BKFG BKF Capital Group Inc (PK)

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-K

 

x

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011

or

¨

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

For the transition period from          to           .

 

Commission file no. 1-10024

 

BKF Capital Group, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

DELAWARE	36-0767530
(State or other jurisdiction of	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)

 

225 N.E. Mizner Boulevard, Suite 400 Boca Raton, Florida 33432

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(561) 362-4199

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

 

Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Act:       None

 

Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Act:       None

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a well known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ¨ No x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is not required to file reports Pursuant to Section 13 or Section 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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (Section 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the 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. Yes x No ¨

 

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.

 

Large accelerated filer	¨	Accelerated filer	¨
Non-accelerated filer	¨	Smaller reporting company	x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

Yes x No ¨

 

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2011, was $4,602,131. For this computation, the registrant has excluded the market value of all shares of its Common Stock reported as beneficially owned by executive officers and directors of the registrant; such exclusion shall not be deemed to constitute an admission that any such person is an "affiliate" of the registrant.

 

March 22, 2012, 7,446,593 shares of BKF Capital Group, Inc. common stock, par value $1.00 per share, were outstanding.

 

 

Table of Contents

 

		Page
PART I		1
ITEM 1.	BUSINESS.	1
ITEM 1A.	RISK FACTORS.	3
ITEM 2.	PROPERTIES.	8
ITEM 3.	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.	9
ITEM 4.	SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.	9
PART II		10
ITEM 5.	MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.	10
ITEM 7.	MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.	10
ITEM 8.	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA.	13
ITEM 9.	CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.	13
ITEM 9A.	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.	13
PART III		15
ITEM 10.	DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.	15
ITEM 11.	EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.	18
ITEM 12.	SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS.	21
ITEM 13.	CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.	22
ITEM 14.	PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.	22
PART IV		23
ITEM 15.	EXHIBITS.	23
SIGNATURES.		26

 

 

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

Some of the statements made in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including statements under "Item 1. Business" and "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," that are not historical facts, including, most importantly, those statements preceded by, followed by, or that include the words "may," "believes," "expects," "anticipates," or the negation thereof, or similar expressions constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For those statements, BKF Capital Group, Inc. (the "Company" or "BKF") claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Reform Act. These forward-looking statements are based on BKF's current expectations and are susceptible to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors including the risks described in "Item 1A. Risk Factors", and BKF's actual achievements may differ materially from any future achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include the following: retention and ability to recruit qualified personnel; availability, terms and deployment of capital; changes in, or failure to comply with, government regulations; the costs and other effects of legal and administrative proceedings; BKF's ability to consummate a merger or an acquisition and/or raise additional capital; the effect of laws, rules and regulations on BKF's ability to make investments in new businesses and/or pursue strategic alternatives; and other risks and uncertainties referred to in this document and in BKF's other current and periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond BKF's control. BKF will not undertake and specifically declines any obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions which may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events. In addition, it is BKF's policy generally not to make any specific projections as to future earnings, and BKF does not endorse any projections regarding future performance that may be made by third parties.

 

PART I

 

Item 1.

Business

 

OVERVIEW

 

BKF was incorporated in Delaware in 1954. The Company's securities trade on the over the counter market under the symbol "BKFG." During the third quarter of 2006, the Company ceased all operations, except for maintaining its status as an Exchange Act reporting company and winding down certain investment partnerships for which a wholly owned subsidiary of BKF acts as general partner. Currently, the Company is seeking to consummate an acquisition, merger or other business combination with an operating entity to enhance BKF's revenues and increase shareholder value.

 

The Company operates through its wholly-owned subsidiary, BKF Management Co., Inc. ("BMC") and its subsidiaries, all of which are collectively referred to herein as the "Company" or "BKF." The consolidated financial statements of BKF include its wholly-owned subsidiary BMC, BMC's wholly owned subsidiary BKF Asset Management, Inc., ("BAM") and BAM's two wholly-owned subsidiaries, LEVCO Securities, Inc. ("LEVCO Securities") and BKF GP Inc. ("BKF GP"). There were no affiliated partnerships in BKF's December 31, 2011 or December 31, 2010 consolidated financial statements.

 

 

Historically the Company operated in the investment advisory and asset management business entirely through BAM, which was a registered investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). BAM specialized in managing equity portfolios for institutional investors through its long-only equity and alternative investment strategies. BAM withdrew its registration as a registered investment advisor on December 19, 2006 and ceased operating in the investment advisory and asset management business. LEVCO Securities, a subsidiary of BAM, was a broker dealer registered with the SEC and a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (now known as the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority). LEVCO Securities withdrew its registration as a broker-dealer on November 30, 2006 and ceased operating as a broker dealer. BKF GP, Inc., the other subsidiary of BAM, acts as the managing general partner of several affiliated investment partnerships which are in the process of being finally liquidated and dissolved.

 

Since January 1, 2007, the Company has had no operating business and no assets under management. The Company's principal assets consist of a significant cash position, investments in securities, sizable net operating tax losses to potentially carry forward, and its status as a publicly traded Exchange Act reporting company. BKF's current revenue stream will not be sufficient to cover BKF's ongoing expenses, however the Company has enough cash to continue in operation beyond the upcoming year.

 

On August 27, 2008, the Company entered into an agreement with Catalyst Fund, L.P. a hedge fund which owned approximately 47.5% of the Company's outstanding common stock, Steven N. Bronson, who was the fund manager for the Catalyst Fund, L.P., and each of the Company's current directors and officers to effect a change of control of the Company (the "Change of Control Agreement"). A copy of the Change of Control Agreement was attached as an Exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Company on September 2, 2008. Pursuant to the Change of Control Agreement all existing officers and directors resigned and new directors and management was appointed. Specifically, effective September 19, 2008, Harvey Bazaar, Marvin Olshan, Ronald LaBow and J. Clark Gray each resigned as directors and/or officers of the Company, pursuant to the Change of Control Agreement. Simultaneously therewith, the following persons were appointed to the Board of Directors of the Company: Steven N. Bronson, John Brunjes and Leonard Hagan and Steven N. Bronson was appointed President of the Company. In connection with the change of control the Company filed and mailed out to all shareholders of record an Information Statement Pursuant to Section 14(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 14f-1 thereunder, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

The Company's current plan of operation is to arrange for a merger, acquisition, business combination or other arrangement by and between the Company and a viable operating entity. The Company shall endeavor to utilize some or all of the Company's net operating loss carryforwards in connection with a business combination transaction; however, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to utilize any of its net operating loss carryforwards. The Company has not identified a viable operating entity for a merger, acquisition, business combination or other arrangement, and there can be no assurance that the Company will ever successfully arrange for a merger, acquisition, business combination or other arrangement by and between the Company and a viable operating entity.

 

Services

 

During the years ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company did not provide any investment advisory or asset management services nor did the Company act as a broker dealer.

 

The Company, through BKF GP, continues to act as the managing general partner of several private investment partnerships, established prior to 2005, which are in the process of being liquidated and dissolved.

 

Employees

 

As of March 22, 2012, BKF employed the services of three individuals. Steven N. Bronson, who serves as BKF's Chairman and President, Maria Fregosi, who serves as BKF's Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President, and Greg S. Heller who serves as BKF’s Senior Vice President.

 

Item 1A.

RISK FACTORS

 

Potential investors should carefully consider the risks described below before making an investment decision concerning the common stock of the Company. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. In that case, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and investors may lose all or part of their investment.

 

The Company Has Limited Resources

 

The Company currently does not have any operating business. Except for a limited revenue stream from a fee sharing agreement with a departed portfolio manager, the Company has had no revenues from operations for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010. The Company's plan of operations is to consummate an acquisition or merger or other business combination (a "Transaction") with a viable business entity (a "Target"). There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to consummate a Transaction, nor can there be any assurance that any Target, at the time of the Company's consummation of a Transaction of the Target, or at any time thereafter, will derive any material revenues from its operations or operate on a profitable basis. The current assets of the Company may not be sufficient to fund a Transaction. Based on the Company's limited resources, the Company may not be able to effectuate its business plan and consummate a Transaction. There can be no assurance that determinations ultimately made by the Company will permit the Company to achieve its business objectives.

 

 

The Company May Need Additional Financing in Order to Execute Its Business Plan

 

The Company has limited resources. The Company cannot ascertain with any degree of certainty the capital requirements for the execution of its business plan to consummate a Transaction. In the event that the Company's limited financial resources prove to be insufficient to implement its business plan, the Company may be required to seek additional financing. In addition, in the event of the consummation of a Transaction, the Company may require additional financing to fund the operations or growth of the Target.

 

Additional Financing May Not Be Available to the Company

 

There can be no assurance that additional financing will be available to the Company on acceptable terms, or at all. To the extent that additional financing proves to be unavailable when needed, the Company would be limited in its attempts to complete Transactions. The inability of the Company to secure additional financing, if needed, could also have a material adverse effect on the continued existence of BKF. The Company has no arrangements with any bank or financial institution to secure financing and there can be no assurance that any such arrangement, if required or otherwise sought, would be available on terms deemed to be commercially acceptable and in the best interests of the Company.

 

The Company May Not Be Able to Borrow Funds

 

While there currently are no limitations on the Company's ability to borrow funds, the limited resources of the Company and limited operating history will make it difficult to borrow funds. The amount and nature of any borrowings by the Company will depend on numerous considerations, including the Company's capital requirements, the Company's perceived ability to meet debt service on any such borrowings and the then prevailing conditions in the financial markets, as well as general economic conditions. There can be no assurance that debt financing, if required or sought, would be available on terms deemed to be commercially acceptable by and in the best interests of the Company. The inability of the Company to borrow funds required to effect or facilitate a Transaction may have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and future prospects. Additionally, to the extent that debt financing ultimately proves to be available, any borrowings may subject the Company to various risks traditionally associated with indebtedness, including the risks of interest rate fluctuations and insufficiency of cash flow to pay principal and interest. Furthermore, a Target may have already incurred borrowings and, therefore, the Company will be subjected to all the risks inherent thereto.

 

Competition for Transactions

 

The Company expects to encounter intense competition from other entities having business objectives similar to those of the Company. Many of these entities, including venture capital partnerships and corporations, blind pool companies, large industrial and financial institutions, small business investment companies and wealthy individuals, are well-established and have extensive experience in connection with identifying and effecting Transactions directly or through affiliates. Many of these competitors possess greater financial, technical, human and other resources than the Company and there can be no assurance that the Company will have the ability to compete successfully. The Company's financial resources will be limited in comparison to those of many of its competitors. This inherent competitive limitation may compel the Company to select certain less attractive acquisition prospects. There can be no assurance that such prospects will permit the Company to achieve its stated business objectives.

 

 

The Company May Be Subject to Uncertainty in the Competitive Environment of a Target

 

In the event that the Company succeeds in effecting a Transaction, the Company will, in all likelihood, become subject to intense competition from competitors of the Target. In particular, certain industries which experience rapid growth frequently attract an increasingly large number of competitors, including competitors with greater financial, marketing, technical, human and other resources than the initial competitors in the industry. The degree of competition characterizing the industry of any prospective Target cannot presently be ascertained. There can be no assurance that, subsequent to a consummation of a Transaction, the Company will have the resources to compete effectively in the industry of the Target, especially to the extent that the Target is in a high growth industry.

 

Transaction May Prevent or Limit the Company's Ability to Use Its Net Operating Tax Loss Carryforwards

 

As of December 31, 2011 the Company had a net operating loss carryforward of approximately $11.4 million. The consummation of a Transaction by the Company may limit, reduce or void the utilization of the net operating losses. While the Company shall endeavor to complete a Transaction with a Target that will permit the Company to utilize its net operating losses, there can be no assurances that the Company will be able to utilize its net operating losses after the consummation of a Transaction with a Target.

 

Taxation Considerations May Impact the Structure of a Transaction and Post-Closing Liabilities

 

Federal and state tax consequences will, in all likelihood, be major considerations for the Company in consummating a Transaction. The structure of a Transaction or the distribution of securities to stockholders may result in taxation of the Company, the Target or stockholders. Typically, these transactions may be structured to result in tax-free treatment to both companies, pursuant to various federal and state tax provisions. The Company intends to structure any Transaction so as to minimize the federal and state tax consequences to both the Company and the Target. Management cannot assure that a Transaction will meet the statutory requirements for a tax-free reorganization, or that the parties will obtain the intended tax-free treatment upon a transfer of stock or assets. A non-qualifying reorganization could result in the imposition of both federal and state taxes, which may have an adverse effect on both parties to the transaction.

 

Bank Account Balances in Excess of FDIC Insurance

 

On October 3, 2008, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 increased the insurance coverage offered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) from $100,000 to $250,000 per depositor. This limit is anticipated to return to $100,000 after December 31, 2013. Additionally, under the FDIC's Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program, amounts held in non-interest bearing transaction accounts at participating institutions are fully guaranteed by the FDIC through December 31, 2013. The Company had amounts in excess of $250,000 in a single bank during the year. Amounts over $250,000 are not insured by the FDIC. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had $371,109 and $4,581,571, respectively, in its Bank of America bank accounts. Accordingly, the Company does not have FDIC insurance for any amounts held at Bank of America in excess of $250,000. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had $7,525,721 and $3,506,203, respectively, in its JP Morgan Chase bank accounts. Accordingly, the Company does not have FDIC insurance for any amounts held at JP Morgan Chase in excess of $250,000.

 

 

Steven N. Bronson is Critical to the Future Success of the Company

 

Steven N. Bronson is the Chairman and President of the Company. The ability of the Company to successfully carry out its business plan and to consummate a Transaction will be dependent upon the efforts of Mr. Bronson and the Company's directors. Notwithstanding the significance of Mr. Bronson, the Company has not obtained any "key man" life insurance on his life. The loss of the services of Mr. Bronson could have a material adverse effect on the Company's ability to successfully achieve its business objectives. If additional personnel are required, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to retain such necessary additional personnel.

 

Mr. Bronson Has Effective Control of the Company's Affairs

 

As of March 22, 2012, Mr. Bronson beneficially owns and controls 3,600,500 shares of common stock of the Company, representing approximately 48.3% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock and approximately 48.3% of the voting power of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the Company. In the election of directors, stockholders are not entitled to cumulate their votes for nominees. Accordingly, as a practical matter, Mr. Bronson may be able to elect all of the Company's directors and otherwise direct the affairs of the Company.

 

There Exist Conflicts of Interest Relating to Mr. Bronson's Commitment to the Company

 

Mr. Bronson is not required to commit his full time to the affairs of the Company. Mr. Bronson will have conflicts of interest in allocating management time among various business activities. Additionally, Mr. Bronson is the president, director and principal shareholder of two publicly traded companies, 4net Software, Inc. and Ridgefield Acquisition Corp. that are also engaged in seeking to consummate a merger, acquisition or other business combination transaction. As a result, the consummation of an Acquisition may require a greater period of time than if Mr. Bronson devoted his full time to the Company's affairs. However, Mr. Bronson will devote such time as he deems reasonably necessary to carry out the business and affairs of the Company, including the evaluation of potential Targets and the negotiation and consummation of Acquisitions and, as a result, the amount of time devoted to the business and affairs of the Company may vary significantly depending upon, among other things, whether the Company has identified a Target or is engaged in active negotiation and consummation of an Acquisition.

 

Indemnification of Officers and Directors

 

The Company's Certificate of Incorporation provides for the Indemnification of its officers and directors to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware. It is possible that the indemnification obligations imposed under these provisions could result in a charge against the Company's earnings and thereby affect the availability of funds for other uses by the Company.

 

 

Stockholders Risk Dilution In Connection with a Transaction

 

The Company's Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the issuance of 15,000,000 shares of common stock. As of March 22, 2012, the Company had 7,446,593 shares of common stock issued and outstanding and 7,553,407 authorized but unissued shares of common stock available for issuance. The Company has no commitments as of this date to issue its securities, however, the Company will, in all likelihood, issue a substantial number of additional shares in connection with or following a Transaction. To the extent that additional shares of common stock are issued, the Company's stockholders would experience dilution of their ownership interests in the Company. Additionally, if the Company issues a substantial number of shares of common stock in connection with or following a Transaction, a change in control of the Company may occur which may affect, among other things, the Company's ability to utilize net operating loss carry-forwards, if any. Furthermore, the issuance of a substantial number of shares of common stock may adversely affect prevailing market prices, if any, for the common stock and could impair the Company's ability to raise additional capital through the sale of its equity securities. The Company may use consultants and other third parties providing goods and services. These consultants or third parties may be paid in cash, stock, options or other securities of the Company. The Company may in the future need to raise additional funds by selling securities of the Company which may involve substantial additional dilution to the investors.

 

The Company May Be Deemed an Investment Company and Subjected to Related Restrictions

 

The regulatory scope of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act"), which was enacted principally for the purpose of regulating vehicles for pooled investments in securities, extends generally to companies engaged primarily in the business of investing, reinvesting, owning, holding or trading in securities. The Investment Company Act may, however, also be deemed to be applicable to a company which does not intend to be characterized as an investment company but which, nevertheless, engages in activities which may be deemed to be within the definitional scope of certain provisions of the Investment Company Act. The Company believes that its investment strategy may subject the Company to regulation under the Investment Company Act. If the Company is deemed to be an investment company, the Company may be forced to divest its investments or become subject to certain restrictions relating to the Company's activities, including restrictions on the nature of its investments and the issuance of securities. In addition, the Investment Company Act imposes certain requirements on companies deemed to be within its regulatory scope, including registration as an investment company, adoption of a specific form of corporate structure and compliance with certain burdensome reporting, record keeping, voting, proxy, disclosure and other rules and regulations. In the event of the characterization of the Company as an investment company, the failure by the Company to satisfy such regulatory requirements, whether on a timely basis or at all, would, under certain circumstances, have a material adverse effect on the Company.

 

 

Investors Should Not Rely on Forward-Looking Statements Because They Are Inherently Uncertain

 

This document contains certain forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. We use words such as "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "future," "intend," "plan," and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are only predictions. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this document. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements for many reasons, including the risks faced by us and described on the preceding pages and elsewhere in this document.

 

We believe it is important to communicate our expectations to our investors. However, there may be events in the future that we are not able to predict accurately or over which we have no control. The risk factors listed above, as well as any cautionary language in this document, provide examples of risks, uncertainties and events that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations we describe in our forward-looking statements. Before you invest in our common stock, you should be aware that the occurrence of the events described in these risk factors and elsewhere in this document could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition and stock price.

 

Item 2.

Properties

 

During the year ended December 31, 2011, BKF's offices were located at 225 N.E. Mizner Boulevard, Suite 400, Boca Raton, Florida 33432 (the "Premises"). The Company occupied the Premises, which is approximately 2,418 square feet, pursuant to an Agreement of Sublease, dated as of March 1, 2010 (the "Sublease"), by and between the Company and Lion Gables Realty Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership. The Sublease is for a term of 5 years from March 1, 2010 through February 28, 2015 and the Company shall pay a monthly base rent of $5,038 throughout the Sublease term, plus certain additional rent. The monthly base rent includes all operating expenses and real

estate taxes. A copy of the form Sublease for the Premises is attached to BKF's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on March 8, 2010, as Exhibit 10.38.

 

During the period January 1, 2009 through February 28, 2010, BKF's offices were located at 1 North Federal Highway, Suite 201, Boca Raton, Florida 33421. On February 28, 2010 the Company terminated the lease agreement without additional consideration.

 

One Rockefeller Plaza Leases

 

Prior to December 31, 2008, BKF maintained its office at One Rockefeller Plaza, New York, New York.

 

In September 2001, BKF entered into a 10 year lease agreement with RCPI Landmark Properties, LLC under which they agreed to lease several floors of a building located at One Rockefeller Plaza in New York City. Subsequent to that agreement, the Company determined that they did not need all of the space and surrendered some of the space back to the landlord and sublet other portions.

 

 

Effective December 31, 2010, the Company terminated the lease with the landlord. In connection with the early termination, the Company agreed to pay a sum of $1,139,049 which represented the present value of the aggregate net rent due under the lease. As a result of the early termination, the Company recorded a gain on settlement of approximately $371,000. The Company previously disclosed the early termination of the One Rockefeller Plaza lease in a Current Report on Form 8-K, which was filed on March 3, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

 

The Company is a defendant in a lawsuit for claims for alleged services in the amount of approximately $171,000. The complaint was filed in the New York State Supreme Court, New York County and is entitled: Thomson Financial, LLC v. BKF Asset Management, Inc. and assigned Index No. 601390/09. In the action Thomson Financial alleges a claim for breach of contract against BAM for alleged goods and services delivered to BAM. The Company is vigorously defending this action. The Company has not recorded a liability reserve because the Company does not believe it will be held liable in the action.

 

The Company's management is unaware of any other material existing or pending legal proceedings or claims against the Company.

 

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

No matters were submitted to a vote of BKF's security holders during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.

 

 

PART II

 

Item 5.

Market for the Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholders Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

(a) MARKET INFORMATION. BKF's common stock trades over the counter under the symbol "BKFG." At the close of business on March 22, 2012, there were 406 holders of record of BKF's common stock. As of March 22, 2012, the bid and ask price of the Company's common stock was $1.15 and $1.40, respectively.

 

The following table sets forth the range of high and low prices for the Company's common stock for the periods indicated. These prices represent reported transactions between dealers that do not include retail markups, markdowns or commissions, and do not necessarily represent actual transactions.

 

		Stock Price Ranges
		COMMON STOCK
Year/Fiscal Period		High				Low
2011
Fourth quarter		$	1.32			$	1.11
Third quarter		$	1.39			$	1.03
Second quarter		$	1.30			$	1.01
First quarter		$	1.25			$	1.05
2010
Fourth Quarter		$	1.25			$	1.05
Third Quarter		$	1.11			$	0.85
Second Quarter		$	0.97			$	0.92
First Quarter		$	1.13			$	0.85

 

There were no distributions or dividends declared or paid in 2011 or 2010. The declaration and payment of distributions or dividends by BKF is at the discretion of BKF's Board of Directors. BKF is a holding company, and its ability to pay dividends is subject to the ability of its subsidiaries to provide cash to BKF. BKF has discontinued its policy of paying quarterly cash dividends and does not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future.

 

Item 7.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Currently, the Company has no business operations, except for maintaining its status as an Exchange Act reporting company and winding down certain investment partnerships for which BKF acts as general partner. The Company is seeking to consummate an acquisition, merger or other business combination with an operating entity to enhance BKF's revenues and increase shareholder value.

 

Current Plan of Operations

 

The Company has no operating business and no assets under management at December 31, 2011. The Company's principal assets consist of a significant cash position, sizable net operating tax losses to potentially carry forward, its status as an Exchange Act reporting company and its investment securities. BKF's current revenue stream will not be sufficient to cover current expenses, however the Company has enough cash to cover operations for the upcoming year.

 

 

The Company's current plan of operation is to arrange for a merger, acquisition, business combination or other arrangement by and between the Company and a viable operating entity. The Company shall endeavor to utilize some or all of the Company's net operating loss carryforwards in connection with a business combination transaction; however, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to utilize any of its net operating loss carryforwards. The Company has not identified a viable operating entity for a merger, acquisition, business combination or other arrangement, and there can be no assurance that the Company will ever successfully arrange for a merger, acquisition, business combination or other arrangement by and between the Company and a viable operating entity.

 

The Company anticipates that the selection of a business opportunity will be a complex process and will involve a number of risks, because potentially available business opportunities may occur in many different industries and may be in various stages of development. Due in part to depressed economic conditions in a number of geographic areas and shortages of available capital, management believes that there are numerous firms seeking either the additional capital which the Company has or the benefits of a publicly traded corporation, or both. The perceived benefits of a publicly traded corporation may include facilitating or improving the terms upon which additional equity financing may be sought, providing liquidity for principal shareholders, creating a means for providing incentive stock options or similar benefits to key employees, providing liquidity for all shareholders and other factors.

 

In some cases, management of the Company will have the authority to effect acquisitions without submitting the proposal to the shareholders for their consideration. In some instances, however, the proposed participation in a business opportunity may be submitted to the shareholders for their consideration, either voluntarily by the Board of Directors to seek the shareholders' advice and consent, or because of a requirement of State law to do so.

 

In seeking to arrange a merger, acquisition, business combination or other arrangement by and between the Company and a viable operating entity, the Company's objective will be to obtain long-term capital appreciation for the Company's shareholders. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to complete any merger, acquisition, business combination or other arrangement by and between the Company and a viable operating entity.

 

The Company may need additional funds in order to effectuate a merger, acquisition or other arrangement by and between the Company and a viable operating entity, although there is no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain such additional funds, if needed. Even if the Company is able to obtain additional funds there is no assurance that the Company will be able to effectuate a merger, acquisition or other arrangement by and between the Company and a viable operating entity.

 

BKF, through a subsidiary, acts as the managing general partner of a number of investment partnerships which are in the process of being liquidated and dissolved.

 

During the period July 2, 2009 through July 13, 2009, the Company acquired a total of 500,000 shares of FCStone Group, Inc. ("FCStone") common stock in open market transactions at an average price of approximately $3.97 per share or an aggregate amount of approximately $1,985,000. On July 31, 2009 the Company sold 10,847 common shares of FCStone at $5.62 or $60,848. On October 1, 2009, the previously announced merger between International Assets Holding Corporation ("IAAC") and FCStone Group, Inc. ("FCStone") was completed and each outstanding share of FCStone was exchanged for .2950 shares of IAAC. Accordingly, on October 1, 2009 the Company received 144,300 shares of IAAC in exchange for its 489,153 shares of FCStone. The Company held 13,500 shares of IAAC at December 31, 2010, all of which were sold during November 2011 for $336,224.

 

 

On December 17, 2010, the registrant purchased 1,500,000 shares of Qualstar Corporation ("Qualstar") common stock in a privately negotiated transaction at the price of $1.55 per share or the total aggregate amount of $2,325,000. Qualstar is a diversified electronics manufacturer specializing in data storage, power supplies and computer pointing devices. Qualstar's products are known throughout the world for high quality and Simply Reliable designs that provide years of trouble-free service. The securities of Qualstar are traded on NASDAQ under the symbol "QBAK." The registrant purchased the Qualstar shares from Richard A. Nelson and Kathleen R. Nelson as Co-Trustees of the Nelson Family Trust U/A DTD 01/19/2000. Richard A. Nelson is an officer and director of Qualstar. Following the acquisition, the registrant is the owner of approximately 12.2% of issued and outstanding shares of Qualstar. The Company previously disclosed its acquisition of shares of Qualstar in Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 23, 2010.

 

At December 31, 2011 the Company held 1,756,532 common shares of Qualstar, valued at $3,337,411, representing approximately 14.3% of the issued and outstanding shares of Qualstar. The Company holds the shares of Qualstar for investment purposes.

 

Subsequent Event

 

On February 15, 2012, BKF sent a letter (the "Feb. 15th Letter") to the board of directors of Qualstar (the "Qualstar Board"). In the Feb. 15th Letter, BKF advised the Qualstar Board that Qualstar's business was underperforming and its shares of common stock were trading below net tangible book value. Moreover, BKF requested the Qualstar Board to take action to maximize shareholder value. Specifically, BKF asked the Qualstar Board to consider the following courses of action: (1) to divest Qualstar's unprofitable tape libraries business; (2) to distribute Qualstar's excess cash and cash equivalents to its shareholders; and (3) to focus Qualstar's resources on its generally profitable power supply business. In a two sentence letter, dated February 24, 2012, the Qualstar Board responded to the Feb. 15 ^th Letter stating that it would consider the issues raised in the Feb. 15th Letter, but failed to address any of the matters asserted in the Feb. 15 ^th Letter. Based on the Qualstar Board's inaction, BKF has determined to withhold its votes for Qualstar's proposed slate of directors at Qualstar's 2012 Annual Meeting scheduled for March 21, 2012. On February 28, 2012, BKF issued a press release containing an open letter to the shareholders of Qualstar informing them of BKF's intention to withhold its votes and to urge all of Qualstar's shareholders to also withhold their votes for directors proposed by Qualstar at Qualstar's 2012 Annual Meeting scheduled for March 21, 2012. Copies of BKF’s correspondence with Qualstar has been previously disclosed as amendments to BKF’s Schedule 13D concerning the securities of Qualstar as well as in a Current Report of Form 8-K filed on February 29, 2012.

 

Between January 1, 2012 and April 10, 2012, BKF Capital had purchased an additional 226,388 shares of Qualstar. As of April 10, 2012, BKF owns 1,982,920 shares, representing approximately 16.2% of the issued and outstanding shares of Qualstar, valued at $3,807,206.

 

BKF Share Repurchase Plan

 

On June 30, 2009 the Board of Directors of the Company approved a share repurchase plan (the "2009 Repurchase Plan"), authorizing the Company to repurchase in the aggregate up to 1 million shares of its outstanding common stock, $1 par value, over the twelve month period July 7, 2009 through July 6, 2010. The Company did not repurchase any shares under the 2009 Repurchase Plan.

 

On July 19, 2010 the Board of Directors of the Company approved a share repurchase plan, authorizing the Company to repurchase in the aggregate up to 1 million shares of its outstanding common stock, $1 par value, over the twelve month period July 19, 2010 through July 18, 2011 (the "2010 Repurchase Plan"). The Company repurchased an aggregate amount 526,623 shares of the Company's common stock as follows: 40,000 shares at an average price of $.94 per share; 156,983 shares at an average price of $1.10; 90,000 shares at an average price of $1.15 and 239,640 shares at an average price of $1.18. On May 20, 2011, the Company cancelled the 526,623 shares of the common stock acquired by the Company under the 2010 Repurchase Plan. The 2010 Repurchase Plan terminated on July 18, 2011.

 

 

Results of Operations

 

Income

 

Total income for 2011 was $237,000, reflecting a decrease of 83% from 1.4 million in 2010. The decrease in income was a result of realized gains from investments and a decrease in trailer fees due to the Company pursuant to the trailer fees service agreement which expired on September 30, 2010.

 

Expenses

 

Total expenses for 2011 were $458,000, reflecting a 40% decrease from $776,000 in 2010. The decrease is a direct result of the reduction of expenses and long term commitments, relating to the early termination of the One Rockefeller Plaza lease.

 

At December 31, 2011, BKF had cash and cash equivalents of $8.3 million, as compared to cash and cash equivalents of $9.7 million at December 31, 2010. This decrease in cash and cash equivalents primarily reflects the overall reduction in the business as described.

 

Accrued expenses were $41,000 at December 31, 2011, as compared to $1.2 million,at December 31, 2010. This decrease is primarily attributable to the $1.1 million paid for the early termination of the One Rockefeller Plaza lease.

 

Over the next twelve months the Company plans to meet its current obligations from interest on its cash, to the extent such interest earned is insufficient to pay expenses, the Company shall utilize its cash on hand to meet its obligations.

 

Off Balance Sheet Risk

 

BKF GP served as the managing general partner for several affiliated investment partnerships which traded primarily in equity securities. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010 virtually all of these partnerships' investments have been fully liquidated and the proceeds distributed. There is no general partner or limited partners' capital remaining in these partnerships unless certain illiquid portfolio positions eventually realize a value. BKF GP has not guaranteed any of the affiliated investment partnerships' obligations, nor does it have any contractual commitments associated with them.

 

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplemental Data

 

The independent auditor's reports and financial statements listed in the accompanying index are included in Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. See Index to Financial Statements on page F-1.

 

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

None.

 

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain "disclosure controls and procedures," as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our principal executive officer to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, the Company recognized that disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and we necessarily are required to apply our judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible disclosure controls and procedures.

 

 

Evaluation of disclosure and controls and procedures

 

Based on his evaluation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this annual report on Form 10-K the Company's principle executive officer has concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures did operate in an effective manner as of December 31, 2011.

 

Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act. Our internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of inherent limitations, a system of internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate due to change in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

Internal control over financial reporting is defined, under the Exchange Act, as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the issuer's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the issuer's board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:

 

o

Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the issuer;

 

o

Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the issuer are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the issuer; and

 

o

Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the issuer's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

The Company's principal executive officer has assessed the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011. In making this assessment, the Company's principal executive officer was guided by the releases issued by the SEC and to the extent applicable the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company's principal executive officer has concluded that based on his assessment, as of December 31, 2011, the Company's procedures of internal control over financial reporting operated in an effective manner.

 

Readers are cautioned that internal control over financial reporting, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even effective internal control over financial reporting can only provide reasonable assurance with respect to the financial statement preparation and presentation.

 

This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company's registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management's report was not subject to attestation by the Company's registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the SEC that permit the Company to provide only management's report in this annual report.

 

 

This report shall not be deemed to be filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, and is not incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2011 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Part III

 

ITEM 10.

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

 

The following table sets forth the names, ages and positions of our current directors, executive officers and other key employees as of March 22, 2012. Our directors are elected annually and serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders and until their successors are elected and appointed. Our executive officers serve until the election and qualification of their successors or until their death, resignation or removal by our board of directors. There board of directors adopted 1 resolution during 2011.

 

DIRECTORS

 

Name, Age, and		Director		Other Business
Principal Occupation During the Last Five Years		Since		Affiliation(s)
Steven N. Bronson — age 46 President and Chairman of BKF since September 19, 2008. Mr. Bronson is the President of Catalyst Financial LLC, a privately held securities brokerage and investment banking firm registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Mr. Bronson has held that position since 1998. Mr. Bronson is also the chairman, president and majority shareholder of Interlink Electronics, Inc., Ridgefield Acquisition Corp. and 4net Software, Inc. all of which are publicly traded companies.		2008		Officer and director of 4net Software, Inc., a publicly traded corporation and Ridgefield Acquisition Corp., a publicly traded corporation.
Leonard Hagan — age 60 Director of BKF since September 19, 2008. Mr. Hagan is a certified public accountant and for the past fifteen years has been a partner at Hagan & Burns CPA's, PC in New York. Mr. Hagan received a Bachelors of Arts degree in Economics from Ithaca College in 1974 and earned his Masters of Business Administration degree from Cornell University in 1976. Mr. Hagan is registered as the Financial and Operations Principal for the following broker-dealers registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission: Livingston Securities, LLC, Fieldstone Services Corp., Danske Markets, Inc., Aton Securities, Inc., Trinity Pro Trading, LLC and HFG Healthco Securities LLC. Mr. Hagan is also a director of Ridgefield Acquisition Corp. and 4net Software, Inc. both publicly traded companies.		2008		Director of 4net Software, Inc., a publicly traded corporation and Ridgefield Acquisition Corp., a publicly traded corporation.

 

 

OFFICERS

 

Name, Age and Principal Occupation During				Executive
the Last Five Years		Office		Officer Since
Steven N. Bronson — age 46		Chairman and President		2008
Maria Fregosi  — age 46 Prior to joining BKF Ms. Fregosi  was the chief operating officer and chief financial officer of Client First Settlement Funding ("CFSF"), a boutique specialty finance company. Prior to CFSF, Ms. Fregosi was an Executive Vice President at ABN AMRO Bank for 15 years.		Chief Financial Officer		2011
Greg S. Heller — age 42 Prior to joining BKF, Mr. Heller was the founder and Managing Director of Silverglade Capital Partners LLC, a boutique financial and strategic advisory firm focused on corporate finance. Prior to Silverglade, in 2008 he was the Director of Business Development for BFC Financial Corporation, where he was responsible for managing the company’s investment pipeline, transaction execution, capital raising activities and corporate strategy. Before that, Mr. Heller was engaged in the business of Silverglade Partners LLC. Prior to that he was an Associate with ING Barings LLC in its Industrial Manufacturing and Technologies Group from 2000-2001. Prior to joining ING Barings, Mr. Heller served as a Senior Consultant at Ernst & Young Corporate Finance LLC from 1998-2000. M r. Heller graduated with a B.A. from Hobart College in 1992 and a M.B.A. with honors from Fordham University in 1998		Senior Vice President		2011

 

No director, executive officer, promoter or control person of the Company has, within the last five years: (i) had a bankruptcy petition filed by or against any business of which such person was a general partner or executive officer either at the time of the bankruptcy or within two years prior to that time; (ii) been convicted in a criminal proceeding or is currently subject to a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors); (iii) been subject to any order, judgment or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining, barring, suspending or otherwise limiting his involvement in any type of business, securities or banking activities; (iv) been found by a court of competent jurisdiction (in a civil action), the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law, and the judgment has not been reversed, suspended or vacated. There are no family relationships among any directors and executive officers of the Company.

 

Corporate Governance

 

Audit Committee

 

The current member of the audit committee is Leonard Hagan. There were no meetings of the audit committee during 2011.

 

Pursuant to the audit committee's written charter. The Audit Committee's responsibilities include, among other things:

 

o

reviewing and discussing with management and the independent auditor the annual audited financial statements, and recommending to the board whether the audited financial statements should be included in our Form 10-K;

 

o

discussing with management and the independent auditor significant financial reporting issues and judgments made in connection with the preparation of our financial statements;

 

o

discussing with management and the independent auditor the effect on our financial statements of (i) regulatory and accounting initiatives and (ii) off-balance sheet structures;

 

 

Audit Committee (continued)

 

o

discussing with management major financial risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures, including our risk assessment and risk management policies;

 

o

reviewing disclosures made to the audit committee by our chief executive officer and chief financial officer during their certification process for our Form 10-K and Form 10-Q about any significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls or material weaknesses therein and any fraud involving management or other employees who have a significant role in our internal controls;

 

o

verifying the rotation of the lead (or coordinating) audit partner having primary responsibility for the audit and the audit partner responsible for reviewing the audit as required by law;

 

o

reviewing and approving all related-party transactions;

 

o

inquiring and discussing with management our compliance with applicable laws and regulations;

 

o

Pre-approving all auditing services and permitted non-audit services to be performed by our independent auditor, including the fees and terms of the services to be performed;

 

o

appointing or replacing the independent auditor;

 

o

determining the compensation and oversight of the work of the independent auditor (including resolution of disagreements between management and the independent auditor regarding financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or related work; and

 

o

establishing procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by us regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or reports which raise material issues regarding our financial statements or accounting policies.

 

Financial Expert on Audit Committee

 

Our board of directors has determined that Mr. Hagan is our "audit committee financial expert" (as defined in Regulation 240.401(h)(l)(i)(A) of Regulation S-K).

 

Code of Ethics

 

The Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Ethics for the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and certain other personnel. A copy of the Company's Code of Ethics is attached as Exhibit 14.1 to BKF's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

 

Each director and executive officer of the Company and each beneficial owner of 10% or more of the Company's common stock is required to report his or her transactions in shares of the Company's common stock to the SEC within a specified period following a transaction. Based on our review of filings with the SEC and written representations furnished to us during 2011, the directors, executive officers and 10% beneficial owners filed all such reports within the specified time period.

 

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

 

Executive Officer Compensation

 

The following table sets forth the compensation for the years ended December 31, 2011, December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 received by the Company's Chief Executive Officer and the two most highly compensated other officers serving at the end of fiscal year 2011 (the "Named Executive Officers").

 

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

 

																						Non-Equity				Nonqualified
																						Incentive				Deferred
Name and														Stock				Option				Plan				Compensation				All Other
Principal		Year				Salary				Bonus				Awards				Awards				Compensation				Earnings				Compensation				Total
Position						($)				($)				($)				($)				($)				($)				($)				($)
Steven N. Bronson		2011					150,000				0				0				0				0				0				0				150,000
Chairman and		2010					150,000				0				0				0				0				0				0				150,000
President		2009					150,000				0				0				0				0				0				0				150,000
Maria Fregosi		2011					35,000				0				0				0				0				0				0	(1)			35,000
Chief Financial
Officer
Greg S. Heller		2011					6,480				0				0				0				0				0				0				6,480
Senior Vice
President

 

(1)

On March 1, 2011, the date Ms. Fregosi commenced work at BKF Capital, the Company issued Ms. Fregosi warrants to purchase an aggregate of 200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, $1.00 par value, in exchange for her services to be rendered under her employment agreement (the “Fregosi Warrants”). The Fregosi Warrants are conditioned upon certain events occurring that will cause the Fregosi Warrants to vest. Prior to vesting the Fregosi Warrants are not exercisable. The Fregosi Warrants are exercisable for a period of 5 years, however they shall expire and terminate ninety (90) days following the termination of Ms. Fregosi’s employment with the Company for any reason.

 

The Fregosi Warrants shall vest and be exercisable as follows: (i) 50,000 warrants exercisable at $1.55 per share shall vest upon the occurrence of BKF Capital raising $5,000,000 through the sale of equity and completion of twelve months of employment; (ii) 50,000 warrants exercisable at $1.55 per share shall vest upon the occurrence of BKF Capital raising an aggregate amount of $10,000,000 from the execution of this Agreement; (iii) 50,000 warrants exercisable at $2.00 per share shall vest upon the occurrence of BKF Capital raising an aggregate amount of $15,000,000 from the execution of this Agreement; and (iv) 50,000 warrants exercisable at $2.00 pershare shall vest upon the occurrence of BKF Capital Raising an aggregate amount of $20,000,000 from the execution of this Agreement. None of the above conditions set forth above have occurred and the Company does not anticipate that any of the above conditions shall occur. Accordingly, the Fregosi Warrants have been valued at $0 as of December 31, 2011.

 

  

Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2011

 

As of December 31, 2011, the Fregosi Warrants were outstanding, however, none of the Fregosi Warrants are exercisable because none of the vesting conditions have occurred.

 

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT DECEMBER 31, 2011
OPTION AWARDS																						STOCK AWARDS
Name		Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Exercisable				Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Unexercisable				Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options				Option Exercise Price				Option Expiration Date				Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested				Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested				Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested				Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested
Steven N. Bronson			0				0				0				0				0				0				0				0				0
Maria Fregosi			0				200,000	(1)			-				$1.55 - $2.00				March 1, 2016				0				0				0				0
Greg S.  Heller			0				0				0				0				0				0				0				0				0

 

(1)

The Fregosi Warrants shall vest and be exercisable as follows: (i) 50,000 warrants exercisable at $1.55 per share shall vest upon the occurrence of BKF Capital raising $5,000,000 through the sale of equity and completion of twelve months of employment; (ii) 50,000 warrants exercisable at $1.55 per share shall vest upon the occurrence of BKF Capital raising an aggregate amount of $10,000,000 from the execution of this Agreement; (iii) 50,000 warrants exercisable at $2.00 per share shall vest upon the occurrence of BKF Capital raising an aggregate amount of $15,000,000 from the execution of this Agreement; and (iv) 50,000 warrants exercisable at $2.00 per share shall vest upon the occurrence of BKF Capital Raising an aggregate amount of $20,000,000 from the execution of this Agreement. None of the above conditions set forth above have occurred and the Company does not anticipate that any of the above conditions shall occur. Accordingly, the Fregosi Warrants have been valued at $0 as of December 31, 2011.

 

Other Plans

 

Other than the BKF Capital Group, Inc. 1998 Incentive Compensation Plan, as Amended and Restated on March 28, 2001 (the "1998 Plan"), the Company does not have any other bonus, profit sharing, pension, retirement, stock option, stock purchase, or other remuneration or incentive plans in effect.

 

Long Term Incentive Plan

 

The Company has no long-term incentive plan.

 

  

Aggregate Option Exercises in Fiscal 11

 

The following table contains certain information regarding stock options exercised and stock vested as of December 31, 2011, by each of the Named Executive Officers.

 

OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED
		OPTION AWARDS								STOCK AWARDS
Name		Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise				Value Realized on Exercise				Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting				Value Realized on Vesting
Steven N. Bronson			0				0				0				0
Maria Fregosi			0				0				0				0
Greg S. Heller			0				0				0				0

 

Agreements with Employees and Directors

 

Described below are the employees, officers and directors who are subject to a current employment contract as of December 31, 2011.

 

Agreements with Employees

 

Steven N. Bronson, Chairman and President

 

On October 1, 2008, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Steven N. Bronson to serve as the Company's President at an annual salary of $150,000. A copy of the employment agreement between BKF Capital Group, Inc. and Steven N. Bronson, dated as of October 1, 2008, is attached as Exhibit 10.35 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 14, 2008.

 

Maria Fregosi, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President

 

On March 1, 2011, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Maria Fregosi to serve as the Company's Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President in exchange for compensation consisting of the Fregosi Warrants, participation in a bonus program to be set up by the Company (the “Bonus Pool) and temporary wages of $5,000 per month pending the establishment of the Bonus Pool. As of March 22, 2012, the Company has not established the Bonus Pool. A copy of the employment agreement between BKF Capital Group, Inc. and Maria Fregosi, dated as of March 1, 2011, is attached as Exhibit 10.40 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 3, 2011.

 

Greg S. Heller, Senior Vice President

 

November 1, 2011, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Greg S. Heller to serve as the Company's Senior Vice President at an annual salary of $60,000. A copy of the employment agreement between BKF Capital Group, Inc. and Greg S. Heller, dated as of November 15, 2011, is attached to this Annual Report on Form 10-K as Exhibit 10.41.

 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 

During 2011, Leonard Hagan was the only member of the Compensation Committee. Mr. Hagan also serves as BKF's corporate secretary, but he is not compensated for serving in that position.

 

 

Directors' Compensation

 

Company employees who serve as directors of the Company receive no compensation for such services. Non-employee directors currently receive approximately $10,000 per year in cash compensation, paid quarterly for service on the board. Non-employee directors currently also receive $1,000 per year in cash compensation, paid quarterly for service on each committee. In addition, directors received $500 for each meeting of a committee of the board that they

attend in person or by telephone. The Company also reimburses directors for their out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with such meetings.

 

2011 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Name		Fees Earned or Paid in Cash				Stock Awards				Option Awards				Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation				Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings				All Other Compensation				Total
Steven N. Bronson (1)			0				0				0				0				0				0				0
Leonard Hagan		$	12,000				0				0				0				0				0			$	12,000

 

* Fees include director and committee fees earned during fiscal 2011.

 

(1)

Mr. Bronson has a compensation agreement with the Company and thus did not receive separate director fees.

 

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.

 

The table below sets forth the beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2011 of (1) each person known by the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock, (2) each director and nominee for director of the Company, (3) each executive officer of the Company whose name appears on the summary compensation table (the "Named Executive Officers") and (4) all directors and executive officers of the Company as a group. Each person had sole or shared voting or dispositive powers with respect to such shares. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each person named in the table below is c/o BKF Capital Group, Inc., 225 N.E. Mizner Boulevard, Suite 400, Boca Raton, Florida 33432.

 

		Number of				Percent
Name of Beneficial Owner		Shares (1)				of Class
Steven N. Bronson			3,600,500				48.3	%
Leonard Hagan			222,368	(2)			3.0	%
Maria Fregosi			0				0	%
Greg S. Heller			0				0	%
Directors and executive officers as a group (2 persons)			3,822,868				51.3	%

 

(1)

As used in this table, a beneficial owner of a security includes any person who, directly or indirectly, through contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise has or shares (a) the power to vote, or direct the voting of, such security or (b) investment power which includes the power to dispose, or to direct the disposition of, such security. In addition, a person is deemed to be the beneficial owner of a security if that person has the right to acquire beneficial ownership of such security within 60 days.

 

(2)

These shares do not include 5,600 shares of BKF owned by Mr. Hagan's son.

 

 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.

 

Since January 1, 2009, the Company has licensed a portion of its office Space to three companies affiliated with Steven N. Bronson who is BKF's Chairman And President. Specifically, BKF licensed office space and use of facilities to Catalyst Financial, LLC, 4net Software, Inc. and Ridgefield Acquisition Corp. (collectively the "Licensees") for monthly fees of, $500, $100 and $100, respectively. Each of the licenses are on a month to month basis. Steven N. Bronson is the owner and principal of Catalyst Financial LLC ("Catalyst Financial"), a full service securities brokerage, investment banking and consulting firm. Mr. Bronson is also the President and majority shareholder of 4net Software, Inc. and Ridgefield Acquisition Corp., both publicly traded companies. Effective March 1, 2011, the Company modified the License Agreement for Catalyst Financial. Specifically, Catalyst Financial agreed to take more space at the Company's Offices and the monthly license fee paid by Catalyst to the Company, increased to $2,500 per month or $30,000 per year. Effective October 1, 2011, the Company modified the License Agreement for Catalyst Financial and decreased the monthly license fee to $2,000 per month or $24,000 per year.

 

Commencing, October 1, 2011, the Company licensed office space to Interlink Electronics, Inc., which is another company affiliated with Steven N. Bronson at a monthly license fee of $2,000.

 

Subsequent Event.

 

The license agreement between the Company and Interlink Electronics terminated as of February 28, 2012.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

 

Audit Fees.

 

Mark Bailey and Company, Ltd. received $24,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011 for professional services rendered in connection with the audit of the Company's annual financial statements, and a review of the financial statements included in the Company's quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2011, June 30, 2011 and September 30, 2011.

 

No audit-related services were rendered with respect to the fiscal years ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 by Mark Bailey & Company, Ltd.

 

Tax Fees

 

None.

 

All Other Fees

 

No other fees were paid to Mark Bailey and Company, Ltd. during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

 

Pre-Approval Procedures

 

The Audit Committee has adopted the following guidelines regarding the engagement of the Company's independent registered public accounting firm to perform services for the Company. Prior to the commencement of the audit services, the Audit Committee shall approve the terms of the engagement letter that outlines the scope of the audit services proposed to be performed by the Company's independent registered public accounting firm during the fiscal year. Non-audit services will also require pre-approval from the Audit Committee. Tax preparation and review work has been approved based on the terms included in the engagement letter that also outlines the scope of the audit services. No other non-audit work has been approved by the Audit Committee. Any such approval would require approval of the specific engagement, including the projected fees, at a regularly scheduled or special Audit Committee meeting or through a written consent.

 

 

PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

(a) The following documents are filed as part of this Form 10-K:

 

(1) Financial Statements

 

The financial statements of BKF Capital Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries are filed as part of this report under Item 8-Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

 

(3) Exhibits

 

Exhibit Number				Description
3.1		—		Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant, as amended (incorporated by reference Exhibit 3.1 to Registrant's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended June 30, 2000 June 30, 2001 and the December 31, 2005 10K.
3.2		—		Amended and Restated Bylaws of Registrant dated March 5, 2008
4.1		—		Specimen of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the period ended December 31, 2000).
10.1		—		Amendment to Lease dated October 10, 2003 between Rockefeller Center Properties and John A. Levin, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the period ended December 31, 2003).
10.2		—		Lease dated December 20, 1993 between Rockefeller Center Properties and John A. Levin & Co., Inc., as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the period ended December 31, 2000, Exhibit 10.2 to Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2001, and Exhibit 10.2 to Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2001).
10.3		—		Lease dated September 25, 2002 between River Bend Executive Center, Inc. and Levin Management Co., Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2002).
10.4		—		Registrant's 1998 Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2001).
10.5		—		Registrant's Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2000).
10.6		—		Form of Stock Option Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the period ended December 31, 2001).
10.7		—		Form of Deferred Stock Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the Commission on November 17, 2000).
10.8		—		Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2005).
10.9		—		Letter Agreement between BKF and Levin Management Co., Inc. and each of Henry Levin and Frank Rango dated April 19, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant's Report on Form 8-K dated April 22, 2005).

 

 

Exhibit
Number				Description
10.10		—		Change in Control Agreement between BKF, Levin Management Co., Inc. and Glenn A. Aigen dated June 1, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant's Report on Form 8-K dated June 6, 2005).
10.11		—		Change in Control Agreement between BKF, Levin Management Co., Inc. and Norris Nissim dated June 1, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Registrant's Report on Form 8-K dated June 6, 2005).
10.12		—		Retention Agreement between BKF, Levin Management Co., Inc. and Philip Friedman dated August 11, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant's Report on Form 8-K dated August 16, 2005).
10.13		—		First Amendment to Retention Agreement between BKF and Philip Friedman dated November 15, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant's Report on Form 8-K dated November 16, 2005).
10.14		—		Transition/Separation Agreement between BKF and John A. Levin dated as of August 23, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant's Report on Form 8-K dated August 24, 2005).
10.15		—		First Amendment to Transition/Separation Agreement between BKF and John A. Levin dated December 21, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant's Report on Form 8-K dated December 28, 2005).
10.16		—		Employment Agreement between BKF and John C. Siciliano dated September 28, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2005).
10.17		—		Letter Agreement, dated as of September 28, 2005, among BKF Capital Group, Inc., Levin Management Co., Inc. and Glenn A. Aigen (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2005).
10.18		—		Letter Agreement, dated as of September 28, 2005, among BKF Capital Group, Inc., Levin Management Co., Inc. and Norris Nissim (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2005).
10.19		—		Transition/Separation Agreement between BKF and Glenn A. Aigen dated December 20, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of Registrant's Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2005).
10.20		—		Separation Agreement and Release of All Claims between BKF and Henry Levin dated December 16, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant's Report on Form 8-K dated December 22, 2005).
10.21		—		Employment Agreement between BKF and Clarke Gray dated as of January 4, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant's Report on Form 8-K dated January 6, 2006).
10.22		—		Transition/Separation Agreement between BKF and Norris Nissim dated May 5, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2006).
10.23		—		Separation Agreement between BKF and Philip Friedman dated July 24, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registrant's Report on Form 8-K dated July 24, 2006).

 

 

Exhibit
Number				Description
10.24		—		Sublease Agreement between BKF and Daylight Forensics and Advisory LLC dated May 16, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2006).
10.25		—		First Amendment to the Sublease Agreement between BKF and Daylight Forensics and Advisory LLC dated May 16, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period September 30, 2006).
10.26		—		Partial Surrender Agreement and Amendment between BKF and RCPI Landmark Properties, LLC dated November 22, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10k for the period ended December 31, 2006).
10.27		—		Form of Indemnification Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 18, 2006).
10.28		—		Separation Agreement between BKF and John C. Siciliano dated October 31, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10k for the period ended December 31, 2006).
10.29		—		Separation Agreement between BKF and J. Clarke Gray dated October 31, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2006).
10.30		—		Employment agreement with Marvin Olshan dated November 12, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2007).
10.31		—		Employment agreement with Harvey J. Bazaar dated November 12, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2007).
10.32		—		Employment agreement with J. Clarke Gray dated November 12, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company's Current Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2007).
10.33		—		Employment agreement with J. Clarke Gray dated March 7, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2007).
10.34		—		Agreement by and among BKF Capital Group, Inc., Catalyst Fund, L.P. and Steven N. Bronson, Harvey J. Bazaar, Marvin L. Olshan, Ronald LaBow and J. Clarke Gray, dated August 28, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 2, 2008)
10.35		—		Employment Agreement between BKF Capital Group, Inc. and Steven N. Bronson, dated as of October 1, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 14, 2008).
10.36		—		Copy of Sublease, dated December , 2008, by and between BKF Capital Group, Inc. and 1st United, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 23, 2009).
10.37		—		Purchase Agreement, dated December 2, 2009, by and between BKF Capital Group, Inc. and Steven N. Bronson and Kimberly Bronson (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 7, 2009).

 

 

Exhibit
Number				Description
10.38		—		Copy of form Sublease, dated January 1, 2009, by and between BKF Capital Group, Inc. and Lion Gables Realty Limited Partnership (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 8, 2010).
10.39		—		Copy of Termination Agreement, between BKF Management Co., Inc. and RCPI LANDMARK PROPERTIES, L.L.C., dated as of December 31, 2011  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 3, 2011).
10.40		—		Copy of Employment Agreement, between BKF Capital Group, Inc. and Maria Fregosi, dated March 1, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 3, 2011).
10.41*		—		Copy of Employment Agreement, between BKF Capital Group, Inc. and Greg S. Heller, dated November 21, 2011.
14.1		—		Registrant's Code of Ethics revised as of December 31, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14.1 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 13, 2008).
21.1		—		Subsidiaries of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21.1 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the period ended December 31, 2000).
23.1*		—		Consent of Mark Bailey & Company, LLP
31.1*		—		Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
31.2*		—		Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
32.1*		—		Section 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
32.2*		—		Section 906 Certification of Chief Financial Officer

 

*

Filed herewith

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Dated: April 16, 2012

 

	BKF Capital Group, Inc.
	/s/ Steven N. Bronson
	Steven N. Bronson
	Chief Executive Officer

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 

/s/ Steven N. Bronson		/s/ Leonard Hagan
Steven N. Bronson		Leonard Hagan
Chairman of the Board of Directors		Director
April 16, 2012		April 16, 2012

 

 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

	Page
	Number
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm — Mark Bailey & Company, Ltd.	F-2
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at December 31, 2011 and 2010	F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010	F-4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010	F-5
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010	F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	F-7

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of BKF Capital Group, Inc.

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of BKF Capital Group Inc. (Company) as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the years then ended. BKF Capital Group Inc.'s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated 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. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's 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 consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of BKF Capital Group Inc. as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of its consolidated operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

/s/ Mark Bailey & Company, Ltd.

 

Mark Bailey & Company, Ltd.

Reno, Nevada

April 16, 2012

 

 

BKF CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

 

		December 31				December 31
		2011				2010
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$	8,292			$	9,744
Investments			3,337				2,863
Royalty and other receivables			—				15
Prepaid expenses and other assets			77				277
Total assets		$	11,706			$	12,899
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Accrued expenses		$	41			$	73
Accrued lease liability			—				1,139
Total liabilities			41				1,212
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders' equity
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized — 15,000,000 shares, 7,446,593 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2011 and 7,973,216 issued and 7,446,593 outstanding as of December 31, 2010.		$	7,447			$	7,973
Treasury stock			—				(598	)
Additional paid-in capital			68,269				68,269
Accumulated deficit			(64,570	)			(64,277	)
Accumulated other comprehensive gain			519				320
Total stockholders' equity			11,665				11,687
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		$	11,706			$	12,899

 

See accompanying notes

 

 

BKF CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

		Year Ended December 31,
		2011				2010
Income:
Royalties		$	17			$	512
Non-operating income:
Interest income			24				37
Realized gains			154				378
Other income			42				89
Gain on settlement of lease			—				371
Total non-operating income			220				875
Total income			237				1,387
Expenses:
Employee compensation and benefits			262				224
Occupancy and equipment rental			64				97
Other operating expenses			132				167
Interest expense			—				288
Total expenses			458				776
Net income (loss)		$	(221	)		$	611
Other comprehensive income, net of tax Unrealized gain on investments			199				161
Comprehensive income (loss)		$	(22	)		$	772
Income/(Loss) per share:
Basic and diluted		$	(.03	)		$	.08
Weighted average shares outstanding basic and diluted			7,446,593				7,871,493

 

See accompanying notes

 

 

BKF CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

 

		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2011				2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income(loss)		$	(221	)		$	611
Adjustments to reconcile net income(loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operations:
Gain on sales of securities			(154	)			(378	)
Gain on settlement of lease			—				(371	)
Decrease in royalty and other receivables			15				222
Decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets			200				2
Decrease in accrued expenses			(32	)			(135	)
Decrease in unearned sublease income			—				(138	)
Decrease in accrued lease liability expense			(1,139	)			(1,084	)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities			(1,331	)			(1,271	)
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from sale of investments			337				2,138
Purchase of investment securities			(458	)			(2,364	)
Net cash (used in) investing activities			(121	)			(226	)
Cash flows from financing activities: Repurchase of common stock			—				(598	)
Net cash (used in) financing activities			—				(598	)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents			(1,452	)			(2,095	)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year			9,744				11,839
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year		$	8,292			$	9,744
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest		$	—			$	—
Cash paid for taxes		$	—			$	—

 

See accompanying notes

 

 

BKF CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Amounts in thousands)

 

		Common				Treasury				Paid-In				Accumulated				Comprehensive
		Stock				Stock				Capital				Deficit				Income				Total
Balance at December 31, 2009		$	7,973				—			$	68,269			$	(64,888	)		$	—			$	11,513
Treasury stock			—				(598	)			—				—				—				(598	)
Net income			—				—				—				611				—				611
Comprehensive income			—				—				—				—				161				161
Balance at December 31, 2010		$	7,973				(598	)		$	68,269			$	(64,277	)		$	320			$	11,687
Retirement of treasury stock			(526	)			598				—				(72	)			—				—
Net loss			—				—				—				(221	)			—				(221	)
Comprehensive income			—				—				—				—				199				199
Balance at December 31, 2011		$	7,447				—			$	68,269			$	(64,570	)		$	519			$	11,665

 

See accompanying notes

 

 

BKF CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1.

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Organization and Basis of Presentation

 

BKF Capital Group, Inc. (the "Company") operates through a wholly-owned subsidiary, BKF Management Co., Inc. and its subsidiaries, all of which are referred to as "BKF." The Company trades on the over the counter market under the symbol ("BKFG"). Currently, the Company is seeking to consummate an acquisition, merger or business combination with an operating entity to enhance BKF's revenues and increase shareholder value.

 

The consolidated financial statements of BKF include its wholly-owned subsidiaries BKF Asset Management, Inc., ("BAM"), BAM's two wholly-owned subsidiaries, BKF GP Inc. ("BKF GP") and LEVCO Securities, Inc. ("LEVCO Securities"). All intercompany accounts have been eliminated.

 

BAM was an investment advisor which was registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended; it withdrew its registration on December 19, 2006. BAM had no operations during 2011 and 2010.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Under an agreement with a former partner, BKF is entitled to 15% of the annual revenues ("Royalties") collected from carry-over clients by this former partner. This agreement was in effect through September 30, 2010. Royalties are paid to BKF on a quarterly basis following the former partner's actual collection of revenue.

 

Cash, and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company treats all investments with maturities at acquisition of three months or less as cash equivalents. Investments in money market funds are valued at net asset value. The Company maintains substantially all of its cash and cash equivalents invested in interest bearing instruments at two nationally recognized financial institutions, which at times may exceed federally insured limits. As a result the Company is exposed to credit risk related to the money market funds and the market rate inherent in those funds.

 

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

The Company presents other comprehensive income in accordance with ASC Topic 220, Comprehensive Income. This section requires that an enterprise (a) classify items of other comprehensive income by their nature in a financial statement and (b) display the accumulated balance of other comprehensive income separately from retained earnings and additional paid in capital in the equity section of a statement of position. The Company reports its unrealized gains and losses on investments in securities as other comprehensive income (loss) in its financial statements.

 

 

BKF CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Investments in Affiliated Investment Partnerships

 

BKF GP served as the managing general partner for several affiliated investment partnerships ("AIP"), which primarily engaged in the trading of publicly traded equity securities, and in the case of one partnership, distressed corporate debt. Currently all AIP activities have been terminated and BKF GP is in the process of dissolving those partnerships.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 740, Income Taxes.

 

Interest costs and penalties related to income taxes are classified as interest expense and general and administrative costs, respectively, in the Company's consolidated financial statements.

 

The Company and its subsidiaries file consolidated Federal and combined state and local tax returns. The Company is currently subject to a three year statue of limitations by major tax jurisdictions. The Company has settled examination issues with New York State and New York City related to income allocation for the years 1999-2004. The Company has also settled an audit by New York State for the years 2005-2007.

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to the differences between the financial statement carrying amount of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Future tax benefits are recognized only to the extent that realization of such benefits is more likely than not to occur. The Company has recorded a valuation reserve of approximately $4.0 million against its net deferred tax asset as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. The Company believes that it is not likely that this deferred tax benefit will be utilized within the statutory period allowed.

 

Earnings Per Share

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the total of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding and common stock equivalents. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed using the treasury stock method.

 

There were no common stock equivalents for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.

 

Fair Values of Financial Instruments

 

Financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable are carried in the consolidated financial statements at amounts that approximate fair value at December 31, 2011 and 2010. Fair values are based on market prices and assumptions concerning the amount and timing of estimated future cash flows. Investments have been valued using level 1 inputs under ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.

 

 

BKF CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Recent Accounting Developments

 

In June 2011, authoritative guidance was issued on the presentation of comprehensive income.  Specifically, the guidance allows an entity to present components of net income and other comprehensive income in one continuous statement, referred to as the statement of comprehensive income, or in two separate but consecutive statements. The new guidance eliminates the current option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. This guidance will be applied retrospectively and will be effective for our interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The changes in presentation of comprehensive income will have no effect on the calculation of net income, comprehensive income or earnings per share.

 

2.

Concentrations

 

On October 3, 2008, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 increased the insurance coverage offered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) from $100,000 to $250,000 per depositor. This limit is anticipated to return to $100,000 after December 31, 2013. Additionally, under the FDIC's Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program, amounts held in non-interest bearing transaction accounts at participating institutions are fully guaranteed by the FDIC through December 31, 2013. The Company had amounts in excess of $250,000 in a single bank during the year. Amounts over $250,000 are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. These balances fluctuate during the year and can exceed this $250,000 limit. Management regularly monitors the financial institution, together with its cash balances, and tries to keep this potential risk to a minimum.

 

3.

Related Party Transactions

 

Royalties

 

Royalties are the Company's portion of fee sharing arrangements from departed portfolio managers. The Company had royalty revenue of $17k and $.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The agreement under which these royalties were received expired on September 30, 2010.

 

4.

Investments

 

Investments are classified as available-for-sale according to the provisions of ASC Topic 320, Investments - Debt & Equity Securities. Accordingly, the investments are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported separately in other comprehensive income. Realized gains and losses are calculated using the original cost of those investments.

 

During the period July 2, 2009 through July 13, 2009, the Company acquired a total of 500,000 shares of FCStone Group, Inc. ("FCStone") common stock in open market transactions at an average price of approximately $3.97 per share or an aggregate amount of approximately $1,985,000. On July 31, 2009 the Company sold 10,847 common shares of FCStone at $5.62, which resulted in a realized gain of approximately $18,000. On October 1, 2009, the previously announced merger between International Assets Holding Corporation ("IAAC") and FCStone Group, Inc. ("FCStone") was completed and each outstanding share of FCStone was exchanged for .2950 shares of IAAC. Accordingly, on October 1, 2009 the Company received 144,300 shares of IAAC in exchange for its 489,153 shares of FCStone. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company sold 130,800 shares of IAAC, which resulted in a realized gain of approximately $378,000. During the month of November 2011 the Company sold the remaining 13,500 of IAAC common shares for $336,224.The sale resulted in a total realized gain of approximately $154,000 with a reclassification adjustment of $136,000 from other comprehensive income to realized gain.

 

 

BKF CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

4.

Investments (continued)

 

On December 17, 2010, the registrant purchased 1,500,000 shares of Qualstar Corporation ("Qualstar") common stock in a privately negotiated transaction at the price of $1.55 per share or the total aggregate amount of $2,325,000.

 

At December 31, 2011 the Company held 1,756,532 common shares of Qualstar valued at $3,337,411. The Company holds the shares of Qualstar for investment purposes.

 

5.

Accrued Lease Liability Expense

 

In September 2001, BKF entered into a 10 year lease agreement with Levin Management Co. Inc. under which they agreed to lease several floors of a building located at One Rockefeller Plaza in New York City. Subsequent to that agreement, the Company determined that they did not need all of the space and surrendered some of the space back to the landlord and sublet other portions.

 

On December 31, 2010, the Company terminated the lease with the landlord. In connection with the early termination, the Company paid a sum of $1,139,049 which represented the present value of the aggregate net rent due under the lease. As a result of the early termination, the Company recorded a gain on settlement of approximately $371,000.

 

6.

Income Taxes

 

As of December 31, 2011 the Company has a federal net operating loss carryforward of approximately $11.4 million, the utilization of which is limited under IRS Code Section 382 due to changes in the ownership of the Company's stock. The Company also had a state net operating loss carryforward of approximately $3.7 million. The NOL carryforwards generated in the years 2005-2008 expire in 2025 thru 2028, and can be used at a rate of $344,000 per year based on Section 382 limitations. The NOL carryforwards generated in the years 2009 through 2011 expire in 2029 through 2031, and are not currently subject to Section 382 limitations.

 

 

BKF CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

6.

Income Taxes (continued)

 

Since it is not likely that deferred tax assets will be realized, no current tax benefit was recognized. Net deferred assets have been fully reserved.

 

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and liabilities, shown net in the deferred tax asset on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, consisted of the following (dollar amounts in thousands):

 

		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2011				2010
Deferred tax assets:
Lease reserve		$	—			$	311
Net operating loss carryforward			4,208				3,807
Gross deferred tax asset		$	4,208			$	4,118
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred state income taxes			(4	)			(3	)
Unrealized gain on investments			(211	)			(130	)
Gross deferred tax liabilities			(215	)			(133	)
Net deferred tax asset			3,993				3,985
Valuation reserve			(3,993	)			(3,985	)
		$	—			$	—

 

A reconciliation of income tax (benefit) with expected federal income tax expense (benefit) computed at the applicable federal tax rate of 35% is as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):

 

		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2011				2010
Expected income tax (benefit)		$	(8	)			270
Increase/Decrease in income tax resulting from:
Section 382 limitations			—				131
Other temporary differences			—				(66	)
Change in valuation reserve			8				(335	)
Income tax expense		$	—			$	—

 

 

BKF CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

7.           Commitments and Contingencies

 

The Company could be subject to a variety of claims, suits and proceedings that arise from time to time, including actions with respect to contracts, regulatory compliance and public disclosure. These actions may be commenced by a number of different constituents, including vendors, former employees, regulatory agencies, and stockholders. The following is a discussion of the more significant matters involving the Company.

 

The Company was a defendant in a lawsuit seeking damages in the amount of approximately $600,000. The complaint was filed in the Supreme Court of New York and alleges unjust enrichment. In February 2010, the Company settled this action by paying the plaintiff $30,000. The settlement amount was recorded in the statements of operations as of December 31, 2009.

 

The Company is also a defendant in a lawsuit for claims for alleged services in the amount of approximately $171,000. The complaint was filed in the New York State Supreme Court and alleges a claim for breach of contract against BAM for alleged goods and services delivered to BAM. The Company is vigorously defending this action. The Company has no specific reserve for this action.

 

8. Stock Repurchase Plan

 

On July 19, 2010 the Board of Directors of the Company approved a share repurchase plan, authorizing the Company to repurchase in the aggregate up to 1 million shares of its outstanding common stock, $1 par value, over the twelve month period July 19, 2010 through July 18, 2011 (the "2010 Repurchase Plan"). As of December 31, 2010, the Company had repurchased an aggregate amount 526,623 shares of the Company's common stock as follows: 40,000 shares at an average price of $.94 per share; 156,983 shares at an average price of $1.10; 90,000 shares at an average price of $1.15 and 239,640 shares at an average price of $1.18. On May 20, 2011, the Company cancelled the 526,623 shares acquired by the Company under the 2010 Repurchase Plan. The 2010 Repurchase Plan expired on July 18, 2011.

 

9. Warrants

 

On March 1, 2011, the Company granted warrants to purchase 200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, $1.00 par value to an executive of the company in exchange for certain services to be rendered. The warrants are exercisable for a period of 5 years, but they shall expire and terminate ninety (90) days after the Executive’s separation from the Company for any reason. The warrants shall vest and be exercisable as follows: (i) 50,000 warrants exercisable at $1.55 per share shall vest upon the occurrence of BKF raising $5,000,000 through the sale of equity and completion of twelve months of employment; (ii) 50,000 warrants exercisable at $1.55 per share shall vest upon the occurrence of BKF Capital raising an aggregate amount of $10,000,000 from the execution of this Agreement; (iii) 50,000 warrants exercisable at $2.00 per share shall vest upon the occurrence of BKF Capital raising an aggregate amount of $15,000,000 from the execution of this Agreement; and (iv) 50,000 warrants exercisable at $2.00 per share shall vest upon the occurrence of BKF Capital Raising an aggregate amount of $20,000,000 from the execution of this Agreement.

 

At December 31, 2011 none of the warrants had vested and thus none are exercisable. It was determined that the performance conditions under which the warrants vest have a remote probability of occurring and thus no compensation expense has been recognized for the warrants granted.