MORGAN GROUP HOLDING CO
10-Ks and 10-Qs
|
|
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021
Or
For the transition period from ______ to ______
Commission file number 333-73996
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
|
|
|
|
|
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
|
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Address of principal executive offices)
|
(Zip Code)
|
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (914 ) 921-5216
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
|
Title of each class
|
Trading Symbol
|
Name of each exchange on which registered
|
||
|
|
|
®
|
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act Yes ☐ No ☒.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act Yes ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days Yes ☒ No ☐.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule
405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☒ No ☐.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting
company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
|
Large accelerated filer ☐
|
Accelerated filer ☐
|
|
|
|
Smaller reporting company
|
|
|
Emerging growth company
|
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with
any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its
internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2) Yes ☐ No ☒
As of June 30, 2021, the aggregate market value of the Registrant’s voting and nonvoting common equity held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was approximately $206,725 which value, solely for the purposes of this calculation, excludes shares held by the Registrant’s officers, directors, and their
affiliates. Such exclusion should not be deemed a determination or an admission by the issuer that all such individuals are, in fact, affiliates of the issuer.
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the Registrant’s classes of Common Stock, as of the latest practical date.
|
Class
|
Outstanding at January 31, 2022
|
|||
|
Common Stock, $0.01 par value
|
|
|||
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement relating to the 2021 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders are incorporated by reference in Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III of this report.
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2021
|
Part I
|
|||
|
Item 1
|
3
|
||
|
5
|
|||
|
5
|
|||
|
5
|
|||
|
6
|
|||
|
Item 1A
|
6
|
||
|
Item 1B
|
6
|
||
|
Item 2
|
6
|
||
|
Item 3
|
7
|
||
|
Item 4
|
7
|
||
|
Part II
|
|||
|
Item 5
|
7
|
||
|
Item 6
|
7
|
||
|
Item 7
|
7
|
||
|
Item 7A
|
11
|
||
|
Item 8
|
11
|
||
|
Item 9
|
29
|
||
|
Item 9A
|
29
|
||
|
Item 9B
|
29
|
||
|
Part III
|
|||
|
Item 10
|
30
|
||
|
Item 11
|
32
|
||
|
Item 12
|
33
|
||
|
Item 13
|
34
|
||
|
Item 14
|
35
|
||
|
Part IV
|
|||
|
Item 15
|
35
|
||
|
Item 16
|
36
|
||
|
37
|
|||
|
38
|
|||
|
Certifications
|
|||
Forward-Looking Statements
Our disclosure and analysis in this report and in documents that are incorporated by reference contain some forward-looking statements
within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements give our current expectations or forecasts of future events. You can
identify these statements because they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. They use words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,”
“believe,” and other words and terms of similar meaning. They also appear in any discussion of future operating or financial performance. In particular, these include statements relating to future actions, future performance of our products,
expenses, the outcome of any legal proceedings, and financial results.
Although we believe that we are basing our expectations and beliefs on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of what we currently
know about our business and operations, there can be no assurance that our actual results will not differ materially from what we expect or believe. Some of the factors that could cause our actual results to differ from our expectations or beliefs
include, without limitation: the adverse effect from a decline in the securities markets; a decline in the performance of our products; a general downturn in the economy; changes in government policy or regulation; changes in our ability to attract
or retain key employees; and unforeseen costs and other effects related to legal proceedings or investigations of governmental and self-regulatory organizations. We also direct your attention to any more specific discussions of risk contained in
our other public filings or in documents incorporated by reference here or in prior filings or reports.
We are providing these statements as permitted by the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We do not undertake to update publicly
any forward-looking statements if we subsequently learn that we are unlikely to achieve our expectations or if we receive any additional information relating to the subject matters of our forward-looking statements.
| ITEM 1: |
BUSINESS
|
Unless we have indicated otherwise, or the context otherwise requires, references in this report to “Morgan Group Holding Co.” “Morgan Group,” “the
Company,” “MGHL,” “we,” “us” and “our” or similar terms are to Morgan Group Holding Co., its predecessors and its subsidiaries.
Our offices are located at 401 Theodore Fremd, Rye, NY 10580. Our website address is morgangroupholdingco.com. Information on our website is not
incorporated by reference herein and is not part of this report. We provide a link on our website to the following filings as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange
Commission (“Commission” or “SEC”): our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). All such filings on our website are available free of charge. In addition, these reports and the other documents we file with the SEC are available at www.sec.gov.
We were incorporated November 2001 in Delaware as a holding company. Morgan Group had no operating companies prior to the October 31, 2019 merger with
G.research, LLC (“G.research”), (discussed below). Our wholly-owned subsidiary, G.research is a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and is a member of FINRA (Financial Industry
Regulatory Authority). Our primary source of revenue is our institutional research and securities brokerage services including acting as an underwriter.
We publish research on approximately 100 companies globally with an emphasis on small and mid-cap investment. We operate an institutional sales trading desk which
facilitates security transactions on behalf of our clients.
Morgan Group Merger with G.research and Spin off
Morgan Group Holding Co. (the “Company,” “Morgan Group,” or “Morgan”) was incorporated in November 2001 as a Delaware corporation to serve as a holding company which seeks acquisitions as part of
its strategic alternatives. Prior to the October 31, 2019 merger with G.research, LLC (“G.research”), discussed below, Morgan Group had no operating companies.
The Company acquired G.research from Associated Capital Group, Inc. (“AC”), an affiliate of the Company, on October 31, 2019, in exchange for issuing
500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to AC (the “Merger”). Accordingly, G.research became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. Prior to the transaction, G.research was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Institutional Services holdings, LLC,
which, in turn, was a wholly-owned subsidiary of AC. After the transaction, AC had an 83.3% ownership interest in the Company. As a result of this common ownership, the transaction was treated as a combination between entities under common control
that led to a change in the reporting entity. The recognized assets and liabilities were transferred at their carrying amounts at the date of the transaction. For 2019 year comparative information, for the period prior to the Merger the companies
have been combined retrospectively.
On March 16, 2020, AC’s Board of Directors approved the spin-off of the Company to AC’s shareholders. Upon execution of the spin-off on August 5, 2020, AC distributed to its shareholders on a pro
rata basis the 500,000 shares of Morgan that AC owns.
On May 5, 2020, the Morgan Group board approved a reverse stock split of the issued and outstanding shares of their common stock, par value $0.01 per share, in a ratio of 1‑for‑100 that was
effective on June 10, 2020.
Institutional Services
G.research’s revenues are derived primarily from institutional services, underwriting fees (primarily for the Company) and selling concessions.
G.research generates revenues via direct fees and commissions on securities transactions executed on an agency basis on behalf of clients. Clients include
institutional investors (e.g., hedge funds and asset managers) as well as affiliated mutual funds and managed accounts. Institutional research services revenues totaled $2.3 million and $4.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020,
respectively.
A significant portion of G.research institutional research services are provided to GAMCO Investors Inc., (“GAMCO”) and its affiliates. For the years
ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, G.research earned $1.2 million and $2.5 million, or approximately 55% and 64%, of its commission revenue from transactions executed on behalf of funds advised by Gabelli Funds, LLC (“Gabelli Funds”)
and clients advised by GAMCO Asset Management Inc. (“GAMCO Asset” ). The agreements between G.research and Gabelli Funds and GAMCO Asset to provide institutional research services were terminated effective January 1, 2020. We can provide no
assurance that GAMCO and its affiliates will continue to use G.research’s institutional brokerage services to the same extent in the future. G.research continues to pursue expansion of third party and affiliated activities.
Underwriting
In October 2021, G.research participated in the secondary offering of the Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust Preferred 4.25% Series K as a member of the underwriting syndicate and selling group
earning $50,823 and $144,950, respectively. In December 2021, G.research entered into placement agent agreement for the private placement of The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. earning $500,000 and is included in a receivable in other assets
During 2020, G.research participated as Sales Manager in the at market offerings of The GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust. For the year ended December 31, 2020, G.research
earned $334,825 for these roles.
Business Strategy
Our strategy is to continue to operate and expand our institutional brokerage business through the coverage of additional market sectors and companies.
In order to achieve performance and growth in revenues and profitability, we are pursuing a strategy which includes the following key elements:
Attracting and Retaining Experienced Professionals
We offer significant variable compensation that provides opportunities to our staff. Our ability to attract and retain highly experienced investment and
other professionals with a long-term commitment to us and our clients has been, and will continue to be, a significant factor in our long term growth.
Competition
The institutional brokerages services industry is intensely competitive and is expected to remain so. We face competition in all aspects of our business
and in each of our investment strategies from other managers both in the United States and globally. We compete with other institutional research firms, insurance companies, brokerage firms, banks, and other financial institutions that offer
services that have similar features and investment objectives. Many of these competitors are subsidiaries of large diversified financial companies and may have access to greater resources, including liquidity sources, not available to us.
Historically, we have competed primarily on the basis of the superior service. However, we have taken steps to increase our outreach to the investment community, brand name awareness and marketing efforts. However, no assurance can be given that
our efforts to obtain new business will be successful.
Regulation
Virtually all aspects of our business are subject to various federal, state and foreign laws and regulations. These laws and regulations are primarily
intended to protect investors, the markets and customers of broker-dealers. Under such laws and regulations, agencies that regulate broker-dealers have broad powers, including the power to limit, restrict or prohibit such broker-dealer from
carrying on its business in the event that it fails to comply with such laws and regulations. In such an event, the possible sanctions that may be imposed include civil and criminal liability, the suspension of individual employees, injunctions,
limitations on engaging in certain lines of business for specified periods of time, revocation of registrations, censures and fines.
Broker-Dealer and Trading and Investment Regulation
G.research is registered as broker-dealer with the SEC and is subject to regulation by FINRA and various states. In its capacity as a broker-dealer,
G.research is required to maintain certain minimum net capital amounts. These requirements also provide that equity capital may not be withdrawn, advances to affiliates may not be made or cash dividends paid if certain minimum net capital
requirements are not met. G.research’s net capital, as defined, met or exceeded all minimum requirements as of December 31, 2021. As a registered broker-dealer, G.research is also subject to periodic examination by FINRA, the SEC and the state
regulatory authorities.
Our trading and investment activities for client accounts are regulated under the Exchange Act, as well as the rules of various U.S. and non-U.S.
securities exchanges and self-regulatory organizations, including laws governing trading on inside information, market manipulation and a broad number of technical requirements (e.g., short sale limits,
volume limitations and reporting obligations) and market regulation policies in the United States and globally. Violation of any of these laws and regulations could result in restrictions on our activities and damage our reputation.
The institutional research and brokerage services industry is likely to continue facing a high level of regulatory scrutiny and become subject to
additional rules designed to increase disclosure, tighten controls and reduce potential conflicts of interest. In addition, the SEC has substantially increased its use of focused inquiries which request information from broker dealers regarding
particular practices or provisions of the securities laws. We participate in some of these inquiries in the normal course of our business. Changes in laws, regulations and administrative practices by regulatory authorities, and the associated
compliance costs, have increased our cost structure and could in the future have a material adverse impact. Although we have installed procedures and utilize the services of experienced administrators, accountants and lawyers to assist us in
adhering to regulatory guidelines and satisfying these requirements, and maintain insurance to protect ourselves in the case of client losses, there can be no assurance that the precautions and procedures that we have instituted and installed, or
the insurance that we maintain to protect ourselves in case of client losses, will protect us from all potential liabilities.
The Patriot Act
The USA Patriot Act of 2001 contains anti-money laundering and financial transparency laws and mandates the implementation of various new regulations
applicable to broker-dealers and other financial services companies, including standards for verifying client identification at account opening, and obligations to monitor client transactions and report suspicious activities. Anti-money laundering
laws outside of the United States contain some similar provisions. Our failure to comply with these requirements could have a material adverse effect on us.
Employees
The Company has one executive officer and 4 employees performing day-to-day functions. The Company was a subsidiary of AC and can avail itself of the
transition services agreement with GAMCO.
Real Estate Properties
The Company does not own any properties. The Company is currently renting office space located at 401 Theodore Fremd Avenue in Rye, New York from AC
under AC’s leasehold with GAMCO.
Status as a Smaller Reporting Company
Under the Exchange Act, we qualify as a “smaller reporting company,” which is defined as a company with either (a) public float of less than $250 million
or (b) less than $100 million in annual revenues and (1) no public float or (2) public float of less than $700 million. As a smaller reporting company, we are eligible to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements
that are applicable to other public companies that are not “smaller reporting companies.” These exemptions include reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and two, instead of
three, fiscal years of audited financial statements.
We may take advantage of some or all of the reduced regulatory and reporting requirements that will be available to us as long as we qualify as a smaller
reporting company, except that we have irrevocably elected not to take advantage of the extension of time to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards available under Section 107(b) of the JOBS Act.
| ITEM 1A: |
RISK FACTORS
|
Smaller reporting companies are not required to provide the information required by this item.
| ITEM 1B: |
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
|
None.
| ITEM 2: |
PROPERTIES
|
None.
| ITEM 3: |
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
|
We are currently not aware of any pending legal proceedings to which we are a party, nor are we aware of any such proceedings that are contemplated by any
governmental authority. From time to time, we may be named in legal actions and proceedings. These actions may seek substantial or indeterminate compensatory as well as punitive damages or injunctive relief. We are also subject to governmental
or regulatory examinations or investigations. Examinations or investigations can result in adverse judgments, settlements, fines, injunctions, restitutions or other relief. For any such matters, the Company’s financial statements include the
necessary provisions for losses that we believe are probable and estimable. Furthermore, we evaluate whether there exist losses which may be reasonably possible and, if material, make the necessary disclosures.
| ITEM 4: |
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
|
Not applicable.
PART II
| ITEM 5: |
MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
|
The shares of our common stock trade on the over-the-counter market in the OTC Pink®, under the symbol: MGHL.
The following table sets forth the high and low market prices of the common stock for the periods indicated, as reported by published sources. These prices represent
inter-dealer quotations without retail markup, markdown, or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
|
High
|
Low
|
|||||||
|
2021 Fiscal Year
|
||||||||
|
First Quarter
|
$
|
8.28
|
$
|
6.00
|
||||
|
Second Quarter
|
$
|
8.00
|
$
|
5.00
|
||||
|
Third Quarter
|
$
|
6.00
|
$
|
5.20
|
||||
|
Fourth Quarter
|
$
|
5.50
|
$
|
2.25
|
||||
|
2020 Fiscal Year
|
||||||||
|
First Quarter
|
$
|
60.00
|
$
|
21.00
|
||||
|
Second Quarter
|
$
|
45.00
|
$
|
10.75
|
||||
|
Third Quarter
|
$
|
20.00
|
$
|
6.14
|
||||
|
Fourth Quarter
|
$
|
8.00
|
$
|
6.18
|
||||
| ITEM 6: |
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
|
Smaller reporting companies are not required to provide the information required by this item.
| ITEM 7: |
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (“MD&A”) OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
|
Introduction
Through G.research, we act as an underwriter and provide institutional research services. Institutional research services revenues consist of brokerage
commissions derived from securities transactions executed on an agency basis or direct payments from institutional clients as well as underwriting profits, selling concessions and management fees associated with underwriting activities. Commission
revenues vary directly with the perceived value of the research provided, as well as account activity and new account generation.
In light of the dynamics created by COVID-19 and its impact on the global supply chain and banks, oil, travel and leisure including the temporary closure of businesses deemed non-essential
across the United States, we anticipate lower transaction volumes from our institutional clients. As a result of this pandemic, the majority of our employees are working remotely, including our order execution services. However, there has been no
material impact of remote work arrangements on our operations, including our financial reporting systems, internal control over financial reporting, and disclosure controls and procedures, and there has been no material challenge in implementing
our business continuity plan. The sponsored conferences are taking place as planned using virtual service providers. While at the present time, the Company is unable to estimate the potential impact of COVID-19 on its financial condition, a
significant prolonged disruption in the financial markets leading to materially lower trading activity of the Company’s clients would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s revenue, operating results and financial position. Any potential
impact to our results of operations and financial condition will depend to a large extent on future developments and new information that could emerge regarding the duration and severity of COVID-19 and the actions taken by authorities and other
entities to contain COVID-19 or treat its impact, all of which are beyond our control. We will continue to monitor the virus’ impact on our customers, clients, and financial results.
Operating Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2021 as Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2020
Revenues
Institutional research service revenues were $3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, $1.4 million, or 32.2%, lower than total revenues of $4.4
million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Institutional research services revenues by revenue component, excluding principal transactions, were as follows (dollars in thousands):
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
Increase (Decrease)
|
|||||||||||||||
|
2021
|
2020
|
$
|
%
|
|||||||||||||
|
Commissions
|
$
|
2,024
|
$
|
3,586
|
$
|
(1,562
|
)
|
-43.6
|
%
|
|||||||
|
Hard dollar payments
|
227
|
365
|
(138
|
)
|
-37.8
|
%
|
||||||||||
|
2,251
|
3,951
|
$
|
(1,700
|
)
|
-43.0
|
%
|
||||||||||
|
Underwriting fees
|
702
|
70
|
632
|
896.0
|
%
|
|||||||||||
|
Sales manager fees
|
-
|
335
|
(335
|
)
|
-100.0
|
%
|
||||||||||
|
Total
|
$
|
2,953
|
$
|
4,356
|
$
|
(1,404
|
)
|
-32.2
|
%
|
|||||||
Commissions and hard dollar payments in the 2021 period were $2.3 million, a $1.7 million or 43.0% decrease from $4.0 million in 2020. The decrease was
primarily due to higher brokerage commissions from securities transactions executed on an agency basis. For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, G.research earned $1.2 million and $2.6 million, or approximately 55% and 64%, of
its commission revenue from transactions executed on behalf of funds advised by Gabelli Funds, LLC (“Gabelli Funds”) and clients advised by GAMCO Asset.
Underwriting fees increased $0.6 million during 2021 over the prior year amount.
Principal Transactions
During 2021, net losses from principal transactions were negligible.
Interest and dividend income declined to $0.02 million in 2021 from $0.1 million in 2020 primarily due to the continued decline in short-term rates.
Expenses
Total expenses were $4.6 million during 2021, a decrease of $1.5 million, or 24.6%, from $6.1 million in the 2020 period. The decrease results primarily
from lower compensation costs and a reduction of expenses across all categories.
Compensation costs, which includes salaries, bonuses and benefits, were $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, a decrease of $1.2 million from
$3.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 and is due to headcount reductions related to the cessation of research services and the continued streamlining of operations.
Income Tax Benefit
We recorded income tax expense of $0.0 million and income tax benefit of $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The
ETR was -0.1% and 12.4% for the periods ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Net Loss
Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $1.6 million versus $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Summary cash flow data is as follows (in thousands):
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
||||||||
|
2021
|
2020
|
|||||||
|
Cash flows provided by (used in):
|
||||||||
|
Operating activities
|
$
|
(1,708
|
)
|
$
|
(1,840
|
)
|
||
|
Investing activities
|
-
|
(1
|
)
|
|||||
|
Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
|
(1,708
|
)
|
(1,841
|
)
|
||||
|
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year
|
4,946
|
6,787
|
||||||
|
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year
|
3,239
|
4,946
|
||||||
Net cash used by operating activities was $1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, resulting from a net loss of $1.6 million and net increase in
operating assets of $0.5 million. Net cash used by operating activities was $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, resulting from a net loss of $1.4 million and a net increase of in operating liabilities of $0.4 million.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
Critical Accounting Policies
In the ordinary course of business, we make a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of results of operations and financial
condition in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). We base our estimates on historical experience, when available, and on other
various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates under different assumptions and conditions.
We believe that the following critical accounting policies require management to exercise significant judgment:
Revenue Recognition
The Company provides institutional research services and earns brokerage commissions and sales manager fees from securities transactions executed on an
agency basis on behalf of institutional clients and mutual funds, private wealth management clients and retail customers of affiliated companies. Commission revenue and related clearing charges are recorded on a trade-date basis and are included in
institutional research services and other operating expenses, respectively, on the consolidated statements of operations.
The Company has also been involved in syndicated underwriting activities that included public equity and debt offerings managed by major investment banks.
Underwriting fees include gains, losses, selling concessions and fees, net of syndicate expenses, arising from securities offerings in which the Company acts as underwriter or agent and are accrued as earned.
See Note C, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, in the consolidated financial statements.
Securities Owned, at Fair Value
Securities owned, at fair value, including common stocks, closed-end funds and mutual funds, are recorded at fair value with the resulting realized and
unrealized gains and losses reflected in principal transactions in the Statements of Operations. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. All securities transactions and transaction costs are
recorded on a trade date basis. Dividends are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income and interest expense are accrued as earned or incurred.
Allocated Expenses
The Company is charged or incurs certain overhead expenses that are included in general and administrative
and occupancy and equipment expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. These overhead expenses are allocated to the Company by AC and other AC affiliates or allocated by the Company to other AC affiliates as the expenses are
incurred, based upon methodologies periodically reviewed by the management of the Company and the AC affiliates. In addition, Gabelli & Company Investment Advisers, Inc. (“GCIA”), a wholly – owned subsidiary of AC, and GAMCO Investors, Inc.
(“GBL”) serve as paymasters for the Company under compensation payment sharing agreements. This includes compensation expense and related payroll taxes and benefits which are allocated to the Company for professional staff performing duties
related entirely to the Company and those compensation expenses and related payroll taxes and benefits which relate to professional staff who serve more than one entity and whose compensation is therefore allocated to the Company as well as to
its affiliates. These compensation expenses are included in compensation and related costs in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts on the
consolidated financial statements using the statutory tax rates in effect for the year when the reported amount of the asset or liability is expected to be recovered or settled, respectively. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a
change in tax rates is recognized in the results of operations in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying values of deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be
realized. For each tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return, the Company determines whether it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position, including
resolution of any related appeals or litigation. A tax position that meets the more likely than not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize. The tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit
that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. The Company recognizes the accrual of interest on uncertain tax positions and penalties in the income tax provision on the consolidated statements of operations..
See Note B, Significant Accounting Policies – Income
Taxes and G. Income Taxes, in the consolidated financial statements.
Credit Losses
The Company measures all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Any
allowance for credit losses are deducted from the amortized cost of the financial asset to present the net amount expected to be collected. The Statement of Operations will reflect the measurement of credit losses for newly recognized financial
assets as well as the expected increases or decreases of expected credit losses that have taken place during the period.
Seasonality and Inflation
We do not believe that our operations are subject to significant seasonal fluctuations. We do not believe inflation will significantly affect our
compensation costs, as they are substantially variable in nature. The rate of inflation may affect certain other expenses, however, such as information technology and occupancy costs.
| ITEM 7A: |
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
|
Smaller reporting companies are not required to provide the information required by this item.
|
ITEM 8:
|
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
|
MORGAN GROUP HOLDING CO. AND SUBSIDIARY
|
|
Page
|
|
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Financial Statements:
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
14
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
18
|
All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission that are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable have been omitted.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Morgan Group Holding Co.;
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of Morgan Group Holding
Co. and its subsidiary (the Company) as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the related consolidated statements of operations, equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements
(collectively, the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash
flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to
the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we
plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of
its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s
internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial
statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also
included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
Critical audit matters are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements
that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex
judgments. We determined that there are no critical audit matters.
/s/ RSM US, LLP
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2021
March 31, 2022
MORGAN GROUP HOLDING CO. AND SUBSIDIARY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021 AND 2020
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
||||||||
|
2021
|
2020
|
|||||||
|
Revenues
|
||||||||
|
Commissions
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
|
Principal transactions
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
||||
|
Dividends and interest
|
|
|
||||||
|
Underwriting fees
|
|
|
||||||
|
Sales manager fees
|
|
|
||||||
|
Other revenues
|
|
|
||||||
|
Total revenues
|
|
|
||||||
|
Expenses
|
||||||||
|
Compensation and related costs
|
|
|
||||||
|
Clearing charges
|
|
|
||||||
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
||||||
|
Occupancy and equipment
|
|
|
||||||
|
Total expenses
|
|
|
||||||
|
Loss before income tax benefit
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
||||
|
Income tax benefit
|
|
(
|
)
|
|||||
|
Net loss
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
||
|
Net loss per share
|
||||||||
|
Basic
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
||
|
Diluted
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
||
|
Weighted average shares outstanding:
|
||||||||
|
Basic
|
|
|
||||||
|
Diluted
|
|
|
||||||
|
Actual shares outstanding
|
|
|
||||||
| See accompanying notes. | ||||||||
MORGAN GROUP HOLDING CO. AND SUBSIDIARY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021 AND 2020
|
December 31,
2021 |
December 31,
2020 |
|||||||
|
ASSETS
|
||||||||
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
|
Receivables from brokers and clearing organizations
|
|
|
||||||
|
Receivables from affiliates
|
|
|
||||||
|
Deposits with clearing organizations
|
|
|
||||||
|
Income taxes receivable (including deferred tax asset of $
|
|
|
||||||
|
Fixed assets, net of accumulated depreciation of $
|
|
|
||||||
|
Other assets
|
|
|
||||||
|
Total assets
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
|
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
|
||||||||
|
Compensation payable
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
|
Payable to affiliates
|
|
|
||||||
|
Income tax payable
|
|
|
||||||
|
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
|
|
|
||||||
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
||||||
|
Commitments and contingencies (Note J)
|
||||||||
|
Equity
|
||||||||
|
Common stock, $ |
|
|
||||||
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
|
|
||||||
|
Accumulated deficit
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
||||
|
Total equity
|
|
|
||||||
|
Total liabilities and equity
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
| See accompanying notes. | ||||||||
MORGAN GROUP HOLDING CO. AND SUBSIDIARY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021 AND 2020
|
Shares
|
Common
Stock
|
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
|
Accumulated
Deficit
|
Total
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Balance at December 31, 2019
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$ |
|
||||||||||
|
Net loss
|
- |
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
||||||||||||||
|
Balance at December 31, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(
|
)
|
|
|
||||||||||
|
Net loss
|
-
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Balance at December 31, 2021
|
|
|
|
(
|
)
|
|
||||||||||||||
| See accompanying notes. |
||||||||||||||||||||
MORGAN GROUP HOLDING CO. AND SUBSIDIARY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021 AND 2020
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
||||||||
|
2021
|
2020
|
|||||||
|
Operating activities
|
||||||||
|
Net loss
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
||
|
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
|
||||||||
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
||||||
|
Deferred income tax, net
|
|
|
||||||
|
Other non-cash amounts included in net loss (see Non-cash financing activity)
|
||||||||
|
(Increase)/decrease in operating assets:
|
||||||||
|
Receivables from brokers and clearing organizations
|
(
|
)
|
|
|||||
|
Receivables from affiliates
|
|
(
|
)
|
|||||
|
Income taxes receivable
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
||||
|
Other assets
|
(
|
)
|
|
|||||
|
Increase/(decrease) in operating liabilities:
|
||||||||
|
Payable to affiliates
|
(
|
(
|
)
|
|||||
|
Income taxes payable
|
|
(
|
)
|
|||||
|
Compensation payable
|
|
(
|
)
|
|||||
|
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
|
|
|
||||||
|
Total adjustments
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
||||
|
Net cash used in operating activities
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
||||
|
Investing activities
|
||||||||
|
Purchases of fixed assets
|
|
(
|
)
|
|||||
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
$
|
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
|||
MORGAN GROUP HOLDING CO. AND SUBSIDIARY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021 AND 2020
(continued)
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|||||||
|
|
2021
|
2020
|
||||||
|
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
||||
|
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period
|
|
|
||||||
|
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
||||
|
|
||||||||
|
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
|
||||||||
|
Cash received from Associated Capital Group, Inc. for Income taxes
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
||||
|
|
||||||||
|
Reconciliation to cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
|
||||||||
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
||||
|
Restricted cash: deposits from clearing organizations
|
|
|
||||||
|
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
|
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
|||
|
|
||||||||
| See accompanying notes. |
||||||||
A. Organization and Business Description
Morgan Group Holding Co. (the “Company,” “Morgan Group,” or “Morgan”) was incorporated in November 2001 as a Delaware corporation to serve as a
holding company which seeks acquisitions as part of its strategic alternatives. Prior to the October 31, 2019 merger with G.research, LLC (“G.research”), discussed below, Morgan Group had no operating companies.
The Company acquired G.research from Associated Capital Group, Inc. (“AC”), an affiliate of the
Company, on October 31, 2019, in exchange for issuing 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to AC (the “Merger”).
Accordingly, G.research became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. Prior to the transaction, G.research was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Institutional Services holdings, LLC, which, in turn, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AC. After the
transaction, AC had an 83.3 % ownership interest in the Company. As a result of this common ownership, the transaction was treated
as a combination between entities under common control that led to a change in the reporting entity. The recognized assets and liabilities were transferred at their carrying amounts at the date of the transaction.
On March 16, 2020, AC’s Board of Directors approved the spin-off of the Company to AC’s shareholders. Upon execution of the spin-off on August
5, 2020, AC distributed to its shareholders on a pro rata basis the 500,000 shares of Morgan that AC owns.
On May 5, 2020, the
Morgan Group board approved a reverse stock split of the issued and outstanding shares of their common stock, par value $0.01 per
share, in a ratio of 1 ‑for‑100 that was effective on June 10, 2020.
G.research is a broker-dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and is regulated by the Financial Industry
Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”).
The Company provides institutional investors and investment partnerships with investment research with a particular focus on small-cap and
mid-cap companies. The team of sell-side analysts follows industry sectors on a global basis and performs fundamental security analysis using a Private Market Value (“PMV”) framework. PMV investing is a disciplined, research-driven approach
based on security analysis. In this process, the analyst selects stocks whose intrinsic value, based on the analyst’s estimate of current asset value and future growth and earnings power, is significantly different from the public market value
as reflected in the public market. PMV is defined as the price an informed industrial buyer would be likely to pay to acquire the business. The research focuses on company fundamentals, cash flow statistics, and catalysts that will help realize
returns.
The Company generates brokerage commission revenues from securities transactions executed on an agency basis on behalf of institutional clients
and mutual funds, private wealth management clients and retail customers of affiliated companies. The Company generates revenue from syndicated underwriting activities. It primarily participates in the offerings of certain closed-end funds
advised by Gabelli Funds, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (“GBL”) an affiliate. The Company also earns investment income generated from its proprietary trading activities.
The Company acts as an introducing broker, and all securities transactions for the Company and its customers are cleared through and carried by
three New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) member firms on a fully disclosed basis. The Company has Proprietary Accounts of Introducing
Brokers (“PAIB”) agreements with these firms. Accordingly, open customer transactions are not reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition. The Company is exposed to credit losses on these open transactions in the
event of nonperformance by its customers, pursuant to conditions of its clearing agreements with its clearing brokers. This exposure is mitigated by the clearing brokers’ policy of monitoring the collateral and credit of the counterparties until
the transaction is completed.
The Company’s principal market is in the United States.
B. Significant Accounting Policies
Consolidated Financial Statements
All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The Company consolidated the subsidiary from the date of the Merger with
retrospective application.
Segment Analysis
The Company is one segment for
reporting purposes.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company held an investment in an affiliated money market mutual fund which is invested solely in U.S. Treasuries.
Securities Owned, at Fair Value
Securities owned, at fair value, including common stocks, closed-end funds and mutual funds, are recorded at fair value with the resulting realized
and unrealized gains and losses reflected in principal transactions in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. All securities transactions and
transaction costs are recorded on a trade date basis. Dividends are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income and interest expense are accrued as earned or incurred.
Deposits with Clearing Organizations
Deposits with clearing organizations is restricted cash held at the clearing organizations.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts of all financial instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition approximate their fair values.
The Company’s financial instruments have been categorized based upon a fair value hierarchy:
| • |
Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 1 assets include cash equivalents.
|
| • |
Level 2 inputs utilize inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar
assets and liabilities in active markets and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. As of and during the
years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, there were
|
| • |
Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. These assets include infrequently traded
common stocks. As of and during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, there were
|
In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the
fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance
of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. Investments are transferred into and out of any level at their beginning period values.
The availability of observable inputs can vary
from instrument to instrument and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of instrument, whether the instrument is new and not yet established in the marketplace, and other characteristics particular to the
transaction. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Company
in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized as Level 3.
In the absence of a closing price, an average of the bid and ask is used. Bid prices reflect the highest price that market participants are willing
to pay for an asset. Ask prices represent the lowest price that market participants are willing to accept for an asset.
Cash equivalents – Cash equivalents consist of an affiliated money market mutual fund, which is invested solely in U.S. Treasuries. Cash
equivalents are valued using the mutual fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) to measure fair value. Accordingly, cash equivalents are categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
Receivables from Affiliates/Payables to Affiliates
Receivables from affiliates consist of receivables from certain affiliates for expenses paid on their behalf. In 2021 and 2020, payables to
affiliates are primarily comprised of sales manager fees and expenses paid on behalf of the Company due to AC. See Notes D and G.
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
See Note C.
Dividends and Interest
Dividends are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income and interest expense are accrued as earned or incurred. These amounts are not
related to contracts with customers.
Depreciation
Fixed assets are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives of to seven years .
Allocated Expenses
The Company is charged or incurs certain overhead expenses that are included in general and administrative and occupancy and equipment expenses in
the Consolidated Statements of Operations. These overhead expenses are allocated to the Company by AC and other AC affiliates or allocated by the Company to other AC affiliates as the expenses are incurred, based upon methodologies periodically
reviewed by the management of the Company and the AC affiliates. In addition, Gabelli & Company Investment Advisers, Inc. (“GCIA”), a wholly – owned subsidiary of AC, and GAMCO Investors, Inc. (“GBL”) serve as paymasters for the Company
under compensation payment sharing agreements. This includes compensation expense and related payroll taxes and benefits which are allocated to the Company for professional staff performing duties related entirely to the Company and those
compensation expenses and related payroll taxes and benefits which relate to professional staff who serve more than one entity and whose compensation is therefore allocated to the Company as well as to its affiliates. These compensation expenses
are included in compensation and related costs in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Income Taxes
For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company is a member of a tax sharing agreement among members of the AC consolidated tax group and records
an income tax provision. The Company generally settles either the benefit or expense with AC monthly, but not less than annually. The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of
deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between
the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is
recognized in income tax expense/benefit in the period that includes the enactment date of the change in tax rate.
The Company records net deferred tax assets to the extent the Company believes these assets will more likely than not be realized. A valuation
allowance would be recorded to reduce the carrying value of deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination of whether a valuation allowance is necessary, the Company considers all
available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. In the event the Company were to determine
that the Company would be more likely than not to realize the Company’s deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, the Company would make an adjustment to the previously recorded deferred tax asset valuation
allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.
The Company records uncertain tax positions on the basis of a two-step process: (1) the Company determines whether it is more likely than not that
the tax positions will be sustained based on the technical merits of the position; and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the Company recognizes the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater
than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority. The Company recognizes the accrual of interest on uncertain tax positions and penalties in income tax benefit on the Consolidated Statements of
Operations. Accrued interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions are included within accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
On August 5, 2020, Associated Capital Group, Inc.
distributed all its shares of Morgan Group Holdings, Co. (“Morgan”). Management concluded that the spin-off of the Morgan Group Holdings, Co. group represented a strategic shift pursuant to Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08. For Federal
income tax purposes, the transaction was considered a tax-free spin-off under IRC Section 355 and Morgan Group Holdings, Co. will be required to file standalone Federal and State tax returns from the date of the spin-off.
As of August 5, 2020, the Company’s operations are included in the consolidated U.S. federal and certain state and local income tax returns of
Associated Capital Group, Inc. The Company’s federal and certain state and local income taxes are calculated as if the Company filed on a separate return basis, and the amount of current tax or benefit is either remitted to or received from AC
using a benefits for loss approach such that net operating loss (or other tax attribute) is characterized as realized by the Company when those tax attributes are utilized in the consolidated tax return of AC. This is the case even if the Company
would not otherwise have realized those tax attributes.
Use of Estimates
The Company’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S.
GAAP”), which 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 that reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Credit Losses
The Company measures all expected credit losses for
financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Any allowance for credit losses are deducted from the amortized cost of the financial asset to present
the net amount expected to be collected. The Statement of Operations will reflect the measurement of credit losses for newly recognized financial assets as well as the expected increases or decreases of expected credit losses that have taken
place during the period.
C. Revenue from Contracts with Customers
The Company records revenue from contracts with customers in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts
with Customers” (“Topic 606”). Under Topic 606, the Company must identify the contract with a customer, identify the performance obligations in the contract, determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the performance
obligations in the contract, and recognize revenue when the Company satisfies a performance obligation.
Significant judgments that affect the amounts and timing of revenue recognition:
The Company’s analysis of the timing of revenue recognition of each revenue stream is based on the provisions of each respective contract.
Performance obligations could, however, change from time to time if and when existing contracts are modified or new contracts are entered into. These changes could potentially affect the timing of satisfaction of performance obligations, the
determination of the transaction price, and the allocation of the price to performance obligations. In the case of the revenue streams discussed below, the performance obligation is satisfied either at a point in time or over time. The judgments
outlined below, where the determination as to these factors is discussed in detail, are continually reviewed and monitored by the Company when new contracts or contract modifications occur. Transaction price is in all instances formulaic and not
subject to significant (or any) judgment at the current time.
The Company’s assessment of the recognition of these revenues is as follows:
Revenue from contracts with customers includes commissions, fees earned from affiliated entities pursuant to research services agreements,
underwriting fees and sales manager fees.
Commissions
Brokerage commissions. Acting as agent, the Company buys and sells securities on behalf of its customers. Commissions are charged on the
execution of these securities transactions made on behalf of client accounts and are negotiated. The Company recognizes commission revenue when the related securities transactions are executed on trade date. The Company believes that the
performance obligation is satisfied on the trade date because that is when the underlying financial instrument or purchaser is identified, the pricing is agreed upon and the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to/from the
customer. Commissions earned are typically collected from the clearing brokers utilized by the Company on a daily or weekly basis.
Hard dollar payments. The Company provides research services to unrelated parties, for which direct payment is received. The company may, or
may not, have contracts for such services. Where a contract for such services is in place, the contractual fee for the period is recognized ratably over the contract period, which is considered the period over which the Company satisfies its
performance obligation. For payments where no research contract exists, revenue is not recognized until agreement is reached with the client at which time the performance obligation is considered to have been met and revenue is recognized.
Commission revenues are impacted by the perceived value of the research product provided to clients, the volume of securities transactions and the
acquisition or loss of new client relationships.
Fees earned from affiliated entities pursuant to research services agreements
The Company receives direct payments for research services provided to related parties pursuant to contracts. The contractual fee for the period is
fixed and recognized ratably over the contract period, typically a calendar year, which is considered the period over which the Company satisfies its performance obligation. Payments for contracts with affiliated parties are collected monthly.
Underwriting fees
Underwriting fees. The Company acts as underwriter in an agent capacity. Revenues are earned from
fees arising from these offerings and the terms are set forth in contracts between the underwriters and the issuer. The Company’s underwriting revenue is considered to be conditional revenue because it is subject to reduction to zero once the
offsetting syndicate expenses have been quantified by the syndicate manager (i.e., lead underwriter) and allocated to each underwriter in proportion to their participation in the offering. Revenue recognition is therefore delayed until it is
probable that a significant reversal in the amount of revenue recognized will not occur. That is, it is recognized only when uncertainty associated with the syndicate expenses is subsequently resolved and final settlement of syndicate accounts is
effected by the syndicate manager. Payment is typically received from the syndicate manager within ninety days after settlement date.
Selling concessions. The Company participates as a member of the selling group of underwritten equity
offerings and receives compensation based on the difference between what its customers pay for the securities sold to its institutional clients and what the issuer receives. The terms of the selling concessions are set forth in contracts between
the Company and the underwriter. Revenue is recognized on the trade date (the date on which the Company purchases the securities from the issuer) for the portion the Company is contracted to buy. The Company believes that the trade date is the
appropriate point in time to recognize revenue for securities underwriting transactions as there are no significant actions the Company needs to take subsequent to this date, and the issuer obtains the control and benefit of the capital markets
offering at this point. Selling concessions earned are typically collected from the clearing brokers utilized by the Company on a daily or weekly basis.
Sales manager fees
The Company participates as sales manager of at-the-market offerings of certain affiliated closed-end funds and receives a tiered percentage of
proceeds as stipulated in agreements between the Company, the funds and the funds’ investment adviser. The Company recognizes sales manager fees upon sale of the related closed-end funds. Sales manager fees earned are fixed and typically
collected from the clearing brokers utilized by the Company on a daily or weekly basis.
Total revenues from contracts with customers by type were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| Years ended December 31, |
||||||||
|
2021
|
2020
|
|||||||
|
Commissions
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
|
Hard dollar payments
|
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
|||||||
|
Underwriting fees
|
|
|
||||||
|
Sales manager fees
|
|
|
||||||
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
|||||
D. Related Party Transactions
At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company had an investment of $2,859,939 and $ 4,724,290 , respectively, in The Gabelli U.S. Treasury Money
Market Fund advised by Gabelli Funds, LLC, which is an affiliate of the Company. The amount is recorded in cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Income earned from this investment totaled $232 and $39,713 in 2021 and 2020,
respectively, and is included in dividends and interest revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
In 2021 and 2020, the Company earned $1,243,412
and $2,582,914 or approximately, 55 %
and 64 %, respectively, of its commission revenue from transactions executed on behalf of funds advised by Gabelli Funds, LLC.,
(“Gabelli Funds”) and private wealth management clients advised by GAMCO Asset Management Inc., (“GAMCO Asset”), each affiliates of the Company.
The Company participated as agent in the secondary offerings of the GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust (“GGN”). Pursuant
to sales agreements between the parties, the Company earned sales manager fees related to this offering of $334,825 during 2020.
Sales manager fees are separately disclosed in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Company participated in the secondary offerings of the preferred stock of affiliated closed end funds during 2021 and 2020 as participants
in the underwriting syndicate and selling groups earning $702,035 and $16,000 , respectively.
AC has a sublease agreement with GBL that currently expires on April 1, 2020, which is subject to annual renewal. AC allocates this expense to
the Company based on the percentage of square footage occupied by the Company’s employees (including pro rata allocation of common space). Pursuant to the sublease, AC and the Company shall pay a monthly fixed lease amount for the twelve month contractual period. For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company paid $80,518 and $105,617 , respectively, under the sublease
agreement. These amounts are included within occupancy and equipment expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. At December 31, 2021 a $500 ,000
placement fee was due from the Gabelli Equity Trust and included in a receivable in other assets.
E. Fair Value
The following tables present information about the Company’s assets and liabilities by major category measured at fair value on a recurring basis as
of December 31, 2021 and 2020 and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value:
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis as of December 31, 2021:
|
December 31, 2021
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Assets
|
Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
|
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
|
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
|
Total
|
||||||||||||
|
Cash equivalents
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||||||
|
Total assets at fair value
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||||||
There were no transfers between any Levels during the year ended December 31, 2021.
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis as of December 31, 2020:
|
December 31, 2020
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Assets
|
Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
|
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
|
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
|
Total
|
||||||||||||
|
Cash equivalents
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||||||
|
Total assets at fair value
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||||||
There were no transfers between any
Levels during the year ended December 31, 2020.
F. Retirement Plan
The Company participates in Associated Capital’s incentive savings plan (the “Plan”), covering substantially all employees. Company contributions to
the Plan are determined annually by management of the Company and AC’s Board of Directors but may not exceed the amount permitted as a deductible expense under the Internal Revenue Code. Amounts expensed for allocated contributions to this Plan,
resulted in a credit of $(10,295 ) for the year ended December 31, 2021 as reductions in headcount reduced the Plan contribution and $17,746 for 2020 were recorded as compensation and related costs in the Statement of Operations.
G. Income Taxes
As of August 5, 2020, the operations of Morgan Group Holdings Co. were included in the consolidated U.S. federal and certain state and local
income tax returns of AC. The Company’s federal and certain state and local income taxes are calculated as if the Company filed on a separate return basis, and the amount of current tax or benefit is either remitted to or received from AC using
a benefit for loss approach such that the net operating loss (or other tax attribute) is characterized as realized by the Company when those tax attributes are utilized in the consolidated tax return of AC. This is the case even if the Company
would not otherwise have realized those tax attributes.
On August 5, 2020, Associated Capital Group, Inc. distributed all its shares of Morgan Group Holdings, Co. (“Morgan”). Management concluded
that the spin-off of the Morgan Group Holdings, Co. group represented a strategic shift pursuant to Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08. For Federal income tax purposes, the transaction was considered a tax-free spin-off under IRC Section
355 and Morgan Group Holdings, Co. files standalone Federal and State tax returns from the date of the spin-off.
Any tax attributes generated by the Company will not be immediately realized after August 5, 2020 but will instead be deferred and
classified as net operating losses and/or other tax attribute carryforwards.
Income tax benefit for the years ending December 31 consisted of:
|
2021
|
2020
|
|||||||
|
Federal:
|
||||||||
|
Current
|
$
|
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
|||
|
Deferred
|
|
|
||||||
|
State and local:
|
||||||||
|
Current
|
|
(
|
)
|
|||||
|
Deferred
|
|
|
||||||
|
Total
|
$
|
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
|||
A reconciliation of the federal statutory rate to the effective tax rate for the years ended December 31 is set forth below:
|
2021
|
2020
|
|||||||
|
Statutory Federal income tax rate
|
|
%
|
|
%
|
||||
|
State income tax, net of Federal benefit
|
|
%
|
|
%
|
||||
|
State Valuation Allowance
|
-
|
%
|
-
|
%
|
||||
|
Federal Valuation Allowance
|
-
|
%
|
-
|
%
|
||||
|
Other
|
|
%
|
-
|
%
|
||||
|
Effective income tax rate
|
-
|
%
|
|
%
|
||||
Significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 are as follows:
|
2021
|
2020
|
|||||||
|
Deferred tax assets:
|
||||||||
|
Federal and State NOL Carryforward
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
|
Stock-based Compensation Expense
|
|
|
||||||
|
Compensation
|
|
|
||||||
|
Other
|
|
|
||||||
|
Total Gross DTA
|
|
|
||||||
|
Less: Valuation Allowance
|
|
(
|
)
|
|
(
|
)
|
||
|
Total Deferred Tax Assets
|
$ |
$ |
||||||
|
Deferred tax liabilities:
|
||||||||
|
Stock Based Compensation
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
||
|
Deferred State Income Tax
|
|
(
|
)
|
|||||
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
|||||
|
Net deferred tax assets
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
In accordance with IRC Section 382 corporations are generally required to limit the amount
of its income in future years that can be offset by historic losses, i.e., net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards and certain built-in losses, after a corporation has undergone an ownership change. As a result of the Company’s equity financings in recent years, the Company underwent changes in ownership pursuant to the provisions of the IRC Section 382,
therefore, annual use of any of the Company’s net operating loss carry forwards may be limited if cumulative changes in ownership of more than 50% occur during any three-year period.
At December 31, 2021 and 2020, for Federal and for certain states in which the Company files separate tax returns, the Company recorded deferred tax
assets of approximately $789,809 and $354,833
respectively, relating to net operating losses. The Company concluded that it is not more likely than not that the benefit from federal net operating loss and the state net operating loss carryforwards will be realized and has provided a
valuation allowance for the full amount of the related deferred tax assets.
Taxes receivable and payable of $275,285
and $48,350 , respectively, represent a net balance due from AC for the Company’s losses utilized by AC through the date of the
spin-off, August 5, 2020.
As of December 31, 2021, the Company is not aware of any potentially material uncertain tax positions that were not included in the Company’s
financial statements. The Company, which includes G. research, LLC and was part of the AC’s unitary filing group through August 5, 2020, is not under any tax examination as of December 31, 2021. The Company has filed its 2020 corporate income tax
returns in states where they have determined a filing obligation exists. The Company believes there are no uncertain tax positions (“UTPs”) as it relates to their federal and state filings, and as such has not recorded any tax expense related to
UTPs.
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, management has not identified any potential subsequent events that could have a significant impact on unrecognized
tax benefits within the next twelve months. The Company remains subject to income tax examination by the IRS for years after 2017 and state examinations for years after 2016.
H. Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income/(loss) attributable to shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding
during the period.
There were no
The computations of basic and diluted net loss per share are as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
|
For the Years Ending December 31,
|
||||||||
|
2021
|
2020
|
|||||||
|
Basic:
|
||||||||
|
Net loss attributable to shareholders
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
||
|
Weighted average shares outstanding
|
|
|
||||||
|
Basic net loss attributable per share
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
||
|
Diluted:
|
||||||||
|
Net loss attributable to shareholders
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
||
|
Weighted average shares outstanding
|
|
|
||||||
|
Diluted net loss per share
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
||
I. Equity
On June 10, 2020, the Company completed a 1 -for-100
reverse stock split of the Company’s outstanding common stock (the “Reverse Stock Split”). As a result of the Reverse Stock Split, the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock decreased from 60,009,005 shares to 600,090
Note D Related Party Transactions for detail.
J. Guarantees, Contingencies, and Commitments
The Company has agreed to indemnify its clearing brokers for losses they may sustain from the customer accounts that trade on margin introduced by
the Company. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the total amount of customer balances subject to indemnification (i.e., unsecured margin debits) was immaterial. The Company also has entered into arrangements with various other third parties, many of
which provide for indemnification of the third parties against losses, costs, claims and liabilities arising from the performance of the Company’s obligations under the agreements. The Company has had no claims or payments pursuant to these or
prior agreements, and management believes the likelihood of a claim being made is remote, and therefore, an accrual has not been made in the financial statements.
From time to time, the Company is named in legal actions and proceedings. These actions may seek substantial or indeterminate compensatory as well as
punitive damages or injunctive relief. The Company is also subject to governmental or regulatory examinations or investigations. The examinations or investigations could result in adverse judgments, settlements, fines, injunctions, restitutions
or other relief. The Company cannot predict the ultimate outcome of such matters. The financial statements include the necessary provisions for losses that the Company believes are probable and estimable. Furthermore, the Company evaluates
whether losses exist which may be reasonably possible and, if material, makes the necessary disclosures. Such amounts, both those that are probable and those that are reasonably possible, are not considered material to the Company’s financial
condition, operations or cash flows.
K. Net Capital Requirements
As a registered broker-dealer, G.research is subject to the SEC Uniform Net Capital Rule 15c3-1 (the “Rule”), which specifies, among other
requirements, minimum net capital requirements for registered broker-dealers. G.research computes its net capital under the alternative method as permitted by the Rule, which requires that minimum net capital be the greater of $250,000 or 2% of
the aggregate debit items in the reserve formula for those broker-dealers subject to Rule 15c3-3. G.research is exempt from Rule 15c3-3 pursuant to paragraph (k)(2)(ii) of that rule which exempts all customer transactions cleared through another
broker-dealer on a fully disclosed basis. In addition, our assets at the clearing broker-dealer are treated as allowable assets for net capital purposes as we have in place PAIB agreements pursuant to Rule 15c3-3. These requirements also provide
that equity capital may not be withdrawn, advances to affiliates may not be made or cash dividends paid if certain minimum net capital requirements are not met. G.research had net capital, as defined, of $1,874,428 and $3,490,673 , exceeding the required amount of
$250,000 by $1,624,428 and $3,240,673
at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
L. Subsequent Events
The Company has evaluated subsequent events for adjustment to or disclosure through March 31, 2022, the date of this report and the
Company has not identified any subsequent events not otherwise reported in these financial statements or the notes thereto, that required recognition or additional disclosures in the financial statements.
| ITEM 9: |
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
|
None.
| ITEM 9A: |
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
|
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company maintains a system of disclosure controls and procedures that is designed to provide reasonable assurance that information, which is required
to be timely disclosed, is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported to management within the time periods specified in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act. The Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial
officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report, have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and
procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including
its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and are effective to provide reasonable assurance that such information is recorded, processed, summarized and
reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Morgan Group management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act.
Management, with the participation of the principal executive officer and under the supervision of the principal financial officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of Morgan’s internal control over financial reporting as of December
31, 2021 as required by Rule 13a-15(c) of the Exchange Act. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding
of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective internal control over financial reporting controls can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives. In making its assessment of the effectiveness of its
internal control over financial reporting, the Company used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework 2013.
Based on its evaluation, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2021, the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting.
This annual report does not include an audit attestation report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm due to the rules of the SEC for non-accelerated filers.
| ITEM 9B: |
OTHER INFORMATION
|
None.
| ITEM 10: |
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
|
The following information provides the name, business address, principal occupation, employment history positions, offices or employments for the past five years and ages as of
March 31, 2022 for our executive officers and directors. The business address of our officers and directors is 401 Theodore Fremd Avenue, Rye, NY 10583.
Executive Officers
|
Name
|
Age
|
Title
|
||
|
Vincent M. Amabile, Jr.
|
44
|
President
|
||
|
Joseph L. Fernandez
|
60
|
Executive Vice President–Finance
|
The biographical information of each of our executive officers is included below under the caption “Board of Directors”
Board of Directors
Under Delaware law, the business and affairs of the Company will be managed under the direction of our Board. Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that the
number of directors may be fixed by our Board from time to time. Members of the Board are elected and serve for one year terms or until their successors are elected qualify. As of March 31, 2022, our Board consists of the individuals listed below
(ages as of March 31, 2022).
|
Name
|
Age
|
|
|
Vincent M. Amabile, Jr.
|
44
|
|
|
Joseph L. Fernandez
|
60
|
|
|
Cornelius V. McGinitiy
|
57
|
The present principal occupation or employment and five-year employment history of each of our directors is set forth below:
Vincent M. Amabile, Jr. Mr. Amabile assumed the office of president upon consummation of the Merger and is our principal executive
officer. Mr. Amabile was appointed president of G.research during August 2019 and prior thereto he was employed as an institutional trader at G.research since 2003 and has been registered as a general securities principal of G.research since 2006.
Prior to joining G.research, Mr. Amabile worked on the trading desk of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated from June 2000 and December 2002. Mr. Amabile has served as a director of City College Fund, a non-profit fundraising
organization established to benefit students and scholars at the City University of New York, since 2010. Mr. Amabile earned his B.S. from Fairfield University in 2000.
The Board believes that Mr. Amabile’s qualifications to serve on the Board include his two decades career as a trader and his long tenure with G.research, including his service
as a general securities principal since 2006, which Board believes will give him unique insight into the brokerage operations of the Company after the Merger.
Joseph L. Fernandez. Mr. Fernandez assumed the office of executive vice president–finance upon consummation of the Merger and is our
principal financial officer. He has served as the financial operations principal and controller of G.research since June 2019. From September 2018 to May 2019, Mr. Fernandez was employed as a registered representative of Templum Markets LLC.
Prior to that time, he was an independent consultant. From July 2014 to September 2016, Mr. Fernandez served as a managing director of finance for BNY Capital Markets, LLC. Earlier in his career commencing in 2007, Mr. Fernandez was employed at
various brokerage houses, including Morgan Stanley, after concluding his ten year tenure beginning in 1997 with ICAP plc as a controller for the firm’s various broker-dealers and Latin America operations. Mr. Fernandez earned his BBA from Pace
University in 1986.
The Board believes that Mr. Fernandez’s qualifications to serve on the Board include his over thirty year career in the brokerage industry, including his service as a senior financial and accounting executive, most
recently financial operations principal and controller of G.research, which Board believes will bring deep understanding of the financial and accounting affairs of the Company after the Merger.
Cornelius V. McGiniity. Mr. McGinity had previously served as President of G.research since 2012. Previously he was a Managing
Director, Institutional Sales at Knight Capital Group for fifteen years. Prior to joining Knight, he was an institutional sales trader at Cantor Fitzgerald from 1994-1997; and an equity trader with several wire houses, including Merrill Lynch and
Smith Barney. A native of Long Island, New York, Mr. McGinity is a graduate of Villanova University.
Corporate Governance
Code of Conduct
Our Board has adopted a corporate code of conduct that is applicable to our directors, officers and employees with additional requirements for our principal executive officer,
principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, and will post a copy of which is available on our corporate website at https://morgangroupholdingco.com Any shareholder may also
obtain a copy of the code of conduct upon request. Shareholders may address a written request for a printed copy of the code of conduct to our secretary at our principal executive offices following the Merger, Morgan Group Holding Co., One
Corporate Center, 401 Theodore Fremd Avenue, Rye, NY 10580. We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement regarding any amendment to, or a waiver of, a provision of the Code of Conduct by posting such information on our website.
Committees of Our Board
We presently do not have an audit committee, compensation committee, nominating committee, an executive committee of our Board, stock plan committee or any other committees.
Currently, our full Board serves as the audit committee and approves, when applicable, the appointment of auditors and the inclusion of financial statements in our periodic reports.
Legal Proceedings
None of directors and executive officers has been involved in legal proceedings that would be material to an evaluation of our management.
| ITEM 11: |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
|
The following table sets forth information about compensation for our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer (collectively, the “named executive officers”). These named
executive officers were employed by G.research during 2020 and 2021, as result the compensation table reflects compensation received connection with such employment.
Summary Compensation Table
|
Name and Principal Position
|
Year
|
Salary
|
Bonus
|
All Other Compensation
|
Total
|
||||
|
($)
|
($)
|
($)
|
($)
|
||||||
|
Vincent M. Amabile, Jr. Principal Executive Officer
|
2021
|
170,000
|
—
|
29,370 (1)
|
229,370
|
||||
|
2020
|
170,000
|
22,820 (1)
|
192,820
|
||||||
|
Joseph L. Fernandez Principal Financial Officer (2)
|
2020
|
180,000
|
25,000
|
—
|
205,000
|
||||
|
2021
|
180,000
|
40,000
|
—
|
220,000
|
| (1) |
Represents a share of brokerage commissions earned by G.research.
|
| (2) |
Mr. Fernandez joined G.research as an officer on June 1, 2019.
|
Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table
The Board of Morgan Group reviewed and approved the compensation paid to Mr. Amabile. The compensation reflects Mr. Amabile’s contributions to the Company and is reviewed no less than annually by the Company.
| ITEM 12: |
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
|
The following table sets forth information with respect to the anticipated beneficial ownership of our Common Stock by:
| • |
each stockholder who beneficially owns more than 5% of our Common Stock;
|
| • |
each executive officer;
|
| • |
each director; and
|
| • |
all of our executive officers and directors as a group.
|
We have based the percentage of class amounts set forth below on each indicated person’s beneficial ownership of our Common Stock on 600,090 shares outstanding on December 31, 2021.
|
Number of Shares
Beneficially Owned
|
Percentage of Shares
Beneficially Owned
|
||
|
Name of Beneficial Owner
|
|||
|
5% or More Stockholders
|
|||
|
Mario J. Gabelli (1)
|
370,887
|
61.81%
|
|
|
Directors and Executive Officers
|
|||
|
Vincent M. Amabile, Jr.
|
50,000
|
8.33%
|
|
|
Joseph L. Fernandez
|
—
|
—
|
|
|
Cornelius V. McGinity
|
—
|
—
|
|
|
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (3 persons)
|
50,000
|
8.33%
|
|
(1)
|
ACG indirectly owned 500,000 shares of our Common Stock, representing approximately 83.3% of the outstanding shares of our Common Stock. Based upon information previously filed with the
SEC, Mario J. Gabelli controls approximately 95.17% of the voting power over ACG and through this controlling interest power over ACG may be deemed to beneficially own the 500,000 shares of our Common Stock owned by ACG. Mr. Gabelli,
directly and indirectly through a partnership of which he serves as general partner, beneficially owns 6,505 shares of our Common Stock, representing approximately 1.1% of the outstanding shares. Mr. Gabelli also beneficially owns 17,352
shares of our Common Stock, representing approximately 2.9% of the outstanding shares, held indirectly through LICT Corporation for which Mr. Gabelli currently serves as chief executive officer and owns approximately 39.2% of its
outstanding common stock. Following the Spin-Off, (i) GGCP, Inc., a privately held company for which Mr. Gabelli is the chief executive officer, a director and controlling shareholder, will beneficially own approximately 412,638 shares of
our Common Stock, representing approximately 68.76% of the outstanding shares, (ii) Mr. Gabelli will, directly and indirectly through the aforementioned partnership, beneficially own approximately 13,690 shares of our Common Stock,
representing approximately 2.28% of the outstanding shares, (iii) and LICT Corporation will beneficially own 17,352 shares of our Common Stock, representing approximately 2.89% of the outstanding shares. On March 1, 2021 GGCP distributed
it’s ownership in our stock to it’s shareholders. Following the distribution, Mr Gabelli’s beneficial ownership was reduced to 370,887 shares or 61.81%
|
| ITEM 13: |
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
|
As of December 31, 2021, Mario J. Gabelli and his affiliates beneficially own approximately 61.81% of our Common Stock.
G.research has provided research and brokerage services to affiliates of GAMCO in the ordinary course of business for standard compensatory fees and commission. G.research earned $1.2 million
and $2.6 million, or approximately 55% and 64%, of its commission revenue for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, from transactions executed on behalf of clients advised by affiliates of GAMCO.
Pursuant to that certain transitional administrative and management services agreement, dated as of November 30, 2015, by and between GAMCO and AC, GAMCO provides AC with the specified services
which are in turn directly or indirectly provided to the Company pursuant to expense sharing agreements with GAMCO, ACG and a subsidiary of ACG as discussed below. The principal services GAMCO provides to us are:
| • |
accounting, financial reporting and consolidation services;
|
| • |
treasury services, including, without limitation, insurance and risk management services and administration of benefits;
|
| • |
tax planning, tax return preparation, recordkeeping and reporting services;
|
| • |
human resources, including but not limited to the sourcing of permanent and temporary employees as needed, recordkeeping, performance reviews and terminations;
|
| • |
legal and compliance advice;
|
| • |
technical/technology consulting; and
|
| • |
operations and general administrative assistance, including office space, office equipment and furniture, payroll, procurement, and administrative personnel.
|
G.research has entered the following expense sharing agreements pursuant to which it has received and will receive services directly or indirectly from GAMCO, ACG or GCIA.
| • |
Amended and Restated Expense Sharing Agreement, dated as of November 23, 2016, between G.research, LLC and GAMCO Investors, Inc. Pursuant this agreement, GAMCO
provides the services of shared employees, the cost and expense of which are determined pursuant to an allocation schedule that is periodically reviewed.
|
| • |
Amended and Restated Expense Sharing Agreement, dated as of November 23, 2016, between G.research, LLC and Gabelli & Company Investment Advisers, Inc. Pursuant
this agreement, GCIA provides payroll services and the services of shared employees, the cost and expense of which are determined pursuant to an allocation schedule that is periodically reviewed.
|
| • |
Expense Sharing Agreement, dated as of November 23, 2016, between G.research, LLC and Associated Capital Group, Inc. Pursuant this agreement, ACG provides G.research
with shared office space, general administrative assistance, information technology support and health insurance coverage, the cost and expense of which are determined pursuant to an allocation schedule that is periodically reviewed.
|
As required by GR Code of Ethics, GR staff members are required to maintain their brokerage accounts at G.research unless they receive permission to maintain an outside account. G.research offers
all of these staff members the opportunity to engage in brokerage transactions at discounted rates. Accordingly, many of GR’s staff members, including the executive officers or entities controlled by them, have brokerage accounts at G.research and
have engaged in securities transactions through it at discounted rates.
Our directors, Mr. Amabile and Mr. Fernandez are, respectively, President and Executive Vice President, Financial Operations of G,research, our wholly-owned subsidiary.
| ITEM 14: |
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
|
Audit Fees 2021
a. Fee billed by Deloitte consent fee 2019 opinion was $25,000 in RSM 2020 10-K audit.
b. The aggregate fees billed by RSM for professional services rendered for the audit of the Company’s 2020 financial statements was $91,447.
c. RSM US LLP audit fees for 2021 are expected to total $75,000
Audit fees 2020
a. The aggregate fees billed by Deloitte for professional services rendered in connection with 2020 planning was $26,000.
b. The aggregate fees billed by Deloitte in connection with the review of the of the Company’s quarterly filings were $90,000.
PART IV
| ITEM 15: |
EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
|
(a) List of documents filed as part of this Report:
(1) Consolidated Financial Statements and Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Reports included herein:
See Index on page 23.
(2) Financial Statement Schedules
Financial statement schedules are omitted as not required or not applicable or because the information is included in the Financial Statements or notes thereto.
(3) List of Exhibits:
The agreements included or incorporated by reference as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K contain representations and warranties by each of the parties to the applicable agreement.
These representations and warranties were made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement and (i) were not intended to be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of
the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate; (ii) may have been qualified in such agreement by disclosures that were made to the other party in connection with the negotiation of the applicable agreement; (iii) may apply contract
standards of “materiality” that are different from “materiality” under the applicable securities laws; and (iv) were made only as of the date of the applicable agreement or such other date or dates as may be specified in the agreement.
The Company acknowledges that, notwithstanding the inclusion of the foregoing cautionary statements, it is responsible for considering whether additional specific disclosures of material
information regarding material contractual provisions are required to make the statements in this report not misleading.
|
Exhibit
Number
|
Description of Exhibit
|
|
|
Certificate of Incorporation of the Company. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K dated February, 29, 2019 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26,
2019).
|
||
|
Bylaws of the Company. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K dated February, 26, 2019 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26, 2019).
|
||
|
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 31, 2019, by and among Morgan Group Holding Co., G.R. acquisition, LLC, G.research, LLC, Institutional Services Holdings, LLC and Associated Capital Group,
Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Morgan Group Holding Co. filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 6, 2019).
|
||
|
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2019, by and among Morgan Group Holding Co. and the investors signatory thereto (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form
8-K of Morgan Group Holding Co. filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 6, 2019).
|
||
|
Amended and Restated Expense Sharing Agreement, dated as of November 23, 2016, between G.research, LLC and GAMCO Investors, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current
Report on Form 8-K of Morgan Group Holding Co. filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 6, 2019).
|
||
|
Amended and Restated Expense Sharing Agreement, dated as of November 23, 2016, between G.research, LLC and Gabelli & Company Investment Advisers, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Morgan Group Holding Co. filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 6, 2019).
|
||
|
Expense Sharing Agreement, dated as of November 23, 2016, between G.research, LLC and Associated Capital Group, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Morgan
Group Holding Co. filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 6, 2019).
|
||
|
License Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2019, between G.research, LLC and GAMCO Investors, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Morgan Group Holding Co.
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 6, 2019).
|
||
|
Subsidiary of the Company.
|
||
|
Powers of Attorney (included on page 36 of this Report).
|
||
|
Certification of CEO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
|
||
|
Certification of CFO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
|
||
|
Certification of CEO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
||
|
Certification of CFO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
||
|
101.INS
|
XBRL Instance Document
|
|
|
101.SCH
|
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
|
|
|
101.CAL
|
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
|
|
|
101.DEF
|
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
|
|
|
101.LAB
|
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
|
|
|
101.PRE
|
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
|
| ITEM 16: |
FORM 10-K SUMMARY
|
None.
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, in the City of Rye, State of New York, on March 31, 2022.
MORGAN GROUP HOLDING CO.
|
By: /s/ Joseph L Fernandez
|
|
|
Name: Joseph L Fernandez
|
|
|
Title: Executive Vice President-Finance
|
|
|
Date: March 31, 2022
|
Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints David Goldman and Joseph L Fernandez and each of them, their true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full power
of substitution and resubstitution, for them in their name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this report and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, and hereby grants to such attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitute or substitutes may 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 by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
|
Signature
|
Title
|
Date
|
|
/s/Vincent Amabile, Jr.
|
President and
|
March 31, 2022
|
|
Vincent Amabile, Jr.
|
Chief Executive Officer
|
|
|
(Principal Executive Officer)
|
||
|
/s/ Joseph L Fernandez
|
Executive Vice President-Finance
|
March 31, 2022
|
|
Joseph L Fernandez
|
(Principal Financial Officer)
|
|
|
/s/ Cornelius V. McGinity
|
Director
|
March 31, 2022
|
|
Cornelius V. McGinity
|
38
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part IItem 1: BusinessItem 1A: Risk FactorsItem 1B: Unresolved Staff CommentsItem 2: PropertiesItem 3: Legal ProceedingsItem 4: Mine Safety DisclosuresPart IIItem 5: Market For The Registrant S Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases Of Equity SecuritiesItem 6: Selected Financial DataItem 7: Management S Discussion and Analysis ( Mda ) Of Financial Condition and Results Of OperationsItem 7A: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market RiskItem 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary DataItem 9: Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial DisclosureItem 9A: Controls and ProceduresItem 9B: Other InformationPart IIIItem 10: Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate GovernanceItem 11: Executive CompensationItem 12: Security Ownership Of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder MattersItem 13: Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director IndependenceItem 14: Principal Accountant Fees and ServicesPart IVItem 15: Exhibits, Financial Statement SchedulesItem 16: Form 10-k Summary