SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2007

OR

 TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission file number 1-9305

 

STIFEL FINANCIAL CORP.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE

43-1273600

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

501 N. Broadway, St. Louis, Missouri

63102-2188

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code

314-342-2000

__________________________________________________________________

(Former name, former address, and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of "accelerated filer and large accelerated filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.(Check one):Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer x Non-accelerated filer ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x

As of April 30, 2007, there were 14,951,920 shares of Stifel Financial Corp. common stock, par value $0.15, outstanding.

Page 1


Stifel Financial Corp.
Form 10-Q Index

March 31, 2007

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

PAGE

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition --
March 31, 2007 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2006 (Audited)

3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) --
Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006

4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) --
Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006

5

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

6 - 18

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

19 - 32

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

32

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

32

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings

33

Item 1A. Risk Factors

33

Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

33

Item 6.     Exhibits

34

Signatures

35

Page 2


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

STIFEL FINANCIAL CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
(In thousands, except par values and share amounts)

March 31, 2007

December 31, 2006

(Unaudited)

(Audited)

ASSETS

   

Cash and cash equivalents

$ 27,324

$ 20,982

Cash segregated under federal and other regulations

134

18

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

149,308

156,145

Receivables from brokers and dealers:

   

          Securities failed to deliver

22,755

36,232

           Deposits paid for securities borrowed

48,595

35,646

           Clearing organizations

72,195

62,342

 

143,545

134,220

Receivables from customers, net of allowance for doubtful
     receivables of $284 and $307, respectively

281,982

274,269

     

Securities owned, at fair value

284,961

80,587

Securities owned and pledged, at fair value

228,444

250,432

 

513,405

331,019

Investments

73,175

49,465

Membership in exchanges

168

168

Office equipment and leasehold improvements, at cost, net of allowances for
     depreciation and amortization of $32,345 and $30,713, respectively

27,144

14,353

Goodwill

53,303

15,861

Intangible assets, net of allowances for amortization of $1,913 and $1,608, respectively

6,234

5,842

Loans and advances to financial advisors and other employees, net of
     allowance for doubtful receivables from former employees of $1,515 and $687,            respectively

47,842

24,517

Deferred tax asset

25,153

8,988

Other assets

78,690

48,927

Total Assets

$1,427,407

$1,084,774

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

   

Liabilities

   

Short-term borrowings from banks

$ 207,400

$ 195,600

Drafts payable

26,621

34,900

Payables to brokers and dealers:

   

Securities failed to receive

23,001

12,973

Deposits received from securities loaned

104,458

86,018

Clearing organizations

26,771

10,778

 

154,230

109,769

Payables to customers

82,427

128,676

Securities sold, but not yet purchased, at fair value

326,045

203,376

Accrued employee compensation

78,453

61,862

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

76,245

31,947

Debenture to Stifel Financial Capital Trust I

34,500

34,500

Debenture to Stifel Financial Capital Trust II

35,000

35,000

Debenture to Stifel Financial Capital Trust III

35,000

- - 

Long term debt

750

- -

Other

24,598

24,598

1,081,269

860,228

Liabilities subordinated to claims of general creditors

3,497

4,281

Stockholders' Equity

   

Preferred stock -- $1 par value; authorized 3,000,000 shares; none issued

- -

- -

Common stock -- $0.15 par value; authorized 30,000,000 shares;
      issued 14,955,132 and 12,025,404 shares respectively

2,243

1,804

Additional paid-in capital

239,221

125,165

Retained earnings

103,563

94,651

 

345,027

221,620

Less:

   

Treasury stock, at cost, 23,554 and 0 shares, respectively

1,083

- -

Unearned employee stock ownership plan shares, at cost, 135,573 and 140,995 shares, respectively

1,303

1,355

Total Stockholders' Equity

342,641

220,265

Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

$1,427,407

$1,084,774

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).

Page 3


STIFEL FINANCIAL CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

2007

2006

REVENUES

   

Commissions

$ 61,376

$ 49,309

Principal transactions

26,566

20,509

Investment banking

43,066

15,729

Asset management and service fees

19,373

13,498

Interest

10,700

7,191

Other

1,417

7,358

     Total revenues

162,498

113,594

Less: Interest expense

5,537

4,063

     Net revenues

156,961

109,531

     

NON-INTEREST EXPENSES

   

Employee compensation and benefits

110,834

86,694

Occupancy and equipment rental

10,608

7,495

Communications and office supplies

8,094

6,413

Commissions and floor brokerage

1,615

1,267

Other operating expenses

10,993

6,879

     Total non-interest expenses

142,144

108,748

     Income before income taxes

14,817

783

Provision for income taxes

5,988

307

     Net income

$ 8,829

$ 476

     

Earnings per share:

   

     Basic

$ 0.67

$ 0.04

     Diluted

$ 0.58

$ 0.04

Weighted average common
equivalent shares outstanding:

   

     Basic

13,107

11,254

     Diluted

15,315

13,422

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).

Page 4


STIFEL FINANCIAL CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)(In thousands)

Three Months Ended

 

March 31, 2007

March 31, 2006

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net income

$ 8,829

$ 476 

Non-cash items included in net income:

   

Depreciation and amortization

1,626

730 

Loans and advances amortization

2,349

1,383 

Gains on investments

(940)

(6,759)

Deferred taxes and other

(1,194)

2,166 

Excess tax benefit associated with stock based awards

(7,319)

(9,448)

Compensation related to the private placement

- -

9,751 

Stock based compensation

9,152

6,305 

 

12,503

4,604 

Decrease (increase) in assets:

   

Operating receivables

(17,036)

19,873 

Cash segregated under federal and other regulations

(19)

- - 

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

6,836

5,092 

Securities owned, including those pledged

(68,494)

(87,550)

Loans and advances to financial advisors and other employees

(7,560)

(1,624)

Other assets

(7,968)

32,604 

Increase (decrease) in liabilities:

   

Operating payables

(21,239)

55,047 

Securities sold, but not yet purchased

62,843

54,677 

Drafts payable, accrued employee compensation, and accounts   payable and accrued expenses

(25,124)

(59,155)

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

(65,258)

23,568 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

   

Proceeds from sale or maturity of other investments

9,757

14,153 

Payments for:

   

Purchase of Ryan Beck

3,545

- - 

Purchase of MJSK

(110)

- - 

Purchase of office equipment and leasehold improvements

(4,910)

(1,080)

Purchase of investments

(10,148)

(12,595)

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

(1,866)

478 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

   

Short-term borrowings, net

11,800

(72,900) 

Securities loaned, net

19,452

18,248  

Excess tax benefit associated with stock based awards

7,319

9,448  

Reissuance of treasury stock

   

Issuance of stock

872

748  

Issuance of debentures to Stifel Financial Capital Trust III

35,000

- - 

Proceeds from private placement

100

26,306  

Issuance of long term debt

750

- -  

Payments for:

   

Purchase of stock for treasury

(1,107)

(5) 

Reduction of subordinated debt

(720)

- -

Cash Flows From Financing Activities

73,466

(18,155) 

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

6,342

5,891 

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period

20,982

12,529 

Cash and Cash Equivalents - end of period

$ 27,324

$ 18,420 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

   

     Income tax payments

$ 182

$ 737 

     Interest payments

$ 4,906

$ 4,352 

Schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:

   

     Employee stock ownership plan

$ 52

$ 52 

     Stock units, net of forfeitures

$ 13,746

$ 72,209 

     Ryan Beck purchase-stock and warrants

$ 111,059

$ - - 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).

Page 5


STIFEL FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

NOTE A - REPORTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Stifel Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the "Company"). The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2007. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. On February 28, 2007, the Company closed on the acquisition of Ryan Beck Holdings, Inc. and its wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary Ryan Beck & Company, Inc. ("Ryan Beck"). Ryan Beck's results of operations have been included in the Company's financial statements prospectively beginning on the date of acquisition.

The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Management considers its significant estimates, which are most susceptible to change and impacted significantly by judgments, assumptions and estimates, to be: the fair value of investments; the accrual for litigation; the allowance for doubtful receivables from loans and advances to financial advisors and other employees; the fair value of goodwill and intangible assets; and interim incentive compensation accruals. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Comprehensive Income

The Company's comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 was equal to the Company's net income.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation plans under the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 123 (revised 2004) Share-Based Payment, ("SFAS No. 123R"), which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors based on estimated fair values. The Company adopted SFAS No. 123R on January 1, 2006 using the modified prospective application. Under this method, SFAS No. 123R applies to new awards and to awards outstanding on the effective date as well as those that are subsequently modified or cancelled. Compensation expense for outstanding awards for which the requisite service had not been rendered as of the effective date will be recognized over the remaining service period using the compensation cost calculated for pro forma disclosure purposes under SFAS No. 123 Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation ("SFAS No. 123"). Additionally, SFAS No. 123R amended SFAS No. 95, Statement of Cash Flows, to require the excess tax benefits to be reported as a financing cash inflow rather than a reduction of taxes paid, which is included within operating cash flows.

Page 6


Fair Value of Warrant Liability

The Company accounts for the stock warrants issued in the Ryan Beck acquisition in accordance with the guidance provided by Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") 00-19, Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed to and Potentially Settled in, a Company's Own Stock. Accordingly, the warrants were determined to be a liability recorded at fair value of $8,530 as of the date of acquisition. Changes in the fair value as determined using the Black Scholes valuation model are included in "other operating expenses" in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The estimated fair value of the warrants as of March 31, 2007 was $9,618, which includes a change in fair value from the date of acquisition to March 31, 2007 of $1,088. If the Company does not obtain shareholder approval by June 30, 2007, the Company will pay $20,000 in cash in lieu of warrants. See further discussion at Note D - Acquisitions.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 ("FIN 48"). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a Company's financial statements and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The Interpretation also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. The adoption of FIN 48 in the first quarter of 2007 did not have a material impact on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note J - Income Taxes for further discussion.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements ("SFAS No. 157"). SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurement. This statement applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements and does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for the fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently assessing the impact that SFAS No. 157 will have on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In December 2006, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position EITF 00-19-2, Accounting for Registration Payment Arrangements ("FSP EITF 00-19-2") which provides guidance on the accounting for registration payment arrangements. FSP EITF 00-19-2 specifies that the contingent obligation to make future payments or otherwise transfer consideration under a registration payment arrangement, whether issued as a separate agreement or included as a provision of a financial instrument or other agreement, should be separately recognized and measured in accordance with FASB Statement No. 5, "Accounting for Contingencies." A registration payment arrangement is defined in FSP EITF 00-19-2 as an arrangement with both of the following characteristics: (1) the arrangement specifies that the issuer will endeavor (a) to file a registration statement for the resale of specified financial instruments and/or for the resale of equity shares that are issuable upon exercise or conversion of specified financial instruments and for that registration statement to be declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission within a specified grace period, and/or (b) to maintain the effectiveness of the registration statement for a specified period of time (or in perpetuity); and (2) the arrangement requires the issuer to transfer consideration to the counterparty if the registration statement for the resale of the financial instrument or instruments subject to the arrangement is not declared effective or if effectiveness of the registration statement is not maintained. FSP EITF 00-19-2 is effective for registration payment arrangements and the financial instruments subject to those arrangements that are entered into or modified subsequent to December 21, 2006. For registration payment arrangements and financial instruments subject to those arrangements that were entered into prior to the issuance of FSP EITF 00-19-2, this guidance shall be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of FSP EITF 00-19-2 did not have a material impact on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 ("SFAS No. 159"). SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose, at specified election dates, to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. A business entity shall report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS No. 159 is effective as of the beginning of an entity's first fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2007. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of a fiscal year that begins on or before November 15, 2007, provided the entity also elects to apply the provisions of SFAS No. 157. The choice to adopt early should be made after issuance of this Statement but within 120 days of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption, provided the entity has not yet issued financial statements, including notes to those financial statements, for any interim period of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company is evaluating the impact that the adoption of SFAS No. 159 will have, if any, on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Page 7


NOTE B - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

The Company has four incentive stock award plans. Under the Company's 1997 and 2001 Incentive Stock Plans, the Company may grant incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance awards, and stock units up to an aggregate of 8,748,659 shares. Options under these plans are generally granted at market value at the date of the grant and expire ten years from the date of grant. The options generally vest ratably over a three- to five-year vesting period. The Company has also granted stock options to external board members under a non-qualified plan and the "Equity Incentive Plan for Non-Employee Directors." Under the Equity Incentive Plan for Non-Employee Directors, the Company may grant stock options and stock units up to 200,000 shares. The exercise price of the option is equal to market value at the date of the grant and are exercisable six months to one year from date of grant and expire ten years from date of grant. Under the Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated Wealth Accumulation Plan ("SWAP"), a deferred compensation plan for Financial advisors, the Company authorized 933,333 stock units to be granted under the plan.

Stock Units

A stock unit represents the right to receive a share of common stock from the Company at a designated time in the future without cash payment by the employee and is issued in lieu of cash incentive. A deferred compensation plan is provided to certain revenue producers, officers, and key administrative employees, whereby a certain percentage of their incentive compensation is deferred as defined by the plan into Company stock units with a 25% matching contribution by the Company. Participants may elect to defer up to an additional 15% of their incentive compensation with a 25% matching contribution by the Company. Units generally vest over a three- to five-year period and are distributable upon vesting or at future specified dates. Deferred compensation costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.

During the three-month period ended March 31, 2007, the Company granted 304,283 units at an average value of $46.33 per unit and converted 484,254 units into common stock.

Page 8


A summary of the Company's stock units as of March 31, 2007 and changes during the three-month period is presented below:

Stock Units

Shares

Average Grant
Price

Outstanding at beginning of period

3,780,500

 

Granted

304,283

$ 46.33

Converted

(484,254)

 

Cancelled

(5,238)

 

Outstanding at end of period

3,595,291

 

On January 2, 2006, the Company granted 1,807,610 restricted stock units to key associates of the Legg Mason Capital Markets business ("LM Capital Markets"). The units were granted in accordance with the Company's 2001 incentive stock award plan as amended with a grant date fair value of $37.59 per unit. The units vest ratably over a three year period, and accordingly, the Company incurred compensation expense of $5,457 and $5,521 in the first quarter of 2007 and 2006 respectively.

The total compensation cost recognized for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2007 and March 31, 2006 was $9,532 and $8,296, respectively. The total tax benefit for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2007 and March 31, 2006 related thereto was $5,989 and $8,507, respectively.

Stock Option/Incentive Award Plans

A summary of option activity under the Company's stock option plans as of March 31, 2007 and changes during the three-month period is presented below:

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 





Weighted
Average
Exercise Price



Weighted
Average
Remaining Contractual Term





Aggregate Intrinsic Value





Options

Shares

Outstanding at beginning of year

1,512,674

$ 10.92

   

Granted

- -

- -

   

Exercised

(95,880)

$ 9.10

   

Cancelled

- -

- -

   

Outstanding at end of period

1,416,794

$ 11.05

4.3

$ 47,112

Options exercisable

1,210,342

$ 9.15

3.7

$ 42,540

For the three months ended March 31, 2007, no options were granted. For the three months ended March 31, 2006, the weighted-average fair value of each option award was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model that used the following weighted-average assumptions: dividend yield of 0.00%; expected volatility of 34.7%; risk-free interest rates of 4.71%; and expected lives of 5.37 years. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the three-month period ended March 31, 2006 was $10.51.

The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The expected life (estimated period of time outstanding) of options granted was estimated using the historical exercise behavior of employees. The expected volatility was based on historical volatility for a period equal to the stock option's expected life.

Page 9


 

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2007 and March 31, 2006 was $4,162 and $2,401, respectively.

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at March 31, 2007:

 

Options Outstanding

Options Exercisable

Range of Exercise Price

Number Outstanding

Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life

Weighted-Average Exercise Price

Number Exercisable

Weighted-Average Exercise Price

$4.70 - $7.46

218,449

1.94

$ 7.12

218,449

$ 7.12

7.60 - 7.83

283,431

4.10

7.81

283,431

7.81

7.86 - 8.25

222,506

2.71

8.09

222,506

8.09

8.29 - 8.69

228,983

5.22

8.56

193,399

8.56

8.70 - 11.48

208,398

3.17

9.64

182,688

9.63

13.89 - 37.59

210,227

7.56

20.75

108,469

18.82

38.25 - 39.23

44,800

9.58

39.06

1,400

38.25

$4.70 - $39.23

1,416,794

4.28

$ 11.05

1,210,342

$ 9.15

As of March 31, 2007, there was $1,534 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested option awards. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.08 years. The total fair value of shares vested during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2007 and March 31, 2006 was $3,142 and $245, respectively.

The total compensation cost recognized for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2007 and March 31, 2006 was $135 and $162, respectively. The total tax benefit related thereto was $1,329 and $942, respectively. The Company received $872 and $748 cash from the exercise of stock options during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2007 and March 31, 2006, respectively.

NOTE C - NET CAPITAL REQUIREMENT

As broker-dealers, the Company's subsidiaries, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated ("SN & Co."), Ryan Beck, and Century Securities Associates, Inc. ("CSA") are subject to the Uniform Net Capital Rule, Rule 15c3-1 under the Exchange Act (the "Rule"), which provides that a broker-dealer doing business with the public shall not permit its net aggregate indebtedness (as defined) to exceed 15 times its net capital (as defined) or, alternatively, that its net capital shall not be less than $1,000 or 2% of aggregate debit balances, as defined (primarily receivables from customers and broker-dealers). SN & Co. has elected to use the alternative method permitted by the Rule, while Ryan Beck and CSA compute their net capital under the aggregate indebtedness method. The Rule also provides that equity capital may not be withdrawn or cash dividends paid if resulting net capital would be less than 5% of aggregate debit items. CSA is also subject to minimum capital requirements that may restrict the payment of cash dividends and advances to the Company. CSA has consistently operated in excess of their capital adequacy requirements. The only restriction with regard to the payment of cash dividends by the Company is its ability to obtain cash through dividends and advances from its subsidiaries, if needed.

At March 31, 2007, SN & Co. had net capital of $129,641, which was 40.54% of its aggregate debit items, and $123,245 in excess of the minimum required net capital. Ryan Beck had net capital of $20,383, which was $19,383 in excess of minimum required net capital, and CSA had net capital of $1,455, which was $1,200 in excess of minimum required net capital.

Page 10


The Company's international subsidiary, Stifel Nicolaus Limited ("SN Ltd"), is subject to the regulatory supervision and requirements of the Financial Services Authority ("FSA") in the United Kingdom. At March 31, 2007, SN Ltd had capital and reserves of $8,367, which was $4,536 in excess of the financial resources requirement under the rules of the FSA.

NOTE D - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company and its subsidiaries are named in and subject to various proceedings and claims arising primarily from its securities business activities, including lawsuits, arbitration claims and regulatory matters. Some of these claims seek substantial or indeterminate damages, and regulatory investigations can result in substantial fines and penalties. Through counsel, the Company has asserted what it believes to be meritorious defenses in all significant litigation, arbitration and regulatory matters pending or threatened against the Company. Management, based on its understanding of the facts and after consultation with counsel, estimates and appropriately records loss reserves that are believed to be reasonable. While the ultimate outcome of pending litigation, claims and regulatory matters cannot be predicted with certainty, based upon information currently known, management believes that resolution of all such matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition of the Company. However, there can be no assurances that the ultimate resolution of these proceedings and claims will not exceed the estimated loss reserves as determined by management, and the outcome and timing of any particular matter may be material to the operating results for any particular period depending on the operating results for that period.

NOTE E - ACQUISITIONS

On February 28, 2007, the Company closed on the acquisition of Ryan Beck Holdings, Inc. and its wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary Ryan Beck & Company, Inc. ("Ryan Beck") from BankAtlantic Bancorp, Inc. The acquisition was made to extend our geographic reach to the Mid-Atlantic region and to leverage the capabilities of the Company's capital markets business, strong research platforms, and technology and operations infrastructure. Ryan Beck will continue to operate as a separate broker-dealer until after all existing branches of Ryan Beck are converted to Stifel Nicolaus. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company paid initial consideration of approximately $2,653 in cash and issued 2,467,600 shares of Company common stock valued at $41.55 per share which was the five day average closing price of Company common stock for the two days prior to, the day of, and two days subsequent to January 9, 2007, the date the negotiations regarding the principal financial terms were substantially completed, for a total initial consideration of approximately $105,182. The cash portion of the purchase price was funded from cash generated from operations. In addition, the Company will issue five-year immediately exercisable warrants to purchase up to 500,000 shares of Company common stock at an exercise price of $36.00 per share, pending shareholder approval. The estimated value of the warrants on date of announcement using the Black-Scholes pricing model was $8,530.

Page 11


In addition, a contingent earn-out payment is payable based on defined revenues attributable to specified individuals in Ryan Beck's existing private client division over the two-year period following closing. This earn-out is capped at $40,000. A second contingent payment is payable based on defined revenues attributable to specified individuals in Ryan Beck's existing investment banking division. The investment banking earn-out is equal to 25% of the amount of investment banking fees over $25,000 for each of the next two years. Each of the contingent earn-out payments is payable, at the Company's election, in cash or common stock. The Company has filed a preliminary proxy statement which seeks approval of the warrants and the issuance of up to 1,000,000 additional shares of Company common stock for the payment of potential earn-out consideration. If shareholder approval is not obtained by June 30, 2007, the Company will pay $20,000 cash in lieu of the warrants and will make any earn-out payments in cash.

Ryan Beck's results of operations have been included in the Company's financial statements prospectively beginning on the date of acquisition. The following unaudited pro forma financial data assumes the acquisition had occurred at the beginning of each period presented. Such results have been prepared by adjusting the historical Company results to include Ryan Beck's results of operations including amortization of the loans and restricted stock units issued in the establishment of the retention program and additional amortization for restricted stock issued as deferred compensation. The pro form results do not include any future cost savings related to the elimination of clearing fees and redundant corporate overhead expenses. The pro forma results may not necessarily reflect the consolidated operations that would have existed had the acquisition been completed at the beginning of such periods nor are they necessarily indicative of future results.

(in thousands, except per share data)

Three Months Ended

 

March 31, 2007

March 31, 2006

Total revenues

$ 193,668

$ 166,710 

Net income

$ 4,460

$ (2,322)

Basic earnings per share

$ 0.34

$ (0.19)

Diluted earnings per share

$ 0.29

$ (0.19)

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

13,107

12,180 

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

15,315

12,180 

In addition to the transaction consideration described above, the Company agreed: i) to establish a retention program for certain associates of Ryan Beck valued at approximately $45,191, consisting of $24,423 employee loans paid in cash and $20,768 of Company restricted stock units ("Units") using a share price of $47.65, the price on the date of closing; and ii) to issue Units valued at approximately $10,418 using a share price of $47.65, the price on the date of closing, in exchange for Ryan Beck Appreciation Units related to the Ryan Beck deferred compensation plan. The Company is seeking shareholder approval for the Stifel Financial 2007 Incentive Stock Plan from which the above units will be issued. The effects of these transactions which are expected to occur in the second quarter of 2007 are included in the pro forma results above.

The following reflects the estimated assets and liabilities acquired by the Company in the Ryan Beck acquisition. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired has been reflected as goodwill. Such estimated asset and liability amounts are based on preliminary valuation information. The final allocation of the purchase price on the Company's consolidated financial statements may differ from that reflected herein as a result of i) completion of the valuation study required to finalize the purchase price allocation, which may ultimately result in a portion of the purchase price allocation being allocated to identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization and/or a change in the fair value associated with the loans and advances to financial advisors and other employees and ii) final resolution of contingent consideration for this acquisition. Management believes that the foregoing will not result in material changes to the consolidated financial statements.

Page 12


($'s in thousands)

Cash

$ 6,198

Cash segregated under federal and other regulations

97

Receivables from customers

3

Securities owned, at fair value

113,891

Office equipment and leasehold improvements

9,458

Goodwill

37,332

Intangible assets-backlog

348

Loans and advances to financial advisors and other employees

18,114

Deferred tax asset

14,442

Other assets

37,219

        Total assets acquired

237,102

Securities sold, but not yet purchased, at fair value

59,826

Accrued employee compensation

42,866

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

20,698

Total liabilities assumed

123,390

        Net assets acquired

$113,712

 

The goodwill of $37,332 was assigned to Private Client Group, Equity Capital Markets and Fixed Income Capital Markets in the amounts of $32,478, $2,987, and $1,867, respectively. The total amount of goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.

On December 5, 2006, the Company closed on the acquisition of the private client business and purchased certain assets and assumed certain lease obligations of Miller Johnson Steichen and Kinnard ("MJSK"), a privately held broker dealer. Under the terms of the agreement the Company paid $7,780 in cash. In addition the Company paid $440 for transfer and legal fees. Eighty-four former employees of MJSK became employees of the Company on December 5, 2006. The acquisition was made to continue to grow the Company's Private Client Group business. In addition, in January 2007, Stifel Nicolaus issued approximately $4,133 in upfront notes and approximately $493 in Company restricted stock units to certain financial advisors. The summary of the fair values of the net assets acquired as of December 5, 2006 is as follows: Customer list of $2,296, goodwill of $4,956, non-compete agreements of $734 and fixed assets of $344. The customer list will be amortized over a ten-year period and the non-compete agreements will be amortized over a five-year period. The goodwill and intangible assets of $7,985 were assigned to Private Client.

Supplemental pro forma information is not presented because the acquisition is not considered to be material. The results of operations of MJSK are included in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations from the date of acquisition.

Page 13


NOTE F - GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The carrying amount of goodwill and intangible assets attributable to each of the Company's reportable segments is presented in the following table:



(in thousands)

Private
Client
Group

Equity
Capital
Markets

Fixed Income Capital Markets



Total

Goodwill

       

Balance at December 31, 2006

$5,300

$7,741

$2,820

$15,861

Acquisitions/Purchase price adjustments

32,588

2,987

1,867

37,442

Impairment losses

- -

- -

- -

- -

Balance at March 31, 2007

37,888

10,728

4,687

53,303

Intangible Assets

       

Balance at December 31, 2006

3,288

2,135

419

5,842

Net Additions

- -

698

- -

698

Amortization of intangible assets

(141)

(157)

(8)

(306)

Impairment losses

- -

- -

- -

- -

Balance at March 31, 2007

3,147

2,676

411

6,234

Total Goodwill and intangible assets

$41,035

$13,404

$5,098

$59,537

Intangible assets consist of acquired customer lists and non-compete agreements that are amortized to expense over their contractual or determined useful lives. The gross and accumulated amortization balances of intangibles are as follows:

 

March 31, 2007

December 31, 2006



(in thousands)

Gross Carrying Amount


Accumulated Amortization



Net

Gross Carrying Amount


Accumulated Amortization



Net

Amortized intangible assets

           

     Customer lists

$ 5,914

$ 1,169

$4,745

$ 5,914

$ 1,022

$ 4,892

Backlog

348

- -

348

- -

- -

- -

     Non-compete agreements

1,886

745

1,141

1,536

586

950

Total amortized intangible assets

$ 8,148

$ 1,914

$ 6,234

$ 7,450

$ 1,608

$ 5,842

             

As of March 31, 2007, the Company has not finalized the purchase price allocation related to the acquisition of Ryan Beck on February 28, 2007. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired has been reflected as goodwill. The final valuation may ultimately result in a portion of the purchase price allocation being allocated to identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization.

Aggregate amortization expense related to intangible assets was $306 and $205 for the three months ending March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Estimated annual amortization expense for the next five years is: 2007 - $1,178; 2008 - $1,119; 2009 - $670; 2010 - $582; 2011 - $519; and 2012-$380.

Page 14


NOTE G - DEBENTURE TO STIFEL FINANCIAL CAPITAL TRUST III

On March 30, 2007, the Company completed its private placement of $35,000 of 6.79% Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities. The Preferred Securities were offered by Stifel Financial Capital Trust III ("the Trust"), a non-consolidated wholly-owned Delaware business trust subsidiary of the Company. The Trust Preferred Securities mature on June 06, 2037, but may be redeemed by the Company and in turn, the Trust would call the debenture beginning June 06, 2012. The Trust requires quarterly distributions of interest to the holder of the Trust Preferred Securities. Distributions will be payable quarterly in arrears at a fixed interest rate equal to 6.79% per annum from the issue date to June 06, 2012 and then will be payable at a floating interest rate equal to three-month London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus 1.85% per annum. The trust preferred securities represent an indirect interest in a junior subordinated debenture purchased from the Company by the Trust. The debenture bears the same terms as the trust preferred securities and is presented as "Debentures to Stifel Financial Capital Trust III" in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

NOTE H - SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company's reportable segments include the Private Client Group, Equity Capital Markets, Fixed Income Capital Markets, and Other. The Private Client Group segment includes branch offices and independent contractor offices of the Company's broker-dealer subsidiaries located throughout the U.S., primarily in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. These branches provide securities brokerage services, including the sale of equities, mutual funds, fixed income products, and insurance, to their private clients. The Equity Capital Markets segment includes corporate finance management and participation in underwritings (exclusive of sales credits, which are included in the Private Client Group segment), mergers and acquisitions, institutional sales, trading, research, and market making. The Fixed Income Capital Markets segment includes public finance, institutional sales and competitive underwriting, and trading. The "Other" segment includes clearing revenue, interest income from stock borrow activities, unallocated interest expense, interest income and gains and losses from investments held, and all unallocated overhead cost associated with the execution of orders; processing of securities transactions; custody of client securities; receipt, identification, and delivery of funds and securities; compliance with regulatory and legal requirements; internal financial accounting and controls; acquisition charges related to the LM Capital Markets and the Ryan Beck acquisitions, and general administration.

Intersegment net revenues and charges are eliminated between segments. The Company evaluates the performance of its segments and allocates resources to them based on various factors, including prospects for growth, return on investment, and return on revenues.

Page 15


Information concerning operations in these segments of business is as follows:

(in thousands)

Three Months Ended

March 31,

Net Revenues

2007

2006

Private Client Group

$ 85,527

$ 55,684

Equity Capital Markets

52,530

33,798

Fixed Income Capital Markets

14,615

11,875

Other

4,289

8,174

      Total Net Revenues

$ 156,961

$ 109,531

Operating Contribution

   

Private Client Group

$ 18,091

$ 12,914

Equity Capital Markets

13,418

7,100

Fixed Income Capital Markets

1,887

1,675

Other/ Unallocated Overhead

(18,579)

(20,906)

     Income before income taxes

$ 14,817

$ 783

Information regarding net revenue by geographic area is as follows:

(in thousands)

Three Months Ended

March 31,

Net Revenues

2007

2006

United States

$ 150,489

$ 105,651

United Kingdom

3,467

2,679

Other European

3,005

1,201

Total Net Revenues

$ 156,961

$ 109,531

Our foreign operations are conducted through our wholly-owned subsidiary, SN Ltd. Net revenues in the preceding table are attributable to the country or territory in which our subsidiaries are located.

NOTE I - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE ("EPS")

The Company has an ongoing authorization, as amended, from the Board of Directors to repurchase its common stock in the open market or in negotiated transactions in order to meet obligations under the Company's employee benefit plans and for general corporate purposes. In May 2005, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional 2,000,000 shares, for a total authorization to repurchase up to 3,000,000 shares. During the first three months of 2007, the Company repurchased 24,294 shares of its common stock, at an average price of $45.99 per share. The Company reissued 499 shares of common stock and issued 462,128 new shares for its employee benefit plans in the first three months of 2007.

As partial consideration of the purchase price of Ryan Beck, the Company issued 2,467,600 shares of Company common stock valued at $41.55 per share and will issue five-year immediately exercisable warrants to purchase up to 500,000 shares of Company common stock at an exercise price of $36.00 per share, pending shareholder approval. If shareholder approval is not obtained by June 30, 2007, the Company will pay $20,000 cash in lieu of warrants. The estimated value of the warrants on date of announcement using the Black-Scholes pricing model was approximately $8,530. At March 31, 2007, the estimated value of these warrants was $9,618. The Company has filed a preliminary proxy statement which seeks approval from the holders of its shares of common stock to increase the number of shares of Company common stock available for the Ryan Beck retention program, as well as for the warrants and the contingent earn-out payments, in the event the Company elects to make the contingent earn-out payments in shares of its common stock. See further discussion of the Ryan Beck acquisition at Note E - Acquisitions.

Page 16


Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the entity. Diluted EPS includes dilutive stock options and stock units under the treasury stock method.

The components of the basic and diluted EPS calculations for the three months ended March 31 are as follows:

Three Months Ended
March 31,

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

2007

2006

Income Available to Common Stockholders

   

Net Income

$ 8,829

$ 476

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

   

Basic Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

13,107

11,254

Effect of dilutive securities from employee benefit plans

2,208

2,168

Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

15,315

13,422

Basic Earnings per share

$ 0.67

$ 0.04

Diluted Earnings per share

$ 0.58

$ 0.04

NOTE J - INCOME TAXES

On July 13, 2006, the FASB issued FIN 48 which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an entity's financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attributes for financial statement disclosure of tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return. Under FIN 48, the impact of an uncertain income tax position on the income tax return must be recognized at the largest amount that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant taxing authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained. Additionally, FIN 48 provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006.

The Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of the date of adoption, after recognition of the cumulative change, was $3,626 including interest and penalties. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, the Company recognized a $138 increase in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits (including interest and penalties), which was accounted for as an $83 increase to the January 1, 2007 balance of retained earnings and a $221 increase in net deferred tax assets.

Included in the balance of January 1, 2007, are $2,849 of tax positions that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. Also included in the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of the date of adoption are $777 of tax benefits that, if recognized, would result in adjustment to other tax accounts, primarily deferred taxes.

Page 17


The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in the tax provision. Upon adoption of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007, the Company had an accrual for interest and penalties of $627.

The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change within 12 months of the date of adoption by a decrease in an amount ranging from $586 to $701 related to the anticipated filing of amended returns. This change would not affect the annual effective tax for 2007.

The Company is subject to taxation in the US and various states and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to US federal tax examinations for years before 2004. With few exceptions, state, local and foreign examinations by tax authorities remain open for years after 2001.

NOTE K - IMPACT OF THE NYSE/ARCHIPELAGO MERGER

On March 7, 2006, the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") and Archipelago Holdings Inc. ("Archipelago") completed the combination of their businesses through a series of mergers into a new holding company, NYSE Group, Inc. ("NYSE Group"). Shares of NYSE Group common stock were listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol "NYX" and commenced trading on March 8, 2006. As a result of the merger, the Company received $371 in cash and 80,177 shares of NYSE Group common stock for its NYSE seat membership. The shares are subject to certain transfer restrictions that expire ratably over a three-year period, unless the NYSE Group board of directors elects to remove or reduce the restrictions. As a result of the closing, the Company recorded a gain of $5,071 which was included in "other revenues" in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ending March 31, 2006. The gain was impacted by a valuation adjustment for the transfer restrictions on the shares received. Subsequent gains and losses will be recorded as the share price of NYSE Group stock fluctuates and the transfer restrictions lapse.

NOTE L - SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On April 2, 2007, the Company completed its acquisition of First Service Financial Company, a Missouri corporation ("First Service"), and its wholly-owned subsidiary FirstService Bank, a Missouri bank, by means of the merger (the "Merger") of First Service with and into FSFC Acquisiton Co. ("AcquisitionCo"), a Missouri corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Stifel, with AcquisitionCo surviving the Merger.

The total consideration paid by Stifel in the Merger for all of the outstanding shares of First Service was approximately $37,900 million cash; of this amount, approximately $990 has been deposited into escrow pending satisfaction of certain contingencies provided for in an escrow agreement among Stifel, First Service, AcquisitionCo, UMB Bank, N.A., as escrow agent, and the shareholders' committee specified in the escrow agreement.

Upon consummation of the Merger, Stifel became a bank holding company and a "financial holding company," subject to the supervision and regulation of The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Also, FirstService Bank has converted its charter from a Missouri bank to a Missouri trust company and changed its name to "Stifel Bank and Trust."

******

Page 18


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

Forward-Looking Statements

The Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws. Words such as "anticipates," "estimates," "believes," "expects" and similar expressions or words are intended to identify forward-looking statements made on behalf of the Company. Actual results are subject to risks and uncertainties, including both those specific to the Company, and in particular any potential benefit to Stifel from acquiring Ryan Beck Holdings, Inc. and its wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary Ryan Beck & Company, Inc. ("Ryan Beck") business, including its ability to capitalize on the relationships that benefited the Ryan Beck business, as well as statements relating to Stifel's ability to integrate the personnel and operations, and those specific to the industry, which could cause results to differ materially from those contemplated. Additional risks and uncertainties relate specifically to our acquisition of First Service Financial Company ("First Service") and our ability to successfully integrate the companies, the risk of borrower, depositor and other customer attrition, and the risk of a material adverse change in the financial condition, results of operations or prospects of First Service. Other risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, actions of competitors, regulatory actions, changes in legislation and technology changes, changes in the interest rate environment, deposit flows, loan demand and real estate values and other risks and uncertainties set forth in reports and other documents filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") from time to time. Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report. The Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

For a description of critical accounting policies and estimates, including those that involve varying degrees of judgment, see "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. In addition, see Note A of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 for a more comprehensive listing of significant accounting policies.

In addition to those estimates referred to above, the Company's employee compensation and benefit expense for interim periods is impacted by estimates and assumptions. A substantial portion of the Company's employee compensation and benefits expense represents discretionary bonuses, generally determined and paid at year-end. The Company estimates the interim periods' discretionary bonus expenses based upon individual departmental profitability and total Company pre-tax profits and accrues accordingly.

Business & Economic Environment

The key indicators of the markets' performances, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ("DJIA"), the Standard and Poor's 500 Index ("S&P 500") and the NASDAQ composite, while virtually unchanged in the first quarter of 2007, improved over the first quarter of last year and have risen to historical highs in the first part of the second quarter 2007, with the DJIA closing over 13,000 for the first time ever on April 25, 2007. At March 31, 2007, the DJIA, the NASDAQ and the S&P 500 increased (decreased) (1) %, 0%, and 0% respectively, from their December 31, 2006 closing prices, and closed up 12%, 3% and 10% respectively over their March 31, 2006 closing prices.

While the major market indices have signaled increased investor confidence in the markets, concerns over inflation, energy costs, and geopolitical issues, and the slowing residential real estate market including the sub-prime mortgage sector remain and the recent results of the first quarter may not be indicative of future results.

Page 19


Results of Operations for the Company

Three months ended March 2007 as compared to three months ended March 2006

Three Months Ended March-31, 2007

Three Months Ended March 31,-2006

(In thousands)

$ Amount

% of Net Revenues

% Incr. / (Decr.)

$ Amount

% of Net Revenues

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

Commissions and principal transactions

$ 87,942

56.1%

26%

$ 69,818

63.7%

Investment banking

43,066

27.4%

174%

15,729

14.4%

Asset management and service fees

19,373

12.3%

44%

13,498

12.3%

Interest

10,700

6.8%

49%

7,191

6.6%

Other

1,417

0.9%

-81%

7,358

6.7%

      Total Revenues

162,498

103.5%

43%

113,594

103.7%

Less: Interest expense

5,537

3.5%

36%

4,063

3.7%

      Net Revenues

156,961

100.0%

43%

109,531

100.0%

Non-interest expenses:

 

 

 

 

Employee compensation and benefits

110,834

70.7%

28%

86,694

79.2%

Occupancy and equipment rental

10,608

6.8%

42%

7,495

6.8%

Communications and office supplies

8,094

5.1%

26%

6,413

5.9%

Commissions and floor brokerage

1,615

1.0%

27%

1,267

1.2%

Other operating expenses

10,993

7.0%

60%

6,879

6.2%

     Total Non-interest expenses

142,144

90.6%

31%

108,748

99.3%

     Income before income taxes

14,817

9.4%

1,792%

783

0.7%

Provision for Income Taxes

5,988

3.8%

1,850%

307

0.3%

     Net Income

$ 8,829

5.6%

1,755%

$ 476

0.4%

Quarter to quarter comparisons were impacted by the resultant increased activity from the successful integration of the LM Capital Markets business acquired on December 1, 2005, the Ryan Beck acquisition on February 28, 2007 and the Company's continued expansion of the Private Client Group ("PCG"), including the Miller Johnson Steichen and Kinnard ("MJSK") purchase on December 5, 2006. As a result of the Ryan Beck and MJSK acquisitions, the Company added 1,013 employees and 51 offices. Except as noted in the following discussion of variances for the total Company and the ensuing segment results, the underlying reasons for the increase in revenue and expense categories can be attributed principally to the acquisitions and PCG growth.

The Company's net revenues (total revenues less interest expense) increased $47.4 million to $157.0 million, a 43% increase over the $109.5 million recorded in the first three months of 2006. The acquisitions of Ryan Beck contributed $17.6 million during the current quarter.

Page 20


Commissions and principal transactions increased 26% to $87.9 million from $69.8 million during the prior year period with revenue increases of 33%, 11%, and 17% in the Private Client Group, Equity Capital Markets, and Fixed Income Capital Markets segments, respectively, resulting from improved markets for equity based products and the aforementioned growth.

Investment banking revenues increased 174% to $43.1 million from $15.7 million in 2006. Capital raising revenue increased 423% to $27.3 million as a result of increased banking calendars for both equity and fixed income underwriting. In addition, strategic advisory fees increased 50% to $15.8 million.

Asset management and service fees increased 44% to $19.4 million primarily as a result of a 29% increase in the number of managed accounts and a 44% increase in the value of assets under management in those accounts attributable to the acquisitions and continued growth of the Private Client Group (See Results of Operations for Private Client Group).

Other revenues decreased $5.9 million principally due to a $5.1 net gain on investments recorded in the first quarter of 2006 on the Company's NYSE seat membership as a result of the New York Stock Exchange merger with Archipelago Holdings, Inc. (See Note K of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).

Interest revenue increased 49% to $10.7 million as a result of increased revenue on fixed income inventory held for sale to clients, increased revenue on customer margin accounts, partially offset by decreased revenue from stock borrow activities. Increases in revenue on customer margin accounts resulted from a 12% increase in the weighted average rates charged to those customers offset by lower average margin borrowings. Interest expense increased 36% as a result of increased costs to carry higher levels of firm inventory, and increased rates charged for bank borrowings and stock loans to finance customer borrowings. Weighted average effective external rates increased 29% to 5.98% from 4.63% in the prior year.

Employee compensation and benefits increased 28% to $110.8 million in the three months ending March 31, 2007 from $86.7 million in the three months ending March 31, 2006. As a percentage of revenue, employee compensation and benefits totaled 71% and 79% for the three month periods in 2007 and 2006, respectively. A portion of employee compensation and benefits includes transition pay, principally in the form of upfront notes and accelerated payout in connection with the Company's continuing expansion efforts, of $4.7 million (3% of net revenue) and $3.0 million (3% of net revenue) for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and March 31, 2006, respectively. The upfront notes are amortized over a five to ten year period. In addition, for the three month periods presented, employee compensation and benefits includes $6.2 million and $17.4 million, primarily stock-based compensation, in 2007 and 2006, respectively, for acquisition related payments in connection with the Legg Mason Capital Markets acquisition in December 2005. Excluding the acquisition related charges, employee compensation and benefits as a percentage of net revenues totaled 67% for 2007 and 63% for 2006. The Company excludes acquisition related expenses in its analysis of employee compensation and benefits, a non-Generally Accepted Accounting Principal ("GAAP") measure, because it believes exclusion of acquisition related compensation is a more useful tool in measuring compensation as a percentage of net revenues.

Page 21


A reconciliation of GAAP Employee compensation and benefits to Employee compensation and benefits excluding acquisition related compensation is included in the table below.

($'s in thousands)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2007


% of Net Revenue

Three Months Ended March 31, 2006


% of Net Revenue

GAAP Compensation and Benefits

$ 110,834

71%

$ 86,694

79%

Less: Acquisition related compensation

6,162

4%

17,448

16%

Compensation and Benefits excluding acquisition related charges


$ 104,672


67%


$ 69,246


63%

Occupancy and equipment rental, communications and office supplies, and commissions and floor brokerage expenses increased 42%, 26% and 27%, respectively during the first three months of 2007 as compared to the first three months of 2006 primarily due to the acquisitions and continued expansion of the Private Client Group.

Other operating expenses increased $4.1 million, or 60%, to $11.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2007 as compared to $6.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2006. Included in the three months ended 2007 is a $1.1 million charge related to an increase in the fair value of the warrants issued in the Ryan Beck acquisition. The estimated value of the warrants on date of announcement using the Black-Scholes pricing model was $8.5 million. The estimated value of the warrants at March 31, 2007 was $9.6 million. The warrants were determined to be a liability in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") 00-19, Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed to, and Potentially Settled in, a Company's Own Stock. If shareholder approval for the issuance of the warrants is not obtained by June 30, 2007, the Company is obligated to pay an additional $20.0 million in lieu of warrants

Net income increased $8.4 million to $8.8 million in the first three months of 2007 compared to $476,000 in the first three months of 2006. Net income in 2007 was impacted by a $1.1 million pre-tax charge related to an increase in fair value of warrants issued in the acquisition of Ryan Beck and $6.2 million pre-tax acquisition-related charges, primarily stock based compensation, resulting from the LM Capital Markets acquisition in December 2005. The acquisitions of Ryan Beck and MJSK contributed $0.7 million in operating contribution during the current quarter. The first quarter 2006 net income was impacted by $17.8 million pre-tax acquisition related charges, primarily stock based compensation, related to the LM Capital Markets acquisition. The provision for income taxes was $6.0 million, representing an effective tax rate of 40% for the first quarter 2007 as compared to $307,000, representing an effective tax rate of 39% for the first quarter of 2006.

Core Earnings

As a result of the acquisitions, the Company reports Core Earnings; a non-GAAP financial measure. Core Earnings represents GAAP net income before acquisition related charges, principally compensation expense recorded for stock based awards offered to key associates of LM Capital Markets and accounted for under Statement of Accounting Standards No. 123 (Revised 2004) "Share-Based Payment"("SFAS No. 123R"), and a charge in 2007 for the change in fair value of the warrants issued in the Ryan Beck acquisition. Management believes the supplemental disclosure of Core Earnings helps investors, rating agencies, and financial analysts better understand the performance of their business and enhances the comparison of their performance from period to period. Management uses Core Earnings to evaluate the performance of their business. Core Earnings should not be considered an alternative to any measure of performance as promulgated under GAAP (such as net income), nor should this data be considered an indicator of our overall financial performance or liquidity. Also, the calculation of Core Earnings used by the Company may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

Page 22


Net income for the three months ending March 31, 2007 and three months ending March 31, 2006 was impacted by acquisition related costs, primarily pre-tax stock based compensation of $7.3 million and $17.8 million, respectively, associated with the acquisition of the LM Capital Markets business from Citigroup Inc. Included in these acquisition related charges are: 1) pre-tax compensation charges of approximately $6.2 million and $7.7 million in 2007 and 2006, respectively, for amortization of units awarded to LM Capital Markets associates, severance, and contractually based compensation above standard performance based compensation; 2) a pre-tax compensation charge of approximately $9.8 million in 2006 for the difference between the $25.00 per share offering price and the grant date fair value of $34.27 per share for the private placement of Company common stock to key associates of the LM Capital Markets business; and 3) other non-compensation acquisition charges of $300,000 in 2006. The first three months of 2007 includes a $1.1 million charge for the change in fair value related to the warrants issued in the Ryan Beck acquisition. As discussed in Note E - Acquisitions, the warrants were recorded as a liability at fair value as indicated by the Black Scholes valuation model and will be adjusted to fair value each reporting period. The Company will be required to pay the $20.0 million in lieu of the warrants if shareholder approval of the warrants is not obtained by June 30, 2007. These acquisition-related charges reduced the Company's basic and diluted earnings per share by $0.33 and $0.28, respectively, for the three months ending March 31, 2007 and $0.95 and $0.79, respectively, for the three months ending March 31, 2006.

A reconciliation of Core Earnings to Net Income, and Core Earnings per Basic and Diluted Share to Net Income per Basic and Diluted Share, the most directly comparable measure under GAAP, is included in the table below.

 

Three Months Ended

 

03/31/2007

03/31/2006

GAAP Net Income

$ 8,829

$ 476

Acquisition related charges, net of tax

   

Private placement compensation

- -

5,824

Acquisition related compensation

3,672

4,597

Other non-compensation charges

678

207

     Core Earnings

$ 13,179

$ 11,104

Earnings per Share:

   

GAAP Earnings Per Basic Share

$ 0.67

$ 0.04

Acquisition related charges

0.34

0.95

     Core Earnings Per Basic Share

$ 1.01

$ 0.99

GAAP Earnings Per Diluted Share

$ 0.58

$ 0.04

Acquisition related charges

0.28

0.79

     Core Earnings Per Diluted Share

$ 0.86

$ 0.83

Page 23


Segments Analysis

The Company's reportable segments include the Private Client Group, Equity Capital Markets, Fixed Income Capital Markets, and Other. The Private Client Group segment includes branch offices and independent contractor offices of the Company's broker-dealer subsidiaries located throughout the U.S., primarily in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. These branches provide securities brokerage services, including the sale of equities, mutual funds, fixed income products, and insurance, to their private clients. The Equity Capital Markets segment includes corporate finance management and participation in underwritings (exclusive of sales credits, which are included in the Private Client Group segment), mergers and acquisitions, institutional sales, trading, research, and market making. The Fixed Income Capital Markets segment includes public finance, institutional sales and competitive underwriting and trading. The "Other" segment includes clearing revenue, interest income from stock borrow activities, unallocated interest expense, interest income and gains and losses from investments held, and all unallocated overhead cost associated with the execution of orders; processing of securities transactions; custody of client securities; receipt, identification, and delivery of funds and securities; compliance with regulatory and legal requirements; internal financial accounting and controls; acquisition charges related to the LM Capital Markets and Ryan Beck acquisitions and general administration.

Results of Operations for Private Client Group - Three Months

The following table presents consolidated information for the Private Client Group segment for the respective periods indicated.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2007

Three Months Ended March-31, 2006

(In thousands)

$ Amount

% of Net Revenues

% Incr. / (Decr.)

$ Amount

% of Net Revenues

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

Commissions and principal transactions

$ 51,730 

60.5%

33%

$ 38,812

69.7%

Investment banking

12,288 

14.4%

878%

1,257

2.3%

Asset management and service fees

19,227 

22.5%

43%

13,485

24.2%

Interest

5,736 

6.7%

30%

4,405

7.9%

Other

24

0.0%

-94%

417

0.7%

     Total Revenues

89,005 

104.1%

52%

58,376

104.8%

Less: Interest expense

3,478 

4.1%

29%

2,692

4.8%

     Net Revenues

85,527 

100.0%

54%

55,684

100.0%

Non-interest expenses:

 

 

 

 

Employee compensation and benefits

54,956 

64.2%

59%

34,539

62.0%

Occupancy and equipment rental

5,386 

6.3%

71%

3,154

5.7%

Communications and office supplies

2,943 

3.4%

70%

1,728

3.1%

Commissions and floor brokerage

1,009 

1.2%

50%

673

1.2%

Other operating expenses

3,142 

3.7%

17%

2,676

4.8%

     Total Non-interest expenses

67,436 

78.8%

58%

42,770

76.8%

     Income before income taxes

$ 18,091 

21.2%

40%

$ 12,914

23.2%

 

March 31, 2007

March 31, 2006

Branch Offices

152

91

Financial advisors

956

473

Independent Contractors

187

185

Page 25


The Private Client Group net revenues increased 54% to a record $85.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2007 compared to $55.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2006. The Ryan Beck acquisition contributed $14.3 million of net revenues to the Private Client Group during the current quarter. Commissions and principal transactions increased primarily due to the increased number of branch locations and financial advisors. Sales credits from Investment banking increased due to increased underwriting activity, principally corporate finance as a result of increased banking calendars for equity underwritings (See Results of Operations for Equity Capital Markets). Asset management and service fees increased principally due to increased wrap fees, resulting from of an increase in the number and value of managed accounts.

Assets Under Management

March 31, 2007

March 31, 2006

Value

$4,173,343,000

$2,903,579,000

Number of accounts

13,731

10,664

Interest revenues for the Private Client Group increased as a result of increased rates charged to customers for margin borrowings to finance trading activity. Interest expense increased as a result of increased rates from banks to finance those customer borrowings. (See net interest discussion in Results of Operations for the Company)

Non-interest expenses increased 58% to $67.4 million compared to $42.8 million in the first quarter of 2006. Employee compensation and benefits increased 59% as a result of increased variable compensation which increased in conjunction with increased revenue production and increased fixed compensation. Employee compensation and benefits includes transition pay of $3.9 million and $2.5 million from 2007 and 2006, respectively, principally upfront notes and accelerated payouts in connection with the Company's expansion efforts. As a percentage of net revenues, employee compensation and benefits increased to 64% in the first quarter of 2007 compared to 62% in the first quarter of 2006.

Occupancy and equipment rental and communication and office supplies increased 71% and 70 %, respectively, principally as a result of increased occupancy cost due to an increase in the number of branch offices.

Commission and floor brokerage increased 50% due to increased transactions and commission revenue.

Other operating expenses increased 17% to $3.1 million principally as a result of increased advertising and travel and promotion costs associated with the increase in branch offices.

As a result, income before income taxes for the Private Client Group increased 40% to $18.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2007 compared to $12.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2006. The acquisition of Ryan Beck contributed $2.2 million in operating contribution to the Private Client Group during the current quarter.

Page 25


Results of Operations for Equity Capital Markets - Three Months

The following table presents consolidated information for the Equity Capital Markets segment for the respective periods indicated.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2007

Three Months Ended March 31,2006

(In thousands)

$ Amount

% of Net Revenues

% Incr. / (Decr.)

$ Amount

% of Net Revenues

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

Commissions and principal transactions

$ 24,621

46.9%

11%

$ 22,193

65.7%

Investment banking

27,482

52.3%

141%

11,427

33.8%

Other

541

1.0%

132%

233

0.7%

     Total Revenues

52,644

100.2%

56%

33,853

100.2%

Less: Interest expense

114

0.2%

107%

55

0.2%

     Net Revenues

52,530

100.0%

55%

33,798

100.0%

Non-interest expenses:

 

 

 

 

Employee compensation and benefits

30,889

58.8%

55%

19,899

58.9%

Occupancy and equipment rental

1,441

2.7%

26%

1,141

3.4%

Communications and office supplies

3,138

6.0%

13%

2,784

8.2%

Commissions and floor brokerage

557

1.1%

8%

515

1.5%

Other operating expenses

3,087

5.9%

31%

2,359

7.0%

     Total Non-interest expenses

39,112

74.5%

46%

26,698

79.0%

     Income before income taxes

$ 13,418

25.5%

89%

$ 7,100

21.0%

Equity Capital Markets recorded net revenue of $52.5 million in the first quarter 2007, an increase of 55% from the same quarter last year, principally due to increased commissions and principal transactions and increased investment banking revenue. Investment banking revenue increased principally due to financial advisory fees of $15.7 million, a 51 % increase over last year's first quarter, and equity financing revenue of $11.8 million, up 1,016% compared to the first quarter of 2006. The Ryan Beck acquisition contributed $1.5 million of net revenues during the quarter.

Non-interest expenses increased 46% to $39.1 million in the first quarter of 2007 compared to $26.7 million in the first quarter of 2006 principally due to a 55% increase in employee compensation and benefits to $30.9 million compared to $19.9 million in the first quarter of 2006. The increase in employee compensation and benefits is primarily due to an increase in variable compensation associated with increased production. As a percentage of net revenues, employee compensation and benefits was 58.8% and 58.9% for the first quarter of 2007 and the first quarter of 2006, respectively. Increases in all non-compensation expense categories can be attributed to the increased production.

Income before income taxes increased 89% to $13.4 million in the first three months of 2007 compared to $7.1 million in the prior year period as a result of the 55% increase in net revenues and the leverage in increased production. The Ryan Beck acquisition contributed a loss of $321,000 to Equity Capital Markets during the current quarter.

Page 26


Results of Operations for Fixed Income Capital Markets - Three Months

The following table presents consolidated information for the Fixed Income Capital Markets segment for the respective periods indicated.

Three Months Ended March 31,2007

Three Months Ended March 31,2006

(In thousands)

$ Amount

% of Net Revenues

% Incr. / (Decr.)

$ Amount

% of Net Revenues

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

Commissions and principal transactions

$ 11,592

79.3%

17%

$ 9,945

83.7%

Investment banking

3,296

22.6%

77%

1,865

15.7%

Interest

6,355

43.5%

155%

2,493

21.0%

Other

2

0.0%

-78%

9

0.1%

      Total Revenues

21,245

145.4%

48%

14,312

120.5%

Less: Interest expense

6,630

45.4%

172%

2,437

20.5%

     Net Revenues

14,615

100.0%

23%

11,875

100.0%

Non-interest expenses:

 

 

 

 

Employee compensation and benefits

10,154

69.5%

35%

7,499

63.2%

Occupancy and equipment rental

700

4.8%

1%

696

5.9%

Communications and office supplies

995

6.8%

7%

931

7.8%

Commissions and floor brokerage

49

0.3%

-37%

78

0.7%

Other operating expenses

830

5.7%

-17%

996

8.3%

     Total Non-interest expenses

12,728

87.1%

25%

10,200

85.9%

     Income before income taxes

$ 1,887

12.9%

13%

$ 1,675

14.1%

Net revenues for the first three months of 2007 increased 23% to $14.6 million from $11.9 million during the same time period last year, principally due to an increase in commissions and principal transactions. Investment banking revenue increased principally due to increased underwriting activity. For the quarter, Ryan Beck contributed $1.1 million in net revenues.

Interest revenue increased $3.9 million principally as a result of increased interest received on increased levels of fixed income inventory held for sale to clients. Interest expense increased $4.2 million as a result of increased interest expense incurred to carry that inventory.

Non-interest expenses increased $2.5 million or 25% to $12.8 million primarily due to a 35% increase in employee compensation and benefits which increased in conjunction with increased productivity.

Income before income taxes increased 13% to $1.9 million from $1.7 million in the year ago quarter principally as a result of the 23% increase in net revenues and the leverage in increased production. The Ryan Beck acquisition contributed $82,000 to income before income taxes of Fixed Income Capital Markets during the current quarter.

Page 27


Results of Operations for Other Segment -Three Months

The following table presents consolidated information for the Other segment for the respective periods indicated.

Three Months Ended

March 31, 2007

Three Months Ended

March 31, 2006

(In thousands)

$ Amount

% Incr. / (Decr.)

$ Amount

     Net Revenues

$ 4,289

-48%

$ 8,174

Non-interest expenses:

 

 

Employee compensation and benefits

14,836

-40%

24,757

Other operating expenses

8,032

86%

4,323

     Total Non-interest expenses

22,868

-21%

29,080

     Losses before income tax

$ (18,579)

-11%

$ (20,906)

Net revenues for the Other segment decreased 48% from $8.2 in the first quarter of 2006 to $4.3 million in the current quarter principally as a result of a decrease in gains on investments relating to the $5.1 million gain recorded in the first quarter of 2006 for the Company's ownership of its New York Stock Exchange membership seat. (See Note K of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements). Ryan Beck contributed $0.8 million of revenues during the month of March 2007.

Employee compensation and benefits decreased $9.9 million, or 40%, to $14.8 million in the first quarter 2007, principally due to lower stock-based compensation recorded in the first quarter of 2007 related to the LM Capital Markets acquisition. During the first quarter of 2006, the Company recorded $17.4 million of employee compensation and benefits expenses associated with LM Capital Markets, primarily stock-based compensation, including $9.8 million associated with the difference between the grant-date fair value and the $25 per share issue price of the private placement of 1,052,220 shares purchased by key associates of the LM Capital Markets business. During the first quarter of 2007, the Company recorded $6.2 million of stock-based compensation associated with the LM Capital Markets acquisition.

Other operating expenses increased $3.7 million in the first quarter of 2007 to $8.0 million compared to $4.3 million in the first quarter of 2006 due principally to increases in travel and promotion, occupancy and equipment rental and other operating expenses associated with the continued growth of the firm. Included in the 2007 first quarter is a $1.1 million charge in connection with an increase in the fair value of warrants to be issued in the Ryan Beck acquisition (See Note E - Acquisitions).

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company's assets are principally highly liquid, consisting mainly of cash or assets readily convertible into cash. These assets are financed primarily by the Company's equity capital, debentures to Trusts, customer credit balances, short-term bank loans, proceeds from securities lending, and other payables. Changes in securities market volumes, related customer borrowing demands, underwriting activity, and levels of securities inventory affect the amount of the Company's financing requirements. The average outstanding securities lending arrangements utilized in financing activities were $102.4 million and $112.5 million during the three months ending March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, at weighted average daily effective interest rates of 5.02% and 4.37%, respectively. The average bank borrowings during the three months ending March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, were $161.2 million and $108.4 million at weighted average daily interest rates of 5.66% and 4.84%, respectively.

Page 28


On February 28, 2007, the Company closed on the acquisition of Ryan Beck Holdings, Inc. and its wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary Ryan Beck & Company, Inc. ("Ryan Beck") from BankAtlantic Bancorp, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company paid initial consideration of $2.7 million in cash and issued 2,467,600 shares of Company common stock valued at $41.55 per share which was the five day average closing price of Company common stock for the two days prior to, the day of, and two days subsequent to January 9, 2007, the date the negotiations regarding the principal financial terms were substantially completed, for a total initial consideration of $105.2 million. The cash portion of the purchase price was funded from cash generated from operations. In addition, the Company will issue five-year immediately exercisable warrants to purchase up to 500,000 shares of Company common stock at an exercise price of $36.00 per share, pending shareholder approval. The estimated fair value of these warrants at the date of acquisition and March 31, 2007 was $8.5 million and $9.6 million, respectively. In addition, a contingent earn-out payment is payable based on defined revenues attributable to specified individuals in Ryan Beck's existing private client division over the two-year period following closing. This earn-out is capped at $40.0 million. A second contingent payment is payable based on defined revenues attributable to specified individuals in Ryan Beck's existing investment banking division. The investment banking earn-out is equal to 25% of the amount of investment banking fees over $25.0 million for each of the next two years. Each of the contingent earn-out payments is payable, at the Company's election, in cash or common stock. The Company has filed a preliminary proxy statement which seeks approval of the warrants and the issuance of up to 1,000,000 additional shares of Company common stock for the payment of potential earn-out consideration. If shareholder approval is not obtained by June 30, 2007, the Company will pay $20.0 million in cash in lieu of the warrants and will make any earn-out payments in cash.

In addition to the transaction consideration described above, the Company agreed: i) to establish a retention program for certain associates of Ryan Beck valued at approximately $45.1 million, consisting of $24.4 million cash and $20.7 million of Company restricted stock units ("Units") using a share price of $47.65, the price on the date of closing; ii) to fund $7.8 million change in control payments for certain executives of Ryan Beck; and iii) to issue Units valued at $10.4 million using a share price of $47.65, the price on the date of closing, in exchange for Ryan Beck Appreciation Units related to the Ryan Beck deferred compensation plan. During the second quarter of 2007, the Company funded the loans and advances to financial advisors to establish the retention program. In March 2007, Ryan Beck paid the approximately $7.8 million change in control payments to certain of its executives. As part of the transaction the Company recorded legal and other professional fees and contract termination fees of $ 7.4 million which is included in goodwill.

On March 30, 2007, the Company completed its private placement of $35.0 million of 6.79% Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities. The Preferred Securities were offered by Stifel Financial Capital Trust III ("the Trust"), a non-consolidated wholly-owned Delaware business trust subsidiary of the Company. The Trust Preferred Securities mature on June 06, 2037, but may be redeemed by the Company and in turn, the Trust would call the debenture beginning June 06, 2012. The Trust requires quarterly distributions of interest to the holder of the Trust Preferred Securities. Distributions will be payable quarterly in arrears at a fixed interest rate equal to 6.79% per annum from the issue date to June 06, 2012 and then will be payable at a floating interest rate equal to three-month London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus 1.85% per annum. The trust preferred securities represent an indirect interest in a junior subordinated debenture purchased from the Company by the Trust. The debenture bears the same terms as the trust preferred securities and is presented as "Debentures to Stifel Financial Capital Trust III" in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. The proceeds were utilized to acquire First Services Financial Company ("First Service").

Page 29


On April 2, 2007, Stifel completed its acquisition of First Service, a Missouri corporation, and its wholly-owned subsidiary FirstService Bank, a Missouri bank, by means of the merger (the "Merger") of First Service with and into FSFC Acquisiton Co. ("AcquisitionCo"), a Missouri corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Stifel, with AcquisitionCo surviving the Merger. The total consideration paid by Stifel in the Merger for all of the outstanding shares of First Service was approximately $37.9 million cash; of this amount, approximately $990,000 has been deposited into escrow pending satisfaction of certain contingencies provided for in an escrow agreement among Stifel, First Service, AcquisitionCo, UMB Bank, N.A., as escrow agent, and the shareholders' committee specified in the escrow agreement.

The Company has entered into a non-binding letter of intent to enter into a $35.0 million private placement of Trust Preferred Securities with substantially similar terms to Stifel Financial Capital Trust III. The Company anticipates completing the transaction in the second quarter 2007. The funds would be used to call the $34.5 million 9% Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities issued by Stifel Capital Trust I, callable no earlier than June 30, 2007.

The Company is currently evaluating Ryan Beck's non-qualified deferred compensation plans and merging those plans into Stifel Nicolaus Wealth Accumulation Plan ("SWAP"), a non-qualified deferred compensation plan. The Company anticipates completing its analysis during the second quarter of 2007. Current considerations include freezing Ryan Beck's existing plans, conforming participation requirements to SWAP requirements, and amending requirements for distribution of firm contributions for retirement eligible participants. Accordingly, upon completion of the plan amendments of the aforementioned criteria and upon approval by the Company's Board of Directors, the Company would incur a second quarter non-cash charge to operations of approximately $17.0 million to $18.0 million.

In the first three months of 2007, the Company purchased $4.9 million in fixed assets, consisting primarily of information technology equipment, leasehold improvements and furniture and fixtures.

The Company repurchased 24,053 shares for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, using existing board authorizations, at an average price of $46.03 per share, to meet obligations under the Company's employee benefit plans and for general corporate purposes. Under existing board authorizations, the Company is permitted to buy an additional 1,687,754 shares. To satisfy the withholding obligations for the conversion of the Company's stock units, the Company withheld 125,027 shares during the first quarter of 2007. The Company reissued 499 shares for the quarter ending March 31, 2007, for employee benefit plans. In the quarter ending March 31, 2007, the Company issued 462,128 new shares for employee benefit plans. The Company also issued 2,467,600 new shares under the terms of the acquisition agreement of Ryan Beck.

The Company's subsidiaries, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated ("SN & Co."), Ryan Beck Holdings, Inc. ("Ryan Beck") and Century Securities Associates, Inc. ("CSA") are subject to certain requirements of the SEC with regard to liquidity and capital requirements. At March 31, 2007, SN & Co. had net capital of $129.6 million, which was 40.54% of its aggregate debit items, and $123.2 million in excess of the minimum required net capital. Ryan Beck had net capital of $20.4 million which was $19.4 million excess of minimum required net capital, and CSA had net capital of $1.5 million, which was $1.2 million in excess of minimum required net capital. These subsidiary companies may not be able to pay cash dividends from equity capital without prior regulatory approval if doing so would jeopardize their ability to satisfy minimum net capital requirements.

The Company's international subsidiary, Stifel Nicolaus Limited ("SN Ltd"), is subject to the regulatory supervision and requirements of the Financial Services Authority ("FSA") in the United Kingdom. At March 31, 2007, SN Ltd had capital and reserves of $8.4 million, which was 4.5 million in excess of the financial resources requirement under the rules of the FSA.

Management believes the funds from operations, available informal short-term credit arrangements, long term borrowings, and its ability to raise additional capital will provide sufficient resources to meet the present and anticipated financing needs.

Page 30


Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 ("FIN 48"). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a Company's financial statements and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The Interpretation also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. The adoption of FIN 48 in the first quarter of 2007 did not have a material impact on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note J - Income Taxes for further discussion.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements ("SFAS No. 157"). SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurement. This statement applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements and does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for the fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently assessing the impact that SFAS No. 157 will have on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In December 2006, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position EITF 00-19-2, Accounting for Registration Payment Arrangements ("FSP EITF 00-19-2") which provides guidance on the accounting for registration payment arrangements. FSP EITF 00-19-2 specifies that the contingent obligation to make future payments or otherwise transfer consideration under a registration payment arrangement, whether issued as a separate agreement or included as a provision of a financial instrument or other agreement, should be separately recognized and measured in accordance with FASB Statement No. 5, "Accounting for Contingencies." A registration payment arrangement is defined in FSP EITF 00-19-2 as an arrangement with both of the following characteristics: (1) the arrangement specifies that the issuer will endeavor (a) to file a registration statement for the resale of specified financial instruments and/or for the resale of equity shares that are issuable upon exercise or conversion of specified financial instruments and for that registration statement to be declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission within a specified grace period, and/or (b) to maintain the effectiveness of the registration statement for a specified period of time (or in perpetuity); and (2) the arrangement requires the issuer to transfer consideration to the counterparty if the registration statement for the resale of the financial instrument or instruments subject to the arrangement is not declared effective or if effectiveness of the registration statement is not maintained. FSP EITF 00-19-2 is effective for registration payment arrangements and the financial instruments subject to those arrangements that are entered into or modified subsequent to December 21, 2006. For registration payment arrangements and financial instruments subject to those arrangements that were entered into prior to the issuance of FSP EITF 00-19-2, this guidance shall be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of FSP EITF 00-19-2 did not have a material impact on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 ("SFAS No. 159"). SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose, at specified election dates, to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. A business entity shall report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS No. 159 is effective as of the beginning of an entity's first fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2007. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of a fiscal year that begins on or before November 15, 2007, provided the entity also elects to apply the provisions of SFAS No. 157. The choice to adopt early should be made after issuance of this Statement but within 120 days of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption, provided the entity has not yet issued financial statements, including notes to those financial statements, for any interim period of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company is evaluating the impact that the adoption of SFAS No. 159 will have, if any, on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

There have been no material changes from the information provided under "Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

As specified in the SEC's rules and forms, the Company's management, including Mr. Ronald J. Kruszewski as Chief Executive Officer and Mr. James M. Zemlyak as Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. Under rules promulgated by the SEC, disclosure controls and procedures are defined as those "controls and other procedures of an issuer that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission's rules and forms." Based on the evaluation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2007.

Further, as required by the SEC's rules and forms, the Company's management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the Company's internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2007 that have materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Based on that evaluation, there have been no such changes during the quarter ended March 31, 2007, except for the acquisition of Ryan Beck & Co., Inc. on February 28, 2007.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

The Company and its subsidiaries are named in and subject to various proceedings and claims arising primarily from its securities business activities, including lawsuits, arbitration claims and regulatory matters. Some of these claims seek substantial or indeterminate damages, and regulatory investigations can result in substantial fines and penalties. Through counsel, the Company has asserted what it believes to be meritorious defenses in all significant litigation, arbitration and regulatory matters pending or threatened against the Company. Management, based on its understanding of the facts and after consultation with counsel, estimates and appropriately records loss reserves that are believed to be reasonable. While the ultimate outcome of pending litigation, claims and regulatory matters cannot be predicted with certainty, based upon information currently known, management believes that resolution of all such matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition of the Company. However there can be no assurances that the ultimate resolution of these proceedings and claims will not exceed the estimated loss reserves as determined by management, and the outcome and timing of any particular matter may be material to the operating results for any particular period depending on the operating results for that period.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

For information regarding risk factors, please refer to "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. There were no material changes to the Company's risk factors in the first three months of 2007.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table summarizes the Company's repurchase activity of its common stock during the first quarter ended March 31, 2007:

 

                   

(Periods)

 

Total Number
of Shares
Purchased (1)

 

Average
Price Paid
per Share

 

Total Number
of Shares
Purchased

as Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans

 

Maximum
Number of
Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Plans

January 1, 2007 - January 31, 2007

- -

$

- -

- -

1,711,807

February 1, 2007 - February 28, 2007

9,231

$

50.25

9,231

1,702,576

March 1, 2007 - March 31, 2007

15,063

$

43.38

14,822

1,687,754

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

24,294

$

45.99

24,053

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) The total number of shares purchased includes 241 shares/units acquired through the surrender of shares/units by unit holders to pay for the employees' tax withholdings on conversions.

The Company has an ongoing authorization, as amended, from the Board of Directors to repurchase its common stock in the open market or in negotiated transactions. In May 2005, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional 2,000,000 shares, for a total authorization to repurchase up to 3,000,000 shares.

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Item 6. Exhibits

(a)

Exhibits:

 
 

11

Statement re computation of per share earnings (set forth in "Note I - Stockholders Equity and Earnings Per Share ("EPS")" of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited))

 

31.1

Certification by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

31.2

Certification by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

32

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. This exhibit is furnished to the SEC.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirement 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.

 

 

STIFEL FINANCIAL CORP.
(Registrant)

Date: May 15, 2007

By: /s/ Ronald J. Kruszewski

Ronald J. Kruszewski
(President and Chief Executive Officer)

Date: May 15, 2007

By: /s/ James M. Zemlyak

James M. Zemlyak
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.

 

Description

31.1

 

Certification by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2

 

Certification by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section
302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32

 

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
This exhibit is furnished to the SEC.

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