This document is an annual report filed with the SEC by Investors Capital Holdings, Ltd. for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009.
It provides an overview of the company's broker-dealer and investment advisory services business segments. The broker-dealer segment operates primarily through the company's subsidiary Investors Capital Corporation, which provides brokerage services to over 650 independent registered representatives. The investment advisory segment operates as Investors Capital Advisory Services and had over 427 independent investment advisor representatives as of the end of the fiscal year. The annual report includes details on the services, products, and revenue sources for each business segment.
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Q2 2009 Earning Report of Investors Capital Holdings, Ltd.
1. UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_____________
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED
MARCH 31, 2009
COMMISSION FILE NO. 1-16349
INVESTORS CAPITAL HOLDINGS, LTD.
(Exact name of registrant in its charter)
DELAWARE 04-3284631
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S.Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
230 Broadway East
Lynnfield, Massachusetts 01940
(781) 593-8565
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
of Registrant's principal executive offices)
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:
Title of Each Class Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value NYSE AMEX / Alternext US
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:
None
(Title of class)
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes [ ] No [X]
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes [ ] No [X]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant 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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter
period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [X] No [ ]
Investors Capital Holdings, Ltd. Annual Report on Form 10-K
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2009
2. Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be
contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form
10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an 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).
Large accelerated filer [ ] Accelerated filer [ ]
Non-accelerated filer [ ] Smaller reporting company [X]
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
The aggregate market value of the shares of the registrant's common equity held by non-affiliates, computed by reference to the price at
which the common equity was last sold, as of the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was
$10,511,946.
As of June 22, 2009, there were outstanding 6,565,961 shares of the $0.01 par value per share Common Stock of the registrant.
www.investorscapital.com
Investor Relations Contact: Robert Foney
Investors Capital Holdings, Ltd. Annual Report on Form 10-K
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2009
THE
COMPANY
Investors Capital Holdings, Ltd. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries are often referred to in this report, both individually and collectively, as
the "Company" or with terms such as "we", "us", "our" and the like. When being referred to individually without reference to the other
components of the Company, Investors Capital Holdings, Ltd., its wholly-owned subsidiaries Investors Capital Corporation, ICC Insurance
Agency, Inc. and Investors Capital Holdings Securities Corporation, and its former wholly-owned subsidiary Eastern Point Advisors, Inc., are
often referred to in this report as "ICH", "ICC", “ICC Insurance”, “ICH Securities” and “EPA”, respectively.
FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS
The statements, analyses, and other information contained herein relating to trends in our operations and financial results, the markets for our
products, the future development of our business, and the contingencies and uncertainties to which we may be subject, as well as other
statements including words such as "anticipate," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "will," "should," "may," and other similar
expressions, are "forward-looking statements" under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are made based
upon management's current expectations and beliefs concerning future events and their effects on the Company. Our actual results may differ
materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements.
These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, those described and discussed in this
report and other documents filed by the Company with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). We specifically
disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or
otherwise.
PART
I
3. ITEM 1. BUSINESS
OVERVIEW
Incorporated in 1995, ICH is a financial services holding company that operates primarily through its wholly-owned broker-dealer and
registered investment advisor subsidiary, Investors Capital Corporation (“ICC”). ICC provides to investors:
• Broker-dealer services primarily in support of trading and investment in securities such as corporate stocks and bonds, U.S.
Government securities, municipal bonds, mutual funds, variable annuities and variable life insurance, including provision of market
information, internet trading and portfolio tracking facilities and records management, and
• Investment advisory services , including asset management, conducting business as Investors Capital Advisory Services (“ICA”).
Financial information pertaining to the Company for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 is included in Part II of this document
including, without limitation, financial statements and supplementary data in Item 8 thereof. See Part II, Item 8, Footnote 13 – “Segment
Information” for information concerning each of the segments of the Company’s business with respect to the fiscal years ended March 31,
2009 and 2008, including revenues from external customers, a measure of profit or loss, and total assets.
Investors Capital Holdings, Ltd. Annual Report on Form 10-K
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2009
BROKER-DEALER SERVICES
Investors Capital Corporation
ICC is registered as a securities broker-dealer with the Financial Industry Regulatory Agency ("FINRA"), the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC"), the Municipal Securities Rule Making Board ("MSRB") and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation ("SIPC").
Headquartered in Lynnfield, Massachusetts, the wholly-owned subsidiary of ICH also is duly registered and doing business as a broker-dealer
in all 50 states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. ICC makes available multiple investment products and
provides support, technology and back-office services to a network of producing (non-staff) independent registered representatives, of which
there were 651 at March 31, 2009. Broker-dealer commissions and investment advisory fees generated by ICC's registered representatives
represented 83.6% and 13.6%, respectively, of the Company's total revenues for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009.
Broker-Dealer Representatives
Our independent representatives are duly registered under federal and state law to offer and provide broker-dealer services to investors
through ICC. Depending upon their activities, they also may be required to qualify and register as investment advisor representatives (see
“INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES”, below). Our training programs for representatives emphasize the long-range aspects of financial
planning and investment. We believe that the continuing education and support we provide to our registered representatives enable them to
better inform and serve their clients.
Attracting and retaining productive registered representatives is an integral part of our growth strategy. We seek to recruit primarily
experienced registered representatives who focus on assisting their clients in attaining their long-range financial goals. Once recruited, we focus
on enhancing our representatives' professional knowledge, skills and value to their clients.
In addition to a variety of valuable products and services, we offer prospective representatives an attractive commission payout and the
independence of owning and operating their own offices. Our representatives generally pay the costs associated with their offices and
operations, while we concentrate on providing technical, regulatory, supervisory, compliance and other support services to our independent
investment professionals. This allows expansion of our operations with relatively minimal capital outlay.
Compensation to Representatives
Commission payouts to our registered representatives are negotiated and currently average 82.3% of the gross dealer concession generated
by them. As permitted by current FINRA rules, we provide our representatives, or their named beneficiaries, with continuing commissions on
pre-existing business in the event of their retirement from the securities industry or death. Representatives grant to us the right to offset against
commissions certain losses we may sustain as a result of their actions, omissions and errors. Our agreements with our representatives are
terminable by either party with 15 days prior written notice, and do not contain either a confidentiality or non-compete provision.
4. Investors Capital Holdings, Ltd. Annual Report on Form 10-K
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2009
Support to Representatives
We provide a variety of services and products to our representatives to enhance their professionalism and productivity.
Technology Resources. Advanced technology, including client and corporate websites, enable our representatives and/or their clients to
perform many tasks on-line, including:
• Opening of new accounts
• Monitoring of existing accounts
• Updating of client accounts
• Initiating and executing trading activities
• Viewing and downloading commission data
• Locating and exploring financial products
• Downloading client data
• Researching reports or inquiries on companies, securities and other pertinent financial topics
Approved Investment Products. Our representatives offer a wide variety of ICC-approved investment products to their clients that are
sponsored by well-respected, financially sound companies. We believe that this is critical to the success of our registered representatives and
the Company. We follow a selective process in determining approved products to be offered to clients by our representatives, and we
periodically review the product list for continued maintenance or removal of approved status.
Marketing. We provide advertising and public relations assistance to our representatives that enhance their profile, public awareness and
professional stature in the public's eye, including FINRA-approved marketing materials, corporate and product brochures and client letters.
Supervision/Compliance. We maintain comprehensive broker-dealer and investment advisor compliance programs. Our 11-person home
office staff includes two dedicated compliance attorneys. We also retain experienced field supervisors, including four dedicated regional
advisory offices, in FINRA-recognized Offices of Supervisory Jurisdiction across the country that are charged with compliance responsibilities
for defined groups of registered representatives including, in particular, newly-affiliated representatives. By positioning these compliance
individuals in the field, we are able to more closely supervise and monitor the activities of our representatives to enhance their compliance with
applicable laws, rules and regulations. Our compliance efforts are further enhanced by in-house computer systems and programs, including
routine internal audits to ensure our compliance with anti-money laundering standards and other regulations under the USA Patriot Act.
Our representatives seek and value assistance in the area of compliance. Keeping in step with the latest industry regulations, our compliance
department provides to our representatives, among other things:
• Advertising and sales literature review
• Field inspections, followed up with written findings and remediation programs
• In-house publications, conference calls, workshops, seminars and other communications on selected compliance topics
• Assistance with customer complaints and regulatory inquiries
• Regional and national meetings
• Interpretation of rules and regulations and general compliance training
Clearing. We utilize the services of a third-party clearing firm to clear our transactions on a fee-for-service basis. Our clearing firm
processes most of the non-check and application securities transactions for our account and the accounts of our clients. Services of our clearing
firm include billing and credit extension as well as control, receipt, custody and delivery of customer securities and funds. We pay a transaction
charge for these services, relying on the operational capacity and the ability of our clearing firm for the orderly processing of security
transactions. Engaging the processing services of a clearing firm exempts us from the application of certain capital reserve requirements and
other complex regulatory requirements imposed by federal and state securities laws.
Investors Capital Holdings, Ltd. Annual Report on Form 10-K
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2009
Broker-Dealer Revenue
Commission revenue generated by ICC during the last two fiscal years was derived from the following activities:
Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
5. Source of Commission Revenue 2009 2008
Variable annuities and variable life
insurance 42% 41%
Individual stocks and bonds 30% 24%
Mutual funds and unit investment trusts
1 14% 21%
Direct participation programs 14% 13%
Other activities 0% 1%
Total 100% 100%
Although variable annuities and life insurance products continued to comprise the largest source of commission revenue, revenue from
stocks and bonds experienced the largest increase as a percentage of commission revenue compared to the prior year. This increase primarily
reflected the heightened market volatility during the current period which generated an increase in trading volume of these products.
Commissions from the sale of variable annuity products continue to comprise the majority of our revenue; however, this relationship may
not continue as our revenue mix becomes more diversified. In particular, we believe that the percentage of total commissions derived from
customer trading in the stock and bond markets may continue to increase due to our continued efforts to recruit representatives who are duly
licensed to execute securities trades for their clients.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES
The Company’s investment advisory business has been centered in ICC, conducting business as ICA, since 2004. Having progressively
limited its business to providing access to advisory services provided by third-parties, EPA completed the transfer of its assets to ICA by May
1, 2008 and subsequently withdrew its advisory registration.
ICA has been encouraging movement away from centralized delivery of advisory services to a more personalized delivery system that
emphasizes close, technology-enabled interaction between independent investment advisor representative and customer that can lead to more
agile decision making and enhanced customer satisfaction and program participation. In support of this business model, ICA has focused on
recruiting additional registered investment advisor representatives and increasing the qualifications, technical competence and motivation of
existing representatives.
The success of these initiatives is reflected in the growth of revenue from investment advisory services by 5.6% to $11.09 million for the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2009.
Investment Advisor Representatives
Each of our investment advisor representatives must satisfy the state licensing requirements in the states in which they operate prior to their
clients utilizing our investment advisory services. As of March 31, 2009 approximately 427 independent investment advisor representatives
registered with the various state securities departments were affiliated with ICA, for a 4.9% increase over the year earlier complement.
1 Sale of mutual funds includes both sales of products through direct “check and application” and from our trading platform.
Investors Capital Holdings, Ltd. Annual Report on Form 10-K
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2009
Asset Allocation Strategy
Our investment advisor representatives often provide advisory services through our representative-directed program where the asset
allocation is performed directly by the independent representative. Our asset allocation strategy is based on the principle that, by investing in a
combination of asset classes, risk may be reduced while seeking enhanced returns. Combining asset classes that typically do not fluctuate in
tandem may lower the volatility of the customer's investment portfolio while providing the potential for long-term returns. The Company,
through its investment advisor representatives, utilizes the following steps in implementing our asset allocation strategy for each individual
customer:
• We determine the customer's risk tolerance, investment goals, age, time horizon, investment experience and financial and personal
circumstances using detailed questionnaires that are completed during personal interviews. Based upon these data, we recommend
an overall investment allocation consisting of a suggested percentage of stocks, bonds, cash and/or other investment products.
• Following agreement upon overall investment allocation, we then recommend what we believe to be appropriate investment
vehicles for the particular customer and investment allocation from a universe of Company-approved mutual funds, variable
annuities, individual securities and other investment products.
• Following implementation of the recommended portfolio, we monitor portfolio performance, communicate the model's
6. performance to the client quarterly and, in consultation with the customer, make portfolio changes based upon performance, the
customer's financial situation, goals and risk tolerance and other relevant factors.
Fee-Based Compensation Structure
In conformity with the requirements of the Investment Advisors Act of 1940, compensation for our investment advisory services consists of
an annual fee calculated as a percentage of assets under management rather than a transaction-based commission or performance fee.
INVESTMENT CENTERS
The Company closed its four retail investment centers by the end of the quarter ended September 30, 2009 in order to achieve operational
efficiencies. Overhead expenses of the centers had been funded by the Company in return for lower commission payouts to representatives
using the centers. One location continues to be occupied by representatives who pay a fee to the Company that covers the majority of our office
overhead.
INSURANCE OPERATIONS
In certain states a licensed insurance entity is required in order for ICC representatives to sell life insurance and annuity products to their
clients. Accordingly, the Company operates ICC Insurance Agency, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of ICH that is duly licensed for such
purposes in all states in which such licensing is required. All revenue realized by this entity flows through as revenue to the ICC segment.
ICH SECURITIES
ICH Securities holds cash for Company tax benefit purposes at the Massachusetts state level.
Investors Capital Holdings, Ltd. Annual Report on Form 10-K
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2009
OUR STRATEGY
Key elements to achieve our corporate objectives include:
• Recruit and retain high quality registered representatives. Our business model stresses recruitment and retention of capable,
experienced independent representatives possessing the professional qualifications, knowledge and judgment to render superior
broker-dealer and investment advisory services to their customers.
• Increase brand awareness; expand business presence. We strive to increase our brand recognition to attract new clients and
representatives by building market awareness, educating the investing public and maintaining customer loyalty through direct
marketing, advertising through our marketing department, use of our web site, various public relations programs, web and live
seminars, print advertising, radio, and television.
• Provide value-added services to our clients. We provide our clients with access to a pool of well- trained representatives, access to
up-to-date market and other financial information, and direct access to our trade desk that is online with various stock exchanges
and institutional buyers and sellers. We will also continue to provide trading before and after traditional market hours to our clients.
• Grow recurring revenues. We have recognized the trend toward increased investment advisory business and are focused on
building our fee base investment advisory business when it serves the interests of our clients. While advisory accounts generate
substantially lower first year revenue than most commission products, the recurring nature of advisory fees provides a foundation
for accelerating future revenue growth.
• Create technologically innovative solutions to satisfy client needs. We continue to pursue additional technologies to service the
rapidly evolving financial services industry. We continually seek to enhance our web site to augment our clients’ ability to trade
equity securities efficiently via the Internet, to monitor on-line the history and current status of their accounts at any time, and to
access financial and other pertinent information. Also, we have developed personalized Internet web sites for our representatives to
provide their clients, through the use of passwords and firewalls, a secure and private interface directly to our proprietary web site.
This allows these clients to perform market research, buy and sell securities on-line, monitor their accounts and utilize financial
calculators.
• Provide technological solutions to our representatives . We believe that it is imperative that we continue to possess state-of-the-art
technology so that our employees and independent registered representatives can effectively facilitate, measure and record business
activity in a timely, accurate and efficient manner. By continuing our commitment to provide a highly capable technology platform
to process business, we believe that the Company can achieve economies of scale and potentially reduce the need to hire additional
personnel.
• Expand our product and service offering through strategic relationships. We continue to pursue business alliances to increase
trading volume, capitalize on cross-selling opportunities, create additional markets for our asset management programs and mutual
fund sales, take advantage of emerging market trends, create operational efficiencies and further enhance our name recognition.
However, we have no present agreements, plans, arrangements or understandings regarding any material acquisitions and have not
7. identified any specific criteria that such acquisitions must meet.
Investors Capital Holdings, Ltd. Annual Report on Form 10-K
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2009
COMPETITION
Our competitors vary in size, scope and breadth of services offered. We encounter direct competition from numerous established full-
commission and discount brokerage firms that have electronic brokerage services and full research capabilities. We also encounter competition
from insurance companies with securities brokerage subsidiaries, financial institutions, mutual fund sponsors and others, including in particular
those who utilize financial planning representatives who bear their own office expenses.
Many competitors have greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources, offer a wider range of services and financial products,
and have greater name recognition and more extensive client bases.
We seek to compete through the quality of our registered representatives, our level of premiere service, the products and services we offer
and our expertise in certain areas. We believe that our ability to compete depends upon many factors both within and outside our control,
including:
• Our ability to attract and retain a network of experienced investment professionals
• The effectiveness, ease of use, performance and features of our technology and services and overall client satisfaction
• The price and quality of our services
• The volatility and performance of financial markets and the world economy
• Our ability to service our clients effectively and efficiently
• Our reputation in the financial services industry
• Our ability to foster compliance with applicable laws and regulations by employees and independent representatives
HOW WE ARE
REGULATED
Broker-Dealer Regulation
The securities industry is subject to extensive regulation under both federal and state law. The SEC is the federal agency responsible for
administering the federal securities laws that apply to broker-dealers. ICC is a broker-dealer registered with the SEC. In addition to complying
with the voluminous and complex rules set out in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules promulgated there under, every registered
broker-dealer that conducts business with the public is required to be a member of and subject to the rules of FINRA.
FINRA has established conduct rules for securities transactions among broker-dealers and private investors, trading rules for the over-the-
counter markets and operational rules for its member firms. FINRA conducts examinations of member firms, investigates possible violations of
the federal securities laws and its own rules and conducts disciplinary proceedings involving member firms and associated individuals. FINRA
administers qualification testing for all securities principals and registered representatives for its own account and on behalf of the state
securities authorities. We are also subject to regulation under state law. We are currently registered as a broker-dealer in all 50 states, Puerto
Rico and the District of Columbia.
The SEC and other regulatory bodies in the United States have rules with respect to net capital requirements that affect our broker-dealer
subsidiary. These rules are designed to ensure that broker-dealers maintain adequate capital in relation to their liabilities, types of securities
business conducted and the size of their customer business. These rules have the effect of requiring that a substantial portion of a broker-
dealer's assets be kept in cash or highly liquid investments. Failure to maintain the required net capital may subject a firm to suspension or
revocation of its registration with the SEC and suspension and expulsion by the FINRA and other regulatory bodies, and ultimately may require
its liquidation. Additional legislation, changes in rules promulgated by the SEC and by self-regulatory bodies and changes in the interpretation
or enforcement of existing laws and rules often directly affects the method of operation and profitability of broker-dealers. The SEC and the
self-regulatory bodies may conduct administrative proceedings which can result in censure, fine, suspension or expulsion of a broker-dealer, its
officers, employees or registered representatives.
Investors Capital Holdings, Ltd. Annual Report on Form 10-K
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2009
Registered Investment Advisor Regulation
8. The Investment Advisors Act of 1940 (the "Advisors Act"), and the rules promulgated thereunder, regulate the registration and compensation
of investment advisors. Investment advisors are deemed to be fiduciaries for their clients and, as such, are held to a high standard of conduct.
Investment advisors are subject to regulation and oversight by the SEC and the various states. Investment advisors are required to register with
the SEC and/or appropriate state regulatory agencies, are required to periodically file reports, and are subject to periodic or special
examinations. Rules promulgated under the Advisors Act govern many aspects of the investment advisory business, such as advertisements by
investment advisors and the custody or possession of funds or securities of a client. Most states require registration by investment advisors
unless an exemption is available and impose annual registration fees. Some states also impose minimum capital requirements. There can be no
assurance that compliance with existing and future requirements and legislation will not be costly and time consuming or otherwise adversely
impact our business in this area.
Regulations Applicable to the Use of the Internet
Due to the established popularity and use of the internet and other online services, various regulatory authorities are considering laws and/or
regulations with respect to the internet or other online services covering issues such as user privacy, pricing, content copyrights and quality of
services. In addition, the growth and development of the market for online commerce may prompt more stringent consumer protection laws that
may impose additional burdens on those companies conducting business online.
The recent increase in the number of complaints by online traders could lead to more stringent regulations of online trading firms and their
practices by the SEC, FINRA and other regulatory agencies. The applicability to the Internet and other online services of existing laws in
various jurisdictions governing issues such as property ownership, sales and other taxes and personal privacy is also uncertain and may take
years to resolve. Finally, as our services are available over the internet in multiple states, and as we have numerous clients residing in these
states, these jurisdictions may claim that we are required to qualify to conduct business as a foreign corporation in each such state. While ICC
currently is registered as a broker-dealer in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, we are qualified to conduct business as a
foreign corporation in only a few states. Failure by our company to qualify as a broker-dealer in other jurisdictions or as an out-of-state or
"foreign" corporation in a jurisdiction where it is required to do so could subject us to taxes and penalties for the failure to qualify. Our business
could be harmed by any new legislation or regulation, the application of laws and regulations from jurisdictions whose laws do not currently
apply to our business or the applications of existing laws and regulations to the Internet and other online services.
EMPLOYEES
As of March 31, 2009, we had 69 full-time employees, the majority of whom are located at our principal office in Lynnfield,
Massachusetts. No employee is covered by a collective bargaining agreement or is represented by a labor union. We consider our employee
relations to be excellent. We also enter into independent contractor arrangements on an as-needed basis to assist with various aspects of our
business including programming and developing proprietary technologies.
Investors Capital Holdings, Ltd. Annual Report on Form 10-K
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2009
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in
accordance therewith files reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”).
Such reports, proxy statements and other information filed with the Commission by the Company can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the
operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330. The Commission maintains an Internet site that
contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the Commission located
at http://www.sec.gov.
Our website address is http://www.investorscapital.com. We make available free of charge on or through our website, our annual report on
Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to
Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with,
or furnish it to, the SEC. The information found on our website is not part of this or any other report we file with or furnish to the SEC. All
such documents are also available in print at no charge to any shareholder who requests them in writing to Robert Foney, Manager Corporate
Communications, 230 Broadway East, Lynnfield, MA 01940.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The following sets forth, as of June 25, 2009, certain information with respect to each of the executive officers of ICH:
Theodore E. Charles , age 66, has served as a director and Chairman of the Board of the Company since its inception in July 1995. A
founder of Investors Capital Holdings, Mr. Charles served as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and President from 1995 until August
9. 2008. Mr. Charles also has served as the Chief Executive Officer of ICC and EPA from their founding in 1994 and 1995, respectively, until
August 2008. Mr. Charles served on the Board of Directors of Revere Savings Bank of Massachusetts from 1997 to 2001 and served on the
Advisory Board of Danvers Savings Bank from 2001 to 2003. Mr. Charles currently holds various securities licenses, including series 6, 63, 7
and 24, has been a member of the Financial Planning Association since 1985 and formerly served as Chairman of the Shareholder Advisory
Board of Life USA Insurance Company.
Timothy B. Murphy , age 44, has served as a director of the Company since July 1995. A founder of the Company, Mr. Murphy has served
as President and Chief Executive Officer since August 2008. He served as Executive Vice President and C hief Financial Officer of the
Company from its inception until August and December 2008, respectively, and as P resident of ICC and EPA since their respective inceptions.
He entered the securities industry in 1991 as an operations manager in the Boston regional office of Clayton Securities. By 1994, he was
serving as compliance officer of BayBanks Brokerage and a vice president of G.R. Stuart & Company, another brokerage firm. Mr. Murphy
holds various securities licenses including series 4, 7, 24, 27, 53, 63 and 65.
Kathleen L. Donnelly , age 37, was promoted to Chief Financial Officer of the Company effective January 1, 2009 and serves as its
principal financial officer. Prior to this appointment, Ms. Donnelly was employed by ICC as Corporate Accountant where she managed the
Company’s Sarbanes-Oxley compliance readiness program and provided internal budgeting and financial analysis services. January through
April 2007, Ms. Donnelly was employed as an auditor at Nardella & Taylor, LLC, a public accounting firm. From 1997 through 2006, she was
a practicing Certified Public Accountant as an Audit Manager with UHY, LLP (formerly Brown & Brown, LLP), the Company’s independent
public accountants.
Investors Capital Holdings, Ltd. Annual Report on Form 10-K
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2009
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
None
ITEM 2. PR O PERTIES.
Our principal executive offices, comprised of several office condominiums, are located in a 9,068 square foot facility at 230 Broadway,
Lynnfield, MA. The Company also maintains an office in a 2,132 square foot facility at 218 Boston Street, Topsfield, MA. Both of these
properties are leased from entities owned and controlled by the Chairman and principal shareholder of ICH for a combined annual rent of
$291,200. The Company believes the annual rent amounts are consistent with current market rates for comparable space in the same geographic
areas. These leases were renewed and modified on April 1, 2008 and will expire on March 31, 2012. Management believes that, while these
premises are adequate for current business purposes, the Company’s need for office space could exceed the capacity of these locations in the
event of significant increases in personnel.
The Company leases 3,346 square feet of additional office space in a facility at Six Kimball Lane, Lynnfield, MA for approximately $70,266
per year under a lease expiring June 30, 2009 that will not be renewed, and 1,357 square feet of unoccupied office space in Miami, FL for
approximately $53,927 per year under a lease expiring in 2011 that the Company is seeking to sublet. Both of these premises are leased from
unrelated third parties and are currently unoccupied.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
The Company operates in a highly litigious and regulated business, and the Company often is made a defendant in various lawsuits and
arbitrations that are incidental to our securities business. The Company typically vigorously contests the allegations of the complaints and
believes that there are meritorious defenses in these matters. From time to time the Company also is the subject of regulatory investigations and
proceedings. Counsel often is unable to confidently predict the likelihood of an outcome, whether favorable or unfavorable, in such matters
because of routine and inherent uncertainties. For the majority of pending claims, the Company's current errors and omissions (E&O) policy
limits the Company’s maximum exposure in any one case to $100,000. The Company also maintains a fidelity bond to protect itself from
potential damages and/or legal costs related to fraudulent activities pursuant to which the Company’s exposure is usually limited to the
deductible per case ($200,000 through March 17, 2009 and $350,000 thereafter), subject to policy limitations and exclusions.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
No matter was submitted to a vote of security holders of ICH during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER
10. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
MARKET INFORMATION
ICH's common stock has been trading on NYSE AMEX / Alternext US (“Amex”) (formerly, The American Stock Exchange) under the
symbol "ICH" since February 8, 2001. Prior to such date, there was no established public trading market for the common stock. As of June 22,
2009, there were 6,565,961 shares outstanding and 276 registered holders thereof.
Investors Capital Holdings, Ltd. Annual Report on Form 10-K
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2009
The following table presents the high and low closing prices for the common stock of ICH on the Amex for the periods indicated:
High Low
Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
2009 :
January 1, 2009 through $1.02
March 31, 2009 $2.20
October 1, 2008 through $2.00
December 31, 2008 $4.15
July 1, 2008 through $3.60
September 30, 2008 $5.68
April 1, 2008 through June $4.00
30, 2008 $4.98
Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
2008 :
January 1, 2008 through $4.45
March 31, 2008 $5.75
October 1, 2007 through $4.90
December 31, 2007 $5.90
July 1, 2007 through $4.61
September 30, 2007 $5.25
April 1, 2007 through June $4.43
30, 2007 $5.44
CASH DIVIDENDS
Investors Capital Holdings, Ltd. did not pay any dividends on its common stock during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009. The Company
paid a dividend on its common stock of $0.04/share on March 31, 2008 to stockholders of record on February 25, 2008.
Future dividend decisions will be based on, and affected by, a number of factors, including the operating results and financial requirements
of the Company and the impact of regulatory restrictions. For further information regarding restrictions on our ability to transfer funds to our
stockholders, see Part I, Item 1. “Business – How We Are Regulated” and Part II, Item 7. “Management's Discussion and Analysis--Liquidity
and Capital Resources” in this Form 10-K.
SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER COMPENSATION PLANS
The following table presents information as of March 31, 2009 with respect to compensation plans (including individual compensation
arrangements) under which equity securities of the Registrant are authorized for issuance.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
Number of securities
Number of securities remaining available for
future issuance under
to be issued Weighted-average
equity compensation plans
upon exercise of exercise price of
(excluding securities
outstanding options, outstanding options,
Plan category warrants and rights warrants and rights reflected in column (a))
(a) (b) (c)
11. Equity compensation
plans approved by
623,756
security holders 31, 272 $4.55
Equity compensation
plans not approved
by security holders 150,000 $1.00 none
Total 181, 272 $1.61 623,756
See “Footnote 17 – Benefit Plans” to the Registrant’s Financial Statements, contained in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K, for a description
of the material features of each compensation plan under which equity securities of the Registrant are authorized for issuance that was adopted
without the approval of security holders.
Investors Capital Holdings, Ltd. Annual Report on Form 10-K
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2009
RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
Not applicable.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS.
Management's discussion and analysis reviews our consolidated financial condition as of March 31, 2009 and 2008, the consolidated results
of operations for the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 and, where appropriate, factors that may affect future financial performance. The
discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
Unless context requires otherwise, as used in this Management's Discussion and Analysis (i) the "current period" means the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2009, (ii) the "prior period" means the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, (iii) an increase or decrease compares the current period to
the prior period, and (iv) all non-comparative amounts refer to the current period.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The reader is urged to read the information contained in the "Forward-Looking Statements" section at the beginning of this report for a
discussion of the use of forward-looking statements in this report as well as risks and uncertainties in attempting to predict our future
performance based upon such statements.
OVERVIEW
We are a financial services holding company that, through our subsidiaries, provides brokerage, investment advisory, insurance and related
services. We operate in a highly regulated and competitive industry that is influenced by numerous external factors such as economic
conditions, marketplace liquidity and volatility, monetary policy, global and national political events, regulatory developments, competition
and investor preferences. Our revenues and net earnings may be either enhanced or diminished from period to period by these and other
external factors.
OUR BUSINESS
We operate primarily through our subsidiary, ICC, as a broker-dealer and, doing business as ICA, as a registered investment advisor, with a
national network of independent financial representatives.
Broker-Dealer Services
We, through our independent broker-dealer representatives, provides broker-dealer services in support of trading and investment by our
12. representatives’ customers in securities, including corporate equity and debt securities, U.S. Government securities, municipal securities,
mutual funds, limited partnerships and other alternative investments, variable annuities and variable life insurance. We also provide such
related services as market information, internet brokerage, portfolio tracking facilities and records management.
Investment Advisory Services
We, through our investment advisor representatives, provide investment advisory services, including asset allocation and portfolio
rebalancing, for our representative’s customers. In the past, investment advisory services were performed by both ICC and EPA. Over the last
few years, we consolidated our investment advisory services into ICA, and EPA ceased operations and was dissolved during the fiscal quarter
ended June 30, 2008.
Investors Capital Holdings, Ltd. Annual Report on Form 10-K
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2009
Recruitment and Support of Representatives
A key component of our business strategy is to recruit well-established, productive representatives who generate revenues in high margin
services and products. Additionally, we assist our representatives in developing and expanding their business by providing a variety of support
services and a diversified range of investment products for their clients. We focus on providing substantial added value to our representatives’
practices, enabling them to be more productive, particularly in high margin lines such as advisory services and brokerage.
Support provided to assist representatives in pursuing consistent and profitable sales growth takes many forms, including hi-tech trading
systems, targeted financial assistance and a network of communication links with investment product companies. Regional and national
conventions provide forums for interaction to improve product knowledge, sales and client satisfaction. In addition, a dedicated business
development unit focuses on providing representatives with programs and tools to grow their businesses both through new client acquisition
and advancement of existing client relationships. These programs enhance our ability to attract and retain productive representatives.
OUR PROCESS
Check and Application
The largest segment of our revenues is obtained through a check and application process where a check and a product application is
delivered to us for processing that includes principal review and submission to the investment company or clearing firm. Investments in
technology are facilitating our migration over time from a paper intensive to a virtually paperless process. This shortens the transaction cycle,
reduces errors and creates greater efficiencies. We continue to invest in technologies that provide more efficient processes resulting in
improved productivity.
Online Brokerage
Registered representatives can efficiently submit a wide range of security investments online through the use of our remote automated
brokerage platform for trade execution.
Bond Brokerage
Our fixed-income brokerage desk uses a network of regional and primary dealers to execute trades across a broad array of fixed income asset
classes. The desk also utilizes several dealer-only electronic services that allow the desk to offer inventory and to execute trades. Our fixed
income traders work with our representatives to develop portfolios for clients. This area provides an investment alternative for investors who
have become interested in retirement income, and it has potential for growth during an interest rate favorable environment.
Asset Allocation
Asset allocation services are made available primarily through ICA. Our services include the design, selection and rebalancing of investment
portfolios on behalf of our advisors’ clients. We also provide tools, services and guidance that enable our representatives to provide these
investment services directly to their clients. These services, for the most part, are conducted through our online brokerage platform. Other
allocation services are performed directly by the fund company.
Investors Capital Holdings, Ltd. Annual Report on Form 10-K
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2009
13. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING
POLICIES
In General
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America. The Company believes that of its significant accounting policies (detailed in Footnote 2 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial
Statements contained herein), those dealing with valuation of securities and other assets, revenue recognition and allowance for doubtful
accounts receivable involve a particularly high degree of judgment and complexity. Our accounting policies require estimates and assumptions
that affect the amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses reported in the consolidated financial statements. Due to their nature,
estimates involve judgment based upon available information. Actual results or amounts could differ from estimates and the difference could
have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. Therefore, understanding these policies is important to understanding the
reported results of operations and the financial position of the Company.
Off–Balance Sheet Risk
We execute securities transactions on behalf of our customers. If either the customer or counter-party fails to perform, we, by agreement with
our clearing broker, may be required to discharge the obligations of the non-performing party. In such circumstances, we may sustain a loss if
the market value of the security is different from the contract value of the transaction. We seek to control off-balance sheet risk by monitoring
the market value of securities held or given as collateral in compliance with regulatory and internal guidelines. Pursuant to such guidelines, our
clearing firm requires that we reduce positions when necessary. We also complete credit evaluations where there is thought to be credit risk.
Reserves
We record reserves related to legal proceedings in "accrued expenses" in the consolidated balance sheet. The determination of these reserve
amounts requires significant judgment on the part of management. Many factors are considered including, but not limited to: the amount of the
claim; the amount of the loss in the client's account; the basis and validity of the claim; the possibility of wrongdoing on the part of one of our
employees or representatives; previous results in similar cases; and legal precedents. Each legal proceeding is reviewed with counsel in each
accounting period and the reserve is adjusted as deemed appropriate by management. Any change in the reserve amount is recorded in the
consolidated financial statements and is recognized as a charge or credit to earnings in that period. The assumptions of management in
determining the estimates of reserves may be incorrect and the actual costs upon disposition of a legal proceeding could be greater or less than
the reserved amount.
RISK MANAGEMENT
Risk is an inherent part of our business and activities. Risk management is critical to our financial strength and profitability and requires
robust auditing, constant communications, sound judgment and knowledge of financial trends and the economy as a whole.
Senior management takes an active role in the risk management process. The principal risks involved in our business activities are market,
operational, regulatory and legal.
Market Risk
Market risk is the risk attributable to common macroeconomic factors such as gross domestic product, employment, inflation, interest rates,
budget deficits and consumer sentiment. Consumer and producer sentiment is critical to our business. The level of consumer confidence
determines their willingness to spend, especially in the financial markets. It is the willingness to spend in the financial markets that is key to our
business. A shift in spending in this area could negatively impact us. In addition, declines in market values negatively impact investment
advisory revenues that are based upon the value of assets under management. We constantly monitor these economic trends in order to enhance
and broaden our product line to mitigate potential negative impact of such trends.
Investors Capital Holdings, Ltd. Annual Report on Form 10-K
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2009
Operational Risk
Operational risk refers to the risk of loss resulting from our operations, including, but not limited to, improper or unauthorized execution of
transactions, deficiencies in our technology or financial or financial operating systems and inadequacies or breaches in our control processes.
Managing these risks is critical, especially in a rapidly changing environment with increasing transaction volume. Failure to manage these risks
could result in material financial loss to the Company. To mitigate these risks, the Company has developed policies and procedures designed to
identify and manage operational risk. These policies and procedures are reviewed and updated on a continuing basis by a broad-based Risk
Committee that meets weekly to ensure that risk is minimized.
14. Regulatory and Legal Risk
Regulatory and legal risk includes non-compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements and the risk of a large number of
customer claims that could result in adverse judgments against us. We are subject to extensive regulation in the various jurisdictions in which it
operates, and we maintain a panoply of procedures to address issues such as regulatory capital requirements, sales and trading practices, use of
and safekeeping of customer funds, credit granting, collection activities, money-laundering and record keeping. However, compliance
procedures, no matter how stringent and comprehensive, can only limit, but not totally prevent, the institution of regulatory and legal
proceedings, the outcomes and consequences of which typically cannot be reasonably foreseen or quantified.
In the normal course of business, we continue to be the subject of numerous civil actions and arbitrations arising out of customer complaints
relating to our alleged activities as a broker-dealer or investment advisor, as an employer or as a result of other business activities. In line with
general industry experience, the volume of such complaints has trended upward during the current financial downturn.
Effects of Inflation
Our assets primarily are liquid in nature and not significantly affected by inflation. Management believes that the replacement cost of
property and equipment will not materially affect operating results. However, the rate of inflation can affect our expenses, including, without
limitation, employee compensation and benefits, communications and occupancy, which may not be readily recoverable through charges for
services provided.
KEY INDICATORS OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
We periodically review and analyze our financial performance across a number of measurable factors considered to be particularly useful in
understanding and managing our business. Key metrics in this process include Adjusted EBITDA (as defined below), productivity and practice
diversification of representatives, top line commission and advisory services revenues, gross margins, operating expenses, legal costs, taxes and
earnings per share.
Investors Capital Holdings, Ltd. Annual Report on Form 10-K
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2009
COMPARISON OF FISCAL YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 2009 AND 2008
The following discussion provides an assessment of our results of operations, capital resources and liquidity and should be read in
conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report.
RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
Percent of Revenue
Year Ended March Percent
Year Ended March 31, 31, Change
2009 vs.
2009 2008 2009 2008 2008
Revenues:
Commission $ 68,219,314 $ 77,545,491 83.6% 85.2% -12.0%
Advisory fees 11,090,508 10,504,031 13.6% 11.5% 5.6%
Other fee income 804,877 1,060,505 1.0% 1.2% -24.1%
Marketing revenue 981,100 1,143,113 1.2% 1.3% -14.2%
Other income 511,589 732,010 0.6% 0.8% -30.1%
Total revenue 81,607,388 90,985,150 100.0% 100.0% -10.3%
Commission and
advisory fees 65,609,588 73,388,303 80.4% 80.7% -10.6%
Gross profit 15,997,800 17,596,847 19.6% 19.3% -9.1%
Operating expenses:
Advertisement and
marketing 1,279,756 1,538,071 1.6% 1.7% -16.8%
Communications 1,060,641 1,039,911 1.3% 1.1% 2.0%
Total selling expenses 2,340,397 2,577,982 2.9% 2.8% -9.2%
Compensation and 9,135,686 10,626,790 11.2% 11.6% -14.0%
15. benefits
Regulatory, legal and
professional 3,805,231 2,516,623 4.7% 2.8% 51.2%
Occupancy 1,032,914 1,162,672 1.3% 1.3% -11.2%
Other administrative
expenses 1,815,393 1,286,605 2.2% 1.4% 41.1%
Interest expense 36,845 58,529 0.0% 0.1% -37.0%
Total
administrative expenses
15,826,069 15,651,219 19.4% 17.2% 1.1%
Total operating
expenses 18,166,466 18,229,201 22.3% 20.0% -0.3%
Operating loss (2,168,666) (632,354) -2.7% -0.7% 243.0%
Loss before taxes (2,168,666) (632,354) -2.7% -0.7% 243.0%
Provision (benefit) for
income taxes (338,667) 29,104 -0.4% 0.0% -1263.6%
Net loss $ (1,829,999) $ (661,458) -2.2% -0.8% 176.7%
Adjusted EBITDA $ (261,102) $ 862,647 -0.3% 0.9% -130.3%
Income tax benefit 351,658 187,959 -0.4% -0.2% 87.1%
Interest expense (36,84 5) (58,529) 0.0% 0.1% -37.0%
Income tax expense (12,991) (217,063) 0.0% 0.2% -94.0%
Depreciation (386,625) (380,824) 0.5% 0.4% 1.5%
Non-cash
compensation (844,702) (1,055,648) 1.0% 1.2% -20.0%
Non-recurring
professional fees to
evaluate strategic
business
opportunities (639,392) - 0.8% 0.0% -
Net loss $ (1,829,999) $ (661,458) -2.2% -0.8% 176.7%
Adjusted EBITDA
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), as adjusted by eliminating gains or losses on sales of assets, non-
cash compensation expense, and various non-recurring items, (“adjusted EBITDA”) is a key metric we use in evaluating our financial
performance. Adjusted EBITDA eliminates items that we believe are not part of our core operations, are non-recurring items of revenue or
expense, or do not involve a cash outlay, such as stock-related compensation. We consider adjusted EBITDA important in monitoring and
evaluating our financial performance on a consistent basis across various periods. We also use adjusted EBITDA as a primary measure, among
others, to analyze and evaluate financial and strategic planning decisions.
Adjusted EBITDA is considered a non-GAAP financial measure as defined by Regulation G promulgated by the SEC under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended. Adjusted EBITDA should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, important GAAP financial
measures including pre-tax income, net income and cash flows from operating activities. Items excluded from adjusted EBITDA are significant
and necessary components to the operations of our business; therefore, adjusted EBITDA should only be used as a supplemental measure of
our operating performance.
Investors Capital Holdings, Ltd. Annual Report on Form 10-K
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2009
PRODUCTIVITY AND PRACTICE DIVERSIFICATION OF REPRESENTATIVES
Management believes that improving the overall quality of our independent representatives is a key to achieving growth in revenues and net
income. We believe that upgrading the business practices of our representatives not only generates more revenue, but assists in limiting the cost
of overhead functions and representative noncompliance. We strive to continually improve the overall quality of our force of representatives
by:
• assisting representatives to improve their skills and practices,
16. • recruiting established, high quality representatives, and
• terminating low quality representatives.
Productivity
A key metric that we use to assess the average quality of our producing (non-staff) representatives is per capita rep-generated revenue based
on a rolling 12-month period. Data for the 12-month periods ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 are presented below.
%
Year Ended Increase/
March 31, 2009 March 31, 2008 Incease/decrease decrease
Rep-generated
revenue:
Commission $ 68,219,314 $ 77,545,491 $ (9,326,177) -12.0%
Advisory 11,090,508 10,504,031 586,477 5.6%
Other fee income 804,877 1,060,505 (255,628) -24.1%
$ 80,114,699 $ 89,110,027 $ (8,995,328) -10.1%
Number of
representatives 651 689 (38) -5.5%
Average revenue per
representative $ 123,064 $ 129,332 $ (6,268) -4.8%
We believe that the 4.8% decline in per capita rep-generated revenue compares favorably with percentage drops in revenue widely
experienced in comparable segments of the financial industry during the twelve months ended March 31, 2009.
Practice Diversification
We encourage diversification of the array of investments products and services offered by our independent representatives through our
recruitment practices and education and training programs. First and foremost, this enables our representatives to more fully serve the
investment and security needs of their clients, particularly in volatile markets. Recruitment of representatives who are duly qualified to offer
sophisticated investment products to their clients historically also has resulted in growth of transaction and fee-based business that, in addition
to generating relatively high margins, are expected to help us endure a volatile down market due to recurring revenues generated by these types
of services.
Investors Capital Holdings, Ltd. Annual Report on Form 10-K
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2009
REVENUES
Revenues decreased by $9.38 million, or 10.3%, to $81.61 million, led by a $9.33 million or 12.0% decline in commissions offset by a $0.59
million or 5.6% increase in advisory services revenue. The decline in commissionable revenues was mostly attributed to a drop off in
investments in our check and application business. Decreased investments in this category reflected the current economic environment.
Revenues from advisory services increased primarily as a result of the relocation of assets from brokerage commission accounts to
investment advisor accounts due to the repeal of the regulatory rule commonly referred to as the “Merrill Lynch rule”. Otherwise revenues
from advisory services would have remained relatively flat for the comparative twelve month periods.
The “Merrill Lynch” rule (SEC Rule 202), which allowed fees based on assets in a client’s brokerage account (i.e., fee based commissions),
was repealed and, effective October 1, 2007, assets were required to be relocated to either investment advisor accounts or commission-based
brokerage accounts. The new rule prohibits brokerage representatives from charging a fee for investment advice on brokerage accounts unless
they are registered as investment advisor representatives under the 1940 Investment Advisor Act.
Commissions
Commission revenue fell by 12.0%, led by a 10.3% drop in variable annuities, brokerage and direct mutual funds sales. These decreases
reflected a significant decline in financial asset values and resulting flight from these product categories to investments regarded to be more
secure, including money market funds and treasury bonds.
Fiscal Year Ended Increase/ Percentage Percentage
Increase/decrease
March 31, decrease of Total
2009 2008 2009 vs. 2008 decrease 2009 vs. 2008
Commission Revenue
17. :
-10.3%
Variable Annuities $ 28,433,022 $ 31,695,917 $ (3,262,895) 35.0%
-10.6%
Brokerage (1) 22,936,314 25,668,157 (2,731,843) 29.3%
Direct Participation -7.7%
Programs 9,601,454 10,401,831 (800,377) 8.6%
Direct Mutual Funds -26.1%
Sales 7,004,834 9,478,724 (2,473,890) 26.5%
Other 243,690 300,861 (57,171) 0.6% -19.0%
Total Commission
Revenue $ 68,219,314 $ 77,545,491 $ (9,326,177) 100.0% -12.0%
1) Revenue designated as Brokerage includes revenue from mutual funds sold through our trading platform.
Advisory
Responding to industry trends and increasing client demand, we have endeavored to assist our representatives in transitioning more of their
business to advisory services. We do not dictate the general nature or extent of advisory services our representatives provide for their clients.
However, we continue to make concerted efforts to attract our representatives to our expanded line of proprietary advisory services programs
through education, seminars, tradeshows and direct telemarketing.
Our advisor-directed managed assets program, A-MAP, where investment advisory services are provided directly by our independent
representatives, continues to be the leading source of advisory services revenue. Revenues from this program decreased by $0.65 million or
9.3% due to a decrease in assets under management which, in turn, reflected a drop in new investment dollars driven principally by market-
wide declines in asset values.
Supported by our Net Exchange Pro and Pershing direct on-line mainframe brokerage platforms, A-MAP is still popular with our
representatives because of the opportunities it provides to deliver superior asset management services and overall investment performance at a
lower cost. Resulting transactional cost savings have been passed on to our representatives’ clients in the form of lower fees for improved
service.
The 5.6% increase in total advisory revenue principally reflected the relocation of assets from fee-based brokerage accounts into advisory fee
accounts due to the repeal of the above-described “Merrill Lynch rule”. In addition, there was a $0.25 million increase in revenues from new
investment in our ICA-directed F Map program.
Investors Capital Holdings, Ltd. Annual Report on Form 10-K
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2009
Other Fee Income
Other fee income, primarily comprised of administrative fees for licensing as well as financial planning fees, decreased by 24.1% primarily
due to a decline in fees on administering our registered representatives’ errors and omissions policy.
Marketing Revenue
Net marketing revenues decreased by 14.2% principally due to a decrease in marketing support revenue based on declining product sales. In
addition, we experienced a decrease in net event revenue for sponsored company events due to increases in costs to organize and provide these
events.
Other Income
Other income, consisting primarily of interest and dividends and gains/losses on investments, decreased by 30.1%. The majority of the
decrease came from a decrease in interest income associated with a decrease in cash held at bank accounts.
Investors Capital Holdings, Ltd. Annual Report on Form 10-K
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2009
GROSS MARGIN
Gross Margin % of Total Gross
18. Margin
%
Gross Margin Retention Gross Margin Change
Year Ended March
Year Ended March 31, Year Ended March 31, 31,
2009 vs.
2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2008
Commissions:
Check & Application $ 5,855,108 $ 6,704,941 13.0% 13.0% 36.6% 37.9% -12.7%
Brokerage 6,089,989 5,859,062 26.6% 22.8% 38.1% 33.3% 3.9%
Insurance Products 117,090 151,196 100.0% 100.0% 0.7% 0.9% -22.6%
Underwriting 22,762 84,029 18.0% 56.1% 0.1% 0.5% -72.9%
Total $ 12,084,949 $ 12,799,228 15.2% 22.9% 75.5% 72.6% -5.6%
Advisory Services:
A-MAP 1,468,935 1,533,477 23.3% 22.1% 9.2% 8.7% -4.2%
F-MAP 492,780 400,142 44.4% 46.4% 3.1% 2.3% 23.2%
Other 328,259 538,644 n/a 1 n/a 1 2.1% 3.1% -39.1%
Total $ 2,289,974 $ 2,472,263 15.2% 22.9% 14.4% 14.1% -7.4%
Other fees 452,808 749,598 100.0% 100.0% 2.8% 4.3% -39.6%
Marketing 981,099 1,143,113 n/a 1 n/a 1 6.1% 6.5% -14.2%
Other income 188,970 432,645 n/a 1 n/a 1 1.2% 2.5% -56.3%
Total Gross Margin $ 15,997,800 $ 17,596,847 19.6% 19.3% 100.0% 100.0% -9.1%
1) Due to account composition, margin retention for these products is not deemed a useful indicator of performance.
Gross margin decreased by $1.60 million, or 9.1%, to $16.0 million led by a $0.85 million, or 12.7%, decline in gross margin derived from
our direct check and application programs. Also contributing to this decrease was a $0.24 million or 56.3% decrease in profit margin from
other income and a $0.16 million decrease from marketing. Finally, other fees profit margin decreased by $0.30 million or 39.6%.
Check and Application
The decrease in gross margin from our check and application business reflected an across the board decline in investments in check and
application products including variable annuities, mutual funds and direct participation programs such as REIT and oil and gas programs.
Profit margins from mutual fund sales, variable annuity sales, direct participation programs and other check and application distribution
programs generated $5.86 million in gross margin, representing 36.6% of the total gross margin, compared to $6.70 million or 38.1% during
the prior period. For the first time, our check and application distribution programs dropped from first to second place, behind brokerage, as a
contributor to overall gross margins.
Brokerage
Brokerage services profit margin increased by $0.23 million primarily due to an increase in recurring revenues that do not require
commission payouts from 8.26% to 11.52% of total brokerage revenue. Market volatility generated an increase in trading volume out of
equities and into less volatile investments, like money markets.
Investors Capital Holdings, Ltd. Annual Report on Form 10-K
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2009
Advisory Services
There was a decrease in volume of new investment in our advisory service programs due to the difficult economic conditions. As a result,
margins from our A-Map program, which comprised the largest input to our advisory margins, decreased 4.2%. However, gross margins from
our F-Map program increased 23.2%, reflecting success by our in-house ICAS advisors in increasing the average assets under management
compared to the prior period.
Although check and applications remains a significant source of revenue and profit margin, the Company has been focusing particularly on
growing business activity in the brokerage and advisory services sectors believing that such diversification will help buttress overall revenues
and margins in the current volatile market.
Commission and Advisory Fees
19. Profit margins are inversely related to payout of commissions and advisory fees to our independent representatives. Management monitors
the amount of revenue an independent representative produces as compared to the corresponding payout on that revenue. Margin retention is
enhanced by the recruitment of independent representatives who generate recurring revenue that does not flow through the commission and
advisory expense payout grid.
Commission and advisory fee expenses during the current period were $65.61 million versus $73.39 million in the prior period. As a
percentage of revenue generated by representatives (i.e., commissions, advisory fees and other fees), commission and advisory expenses
declined slightly from 82.4% to 81.9% in the current year. These expenses include commissions to representatives, clearing costs and other
direct costs that are necessary to produce revenue. Management continuously monitors these costs as they have a substantial effect on our profit
margin.
OPERATING EXPENSES
Overall, operating expenses remained relatively flat for reasons discussed below.
Compensation and Benefits
The largest component of operating expense, compensation and benefits, decreased by $1.49 million or 14.0%. The drop in compensation is
attributed principally to a lack of bonuses granted during the current period, as prior period bonuses to executives and employees totaled $0.83
million. In addition, there were savings of $0.46 million related to employee and salary reductions, the resignation of an officer, and lower
compensation from the issuance of restricted stock awards.
Regulatory, Legal and Professional
Regulatory, legal and professional expenses increased by $1.29 million or 51.2%. The largest component s of this increase were a $0.56
million increase in lawsuit settlement expenses, a nd a $0.30 million increase in legal fees to defend us in those lawsuits , which were offset by
insurance recoveries on related matters of $1.50 million. Finally, we incurred an additional $0.64 million in legal fees in handling strategic
corporate governance matters.
We will continue to incur legal fees and settlement costs as it operates in a regulated industry that is increasingly litigious. Consequently, we
will continue to invest significant resources to contain future litigation and regulatory exposure by promoting accuracy, ensuring sound
operational techniques and applying appropriate compliance measures.
Investors Capital Holdings, Ltd. Annual Report on Form 10-K
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2009
Advertising
Advertising, including related marketing and branding efforts, along with meals and entertainment decreased by $0.26 million, or 16.8%.
Beginning in our prior fiscal year, we began aggressively branding and placing advertisements in financial services trade publications to
communicate to prospective representative recruits the fundamental role that our customer service, technology infrastructure and back office
support c an play in maintaining and growing their businesses. Reflecting prevailing economic conditions, during the current year we reduced
our marketing by $0.22 million, or 29.1%.
Communications
Communications expenses, which include such items as Company-sponsored conferences, telephone and connectivity costs and investor
relations, were consistent with levels during the prior year; however, in the near future we are looking to further expand and improve our
website as an effective media for communicating to our independent representative force.
Occupancy
Occupancy expenses decreased by $0.13 million, or 11.2% reflecting the closing of our various investment centers, as well as consolidation
of our staff into one home office.
Other Administrative
Other administrative expenses, which include various insurance, loan reserves, postage, office and computer-related expenses, increased by
$0.53 million or 41.1% primarily due to a $0.21 million increase in regulatory fines and a $0.17 million increase in bad debt expense from
allowance and write offs on representative loans.
20. Interest Expense
Interest expense decreased by 37.0% reflecting lower margin balances in our firm accounts and reduced rates on E&O insurance financing.
OPERATING AND NET LOSSES
Largely impacted by weakened financial market conditions, including the recession affirmed in October, 2008, we recognized operating and
net losses for the two most recent fiscal years. Revenues over the first six months of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009 held steady
compared to the prior year, at $46.0 million despite restrained consumer spending and mounting illiquidity and credit concerns. However, our
operating loss for the full fiscal year grew to $2.17 million compared to $0.63 million for the prior year, reflecting the deepening economic
downturn as well as substantial expenses incurred in defending and settling certain legal proceedings that eroded our operating margins. Results
of operations also were negatively impacted by cash and equity-based employee compensation and related income tax expenses, additional to
base salary, totaling $1.13 million and $2.35 million during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Significant
reductions in operating costs implemented during the latter part of the most recent fiscal year were insufficient to stem a full year net loss of
$1.83 million compared to the $0.66 million loss posted for the prior year.
We cannot forecast the severity or longevity of the impact on our operations and financial position that may result from a continuation of
troubling financial conditions. Much of such future impact is inherently beyond our control. However, with the cost of recently settled litigation
behind us, we are focused on continuing to reduce redundant operating costs, upgrade operating efficiency, recruit quality representatives and
grow our revenue base while improving support and supervision of our registered representatives.
Investors Capital Holdings, Ltd. Annual Report on Form 10-K
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2009
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL
RESOURCES
We believe that achieving a return on equity goals requires the efficient use of capital. Historically, we have financed our operations
primarily with positive cash flows from our core broker-dealer and investment advisory business. The current recession’s market volatility,
economic conditions affecting unemployment and the real estate market may continue to have a negative impact on cash flows. We work to
minimize this impact by both bench-marking operating needs to employ effective cost-controls and aggressively recruiting preferred
representatives who can meet the needs of their clients in an ever-changing economy.
We take a proactive approach to minimizing the occurrence and impact of events that may lead to unpredictable cash outflows, including
major legal proceedings, trade errors, and fines and other sanctions imposed by regulatory agencies such as FINRA, the SEC and state
securities regulators. Accordingly, we have been allocating considerable resources to stay current with the many rules and regulations
applicable to our business and to provide up-to-date education and training to our staff and independent representatives. A key to this approach
is ensuring that adequate controls over our operations and those of our representatives are implemented and periodically updated. As part of
this effort, substantial resources have been committed to enhancing the capabilities of our compliance team, whose tasks include assuring that
our representatives give adequate attention to the circumstances and interests of their clients when recommending investment options.
Cash inflows historically have come primarily from our broker-dealer and investment advisory business.
As of March 31, 2009, cash and cash equivalents totaled $6.15 million as compared to $4.34 million as of March 31, 2008. Working capital
as of March 31, 2009 was $6.0 8 million as compared to $6.89 million as of March 31, 2008. The ratio of current assets to current liabilities
was 1.73 to 1 as of March 31, 2009 as compared to 2.10 to 1 as of March 31, 2008, impacted by the use of matured Treasury notes for
operating costs.
Operations provided $1.82 million in cash for the year ended March 31, 2009 as compared to $0.15 million of cash provided for the year
ended March 31, 2008.
In comparing cash flow from operating activities for fiscal year ended March 31, 2009 to fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, cash flows
increased by $1.67 million largely because we received income tax refunds for overpayments and a $0.95 million in a receivable for a related
insurance recovery. Also, operating cash flows were negatively impacted by the increase in accrued expense for legal reserves, which had
material impact on the results from operations.
Cash flows from investing activities during the current period primarily consisted of $1.25 million in cash provided from Treasury notes and
Certificates of Deposit maturing offset by $0.13 million of cash used to purchase additional property and equipment.
Also during the current period cash used in financing activities consisted mostly of $1.19 million in principal payments on a short-term note
to finance insurance premiums along with proceeds of $0.12 million from the exercise of stock options.
21. Cash flows from investing activities for the prior year primarily consisted of $0.75 million in cash provided from Treasury notes maturing
offset by $0.25 million in cash used to invest in a certificate of deposit and $0.26 million of cash used to purchase additional equipment,
furniture and fixtures.
Cash used in the prior year for financing activities consisted mostly of $1.25 million in principal payments on a short-term note obligation to
finance insurance premiums along with a $0.26 million payment of cash dividends on March 31, 2008 for stockholders of record as of February
25, 2008.
Investors Capital Holdings, Ltd. Annual Report on Form 10-K
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2009
Disbursements during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 associated with legal proceedings and the turmoil in financial markets
initially induced by the sub-prime mortgage crisis have had a significant negative impact on our brokerage firm's net capital ratio. Whether or
not expenses associated with legal proceedings will be reduced in the future may in no small measure depend upon the degree to which we
succeed, through a continually evolving and robust compliance regime, in assuring that the firm and its independent representatives operate in
conformity with the many laws, rules and regulations pertaining to our broker-dealer and investment advisory operations.
REGULATORY NET CAPITAL
Cash disbursements can have a material impact on our brokerage firm’s net capital. The SEC Uniform Net Capital Rule (Rule 15c3-1)
requires that ICC, our broker-dealer subsidiary, maintain net capital of $100,000 and a ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital (a “net
capital ratio”) not to exceed 15 to 1. Under the rule, indebtedness generally includes all money owed by ICC, and net capital includes ICC cash
and assets that are easily converted into cash. SEC rules also prohibit "equity capital" (which, under the net capital rule, includes subordinated
loans) from being withdrawn, cash dividends from being paid and other specified actions of similar effect from being taken, if, among other
specified contingencies, ICC’s net capital ratio would exceed 10 to 1 or if ICC would have less than 120% of its minimum required net capital.
As of March 31, 2009, ICC had net capital of $1.94 million (i.e., an excess of $1.41 million) and a 4.10 to 1 net capital ratio as compared to
net capital of approximately $1.28 million (i.e., an excess of $0.80 million) and a 5.70 to 1 net capital ratio as of March 31, 2008. The
significant change was the result of ICH infusing $1.29 million of capital into the broker-dealer through the conversion of inter-company
indebtedness.
The loss reported was not fully reflected in our net capital due to non-cash expenses including $0.84 million from the vesting of the restricted
stock awards that were issued to employees and executives, $0.39 million in depreciation, and $0.17 million from other non-cash expenses.
Given the current unsettled economic and financial market conditions, we are focused on rapidly implementing measures designed to ensure
the continued maintenance of adequate capital, facilitate growth and improve profitability.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Investors Capital Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Lynnfield, MA
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Investors Capital Holdings, Ltd. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of
March 31, 2009 and 2008 and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years
then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial
reporting. An audit includes
Investors Capital Holdings, Ltd. Annual Report on Form 10-K
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2009
consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstance, but
not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’ internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we
express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial