ITEM 1.
BUSINESS
BUSINESS OVERVIEW
Gilman Ciocia, Inc. (together with its wholly owned subsidiaries, “we”, “us”, “our” or the “Company”) was founded in 1981 and is incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware. We provide federal, state and local tax preparation services to individuals, predominantly in the middle and upper income tax brackets, accounting services to small and midsize companies and financial planning services, including securities brokerage, investment management services, insurance and financing services.
As of June 30, 2010, we had 27 offices operating in three states (New York, New Jersey, and Florida). Our financial planning clients are generally introduced to us through our tax return preparation services, accounting services and educational workshops. We believe that our tax return preparation and accounting services are inextricably intertwined with our financial planning activities in our offices and that overall profitability will depend, in part, on the two channels leveraging off each other since many of the same processes, procedures and systems support sales from both channels. Accordingly, management views and evaluates the Company as one segment.
We also provide financial planning services through approximately 42 independently owned and operated offices in 11 states. We benefit from economies of scale associated with the aggregate production of both our offices and independently owned offices.
All of our financial planners are employees or independent contractors of the Company and registered representatives of Prime Capital Services, Inc. ("PCS"), our wholly owned subsidiary. PCS conducts a securities brokerage business providing regulatory over-sight and products and sales support to its registered representatives, who sell investment products and provide services to their clients. PCS earns a share of commissions from the services that the financial planners provide to their clients in transactions for securities, insurance and related products. PCS is a registered securities broker-dealer with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA") formerly known as the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (“NASD”). We also have a wholly owned subsidiary, Asset & Financial Planning, Ltd. ("AFP"), which is registered with the SEC as an investment advisor. Almost all of our financial planners are also authorized agents of insurance underwriters. We have the capability of processing insurance business through PCS and Prime Financial Services, Inc. ("PFS", a wholly owned subsidiary), which are licensed insurance brokers, as well as through other licensed insurance brokers. We are also a licensed mortgage broker in the State of New York and through GC Capital Corp, our wholly owned subsidiary, a licensed mortgage brokerage business in the State of Florida.
In fiscal 20101, approximately 83% of our revenues were derived from commissions and fees from financial planning services, including our financing and insurance activities, and approximately 17% were derived from fees for tax preparation and accounting services.
A majority of the financial planners located in our offices are also tax preparers and/or accountants. Our tax preparation business is conducted predominantly in February, March and April. During the 2010 tax season, we prepared approximately 22,100 United States tax returns, down approximately 6.3% from 23,600 prepared in 2009. During 2010 tax season, the IRS reported a 1.7% drop in the number of individual tax returns prepared in total, the largest since 1971, primarily due to continued high levels of unemployment. Additionally, we believe the 2009 tax season saw some spillover from the prior year as a result of the 2008 economic stimulus that resulted in more tax filings as taxpayers whose income is below the filing requirements did so in an effort to receive the stimulus.
We are quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol GTAX.
Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K can be obtained, free of charge, on our website at www.gtax.com.
OUR STRATEGY
Overall Strategy. We believe that our recurring tax return preparation and accounting services are inextricably intertwined with our financial planning services. Clients often consider other aspects of their financial needs, such as investments, insurance, retirement and estate planning, when having their tax returns and business records prepared by us. We believe that this combination of services to our recurring tax and accounting clients has created, and will continue to create, optimum revenue for us.
Expand our client base through acquisitions. We are actively pursuing acquisitions of tax preparation and accounting firms to increase our client base and accounting business. In an effort to facilitate identifying potential acquisitions, we have launched an advertising campaign involving targeted direct mail, a customized website and inbound and outbound telemarketing to prospect for leads. We believe that, in addition to the tax preparation and accounting services revenue generated from the acquired practices, there are additional opportunities to increase financial planning revenue by providing financial planning services to many of the acquired clients.
Recruiting financial planners. We are actively recruiting financial planners. These efforts are supported by advertising, targeted direct mail, and inbound and outbound telemarketing.
Increase brand awareness; expand business presence. We plan to increase our brand recognition to attract new clients and financial planners. We are executing a comprehensive marketing plan to attract more clients and experienced financial planners, build market awareness, and educate consumers and maintain customer loyalty through direct marketing, advertising through our marketing department, use of our website, various public relations programs, live seminars, print advertising, radio, and television.
Provide value-added services to our clients. We provide our clients with access to a pool of well-trained financial planners and access to up-to-date market and other financial information. We provide our representatives with information and training regarding current financial products and services.
Create technologically innovative solutions to satisfy client needs. We continue to pursue additional technologies to service the rapidly evolving financial services industry.
Build recurring revenue. We have focused our financial planning efforts on building our fee-based investment advisory business. We believe that fee-based investment advisory services may be better for certain clients. While these fees generate substantially lower first year revenue than most commission products and are more susceptible to fluctuations in the financial markets, the recurring nature of these fees provides a platform for accelerating future revenue growth.
Provide technological solutions to our employee and independent representatives. We believe that it is imperative that we continue to possess state-of-the-art technology so that our employees and independent registered representatives can effectively facilitate, measure and record business activity in a timely, accurate and efficient manner. By continuing our commitment to provide a highly capable technology platform to process business, we believe that we can achieve economies of scale and potentially reduce the need to hire additional personnel.
1 Fiscal years are denominated by the year in which they end. Accordingly, fiscal 2010 refers to the year ended June 30, 2010.
Cost cutting measures. As a result of declines in financial markets, we have implemented a number of Company initiatives to consolidate job functions and implement other cost-cutting measures.
Expand our product and service offering through strategic relationships. We continue to pursue business alliances, capitalize on cross-selling opportunities, create operational efficiencies and further enhance our name recognition.
TAX RETURN PREPARATION AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES
The United States Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") reported that more than 129.2 million individual 2009 federal income tax returns and more than 131.5 million individual 2008 federal income tax returns were filed in the United States through April 30, 2010 and May 1, 2009, respectively. According to the IRS, a paid preparer completes approximately 64.0% of the tax returns e-filed in the United States each year.
Among paid preparers, H&R Block, Inc. ("H&R Block") dominates the low-cost tax preparation business with approximately 11.5 thousand offices located throughout the United States. According to information released by H&R Block, H&R Block prepared an aggregate of approximately 20.1 million United States tax returns during the 2010 tax season and 21.0 million United States tax returns during the 2009 tax season.
Regulation
Federal legislation requires income tax return preparers to, among other things, set forth their signatures and identification numbers on all tax returns prepared by them, and retain all tax returns prepared by them for three years. Federal laws also subject income tax preparers to accuracy-related penalties in connection with the preparation of income tax returns. Preparers may be prohibited from further acting as income tax return preparers if they continuously and repeatedly engage in specified misconduct. In addition, authorized IRS e-filer providers are required to comply with certain rules and regulations, as per IRS Publication 1345 and other notices of the IRS applicable to e-filing.
The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and related Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) regulations require us to adopt and disclose customer privacy policies and provide customers the opportunity to opt-out of having their information shared with certain third parties.
Competition
We compete with national tax return preparers such as H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt, and Liberty Tax. The remainder of the tax preparation industry is highly fragmented and includes regional tax preparation services, accountants, attorneys, small independently owned companies, and financial service institutions that prepare tax returns as ancillary parts of their business. To a much lesser extent, we compete with the on-line and software self preparer market. We believe that H&R Block’s dominance as the industry leader and the fragmentation of the rest of the industry represents a very attractive growth opportunity for us.
The principle methods of competition within the tax return preparation industry include price, service and reputation for quality. We believe that within the middle to upper income tax brackets, (the niche-market in which we concentrate), service and reputation for quality are the key to competing in the tax return preparation business.
FINANCIAL PLANNING
All of our financial planners are registered representatives of PCS. PCS conducts a securities brokerage business providing regulatory oversight and product and sales support to its registered representatives, who provide investment products and services to their clients. PCS is a registered securities broker-dealer with the SEC and a member of FINRA.
To become a registered representative, a person must pass one or more of a series of qualifying exams administered by FINRA that test the person's knowledge of securities and related regulations. Thereafter, PCS supervises the registered representatives with regard to all regulatory matters. In addition to certain mandatory background checks required by FINRA, we also require that each registered representative respond in writing to a background questionnaire. PCS has been able to recruit and retain experienced and productive registered representatives who seek to establish and maintain personal relationships with their clients. We believe that continuing to add experienced, productive registered representatives is an integral part of our growth strategy.
Regulation (Compliance and Monitoring)
PCS, AFP and the securities industry in general, are subject to extensive regulation in the United States at both the federal and state levels, as well as by self-regulatory organizations ("SROs") such as FINRA.
The SEC is the federal agency primarily responsible for the regulation of broker-dealers and investment advisers doing business in the United States. Certain aspects of broker-dealer regulation have been delegated to securities industry SROs, principally FINRA and the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). These SROs adopt rules (subject to SEC approval) that govern the industry, and, along with the SEC, conduct periodic examinations of the operations of PCS. PCS is a member of FINRA and the NYSE. The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System also promulgates regulations applicable to securities credit transactions involving broker-dealers. Securities firms are also subject to regulation by state securities administrators in those states in which they conduct business.
Broker-dealers are subject to regulations covering all aspects of the securities industry, including sales practices, trade practices among broker-dealers, capital requirements, the use and safekeeping of clients' funds and securities, recordkeeping and reporting requirements, supervisory and organizational procedures intended to ensure compliance with securities laws and to prevent unlawful trading on material nonpublic information, employee related matters, including qualification and licensing of supervisory and sales personnel, limitations on extensions of credit in securities transactions, clearance and settlement procedures, requirements for the registration, underwriting, sale and distribution of securities and rules of the SROs designed to promote high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade. A particular focus of the applicable regulations is the relationship between broker-dealers and their clients. As a result, many aspects of the relationship between broker-dealers and clients are subject to regulation, including, in some instances, requirements that brokers make "suitability" determinations as to certain customer transactions, limitations on the amounts that may be charged to clients, timing of proprietary trading in relation to client's trades, and disclosures to clients.
Additional legislation, changes in rules promulgated by the SEC, state regulatory authorities or SROs, or changes in the interpretation or enforcement of existing laws and rules may directly affect the mode of operation and profitability of broker-dealers. The SEC, SROs and state securities commissions may conduct administrative proceedings that can result in censure, fines, the issuance of cease-and-desist orders or the suspension or expulsion of a broker-dealer, its officers or employees. The principal purpose of regulating and disciplining broker-dealers is for the protection of customers and the securities markets, not the protection of creditors or shareholders of broker-dealers.
As a registered broker-dealer, PCS is required to, and has established and maintains a system to supervise the activities of its retail brokers, including its independent contractor offices and other securities professionals. The supervisory system must be reasonably designed to achieve compliance with applicable securities laws and regulations, as well as SRO rules. The SROs have established minimum requirements for such supervisory systems; however, each broker-dealer must establish procedures that are appropriate for the nature of its business operations. Failure to establish and maintain an adequate supervisory system may result in sanctions imposed by the SEC or an SRO, which could limit PCS' ability to conduct its securities business. Moreover, under federal law and certain state securities laws, PCS may be held liable for damages resulting from the unauthorized conduct of its account executives to the extent that PCS has failed to establish and maintain an appropriate supervisory system.
Competition
The financial planning and investment advisory business is highly competitive and contains businesses with a wide range of services. We compete with both large and small investment management companies, commercial banks, brokerage firms (including discount brokerage firms that have electronic brokerage services), insurance companies, independent financial planners, independent broker-dealers and other financial institutions. Many of our larger competitors have greater marketing, financial and technical resources than we have.
In addition, we may suffer from competition from departing employees and financial planners, and may compete for talent with other financial service businesses. Our ability to compete effectively in our businesses is substantially dependent on our continuing ability to attract, retain, and motivate qualified financial advisors.
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES
Tax Return Preparation and Accounting Services
We believe that we offer clients a cost effective and proactive tax preparation and tax planning service compared to services provided by H&R Block, accountants and many independent tax preparers. Our volume allows us to provide uniform services at competitive prices. In addition, as compared to certain of our competitors that are open only during tax season, all of our offices are open year round to provide financial planning and other services to our clients.
Almost all of our professional tax preparers have tax preparation experience or are trained by us to meet the required level of expertise to properly prepare tax returns.
Our tax preparers are generally not certified public accountants, attorneys or enrolled agents. Therefore, they are limited in the representation that they can provide to clients of ours in the event of an audit by the IRS. However, through our acquisition of accounting firms, we expect the percentage of our tax preparers who are certified public accountants to increase. Only an attorney, a certified public accountant or a person specifically enrolled to practice before the IRS can represent a taxpayer in an audit.
Financial Planning
A majority of our tax preparers and accountants also perform financial planning services. We provide financial planning services, including securities brokerage, investment management services, insurance and financing services. Most middle and upper income individuals require a variety of financial planning services. Clients often consider other aspects of their financial needs, such as insurance, investments, retirement and estate planning, while having their tax returns prepared by us. We offer every client the opportunity to complete a questionnaire that is designed to ascertain if the client needs services for other aspects of the client’s financial situation. These questionnaires are reviewed to determine whether the client may benefit from our financial planning services.
We provide a variety of services and products to our financial planners to enhance their professionalism and productivity.
Approved Investment Products. Our financial planners offer a wide variety of approved investment products to their clients that are sponsored by well-respected, financially sound companies. We believe that this is critical to the success of our financial planners and us. We follow a selective process in determining approved products to be offered to clients by our financial planners, and we periodically review the product list for continued maintenance or removal of approved status.
Marketing. We provide advertising and public relations assistance to our financial planners that enhance their profile, public awareness, and professional stature in the public's eye, including FINRA-approved marketing materials, corporate and product brochures and client letters.
Supervision/Compliance. Our financial planners seek and value assistance in the area of compliance. Keeping in step with the latest industry regulations, our compliance department provides to our representatives, among other things:
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Advertising and sales literature review;
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Field inspections, followed up with written findings and recommendations;
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Assistance with customer complaints and regulatory inquiries;
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Workshops, seminars and in-house publications on various compliance matters;
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Regional and national meetings; and
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Interpretation of rules and regulations and general compliance training.
Clearing. We utilize the services of National Financial Services, LLC, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fidelity Investments, to clear our transactions. Engaging the processing services of a clearing firm exempts us from the application of certain capital reserve requirements and other complex regulatory requirements imposed by federal and state securities laws.
MARKETING
We market our services principally through referrals from customers, media, direct mail, promotions and workshops. The majority of clients in each office return to us for tax preparation services during the following year.
Branding. We have invested in upgrading our offices and developing a consistent look including a distinctive logo and the use of green and gold in our direct mail pieces, website, promotional pieces and signage. In addition, we consistently direct individuals to our 1-800-TAX-TEAM toll free telephone number.
Media. We advertise on television, radio, newspapers, magazines and outdoor media.
Sports Marketing. We have advertised and performed special promotions with the New York Mets during the regular season and with other major league baseball teams during spring training.
Direct Mail. We regularly send direct mail advertisements to residences in the areas surrounding our offices. The direct mail advertising solicits business for our tax preparation and financial planning services. Many of our new clients each year are first introduced to us through our direct mail advertising.
Workshops. We promote local tax planning workshops. At these workshops, prospective new clients can learn easy to follow strategies for reducing their taxes and for accumulating, preserving and transferring their wealth.
Online. We have a website on the internet at www.gtax.com for Company information, including financial information and our latest news releases. In addition, we utilize search engine marketing tools and advertising to attract interest to our site.
SEASONALITY
Our fiscal year ends on June 30. All references to quarters and years in this document are to fiscal quarters and fiscal years unless otherwise noted. The seasonal nature of our tax return business results in our recognition of approximately 51% of our tax revenues in the third quarter and approximately 30% of our tax revenues in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, the peak tax preparation season.
ACQUISITIONS
In fiscal 2010, we completed the purchase of two tax and accounting service firms generating approximately $0.4 million annually in tax preparation and accounting service fees. We made two acquisitions in fiscal 2009. See Note 3 to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more on acquisitions.
EMPLOYEES
As of June 30, 2010, we employed 203 persons on a permanent full-time basis. During tax season, we typically employ seasonal employees who do only tax return preparation or provide support functions. The minimum requirements for a tax preparer at the Company are generally some tax preparation experience and the completion of our proprietary tax preparation training course or equivalent educational experience.
Each of the registered representatives licensed with PCS and insurance agents licensed through us have entered into a commission sharing agreement with us. Each such agreement generally provides that a specified percentage of the commissions earned by us are paid to the registered representative or insurance agent. In the commission sharing agreements, the employee registered representatives also agree to maintain certain Company information as confidential and not to compete with us.
TRADEMARK
We have registered our "Gilman Ciocia Tax and Financial Planning" trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The trademark is registered through 2017.
EQUITY FINANCING
On August 20, 2007, we closed the sale (the "Investment Purchase Closing") of 40.0 million shares of our common stock, par value $0.01 per share, at a price of $0.10 per share (the "Investment Purchase") for proceeds of $4.0 million pursuant to an Investor Purchase Agreement dated April 25, 2007 (the "Purchase Agreement") with Wynnefield Small Cap Value Offshore Fund, Ltd., Wynnefield Partners Small Cap Value, L.P., Wynnefield Partners Small Cap Value, L.P.I and WebFinancial Corporation (the "Investment Purchasers"). The 40.0 million shares of common stock were issued pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 under Regulation D, Rule 506 ("Rule 506"). The proceeds from the Investment Purchase Closing were used as follows: $2.4 million was paid to Met Life Insurance Company of Connecticut ("Met Life"), formerly known as the Travelers Insurance Company, in full satisfaction of the approximately $6.8 million, including principal and interest, owed to Met Life by us; $50.0 thousand was paid to Wachovia Bank, National Association ("Wachovia") as a principal payment, which reduced our loan balance with Wachovia to approximately $0.7 million; $19.2 thousand was paid to Wachovia for a loan fee and legal fees; and the $1.6 million balance was retained by us to be used as working capital.
The Investment Purchase Closing was contingent upon, among other things, the purchase of an additional 40.0 million shares of common stock at a price of $0.10 per share in cash or by the conversion of outstanding debt or other liabilities of ours (the "Private Placement") by other purchasers (the "Private Placement Purchasers") including officers, directors and employees of ours. Prime Partners II, LLC ("Prime Partners II"), a holding company owned in part by Michael Ryan (the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Company's Board of Directors) purchased 15.4 million shares of common stock in the Private Placement by the conversion of $1.5 million of Company debt. The closing of the Private Placement (the "Private Placement Closing") occurred on August 20, 2007 simultaneously with the Investment Purchase Closing.
At the Private Placement Closing, we issued 16.9 million shares of common stock for cash proceeds of $1.7 million and 23.1 million shares of common stock for the conversion of $2.3 million of our debt, including 15.4 million shares issued to Prime Partners II, for the conversion of $1.5 million of our debt. Such shares were issued pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements under Rule 506. The $1.7 million of cash proceeds from the Private Placement Closing were disbursed as follows: $3.8 thousand for escrow agent fees; and the $1.7 million balance was retained by us to be used to retire the debt owed to certain affiliates.
On August 20, 2007, Michael Ryan (our Chief Executive Officer), Carole Enisman (our Executive Vice President of Operations), Ted Finkelstein (our Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary), Dennis Conroy (our former Chief Accounting Officer), Prime Partners, Inc. and Prime Partners II, LLC (holding companies owned in part by Michael Ryan), Wynnefield Small Cap Value Offshore Fund, Ltd., Wynnefield Partners Small Cap Value, L.P., Wynnefield Partners Small Cap Value, L.P.I and WebFinancial Corporation entered into a Shareholders Agreement concerning the voting of their shares of our common stock. These shareholders collectively own approximately 65.1% of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock. Pursuant to the shareholders agreement, these shareholders have the ability to influence certain actions requiring a shareholder vote, including, the election of directors.
On April 14, 2008, the SEC declared effective our registration statement, which included a prospectus filed with the SEC on April 14, 2008 for a public stock offering (the “Public Stock Offering”). Pursuant to this offering, we distributed, for no consideration to our holders of common stock, non-transferable subscription rights to purchase shares of our common stock. Each eligible shareholder received one subscription right for each share of common stock owned at the close of business on April 14, 2008, the record date. We distributed subscription rights exercisable for up to an aggregate of 20.0 million shares of our common stock.
Each subscription right entitled an eligible shareholder to purchase up to four shares of common stock, subject to adjustment, at a subscription price of $0.10 per share. This is the same price at which we sold 80.0 million shares of common stock in the two private placements described above. Shareholders who exercised their basic subscription rights in full could over-subscribe for additional shares to the extent additional shares were available. The Public Stock Offering expired on June 20, 2008. A total of 3.9 million shares of the common stock were issued pursuant to the Public Stock Offering.
The Investment Purchasers and the Private Placement Purchasers (collectively, the “2007 Investors”) did not receive subscription rights, but had the right until September 15, 2008 to purchase at $0.10 per share the shares that remained unsold on June 20, 2008. On September 12, 2008, we filed a supplement to our prospectus extending until December 31, 2008 the period during which the 2007 Investors had a right to purchase up to the 16.1 million shares of common stock offered under the Prospectus that remained unsold at the expiration of the Public Stock Offering. A total of 0.7 million shares were purchased by the 2007 Investors during the extension period which expired on December 31, 2008.
On October 31, 2008 we commenced the Gilman Ciocia Common Stock and Promissory Note Offering, a private offering of our securities pursuant to SEC Regulation D (the “Offering”). The Offering was amended on December 8, 2008, September 3, 2009, December 16, 2009 and February 11, 2010. The securities offered for sale in the Offering, as amended are: $3.8 million of notes with interest at 10% (the “Notes”) and $0.4 million, or 3.5 million shares of our $0.01 par value common stock with a price of $0.10 per share (the “Shares”). As of June 30, 2010, $3.7 million of the Notes were outstanding and due July 1, 2011, $0.1 million were outstanding and due July 1, 2010 and $0.1 million, or 1.0 million shares, of our common stock were issued pursuant to the Offering.
ITEM 1A.
ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
Our Insurance coverage may be inadequate, resulting in an increase in our out-of-pocket costs and decreased working capital.
Our insurance carrier has interrelated all claims involving the variable annuity sales practices of certain registered representatives of PCS that involve an SEC Order Instituting Administrative and Cease-And-Desist Proceedings Pursuant to Section 8A of the Securities Act of 1933, Sections 15(b) and 21(c) of the Exchange Act, and Section 203(f) of the Investment Advisors Act of 1940. The total remaining insurance coverage for all of these claims has been reduced from $1.0 million to $0.4 million after settling claims. As a result of this decreased insurance coverage, we could be required to pay significant additional costs out of pocket, which would reduce our working capital and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
As of June 30, 2010, we had a $1.6 million deficit in working capital. We will need additional capital to continue operations and to successfully execute our strategic plan including expanding our business plans and pursuing acquisitions. Failure to obtain capital could have an adverse effect upon our business and our strategic plan, including expanding our business plans and pursuing acquisitions.
The capital raised by us in the recent past has been through the private sale of notes and common stock and there is no assurance that we will be able to continue to do so. Our inability to find other sources of financing or our inability to raise additional capital through private sales could have an adverse effect upon our business strategic plan including expanding our business plans and pursuing acquisitions.
Our business has and may continue to be harmed by market volatility and declines in general economic conditions.
As the financial markets have deteriorated, our financial planning channel has suffered decreased revenues. Our revenue and profitability may continue to be adversely affected by declines in the volume of securities transactions and in market liquidity, which generally result in lower revenues from trading activities and commissions. Lower securities price levels may also result in a reduced volume of transactions as well as losses from declines in the market value of securities held in trading, investment and underwriting positions. In periods of low volume, the fixed nature of certain expenses, including salaries and benefits, computer hardware and software costs, communications expenses and office leases, will adversely affect profitability. Sudden sharp declines in market values of securities, like that experienced during the past year, and the failure of issuers and counterparts to perform their obligations have resulted in illiquid markets in which we have and may continue to incur losses in principal trading and market making activities.
We have a history of losses and may incur losses in the future.
While, we reported a profit for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, we incurred losses in fiscal years 2010, 2009, 2006, 2005, and 2004 and may incur losses again in the future. As of June 30, 2010, our accumulated deficit was $33.2 million. If we fail to earn profits, the value of a shareholders investment may decline.
The expense and diversion of management attention which result from litigation could have an adverse effect on our operating results and could harm our ability to effectively manage our business.
If we were to be found liable to clients for misconduct alleged in civil proceedings, our operations may be adversely affected. Many aspects of our business involve substantial risks of liability. There has been an increase in litigation and arbitration within the securities industry in recent years, including class action suits seeking substantial damages. Broker-dealers such as PCS are subject to claims by dissatisfied clients, including claims alleging they were damaged by improper sales practices such as unauthorized trading, churning, sales of unsuitable securities, use of false or misleading statements in the sale of securities, mismanagement and breach of fiduciary duty. Broker-dealers may be liable for the unauthorized acts of their retail brokers and independent contractors if they fail to adequately supervise their conduct. PCS is a defendant and respondent in lawsuits and FINRA arbitrations in the ordinary course of business. PCS maintains securities broker-dealer's professional liability insurance to insure against this risk, but the insurance policy contains a deductible, a cap on each claim and a cumulative cap on coverage. In addition, certain activities engaged in by brokers may not be covered by such insurance. The adverse resolution of any legal proceedings involving us could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations or cash flows.
Certain private shareholders, including some of our directors and officers, control a substantial interest in us and thus may influence certain actions requiring a vote of our shareholders.
On August 20, 2007, Michael Ryan (our Chief Executive Officer), Carole Enisman (our Executive Vice President of Operations), Ted Finkelstein (our Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary), Dennis Conroy (our former Chief Accounting Officer), Prime Partners, Inc. and Prime Partners II, LLC (holding companies owned in part by Michael Ryan), Wynnefield Small Cap Value Offshore Fund, Ltd., Wynnefield Partners Small Cap Value, L.P., Wynnefield Partners Small Cap Value, L.P.I and WebFinancial Corporation entered into a Shareholders Agreement concerning the voting of their shares of our common stock. These shareholders collectively own approximately 65.1% of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock. Pursuant to the shareholders agreement, these shareholders have the ability to influence certain actions requiring a shareholder vote, including, the election of directors. This concentration of ownership and control by these shareholders could delay or prevent a change in our control or other action, even when a change in control or other action might be in the best interests of our other shareholders.
Our staggered board may entrench management, could prevent or delay a change of control of our Company and discourage unsolicited shareholder proposals or bids for our common stock that may be in the best interests of our shareholders.
Our restated certificate of incorporation provides that our board of directors is divided into three classes, serving staggered three-year terms. As a result, at any annual meeting only a minority of our board of directors will be considered for election. Since our "staggered board" would prevent our shareholders from replacing a majority of our board of directors at any annual meeting, it may entrench management, delay or prevent a change in our control and discourage unsolicited shareholder proposals or unsolicited bids for our common stock that may be in the best interests of our shareholders.
Making and integrating acquisitions could impair our operating results.
Our current strategy is to actively pursue acquisitions of tax preparation and accounting firms. Acquisitions involve a number of risks, including: diversion of management’s attention from current operations; disruption of our ongoing business; difficulties in integrating and retaining all or part of the acquired business, its customers and its personnel; and the effectiveness of the acquired company’s internal controls and procedures. The individual or combined effect of these risks could have an adverse effect on our business. In paying for an acquisition, we may deplete our cash resources. Furthermore, there is the risk that our valuation assumptions, customer retention expectations and our models for an acquired product or business may be erroneous or inappropriate due to foreseen or unforeseen circumstances and thereby cause us to overvalue an acquisition target. There is also the risk that the contemplated benefits of an acquisition may not materialize as planned or may not materialize within the time period or to the extent anticipated.
Our operations may be adversely affected if we are not able to expand our financial planning business by hiring additional financial planners and opening new offices.
If the financial planners that we presently employ or recruit do not perform successfully, our operations may be adversely affected. We plan to continue to expand in the area of financial planning, by expanding the business of presently employed financial planners and by recruiting additional financial planners. Our revenue growth will in large part depend upon the expansion of existing business and the successful integration and profitability of the recruited financial planners. Our growth will also depend on the success of independent financial planners who are recruited to join us.
Our cost cutting strategy could adversely affect our operations.
As a result of declines in the financial markets we have consolidated certain job functions and implemented other cost cutting measures. There is no assurance that our cost cutting strategy will be efficient or that such strategy will not have an adverse impact on operations.
Our consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the opening of new offices or from the uncertainties of a shift in our business.
We may choose to open new offices. When we open a new office, we incur significant expenses to build out the office and to purchase furniture, equipment and supplies. We have found that a new office usually suffers a loss in its first year of operation, shows no material profit or loss in its second year of operation and does not attain profitability, if ever, until its third year of operation. Therefore, our operating results could be materially adversely affected in any year that we open a significant number of new offices.
Our sale of 80.0 million shares of common stock in August 2007, the sale of 3.9 million shares in the Public Stock Offering, and the sale of 1.0 million shares in the Private Offering significantly diluted the common stock ownership of our shareholders which could adversely affect future prices of our stock.
The significant dilution of the common stock ownership of then-existing shareholders resulting from our August 2007 private placements, the dilution of common stock ownership resulting from our sale of 3.9 million shares of common stock in the Public Stock Offering, and the sale of 1.0 million shares in the Private Offering could have an adverse effect on the future price of the shares of our common stock and on the future volume of the shares traded.
We are not quoted on a national securities exchange, which would limit our ability to raise capital and your ability to trade in our securities, and which results in additional regulatory requirements.
The Company is quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol GTAX. If the Company fails to meet criteria set forth in Rule 15c2-11 under the Exchange Act (for example, by failing to file periodic reports as required by the Exchange Act), various practice requirements are imposed on broker-dealers who sell securities governed by the Rule to persons other than established customers and accredited investors. For these types of transactions, the broker-dealer must make a special suitability determination for the purchaser and have received the purchaser's written consent to the transactions prior to sale. Consequently, the Rule may have a material adverse effect on the ability of broker-dealers to sell the Company's securities, which may materially affect the ability of shareholders to sell the securities in the secondary market. Not being listed on a national securities exchange may make trading our shares difficult for investors, potentially leading to declines in the share price. It may also make it more difficult for us to raise additional capital.
The low trading volume of our common stock increases volatility, which could impair our ability to obtain equity financing.
Low trading volume in our common stock increases volatility, which could result in the impairment of our ability to obtain equity financing. As a result, historical market prices may not be indicative of market prices in the future. In addition, the stock market has recently experienced extreme stock price and volume fluctuation. Our market price may be impacted by changes in earnings estimates by analysts, economic and other external factors and the seasonality of our business. Fluctuations or decreases in the trading price of the common stock may adversely affect the shareholders' ability to buy and sell the common stock and our ability to raise money in a future offering of common stock.
Changing laws and regulations have resulted in increased compliance costs for us, which could affect our operating results.
Changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and newly enacted SEC regulations have created additional compliance requirements for companies such as ours. We are committed to maintaining high standards of internal controls over financial reporting, corporate governance and public disclosure. As a result, we intend to continue to invest appropriate resources to comply with evolving standards, and this investment has resulted and will likely continue to result in increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities.
Dependence on technology software and systems and our inability to provide assurance that our systems will be effective could adversely affect our operations.
As an information-financial services company with a subsidiary broker-dealer, we are greatly dependent on technology software and systems and on the internet to maintain customer records, effect securities transactions and prepare and file tax returns. In the event that there is an interruption to our systems due to internal systems failure or from an external threat, including terrorist attacks, fire and extreme weather conditions, our ability to prepare and file tax returns and to process financial transactions could be affected. We have offsite backup, redundant and remote failsafe systems in place to safeguard against these threats but there can be no assurance that such systems will be effective to prevent malfunction and adverse effects on operations.
We face substantial competition. If we fail to remain competitive, we may lose customers and our results of operations would be adversely affected.
The financial planning and tax planning industries are highly competitive. If our competitors create new products or technologies, or are able to take away our customers, our results of operations may be adversely affected. Our competitors include companies specializing in income tax preparation as well as companies that provide general financial services. Our principal competitors are H&R Block and Jackson Hewitt in the tax preparation field and many well-known national brokerage and insurance firms in the financial services field, including Merrill Lynch and Citigroup. Many of these competitors have larger market shares and significantly greater financial and other resources than us. We may not be able to compete successfully with such competitors. Competition could cause us to lose existing clients, impact our ability to acquire new clients and increase advertising expenditures, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business or operating results.
Additionally, federal and state governments may in the future become direct competitors to our tax offerings. If federal and state governments provide their own software and electronic filing services to taxpayers at no charge it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. The federal government has proposed legislation that could further this initiative.
Government initiatives that simplify tax return preparation could reduce the need for our services as a third party tax return preparer.
Many taxpayers seek assistance from paid tax return preparers such as us because of the level of complexity involved in the tax return preparation and filing process. From time to time, government officials propose measures seeking to simplify the preparation and filing of tax returns or to provide additional assistance with respect to preparing and filing such tax returns. The passage of any measures that significantly simplify tax return preparation or otherwise reduce the need for a third party tax return preparer could reduce demand for our services, causing our revenues or profitability to decline.
Changes in the tax law that result in a decreased number of tax returns filed or a reduced size of tax refunds could harm our business.
From time to time, the United States Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service adopt policy and rule changes and other initiatives that result in a decrease in the number of tax returns filed or reduce the size of tax refunds. Similar changes in the tax law could reduce demand for our services, causing our revenues or profitability to decline.
The highly seasonal nature of our business presents a number of financial risks and operational challenges which, if we fail to meet, could materially affect our business.
Our business is highly seasonal. We generate substantially all of our tax preparation revenues during tax season, which is the period from January 1 through April 30. The concentration of this revenue-generating activity during this relatively short period presents a number of operational challenges for us including: (i) cash and resource management during the first eight months of our fiscal year, when we generally operate at a loss and incur fixed costs and costs of preparing for the upcoming tax season; (ii) flexible staffing, because the number of employees at our offices during the peak of tax season is much higher than at any other time; (iii) accurate forecasting of revenues and expenses; and (iv) ensuring optimal uninterrupted operations during peak season, which is the period from January 1 through April 30.
If we were unable to meet these challenges or were to experience significant business interruptions during tax season, which may be caused by labor shortages, systems failures, work stoppages, adverse weather or other events, many of which are beyond our control, we could experience a loss of business, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Competition from departing employees and our ability to enforce contractual non-competition and non-solicitation provisions could adversely affect our operating results.
If a large number of our employees and financial planners depart and begin to compete with us, our operations may be adversely affected. Although we attempt to restrict such competition contractually, as a practical matter, enforcement of contractual provisions prohibiting small-scale competition by individuals is difficult. In the past, departing employees and financial planners have competed with us. They have the advantage of knowing our methods and, in some cases, having access to our clients. No assurance can be given that we will be able to retain our most important employees and financial planners or that we will be able to prevent competition from them or successfully compete against them. If a substantial amount of such competition occurs, the corresponding reduction of revenue may materially adversely affect our operating results.
We face significant competition for registered representatives on the independent channel.
Approximately one-half of our financial planning revenue is generated by independent contractor financial planners. These independent contractors are not bound by non-competition and non-solicitation provisions. If a large number of our independent contractors depart and begin to compete with us, our operations may be adversely affected. No assurance can be given that we will be able to retain our most important independent contractors or that we will be able to prevent competition from them or successfully compete against them. If a substantial amount of such competition occurs, the corresponding reduction of revenue may materially adversely affect our operating results.
Departure of key personnel could adversely affect our operations.
If any of our key personnel were to leave the Company, our operations may be adversely affected. We believe that our ability to successfully implement our business strategy and operate profitably depends on the continued employment of James Ciocia, our Chairman of the Board of Directors, Michael Ryan, our President and Chief Executive Officer, Ted Finkelstein, our Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, Carole Enisman, our Executive Vice President of Operations, and Karen Fisher, our Chief Accounting Officer. Michael Ryan and Carole Enisman are married. If any of these individuals become unable or unwilling to continue in his or her present position, our business and financial results could be materially adversely affected.
The decision not to pay dividends could impact the marketability of our common stock.
Our decision not to pay dividends could negatively impact the marketability of our common stock. Since our initial public offering of securities in 1994, we have not paid dividends and do not plan to pay dividends in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain future earnings, if any, to finance our growth.
The release of restricted common stock may have an adverse affect on the market price of the common stock.
The release of various restrictions on the possible future sale of our common stock may have an adverse affect on the market price of our common stock. Based on information received from our transfer agent, approximately 70.5 million shares of the common stock outstanding are "restricted securities" under Rule 144 of the Securities Act of 1933.
In general, under Rule 144, a person who has satisfied a six-month holding period may, under certain circumstances, sell, within any three month period, a number of shares of "restricted securities" that do not exceed the greater of one percent of the then outstanding shares of common stock or the average weekly trading volume of such shares during the four calendar weeks prior to such sale. Rule 144 also permits, under certain circumstances, the sale of shares of common stock by a person who is not an "affiliate" of the Company (as defined in Rule 144) and who has satisfied a six-month holding period, without any volume or other limitation.
The general nature of the securities industry as well as its regulatory requirements could materially affect our business.
If a material risk inherent to the securities industry was to be realized, the value of our common stock may decline. The securities industry, by its very nature, is subject to numerous and substantial risks, including the risk of declines in price level and volume of transactions, losses resulting from the ownership, trading or underwriting of securities, risks associated with principal activities, the failure of counterparties to meet commitments, customer, employee or issuer fraud risk, litigation, customer claims alleging improper sales practices, errors and misconduct by brokers, traders and other employees and agents (including unauthorized transactions by brokers), and errors and failure in connection with the processing of securities transactions. Many of these risks may increase in periods of market volatility or reduced liquidity. In addition, the amount and profitability of activities in the securities industry are affected by many national and international factors, including economic and political conditions, broad trends in industry and finance, level and volatility of interest rates, legislative and regulatory changes, currency values, inflation, and the availability of short-term and long-term funding and capital, all of which are beyond our control.
Several current trends are also affecting the securities industry, including increasing consolidation, increasing use of technology, increasing use of discount and online brokerage services, greater self-reliance of individual investors and greater investment in mutual funds. These trends could result in our facing increased competition from larger broker-dealers, a need for increased investment in technology, or potential loss of clients or reduction in commission income. These trends or future changes could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations or cash flows.
If new regulations are imposed on the securities industry, our operating results may be adversely affected. The SEC, FINRA, the NYSE and various other regulatory agencies have stringent rules with respect to the protection of customers and maintenance of specified levels of net capital by broker-dealers. The regulatory environment in which we operate is subject to change. We may be adversely affected as a result of new or revised legislation or regulations imposed by the SEC, FINRA, other U.S. governmental regulators or SROs. We also may be adversely affected by changes in the interpretation or enforcement of existing laws and rules by the SEC, other federal and state governmental authorities and SROs.
PCS is subject to periodic examination by the SEC, FINRA, SROs and various state authorities. PCS sales practice, operations, recordkeeping, supervisory procedures and financial position may be reviewed during such examinations to determine if they comply with the rules and regulations designed to protect customers and protect the solvency of broker-dealers. Examinations may result in the issuance of letters to PCS, noting perceived deficiencies and requesting PCS to take corrective action. Deficiencies could lead to further investigation and the possible institution of administrative proceedings, which may result in the issuance of an order imposing sanctions upon PCS and/or their personnel.
Our business may be materially affected not only by regulations applicable to it as a financial market intermediary, but also by regulations of general application. For example, the volume and profitability of our, or our clients' trading activities in a specific period could be affected by, among other things, existing and proposed tax legislation, antitrust policy and other governmental regulations and policies (including the interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve Board) and changes in interpretation or enforcement of existing laws and rules that affect the business and financial communities.
System or network failures or breaches in connection with our services and products could reduce our sales, impair our reputation, increase costs or result in liability claims, and seriously harm our business.
Any disruption to our services and products, our own information systems or communications networks or those of third-party providers upon whom we rely as part of its own product offerings, including the internet, could result in the inability of our customers to receive our products for an indeterminate period of time. Our services may not function properly for any of the following reasons:
·
System or network failure;
·
Interruption in the supply of power;
·
Virus proliferation;
·
Security breaches;
·
Earthquake, fire, flood or other natural disaster; or
·
An act of war or terrorism.
Although we have made significant investments, both internally and with third-party providers, in redundant and back-up systems for some of our services and products, these systems may be insufficient or may fail and result in a disruption of availability of our products or services to our customers. Any disruption to our services could impair our reputation and cause us to lose customers or revenue, or face litigation, customer service or repair work that would involve substantial costs and distract management from operating our business.
Failure to comply with laws and regulations that protect customers’ personal information could result in significant fines and harm our brand and reputation.
We manage highly sensitive client information, which is regulated by law. Problems with the safeguarding and proper use of this information could result in regulatory actions and negative publicity, which could adversely affect our reputation and results of operations.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES
Our corporate headquarters is located at 11 Raymond Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 10603, where we lease approximately 13,700 square feet of space. All our company-owned offices are leased. We believe that any of our rental spaces could be replaced with comparable office space, however, location and convenience is an important factor in marketing our services to our clients.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
On June 30, 2009, the SEC executed an Order Instituting Administrative and Cease-And-Desist Proceedings (the “Instituting Order”) Pursuant to Section 8A of the Securities Act, Sections 15(b) and 21(c) of the Exchange Act, and Section 203(f) of the Investment Advisors Act of 1940 (the “Advisors Act”) against the Company, PCS, Michael P. Ryan, the Company’s President and CEO (“Ryan”), Rose M. Rudden, the Chief Compliance Officer of PCS (“Rudden”) and certain other current and former Company employee representatives registered with PCS (the “Representatives”). The Instituting Order alleged that the Company, PCS and the Representatives engaged in fraudulent sales of variable annuities to senior citizens and that Ryan, Rudden and two of the Representatives failed to supervise the variable annuity transactions.
The Instituting Order alleged that PCS willfully: engaged in fraudulent conduct in the offer, purchase and sale of securities; failed to make and keep current certain books and records relating to its business for prescribed periods of time; and failed reasonably to supervise with a view to prevent and detect violations of the federal securities statutes, rules and regulations by the Representatives.
The Instituting Order alleged that the Company aided, abetted and caused PCS to engage in fraudulent conduct in the offer, purchase and sale of securities.
The Instituting Order alleged that Ryan, Rudden and two of the Representatives failed reasonably to supervise with a view to preventing and detecting violations of the federal securities statutes, rules and regulations by the Representatives.
The Instituting Order alleged that four of the Representatives willfully: engaged in fraudulent conduct in the offer, purchase and sale of securities; and aided, abetted and caused PCS to fail to keep current certain books and records relating to its business for prescribed periods of time.
Hearings were held before an Administrative Law Judge commencing on December 1, 2009 and ending January 15, 2010. On March 16, 2010, the SEC approved the Offer of Settlement by the Company and PCS regarding the Instituting Order (the “Settlement”). The SEC executed an Order Making Findings and Imposing Remedial Sanctions Pursuant to Section 8A of the Securities Act, Sections 15(b) and 21(c) of the Securities Exchange Act, and Section 203(f) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 as to the Company and PCS (the “Settlement Order”).
A settlement was not reached with the SEC by Ryan, Rudden and the Representatives.
Except as to the SEC’s jurisdiction over them and the subject matter of the Instituting Order, the Company and PCS agreed to the Settlement without admitting or denying the findings contained in the Settlement Order. The Company and PCS chose to settle to avoid costly and protracted litigation.
Under the terms of the Settlement, the Company and PCS agreed to certain undertakings including retaining an Independent Compliance Consultant to conduct a comprehensive review of their supervisory, compliance and other policies, practices and procedures related to variable annuities. The Independent Compliance Consultant will submit a report to the SEC at the conclusion of its review.
In addition, the Company and PCS consented to certain sanctions pursuant to Section 8A of the Securities Act and Sections 15(b) and 21(c) of the Exchange Act. PCS shall cease and desist from committing or causing any violations and any future violations of Section 17(a) of the Securities Act and Sections 10(b), 15(c) and 17(a) of the Exchange Act and Rules 10b-5 and 17a-3 thereunder. The Company shall cease and desist from committing or causing any violations and any future violations of Section 17(a) of the Securities Act and Sections 10(b) and 15(c) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder. PCS and the Company were censured.
PCS agreed to pay disgorgement of $97,389 and prejudgment interest of $46,874, for a total payment of $144,263 within twenty (20) days from the issuance of the Settlement Order, which was paid on March 29, 2010. The Company agreed to pay civil penalties of $450,000 and disgorgement of $1.00. Payment of the civil penalties by the Company shall be made in the following installments: $53,824 was to be paid within twenty (20) days of the issuance of the Settlement Order and was paid on March 29, 2010; $198,088 was to be paid within 180 days from the issuance of the Settlement Order; and $198,088 is to be paid within 364 days from the issuance of the Settlement Order, with post-judgment interest due on the second and third installments. $100,000 of the second installment was paid on September 15, 2010 with the balance of $98,088 paid on October 12, 2010. The late payment has resulted in the SEC accelerating the third installment, which we have not yet paid.
On June 25, 2010, the Administrative Law Judge issued an Initial Decision concerning Ryan, Rudden and the Representatives. The Administrative Law Judge ordered that Ryan and Rudden each pay a civil money penalty of $65,000. In addition, the Administrative Law Judge ordered that Ryan and Rudden are prohibited from serving in a supervisory capacity with any broker, dealer, or investment adviser with the right to reapply after one year. On August 11, 2010, our Board of Directors adopted a resolution agreeing to indemnify Ryan and Rudden for the $65,000 civil money penalties.
Michael Ryan will continue to serve as the President and CEO of the Company. To insure that Mr. Ryan does not violate the supervisory restrictions contained in the Initial Decision, our Board of Directors have imposed a restriction that prohibits him from exercising any supervisory authority over PCS and AFP activities or PCS and AFP representatives, including our employees in their capacity as PCS representatives. Our Board of Directors has delegated to Carole Enisman, Executive Vice President of Operations, any issue that could potentially impact the conduct or employment of a PCS or AFP registered representative in his or her capacity as a PCS or AFP registered representative. Ms. Enisman has been instructed that with respect to any such issue, she reports to our Board of Directors, and not to Mr. Ryan as President of Gilman Ciocia, Inc.
The Administrative Law Judge ordered that the Representatives disgorge commissions earned and pay civil money penalties. In addition, the Administrative Law Judge ordered that each of the Representatives is barred from association with any broker, dealer, or investment adviser. The Representatives have filed an appeal of the Initial Decision staying their sanctions pending the appeal.
The Initial Decision became effective on August 5, 2010.
The Company and PCS are defendants and respondents in lawsuits and FINRA arbitrations in the ordinary course of business. As such, we have established liabilities for potential losses from such complaints, legal actions, investigations and proceedings. In establishing these liabilities, our management uses its judgment to determine the probability that losses have been incurred and a reasonable estimate of the amount of the losses. In making these decisions, we base our judgments on our knowledge of the situations, consultations with legal counsel and our historical experience in resolving similar matters. In many lawsuits, arbitrations and regulatory proceedings, it is not possible to determine whether a liability has been incurred or to estimate the amount of that liability until the matter is close to resolution. However, accruals are reviewed regularly and are adjusted to reflect our estimate of the impact of developments, rulings, advice of counsel and any other information pertinent to a particular matter. Because of the inherent difficulty in predicting the ultimate outcome of legal and regulatory actions, we cannot predict with certainty the eventual loss or range of loss related to such matters. If our judgments prove to be incorrect, our liability for losses and contingencies may not accurately reflect actual losses that result from these actions, which could materially affect results in the period other expenses are ultimately determined. We accrued $0.1 million as a reserve for potential settlements, judgments and awards at June 30, 2010. PCS has errors and omissions coverage that will cover a portion of such matters. In addition, under the PCS registered representatives contract, each registered representative is responsible for covering awards, settlements and costs in connection with these claims. While we will vigorously defend our self in these matters and will assert insurance coverage and indemnification to the maximum extent possible, there can be no assurance that these lawsuits and arbitrations will not have a material adverse impact on our financial position.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4.
REMOVED AND RESERVED
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Prior to April 23, 2008, the shares of our common stock were traded on what is commonly called the grey sheets under the symbol “GTAX.PK”. As of April 23, 2008, we began to be quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol GTAX.
The following table sets forth the high and low bid quotations for the common stock for the fiscal 2010 and 2009 quarters indicated:
Such over-the-counter quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
DIVIDENDS AND DIVIDEND POLICY
Since our initial public offering of securities in 1994, we have not paid dividends, and we do not plan to pay dividends in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain any future earnings, if any, to finance our growth.
HOLDERS OF COMMON STOCK
On June 30, 2010, there were approximately 424 shareholders of common stock of record. This does not reflect persons or entities that hold common stock in nominee or "street" name through various brokerage firms. On the close of trading on June 30, 2010, the price of the common stock was $0.05 per share.
RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010, we issued the following shares of common stock in privately negotiated transactions that were not registered under the Securities Act pursuant to the exemption provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act:
·
On October 2, 2009, we issued 499,998 shares to certain of our Board Directors in consideration for services as director compensation pursuant to our 2007 Stock Incentive Plan.
·
On October 31, 2008, we commenced the Gilman Ciocia Common Stock and Promissory Note Offering, a private placement offering of our securities pursuant to SEC Regulation D (the “Offering”). The Offering was amended on December 8, 2008, September 3, 2009, December 16, 2009 and February 11, 2010. The securities offered for sale in the Offering, as amended are: $3.8 million of Notes and $0.4 million, or 3.5 million shares of our $0.01 par value common stock with a price of $0.10 per share (the “Shares”). During fiscal 2010, we issued $2.5 million of Notes of the $3.8 million Notes bringing the total issued through June 30, 2010 to $3.7 million of Notes due on July 1, 2011, $0.1 million of Notes due on July 1, 2010 and $0.1 million, or 1.3 million Shares. The proceeds of the sales were used for general corporate purposes. No underwriters participated in these transactions.
ITEM 7.
ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes thereto set forth in Item 8.
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
See Financial Statements and Financial Statement Indexing commencing on page hereof.
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our senior management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act) designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
We have carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial and Chief Accounting Officer, of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e). In designing and evaluating disclosure controls and procedures, we and our management recognize that any disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objective. As of June 30, 2010 management concludes that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial and Chief Accounting Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of June 30, 2010.
Changes in Internal Controls
There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Inherent Limitations Over Internal Controls
We believe that a control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can not provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the control system are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been determined.
ITEM 9B.
ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth our directors and executive officers as of September 1, 2010, their ages and the positions held by them with the Company. Our executive officers are appointed by, and serve at the discretion of the board of directors. Each executive officer is a full-time employee of the Company. Michael Ryan and Carole Enisman are married.
(1)
Audit Committee member
(2)
Compensation Committee member
(3)
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee member
JAMES CIOCIA, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Mr. Ciocia is a principal founder of the Company having opened the Company's first tax preparation office in 1981. In addition to serving the Company as its Chief Executive Officer until November 6, 2000, Mr. Ciocia is a registered representative of PCS. Mr. Ciocia holds a B.S. in Accounting from St. John's University. Mr. Ciocia brings to the board of directors extensive business and operating experience and tremendous knowledge of our Company as well as insights into and experiences within the tax preparation and financial planning industry. Mr. Ciocia provides our board with Company-specific experience and expertise in tax preparation and financial planning matters.
MICHAEL RYAN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR. Mr. Ryan was appointed the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer in August 2002. Mr. Ryan co-founded PCS and is a founding member and past President of the Mid-Hudson Chapter of the International Association for Financial Planning. Mr. Ryan holds a B.S. in Finance from Syracuse University. Mr. Ryan was first elected as a director in 1999. Mr. Ryan brings to our board of directors extensive business and operating experience and tremendous knowledge of our Company as well as insights into and experiences within the tax preparation and financial planning industry. In addition, Mr. Ryan brings his broad strategic vision for Gilman Ciocia to our board of directors. Mr. Ryan’s service as the Chief Executive Officer, President and Director creates a critical link between management and our board of directors, enabling our board to perform its oversight function with the benefits of management’s perspectives on the business.
EDWARD COHEN, DIRECTOR. Mr. Cohen has been a director of the Company since 2003. Mr. Cohen has been Counsel to the international law firm of Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP since February 2002, and before that was a partner in the firm (with which he has been affiliated since 1963). Mr. Cohen is a director of Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation, a manufacturer and marketer of apparel and footwear and Full Circle Capital Corporation, a business development corporation under the Investment Company Act. Mr. Cohen is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Harvard Law School. As a former partner of an international law firm and a member of the boards of several public companies, Mr. Cohen brings to our board a wealth of legal, corporate and securities expertise.
JOHN LEVY, DIRECTOR. Mr. Levy has been a director of the Company since October 2006 and since September 4, 2007, has served as Lead Director. Since May 2005, Mr. Levy has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Board Advisory Services, a consulting firm which advises public companies in the areas of corporate governance, corporate compliance, financial reporting and financial strategies. Mr. Levy served as Interim Chief Financial Officer from November 2005 to March 2006 of Universal Food & Beverage Company, which filed a voluntary petition under the provisions of Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Act on August 31, 2007. From November 1997 to May 2005, Mr. Levy served as Chief Financial Officer of MediaBay, Inc., a NASDAQ company and leading provider of premium spoken word audio content. While at MediaBay, he also served for a period as its Vice Chairman. Mr. Levy is a Certified Public Accountant with nine years experience with the national public accounting firms of Ernst & Young, Laventhol & Horwath and Grant Thornton. Mr. Levy is a director and non-executive Chairman of the Board of Applied Minerals, Inc., an exploration stage natural resource and mining company, is a director and audit committee member of Applied Energetics, Inc., a publicly traded company that specializes in the development and application of high power lasers, high voltage electronics, advanced optical systems and energy management systems technologies, and is a director of Brightpoint, Inc., a publicly traded company that provides supply chain solutions to leading stakeholders in the wireless industry. Mr. Levy has authored The 21st Century Director: Legal and Ethical Responsibilities of Board members, a course on the ethical and legal responsibilities of board members initially presented to various state accounting societies. Mr. Levy has a B.S. degree in economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and received his M.B.A. from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. Mr. Levy brings to our board vast financial experiences as a Certified Public Accountant, former Chief Financial Officer of several companies and as Chief Executive Officer of a consulting firm which advises public companies in the areas of corporate governance, corporate compliance, financial reporting and financial strategies. In addition, Mr. Levy brings to our board, his role as Lead Director and Chairman of our audit committee, substantial experience with complex accounting and reporting issues, financial strategies, SEC filings and corporate transactions.
ALLAN PAGE, DIRECTOR. Mr. Page has been a director of the Company since October 2006. Mr. Page is the principal of A. Page & Associates LLC, an international consulting firm he founded in 2002 that is engaged in project development and advisory work in the energy market sector. Mr. Page is also Chairman and cofounder of The Hudson Renewable Energy Institute, Inc. a not for profit corporation promoting market applications for the public use of renewable energy. Prior to founding A. Page & Associates, Mr. Page spent more than thirty years with the CH Energy Group Inc., holding a variety of positions including President. Mr. Page started his employment as a distribution engineer at Central Hudson Gas and Electric, the principal subsidiary of the CH Energy Group and was the executive responsible for the development of a family of competitive business units for CH Energy Group. The competitive businesses included an electric generation company, an energy services company, and fuel oil companies operating along the eastern sea board. Mr. Page holds B.S. degrees in physics, civil engineering and electrical engineering and a masters degree in industrial administration, all from Union College. As the Principal of an international consulting firm engaged in project development and advisory work, Chairman of a not for profit and as former President of a public company, Mr. Page brings to our board a wealth of experience in strategic planning, business initiatives and developing businesses.
FREDERICK WASSERMAN, DIRECTOR. Mr. Wasserman has been a director of the Company since September 2007. Since May 2008 Mr. Wasserman has served as the President of FGW Partners, LLC, which provides management and financial consulting services. From January 2007 until April 2008 Mr. Wasserman provided management and financial consulting services as a sole practitioner. From August 2005 until December 31, 2006, Mr. Wasserman served as the Chief Operating and Chief Financial Officer for Mitchell & Ness Nostalgia Co., a privately-held manufacturer and distributor of licensed sportswear and authentic team apparel. Prior to his employment at Mitchell & Ness, Mr. Wasserman served as the President of Goebel of North America, a U.S. subsidiary of W. Goebel Porzellanfabrik GmbH & Co., an international manufacturer of collectibles, gifts and home decor. Mr. Wasserman held several positions, including Chief Financial Officer and President with Goebel of North America from 2001 to 2005. Mr. Wasserman is non-executive Chariman of the Board for TeamStaff, Inc., a provider of temporary and permanent medical staffing and administrative/logistics services. Mr. Wasserman is also a director of The AfterSoft Group, Inc., Acme Communications, Inc., and Breeze-Eastern Corporation. Mr. Wasserman received a B.S. degree in Economics from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1976. As the President of a management and financial consulting services firm, and former Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer and President of several public and private companies, Mr. Wasserman brings to our board a great deal of experience as an active member of a number of public company boards as well as a deep understanding of the financial and operational aspects of a business.
NELSON OBUS, DIRECTOR. Mr. Obus has been a director of the Company since September 2007. Mr. Obus has served as President of Wynnefield Capital, Inc. since November 1992 and as a managing member of Wynnefield Capital Management, LLC since January 1997. Wynnefield Capital Management manages two private investment funds and Wynnefield Capital, Inc. manages one private investment fund, all three of which invest in small-cap value U.S. public equities. Mr. Obus also serves on the board of directors of Layne Christensen Company, a diversified natural resources company with interests in water, mineral drilling and energy. In April 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission filed a civil action alleging that Nelson Obus, the Wynnefield Capital Funds, and two other individuals, in June 2001 engaged in insider trading in the securities of SunSource, a public company that had been in the portfolio of the Wynnefield Capital Funds for years. Mr. Obus, the Wynnefield Capital Funds, and the other defendants emphatically deny the allegations. On September 20, 2010, U.S. District Judge George Daniels dismissed the action against Mr. Obus and the other defendents stating in part that the SEC had not “demonstrated the requisite degree of deceptive conduct in the part of any defendant.” Mr. Obus received a B.A. degree from New York University and an M.A. and A.B.D. from Brandeis University in Politics. As President and managing member of several private investment funds, Mr. Obus brings to our board a skill set that includes financial literacy and expertise, capital markets expertise and substantial managerial experience.
CAROLE ENISMAN, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS. Ms. Enisman was appointed the Executive Vice President of Operations of the Company on November 15, 2004. Ms. Enisman began her career with the Company in 1990 as a Financial Planner. Ms. Enisman graduated from the University of Miami (Florida) with degrees in Economics and Political Science.
TED FINKELSTEIN, VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL COUNSEL AND SECRETARY. Mr. Finkelstein has been Vice President and General Counsel of the Company since February 1, 2007 and Secretary since December 18, 2008. He was Associate General Counsel of the Company from October 11, 2004 to February 1, 2007. Mr. Finkelstein was Vice President and General Counsel of the Company from June 1, 2001 to October 11, 2004. Mr. Finkelstein has a B.S. degree in Accounting. He is a Cum Laude graduate of Union University, Albany Law School and also has a Master of Laws in Taxation from New York University Law School. Mr. Finkelstein has approximately 30 years of varied legal experience including acting as outside counsel for PCS prior to joining the Company.
KAREN FISHER, CHIEF ACCOUNTING OFFICER. Ms. Fisher had been the Controller of the Company since March 2005 and was appointed Treasurer on May 25, 2007 and Chief Accounting Officer on July 4, 2007. Ms. Fisher is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a B.S. in Accounting from Arizona State University and an A.A.S. in Computer Information Systems from Dutchess Community College. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Fisher was employed by Thomson Financial as Director of Financial Reporting and Accounting from March 2002 until March 2005 and the New York Times Company as Manager of Financial Reporting from July 1998 until July 2001. Ms. Fisher has significant experience in public reporting and accounting. Prior to returning to New York, Ms. Fisher was the Assistant Controller for an engineering firm in Phoenix, AZ, where she was employed for over nine years.
Director Designees
On August 20, 2007, the Company, Wynnefield Small Cap Value Offshore Fund, Ltd., Wynnefield Partners Small Cap Value, L.P., Wynnefield Partners Small Cap Value, L.P.I and WebFinancial Corporation (as heretofore defined, the "Investment Purchasers"), Michael Ryan, Carole Enisman, Ted Finkelstein, Dennis Conroy, and Prime Partners, Inc. and Prime Partners II, holding companies owned in part by Michael P. Ryan (the "Existing Shareholders") entered into a Shareholders Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the Shareholders Agreement: at the Investment Purchase Closing, the Investment Purchasers were given the right to designate two directors (the "Investor Directors") for election to our board of directors (the "Board"); so long as the Existing Shareholders own at least 10% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, the Existing Shareholders have the right to nominate two directors (the "Existing Shareholder Directors") for election to the Board; the Investor Directors and the Existing Shareholder Directors shall jointly nominate three independent directors; the Investor Purchasers and the Existing Shareholders agreed to take such action as may be reasonably required under applicable law to cause the Investor Purchasers’ designees and the Existing Shareholders’ designees to be elected to the Board; we agreed to include each of the Director designees of the Investor Purchasers and the Existing Shareholders on each slate of nominees for election to the Board proposed by the Company, to recommend the election of such designees to the shareholders of the Company, and to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such designees to be elected to the Board; one of the Investor Directors shall be appointed as a member of the Compensation Committee of the Board and one of the Investor Directors shall have the right to attend all Audit Committee meetings; the consent of one of the Investor Directors is required for certain Company actions above designated thresholds, including the issuance, redemption or purchase of equity or debt, the issuance of an omnibus stock plan, the creation of any new class of securities, certain affiliate transactions, changes to our certificate of incorporation or bylaws, entering into a merger, reorganization or sale of the Company or acquiring any significant business assets, or material changes to the business line of the Company; the Investor Shareholders agreed to a one year standstill agreement concerning the acquisition of our assets, our securities, proxy solicitations, voting trusts or tender offers; the Investor Purchasers were granted a right of first refusal for future securities issued by the Company; and we were granted a right of first refusal for sales of Common Stock by the Investment Purchasers and by the Existing Shareholders.
Nelson Obus and Frederick Wasserman are the Investor Directors designated by the Investment Purchasers. James Ciocia and Michael Ryan are the Existing Shareholder Directors designated by the Existing Shareholders.
BOARD COMMITTEES
Our Board met nine times in fiscal 2010 and acted by written consent twice. All directors attended at least 75% of the combined Board and committee meetings on which they served in fiscal 2010. All directors are encouraged to attend our annual meeting of shareholders and all of our directors attended last year’s annual meeting.
Audit Committee
Our Audit Committee is comprised of John Levy, Chair, Allan Page and Frederick Wasserman. The Audit Committee met seven times during fiscal 2010. The functions of the Audit Committee are as set forth in the Audit Committee Charter, which can be viewed on our website at www.gtax.com. Our Board has determined that each of Messrs. Levy, Page and Wasserman is independent as defined in Rule 5005(a)(19) of the listing standards of the Nasdaq Stock Market and Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act. Our board of directors also has determined that Mr. Levy is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in the applicable rules and regulations of the Exchange Act. The Audit Committee is required to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services performed by the independent auditors in order to assure that the provision of such services does not impair the auditor’s independence. Unless a type of service to be provided has received general pre-approval from the Audit Committee, it requires specific pre-approval in each instance by the Audit Committee. Any proposed services exceeding pre-approved cost levels generally require specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee.
Compensation Committee
Our Compensation Committee is comprised of Edward Cohen, John Levy and Frederick Wasserman, Chair. The Compensation Committee met one time during fiscal 2010. The functions of the Compensation Committee are as set forth in the Compensation Committee Charter, which can be viewed on our website at www.gtax.com. Our Board has determined that each of Messrs. Cohen, Levy and Wasserman is independent as defined in Rule 5005(a)(19) of the listing standards of the Nasdaq Stock Market. In accordance with the Compensation Committee Charter, the members are “outside directors” as defined in Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and “non-employee directors” within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act. The Compensation Committee is required, amongst other things, to discharge the Board’s responsibilities relating to the compensation and evaluation of our Senior Executives and to produce the report that the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission may require to be included in, or incorporated by, reference into our annual report and proxy statement. The Compensation Committee has not engaged compensation consultants to provide advice with respect to the form or amount of executive or director compensation.
Corporate Governance and Nominating Governance Committee
Our Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is comprised of Edward Cohen, Chair, Nelson Obus and Allan Page. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee met three times during fiscal 2010. The functions of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee are as set forth in the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee Charter, which can be viewed on our website at www.gtax.com. Our board of directors has determined that each of Messrs. Cohen, Page and Obus is independent as defined in Rule 5005(a)(19) of the listing standards of the Nasdaq Stock Market. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders. Any such recommendations should be submitted in writing to our General Counsel at our principal executive offices. Nominees recommended by shareholders will be evaluated in the same manner as nominees identified by management, the board of directors or the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, in making its recommendations regarding Board nominees, may consider some or all of the following factors, among others: judgment, skill, diversity, experiences with businesses and other organizations of a comparable size, the interplay of the candidate’s experience with that of the other Board members, the extent to which a candidate would be a desirable addition to the Board and any committees of the Board and whether or not the candidate would qualify as an “independent director” under applicable listing standards and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and any related Securities and Exchange Commission regulations.
Communications with our Board
Communications to our Board or to any director individually may be made by writing to the following address:
Attention:
[Board of Directors] [Board Member]
c/o Ted Finkelstein, Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
11 Raymond Avenue
Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
Communications sent to the physical mailing address are forwarded to the relevant director if addressed to an individual director, or to the chairman of our Board if addressed to the Board.
ADOPTION OF CODE OF ETHICS
We have adopted a written Code of Ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, or controller, or persons performing similar functions and is consistent with the rules and regulations of the Exchange Act. A copy of the Code of Ethics is available on our website at www.gtax.com. We will disclose any amendment to or waiver of our Code of Ethics on our website.
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors, executive officers and persons who own more than 10% of our common stock to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of common stock. The SEC requires such officers, directors and greater than 10% shareholders to furnish to the Company copies of all forms that they file under Section 16(a).
To our knowledge based solely on a review of Forms 3, 4 and 5 and amendments thereto, all officers, directors and/or greater than 10% shareholders of ours complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth the annual compensation of the Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”) and the two most highly compensated executive officers other than the CEO (the “Named Executive Officers”) during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2010 and 2009:
Summary Compensation Table
(1) During 2010 no options were granted to employees. In accordance with new SEC rules relating to executive compensation disclosure, the amounts previously reported for 2009 have been restated to represent the full grant date value of the awards. For a discussion of the assumptions and methodologies used in calculating the grant date fair value of the options awards granted during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 see Note 13 under the heading “Equity Compensation Plans” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2) Represents trails commissions earned as per an employment agreement with Michael Ryan whereby commissions will be paid as draw against his bonus. As per the agreement, no commissions will be paid back no matter what bonus is calculated or if no bonus is paid. In fiscal 2010 and 2009, no bonus was awarded.
(3) Other Compensation includes the following:
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END
The following table sets forth information concerning unexercised stock options, shares of restricted stock and stock options that have not vested for each of the Named Executive Officers at June 30, 2010.
Option Awards
(1) Time-based stock option awards granted under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, which awards vest, subject to continuing employment, 20% annually commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
On August 20, 2007, we entered into an employment agreement with Michael Ryan, our President and Chief Executive Officer (the "Employment Agreement"). The Employment Agreement contains the following salient terms: the term is from July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2011; the base salary is $350 thousand per year; a bonus will be awarded to Mr. Ryan ranging from 40% of base salary to 100% of base salary if actual EBITDA results for a fiscal year exceed at least 85% of the EBITDA budgeted for such fiscal year; any commissions paid to Mr. Ryan for personal production will reduce the bonus, but under no circumstances should the commission earned be paid back; a severance payment equal to base salary and bonus (computed at 100% of base salary) will be paid to Mr. Ryan for the greater of three years or the ending date of the term if he is terminated as the result of an involuntary change of control, or the greater of one year or the ending date of the term if he is terminated as the result of a voluntary change of control. In addition, Mr. Ryan agreed to a one year covenant not to compete with the Company and a two year covenant not to solicit customers or employees of ours or registered representatives of our broker-dealer subsidiary.
POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION INCLUDING CHANGE OF CONTROL
(1)
Mr. Ryan will be paid an amount equal to his base salary and a bonus computed at 100% of his base salary for a period measured as the greater of one year from the date of termination or the June 30, 2011 ending date of the term of his Employment Agreement.
(2)
Mr. Ryan will be paid an amount equal to his base salary and a bonus computed at 100% of his base salary for a period measured as the greater of three years from the date of termination or the June 30, 2011 ending date of the term of his Employment Agreement.
(1)
Named Executive Officers will receive one month of compensation for each year of service with a maximum severance of one year.
(2)
Named Executive Officers will receive one year of compensation in a lump sum
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
The table below summarizes the compensation earned by our directors during fiscal 2010:
(a)
The amounts reported for stock awards represent the full grant date fair value of awards granted in fiscal 2010 in accordance with guidance on share-based payments. The number of shares of stock awarded as director compensation for fiscal year ended June 30, 2010 will be computed and granted five days after the filing of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010 10-K.
(b)
The amounts reported for option awards represent the full grant date fair value of the stock option awards granted in fiscal 2010 in accordance with guidance on share-based payments. Outstanding shares as a result of options awarded during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 amount to 83,333 shares each. The number of stock options awarded as director compensation for fiscal year ended June 30, 2010 will be computed and granted five days after the filing of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010 10-K. For a discussion of the assumptions and methodologies used in calculating the grant date fair value of the options awards granted during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010 see Note 13 under the heading “Equity Compensation Plans” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(1)
Mr. Ciocia is Chairman of the Board of Directors and an employee of the Company. However, Mr. Ciocia’s employment compensation is 100% commission based. The time Mr. Ciocia devotes to board activities reduces his efforts to generate commission income. Therefore, the board has determined that Mr. Ciocia will receive compensation for his activities as a director equivalent to that of non-employee directors.
We use a combination of cash and equity incentive compensation for our non-employee directors. In developing the compensation levels and mix for non-employee directors, we consider a number of factors, including the significant time commitment required of board and committee service as well as the need to attract highly qualified candidates for board service.
Each non-management director and James Ciocia, as a director of the board, receives an annual retainer fee of $24,000 plus $5,000 per year in restrictive stock, based upon its then fair market value, and $5,000 per year in stock options using Black-Scholes valuation. The Lead Director of the Board receives an additional annual retainer fee of $24,000. Each member of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee receives an additional $3,000 annually.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHILDER MATTERS
5% HOLDERS
The following table sets forth as of September 1, 2010 the holdings of the only persons known to us to beneficially own more than 5% of our outstanding common stock, the only class of voting securities issued by us. Except as indicated in the footnotes to this table and the table following and pursuant to applicable community property laws, the persons named in the table and the table following have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock. For each individual or group included in the table and the table following, percentage ownership is calculated by dividing the number of shares beneficially owned by such person or group by the sum of the 97,226,327 shares of common stock outstanding as of September 1, 2010 and the number of shares of common stock that such person or group had the right to acquire within 60 days of September 1, 2010, including, but not limited to, upon the exercise of options.
(1)
Includes 538,500 shares which are beneficially owned by Mr. Ryan personally and 26,020 shares underlying options. Also includes 285,841 shares which are beneficially owned by Mr. Ryan's wife, Carole Enisman (the Executive Vice President of Operations of the Company) of which Mr. Ryan disclaims beneficial ownership; 1,093,798 shares which are beneficially owned by Prime Partners, Inc. of which Mr. Ryan is a shareholder, officer and director; 15,420,000 shares which are beneficially owned by Prime Partners II, LLC of which Mr. Ryan is a member and manager and 45,930,126 shares which are owned by certain of the other shareholders to the Shareholders Agreement of which both Mr. Ryan and Prime Partners II, disclaim beneficial ownership. Does not include 104,080 shares issuable upon the exercise of unvested options awarded for employee compensation.
(2)
Includes 263,541 shares which are beneficially owned by Ms. Enisman personally and 22,300 shares underlying options. Also includes 63,008,444 shares owned by certain of the other partners to the Shareholders Agreement of which shares Ms. Enisman disclaims beneficial ownership. Does not include 89,200 shares issuable upon the exercise of unvested options awarded for employee compensation.
(3)
Includes 4,338,788 shares which are beneficially owned by Mr. Finkelstein personally and 30,440 shares underlying options. Also includes 58,925,057 shares owned by certain of the other parties to the Shareholders Agreement and of which shares Mr. Finkelstein disclaims beneficial ownership. Does not include 81,760 shares issuable upon the exercise of unvested options awarded for employee compensation.
(4)
Includes 282,500 shares which are beneficially owned by Mr. Porpora personally and 13,360 shares underlying options. Also includes 1,093,798 shares which are beneficially owned by Prime Partners, Inc. of which Mr. Porpora is a shareholder, officer and director; and 15,420,000 shares which are beneficially owned by Prime Partners II, LLC of which Mr. Porpora is a member and manager. Also includes 46,484,627 shares owned by certain of the other parties to the Shareholders Agreement and of which shares Mr. Porpora disclaims beneficial ownership. Does not include 53,440 shares issuable upon the exercise of unvested options awarded for employee compensation.
(5)
Includes 47,874,285 shares owned by certain of the other parties to the Shareholders Agreement and Prime Partners II, LLC disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares.
(6)
Includes 133,333 shares which are beneficially owned by Mr. Obus personally; 100,000 shares accrued for Board of Director compensation and 36,667 shares underlying exercisable options awarded for Board of Director compensation. Also includes 63,024,285 shares owned by certain of the other parties to the Shareholders Agreement and Mr. Obus disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares. Does not include 96,666 shares issuable upon the exercise of unvested options awarded for Board of Director compensation.
(7)
Wynnefield Capital Management, LLC, a New York limited liability company (“WCM”) is the sole general partner of each of Wynnefield Partners Small Cap Value LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Wynnefield Partners”) and Wynnefield Partners Small Cap Value LP I, a Delaware limited partnership (“Wynnefield Partners I”). Nelson Obus and Joshua Landes are the co-managing members of WCM and by virtue of such positions with WCM, have the shared power to vote and dispose of the shares of our common stock that are beneficially owned by each of Wynnefield Partners and Wynnefield Partners I. Wynnefield Capital, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“WCI”), is the sole investment manager of Wynnefield Small Cap Value Offshore Fund, Ltd., Cayman Islands company (“Wynnefield Offshore”). Messrs. Obus and Landes are the co-principal executive officers of WCI and by virtue of such positions with WCI, have the shared power to vote and dispose of the shares of our common stock that are beneficially owned by Wynnefield Offshore. Each of WCM, WCI and Messrs. Obus and Landes disclaims any beneficial ownership of the shares of our common stock that are directly beneficially owned by each of Wynnefield Partners, Wynnefield Partners I and Wynnefield Offshore, except to the extent of their respective pecuniary interest in such shares. Mr. Obus was appointed as a director of the Company effective on August 20, 2007.
(8)
Includes 8,000,000 shares beneficially owned by Wynnefield Partners Small Cap Value LP, a Delaware limited partnership ("Wynnefield Partners") and 10,000,000 shares beneficially owned by Wynnefield Partners Small Cap Value LP I, a Delaware limited partnership ("Wynnefield Partners I"). Wynnefield Capital Management, LLC, a New York limited liability company ("WCM") is the sole general partner of Wynnefield Partners and Wynnefield Partners I. Mr. Obus is a co-managing member of WCM and by virtue of his position with WCM, has the shared power to vote and dispose of the shares of our common stock that are beneficially owned by each of Wynnefield Partners and Wynnefield Partners I. Includes 12,000,000 shares beneficially owned by Wynnefield Small Cap Value Offshore Fund, Ltd., Cayman Islands company ("Wynnefield Offshore"). Wynnefield Capital, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("WCI"), is the sole investment manager of Wynnefield Offshore. Mr. Obus is a co-principal executive officer of WCI, and by virtue of his position with WCI, has the shared power to vote and dispose of the shares of our common stock that are beneficially owned by Wynnefield Offshore. Mr. Obus disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of our common stock that are directly beneficially owned by each of Wynnefield Partners, Wynnefield Partners I and Wynnefield Offshore, except to the extent of his pecuniary interest in such shares.
(9)
Includes 55,294,285 shares owned by certain of the other parties to the Shareholders Agreement and Wynnefield Partners Small Cap Value LP disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares.
(10)
Includes 51,294,285 shares owned by certain of the other parties to the Shareholders Agreement and Wynnefield Small Cap Value Offshore Fund, Ltd. disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares.
(11)
Includes 53,294,285 shares owned by certain of the other parties to the Shareholders Agreement and Wynnefield Small Cap Value, LP I disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares.
(12)
Includes 52,836,345 shares owned by certain of the other parties to the Shareholders Agreement and WebFinancial Corporation disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares.
(13)
Includes 537,098 shares which are beneficially owned by Mr. Conroy personally and 62,757,187 shares owned by certain of the other parties to the Shareholders Agreement and Mr. Conroy disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares.
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth as of September 1, 2010 the beneficial ownership of our common stock by (i) each Company director, (ii), each Named Executive Officer and (iii) the directors and all executive officers as a group.
* Less than 1.0%
(1)
Includes 600,000 shares which are held jointly with Tracy Ciocia, Mr. Ciocia's wife; 9,100 shares are held as custodian for Mr. Ciocia's sons and 100,000 shares accrued for Board of Director compensation and 56,907 shares underlying exercisable options awarded for Board of Director and employee compensation.
(2)
Includes 538,500 shares which are beneficially owned by Mr. Ryan personally and 26,020 shares underlying options. Also includes 285,841 shares which are beneficially owned by Mr. Ryan's wife, Carole Enisman (the Executive Vice President of Operations of the Company) of which Mr. Ryan disclaims beneficial ownership; 1,093,798 shares which are beneficially owned by Prime Partners, Inc. of which Mr. Ryan is a shareholder, officer and director; 15,420,000 shares which are beneficially owned by Prime Partners II, LLC of which Mr. Ryan is a member and manager and 45,930,126 shares which are owned by certain of the other shareholders to the Shareholders Agreement of which both Mr. Ryan and Prime Partners II, disclaim beneficial ownership.
(3)
Includes 100,000 shares accrued for Board of Director compensation and 36,667 shares underlying exercisable options awarded for Board of Director compensation.
(4)
Includes 263,541 shares which are beneficially owned by Ms. Enisman personally and 22,300 shares underlying options. Also includes 63,008,444 shares owned by certain of the other partners to the Shareholders Agreement of which shares Ms. Enisman disclaims beneficial ownership.
(5)
Includes 133,333 shares which are beneficially owned by Mr. Obus personally; 100,000 shares accrued for Board of Director compensation and 36,667 shares underlying exercisable options awarded for Board of Director compensation. Also includes 63,024,285 shares owned by certain of the other parties to the Shareholders Agreement and Mr. Obus disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares.
(6)
Wynnefield Capital Management, LLC, a New York limited liability company (“WCM”) is the sole general partner of each of Wynnefield Partners Small Cap Value LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Wynnefield Partners”) and Wynnefield Partners Small Cap Value LP I, a Delaware limited partnership (“Wynnefield Partners I”). Nelson Obus and Joshua Landes are the co-managing members of WCM and by virtue of such positions with WCM, have the shared power to vote and dispose of the shares of our common stock that are beneficially owned by each of Wynnefield Partners and Wynnefield Partners I. Wynnefield Capital, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“WCI”), is the sole investment manager of Wynnefield Small Cap Value Offshore Fund, Ltd., Cayman Islands company (“Wynnefield Offshore”). Messrs. Obus and Landes are the co-principal executive officers of WCI and by virtue of such positions with WCI, have the shared power to vote and dispose of the shares of our common stock that are beneficially owned by Wynnefield Offshore. Each of WCM, WCI and Messrs. Obus and Landes disclaims any beneficial ownership of the shares of our common stock that are directly beneficially owned by each of Wynnefield Partners, Wynnefield Partners I and Wynnefield Offshore, except to the extent of their respective pecuniary interest in such shares. Mr. Obus was appointed as a director of the Company effective on August 20, 2007.
SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS
Equity Compensation Plan Information
We maintain records of option grants by year, exercise price, vesting schedule and grantee. In certain cases, we have estimated, based on all available information, the number of such options that were issued pursuant to each plan. The material terms of each option grant varied according to the discretion of the board of directors. In addition, from time to time, we have issued, and in the future may issue, additional non-qualified options pursuant to individual option agreements, the terms of which vary from case to case. See Note 13 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Our 2007 Stock Incentive Plan was adopted at our shareholders meeting on July 19, 2007. Subject to anti-dilution adjustments as provided in the 2007 Plan, (i) the 2007 Plan provides for a total of 16.1 million shares of our common stock to be available for distribution pursuant to the 2007 Plan, and (ii) the maximum number of shares of our common stock with respect to which stock options, restricted stock, deferred stock, or other stock-based awards may be granted to any participant under the 2007 Plan during any calendar year or part of a year may not exceed 0.6 million shares.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
James Ciocia, our Chairman of the Board of Directors and a financial planner for the Company, receives commissions based on a variable percentage of his own business production and under which he received an aggregate of $0.5 million in fiscal 2010.
As of September 1, 2008, we entered into a $0.5 million promissory note with Prime Partners (the “Prime Partners Note”). The Prime Partners Note provided for 10% interest to be paid in arrears through the end of the previous month on the 15th day of each month commencing on October 15, 2008. The principal of the Prime Partners Note was to be paid on or before July 1, 2009. Michael Ryan is a director, an officer and a significant shareholder of Prime Partners. The Prime Partners Note was amended as of June 30, 2009 to extend the due date of principal to July 1, 2010. The Prime Partners Note was again amended as of May 5, 2010 to extend the due date of principal to July 1, 2011. The Prime Partners Note was again amended as of August 1, 2010 to provide for 42 monthly payments of $15.0 thousand comprised of principal and interest at 10% on the 15th day of each month commencing on August 15, 2010 and ending on January 15, 2014. Up to and including June 30, 2011, in the event that we determine that we cannot make a payment on the monthly due date, we may defer the payment by sending written notice to Prime Partners. Any payment so deferred, shall be paid by adding each such deferred payment to the 42 month amortization schedule as an increased monthly payment commencing on August 15, 2011. In the event that we are in default on any of the promissory notes issued in our Regulation D Private Placement, within 30 days from written notice by us, Prime Partners shall repay to us all principal payments requested in the notice. This repayment obligation is secured by Prime Partner’s execution of a collateral assignment of a promissory note owed by Daniel R. Levy to Prime Partners dated January 23, 2004 in the original principal amount of $0.9 million and with a present outstanding principal balance of $0.4 million. There shall be no fees owed by us to Prime Partners for any late payments and no acceleration of the Prime Partners Note as a result of any late payments.
As of September 1, 2008, we entered into a $0.5 million promissory note with a trust, of which Ted Finkelstein, our Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary is the trustee (the “Trust Note”). The Trust Note was amended on January 30, 2009. The Trust Note provided for 10% interest to be paid in arrears through the end of the previous month on the 15th day of each month commencing on October 15, 2008. The principal of the Trust Note was to be paid to the Trust as follows: $117.5 thousand on March 31, 2009, April 30, 2009, May 31, 2009 and June 30, 2009. On May 8, 2009, the Trust Note was amended to extend the full principal payment to June 30, 2009. The Trust Note was again amended as of September 25, 2009 to extend the due dates of principal to be paid as follows: $120.0 thousand due on March 1, 2010 and $175.0 thousand due on April 1, 2010 and April 15, 2010. On November 30, 2009 the Trust Note was again amended, increasing the principal by $0.1 million to $0.6 million. The additional $0.1 million was payable on demand by the Trust. On April 15, 2010, the $0.6 million Trust Note was paid in full.
On November 28, 2008 we issued a promissory note in the amount of $50.0 thousand to Ted Finkelstein, our Vice President and General Counsel and Secretary. The note provides for 10.0% interest to be paid monthly with the principal balance to be paid before June 30, 2009. The promissory note was amended as of June 30, 2009 to extend the due date of principal to May 1, 2010. On May 4, 2010 the $50.0 thousand Finkelstein Note was paid in full.
On December 3, 2008, three trusts of which James Ciocia is a trustee, purchased an aggregate of $0.3 million of the Notes issued pursuant to the Offering in reliance upon the exemption from registration in Rule 506 of Regulation D. On August 19, 2009, these trusts purchased an additional $0.3 million of the Notes. The Notes with the three trusts were amended on April 19, 2010 extending the due date to July 1, 2011.
On January 27, 2009, Carole Enisman, Executive Vice President of Operations purchased a $0.2 million Note of the $3.8 million of Notes. On November 24, 2009 Ms. Enisman purchased an additional $40.0 thousand Note and Michael Ryan, President and Chief Executive Officer purchased a $38.0 thousand Note of the $3.8 million Notes. The Notes with Ms. Enisman were amended on March 2, 2010 extending the due date to July 1, 2011. The Note with Mr. Ryan was amended on April 19, 2010 extending the due date to July 1, 2011.
At June 30, 2010 and 2009, we owed to related parties as described above $1.4 million and $2.1 million, respectively.
Director Independence
The independent members of our board of directors are Edward Cohen, John Levy, Allan Page, Nelson Obus, and Frederick Wasserman, all who have been deemed to be independent as defined in Rule 5005(a)(18) of the listing standards of the Nasdaq Stock Market.
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The Audit Committee selected Sherb & Co., LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, to audit the consolidated financial statements of Gilman Ciocia, Inc. for the fiscal year 2010. That selection was ratified by our Board and by our shareholders at our Annual Meeting on January 27, 2010. The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed by Sherb & Co., LLP, for fiscal 2010 and 2009 for professional services rendered to the Company for the audit of our annual financial statements, for the reviews of the financial statements included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for those fiscal years, and for other services rendered on behalf of us during those fiscal years. All of such fees were pre-approved by our Board of Directors. Our policy is to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services subject to a de minimis exception for non-audit services of eight percent of the total pre-approved amounts to be paid to outside auditors.
PART IV
ITEM 15.
ITEM 15.
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)
The following documents are filed as part of this report:
Financial Statements: See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” set forth on page.
Financial Statement Schedule: See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” set forth on page.
Exhibits: See “Index to Exhibits” set forth below.
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
21.1
List of subsidiaries (annexed herewith).
23.1
Consent of Sherb & Co., LLP.
31.1
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
31.2
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial and Chief Accounting Officer.
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley of Act of 2002.
32.2
Certification of Principal Financial and Chief Accounting Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley of Act of 2002.
(b)
The following exhibits are incorporated by reference or attached herein:
3.1
Registrant’s Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to the exhibit in the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated March 31, 2008, incorporated by reference herein.
3.2
Registrant’s Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, incorporated by reference to the like numbered exhibit in the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, File No. 33-70640-NY.
3.3
Registrant’s Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to the exhibit in the Registrant’s Proxy Statement on Form 14-A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, filed on June 22, 1999.
3.4
Registrant’s By-Laws, incorporated by reference to the like numbered exhibit in the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, File No. 33-70640-NY.
10.1
Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of January 1, 2004 between Registrant and Daniel Levy and Joseph Clinard on the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated June 30, 2004, incorporated by reference herein.
10.2
Agreement with Steven J. Gilbert on the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2005, incorporated by reference herein.
10.3
Letter of Acceptance, Waiver and Consent dated August 12, 2005 incorporated by reference on the Registrant’s report on Form 8-K dated August 12, 2005.
10.4
Leases for the Company’s Headquarters on the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated June 30, 2006, incorporated by reference herein.
10.5
Investor Purchase Agreement (with Exhibits) dated April 25, 2007 on the Registrant’s Form 8-K dated April 25, 2007, incorporated by reference herein.
10.6
Waiver of Registration Rights Agreement dated April 25, 2007 on the Registrant’s Form 8-K dated April 25, 2007, incorporated by reference herein.
10.7
Letter from Prime Partners, Inc. dated April 25, 2007 on the Registrant’s Form 8-K dated April 25, 2007, incorporated by reference herein.
10.8
Voting Agreement dated April 25, 2007 on the Registrant’s Form 8-K dated April 25, 2007, incorporated by reference herein.
10.9
Placement Purchase Agreement dated August 13, 2007 on the Registrant’s Form 8-K dated August 20, 2007, incorporated by reference herein.
10.10
Debt Conversion Agreement dated August 13, 2007 on the Registrant’s Form 8-K dated August 20, 2007, incorporated by reference herein.
10.11
Shareholder Agreement dated August 20, 2007 on the Registrant’s Form 8-K dated August 20, 2007, incorporated by reference herein.
10.12
Registration Rights Agreement dated August 20, 2007 on the Registrant’s Form 8-K dated August 20, 2007, incorporated by reference herein.
10.13
Employment Agreement between the Company and Michael P. Ryan dated August 20, 2007 on the Registrant’s Form 8-K dated August 20, 2007, incorporated by reference herein.
10.14
2007 Stock Incentive Plan adopted and approved at the July 19, 2007 Shareholder Meeting on the Registrant’s 8-K dated July 25, 2007 incorporated by reference herein, which incorporated by reference Exhibit C of the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14-A filed on June 18, 2007.
10.15
Offer of Settlement of Prime Capital Services, Inc. and Gilman Ciocia, Inc., incorporated by reference to the exhibit in the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated March 31, 2010, incorporated by reference herein.
10.16
Order Making Findings and Imposing Remedial Sanctions Pursuant to Section 8A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Sections 15(b) and 21(c) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as to Prime Capital Services, Inc. and Gilman Ciocia, Inc., incorporated by reference to the exhibit in the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated March 31, 2010, incorporated by reference herein.
14.0
Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers and the Principal Executive Officer of Gilman & Ciocia, Inc. on the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated June 30, 2003, incorporated by reference herein.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
GILMAN CIOCIA, INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes thereto.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Gilman Ciocia, Inc.
Poughkeepsie, New York
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Gilman Ciocia, Inc. and subsidiaries as of June 30, 2010 and 2009 and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2010 and 2009. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Gilman Ciocia, Inc. and its subsidiaries at June 30, 2010 and 2009 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
New York, New York
October 13, 2010
GILMAN CIOCIA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
GILMAN CIOCIA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data)
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
GILMAN CIOCIA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands)
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
GILMAN CIOCIA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and supplemental disclosures to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
GILMAN CIOCIA, INC.
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
GILMAN CIOCIA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2010 AND 2009
1. ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF BUSINESS
Gilman Ciocia, Inc. (together with its wholly owned subsidiaries, “we”, “us”, “our” or the “Company”) was founded in 1981 and is incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware. We provide federal, state and local tax preparation services to individuals, predominantly in the middle and upper income tax brackets, accounting services to small and midsize companies and financial planning services, including securities brokerage, investment management services, insurance and financing services. As of June 30, 2010, we had 27 company-owned offices operating in three states (New York, New Jersey, and Florida) and 42 independently operated offices providing financial planning services in 11 states.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and all wholly owned subsidiaries from their respective dates of acquisition. All significant inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated.
Reclassifications
Where appropriate, prior years financial statements reflect reclassifications to conform to the current year presentation.
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 these estimates. Furthermore, the Company, including our wholly owned subsidiary Prime Capital Services, Inc. ("PCS"), has been named as a defendant in various customer arbitrations. These claims result from the actions of brokers affiliated with PCS. In addition, under the PCS registered representatives contract, each registered representative has indemnified us for these claims. We have established liabilities for potential losses from such complaints, legal actions, government investigations and proceedings. In establishing these liabilities, our management uses its judgment to determine the probability that losses have been incurred and a reasonable estimate of the amount of losses. In making these decisions, we base our judgments on our knowledge of the situations, consultations with legal counsel and our historical experience in resolving similar matters. In many lawsuits, arbitrations and regulatory proceedings, it is not possible to determine whether a liability has been incurred or to estimate the amount of that liability until the matter is close to resolution. However, accruals are reviewed regularly and are adjusted to reflect our estimates of the impact of developments, rulings, advice of counsel and any other information pertinent to a particular matter. Because of the inherent difficulty in predicting the ultimate outcome of legal and regulatory actions, we cannot predict with certainty the eventual loss or range of loss related to such matters. If our judgments prove to be incorrect, our liability for losses and contingencies may not accurately reflect actual losses that result from these actions, which could materially affect results in the period other expenses are ultimately determined. As of June 30, 2010, we accrued approximately $0.1 million for these matters. A majority of these claims are covered by our errors and omissions insurance policy. While we will vigorously defend ourselves in these matters, and will assert insurance coverage and indemnification to the maximum extent possible, there can be no assurance that these lawsuits and arbitrations will not have a material adverse impact on our financial position.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents include investments in money market funds and are stated at cost, which approximates market value. Cash at times may exceed FDIC insurable limits.
Marketable Securities
Our short-term investments consist of trading securities and are stated at quoted market values, with unrealized gains and losses reported as investment income in earnings. During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 we recorded unrealized gains/(losses) from trading securities which we deemed immaterial. All such gains and losses are calculated on the basis of the specific-identification method. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010, we recognized $1.2 million in realized gains. Interest earned is included in other income/(expense). The original cost included in the carrying value of marketable securities at June 30, 2010 is $5.4 thousand.
Securities sold, but not yet purchased, are stated at quoted market values with unrealized gains and losses reflected in the statements of operations. Subsequent market fluctuations of securities sold, but not yet purchased, may require purchasing the securities at prices that may differ from the market values reflected in the accompanying balance sheets. There was no liability attributable to securities sold short, but not yet purchased, as of June 30, 2010.
Trade Accounts Receivable, Net
Our accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts due related to financial planning commissions and tax preparation and accounting services performed. We record an allowance for doubtful accounts based on management’s estimate of collectibility of such trade and notes receivables outstanding. The allowance for doubtful accounts represents an amount considered by management to be adequate to cover potential losses, if any. The recorded allowance was $0.2 million at June 30, 2010 and $0.3 million at June 30, 2009. Bad debt expense was $0.1 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010 and $0.2 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009, and is included in general and administrative expense in the statements of operations.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are carried at cost. Amounts incurred for repairs and maintenance are charged to operations in the period incurred. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the following useful lives:
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill and other intangibles, net relates to our acquisitions accounted for under the purchase method. Intangible assets include covenants not to compete, customer lists, goodwill, independent contractor agreements and other identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill represents acquisition costs in excess of the fair value of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired. Goodwill and certain indefinite-lived intangibles are tested for impairment at least annually, unless circumstances dictate otherwise. This testing requires the comparison of carrying values to fair value and, when appropriate, requires the reduction of the carrying value of impaired assets to their fair value. Separable intangible assets that are not deemed to have indefinite lives will continue to be amortized over their useful lives. Amortization of finite lived intangible assets is calculated on a straight-line basis over the following lives:
Website Development and Internal Use Software Costs
Prior to our fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, we capitalized costs incurred in the application development stage related to the development of our website and our internal use software in the amount of $0.6 million. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010 we incurred no costs in the application development stage related to the development of our website and our internal use of software. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 we capitalized costs incurred in the application development stage related to the development of our website and our internal use software in the amount of $20.0 thousand. Amortization expense is computed on a straight-line basis over a period of two to five years, the expected useful life, and amounted to approximately $75.3 thousand and $79.5 thousand for the years ended June 30, 2010 and 2009.
Revenue Recognition
Company Owned Offices - We recognize all revenues associated with income tax preparation, accounting services and asset management fees upon completion of the services. Financial planning services include securities and other transactions. The related commission revenue and expenses are recognized on a trade-date basis. Marketing revenue associated with product sales is recognized quarterly based on production levels. Marketing event revenues are recognized at the commencement of the event offset by its cost.
Independent Offices - We recognize 100% of all commission revenues and expenses associated with financial planning services including securities and other transactions on a trade-date basis. Our independent offices are independent contractors who may offer other products and services of other unrelated parties. These same offices are responsible for paying their own operating expenses, including payroll compensation for their staff.
Advertising Expense
The costs to develop direct-mail advertising are accumulated and expensed upon the first mailing of such advertising. The costs to develop tax season programs and associated printing and paper costs are deferred in the first and second fiscal quarters and expensed in the third fiscal quarter upon the first use of such advertisements in the advertising programs. Other advertising fees associated with tax season are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense was $1.3 million and $1.6 million for the years ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Interest Income/(Expense)
Interest expense relates to interest owed on our debt. Interest expense is recognized over the period the debt is outstanding at the stated interest rates (see Note 11). Interest income relates primarily to interest earned on bonds held by the broker-dealer. Interest is recognized from the last interest payment date up to but not including the settlement date of the sale.
Income Taxes
Income taxes have been provided using the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured by applying estimated tax rates and laws to taxable years in which such differences are expected to reverse. The deferred tax asset attributed to the net operating losses have been fully reserved, since we have yet to achieve recurring income from operations.
Stock-based Compensation
The fair value of each option is estimated on the date of grant based on the Black-Scholes options-pricing model utilizing certain assumptions for a risk free interest rate; volatility; and expected remaining lives of the awards. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of share-based payment awards represent management’s best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment. As a result, if factors change and we use different assumptions, our stock-based compensation expense could be materially different in the future. In addition, we are required to estimate the expected forfeiture rate and only recognize expense for those shares expected to vest. In estimating our forfeiture rate, we analyzed our historical forfeiture rate, the remaining lives of unvested options, and the amount of vested options as a percentage of total options outstanding. If our actual forfeiture rate is materially different from our estimate, or if we reevaluate the forfeiture rate in the future, the stock-based compensation expense could be significantly different from what we have recorded in the current period. For the fiscal years ended June 30, 2010 and June 30, 2009 there was a $32.2 thousand and $8.0 thousand charge to earnings related to stock-option awards, respectively. See Note 13 for a discussion of stock-based compensation.
Earnings (Loss) Per Share (“EPS”)
Basic EPS is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Options to purchase 2,620,938 common shares at an average price of $0.19 per share were outstanding during fiscal 2010 and options to purchase 2,175,800 common shares at an average price of $0.20 per share were outstanding during fiscal 2009. These options to purchase common shares were not included in the computations of diluted earnings per share because to do so would be anti-dilutive.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts of financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts receivable, notes receivable, accounts payable and debt, approximated fair value as of June 30, 2010, because of the relatively short-term maturity of these instruments and their market interest rates.
Business Combinations
In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) amended its guidance on business combinations. The new accounting guidance supersedes or amends other authoritative literature although it retains the fundamental requirements that the acquisition method of accounting (previously referred to as “purchase method”) be used for all business combinations and that an acquirer be identified for each business combination. The new guidance also establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer (a) recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in an acquiree; (b) recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in a business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase; and (c) determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of a business combination. The new guidance also requires the acquirer to expense, as incurred, costs relating to any acquisitions. This new accounting guidance issued by the FASB on business combinations was effective for us July 1, 2009. During fiscal 2010 we entered into two asset purchase agreements which include contingent consideration based upon gross revenue generated in future periods. At the time of acquisition we recognized a liability of $0.3 million representing anticipated future contingency payments. See Note 3.
Prior to the accounting guidance issued by the FASB on business combinations which was effective for us July 1, 2009, we entered into two asset purchase agreements during fiscal 2009 and four asset purchase agreements during fiscal 2008 which include contingent consideration based upon gross revenue generated in future periods. No liability will be recorded until the contingency is determined beyond a reasonable doubt. Based on an estimate of these future revenues, we expect we will have a contingent liability of $0.6 million, subject to change based on actual future revenues earned.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist of trade receivables. The majority of our trade receivables are commissions earned from providing financial planning services that include securities/brokerage services and insurance and financing services. As a result of the diversity of services, markets and the wide variety of customers, we do not consider ourselves to have any significant concentration of credit risk.
Segment Disclosure
Management believes the Company operates as one segment.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2010, the FASB issued guidance on fair value measurements and disclosure. This guidance amends the fair value measurements and disclosures by improving the disclosure of fair value measurements. We have adopted the Codification in the period ending March 31, 2010. The adoption of the Codification did not result in any change in our significant accounting policies.
Effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009, the FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM (the “Codification”) is the single source of authoritative literature of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The Codification consolidates all authoritative accounting literature into one internet-based research tool, which supersedes all pre-existing accounting and reporting standards, excluding separate rules and other interpretive guidance released by the SEC. New accounting guidance is now issued in the form of Accounting Standards Updates, which update the Codification. We have adopted the Codification in the period ending September 30, 2009. The adoption of the Codification did not result in any change in our significant accounting policies.
In August 2009, the FASB issued guidance on measuring liabilities at fair value. This guidance amends the fair value measurements and disclosures by providing additional guidance clarifying the measurement of liabilities at fair value. The adoption of the new accounting guidance did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In June 2009, the FASB amended its guidance on Variable Interest Entities (“VIE’s”). The amended guidance changes how a company determines when an entity that is sufficiently capitalized or is not controlled through voting (or similar rights) should be consolidated. It also requires a company to provide additional disclosures about its involvement with VIE’s and any significant changes in risk exposure due to that involvement. The requirements of the amended accounting guidance are effective for us July 1, 2010 and early adoption is prohibited. We are currently assessing the impact this amended accounting guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.
In December 2007, the FASB amended its guidance on business combinations. The new accounting guidance supersedes or amends other authoritative literature although it retains the fundamental requirements that the acquisition method of accounting (previously referred to as “purchase method”) be used for all business combinations and that an acquirer be identified for each business combination. The new guidance also establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer (a) recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in an acquiree; (b) recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in a business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase; and (c) determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of a business combination. The new guidance also requires the acquirer to expense, as incurred, costs relating to any acquisitions. In April 2009, the FASB amended its guidance further by amending and clarifying the accounting for assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination that arise from contingencies. This new accounting guidance issued by the FASB on business combinations was effective for us July 1, 2009 and resulted in our recording a liability contingent upon future earnings generated by the acquisitions made during the three months ended March 31, 2010. When new information about the possible outcome of the contingency is obtained and it results in our estimates of future earnings being lower than originally anticipated we are required to recognize additional expense at that time. If our estimates of such future earnings are higher than anticipated we cannot recognize a gain until which time the contingency is resolved.
In April 2008, the FASB issued guidance on the determination of the useful life of an intangible asset. This guidance amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset. This new accounting guidance was effective for us July 1, 2009 and will be applied prospectively to business combinations that have an acquisition date on or after July 1, 2009. The adoption of the new accounting guidance did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
All other new accounting pronouncements issued but not yet effective or adopted have been deemed not to be relevant to us, hence are not expected to have any impact once adopted.
3. ACQUISITIONS
Tax Practices
During fiscal 2010, we entered into asset purchase agreements to purchase two tax preparation, accounting and financial planning businesses. In each case, the purchase price is equal to a percentage of gross revenue generated from the preparation of tax returns, accounting services and financial planning revenues from clients generated during a five year period. Commencing on March 31, 2010 and each 90-day period thereafter, we will pay the sellers an installment payment based on a percentage of gross revenues generated during a five year period after the closing dates less all prior payments received. In accordance with the FASB’s amended guidance on business combinations we recorded a liability of $0.3 million representing the future contingency payments described above. These anticipated payments have been discounted at a per annum rate of 10%. The final anticipated payments are subject to change based on the actual gross revenues generated from these acquisitions.
During fiscal 2009 and 2008, we entered into asset purchase agreements to purchase six tax preparation, accounting and financial planning businesses. In each case, the purchase price is equal to a percentage of gross revenue generated from the preparation of tax returns, accounting services and financial planning revenues from clients generated during a one to five year period. Commencing on the first quarter end after the acquisition date and each 90-day period thereafter, we will pay the sellers an installment payment based on a percentage of gross revenues generated during a one to five year period after the closing dates less all prior payments received. Payments made as of June 30, 2010 totaled $1.6 million in the aggregate. No liability will be recorded until the contingency is determinable beyond a reasonable doubt. Based on an estimate of these future revenues, we expect we will have a contingent liability of $0.6 million, subject to change based on actual future revenues earned.
Acquisitions are accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Purchase prices have been allocated to the acquired assets and liabilities based on their respective fair values on the dates of the acquisition. The purchase prices in excess of the fair values of net assets acquired are classified as goodwill in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Sales and net income have been included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations from the respective dates of acquisition. Customer lists are amortized on a straight-line basis generally over a nine year period.
Financial Planners
During fiscal 2010 and 2009, we entered into several financial planner employment agreements. As part of the agreements we provided total loans to these financial planners in the amount of $0.2 million in each of fiscal 2010 and 2009. Consistent with industry practice, some of these loans will be forgiven if the financial planner meets certain predetermined production targets and/or length of service commitments.
4. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND SOLD OFFICES
On February 1, 2008 we sold one of our tax preparation and financial planning offices for $0.2 million. We received a promissory note for the entire amount to be financed over 60 months. This note is non-interesting bearing and has been recorded with a 7.0% discount rate. The balance of the note at June 30, 2010 is approximately $0.2 million. On August 1, 2010 we entered into an asset purchase agreement for this same office. The purchase price is made up of the forgiveness of the balance of the current promissory note and payments equal to those previously paid by the seller. These payments are based on a percentage of gross commissions earned by the seller.
5. RECEIVABLES FROM EMPLOYEES, NET
We provide loans to our employees as a way to attract new financial planners. Most financial planners do not earn salaries or receive a minimal base salary, consistent with industry practice. We provide these loans as a means by which the financial planners can receive cash prior to building their book of business. Consistent with industry practice, some of these loans will be forgiven if the financial planner meets certain predetermined production targets and/or length of service commitments.
Receivables from employees and independent registered representatives consist of the following:
6. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Major classes of property and equipment consist of the following:
Property and equipment under capitalized leases was $2.9 million at June 30, 2010 and at June 30, 2009. Accumulated amortization related to capitalized leases was $2.6 million at June 30, 2010 and $2.4 million at June 30, 2009. Depreciation expense for property and equipment was $0.5 million for both fiscal years ended June 30, 2010 and 2009.
7. GOODWILL
Goodwill included on the balance sheets was $4.1 million at June 30, 2010 and $4.0 million at June 30, 2009. Our goodwill at June 30, 2010 consists mostly of goodwill related to the acquisitions of PCS, Prime Financial Services, Inc. ("PFS") and Asset and Financial Planning, Ltd. (“AFP”) completed during or prior to the fiscal year ended June 30, 1999, which was accounted for under the purchase method.
The impairment testing for goodwill, which has an indefinite life, was performed during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 and 2009 using future discounted cash flows and a market value approach and it was determined that no adjustment to goodwill was required in fiscal 2010 and 2009.
A reconciliation of the change in the carrying value of goodwill for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 is as follows (in thousands):
(1) During fiscal 2008 and 2009, we purchased six tax preparation and accounting practices. Initial purchase prices are adjusted based on contingency payments made subsequent to the original purchase date. See Note 3 on Acquisitions.
8. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, we acquired aggregate intangible assets valued at $0.5 million and $0.6 million, respectively, in connection with acquisitions which are accounted for under the purchase method.
Intangible assets consist of the following:
Amortization expense for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 was computed on a straight-line basis over periods of two to 20 years, and amounted to $0.7 million for each fiscal year. Annual amortization expense will be approximately $0.7 million for each of the next four years and $0.6 million for year five.
As required, we performed the fair value impairment tests during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2010 and 2009. Fair value was determined based on recent comparable sales transactions and future cash flow projections. As a result, we recognized no impairment loss in fiscal 2010 and 2009.
9. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
We adopted the fair value guidelines issued by the FASB on July 1, 2007, the first day of our fiscal year 2008. The guidelines defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This statement applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, the FASB having previously concluded in those accounting pronouncements that fair value is a relevant measurement attribute.
Valuation techniques for fair value are based upon observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our best estimate, considering all relevant information. These valuation techniques involve some level of management estimation and judgment. The valuation process to determine fair value also includes making appropriate adjustments to the valuation model outputs to consider risk factors.
The fair value hierarchy of our inputs used in the determination of fair value for assets and liabilities during the current period consists of three levels. Level 1 inputs are comprised of unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. Level 3 inputs incorporate our own best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date where consideration is given to the risk inherent in the valuation technique and the risk inherent in the inputs to the model. If inputs used to measure an asset or liability fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the categorization is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the asset or liability. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.
We have significant legacy accounts payable balances that are at least four years old and that we believe will never require a financial payment for a variety of reasons. Accordingly, we opted to use the cost approach as our valuation technique to measure the fair value of our legacy accounts payable. Based on historical payouts we have established an estimate of fifteen cents on the dollar on these legacy balances that we would potentially pay out. The income recorded during fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009 was $16.6 thousand and $14.0 thousand, respectively and is recorded in other income, net on our Consolidated Statement of Operations.
The following table sets forth the liabilities as of June 30, 2010 which are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy. As required, these are classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement:
The carrying value of our cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable and other current liabilities approximate fair value because of their short-term maturity. All of our other significant financial assets, financial liabilities and equity instruments are either recognized or disclosed in the consolidated financial statements together with other information relevant for making a reasonable assessment of future cash flows, interest rate risk and credit risk. Where practicable the fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities have been determined and disclosed; otherwise only available information pertinent to fair value has been disclosed.
10. ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses consist of the following:
11. DEBT AND CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS
(a) On October 31, 2008 we commenced the Gilman Ciocia Common Stock and Promissory Note Offering, a private offering of our securities pursuant to SEC Regulation D (the “Offering”). The Offering was amended on December 8, 2008, September 3, 2009, December 16, 2009 and February 11, 2010. The securities offered for sale in the Offering, as amended are: $3.8 million of notes with interest at 10% (the “Notes”) and $0.4 million, or 3.5 million shares of our $0.01 par value common stock with a price of $0.10 per share (the “Shares”). As of June 30, 2010, $3.7 million of the Notes are outstanding and due July 1, 2011, $0.1 million are outstanding and due July 1, 2010 and $0.1 million, or 1.0 million shares, of our common stock were issued pursuant to the Offering.
On January 27, 2009, Carole Enisman, Executive Vice President of Operations purchased a $0.2 million Note of the $3.8 million of Notes. On November 24, 2009 Ms. Enisman purchased an additional $40.0 thousand Note and Michael Ryan, President and Chief Executive Officer purchased a $38.0 thousand Note of the $3.8 million Notes. The Notes with Ms. Enisman were amended on March 2, 2010 extending the due date to July 1, 2011. The Note with Mr. Ryan was amended on April 19, 2010 extending the due date to July 1, 2011. On December 3, 2008 and August 19, 2009, three trusts, of which James Ciocia, Chairman of the Board is a trustee, purchased an aggregate of $0.6 million of Notes of the $3.8 million of the Notes. The Notes with the three trusts were amended on April 19, 2010 extending the due date to July 1, 2011. The Carole Enisman, Michael Ryan and James Ciocia as trustee purchases are included in related party debt.
(b) We have historically financed our insurance premiums over a short-term period of time.
(c) We are the lessee of certain equipment and leasehold improvements under capital leases expiring through 2014. The assets and liabilities under capital leases are carried at the lower of the present value of minimum lease payments or the fair market value of the asset. The assets are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or their respective lease terms. Depreciation of assets under capital leases is included in depreciation expense.
Minimum future lease payments under capital leases as of June 30, 2010 are as follows:
Capital equipment leases have the lease rate factor (finance charge) built into the monthly installment and range from 6.3% to 36.8%.
Debt Maturities
The stated maturities of all long-term debt, including capital lease obligations due after June 30, 2010 are as follows:
Note: This Debt Maturities schedule reflects the contractual payment terms of the debt maturities.
12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Leases
We are obligated under various non-cancelable lease agreements for the rental of office space through fiscal 2017. The lease agreements for office space contain escalation clauses based principally upon real estate taxes, building maintenance and utility costs.
The following is a schedule by fiscal year of future minimum rental payments required under operating leases as of June 30, 2010:
Rent expense from operations for both fiscal years ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 was $2.8 million.
Professional Liability or Malpractice Insurance
We maintain an "Errors and Omissions" insurance policy for our securities business. Although we believe we comply with all applicable laws and regulations in all material respects, no assurance can be given that we will not be subject to professional liability or malpractice suits.
Contingent Consideration
We entered into several asset purchase agreements, which include contingent consideration based upon gross revenue generated in future periods. For those asset purchase agreements made prior to July 1, 2009, no liability will be recorded until the contingency is determinable beyond a reasonable doubt. See Note 3 for a discussion of acquisitions.
Clearing Agreements
We are party to clearing agreements with unaffiliated correspondent brokers, which in relevant part state that we will assume customer obligations in the event of a default. At June 30, 2010, the clearinghouse brokers held approximately $0.2 million of cash as a deposit requirement, which is included in current assets on the balance sheet at June 30, 2010 as a reduction to amounts due to such brokers.
Net Capital Requirements
PCS is subject to the SEC's Uniform Net Capital Rule 15c 3-1, which requires that PCS maintain minimum regulatory net capital of $0.1 million and, in addition, that the ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital, both as defined, shall not exceed the greater of 15 to 1. As of June 30, 2010, we were in compliance with these regulations.
Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk
In the normal course of business, PCS executes, as agent, transactions on behalf of customers. These activities may expose us to risk in the event customers, other brokers and dealers, banks depositories or clearing organizations are unable to fulfill their contractual obligations. We continuously monitor the creditworthiness of customers and third party providers. If the agency transactions do not settle because of failure to perform by either the customer or the counter parties, PCS may be obligated to discharge the obligation of the non-performing party and, as a result, may incur a loss if the market value of the security is different from the contract amount of the transactions.
Litigation
On June 30, 2009, the SEC executed an Order Instituting Administrative and Cease-And-Desist Proceedings (the “Instituting Order”) Pursuant to Section 8A of the Securities Act, Sections 15(b) and 21(c) of the Exchange Act, and Section 203(f) of the Investment Advisors Act of 1940 (the “Advisors Act”) against the Company, PCS, Michael P. Ryan, the Company’s President and CEO (“Ryan”), Rose M. Rudden, the Chief Compliance Officer of PCS (“Rudden”) and certain other current and former Company employee representatives registered with PCS (the “Representatives”). The Instituting Order alleged that the Company, PCS and the Representatives engaged in fraudulent sales of variable annuities to senior citizens and that Ryan, Rudden and two of the Representatives failed to supervise the variable annuity transactions.
The Instituting Order alleged that PCS willfully: engaged in fraudulent conduct in the offer, purchase and sale of securities; failed to make and keep current certain books and records relating to its business for prescribed periods of time; and failed reasonably to supervise with a view to prevent and detect violations of the federal securities statutes, rules and regulations by the Representatives.
The Instituting Order alleged that the Company aided, abetted and caused PCS to engage in fraudulent conduct in the offer, purchase and sale of securities.
The Instituting Order alleged that Ryan, Rudden and two of the Representatives failed reasonably to supervise with a view to preventing and detecting violations of the federal securities statutes, rules and regulations by the Representatives.
The Instituting Order alleged that four of the Representatives willfully: engaged in fraudulent conduct in the offer, purchase and sale of securities; and aided, abetted and caused PCS to fail to keep current certain books and records relating to its business for prescribed periods of time.
Hearings were held before an Administrative Law Judge commencing on December 1, 2009 and ending January 15, 2010. On March 16, 2010, the SEC approved the Offer of Settlement by the Company and PCS regarding the Instituting Order (the “Settlement”). The SEC executed an Order Making Findings and Imposing Remedial Sanctions Pursuant to Section 8A of the Securities Act, Sections 15(b) and 21(c) of the Securities Exchange Act, and Section 203(f) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 as to the Company and PCS (the “Settlement Order”).
A settlement was not reached with the SEC by Ryan, Rudden and the Representatives.
Except as to the SEC’s jurisdiction over them and the subject matter of the Instituting Order, the Company and PCS agreed to the Settlement without admitting or denying the findings contained in the Settlement Order. The Company and PCS chose to settle to avoid costly and protracted litigation.
Under the terms of the Settlement, the Company and PCS agreed to certain undertakings including retaining an Independent Compliance Consultant to conduct a comprehensive review of their supervisory, compliance and other policies, practices and procedures related to variable annuities. The Independent Compliance Consultant will submit a report to the SEC at the conclusion of its review.
In addition, the Company and PCS consented to certain sanctions pursuant to Section 8A of the Securities Act and Sections 15(b) and 21(c) of the Exchange Act. PCS shall cease and desist from committing or causing any violations and any future violations of Section 17(a) of the Securities Act and Sections 10(b), 15(c) and 17(a) of the Exchange Act and Rules 10b-5 and 17a-3 thereunder. The Company shall cease and desist from committing or causing any violations and any future violations of Section 17(a) of the Securities Act and Sections 10(b) and 15(c) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder. PCS and the Company were censured.
PCS agreed to pay disgorgement of $97,389 and prejudgment interest of $46,874, for a total payment of $144,263 within twenty (20) days from the issuance of the Settlement Order, which was paid on March 29, 2010. The Company agreed to pay civil penalties of $450,000 and disgorgement of $1.00. Payment of the civil penalties by the Company shall be made in the following installments: $53,824 was to be paid within twenty (20) days of the issuance of the Settlement Order and was paid on March 29, 2010; $198,088 was to be paid within 180 days from the issuance of the Settlement Order; and $198,088 is to be paid within 364 days from the issuance of the Settlement Order, with post-judgment interest due on the second and third installments. $100,000 of the second installment was paid on September 15, 2010 with the balance of $98,088 paid on October 12, 2010. The late payment has resulted in the SEC accelerating the third installment, which has not yet been paid.
On June 25, 2010, the Administrative Law Judge issued an Initial Decision concerning Ryan, Rudden and the Representatives. The Administrative Law Judge ordered that Ryan and Rudden each pay a civil money penalty of $65,000. In addition, the Administrative Law Judge ordered that Ryan and Rudden are prohibited from serving in a supervisory capacity with any broker, dealer, or investment adviser with the right to reapply after one year. On August 11, 2010, our Board of Directors adopted a resolution agreeing to indemnify Ryan and Rudden for the $65,000 civil money penalties.
The Administrative Law Judge ordered that the Representatives disgorge commissions earned and pay civil money penalties. In addition, the Administrative Law Judge ordered that each of the Representatives is barred from association with any broker, dealer, or investment adviser. The Representatives have filed an appeal of the Initial Decision staying their sanctions pending the appeal.
The Initial Decision became effective on August 5, 2010.
The Company and PCS are defendants and respondents in lawsuits and FINRA arbitrations in the ordinary course of business. As such, we have established liabilities for potential losses from such complaints, legal actions, investigations and proceedings. In establishing these liabilities, our management uses its judgment to determine the probability that losses have been incurred and a reasonable estimate of the amount of the losses. In making these decisions, we base our judgments on our knowledge of the situations, consultations with legal counsel and our historical experience in resolving similar matters. In many lawsuits, arbitrations and regulatory proceedings, it is not possible to determine whether a liability has been incurred or to estimate the amount of that liability until the matter is close to resolution. However, accruals are reviewed regularly and are adjusted to reflect our estimate of the impact of developments, rulings, advice of counsel and any other information pertinent to a particular matter. Because of the inherent difficulty in predicting the ultimate outcome of legal and regulatory actions, we cannot predict with certainty the eventual loss or range of loss related to such matters. If our judgments prove to be incorrect, our liability for losses and contingencies may not accurately reflect actual losses that result from these actions, which could materially affect results in the period other expenses are ultimately determined. We accrued $0.2 million as a reserve for potential settlements, judgments and awards at June 30, 2010. PCS has errors and omissions coverage that will cover a portion of such matters. In addition, under the PCS registered representatives contract, each registered representative is responsible for covering awards, settlements and costs in connection with these claims. While we will vigorously defend our self in these matters and will assert insurance coverage and indemnification to the maximum extent possible, there can be no assurance that these lawsuits and arbitrations will not have a material adverse impact on our financial position.
On February 4, 2004, we were served with a Summons and a Shareholder’s Class Action and Derivative Complaint with the following caption: “Gary Kosseff, Plaintiff, against James Ciocia, Thomas Povinelli, Michael Ryan, Kathryn Travis, Seth A. Akabas, Louis P. Karol, Edward Cohen, Steven Gilbert and Doreen Biebusch, Defendants and Gilman & Ciocia, Inc., Nominal Defendant”. The nature of the action is that the Company, our board of directors and our management, breached their fiduciary duty of loyalty in connection with the sale of certain of the Company’s offices. The action was filed in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware in and for New Castle County under Civil Action No. 188-N. The case was scheduled for trial on June 4, 2007. The trial was postponed without a new date pending settlement negotiations. On February 15, 2008, a written Settlement Agreement was executed settling the lawsuit, subject to approval by the Court of Chancery. At a hearing on September 22, 2008, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware approved the Settlement Agreement and reserved decision on setting an award of attorney’s fees and expenses for plaintiff’s counsel. On October 31, 2008 Master in Chancery Sam Glasscock III issued a Master’s Final Report awarding the plaintiff’s attorney’s fees in the amount of $1.2 million together with out-of-pocket costs in the amount of $0.1 million. We filed an exception contesting the Master’s Final Report with the Court of Chancery, which was denied. The award of attorneys’ fees and out-of-pocket costs was then paid by our Executive Liability and Organization Reimbursement Policy with National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA, ending the lawsuit.
13. EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS
Stock Option Agreements and Stock Option Plans
Prior to June 30, 2007, we adopted and the shareholders had approved various stock option plans covering 1.6 million shares of stock issued pursuant to such plans. We granted stock options to employees, directors and consultants pursuant to individual agreements or to our incentive and non-qualified stock option plans. In addition, from time to time, we issued, and in the future may issue additional non-qualified options pursuant to individual option agreements, the terms of which vary from case to case. We maintain records of option grants by year, exercise price, vesting schedule and grantee. In certain cases we estimated, based on all available information, the number of such options that were issued pursuant to each plan. The material terms of such option grants vary according to the discretion of the board of directors.
On July 19, 2007 the shareholders approved the adoption of our 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”). Subject to anti-dilution adjustments as provided in the 2007 Plan, (i) the 2007 Plan provides for a total of 16.1 million shares of our common stock to be available for distribution pursuant to the 2007 Plan, and (ii) the maximum number of shares of our common stock with respect to which stock options, restricted stock, deferred stock, or other stock-based awards may be granted to any participant under the 2007 Plan during any calendar year or part of a year may not exceed 0.6 million shares.
During fiscal 2010, there was a $32.2 thousand charge to earnings related to stock-option awards, and during fiscal 2009 there was an $8.0 thousand charge to earnings related to stock-option awards.
The table below summarizes plan and non-plan stock option activity for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2010 and 2009:
The weighted average fair value of options granted during the years ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 was $0.15 and $0.17, respectively.
The fair value of options at date of grant was estimated using the Black-Scholes model with the following assumptions:
2007 Stock Incentive Plan
At the July 19, 2007 annual meeting of shareholders ("Annual Meeting"), the shareholders of Gilman Ciocia, Inc., approved the adoption of our 2007 Plan.
The 2007 Plan provides that it will be administered by our Board of Directors (the "Board") or a committee of two or more members of the Board appointed by the Board (the "Committee"). The Board or the Committee will generally have the authority to administer the 2007 Plan, determine participants who will be granted awards under the 2007 Plan, the size and types of awards, the terms and conditions of awards and the form and content of the award agreements representing awards.
The 2007 Plan provides for the grant of any or all of the following types of awards: (a) common stock options, (b) restricted common stock, (c) deferred common stock and (d) other common stock-based awards. Awards may be granted singly, in combination, or in tandem. Subject to anti-dilution adjustments as provided in the 2007 Plan, (i) the 2007 Plan provides for a total of 16.1 million shares of our common stock to be available for distribution pursuant to the 2007 Plan, and (ii) the maximum number of shares of our common stock with respect to which stock options, restricted stock, deferred stock, or other stock-based awards may be granted to any participant under the 2007 Plan during any calendar year or part of a year may not exceed 0.6 million shares.
Awards under the 2007 Plan may be granted to employees, directors, consultants and advisors of the Company and its subsidiaries. However, only employees of the Company and its subsidiaries will be eligible to receive options that are designated as incentive stock options.
With respect to options granted under the 2007 Plan, the exercise price must be at least 100% (110% in the case of an incentive stock option granted to a ten percent shareholder within the meaning of Section 422(b)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) of the fair market value of the common stock subject to the award, determined as of the date of grant. Restricted stock awards are shares of common stock that are awarded subject to the satisfaction of the terms and conditions established by the administrator. In general, awards that do not require exercise may be made in exchange for such lawful consideration, including services, as determined by the administrator.
14. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
We maintain a 401(k) plan for the benefit of our eligible employees. We have not made any discretionary annual matching contributions.
15. RELATED PARTY DEBT AND TRANSACTIONS
(a) During fiscal 2007, Prime Partners loaned us an aggregate of $1.7 million at an interest rate of 10%. During fiscal 2007, we repaid $0.7 million to Prime Partners and as of June 30, 2007, we owed Prime Partners $2.8 million. Michael Ryan is a director, an officer and a significant shareholder of Prime Partners. On August 16, 2007, Prime Partners sold to Prime Partners II, LLC $1.5 million of the $2.8 million owed to it by the Company. Prime Partners II, LLC is a limited liability company. Michael Ryan is a significant member and a manager of Prime Partners II, LLC. On August 20, 2007, Prime Partners II, LLC converted the $1.5 million of our debt into 15.4 million shares of our common stock. As of June 30, 2008, we owed Prime Partners a total of $1.3 million in principal. A $1.0 million note to Prime Partners dated as of January 31, 2008 was due on June 30, 2008 (the “$1.0 Million Note”). On December 26, 2007, we entered into a promissory note in the amount of $0.3 million with Prime Partners for related party debt which was previously included in accrued expenses. The note pays interest at the rate of 10.0% per annum. The note is payable over 31 months and the first payment of approximately $11.0 thousand was paid in January 2008 and continues to be paid monthly.
(b) A trust, of which Mr. Finkelstein is the trustee (“the Trust”), made a short-term loan to Prime Partners for $0.3 million on July 18, 2006, which paid interest at 10% per annum. On October 16, 2006, the Trust made an additional short-term loan to Prime Partners for $0.2 million, which accrued interest at 10% per annum. As of June 30, 2008, Prime Partners owed the Trust $0.5 million in principal pursuant to a promissory note dated January 31, 2008 (the “Old Note”). As security for the total loan in the amount of $0.5 million, Prime Partners gave the Trust a security interest in the note related to the sale of two of our offices that we assigned to Prime Partners and a security interest in the notes that we owed to Prime Partners.
(c) As of September 1, 2008, Prime Partners assigned $0.5 million from the $1.0 Million Note to the Trust in payment of the Old Note. As of September 1, 2008, we entered into a new $0.5 million promissory note with Prime Partners at 10% interest to be paid in arrears through the end of the previous month on the 15th day of each month commencing on October 15, 2008 and principal due on or before July 1, 2009 (the “New Prime Partners Note”). The New Prime Partners Note was amended as of June 30, 2009 to extend the due date of principal to July 1, 2010. The New Prime Partners Note was again amended as of May 5, 2010 to extend the due date of principal to July 1, 2011. The New Prime Partners Note was again amended as of August 1, 2010 to provide for 42 monthly payments of $15,007.91 comprised of principal and interest at 10% on the 15th day of each month commencing on August 15, 2010 and ending on January 15, 2014. Up to and including June 30, 2011, in the event that we determine that we cannot make a payment on the monthly due date, we may defer the payment by sending written notice to Prime Partners. Any payment so deferred, shall be paid by adding each such deferred payment to the 42 month amortization schedule as an increased monthly payment commencing on August 15, 2011. In the event that we are in default on any of the promissory notes issued in our Regulation D Private Placement, within 30 days from written notice by us, Prime Partners shall repay to us all principal payments requested in the notice. This repayment obligation is secured by Prime Partner’s execution of a collateral assignment of a promissory note owed by Daniel R. Levy to Prime Partners dated January 23, 2004 in the original principal amount of $0.9 million and with a present outstanding principal balance of $0.4 million. There shall be no fees owed by us to Prime Partners for any late payments and no acceleration of the Prime Partners Note as a result of any late payments.
(d) As of September 1, 2008, we entered into a new $0.5 million promissory note with the Trust (the “New Trust Note”). The New Trust Note was amended on January 30, 2009. The New Trust Note provided for 10% interest to be paid in arrears through the end of the previous month on the 15th day of each month commencing on October 15, 2008. The principal of the New Trust Note was to be paid to the Trust as follows: $117.5 thousand on March 31, 2009, April 30, 2009, May 31, 2009 and June 30, 2009. On May 8, 2009 the New Trust Note was amended to extend the full principal payment of $0.5 million to June 30, 2009. The New Trust Note was again amended as of September 25, 2009 to extend the due dates of principal to be paid as follows: $120.0 thousand due on March 1, 2010 and $175.0 thousand due on April 1, 2010 and April 15, 2010. On November 30, 2009 the New Trust Note was again amended, increasing the principal by $0.1 million to $0.6 million. The additional $0.1 million was payable on demand by the Trust. On April 15, 2010, the $0.6 million New Trust Note was paid in full.
(e) On December 3, 2008, three trusts of which James Ciocia is a trustee, purchased an aggregate of $0.3 million of the Notes issued pursuant to the Offering in reliance upon the exemption from registration in Rule 506 of Regulation D. On August 19, 2009, these trusts purchased an additional $0.3 million of the Notes. The Notes with the three trusts were amended on April 19, 2010 extending the due date to July 1, 2011. See Note 11.
(f) On January 27, 2009, Carole Enisman, Executive Vice President of Operations purchased a $0.2 million Note of the $3.8 million of Notes. On November 24, 2009 Ms. Enisman purchased an additional $40.0 thousand Note and Michael Ryan, President and Chief Executive Officer purchased a $38.0 thousand Note of the $3.8 million Notes. The Notes with Ms. Enisman were amended on March 2, 2010 extending the due date to July 1, 2011. The Note with Mr. Ryan was amended on April 19, 2010 extending the due date to July 1, 2011. On See Note 11.
(g) On November 28, 2008 we issued a promissory note in the amount of $50.0 thousand to Ted Finkelstein, our Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. The note provides for 10.0% interest to be paid monthly with the principal balance to be paid before June 30, 2009. The promissory note was amended as of June 30, 2009 to extend the due date of principal to May 1, 2010. On May 4, 2010 the $50.0 thousand Finkelstein Note was paid in full.
Other Related Party Transactions
James Ciocia, our Chairman of the Board of Directors and a financial planner for the Company, receives commissions based on a variable percentage of his own business production and under which he received an aggregate of $0.5 million and $0.4 million in fiscal 2010 and 2009, respectively.
On October 30, 2008 Michael Ryan and Carole Enisman each purchased 250,000 Shares of our common stock at $0.10 per Share pursuant to the Offering in reliance upon the exemption afforded by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and Rule 506 of Regulation D. See Note 11.
16. TAXES ON INCOME
For fiscal years ended June 30, 2010 and June 30, 2009 there was no income taxes recorded in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
A valuation allowance has been established against the deferred tax assets as of June 30, 2010 and June 30, 2009.
Our net operating loss carry forwards (“NOL”) of $21.0 million at June 30, 2010 expire generally from 2022 to 2030. The ability to utilize net operating loss carryovers may be restricted based on Internal Revenue Code Section 382 “changes in ownership.”
A reconciliation of the federal statutory rate to the provision for income taxes is as follows:
Net deferred assets were comprised of the following:
17. EQUITY TRANSACTIONS
On October 2, 2009 we issued in the aggregate $30.0 thousand in common stock, or 499,998 shares to certain of our Board of Directors in consideration for services as director compensation pursuant to our 2007 Stock Incentive Plan.
On October 31, 2008 we commenced the Gilman Ciocia Common Stock and Promissory Note Offering, a private offering of our securities pursuant to SEC Regulation D (the “Offering”). The Offering was amended on December 8, 2008, September 3, 2009, December 16, 2009 and February 11, 2010. The securities offered for sale in the Offering, as amended are: $3.8 million of notes with interest at 10% (the “Notes”) and $0.4 million, or 3.5 million shares of our $0.01 par value common stock with a price of $0.10 per share (the “Shares”). As of June 30, 2010, $3.7 million of the Notes are outstanding and due July 1, 2011, $0.1 million are outstanding and due July 1, 2010 and $0.1 million, or 1.0 million shares, of our common stock were issued pursuant to the Offering.
On November 14, 2008 we issued 250,000 shares to VFinance for consulting services rendered in reliance upon the exemption afforded by Rule 506 of Regulation D.
18. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
As part of the Settlement Order, we agreed to pay civil penalties $450,000 and disgorgement of $1.00. Payment of the civil penalties by the Company shall be made in the following installments: $53,824 was to be paid within twenty (20) days of the issuance of the Settlement Order and was paid on March 29, 2010; $198,088 was to be paid within 180 days from the issuance of the Settlement Order; and $198,088 is to be paid within 364 days from the issuance of the Settlement Order, with post-judgment interest due on the second and third installments. $100,000 of the second installment was paid on September 15, 2010 with the balance of $98,088 paid on October 12, 2010. The late payment has resulted in the SEC accelerating the third installment, which has not yet been paid. See Note 12.
On June 25, 2010, the Administrative Law Judge issued an Initial Decision concerning Ryan, Rudden and the Representatives. The Administrative Law Judge ordered that Ryan and Rudden each pay a civil money penalty of $65,000. On August 11, 2010, our Board of Directors adopted a resolution agreeing to indemnify Ryan and Rudden for the $65,000 civil money penalties. See Note 12.
The New Prime Partners Note in the amount of $0.5 million was amended as of May 5, 2010 to extend the due date of principal to July 1, 2011. The New Prime Partners Note was again amended as of August 1, 2010 to provide for 42 monthly payments of $15,007.91 comprised of principal and interest at 10% on the 15th day of each month commencing on August 15, 2010 and ending on January 15, 2014. See Note 15.