)
4,848(d)
4,659(d)
(25,917)(c)
(25,971)(c)
$
(0.11) $
(0.12)
$
0.06
$
0.03
$
(0.24)
168,623,375
165,812,495
157,355,540
148,693,521
108,948,623
168,623,375
165,812,495
168,484,469
153,087,961
108,948,623
$
$
94,637
56,843
37,794
101,668
50,378
51,290
$
114,132
60,029
54,103
$
$
47,343
19,009
28,334
39,299
26,332
12,967
$
0.22
$
0.30
$
0.33
$
0.18
$
0.09
(a)
Includes $21,190 of revenue from Triad (acquired August 13, 2008).
(b)
Includes $12,191 of revenue from Investacorp (acquired October 19, 2007).
(c)
Includes losses on extinguishment of debt of $1,833 in 2007 and $19,359 in 2005.
(d)
Includes $4,983 net gain on sale of Ladenburg’s NYSE and CBOE memberships.
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS.
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Overview
We are engaged in investment banking, equity research, institutional sales and trading, independent
brokerage and advisory services and asset management services through our principal subsidiaries,
Ladenburg, Investacorp and Triad. We are committed to establishing a significant presence in the financial
services industry by meeting the varying investment needs of our corporate, institutional and retail clients.
We have two operating segments which correspond to the investment banking, sales and trading and asset
management services and investment activities conducted by Ladenburg and LTAM and our independent
brokerage and advisory services business conducted by Investacorp and Triad.
Acquisition Strategy
We continue to explore opportunities to grow our businesses, including through potential acquisitions of
other securities and investment banking firms, both domestically and internationally. These acquisitions may
involve payments of material amounts of cash, the incurrence of material amounts of debt or the issuance of
significant amounts of our equity securities, which may be dilutive to our existing shareholders and/or may
increase our leverage. We cannot assure you that we will be able to complete any such potential acquisitions
on terms acceptable to us or, if we do, that any acquired business will be profitable. There is also a risk that we
will not be able to successfully integrate acquired businesses into our existing business and operations. See
Item 1A, “Risk Factors — Risk Factors Relating to Strategic Acquisitions and the Integration of Acquired
Operations.”
Recent Developments
Amendment of Clearing Arrangements and Forgivable Loan
In August 2009, we amended the terms of our clearing agreements with NFS. NFS now serves as the
exclusive clearing broker for Ladenburg, Investacorp and Triad and the clearing agreements between the firms
and NFS have a seven-year term. We are realizing significant cost savings as a result of this new clearing
arrangement.
On August 25, 2009, NFS provided us with a seven-year, $10,000 forgivable loan. Interest on the loan
accrues at the prime rate plus 2%. If our broker-dealer subsidiaries meet certain aggregate annual clearing
revenue targets set forth in the loan agreement, the principal balance of the loan will be forgiven in seven
equal yearly installments of $1,429 commencing in August 2010 and continuing on an annual basis through
August 2016. Interest payments due for each such year also will be forgiven if we meet the annual clearing
revenue targets. Any principal amounts not forgiven will be due in August 2016, and any interest payments
not forgiven are due annually. If any principal amount is not forgiven, we may have such principal forgiven in
future years if our broker-dealer subsidiaries exceed subsequent annual clearing revenue targets. We have
expensed, and will continue to expense, interest under the loan agreement until such interest is forgiven.
The loan agreement contains other covenants including limitations on the incurrence of additional
indebtedness, maintenance of minimum adjusted shareholders’ equity levels and a prohibition on the
termination of our revolving credit agreement. If an event of default occurs, the outstanding principal and
interest under the loan agreement may be accelerated and become immediately due and payable. If the
clearing agreements are terminated prior to the loan maturity date, all amounts then outstanding must be
repaid on demand. The loan agreement is collateralized by our (but not our broker-dealer subsidiaries’)
deposits and accounts held at NFS or its affiliates, which amounted to $468 at December 31, 2009.
We used the loan proceeds to repay amounts outstanding under our revolving credit agreement. We
intend to use the increased availability under that facility to support our strategy to become a leader in the
independent broker-dealer space.
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Critical Accounting Policies
General. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America, referred to as GAAP, requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Clearing Arrangements. Our broker-dealer subsidiaries do not carry accounts for customers or perform
custodial functions related to customers’ securities. Each of Ladenburg, Investacorp and Triad introduces all
of its customer transactions, which are not reflected in these financial statements, to its clearing broker, which
maintains the customers’ accounts and clears such transactions. Also, the clearing broker provides the clearing
and depository operations for Ladenburg’s and Investacorp’s proprietary securities transactions. These
activities may expose us to off-balance-sheet risk in the event that customers do not fulfill their obligations
with the clearing broker, as we have agreed to indemnify our clearing broker for any resulting losses. We
continually assess risk associated with each customer who is on margin credit and record an estimated loss
when we believe collection from the customer is unlikely. We incurred losses from these arrangements, prior
to any recoupment from our financial advisors, of $101, $74 and $58 for the years ended December 31, 2009,
2008 and 2007, respectively.
Customer Claims, Litigation and Regulatory Matters. In the ordinary course of business, our operating
subsidiaries have been and are the subject of numerous civil actions and arbitrations arising out of customer
complaints relating to their activities as a broker-dealer, as an employer or supervisor and as a result of other
business activities. In general, the cases involve various allegations that our employees or independent
financial advisors had mishandled customer accounts. Due to the uncertain nature of litigation in general, we
are unable to estimate a range of possible loss related to lawsuits filed against us, but based on our historical
experience and consultation with counsel, we typically reserve an amount we believe will be sufficient to
cover any damages assessed against us. We had accruals of $453 at December 31, 2009 and $460 at
December 31, 2008 for potential arbitration and lawsuit losses. However, we have in the past been assessed
damages that exceeded our reserves. If we misjudge the amount of damages that may be assessed against us
from pending or threatened claims, or if we are unable to adequately estimate the amount of damages that will
be assessed against us from claims that arise in the future and reserve accordingly, our operating income and
liquidity would be reduced. Such costs may have a material adverse effect on our future financial position,
results of operations and liquidity.
Fair Value. “Trading securities owned” and “Securities sold, but not yet purchased” on our consolidated
statements of financial condition are carried at fair value, with related unrealized gains and losses recognized
in our results of operations. The determination of fair value is fundamental to our financial condition and
results of operations and, in certain circumstances, it requires management to make complex judgments.
Fair values are based on listed market prices, where possible. If listed market prices are not available or if
the liquidation of our positions would reasonably be expected to impact market prices, fair value is
determined based on other relevant factors, including dealer price quotations. Fair values for certain
derivative contracts are derived from pricing models that consider market and contractual prices for the
underlying financial instruments or commodities, as well as time value and yield curve or volatility factors
underlying the positions.
Pricing models and their underlying assumptions impact the amount and timing of unrealized gains and
losses recognized, and the use of different pricing models or assumptions could produce different financial
results. Changes in the fixed income and equity markets will impact our estimates of fair value in the future,
potentially affecting principal trading revenues. The illiquid nature of certain securities or debt instruments
also requires a high degree of judgment in determining fair value due to the lack of listed market prices and
the potential impact of the liquidation of our position on market prices, among other factors.
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) has issued authoritative accounting guidance that
defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and establishes a fair value hierarchy
which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques. The new guidance clarifies that fair value should be
based on assumptions that market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability and became
effective for us on January 1, 2008. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our
consolidated financial statements.
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Valuation of Deferred Tax Assets. We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method,
which requires the recognition of tax benefits or expense on the temporary differences between the tax basis
and book basis of our assets and liabilities as well as tax loss carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities
are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those
temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred tax amounts as of December 31, 2009,
which consist principally of the tax benefit of net operating loss carryforwards and compensation charges
related to equity instruments, amount to $38,300. After consideration of all the evidence, both positive and
negative, especially the fact that we sustained a cumulative pre-tax loss for the periods 2006 through 2009, we
have determined that a valuation allowance at December 31, 2009 was necessary to fully offset the deferred
tax assets based on the likelihood of future realization. At December 31, 2009, we had net operating loss
carryforwards of approximately $62,500, expiring in various years from 2015 through 2029.
Stock-Based Compensation. Our stock based compensation uses a fair value-based method to recognize
non-cash compensation expense for share-based transactions. The accounting guidance requires an entity to
measure the cost of employee, officer and director services received in exchange for an award of equity
instruments, including stock options, based on the grant-date fair value of the award. The cost is recognized as
compensation expense over the service period, which would normally be the vesting period of the options.
Intangible Assets. We amortize intangible assets over their estimated useful lives generally on a straight-
line basis. Intangible assets subject to amortization are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may be not recoverable. We assess the recoverability of our
intangible assets by determining whether the unamortized balance can be recovered over the assets’ remaining
life through undiscounted forecasted cash flows. If undiscounted forecasted cash flows indicate that the
unamortized amounts will not be recovered, an adjustment will be made to reduce such amounts to an amount
consistent with forecasted future cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk associated with
achieving future discounted cash flows. Future cash flows are based on trends of historical performance and
our estimate of future performances, giving consideration to existing and anticipated competitive and
economic conditions.
Goodwill. Goodwill is not subject to amortization and is tested for impairment annually or more
frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired. The impairment test
consists of a comparison of the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount. Fair value is typically
based upon future cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved or market based
comparables. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value then an analysis will be
performed to compare the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount of goodwill. An impairment
loss will be recognized in an amount equal to excess of the carrying amount over the implied fair value. After
an impairment loss is recognized, the adjusted carrying amount of goodwill is its new accounting basis. We
did not identify any impairment of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2009.
Results of Operations
The following discussion provides an assessment of our consolidated results of operations, capital
resources and liquidity and should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements
and related notes included elsewhere in this report. Our consolidated financial statements include our
accounts and the accounts of Ladenburg, Investacorp (since October 19, 2007), Triad (since August 13,
2008) and our other wholly-owned subsidiaries.
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The following table presents a reconciliation of EBITDA, as adjusted, to net (loss) income as reported:
Total revenues
Total expenses
Pre-tax (loss) income
Net (loss) income
EBITDA, as adjusted
Add:
Interest income
Sale of exchange memberships
Less:
Interest expense
Income tax expense
Depreciation and amortization
Non-cash compensation
Clearing conversion expense
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Net (loss) income
Year Ended December 31,
2008
2009
2007
$150,675 $120,970(1) $95,826(2)
85,922(3)
140,214
9,904(3)
(19,244)
9,391(3)
(20,263)
168,279
(17,604)
(18,673)
$ (2,258) $ (5,891)
$22,005
70
—
219
519
221
—
(3,977)
(1,069)
(3,734)
(7,534)
(171)
—
(4,534)
(1,019)
(3,292)
(6,265)
—
—
$ (18,673) $ (20,263)
(2,304)
(513)
(1,491)
(6,694)
—
(1,833)
$ 9,391
(1) Includes $21,190 of revenue from Triad (acquired August 13, 2008).
(2) Includes $12,191 of revenue from Investacorp (acquired October 19, 2007).
(3) Includes loss on extinguishment of debt of $1,833 in 2007.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, adjusted for gains or losses on
sales of assets, non-cash compensation expense, clearing conversion expense and loss on extinguishment of
debt is a key metric we use in evaluating our financial performance. EBITDA is considered a non-GAAP
financial measure as defined by Regulation G promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended. We consider EBITDA, as adjusted, important in evaluating our financial performance on a
consistent basis across various periods. Due to the significance of non-cash and non-recurring items, EBITDA,
as adjusted, enables the Company’s Board of Directors and management to monitor and evaluate the business
on a consistent basis. We use EBITDA, as adjusted, as a primary measure, among others, to analyze and
evaluate financial and strategic planning decisions regarding future operating investments and potential
acquisitions. We believe that EBITDA, as adjusted, eliminates items that are not indicative of our core
operating performance, such as debt extinguishment expense or expenses related to Investacorp’s conversion
to a single clearing firm as part of a new seven-year clearing arrangement, or do not involve a cash outlay,
such as stock-related compensation. EBITDA, as adjusted, should be considered in addition to, rather than as a
substitute for, pre-tax income, net income and cash flows from operating activities.
Our EBITDA, as adjusted, increased $3,633 in 2009 compared to 2008 primarily as a result of a smaller
net loss in 2009 as compared to 2008. EBITDA, as adjusted, decreased $27,896 in 2008 as compared to 2007
primarily due to a loss due to decreased investment banking revenue in 2008 as compared to 2007.
As a result of the Investacorp acquisition on October 19, 2007, we have two operating segments. For
periods prior to October 19, 2007, we operated in only one segment. The Ladenburg segment includes the
investment banking, sales and trading and asset management services and investment activities conducted by
Ladenburg and LTAM. The independent brokerage and advisory services segment includes the broker-dealer
and investment advisory services provided by Investacorp and Triad to their independent contractor financial
advisors.
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Year Ended December 31,
2008
2009
2007
Revenues:
Ladenburg
Independent Brokerage and Advisory Services(1)
Corporate
Total revenues
Pre-tax (loss) income:
Ladenburg
Independent Brokerage and Advisory Services(1)
Corporate(2)
Total pre-tax (loss) income
$ 38,671
111,931
73
$150,675
$ 41,997
79,190
(217)
$120,970
$83,313
12,191
322
$95,826
$ (8,006)
802
(10,400)
$ (17,604)
$ (8,140)
203
(11,307)
$ (19,244)
$18,435
411
(8,942)
$ 9,904
(1) Includes Investacorp since its October 19, 2007 acquisition and Triad since its August 13, 2008
acquisition.
(2) Includes interest, compensation, professional fees and other general and administrative expenses.
Year ended December 31, 2009 compared to year ended December 31, 2008
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, we had a net loss of $18,673 compared to a net loss of
$20,263 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008. Net loss for 2009 included $7,534 of non-cash
compensation expense. Net loss for 2008 included $6,265 of non-cash compensation expense and was
reduced by a $519 gain on the sale of exchange memberships.
Our total revenues for 2009 increased $29,705 (25%) from 2008, primarily as a result of increased
commissions and fees of $26,544, increased principal transactions of $3,582, increased other income of
$1,784 partially offset by decreased interest and dividends revenue of $1,927. 2008 revenues include $21,190
of revenues from Triad from the date of its acquisition (August 13, 2008). 2009 revenue includes $60,449
from Triad for the full year.
Our total expenses increased in 2009 by $28,065 (20%) from 2008 primarily as a result of an increase in
commissions and fees of $26,375, an increase in other expense of $2,119, an increase in non-cash
compensation expense of $1,269 and an increase in brokerage, communication and clearance fees of $826,
partially offset by a decrease in compensation and benefits of $2,412. The 2008 expenses include $20,858 of
expenses attributable to Triad’s operations commencing August 13, 2008. 2009 expenses include $59,990
from Triad for the full year.
The $26,544 (27%) increase in commissions and fees revenue in 2009 as compared to 2008 is attributable
to an increase of $37,298 from the inclusion of Triad for the full 2009 year, partially offset by decreases at
Ladenburg and Investacorp of $3,808 and $6,747, respectively. The decreases at Ladenburg and Investacorp
were primarily due to unfavorable market conditions.
The $441 (3%) increase in 2009 investment banking revenue was primarily due to an increase in advisory
fees of $437. Our investment banking revenue is derived from Ladenburg’s capital raising activities,
including underwritten public offerings and private placements, and strategic advisory services. Revenue from
underwritten public offerings was $7,608 and $9,159 in 2009 and 2008, respectively. Private placement
revenue was $3,729, including $544 in warrants, and $2,174, including $368 in warrants, in 2009 and 2008,
respectively. 2009 and 2008 investment banking revenue includes $5,939 and $5,289, respectively, of
deferred fees from special purpose acquisition companies (SPAC) transactions. Typically, a significant portion
of the underwriting fees for a SPAC transaction were deferred fees and were recognized only upon a SPAC’s
successful completion of a business combination transaction. As of the date of this report, Ladenburg does not
have a material backlog of deferred SPAC transaction fees.
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The $719 (26%) decrease in asset management revenue in 2009 as compared to 2008 was due to the lower
average assets under management at LTAM resulting from unfavorable market conditions. Revenues
associated with Triad and Investacorp client assets are included in commissions and fees revenue, rather than
asset management revenue, which relates to Ladenburg and LTAM. We expect asset management revenue to
increase in 2010 due to improved market conditions and newly-added advisory assets.
The $3,582 (131%) increase in principal transactions in 2009 as compared to 2008 is primarily
attributable to gains in the fair value of securities received as underwriting consideration.
The $1,927 (45%) decrease in interest and dividends in 2009 as compared to 2008 is primarily
attributable to lower interest rates and a decrease in margin account balances. We expect continued lower
interest and dividends revenue in 2010 due to expected low interest rates and lower interest sharing from our
clearing broker.
The $1,784 (38%) increase in other income in 2009 as compared to 2008 is primarily attributable to the
inclusion of Triad for the full 2009 year. Triad contributed $3,201 and $1,437 of other income in 2009 and
2008, respectively.
The $26,375 (43%) increase in commissions and fees expense in 2009 as compared to 2008 is primarily
due to the inclusion of Triad for the full 2009 year. Triad’s commission and fees expense was $48,511 and
$16,170 for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Our increase in commissions and fees
expense for the 2009 period as compared to the 2008 period was partially offset by a decrease of $5,966 in
such expense at Investacorp. The decrease at Investacorp is directly correlated to the reduction in
commissions and fees revenue at Investacorp. Commissions and fees expense comprises compensation
payments earned by the registered representatives who serve as independent contractors in our independent
brokerage and advisory services segment. These payments to the independent contractor registered
representatives are calculated based on a percentage of revenues and vary by product. Accordingly, when the
independent contractor registered representatives increase their business, both our revenues and expenses
increase since they earn additional compensation based on the revenue produced.
The $2,412 (6%) decrease in compensation and benefits expense in 2009 as compared to 2008 was
primarily due to a $2,957 decrease in producers’ compensation which is directly correlated to revenue
production by such persons, a $2,036 decrease in salaries, bonus and benefits at Ladenburg and Investacorp
which is a result of staff reductions, partially offset by the addition of Triad, which had a $2,580 increase in
expense.
The $1,269 (20%) increase in non-cash compensation expense in 2009 as compared to 2008 is primarily
attributable to new option grants and a reduction in the forfeiture rate for our stock options.
The $826 (14%) increase in brokerage, communication and clearance fees expense is primarily
attributable to the inclusion of Triad for the full 2009 year. Triad and Investacorp had an increase of $1,275
and $56 in 2009, respectively, partially offset by a decrease in Ladenburg expense of $543 resulting from cost
reduction measures in 2009. While brokerage, communication and clearance fee expense is directly correlated
with brokerage activity, we have benefitted and expect to continue to benefit from reduced clearing and
execution expenses under our new clearing arrangements.
The $254 (8%) increase in rent and occupancy, net of sublease revenue in 2009 as compared to 2008 is
primarily attributable to additional Triad expense of $224 for the full year in 2009.
The $251 (4%) decrease in professional services expense for 2009 is primarily due to a decrease of $599
in legal, audit, tax and consulting expense at Investacorp and Ladenburg partially offset by the additional
expense from Triad of $348. We expect similar levels of professional services expense for the near future.
The $557 (12%) decrease in interest expense in 2009 as compared to 2008 is a result of reduced average
borrowings under our $30,000 revolving credit facility with Frost Gamma Investments Trust (“Frost Gamma”),
an affiliate of Dr. Phillip Frost, our chairman of the board and principal shareholder, which we entered into in
2007, and repayments of promissory notes issued in connection with the Investacorp and Triad acquisitions.
An approximate $33,000 average balance was outstanding for the 2009 period, as compared with an average
debt outstanding of $35,000 for the 2008 period. As discussed above, in August, 2009, we entered into a
seven-year, $10,000 forgivable loan with NFS. We used the NFS loan proceeds, which bear interest at a lower
rate than our revolving credit agreement, to repay amounts outstanding under our revolving credit facility.
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The $442 (13%) increase in depreciation and amortization expense is primarily due to additional Triad
expense of $713, of which $666 is attributed to the amortization of intangible assets related to the acquisition.
The $2,119 (28%) increase in other expense in 2009 as compared to 2008 is primarily attributable to the
addition of Triad expense of $1,666, increased bad debt and settlement expense of $429 and a $112 increase
in miscellaneous trading services.
We incurred income tax expense of $1,069 in 2009 as compared to $1,019 in 2008. After consideration of
all the evidence, both positive and negative, management has determined that a valuation allowance at
December 31, 2009 was necessary to fully offset the deferred tax assets based on the likelihood of future
realization. Our current deferred income tax liabilities increased by approximately $946 during 2009 due to
goodwill amortization for tax purposes. The income tax rates for the 2009 and 2008 periods do not bear a
customary relationship to effective tax rates primarily as a result of the increase in the valuation allowance in
the 2008 and 2009 period.
Year ended December 31, 2008 compared to year ended December 31, 2007
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, we had a net loss of $20,263 compared to net income of
$9,391 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. Net loss for 2008 included $6,265 of non-cash
compensation expense and was reduced by a $519 gain on the sale of exchange memberships. Net income for
2007 was reduced by a $1,833 loss on extinguishment of debt and $6,694 of non-cash compensation expense.
Our total revenues for 2008 increased $25,144 (26%) from 2007, primarily as a result of increased
commissions and fees of $65,319 generated by Investacorp and Triad, offset by decreased investment banking
revenue of $40,687. 2008 revenues include $58,000 of revenues from Investacorp and $21,190 of revenues
from Triad from the date of acquisition (August 13, 2008). 2007 revenue did not include Triad and only
included Investacorp revenue of $12,191 from October 19, 2007 to year end.
Excluding non-cash compensation expense of $6,265 in 2008 and $6,694 in 2007 and loss on
extinguishment of debt of $1,833 in 2007, our expenses increased in 2008 by $56,554 (73%) from 2007
primarily as a result of an increase in commissions and fees of $51,778 primarily from Investacorp and Triad,
an increase in interest expense of $2,230, an increase in professional services of $2,032, an increase in
brokerage, communication and clearance fees of $2,034, an increase in rent and occupancy of $1,915, an
increase in depreciation and amortization of $1,801, and an increase in other expenses of $1,038, offset by a
decrease in compensation and benefits of $6,274. The 2008 expenses included $20,858 of expenses
attributable to Triad’s operations commencing August 13, 2008 and the 2008 and 2007 periods included
expenses for Investacorp of $55,975 and $11,246, respectively, attributable to Investacorp’s operations
commencing with its acquisition on October 19, 2007.
The $40,687 (73%) decrease in 2008 investment banking revenue was primarily due to unfavorable
market conditions, a decrease in the number of SPAC offerings in which Ladenburg participated and a
decrease in the number of completed SPAC business combinations. Ladenburg led or co-managed five SPAC
offerings in 2008 compared to 29 offerings in 2007. This reduction in the number of new SPAC offerings
caused a $35,796 decline in revenues in 2008. The reduction in the number of completed SPAC business
combinations resulted in a $4,420 decrease in investment banking revenue. Revenues from advisory services
and private placement transaction fees decreased $471 from the prior year period.
The $65,319 (204%) increase in commissions and fees revenue in 2008 as compared to 2007 is
attributable to an additional $62,764 from the operations of Triad and Investacorp and an increase in the
number of institutional sales representatives at Ladenburg.
The $307 (10%) decrease in asset management revenue in 2008 as compared to 2007 was primarily due to
unfavorable market conditions resulting in decreased assets under management. Revenues associated with
Triad and Investacorp client assets are included in commissions and fees revenue, rather than asset
management revenue, which relates to Ladenburg and LTAM.
The $2,987 (1,190%) decrease in principal transactions revenue in 2008 as compared to 2007 was
primarily due to unfavorable market conditions, partially offset by realized gains in sales of Ladenburg’s
Boston Stock Exchange and American Stock Exchange memberships.
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The $1,329 (45%) increase in interest and dividends in 2008 as compared to 2007 is primarily
attributable to the addition of Investacorp and Triad, which combined had an increase of $1,668 in interest
and dividends. Ladenburg interest and dividends decreased due to lower interest rates.
The $2,477 (112%) increase in other income in 2008 as compared to 2007 is primarily attributable to the
addition of Investacorp and Triad which together contributed $3,682 and $804 in 2008 and 2007,
respectively. Ladenburg’s other income decreased $397, primarily due to a decrease of $294 in transaction fee
rebates.
The $6,274 (13%) decrease in compensation and benefits expense in 2008 as compared to 2007 was
primarily due to a $18,092 decrease in producers’ compensation which is directly correlated with a decrease in
Ladenburg’s revenue production, a $12,174 increase in salaries, bonuses, payroll taxes and employee benefits,
and a $622 decrease in amortization of cash held in escrow as security for obligations under a prior
acquisition agreement. The increase in salaries, bonuses and benefits resulted from an increase in the average
headcount for salaried Ladenburg employees primarily resulting from the Punk Ziegel acquisition, and an
increase of $7,074 for Investacorp’s and Triad’s employees in the 2008 period. During the fourth quarter of
2008 and the first quarter of 2009, Ladenburg reduced the size of its workforce.
The $429 (6%) decrease in non-cash compensation expense in 2008 as compared to 2007 is primarily due
to a decrease of $3,162 for the amortization of unearned compensation for our warrants and common stock
held in escrow for the principal shareholders of Capitalink, an investment bank we acquired, which was
amortized over 15 months beginning on October 18, 2006, the date of acquisition, and a decrease of $90 for
the amortization of unearned compensation from stock issued to employees in 2005 at below market prices,
partially offset by increased compensation expense of $2,823 attributable to option grants to employees,
directors and consultants (including $1,619 to Investacorp employees).
The $2,034 (51%) increase in brokerage, communication and clearance fees expense is primarily
attributable to increased institutional trading and the addition of Investacorp and Triad expense of $1,585.
The $1,915 (147%) increase in rent and occupancy, net of sublease revenue in 2008 as compared to 2007
is primarily attributable to an increase of $1,371 for Ladenburg’s additional leased property and Investacorp
and Triad expense of $551.
The $2,032 (52%) increase in professional services expense during 2008 is primarily due to an increase of
$1,569 in legal, $414 for audit, tax and 404 compliance and $49 in consulting fees and corporate
development activities.
The $2,230 (97%) increase in interest expense in 2008 as compared to 2007 is a result of borrowings
under our credit facility which we entered into 2007 and promissory notes issued in connection with the
Investacorp and Triad acquisitions. An approximate $35,000 average balance was outstanding for the 2008
period, as compared with an average debt outstanding of $6,000 for the 2007 period.
The $1,801 (121%) increase in depreciation and amortization expense is primarily attributable to the
addition of Triad and Investacorp expense of $1,524 and the additional expense related to Punk Ziegel.
The $1,038 (16%) increase in other expense in 2008 as compared to 2007 is primarily attributable to the
addition of Investacorp for the full year in 2008 and Triad expense of $2,307, partially offset by a decrease of
$1,136 in Ladenburg’s bad debt and settlement expense.
We incurred income tax expense of $1,019 in 2008 as compared to $513 in 2007. After consideration of
all the evidence, both positive and negative, management has determined that a valuation allowance at
December 31, 2008 was necessary to fully offset the deferred tax assets based on the likelihood of future
realization. Our current deferred income tax liabilities increased by approximately $780 during 2008 due to
goodwill amortization for tax purposes. The income tax rates for the 2008 and 2007 periods do not bear a
customary relationship to effective tax rates primarily as a result of the increase in the valuation allowance in
the 2008 period and recognized tax benefits from net operating loss carryforwards from prior years utilized to
offset taxable income in the 2007 and 2006 periods.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Approximately 23% of our total assets at December 31, 2009 consisted of cash and cash equivalents,
securities owned and receivables from clearing brokers and other broker-dealers, all of which fluctuate,
depending upon the levels of customer business and trading activity. Receivables from broker-dealers, which
are primarily from clearing brokers, turn over rapidly. As a securities dealer, our broker-dealer subsidiaries may
carry significant levels of securities inventories to meet customer needs. A relatively small percentage of our
total assets are fixed. The total assets or the individual components of total assets may vary significantly from
period to period because of changes relating to economic and market conditions, and proprietary trading
strategies.
Each of Ladenburg, Investacorp and Triad is subject to the SEC’s net capital rules. Ladenburg and Triad
are also subject to the CFTC’s net capital rules. Therefore, they are subject to certain restrictions on the use of
capital and their related liquidity. At December 31, 2009, Ladenburg’s regulatory net capital, as defined, of
$2,383, exceeded minimum capital requirements of $500, by $1,883. At December 31, 2009, Investacorp’s
regulatory net capital, as defined, of $694, exceeded minimum capital requirements of $315, by $379. At
December 31, 2009, Triad’s regulatory net capital, as defined, of $937 exceeded minimum net capital
requirements of $292 by $645. Failure to maintain the required net capital may subject Ladenburg,
Investacorp and Triad to suspension or expulsion by FINRA, the SEC and other regulatory bodies and
ultimately may require its liquidation. The net capital rule also prohibits the payment of dividends,
redemption of stock and prepayment or payment of principal of subordinated indebtedness if net capital, after
giving effect to the payment, redemption or prepayment, would be less than specified percentages of the
minimum net capital requirement. Compliance with the net capital rule could limit Ladenburg’s operations
that require the intensive use of capital, such as underwriting and trading activities, and also could restrict our
ability to withdraw capital from our subsidiaries, which in turn, could limit our ability to pay dividends and
repay debt.
In addition to regulatory net capital restrictions, Investacorp also is contractually restricted from declaring
a dividend to us which would result in its retained earnings and paid-in capital falling below the then
outstanding principal balance of the promissory note issued to Investacorp’s former principal shareholder,
which was $4,354 at December 31, 2009.
Our primary sources of liquidity include borrowings under our $30,000 revolving credit agreement with
Frost Gamma. Borrowings under the $30,000 revolving credit agreement bear interest at a rate of 11% per
annum, payable quarterly. At December 31, 2009, $18,450 was outstanding under the revolving credit
agreement. We used the proceeds of the $10,000 NFS forgivable loan to repay a portion of the amount
outstanding under our revolving credit facility. We may repay or re-borrow outstanding amounts under our
revolving credit facility at any time prior to the amended maturity date of August 25, 2016, without penalty.
We believe our existing assets and funds available under our $30,000 revolving credit facility provide
adequate funds for continuing operations at current activity levels. We are currently in compliance with all
debt covenants in our debt agreements.
Cash used in operating activities for 2009 was $2,297 primarily due to our net loss, an increase in other
receivables, net, receivables from other broker-dealers and other assets, a decrease in securities sold , but not
yet purchased, partially offset by a decrease in securities owned at fair value, and receivables from clearing
brokers and an increase in accrued compensation and commissions and fees payable. In 2008, cash provided
by operating activities was $23,765 primarily due to a decrease in receivables from clearing brokers,
receivables from other broker dealers, and other assets partially offset by our net loss, an increase in other
receivables, net, a decrease in securities sold , but not yet purchased, accrued compensation, commissions and
fees payable, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
Investing activities used $48 for 2009, primarily due to the purchase of furniture, equipment and
leasehold improvements partially offset by a decrease in restricted assets related to the termination of a letter
of credit securing obligations under one of Ladenburg’s office leases. In 2008, investing activities used
$8,259, primarily due to payments for acquisitions, and the purchase of furniture, equipment and leasehold
improvements partially offset by a decrease in exchange memberships, and restricted assets related to the
termination of a letter of credit securing obligations under one of Ladenburg’s office leases.
Financing activities provided $1,426 for 2009, primarily due to the $10,000 NFS forgivable loan
agreement, loan re-borrowings under our revolving credit facility, and the issuance of common stock upon
option exercises and
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under the employee stock purchase plan, partially offset by repayments of notes payable and common stock
repurchases. In 2008, financing activities used $17,480 primarily due to repayments of amounts outstanding
under our revolving credit facility and other notes payable, and common stock repurchases partially offset by
the issuance of common stock.
At December 31, 2009, we were obligated under several non-cancelable lease agreements for office space,
which provide for future minimum lease payments aggregating approximately $32,865 through 2015,
exclusive of escalation charges. We have subleased vacant space under subleases which entitle us to receive
rents aggregating approximately $25,918 through such date.
In connection with the Investacorp acquisition, we entered into the $30,000 credit agreement and issued a
$15,000 promissory note to Investacorp’s former principal shareholder. During 2009, we re-borrowed a net
amount of $450 under the $30,000 credit agreement. Under the revolving credit facility, we may prepay
outstanding amounts without penalty, and reborrow amounts up to the credit limit, prior to the August 2016
maturity date. The $15,000 promissory note bears interest at 4.11% per annum and is payable in 36 monthly
installments. At December 31, 2009, the outstanding balance of this note was $4,354.
In connection with the Triad acquisition, we issued a $5,000 promissory note to Triad’s former
shareholders. The note bears interest at a rate of 2.51% per annum and is payable quarterly. The outstanding
balance of this note at December 31, 2009 was $2,962.
In March 2007, our board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to 2,500,000 shares of our common
stock from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions depending on market
conditions. The repurchase program is being funded using approximately 15% of our EBITDA, as adjusted. As
of December 31, 2009, 947,824 shares had been repurchased for $1,689 under the program.
In April 2009, the Company repurchased 4,500,000 shares of common stock at a price of $0.60 per share
(an aggregate of $2,700) in a privately-negotiated transaction. This purchase was not made under the
Company’s share repurchase program, which remains in effect.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Each of Ladenburg, Investacorp and Triad, as guarantor of its customer accounts to its clearing broker, is
exposed to off-balance-sheet risks in the event that its customers do not fulfill their obligations with the
clearing broker. Also, if Ladenburg, Investacorp or Triad maintains a short position in certain securities, it is
exposed to future off-balance-sheet market risk, since its ultimate obligation may exceed the amount
recognized in the financial statements.
Please see Note 12 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report on
Form 10-K.
Contractual Obligations
The table below summarizes information about our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2009 and
the effects these obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flow in the future years.
Contractual Obligations
Note payable to former Investacorp principal
shareholder(1)
Note payable to former Triad shareholders(2)
Revolving credit agreement with affiliate of our
Payments Due By Period
Total
Less than
1 year
1-3 years
4-5 years
5 years
After
$ 4,436 $ 4,436 $ — $ — $ —
—
3,037
1,735
1,302
—
principal shareholder(3)
32,114
1,684
4,059
4,059
22,312
Notes payable to clearing firm under forgivable
loan(4)
Operating leases(5)
Total
12,100
32,865
3,082
2,175
$84,552 $16,658 $21,679 $18,646 $27,569
3,382
11,205
1,954
6,849
3,682
12,636
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(1) Note bears interest at 4.11% per annum and is payable in 36 equal monthly installments. See Note 10 to
our consolidated financial statements.
(2) Note bears interest at 2.51% per annum and is payable in 12 equal quarterly installments. See Note 10 to
our consolidated financial statements.
(3) Revolving credit agreement has an August 25, 2016 maturity date and bears interest at a rate of 11% per
annum, payable quarterly. Assumes no payments of principal prior to maturity. See Note 10 to our
consolidated financial statements.
(4) Note bears interest at 5.25% per annum and is payable in 7 annual installments. See Note 10 to our
consolidated financial statements.
(5) Excludes sublease revenues of $25,918. See Note 11 to our consolidated financial statements.
We have subleased office space in various locations to subtenants, some of whom are engaged in the
financial services industry. Should any of the sub-tenants experience financial difficulty, or otherwise not pay
their rent for an extended period of time, it may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Market Risk
Market risk generally represents the risk of loss that may result from the potential change in the value of a
financial instrument as a result of fluctuations in interest and currency exchange rates, equity and commodity
prices, changes in the implied volatility of interest rates, foreign exchange rates, equity and commodity prices
and also changes in the credit ratings of either the issuer or its related country of origin. Market risk is inherent
to both derivative and non-derivative financial instruments, and accordingly, the scope of our market risk
management procedures extends beyond derivatives to include all market risk sensitive financial instruments.
Current and proposed underwriting, corporate finance, merchant banking and other commitments are
subject to due diligence reviews by our senior management, as well as professionals in the appropriate
business and support units involved. Credit risk related to various financing activities is reduced by the
industry practice of obtaining and maintaining collateral. We monitor our exposure to counterparty risk
through the use of credit exposure information, the monitoring of collateral values and the establishment of
credit limits.
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
We and our representatives may from time to time make oral or written “forward-looking statements”
within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including any statements that
may be contained in the foregoing discussion in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations”, in this report and in other filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and in our reports to shareholders, which reflect our expectations or beliefs with respect to future
events and financial performance. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and
uncertainties and, in connection with the “safe-harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act, we have identified under “Risk Factors” in Item 1A above, important factors that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement made by or on behalf of us.
Results actually achieved may differ materially from expected results included in these forward-looking
statements as a result of these or other factors. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to
place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which such
statements are made. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from
time to time by or on behalf of us.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
The information in Item 7 under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations — Market Risk” is incorporated herein by reference.
35
Table of Contents
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
See the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto, together with the report thereon of Eisner
LLP dated March 15, 2010 beginning on page F-1 of this report which are incorporated by reference in this
Item 8.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None.
ITEM 9A(T). CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15)e) or 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended) are our controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information
required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded,
processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.
Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure
that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is
accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal
financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive
officer and principal financial officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and
procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report, and, based on that evaluation, our principal
executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that these controls and procedures are
effective.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial
reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Under the supervision and
with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial
officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based
on the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Our internal control over financial reporting is designed
to provide reasonable assurance to management and to our Board of Directors regarding the reliability of
financial reporting and the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements for external purposes in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our internal control over financial reporting
includes those policies and procedures that:
(i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the
transactions and dispositions of our assets;
(ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of
financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and
expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and
directors; and
(iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized
acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
In connection with this annual report on Form 10-K, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer
evaluated, with the participation of our management, the effectiveness of our internal control over financial
reporting as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on management’s evaluation, our chief
executive officer and chief financial officer each concluded that our internal control over financial reporting
was effective as of December 31, 2009.
This annual report does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting
firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by
our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the SEC that permit us to
provide only management’s report in this annual report.
36
Table of Contents
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter that have
materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.
None.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
This information will be contained in our definitive proxy statement for our 2010 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders, to be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year covered by this
report, and incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
This information will be contained in our definitive proxy statement for our 2010 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders, to be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year covered by this
report, and incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
This information will be contained in our definitive proxy statement for our 2010 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders, to be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year covered by this
report, and incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR
INDEPENDENCE.
This information will be contained in our definitive proxy statement for our 2010 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders, to be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year covered by this
report, and incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
This information will be contained in our definitive proxy statement for our 2010 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders, to be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year covered by this
report, and incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
(a)(1): Index to 2009 Consolidated Financial Statements
The consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto, together with the report thereon of Eisner
LLP dated March 15, 2010, appear beginning on page F-1 of this report.
(a)(2): Financial Statement Schedules
Financial statement schedules not included in this report have been omitted because they are not
applicable or the required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto.
37
Table of Contents
(a)(3): Exhibits Filed
The following exhibits are filed as part of this annual report on Form 10-K.
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No.
Description
Incorporated
By Reference
from
No. in
Document
Document
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
10.6
10.7
10.8
10.9
10.10
10.11
10.12
10.13
Articles of Incorporation
Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, dated August 24, 1999
Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, dated April 3, 2006
Amended and Restated Bylaws
Form of common stock certificate
Credit Agreement, dated as of October 19, 2007, by and between the Company and
Frost Gamma Investments Trust, including the form of note thereto
Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement by and between the Company and Frost Nevada
Investments Trust, as assignee, dated as of August 25, 2009
Forgivable Loan Agreement, dated as of August 25, 2009, between the Company and
National Financial Services LLC. Certain Portions of this agreement have been omitted
under a request for confidential treatment pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 and filed separately with the United States Securities and
Exchange Commission.
Non-Negotiable Promissory Note, dated as of October 19, 2007, made by the Company
in favor of Bruce A. Zwigard
Pledge Agreement, dated as of October 19, 2007, by and between the Company and
Bruce A. Zwigard
Non-Negotiable Promissory Note, dated as of August 13, 2008, made by Ladenburg
Thalmann Financial Services Inc. in favor of Mark C. Mettelman and Robert W.
Bruderman as representatives of the shareholders of Triad Advisors, Inc.
Pledge Agreement, dated as of August 13, 2008, by and between Ladenburg Thalmann
Financial Services Inc. and Mark C. Mettelman and Robert W. Bruderman as
representatives of the shareholders of Triad Advisors, Inc.
Amended and Restated 1999 Performance Equity Plan*
2009 Incentive Compensation Plan.*
Form of Stock Option Agreement, dated as of May 7, 2001, between the Company and
certain directors*
Schedule of Stock Option Agreements in the form of Exhibit 10.3, including material
detail in which such documents differ from Exhibit 10.3*
Stock Option Agreement, dated as of January 10, 2002, between the Company and
Richard J. Lampen*
Form of Stock Option Agreement, dated January 10, 2002, between the Company and
each of Richard J. Rosenstock and Mark Zeitchick*
Schedule of Stock Option Agreements in the form of Exhibit 10.6, including material
detail in which such documents differ from Exhibit 10.6*
Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. Qualified Employee Stock Purchase Plan*
Form of Stock Option Agreement, dated November 15, 2002, between the Company
and each of Bennett S. LeBow, Howard M. Lorber, Henry C. Beinstein, Robert J. Eide
and Richard J. Lampen*
Schedule of Stock Option Agreements in the form of Exhibit 10.9, including material
detail in which such documents differ from Exhibit 10.9*
Form of Stock Option Agreement, dated September 17, 2003, between the Company
and each of Howard M. Lorber, Henry C. Beinstein and Richard J. Lampen*
Schedule of Stock Option Agreements in the form of Exhibit 10.11, including material
detail in which such documents differ from Exhibit 10.11*
Office Lease dated March 30, 2007 between the Company and Frost Real Estate
Holdings, LLC
10.14 Stock Option Agreement, dated July 13, 2006, issued to Dr. Phillip Frost*
10.15 Warrant issued to BroadWall Capital LLC
38
A
B
C
D
A
E
V
V
E
E
U
U
3.1
3.2
3.1
3.2
4.1
4.1
4.2
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.1
4.2
4.1
F
W Exhibit A
G
10.3
G
H
H
H
I
J
J
K
K
L
M
N
10.3.1
10.2
10.3
10.3.1
Exhibit A
10.48
10.48.1
10.1
10.1.1
10.1
10.2
10.1
Table of Contents
Exhibit No.
Description
Incorporated
By Reference
from
No. in
Document
Document
10.16 Form of Stock Option Agreement issued to employees of BroadWall
10.17
Letter Agreement, dated September 14, 2006, between Ladenburg Thalmann Financial
Services Inc. and Vector Group Ltd. (“Vector Agreement”)
10.18 First Amendment to Vector Agreement dated as of December 20, 2007
10.19 Form of Warrant issued to the stockholders of Telluride Holdings, Inc.
10.20
10.21
10.22
10.23
10.24
10.25
21
23.1
24
31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
Amendment to Employment Agreement between Ladenburg Thalmann Financial
Services Inc., Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. and Mark Zeitchick.*
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 19, 2007, by and among Ladenburg
Thalmann Financial Services Inc., the Investacorp Companies, the VIA Companies,
Bruce A. Zwigard and the Bruce A. Zwigard Grantor Retained Annuity Trust dated
June 20, 2007
Non-Plan Option Agreement, dated as of October 19, 2007, by and between Ladenburg
Thalmann Financial Services Inc. and Bruce A. Zwigard
Warrant, dated as of October 19, 2007, issued to Frost Gamma Investments Trust
pursuant to Credit Agreement
Employment Letter dated as of February 8, 2008 between Ladenburg Thalmann Financial
Services Inc. and Brett Kaufman*
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of July 9, 2008 by and among Ladenburg
Thalmann Financial Services Inc., Triple Acquisition Inc., Triad Advisors, Inc. and the
shareholders of Triad Advisors, Inc.
List of Subsidiaries
Consent of Eisner LLP
Power of Attorney
Certification of Chief Executive Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of Chief Financial Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of Chief Executive Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of Chief Financial Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
N
O
P
Q
R
E
E
E
S
T
10.2
10.1
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.1
2.1
**
**
***
**
**
**
**
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
* Management Compensation Contract
** Filed herewith
*** Contained on the signature page hereto
A. Registration statement on Form SB-2 (File No. 333-31001).
B. Annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 24, 1999.
C. Quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006.
D. Current report on Form 8-K, dated September 20, 2007 and filed with the SEC on September 21, 2007.
E. Current report on Form 8-K, dated October 19, 2007 and filed with the SEC on October 22, 2007.
F. Registration statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-139254).
G. Quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2001.
H. Registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-81964).
I. Definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on October 3, 2002 relating to the annual meeting of
shareholders held on November 6, 2002.
J. Annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002.
K. Quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003.
L. Current report on Form 8-K, dated March 30, 2007 and filed with the SEC on April 2, 2007.
M. Current report on Form 8-K, dated July 10, 2006 and filed with the SEC on August 3, 2006.
39
Table of Contents
N. Current report on Form 8-K, dated September 11, 2006 and filed with the SEC on September 12, 2006.
O. Current report on Form 8-K, dated September 21, 2006 and filed with the SEC on September 27, 2006.
P. Current report on Form 8-K, dated December 20, 2007 and filed with the SEC on December 20, 2007.
Q. Current report on Form 8-K, dated September 6, 2006 and filed with the SEC on September 7, 2006.
R. Current report on Form 8-K/A dated September 6, 2006 and filed with the SEC on October 24, 2006.
S. Current report on Form 8-K, dated March 27, 2008 and filed with the SEC on March 28, 2008.
T. Current report on Form 8-K, dated July 9, 2008 and filed with the SEC on July 10, 2008.
U. Current report on Form 8-K, dated August 13, 2008 and filed with the SEC on August 14, 2008.
V. Quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009.
W. Definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on July 20, 2009 relating to the annual meeting of
shareholders held on August 27, 2009.
40
Table of Contents
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.
SIGNATURES
LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
(Registrant)
Dated: March 16, 2010
By: /s/ Brett H. Kaufman
Name: Brett H. Kaufman
Title: Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned directors and officers of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. hereby constitute
and appoint Brett H. Kaufman, Richard J. Lampen and Mark Zeitchick, and each of them, with full power to
act without the other and with full power of substitution and resubstitution, our true and lawful attorneys-in-
fact with full power to execute in our name and behalf in the capacities indicated below, this annual report on
Form 10-K and any and all amendments thereto and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and hereby ratify and
confirm all that such attorneys-in-fact, or any of them, or their substitutes shall lawfully do or cause to be done
by virtue hereof.
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 indicated on March 16, 2010.
Signatures
Title
/s/ Richard J. Lampen
Richard J. Lampen
/s/ Brett H. Kaufman
Brett H. Kaufman
/s/ Henry C. Beinstein
Henry C. Beinstein
/s/ Robert J. Eide
Robert J. Eide
/s/ Phillip Frost, M.D.
Phillip Frost, M.D.
/s/ Brian S. Genson
Brian S. Genson
/s/ Saul Gilinski
Saul Gilinski
/s/ Dr. Richard M. Krasno
Dr. Richard M. Krasno
/s/ Howard M. Lorber
Howard M. Lorber
/s/ Jeffrey S. Podell
Jeffrey S. Podell
/s/ Richard J. Rosenstock
Richard J. Rosenstock
/s/ Mark Zeitchick
Mark Zeitchick
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal
Accounting Officer)
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
41
Table of Contents
LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009
ITEMS 8 and 15(a) (1) AND (2)
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Financial Statements of the Registrant and its subsidiaries required to be included in Items 8 and 15(a)
(1) and (2) are listed below:
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. Consolidated Financial Statements:
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2009 and 2008
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2009,
2008 and 2007
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Page
F-2
F-3
F-4
F-5
F-6
F-8
F-1
Table of Contents
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of Ladenburg
Thalmann Financial Services Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2009 and 2008,
and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each
of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009. These financial statements are the responsibility of
the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based
on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not
required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2009. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for
designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, 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. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts
and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the
consolidated financial position of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. and its subsidiaries as of
December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of
the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009, in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America.
/s/ Eisner LLP
New York, New York
March 15, 2010
F-2
Table of Contents
LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
December 31,
2009
2008
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
Securities owned, at fair value
Receivables from clearing brokers
Receivables from other broker-dealers
Other receivables, net
Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements, net
Restricted assets
Intangible assets, net
Goodwill
Unamortized debt issue cost
Other assets
Total assets
$
5,702 $
2,209
13,406
329
6,203
3,154
350
28,509
29,739
1,879
3,157
6,621
4,828
14,558
—
4,423
3,714
701
31,625
29,739
2,400
3,059
$ 94,637 $ 101,668
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Securities sold, but not yet purchased, at fair value
Accrued compensation
Commissions and fees payable
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Deferred rent
Deferred income taxes
Accrued interest
Notes payable
Total liabilities
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 3 and 11)
Shareholders’ equity:
$
9 $
4,299
5,957
5,671
3,378
1,726
365
35,438
56,843
91
3,661
5,203
5,653
3,863
780
193
30,934
50,378
Preferred stock, $.0001 par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized; none issued
Common stock, $.0001 par value; 400,000,000 shares authorized; shares
issued and outstanding, 167,907,038 in 2009 and 171,715,514 in 2008
—
—
17
171,349
(133,572)
37,794
17
166,172
(114,899)
51,290
$ 94,637 $ 101,668
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated deficit
Total shareholders’ equity
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
F-3
Table of Contents
LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Revenues:
Commissions and fees
Investment banking
Asset management
Principal transactions
Interest and dividends
Other income
Total revenues
Expenses:
Commissions and fees
Compensation and benefits
Non-cash compensation
Brokerage, communication and clearance fees
Rent and occupancy, net of sublease revenue
Professional services
Interest
Depreciation and amortization
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Other
Total expenses
(Loss) income before income taxes
Income tax expense
Net (loss) income
Net (loss) income per common share (basic and diluted)
Weighted average common shares used in computation
of per share data:
Basic
Diluted
2009
Year Ended December 31,
2008
2007
$
$
$
123,821 $
15,155
2,002
846
2,372
6,479
150,675
87,165
40,232
7,534
6,836
3,476
5,725
3,977
3,734
—
9,600
168,279
(17,604)
1,069
(18,673) $
97,277 $
14,714
2,721
(2,736)
4,299
4,695
120,970
60,790
42,644
6,265
6,010
3,222
5,976
4,534
3,292
—
7,481
140,214
(19,244)
1,019
(20,263) $
(0.11) $
(0.12) $
31,958
55,401
3,028
251
2,970
2,218
95,826
9,012
48,918
6,694
3,976
1,307
3,944
2,304
1,491
1,833
6,443
85,922
9,904
513
9,391
0.06
168,623,375
165,812,495
157,355,540
168,623,375
165,812,495
168,484,469
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
F-4
Table of Contents
LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES
IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts)
Balance, December 31, 2006
Issuance of common stock under
employee stock purchase plan
Exercise of stock options, net of
Common Stock
Additional
Paid-in
Shares
Amount
Capital
Accumulated
Deficit
Total
155,972,805 $
15 $132,346 $ (104,027) $ 28,334
183,308
—
407
—
407
400,702 shares tendered in payment of
exercise price and 355,355 options
used in cashless exercise
Shares acquired from an employee in
satisfaction of withholding taxes on
exercise of options
Stock options granted to members of
former Advisory Board and consultants
Stock-based compensation to employees
Stock retired under stock repurchase plan
Issuance of common stock in exchange
for promissory notes payable to former
parent
Warrant issued in connection with credit
3,618,420
1
977
—
978
(521,711)
—
(1,122)
—
(1,122)
—
—
(332,529)
—
—
—
437
6,257
(612)
—
—
—
437
6,257
(612)
2,777,778
—
6,833
—
6,833
agreement
Net income
Balance, December 31, 2007
Issuance of common stock under
employee stock purchase plan
Exercise of stock options, net of
—
—
161,698,071
—
—
16
3,200
—
148,723
—
9,391
(94,636)
3,200
9,391
54,103
196,305
—
285
—
285
128,657 shares tendered in payment of
exercise price and 255,183 options
used in cashless exercise
Stock options granted to members of
former Advisory Board and consultants
Stock-based compensation to employees
Stock retired under stock repurchase plan
Common stock issued in Punk Ziegel
acquisition
Common stock issued in Triad
acquisition
Warrants issued for acquisition of
customer accounts
Net loss
Balance, December 31, 2008
Issuance of common stock under
employee stock purchase plan
Exercise of stock options
Stock options granted to members of
former Advisory Board and consultants
Stock-based compensation to employees
Repurchase and retirement of common
2,018,029
—
527
—
143,617
(583,895)
—
—
—
267
5,998
(1,060)
250,000
—
435
—
—
—
—
—
527
267
5,998
(1,060)
435
7,993,387
1
10,426
—
10,427
—
—
171,715,514
—
—
17
571
—
166,172
—
(20,263)
(114,899)
571
(20,263)
51,290
210,048
512,875
—
—
118
242
—
1
—
—
550
6,984
—
—
—
—
118
242
550
6,984
stock
Net loss
Balance, December 31, 2009
(4,531,400)
—
—
(2,717)
—
(2,717)
(18,673)
17 $171,349 $ (133,572) $ 37,794
—
(18,673)
167,907,038 $
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
F-5
Table of Contents
LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
Write-off of furniture, fixtures and leasehold improvements, net
Adjustment to deferred rent
Amortization of debt discount
Amortization of debt issue cost
Amortization of intangible assets
Deferred income taxes
Accrued interest
Non-cash compensation expense
Loss on extinguishment of debt
(Increase) decrease in operating assets, net of effects of acquisitions:
Securities owned
Receivables from clearing brokers
Receivables from other broker-dealers
Other receivables, net
Other assets
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
Securities sold, but not yet purchased
Accrued compensation
Commissions and fees payable
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of relationships and customer accounts
Adjustment to intangible assets
Payment for Triad acquisition, net of cash received
Payment for Punk Ziegel acquisition, net of cash received
Payment for Investacorp acquisition, net of cash received
Purchases of furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements
Proceeds from sales of exchange memberships
Decrease in restricted assets
Other
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Issuance of common stock other than private equity offerings
Shares tendered for withholding taxes on exercise of stock options
Repurchases of common stock
Issuance of subordinated notes payable
Repayment of subordinated notes payable
Issuance of other notes payable
Principal borrowings (payments) under revolving credit facility, net
Principal payments on other notes payable
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
F-6
Year Ended December 31,
2008
2007
2009
$(18,673)
$(20,263)
$ 9,391
618
—
(76)
721
521
3,116
946
172
7,534
—
2,619
1,152
(329)
(1,780)
(166)
(82)
638
754
18
(2,297)
—
—
—
—
—
(399)
—
351
—
(48)
538
—
(98)
845
668
2,754
780
192
6,265
—
(31)
24,562
15,511
(2,116)
1,311
(865)
(3,876)
(645)
(1,767)
23,765
—
212
(5,843)
(2,461)
(55)
(546)
120
318
(4)
(8,259)
360
—
(2,717)
—
—
10,000
450
(6,667)
1,426
(919)
6,621
$ 5,702
812
—
(1,060)
—
—
—
(12,000)
(5,232)
(17,480)
(1,974)
8,595
$ 6,621
387
115
14
304
—
1,104
—
671
6,694
1,833
(2,386)
(9,749)
(9,559)
(1,569)
1,563
(1,096)
2,929
646
(4,152)
(2,860)
(92)
—
—
—
(25,044)
(395)
—
1,135
3
(24,393)
1,385
(1,122)
(612)
72,000
(72,000)
30,000
—
(786)
28,865
1,612
6,983
$ 8,595
Table of Contents
LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands)
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid
Taxes paid
Non-cash investing and financing transactions:
Warrants issued for acquisition of customer accounts
Lease commitment capitalized as part of Capitalink acquisition
Issuance of shares of common stock in exchange for $5,000 of promissory notes
payable to former parent
Warrant issued in connection with credit agreement
Leasehold improvements financed by landlord in connection with relocation of
premises and included in deferred rent
Acquisition of Investacorp and affiliates:
Year Ended December 31,
2009
2008
2007
$ 2,524
60
$ 3,440
390
$ 2,766
193
—
—
$
$
571
—
—
463
—
—
—
—
6,833
3,200
—
2,500
—
Assets acquired
Liabilities assumed ($6,676) and note payable issued to former principal shareholder
—
—
$ 50,849
($13,550)
Cash paid in acquisition
Cash acquired in acquisition
Net cash paid in acquisition
Acquisition of Punk Ziegel:
Assets acquired
Liabilities assumed
Net assets acquired
Stock issued in acquisition
Cash paid in acquisition
Cash acquired in acquisition
Net cash paid in acquisition
Acquisition of Triad Advisors:
Assets acquired
Liabilities assumed
Net assets acquired
Note issued in acquisition
Stock issued in acquisition
Cash paid in acquisition
Cash acquired in acquisition
Net cash paid in acquisition
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(20,226)
30,623
(5,579)
$ 25,044
$ 4,174
(1,039)
3,135
(435)
2,700
(239)
$ 2,461
$ 23,939
(2,172)
21,767
(4,384)
(10,427)
6,956
(1,113)
$ 5,843
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
F-7
Table of Contents
LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
1. Description of Business
Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. (“LTS” or the “Company”) is a holding company. Its
wholly-owned principal operating subsidiaries are Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. (“Ladenburg”),
Investacorp, Inc. (collectively with related companies, “Investacorp”), Triad Advisors, Inc. (“Triad”) and
Ladenburg Thalmann Asset Management Inc. (“LTAM”).
Ladenburg is a full service registered broker-dealer that has been a member of the New York Stock
Exchange (“NYSE”) since 1879. Broker-dealer activities include sales and trading and investment
banking. Ladenburg provides its services principally for middle market and emerging growth companies
and high net worth individuals through a coordinated effort among corporate finance, capital markets,
brokerage and trading professionals.
Investacorp and Triad, which were acquired on October 19, 2007 and August 13, 2008, respectively, are
registered broker-dealers and investment advisors that have been serving the independent financial
advisor community since 1978 and 1998, respectively. Investacorp’s and Triad’s independent financial
advisors primarily serve retail clients. They derive revenue from advisory fees and commissions, primarily
from the sale of mutual funds, variable annuity products and other financial products and services.
LTAM is a registered investment advisor. It offers various asset management products utilized by
Ladenburg clients as well as clients of Investacorp and Triad’s financial advisors.
Ladenburg, Investacorp and Triad customer transactions are cleared through clearing brokers on a fully-
disclosed basis. Each of Ladenburg, Investacorp and Triad is subject to regulation by, among others, the
Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”)
and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board. Ladenburg and Triad are also subject to regulation by
the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) and the National Futures Association.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries after
elimination of all significant intercompany balances and transactions.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions 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.
Reclassifications
Certain amounts in the prior year financial statements were reclassified to conform with the current year
financial statement classifications.
Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid financial instruments with an original maturity of three months
or less to be cash equivalents.
F-8
Table of Contents
LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Revenue Recognition
Commissions and fees revenue results from transactions in equity securities, mutual funds, variable
annuities, and other financial products and services. Revenue from such transactions, executed as agent or
principal, and related expenses are recorded on a trade-date basis.
Investment banking revenue consists of underwriting revenue, strategic advisory revenue and private
placement fees. Underwriting revenues arise from securities offerings in which Ladenburg acts as an
underwriter and include management fees, selling concessions and underwriting fees, net of related
syndicate expenses. Underwriting revenues are recorded at the time the underwriting is completed and the
income is reasonably determined. Underwriting revenues include revenues earned from offerings by
Specified Purpose Acquisition Companies (“SPAC”). Ladenburg received a significant portion (up to
approximately 50%) of its revenue from the SPAC transaction upon the completion of a SPAC’s initial
public offering and received the remaining portion of the revenue (“Deferred Fees”) only if the SPAC
completed a business combination transaction. The Company records the portion of the revenue payable
upon completion of the initial public offering at the time the offering is completed and recognizes the
deferred fees only if, and when, the SPAC completes the business combination. Generally, these Deferred
Fees were received within 24 months from the date of the offering, or not received at all if no business
combination transaction is completed during such time period. Upon recognition of Deferred Fees, related
compensation expense and finder’s fees were also recognized. For the years ended December 31, 2009,
2008 and 2007, Ladenburg received and recognized Deferred Fees of approximately $5,900, $5,300 and
$9,700, respectively (included in investment banking revenues) and incurred commissions and related
expenses of approximately $2,200, $2,100 and $3,500, respectively. Strategic advisory revenue primarily
consists of success fees on completed merger and acquisition transactions, as well as retainer and periodic
fees, earned in connection with advising on both buyers’ and sellers’ transactions. Fees are also earned for
related advisory work and other services such as providing fairness opinions and valuation analyses.
Strategic advisory revenues are recorded when the transactions or the services (or, if applicable, separate
components thereof) to be performed are substantially complete, the fees are determinable and collection
is reasonably assured. Private placement fees are recorded on the closing date of the transaction.
Asset management revenue consists of base management fees and incentive fees. The Company
recognizes base management fees on a monthly basis over the period in which the investment services are
performed. Base management fees earned are generally based on the fair value of assets under
management. Base management fees are calculated at the investor level and, depending on the program,
use their monthly, average monthly or quarter-ending capital balances adjusted for any contributions or
withdrawals. Since base management fees are based on assets under management, significant changes in
the fair value of these assets will have an impact on the fees earned in future periods. The Company also
earns incentive fees that are based upon the performance of investment funds and accounts.
Principal transactions revenue includes realized and unrealized net gains and losses resulting from
Ladenburg’s and Investacorp’s investments in equity securities for their accounts and equity-linked
warrants received from certain investment banking assignments. In addition, principal transactions
include realized and unrealized gains and losses related to sales of exchange memberships.
Interest is recorded on an accrual basis and dividends are recorded on an ex-dividend date basis.
Furniture, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements
Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements are carried at cost net of accumulated depreciation and
amortization. Depreciation is provided by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the
related
F-9
Table of Contents
LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, or their
estimated useful lives, whichever is shorter.
Share-Based Compensation
The Company measures the cost of employee, officer and director services received in exchange for an
award of equity instruments, including stock options, based on the grant-date fair value of the award. The
cost is recognized as compensation expense over the service period, which would normally be the vesting
period of the equity instruments.
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives, generally on a straight-line basis.
Intangible assets subject to amortization are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The Company assesses the
recoverability of its intangible assets by determining whether the unamortized balance can be recovered
over the assets’ remaining life through undiscounted forecasted cash flows. If undiscounted forecasted
cash flows indicate that the unamortized amounts will not be recovered, an adjustment will be made to
reduce such amounts to fair value determined based on forecasted future cash flows discounted at a rate
commensurate with the risk associated with achieving such cash flows. Future cash flows are based on
trends of historical performance and the Company’s estimate of future performance, giving consideration
to existing and anticipated competitive and economic conditions.
Goodwill
Goodwill, which was recorded in connection with the acquisition of Investacorp, Triad and Punk,
Ziegel & Company, L.P. (“Punk Ziegel”) (see Note 3 and Note 8), is not subject to amortization and is
tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
asset may be impaired. The impairment test consists of a comparison of the fair value of the reporting unit
with its carrying amount. Fair value is typically based upon future cash flows discounted at a rate
commensurate with the risk involved or market based comparables. If the carrying amount of the reporting
unit exceeds its fair value then an analysis will be performed to compare the implied fair value of
goodwill with the carrying amount of goodwill. An impairment loss will be recognized in an amount
equal to the excess of the carrying amount over the implied fair value. After an impairment loss is
recognized, the adjusted carrying amount of goodwill is its new accounting basis.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
During the third quarter of 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting
Standards Codification (the “Codification”) became the single source of authoritative U.S. Generally
Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”). The Codification does not create any new GAAP standards,
but incorporates existing accounting and reporting standards into a new topical structure. Beginning with
this annual report, the Company adopted the Codification. Other than the manner in which the new
accounting guidance is referenced, the adoption of the Codification did not have any impact on the
Company’s financial statements.
In May 2009, the FASB issued guidance which establishes general standards of accounting for and
disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date, but before financial statements are issued. The
guidance, as amended in February 2010, requires that subsequent events be evaluated through the date
the financial statements are issued.
F-10
Table of Contents
LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
In June 2009, the FASB issued guidance which changes how a company determines when an entity that is
insufficiently capitalized or is not controlled through voting should be consolidated. The determination
of whether a company is required to consolidate such an entity is based on, among other things, an
entity’s purpose and design and a company’s ability to direct the activities of the entity that most
significantly impact the entity’s economic performance. The guidance was to become effective for the
Company beginning on January 1, 2010; however, in February 2010, the FASB issued guidance which
defers the previous guidance with respect to a hedge fund in which the Company has an ownership
interest and accordingly, the Company does not believe that the adoption of the guidance will have any
effect on its financial statements.
In August 2009, the FASB issued guidance which provides clarification regarding how to value a liability
when a quoted price in an active market is not available for that liability. The adoption of the guidance
did not have any impact on the Company’s financial statements.
In April 2008, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which amended the factors that should be
considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a
recognized intangible asset for amortization purposes. The guidance is intended to improve the
consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset for amortization purposes and the
period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under other U.S. GAAP. The
guidance, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, was adopted by the
Company effective January 1, 2009. The guidance is to be applied prospectively to intangible assets
acquired after the effective date and did not have any impact on the Company’s financial statements.
3. Acquisitions
Triad
On August 13, 2008, to increase its presence in the independent broker-dealer business, the Company
acquired Triad through a merger for an aggregate of $6,826 in cash (net of a post-closing adjustment of
$674), 7,993,387 shares of the Company’s common stock, valued at $10,427 and a $5,000 promissory
note valued at $4,384. The Company’s common stock was valued at $1.60 per share based on the average
closing market price for a reasonable period before and after July 10, 2008, the date the acquisition was
announced, and discounted for certain transfer restrictions. The note, which was valued based on an
imputed interest rate of 11%, is collateralized by a pledge of Triad’s stock held by the Company. In the
event that Triad meets certain cumulative profit targets during the three-year period following completion
of the merger, the Company also will pay to Triad’s former shareholders up to $7,500 in cash and issue to
such shareholders up to 4,134,511 shares of the Company’s common stock. Any such payments will be
accounted for as additional purchase price and allocated to goodwill.
The total consideration paid by the Company, including $130 of merger-related costs, was allocated to
the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values with the
amount exceeding the fair values being recorded as goodwill. The Company obtained third party
valuations in determining fair value for acquired intangible assets.
F-11
Table of Contents
LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
The allocation of the purchase price was as follows:
Cash
Receivables from clearing broker
Other receivables
Intangible assets(a)
Goodwill(b)
Securities owned
Fixed assets
Other assets
Total assets acquired
Commissions and fees payable
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Accrued compensation
Total liabilities assumed
Total purchase price
$ 1,113
2,074
397
13,022
5,837
500
296
700
23,939
1,207
853
112
2,172
$21,767
(a) Intangible assets relate principally to relationships with financial advisors ($9,786), vendor
relationships ($1,731) and non-compete covenants ($1,364), have a weighted average useful life of
16 years and are expected to be deductible for tax purposes over 15 years (see Note 7).
(b) Goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes over a 15-year period (see Note 8).
Punk Ziegel
On May 2, 2008, Punk, Ziegel & Company, L.P. (“Punk Ziegel”), a specialty investment bank based in
New York City, was merged into Ladenburg. The Company paid the sellers $2,700, representing Punk
Ziegel’s retained earnings plus paid-in-capital, plus 250,000 shares of the Company’s common stock
valued at $435.
Investacorp
On October 19, 2007, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Investacorp for
approximately $30,000 in cash and a promissory note valued at $13,550. In connection with financing
the acquisition, LTS entered into a $30,000 revolving credit agreement with Frost Gamma Investment
Trust (“Frost Gamma”), an entity affiliated with LTS’ chairman of the board and principal shareholder (see
Note 10). The acquisition was made to achieve a presence in the independent broker-dealer business.
The purchase price of $44,173, including acquisition costs, was allocated to identifiable assets acquired
and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values with the amount exceeding the fair values
being recorded as goodwill. The Company obtained third party valuations in determining fair value for
the acquired intangible assets.
F-12
Table of Contents
LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
The allocation of the purchase price was as follows:
Cash and cash equivalents
Securities owned
Receivables from clearing brokers
Intangible assets(a)
Goodwill(b)
Other assets
Total assets acquired
Commissions and fees payable
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Total liabilities assumed
Total purchase price
$ 5,579
478
2,984
17,441
23,546
821
50,849
3,995
2,681
6,676
$44,173
(a) Intangible assets relate principally to relationships with financial advisors ($14,921), have a weighted
average useful life of 18 years and are expected to be deductible for tax purposes over 15 years (see
Note 7).
(b) Goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes over a 15 year period (see Note 8).
In connection with his continued employment with Investacorp, the Company granted Investacorp’s
former principal shareholder stock options to purchase a total of 3,000,000 shares of the Company’s
common stock at $1.91 per share, the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the acquisition
date. The options, which were valued at a total of $5,130, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model,
vest over a three-year period (subject to certain exceptions). Also, the Company issued to certain other
Investacorp employees options to purchase 1,150,000 shares of common stock under its 1999
Performance Equity Plan, as amended (“1999 Option Plan”), at $1.91 per share, which were valued at a
total of $1,967, and vest in four equal annual installments.
Pro Forma Information
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the results of operations of the acquired
entities from their dates of acquisition. The following unaudited pro forma information represents the
Company’s consolidated results of operations as if the acquisitions of Investacorp and Triad had occurred
at the beginning of 2007. Pro forma data does not include the Punk Ziegel acquisition based on
materiality. The pro forma net loss reflects amortization of the amounts ascribed to intangibles acquired in
the acquisitions, amortization of employee stock-based compensation and interest expense on debt used
to finance the acquisitions.
Total revenue
Net loss
Basic and diluted loss per share
Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic and
Year Ended December 31,
2008
163,334
(18,709)
(0.11)
$
$
$
2007
209,846
(71)(1)
(0.00)
$
$
$
diluted
170,726,463
165,348,927
(1) Includes a non-recurring charge of $9,200 for special bonuses paid to Investacorp employees prior to
the closing of the acquisition.
The unaudited proforma financial information is not intended to represent or be indicative of the
Company’s consolidated results of operations that would have been reported had the acquisitions been
completed as of the beginning of the periods presented, nor should it be taken as indicative of the
Company’s future consolidated results of operations.
F-13
Table of Contents
LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
4. Securities Owned and Securities Sold, But Not Yet Purchased
The components of securities owned and securities sold, but not yet purchased as of December 31, 2009
and 2008 were as follows:
December 31, 2009
Certificates of deposit
Common stock and warrants
Restricted common stock and warrants
December 31, 2008
Certificates of deposit
Common stock and warrants
Restricted common stock and warrants
Securities
Owned
Securities
Sold, But Not
Yet Purchased
$
100 $
517
1,592
$ 2,209 $
$ 1,100 $
3,231
497
$ 4,828 $
—
—
9
9
—
91
—
91
As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, approximately $687 and $3,535, respectively, of securities owned
were deposited with the Company’s subsidiaries’ clearing brokers. Pursuant to the clearing agreements
with such clearing brokers, the securities may be sold or hypothecated by the clearing brokers.
Securities sold, but not yet purchased, at fair value represents obligations of the Company’s subsidiaries
to purchase the specified financial instrument at the then current market price. Accordingly, these
transactions result in off-balance-sheet risk as the Company’s subsidiaries’ ultimate obligation to
repurchase such securities may exceed the amount recognized in the consolidated statements of financial
condition.
Authoritative accounting guidance defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value,
and establishes a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques. Fair value is
the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction
between market participants at the measurement date. A fair value measurement assumes that the
transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability
or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market. Valuation techniques that are
consistent with the market, income or cost approach are used to measure fair value.
The fair value hierarchy ranks the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values.
Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following
three categories:
• Level 1 — inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities the
Company has the ability to access.
• Level 2 — inputs are inputs (other than quoted prices included within level 1) that are observable for
the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
• Level 3 — unobservable inputs for the asset or liability and rely on management’s own assumptions
about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. (The
unobservable inputs should be developed based on the best information available in the circumstances
and may include the Company’s own data.)
F-14
Table of Contents
LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Securities are carried at fair value and classified as follows:
Securities owned, at fair value
Certificates of deposit
Common stock and warrants
Total
Level 1
December 31, 2009
Level 3
Level 2
Total
$ — $ 100 $ — $ 100
517
2,109
$ 517 $1,692 $ — $2,209
1,592
—
Securities sold, but not yet purchased, at fair value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
$ — $
Common stock and warrants
9 $ — $ 9
$ — $ 9 $ — $ 9
Total
Securities owned, at fair value
Certificates of deposit
Common stock and warrants
Total
Level 1
December 31, 2008
Level 3
Level 2
Total
$ — $1,100 $ — $1,100
3,231
3,728
$3,231 $1,597 $ — $4,828
—
497
Securities sold, but not yet purchased, at fair value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
$ 91 $ — $ — $ 91
Common stock and warrants
91 $ — $ — $ 91
$
Total
Warrants are carried at a discount to fair value as determined by using the Black-Scholes option pricing
model due to illiquidity. This model takes into account the underlying securities current market value,
the underlying securities market volatility, the term of the warrants, exercise price, and risk free return
rate. As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, the fair value of the warrants are $1,351 and $297, respectively,
and are included in common stock and warrants (level 2) above.
At December 31, 2009 and 2008, investments in securities not held by the Company’s registered broker-
dealer subsidiaries, which amounted to $3 and $2,443, respectively, were classified as trading and carried
at fair value (Level 1) with unrealized gains and losses reflected in principal transactions. For such
investments the Company determines their appropriate classification as held-to-maturity,
available-for-sale, or trading at the time of purchase, and re-evaluates such classification as of each
balance sheet date.
5. Net Capital Requirements
As a registered broker-dealer, Ladenburg is subject to the SEC’s Uniform Net Capital Rule 15c3-1 and the
CFTC’s Regulation 1.17, which require the maintenance of minimum net capital. Ladenburg has elected
to compute its net capital under the alternative method allowed by these rules. At December 31, 2009,
Ladenburg had net capital, as defined, of $2,383, which exceeded its minimum capital requirement, as
defined, of $500, by $1,883.
Investacorp and Triad are also subject to the SEC’s Uniform Net Capital Rule 15c3-1, which requires the
maintenance of minimum net capital and requires that the ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital,
both as defined, shall not exceed 15 to 1. At December 31, 2009, Investacorp had net capital of $694,
which was $379 in excess of its required net capital of $315. Investacorp’s net capital ratio was 6.81 to 1.
At December 31,
F-15
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LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
2009, Triad had net capital of $937, which was $645 in excess of its required net capital of $292. Triad’s
net capital ratio was 4.67 to 1.
Ladenburg, Investacorp and Triad claim exemptions from the provisions of the SEC’s Rule 15c3-3
pursuant to paragraph (k)(2)(ii) as they clear their customer transactions through correspondent brokers on
a fully disclosed basis.
6. Furniture, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements
Components of furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements, net included in the consolidated
statements of financial condition were as follows:
Cost:
Leasehold improvements
Computer equipment
Furniture and fixtures
Other
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
Total
7. Intangible Assets
December 31,
2009
2008
$ 2,944
2,115
819
1,483
7,361
(4,207)
$ 3,154
$ 2,932
1,640
923
1,469
6,964
(3,250)
$ 3,714
At December 31, 2009 and 2008, intangible assets subject to amortization consisted of the following:
Technology
Relationships with financial advisors
Vendor relationships
Covenants not to compete
Customer accounts
Relationships with investment banking
clients
Leases
Other
Total
December 31, 2009
December 31, 2008
Estimated
Useful
Life (years)
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
1 $
426 $
426 $
426 $
20
7
5
10
24,707
3,613
1,717
1,311
2,320
934
531
337
24,707
3,613
1,717
1,311
2,586
1,004
67
4
6
6
$35,431 $
2,094
261
19
2,586
1,004
67
6,922 $35,431 $
338
1,085
418
188
192
1,474
104
7
3,806
F-16
Table of Contents
LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Aggregate amortization expense amounted to $3,116, $2,754 and $1,103 for the years ended
December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The weighted-average amortization period for total
amortizable intangibles at December 31, 2009 is 15.27 years. Estimated amortization expense for each of
the five succeeding years and thereafter is as follows:
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015 — 2027
$ 2,899
2,408
2,393
2,235
1,962
16,612
8. Goodwill
There were no changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2009.
Changes during 2008 are as follows:
Ladenburg
Independent Brokerage
and Advisory Services
Corporate
Total
Balance as of January 1, 2008
Acquisition of Investacorp
Acquisition of Punk Ziegel
Acquisition of Triad
Balance as of December 31, 2008 and 2009
$
$
— $
—
301
—
301 $
23,546
55
—
5,837
29,438 $
— $23,546
55
—
301
—
—
5,837
— $29,739
The annual impairment tests performed at December 31, 2009 and 2008 did not indicate that the carrying
value of goodwill had been impaired. However, changes in circumstances or business conditions could
result in an impairment of goodwill. As required, the Company will continue to perform impairment
testing on an annual basis or when an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than
not reduce the fair value of the Company’s reporting units below the carrying amount of their net assets.
F-17
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LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
9. Income Taxes
The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return and certain combined state and local income
tax returns with its subsidiaries. The Company is on a tax year ending September 30th.
Income taxes consist of the following:
2009:
Current
Deferred
2008:
Current
Deferred
2007:
Current
Deferred
Federal
State and
Local
Total
$ —
781
$ 781
$ —
726
$ 726
$ 356
—
$ 356
$
$
$
$
$
$
123
165
288
$ 123
946
$1,069
239
54
293
$ 239
780
$1,019
157
—
157
$ 513
—
$ 513
The provision for income taxes differs from the amount of income tax determined by applying the
applicable U.S. statutory federal income tax rate (34%) to pre-tax (loss) income as a result of the following
differences:
(Loss) income before income taxes
(Benefit) provision under statutory U.S. tax rates
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
Nondeductibility of loss on conversion of debt
Utilization of net operating loss carryforward
Increase in valuation allowance
Other nondeductible items
State taxes
Other, net
Income tax provision
2009
2008
$(17,604)
(5,985)
$(19,244)
(6,543)
—
—
6,659
569
81
(255)
$ 1,069
—
—
6,652
369
193
348
$ 1,019
2007
$ 9,904
3,367
844
(4,366)
—
564
104
—
513
$
The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the
recognition of tax benefits or expense on the temporary differences between the tax basis and book basis
of its assets and liabilities as well as tax loss carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured
using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those differences are
expected to be recovered or settled.
F-18
Table of Contents
LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Deferred tax amounts are comprised of the following at December 31:
Deferred tax assets (liabilities):
Net operating loss carryforwards
AMT credit carryforward
Accrued expenses
Compensation and benefits
Depreciation and amortization
Other
Unrealized gain
Intangibles
Goodwill
Valuation allowance
Net deferred taxes
2009
2008
$ 28,961
250
1,136
7,985
384
115
569
573
(1,726)
38,247
(39,973)
$ (1,726)
$ 25,417*
250
1,461
5,238
348
146
252
202
(780)
32,534*
(33,314)*
(780)
$
* Restated from amounts previously reported.
Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent on the existence of sufficient taxable revenue within the
carryforward period, including future reversals of taxable temporary differences. The taxable temporary
difference related to goodwill, which is amortized for tax purposes, will reverse when goodwill is disposed
of or impaired. Because such period is not determinable and, based on available evidence, management
was unable to determine that realization of the deferred tax assets was more likely than not, management
has provided a valuation allowance at December 31, 2009 and 2008 to fully offset the deferred tax assets.
At December 31, 2009, the Company has an aggregate net operating loss carryforward of approximately
$62,500 for federal income tax purposes expiring in various years from 2015 through 2029.
The Company’s tax years 2006 through 2009 remain open to examination by federal and certain state
taxing authorities. For other state and local authorities, tax years 2005 through 2009 remain open for
examination.
The Company applied the “more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold to all tax positions taken or
expected to be taken in a tax return, which resulted in no unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31,
2009.
The Company has elected to classify interest and penalties that would accrue according to the provisions
of relevant tax law as interest and other expense, respectively.
10. Notes Payable
Notes payable consisted of the following:
Note payable to former Investacorp shareholder, net of $124 and $565 of unamortized
discount at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively
Note payable to affiliate of principal shareholder of LTS
Note payable to former Triad shareholders, net of $204 and $484 of unamortized
discount at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively
Notes payable to clearing firm under forgivable loan
Total
December 31,
2009
2008
$ 4,230
18,450
$ 8,820
18,000
2,758
10,000
$35,438
4,114
—
$30,934
F-19
Table of Contents
LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
The Company estimates that the fair value of notes payable approximated $30,076 at December 31, 2009
and $27,483 at December 31, 2008 based on anticipated current rates at which similar amounts of debt
could then be borrowed. The Company is currently in compliance with all debt covenants in its debt
agreements.
Investacorp Note
On October 19, 2007, as part of the purchase price for the Investacorp acquisition, the Company issued a
three-year, non-negotiable promissory note in the aggregate principal amount of $15,000 to Investacorp’s
then principal shareholder. The note bears interest at 4.11% per annum and is payable in 36 equal
monthly installments. The note was recorded at $13,550 based on an imputed interest rate of 11%. The
Company has pledged the stock of Investacorp as security for the payment of the note. The note contains
customary events of default, which, if uncured, entitle the holder to accelerate the due date of the unpaid
principal amount of, and all accrued and unpaid interest on, the note.
Frost Gamma Credit Agreement
On October 19, 2007, in connection with the Investacorp acquisition, the Company entered into a
$30,000 revolving credit agreement with Frost Gamma Investments Trust (“Frost Gamma”), an affiliate of
LTS’ chairman of the board and principal shareholder, and borrowed $30,000. Borrowings under the Frost
Gamma credit agreement bear interest at a rate of 11% per annum, payable quarterly. Frost Gamma
received a one-time funding fee of $150. On August 25, 2009, the revolving credit agreement was
amended to extend the maturity date to August 25, 2016.
The note issued under the credit agreement contains customary events of default, which, if uncured,
entitle the holder to accelerate the due date of the unpaid principal amount of, and all accrued and unpaid
interest on, such note. Under the revolving credit agreement, Frost Gamma received a warrant to purchase
2,000,000 shares of LTS common stock. The warrant is exercisable at any time during its ten-year term at
an exercise price of $1.91 per share, the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the acquisition
date. The warrant, which is classified as debt issue cost, was valued at $3,200 based on the Black-Scholes
option pricing model, and is being amortized under the straight-line method over the remaining term of
the revolving credit agreement.
The Company may repay outstanding amounts at any time prior to the maturity date of August 25, 2016,
without penalty, and may re-borrow up to the full amount of the agreement.
Triad Note
On August 13, 2008, as part of the consideration paid for Triad, the Company issued a three-year, non-
negotiable promissory note in the aggregate principal amount of $5,000 to Triad’s then shareholders. The
note bears interest at 2.51% per annum and is payable in 12 equal quarterly installments. The note was
recorded at $4,384, based on an imputed interest rate of 11%. The Company has pledged the stock of
Triad as security for the payment of the note. The note contains customary events of default, which, if
uncured, entitle the holder to accelerate the due date of the unpaid principal amount of, and all accrued
and unpaid interest on, the note.
Notes Payable to Former Parent
In 2002, the Company borrowed a total of $5,000 from New Valley Corporation (“New Valley”), the
Company’s former parent. The notes, which bore interest at 1% above the prime rate, were due on
March 31, 2007, as subsequently extended. In February 2007, the Company entered into a debt exchange
agreement with New Valley, where New Valley agreed to exchange the principal amount of the notes for
shares of LTS common stock at an exchange price of $1.80 per share, representing the average closing
price of LTS’ common stock for the 30 trading days ending on the date of the agreement.
F-20
Table of Contents
LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
On June 29, 2007, after the Company’s shareholders approved the debt exchange, the Company
exchanged 2,777,778 shares of its common stock for the principal amount of the notes and paid $1,732 to
New Valley for accrued interest on the loans. The exchange resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt
of $1,833 representing the excess of the quoted market value of the 2,777,778 shares of common stock at
the date of the exchange agreement ($2.46 per share) over the carrying amount of the notes.
Temporary Subordinated Loans
In October 2007, Ladenburg received a temporary subordinated loan in the amount of $72,000 from an
affiliate of Dr. Frost, the Company’s chairman of the board and principal shareholder, to provide
additional regulatory capital required for additional underwriting participations. The loan was repaid
during the following month, with interest at the rate of LIBOR plus 2% per annum, which amounted to
$354. In addition, the Company paid the lender a commitment fee of $420.
NFS Forgivable Loan
On August 25, 2009, National Financial Services LLC (“NFS”), a Fidelity Investments company, provided
the Company with a seven-year, $10,000 forgivable loan. NFS serves as the primary clearing broker for
the Company’s three principal broker-dealer subsidiaries. During the third quarter of 2009, the three firms
amended their clearing agreements with NFS to, among other things, extend the term for a seven-year
period. Subsequently, NFS became the exclusive clearing broker for the three firms. Interest on the loan
agreement accrues at the prime rate plus 2%. If the Company’s broker-dealer subsidiaries meet certain
aggregate annual clearing revenue targets set forth in the loan agreement, the principal balance of the
loan will be forgiven in seven equal annual installments of $1,429 commencing in August 2010 and
continuing on an annual basis through August 2016. Interest payments due for each such year will also be
forgiven if the annual clearing revenue targets are met. Any principal amounts not forgiven will be due in
August 2016, and any interest payments not forgiven are due annually. If any principal amount is not
forgiven, the Company may have such principal forgiven in future years if its broker-dealer subsidiaries
exceed subsequent annual clearing revenue targets. The Company has expensed, and will continue to
expense, interest under the loan agreement until such interest is forgiven.
The loan agreement contains covenants including limitations on the incurrence of additional
indebtedness, maintaining minimum adjusted shareholders’ equity levels and a prohibition on the
termination of the Company’s revolving credit agreement. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the
outstanding principal and interest under the loan agreement may be accelerated and become immediately
due and payable. If the clearing agreements are terminated prior to the loan maturity date, all amounts
then outstanding must be repaid on demand. The loan agreement is collateralized by the Company’s (but
not the Company’s broker-dealer subsidiaries’) deposits and accounts held at NFS or its affiliates, which
amounted to $468 at December 31, 2009.
11. Commitments and Contingencies
Operating Leases
The Company and certain of its subsidiaries are obligated under several non-cancelable lease agreements
for office space, expiring in various years through June 2015. Certain leases have provisions for
escalation based on specified increases in costs incurred by the landlord. The Company is a sublessor to
third parties for a
F-21
Table of Contents
LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
portion of its office space. The subleases expire at various dates through June 2015. Minimum lease
payments (net of lease abatement and exclusive of escalation charges) and sublease rentals are as follows:
Year Ending
December 31,
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Total
Lease
Commitments
Sublease
Rentals
$
$
6,849
6,713
5,923
5,778
5,427
2,175
32,865
$ 4,801
4,713
4,756
4,818
4,818
2,012
$25,918
Net
$2,048
2,000
1,167
960
609
163
$6,947
Deferred rent of $3,378 and $3,863 at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, represents lease
incentives related to the value of landlord financed improvements together with the difference between
rent payable calculated over the life of the leases on a straight-line basis (net of lease incentives), and rent
payable on a cash basis.
Litigation and Regulatory Matters
In May 2003, a suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York by Sedona
Corporation against Ladenburg, former employees of Ladenburg and a number of other firms and
individuals. The plaintiff alleged, among other things, that certain defendants (not Ladenburg) purchased
convertible securities from plaintiff and then allegedly manipulated the market to obtain an increased
number of shares from the conversion of those securities. Ladenburg acted as placement agent and not as
principal in those transactions. Plaintiff’s original complaint alleged that Ladenburg and the other
defendants violated federal securities laws and various state laws. In August 2005, Ladenburg’s motion to
dismiss was granted in part and denied in part. On May 27, 2009, the Court granted in part and denied in
part motions to dismiss the Second Amended Complaint, and granted plaintiff leave to replead. On July 9,
2009, plaintiff filed its Third Amended Complaint, which contains no claims under the federal securities
laws, leaving only common law claims; the plaintiff seeks compensatory damages from the defendants of
at least $660,000 and punitive damages of $400,000. Ladenburg’s motion to dismiss the Third Amended
Complaint is currently pending. The Company believes the plaintiff’s claims are without merit and
intends to vigorously defend against them.
In July 2004, a suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas by Pet Quarters,
Inc. against Ladenburg, a former employee of Ladenburg and a number of other firms and individuals. The
plaintiff alleged, among other things, that certain defendants (not Ladenburg) purchased convertible
securities from the plaintiff and then allegedly manipulated the market to obtain an increased number of
shares from the conversion of those securities. Ladenburg acted as placement agent and not as principal in
those transactions. Plaintiff has alleged that Ladenburg and the other defendants violated federal
securities laws and various state laws. The plaintiff seeks compensatory damages from the defendants of at
least $400,000. In April 2006, Ladenburg’s motion to dismiss was granted in part and denied in part. On
April 9, 2007, the Court issued an order staying the action pending the final outcome of an arbitration
involving parties other than Ladenburg. A motion by plaintiff to enforce a purported settlement among
the parties to that arbitration is pending in the court action. The Company believes that the plaintiff’s
claims are without merit and intends to vigorously defend against them.
In December 2005, a suit was filed in New York State Supreme Court, New York County, by Digital
Broadcast Corp. against Ladenburg and a Ladenburg employee. The plaintiff alleged, among other things,
that in
F-22
Table of Contents
LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
connection with plaintiff’s retention of Ladenburg to assist it in its efforts to obtain financing through a
private placement of its securities, Ladenburg committed fraud and breach of fiduciary duty and breach of
contract. The plaintiff seeks compensatory damages in excess of $100,000. In December 2008, the Court
issued a decision granting Ladenburg’s motion for summary judgment and dismissed the complaint. On
June 30, 2009, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court issued an order unanimously affirming the
dismissal. The New York Court of Appeals has denied the plaintiff’s motion for leave to appeal. The
Company believes that the plaintiff’s claims are without merit and, if there are any further proceedings,
intends to vigorously defend against them.
In July 2008, a suit was filed in the Circuit Court for the 17th Judicial Circuit, Broward County, Florida,
by BankAtlantic and BankAtlantic Bancorp, Inc. against Ladenburg and a former Ladenburg research
analyst. The plaintiffs alleged, among other things, that research reports issued by defendants were false
and defamatory, and that defendants are liable for defamation per se and negligence; the amount of the
alleged damages was unspecified. In February 2010, the parties entered into a settlement agreement
resolving all claims against Ladenburg; the settlement expense is reflected in accrued liabilities in the
Company’s 2009 financial statements. A motion by the former research analyst for leave to assert a cross-
claim against Ladenburg for breach of contract and indemnification is pending. The Company believes
the purported cross-claim is without merit and intends to vigorously defend against it.
In February 2010, an arbitration case was commenced by a former employee against Ladenburg and the
Company. The claim asserts breach of an employment agreement and seeks compensatory damages of
$750. The Company believes that the allegations are without merit and intends to vigorously defend
against them.
In the ordinary course of business, the Company’s subsidiaries are defendants in litigation and arbitration
proceedings and may be subject to unasserted claims or arbitrations primarily in connection with their
activities as securities broker-dealers or as a result of services provided in connection with securities
offerings. Such litigation and claims may involve substantial or indeterminate amounts and are in varying
stages of legal proceedings. Where the Company believes that it is probable that a liability has been
incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated, the Company has included an estimation of
such amount in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
Upon final resolution, amounts payable may differ materially from amounts accrued. The Company has
accrued liabilities in the amount of approximately $453 at December 31, 2009 and $460 at December 31,
2008 in respect to these matters. With respect to other pending matters, the Company is unable to estimate
a range of possible loss; however, in the opinion of management, after consultation with counsel, the
ultimate resolution of these matters should not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s
consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
12. Off-Balance-Sheet Risk and Concentrations of Credit Risk
Ladenburg, Investacorp and Triad do not carry accounts for customers or perform custodial functions
related to customers’ securities. They introduce all of their customer transactions, which are not reflected
in these financial statements, to their clearing brokers, which maintain the customers’ accounts and clear
such transactions. Also, the clearing brokers provide the clearing and depository operations for
proprietary securities transactions. These activities may expose the Company to off-balance-sheet risk in
the event that customers do not fulfill their obligations to the clearing brokers, as each of Ladenburg,
Investacorp and Triad has agreed to indemnify their respective clearing brokers for any resulting losses.
Each of Ladenburg, Investacorp and Triad continually assesses risk associated with each customer who is
on margin credit and records an estimated loss when management believes collection from the customer is
unlikely.
F-23
Table of Contents
LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
The clearing operations for the Ladenburg, Investacorp and Triad securities transactions are primarily
provided by one clearing broker, a large financial institution. At December 31, 2009 and 2008, a
significant percentage of securities owned and the amounts due from clearing brokers reflected in the
consolidated statements of financial condition are positions held at and amounts due from this one
clearing broker. The Company is subject to credit risk should this clearing broker be unable to fulfill its
obligations.
In the normal course of its business, Ladenburg, Investacorp and Triad may enter into transactions in
financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk. These financial instruments consist of financial futures
contracts, written equity index option contracts and securities sold, but not yet purchased. As of
December 31, 2009 and 2008, Ladenburg, Investacorp and Triad were not contractually obligated for any
equity index or financial futures contracts; however, Ladenburg and Triad sold securities that they do not
own and will therefore be obligated to purchase such securities at a future date. These obligations have
been recorded in the statements of financial condition at market values of the related securities and
Ladenburg and Triad will incur a loss if the market value of the securities increases subsequent to
December 31, 2009.
The Company and its subsidiaries maintain cash in bank deposit accounts, which, at times, may exceed
federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is
not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash.
13. Shareholders’ Equity
Repurchase Program
In March 2007, the Company’s board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to 2,500,000 shares of
the Company’s common stock from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated
transactions depending on market conditions. The repurchase program is being funded using
approximately 15% of the Company’s EBITDA, as adjusted. As of December 31, 2009, 947,824 shares
had been repurchased for $1,689 under the program.
In April 2009, the Company repurchased 4,500,000 shares of common stock at a price of $0.60 per share
(an aggregate of $2,700) in a privately-negotiated transaction. This purchase was not made under the
Company’s share repurchase program, which remains in effect.
Warrants
As of December 31, 2009, outstanding warrants to acquire the Company’s common stock were as follows:
Expiration Date
2013
2016
2016
2017
14. Earnings Per Share
Exercise
Price
Number of
Shares
$
.95
.94
.96
1.91
500,000
1,500,000
2,900,000
2,000,000
6,900,000
Basic net (loss) income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares
outstanding. The dilutive effect of common shares potentially issuable under outstanding options and
warrants
F-24
Table of Contents
LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
is included in diluted earnings per share. The computations of basic and diluted per share data for
December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:
Net (loss) income
Basic weighted average shares
Effect of dilutive securities:
Common stock options
Warrants to purchase common stock
Common stock held in escrow
Dilutive potential common shares
Weighted average common shares outstanding and
2009
2008
2007
$
(18,673)
$
(20,263)
$
9,391
168,623,375
165,812,495
157,355,540
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
8,343,776
1,354,148
1,431,005
11,128,929
dilutive potential common shares
168,623,375
165,812,495
168,484,469
Net (loss) income per share:
Basic and diluted
$
(0.11)
$
(0.12)
$
0.06
During 2009, 2008 and 2007, options and warrants to purchase 27,921,290, 28,862,415, and 10,569,166
common shares, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted (loss) income per share as
the effect would have been anti-dilutive.
15. Stock Compensation Plans
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Under the Company’s Qualified Employee Stock Purchase Plan, a total of 10,000,000 shares of common
stock are available for issuance. As currently administered by the Company’s compensation committee,
all full-time employees may use a portion of their salary to acquire shares of LTS common stock under
this purchase plan at a 5% discount from the market price of LTS’ common stock at the end of each option
period. Option periods have been set at three month periods and commence on January 1, April 1, July 1,
and October 1 of each year and end on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year.
The plan is intended to qualify as an “employee stock purchase plan” under Section 423 of the Internal
Revenue Code. During 2009, 210,048 shares of LTS common stock were issued to employees under this
plan, at prices ranging from $0.50 to $0.68; during 2008, 196,305 shares of LTS common stock were
issued to employees under this plan, at prices ranging from $0.68 to $1.78; during 2007, 183,308 shares
were issued at prices ranging from $1.86 to $2.54 per share; resulting in a capital contribution of $118,
$285 and $407 for 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Amended and Restated 1999 Performance Equity Plan and 2009 Incentive Compensation Plan
In 1999, the Company adopted the 1999 Option Plan and in 2009 the Company adopted the 2009
Incentive Compensation Plan (“2009 Option Plan”) which provide for the grant of stock options and
stock purchase rights to designated employees, officers and directors and certain other persons performing
services for the Company and its subsidiaries, as designated by the board of directors. The option plans
each provide for the granting of up to 25,000,000 awards with an annual limit on grants to any individual
of 1,500,000. Awards under the option plans include stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted
stock, deferred stock, stock reload options and/or other stock-based awards. Dividends, if any, are not paid
on unexercised stock options. The compensation committee of the board of directors of LTS administers
the option plans. Stock options granted under the 2009 Option Plan may be incentive stock options and
non-qualified stock options. An
F-25
Table of Contents
LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
incentive stock option may be granted only through August 27, 2019 under the 2009 Option Plan and
May 27, 2009 under the 1999 Option Plan and may only be exercised within ten years of the date of grant
(or five years in the case of an incentive stock option granted to an optionee who at the time of the grant
possesses more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of LTS (“10%
Shareholder”)). The exercise price of both incentive and non-qualified options may not be less than 100%
of the fair market value of LTS’s common stock at the date of grant, provided, that the exercise price of an
incentive stock option granted to a 10% Shareholder shall not be less than 110% of the fair market value
of LTS’ common stock at the date of grant. As of December 31, 2009, there were options to purchase
24,860,000 shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2009 Option Plan and 5,182,154
non-qualified options available for grant under the 1999 Option Plan.
A summary of the status of the 1999 Option Plan at December 31, 2009 and changes during the years
ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 are presented below:
Options outstanding, December 31, 2006
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Expired
Options outstanding, December 31, 2007
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Expired
Options outstanding, December 31, 2008
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Expired
Options outstanding, December 31, 2009
Vested or expected to vest
Options exercisable, December 31, 2009
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(Years)
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Shares
11,043,311 $
4,735,000
(1,874,477)
(820,418)
—
13,083,416
4,068,500
(901,867)
(537,634)
—
15,712,415
1,105,000
(26,875)
(1,301,000)
(372,250)
15,117,290 $
14,465,863 $
9,469,581 $
0.99
2.23
0.70
1.55
—
1.44
1.75
0.58
1.87
—
1.56
0.83
0.58
1.48
3.57
1.46
1.45
1.32
F-26
7.92 $
4,458
8.01
10,332
7.69
343
6.91 $
6.84 $
6.19 $
200
200
200
Table of Contents
LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
A summary of the status of the 2009 Option Plan at December 31, 2009 and changes during the year
ended December 31, 2009 are presented below:
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(Years)
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Shares
140,000 $
140,000 $
77,322 $
— $
0.79
0.79
0.79
—
$
9.75 $
9.75 $
— $
—
—
—
—
Granted
Options outstanding, December 31, 2009
Vested or expected to vest
Options exercisable, December 31, 2009
Non-Plan Options
The Company has granted stock options to newly-hired employees in conjunction with their employment
agreements or in connection with acquisitions, which are outside of the option plans. A summary of the
status of these options at December 31, 2009 and changes during the years ended December 31, 2009,
2008 and 2007 are presented below:
Options outstanding, December 31, 2006
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Options outstanding, December 31, 2007
Exercised
Options outstanding, December 31, 2008
Exercised
Options outstanding, December 31, 2009
Vested or expected to vest
Options exercisable, December 31, 2009
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(Years)
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Shares
8,500,000 $
3,000,000
(2,500,001)
(1,249,999)
7,750,000
(1,500,000)
6,250,000
(486,000)
5,764,000 $
5,702,768 $
4,426,510 $
0.63
1.91
0.52
0.64
1.16
0.51
1.32
0.47
1.39
1.39
1.30
8.50 $
5,008
8.52
7,434
7.83
6.97 $
6.97 $
6.80 $
334
112
112
112
The weighted-average grant date fair value of employee options granted during the years ended
December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $0.58, $1.17 and $1.70, respectively. The fair value of each
option award was
F-27
Table of Contents
LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following
weighted-average assumptions:
Year Ended December 31,
2007
2008
2009
Dividend yield
Expected volatility
Risk-free interest rate
Expected life (in years)
0.00%
96.8%
2.57%
6.2
0.00%
99.9%
3.13%
6.2
0.00%
127.3%
4.34%
6.2
During 2009, 2008 and 2007, the Company considered authoritative accounting guidance when
reviewing and developing assumptions for the 2009, 2008 and 2007 grants. The weighted average
expected life for the 2009, 2008 and 2007 grants reflects a permitted alternative simplified method, which
defines the expected life as the average of the contractual term of the options and the weighted-average
vesting period for all option tranches. Expected volatility for the 2009, 2008 and 2007 option grants is
based on historical volatility over the same number of years as the expected life, prior to the option grant
date.
As of December 31, 2009, there was $6,439 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-
vested share-based compensation arrangements. This cost is expected to be recognized over the vesting
periods of the options, which on a weighted-average basis is approximately 1.76 years.
The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007
amounted to $146, $3,492 and $5,828, respectively. Tax benefits related to option exercise were not
deemed to be realized since net operating loss carryforwards are available to offset taxable income
computed without giving effect to the deductions related to option exercises and the deferred tax assets
related to those net operating losses have been fully reserved.
Non-cash compensation expense relating to stock options was calculated using the Black-Scholes option
pricing model, amortizing the value calculated over the vesting period and applying a forfeiture
percentage as estimated by the Company’s management, using historical information. The Company has
elected to recognize compensation cost for option awards that have graded vesting schedules on a straight
line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. For the years ended December 31, 2009,
2008 and 2007, non-cash compensation expense relating to stock option agreements granted employees
amounted to $6,984, $5,856 and $2,862, respectively. Also, the non-cash compensation expense related
to common shares and warrants granted to employees in connection with an acquisition made in 2006
amounted to $0, $142 and $3,305 in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
On September 1, 2005, the Company granted to certain advisors options to purchase an aggregate of
1,200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.51 per share under the Option
Plan. The options, which expire on August 31, 2015, vested 25% on each of the first four anniversaries of
the grant date. The Company recorded a charge of $528, $221 and $397 for the fair value of the options
for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, based on the Black-Scholes option
pricing model.
On January 14, 2010, the Company granted ten-year stock options to purchase 3,645,000 shares of its
common stock at an exercise price of $0.90 per share to directors, officers and employees. The options
vest over four years and the exercise price was 25% in excess of the closing price ($0.72) of LTS’ common
stock on the grant date. The options are generally subject to earlier vesting upon the recipient’s death or
disability or if the Company undergoes a change of control.
F-28
Table of Contents
LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
16. Segment Information
The Company has two operating segments. The Ladenburg segment includes the broker-dealer and asset
management activities, conducted by Ladenburg and LTAM. The Independent Brokerage and Advisory
Services segment includes the broker-dealer and investment advisory services provided by Investacorp
and Triad, since their respective dates of acquisition.
Segment information for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 is as follows:
2009
Revenues
Pre-tax (loss) income
Identifiable assets
Depreciation and amortization
Interest
Capital expenditures
Non-cash compensation
2008
Revenues
Pre-tax (loss) income
Identifiable assets
Depreciation and amortization
Interest
Capital expenditures
Non-cash compensation
2007
Revenues
Pre-tax income (loss)
Identifiable assets
Depreciation and amortization
Interest
Capital expenditures
Non-cash compensation
Ladenburg
$ 38,671
(8,006)
20,940
1,355
21
338
2,270
$ 41,997
(8,140)
24,802
1,386
35
453
1,912
$ 83,313
18,435
61,309
1,109
839
395
4,482
Independent
Brokerage and
Advisory Services(1)
Corporate
Total
$
$
$
111,931
802
72,108
2,311
19
61
1,938
79,190
203
73,343
1,809
29
93
2,153
12,191
411
50,644
285
1
—
534
$
73
(10,400)(2)
1,589
68
3,937
—
3,326
$150,675
(17,604)
94,637
3,734
3,977
399
7,534
$
(217)
(11,307)(2)
3,523
97
4,470
—
2,200
$120,970
(19,244)
101,668
3,292
4,534
546
6,265
$
322
(8,942)(2)
2,179
97
1,464
—
1,678
$ 95,826
9,904
114,132
1,491
2,304
395
6,694
(1) Includes Investacorp from October 19, 2007 and Triad from August 13, 2008
(2) Includes interest, compensation, professional fees and other general and administrative expenses.
F-29
Table of Contents
LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
17. Related Party Transactions
In 2007, the Company entered into a lease for office space with an entity affiliated with Dr. Frost, the
Company’s chairman of the board and principal shareholder, which expires in January 2012 and which
provides for minimum annual payments of $490. Rent expense under such leases amounted to $490, $464
and $392 in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
The Company is a party to an agreement entered into with Vector Group Ltd. (“Vector”), where Vector
agreed to make available to the Company the services of Vector’s Executive Vice President to serve as the
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and to provide certain other financial and
accounting services, including assistance with complying with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002. Various executive officers and directors of Vector and its subsidiary New Valley serve as members
of the board of directors of the Company, and Vector and its subsidiaries own approximately 8.6% of the
Company’s common stock. In consideration for such services, the Company agreed to pay Vector an
annual management fee plus reimbursement of expenses and to indemnify Vector. The agreement is
terminable by either party upon 30 days’ prior written notice. The Company paid Vector $600 for 2009,
$500 for 2008 and $400 for 2007 related to the agreement and pays Vector at the rate of $600 for 2010.
Howard Lorber, vice-chairman of the Company’s board of directors, is a consultant to (and, prior to
January 2005, was the chairman of) Hallman & Lorber Associates, Inc., a private consulting and actuarial
firm, and related entities, which receive commissions from insurance policies written for the Company.
These commissions amounted to approximately $14, $51 and $61 in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
In May 2008, upon the completion of the Punk Ziegel merger, the Company paid $250 to the then
brother-in-law of Mark Zeitchick, an executive vice president and director of the Company, as payment
for introducing the Company to Punk Ziegel.
See Note 10 for information regarding loan transactions involving related parties.
18. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
Quarters
2009:
Revenues
Expenses
Loss
before
income
taxes
Net loss
Basic and
diluted
loss per
common
share
Basic and
diluted
weighted
average
common
shares
$
$
$
33,290(b)
$
39,290(a),(b)
34,326
$
39,165(a)
39,246(b)
$
43,066(a),(b)
43,813(b)
46,758(a),(b)
(6,000)
(6,241)
$
$
(4,839)
(5,158)
$
$
(3,820)
(3,728)
$
$
(2,945)
(3,546)
$
(0.04)
$
(0.03)
$
(0.02)
$
(0.02)
171,727,332
167,318,633
167,624,573
167,876,256
(a) Includes $1,921, $1,666, $1,685 and $2,262 charge for non-cash compensation in the first, second,
third and fourth quarters 2009, respectively.
(b) Includes $3,025 of revenue and $1,037 of expenses in the first quarter 2009, $550 of revenue and
$216 of expense in the third quarter 2009 and $2,364 of revenue and $956 of expense in the fourth
quarter 2009 resulting from deferred fees from SPAC transactions.
F-30
Table of Contents
LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
Quarters
$
28,791(b)
29,851(a),(b)
$
25,232
30,376(a)
31,272(b),(c),(d) $
36,273(a),(b)
35,675(c),(d)
43,714(a)
(1,060)
(1,033)
$
$
(5,144)
(5,233)
$
$
(5,001)
(5,691)
$
$
(8,039)
(8,306)
$
$
$
$
(0.01)
$
(0.03)
$
(0.03)
$
(0.05)
161,501,065
162,709,005
167,303,935
171,655,110
2008:
Revenues
Expenses
Loss
before
income
taxes
Net loss
Basic and
diluted
loss per
common
share
Basic and
diluted
weighted
average
common
shares
(a) Includes $1,569, $1,498, $1,538 and $1,660 charge for non-cash compensation in the first, second,
third and fourth quarters 2008, respectively.
(b) Includes $2,411 of revenue and $865 of expenses in the first quarter 2008, and $2,878 of revenue and
$1,196 of expense in the third quarter 2008 resulting from deferred fees from SPAC transactions.
(c) Includes $5,339 in the third quarter 2008 and $15,851 in the fourth quarter 2008 of Triad revenues.
(d) Includes $305 gain on sale of BSE membership the third quarter 2008 and $214 gain on the sale of
AMEX membership in the fourth quarter 2008.
F-31
The following are direct wholly-owned subsidiaries of the registrant:
SUBSIDIARIES OF REGISTRANT
NAME
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc.
Ladenburg Thalmann Asset Management Inc.
Investacorp, Inc.
Investacorp Advisory Services Inc.
Triad Advisors, Inc.
Exhibit 21
STATE OF ORGANIZATION
Delaware
New York
Florida
Florida
Florida
Not included above are other subsidiaries which, if considered in the aggregate as a single subsidiary, would not constitute
a significant subsidiary, as such term is defined by Rule 1-02(w) of Regulation S-X.
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc.
on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-82688, 333-101360, 333-101361, 333-124366, 333-130024, 333-139246, 333-139247, 333-139254,
333-147386 and 333-163007) and on Form S-3 (Nos. 333-141517, 333-153373, 333-150851, 333-37934, 333-71526, 333-
81964, 333-88866, 333-122240, 333-117952, 333-130026, 333-130028 and 333-139244) of our report dated March 15,
2010, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. included in this
Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2009.
Exhibit 23.1
/s/ Eisner LLP
New York, New York
March 15, 2010
SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
RULE 13a-14 AND 15d-14 UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED
Exhibit 31.1
I, Richard J. Lampen, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this
report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the
registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal
control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant
and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and
procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the
registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities,
particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over
financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in
this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end
of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that
occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case
of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s
internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of
internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and to the audit committee of the
registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control
over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record,
process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a
significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: March 16, 2010
By: /s/ Richard J. Lampen
Name: Richard J. Lampen
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
RULE 13a-14 AND 15d-14 UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED
Exhibit 31.2
I, Brett H. Kaufman, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this
report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the
registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal
control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant
and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and
procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the
registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities,
particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over
financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in
this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end
of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that
occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case
of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s
internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of
internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and to the audit committee of the
registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control
over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record,
process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a
significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: March 16, 2010
By: /s/ Brett H. Kaufman
Name: Brett H. Kaufman
Title: Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. (the “Company”)
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Richard J. Lampen, President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-
Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:
1. the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934; and
2. the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition
and results of operation of the Company.
Dated: March 16, 2010
By: /s/ Richard J. Lampen
Richard J. Lampen
President and Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 32.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. (the “Company”)
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Brett Kaufman, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the
Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-
Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:
1. the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934; and
2. the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition
and results of operation of the Company.
Dated: March 16, 2010
By: /s/ Brett H. Kaufman
Brett H. Kaufman
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer