FIRST ALBANY COMPANIES INC
10-Q, 1996-08-12
SECURITY BROKERS, DEALERS & FLOTATION COMPANIES
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<PAGE>





                    SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                                     
                          Washington, D.C. 20549
                                     
                                 Form 10-Q
                                     
             QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
                      SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                                     
                      For Quarter Ended June 28, 1996
                      -------------------------------               
                                     
                      Commission file number 0-14140


            First Albany Companies Inc.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

            New York                                      22-2655804
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (State or other jurisdiction of                   (I.R.S. Employer
     incorporation or organization)                    Identification No.)

            30 South Pearl St., Albany, NY                     12207
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (Address of principal executive offices)             (Zip Code)

            (518) 447-8500
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)


        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Sections 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       (1) No
                                             --------          --------   
        Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's
classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

              4,737,154 Shares of Common Stock were outstanding as of the
close of business on June 24, 1996.

</PAGE>
<PAGE>









               FIRST ALBANY COMPANIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                     
                                 FORM 10-Q
                                     
                                   INDEX
                                      
                                       
                                                                  PAGE
                                     
        Part I - Financial Information

            Item 1. Financial Statements

               Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial
                   Condition at June 28, 1996 and
                   September 29, 1995.......................        3

               Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
                   for the Three Months and Nine Months Ended
                   June 28, 1996 and June 30, 1995...........       4

               Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                   for the Nine Months Ended June 28, 1996
                   and June 30, 1995..........................      5

               Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial
                     Statements....  .........................      6-8

            Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
                 Financial Condition and Results of
                 Operations...................................      9-15

        Part II - Other Information

            Item 1. Legal Proceedings.........................      16

            Item 4. Submission of matters to a vote of 
                    security holders..........................      16

            Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.. .......      17-19

</PAGE>
<PAGE>







[CAPTION]



                        FIRST ALBANY COMPANIES INC.
         CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
<TABLE>                                       <C>                <C>
                                            June 28,         September 29,
<S>                                           1996                1995
(In thousands of dollars)                 (Unaudited)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets
 Cash and cash equivalents                 $  3,362            $  3,253
 Securities borrowed                        288,902             376,919
 Receivables from 
   Brokers, dealers and clearing agencies     5,765               1,889
   Customers                                120,186              88,610
   Others                                     6,377               4,965
Securities owned                            128,454              56,025
Office equipment and leasehold 
  improvements, net                           6,997               6,062
Other assets                                 11,325               5,532
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets                               $571,368            $543,255
========================================================================

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

Liabilities
 Short-term bank loans                     $136,033             $53,288
 Securities sold under agreement to 
   repurchase                                 4,975 
 Securities loaned                          298,211             388,523
Payables to
   Brokers, dealers and clearing agencies     2,895               3,104
   Customers                                 36,191              38,335
   Others                                    26,867               4,135
 Securities sold but not yet purchased        5,758               3,892
 Accounts payable                             1,963               1,696
 Accrued compensation                         9,824               8,108
 Accrued expenses                             3,327               4,191
 Note payable                                 5,156               1,791
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities                           531,200             507,063
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commitments and Contingencies

Stockholders' Equity
 Common stock                              $     51           $      49
 Additional paid-in-capital                  23,287              20,257
 Retained earnings                           19,416              17,822
 Less treasury stock at cost                 (2,586)             (1,936)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total stockholders' equity                   40,168             $36,192
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $571,368            $543,255
=========================================================================                                     
                             
</TABLE>   
                                     
                                     
       See notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
</PAGE>       
<PAGE>      
[CAPTION]
                        FIRST ALBANY COMPANIES INC.
              CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                (Unaudited)
<TABLE>                                     
<S>                                      <C>                  <C>            
                                  Three Months Ended    Nine Months Ended
(In thousands of dollars             <C>       <C>         <C>      <C>   
  except for per share             June 28,  June 30,   June 28,  June 30,   
  and outstanding share amounts)    1996      1995        1996      1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues
  Commissions                     $ 11,199  $  8,484    $ 31,982  $ 22,409
  Principal transactions            17,557    11,408      46,067    32,976
  Investment banking                 4,329     4,039      14,059     9,841
  Interest                           6,739     7,144      21,317    19,192
  Fees and other                     2,389     1,685       6,482     5,051
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total revenues                      42,213    32,760     119,907    89,469
    Interest expense                 5,173     5,681      16,758    14,405
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net revenues                        37,040    27,079     103,149    75,064
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Expenses (excluding interest)
  Compensation and benefits         24,998    18,459      69,776    51,849
  Clearing, settlement and 
     brokerage costs                   722       609       1,970     1,610
  Communications and data processing 2,784     2,037       7,562     5,678
  Occupancy and depreciation         1,980     1,699       5,678     4,977
  Selling                            1,972     1,166       5,039     3,469
  Other                              2,004     1,524       5,205     3,900
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total expenses (excluding interest) 34,460    25,494      95,230    71,483
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes           2,580     1,585       7,919     3,581
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Income tax expense                  995       592       3,027     1,234
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income                        $  1,585   $   993    $  4,892  $  2,347
==========================================================================

 Net income per common and
 common equivalent share:
   Primary                        $   0.31   $  0.20    $   0.95  $  0. 48
   Fully diluted                      0.31      0.20        0.95     0. 48
==========================================================================

 Weighted average common
 and common equivalent
 shares outstanding:
   Primary                       5,106,666  4,966,541  5,125,407  4,925,094
   Fully diluted                 5,106,666  4,966,541  5,147,025  4,926,236
===========================================================================
 Dividend per common share
 outstanding                       $  0.05    $  0.05   $   0.15  $    0.15
===========================================================================    
</TABLE>                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
       See notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

</PAGE>
<PAGE>
[CAPTION]      
                         FIRST ALBANY COMPANIES INC.
              CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
                                (Unaudited)
                                     
<TABLE>                                     
                                                  Nine Months Ended
<S>                                           June 28,          June 30,
(In thousands of dollars)                      1996              1995
                                                <C>               <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from operating activities:
 Net income                                  $  4,892           $  2,347
Adjustments to reconcile net income to 
 net cash used in operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization               2,212              1,687
(Increase) decrease in operating assets:
    Cash and securities segregated under
       federal regs.                                                (300)
    Net receivable from customers             (33,720)            (4,198)
    Net receivables from brokers and dealers   (4,085)
    Securities owned, net                     (70,564)           (22,338)
    Other assets                               (5,792)            (2,026)
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
    Securities loaned, net                     (2,295)            15,705
    Net payable to brokers, dealers, and                            
         clearing agencies                                        (2,594)
    Net payable to others                      21,320             16,902
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses       1,119             (1,235)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating 
  activities                                  (86,913)             3,950
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
    Purchase of furniture, equipment, and
        leaseholds                             (3,147)            (2,304)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash used in investing activities          (3,147)            (2,304)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
    Proceeds (payments) of short-term bank
       loans                                   82,745             (3,408)
    Proceeds (payments) of notes payable        3,365              1,875
    Securities sold under agreement to
       repurchase                               4,975  
   Payments for purchases of common stock for
       treasury                                (1,245)
   Proceeds from issuance of common stock from
       treasury                                   263                242
   Proceeds from issuance of restricted stock     737                203
   Dividends paid                                (671)              (600)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash (used in) provided by financing 
   activities                                  90,169             (1,688)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Decrease in cash                                  109                (42)
Cash at beginning of the year                   3,253              3,165
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash at end of period                        $  3,362           $  3,123
===========================================================================
</TABLE>
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:  Income tax payments
totaled $3,424 in 1996 and $831 in 1995.  Interest payments totaled $16,078
in 1996 and $13,317 in 1995.
                           
                                     
                                     
                                    
                                     
                                     
       See notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
</PAGE>
<PAGE>
                        FIRST ALBANY COMPANIES INC.
           NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                     
                                (Unaudited)
                                     
1.   Basis of Presentation

  In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated
financial statements contain all adjustments, including only normal, recurring
adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of results for such periods.
The results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of those for 
the full year.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included
in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted 
accounting principles have been omitted.  These consolidated financial 
statements should be read in conjunction with financial statements and notes for
the year ended September 29, 1995.

2.   Securities Owned

  In April 1996, the Company entered into an agreement for the purchase of
stock of Mechanical Technology Incorporated (MTI).  On May 7, 1996, the Company
acquired 909,091 shares of MTI, raising its percentage of ownership in MTI from
4% to 29%.  A private placement in June 1996 reduced the Company's percentage
of ownership in MTI to 21%.

3.   Payables to Others

  Amounts payable to others as of:
<TABLE>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               <C>             <C> 
<S>                                          June 28,       September 29,
(In thousands of dollars)                     1996              1995
===========================================================================
  Adjustment to record securities owned on
   a trade date basis, net                   $22,237         $   773
  Others                                       4,630           3,362
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total                                      $26,867          $4,135
===========================================================================
</TABLE>
  For proprietary securities transactions, amounts receivable and payable for
securities transactions that have not reached their contractual settlement date
are recorded net on the statement of financial condition.

4.   Note Payable

  The note payable consists of a note for $5,156,000, which is collateralized
by fixed assets and is payable in monthly principal payments of $114,583 plus
interest.  The interest rate varies with the 90-day United States Treasury
Securities Rate (4.99% plus 2.5% on June 28, 1996).  The note matures April 30,
2000.

5.   Contingencies

  In the normal course of business, the Company has been named a defendant, or
otherwise has possible exposure, in several claims.  Certain of these are class
actions which seek unspecified damages that could be substantial.  Although 
there can be no assurance as to the eventual outcome of litigation in which the
Company has been named as a defendant or otherwise has possible exposure, the
Company has provided for those actions most likely to result in adverse 
dispositions.  Although further losses are possible, the

</PAGE>
<PAGE>

                        FIRST ALBANY COMPANIES INC.
           NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                     
                                (Unaudited)
                                (Continued)

opinion of management, based upon the advice of its attorneys and general
counsel, is that such litigation, in the aggregate, will not, have a material
adverse effect on the Company's liquidity or financial position, although it
could have a material effect on quarterly or annual operating results in the
period in which it is resolved.

6.   Stockholders' Equity

  On October 26, 1995, the Board of Directors declared the regular quarterly
dividend of $0.05 per share for the fourth quarter, ended September 29, 1995,
along with a 5% stock dividend.  Both were payable on November 22, 1995, to
shareholders of record on November 8, 1995.

  On February 1, 1996, the Board of Directors declared the regular quarterly
dividend of  $0.05 per share for the first quarter, ended December 31, 1995,
payable on February 23, 1996, to shareholders of record on February 9, 1996.

  On March 26, 1996, the Company repurchased 124,050 shares of its common stock
for $1.2 million.  When appropriate, the Company will consider making additional
purchases.

  On April 26, 1996, the Board of Directors declared the regular quarterly
dividend of $0.05 per share for the second quarter, ended March 29, 1996, along
with a 5% stock dividend.  Both were payable on May 20, 1996, to shareholders
of record on May 6, 1996.

  On July 25, 1996, the Board of Directors declared the regular quarterly
dividend of $0.05 per share for the third quarter, ended June 28, 1996, payable
on August 23, 1996, to shareholders of record on August 9, 1996.

7.   Net Income Per Common and Common Equivalent Share

  Net income per common and common equivalent share for both the primary and 
fully diluted computation have been based upon the weighted average number of
common shares and the dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding.  The 
dilutive effect of the common stock equivalents was determined using the 
treasury stock method.

  Net income per common and common equivalent share, along with both the primary
and fully dilutive weighted average common and common equivalent shares 
outstanding, have been adjusted to reflect all of the 5% stock dividends 
declared.

8.   Net Capital Requirements

  The Company's broker-dealer subsidiary, First Albany Corporation, is subject
to the Securities and Exchange Commission's Uniform Net Capital Rule which
requires the maintenance of a minimum net capital as calculated and defined by
the Rule.  As of June 28, 1996, the broker-dealer subsidiary had aggregate net
capital, as defined, of $14,098,000--exceeding the required net capital by
$11,569,000.

</PAGE>
<PAGE>


                        FIRST ALBANY COMPANIES INC.
           NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                     
                                (Unaudited)
                                (Continued)

9.   Market Value of Financial Instruments

  The financial instruments of the Company are reported on the Statement of
Financial Condition at market or fair value or at carrying amounts that
approximate fair value with the exception of securities not readily marketable
owned by First Albany Companies Inc., which are recorded at cost of 
approximately $1,225,000.  The market value of securities which are carried at 
cost approximates $4,900,000.  The fair value of other financial assets and 
liabilities (consisting primarily of receivable from and payable to brokers
dealers, clearing agencies, customers, securities borrowed and loaned, and bank
loans payable) are considered to approximate the carrying value due to the 
short-term nature of the financial instruments.

10.  New Accounting Pronouncements

  The Financial Accounting Standards Board recently issued Statement of 
Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation" (FAS 123).  FAS 123 establishes a fair value-based method of
accounting for stock-based compensation plans.  Entities may either adopt
FAS 123 or elect to continue accounting for the issuance of stock under
compensation plans in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for
Stock Issued to Employees."  The Company has not yet selected the accounting
method it will use to account for stock-based compensation plans and has not
measured the impact of changing its method from APB Opinion No. 25 to FAS 123.

</PAGE>
<PAGE>
[CAPTION]


                        FIRST ALBANY COMPANIES INC.
     MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS COMPARISON OF 1995 VS. 1996


<TABLE>
                                     <C>                 
                                                      1996 vs.
                              Three Months Ended      1995       Percentage
<S>                           June 28,   June 30,    Increase    Increase
(In thousands of dollars)      1996       1995      (Decrease)   (Decrease)
                                <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>  
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues
 Commissions                 $ 11,199  $   8,48     $  2,715         32%
 Principal transactions        17,557    11,408        6,149         54%
 Investment banking             4,329     4,039          290          7%
 Interest income                6,739     7,144         (405)        (6)%
 Fees and others                2,389     1,685          704         42%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total revenues                 42,213    32,760        9,453         29%
 Interest expense               5,173     5,681         (508)        (9)%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net revenues                   37,040    27,079        9,961         37%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses (excluding interest)
 Compensation and benefits     24,998    18,459        6,539         35%
 Clearing, settlement and
  brokerage cost                  722       609          113         19%
 Communications and data 
  processing                    2,784     2,037          747         37%
 Occupancy and depreciation     1,980     1,699          281         17%
 Selling                        1,972     1,166          806         69%
 Other                          2,004     1,524          480         31%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total expenses (excluding 
    interest)                  34,460    25,494        8,966         35%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes      2,580     1,585          995         63%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Income tax expense               995       592          403         68%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income                   $  1,585  $    993      $   592         60%
============================================================================

Net interest income
 Interest income             $  6,739  $  7,144      $  (405)        (6)%
 Interest expense               5,173     5,681         (508)        (9)%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net interest income          $  1,566  $  1,463      $   103          7%
============================================================================
</TABLE>
</PAGE>
<PAGE>
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                        FIRST ALBANY COMPANIES INC.
        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                         AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                                     
  The following is management's discussion and analysis of certain significant
factors which have affected the Company's financial position and results of 
operations during the periods included in the accompanying condensed 
consolidated financial statements.

Business Environment
- --------------------

  First Albany Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of First Albany Companies
Inc. (the Company), is a full service investment banking and brokerage firm.
Its primary business includes the underwriting, distribution, and trading of
fixed income and equity securities.  The investment banking and brokerage 
business earns revenues in direct correlation with the general level of trading
activity in the stock and bond markets.  This level of activity cannot be 
controlled by the Company; however, many of the Company's costs are fixed.  
Therefore, the Company's earnings, like those of others in the industry, reflect
the activity in the markets and can fluctuate accordingly.

Results of Operations
- ---------------------

Three Months Periods Ended June 28, 1996 and June 30, 1995
- ----------------------------------------------------------

Net Income
- ----------
     
   Net income for the quarter ended June 28,1996 was $1.6 million or $0.31 per 
share compared to $1.0 million or $0.20 per share a year ago.  This quarter's 
gains reflect a significant increase in both the firm's institutional and retail
revenues in the third quarter of fiscal 1996 compared to the third fiscal 
quarter of 1995. Revenues in the equity capital markets division and fixed 
income capital markets division increased over 50%, while revenues in the retail
division increased nearly 40%.

Commissions
- -----------

  Commission revenues increased $2.7 million or 32% in this year's third quarter
reflecting active trading in all major markets. Revenues from listed and over-
the-counter agency stock commissions increased $1.5 million or 29% while mutual
fund commission revenues increased $1.1 million or 49%.

Principal Transactions
- ----------------------

  Principal transactions increased $6.1 million or 54% in this year's third
quarter.  This was comprised of an increase in equity securities of $3.8
million, an increase in taxable fixed income of  $1.3 million and an increase
in municipal bonds of $1.0 million.

Fees and Others
- ---------------

     Fees and other revenues increased $0.7 million or 42% reflecting increased
service charge income and financial service revenues.

</PAGE>
<PAGE>




                        FIRST ALBANY COMPANIES INC.
     MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS COMPARISON OF 1996 VS. 1995



Compensation and Benefits
- -------------------------

  Compensation and benefits increased $6.5 million or 35% due primarily to
the increase in revenues.  Sales-related compensation increased $5.6 million,
salaries increased $.6 million, and benefits increased $0.3 million.

Communications and Data Processing
- ----------------------------------

  Communications and data processing expenses increased $0.7 million or 37%
in the third quarter. Communication expense increased $0.5 million due mainly to
more personnel and higher sales activity especially in the firm's equity capital
market division.  Data processing expense increased $0.2 million due primarily 
to higher  transaction volumes.

Selling
- -------

  Selling expense increased $0.8 million or 69%  primarily reflecting greater
promotional related expenses.
</PAGE>
<PAGE>
      

[CAPTION]
                          FIRST ALBANY COMPANIES INC.
     MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS COMPARISON OF 1996 VS. 1995

<TABLE>

 
                                                          1996 vs.
                                Nine Months Ended         1995      Percentage
<S>                           June 28,     June 30,     Increase    Increase
(In thousands of dollars)       1996         1995      (Decrease)  (Decrease)
                                <C>          <C>           <C>        <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues
 Commissions                 $ 31,982     $ 22,409      $  9,573       43%
 Principal transactions        46,067       32,976        13,091       40%
 Investment banking            14,059        9,841         4,218       43%
 Interest income               21,317       19,192         2,125       11%
 Fees and others                6,482        5,051         1,431       28%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total revenues                119,907       89,469        30,438       34%
 Interest expense              16,758       14,405         2,353       16%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net revenues                  103,149       75,064        28,085       37%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses (excluding interest)
 Compensation and benefits     69,776       51,849        17,927       35%
 Clearing, settlement and
   brokerage cost               1,970        1,610           360       22%
 Communications and data 
   processing                   7,562        5,678         1,884       33%
 Occupancy and depreciation     5,678        4,977           701       14%
 Selling                        5,039        3,469         1,570       45%
 Other                          5,205        3,900         1,305       33%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total expenses (excluding 
  interest)                    95,230       71,483        23,747       33%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes      7,919        3,581         4,338      121%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Income tax expense             3,027        1,234         1,793      145%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income                   $  4,892     $  2,347      $  2,545      108%
==============================================================================

Net interest income
 Interest income             $ 21,317     $ 19,192      $  2,125       11%
 Interest expense              16,758       14,405         2,353       16%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net interest income          $  4,559     $  4,787      $   (228)      (5)%
==============================================================================
</TABLE>
</PAGE>
<PAGE>

                                     
                        
                                     
                         
                                     
                                     
                        FIRST ALBANY COMPANIES INC.
        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                         AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                                     
Nine Months Periods Ended June 28, 1996 and June 30, 1995
- ---------------------------------------------------------

Net Income
- ----------

  Net income for the nine months ended June 28,1996, was $4.9 million or $0.95
per share compared to $2.3 million or $0.48 per share a year ago.

Commissions
- -----------

  Commission revenues increased $9.6 million or 43% in this year's nine-month
period reflecting active trading in all major markets. Revenues  from listed and
over-the-counter agency commissions increased  $5.7 million or 36% while mutual
fund commission revenues increased  $3.5 million or 49%.

Principal Transactions
- ----------------------

  Principal transactions increased $13.1 million or 40% in this year's first
nine-months.  This was comprised of an increase in equity securities of $8.5
million, an increase in taxable fixed income of  $3.8 million and an increase
in municipal bonds of $0.8 million.

Investment Banking
- ------------------

  Investment banking revenues increased $4.2 million or 43% in this year's first
nine months.  Revenues from selling concessions were up $3.0 million (equities
increased $1.3 million, municipals increased $1.1 million and taxable fixed
income increased $0.6 million),  underwriting fees increased $1.2 (both equities
and municipals increased $0.6 million, respectively), and investment banking
fees remained stable.

Fees and Others
- ---------------

     Fees and other revenues increased $1.4 million or 28% reflecting increased
service charge income and financial service revenues.

Compensation and Benefits
- -------------------------

  Compensation and benefits increased $17.9 million or 35% due primarily to
greater revenues.  Sales-related compensation increased $14.9 million, salaries
increased $2.3 million, and benefits increased $0.7 million.

Communications and Data Processing
- ----------------------------------

  Communications and data processing expenses increased  $1.9 million or 33%
in this year's first nine months. Communication expense increased $1.4 million
due mainly to increased sales activity in the firm's equity capital market
division.  Data processing expense increased $0.5 million due primarily to a
greater number of transactions.

Selling
- -------

  Selling expense increased $1.6 million or 45% mainly reflecting higher
promotional related costs due to the greater sales activity in the firm's
equity capital market division.
</PAGE>
<PAGE>

                        FIRST ALBANY COMPANIES INC.
     MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS COMPARISON OF 1996 VS. 1995

Other
- -----

  Other expense increased $1.3 million or 33% in this year's nine months
partially due to an increase in consulting costs.
</PAGE>
<PAGE>

        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                         AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                                     
                                     
Liquidity and Capital Resources
- -------------------------------

  A substantial portion of the Company's assets, similar to other brokerage
and investment banking firms, is liquid, consisting of cash and assets readily
convertible into cash.  These assets are financed primarily by the Company's
interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing payables to customers, payables to
brokers and dealers secured by loaned securities, and bank lines-of-credit.
Securities borrowed and securities loaned along with receivables from customers
and payables to customers will fluctuate primarily due to the current level of
business activity in these areas.  Securities owned will fluctuate as a result
of changes in the level of positions held to facilitate customer transactions
and changes in market conditions.  Short-term bank loans increased due primarily
to an increase in securities owned and receivables from customers. Payables to
others increased primarily because of an increase in the adjustment to record
securities owned  on a trade date basis.  The Company's broker-dealer 
subsidiaries--First Albany Corporation and Northeast Brokerage Services Corp.--
at June 28, 1996 were in compliance with the net capital requirements of the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and had capital in excess of the 
minimum required.

     Management believes that funds provided by operations and a variety of
committed and uncommitted bank lines-of-credit--totaling $220,000,000 of which
approximately $99,100,000 were unused as of June 28, 1996--will provide 
sufficient resources to meet present and reasonably foreseeable short-term 
financing needs.

     On October 26, 1995, the Board of Directors declared the regular quarterly
dividend of $0.05 per share for the fourth quarter, ended September 29, 1995,
along with a 5% stock dividend, both payable on November 22, 1995, to share-
holders of record on November 8, 1995.

     On February 1, 1996, the Board of Directors declared the regular quarterly
dividend of $0.05 per share for the first quarter, ended December 31, 1995, 
payable on February 23, 1996, to shareholders of record on February 9, 1996.

     On March 26, 1996, the Company repurchased 124,050 shares of its common
stock for $1.2 million.  When appropriate, the Company will consider making
additional purchases.

     On April 26, 1996, the Board of Directors declared the regular quarterly
dividend of $0.05 per share for the second quarter, ended March 29, 1996, along
with a 5% stock dividend.  Both were payable on May 20, 1996, to shareholders of
record on May 6, 1996.

     On July  25, 1996, the Board of Directors declared the regular quarterly
dividend of $0.05 per share for the third quarter, ended June 28,1996, payable
on  August 23, 1996, to shareholders of record on August 9, 1996.

     The Company believes that funds provided by operations will also provide
sufficient resources for the acquisition of office equipment and leasehold
improvements, current long-term loan repayment requirements, and other 
long-term requirements.

</PAGE>
<PAGE>
                         Part II Other Information
                                     
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
- ------------------------

  In the normal course of business, the Company has been named a defendant, or
otherwise has possible exposure, in several claims.  Certain of these are class
actions which seek unspecified damages that could be substantial.  Although 
there can be no assurance as to the eventual outcome of litigation in which the
Company has been named as a defendant or otherwise has possible exposure, the
Company has provided for those actions most likely to result in adverse 
dispositions. Although further losses are possible, the opinion of management,
based upon the advice of its attorneys and general counsel, is that such
litigation, in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company's liquidity or financial position, although it could have a material
effect on quarterly or annual operating results in the period in which it is
resolved.

Item 4. Submission of matters to a vote of security holders.
- ------------------------------------------------------------
     A.  Annual meeting was held on May 30, 1996

     B.  Elected as Directors:  (There were no broker non-votes with respect 
         to the election of directors).
                                             Votes For    Votes Against
                                           -------------  -------------
          George C. McNamee                  4,179,668       41,368
          Alan P. Goldberg                   4,179,668       41,368
          Daniel V. McNamee, III             4,179,668       41,368
          J. Anthony Boeckh                  4,179,668       41,368
          Walter Fiederowicz                 4,179,530       41,506
          Hugh A. Johnson, Jr.               4,179,668       41,368
          Benaree P. Wiley                   4,179,402       41,634
          Charles L. Schwager                4,179,668       41,368

     C.  Other matters voted on at Annual Meeting

          1.  Ratified the selection of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. as
              independent auditors of the Company for the fiscal year ending
              September 27, 1996.

                    For:                4,206,328
                    Against:                3,901
                    Abstain:                1,824
                    Broker Non-Votes:       8,983

          2.  Approved amendment to the Company's 1989 Stock Incentive Plan
              which increased the number of shares of common stock available for
              issuance under the Plan.  As amended, the Company is authorized
              to issue up to 1,753,996 shares under the Plan.

                    For:                3,192,719
                    Against:              246,275
                    Abstain:               28,449
                    Broker Non-Votes:     753,593


</PAGE>
<PAGE>




Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.
- ----------------------------------------

     (a)  Exhibits.
          --------  
          (11) Statement Re:  Computations of per share earnings.
          (27) Selected Financial Data Schedule BD

     (b)  Reports on Form 8-K.
          -------------------
 
          No Form 8-K was filed during the quarter ended June 28, 1996.
                                                         -------------  
</PAGE>
<PAGE>
                                SIGNATURES
                                     
                                     
                                     
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1934, the registrant
has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned
hereunto duly authorized.


                                              First Albany Companies Inc.
                                              ---------------------------
                                                    (Registrant)


Date:  August 12, 1996                  /s/ Alan P. Goldberg
- ----------------------                  --------------------
                                        Alan P. Goldberg
                                        President/Director


Date:  August 12, 1996                  /s/ David J. Cunningham
- ----------------------                  ------------------------
                                        David J. Cunningham
                                        Vice President and Chief Financial 
                                            Officer
                                       (Principal Accounting Officer)
</PAGE>


                                     


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> BD
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          SEP-27-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-28-1996
<CASH>                                           3,362
<RECEIVABLES>                                  132,328
<SECURITIES-RESALE>                                  0
<SECURITIES-BORROWED>                          288,902
<INSTRUMENTS-OWNED>                            128,454
<PP&E>                                           6,997
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 571,368
<SHORT-TERM>                                   136,033
<PAYABLES>                                      65,953
<REPOS-SOLD>                                     4,975
<SECURITIES-LOANED>                            298,211
<INSTRUMENTS-SOLD>                               5,758
<LONG-TERM>                                      5,156
<COMMON>                                            51
                                0
                                          0
<OTHER-SE>                                      40,117
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   571,368
<TRADING-REVENUE>                               46,067
<INTEREST-DIVIDENDS>                            21,317
<COMMISSIONS>                                   31,982
<INVESTMENT-BANKING-REVENUES>                   14,059
<FEE-REVENUE>                                    6,482
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              16,758
<COMPENSATION>                                  69,776
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  7,919
<INCOME-PRE-EXTRAORDINARY>                       4,892
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     4,892
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .95
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .95
        

</TABLE>

[CAPTION]
                 FIRST ALBANY COMPANIES INC.                    (Exhibit 11)
              COMPUTATION OF PER SHARE EARNINGS
                              
                              
<TABLE>                              
                              
                                  Three Months Ended       Nine Months Ended
<S>                               June 28,   June 30,      June 28, June 30,
(In thousands of dollars, except   1996       1995           1996     1995
   per share amounts)              <C>        <C>             <C>      <C> 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Primary:

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Net income                     $  1,585   $    993       $  4,892  $  2,347
==============================================================================

 Weighted average number of shares
 outstanding during the period**   4,737      4,743          4,772     4,725

 Incremental shares under stock 
 options computed under the treasury 
 stock method using the average market
 price of the issuer's stock during 
 the period                          370        224            353       200
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted average shares and common
 equivalent shares outstanding     5,107      4,967          5,125     4,925
==============================================================================
Net income per share            $   0.31   $   0.20       $   0.95   $  0.48
==============================================================================

Fully Diluted:

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Net income                     $  1,585   $    993       $  4,892  $   2,347
==============================================================================

 Weighted average number of shares
  outstanding during the period**  4,737      4,743          4,772      4,725

 Incremental shares under stock 
 options computed under the treasury 
 stock method using the higher of 
 the average or ending market price 
 of the issuer's stock at the end
 of the period                       370        224            375        201
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted average shares and common
 equivalent shares outstanding     5,107      4,967          5,147      4,926
==============================================================================
Net income per share            $   0.31   $   0.20       $   0.95   $   0.48
==============================================================================
</TABLE>
**Per share figures and shares outstanding have been
restated for all dividends declared.
</PAGE>


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