formv10vQ

 

 
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2011
OR
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     
Commission File No. 001-09305

_________________________

STIFEL FINANCIAL CORP.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
DELAWARE
(State or other jurisdiction of
  43-1273600
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)    
     
501North Broadway    
St. Louis, Missouri   63102
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)
(314) 342-2000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
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 þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
             
Large accelerated filer: þ   Accelerated filer: o   Non-accelerated filer: o   Smaller reporting company: o
        (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes o No þ

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock, $0.15 par value per share, as of the close of business on November 1, 2011, was 53,720,016, which includes exchangeable shares of TWP Acquisition Company (Canada), Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the registrant. These shares are exchangeable at any time into an aggregate of 172,242 shares of common stock of the registrant; entitle the holder to dividend and other rights substantially economically equivalent to those of a share of common stock; and, through a voting trust, entitle the holder to a vote on matters presented to common shareholders.

 

 
 

 

 
STIFEL FINANCIAL CORP.
Form 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of September 30, 2011 (unaudited) and December 31, 2010
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and September 30, 2010 (unaudited)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and September 30, 2010 (unaudited)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
 
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Item 6. Exhibits
Signatures

 
 

 

 
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 

STIFEL FINANCIAL CORP.
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

             
(in thousands)
 
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
Assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 214,619     $ 253,529  
Restricted cash
    6,880       6,868  
Cash segregated for regulatory purposes
    26       6,023  
Receivables:
               
Brokerage clients, net
    526,774       477,514  
Brokers, dealers, and clearing organizations
    235,950       247,707  
Securities purchased under agreements to resell
    121,004       123,617  
Trading securities owned, at fair value (includes securities pledged of $354,997 and $272,172, respectively)
    526,444       444,170  
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value
    1,312,784       1,012,714  
Held-to-maturity securities, at amortized cost
    159,132       52,640  
Loans held for sale
    114,452       86,344  
Bank loans, net of allowance
    568,293       389,742  
Bank foreclosed assets held for sale
    550       1,577  
Investments
    176,550       178,936  
Fixed assets, net
    84,643       71,498  
Goodwill
    309,519       301,919  
Intangible assets, net
    30,566       34,595  
Loans and advances to financial advisors and other employees, net
    170,203       181,357  
Deferred tax assets, net
    179,410       197,139  
Other assets
    204,565       145,226  
Total Assets
  $ 4,942,364     $ 4,213,115  
                 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
 

 

STIFEL FINANCIAL CORP.
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (continued)

             
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
 
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
           
Short-term borrowings from banks
  $ 310,600     $ 109,600  
Payables:
               
Brokerage clients
    241,849       212,642  
Brokers, dealers, and clearing organizations
    143,410       114,869  
Drafts
    45,377       73,248  
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
    52,805       109,595  
Bank deposits
    2,120,763       1,623,568  
Trading securities sold, but not yet purchased, at fair value
    272,190       200,140  
Accrued compensation
    159,112       234,512  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    228,235       170,382  
Debenture to Stifel Financial Capital Trust II
    35,000       35,000  
Debenture to Stifel Financial Capital Trust III
    35,000       35,000  
Debenture to Stifel Financial Capital Trust IV
    12,500       12,500  
Other
    16,815       19,935  
      3,673,656       2,950,991  
Liabilities subordinated to claims of general creditors
    6,957       8,241  
Shareholders’ Equity:
               
Preferred stock - $1 par value; authorized 3,000,000 shares; none issued
           
Exchangeable common stock - $0.15 par value; issued 172,242 and 897,618 shares, respectively
    26       135  
Common stock - $0.15 par value; authorized 97,000,000 shares; issued 53,547,774 and 52,822,428 shares, respectively
    8,032       7,923  
Additional paid-in-capital
    1,065,018       1,082,788  
Retained earnings
    259,816       232,415  
Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)
    (7,756 )     381  
      1,325,136       1,323,642  
                 
Treasury stock, at cost, 2,099,972 and 2,235,473 shares, respectively
    (63,020 )     (69,238 )
Unearned employee stock ownership plan shares, at cost, 85,417 and 122,024 shares, respectively
    (365 )     (521 )
      1,261,751       1,253,883  
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 4,942,364     $ 4,213,115  
                 
 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
 

 
STIFEL FINANCIAL CORP.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)

                         
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Revenues:
                       
Commissions
  $ 143,243     $ 96,986     $ 437,344     $ 305,655  
Principal transactions
    76,650       123,194       249,250       363,537  
Asset management and service fees
    58,253       50,876       172,914       136,117  
Investment banking
    37,673       51,656       143,509       127,129  
Interest
    24,161       17,718       64,246       47,019  
Other income
    540       3,656       11,352       9,358  
Total revenues
    340,520       344,086       1,078,615       988,815  
Interest expense
    6,306       3,698       18,931       8,388  
Net revenues
    334,214       340,388       1,059,684       980,427  
                                 
Non-interest expenses:
                               
Compensation and benefits
    210,573       395,936       671,678       819,085  
Occupancy and equipment rental
    30,914       29,559       89,962       81,012  
Communications and office supplies
    18,838       19,877       56,198       50,220  
Commissions and floor brokerage
    7,400       7,972       20,943       18,988  
Other operating expenses
    27,466       29,600       127,321       78,168  
Total non-interest expenses
    295,191       482,944       966,102       1,047,473  
                                 
Income/(loss) before income tax expense/(benefit)
    39,023       (142,556 )     93,582       (67,046
Provision for income taxes/(benefit)
    16,719       (58,220 )     36,464       (27,559
Net income/(loss)
  $ 22,304     $ (84,336 )   $ 57,118     $ (39,487 )
                                 
Earnings per common share:
                               
Basic
  $ 0.43     $ (1.65 )   $ 1.09     $ (0.82 )
Diluted (1)
  $ 0.35     $ (1.65 )   $ 0.90     $ (0.82 )
                                 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
                               
Basic
    52,367       51,201       52,610       47,865  
Diluted
    63,152       61,834       63,174       55,593  
                                 
(1) In accordance with Topic 260, “Earnings Per Share,” earnings per diluted common share is calculated using the basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding in periods a loss is incurred.
         
                                 
 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
 

 

STIFEL FINANCIAL CORP.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
 

                 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
(in thousands) 
 
2011
   
2010
 
Operating Activities:
               
Net income/(loss)
 
$
57,118
   
$
(39,487)
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash used in operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
   
19,124
     
17,965
 
Amortization of loans and advances to financial advisors and other employees
   
42,262
     
35,486
 
Amortization of premium on available-for-sale securities
   
9,201
     
5,349
 
Provision for loan losses and allowance for loans and advances to financial advisors and other employees
   
986
     
(916)
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
3,588
     
3,480
 
Deferred income taxes
   
23,777
     
(60,586)
 
Stock-based compensation
   
19,562
     
183,602
 
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
   
(25,188
)
   
(14,280)
 
Gain on the sale of investments
   
(60
)
   
(1,234)
 
Other, net
   
1,156
     
(5,881)
 
Decrease/(increase) in operating assets:
               
Cash segregated for regulatory purposes and restricted cash
   
5,985
     
 
Receivables:
               
Brokerage clients
   
(49,174
)
   
(120,389)
 
Brokers, dealers and clearing organizations
   
11,757
     
73,327
 
Securities purchased under agreements to resell
   
2,613
     
(11,221)
 
Trading securities owned, including those pledged
   
(82,274
)
   
(176,664)
 
Loans originated as mortgages held for sale
   
(638,596
)
   
(761,075)
 
Proceeds from mortgages held for sale
   
608,853
     
715,151
 
Loans and advances to financial advisors and other employees
   
(30,265
)
   
(29,362)
 
Other assets
   
(37,058
)
   
32,851
 
Increase/(decrease) in operating liabilities:
               
Payables:
               
Brokerage clients
   
29,207
     
3,656
 
Brokers, dealers and clearing organizations
   
(63,977
)
   
72,098
 
Drafts
   
(27,871
)
   
40,923
 
Trading securities sold, but not yet purchased
   
72,050
     
(5,983)
 
Other liabilities and accrued expenses
   
(82,110
)
   
(3,061)
 
Net cash used in operating activities
 
(129,334
)
 
$
(46,251)
 
                 
 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
 

 

STIFEL FINANCIAL CORP.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)

                 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
(in thousands) 
 
2011
   
2010
 
Investing Activities:
               
Proceeds from:
               
Maturities, calls and principal paydowns on available-for sale securities
 
$
535,499
   
$
150,931
 
Maturities, calls and principal paydowns on held-to-maturity securities
   
800
     
 
Sale or maturity of investments
   
74,437
     
79,195
 
Sale of bank branch
   
     
13,905
 
Sale of bank foreclosed assets held for sale
   
808
     
2,096
 
Increase in bank loans, net
   
(178,275
)
   
(27,531)
 
Payments for:
               
Purchase of available-for-sale securities
   
(868,769
)
   
(395,646)
 
Purchase of held-to-maturity securities
   
(80,115
)
   
(42,931)
 
Purchase of investments
   
(71,991
)
   
(98,794)
 
Purchase of fixed assets
   
(32,561
)
   
(21,886)
 
Purchase of bank foreclosed assets held for sale
   
(225
)
   
 
Acquisitions
   
     
(500)
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(620,392
)
   
(341,161)
 
Financing Activities:
               
Net proceeds from short-term borrowings from banks
   
201,000
     
116,300
 
Decrease in securities sold under agreements to repurchase
   
(56,790
)
   
(23,588)
 
Increase in bank deposits, net
   
497,195
     
346,393
 
Increase in securities loaned
   
92,518
     
86,091
 
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
   
25,188
     
14,280
 
Issuance of common stock
           
865
 
Repurchase of common stock
   
(48,505
)
   
(91,769)
 
Reissuance of treasury stock
   
2,755
     
2,055
 
Extinguishment of senior notes
   
     
(23,000)
 
Payment of Federal Home Loan Bank advances
   
     
(2,000)
 
Extinguishment of subordinated debt
   
(1,284
)
   
(1,840)
 
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
712,077
     
423,787
 
                 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
   
(1,261
)
   
8,689
 
                 
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
(38,910
)
   
45,064
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
253,529
     
161,820
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
214,619
   
$
206,884
 
                 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
               
Cash paid for interest
 
$
18,880
   
$
8,539
 
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds
 
$
5,618
   
$
51,896
 
Noncash investing and financing activities:
               
Units, net of forfeitures
 
$
119,530
   
$
137,158
 
Issuance of common stock for acquisition of Thomas Weisel Partners Group, Inc.
 
$
   
$
271,285
 
                 
 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
 

 
 STIFEL FINANCIAL CORP.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
NOTE 1 – Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation
 
Nature of Operations
 
Stifel Financial Corp. (the “Parent”), through its wholly owned subsidiaries, principally Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (“Stifel Nicolaus”), Stifel Bank & Trust (“Stifel Bank”), Stifel Nicolaus Limited (“SN Ltd”), Century Securities Associates, Inc. (“CSA”), Stifel Nicolaus Canada, Inc. (“SN Canada”), Thomas Weisel Partners LLC (“TWP”), and Thomas Weisel Partners International Limited (“TWPIL”),  is principally engaged in retail brokerage; securities trading; investment banking; investment advisory; retail, consumer, and commercial banking; and related financial services. Although we have offices throughout the United States, two Canadian cities, and three European cities, our major geographic area of concentration is in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, with a growing presence in the Northeast, Southeast and Western United States. Our company’s principal customers are individual investors, corporations, municipalities, and institutions.
 
On July 1, 2010, we acquired Thomas Weisel Partners Group, Inc. (“TWPG”), an investment bank focused principally on the growth sectors of the economy, which generates revenues from three principal sources: investment banking, brokerage, and asset management. The investment banking group is comprised of two primary categories of services: corporate finance and strategic advisory. The brokerage group provides equity sales and trading services to institutional investors and offers brokerage and advisory services to high-net-worth individuals and corporate clients. The asset management group consists of: private investment funds, public equity investment products, and distribution management. The employees of the investment banking, research, and institutional brokerage businesses of TWP, a wholly owned subsidiary of TWPG, were transitioned into Stifel Nicolaus during the third quarter of 2010. TWP remains a wholly owned broker-dealer subsidiary of the Parent.
 
Basis of Presentation
 
The consolidated financial statements include Stifel Financial Corp. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, principally Stifel Nicolaus and Stifel Bank. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” or “our company” in this report refer to Stifel Financial Corp. and its wholly owned subsidiaries.
 
We have prepared the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Pursuant to these rules and regulations, we have omitted certain information and footnote disclosures we normally include in our annual consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. In management’s opinion, we have made all adjustments (consisting only of normal, recurring adjustments, except as otherwise noted) necessary to fairly present our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Our interim period operating results do not necessarily indicate the results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the full fiscal year. These financial statements and accompanying notes should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 on file with the SEC.
 
On April 5, 2011, we effected a three-for-two stock split to shareholders of record as of March 22, 2011. All share and per share information has been retroactively adjusted to reflect the stock split.
 
Certain amounts from prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation. The effect of these reclassifications on our company’s previously reported consolidated financial statements was not material.
 
There have been no material changes in our significant accounting policies, as compared to the significant accounting policies described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.
 
Consolidation Policies
 
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Stifel Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries. We also have investments or interests in other entities for which we must evaluate whether to consolidate by determining whether we have a controlling financial interest or are considered to be the primary beneficiary. In determining whether to consolidate these entities or not, we determine whether the entity is a voting interest entity or a variable interest entity (“VIE”).
 
 

 
Voting Interest Entity. Voting interest entities are entities that have (i) total equity investment at risk sufficient to fund expected future operations independently, and (ii) equity holders who have the obligation to absorb losses or receive residual returns and the right to make decisions about the entity’s activities. We consolidate voting interest entities when we determine that there is a controlling financial interest, usually ownership of all, or a majority of, the voting interest.
 
Variable Interest Entity. VIEs are entities that lack one or more of the characteristics of a voting interest entity. We are required to consolidate VIEs in which we are deemed to be the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is defined as the entity that has a variable interest, or a combination of variable interests, that maintains control and provides benefits or will either: (i) absorb a majority of the VIEs expected losses, (ii) receive a majority of the VIEs expected returns, or (iii) both.
 
We determine whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE by first performing a qualitative analysis of the VIE’s control structure, expected losses and expected residual returns. This analysis includes a review of, among other factors, the VIE’s capital structure, contractual terms, which interests create or absorb variability, related party relationships, and the design of the VIE. Where qualitative analysis is not conclusive, we perform a quantitative analysis. We reassess our initial evaluation of an entity as a VIE and our initial determination of whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE upon the occurrence of certain reconsideration events. See Note 25 for additional information on variable interest entities.
 
NOTE 2 – Accounting Guidance
 
Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance
 
Allowance for Credit Losses
 
In July 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“Update”) No. 2010-20, “Receivables (Topic 310): Disclosures About the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses,” which requires significant new disclosures about the allowance for credit losses and the credit quality of financing receivables. The requirements are intended to enhance transparency regarding credit losses and the credit quality of loan and lease receivables. Under this guidance, allowance for credit losses and fair value are to be disclosed by portfolio segment, while credit quality information, impaired financing receivables, and nonaccrual status are to be presented by class of financing receivable. Disclosure of the nature and extent, the financial impact, and segment information of troubled debt restructurings are required. The disclosures are to be presented at the level of disaggregation that management uses when assessing and monitoring the portfolio’s risk and performance. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending on or after December 15, 2010 (December 31, 2010 for our company). In January 2011, the FASB issued Update 2011-01, Receivables (Topic 310): Deferral of the Effective Date of Disclosures About Troubled Debt Restructurings in Update No. 2010-20,” which temporarily delayed the effective date of the disclosures about troubled debt restructurings until interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after June 15, 2011 (July 1, 2011 for our company). Other than requiring additional disclosures, the adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. See Note 8 – Bank Loans.
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
In January 2010, the FASB issued Update No. 2010-06, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820): Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements,” which amends the disclosure requirements related to recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements. The guidance requires new disclosures on the transfers of assets and liabilities between Level 1 (quoted prices in active market for identical assets or liabilities) and Level 2 (significant other observable inputs) of the fair value measurement hierarchy, including the reasons and the timing of the transfers. Additionally, the guidance requires a rollforward of activities on purchases, sales, issuance, and settlements of the assets and liabilities measured using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 fair value measurements). The guidance for the disclosure on the rollforward activities for Level 3 fair value measurements became effective for us with the reporting period beginning January 1, 2011. Other than requiring additional disclosures, the adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. See Note 5 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments.
 
 
 
 

 
Troubled Debt Restructurings
 
In April 2011, the FASB issued Update No. 2011-02, Receivables (Topic 310): A Creditor’s Determination of Whether a Restructuring is a Troubled Debt Restructuring, which clarifies existing guidance to provide assistance in determining whether a modification of the terms of a receivable meets the definition of a troubled debt restructuring. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after June 15, 2011 (July 1, 2011 for our company) and should be applied retrospectively to restructurings occurring on or after the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption (January 1, 2011 for our company). The adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Guidance
 
Goodwill Impairment Testing
 
In September 2011, the FASB issued Update No. 2011-08 “Testing Goodwill for Impairment,” which amends ASC 350 “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other.” This update permits entities to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount before applying the two-step goodwill impairment test. If an entity concludes that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, it would not be required to perform the two-step impairment test for that reporting unit. This update is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011 (January 1, 2012 for our company), with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact the new guidance will have on our goodwill impairment testing.
 
Comprehensive Income
 
In June 2011, the FASB issued Update No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income, which allows for the presentation of  total comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In addition, the guidance eliminates the option of presenting the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011 (January 1, 2012 for our company). While the adoption will impact where we disclose the components of other comprehensive income in our consolidated financial statements, we do not expect the adoption to have a material impact on those consolidated financial statements.
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
In May 2011, the FASB issued Update No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs, which generally aligns the principals of measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements with International Financial Reporting Standards. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011 (January 1, 2012 for our company). We are currently evaluating the impact the new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.
 
Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements
 
In April 2011, the FASB issued Update No. 2011-03, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860): Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements, which removes the requirement to consider whether sufficient collateral is held when determining whether to account for repurchase agreements and other agreements that both entitle and obligate the transferor to repurchase or redeem financial assets before their maturity as sales or as secured financings. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011 (January 1, 2012 for our company). We do not expect the adoption to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
 


 
 

 

NOTE 3 – Acquisitions
 
 
Thomas Weisel Partners Group, Inc.
 
On July 1, 2010, we completed the purchase of all the outstanding shares of common stock of TWPG, an investment banking firm based in San Francisco, California. The purchase was completed pursuant to the merger agreement dated April 25, 2010. We issued shares of common stock, including exchangeable shares, to holders of TWPG common stock and restricted stock units to employees of TWPG as consideration for the merger. The fair value of the common stock and restricted stock units was determined using the market price of our common stock on the date of the merger. The merger furthers our company’s mission of building the premier middle-market investment bank with significantly enhanced investment banking, research, and wealth management capabilities.
 
TWPG’s results of operations have been included in our consolidated financial statements prospectively from the date of acquisition. The investment banking, research, and institutional brokerage businesses of TWPG were integrated with Stifel Nicolaus immediately after the merger; therefore, the revenues, expenses, and net income of the integrated businesses are not distinguishable within the results of our company. The following unaudited pro forma financial data assumes the acquisition had occurred at the beginning of each period presented. Pro forma results have been prepared by adjusting our historical results to include TWPG’s results of operations adjusted for the following changes: amortization expense adjusted as a result of acquisition-date fair value adjustments to intangible assets; interest expense adjusted for revised debt structures; and the income tax effect of applying our statutory tax rates to TWPG’s results. The unaudited pro forma results presented do not necessarily reflect the results of operations that would have resulted had the acquisition been completed at the beginning of the applicable periods presented, nor does it indicate the results of operations in future periods. Additionally, the unaudited pro forma results do not include the impact of possible business model changes, nor does it consider any potential impacts of current market conditions or revenues, reduction of expenses, asset dispositions, or other factors. The impact of these items could alter the following pro forma results.
         
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2010
 
(in thousands)
 
(Unaudited)
 
Total net revenues
 
$
1,071,055
 
Net loss
   
(107,174
)
Loss per share:
       
Basic
 
$
(2.24
)
Diluted
 
$
(2.24
)
         
 
NOTE 4 – Receivables From and Payables to Brokers, Dealers and Clearing Organizations
 
Amounts receivable from brokers, dealers, and clearing organizations at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, included (in thousands):
             
   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
             
Deposits paid for securities borrowed
  $ 171,033     $ 94,709  
Securities failed to deliver
    56,304       74,991  
Receivable from clearing organizations
    8,613       78,007  
    $ 235,950     $ 247,707  
                 


 
 

 

Amounts payable to brokers, dealers, and clearing organizations at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, included (in thousands):
 
   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
             
Deposits received from securities loaned
  $ 119,533     $ 27,907  
Securities failed to receive
    19,355       78,499  
Payable to clearing organizations
    4,522       8,463  
    $ 143,410     $ 114,869  
                 
 
Deposits paid for securities borrowed approximate the market value of the securities. Securities failed to deliver and receive represent the contract value of securities that have not been delivered or received on settlement date.
 
NOTE 5 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
We measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis, including cash equivalents, trading securities owned, available-for-sale securities, investments, trading securities sold, but not yet purchased, and derivatives.
 
The degree of judgment used in measuring the fair value of financial instruments generally correlates to the level of pricing observability. Pricing observability is impacted by a number of factors, including the type of financial instrument, whether the financial instrument is new to the market and not yet established, and the characteristics specific to the transaction. Financial instruments with readily available active quoted prices for which fair value can be measured from actively quoted prices generally will have a higher degree of pricing observability and a lesser degree of judgment used in measuring fair value. Conversely, financial instruments rarely traded or not quoted will generally have less, or no, pricing observability and a higher degree of judgment used in measuring fair value.
 
The following is a description of the valuation techniques used to measure fair value on a recurring basis:
 
Cash Equivalents
 
Cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Actively traded money market funds are measured at their net asset value, which approximates fair value, and classified as Level 1.
 
Financial Instruments (Trading securities and available-for-sale securities)
 
When available, the fair value of financial instruments are based on quoted prices in active markets and reported in Level 1. Level 1 financial instruments include highly liquid instruments with quoted prices, such as equities listed in active markets, certain corporate obligations, and U.S. treasury securities.
 
If quoted prices are not available, fair values are obtained from pricing services, broker quotes, or other model-based valuation techniques with observable inputs, such as the present value of estimated cash flows and reported as Level 2. The nature of these financial instruments include instruments for which quoted prices are available but traded less frequently, instruments whose fair value have been derived using a model where inputs to the model are directly observable in the market, or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data, and instruments that are fair valued using other financial instruments, the parameters of which can be directly observed. Level 2 financial instruments generally include U.S. government securities, mortgage-backed securities, corporate obligations infrequently traded, certain government and municipal obligations, asset-backed securities, and certain equity securities not actively traded.
 
Level 3 financial instruments have little to no pricing observability as of the report date. These financial instruments do not have active two-way markets and are measured using management’s best estimate of fair value, where the inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. We have identified Level 3 financial instruments to include certain corporate obligations with unobservable pricing inputs, airplane trust certificates, and certain municipal obligations, which include auction rate securities (“ARS”). Investments in certain corporate obligations, airplane trust certificates and municipal obligations with unobservable inputs are valued using management’s best estimate of fair value, where the inputs require significant management judgment. ARS are valued based upon our expectations of issuer redemptions and using internal discounted cash flow models that utilize unobservable inputs. 
 
 
 

Investments
 
Investments valued at fair value include ARS, investments in mutual funds, U.S. treasury securities, investments in public companies, private equity securities, partnerships, and warrants of public or private companies.
 
Investments in certain public companies, mutual funds and U.S. treasury securities are valued based on quoted prices in active markets and reported in Level 1. Investments in certain private equity securities and partnerships with unobservable inputs and ARS for which the market has been dislocated and largely ceased to function are reported as Level 3 assets. Investments in certain equity securities with unobservable inputs are valued using management’s best estimate of fair value, where the inputs require significant management judgment. ARS are valued based upon our expectations of issuer redemptions and using internal discounted cash flow models.
 
Investments in partnerships and other investments include our general and limited partnership interests in investment partnerships and direct investments in non-public companies. The net assets of investment partnerships consist primarily of investments in non-marketable securities. The underlying investments held by such partnerships and direct investments in non-public companies are valued based on the estimated fair value ultimately determined by us in our capacity as general partner or investor and, in the case of an investment in an unaffiliated investment partnership, are based on financial statements prepared by an unaffiliated general partner.
 
Warrants are valued based upon the Black-Scholes option-pricing model that uses discount rates and stock volatility factors of comparable companies as inputs. These inputs are subject to management judgment to account for differences between the measured investment and comparable companies and are reported as Level 3 assets.
 
The valuation of these investments requires significant management judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, inherent lack of liquidity, and long-term nature of these assets. As a result, these values cannot be determined with precision and the calculated fair value estimates may not be realizable in a current sale or immediate settlement of the instrument.
 
Derivatives
 
Derivatives are valued using quoted market prices when available or pricing models based on the net present value of estimated future cash flows. The valuation models used require market observable inputs, including contractual terms, market prices, yield curves, credit curves, and measures of volatility. These measurements are classified as Level 2 and are used to value interest rate swaps.

 
 

 

     The following table summarizes the valuation of our financial instruments by pricing observability levels as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 (in thousands):
   
September 30, 2011
 
   
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Assets:
                       
Cash equivalents
  $ 16,152     $ 16,152     $     $  
Trading securities owned:
                               
U.S. government agency securities
    71,333             71,333        
U.S. government securities
    12,202       12,202              
Corporate securities:
                               
Fixed income securities
    264,623       61,151       202,271       1,201  
Equity securities
    40,886       40,515       371        
State and municipal securities
    137,400             137,400        
Total trading securities owned
    526,444       113,868       411,375       1,201  
Available-for-sale securities:
                               
U.S. government securities
    904             904        
State and municipal securities
    84,012             17,388       66,624  
Mortgage-backed securities:
                               
Agency
    506,767             506,767        
Commercial
    265,925             265,925        
Non-agency
    18,257             18,257        
Corporate fixed income securities
    409,817       301,871       95,946       12,000  
Asset-backed securities
    27,102             27,102        
Total available-for-sale securities
    1,312,784       301,871       932,289       78,624  
Investments:
                               
Corporate equity securities
    4,676       4,283       393        
Mutual funds
    33,811       33,811              
Auction rate securities:
                               
Equity securities
    64,203                   64,203  
Municipal securities
    7,044                   7,044  
Other
    38,816       436       777       37,603  
Total investments
    148,550       38,530       1,170       108,850  
    $ 2,003,930     $ 470,421     $ 1,344,834     $ 188,675  
                                 
 

The Company's investment in a senior preferred interest in Miller Buckfire & Co. LLC, which is included in investments in the consolidated statements of financial condition, is carried at cost and therefore not included in the above analysis of fair value at September 30, 2011.

 
 

 


 
 
September 30, 2011
 
 
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Liabilities:
                       
Trading securities sold, but not yet purchased:
                       
U.S. government securities
  $ 109,568     $ 109,568     $     $  
Corporate securities:
                               
Fixed income securities
    129,226       55,375       73,851        
Equity securities
    33,071       33,032       39        
State and municipal securities
    325             325        
Total trading securities sold, but not yet purchased
    272,190       197,975       74,215        
Securities sold, but not yet purchased (1)
    16,815       16,815              
Derivative contracts (2)
    25,672             25,672        
    $ 314,677     $ 214,790     $ 99,887     $  
                                 
(1) Included in other liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial condition.
         
(2) Included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the consolidated statements of financial condition.
         

 
 

 


 
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Assets:
                       
Cash equivalents
  $ 15,675     $ 15,675     $     $  
Trading securities owned:
                               
U.S. government agency securities
    86,882             86,882        
U.S. government securities
    9,038       9,038              
Corporate securities:
                               
Fixed income securities
    221,145       47,001       133,901       40,243  
Equity securities
    46,877       46,395       482        
State and municipal securities
    80,228             80,228        
Total trading securities owned
    444,170       102,434       301,493       40,243  
Available-for-sale securities:
                               
U.S. government agency securities
    25,030             25,030        
State and municipal securities
    26,343             14,907       11,436  
Mortgage-backed securities:
                               
Agency
    697,163             697,163        
Commercial
    67,996             67,996        
Non-agency
    29,273             29,273        
Corporate fixed income securities
    154,901       34,897       120,004        
Asset-backed securities
    12,008             12,008        
Total available-for-sale securities
    1,012,714       34,897       966,381       11,436  
Investments:
                               
Corporate equity securities
    3,335       3,335              
Mutual funds
    32,193       32,193              
U.S. government securities
    8,751       8,751              
Auction rate securities:
                               
Equity securities
    76,826                   76,826  
Municipal securities
    6,533                   6,533  
Other
    51,298       10,489       2,307       38,502  
Total investments
    178,936       54,768       2,307       121,861  
    $ 1,651,495     $ 207,774     $ 1,270,181     $ 173,540  
                                 
Liabilities:
                               
Trading securities sold, but not yet purchased:
                               
U.S. government securities
  $ 131,561     $ 131,561     $     $  
U.S. government agency securities
    664             664        
Corporate securities:
                               
Fixed income securities
    61,026       18,815       37,526       4,685  
Equity securities
    6,800       6,780       20        
State and municipal securities
    89             89        
Total trading securities sold, but not yet purchased
    200,140       157,156       38,299       4,685  
Securities sold, but not yet purchased (1)
    19,935       19,935              
Derivative contracts (2)
    9,259             9,259        
    $ 229,334     $ 177,091     $ 47,558     $ 4,685  
                                 
(1) Included in other liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial condition.
         
(2) Included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the consolidated statements of financial condition.
         
 


 
 

 

 
The following table summarizes the changes in fair value carrying values associated with Level 3 financial instruments during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 (in thousands):
   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
   
Financial Assets
   
Financial Liabilities
 
         
Available-for-sale
   
Investments
       
   
Corporate Fixed Income Securities (1)
   
State and Municipal Securities
   
Corporate Fixed Income Securities
   
Auction Rate Securities – Equity
   
Auction Rate Securities – Municipal
   
Other
   
Corporate Fixed Income Securities (2)
 
                                           
Balance at June 30, 2011
  $ 18,342     $ 44,678     $     $ 66,616     $ 7,117     $ 38,958     $ 2,435  
Unrealized gains/(losses):
                                                       
Included in changes in net assets (3)
    37                   162       52       (692 )      
Included in OCI (4)
          316                                
Realized gains/(losses) (3)
    (380 )     43                               (94 )     (16 )
Purchases
    66       21,987       12,000       1,650             170        
Sales
    (16,500 )                                   (2,419 )
Redemptions
    (112 )     (400 )           (4,225 )     (125 )     (739 )      
Transfers:
                                                       
Into Level 3
                                         
Out of Level 3
    (252 )                                    
Net change
    (17,141 )     21,946       12,000       (2,413 )     (73 )     (1,355 )     (2,435 )
Balance at September 30, 2011
  $ 1,201     $ 66,624     $ 12,000     $ 64,203     $ 7,044     $ 37,603     $  
                                                         
 
 
 


   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
   
Financial Assets
   
Financial Liabilities
 
         
Available-for-sale
   
Investments
       
   
Corporate Fixed Income Securities (1)
   
State and Municipal Securities
   
Corporate Fixed Income Securities
   
Auction Rate Securities – Equity
   
Auction Rate Securities – Municipal
   
Other
   
Corporate Fixed Income Securities (2)
 
                                           
Balance at December 31, 2010
  $ 40,243     $ 11,436     $     $ 76,826     $ 6,533     $ 38,502     $ 4,685  
Unrealized gains/(losses):
                                                       
Included in changes in net assets (3)
    (283 )                 452       (44 )     2,872        
Included in OCI (4)
          2,403                                
Realized gains/(losses) (3)
    356       858                           (681 )     (52 )
Purchases
    166,549       48,974       12,000       3,725       4,105       994       6,663  
Sales
    (198,572 )     (24,126 )                 (2,900 )             (11,296 )
Redemptions
    (828 )     (775 )           (16,800 )     (650 )     (4,324 )      
Transfers:
                                                       
Into Level 3
            27,854                         240        
Out of Level 3
    (6,264 )                                    
Net change
    (39,042 )     55,188       12,000       (12,623 )     511       (899 )     (4,685 )
Balance at September 30, 2011
  $ 1,201     $ 66,624     $ 12,000     $ 64,203     $ 7,044     $ 37,603     $  
                                                         
(1) Included in trading securities owned in the consolidated statements of financial condition.
                 
(2) Included in trading securities sold, but not yet purchased in the consolidated statements of financial condition.
         
(3) Realized and unrealized gains/(losses) related to trading securities and investments are reported in other income in the consolidated statements of operations.
 
(4) Unrealized gains related to available-for-sale securities are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) in the consolidated statements of financial condition.
 
 
The results included in the table above are only a component of the overall investment strategies of our company. The table above does not present Level 1 or Level 2 valued assets or liabilities. The changes to our company’s Level 3 classified instruments were principally a result of: purchases of ARS from our customers, unrealized gains and losses, and redemptions of ARS at par during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011. There were $0.2 million and $6.2 million of transfers from Level 3 to Level 2 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, related to securities for which market trades were observed that provided transparency into the valuation of these assets. There were $28.1 million of transfers of financial assets into Level 3 during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 primarily related to municipal ARS, which we transferred from held-to-maturity to available-for-sale during the second quarter of 2011. Given that there has been no recent trade activity observed, we transferred them into available-for-sale as Level 3 assets. There were no changes in unrealized gains/(losses) recorded in earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 relating to Level 3 assets still held at September 30, 2011.
 
Transfers Within the Fair Value Hierarchy
 
We assess our financial instruments on a quarterly basis to determine the appropriate classification within the fair value hierarchy, as defined by Topic 820. Transfers between fair value classifications occur when there are changes in pricing observability levels. Transfers of financial instruments among the levels are deemed to occur at the beginning of the reporting period. There were $4.8 million and $29.3 million of transfers of financial assets from Level 2 to Level 1 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, primarily related to tax-exempt securities and equity securities for which market trades were observed that provided transparency into the valuation of these assets. There were $5.1 million and $22.3 million of transfers of financial assets from Level 1 to Level 2 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, primarily related to tax-exempt securities for which there were low volumes of recent trade activity observed.
 
 
 

 
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
The following reflects the fair value of financial instruments, as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, whether or not recognized in the consolidated statements of financial condition at fair value (in thousands).
                         
   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Carrying value
   
Estimated fair value
   
Carrying value
   
Estimated fair value
 
Financial assets:
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 214,619     $ 214,619     $ 253,529     $ 253,529  
Restricted cash
    6,880       6,880       6,868       6,868  
Cash segregated for regulatory purposes
    26       26       6,023       6,023  
Securities purchased under agreements to resell
    121,004       121,004       123,617       123,617  
Trading securities owned
    526,444       526,444       444,170       444,170  
Available-for-sale securities
    1,312,784       1,312,784       1,012,714       1,012,714  
Held-to-maturity securities
    159,132       157,085       52,640       52,984  
Loans held for sale
    114,452       114,452       86,344       86,344  
Bank loans
    568,293       571,716       389,742       376,176  
Investments
    176,550       176,550       178,936       178,936  
Financial liabilities:
                               
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
  $ 52,805     $ 52,805     $ 109,595     $ 109,595  
Non-interest-bearing deposits
    21,405       21,398       8,197       7,980  
Interest-bearing deposits
    2,099,358       2,072,029       1,615,371       1,565,199  
Trading securities sold, but not yet purchased
    272,190       272,190       200,140       200,140  
Securities sold, but not yet purchased (1)
    16,815       16,815       19,935       19,935  
Derivative contracts (2)
    25,672       25,672       9,259       9,259  
Liabilities subordinated to the claims of general creditors
    6,957       6,617       8,241       7,739  
                                 
(1) Included in other liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial condition.
         
(2) Included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the consolidated statements of financial condition.
         
 

 
The following, as supplemented by the discussion above, describes the valuation techniques used in estimating the fair value of our financial instruments as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
Financial Assets
 
Securities Purchased Under Agreements to Resell
 
Securities purchased under agreements to resell are collateralized financing transactions that are recorded at their contractual amounts plus accrued interest. The carrying values at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 approximate fair value.
 
Held-to-Maturity Securities
 
Securities held to maturity are recorded at amortized cost based on our company’s positive intent and ability to hold these securities to maturity. Securities held to maturity include asset-backed securities, consisting of corporate obligations, collateralized debt obligation securities and ARS. The estimated fair value, included in the above table, is determined using several factors; however, primary weight is given to discounted cash flow modeling techniques that incorporated an estimated discount rate based upon recent observable debt security issuances with similar characteristics.
 
The decrease in estimated fair value below the carrying amount of our asset-backed security at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 is primarily due to unrealized losses that were caused by: illiquid markets for collateralized debt obligations, global disruptions in the credit markets, increased supply of collateralized debt obligation secondary market securities from distressed sellers, and difficult times in the banking sector.
 
 
 

 
Loans Held for Sale
 
Loans held for sale consist of fixed-rate and adjustable-rate residential real estate mortgage loans intended for sale. Loans held for sale are stated at lower of cost or fair value. Fair value is determined based on prevailing market prices for loans with similar characteristics or on sale contract prices. The carrying values at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 approximate fair value.
 
Bank Loans
 
The fair values of mortgage loans and commercial loans were estimated using a discounted cash flow method, a form of the income approach. Discount rates were determined considering rates at which similar portfolios of loans would be made under current conditions and considering liquidity spreads applicable to each loan portfolio based on the secondary market.
 
Financial Liabilities
 
Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase
 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are collateralized financing transactions that are recorded at their contractual amounts plus accrued interest. The carrying values at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 approximate fair value.
 
Non-Interest-Bearing Demand Deposits
 
The fair value of non-interest-bearing demand deposits was estimated using a discounted cash flow method.
 
Interest-Bearing Deposits
 
The fair value of money market and savings accounts represents the amounts payable on demand. The fair value of other interest-bearing deposits, including certificates of deposit, was calculated by discounting the future cash flows using discount rates based on the expected current market rates for similar products with similar remaining terms.
 
Liabilities Subordinated to Claims of General Creditors
 
The fair value of subordinated debt was measured using the interest rates commensurate with borrowings of similar terms.
 
These fair value disclosures represent our best estimates based on relevant market information and information about the financial instruments. Fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected losses, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of the various instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Changes in the above methodologies and assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
 
 
 

 
 
NOTE 6 – Trading Securities Owned and Trading Securities Sold, But Not Yet Purchased
 
The components of trading securities owned and trading securities sold, but not yet purchased, at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, are as follows (in thousands):
 
             
   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
Trading securities owned:
           
U.S. government agency securities
  $ 71,333     $ 86,882  
U.S. government securities
    12,202       9,038  
Corporate securities:
               
Fixed income securities
    264,623       221,145  
Equity securities
    40,886       46,877  
State and municipal securities
    137,400       80,228  
    $ 526,444     $ 444,170  
Trading securities sold, but not yet purchased:
               
U.S. government securities
  $ 109,568     $ 131,561  
U.S. government agency securities
          664  
Corporate securities:
               
Fixed income securities
    129,226       61,026  
Equity securities
    33,071       6,800  
State and municipal securities
    325       89  
    $ 272,190     $ 200,140  
                 
 
At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, trading securities owned in the amount of $355.0 million and $272.2 million, respectively, were pledged as collateral for our repurchase agreements and short-term borrowings.
 
Trading securities sold, but not yet purchased, represent obligations of our company to deliver the specified security at the contracted price, thereby creating a liability to purchase the security in the market at prevailing prices. We are obligated to acquire the securities sold short at prevailing market prices, which may exceed the amount reflected in the consolidated statements of financial condition.

 
 

 

 
NOTE 7 – Available-for-Sale and Held-to-Maturity Securities
 
The following tables provide a summary of the amortized cost and fair values of the available-for-sale securities and held-to-maturity securities at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 (in thousands):
 
 
September 30, 2011
 
 
Amortized cost
 
Gross unrealized gains (1)
 
Gross unrealized losses (1)
 
Estimated fair value
 
Available-for-sale
                       
U.S. government securities
  $ 905     $     $ (1 )   $ 904  
State and municipal securities
    79,714       4,490       (192 )     84,012  
Mortgage-backed securities:
                               
Agency
    495,524       12,021       (778 )     506,767  
Commercial
    266,643       1,102       (1,820 )     265,925  
Non-agency
    19,125       117       (985 )     18,257  
Corporate fixed income securities
    412,433       1,834       (4,450 )     409,817  
Asset-backed securities
    26,677       553       (128 )     27,102  
    $ 1,301,021     $ 20,117     $ (8,354 )   $ 1,312,784  
Held-to-maturity (2)
                               
Corporate fixed income securities
  $ 55,569     $ 55     $ (2,206 )   $ 53,418  
Asset-backed securities
    82,224       2,734       (3,235 )     81,723  
Municipal auction rate securities
    21,339       955       (350 )     21,944  
    $ 159,132     $ 3,744     $ (5,791 )   $ 157,085  
                                 
 
December 31, 2010
 
 
Amortized cost
 
Gross unrealized gains (1)
 
Gross unrealized losses (1)
 
Estimated fair value
 
Available-for-sale
                               
U.S. government securities
  $ 24,972     $ 58     $     $ 25,030  
State and municipal securities
    26,678       727       (1,062 )     26,343  
Mortgage-backed securities:
                               
Agency
    692,922       6,938       (2,697 )     697,163  
Commercial
    66,912       1,212       (128 )     67,996  
Non-agency
    29,319       744       (790 )     29,273  
Corporate fixed income securities
    153,523       1,705       (327 )     154,901  
Asset-backed securities
    11,331       677             12,008  
    $ 1,005,657     $ 12,061     $ (5,004 )   $ 1,012,714  
Held-to-maturity (2)
                               
Municipal auction rate securities
  $ 43,719     $ 3,803     $ (171 )   $ 47,351  
Asset-backed securities
    8,921       198       (3,486 )     5,633  
    $ 52,640     $ 4,001     $ (3,657 )   $ 52,984  
                                 
 
(1)  
Unrealized gains/(losses) related to available-for-sale securities are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss).
 
(2)  
Held-to-maturity securities are carried in the consolidated statements of financial condition at amortized cost, and the changes in the value of these securities, other than impairment charges, are not reported on the consolidated financial statements.


 
 

 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, available-for-sale securities with an aggregate par value of $22.0 million and $65.1 million, respectively, were called by the issuing agencies or matured, resulting in no gains or losses recorded in the consolidated statement of operations. Additionally, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, Stifel Bank received principal payments on mortgage-backed securities of $43.0 million and $164.2 million, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2011 unrealized losses, net of deferred tax benefits, of $3.3 million were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) in the consolidated statements of financial condition. During the three months ended September 30, 2010, unrealized gains, net of deferred taxes, of $0.1 million were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) in the consolidated statements of financial condition. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, unrealized gains, net of deferred taxes, of $3.3 million and $7.6 million, respectively, were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) in the consolidated statements of financial condition.
 
During the second quarter of 2011, we determined that we no longer had the intent to hold $32.9 million of held-to-maturity securities to maturity. As a result, we reclassified $27.8 million carrying value of municipal auction rate securities from held-to-maturity to available-for-sale.
 
During the second quarter of 2011, we reclassified $64.6 million of securities available for sale to securities held to maturity. Management determined that it has both the positive intent and ability to hold these securities to maturity. The reclassification of these securities was accounted for at fair value. On the date of transfer, the difference between the par value and the fair value of these securities resulted in a premium or discount that, under amortized cost accounting, will be amortized as a yield adjustment to interest income using the interest method. The unrealized holding gains or losses at the date of transfer will continue to be reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), and will also be amortized over the remaining life of the securities as a yield adjustment to interest income using the interest method. There were no gains or losses recognized as a result of this transfer.
 
The table below summarizes the amortized cost and fair values of debt securities, by contractual maturity (in thousands). Expected maturities may differ significantly from contractual maturities, as issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
   
September 30, 2011
 
   
Available-for-sale
   
Held-to-maturity
 
   
Amortized
cost
   
Estimated
fair value
   
Amortized
cost
   
Estimated
fair value
 
Debt securities
                       
Within one year
  $ 30,183     $ 30,579     $     $  
After one year through three years
    233,280       232,661              
After three years through five years
    153,110       150,672       15,118       14,301  
After five years through ten years
    10,529       11,169       66,203       64,441  
After ten years
    92,627       96,754       77,811       78,343  
                                 
Mortgage-backed securities
                               
After three years through five years
    9,641       10,020              
After five years through ten years
    13,825       13,971              
After ten years
    757,826       766,958              
    $ 1,301,021     $ 1,312,784     $ 159,132     $ 157,085  
                                 
 
The carrying value of securities pledged as collateral to secure public deposits and other purposes was $498.9 million and $111.6 million at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
 
Certain investments in the available-for-sale portfolio at September 30, 2011, are reported in the consolidated statements of financial condition at an amount less than their amortized cost. The total fair value of these investments at September 30, 2011, was $699.3 million, which was 53.3% of our available-for-sale investment portfolio. The amortized cost basis of these investments was $707.6 million at September 30, 2011. The declines in the available-for-sale portfolio primarily resulted from changes in interest rates and liquidity issues that have had a pervasive impact on the market.
 


 
 

 

 
The following table is a summary of the amount of gross unrealized losses and the estimated fair value by length of time that the available-for-sale securities have been in an unrealized loss position at September 30, 2011 (in thousands):
                   
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or more
   
Total
 
   
Gross unrealized losses
   
Estimated fair value
   
Gross unrealized losses
   
Estimated fair value
   
Gross unrealized losses
   
Estimated fair value
 
Available-for-sale
                                   
U.S. government securities
  $ (1 )   $ 251      $                                       —     $                                        —     $ (1 )   $ 251  
State and municipal securities
    (192 )     17,092                   (192 )     17,092  
Mortgage-backed securities:
                                               
Agency
    (778 )     202,452                   (778 )     202,452  
Commercial
    (1,820 )     187,206                   (1,820 )     187,206  
Non-agency
    (475 )     6,140       (510 )     7,352       (985 )     13,492  
Corporate fixed income securities
    (4,450 )     263,046                   (4,450 )     263,046  
Asset-backed securities
    (128 )     15,727                   (128 )     15,727  
    $ (7,844 )   $ 691,914     $ (510 )   $ 7,352     $ (8,354 )   $ 699,266  
                                                 
The gross unrealized losses on our available-for-sale securities of $8.4 million as of September 30, 2011 relate to 81 individual securities.
 
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment
 
We evaluate all securities in an unrealized loss position quarterly to assess whether the impairment is other-than-temporary. Our other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) assessment is a subjective process requiring the use of judgments and assumptions. Accordingly, we consider a number of qualitative and quantitative criteria in our assessment, including the extent and duration of the impairment; recent events specific to the issuer and/or industry to which the issuer belongs; the payment structure of the security; external credit ratings and the failure of the issuer to make scheduled interest or principal payments; the value of underlying collateral; and current market conditions.
 
If we determine that impairment on our debt securities is other-than-temporary and we have made the decision to sell the security or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis, we recognize the entire portion of the impairment in earnings. If we have not made a decision to sell the security and we do not expect that we will be required to sell the security prior to recovery of the amortized cost basis, we recognize only the credit component of OTTI in earnings. The remaining unrealized loss due to factors other than credit, or the non-credit component, is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss). We determine the credit component based on the difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and the present value of its expected future cash flows, discounted based on the purchase yield. The non-credit component represents the difference between the security’s fair value and the present value of expected future cash flows.
 
Based on the evaluation, we recognized a credit-related OTTI of $1.9 million in earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. If certain loss thresholds are exceeded, this bond would experience an event of default that would allow the senior class to liquidate the collateral securing this investment, which could adversely impact our valuation.
 
We estimate the portion of loss attributable to credit using a discounted cash flow model. Key assumptions used in estimating the expected cash flows include default rates, loss severity and prepayment rates. Assumptions used can vary widely based on the collateral underlying the securities and are influenced by factors such as collateral type, loan interest rate, geographical location of the borrower, and borrower characteristics.
 
We believe the gross unrealized losses related to all other securities of $8.4 million as of September 30, 2011 are attributable to issuer specific credit spreads and changes in market interest rates and asset spreads. We therefore do not expect to incur any credit losses related to these securities. In addition, we have no intent to sell these securities with unrealized losses and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell these securities prior to recovery of the amortized cost. Accordingly, we have concluded that the impairment on these securities is not other-than-temporary.
 
 

 
NOTE 8Bank Loans
 
The following table presents the balance and associated percentage of each major loan category in our loan portfolio at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 (in thousands, except percentages):
 
   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Balance
 
Percent
   
Balance
 
Percent
 
                         
Consumer (1)
 
$
364,288
 
63.7
%
 
$
266,806
 
68.2
%
Commercial and industrial
   
125,388
 
21.9
     
41,965
 
10.7
 
Residential real estate
   
53,185
 
9.3
     
49,550
 
12.7
 
Home equity lines of credit
   
25,386
 
4.4
     
30,966
 
7.9
 
Commercial real estate
   
3,306
 
0.6
     
1,637
 
0.4
 
Construction and land
   
514
 
0.1
     
524
 
0.1
 
     
572,067
 
100.0
%
   
391,448
 
100.0
%
Unamortized loan origination costs, net of loan fees
 
 
66
         
392
     
Loans in process
   
(10
)
       
233
     
Allowance for loan losses
   
(3,830
)
       
(2,331
)
   
   
$
568,293
       
$
389,742
     
                         
(1) Includes securities-based loans of $364.0 million and $266.1 million at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
 
Changes in the allowance for loan losses for the periods presented were as follows (in thousands):
 
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Allowance for loan losses, beginning of period
  $ 3,251     $ 1,936     $ 2,331     $ 1,702  
Provision for loan losses
    559       (51 )     1,465       216  
Charge-offs:
                               
Residential real estate
          (66 )           (215 )
Other
                      (2 )
Total charge-offs
          (66 )           (217 )
Recoveries
    20       4       34       122  
Allowance for loan losses, end of period
  $ 3,830     $ 1,823     $ 3,830     $ 1,823  
                                 
 
A loan is impaired when it is probable that interest and principal payments will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement. At September 30, 2011, we had $0.9 million of nonaccrual loans that were more than 90 days past due, for which there was a specific allowance of $0.2 million. Further, we had $0.4 million in troubled debt restructurings at September 30, 2011. At December 31, 2010, we had $1.1 million of nonaccrual loans that were more than 90 days past due, for which there was a specific allowance of $0.2 million. Further, we had $0.4 million in troubled debt restructurings at December 31, 2010. The gross interest income related to impaired loans, which would have been recorded had these loans been current in accordance with their original terms, and the interest income recognized on these loans during the year, were insignificant to the consolidated financial statements.
 
In general, we are a secured lender. At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, approximately 98.7% and 98.0% of our loan portfolio was collateralized, respectively. Collateral is required in accordance with the normal credit evaluation process based upon the creditworthiness of the customer and the credit risk associated with the particular transaction.
 
At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, Stifel Bank had loans outstanding to its executive officers, directors, and their affiliates in the amount of $0.8 million and $0.9 million, respectively, and loans outstanding to other Stifel Financial Corp. executive officers, directors, and their affiliates in the amount of $2.9 million and $3.5 million, respectively. Such loans and other extensions of credit were made in the ordinary course of business and were made on substantially the same terms (including interest rates and collateral requirements) as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons.
 
At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, we had mortgage loans held for sale of $114.5 million and $86.3 million, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, we recognized gains of $2.0 million and $2.1 million, respectively, from the sale of loans originated for sale, net of fees and costs to originate these loans. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, we recognized gains of $5.4 million and $4.6 million, respectively, from the sale of loans originated for sale, net of fees and costs to originate these loans. 
 
 

 
 
NOTE 9Fixed Assets
 
The following is a summary of fixed assets as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 (in thousands):
             
   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
             
Furniture and equipment
  $ 142,917     $ 116,650  
Building and leasehold improvements
    55,413       51,046  
Total
    198,330       167,696  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (113,687 )     (96,198 )
    $ 84,643     $ 71,498  
                 
For the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, depreciation and amortization of furniture and equipment, and leasehold improvements totaled $7.0 million and $6.4 million, respectively, and are included in occupancy and equipment rental in the consolidated statements of operations. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, depreciation and amortization of furniture and equipment, and leasehold improvements totaled $19.1 million and $18.0 million, respectively.
 
NOTE 10Goodwill and Intangible Assets
 
Goodwill impairment is tested at the reporting unit level, which is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment on an annual basis. The goodwill impairment analysis is a two-step test. The first step, used to identify potential impairment, involves comparing each reporting unit’s fair value to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, applicable goodwill is considered not to be impaired. If the carrying value exceeds fair value, there is an indication of impairment and the second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment. Our annual goodwill impairment testing was completed as of July 31, 2011, with no impairment identified.
 
The carrying amount of goodwill and intangible assets attributable to each of our reporting units is presented in the following table (in thousands):
   
December 31, 2010
   
Net additions
   
Impairment losses
   
September 30, 2011
 
Goodwill
                       
Global Wealth Management
  $ 128,524     $ 5,410     $     $ 133,934  
Institutional Group
    173,395       2,190             175,585  
    $ 301,919     $ 7,600     $     $ 309,519  
                                 
 

   
December 31, 2010
   
Adjustments
   
Amortization
   
September 30, 2011
 
Intangible assets
                       
Global Wealth Management
  $ 21,463     $     $ (2,148 )   $ 19,315  
Institutional Group
    13,132       (441 )     (1,440 )     11,251  
    $ 34,595     $ (441 )   $ (3,588 )   $ 30,566  
                                 
 


 
 

 

 
The adjustments to goodwill during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 are primarily attributable to adjustments to pre-acquisition contingencies based on facts that existed as of the acquisition date that would have affected our estimate of the acquisition date fair value.
 
Amortizable intangible assets consist of acquired customer relationships, trade name, non-compete agreements, and investment banking backlog that are amortized over their contractual or determined useful lives. Intangible assets subject to amortization as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 were as follows (in thousands):
             
   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Gross carrying value
   
Accumulated Amortization
   
Gross carrying value
   
Accumulated Amortization
 
                         
Customer relationships
  $ 37,068     $ 13,854     $ 37,068     $ 11,015  
Trade name
    7,981       758       7,981       364  
Non-compete agreement
    2,441       2,399       2,441       2,238  
Investment banking backlog
    1,789       1,702       2,230       1,508  
    $ 49,279     $ 18,713     $ 49,720     $ 15,125  
                                 
 
Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $1.2 million and $2.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $3.6 million and $3.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
The weighted-average remaining lives of the following intangible assets at September 30, 2011 are: customer relationships, 6.9 years; trade name, 13.8 years; and non-compete agreements, 0.2 years. As of September 30, 2011, we expect amortization expense in future periods to be as follows (in thousands):
         
Fiscal year
       
Remainder of 2011
 
$
1,190
 
2012
   
3,909
 
2013
   
3,482
 
2014
   
3,185
 
2015
   
2,853
 
Thereafter
   
15,947
 
   
$
30,566
 
         
 
 
 

NOTE 11 – Short-Term Borrowings
 
Our short-term financing is generally obtained through short-term bank line financing on a secured basis, uncommitted short-term bank line financing on an unsecured basis and securities lending arrangements. We borrow from various banks on a demand basis with company-owned and customer securities pledged as collateral. The value of customer-owned securities used as collateral is not reflected in the consolidated statements of financial condition. We maintain available ongoing credit arrangements with banks that provided a peak daily borrowing of $401.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011. There are no compensating balance requirements under these arrangements.
 
At September 30, 2011, short-term borrowings from banks were $259.7 million at an average rate of 1.09%, which were collateralized by company-owned securities valued at $302.2 million. At December 31, 2010, short-term borrowings from banks were $109.6 million at an average rate of 1.05%, which were collateralized by company-owned securities valued at $162.6 million. The average bank borrowing was $212.4 million and $91.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, at weighted average daily interest rates of 1.15% and 1.28%, respectively. The average bank borrowing was $196.0 million and $108.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, at weighted average daily interest rates of 1.11% and 1.09%, respectively.
 
At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, Stifel Nicolaus had a stock loan balance of $119.5 million and $27.9 million, respectively, at weighted average daily interest rates of 0.31% and 0.26%, respectively. The average outstanding securities lending arrangements utilized in financing activities were $121.2 million and $99.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, at weighted average daily effective interest rates of 1.36% and 1.31%, respectively. The average outstanding securities lending arrangements utilized in financing activities were $113.9 million and $66.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, at weighted average daily effective interest rates of 1.36% and 1.48%, respectively. Customer-owned securities were utilized in these arrangements.
 
 
 

 

 
NOTE 12Bank Deposits
 
Deposits consist of money market and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, and demand deposits. Deposits at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 were as follows (in thousands):
   
September 30,
2011
   
December 31,
2010
 
             
Money market and savings accounts
  $ 2,041,669     $ 1,590,663  
Demand deposits (interest-bearing)
    55,125       22,031  
Demand deposits (non-interest-bearing)
    21,405       8,197  
Certificates of deposit
    2,564       2,677  
    $ 2,120,763     $ 1,623,568  
 
The weighted average interest rate on deposits was 0.2% at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
 
Scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 were as follows (in thousands):
             
   
September 30,
2011
   
December 31,
2010
 
Certificates of deposit, less than $100:
           
Within one year
  $ 359     $ 198  
One to three years
    495       577  
Over three years
    181       190  
    $ 1,035     $ 965  
                 
Certificates of deposit, $100 and greater:
               
Within one year
  $ 747     $ 692  
One to three years
    782       1,020  
Over three years
           
    $ 1,529     $ 1,712  
                 
    $ 2,564     $ 2,677  
                 
 
At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the amount of deposits includes related party deposits, primarily brokerage customers’ deposits from Stifel Nicolaus of $2.1 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively, and interest-bearing and time deposits of executive officers, directors, and their affiliates of $0.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively. Such deposits were made in the ordinary course of business and were made on substantially the same terms (including interest rates) as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons.
 
 
 

 
 
NOTE 13 – Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
 
Stifel Bank uses interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps generally involve the exchange of fixed and variable rate interest payments between two parties, based on a common notional principal amount and maturity date with no exchange of underlying principal amounts. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in exchange for our company making fixed payments. Our policy is not to offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments and fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral or the obligation to return cash collateral arising from derivative instruments recognized at fair value executed with the same counterparty under master netting arrangements.
 
The following table provides the notional values and fair values of our derivative instruments as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 (in thousands):
 
September 30, 2011
 
       
Asset derivatives
 
Liability derivatives
 
 
Notional Value
 
Balance sheet location
 
Positive fair value
 
Balance sheet location
 
Negative fair value
 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under Topic 815:
                     
Cash flow interest rate contracts
  $ 786,455  
Other assets
  $  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ (25,672 )
                             
 
December 31, 2010
 
         
Asset derivatives
 
Liability derivatives
 
 
Notional Value
 
Balance sheet location
 
Positive fair value
 
Balance sheet location
 
Negative fair value
 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under Topic 815:
                           
Cash flow interest rate contracts
  $ 491,807  
Other assets
  $  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ (9,259 )
                             
 
Cash Flow Hedges
 
We have entered into interest rate swap agreements that effectively modify our exposure to interest rate risk by converting floating rate debt to a fixed rate debt over the next ten years. The agreements involve the receipt of floating rate amounts in exchange for fixed rate interest payments over the life of the agreement without an exchange of underlying principal amounts.
 
Any unrealized gains or losses related to cash flow hedging instruments are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings and are recorded in interest expense on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Adjustments related to the ineffective portion of the cash flow hedging instruments are recorded in other income or other operating expense. There was no ineffectiveness recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011.
 
Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on our variable rate deposits. During the next twelve months, we estimate that $11.9 million will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense.
 


 
 

 

 
The following table shows the effect of our company’s derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):
     
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
Loss recognized in OCI (effectiveness)
 
Location of loss reclassified from OCI into income
 
Loss reclassified from OCI into income
 
Location of loss recognized in OCI (ineffectiveness)
 
Loss recognized due to ineffectiveness
 
Cash flow interest rate contracts
  $ 17,325  
Interest expense
  $ 3,510  
None
  $  
                             
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2010
 
 
Loss recognized in OCI (effectiveness)
 
Location of loss reclassified from OCI into income
 
Loss reclassified from OCI into income
 
Location of loss recognized in OCI (ineffectiveness)
 
Loss recognized due to ineffectiveness
 
Cash flow interest rate contracts
  $ 4,495  
Interest expense
  $ 764  
None
  $  
                             
 

 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
Loss recognized in OCI (effectiveness)
 
Location of loss reclassified from OCI into income
 
Loss reclassified from OCI into income
 
Location of loss recognized in OCI (ineffectiveness)
 
Loss recognized due to ineffectiveness
 
Cash flow interest rate contracts
  $ 26,972  
Interest expense
  $ 10,559  
None
  $  
                             
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010
 
 
Loss recognized in OCI (effectiveness)
 
Location of loss reclassified from OCI into income
 
Loss reclassified from OCI into income
 
Location of loss recognized in OCI (ineffectiveness)
 
Loss recognized due to ineffectiveness
 
Cash flow interest rate contracts
  $ 15,172  
Interest expense
  $ 842  
None
  $  
                             
 
We maintain a risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to minimize significant unplanned fluctuations in earnings caused by interest rate volatility. Our goal is to manage sensitivity to changes in rates by hedging the maturity characteristics of Fed-funds-based affiliated deposits, thereby limiting the impact on earnings. By using derivative instruments, we are exposed to credit and market risk on those derivative positions. We manage the market risk associated with interest rate contracts by establishing and monitoring limits as to the types and degree of risk that may be undertaken. Credit risk is equal to the extent of the fair value gain in a derivative if the counterparty fails to perform. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, this generally indicates that the counterparty owes our company and, therefore, creates a repayment risk for our company. When the fair value of a derivative contract is negative, we owe the counterparty and, therefore, have no repayment risk. See Note 5 in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion on how we determine the fair value of our financial instruments. We minimize the credit (or repayment) risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties that are reviewed periodically by senior management.

 
 

 

 
Credit Risk-Related Contingency Features
 
We have agreements with our derivative counterparties containing provisions where if we default on any of our indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, then we could also be declared in default on our derivative obligations.
 
We have agreements with certain of our derivative counterparties that contain provisions where if our shareholder’s equity declines below a specified threshold or if we fail to maintain a specified minimum shareholder’s equity, then we could be declared in default on our derivative obligations.
 
Certain of our agreements with our derivative counterparties contain provisions where if a specified event or condition occurs that materially changes our creditworthiness in an adverse manner, we may be required to fully collateralize our obligations under the derivative instrument.
 
Regulatory Capital-Related Contingency Features
 
Certain of our derivative instruments contain provisions that require us to maintain our capital adequacy requirements. If we were to lose our status as “adequately capitalized,” we would be in violation of those provisions, and the counterparties of the derivative instruments could request immediate payment or demand immediate and ongoing full overnight collateralization on derivative instruments in net liability positions.
 
As of September 30, 2011, the fair value of derivatives in a net liability position, which includes accrued interest but excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk, related to these agreements was $26.9 million (termination value). We have minimum collateral posting thresholds with certain of our derivative counterparties and have posted collateral of $32.9 million against our obligations under these agreements. If we had breached any of these provisions at September 30, 2011, we would have been required to settle our obligations under the agreements at the termination value.
 
Counterparty Risk
 
In the event of counterparty default, our economic loss may be higher than the uncollateralized exposure of our derivatives if we were not able to replace the defaulted derivatives in a timely fashion. We monitor the risk that our uncollateralized exposure to each of our counterparties for interest rate swaps will increase under certain adverse market conditions by performing periodic market stress tests. These tests evaluate the potential additional uncollateralized exposure we would have to each of these derivative counterparties assuming changes in the level of market rates over a brief time period.

NOTE 14 – Commitments, Guarantees, and Contingencies

 
Broker-Dealer Commitments and Guarantees
 
In the normal course of business, we enter into underwriting commitments. Settlement of transactions relating to such underwriting commitments, which were open at September 30, 2011, had no material effect in the consolidated financial statements.
 
In connection with margin deposit requirements of The Options Clearing Corporation, we pledged customer-owned securities valued at $79.2 million to satisfy the minimum margin deposit requirement of $48.4 million at September 30, 2011.
 
In connection with margin deposit requirements of the National Securities Clearing Corporation, we deposited $26.8 million in cash at September 30, 2011, which satisfied the minimum margin deposit requirements of $19.9 million.
 
 

 

We also provide guarantees to securities clearinghouses and exchanges under their standard membership agreement, which requires members to guarantee the performance of other members. Under the agreement, if another member becomes unable to satisfy its obligations to the clearinghouse, other members would be required to meet shortfalls. Our liability under these agreements is not quantifiable and may exceed the cash and securities we have posted as collateral. However, the potential requirement for us to make payments under these arrangements is considered remote. Accordingly, no liability has been recognized for these arrangements.

 
On December 28, 2009, we announced that Stifel Nicolaus had reached an agreement with the State of Missouri, the State of Indiana, the State of Colorado, and with an association of other State securities regulatory authorities regarding the repurchase of ARS from Eligible ARS investors. As part of the agreement, we have accelerated the previously announced repurchase plan. We have agreed to repurchase ARS from Eligible ARS investors in four phases starting in January 2010 and ending on December 31, 2011. At September 30, 2011, we estimate that our retail clients held $45.7 million par value of eligible ARS after issuer redemptions of $58.1 million par value and Stifel repurchases of $92.6 million par value.
 
Phases two and three of the modified ARS repurchase plan were completed during the year ended December 31, 2010, in which we repurchased ARS of $39.2 million par value. During the final phase, which will be completed by December 31, 2011, we estimate that we will repurchase ARS of $45.3 million par value. The amount estimated for repurchase represents ARS held by our clients at September 30, 2011, and assumes no issuer redemptions.
 
Separately, TWP has entered into Settlement and Release Agreements (“Settlement Agreements”) with certain customers, whereby it will purchase up to approximately $50.0 million par value of ARS in exchange for a release from any future claims. At September 30, 2011, we estimate that TWP customers held $38.6 million par value of ARS, which may be repurchased over the next 5 years. The amount estimated for repurchase assumes no issuer redemptions.
 
We have recorded a liability for our estimated exposure to the repurchase plans based upon a net present value calculation, which is subject to change and future events, including redemptions. ARS redemptions have been at par, and we believe will continue to be at par over the remaining repurchase period. Future periods’ results may be affected by changes in estimated redemption rates or changes in the fair value of ARS.
 
Other Commitments
 
In the ordinary course of business, Stifel Bank has commitments to extend credit in the form of commitments to originate loans, standby letters of credit, and lines of credit. See Note 19 in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for further details.
 
Fund Capital Commitments
 
At September 30, 2011, our asset management subsidiaries had commitments to invest in affiliated and unaffiliated investment partnerships of $4.1 million. These commitments are generally called as investment opportunities are identified by the underlying partnerships. These commitments may be called in full at any time.
 
Concentration of Credit Risk
 
We provide investment, capital-raising, and related services to a diverse group of domestic customers, including governments, corporations, and institutional and individual investors. Our exposure to credit risk associated with the non-performance of customers in fulfilling their contractual obligations pursuant to securities transactions can be directly impacted by volatile securities markets, credit markets, and regulatory changes. This exposure is measured on an individual customer basis and on a group basis for customers that share similar attributes. To reduce the potential for risk concentrations, counterparty credit limits have been implemented for certain products and are continually monitored in light of changing customer and market conditions. As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, we did not have significant concentrations of credit risk with any one customer or counterparty, or any group of customers or counterparties.
 
 
 

 
 
 
Note 15 – Legal Proceedings
 
Our company and its subsidiaries are named in and subject to various proceedings and claims arising primarily from our securities business activities, including lawsuits, arbitration claims, class actions, and regulatory matters. Some of these claims seek substantial compensatory, punitive, or indeterminate damages. Our company and its subsidiaries are also involved in other reviews, investigations, and proceedings by governmental and self-regulatory organizations regarding our business, which may result in adverse judgments, settlements, fines, penalties, injunctions, and other relief. We are contesting the allegations in these claims, and we believe that there are meritorious defenses in each of these lawsuits, arbitrations, and regulatory investigations. In view of the number and diversity of claims against the company, the number of jurisdictions in which litigation is pending, and the inherent difficulty of predicting the outcome of litigation and other claims, we cannot state with certainty what the eventual outcome of pending litigation or other claims will be.
 
We have established reserves for potential losses that are probable and reasonably estimable that may result from pending and potential legal actions, investigations and regulatory proceedings. In many cases, however, it is inherently difficult to determine whether any loss is probable or even possible or to estimate the amount or range of any potential loss, particularly where proceedings may be in relatively early stages or where plaintiffs are seeking substantial or indeterminate damages. Matters frequently need to be more developed before a loss or range of loss can reasonably be estimated.
 
In our opinion, based on currently available information, review with outside legal counsel, and consideration of amounts provided for in our consolidated financial statements with respect to these matters, the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse impact on our financial position. However, resolution of one or more of these matters may have a material effect on the results of operations in any future period, depending upon the ultimate resolution of those matters and depending upon the level of income for such period. For matters where a reserve has not been established and for which we believe a loss is reasonably possible, as well as for matters where a reserve has been recorded but for which an exposure to loss in excess of the amount accrued is reasonably possible, based on currently available information, we believe that such losses will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
 
SEC/Wisconsin Lawsuit
 
The SEC filed a civil lawsuit against our company in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin on August 10, 2011. The action arises out of our role in investments made by five Southeastern Wisconsin school districts (the “school districts”) in transactions involving collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”).  These transactions are described in more detail below in connection with the civil lawsuit filed by the school districts. The SEC has asserted claims under Section 10b and Rule 10b-5 of the Exchange Act, Sections 17a(1), 17a(2) and 17a(3) of the Securities Act and Section 15c(1)(A) of the Exchange Act. The claims are based upon both alleged misrepresentations and omissions in connection with the sale of the CDOs to the school districts, as well as the allegedly unsuitable nature of the CDOs. On October 31, 2011, we filed a motion to dismiss the action for failure to state a claim. We believe, based upon currently available information and review with outside counsel, that we have meritorious defenses to the SEC’s lawsuit and intend to vigorously defend the SEC’s claims.
 
We were named in a civil lawsuit filed in the Circuit Court of Milwaukee, Wisconsin (the “Wisconsin State Court”) on September 29, 2008. The lawsuit has been filed against our company, Stifel Nicolaus, Royal Bank of Canada Europe Ltd. (“RBC”), and certain other RBC entities (collectively the “Defendants”) by the school districts and the individual trustees for other post-employment benefit (“OPEB”) trusts established by those school districts (collectively the “Plaintiffs”).
 
The suit arises out of purchases of certain CDOs by the OPEB trusts. The RBC entities structured and served as “arranger” for the CDOs. We served as the placement agent/broker in connection with the transactions.  The school districts each formed trusts that made investments designed to address their OPEB liabilities.  The total amount of the investments made by the OPEB trusts was $200.0 million. Since the investments were made, we believe their value has declined, resulting in a total loss for the OPEB trusts.  The Plaintiffs have asserted that the school districts contributed $37.5 million to the OPEB trusts to purchase the investments. The balance of $162.5 million used to purchase the investments was borrowed by the OPEB trusts from Depfa Bank. The recourse under the loan agreements entered into by Depfa Bank is each of the OPEB trusts’ respective assets and the moral obligation of each school district. The legal claims asserted include violation of the Wisconsin Securities Act, fraud, and negligence. The lawsuit seeks equitable relief, unspecified compensatory damages, treble damages, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees and costs. The Plaintiffs claim that the RBC entities and our company either made misrepresentations or failed to disclose material facts in connection with the sale of the CDOs, and thus allegedly violated the Wisconsin Securities Act. We believe the Plaintiffs reviewed and understood the relevant offering materials and that the investments were suitable based upon, among other things, our receipt of written acknowledgement of risks from each of the Plaintiffs. The Wisconsin State Court denied the Defendants’ motions to dismiss, and the Defendants have responded to the allegations of the Second Amended Complaint, denying the substantive allegations and asserting various affirmative defenses. Stifel Nicolaus and the RBC entities have asserted cross-claims for indemnity and contribution against each other. We believe, based upon currently available information and review with outside counsel, that we have meritorious defenses to this lawsuit, and intend to vigorously defend all of the Plaintiffs’ claims.
 
Additionally, on July 25, 2011 we entered into a binding letter agreement to purchase, at a substantial discount, the approximately $162.5 million face value notes referenced above issued by Depfa Bank in connection with the loans made to the OPEB trusts formed by the school districts (the “Depfa notes”). We subsequently consummated such purchase on August 23, 2011 pursuant to a definitive agreement with Depfa Bank. Included in the consolidated results of operations is a provision related to the acquisition of the Depfa notes and additional estimated probable litigation-related provisions associated with the civil and regulatory investigation in connection with the OPEB matters.

TWP LLC FINRA Matter
 
Prior to the acquisition of TWPG, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) commenced an administrative proceeding against TWP, a wholly owned broker-dealer subsidiary of TWPG, related to a transaction undertaken by a former employee in which approximately $15.7 million of ARS were sold from a TWPG account to the accounts of three customers. FINRA has alleged that TWP violated various NASD and FINRA rules, as well as Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5. TWP has filed an answer denying the substantive allegations and asserting various affirmative defenses. TWP has repurchased the ARS at issue from the customers at par. FINRA is seeking fines and other relief against TWP and the former employee. TWP is defending the FINRA proceeding vigorously.

On November 8, 2011, the FINRA hearing panel delivered a decision that will become a final decision after 45 days and fully resolve the matter unless FINRA appeals to the National Adjudicatory Council.  TWP will comply with the Order to pay a $0.2 million fine plus administrative fees and costs for failing to establish and maintain systems and procedures governing principal transactions effected by the firm.

 
 
 

 
 
NOTE 16Regulatory Capital Requirements
 
We operate in a highly regulated environment and are subject to capital requirements, which may limit distributions to our company from its subsidiaries. Distributions from our broker-dealer subsidiaries are subject to net capital rules. A broker-dealer that fails to comply with the SEC’s Uniform Net Capital Rule (Rule 15c3-1) may be subject to disciplinary actions by the SEC and self-regulatory organizations, such as FINRA, including censures, fines, suspension, or expulsion. Stifel Nicolaus and TWP have chosen to calculate their net capital under the alternative method, which prescribes that their net capital shall not be less than the greater of $1.0 million or $250,000 (actual), respectively, or two percent of aggregate debit balances (primarily receivables from customers) computed in accordance with the SEC’s Customer Protection Rule (Rule 15c3-3). CSA calculates its net capital under the aggregate indebtedness method, whereby its aggregate indebtedness may not be greater than fifteen times its net capital (as defined).
 
At September 30, 2011, Stifel Nicolaus had net capital of $190.2 million, which was 30.7% of aggregate debit items and $177.8 million in excess of its minimum required net capital. At September 30, 2011, CSA’s and TWP’s net capital exceeded the minimum net capital required under the SEC rule.
 
Our international subsidiaries, SN Ltd and TWPIL, are subject to the regulatory supervision and requirements of the Financial Services Authority (“FSA”) in the United Kingdom. At September 30, 2011, SN Ltd’s and TWPIL’s capital and reserves were in excess of the financial resources requirement under the rules of the FSA.
 
Our Canadian subsidiary, SN Canada, is subject to the regulatory supervision and requirements of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (“IIROC”). At September 30, 2011, SN Canada’s net capital and reserves were in excess of the financial resources requirement under the rules of the IIROC.
 
Our company, as a bank holding company, and Stifel Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the Federal and state banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on our company’s and Stifel Bank’s financial results. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, our company and Stifel Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of our assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Our company’s and Stifel Bank’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.
 
 
 


Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require our company, as a bank holding company, and Stifel Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of total and Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and Tier 1 capital to average assets (as defined). To be categorized as “well capitalized,” our company and Stifel Bank must maintain total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the tables below.
       
Stifel Financial Corp. – Federal Reserve Capital Amounts
September 30, 2011
 
Actual
For Capital Adequacy Purposes
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
 
Amount
   
Ratio
Amount
   
Ratio
Amount
   
Ratio
                                     
Total capital to risk-weighted assets
  $ 835,120       25.3   $ 263,652       8.0   $ 329,564       10.0 %
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets
    831,290       25.2       131,826       4.0       197,739       6.0  
Tier 1 capital to adjusted average total assets
    831,290       21.1       157,597       4.0       196,997       5.0  
                                                 
Stifel Bank – Federal Reserve Capital Amounts
September 30, 2011
 
Actual
For Capital Adequacy Purposes
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
 
Amount
   
Ratio
Amount
   
Ratio
Amount
   
Ratio
                                                 
Total capital to risk-weighted assets
  $ 151,114       10.2   $ 119,081       8.0   $ 148,851       10.0 %
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets
    147,284       9.9       59,541       4.0       89,311       6.0  
Tier 1 capital to adjusted average total assets
    147,284       7.2       82,274       4.0       102,842       5.0  
                                                 
 
 
 
 

 
 
NOTE 17Employee Incentive, Deferred Compensation, and Retirement Plans
 
We maintain several incentive stock award plans that provide for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance awards, and stock units to our employees. Awards under our company’s incentive stock award plans are granted at market value at the date of grant. Options expire ten years from the date of grant. The awards generally vest ratably over a three- to eight-year vesting period.
 
All stock-based compensation plans are administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (“Compensation Committee”), which has the authority to interpret the plans, determine to whom awards may be granted under the plans, and determine the terms of each award. According to these plans, we are authorized to grant an additional 10.0 million shares at September 30, 2011.
 
Stock-based compensation expense included in compensation and benefits expense in the consolidated statements of operations for our company’s incentive stock award plans was $5.8 million and $182.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The tax benefit related to stock-based compensation recognized in shareholders’ equity was $1.5 million and $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
Stock-based compensation expense included in compensation and benefits expense in the consolidated statements of operations for our company’s incentive stock award plans was $21.8 million and $214.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The tax benefit related to stock-based compensation recognized in shareholders’ equity was $24.1 million and $14.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
Stock Options
 
We have substantially eliminated the use of stock options as a form of compensation. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, no options were granted.
 
At September 30, 2011, unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested options was immaterial. Cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options were $0.1 million and $0.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively. Tax benefits realized from the exercise of stock options for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 were $0.2 million and $1.1 million, respectively. Stock Units
 
A stock unit represents the right to receive a share of common stock from our company at a designated time in the future without cash payment by the employee and is issued in lieu of cash incentive, principally for deferred compensation and employee retention plans. At September 30, 2011, the total number of stock units outstanding was 14.2 million, of which 3.3 million were unvested.
 
At September 30, 2011, there was unrecognized compensation cost for stock units of $105.4 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.4 years.
 
Deferred Compensation Plans
 
The Stifel Nicolaus Wealth Accumulation Plan (the “SWAP 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 our company. Participants may elect to defer up to an additional 15% of their incentive compensation with a 25% matching contribution. Units generally vest over a three- to seven-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. Elective deferrals are 100% vested. As of September 30, 2011, there were 7.3 million units outstanding under the Plan.
 
 
 

 
Additionally, the SWAP Plan allows Stifel Nicolaus’ financial advisors who achieve certain levels of production, the option to defer a certain percentage of their gross commissions. As stipulated by the SWAP Plan, the financial advisors have the option to: 1) defer 4% of their gross commissions into company stock units with a 25% matching contribution or 2) defer up to 2% in mutual funds, which earn a return based on the performance of index mutual funds as designated by our company or a fixed income option. The mutual fund deferral option does not include a company match. Financial advisors may elect to defer an additional 1% of gross commissions into company stock units with a 25% matching contribution. Financial advisors have no ownership in the mutual funds. Included in the investments in the consolidated statements of financial condition are investments in mutual funds of $33.8 million and $32.2 million at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, that were purchased by our company to economically hedge, on an after-tax basis, its liability to the financial advisors who choose to base the performance of their return on the index mutual fund option. At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the deferred compensation liability related to the mutual fund option of $24.2 million and $23.9 million, respectively, is included in accrued compensation in the consolidated statements of financial condition.
 
In addition, certain financial advisors, upon joining our company, may receive company stock units in lieu of transition cash payments. Deferred compensation related to these awards generally vests over a five- to eight-year period. Deferred compensation costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the deferral period. As of September 30, 2011, there were 6.8 million units outstanding under the two plans.
 
NOTE 18Restructuring
 
As a result of the merger and integration of TWPG, we incurred certain restructuring charges during the third quarter of 2010. These charges related to costs associated with contract and lease terminations, consolidation of facilities and infrastructure, and employee termination benefits, which represented one-time activities and do not represent ongoing costs to fully integrate TWPG. As of September 30, 2011, the employee termination benefits have been fully paid.
 
Contract termination fees are determined based on the provisions of ASC Topic 420, “Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations,” which among other things, requires the recognition of a liability for contract termination under a cease-use date concept. Lease terminations represent costs associated with redundant office space disposed of as part of the restructuring plan. Payments related to terminated lease contracts (net of anticipated sublease proceeds) continue through the original terms of the leases, which run for various periods, with the longest lease term running through 2011. The restructuring charges are based on estimates that are subject to change.
 
The following table presents a summary of the activity with respect to the restructuring-related liabilities included in accrued compensation and accounts payable and accrued expenses in the consolidated statements of financial condition (in thousands):
         
Balance at December 31, 2010
 
$
6,295
 
Provision charged to operating expense
   
354
 
Cash outlays
   
(2,255
)
Non-cash write-downs
   
(2,528
)
Balance at September 30, 2011
 
$
1,866
 
         
 
 
 
 

 
 
NOTE 19Off-Balance Sheet Credit Risk
 
In the normal course of business, we execute, settle, and finance customer and proprietary securities transactions. These activities expose our company to off-balance sheet risk in the event that customers or other parties fail to satisfy their obligations.
 
In accordance with industry practice, securities transactions generally settle within three business days after trade date. Should a customer or broker fail to deliver cash or securities as agreed, we may be required to purchase or sell securities at unfavorable market prices.
 
We borrow and lend securities to facilitate the settlement process and finance transactions, utilizing customer margin securities held as collateral. We monitor the adequacy of collateral levels on a daily basis. We periodically borrow from banks on a collateralized basis, utilizing firm and customer margin securities in compliance with SEC rules. Should the counterparty fail to return customer securities pledged, we are subject to the risk of acquiring the securities at prevailing market prices in order to satisfy our customer obligations. We control our exposure to credit risk by continually monitoring our counterparties’ positions, and where deemed necessary, we may require a deposit of additional collateral and/or a reduction or diversification of positions. Our company sells securities it does not currently own (short sales) and is obligated to subsequently purchase such securities at prevailing market prices. We are exposed to risk of loss if securities prices increase prior to closing the transactions. We control our exposure to price risk from short sales through daily review and setting position and trading limits.
 
We manage our risks associated with the aforementioned transactions through position and credit limits and the continuous monitoring of collateral. Additional collateral is required from customers and other counterparties when appropriate.
 
We have accepted collateral in connection with resale agreements, securities borrowed transactions, and customer margin loans. Under many agreements, we are permitted to sell or repledge these securities held as collateral and use these securities to enter into securities lending arrangements or to deliver to counterparties to cover short positions. At September 30, 2011, the fair value of securities accepted as collateral where we are permitted to sell or repledge the securities was $927.4 million, and the fair value of the collateral that had been sold or repledged was $52.8 million. At December 31, 2010, the fair value of securities accepted as collateral where we are permitted to sell or repledge the securities was $864.7 million, and the fair value of the collateral that had been sold or repledged was $109.6 million.
 
 We enter into interest rate derivative contracts to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates. Our derivative financial instruments are principally used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of our known or expected cash payments related to certain variable-rate affiliated deposits.  Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for us making fixed-rate payments. Our interest rate hedging strategies may not work in all market environments and, as a result, may not be effective in mitigating interest rate risk.
 
Derivatives’ notional contract amounts are not reflected as assets or liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial condition. Rather, the market, or fair value, of the derivative transactions are reported in the consolidated statements of financial condition as other assets or accounts payable and accrued expenses, as applicable.
 
For a complete discussion of our activities related to derivative instruments, see Note 13 in the notes to our consolidated financial statements.
 
In the ordinary course of business, Stifel Bank has commitments to originate loans, standby letters of credit, and lines of credit. Commitments to originate loans are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established by the contract. These commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since a portion of the commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash commitments. Each customer’s creditworthiness is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if necessary, is based on the credit evaluation of the counterparty. Collateral held varies, but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, commercial real estate, and residential real estate.
 
 

 

At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, Stifel Bank had outstanding commitments to originate loans aggregating $253.7 million and $107.2 million, respectively. The commitments extended over varying periods of time, with all commitments at September 30, 2011 scheduled to be disbursed in the following two months.

 
Through Stifel Bank, in the normal course of business, we originate residential mortgage loans and sell them to investors. We may be required to repurchase mortgage loans that have been sold to investors in the event there are breaches of certain representations and warranties contained within the sales agreements. While we have yet to repurchase a loan sold to an investor, we may be required to repurchase mortgage loans that were sold to investors in the event that there was inadequate underwriting or fraud, or in the event that the loans become delinquent shortly after they are originated. We also may be required to indemnify certain purchasers and others against losses they incur in the event of breaches of representations and warranties and in various other circumstances, and the amount of such losses could exceed the repurchase amount of the related loans. Consequently, we may be exposed to credit risk associated with sold loans.
 
Standby letters of credit are irrevocable conditional commitments issued by Stifel Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Financial standby letters of credit are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements, including commercial paper, bond financing, and similar transactions. Performance standby letters of credit are issued to guarantee performance of certain customers under non-financial contractual obligations. The credit risk involved in issuing standby letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to customers. Should Stifel Bank be obligated to perform under the standby letters of credit, it may seek recourse from the customer for reimbursement of amounts paid. At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, Stifel Bank had outstanding letters of credit totaling $9.2 million. One of the standby letters of credit has an expiration of December 16, 2013. All of the remaining standby letters of credit commitments at September 30, 2011 have expiration terms that are less than one year.
 
Lines of credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Lines of credit generally have fixed expiration dates. Stifel Bank uses the same credit policies in granting lines of credit as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, Stifel Bank had granted unused lines of credit to commercial and consumer borrowers aggregating $98.5 million and $97.4 million, respectively.
 
NOTE 20 – Income Taxes
 
Our effective rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 was 42.8% and 39.0%, respectively, compared to 40.8% and 41.1% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. The provision for income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2011 was increased primarily as a result of adjustments to our uncertain tax positions. The provision for income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was reduced primarily as a result of the release of the valuation allowance due to realized and unrealized capital gains, which offset previously record unrealized capital losses.
 
 
 

 
 
NOTE 21 – Segment Reporting
 
We currently operate through the following three business segments: Global Wealth Management, Institutional Group, and various corporate activities combined in the Other segment.
 
Our Global Wealth Management segment consists of two businesses, the Private Client Group and Stifel Bank.  The Private Client Group includes branch offices and independent contractor offices of our broker-dealer subsidiaries located throughout the United States, primarily in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions with a growing presence in the Northeast, Southeast, and Western United States. These branches provide securities brokerage services, including the sale of equities, mutual funds, fixed income products, and insurance, as well as offering banking products to their clients through Stifel Bank. Stifel Bank segment provides residential, consumer, and commercial lending, as well as FDIC-insured deposit accounts to customers of our broker-dealer subsidiaries and to the general public.
 
The Institutional Group segment includes institutional sales and trading. It provides securities brokerage, trading, and research services to institutions, with an emphasis on the sale of equity and fixed income products. This segment also includes the management of and participation in underwritings for both corporate and public finance (exclusive of sales credits generated through the private client group, which are included in the Global Wealth Management segment), merger and acquisition, and financial advisory services.
 
The Other segment includes certain corporate activities of our company.
 
Information concerning operations in these segments of business for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 is as follows (in thousands):
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Net revenues: (1) 
                       
Global Wealth Management
  $ 219,498     $ 207,484     $ 683,589     $ 606,845  
Institutional Group
    113,259       138,043       373,168       375,937  
Other
    1,457       (5,139     2,927       (2,355
    $ 334,214     $ 340,388     $ 1,059,684     $ 980,427  
                                 
Income/(loss) before income taxes:
                               
Global Wealth Management
  $ 55,612     $ 51,707     $ 172,510     $ 131,306  
Institutional Group
    9,152       27,654       52,496       85,879  
Other
    (25,741 )     (221,917 )     (131,424 )     (284,231 )
    $ 39,023     $ (142,556 )   $ 93,582     $ (67,046 )
                                 
(1)  
No individual client accounted for more than 10 percent of total net revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 or 2010.
 
The following table presents our company’s total assets on a segment basis at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 (in thousands):
             
   
September 30,
 2011
   
December 31,
 2010
 
             
Global Wealth Management
  $ 3,658,296     $ 2,965,168  
Institutional Group
    1,076,051       883,235  
Other
    208,017       364,712  
    $ 4,942,364     $ 4,213,115  
                 
 
We have operations in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Europe. Our company’s foreign operations are conducted through its wholly owned subsidiaries, SN Ltd., SN Canada, and TWPIL. Substantially all long-lived assets are located in the United States.
 

 
Net revenues, classified by the major geographic areas in which they are earned for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, were as follows (in thousands):
             
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
United States
  $ 324,519     $ 329,350     $ 1,019,328     $ 955,938  
Canada
    3,261       4,870       16,522       4,870  
United Kingdom
    4,318       4,073       16,455       12,790  
Other European
    2,116       2,095       7,379       6,829  
    $ 334,214     $ 340,388     $ 1,059,684     $ 980,427  
                                 
 
NOTE 22 – Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)
 
The following table sets forth the components of other comprehensive income/(loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Net income/(loss)
  $ 22,304     $ (84,336 )   $ 57,118     $ (39,487 )
Other comprehensive income:
                               
Unrealized gains/(losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax
    (3,393 )     517       3,245       7,472  
Unrealized losses in cash flow hedging instruments, net of tax
    (8,513 )     (2,478 )     (10,105 )     (8,875
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax
    (2,283 )     8,690       (1,277 )     8,690  
      (14,189 )     6,729       (8,137 )     7,287  
Comprehensive income/(loss)
  $ 8,115     $ (77,607 )   $ 48,981     $ (32,200 )
                                 
 
 

 

NOTE 23 – Earnings Per Share

 
Basic EPS is computed by dividing earnings available to common shareholders 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 earnings per share include dilutive stock options and stock units under the treasury stock method.
 
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands, except per share data):
 
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Net income/(loss)
  $ 22,304     $ (84,336 )   $ 57,118     $ (39,487 )
Shares for basic and diluted calculations:
                               
Average shares used in basic computation
    52,367       51,201       52,610       47,865  
Dilutive effect of stock options and units (1)
    10,785       10,633       10,564       7,728  
Average shares used in diluted computation
  $ 63,152     $ 61,834     $ 63,174     $ 55,593  
Earnings per share:
                               
Basic
  $ 0.43     $ (1.65 )   $ 1.09     $ (0.82 )
Diluted (1) (2)
  $ 0.35     $ (1.65 )   $ 0.90     $ (0.82 )
                                 
 
(1)  
Diluted earnings per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of common stock plus the effect of dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. Diluted earnings per share include stock options and units.
 
(2)  
In accordance with Topic 260, “Earnings Per Share,” earnings per diluted common share is calculated using the basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding in periods a loss is incurred.
 
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, the anti-dilutive effect from restricted stock units was immaterial.
 
NOTE 24 – Shareholders’ Equity
 
Share Repurchase Program
 
On August 3, 2010, the Board authorized the repurchase of 3.0 million shares. These purchases may be made on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, depending upon market conditions and other factors. Repurchased shares may be used to meet obligations under our employee benefit plans and for general corporate purposes. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, we repurchased $44.6 million and $48.5 million, or 1.6 million and 1.7 million shares, respectively, using existing Board authorizations at average prices of $27.46 and $28.12 per share, respectively, to meet obligations under our company’s employee benefit plans and for general corporate purposes.
 
Under existing Board authorizations at September 30, 2011, we are permitted to buy an additional 1.3 million shares. On November 7, 2011, the Board authorized the repurchase of an additional 3.0 million shares; see Note 26 - Subsequent Events. The repurchase program has no expiration date.
 
Issuance of Shares
 
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, we reissued 0.2 million and 1.4 million shares, respectively, from treasury for shares as a result of vesting and exercise transactions under our incentive stock award plans.
 
 
 

 
NOTE 25 – Variable Interest Entities
 
The determination as to whether an entity is a VIE is based on the structure and nature of the entity. We also consider other characteristics, such as the ability to influence the decision-making relative to the entity’s activities and how the entity is financed. The determination as to whether we are the primary beneficiary for entities subject to the deferral is based on a qualitative analysis of the VIE’s expected losses and expected residual returns. This analysis includes a review of, among other factors, the VIE’s capital structure, contractual terms, which interests create or absorb variability, related party relationships, and the design of the VIE. For entities not subject to the deferral, the determination as to whether we are the primary beneficiary is based on an analysis of the power to direct the activities of the VIE as well as the obligation to absorb losses or benefits that could potentially be significant to the entity. Where qualitative analyses are not conclusive, we perform a quantitative analysis.  Our company’s involvement with VIEs is limited to entities used as investment vehicles and private equity funds, the establishment of Stifel Financial Capital Trusts, and our issuance of a convertible promissory note.
 
We have formed several non-consolidated investment funds with third-party investors that are typically organized as limited liability companies (“LLCs”) or limited partnerships. These partnerships and LLCs have assets of approximately $306.6 million at September 30, 2011. For those funds where we act as the general partner, our company’s economic interest is generally limited to management fee arrangements as stipulated by the fund operating agreements. We have generally provided the third-party investors with rights to terminate the funds or to remove us as the general partner. In assessing whether or not we have control, we look to the relevant accounting guidance in determining whether a general partner controls a limited partnership. Management fee revenue earned by our company was insignificant during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010. In addition, our direct investment interest in these entities is insignificant at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
Thomas Weisel Capital Management LLC, a subsidiary of our company, acts as the general partner of a series of investment funds in venture capital and fund of funds and manages investment funds that are active buyers of secondary interests in private equity funds, as well as portfolios of direct interests in venture-backed companies. These partnerships have combined assets of approximately $226.1 million at September 30, 2011. We hold variable interests in these funds as a result of our company’s rights to receive management fees. Our company’s investment in and additional capital commitments to the private equity funds are also considered variable interests. The additional capital commitments are subject to call at a later date and are limited in amount. Our exposure to loss is limited to our investments in, advances and commitments to, and receivables due from these funds, and that exposure is $1.9 million at September 30, 2011. Management fee revenue earned by our company was insignificant during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011.
 
Under the current accounting rules, the general partner in a limited partnership is presumed to control that limited partnership. The presumption may be overcome if the limited partners have either: (1) the substantive ability to dissolve the limited partnership or otherwise remove the general partner without cause, or (2) substantive participating rights, which provide the limited partners with the ability to effectively participate in significant decisions that would be expected to be made in the ordinary course of the limited partnership’s business and thereby preclude the general partner from exercising unilateral control over the partnership. If the criteria are not met, the consolidation of the partnership or limited liability company is required. Based on our evaluation of these entities, we determined that these entities do not require consolidation.
 
Debenture to Stifel Financial Capital Trusts
 
We have completed private placements of cumulative trust preferred securities through Stifel Financial Capital Trust II, Stifel Financial Capital Trust III, and Stifel Financial Capital Trust IV (collectively, the “Trusts”). The Trusts are non-consolidated wholly owned business trust subsidiaries of our company and were established for the limited purpose of issuing trust securities to third parties and lending the proceeds to our company.
 
The trust preferred securities represent an indirect interest in junior subordinated debentures purchased from our company by the Trusts, and we effectively provide for the full and unconditional guarantee of the securities issued by the Trusts. We make timely payments of interest to the Trusts as required by contractual obligations, which are sufficient to cover payments due on the securities issued by the Trusts, and believe that it is unlikely that any circumstances would occur that would make it necessary for our company to make payments related to these Trusts other than those required under the terms of the debenture agreements and the trust preferred securities agreements. The Trusts were determined to be VIEs because the holders of the equity investment at risk do not have adequate decision-making ability over the Trust’s activities. Our investment in the Trusts is not a variable interest, because equity interests are variable interests only to the extent that the investment is considered to be at risk. Because our investment was funded by the Trusts, it is not considered to be at risk.
 
 

 
Interest in FSI Group, LLC (“FSI”)
 
We have provided financing of $18.0 million in the form of a convertible promissory note to FSI, a limited liability company specializing in investing in banks, thrifts, insurance companies, and other financial services firms. The note is convertible at our election into a 49.9% interest in FSI at any time after the third anniversary or during the defined conversion period. The convertible promissory note has a minimum coupon rate equal to 10% per annum plus additional interest related to certain defined cash flows of the business, not to exceed 18% per annum. As we do not hold the power to direct the activities of FSI nor to absorb a majority of the expected losses, or receive a majority of the expected benefits, it was determined that we are not the primary beneficiary.
 
Our company’s exposure to loss is limited to the carrying value of the note with FSI at September 30, 2011, of $18.0 million, which is included in other assets in the consolidated statements of financial condition. Our company had no liabilities related to this entity at September 30, 2011. We have the discretion to make additional capital contributions. We have not provided financial or other support to FSI that we were not previously contractually required to provide as of September 30, 2011. Our company’s involvement with FSI has not had a material effect on its consolidated financial position, operations, or cash flows.
 
NOTE 26 – Subsequent Events
 
In accordance with Topic 855, “Subsequent Events,” we evaluate subsequent events that have occurred after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued. There are two types of subsequent events: (1) recognized, or those that provide additional evidence about conditions that existed at the date of the balance sheet, including the estimates inherent in the process of preparing financial statements, and (2) non-recognized, or those that provide evidence about conditions that did not exist at the date of the balance sheet but arose after that date.
 
Based on the evaluation, we identified the following as non-recognized subsequent events:
 
Acquisition of Stone & Youngberg LLC (“Stone & Youngberg”)
 
On July 25, 2011, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Stone & Youngberg, a leading financial services firm specializing in municipal finance and fixed income securities. Stone & Youngberg’s comprehensive institutional group expands our public finance, institutional sales and trading and bond underwriting, particularly in the Arizona and California markets, and adds more than 30 financial advisors in four offices to our Private Client Group. The purchase consideration consisted of cash and stock based on the value of net assets at the close. In addition, we will pay a contingent earn-out over a five year period after the close based upon revenue goals, as established in the purchase agreement. The transaction closed on October 1, 2011.

Share Repurchase Program

We have an ongoing authorization, as amended, from the Board to repurchase our common stock in the open market or in negotiated transactions. On November 7, 2011, the Board authorized the repurchase of an additional 3.0 million shares. The share repurchase program will manage our equity capital relative to the growth of our business and help to meet obligations under our employee benefit plans.

 
 

 


ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following discussion of the financial condition and results of operations of our company should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, and the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “we,” “us,” “our” or “our company” in this report refer to Stifel Financial Corp. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.
 
Certain statements in this report may be considered forward-looking. Statements that are not historical or current facts, including statements about beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements cover, among other things, statements made about general economic and market conditions, the investment banking industry, our objectives and results, and also may include our belief regarding the effect of various legal proceedings, management expectations, our liquidity and funding sources, counterparty credit risk, or other similar matters. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, including those factors discussed below under “External Factors Impacting Our Business” as well as the factors identified under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, as updated in our subsequent reports filed with the SEC. These reports are available at our web site at www.stifel.com and at the SEC web site at www.sec.gov.
 
Because of these and other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements. In addition, our past results of operations do not necessarily indicate our future results. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them in light of new information or future events, unless we are obligated to do so under federal securities laws.
 
Executive Summary
 
Stifel Financial Corp. (the “Parent”), through its wholly owned subsidiaries, principally Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (“Stifel Nicolaus”), Stifel Bank & Trust (“Stifel Bank”), Stifel Nicolaus Limited (“SN Ltd”), Century Securities Associates, Inc. (“CSA”), Stifel Nicolaus Canada, Inc. (“SN Canada”), Thomas Weisel Partners LLC (“TWP”), and Thomas Weisel Partners International Limited (“TWPIL”), is principally engaged in retail brokerage; securities trading; investment banking; investment advisory; retail, consumer, and commercial banking; and related financial services. Although we have offices throughout the United States, two Canadian cities, and three European cities, our major geographic area of concentration is in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, with a growing presence in the Northeast, Southeast and Western United States. Our principal customers are individual investors, corporations, municipalities, and institutions.
 
On July 1, 2010, we acquired Thomas Weisel Partners Group, Inc. (“TWPG”), an investment bank focused principally on the growth sectors of the economy, which generates revenues from three principal sources: investment banking, brokerage and asset management. The investment banking group is comprised of two primary categories of services: corporate finance and strategic advisory. The brokerage group provides equity sales and trading services to institutional investors, and offers brokerage, advisory services to high-net-worth individuals and corporate clients. The asset management group consists of: private investment funds, public equity investment products and distribution management. The employees of the investment banking, research and institutional brokerage businesses of TWP, a wholly-owned subsidiary of TWPG, were merged into Stifel Nicolaus during the third quarter of 2010. TWP remains a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of the Parent.
 
On July 25, 2011, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Stone & Youngberg LLC (“Stone & Youngberg”), a leading financial services firm specializing in municipal finance and fixed income securities. Stone & Youngberg’s comprehensive institutional group expands our public finance, institutional sales and trading and bond underwriting, particularly in the Arizona and California markets, and adds more than 30 financial advisors in four offices to our Private Client Group. The purchase consideration consisted of cash and stock based on the value of net assets at the close. In addition, we will pay a contingent earn-out over a five year period after the close based upon revenue goals, as established in the purchase agreement. The transaction closed on October 1, 2011.
 
 
 

 
We plan to maintain our focus on revenue growth with a continued focus on developing quality relationships with our clients. Within our private client business, our efforts will be focused on recruiting experienced financial advisors with established client relationships. Within our institutional group business, our focus continues to be on providing quality client management and product diversification. In executing our growth strategy, we take advantage of the consolidation among middle market firms, which we believe provides us opportunities in our Global Wealth Management and Institutional Group businesses.
 
Our ability to attract and retain highly skilled and productive employees is critical to the success of our business. Accordingly, compensation and benefits comprise the largest component of our expenses, and our performance is dependent upon our ability to attract, develop and retain highly skilled employees who are motivated and committed to providing the highest quality of service and guidance to our clients.
 
Results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2011, our net revenues decreased 1.8% to $334.2 million compared to $340.4 million during the comparable period in 2010. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, net income increased 126.4% to $22.3 million compared to net loss of $84.3 million during the comparable period in 2010.  The decrease in net revenues from the comparable period in 2010 was driven by a decline in institutional brokerage and investment banking revenues, which were negatively impacted by the challenging market conditions present during the third quarter of 2011 and lower industry-wide volumes. The decrease was offset by higher commissions revenues as a result of increased client assets coupled with higher productivity, growth in asset management and service fees as a result of an increase in assets under management and positive gains in market performance, and increased net interest revenues as a result of the growth of interest-earning assets at Stifel Bank.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, our net revenues increased 8.1% to $1.1 billion compared to $980.4 million during the comparable period in 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, net income increased 244.7% to $57.1 million compared to net loss of $39.5 million during the comparable period in 2010. The increase in net revenues over the comparable period in 2010 was primarily attributable to higher commission revenues as a result of increased client assets and higher productivity; growth in asset management and service fees as a result of an increase in assets under management through market performance and the merger with TWPG; and increased investment banking revenues, which was primarily related to the merger with TWPG. The increase in revenue growth was offset by a decline in fixed income institutional brokerage revenues, which was negatively impacted by the challenging market conditions present throughout 2011.
 
The results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 include compensation expense for the acceleration of deferred compensation as a result of the modification of the company’s deferred compensation plan and certain compensation and non-compensation operating expenses associated with the merger of TWPG.
 
The results for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 include litigation-related expenses associated with the civil lawsuit and related regulatory investigation in connection with the ongoing matter with five Southeastern Wisconsin school districts and certain merger-related expenses related to the merger with TWPG. For a discussion of our legal matters, including the OPEB litigation, see Item 1, “Legal Proceedings.”
 
 
 

 
External Factors Impacting our Business
 
Performance in the financial services industry in which we operate is highly correlated to the overall strength of economic conditions and financial market activity. Overall market conditions are a product of many factors, which are beyond our control and mostly unpredictable. These factors may affect the financial decisions made by investors, including their level of participation in the financial markets. In turn, these decisions may affect our business results. With respect to financial market activity, our profitability is sensitive to a variety of factors, including the demand for investment banking services as reflected by the number and size of equity and debt financings and merger and acquisition transactions, the volatility of the equity and fixed income markets, the level and shape of various yield curves, the volume and value of trading in securities, and the value of our customers’ assets under management. The municipal underwriting market is challenging as state and local governments reduce their debt levels. Investors are showing a lack of demand for longer-dated municipals and are reluctant to take on credit or liquidity risks. Investor confidence has been dampened by the debt concerns in Europe, continued economic turmoil related to the disasters in Japan, weakening employment and economic data in the U.S. and the uncertainty with the U.S. budget.
 
Our overall financial results continue to be highly and directly correlated to the direction and activity levels of the United States equity and fixed income markets. At September 30, 2011, the key indicators of the markets’ performance, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, and the NASDAQ closed 1.2%, and 2.0%, respectively, higher than their September 30, 2010 closing prices. At September 30, 2011, the S&P 500 closed 0.9% lower than its September 30, 2010 closing price.
 
As a participant in the financial services industry, we are subject to complicated and extensive regulation of our business. The recent economic and political environment has led to legislative and regulatory initiatives, both enacted and proposed, that could substantially intensify the regulation of the financial services industry and may significantly impact us. This increased focus has resulted in the Dodd-Frank Act, which was signed into law during the third quarter of 2010. The Dodd-Frank Act will significantly restructure and increase regulation in the financial services industry, which could increase our cost of doing business, change certain business practices, and alter the competitive landscape.

 
 

 

 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011 Compared with Three Months Ended September 30, 2010
 
The following table presents consolidated financial information for the periods indicated (in thousands, except percentages):
 
   
For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
As a Percentage of Net
Revenues
For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
%
Change
   
2011
   
2010
 
Revenues:
                             
Commissions
  $ 143,243     $ 96,986       47.7       42.9 %     28.5 %
Principal transactions
    76,650       123,194       (37.8 )     22.9       36.2  
Asset management and service fees
    58,253       50,876       14.5       17.4       14.9  
Investment banking
    37,673       51,656       (27.1 )     11.3       15.2  
Interest
    24,161       17,718       36.4       7.2       5.2  
Other income
    540       3,656       (85.2 )     0.2       1.1  
Total revenues
    340,520       344,086       (1.0 )     101.9       101.1  
Interest expense
    6,306       3,698       70.5       1.9       1.1  
Net revenues
    334,214       340,388       (1.8 )     100.0       100.0  
                                         
Non-interest expenses:
                                       
Compensation and benefits
    210,573       395,936       (46.8 )     63.0       116.3  
Occupancy and equipment rental
    30,914       29,559       4.6       9.3       8.7  
Communication and office supplies
    18,838       19,877       (5.2 )     5.6       5.8  
Commissions and floor brokerage
    7,400       7,972       (7.2 )     2.2       2.3  
Other operating expenses
    27,466       29,600       (7.2 )     8.2       8.8  
Total non-interest expenses
    295,191       482,944       (38.9 )     88.3       141.9  
                                         
Income/(loss) before income taxes
    39,023       (142,556 )     *       11.7       (41.9
Provision for income taxes/(tax benefit)
    16,719       (58,220 )     *       5.0       (17.1
Net income/(loss)
  $ 22,304     $ (84,336 )     *       6.7 %     (24.8 ) %
                                         
* Percentage is not meaningful.
                                       
                                         
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2011, net revenues (total revenues less interest expense) decreased $6.2 million to $334.2 million; a 1.8% decrease from the $340.4 million recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2010. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, we reported net income of $22.3 million compared to net loss of $84.3 million during the comparable period in 2010.

 
 

 

 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 Compared with Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010
 
The following table presents consolidated financial information for the periods indicated (in thousands, except percentages):
 
   
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   
As a Percentage of Net
Revenues
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
%
Change
   
2011
   
2010
 
Revenues:
                             
Commissions
  $ 437,344     $ 305,655       43.1       41.3 %     31.2 %
Principal transactions
    249,250       363,537       (31.4 )     23.5       37.0  
Asset management and service fees
    172,914       136,117       27.0       16.3       13.9  
Investment banking
    143,509       127,129       12.9       13.5       13.0  
Interest
    64,246       47,019       36.6       6.1       4.8  
Other income
    11,352       9,358       21.3       1.1       1.0  
Total revenues
    1,078,615       988,815       9.1       101.8       100.9  
Interest expense
    18,931       8,388       125.7       1.8       0.9  
Net revenues
    1,059,684       980,427       8.1       100.0       100.0  
                                         
Non-interest expenses:
                                       
Compensation and benefits
    671,678       819,085       (18.0 )     63.4       83.5  
Occupancy and equipment rental
    89,962       81,012       11.0       8.5       8.3  
Communication and office supplies
    56,198       50,220       11.9       5.3       5.1  
Commissions and floor brokerage
    20,943       18,988       10.3       2.0       1.9  
Other operating expenses
    127,321       78,168       62.9       12.0       8.0  
Total non-interest expenses
    966,102       1,047,473       (7.8 )     91.2       106.8  
                                         
Income/(loss) before income taxes
    93,582       (67,046 )     *       8.8       (6.8
Provision for income taxes/(tax benefit)
    36,464       (27,559 )     *       3.4       (2.8
Net income/(loss)
  $ 57,118     $ (39,487 )     *       5.4 %     (4.0 ) %
                                         
* Percentage is not meaningful.
                                       
                                         
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, net revenues (total revenues less interest expense) increased $79.3 million to $1.1 billion; an 8.1% increase over the $980.4 million recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we reported net income of $57.1 million compared to net loss of $39.5 million during the comparable period in 2010.

 
 

 

 
NET REVENUES
 
 
The following table presents consolidated net revenues for the periods indicated (in thousands, except percentages):
 
   
For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
%
 Change
   
2011
   
2010
   
%
Change
 
Net revenues:
                                   
Commissions
  $ 143,243     $ 96,986       47.7     $ 437,344     $ 305,655       43.1  
Principal transactions
    76,650       123,194       (37.8 )     249,250       363,537       (31.4 )
Asset management and service fees
    58,253       50,876       14.5       172,914       136,117       27.0  
                                                 
Investment banking:
                                               
Capital raising
    25,254       28,593       (11.7 )     97,301       84,613       15.0  
Strategic advisory fees
    12,419       23,063       (46.2 )     46,208       42,516       8.7  
      37,673       51,656       (27.1 )     143,509       127,129       12.9  
                                                 
Net interest
    17,855       14,020       27.4       45,315       38,631       17.3  
Other income
    540       3,656       (85.2 )     11,352       9,358       21.3  
Total net revenues
  $ 334,214     $ 340,388       (1.8 )   $ 1,059,684     $ 980,427       8.1  
                                                 
 
Except as noted in the following discussion of variances, the underlying reasons for the increase in net revenues can be attributed principally to the increased number of private client group offices and financial advisors in our Global Wealth Management segment and the increased number of revenue producers in our Institutional Group segment. The increase in net revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 is attributable to the previously mentioned factors and the acquisition of TWPG on July 1, 2010. The operations of TWPG were integrated with Stifel Nicolaus immediately after the merger, therefore the results of the business, as acquired, does not exist as a discrete entity within our internal reporting structure.
 
Commissions – Commission revenues are primarily generated from agency transactions in OTC and listed equity securities, insurance products and options. In addition, commission revenues also include distribution fees for promoting and distributing mutual funds.
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2011, commission revenues increased 47.7% to $143.2 million from $97.0 million in the comparable period in 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, commission revenues increased 43.1% to $437.3 million from $305.7 million in the comparable period in 2010. The increases are primarily attributable to an increase in client assets and higher productivity.
 
Principal transactions – For the three months ended September 30, 2011, principal transactions revenues decreased 37.8% to $76.7 million from $123.2 million in the comparable period in 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, principal transactions revenues decreased 31.4% to $249.3 million from $363.5 million in the comparable period in 2010. The decreases are primarily attributable to a decline in fixed income institutional brokerage revenues, which was negatively impacted by the challenging market conditions present during throughout 2011.
 
The increase in commissions and a corresponding decrease in principal transactions is primarily attributable to a change in classification of certain equity trades that were recorded as principal transactions during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 that are now being recorded as commission revenues as a result of regulatory changes.
 
Asset management and service fees – Asset management and service fees include fees for asset-based financial services provided to individuals and institutional clients. Investment advisory fees are charged based on the value of assets in fee-based accounts. Asset management and service fees are affected by changes in the balances of client assets due to market fluctuations and levels of net new client assets.
 
 
 

 
For the three months ended September 30, 2011, asset management and service fee revenues increased 14.5% to $58.3 million from $50.9 million in the comparable period of 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, asset management and service fee revenues increased 27.0% to $172.9 million from $136.1 million in the comparable period of 2010. The increases are primarily a result of an increase in the value of assets in fee-based accounts and the number of managed accounts from September 30, 2010, as a result of market performance, offset by a reduction in fees for money-fund balances due to the waiving of fees by certain fund managers. In addition, asset management and service fee revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 were positively impacted by the addition of the TWPG asset management business starting on July 1, 2010. See “Assets in fee-based accounts” included in the table in “Results of Operations – Global Wealth Management.”
 
Investment banking – Investment banking revenues include: (i) capital raising revenues representing fees earned from the underwriting of debt and equity securities, and (ii) strategic advisory fees related to corporate debt and equity offerings, municipal debt offerings, mergers and acquisitions, private placements and other investment banking advisory fees.
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2011, investment banking revenues decreased 27.1%, to $37.7 million from $51.7 million in the comparable period in 2010. The decrease is primarily attributable to the volatility and uncertainty that curtailed capital raising during the third quarter of 2011.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, investment banking revenues increased 12.9%, to $143.5 million from $127.1 million in the comparable period in 2010. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in equity capital raising as a result of improved equity capital market conditions during the first half of 2010 and the merger with TWPG, offset by the volatility and uncertainty that curtailed capital raising during the third quarter of 2011.
 
Capital raising revenues decreased 11.7% to $25.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011 from $28.6 million in the comparable period in 2010. During the third quarter of 2011, equity capital raising and underwriting revenues were $16.8 million and $4.4 million, respectively, a decrease of 19.5% and an increase of 208.9%, respectively, from the comparable period in 2010. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, fixed income capital raising revenues decreased 35.2% to $4.1 million from $6.3 million in comparable period in 2010.
 
Capital raising revenues increased 15.0% to $97.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from $84.6 million in the comparable period in 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, equity capital raising and underwriting revenues were $65.7 million and $19.1 million, respectively, an increase of 11.8% and 158.1%, respectively, from the comparable period in 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, fixed income capital raising revenues decreased 32.0% to $12.5 million from $18.5 million in the comparable period in 2010.
 
Strategic advisory fees decreased 46.2% to $12.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011 from $23.1 million in the comparable period in 2010. Strategic advisory fees increased 8.7% to $46.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from $42.5 million in the comparable period in 2010.
 
Other income – For the three months ended September 30, 2011, other income decreased 85.2% to $0.5 million from $3.7 million during the comparable period in 2010. The decrease is primarily attributable to unrealized investment losses recognized during the quarter compared to investment gains during the comparable period in 2010.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, other income increased 21.3% to $11.4 million from $9.4 million during the comparable period in 2010. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in mortgage fees due to the increase in loan originations at Stifel Bank, offset by lower investment gains recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

 
 

 

 
NET INTEREST INCOME
 
The following tables present average balance data and operating interest revenue and expense data, as well as related interest yields for the periods indicated (in thousands, except rates):
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
September 30, 2011
   
September 30, 2010
 
   
Average Balance
   
Interest Income/
Expense
   
Average Interest Rate
   
Average Balance
   
Interest Income/
Expense
   
Average Interest Rate
 
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
Margin balances (Stifel Nicolaus)
  $ 438,489     $ 4,569       4.17 %   $ 391,727     $ 4,253       4.34 %
Interest-earning assets (Stifel Bank)
    2,010,120       15,230       3.03       1,457,598       9,601       2.63  
Stock borrow (Stifel Nicolaus)
    71,401       4       0.02       73,936       6       0.03  
Other (Stifel Nicolaus)
            4,358                       3,858          
Total interest revenue
          $ 24,161                     $ 17,718          
                                                 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Short-term borrowings (Stifel Nicolaus)
  $ 212,407     $ 610       1.15 %   $ 91,876     $ 294       1.28 %
Interest-bearing liabilities (Stifel Bank)
    1,878,212       4,182       0.89       1,351,502       1,378       0.41  
Stock loan (Stifel Nicolaus)
    121,213       413       1.36       99,508       327       1.31  
Interest-bearing liabilities (Capital Trusts)
    82,500       980       4.75       82,500       1,377       6.67  
Other (Stifel Nicolaus)
            121                       322          
Total interest expense
            6,306                       3,698          
Net interest income
          $ 17,855                     $ 14,020          
                                                 
 

   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30, 2011
   
September 30, 2010
 
   
Average Balance
   
Interest Income/
Expense
   
Average Interest Rate
   
Average Balance
   
Interest Income/
Expense
   
Average Interest Rate
 
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
Margin balances (Stifel Nicolaus)
  $ 443,085     $ 13,673       4.11 %   $ 377,131     $ 12,136       4.29 %
Interest-earning assets (Stifel Bank)
    1,829,671       39,852       2.90       1,223,696       25,859       2.82  
Stock borrow (Stifel Nicolaus)
    93,912       55       0.08       75,181       23       0.04  
Other (Stifel Nicolaus)
            10,666                       9,001          
Total interest revenue
          $ 64,246                     $ 47,019          
                                                 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Short-term borrowings (Stifel Nicolaus)
  $ 196,034     $ 1,638       1.11 %   $ 108,277     $ 889       1.09 %
Interest-bearing liabilities (Stifel Bank)
    1,705,080       12,658       0.99       1,128,265       2,112       0.25  
Stock loan (Stifel Nicolaus)
    113,886       1,158       1.36       66,320       738       1.48  
Interest-bearing liabilities (Capital Trusts)
    82,500       2,938       4.75       82,500       4,093       6.61  
Other (Stifel Nicolaus)
            539                       556          
Total interest expense
            18,931                       8,388          
Net interest income
          $ 45,315                     $ 38,631          
                                                 

 
 

 

 
Net interest income – Net interest income is the difference between interest earned on interest-earning assets and interest paid on funding sources. Net interest income is affected by changes in the volume and mix of these assets and liabilities, as well as by fluctuations in interest rates and portfolio management strategies. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, net interest income increased to $17.9 million from $14.0 million during the comparable period in 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, net interest income increased to $45.3 million from $38.6 million during the comparable period in 2010.
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2011, interest revenue increased 36.4% to $24.2 million from $17.7 million in the comparable period in 2010, principally as a result of a $5.6 million increase in interest revenue generated from the interest-earning assets of Stifel Bank. The average interest-earning assets of Stifel Bank increased to $2.0 billion during the three months ended September 30, 2011 compared to $1.5 billion during the comparable period in 2010 at weighted average interest rates of 3.03% and 2.63%, respectively. The average margin balances of Stifel Nicolaus increased to $438.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2011 compared to $391.7 million during the comparable period in 2010 at weighted average interest rates of 4.17% and 4.34%, respectively.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, interest revenue increased 36.6% to $64.2 million from $47.0 million in the comparable period in 2010, principally as a result of an $14.0 million increase in interest revenue generated from the interest-earning assets of Stifel Bank and a $1.5 million increase in interest revenue from customer margin borrowing. The average interest-earning assets of Stifel Bank increased to $1.8 billion during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to $1.2 billion during the comparable period in 2010 at weighted average interest rates of 2.90% and 2.82%, respectively. The average margin balances of Stifel Nicolaus increased to $443.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to $377.1 million during the comparable period in 2010 at weighted average interest rates of 4.11% and 4.29%, respectively.
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2011, interest expense increased 70.5% to $6.3 million from $3.7 million during the comparable period in 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, interest expense increased 125.7% to $18.9 million from $8.4 million during the comparable period in 2010. The increases are primarily attributable to increased interest expense paid on borrowings from our unsecured line of credit during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and an increase in interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities of Stifel Bank, offset by a reduction in interest expense on Stifel Financial Capital Trust II whose interest rate switched from a fixed rate of 6.38% per year to a floating rate equal to the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1.70% on an annual basis beginning on September 30, 2010. See “Net Interest Income” table above for more details. For a further discussion of interest expense see “Net Interest Income – Stifel Bank” below.
 
 
 

 
NON-INTEREST EXPENSES
 
The following table presents consolidated non-interest expenses for the periods indicated (in thousands, except percentages):
 
   
For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
%
 Change
   
2011
   
2010
   
%
Change
 
Non-interest expenses:
                                   
Compensation and benefits
  $ 210,573     $ 395,936       (46.8 )   $ 671,678     $ 819,085       (18.0 )
Occupancy and equipment rental
    30,914       29,559       4.6       89,962       81,012       11.0  
Communications and office supplies
    18,838       19,877       (5.2 )     56,198       50,220       11.9  
Commissions and floor brokerage
    7,400       7,972       (7.2 )     20,943       18,988       10.3  
Other operating expenses
    27,466       29,600       (7.2 )     127,321       78,168       62.9  
Total non-interest expenses
  $ 295,191     $ 482,944       (38.9 )   $ 966,102     $ 1,047,473       (7.8 )
 
Except as noted in the following discussion of variances, the underlying reasons for the increase in non-interest expenses can be attributed principally to our continued expansion and increased administrative overhead to support the growth in our segments. The increases in non-interest expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 is also attributable to the acquisition of TWPG on July 1, 2010.
 
Compensation and benefits – Compensation and benefits expenses, which are the largest component of our expenses, include salaries, bonuses, transition pay, benefits, amortization of stock-based compensation, employment taxes and other employee-related costs. A significant portion of compensation expense is comprised of production-based variable compensation, including discretionary bonuses, which fluctuates in proportion to the level of business activity, increasing with higher revenues and operating profits. Other compensation costs, including base salaries, stock-based compensation amortization, and benefits, are more fixed in nature.
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2011, compensation and benefits expense decreased 46.8%, or $185.3 million, to $210.6 million from $395.9 million during the comparable period in 2010, which included $183.2 million related to the modification of the company’s deferred compensation plan and merger-related expenses. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, compensation and benefits expense decreased 18.0%, or $147.4 million, to $671.7 million from $819.1 million during the comparable period in 2010, which included $186.3 million related to the modification of the company’s deferred compensation plan and merger-related expenses.
 
As a result of the modification to our deferred compensation plan, we were required to accelerate all unvested deferred compensation during the third quarter of 2010, which resulted in a non-cash, pre-tax charge of $181.1 million. As provided for in the terms of the plan agreement, all units granted subsequent to the amendment in the third quarter of 2010 are amortized over a three- to five-year period.
 
Compensation and benefits expense as a percentage of net revenues was 63.0% and 63.4% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively. Excluding the acceleration of deferred compensation expenses and merger-related expenses, compensation and benefits expense as a percentage of net revenues was 62.3% and 64.5% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. The higher compensation ratio in the third quarter of 2011 was driven by the impact of increased fixed compensation costs on a reduced revenue base.
 
A portion of compensation and benefits expenses includes transition pay, principally in the form of upfront notes, signing bonuses and retention awards in connection with our continuing expansion efforts, of $16.7 million (5.0% of net revenues) and $53.1 million (5.0% of net revenues) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, compared to $27.3 million (8.0% of net revenues) and $66.9 million (6.8% of net revenues) for the comparable periods in 2010, respectively. The upfront notes are amortized over a five to ten year period.
 
Occupancy and equipment rental – For the three months ended September 30, 2011, occupancy and equipment rental expense increased 4.6% to $30.9 million from $29.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, occupancy and equipment rental expense increased 11.0% to $90.0 million from $81.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The increases are primarily due to the increase in rent and depreciation expense due primarily to an increase in office locations.  As of September 30, 2011, we have 313 locations compared to 311 at September 30, 2010.
 
 

 
Communications and office supplies – Communications expense includes costs for telecommunication and data transmission, primarily for obtaining third-party market data information. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, communications and office supplies expense decreased 5.2% to $18.8 million from $19.9 million during the third quarter of 2010. The decrease is primarily attributable to the elimination of certain merger-related costs recognized during the third quarter of 2010 related to the TWPG merger. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, communications and office supplies expense increased 11.9% to $56.2 million from $50.2 million during the comparable period in 2010. The increase is primarily attributable the growth of the business, offset by the previously discussed reduction of merger-related expenses.
 
Commissions and floor brokerage – For the three months ended September 30, 2011, commissions and floor brokerage expense decreased 7.2% to $7.4 million from $8.0 million during the comparable period in 2010. The decrease is primarily attributable to the elimination of certain merger-related costs recognized during the third quarter of 2010 related to the TWPG merger.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, commissions and floor brokerage expense increased 10.3% to $20.9 million from $19.0 million during the comparable period in 2010. The increase is primarily attributable the growth of the business, offset by the previously discussed reduction of merger-related expenses.

 

Other operating expenses – Other operating expenses primarily include license and registration fees, litigation-related expenses, which consist of amounts we reserve and/or pay out related to legal and regulatory matters, travel and entertainment, promotional expenses and expenses for professional services.
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2011, other operating expenses decreased 7.2% to $27.5 million from $29.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2010. The decrease is primarily attributable to a reduction in legal expenses and travel and promotion, offset by an increase in conference and subscription expenses.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, other operating expenses increased 62.9% to $127.3 million from $78.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  The increase in other operating expenses over the prior year period is primarily attributable to an increase in litigation-related expenses associated with the civil lawsuit and related regulatory investigation in connection with the ongoing OPEB matters. For a discussion of our legal matters, including the OPEB litigation, see Item 1, “Legal Proceedings.”
 
The increase is also attributable to the continued growth in all segments from the comparable periods in 2010, which included increased professional fees, travel and promotion, conference and legal expenses. The increase in legal expenses is attributable to an increase in the number of customer claims, as well as litigation costs to defend industry recruiting claims and regulatory investigations. We are subject to various proceedings and claims arising primarily from our securities business activities, including lawsuits, arbitration claims, class actions, and regulatory matters.
 
Provision for income taxes – For the three months ended September 30, 2011, our provision for income taxes was $16.7 million, representing an effective tax rate of 42.8%, compared to a benefit of $58.2 million for the comparable period in 2010, representing an effective tax rate of 40.8%. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, our provision for income taxes was $36.5 million, representing an effective tax rate of 39.0%, compared to a benefit of $27.6 million for the comparable period in 2010, representing an effective tax rate of 41.1%. The provision for income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2011 was increased primarily as a result of adjustments to our uncertain tax positions. The provision for income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was reduced primarily as a result of the release of the valuation allowance due to realized and unrealized capital gains, which offset previously record unrealized capital losses.
 
 
 

 
 
SEGMENT ANALYSIS
 
Our reportable segments include Global Wealth Management, Institutional Group, and Other.
 
Our Global Wealth Management segment consists of two businesses, the Private Client Group and Stifel Bank.  The Private Client Group includes branch offices and independent contractor offices of our broker-dealer subsidiaries located throughout the United States, primarily in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions with a growing presence in the Northeast, Southeast and Western United States. These branches provide securities brokerage services, including the sale of equities, mutual funds, fixed income products, and insurance, as well as offering banking products to their private clients through Stifel Bank, which provides residential, consumer, and commercial lending, as well as Federal Depository Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”)-insured deposit accounts to customers of our broker-dealer subsidiaries and to the general public.
 
The success of our Global Wealth Management segment is dependent upon the quality of our products, services, financial advisors and support personnel including our ability to attract, retain and motivate a sufficient number of these associates. We face competition for qualified associates from major financial services companies, including other brokerage firms, insurance companies, banking institutions and discount brokerage firms. Segment operating income and segment pre-tax operating margin are used to evaluate and measure segment performance by our management team in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance.
 
The Institutional Group segment includes institutional sales and trading. It provides securities brokerage, trading, and research services to institutions with an emphasis on the sale of equity and fixed income products. This segment also includes the management of and participation in underwritings for both corporate and public finance (exclusive of sales credits generated through the private client group, which are included in the Global Wealth Management segment), merger and acquisition, and financial advisory services.
 
The success of our Institutional Group segment is dependent upon the quality of our personnel, the quality and selection of our investment products and services, pricing (such as execution pricing and fee levels), and reputation. Segment operating income and segment pre-tax operating margin are used to evaluate and measure segment performance by our management team in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance.
 
The Other segment includes 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; and general administration.
 


 
 

 

 
Results of Operations – Global Wealth Management
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011 Compared with Three Months Ended September 30, 2010
 
The following table presents consolidated financial information for the Global Wealth Management segment for the periods indicated (in thousands, except percentages):
 
   
For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
As a Percentage of Net
Revenues
For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
%
Change
   
2011
   
2010
 
Revenues:
                             
Commissions
  $ 92,029     $ 69,875       31.7       41.9 %     33.7 %
Principal transactions
    48,836       62,785       (22.2 )     22.3       30.2  
Asset management and service fees
    58,007       50,449       15.0       26.4       24.3  
Investment banking
    3,737       6,957       (46.3 )     1.7       3.4  
Interest
    20,467       14,522       40.9       9.3       7.0  
Other income
    1,873       5,401       (65.3 )     0.9       2.6  
Total revenues
    224,949       209,989       7.1       102.5       101.2  
Interest expense
    5,451       2,505       117.6       2.5       1.2  
Net revenues
    219,498       207,484       5.8       100.0       100.0  
                                         
Non-interest expenses:
                                       
Compensation and benefits
    128,244       119,100       7.7       58.4       57.4  
Occupancy and equipment rental
    15,997       15,476       3.4       7.3       7.5  
Communication and office supplies
    7,630       8,541       (10.7 )     3.5       4.1  
Commissions and floor brokerage
    3,172       2,511       26.3       1.5       1.2  
Other operating expenses
    8,843       10,149       (12.9 )     4.0       4.9  
Total non-interest expenses
    163,886       155,777       5.2       74.7       75.1  
Income before income taxes
  $ 55,612     $ 51,707       7.6       25.3 %     24.9 %
                                         
 

 
               
   
September 30,
2011
 
June 30,
2011
 
September 30,
2010
 
               
Branch offices
 
287
 
288
 
279
 
Financial advisors
 
1,801
 
1,798
 
1,755
 
Independent contractors
 
160
 
160
 
165
 
               
Assets in fee-based accounts:
             
Value (in thousands)
 
18,541,710
 
18,278,557
 
13,408,795
 
Number of accounts
 
67,077
 
64,559
 
55,816
 
               

 
 

 

 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 Compared with Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010
 
The following table presents consolidated financial information for the Global Wealth Management segment for the periods indicated (in thousands, except percentages):
 
   
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   
As a Percentage of Net
Revenues
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
%
Change
   
2011
   
2010
 
Revenues:
                             
Commissions
  $ 287,384     $ 228,983       25.5       42.0 %     37.7 %
Principal transactions
    156,262       181,331       (13.8 )     22.9       29.9  
Asset management and service fees
    172,354       135,120       27.6       25.2       22.3  
Investment banking
    16,460       17,753       (7.3 )     2.4       2.9  
Interest
    56,062       40,013       40.1       8.2       6.6  
Other income
    11,543       9,101       26.8       1.7       1.5  
Total revenues
    700,065       612,301       14.3       102.4       100.9  
Interest expense
    16,476       5,456       202.0       2.4       0.9  
Net revenues
    683,589       606,845       12.6       100.0       100.0  
                                         
Non-interest expenses:
                                       
Compensation and benefits
    403,782       367,447       9.9       59.1       60.6  
Occupancy and equipment rental
    46,570       45,339       2.7       6.8       7.5  
Communication and office supplies
    24,968       23,701       5.3       3.6       3.9  
Commissions and floor brokerage
    8,753       7,634       14.7       1.3       1.3  
Other operating expenses
    27,006       31,418       (14.0 )     4.0       5.1  
Total non-interest expenses
    511,079       475,539       7.5       74.8       78.4  
Income before income taxes
  $ 172,510     $ 131,306       31.4       25.2 %     21.6 %
                                         
 
NET REVENUES
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2011, Global Wealth Management net revenues increased 5.8% to $219.5 million from $207.5 million for the comparable period in 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, Global Wealth Management net revenues increased 12.6% to a record $683.6 million from $606.8 million for the comparable period in 2010. The increase in net revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 over the comparable periods in 2010 are attributable to higher commission revenues as a result of increased client assets and higher productivity; and growth in asset management and service fees as a result of an increase in assets under management through market performance. The increase in revenue growth was offset by a decline in principal transactions revenue, which was negatively impacted by the challenging market conditions present throughout 2011.
 
Commissions – For the three months ended September 30, 2011, commission revenues increased 31.7% to $92.0 million from $70.0 million in the comparable period in 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, commission revenues increased 25.5% to $287.4 million from $229.0 million in the comparable period in 2010. The increases are primarily attributable to an increase in agency transactions in equities, mutual funds and insurance products, which is the direct result of an increase in the number of financial advisors, client assets and higher productivity.
 
Principal transactions – For the three months ended September 30, 2011, principal transactions revenues decreased 22.2% to $48.8 million from $62.8 million in the comparable period in 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, principal transactions revenues decreased 13.8% to $156.3 million from $181.3 million in the comparable period in 2010. The decreases are primarily attributable to decreased principal transactions, primarily in corporate equity from the comparable periods in 2010.
 
 
 

 
Asset management and service fees – For the three months ended September 30, 2011, asset management and service fees increased 15.0% to $58.0 million from $50.4 million in the comparable period in 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, asset management and service fees increased 27.6% to $172.4 million from $135.1 million in the comparable period in 2010. The increases are primarily a result of a 38.3% increase in the value of assets in fee-based accounts from September 30, 2010 and a 20.2% increase in the number of managed accounts attributable principally to the continued growth of the private client group, offset by a reduction in fees for money-fund balances due to the waiving of fees by certain fund managers. In addition, asset management and service fee revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 were positively impacted by the addition of the TWPG asset management business starting on July 1, 2010. See “Assets in fee-based accounts” included in the table above for further details.
 
Investment banking – Investment banking, which represents sales credits for investment banking underwritings, decreased 46.3% to $3.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011 from $7.0 million during the comparable period in 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, investment banking revenues decreased 7.3% to $16.5 million from $17.8 million in the comparable period in 2010. See “Investment banking” in the Institutional Group segment discussion for information on the changes in net revenues.
 
Interest revenue – For the three months ended September 30, 2011, interest revenue increased 40.9% to $20.5 million from $14.5 million in the comparable period in 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, interest revenue increased 40.1% to $56.1 million from $40.0 million in the comparable period in 2010. The increases are primarily due to the growth of the interest-earning assets of Stifel Bank. See “Net Interest Income – Stifel Bank” below for a further discussion of the changes in net interest income. The increase is also attributable to an increase in interest revenue from customer margin borrowing to finance trading activity.
 
Other income – For the three months ended September 30, 2011, other income decreased 65.3% to $1.9 million from $5.4 million during the comparable period in 2010. The decrease is primarily attributable to investment losses recognized during the quarter compared to investment gains during the comparable period in 2010.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, other income increased 26.8% to $11.5 million from $9.1 million during the comparable period in 2010. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in mortgage fees due to the increase in loan originations at Stifel Bank, offset by lower investment gains recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2011.
 
Interest expense – For the three months ended September 30, 2011, interest expense increased 117.6% to $5.5 million from $2.5 million in the comparable period in 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, interest expense increased 202.0% to $16.5 million from $5.5 million in the comparable period in 2010. The increases are primarily due to the growth of the interest-bearing liabilities of Stifel Bank. See “Net Interest Income – Stifel Bank” below for a further discussion of the changes in net interest income.

 
 

 

 
NET INTEREST INCOME – STIFEL BANK
 
The following tables present average balance data and operating interest revenue and expense data for Stifel Bank, as well as related interest yields for the periods indicated (in thousands, except rates):
             
   
Three Months Ended
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
September 30, 2011
   
September 30, 2010
 
   
Average Balance
   
Interest Income/
Expense
   
Average Interest Rate
   
Average Balance
   
Interest Income/
Expense
   
Average Interest Rate
 
Assets:
                                   
Federal funds sold
  $ 138,378     $ 84       0.24 %   $ 196,722     $ 148       0.30 %
U.S. government agencies
                      97,912       250       1.02  
State and political subdivisions:
                                               
Taxable
    86,190       1,596       7.41       20,474       245       4.79  
Non-taxable (1)
    2,943       25       3.40       959       10       4.17  
Mortgage-backed securities
    760,215       4,955       2.61       600,827       4,256       2.83  
Corporate bonds
    355,600       3,045       3.43       64,336       599       3.72  
Asset-backed securities
    84,376       520       2.47       11,232       77       2.74  
Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) and other capital stock
    2,343       16       2.73       1,545       7       1.81  
Loans (2)
    515,506       4,373       3.39       402,524       3,238       3.22  
Loans held for sale
    64,569       616       3.82       61,067       771       5.05  
Total interest-earning assets (3)
  $ 2,010,120     $ 15,230       3.03 %   $ 1,457,598     $ 9,601       2.63 %
Cash and due from banks
    9,608                       10,045                  
Other non interest-earning assets
    52,941                       44,503                  
Total assets
  $ 2,072,669                     $ 1,512,146                  
                                                 
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:
                                               
Deposits:
                                               
Money market
  $ 1,832,723     $ 4,152       0.91 %   $ 1,323,187     $ 1,350       0.41 %
Demand deposits
    42,320       14       0.13       25,064       9       0.14  
Time deposits
    2,558       15       2.35       3,231       19       2.35  
Savings
    35                   20              
FHLB advances
    576       1       0.69                    
Total interest-bearing liabilities (3)
  $ 1,878,212     $ 4,182       0.89 %   $ 1,351,502     $ 1,378       0.41 %
Non interest-bearing deposits
    13,024                       22,438                  
Other non interest-bearing liabilities
    33,307                       19,681                  
Total liabilities
    1,924,543                       1,393,621                  
Stockholders’ equity
    148,126                       118,525                  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 2,072,669                     $ 1,512,146                  
Net interest income/margin
          $ 11,048       2.20 %           $ 8,223       2.26 %
                                                 
                                                 
(1)  Due to immaterial amount of income recognized on tax-exempt securities, yields were not calculated on a tax equivalent basis.
(2)  Loans on non-accrual status are included in average balances.
(3) See Net Interest Income table included in “Results of Operations” for additional information on our company’s average balances and operating interest and expenses.

 
 

 


             
   
Nine Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30, 2011
   
September 30, 2010
 
   
Average Balance
   
Interest Income/
Expense
   
Average Interest Rate
   
Average Balance
   
Interest Income/
Expense
   
Average Interest Rate
 
Assets:
                                   
Federal funds sold
  $ 125,931     $ 229       0.24 %   $ 147,836     $ 301       0.27 %
U.S. government agencies
    12,531       161       1.71       48,143       375       1.04  
State and political subdivisions:
                                               
Taxable
    75,603       2,908       5.13       6,947       247       4.74  
Non-taxable (1)
    2,943       74       3.35       960       29       4.03  
Mortgage-backed securities
    772,672       16,219       2.80       528,118       11,682       2.95  
Corporate bonds
    279,135       5,943       2.84       48,137       1,563       4.33  
Asset-backed securities
    49,987       979       2.61       11,373       235       2.76  
FHLB and other capital stock
    2,027       39       2.57       1,180       13       1.47  
Loans (2)
    455,626       11,831       3.46       357,617       9,099       3.39  
Loans held for sale
    53,216       1,469       3.68       73,385       2,315       4.21  
Total interest-earning assets (3)
  $ 1,829,671     $ 39,852       2.90 %   $ 1,223,696     $ 25,859       2.82 %
Cash and due from banks
    7,392                       7,529                  
Other non interest-earning assets
    45,916                       37,909                  
Total assets
  $ 1,882,979                     $ 1,269,134                  
                                                 
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:
                                               
Deposits:
                                               
Money market
  $ 1,674,906     $ 12,579       1.00 %   $ 1,094,919     $ 1,873       0.23 %
Demand deposits
    27,334       31       0.15       20,500       18       0.12  
Time deposits
    2,615       47       2.40       11,953       200       2.23  
Savings
    31                   21              
FHLB advances
    194       1       0.69       872       21       3.21  
Total interest-bearing liabilities (3)
  $ 1,705,080     $ 12,658       0.99 %   $ 1,128,265     $ 2,112       0.25 %
Non interest-bearing deposits
    10,231                       17,075                  
Other non interest-bearing liabilities
    23,951                       11,197                  
Total liabilities
    1,739,262                       1,156,537                  
Stockholders’ equity
    143,717                       112,597                  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 1,882,979                     $ 1,269,134                  
Net interest income/margin
          $ 27,194       1.98 %           $ 23,747       2.59 %
                                                 
                                                 
(1)  Due to immaterial amount of income recognized on tax-exempt securities, yields were not calculated on a tax equivalent basis.
(2)  Loans on non-accrual status are included in average balances.
(3) See Net Interest Income table included in “Results of Operations” for additional information on our company’s average balances and operating interest and expenses.


 
 

 

The following table sets forth an analysis of the effect on net interest income of volume and rate changes for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 compared to the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 (in thousands):
                                     
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
Compared to Three Months Ended
September 30, 2010
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
Compared to Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2010
 
 
Increase (decrease) due to:
 
Increase (decrease) due to:
 
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Total
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Total
 
Interest income:
                                   
Federal funds sold
  $ (39 )   $ (25 )   $ (64 )   $ (42 )   $ (30 )   $ (72 )
U.S. government agencies
    (125 )     (125 )     (250 )     (1,754 )     1,540       (214 )
State and political subdivisions:
                                               
Taxable
    1,154       197       1,351       2,639       22       2,661  
Non-taxable
    16       (1 )     15       49       (4 )     45  
Mortgage-backed securities
    1,000       (301 )     699       5,099       (562 )     4,537  
Corporate bonds
    2,490       (44 )     2,446       4,719       (339 )     4,380  
Asset-backed securities
    450       (7 )     443       756       (12 )     744  
FHLB and other capital stock
    6       3       9       14       12       26  
Loans
    947       188       1,135       2,538       194       2,732  
Loans held for sale
    52       (207 )     (155 )     (578 )     (268 )     (846 )
    $ 5,951     $ (322 )   $ 5,629     $ 13,440     $ 553     $ 13,993  
                                                 
 
Increase (decrease) due to:
 
Increase (decrease) due to:
 
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Total
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Total
 
Interest expense:
                                               
Deposits:
                                               
Money market
  $ 672     $ 2,130     $ 2,802     $ 1,447     $ 9,259     $ 10,706  
Demand deposits
    6       (1 )     5       7       6       13  
Time deposits
    (4 )           (4 )     (169 )     16       (153 )
Savings
                                   
FHLB advances
    1             1       (10 )     (10 )     (20 )
    $ 675     $ 2,129     $ 2,804     $ 1,275     $ 9,271     $ 10,546  
                                                 
 
Increases and decreases in interest revenue and interest expense result from changes in average balances (volume) of interest-earning bank assets and liabilities, as well as changes in average interest rates. The effect of changes in volume is determined by multiplying the change in volume by the previous year's average yield/cost. Similarly, the effect of rate changes is calculated by multiplying the change in average yield/cost by the previous year's volume. Changes applicable to both volume and rate have been allocated proportionately.
 
Net interest income – Net interest income is the difference between interest earned on interest-earning assets and interest paid on funding sources. Net interest income is affected by changes in the volume and mix of these assets and liabilities, as well as by fluctuations in interest rates and portfolio management strategies.
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2011, interest revenue of $15.2 million was generated from weighted average interest-earning assets of $2.0 billion at a weighted average interest rate of 3.03%. Interest revenue of $9.6 million for the comparable period in 2010 was generated from weighted average interest-earning assets of $1.5 billion at a weighted average interest rate of 2.63%.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, interest revenue of $39.9 million was generated from weighted average interest-earning assets of $1.8 billion at a weighted average interest rate of 2.90%. Interest revenue of $25.9 million for the comparable period in 2010 was generated from weighted average interest-earning assets of $1.2 billion at a weighted average interest rate of 2.82%. Interest-earning assets principally consist of residential, consumer, and commercial loans, securities, and federal funds sold.
 
 
 

 
Interest expense represents interest on customer money market accounts, interest on time deposits and other interest expense. The weighted average balance of interest-bearing liabilities during the three months ended September 30, 2011 was $1.9 billion at a weighted average interest rate of 0.89%. The weighted average balance of interest-bearing liabilities for the comparable period in 2010 was $1.4 billion at a weighted average interest rate of 0.41%. The weighted average balance of interest-bearing liabilities during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was $1.7 billion at a weighted average interest rate of 0.99%. The weighted average balance of interest-bearing liabilities for the comparable period in 2010 was $1.1 billion at a weighted average interest rate of 0.25%.  The increase in interest expense during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 from the comparable periods in 2010 is primarily due to a change in the classification of interest expense on our cash flow hedges during 2011. During 2010, as a result of a principal and notional mismatch unrelated to ineffectiveness, we were required to report the interest expense associated with the cash flow hedges as operating expenses. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, the interest was recorded as interest expense.
 
The growth in Stifel Bank has been primarily driven by the growth in deposits associated with brokerage customers of Stifel Nicolaus. At September 30, 2011, the balance of Stifel Nicolaus brokerage customer deposits at Stifel Bank was $2.1 billion compared to $1.4 billion at September 30, 2010.
 
See “Net Interest Income – Stifel Bank” above for more information regarding average balances, interest income and expense, and average interest rate yields.
 
NON-INTEREST EXPENSES
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2011, Global Wealth Management non-interest expenses increased 5.2% to $163.9 million from $155.8 million for the comparable period in 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, Global Wealth Management non-interest expenses increased 7.5% to $511.1 million from $475.5 million for the comparable period in 2010.
 
The fluctuations in non-interest expenses, discussed below, were primarily attributable to the continued growth of our Private Client Group through organic growth. In addition, the fluctuations in non-interest expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 were impacted by the acquisition of TWPG on July 1, 2010. As of September 30, 2011, we have 287 branch offices compared to 279 at September 30, 2010. In addition, since September 30, 2010, we have added 308 revenue producers and support staff.
 
Compensation and benefits – For the three months ended September 30, 2011, compensation and benefits expense increased 7.7% to $128.2 million from $119.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, compensation and benefits expense increased 9.9% to $403.8 million from $367.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2010. The increases are principally due to increased variable compensation as a result of increased production due to the growth in the number of financial advisors and fixed compensation for the additional administrative support staff, offset by a reduction of deferred compensation expense as a result of the modification to our deferred compensation plan, as previously discussed.
 
Compensation and benefits expense as a percentage of net revenues was 58.4% and 59.1% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, compared to 57.4% and 60.6% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.
 
A portion of compensation and benefits expenses includes transition pay, principally in the form of upfront notes, signing bonuses and retention awards in connection with our continuing expansion efforts, of $13.7 million (6.2% of net revenues) and $44.6 million (6.5% of net revenues) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, compared to $11.7 million (5.6% of net revenues) and $41.7 million (6.9% of net revenues) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. The upfront notes are amortized over a five to ten year period.
 
Occupancy and equipment rental – For the three months ended September 30, 2011, occupancy and equipment rental expense increased 3.4% to $16.0 million from $15.5 million during the comparable period in 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, occupancy and equipment rental expense increased 2.7% to $46.6 million from $45.3 million during the comparable period in 2010.
 
 
 

 
 
Communications and office supplies – For the three months ended September 30, 2011, communications and office supplies expense decreased 10.7% to $7.6 million from $8.5 million during the third quarter of 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, communications and office supplies expense increased 5.3% to $25.0 million from $23.7 million during the comparable period in 2010.
 
Commissions and floor brokerage – For the three months ended September 30, 2011, commissions and floor brokerage expense increased 26.3% to $3.2 million from $2.5 million during the third quarter of 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, commissions and floor brokerage expense increased 14.7% to $8.8 million from $7.6 million during the comparable period in 2010.
 
Other operating expenses – For the three months ended September 30, 2011, other operating expenses decreased 12.9% to $8.8 million from $10.1 million during the comparable period in 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, other operating expenses decreased 14.0% to $27.0 million from $31.4 million during the comparable period in 2010. The decreases in other operating expenses are primarily attributable to a reduction in legal expenses, account transfer fees and travel from the comparable periods in 2010.
 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2011, income before income taxes increased $3.9 million, or 7.6%, to $55.6 million from $51.7 million during the comparable period in 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, income before income taxes increased $41.2 million, or 31.4%, to $172.5 million from $131.3 million during the comparable period in 2010. Profit margins have improved as a result of the increase in revenue growth, improved productivity and a reduction in deferred compensation expense and other operating expenses from the comparable periods in 2010.
 
 
 

 
 
Results of Operations – Institutional Group
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011 Compared with Three Months Ended September 30, 2010
 
The following table presents consolidated financial information for the Institutional Group segment for the periods indicated (in thousands, except percentages):
 
   
For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
As a Percentage of Net
Revenues
For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
%
Change
   
2011
   
2010
 
Revenues:
                             
Commissions
  $ 51,214     $ 27,111       88.9       45.2 %     19.6 %
Principal transactions
    27,815       60,408       (54.0 )     24.6       43.7  
                                         
Capital raising
    21,436       22,575       (5.0 )     18.9       16.4  
Advisory
    12,500       23,063       (45.8 )     11.1       16.7  
Investment banking
    33,936       45,638       (25.6 )     30.0       33.1  
Interest
    1,940       2,422       (19.9 )     1.7       1.8  
Other income
    (423 )     3,419       (112.4 )     (0.4 )     2.5  
Total revenues
    114,482       138,998       (17.6 )     101.1       100.7  
Interest expense
    1,223       955       28.1       1.1       0.7  
Net revenues
    113,259       138,043       (18.0 )     100.0       100.0  
                                         
Non-interest expenses:
                                       
Compensation and benefits
    74,813       82,147       (8.9 )     66.0       59.5  
Occupancy and equipment rental
    5,431       7,355       (26.2 )     4.8       5.3  
Communication and office supplies
    7,678       6,892       11.4       6.8       5.0  
Commissions and floor brokerage
    4,377       4,251       3.0       3.9       3.1  
Other operating expenses
    11,808       9,744       21.2       10.4       7.1  
Total non-interest expenses
    104,107       110,389       (5.7 )     91.9       80.0  
Income before income taxes
  $ 9,152     $ 27,654       (66.9 )     8.1 %     20.0 %
                                         
 


 
 

 

 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 Compared with Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010
 
The following table presents consolidated financial information for the Institutional Group segment for the periods indicated (in thousands, except percentages):
 
   
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   
As a Percentage of Net
Revenues
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
%
Change
   
2011
   
2010
 
Revenues:
                             
Commissions
  $ 149,960     $ 76,672       95.6       40.2 %     20.4 %
Principal transactions
    92,988       182,206       (49.0 )     24.9       48.4  
                                         
Capital raising
    80,654       67,799       19.0       21.6       18.0  
Advisory
    46,395       42,516       9.1       12.4       11.3  
Investment banking
    127,049       110,315       15.2       34.0       29.3  
Interest
    5,695       5,330       6.8       1.5       1.4  
Other income
    1,046       4,432       (76.4 )     0.4       1.3  
Total revenues
    376,738       378,955       (0.6 )     101.0       100.8  
Interest expense
    3,570       3,018       18.3       1.0       0.8  
Net revenues
    373,168       375,937       (0.7 )     100.0       100.0  
                                         
Non-interest expenses:
                                       
Compensation and benefits
    234,006       221,029       5.9       62.7       58.8  
Occupancy and equipment rental
    15,875       15,449       2.8       4.3       4.1  
Communication and office supplies
    22,203       16,992       30.7       5.9       4.5  
Commissions and floor brokerage
    12,190       10,144       20.2       3.3       2.7  
Other operating expenses
    36,398       26,444       37.6       9.7       7.1  
Total non-interest expenses
    320,672       290,058       10.6       85.9       77.2  
Income before income taxes
  $ 52,496     $ 85,879       (38.9 )     14.1 %     22.8 %
                                         
 
NET REVENUES
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2011, Institutional Group net revenues decreased 18.0% to $113.3 million from $138.0 million for the comparable period in 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, Institutional Group net revenues decreased 0.7% to $373.2 million from $375.9 million for the comparable period in 2010. The increase in net revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 over the comparable periods in 2010 is primarily attributable to the acquisition of TWPG during the third quarter of 2010.
 
Commissions – For the three months ended September 30, 2011, commission revenues increased 88.9% to $51.2 million from $27.1 million in the comparable period in 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, commission revenues increased 95.6% to $150.0 million from $76.7 million in the comparable period in 2010.
 
Principal transactions – For the three months ended September 30, 2011, principal transactions revenues decreased 54.0%, to $27.8 million from $60.4 million in the comparable period in 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, principal transactions revenues decreased 49.0%, to $93.0 million from $182.2 million in the comparable period in 2010.
 
The increase in commissions and a corresponding decrease in principal transactions is primarily attributable to a change in classification of certain equity trades that were recorded as principal transactions during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 that are now being recorded as commission revenues as a result of regulatory changes.
 
 
 

 
For the three months ended September 30, 2011, equity institutional brokerage revenues increased 7.9% to $47.2 million from $43.7 million during the comparable period in 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, equity institutional brokerage revenues increased 11.7% to $141.3 million from $126.5 million during the comparable period in 2010.
 
Lower fixed income trading volumes led to a decline in institutional brokerage revenues from the comparable periods in 2010. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, fixed income institutional brokerage revenues decreased 27.3% to $31.8 million from $43.8 million in the third quarter of 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, fixed income institutional brokerage revenues decreased 23.2% to $101.7 million from $132.4 million in the comparable period in 2010.
 
Investment banking – For the three months ended September 30, 2011, investment banking revenues decreased 25.6% to $33.9 million from $45.6 million in the comparable period in 2010. The decrease is primarily attributable to the volatility and uncertainty that curtailed capital raising during the third quarter of 2011.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, investment banking revenues increased 15.2% to $127.0 million from $110.3 million in the comparable period in 2010. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in equity capital raising as a result of improved equity capital market conditions during the first half of 2010 and the merger with TWPG, offset by the volatility and uncertainty that curtailed capital raising during the third quarter of 2011.
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2011, capital raising revenues decreased 5.0% to $21.4 million from $22.6 million in the comparable period in 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, capital raising revenues increased 19.0% to $80.7 million from $67.8 million in the comparable period in 2010.
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2011, equity capital raising revenues decreased 9.3% to $16.4 million from $18.1 million during the third quarter of 2010. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in the number of transactions over the comparable period in 2010. During the three months ended September 30, 2011, we were involved, as manager or co-manager, in 23 equity underwritings compared to 36 equity underwritings, during the comparable period in 2010.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, equity capital raising revenues increased 27.2% to $67.4 million from $53.0 million in the comparable period in 2010. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in the number of transactions over the comparable period in 2010. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we were involved, as manager or co-manager, in 92 equity underwritings compared to 85 equity underwritings during the comparable period in 2010.
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2011, fixed income capital raising revenues increased 11.9%, to $5.1 million from $4.5 million during the third quarter of 2010. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, we were involved, as manager or co-manager, in 194 tax-exempt issues compared to 158 issues during the comparable period in 2010.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, fixed income capital raising revenues decreased 10.6% to $13.3 million from $14.8 million in the comparable period in 2010. The decreases are primarily attributable to a decline in the municipal bond origination business, which has been negatively impacted by the financial condition of many large municipalities. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we were involved, as manager or co-manager, in 345 tax-exempt issues compared to 405 issues during the comparable period in 2010.
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2011, strategic advisory fees decreased 45.8% to $12.5 million from $23.1 million in the comparable period in 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, strategic advisory fees increased 9.1% to $46.4 million from $42.5 million in the comparable period in 2010. The increase is attributable to an increase in the number of completed equity transactions and the aggregate transaction value over the comparable period in 2010, which is primarily the result of the TWPG merger completed on July 1, 2010.
 
 
 

 
Interest revenue – For the three months ended September 30, 2011, interest revenue decreased 19.9% to $1.9 million from $2.4 million in the comparable period in 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, interest revenue increased 6.8% to $5.7 million from $5.3 million in the comparable period in 2010.
 
Other income – For the three months ended September 30, 2011, other income decreased 112.4% to expense of $0.4 million from income of $3.4 million during the comparable period in 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, other income decreased 76.4% to $1.0 million from $4.4 million during the comparable period in 2010. The decreases are primarily attributable to unrealized investment losses recognized during the quarter compared to unrealized investment gains during the comparable periods in 2010.
 
Interest expense – For the three months ended September 30, 2011, interest expense increased 28.1% to $1.2 million from $1.0 million in the comparable period in 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, interest expense increased 18.3% to $3.6 million from $3.0 million in the comparable period in 2010.  The increases are primarily attributable to increased levels of inventory and the related borrowing costs to fund our inventory purchases.
 
 
 

 

NON-INTEREST EXPENSES
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2011, Institutional Group non-interest expenses decreased 5.7% to $104.1 million from $110.4 million for the comparable period in 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, Institutional Group non-interest expenses increased 10.6% to $320.7 million from $290.1 million for the comparable period in 2010. The fluctuations in non-interest expenses were primarily attributable to the continued growth of our Institutional Group segment. We have added 174 revenue producers and support staff since September 30, 2010.
 
Compensation and benefits – For the three months ended September 30, 2011, compensation and benefits expense decreased 8.9% to $74.8 million from $82.1 million during the comparable period in 2010. The decrease is primarily due to lower production.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, compensation and benefits expense increased 5.9% to $234.0 million from $221.0 million during the comparable period in 2010. The increase is principally due to increased compensation as a result of the growth of the business, the acquisition of TWPG on July 1, 2010 and fixed compensation for the additional administrative support staff, offset by the reduction of deferred compensation expense as a result of the modification to our deferred compensation plan, as previously discussed.
 
Compensation and benefits expense as a percentage of net revenues was 66.0% and 62.7% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, compared to 59.5% and 58.8% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. The higher compensation ratio for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 was driven by the impact of increased fixed compensation costs on a reduced revenue base.
 
Occupancy and equipment rental – For the three months ended September 30, 2011, occupancy and equipment rental expense decreased 26.2% to $5.4 million from $7.4 million during the comparable period in 2010. The decrease is primarily attributable to an increase in sublease revenue, offset by an increase in depreciation expense.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, occupancy and equipment rental expense increased 2.8% to $15.9 million from $15.4 million during the comparable period in 2010. The increases are primarily due to the increase in rent and depreciation expense, offset by the previously discussed increase in sublease revenue.
 
Communications and office supplies – For the three months ended September 30, 2011, communications and office supplies expense increased 11.4% to $7.7 million from $6.9 million during the third quarter of 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, communications and office supplies expense increased 30.7% to $22.2 million from $17.0 million during the comparable period in 2010. The increases are primarily attributable to an increase in communication and quote equipment as a result of the growth of the business.
 
Commissions and floor brokerage – For the three months ended September 30, 2011, commissions and floor brokerage expense increased 3.0% to $4.4 million from $4.3 million during the third quarter of 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, commissions and floor brokerage expense increased 20.2% to $12.2 million from $10.1 million during the comparable period in 2010. The increases are primarily attributable to the growth of the business.
 
Other operating expenses – For the three months ended September 30, 2011, other operating expenses increased 21.2% to $11.8 million from $9.7 million during the comparable period in 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, other operating expenses increased 37.6% to $36.4 million from $26.4 million during the comparable period in 2010. The increases are primarily attributable to increased professional fees, travel and promotion, and industry conference expenses, as a result of the growth of the segment.
 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2011, income before income taxes for the Institutional Group segment decreased 66.9% to $9.2 million from $27.7 million during the comparable period in 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, income before income taxes for the Institutional Group segment decreased 38.9% to $52.5 million from $85.9 million during the comparable period in 2010. Profit margins have diminished as a result of the increase in non-interest expenses, which is primarily attributable to our merger with TWPG. In addition, our margins have been impacted by the decline in fixed income institutional brokerage revenues and investment banking revenues, which have been negatively impacted by the challenging market conditions present throughout 2011.
 
 

 

 
Results of Operations – Other Segment
 
The following table presents consolidated financial information for the Other segment for the periods presented (in thousands, except percentages):
 
   
For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
%
 Change
   
2011
   
2010
   
%
Change
 
                                     
Net revenues
  $ 1,457     $ (5,139 )     128.4     $ 2,927     $ (2,355 )     224.3  
                                                 
Non-interest expenses:
                                               
Compensation and benefits
    7,517       194,689       (96.1 )     33,891       230,609       (85.3 )
Other operating expenses
    19,681       22,089       (10.9 )     100,460       51,267       96.0  
Total non-interest expenses
    27,198       216,778       (87.5 )     134,351       281,876       (52.3 )
Loss before income taxes
  $ (25,741 )   $ (221,917 )     (88.4 )   $ (131,424 )   $ (284,231 )     (53.8 )
                                                 
 
Net revenues – For the three months ended September 30, 2011, net revenues increased $6.6 million from the comparable period in 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, net revenues increased $5.3 million from the comparable period in 2010. Included in net revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 was losses associated with the sale of assets. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011 we recognized an impairment charge of $1.9 million on our held-to-maturity investment due to an other-than-temporary decline in value during 2011.
 
Compensation and benefits – For the three months ended September 30, 2011, compensation and benefits expense decreased 96.1% to $7.5 million from $194.7 million for the comparable period in 2010, which included $183.2 million related to the modification of the company’s deferred compensation plan and merger-related expenses.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, compensation and benefits expense decreased 85.3% to $33.9 million from $230.6 million for the comparable period in 2010, which included $186.3 million related to the modification of the company’s deferred compensation plan and merger-related expenses.
 
Other operating expenses – For the three months ended September 30, 2011, other operating expenses decreased 10.9% to $19.7 million from $22.1 million for the comparable period in 2010, which included $8.5 million of merger-related expenses.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, other operating expenses increased 96.0% to $100.5 million from $51.3 million for the comparable period in 2010. The increase in other operating expenses over the prior year period is primarily attributable to an increase in litigation-related expenses associated with the civil lawsuit and related regulatory investigation in connection with the ongoing OPEB matters. For a discussion of our legal matters, including the OPEB litigation, see Item 1, “Legal Proceedings.”
 
In addition to the increase in litigation-related expenses described above, the increases were attributable to the continued growth in all segments, which included increased administrative support expense, rent, professional fees and legal expenses. The increase in legal expenses is attributable to an increase in the number of customer claims, as well as litigation costs to defend industry recruiting claims. We are subject to various proceedings and claims arising primarily from our securities business activities, including lawsuits, arbitration claims, class actions, and regulatory matters.
 
 
 

 
 
Analysis of Financial Condition
 
Our company’s consolidated statements of financial condition consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, trading inventory, bank loans, investments, goodwill, loans and advances to financial advisors, bank deposits, and payables. Total assets of $4.9 billion at September 30, 2011 were up 17.3% over December 31, 2010. The increase is primarily attributable to increased receivables, trading inventory, available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities, offset by decreases in cash and cash equivalents and bank loans. Our broker-dealer subsidiary’s gross assets and liabilities, including trading inventory, stock loan/borrow, receivables and payables from/to brokers, dealers and clearing organizations and clients, fluctuate with our business levels and overall market conditions.
 
As of September 30, 2011, our liabilities were comprised primarily of short-term borrowings of $310.6 million, deposits of $2.1 billion at Stifel Bank and payables to brokerage clients, brokers, dealers and clearing organizations of $241.8 million and $143.4 million, respectively, at our broker-dealer subsidiaries, as well as accounts payable and accrued expenses and accrued employee compensation of $387.3 million. To meet our obligations to clients and operating needs, we have $214.6 million in cash. We also have client brokerage receivables of $526.8 million and $682.7 million in loans (including loans held for sale) at Stifel Bank.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Liquidity is essential to our business. We regularly monitor our liquidity position, including our cash and regulatory net capital positions, to enable our business to continue to operate even under adverse circumstances, although there can be no assurance that our strategy will be successful under all circumstances.
 
Our assets, consisting mainly of cash or assets readily convertible into cash are our principal source of liquidity. The liquid nature of these assets provides for flexibility in managing and financing the projected operating needs of the business. These assets are financed primarily by our equity capital, client credit balances, short-term bank loans and proceeds from securities lending. We currently finance our client accounts and firm trading positions through ordinary course borrowings at floating interest rates from various banks on a demand basis and securities lending, with company-owned and client securities pledged as collateral. Changes in securities market volumes, related client borrowing demands, underwriting activity, and levels of securities inventory affect the amount of our financing requirements.
 
Our bank assets consist principally of available-for-sale securities, retained loans, cash and cash equivalents and held-to-maturity securities. Stifel Bank’s current liquidity needs are generally met through deposits from bank clients and equity capital. We monitor the liquidity of Stifel Bank daily to ensure its ability to meet customer deposit withdrawals, maintain reserve requirements and support asset growth.
 
We rely exclusively on financing activities and distributions from our subsidiaries for funds to implement our business and growth strategies. Net capital rules, restrictions under the borrowing arrangements of our subsidiaries, as well as the earnings, financial condition, and cash requirements of our subsidiaries, may each limit distributions to us from our subsidiaries.
 
We have an ongoing authorization, as amended, from the Board of Directors to repurchase our common stock in the open market or in negotiated transactions. On November 7, 2011, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional 3.0 million shares under our existing repurchase program. The share repurchase program will manage our equity capital relative to the growth of our business and help to meet obligations under our employee benefit plans. Under existing Board authorizations at November 7, 2011, we are permitted to buy an additional 4.3 million shares.
 
We currently do not pay cash dividends on our common stock.
 
We believe our existing assets, most of which are liquid in nature, together with the funds from operations, available informal short-term credit arrangements, committed unsecured line of credit and our ability to raise additional capital will provide sufficient resources to meet our present and anticipated financing needs.
 
 
 

 
Cash Flow
 
Cash and cash equivalents decreased $38.9 million to $214.6 million at September 30, 2011 from $253.5 million at December 31, 2010. Operating activities used cash of $129.3 million primarily due to an increase in operating assets and a decrease in operating liabilities, offset by the net effect of non-cash expenses and net income. Investing activities used cash of $620.4 million primarily due to purchases of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities and purchases of eligible ARS from our customers as part of our repurchase plan, increase in bank loans, and fixed asset purchases, offset by proceeds from maturities, calls and principal payments of our available-for-sale securities and the sale of proprietary investments. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we purchased $32.6 million in fixed assets, consisting primarily of information technology equipment, leasehold improvements and furniture and fixtures. Financing activities provided cash of $712.1 million primarily due to an increase in short-term borrowings from banks and securities loaned, offset by a decrease in securities sold under agreements to repurchase and repurchases of our common stock.

 
Funding Sources
 
Our short-term financing is generally obtained through short-term bank line financing on a secured basis, committed short-term bank line financing on an unsecured basis and securities lending arrangements. We borrow from various banks on a demand basis with company-owned and customer securities pledged as collateral. The value of customer-owned securities used as collateral is not reflected in the consolidated statements of financial condition. We maintain available ongoing credit arrangements with banks that provided a peak daily borrowing of $401.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011. There are no compensating balance requirements under these arrangements.
 
At September 30, 2011, short-term borrowings from banks were $259.7 million at an average rate of 1.09%, which were collateralized by company-owned securities valued at $302.2 million. At December 31, 2010, short-term borrowings from banks were $109.6 million at an average rate of 1.05%, which were collateralized by company-owned securities valued at $162.6 million. The average bank borrowing was $212.4 million and $91.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, at weighted average daily interest rates of 1.15% and 1.28%, respectively. The average bank borrowing was $196.0 million and $108.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, at weighted average daily interest rates of 1.11% and 1.09%, respectively.
 
At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, Stifel Nicolaus had a stock loan balance of $119.5 million and $27.9 million, respectively, at weighted average daily interest rates of 0.31% and 0.26%, respectively. The average outstanding securities lending arrangements utilized in financing activities were $121.2 million and $99.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, at weighted average daily effective interest rates of 1.36% and 1.31%, respectively. The average outstanding securities lending arrangements utilized in financing activities were $113.9 million and $66.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, at weighted average daily effective interest rates of 1.36% and 1.48%, respectively. Customer-owned securities were utilized in these arrangements.
 
On September 8, 2010, we entered into an unsecured line of credit with two lenders totaling $50.0 million. We can draw upon this line, as long as certain restrictive covenants are maintained. At September 30, 2011, we had no advances on this line of credit. At September 30, 2011, we were in compliance with all covenants.
 
Stifel Bank has borrowing capacity with the Federal Home Loan Bank of $499.4 million at September 30, 2011, all of which was unused, and a $5.0 million federal funds agreement for the purpose of purchasing short-term funds should additional liquidity be needed. Stifel Bank receives overnight funds from excess cash held in Stifel Nicolaus brokerage accounts, which are deposited into a money market account. These balances totaled $2.1 billion at September 30, 2011.
 
Our liquidity requirements may change in the event we need to raise more funds than anticipated to increase inventory positions, support more rapid expansion, develop new or enhanced services and products, acquire technologies, or respond to other unanticipated liquidity requirements. We rely exclusively on financing activities and distributions from our subsidiaries for funds to implement our business and growth strategies, and repurchase our shares. Net capital rules, restrictions under our borrowing arrangements of our subsidiaries, as well as the earnings, financial condition, and cash requirements of our subsidiaries, may each limit distributions to us from our subsidiaries.
 
In the event existing internal and external financial resources do not satisfy our needs, we may have to seek additional outside financing. The availability of outside financing will depend on a variety of factors, such as market conditions, the general availability of credit, the volume of trading activities, the overall availability of credit to the financial services industry, credit ratings, and credit capacity, as well as the possibility that lenders could develop a negative perception of our long-term or short-term financial prospects if we incurred large trading losses or if the level of our business activity decreased due to a market downturn or otherwise. We currently do not have a credit rating, which could adversely affect our liquidity and competitive position by increasing our borrowing costs and limiting access to sources of liquidity that require a credit rating as a condition to providing funds.
 
 
 

 
Use of Capital Resources
 
On December 28, 2009, pursuant to an agreement with state securities authorities, we announced the modification of the previously announced ARS repurchase plan which provides, among other things, for ARS repurchases to be completed by December 31, 2011. At September 30, 2011, we estimate that our retail clients held $45.7 million par value of eligible ARS after issuer redemptions of $58.1 million par value and Stifel repurchases of $92.6 million par value. We estimate that we will repurchase ARS of $45.3 million par value by December 31, 2011. The amount estimated for repurchase represents ARS held by our clients at September 30, 2011, and assumes no issuer redemptions.
 
Separately, TWP has entered into Settlement and Release Agreements (“Settlement Agreements”) with certain customers, whereby it will purchase up to approximately $50.0 million par value of ARS in exchange for a release from any future claims. At September 30, 2011, we estimate that TWP customers held $38.6 million par value of ARS, which may be repurchased over the next 5 years. The amount estimated for repurchase assumes no issuer redemptions.
 
On July 25, 2011, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Stone & Youngberg, a leading financial services firm specializing in municipal finance and fixed income securities. Stone & Youngberg’s comprehensive institutional group expands our public finance, institutional sales and trading and bond underwriting, particularly in the Arizona and California markets, and adds more than 30 financial advisors in four offices to our Private Client Group. The purchase consideration will consist of cash and stock based on the value of net assets at the close. In addition, we will pay a contingent earn-out over a five year period after the close based upon revenue goals, as established in the purchase agreement. The transaction closed on October 1, 2011.
 
We have paid $40.2 million in the form of upfront notes to investment executives for transition pay during the period from January 1, 2011 through October 31, 2011. As we continue to take advantage of the opportunities created by market displacement and as competition for skilled professionals in the industry increases, we may have to devote more significant resources to attracting and retaining qualified personnel.
 
We utilize transition pay, principally in the form of upfront demand notes, to aid financial advisors, who have elected to join our firm, to supplement their lost compensation while transitioning their customers’ accounts to the Stifel platform. The initial value of the notes is determined primarily by the financial advisors trailing production and assets under management. These notes are generally forgiven over a five to ten year period based on production.  The future estimated amortization expense of the upfront notes, assuming current year production levels and static growth for the remaining three months of 2011 and the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and thereafter are $13.7 million, $45.9 million, $35.7 million, $25.9 million, $16.8 million and $29.2 million, respectively. These estimates could change if we continue to grow our business through expansion or experience increased production levels.
 
Net Capital Requirements
 
We operate in a highly regulated environment and are subject to capital requirements, which may limit distributions to our company from our subsidiaries. Distributions from our broker-dealer subsidiaries are subject to net capital rules. These subsidiaries have historically operated in excess of minimum net capital requirements. However, if distributions were to be limited in the future due to the failure of our subsidiaries to comply with the net capital rules or a change in the net capital rules, it could have a material and adverse affect to our company by limiting our operations that require intensive use of capital, such as underwriting or trading activities, or limit our ability to implement our business and growth strategies, pay interest on and repay the principal of our debt, and/or repurchase our common stock. Our non broker-dealer subsidiary, Stifel Bank is also subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Our broker-dealer subsidiaries and Stifel Bank have consistently operated in excess of their capital adequacy requirements.
 
At September 30, 2011, Stifel Nicolaus had net capital of $190.2 million, which was 30.7% of aggregate debit items and $177.8 million in excess of its minimum required net capital. At September 30, 2011, CSA’s and TWP’s net capital exceeded the minimum net capital required under the SEC rule. At September 30, 2011, SN Ltd’s and TWPIL’s net capital and reserves were in excess of the financial resources requirement under the rules of the FSA. At September 30, 2011, SN Canada’s net capital and reserves was in excess of the financial resources requirement under the rules of the IIROC. We believe that, as of September 30, 2011, our company and Stifel Bank meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject and are considered to be categorized as “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. See Note 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for details of our regulatory capital requirements.
 
 
 

 
 
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
In preparing our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC, we make assumptions, judgments and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our assumptions, judgments and estimates on historical experience and various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. On a regular basis, we evaluate our assumptions, judgments and estimates. We also discuss our critical accounting policies and estimates with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
 
We believe that the assumptions, judgments and estimates involved in the accounting policies described below have the greatest potential impact on our consolidated financial statements. These areas are key components of our results of operations and are based on complex rules that require us to make assumptions, judgments and estimates, so we consider these to be our critical accounting policies. Historically, our assumptions, judgments and estimates relative to our critical accounting policies and estimates have not differed materially from actual results.
 
For a full description of these and other accounting policies, see Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.
 
Valuation of Financial Instruments
 
We measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis, including cash equivalents, trading securities owned, available-for-sale securities, investments and trading securities sold, but not yet purchased.
 
Trading securities owned and pledged and trading securities sold, but not yet purchased, are carried at fair value on the consolidated statements of financial condition, with unrealized gains and losses reflected in the consolidated statements of operations.
 
The fair value of a financial instrument is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, or an exit price. The degree of judgment used in measuring the fair value of financial instruments generally correlates to the level of pricing observability. Financial instruments with readily available active quoted prices or for which fair value can be measured from actively quoted prices in active markets generally have more pricing observability and less judgment used in measuring fair value. Conversely, financial instruments rarely traded or not quoted have less pricing observability and are measured at fair value using valuation models that require more judgment. Pricing observability is impacted by a number of factors, including the type of financial instrument, whether the financial instrument is new to the market and not yet established, the characteristics specific to the transaction, and overall market conditions generally.
 
When available, we use observable market prices, observable market parameters, or broker or dealer quotes (bid and ask prices) to derive the fair value of financial instruments. In the case of financial instruments transacted on recognized exchanges, the observable market prices represent quotations for completed transactions from the exchange on which the financial instrument is principally traded.
 
A substantial percentage of the fair value of our trading securities and other investments owned, trading securities pledged as collateral, and trading securities sold, but not yet purchased, are based on observable market prices, observable market parameters, or derived from broker or dealer prices. The availability of observable market prices and pricing parameters can vary from product to product. Where available, observable market prices and pricing or market parameters in a product may be used to derive a price without requiring significant judgment. In certain markets, observable market prices or market parameters are not available for all products, and fair value is determined using techniques appropriate for each particular product. These techniques involve some degree of judgment.
 
 
 

 
For investments in illiquid or privately held securities that do not have readily determinable fair values, the determination of fair value requires us to estimate the value of the securities using the best information available. Among the factors we consider in determining the fair value of investments are the cost of the investment, terms and liquidity, developments since the acquisition of the investment, the sales price of recently issued securities, the financial condition and operating results of the issuer, earnings trends and consistency of operating cash flows, the long-term business potential of the issuer, the quoted market price of securities with similar quality and yield that are publicly traded, and other factors generally pertinent to the valuation of investments. In instances where a security is subject to transfer restrictions, the value of the security is based primarily on the quoted price of a similar security without restriction but may be reduced by an amount estimated to reflect such restrictions. The fair value of these investments is subject to a high degree of volatility and may be susceptible to significant fluctuation in the near term and the differences could be material.
 
We have categorized our financial instruments measured at fair value into a three-level classification in accordance with Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures.” Fair value measurements of financial instruments that use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities are generally categorized as Level 1, and fair value measurements of financial instruments that have no direct observable levels are generally categorized as Level 3. All other fair value measurements of financial instruments that do not fall within the Level 1 or Level 3 classification are considered Level 2. The lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of a financial instrument is used to categorize the instrument and reflects the judgment of management.
 
Level 3 financial instruments have little to no pricing observability as of the report date. These financial instruments do not have active two-way markets and are measured using management’s best estimate of fair value, where the inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. We have identified Level 3 cash instruments to include certain asset-backed securities, consisting of collateral loan obligation securities, that have experienced low volumes of executed transactions; and certain corporate bonds where there was less frequent or nominal market activity. Our Level 3 asset-backed securities are valued using cash flow models that utilize unobservable inputs. Level 3 corporate bonds are valued using prices from comparable securities.
 
At September 30, 2011, Level 3 assets for which we bear economic exposure were $188.7 million or 9.4% of the total assets measured at fair value. During the three months ended September 30, 2011, we recorded purchases of $35.9 million and sales and redemptions of $22.1 million of Level 3 assets. We transferred $0.3 million, net, out of Level 3 during the three months ended September 30, 2011. Our valuation adjustments (realized and unrealized) decreased the value of our Level 3 assets by $0.6 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we recorded purchases of $236.4 million and sales and redemptions of $249.0 million of Level 3 assets. We transferred $21.8 million, net, into Level 3 during the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Our valuation adjustments (realized and unrealized) increased the value of our Level 3 assets by $6.0 million.
 
At September 30, 2011, Level 3 assets included the following: $137.9 million of auction rate securities and $50.8 million of private equity and other fixed income securities.
 
Contingencies
 
We are involved in various pending and potential legal proceedings related to our business, including litigation, arbitration and regulatory proceedings. Some of these matters involve claims for substantial amounts, including claims for punitive damages. We have, after consultation with outside legal counsel and consideration of facts currently known by management, recorded estimated losses in accordance with Topic 450 (“Topic 450”), “Contingencies,” to the extent that claims are probable of loss and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The determination of these reserve amounts requires us to use significant judgment and our final liabilities may ultimately be materially different. This determination is inherently subjective, as it requires estimates that are subject to potentially significant revision as more information becomes available and due to subsequent events. In making these determinations, we consider many factors, including, but not limited to, the loss and damages sought by the plaintiff or claimant, the basis and validity of the claim, the likelihood of a successful defense against the claim, and the potential for, and magnitude of, damages or settlements from such pending and potential litigation and arbitration proceedings, and fines and penalties or orders from regulatory agencies. See Item 1, “Legal Proceedings,” in Part II of this report for information on our legal, regulatory and arbitration proceedings.
 
 
 

 
Allowance for Loan Losses
 
We regularly review the loan portfolio of Stifel Bank and have established an allowance for loan losses in accordance with Topic 450.  The allowance for loan losses is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to income. In providing for the allowance for loan losses, we consider historical loss experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower's ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. Large groups of smaller balance homogenous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, we do not separately identify individual consumer and residential loans for impairment measurements.
 
In addition, impairment is measured on a loan-by loan basis for commercial and construction loans and a specific allowance established for individual loans determined to be impaired in accordance with Topic 310 “Receivables.” Impairment is measured using the present value of the impaired loan's expected cash flow discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, the loan's observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.
 
A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement will not be collectible. Factors considered in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. We determine the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower's prior payment record and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.
 
Once a loan is determined to be impaired, usually when principal or interest becomes 90 days past due or when collection becomes uncertain, the accrual of interest and amortization of deferred loan origination fees is discontinued (“non-accrual status”), and any accrued and unpaid interest income is written off. Loans placed on non-accrual status are returned to accrual status when all delinquent principal and interest payments are collected and the collectibility of future principal and interest payments is reasonably assured. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when we believe the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.
 
 
 

 
 
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
 
Stifel Bank utilizes certain derivative instruments to minimize significant unplanned fluctuations in earnings caused by interest rate volatility. Our company’s goal is to manage sensitivity to changes in rates by offsetting the repricing or maturity characteristics of certain assets and liabilities, thereby limiting the impact on earnings. The use of derivative instruments exposes our company to credit and market risk. We manage credit risk through strict counterparty credit risk limits and/or collateralization agreements. At inception, we determine if a derivative instrument meets the criteria for hedge accounting under Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” Ongoing effectiveness evaluations are made for instruments that are designated and qualify as hedges. If the derivative does not qualify for hedge accounting, no assessment of effectiveness is needed.
 
Income Taxes
 
The provision for income taxes and related tax reserves is based on our consideration of known liabilities and tax contingencies for multiple taxing authorities. Known liabilities are amounts that will appear on current tax returns, amounts that have been agreed to in revenue agent revisions as the result of examinations by the taxing authorities and amounts that will follow from such examinations but affect years other than those being examined. Tax contingencies are liabilities that might arise from a successful challenge by the taxing authorities taking a contrary position or interpretation regarding the application of tax law to our tax return filings. Factors considered in estimating our liability are results of tax audits, historical experience, and consultation with tax attorneys and other experts.
 
Topic 740 (“Topic 740”), “Income Taxes,” clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an entity’s financial statements and prescribed recognition threshold and measurement attributes for financial statement disclosure of tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return. 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, Topic 740 provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.
 
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
 
Under the provisions of Topic 805, “Business Combinations,” we record all assets and liabilities acquired in purchase acquisitions, including goodwill and other intangible assets, at fair value. Determining the fair value of assets and liabilities requires certain estimates. At September 30, 2011, we had goodwill of $309.5 million and intangible assets of $30.6 million.
 
In accordance with Topic 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other,” indefinite-life intangible assets and goodwill are not amortized. Rather, they are subject to impairment testing on an annual basis, or more often if events or circumstances indicate there may be impairment. This test involves assigning tangible assets and liabilities, identified intangible assets and goodwill to reporting units and comparing the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying amount. If the fair value is less than the carrying amount, a further test is required to measure the amount of the impairment. We have elected to test for goodwill impairment in the third quarter of each calendar year. Our annual goodwill impairment testing was completed as of July 31, 2011, with no impairment identified.
 
The goodwill impairment test is a two-step process, which requires us to make judgments in determining what assumptions to use in the calculation. Assumptions, judgments and estimates about future cash flows and discount rates are complex and often subjective. They can be affected by a variety of factors, including, among others, economic trends and market conditions, changes in revenue growth trends or business strategies, unanticipated competition, discount rates, technology, or government regulations. In assessing the fair value of our reporting units, the volatile nature of the securities markets and industry requires us to consider the business and market cycle and assess the stage of the cycle in estimating the timing and extent of future cash flows. In addition to discounted cash flows, we consider other information such as public market comparables and multiples of recent mergers and acquisitions of similar businesses. Although we believe the assumptions, judgments and estimates we have made in the past have been reasonable and appropriate, different assumptions, judgments and estimates could materially affect our reported financial results.
 
Identifiable intangible assets, which are amortized over their estimated useful lives, are tested for potential impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying value of an asset or asset group may not be fully recoverable.
 
 
 

 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
See Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding the effect of new accounting pronouncements on our consolidated financial statements.
 
Off-balance Sheet Arrangements
 
Information concerning our off-balance sheet arrangements is included in Note 19 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Such information is hereby incorporated by reference.
 
Contractual Obligations
 
Our contractual obligations have not materially changed from those reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.
 
 
 

 
 
ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
Risk Management
 
Risks are an inherent part of our business and activities. Management of these risks is critical to our soundness and profitability. Risk management at our company is a multi-faceted process that requires communication, judgment, and knowledge of financial products and markets. Our senior management group takes an active role in the risk management process and requires specific administrative and business functions to assist in the identification, assessment, monitoring, and control of various risks. The principal risks involved in our business activities are: market (interest rates and equity prices), credit, operational, and regulatory and legal.
 
Market Risk
 
The potential for changes in the value of financial instruments owned by our company resulting from changes in interest rates and equity prices is referred to as “market risk.” Market risk is inherent to financial instruments, and accordingly, the scope of our market risk management procedures includes all market risk-sensitive financial instruments.
 
We trade tax-exempt and taxable debt obligations, including U.S. treasury bills, notes, and bonds; U.S. government agency and municipal notes and bonds; bank certificates of deposit; mortgage-backed securities; and corporate obligations. We are also an active market-maker in over-the-counter equity securities. In connection with these activities, we may maintain inventories in order to ensure availability and to facilitate customer transactions.
 
Changes in value of our financial instruments may result from fluctuations in interest rates, credit ratings, equity prices, and the correlation among these factors, along with the level of volatility.
 
We manage our trading businesses by product and have established trading departments that have responsibility for each product. The trading inventories are managed with a view toward facilitating client transactions, considering the risk and profitability of each inventory position. Position limits in trading inventory accounts are established and monitored on a daily basis. We monitor inventory levels and results of the trading departments, as well as inventory aging, pricing, concentration, and securities ratings.
 
We are also exposed to market risk based on our other investing activities. These investments consist of investments in private equity partnerships, start-up companies, venture capital investments and zero coupon U.S. government securities and are included under the caption “Investments” on the consolidated statements of financial condition.
 
Interest Rate Risk
 
We are exposed to interest rate risk as a result of maintaining inventories of interest rate-sensitive financial instruments and from changes in the interest rates on our interest-earning assets (including client loans, stock borrow activities, investments, inventories and resale agreements) and our funding sources (including client cash balances, stock lending activities, bank borrowings, and repurchase agreements), which finance these assets. The collateral underlying financial instruments at the broker-dealer is repriced daily, thus requiring collateral to be delivered as necessary. Interest rates on client balances and stock borrow and lending produce a positive spread to our company, with the rates generally fluctuating in parallel.
 
We manage our inventory exposure to interest rate risk by setting and monitoring limits and, where feasible, hedging with offsetting positions in securities with similar interest rate risk characteristics. While a significant portion of our securities inventories have contractual maturities in excess of five years, these inventories, on average, turn over several times per year.
 
 
 

 
Additionally, we monitor, on a daily basis, the Value-at-Risk (“VaR”) in our trading portfolios using a ten day horizon and report VaR at a 99% confidence level. VaR is a statistical technique used to estimate the probability of portfolio losses based on the statistical analysis of historical price trends and volatility. This model assumes that historical changes in market conditions are representative of future changes, and trading losses on any given day could exceed the reported VaR by significant amounts in unusual volatile markets. Further, the model involves a number of assumptions and inputs. While we believe that the assumptions and inputs we use in our risk model are reasonable, different assumptions and inputs could produce materially different VaR estimates.
 
The following table sets forth the high, low, and daily average VaR for our trading portfolios during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and the daily VaR at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 (in thousands):
                               
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
VaR calculation at
 
 
High
 
Low
   
Daily
Average
September 30,
2011
 
December 31,
2010
 
Daily VaR
  $ 13,264     $ 4,130     $ 8,190     $ 10,691     $ 8,043  
                                         
 
Stifel Bank's interest rate risk is principally associated with changes in market interest rates related to residential, consumer, and commercial lending activities, as well as FDIC-insured deposit accounts to customers of our broker-dealer subsidiaries and to the general public.
 
Our primary emphasis in interest rate risk management for Stifel Bank is the matching of assets and liabilities of similar cash flow and re-pricing time frames. This matching of assets and liabilities reduces exposure to interest rate movements and aids in stabilizing positive interest spreads. Stifel Bank has established limits for acceptable interest rate risk and acceptable portfolio value risk. To ensure that Stifel Bank is within the limits established for net interest margin, an analysis of net interest margin based on various shifts in interest rates is prepared each quarter and presented to Stifel Bank’s Board of Directors. Stifel Bank utilizes a third party vendor to analyze the available data.

 
 

 

 
The following table illustrates the estimated change in net interest margin at September 30, 2011 based on shifts in interest rates of up to positive 200 basis points and negative 200 basis points:
       
Hypothetical change
 in interest rates
 
Projected change in net interest margin
 
        +200
 
44.1%
 
+100
 
22.5%
 
0
 
 
-100
 
n/a
 
-200
 
n/a
 
       
 
The following GAP Analysis table indicates Stifel Bank’s interest rate sensitivity position at September 30, 2011 (in thousands):
 
                         
   
Repricing Opportunities
 
   
0-6 Months
   
7-12 Months
   
1-5 Years
   
5+ Years
 
Interest-earning assets:
                       
Loans
  $ 690,670     $ 11,669     $ 8,237     $ 82  
Securities
    443,143       94,547       609,662       310,726  
Interest-bearing cash
    113,440                    
    $ 1,247,253     $ 106,216     $ 617,899     $ 310,808  
                                 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                               
Transaction accounts and savings
  $ 277,069     $ 321,756     $ 1,296,344     $ 227,619  
Certificates of deposit
    992       115       1,458        
      278,060       321,871       1,297,802       227,619  
GAP
    969,192       (215,655 )     (679,903 )     83,189  
Cumulative GAP
  $ 969,192     $ 753,537     $ 73,634     $ 156,823  
                                 
 
We maintain a risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to minimize significant unplanned fluctuations in earnings caused by interest rate volatility. Our goal is to manage sensitivity to changes in rates by hedging the maturity characteristics of Fed-funds based affiliated deposits, thereby limiting the impact on earnings. By using derivative instruments, we are exposed to credit and market risk on those derivative positions. We manage the market risk associated with interest rate contracts by establishing and monitoring limits as to the types and degree of risk that may be undertaken. Our interest rate hedging strategies may not work in all market environments and as a result may not be effective in mitigating interest rate risk.
 
Equity Price Risk
 
We are exposed to equity price risk as a consequence of making markets in equity securities. We attempt to reduce the risk of loss inherent in our inventory of equity securities by monitoring those security positions constantly throughout each day.
 
Our equity securities inventories are repriced on a regular basis, and there are no unrecorded gains or losses. Our activities as a dealer are client-driven, with the objective of meeting clients' needs while earning a positive spread.
 
 
 

 
Credit Risk
 
We are engaged in various trading and brokerage activities, with the counterparties primarily being broker-dealers. In the event counterparties do not fulfill their obligations, we may be exposed to risk. The risk of default depends on the creditworthiness of the counterparty or issuer of the instrument. We manage this risk by imposing and monitoring position limits for each counterparty, monitoring trading counterparties, conducting regular credit reviews of financial counterparties, reviewing security concentrations, holding and marking to market collateral on certain transactions, and conducting business through clearing organizations, which guarantee performance.
 
Our client activities involve the execution, settlement, and financing of various transactions on behalf of our clients. Client activities are transacted on either a cash or margin basis. Credit exposure associated with our private client business consists primarily of customer margin accounts, which are monitored daily and are collateralized. We monitor exposure to industry sectors and individual securities and perform analyses on a regular basis in connection with our margin lending activities. We adjust our margin requirements if we believe our risk exposure is not appropriate based on market conditions.
 
We have accepted collateral in connection with resale agreements, securities borrowed transactions, and customer margin loans. Under many agreements, we are permitted to sell or repledge these securities held as collateral and use these securities to enter into securities lending arrangements or to deliver to counterparties to cover short positions. At September 30, 2011, the fair value of securities accepted as collateral where we are permitted to sell or repledge the securities was $927.4 million, and the fair value of the collateral that had been sold or repledged was $52.8 million.
 
By using derivative instruments, we are exposed to credit and market risk on those derivative positions. Credit risk is equal to the fair value gain in a derivative, if the counterparty fails to perform. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, this generally indicates that the counterparty owes our company and, therefore, creates a repayment risk for our company. When the fair value of a derivative contract is negative, we owe the counterparty and, therefore, have no repayment risk. We minimize the credit (or repayment) risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties that are reviewed periodically by senior management.
 
Stifel Bank extends credit to individual and commercial borrowers through a variety of loan products, including residential and commercial mortgage loans, home equity loans, construction loans and non-real-estate commercial and consumer loans. Bank loans are generally collateralized by real estate, real property, or other assets of the borrower. Stifel Bank’s loan policy includes criteria to adequately underwrite, document, monitor, and manage credit risk. Underwriting requires reviewing and documenting the fundamental characteristics of credit including character, capacity to service the debt, capital, conditions, and collateral. Benchmark capital and coverage ratios are utilized, which include liquidity, debt service coverage, credit, working capital, and capital to asset ratios. Lending limits are established to include individual, collective, committee, and board authority. Monitoring credit risk is accomplished through defined loan review procedures including frequency and scope.
 
We are subject to concentration risk if we hold large positions, extend large loans to, or have large commitments with a single counterparty, borrower, or group of similar counterparties or borrowers (i.e., in the same industry). Securities purchased under agreements to resell consist of securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies. Receivables from and payables to clients and stock borrow and lending activities are both with a large number of clients and counterparties, and any potential concentration is carefully monitored. Stock borrow and lending activities are executed under master netting agreements, which gives our company the right of offset in the event of counterparty default. Inventory and investment positions taken and commitments made, including underwritings, may involve exposure to individual issuers and businesses. We seek to limit this risk through careful review of counterparties and borrowers and the use of limits established by our senior management group, taking into consideration factors including the financial strength of the counterparty, the size of the position or commitment, the expected duration of the position or commitment, and other positions or commitments outstanding.
 
 
 

 
Operational Risk
 
Operational risk generally refers to the risk of loss resulting from our operations, including, but not limited to, improper or unauthorized execution and processing of transactions, deficiencies in our technology or financial operating systems, and inadequacies or breaches in our control processes. We operate different businesses in diverse markets and are reliant on the ability of our employees and systems to process a large number of transactions. These risks are less direct than credit and market risk, but managing them is critical, particularly in a rapidly changing environment with increasing transaction volumes. In the event of a breakdown or improper operation of systems or improper action by employees, we could suffer financial loss, regulatory sanctions, and damage to our reputation. In order to mitigate and control operational risk, we have developed and continue to enhance specific policies and procedures that are designed to identify and manage operational risk at appropriate levels throughout the organization and within such departments as Accounting, Operations, Information Technology, Legal, Compliance, and Internal Audit. These control mechanisms attempt to ensure that operational policies and procedures are being followed and that our various businesses are operating within established corporate policies and limits. Business continuity plans exist for critical systems, and redundancies are built into the systems as deemed appropriate.
 

Regulatory and Legal Risk

 
Legal risk includes the risk of large numbers of private client group customer claims for sales practice violations. While these claims may not be the result of any wrongdoing, we do, at a minimum, incur costs associated with investigating and defending against such claims. See further discussion on our legal reserves policy under “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” in Item 2 and “Legal Proceedings” in Item 1, Part II of this report. In addition, we are subject to potentially sizable adverse legal judgments or arbitration awards, and fines, penalties, and other sanctions for non-compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements. We are generally subject to extensive regulation by the SEC, FINRA, and state and foreign securities regulators in the different jurisdictions in which we conduct business. We have comprehensive procedures addressing issues such as regulatory capital requirements, sales and trading practices, use of and safekeeping of customer funds, the extension of credit, including margin loans, collection activities, money laundering, and record keeping. We act as an underwriter or selling group member in both equity and fixed income product offerings. Particularly when acting as lead or co-lead manager, we have potential legal exposure to claims relating to these securities offerings. To manage this exposure, a committee of senior executives review proposed underwriting commitments to assess the quality of the offering and the adequacy of due diligence investigation.
 
Our company, as a bank and financial holding company, is subject to regulation, including capital requirements, by the Federal Reserve. Stifel Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") and state banking authorities. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on our company's and Stifel Bank's financial statements.
 
ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation was carried out by Stifel Financial Corp.’s management with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report. In addition, no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 
 

 

 
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
The following supplements and amends our discussion set forth under Item 3. “Legal Proceedings” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.
 
Our company and its subsidiaries are named in and subject to various proceedings and claims arising primarily from our securities business activities, including lawsuits, arbitration claims, class actions, and regulatory matters. Some of these claims seek substantial compensatory, punitive, or indeterminate damages. Our company and its subsidiaries are also involved in other reviews, investigations, and proceedings by governmental and self-regulatory organizations regarding our business, which may result in adverse judgments, settlements, fines, penalties, injunctions, and other relief. We are contesting the allegations in these claims, and we believe that there are meritorious defenses in each of these lawsuits, arbitrations, and regulatory investigations. In view of the number and diversity of claims against the company, the number of jurisdictions in which litigation is pending, and the inherent difficulty of predicting the outcome of litigation and other claims, we cannot state with certainty what the eventual outcome of pending litigation or other claims will be.
 
We have established reserves for potential losses that are probable and reasonably estimable that may result from pending and potential legal actions, investigations and regulatory proceedings. In many cases, however, it is inherently difficult to determine whether any loss is probable or even possible or to estimate the amount or range of any potential loss, particularly where proceedings may be in relatively early stages or where plaintiffs are seeking substantial or indeterminate damages. Matters frequently need to be more developed before a loss or range of loss can reasonably be estimated.
 
In our opinion, based on currently available information, review with outside legal counsel, and consideration of amounts provided for in our consolidated financial statements with respect to these matters, the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse impact on our financial position. However, resolution of one or more of these matters may have a material effect on the results of operations in any future period, depending upon the ultimate resolution of those matters and depending upon the level of income for such period. For matters where a reserve has not been established and for which we believe a loss is reasonably possible, as well as for matters where a reserve has been recorded but for which an exposure to loss in excess of the amount accrued is reasonably possible, based on currently available information, we believe that such losses will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
 
SEC/Wisconsin Lawsuit
 
The SEC filed a civil lawsuit against our company in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin on August 10, 2011. The action arises out of our role in investments made by five Southeastern Wisconsin school districts (the “school districts”) in transactions involving collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”).  These transactions are described in more detail below in connection with the civil lawsuit filed by the school districts. The SEC has asserted claims under Section 10b and Rule 10b-5 of the Exchange Act, Sections 17a(1), 17a(2) and 17a(3) of the Securities Act and Section 15c(1)(A) of the Exchange Act. The claims are based upon both alleged misrepresentations and omissions in connection with the sale of the CDOs to the school districts, as well as the allegedly unsuitable nature of the CDOs. On October 31, 2011, we filed a motion to dismiss the action for failure to state a claim. We believe, based upon currently available information and review with outside counsel, that we have meritorious defenses to the SEC’s lawsuit and intend to vigorously defend the SEC’s claims.
 
We were named in a civil lawsuit filed in the Circuit Court of Milwaukee, Wisconsin (the “Wisconsin State Court”) on September 29, 2008. The lawsuit has been filed against our company, Stifel Nicolaus, Royal Bank of Canada Europe Ltd. (“RBC”), and certain other RBC entities (collectively the “Defendants”) by the school districts and the individual trustees for other post-employment benefit (“OPEB”) trusts established by those school districts (collectively the “Plaintiffs”).
 
The suit arises out of purchases of certain CDOs by the OPEB trusts. The RBC entities structured and served as “arranger” for the CDOs. We served as the placement agent/broker in connection with the transactions.  The school districts each formed trusts that made investments designed to address their OPEB liabilities.  The total amount of the investments made by the OPEB trusts was $200.0 million. Since the investments were made, we believe their value has declined, resulting in a total loss for the OPEB trusts.  The Plaintiffs have asserted that the school districts contributed $37.5 million to the OPEB trusts to purchase the investments. The balance of $162.5 million used to purchase the investments was borrowed by the OPEB trusts from Depfa Bank. The recourse under the loan agreements entered into by Depfa Bank is each of the OPEB trusts’ respective assets and the moral obligation of each school district. The legal claims asserted include violation of the Wisconsin Securities Act, fraud, and negligence. The lawsuit seeks equitable relief, unspecified compensatory damages, treble damages, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees and costs. The Plaintiffs claim that the RBC entities and our company either made misrepresentations or failed to disclose material facts in connection with the sale of the CDOs, and thus allegedly violated the Wisconsin Securities Act. We believe the Plaintiffs reviewed and understood the relevant offering materials and that the investments were suitable based upon, among other things, our receipt of written acknowledgement of risks from each of the Plaintiffs. The Wisconsin State Court denied the Defendants’ motions to dismiss, and the Defendants have responded to the allegations of the Second Amended Complaint, denying the substantive allegations and asserting various affirmative defenses. Stifel Nicolaus and the RBC entities have asserted cross-claims for indemnity and contribution against each other. We believe, based upon currently available information and review with outside counsel, that we have meritorious defenses to this lawsuit, and intend to vigorously defend all of the Plaintiffs’ claims.
 
Additionally, on July 25, 2011 we entered into a binding letter agreement to purchase, at a substantial discount, the approximately $162.5 million face value notes referenced above issued by Depfa Bank in connection with the loans made to the OPEB trusts formed by the school districts (the “Depfa notes”). We subsequently consummated such purchase on August 23, 2011 pursuant to a definitive agreement with Depfa Bank. Included in the consolidated results of operations is a provision related to the acquisition of the Depfa notes and additional estimated probable litigation-related provisions associated with the civil and regulatory investigation in connection with the OPEB matters.
 
TWP LLC FINRA Matter
 
Prior to the acquisition of TWPG, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) commenced an administrative proceeding against TWP, a wholly owned broker-dealer subsidiary of TWPG, related to a transaction undertaken by a former employee in which approximately $15.7 million of ARS were sold from a TWPG account to the accounts of three customers. FINRA has alleged that TWP violated various NASD and FINRA rules, as well as Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5. TWP has filed an answer denying the substantive allegations and asserting various affirmative defenses. TWP has repurchased the ARS at issue from the customers at par. FINRA is seeking fines and other relief against TWP and the former employee. TWP is defending the FINRA proceeding vigorously.

On November 8, 2011, the FINRA hearing panel delivered a decision that will become a final decision after 45 days and fully resolve the matter unless FINRA appeals to the National Adjudicatory Council.  TWP will comply with the Order to pay a $0.2 million fine plus administrative fees and costs for failing to establish and maintain systems and procedures governing principal transactions effected by the firm.

 
 
 

 
 
ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS
 
The discussion of our business and operations should be read together with the risk factors contained in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 filed with the SEC. These risk factors describe various risks and uncertainties to which we are or may become subject. These risks and uncertainties have the potential to affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, strategies or prospects in a material and adverse manner.
 
ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
The following table sets forth information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of Stifel Financial Corp. or any “affiliated purchaser” (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), of our common stock during the quarter ended September 30, 2011.
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased
 
Average Price Paid per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publically Announced Plans
 
Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet be Purchased Under the Plan or Program
 
                     
July 1 – 31, 2011
 
$
 
   
2,957,776
 
August 1 – 31, 2011
1,011,296
   
27.88
 
1,011,296
   
1,946,480
 
September 1 – 30, 2011
613,704
   
26.76
 
613,704
   
1,332,776
 
 
1,625,000
 
27.46
 
1,625,000
       
 
We have an ongoing authorization, as amended, from the Board of Directors to repurchase our common stock in the open market or in negotiated transactions. At September 30, 2011, the maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under this plan was 1.3 million. On November 7, 2011, the Board authorized the repurchase of an additional 3.0 million shares under our existing share repurchase program.

 
 

 

 
ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS

Exhibit No.
Description
11.1
 
Statement Re: Computation of per Share Earnings (The calculation of per share earnings is included in Part I, Item 1 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Earnings Per Share) and is omitted here in accordance with Section (b)(11) of Item 601 of Regulation S-K).
31.1
 
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
31.2
 
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer.
32.1
 
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer.*
32.2
 
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer.*
101.INS
 
Interactive Data Files Pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010; and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. *
     
 
*
The certifications attached as Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2 and the interactive data files attached as Exhibits 101 that accompany this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, are not deemed filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of Stifel Financial Corp. under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act of 1934, as amended, whether made before or after the date of this Form 10-Q, irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing.

 
 

 

 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 

STIFEL FINANCIAL CORP.
 
 
/s/ Ronald J. Kruszewski
Ronald J. Kruszewski
Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer

 
 
/s/ James M. Zemlyak
James M. Zemlyak
Senior Vice President, and Chief Financial Officer
Date:  November 9, 2011