|X| QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 1998
OR
|_| TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ________ to ___________
Commission file number: 001-13731
Friedman, Billings, Ramsey Group, Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Virginia 54-1837743
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
1001 Nineteenth Street North
Arlington, VA
(Address of principal 22209
executive offices) (Zip code)
(Registrant's telephone number including area code) (703) 312-9500
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No ____
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date:
Title Outstanding
Class A Common Stock 13,451,421 as of April 28, 1998
Class B Common Stock 36,577,579 as of April 28, 1998
<PAGE>
FRIEDMAN, BILLINGS, RAMSEY GROUP, INC.
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 1998
INDEX
Page Number
Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements - (unaudited)
Consolidated Balance Sheets-
December 31, 1997 and March 31, 1998 3
Consolidated Statements of Operations-
Three Months Ended March 31, 1998 and 1997 5
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows-
Three Months Ended March 31, 1998 and 1997 6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 7
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations 15
Part II. OTHER INFORMATION 24
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 24
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on 8-K 25
Signatures 25
Exhibit Index 25
Exhibits 25
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
FRIEDMAN, BILLINGS, RAMSEY GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in thousands)
<CAPTION>
(Audited) (Unaudited)
December 31, March 31,
1997 1998
------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents................................................ $ 205,709 $ 139,149
Short-term investments, at market value.................................. 1,982 9,888
Receivables:
Investment banking...................................................... 7,232 7,936
Asset management fees................................................... 4,426 5,464
Other................................................................... 2,465 2,170
Due from clearing broker................................................. 15,650 196,391
Marketable trading securities, at market value........................... 78,784 86,655
Deferred tax asset....................................................... 2,402 --
Long-term investments, at fair value..................................... 36,352 49,770
Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements, net of accumulated
depreciation and amortization of $2,198, and $2,366, respectively..... 3,471 3,537
Prepaid expenses and other assets........................................ 854 3,406
--------- ---------
Total assets.................................................... $ 359,327 $ 504,366
========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these consolidated statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
FRIEDMAN, BILLINGS, RAMSEY GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in thousands)
<CAPTION>
(Audited) (Unaudited)
December 31, March 31,
1997 1998
------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Liabilities:
Trading account securities sold but not yet purchased, at market value...... $ 16,673 $ 73,716
Due to issuer- underwriting................................................. -- 129,560
Accounts payable and accrued expenses....................................... 30,423 25,181
Accrued compensation and benefits........................................... 19,023 22,708
Dividends payable........................................................... 24,000 --
Deferred income taxes....................................................... -- 7,677
Short-term subordinated revolving loan...................................... 40,000 --
Long-term secured loans..................................................... 2,416 2,294
Other....................................................................... 146 1,005
--------- ---------
Total liabilities........................................................ 132,681 262,141
--------- ---------
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9.).......................................... -- --
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value, 15,000,000 shares authorized, none
issued and outstanding................................................ -- --
Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value, 150,000,000 shares
authorized, 13,451,421 issued and outstanding......................... 135 135
Class B Common Stock $.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized,
36,577,579 shares issued and outstanding.............................. 366 366
Additional paid-in capital.................................................. 208,843 208,843
Retained earnings........................................................... 17,302 32,881
--------- ---------
Total shareholders' equity............................................. 226,646 242,225
--------- ---------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity............................. $ 359,327 $ 504,366
========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these consolidated statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
FRIEDMAN, BILLINGS, RAMSEY GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
<CAPTION>
For the Three Months
Ending March 31,
1997 1998
------ ------
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Investment banking-
Underwriting................................................ $ 13,179 $ 47,710
Corporate finance........................................... 8,783 3,661
Institutional brokerage-
Principal sales credits..................................... 6,913 9,034
Agency commissions.......................................... 2,803 3,708
Gains and losses, net-
Trading..................................................... (4,353) (5,921)
Investment.................................................. 130 3,004
Asset management ............................................. 813 3,169
Interest and dividends........................................ 776 3,619
-------- --------
Total revenues......................................... 29,044 67,984
Expenses:
Compensation and benefits................................... 19,695 28,343
Business development and sales support...................... 2,100 4,274
Professional services....................................... 1,285 2,532
Clearing and brokerage fees................................. 1,017 1,343
Occupancy and equipment..................................... 508 764
Communications.............................................. 436 826
Interest expense............................................ 724 1,659
Other operating expenses.................................... 1,017 2,507
-------- --------
Total expenses......................................... 26,782 42,248
-------- --------
Net income before taxes..................................... 2,262 25,736
Income tax provision........................................ -- 10,157
-------- --------
Net income.................................................. $ 2,262 $ 15,579
======== ========
Basic and diluted net income per share...................... $ 0.06 $ 0.31
======== ========
Weighted average shares outstanding......................... 40,029 50,029
======== ========
Pro forma statements of operations data (Note 2):
Net income before tax....................................... $ 2,262
Pro forma income tax provision.............................. (905)
--------
Pro forma net income........................................ $ 1,357
========
Pro forma basic and diluted net income per share............ $ 0.03
========
Weighted average shares outstanding......................... 40,029
========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these consolidated statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
FRIEDMAN, BILLINGS, RAMSEY GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)
<CAPTION>
For the Three Months
Ending March 31,
1997 1998
<S> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income ............................................................. $ 2,262 $ 15,579
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities--
Income and special allocations on investments in limited partnerships. (420) (4,551)
Depreciation and amortization......................................... 148 168
Changes in operating assets:
Receivables--
Due to/from clearing broker....................................... 9,700 (180,741)
Investment banking................................................ 174 (704)
Asset management fees............................................. (194) (1,038)
Other............................................................. (174) 295
Insurance deposit................................................... (18) --
Marketable trading account securities............................... (4,289) (7,871)
Prepaid expenses and other assets................................... 810 (2,552)
Deferred tax asset.................................................. -- 2,402
Changes in operating liabilities:
Due to issuer- underwriting......................................... -- 129,560
Due to clearing organization........................................ 33,179 --
Trading account securities sold but not yet purchased............... (30,987) 57,043
Repayments on short-term subordinated loans......................... -- (40,000)
Repayments on short-term revolving loan and line of credit.......... (16,000) --
Accounts payable and accrued expenses............................... (5,886) (5,242)
Deferred taxes...................................................... -- 7,677
Accrued compensation and benefits................................... 6,973 3,684
Other............................................................... (7) 859
-------- --------
Net cash used in operating activities............................. (4,729) (25,432)
-------- --------
Cash flows from investment activities:
Purchases of fixed assets............................................... (431) (234)
Long term investments................................................... (531) (8,866)
Sale (purchase) of short-term investments............................... (77) (7,906)
-------- -------
Net cash used in investing activities............................. (1,039) (17,006)
-------- -------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of long-term secured loans................................... (81) (122)
Distributions........................................................... (3,000) --
Capital contributions................................................... 44 --
Dividend payments....................................................... -- (24,000)
-------- -------
Net cash used in financing activities............................. (3,037) (24,122)
-------- -------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents................................. (8,805) (66,560)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period............................ 20,681 205,709
-------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period................................. $ 11,876 $139,149
======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these consolidated statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
FRIEDMAN, BILLINGS, RAMSEY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Organization and Nature of Operations:
Organization
Friedman, Billings, Ramsey Group, Inc., a Virginia corporation (the
"Company"), is the sole parent holding company for three subsidiary holding
companies, Friedman, Billings, Ramsey Capital Markets, Inc. ("FBRCM"), Friedman,
Billings, Ramsey Asset Management, Inc. ("FBRAM") and FBR Holdings, Inc. FBRCM
is the parent company of Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc. ("FBRC"), FBR
Investment Services, Inc. (formerly FBR Direct, Inc., "FBRIS") and Friedman,
Billings, Ramsey International, Limited ("FBR International"). FBRAM is the
parent company of Friedman, Billings, Ramsey Investment Management Company
("FBRIM"), FBR Offshore Management, Inc. ("FBR Offshore"), FBR Investment
Management (Bermuda) Ltd. ("FBR Bermuda"), FBR Fund Advisers, Inc. ("FBR Fund
Advisers"), and FBR Venture Capital Managers, Inc. FBR Holdings, Inc. is an
investment holding company formed to make and hold long-term investments. The
operating subsidiaries of FBRCM and FBRAM are hereafter collectively referred to
as the "Operating Entities".
FBRC is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
FBRC acts as an introducing broker executing transactions primarily for
institutional customers and forwards all such transactions to clearing brokers
on a fully disclosed basis. FBRC does not hold funds or securities for, or owe
funds or securities to, customers.
FBRC receives underwriting revenues from underwriting public offerings of
debt and equity securities. These revenues are comprised of selling concessions
and management and underwriting fees. FBRC also receives corporate finance fees
from private placement offerings and from providing merger and acquisition,
financial restructuring, and other advisory services. FBRC concentrates its
underwriting and corporate finance activities primarily on bank, thrift and
specialty finance institutions, technology companies and real estate investment
trusts ("REITS").
FBRIM is a registered investment adviser that acts as the general partner
of investment limited partnerships and also manages investment accounts. FBR
Investments LLC ("FBR Investments") and FBR Arbitrage, LLC ("FBR Arbitrage") are
investment holding companies in which FBRIM is the principal member. FBR
Investments and FBR Arbitrage are fully consolidated in these financial
statements.
FBR Offshore extends asset management services to non-U.S. investors. FBR
Offshore is a registered investment adviser. FBR Offshore acts as the investment
adviser to the FBR Opportunity Fund, Ltd. (the "Offshore Fund"), a Bermuda
company formed to provide a pooled investment vehicle for non-U.S. investors.
The Offshore Fund invests primarily in securities of U.S. issuers. FBR Bermuda
manages the Offshore Fund.
FBR Fund Advisers is a registered investment adviser formed to provide
investment advisory services to The FBR Family of Funds, an open end, investment
company, currently consisting of three series of mutual funds.
<PAGE>
FRIEDMAN, BILLINGS, RAMSEY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
Organization (Continued)
Reincorporation Merger
In December 1997, Friedman, Billings, Ramsey Group, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Old Holding Company") and its subsidiaries terminated their
status as subchapter S corporations and converted to subchapter C corporations
as defined under the Internal Revenue Code (the "Conversion"). Prior to the
Conversion, the Old Holding Company declared a distribution to its shareholders
of $54 million representing previously undistributed subchapter S corporation
earnings. As of December 31, 1997 $30 million of the distribution had been paid.
The Old Holding Company was then merged with and into the Company, with the
Company as the surviving corporation. As a result of the merger, shareholders of
the Company received 330 shares of Class B Common Stock of the Company for each
share in the Old Holding Company.
The effects of the reincorporation merger have been given retroactive
application in the consolidated financial statements for all periods presented.
Initial Public Offering
Subsequent to the reincorporation merger, the Company issued 10,000,000 new
Class A common shares and certain selling shareholders sold 1,000,000 Class A
common shares in an initial public offering (the "Offering"). The net proceeds
to the Company from the Offering approximated $185,000,000. Simultaneously with
the Offering, certain selling shareholders sold 2,451,421 shares of Class B
common stock to PNC Bank Corp. These shares were automatically converted to
Class A common shares upon the sale.
Nature of Operations
The Company is primarily engaged in a single line of business as a
securities firm, which comprises several types of services, such as
underwriting, principal and agency securities trading transactions, asset
management and long-term equity investing, primarily in the United States. The
operations related to the Company's foreign entities are not material to these
consolidated financial statements.
The securities industry generally and specifically in volatile or illiquid
markets, is subject to numerous risks, including the risk of losses associated
with the underwriting, ownership, and trading of securities and the risks of
reduced revenues in periods of reduced demand for security offerings and
activity in secondary trading markets. Changing or negative economic trends,
such as inflation or interest rate volatility, political trends, such as
regulatory and legislative changes, and overall or specific market trends can
influence the liquidity and value of the Company's investments, and impact the
level of security offerings underwritten by the Company, all of which could
adversely affect the Company's revenues and profitability.
<PAGE>
FRIEDMAN, BILLINGS, RAMSEY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
Many aspects of the Company's business involve substantial risks of
liability. An underwriter is exposed to substantial liability under Federal and
state securities laws, other Federal and state laws and court decisions,
including decisions with respect to underwriters' liability and limitations on
indemnification of underwriters by issuers. Underwriters may be held liable for
material misstatements or omissions of fact in a prospectus used in connection
with the securities being offered or for statements made by its securities
analysts or other personnel. While the Company has never been subject to such
litigation, in recent years there has been an increasing incidence of litigation
involving the securities industry, including class actions that seek substantial
damages. The Company is also subject to the risk of litigation, including
litigation that may be without merit. As the Company intends actively to defend
such litigation, significant legal expenses could be incurred. An adverse
resolution of any future lawsuits against the Company could materially affect
the Company's operating results and financial condition.
The Company's historical revenues have been derived primarily from
investment banking transactions in the financial services and real estate
industries and the industry consolidation sector. As a result of the Company's
dependence on specific industries and the consolidation sector, any downturn in
the market for securities in these areas could adversely impact the Company's
results of operations and financial condition.
A substantial portion of the Company's revenues in a year may be derived
from a small number of underwriting transactions or may be concentrated in a
particular industry. Revenues derived from two unrelated investment banking
transactions accounted for approximately 38 percent of the Company's revenues
for the three months ended March 31, 1997. Two unrelated investment banking
transactions accounted for 45 percent of the Company's revenues in the three
months ended March 31, 1998.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:
Basis of Presentation
The Company's financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") with
respect to Form 10-Q and reflect all normal recurring adjustments which are, in
the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for
the interim periods presented. All significant intercompany accounts and
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 1998
presentation.
Revenues
Underwriting fees are recorded as revenue at the time the underwriting is
completed (generally trade date) and the income is reasonably determinable.
Corporate finance and advisory fees are recorded as revenue when the related
services have been rendered and the client is contractually obligated to pay.
Commission income and expenses are recorded on a trade date basis.
Securities transactions of the Company are recorded on a trade date basis.
Trading account securities are valued at fair market value. The resulting
difference between cost and fair market value is included in income. Net
unrealized gains (losses) included in gains and losses, trading revenues were
$2.8 million and $3.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 1998 and
1997, respectively.
<PAGE>
FRIEDMAN, BILLINGS, RAMSEY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
Net Income Per Share
In March 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No.
128, "Earnings per Share." SFAS No. 128 is effective for financial statements
issued after December 15, 1997. SFAS No. 128 requires dual presentation of basic
and diluted income per share. Basic income per share includes no dilution and is
computed by dividing net income or loss available to common stockholders by the
weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted
income per share includes the impact of potentially dilutive options, warrants,
or convertible debt and convertible preferred equity securities. Options to
purchase 4,384,400 shares of common stock at $20 per share were outstanding as
of December 31, 1997 and March 31, 1998, but were not included in calculating
diluted net income per share as their effect would have been anti-dilutive.
There is no difference between the amounts of basic and diluted net income per
share.
In February 1998, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") No. 98,
concerning the computation of earnings per share. SAB 98 amends previous
guidance concerning the impact of equity interests issued in proximity to an
initial public offering on the computation of weighted average shares
outstanding. SAB 98 also amends the requirements to present historical earnings
per share information when a company converts from a non-taxable, to a taxable
entity. SAB 98 has been applied in the accompanying consolidated financial
statements.
Cash Equivalents
As of December 31, 1997 the Company had approximately $80 million and
$21 million in separate money market mutual funds. As of March 31, 1998, the
Company had approximately $41 million and $35 million in separate money market
mutual funds. These funds primarily invest in US government obligations.
On December 31, 1997 and March 31, 1998, the Company had invested
approximately $63 million and $62 million, respectively, in overnight repurchase
agreements. The underlying collateral consists of U.S. government securities and
U.S. government agency securities. Generally, the maturity date of the Company's
repurchase agreements is the next business day. Due to the short-term nature of
the agreements, the Company does not take possession of the securities, which
are instead held at the Company's bank from which it purchases the securities.
The carrying value of the agreements approximates fair value because of the
short maturity of the investments. As a result, the Company believes that it is
not exposed to any significant risk under its overnight repurchase agreements.
The Company regularly evaluates the credit quality of the institution in
which its cash and cash equivalents are held.
Short-Term Investments
Short-term investments consist primarily of U.S. Treasury obligations and
FHLMC guaranteed mortgage securities with original maturities of up to six
months.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
<PAGE>
FRIEDMAN, BILLINGS, RAMSEY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
Compensation
A significant component of compensation expense relates to incentive
bonuses. Incentive bonuses are accrued based on the contribution of key business
units using certain predefined formulas. Since the bonus determinations are also
based on aftermarket security performance and other factors, amounts originally
accrued may not ultimately be paid. All of the Company's compensation plans are
reviewed and evaluated on a quarterly basis. Pursuant to this policy, the
Company reduced $6.7 million of previously accrued bonuses during the three
month period ending March 31, 1998.
3. Income Taxes:
Through December 20, 1997, the Company and all of its subsidiaries
including the Operating Entities, with the exception of FBR Investments and FBR
Arbitrage, which are limited liability corporations ("LLC"s), FBR Bermuda (a
Bermuda Company) and FBR International (a UK company), had elected to be taxed
as subchapter S corporations under the Internal Revenue Code. Subchapter S
corporations and LLCs are not taxed on their income; rather their income or loss
pass directly through to their shareholders (or members in the case of LLCs). As
a result, there is no provision for income taxes in these financial statements
for the periods prior to December 20, 1997.
The accompanying consolidated statements of operations include pro forma
adjustments for income tax expense, which would have been recorded had the
Company been subject to federal and state corporate income taxes, for all
periods presented.
4. Marketable Trading Securities Owned and Sold But Not Yet Purchased:
Marketable trading securities owned and trading account securities sold
but not yet purchased as of December 31, 1997 and March 31, 1998, consist of
securities at quoted market values, as stated below:
(Amounts in Thousands)
December 31, March 31,
1997 1998
------ ------
Sold But Not Sold But Not
Owned Yet Purchased Owned Yet Purchased
Corporate equities.. $ 60,298 $ 10,726 $ 68,248 $ 64,376
Corporate bonds..... 18,485 5,947 18,407 9,340
------- ------- -------- --------
$ 78,784 $ 16,673 $ 86,655 $ 73,716
========= ======== ======== ========
Trading account securities sold but not yet purchased represent
obligations of the Company to deliver the specified security at the contracted
price, and thereby, creates a liability to purchase the security in the market
at prevailing prices. Accordingly, these transactions result in
off-balance-sheet risk as the Company's ultimate obligation to satisfy the sale
of securities sold but not yet purchased may exceed the amount recognized in the
consolidated balance sheets.
<PAGE>
FRIEDMAN, BILLINGS, RAMSEY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
5. Long-Term Investments:
Long term investments primarily include non-readily marketable investments
in limited investment partnerships and other equity investments, including
privately held companies. Long-term investments also include illiquid warrants
for stock of corporations to which the Company has provided investment banking
services, carried at nominal values. Long term investments are reported at fair
value.
Investment Partnerships
FBRIM is the managing partner of several investment limited partnerships.
All of these partnerships were formed for the purpose of investing in
securities. The assets of these partnerships are principally comprised of
investments in publicly traded securities marked to market value. The Company
carries its investment in the partnerships at an amount equal to the market
value of the underlying securities in the partnerships, which approximates fair
value.
Other Long Term Investments
The principal private company investment consists of FBR Holdings, Inc.'s
$25 million investment in FBR Asset Investment Corporation ("FBR-REIT").
FBR-REIT is a privately held real estate investment trust formed in 1997.
FBR-REIT's primary assets as of March 31, 1998 were cash and marketable equity
securities. The Company carries its investment in FBR-REIT at cost, which
approximates fair value.
6. Asset Management Revenue:
Certain of the Company's subsidiaries as investment advisers, receive
management fees for the management of the business and affairs of limited
partnerships or investment companies, based upon the amount of assets under
management, as well as incentive performance fees or special allocations of net
income based upon the operating results. As investment adviser to the Offshore
Fund, the Company may elect on an annual basis, to defer receipt of its fees,
for up to ten-years during which the deferred fees are an obligation of the
Offshore Fund and indexed to the Offshore Fund's performance.
Incentive performance fees and special allocations are calculated on at
least an annual period, which generally coincides with the calendar year. As of
December 31, 1997, and March 31, 1997 and 1998, unrecorded special allocations
were $1.5 million, $0.3 million, and $4.4 million, respectively. As the ultimate
amount of such fees and allocations may vary with future performance, these fees
and allocations are not recorded as revenue until such time as they become due
and payable.
7. Borrowings:
Subordinated Revolving Loans
As of December 31, 1997, the Company had three unsecured revolving
subordinated loan agreements with its clearing broker and an affiliate of its
clearing broker. Available credit lines under these agreements were $15 million,
$15 million and $10 million. As of December 31, 1997, $40.0 million was
outstanding with an interest rate equal to the broker call rate plus 2 percent,
or 8.5 percent. Subsequent to December 31, 1997, the entire balance was repaid.
Borrowing capacity under the credit lines expire as follows: $15 million in
January 1998, $15 million in July 1998, and $10 million in October 1998. The
Company did not renew the line that expired in January 1998.
<PAGE>
FRIEDMAN, BILLINGS, RAMSEY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
Long Term Loans
The Company has four long-term loans requiring fixed monthly principal and
interest payments totaling $56,058. Each loan bears interest at an annual rate
equal to the one-month commercial paper rate, as published by the Federal
Reserve Board, which equaled 7.97 percent at December 31, 1997. The loans are
collateralized by certain furniture, equipment, and leasehold improvements of
the Company. The loans are scheduled to be entirely repaid in June 2001, October
2001, February 2002, and October 2002, respectively.
8. Net Capital Computation:
FBRC is subject to the Net Capital Rule, which requires the maintenance of
minimum net capital and requires that the ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net
capital, both as defined, shall not exceed 15 to 1. At March 31, 1998, FBRC had
net capital of $90.9 million, which was $79.4 million in excess of its required
net capital of $11.5 million. FBRC's aggregate indebtedness to net capital ratio
was 1.89 to 1 at March 31, 1998.
9. Commitments and Contingencies:
Leases
The Company leases premises under long-term lease agreements requiring
minimum annual rental payments with annual adjustments based upon increases in
the consumer price index, plus the pass-through of certain operating and other
costs above a base amount.
Future minimum aggregate annual rentals payable under these noncancelable
leases and rentals for certain equipment leases for the years ending December
31, 1998 through 2002 and the aggregate amount thereafter, are as follows:
Year Ending December 31, (in Thousands)
1998.................................................... $ 2,247
1999.................................................... 2,546
2000.................................................... 2,609
2001.................................................... 2,789
2002.................................................... 2,766
Thereafter.............................................. 2,921
-------
$15,878
=======
10. Distributions:
In 1997, prior to its initial public offering, the Company declared
distributions to its shareholders totaling $72,570,582. There were no dividends
declared in the three months ended March 31, 1998. However, $24 million of
distributions declared in 1997 were paid in the first quarter of 1998 to S
corporation shareholders.
<PAGE>
FRIEDMAN, BILLINGS, RAMSEY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
11. Shareholders' Equity
At March 31, 1998, the Company has three stock-based compensation plans.
1997 Stock and Incentive Compensation Plan
Under the 1997 Stock Incentive Plan the Company may grant options, stock
appreciation rights, "performance" awards and restricted and unrestricted stock
(collectively, the "Awards") to purchase up to 4.9 million shares of Class A
Common Stock to participants in the 1997 Plan. The 1997 Plan has a term of 10
years. Options granted under the 1997 Plan have an exercise period of up to 10
years. The 1997 Plan provides for the grant of stock options to employees
(including directors and officers) and consultants of the Company and its
subsidiaries. As of December 31, 1997, 4,384,400 stock options were granted to
employees. The options were granted at the initial public offering price of $20
per share and become exercisable as follows: 10 percent, 40 percent, and 50
percent at the end of three, four, and five years, respectively. As of March 31,
1998 no options had been exercised, cancelled or had expired. Options have been
forfeited upon the departure of employees. The Company's Board of Directors has
authorized 5 million additional shares available under this plan, subject to
approval by the Company's shareholders at the June 18, 1998 annual meeting of
the Company's shareholders.
Director Stock Compensation Plan
Under the Director Stock Compensation Plan (the "Director Plan"), the
Company may grant options or stock (in lieu of annual director fees) up to
100,000 shares of Class A Common Stock. Options granted under the Director
Plan will vest upon the first anniversary of the grant and are exercisable up to
10 years from the date of grant. All options and stock awarded under the
Director Plan are nontransferable other than by will or the laws of descent and
distribution. There were no awards made under this plan during the three months
ended March 31, 1998.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Under the 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Purchase Plan") an
undetermined number of shares of Class A Common Stock will be reserved for
future issuance of stock. The Purchase Plan will permit eligible employees to
purchase common stock through payroll deductions at a price equal to 85 percent
of the lower of fair market value of the common stock on the first day of the
offering period or the last day of the offering period. The plan will not result
in compensation expense in future periods. As of March 31, 1998, no stock had
been purchased under the Purchase Plan.
<PAGE>
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operation
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the
unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements as of March 31, 1998 and 1997, and
the Notes thereto included elsewhere herein. In addition to historical
information, the following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements that
involve risks and uncertainties. Such statements include, but are not limited
to, those relating to the effects of growth, the company's principal investment
activities and its current equity capital levels. The risks and uncertainties
relate to, among other factors: general economic and market conditions, changes
in interest rates, loan delinquency rates, stock market volume and prices,
mutual fund and 401(k) and pension plan inflows or outflows, changes in the
REIT, technology and financial services industries and other industries in which
the company is active, changes in demand for investment banking and securities
brokerage services, competitive conditions within the securities industry, the
company's ability to recruit and retain key employees, changes in the securities
and banking laws and regulations, trading and principal investment activities,
and litigation. For a more detailed explanation of these and other risks and
uncertainties, refer to "Factors Affecting the Company's Business, Operating
Results and Financial Condition" in the Company's Form 10-K for 1997,
incorporated herein by reference. As a result of these risks and uncertainties,
there can be no assurance that operating results for any future period will be
comparable to those attained in the prior periods.
Overview
Friedman, Billings, Ramsey Group, Inc. ("FBR" or the "Company") is a
holding company for Friedman, Billings, Ramsey Capital Markets, Inc. ("Capital
Markets Group"), Friedman, Billings, Ramsey Asset Management, Inc. ("Asset
Management Group") and FBR Holdings, Inc., an investment holding company. The
Capital Markets Group is a holding company, whose primary subsidiary, Friedman,
Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc. ("FBRC"), is a U.S. investment banking firm and
securities broker-dealer. The Capital Markets Group's other subsidiaries, FBR
International, Ltd. ("FBRIL") and FBR Investment Services, Inc. (formerly FBR
Direct, Inc., "FBRIS"), are also broker-dealers in targeted markets. Both FBRIL
and FBRIS were formed during 1997; FBRIL has begun and FBRIS is expected to
begin generating revenue in 1998. The Asset Management Group is a holding
company whose subsidiaries are engaged in investment management and advisory
services to managed accounts, hedge and offshore funds, private equity and
venture capital funds, and mutual funds. The Company's operations are primarily
in the United States, and the Company has very limited exposure to foreign
market activity.
The Company's business depends primarily on the markets for the
securities of companies in selected sectors. These markets are affected by many
of the same risks and uncertainties relating to the company itself (discussed
above) as well as by other factors that apply to particular industries. For
example, many of the companies in the sub-prime lending sector, a subset of the
financial services industry, have experienced higher than expected delinquencies
and prepayments as well as investor concern over the direction of market
interest rates and the valuation of residual securities. These factors have led
to depressed market prices for some companies' stocks in this sector during the
past several months. This market environment has tempered demand for securities
of companies in this sector, which in turn adversely affected FBR's
opportunities in this sector. In addition, over this same time period, the
Company has held significant positions of securities of companies in this sector
in connection with its market making and underwriting activities. Consequently,
FBR has experienced direct economic losses associated with this sector which are
included in net trading and investment gains and losses, in the Company's
financial statements.
<PAGE>
OPERATING GROUPS
Asset Management Group
Revenue from the Asset Management Group has increased more than 180%
from the first quarter of 1997 to 1998. This revenue has been derived from an
increasing variety of investment products, which the Company plans to continue
to diversify over the next two years. Assets under management ("AUM") have
increased 33%, from $641 million at year-end to $854 million as of March 31,
1998. Asset management revenue consists of "base management fees" (which are
calculated based on the market value of clients' assets under management), and
performance fees or special (incentive based) allocations. The Company
previously included other income allocations (including realized and unrealized
gains and losses) on its investments in private investment vehicles in asset
management revenue, but has chosen to separately disclose these gains and
losses, on a net basis, beginning in the first quarter. This reclassification of
income allocations has been applied to 1997 periods for comparison purposes.
Base management fees are earned on all the Company's AUM, and are
determined based on a percentage of the market value of net assets, excluding
FBR's and certain other investors' funds. The percentages used to determine the
Company's fee vary within each product category. As of March 31, 1998, the
weighted average base management fees of the Company approximate 1.13% annually
on the AUM. The ranges of fees charged by product category are as follows:
Mutual funds................................0.9%
Managed accounts (excluding FBR-REIT).......1.2%
Private equity and venture capital..........2.0% to 2.5%
Hedge and offshore funds....................1.0%
In addition to the base management fees, the Company earns incentive
compensation and receives special allocations on private equity and venture
capital funds, hedge and offshore funds, and FBR-REIT (which the Company
classifies as a managed account). The Company generally receives 20% of the net
investment gains (if any) on the hedge and offshore fund assets. The incentive
fees and special allocations are calculated annually every December 31. However,
the Company receives initial incentive fees or special allocations on the
one-year anniversary of each contribution. Assets on which the Company has the
potential to earn incentive compensation have increased 29%, from $470 million
at year-end to $606 million as of March 31, 1998.
The Company's investment products are significantly concentrated in the
financial services industry. FBR's principal hedge and offshore funds had gross
performance returns ranging from 68.3% to 50.9% (53.0% to 38.1%, net of fees and
expenses) for the twelve months ending March 31, 1998. By comparison, for the
twelve month period ending March 31, 1998, the bank stock index (BKX) and the
S&P 500 index had performance returns (excluding dividends) of 48.6% and 45.0%,
respectively.
The Company has investments in its proprietary investment vehicles of
approximately $49.8 million as of March 31, 1998 compared to $36.4 million as of
December 31, 1997. FBR has recorded gains of $3 million in the first quarter of
1998 on these investments, which represents a total return on investment of
13.0% for the quarter (52% on an annualized basis). The Company will endeavor to
grow these assets under management and continue to make minority investments in
new investment vehicles as appropriate during 1998. During the first quarter of
1998, the Company formed a new private equity fund that will invest primarily in
companies in the financial services sector. FBR has a 5% interest in this new
fund. The Company has experienced annual growth in AUM of approximately 90% over
the past five years, and through March 31, 1998.
<PAGE>
Capital Markets Group
The Company has historically experienced a seasonal slowdown in its
investment banking activities in the first quarter of each year. Although
January 1998 was very slow for investment banking, FBR was the lead underwriter
of the first initial public offering in the U.S. in 1998. In addition, during
the first quarter of 1998, FBR managed four IPO's and managed six secondary
offerings. During the first quarter of 1998, the Company increased the number of
personnel in the investment banking group by nine percent. The additional
personnel will enable the Company to increase its focus on a number of industry
sectors that management believes offer favorable opportunities for FBR to gain
market share.
During the first quarter of 1998, FBRIL, the Company's UK based
broker-dealer, began generating revenue and operated on approximately a
break-even level for the quarter. This compares with approximately a $1 million
net loss (before taxes) for the 7 months ending December 31, 1997. The Company
expects that FBRIL will continue to operate at a breakeven basis in 1998.
Institutional brokerage revenues increased 31% from $9.7 million to
$12.7 million, for the quarters ending March 31, 1997 and 1998 respectively. The
Company began to separately disclose principal sales credits and net trading
gains and losses in the first quarter of 1998 (and reclassified 1997 for
comparison purposes). Previously, these amounts were reported on a combined
basis as principal transaction revenues. FBRC conducts market-making activities
in more than 400 securities. During the first quarters of 1997 and 1998, in
connection with these activities, FBRC experienced net trading losses on
positions held in securities inventories primarily of securities for which FBR
had acted as underwriter. FBR has an investment banking incentive compensation
policy which takes into account the risk of trading and other losses related to
market making activity and other transactions conducted to support investment
banking transactions. This policy provides for a deferral of a portion of the
incentive compensation payable to investment banking personnel. Any losses or
liabilities of the Company attributable to capital raising transactions may
result in a reduction of accrued incentive compensation to investment banking
personnel. Pursuant to this policy, the Company reduced $6.7 million of accrued
investment banking bonus compensation during the first quarter of 1998.
The Company continues to be approached by existing clients and
potential new clients concerning possible capital raising transactions. However,
given the uncertainties involved in completing such transactions, the Company is
unable to predict when or whether any such transactions will be successfully
completed.
<PAGE>
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Revenues
Total revenues are comprised primarily of underwriting revenue,
corporate finance fees, principal sales credits, agency commissions, asset
management revenue, and net gains and losses. The Company believes that revenue
from underwriting and corporate finance is substantially dependent on the market
for public and private offerings of equity and debt securities by the companies
in the sectors within which FBR focuses its efforts. Principal sales credits are
dependent on Nasdaq trading volume and spreads in the securities of such
companies. Net trading gains and losses are dependent on the market performance
of securities in which the Company holds trading positions in its inventory, as
well as on the decisions of management as to the level of market exposure to
these securities. Accordingly, the Company's revenues have fluctuated, and are
likely to continue to fluctuate, based on these factors.
Underwriting revenue consists of underwriting discounts, selling
concessions, management fees and other underwriting fees and reimbursed expenses
associated with underwriting activities.
Corporate finance revenues are comprised of the Company's merger and
acquisition, private placement, mutual thrift conversion, and other corporate
finance advisory fees and reimbursed expenses associated with such activities.
Corporate finance fees have fluctuated, and are likely to continue to fluctuate,
based on the number and size of transactions, including private placements, by
the Company.
Principal sales credits consist of revenue derived on a portion of dealer
spreads from the securities trading activities of the Company as principal in
Nasdaq-listed and other over-the-counter ("OTC") securities, and is primarily
derived from the Company's activities as a market-maker. Asthe Capital Markets
Group underwrites new securities and adds securities of existing companies to
its market-maker list, principal sales credits and agency commission activity is
expected to increase.
Agency commissions revenue includes revenue resulting from executing
Nasdaq-listed and other OTC transactions as agent, and executing trades through
a stock exchange.
The Company receives asset management revenue in its capacity as the
investment manager to advisory clients and as general partner of several
investment partnerships. Management fees, performance fees, and special
allocations on investment partnerships historically have been earned from
vehicles that invest primarily in the securities of companies engaged in the
financial services sector. Incentive fees and special allocations are likely to
fluctuate with performance of securities in the sectors in which managed funds
invest. In 1998, the Company is focusing on continuing to grow assets under
management at levels achieved in the past. This asset base coupled with a stable
or rising equity market (including equity of financial services companies) can
provide significant revenues with a high net margin for the Company. The
Company's objective is to establish an asset base with sufficient revenue to
cover the fixed cost of the Company's business.
Expenses
Compensation and benefits expense includes base salaries as well as
incentive compensation paid to sales, trading, underwriting and corporate
finance professionals and to executive management. Incentive compensation
(other than under the 1997 Plan, below) varies primarily based on revenue
production. Salaries, payroll taxes and employee benefits are relatively fixed
in nature. During the first quarter of 1997, the incentive compensation paid
to the top three of the Company's Executive Officers, who also serve as
Directors of the Company, was based primarily on gross revenues from certain
of the Company's business lines. In December 1997, the Company adopted the 1997
Stock & Incentive Compensation Plan ("1997 Plan"), under which the Executive
Officers and certain other employees are eligible to participate in a bonus
pool, based on net income before taxes, rather than on gross revenues. In
<PAGE>
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Expenses (continued)
particular, the cash bonus payments made pursuant to the 1997 Plan will be made
from a pool equal to up to thirty percent of FBR's annual pre-tax net income
(before annual cash bonus payments under the 1997 Plan). The pool will be
reduced to the extent the aggregate compensation and benefits expense for the
year (including annual cash bonus payments under the 1997 Plan) would exceed
fifty-five percent of revenues. The Company's Board of Directors is responsible
for determining the percentage of pre-tax net income remunerated under the 1997
Plan and intends to do so based on quantitative and qualitative performance
criteria. FBR intends to review and evaluate all of its compensation plans on a
quarterly basis.
The following table sets forth-certain financial data as a percentage of
revenues:
For the quarter
ended March 31,
1997 1998
Revenues:
Investment banking-
Underwriting 45.38% 70.18%
Corporate finance 30.24% 5.39%
Institutional brokerage-
Principal (OTC) sales credits 23.80% 13.29%
Agency commission 9.65% 5.45%
Gains and losses, net-
Trading (14.99%) (8.71%)
Investment 0.45% 4.42%
Asset management 2.80% 4.66%
Interest and dividends 2.67% 5.32%
---------------------
Total revenues 100.00% 100.00%
Expenses:
Compensation and benefits 67.81% 41.69%
Brokerage and clearance 3.50% 1.98%
Occupancy and equipment 1.75% 1.12%
Communications 1.50% 1.21%
Interest 2.49% 2.44%
Other (1) 15.16% 13.70%
---------------------
Total expenses 92.21% 62.14%
---------------------
Net income before taxes 7.79% 37.86%
=====================
1) Includes business promotion, investment banking and other expenses.
<PAGE>
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Three months ended March 31, 1998 compared to three months ended March 31, 1997
Total revenues increased 134% from $29.0 million in 1997 to $68.0
million in 1998 due primarily to increased underwriting and net investment
gains.
Underwriting revenue increased 262% from $13.2 million in 1997 to $47.7
million in 1998 and increased as a percentage of revenues from 45% to 70%,
respectively. This increase was due primarily to an increase in the average size
of the security transactions managed from $102 million in 1997 to $127 million
in 1998, and a change in the mix of capital raising activities from private to
public. The number of these transactions increased as well, from 10 in 1997 to
13 in 1998.
Corporate finance fees decreased 58% from $8.8 million in 1997 to $3.7
million in 1998. This decrease was due to a shift in capital raising activities
from private placements to public underwritings, but was somewhat offset by
increased merger and acquisition activities, which generated $0.3 million in
1997 compared to $2.1 million in 1998.
Principal sales credit revenue increased 31% from $6.9 million in 1997
to $9.0 million 1998. This increase is a result of higher volumes of activity in
the Company's Nasdaq trading overall, as well as increased trading activity
derived from the Company's expansion of its equity sales and trading personnel
and capabilities.
Agency commissions increased 32% from $2.8 million in 1997 to $3.7
million in 1998. This increase was due to the expansion of the Company's
institutional listed equity business fostered by an increase in the number of
institutional brokers, as well as an increase in listed equity trading
capabilities.
Asset management revenue increased by 290% from $0.8 million in 1997 to
$3.2 million in 1998. The increase was due primarily to an increase in assets
under management, as well as an increase in incentive based allocations
principally in the Company's largest hedge fund, which focuses its investments
in the financial services industry sector.
Total expenses increased 58% from $26.8 million in 1997 to $42.2
million 1998 primarily due to the Company's growth in number of personnel (41%
increase in full-time employees as of March 31, 1998 compared to March 31,
1997). In addition to personnel increases, the Company has been spending an
increasing amount on business promotion and investment banking efforts.
Compensation and benefits expense increased 44% from $19.7 million in
1997 to $28.3 million in 1998. The increase was due primarily to an increase in
the number of the Company's personnel. Compensation and benefits expense as a
percentage of total revenues decreased from 68% to 42%. This decrease was
attributable to a number of factors, including the change in revenue mix towards
asset management revenue and investment gains, and implementation of the 1997
Plan, which includes incentive compensation for the Company's Executive
Officers. The decrease in compensation as a percent of revenues was also due to
a reduction of accrued bonus compensation in the first quarter of 1998. This
compensation adjustment is discussed more fully in the Capital Market Group
section on page 17 herein. Average employee headcount was 195 in 1997 compared
to 283 in 1998.
<PAGE>
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Three months ended March 31, 1998 compared to three months ended March 31, 1997
(Continued)
Brokerage and clearance expense increased 32% from $1,017 thousand in
1997 to $1,343 thousand in 1998 due to the increase in sales and trading
activities. As a percentage of institutional brokerage revenue, brokerage and
clearance expense remained constant at 10.5% in both 1997 and 1998.
Occupancy and equipment expense increased 50% from $508 thousand in
1997 to $764 thousand in 1998. The Company attributes this increase to
additional office leases and related expenditures to accommodate its growth in
personnel, and an increase in depreciation expense due to acquisitions of
computer and telecommunications equipment and furniture and fixtures for the
expanded staff and facilities.
Communications expense increased 89% from $436 thousand in 1997 to $826
thousand in 1998. This increase was due primarily to increases in
telecommunications expenses resulting from the increase in employees and
expansion of facilities in 1998, and the enhancement of network technology.
Interest expense increased by 129% from $724 thousand in 1997 to $1,659
thousand in 1998, primarily due to increased margin interest expense, which is a
result of increased securities position levels.
Other expenses increased 112% from $4.4 million in 1997 to $9.3 million
in 1998. This increase was due primarily to increased investment banking
activity, increased expenses associated with expanded office space, and
increased business promotion expenses.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company has historically satisfied its liquidity and regulatory
capital needs through three primary sources: (1) internally generated funds; (2)
equity capital contributions; and (3) credit provided by the Company's banks,
and its clearing broker and that broker's affiliates. The Company has frequently
required the use, and reasonably believes that it may continue to require the
use, of temporary subordinated loans in connection with regulatory capital
requirements to support its underwriting activities.
The Company completed its initial public offering ("IPO") in December
1997. Net proceeds from the offering were $185 million. After the offering, the
Company made capital contributions of $73 million to FBRC, distributed $54
million to its S corporation shareholders, repaid $8.5 million on an outstanding
line of credit, invested $25 million in FBR Asset Investment Corporation (a
private real estate investment trust formed in December 1997, "FBR-REIT"), and
held the remaining funds in short term money market accounts. FBRC used $40
million of its existing capital to repay its outstanding subordinated loans and
retained the $73 million contributed by FBR for working capital purposes.
The Company's principal assets consist of cash and cash equivalents,
receivables from other broker dealers including its clearing broker, securities
held for trading purposes, short-term investments, and long-term investments.
Short-term investments are comprised primarily of FHLMC backed mortgage
securities with remaining maturity of less than one year. Long-term investments
consist primarily of investments in limited partnerships in which the Company
serves as the general partner and its investment in FBR-REIT. Although
investments in limited partnerships are for the most part illiquid, the
underlying investments of such partnerships are generally in publicly traded,
liquid debt and equity securities.
<PAGE>
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES (CONTINUED)
As of March 31, 1998, the Company had liquid assets consisting primarily
of cash and cash equivalents of $139.1 million and short term investments of
$9.9 million. Cash equivalents consist primarily of money market mutual funds
invested in debt obligations of the U.S. government. The Company also had $86.7
million in marketable securities in its trading accounts. Due to the timing of
an underwriting transaction on March 31, 1998, FBRC had a payable to the
investment banking client for the proceeds of the transaction in the amount of
$129.6 million and included in the receivable from its clearing organization a
corresponding amount.
FBRC, as a broker-dealer, is registered with the SEC and is a member of
the NASD. As such, it is subject to the minimum net capital requirements
promulgated by the SEC. FBRC's regulatory net capital has historically exceeded
these minimum requirements. As of March 31, 1998, FBRC was required to maintain
minimum regulatory net capital of approximately $11.5 million, and had total
regulatory net capital of approximately $79.4 million in excess of its
requirement. Regulatory net capital requirements increase when FBRC is involved
in underwriting activities based upon a percentage of the amount being
underwritten by FBRC.
Other broker-dealer subsidiaries were in compliance with all applicable
regulatory capital adequacy requirements as of March 31, 1998.
FBR has no material long-term debt. As of March 31, 1998, the Company had
available a total of $25.0 million in two committed subordinated revolving loans
from its clearing broker and an affiliate of its clearing broker that are
allowable for net capital purposes. Certain of the Company's principal employee-
shareholders personally guarantee these loans. The loans expire in July and
October of 1998. The Company will either seek to renew these loans or obtain
alternative financing from other sources. The Company characterizes its
relationship with its lenders as very good, and does not expect any impediments
to obtaining credit, as needed, from available sources.
As of March 31, 1998, the Company has entered into an agreement to
consolidate its main office locations, significantly increasing the amount of
office space to sustain its growth. The Company expects to incur expenditures in
excess of $4 million during 1998 to acquire the lease, renovate, equip and
furnish this facility.
The Company believes that its current level of equity capital and
committed lines of credit, combined with funds anticipated to be generated from
operations, is adequate to meet its liquidity and regulatory capital
requirements associated with its broker-dealer activities. The Company may,
however, seek debt financing to provide capital for corporate purposes and/or to
fund strategic business opportunities, including possible acquisitions, joint
ventures, alliances or other business arrangements which could require
substantial capital outlays.
The Company contantly reviews its capital needs and sources, the cost of
capital and return on equity, and seeks strategies to provide favorable returns
on capital. As part of its overall captial utilization strategy, the Company may
in the future seek to raise additional debt or equity capital or may reduce
capital through repurchase of its common stock. The Company's policy is to
evaluate acquisition opportunities as they arise.
Risk Management
FBR monitors its market and counterparty risk on a daily basis through a
number of control procedures designed to identify and evaluate the various risks
to which the Company is exposed. FBR has established various committees to
assess and to manage risk associated with its investment banking and other
activities. The committees review, among other things, business and
transactional risks associated with potential clients and engagements. The
Company seeks to control the risks associated with its investment banking
activities by review and approval of transactions by the relevant committee,
prior to accepting an engagement.
<PAGE>
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES (CONTINUED)
In addition to the risks associated with investment banking
transactions, the Company may be exposed to significant after market risks with
these companies, as FBR may hold substantial positions in these companies as
underwriter or market maker. The Company often acts as principal in
customer-related transactions in financial instruments that expose the Company
to market risks. The Company also engages in proprietary trading and arbitrage
activities and makes dealer markets in equity securities and high-yield
securities. These trading activities generally result in the creation of
inventory positions. Position and exposure reports are prepared and circulated
to management of the Company on a daily basis. The Company seeks to manage the
exposure to market risks by establishing position limits, and limiting its net
long or short position by selling or buying similar instruments.
The Securities and Exchange Commission has developed new market risk
disclosure rules. The Company is required to adopt these rules with the filing
of its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998. The
Company has risk management policies and procedures related to its trading
activities designed to reduce its exposure to market risk. The Company will
adopt additional policies or procedures during 1998 that may be necessary to
meet compliance with the new SEC rules; however, the Company will continue to
use other risk management measures, such as trading limits and daily position
summary reports.
High Yield and Non-Investment Grade Debt Securities
The Company underwrites, trades, invests, and makes markets in high-
yield corporate debt securities. The Company also syndicates, trades and invests
in loans to, and preferred stock of, below investment grade-rated companies.
For purposes of this discussion, non-investment grade securities are defined
as securities or loans to companies rated BB+ or lower, or equivalent ratings by
recognized credit rating agencies, as well as non-rated securities or loans.
Investments in non-investment grade securities generally involve greater risks
than investment grade securities due to the issuer's creditworthiness and the
liquidity of the market for such securities. High yield and other non-investment
grade securities are carried at market value and unrealized gains and losses for
these securities are reflected in the Company's Consolidated Statements of
Income. The Company's portfolio of such securities at December 31, 1997 and
March 31, 1998, are included in long positions and have an aggregate market
value of approximately $19.8 million and $27.0 million, respectively. The
Company's portfolio may, from time to time, contain concentrated holdings of
selected issues. The Company's largest unhedged non-investment grade position
was $5.7 million and $3.5 million at December 31, 1997 and March 31, 1998,
respectively.
Warrants
In connection with certain capital raising transactions, FBR has received
and holds warrants for stock of the issuing corporation exercisable at the
corporation's respective offering price. Due to current restrictions on the
warrants and the underlying securities, FBR carries the warrants at a nominal
value in its financial statements, and will recognize any potential, future
revenues and profits, if any, only when realized. FBR may use a portion of
these warrants as incentive compensation for certain key employees in the
Capital Markets Group. As of April 30, 1998, FBR had received warrants in client
companies as set forth below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Closing Price Expiration
Number of Exercise on April 30, date of
Warrants Price 1998 Warrants
----------- --------- ------------ ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
American Capital Strategies, Ltd................... 442,751 $15.00 22.6250 08/29/02
Capital Automotive REIT............................ 1,277,794 15.00 15.5625 02/12/03
Consolidation Capital Corporation.................. 1,130,000 20.00 22.0625 11/25/01
Local Financial Corporation........................ 591,000 10.00 12.6250 09/08/02
Styling Technology Corporation..................... 101,500 12.00 22.5000 11/21/01
FBR Asset Investment Corporation................... 970,805 20.00 20.0000 12/11/07
Resource Asset Investment Trust.................... 141,667 15.00 18.6250 01/08/03
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
MATTERS RELATED TO THE COMPANY'S INFORMATION SYSTEMS:
The Company's software and information systems are year 2000 compliant;
however, the Company utilizes certain software and related technologies of its
clearing organization. The Company expects that it will be indirectly affected
by the date change in the year 2000 as it relates to the systems of its clearing
organization. The year 2000 issue exists because many computer systems and
applications currently use two-digit date fields to designate a year. When the
century date change occurs, date-sensitive systems will recognize the year 2000
as 1900, or not at all. This inability to recognize or properly treat the year
2000 may cause systems to process critical financial and operational information
incorrectly. The Company's clearing organization has a defined plan to address
and correct its year 2000 deficiencies. The Company does not expect to incur any
significant expenditure related to year 2000 problems with its primary
information systems. However, any failure by the Company's clearing organization
to adequately address the date change could have a material adverse effect on
the Company's financial condition and operations.
Item 3. Changes in Information About Market Risk
None.
Part II. Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
While the Company is not currently a defendant or plaintiff in any lawsuits
or arbitrations, many aspects of the Company's business involve substantial
risks of liability, litigation and arbitration. An underwriter is exposed to
potential liability under federal and state securities laws, other federal and
state laws and court decisions, including decisions with respect to
underwriters' liability and limitation on indemnification of underwriters by
issuers. For example, a firm that acts as an underwriter may be held liable for
material misstatements or omissions of fact in a prospectus used in connection
with the securities being offered or for statements made by its securities
analysts or other personnel.
If plaintiffs in any future suits against the Company were to prosecute
their claims successfully, or if the Company were to settle such suits by making
significant payments to the plaintiffs, the Company's operating results and
financial condition could be materially and adversely affected. The Company
carries very limited insurance that may cover only a portion of any such
payments.
In addition to these financial costs and risks, the defense of litigation
or arbitration may divert the efforts and attention of the Company's management
and staff, and the Company may incur significant legal expenses in defending
such litigation and arbitration. This may be the case even with respect to
claims and litigation that management believes to be frivolous, and the Company
intends to defend vigorously any frivolous claims against it. The amount of time
that management and other employees may be required to devote in connection with
the defense of litigation could be substantial and might materially divert their
attention from other responsibilities within the Company.
The Company also may become a defendant in civil actions and arbitrations
arising out of its other activities as a broker-dealer, as an investment
adviser, in other business activities, or as an employer. There can be no
assurance that substantial payments in connection with the resolution of
disputed claims will not occur in the future.
In addition, the Company's charter documents allow indemnification of the
Company's officers, directors and agents to the maximum extent permitted under
Virginia law. The Company intends to enter into indemnification agreements with
these persons. The Company has been and in the future may be the subject of
indemnification assertions under these charter documents or agreements by
officers, directors or agents of the Company who are or may become defendants in
litigation.
<PAGE>
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) Exhibits
(27) Financial Data Schedule
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
None.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Friedman, Billings, Ramsey Group, Inc.
5/14/98 By: /s/ Eric Y. Generous
- ----------- -----------------------------------------
Date Eric Y. Generous, Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer),
5/14/98 By: /s/ Kurt R. Harrington
- ----------- -----------------------------------------
Date Kurt R. Harrington, Treasurer
(Principal Accounting Officer),
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit 27.01 Financial Data Schedule.
<PAGE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> BD
<LEGEND>
This schedule contins summary financial information extracted from the
unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 1998 and the unaudited
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31,
1998, which are contined in the body of the accompanying Form 10-Q and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END> MAR-31-1998
<CASH> 139,149
<RECEIVABLES> 15,570
<SECURITIES-RESALE> 0
<SECURITIES-BORROWED> 0
<INSTRUMENTS-OWNED> 86,655
<PP&E> 3,537
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 504,366
<SHORT-TERM> 0
<PAYABLES> 177,449
<REPOS-SOLD> 0
<SECURITIES-LOANED> 0
<INSTRUMENTS-SOLD> 73,716
<LONG-TERM> 2,294
0
0
<COMMON> 242,225
<OTHER-SE> 0
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 504,366
<TRADING-REVENUE> 3,113
<INTEREST-DIVIDENDS> 3,619
<COMMISSIONS> 3,708
<INVESTMENT-BANKING-REVENUES> 47,710
<FEE-REVENUE> 3,661
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 1,659
<COMPENSATION> 28,343
<INCOME-PRETAX> 25,736
<INCOME-PRE-EXTRAORDINARY> 25,736
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 15,579
<EPS-PRIMARY> .31
<EPS-DILUTED> .31
</TABLE>
