10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2018	Commission File Number
	001-12629

NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	36-4128138
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

200 Vesey Street, 25th Floor, New York, NY 10281

(Address including zip code of principal executive offices)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (212) 417-8000

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  ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☒  No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (check one).

Large Accelerated Filer ☐	Accelerated Filer ☐
Non-Accelerated Filer ☒	Smaller Reporting Company ☐
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
	Emerging Growth Company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES☐NO☒

As of May 3, 2018 there were 12,490,524 shares of the registrant's common stock outstanding. 

NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2018

INDEX

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
	Item 1 – Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of March 31, 2018 (unaudited) and September 30, 2017	4
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Six months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 (unaudited)	5
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Six months ended March 31, 2018 (unaudited)	6
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 (unaudited)	7
		Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	9
	Item 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		24
	Item 3 – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		32
	Item 4 – Controls and Procedures		33
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
	Item 1 – Legal Proceedings		34
	Item 1A – Risk Factors		34
	Item 2 – Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		34
	Item 3 – Defaults Upon Senior Securities		34
	Item 4 – Mine Safety Disclosures		34
	Item 5 – Other Information		34
	Item 6 – Exhibits		35
	Signatures		36
	Exhibit Index		37

2

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The following information provides cautionary statements under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We identify important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements we make in this report or in other documents that reference this report. All statements that express or involve discussions as to: expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, identified through the use of words or phrases such as we or our management believes, expects, anticipates or hopes and words or phrases such as will result, are expected to, will continue, is anticipated, estimated, projection and outlook, and words of similar import) are not statements of historical facts and may be forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are based largely on our expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, economic, competitive, regulatory, growth strategies, available financing and other factors discussed elsewhere in this report and in the documents filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Many of these factors are beyond our control. Actual results could differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make in this report or in other documents that reference this report. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the results anticipated in the forward-looking information contained in this report or other documents that reference this report will, in fact, occur.

These forward-looking statements involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties, and, accordingly, actual results could differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. These uncertainties include, among others, the following: (i) the inability of our broker-dealer operations to operate profitably in the face of intense competition from larger full service and discount brokers; (ii) a general decrease in merger and acquisition activities and our potential inability to receive success fees as a result of transactions not being completed; (iii) increased competition from business development portals; (iv) technological changes; (v) our potential inability to implement our growth strategy through acquisitions or joint ventures; and (vi) our potential inability to secure additional debt or equity financing.

Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. New factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for our management to predict all of such factors, nor can our management assess the impact of each such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement.  

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PART I.        FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM I.         CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

	March 31, 2018 (Unaudited)			September 30, 2017
ASSETS
Cash	$	27,211,000		$	23,508,000
Restricted cash	1,383,000			1,381,000
Cash deposits with clearing organizations	836,000			1,041,000
Securities owned, at fair value	7,476,000			7,102,000
Receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations	2,709,000			2,850,000
Forgivable loans receivable	1,598,000			1,616,000
Other receivables, net	6,033,000			5,180,000
Prepaid expenses	1,681,000			2,490,000
Fixed assets, net	2,119,000			2,397,000
Intangible assets, net	5,225,000			4,843,000
Goodwill	5,217,000			5,217,000
Deferred tax asset, net	4,007,000			6,420,000
Other assets, principally refundable deposits	438,000			353,000
Total Assets	$	65,933,000		$	64,398,000
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities
Securities sold, but not yet purchased, at fair value	$	8,000		$	151,000
Accrued commissions and payroll payable	10,652,000			10,065,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	8,453,000			8,715,000
Deferred clearing and marketing credits	681,000			786,000
Warrants issued (Note 19)	—			5,597,000
Other	158,000			181,000
Total Liabilities	19,952,000			25,495,000
Stockholders’ Equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; none outstanding	—			—
Common stock $0.02 par value, authorized 75,000,000 shares at March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017; 12,489,501 and 12,437,916 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively	249,000			248,000
Additional paid-in-capital	84,339,000			66,955,000
Accumulated deficit	(38,607,000		)	(28,315,000		)
Total National Holdings Corporation Stockholders’ Equity	45,981,000			38,888,000
Non-Controlling interest	—			15,000
Total Stockholders’ Equity	45,981,000			38,903,000
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	65,933,000		$	64,398,000

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

	Three Month Period Ended March 31,					Six Month Period Ended March 31,
	2018			2017		2018			2017
Revenues
Commissions	$	31,407,000		$	23,993,000	$	57,025,000		$	48,499,000
Net dealer inventory gains	2,761,000			3,423,000		3,666,000			5,967,000
Investment banking	14,532,000			14,916,000		29,079,000			24,608,000
Investment advisory	5,197,000			3,700,000		10,529,000			7,086,000
Interest and dividends	601,000			675,000		1,232,000			1,391,000
Transaction fees and clearing services	1,777,000			1,687,000		4,074,000			4,185,000
Tax preparation and accounting	3,868,000			3,144,000		4,391,000			4,000,000
Other	203,000			346,000		429,000			717,000
Total Revenues	60,346,000			51,884,000		110,425,000			96,453,000
Operating Expenses
Commissions, compensation and fees	49,345,000			41,761,000		92,906,000			79,020,000
Clearing fees	578,000			618,000		1,321,000			1,356,000
Communications	813,000			682,000		1,572,000			1,404,000
Occupancy	1,141,000			937,000		2,096,000			1,944,000
License and registration	530,000			428,000		1,167,000			832,000
Professional fees	578,000			991,000		1,970,000			2,254,000
Interest	2,000			4,000		5,000			8,000
Depreciation and amortization	379,000			286,000		758,000			582,000
Other administrative expenses	2,287,000			2,475,000		4,113,000			3,705,000
Total Operating Expenses	55,653,000			48,182,000		105,908,000			91,105,000
Income before Other (Expense) Income and Income Taxes	4,693,000			3,702,000		4,517,000			5,348,000
Other (Expense) Income
Gain on disposal of Gilman branches	—			130,000		—			130,000
Change in fair value of warrant liability (Note 19)	(5,597,000		)	1,773,000		(11,194,000		)	5,865,000
Other income	230,000			5,000		236,000			5,000
Total Other (Expense) Income	(5,367,000		)	1,908,000		(10,958,000		)	6,000,000
(Loss) Income before Income Taxes	(674,000		)	5,610,000		(6,441,000		)	11,348,000
Income tax expense	1,578,000			1,736,000		3,851,000			2,414,000
Net (Loss) Income	$	(2,252,000	)	$	3,874,000	$	(10,292,000	)	$	8,934,000
Net (loss) income per share - Basic	$	(0.18	)	$	0.31	$	(0.83	)	$	0.72
Net (loss) income per share - Diluted	$	(0.18	)	$	0.31	$	(0.83	)	$	0.72
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - Basic	12,457,043			12,437,916		12,447,321			12,437,916
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - Diluted	12,457,043			12,461,882		12,447,321			12,450,178

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

(Unaudited)

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2018

	Common Stock			Additional Paid-in- Capital			Accumulated Deficit			Non-Controlling Interest			Total Stockholders' Equity
	Shares	$
Balance, September 30, 2017	12,437,916	$	248,000	$	66,955,000		$	(28,315,000	)	$	15,000		$	38,903,000
Stock-based compensation for restricted stock units				676,000									676,000
Issuance of shares of common stock with respect to vested restricted stock units, net of 26,540 shares valued at $82,000 tendered for tax withholding	51,585	1,000		(83,000		)							(82,000		)
Warrant liability reclassification ( See Note 19)				16,791,000									16,791,000
Deconsolidation of subsidiary										(15,000		)	(15,000		)
Net loss							(10,292,000		)				(10,292,000		)
Balance, March 31, 2018	12,489,501	$	249,000	$	84,339,000		$	(38,607,000	)	$	—		$	45,981,000

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

6

NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

	For The Six Month Period Ended March 31,
	2018			2017
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net (loss) income	$	(10,292,000	)	$	8,934,000
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities
Change in fair value of warrant liability	11,194,000			(5,865,000		)
Depreciation and amortization	758,000			582,000
Amortization of forgivable loans to registered representatives	310,000			362,000
Stock-based compensation	676,000			183,000
Recovery for doubtful accounts	(46,000		)	(256,000		)
Amortization of deferred clearing credit	(105,000		)	(104,000		)
Increase in fair value of contingent consideration payable	10,000			14,000
Deferred tax expense	2,413,000			714,000
Gain on disposal of Gilman branches	—			(130,000		)
Gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary	(15,000		)	—
Changes in assets and liabilities
Restricted cash	(2,000		)	—
Cash deposits with clearing organizations	205,000			(10,000		)
Securities owned, at fair value	(374,000		)	(1,049,000		)
Receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations	141,000			544,000
Forgivable loans receivable	(292,000		)	(47,000		)
Other receivables, net	(854,000		)	196,000
Prepaid expenses	809,000			(149,000		)
Other assets, principally refundable deposits	(85,000		)	(5,000		)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	(288,000		)	(720,000		)
Securities sold, but not yet purchased, at fair value	(143,000		)	(221,000		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	4,020,000			2,973,000
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Acquisition of businesses	(187,000		)	(19,000		)
Acquisition of intangible assets	(45,000		)	—
Purchase of fixed assets	(50,000		)	(312,000		)
Collection on notes receivable	47,000			8,000
Net cash used in investing activities	(235,000		)	(323,000		)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Repurchase of common stock for tax withholding	(82,000		)	—
Net cash used in financing activities	(82,000		)	—
NET INCREASE IN CASH	3,703,000			2,650,000
CASH BALANCE
Beginning of the period	23,508,000			21,694,000
End of the period	$	27,211,000		$	24,344,000

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

7

NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$	5,000		$	8,000
Income taxes	$	630,000		$	576,000
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Fixed assets (acquired but not paid)	$	—		$	42,000
Business acquired:
Identifiable intangible assets acquired	$	767,000		$	211,000
Contingent consideration payable	(580,000		)	(192,000		)
Cash paid	$	187,000		$	19,000
Sale of Gilman branches:
Notes receivable (included in other receivables)	$	—		$	638,000
Disposal of goodwill	—			(305,000		)
Disposal of intangible assets, net	—			(203,000		)
Gain on disposal of Gilman branches	$	—		$	130,000
Reclassification of warrant liability from debt to equity	$	16,791,000		$	—

 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

8

NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2018

(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company, have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial statements and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and disclosures required for annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The condensed consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2018 and for the three and six months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 are unaudited. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the respective fiscal years. The consolidated statement of financial condition at September 30, 2017 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statement presentation. The accompanying consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 for additional disclosures and accounting policies.

Certain items in the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the fiscal 2017 period have been reclassified to conform to the presentation in the fiscal 2018 period. Such reclassifications did not have a material impact on the presentation of the overall financial statements.

NOTE 2.ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

National Holdings Corporation (“National” or the “Company”), a Delaware corporation organized in 1996, operates through its wholly owned subsidiaries which principally provide financial services. Through its broker-dealer and investment advisory subsidiaries, the Company (1) offers full service retail brokerage and investment advisory services to individual, corporate and institutional clients, (2) provides investment banking, merger, acquisition and advisory services to micro, small and mid-cap high growth companies, (3) engages in trading securities, including making markets in micro and small-cap, NASDAQ and other exchange listed stocks and (4) provides liquidity in the United States Treasury marketplace. Broker-dealer subsidiaries consist of National Securities Corporation (“National Securities” or “NSC”) and vFinance Investments, Inc. (“vFinance Investments”) (collectively, the “Broker-Dealer Subsidiaries”). The Broker-Dealer Subsidiaries conduct a national securities brokerage business through their main offices in New York City, New York, Boca Raton, Florida, and Seattle, Washington. Broker-dealer subsidiaries are introducing brokers and clear all transactions through clearing organizations, on a fully disclosed basis. The Broker-Dealer Subsidiaries are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and the Commodities and Futures Trading Commission, and are members of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA") and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation.

The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, National Asset Management, Inc. ("NAM"), is a federally-registered investment adviser providing asset management advisory services to retail clients for a fee based upon a percentage of assets managed.

The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, National Insurance Corporation ("National Insurance") and Prime Financial Services ("Prime Financial"), provide fixed insurance products to their clients, including life insurance, disability insurance, long term care insurance and fixed annuities.

The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Gilman Ciocia, Inc. ("Gilman"), provides tax preparation and accounting services to individuals and small to midsize companies.

The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, GC Capital Corporation ("GC"), provides licensed mortgage brokerage services in New York and Florida.

On September 9, 2016, a subsidiary of Fortress Biotech, Inc. (“Fortress”), acquired a controlling interest in the Company. See Note 19.

On February 23, 2018, vFinance Investments merged into NSC in accordance to an agreement and plan of merger between the two companies. Assets and liabilities were transferred at carrying value. Operations conducted through vFinance are now conducted through NSC. In March 2018, vFinance filed for withdrawal from registration with the SEC as a Broker-dealer.

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NOTE 3. RECEIVABLES FROM BROKER-DEALERS AND CLEARING ORGANIZATIONS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

At March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017, the receivables of $2,709,000 and $2,850,000, respectively, from broker-dealers and clearing organizations represent net amounts due for fees and commissions associated with the Company’s retail brokerage business as well as asset based fee revenues associated with the Company’s Investment advisory business.

Other receivables at March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017 consist of the following:

	March 31,			September 30,
	2018			2017
Trailing fees	$	1,138,000		$	1,156,000
Accounts receivable for tax and accounting services	1,015,000			698,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts - tax and accounting services	(210,000		)	(390,000		)
Advances to registered representatives	808,000			881,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts - advances to registered representatives	(288,000		)	(154,000		)
Investment banking receivable	1,373,000			1,086,000
Advisory fees	478,000			510,000
Notes receivable	631,000			676,000
Other	1,088,000			717,000
Total	$	6,033,000		$	5,180,000

NOTE 4. FORGIVABLE LOANS RECEIVABLE

From time to time, the Company's operating subsidiaries may make loans, evidenced by promissory notes, primarily to newly recruited independent financial advisors as an incentive for their affiliation. The notes receivable balance is comprised of unsecured non-interest-bearing and interest-bearing loans (weighted average interest rate of 4%). These notes have various schedules for repayment or forgiveness based on production or retention requirements being met and mature at various dates through 2023. Forgiveness of loans amounted to $310,000 and $362,000 for the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and the related compensation was included in commissions, compensation and fees in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. In the event the advisor’s affiliation with the subsidiary terminates, the advisor is required to repay the unamortized balance of any notes payable.

The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts on the notes based on historical collection experience and continually evaluates the receivables for collectability and possible write-offs where a loss is deemed probable. As of March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017, no allowance for doubtful accounts was required.

Forgivable loan activity for the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 is as follows:

Balance, September 30, 2017	$	1,616,000
Additions	292,000
Amortization	(310,000		)
Balance, March 31, 2018	$	1,598,000

There were no unamortized loans outstanding at March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017 attributable to registered representatives who ended their affiliation with the Broker-Dealer Subsidiaries prior to the fulfillment of their obligation.

NOTE 5. FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Authoritative accounting guidance defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and establishes a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market. Valuation techniques that are consistent with the market or income approach are used to measure fair value.

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The fair value hierarchy ranks the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable, either directly or indirectly, and reasonably available. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability and are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company.

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs which reflect the assumptions that the Company develops based on available information about what market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability.

The following tables present the carrying values and estimated fair values at March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017 of financial assets and liabilities, excluding financial instruments that are carried at fair value on a recurring basis, and information is provided on their classification within the fair value hierarchy. Such instruments are carried at amounts that approximate fair value due to their short-term nature and generally negligible credit risk.

	March 31, 2018
Assets	Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Total Estimated Fair Value
Cash	$	27,211,000	$	27,211,000	$	—	$	27,211,000
Cash deposits with clearing organizations	836,000		836,000		—		836,000
Receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations	2,709,000		—		2,709,000		2,709,000
Forgivable loans receivable	1,598,000		—		1,598,000		1,598,000
Other Receivables, net	6,033,000		—		6,033,000		6,033,000
	$	38,387,000	$	28,047,000	$	10,340,000	$	38,387,000
Liabilities
Accrued commissions and payroll payable	$	10,652,000	$	—	$	10,652,000	$	10,652,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (1)	7,564,000		—		7,564,000		7,564,000
	$	18,216,000	$	—	$	18,216,000	$	18,216,000

(1)    Excludes contingent consideration liabilities of $889,000.

	September 30, 2017
Assets	Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Total Estimated Fair Value
Cash	$	23,508,000	$	23,508,000	$	—	$	23,508,000
Cash deposits with clearing organizations	1,041,000		1,041,000		—		1,041,000
Receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations	2,850,000		—		2,850,000		2,850,000
Forgivable loans receivable	1,616,000		—		1,616,000		1,616,000
Other Receivables, net	5,180,000		—		5,180,000		5,180,000
	$	34,195,000	$	24,549,000	$	9,646,000	$	34,195,000
Liabilities
Accrued commissions and payroll payable	$	10,065,000	$	—	$	10,065,000	$	10,065,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (1)	8,404,000		—		8,404,000		8,404,000
	$	18,469,000	$	—	$	18,469,000	$	18,469,000

(1)    Excludes contingent consideration liabilities of $311,000.

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The following tables present the financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017:

	March 31, 2018
Assets	Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
Securities owned:
Corporate stocks	$	32,000	$	32,000	$	—	$	—	$	32,000
Municipal bonds	1,183,000		1,183,000		—		—		1,183,000
Restricted stock	1,046,000		—		1,046,000		—		1,046,000
Warrants	5,215,000		—		5,215,000		—		5,215,000
	$	7,476,000	$	1,215,000	$	6,261,000	$	—	$	7,476,000
Liabilities
Contingent consideration	$	889,000	$	—	$	—	$	889,000	$	889,000
Warrants issued	—		—		—		—		—
Securities sold, but not yet purchased:
Corporate stocks	2,000		2,000		—		—		2,000
Corporate debt	6,000		6,000		—		—		6,000
	$	897,000	$	8,000	$	—	$	889,000	$	897,000

	September 30, 2017
Assets	Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
Securities owned:
Corporate stocks	$	116,000	$	116,000	$	—	$	—	$	116,000
Municipal bonds	1,239,000		1,239,000		—		—		1,239,000
Restricted stock	82,000		—		82,000		—		82,000
Warrants	5,665,000		—		5,665,000		—		5,665,000
	$	7,102,000	$	1,355,000	$	5,747,000	$	—	$	7,102,000
Liabilities
Contingent consideration	$	311,000	$	—	$	—	$	311,000	$	311,000
Warrants issued	5,597,000		—		5,597,000		—		5,597,000
Securities sold, but not yet purchased:
Municipal bonds	151,000		151,000		—		—		151,000
	$	6,059,000	$	151,000	$	5,597,000	$	311,000	$	6,059,000

Certain positions in common stock and warrants were received as compensation for investment banking services. Restricted common stock and warrants may be freely traded only upon the effectiveness of a registration statement covering them or upon the satisfaction of the requirements of Rule 144, including the requisite holding period. The unrealized (loss)/gain for the change in fair value of such positions for the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017 amounted to approximately $(556,000) and $69,000, respectively, which is included in net dealer inventory gains.

Warrants are carried at fair value as determined by using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. This model takes into account the underlying securities current market values, the underlying securities market volatility, the terms of the warrants, exercise prices, and risk-free return rate. The market value of the underlying securities’ market value is discounted based on the value of a protective put, which reduces the current market price used as an input into the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

Debt securities are valued based on recently executed transactions.

12

NOTE 6. FIXED ASSETS

Fixed assets as of March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017 consist of the following: 

	March 31, 2018			September 30, 2017			Estimated Useful Lives
Equipment and software	$	1,780,000		$	1,742,000		5
Furniture and fixtures	389,000			382,000			5
Leasehold improvements	1,405,000			1,400,000			Lesser of useful life or term of lease
Capital leases (primarily composed of computer equipment)	739,000			739,000			5
	4,313,000			4,263,000
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(2,194,000		)	(1,866,000		)
Fixed assets – net	$	2,119,000		$	2,397,000

Depreciation expense associated with fixed assets for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was $159,000 and $89,000, respectively.

Depreciation expense associated with fixed assets for the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017 was $328,000 and $187,000, respectively.

NOTE 7. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND CONTINGENT CONSIDERATION

Business Combination

In October, November 2017 and March 2018, Gilman acquired certain assets of five tax preparation and accounting businesses that were deemed to be business acquisitions. The consideration for the transactions consisted of cash payments at closing totaling $187,000 and contingent consideration payables in cash having a fair value of $580,000, for which liabilities (included in Accounts payable and accrued expenses) were recognized based on the estimated acquisition date fair value of the potential earn-outs. The earn-outs are based on revenue, as defined in the acquisition agreements, during various periods following the closings. The liabilities were valued using an income-based approach using unobservable inputs (Level 3) and reflect the Company’s own assumptions. The liabilities will be revalued at each balance sheet date with changes therein recorded in earnings. The fair values of the acquired assets totaling $767,000 were allocated to customer relationships, which are being amortized over seven years. Results of operations of the acquired businesses are included in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations from the respective dates of acquisition and were not material. In addition, based on materiality, pro forma results are not presented.

Contingent Consideration

Set below are changes in the carrying value of contingent consideration for the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 related to acquisitions:

Fair value of contingent consideration at September 30, 2017	$	311,000
Fair value of contingent consideration in connection with above acquisitions	580,000
Payments	(12,000		)
Change in fair value	10,000
Fair value of contingent consideration at March 31, 2018	$	889,000

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NOTE 8. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangibles consisted of the following at March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017: 

	March 31, 2018
Intangible asset	Cost		Accumulated Amortization		Carrying Value		Estimated Useful Life (years)
Customer relationships	$	7,585,000	$	3,111,000	$	4,474,000	3-10
Software license	45,000		4,000		41,000		3
Gilman brand name	710,000		—		710,000		Indefinite
	$	8,340,000	$	3,115,000	$	5,225,000

	September 30, 2017
Intangible asset	Cost		Accumulated Amortization		Carrying Value		Estimated Useful Life (years)
Customer relationships	$	6,818,000	$	2,685,000	$	4,133,000	3-10
Gilman brand name	710,000		—		710,000		Indefinite
	$	7,528,000	$	2,685,000	$	4,843,000

Amortization expense associated with intangible assets for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was $220,000 and $197,000, respectively.

Amortization expense associated with intangible assets for the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017 was $430,000 and $395,000, respectively.

The estimated future amortization expense of the finite lived intangible assets for the next five fiscal years and thereafter is as follows:   

Year ending September 30,
Six months ending September 30, 2018	$	440,000
2019	880,000
2020	810,000
2021	798,000
2022	741,000
Thereafter	846,000
Total	$	4,515,000

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NOTE 9. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER LIABILITIES

Accounts payable and accrued expenses as of March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017 consist of the following:

	March 31, 2018		September 30, 2017
Legal	$	615,000	$	877,000
Audit	299,000		176,000
Telecommunications	194,000		205,000
Data services	526,000		464,000
Regulatory	638,000		540,000
Settlements	1,703,000		2,403,000
Contingent consideration payable	889,000		311,000
Deferred rent	686,000		497,000
Other	2,903,000		3,242,000
Total	$	8,453,000	$	8,715,000

Other primarily consists of $580,000 for investment banking deal expense accruals, $697,000 for soft dollar accruals and $165,000 for sales tax accrual at March 31, 2018. Other primarily consists of $187,000 for investment banking deal expense accruals, $552,000 for soft dollar accruals, $482,000 for recruiting fee payable and $141,000 for sales tax accrual at September 30, 2017.

NOTE 10.PER SHARE DATA

Basic net (loss) income per share of common stock attributable to the Company is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted net (loss) income per share is computed on the basis of such weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding plus the dilutive effect of incremental shares of common stock potentially issuable under outstanding options, warrants and unvested restricted stock units utilizing the treasury stock method. A reconciliation of basic and diluted common shares used in the computation of per share data follows: 

	Three Month Period Ended March 31,		Six Month Period Ended March 31,
	2018	2017	2018	2017
Basic weighted-average shares	12,457,043	12,437,916	12,447,321	12,437,916
Effect of dilutive securities:
Options	—	—	—	279
Unvested restricted stock units	—	23,966	—	11,983
Diluted weighted-average shares	12,457,043	12,461,882	12,447,321	12,450,178

The following potential common share equivalents are not included in the above diluted computation because to do so would be anti-dilutive:  

	Three Month Period Ended March 31,		Six Month Period Ended March 31,
	2018	2017	2018	2017
Options	612,000	1,214,000	618,000	1,208,000
Warrants	12,437,916	12,459,474	12,437,916	6,240,516
Restricted stock units	291,082	—	184,410	—
Total	13,340,998	13,673,474	13,240,326	7,448,516

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NOTE 11.OFF BALANCE SHEET RISK AND CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK

The Company is engaged in trading and providing a broad range of securities brokerage and investment services to a diverse group of retail and institutional clientele, as well as corporate finance and investment banking services to corporations and businesses. Counterparties to the Company’s business activities include broker-dealers and clearing organizations, banks and other financial institutions. The Company uses clearing brokers to process transactions and maintain customer accounts for the Company on a fee basis. The Company permits the clearing firms to extend credit to its clientele secured by cash and securities in the client’s account. The Company’s exposure to credit risk associated with the non-performance by its customers and counterparties in fulfilling their contractual obligations can be directly impacted by volatile or illiquid trading markets, which may impair the ability of customers and counterparties to satisfy their obligations to the Company. The Company has agreed to indemnify the clearing brokers for losses they incur while extending credit to the Company’s clients. It is the Company’s policy to review, as necessary, the credit standing of its customers and counterparties. Amounts due from customers that are considered uncollectible by the clearing broker are charged back to the Company by the clearing broker when such amounts become determinable. Upon notification of a charge back, such amounts, in total or in part, are then either (i) collected from the customers, (ii) charged to the broker initiating the transaction and/or (iii) charged to operations, based on the particular facts and circumstances.

The Company maintains cash in bank deposits, which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced and does not expect to experience losses on such accounts.

A short sale involves the sale of a security that is not owned in the expectation of purchasing the same security (or a security exchangeable) at a later date at a lower price. A short sale involves the risk of a theoretically unlimited increase in the market price of the security that would result in a theoretically unlimited loss.

NOTE 12.NEW ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue From Contracts With Customers (Topic 606) which creates a single, principle-based model for revenue recognition and expands and improves disclosures about revenue. The new guidance is effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2018, and must be adopted using either a full retrospective approach for all periods presented in the period of adoption or a modified retrospective approach. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this standard on its financial statements which, (1) for investment banking advisory arrangements may change the timing of revenue recognition depending on the number and nature of the performance obligations identified, (2) for underwriting expenses and costs of advisory services and related reimbursement revenue may need to be recognized on a gross basis, and (3) for costs to obtain and fulfill a contract may need to be capitalized, amortized and reviewed regularly for impairment.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which supersedes the existing guidance for lease accounting, Leases (Topic 840). ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to recognize leases on their balance sheets, and leaves lessor accounting largely unchanged. The amendments in this ASU are effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2019 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted for all entities. ASU 2016-02 requires a modified retrospective approach for all leases existing at, or entered into after, the date of initial application, with an option to elect to use certain transition relief. The Company is currently assessing the impact that the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on its financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting”. ASU 2016-09 simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 was effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2017 for both interim and annual reporting periods. The adoption did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements. The Company had historically estimated the number of forfeitures as part of its share-based accounting and will continue to do so under the new guidance. No aspect of the guidance that requires retrospective adoption impacted the Company.

16

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments”. ASU 2016-15 reduces the diversity of how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows under Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows, and other Topics. The standard is effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2018 for both interim and annual periods. Early adoption is permitted. The ASU should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of ASU 2016-15 will have a material impact on its financial statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) - Restricted Cash”. ASU 2016-18 reduces the diversity in the presentation of restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement. The statement requires that restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents be included as components of total cash and cash equivalents as presented on the statement of cash flows. The standard is effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2018 for both interim and annual periods. Early adoption is permitted. The ASU should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company expects that it will present restricted cash as a component of total cash and cash equivalents on the statement of cash flow upon adoption.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business”. The amendments in this Update is to clarify the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The definition of a business affects many areas of accounting including acquisitions, disposals, goodwill, and consolidation. The standard is effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2018 for both interim and annual periods. The Company is currently assessing the impact that the adoption of ASU 2017-01 will have on its financial statements.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, “Scope of Modification Accounting”. This ASU clarifies when changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award must be accounted for as modifications. Under the new guidance, modification accounting is required only if the fair value, the vesting conditions, or the classification of the award (as equity or liability) changes as a result of the change in terms or conditions. The standard is effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2018 for both interim and annual periods. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact that the adoption of ASU 2017-09 will have on its financial statements.

In March 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-05, “Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118”. ASU 2018-05 formally amended ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”) for the guidance previously provided by SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”), which provides guidance for the application of ASC 740 in the reporting period in which the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Reform Act”) was signed into law. The Company adopted SAB 118 in the first quarter of the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018. Additional information regarding the accounting for income taxes for the Tax Reform Act is contained in Note 17, Income Taxes.

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NOTE 13.COMMITMENTS ANDCONTINGENCIES

Leases

The Company leases office space in various states expiring at various dates through October 2026, and as of March 31, 2018, is committed under operating leases for future minimum lease payments as follows:  

Fiscal Year Ending	Lease Payments		Less, Sublease Income		Net
Six months ending September 30, 2018	$	1,739,000	$	180,000	$	1,559,000
2019	2,785,000		30,000		2,755,000
2020	2,658,000		—		2,658,000
2021	2,293,000		—		2,293,000
2022	1,449,000		—		1,449,000
Thereafter	4,532,000		—		4,532,000
	$	15,456,000	$	210,000	$	15,246,000

The total amount of rent payable under the leases is recognized on a straight line basis over the term of the leases. Rental expense under all operating leases, excluding sublease income, for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was $1,051,000 and $930,000, respectively. Rental expense under all operating leases, excluding sublease income, for the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017 was $2,091,000 and $1,925,000, respectively. Sublease income under all operating subleases for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was approximately $(43,000) and $37,000, respectively. Sublease income under all operating subleases for the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017 was approximately $90,000 and $75,000, respectively. During the three and six months ended March 31, 2018, sublease income includes a charge of approximately $180,000 for sublease receivable deemed uncollectible.

As of March 31, 2018, the Company and its subsidiaries had three outstanding letters of credit, which have been issued in the maximum amount of $1,382,000 as security for property leases, and which are collateralized by the restricted cash as reflected in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

Litigation and Regulatory Matters

The Company and its subsidiaries are defendants or respondents in various pending and threatened arbitrations, administrative proceedings and lawsuits seeking compensatory damages. Several cases have no stated alleged damages. Claim amounts are infrequently indicative of the actual amounts the Company will be liable for, if any. Further, the Company has a history of collecting amounts awarded in these types of matters from its registered representatives that are still affiliated, as well as from those that are no longer affiliated. Many of these claimants also seek, in addition to compensatory damages, punitive or treble damages, and all seek interest, costs and fees. These matters arise in the normal course of business. The Company intends to vigorously defend itself in these actions, and the ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time.

Liabilities for potential losses from complaints, legal actions, government investigations and proceedings are established where the Company believes that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. In making these decisions, management bases its judgments on its knowledge of the situations, consultations with legal counsel and its historical experience in resolving similar matters. In many lawsuits, arbitrations and regulatory proceedings, it is not possible to determine whether a liability has been incurred or to estimate the amount of that liability until the matter is close to resolution. However, accruals are reviewed regularly and are adjusted to reflect the Company’s estimates of the impact of developments, rulings, advice of counsel and any other information pertinent to a particular matter. Because of the inherent difficulty in predicting the ultimate outcome of legal and regulatory actions, management cannot predict with certainty the eventual loss or range of loss related to such matters. At March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017, the Company accrued approximately $1,703,000 and $2,403,000, respectively. These amounts are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Amounts charged to operations for settlements and potential losses during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 were $414,000 and $989,000, respectively, and during the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company charged $660,000 and $995,000, respectively, to operations, which is included in other administrative expenses. The Company has included in "Professional fees" litigation and FINRA related expenses of $(10,000) and $254,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively and $341,000 and $799,000 for the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Chargebacks for litigation and FINRA related expenses recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2018 exceeded the expense recorded.

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NOTE 14. NET CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

National Securities is subject to the SEC's Uniform Net Capital Rule (Rule 15c3-1) (the "Rule"), which, among other things, requires the maintenance of minimum net capital. At March 31, 2018, National Securities had net capital of $11,905,586 which was $10,905,586 in excess of its required net capital of $1,000,000. National Securities is exempt from the provisions of the SEC's Rule 15c3-3 since it is an introducing broker-dealer that clears all transactions on a fully disclosed basis and promptly transmits all customer funds and securities to clearing brokers.

vFinance Investments is also subject to the Rule, which, among other things, requires the maintenance of minimum net capital and requires that the ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital, both as defined, shall not exceed 15 to 1. At March 31, 2018, vFinance Investments had net capital of $487,321 which was $237,321 in excess of its required net capital of $250,000. vFinance Investments' ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital was 0.3 to 1. vFinance Investments is exempt from the provisions of the SEC's Rule 15c3-3 since it is an introducing broker-dealer that clears all transactions on a fully disclosed basis and promptly transmits all customer funds and securities to clearing brokers. On February 23, 2018, vFinance Investments merged into National Securities in accordance to the agreement and plan merger between the two companies. See Note 2 for additional information.

Advances, dividend payments and other equity withdrawals from the Company's Broker-Dealer Subsidiaries are restricted by the regulations of the SEC, and other regulatory agencies. These regulatory restrictions may limit the amounts that a subsidiary may dividend or advance to the Company. 

NOTE 15. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Stock Options

Information with respect to stock option activity during the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 follows:

	Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted Average Grant- Date Fair Value Per Share		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual term (years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at September 30, 2017	1,206,000		$	6.54	$	1.21	2.29	$	—
Expired	(594,000	)	$	6.85	$	0.83
Outstanding at March 31, 2018	612,000		$	6.23	$	1.59	3.77	$	—
Vested and exercisable at March 31, 2018	612,000		$	6.23	$	1.59	3.77	$	—

As of September 30, 2016, all compensation expense associated with the grants of stock options had been recognized.

Warrants

The following table summarizes information about warrant activity during the six months endedMarch 31, 2018:

	Warrants		Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Outstanding at September 30, 2017	12,439,387		$	3.25	4.30
Forfeited or expired	(1,471	)	$	5.00
Outstanding and exercisable at March 31, 2018	12,437,916		$	3.25	3.81

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Restricted Stock Units

A summary of the Company's non-vested restricted stock units for the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 is as follows:

	Shares		Weighted Average Grant- Date Fair Value Per Share
Non-vested restricted stock units at September 30, 2017	1,250,000		$	2.44
Granted	416,524		4.72
Vested	(78,125	)	2.71
Forfeited	(25,000	)	2.55
Non-vested restricted stock units at March 31, 2018	1,563,399		$	3.03

In February 2018, the Company granted 363,558 restricted stock units ("RSU") to the board of directors of the Company and 52,966 restricted stock units to employees of the Company. The fair value of the RSU awards issued in February 2018 of $1,966,000 was estimated on the grant date using the Company’s stock price as of the grant date. The RSU awards vest upon the passage of time. Compensation with respect to RSU awards is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.

For the three and six months endedMarch 31, 2018, the Company recognized compensation expense of $418,000 and $676,000, respectively, related to RSUs. For the three and six months endedMarch 31, 2017, the Company recognized compensation expense of $183,000 related to RSUs. At March 31, 2018, unrecognized compensation with respect to RSUs amounted to $3,678,000, assuming all performance-based compensation will vest.

NOTE 16.  SHARE REPURCHASE

In August 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $2 million of the Company’s common stock. Share repurchases, if any, will be made using a variety of methods, which may include open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or block trades, or any combination of such methods, in accordance with applicable insider trading and other securities laws and regulations. The Company's Board did not stipulate an expiration date for this repurchase and the purchase decisions are at the discretion of the Company's management. During the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company did not repurchase any shares.

NOTE 17. INCOME TAXES

The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return and certain combined state and local income tax returns with its subsidiaries. Income taxes for the three and six month period ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 is based on the estimated annual effective tax rate. Each quarter the Company updates its estimate of the annual effective tax rate and records cumulative adjustments as necessary.

The effective tax rate for the three and six month period ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 differs from the federal statutory income tax rate principally due to non-deductible expenses, state and local income taxes and non-taxable changes in the fair value of warrant liability.

During the six month period ended March 31, 2018, the Company estimated its annual effective rate to reflect a change in the federal statutory rate from 34% to 21%, resulting from legislation enacted on December 22, 2017. The rate change is administered effective at the beginning of the Company's fiscal year, using a blended rate for the annual period of 24.28%. Additionally, the Company recognized a tax expense of approximately $2,200,000 during the six month period ended March 31, 2018 to adjust the Company's net deferred tax balance to reflect the new corporate tax rate. The accounting for the effects of the rate change on deferred tax balances is complete and no provisional amounts were recorded for this item.

20

At March 31, 2018, the Company's net deferred tax asset is principally comprised of net operating loss carryforwards. Management believes that is more likely than not that its deferred tax assets will be realized and, accordingly, has not provided a valuation allowance against such amount.

NOTE 18. SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company has two reportable segments. The brokerage and advisory services segment includes broker-dealer and investment advisory services, the sale of insurance products and licensed mortgage brokerage services provided by the Broker-Dealer Subsidiaries, NAM, National Insurance, Prime Financial and GC. The tax and accounting services segment includes tax preparation and accounting services provided by Gilman.

The Corporate pre-tax income (loss) consists of certain items that have not been allocated to reportable segments. 

Segment information for the three and six months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 is as follows: 

	Brokerage and Advisory Services		Tax and Accounting Services		Corporate				Total
Three Months Ended March 31,
2018
Revenues	$	56,478,000	$	3,868,000	$	—			$	60,346,000
Pre-tax income (loss)	3,668,000		1,940,000		(6,282,000		)	(a)	(674,000		)
Assets	51,638,000		4,635,000		9,660,000			(b)	65,933,000
Depreciation and amortization	181,000		63,000		135,000				379,000
Interest	2,000		—		—				2,000
Capital expenditures	5,000		—		—				5,000
2017
Revenues	$	48,740,000	$	3,144,000	$	—			$	51,884,000
Pre-tax income	3,470,000		1,099,000		1,041,000			(c)	5,610,000
Assets	46,834,000		3,538,000		12,629,000			(b)	63,001,000
Depreciation and amortization	154,000		45,000		87,000				286,000
Interest	4,000		—		—				4,000
Capital expenditures	8,000		16,000		166,000				190,000

	Brokerage and Advisory Services		Tax and Accounting Services		Corporate				Total
Six Months Ended March 31,
2018
Revenues	$	106,034,000	$	4,391,000	$	—			$	110,425,000
Pre-tax income (loss)	5,242,000		948,000		(12,631,000		)	(a)	(6,441,000		)
Assets	51,638,000		4,635,000		9,660,000			(b)	65,933,000
Depreciation and amortization	367,000		121,000		270,000				758,000
Interest	5,000		—		—				5,000
Capital expenditures	44,000		6,000		—				50,000
2017
Revenues	$	92,453,000	$	4,000,000	$	—			$	96,453,000
Pre-tax income	6,574,000		387,000		4,387,000			(c)	11,348,000
Assets	46,834,000		3,538,000		12,629,000			(b)	63,001,000
Depreciation and amortization	312,000		92,000		178,000				582,000
Interest	8,000		—		—				8,000
Capital expenditures	27,000		63,000		264,000				354,000

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(a) Consists of loss on the change in fair value of warrant liability and executive salaries and other expenses not allocated to reportable segments by management.

(b) Consists principally of deferred tax assets, cash, prepaid and fixed asset balances held at Corporate.

(c) Consists of gain on the change in fair value of warrant liability offset in part by executive salaries and other expenses not allocated to reportable segments by management.

NOTE 19. ACQUISITION OF CONTROLLING INTEREST IN THE COMPANY AND WARRANT LIABILITY

On September 12, 2016, FBIO Acquisition, Inc. (“FBIO Acquisition”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fortress, completed a tender offer (the “Offer”) for all outstanding shares of the Company at a price of $3.25 per share, net to the seller in cash (less any required withholding taxes and without interest) (the “Offer Price”), pursuant to the terms of an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of April 27, 2016 (as amended, the “Merger Agreement”) among the Company, Fortress and FBIO Acquisition. The Offer expired on September 9, 2016, and a total of 7,037,482 shares were validly tendered and not withdrawn (including shares delivered through notices of guaranteed delivery), representing approximately 56.6% of the Company's issued and outstanding shares of common stock immediately following the completion of the Offer (in each case, without giving effect to the issuance or exercise of the Dividend Warrants). On September 12, 2016, FBIO Acquisition accepted for payment all shares that were validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the expiration time of the Offer and delivered payment for such shares.

Dividend Warrants

In accordance with the Merger Agreement, since less than 80% of the Company's issued and outstanding shares of common stock were tendered, the Company remains a publicly-traded company and stockholders post-tender offer received from the Company a five year warrant per held share to purchase an additional share of the Company's common stock at $3.25 as a dividend to all holders of the Company's common stock.

As the Company did not have the ability to settle the warrants with unregistered shares and maintenance of an effective registration statement (which did not exist at September 30, 2016) was considered outside of the Company’s control, net cash settlement of the warrants was assumed. Accordingly, as the Company was obligated to issue the warrants at September 30, 2016, and subsequently issued the warrants in January 2017, the fair value of the 12,437,916 warrants was classified as a liability in the consolidated statement of financial condition at September 30, 2017. This liability was subject to re-measurement at each balance sheet date until the warrants were exercised or expired, and any change in fair value was recognized as “change in fair value of warrant liability” in the consolidated statements of operations. As the warrants were registered and the Company maintained an effective registration statement at March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017, fair value of the warrants was based on the market price. The (loss)/gain for the change in fair value of the warrants for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 amounted to $(5,597,000) and $1,773,000, respectively. The (loss)/gain for the change in fair value of the warrants for the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017 amounted to $(11,194,000) and $5,865,000, respectively.

Warrant Liability Reclassification

On March 15, 2018, the Company, Computershare Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Computershare”), and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., a federally chartered trust company (and together with Computershare, the “Warrant Agent”) agreed to amend and restate the terms of the form of warrant agreement dated December 13, 2016 (the “Original Agreement”).

The Amended and Restated Warrant Agreement (the “Amended Agreement”) explicitly provides that the Company shall not be required to pay cash if it cannot issue registered shares of common stock upon exercise of a warrant.

The Company is required to reassess its classification of each contract as of each reporting date. Reclassification of a contract classified as an asset or a liability is required if the contract begins to meet all the criteria for equity classification. If reclassification is required, the Company reclassifies the instrument as of the date of the event or change in circumstance that caused the reclassification at its then-current fair value. If a contract is reclassified from an asset or a liability to equity, gains and losses during the period the contract was classified as an asset or a liability are not reversed, and the adjustment to the contract’s current fair value is recognized in earnings before reclassification.

The Original Agreement required the issuance of registered shares upon exercise and since it did not expressly preclude an implied right to cash settlement, the agreement was accounted for as a derivative liability and the Company classified the derivative warrant liability on the consolidated statement of financial conditions as a liability.

22

Since the Amended Agreement expressly precludes cash settlement, the warrants meet the criteria for equity classification. Accordingly, the Company recorded the change in fair value of the warrants in earnings through March 15, 2018 before reclassification from liability to equity. The reclassification resulted in a credit to additional paid-in-capital of $16,791,000 during the six months endedMarch 31, 2018.

NOTE 20. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, Investment Banking revenues include approximately $3,633,000 and $5,916,000, respectively, of fees related to placement of securities for Fortress and subsidiaries of Fortress.

During the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017, Investment Banking revenues include approximately $4,931,000 and $8,581,000, respectively, of fees related to placement of securities for Fortress and subsidiaries of Fortress.

NOTE 21. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

The Company has entered into agreements to provide investment banking and advisory services to numerous entities that are

variable interest entities ("VIEs") under the accounting guidance. As the fee arrangements under such agreements are arm's-length and contain customary terms and conditions and represent compensation that is considered fair value for the services

provided, the fee arrangements are not considered variable interests and accordingly, the Company does not consolidate such VIEs. Fees attributable to such arrangements for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 were $2,074,000 and $4,908,000, respectively. Fees attributable to such arrangements for the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017 were $8,290,000 and $7,962,000, respectively.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. This Report may contain certain statements of a forward-looking nature relating to future events or future business performance. Any such statements that refer to our estimated or anticipated future results or other non-historical facts are forward-looking and reflect our current perspective of existing trends and information. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that cannot be predicted or quantified and, consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, risks and uncertainties detailed under the section titled "Risks Factors" of our Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2017. Any forward-looking statements contained in or incorporated into this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q speak only as of the date of this Report. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

OVERVIEW

We are engaged in independent brokerage and advisory services and asset management services, investment banking, equity research and institutional sales and trading, through our Broker-Dealer Subsidiaries, National Securities and vFinance Investments. We are committed to establishing a significant presence in the financial services industry by meeting the varying investment needs of our retail, corporate and institutional clients. Our wholly-owned subsidiary, NAM, is a federally-registered investment adviser that provides asset management advisory services to clients for a fee based upon a percentage of assets managed. We also provide tax preparation services through Gilman, which provides tax preparation services to individuals, predominantly in the middle and upper income tax brackets and accounting services to small and midsize companies.

Each of our Broker-Dealer Subsidiaries is subject to regulation by, among others, the SEC, FINRA and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board ("MSRB"), and are members of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation ("SIPC"). In addition, each of the Broker-Dealer Subsidiaries is licensed to conduct its brokerage activities in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Gilman is also subject to regulation by, among others, the Internal Revenue Service.

On February 23, 2018, vFinance Investments merged into National Securities in accordance to an agreement and plan of merger between the two companies. Assets and liabilities were transferred at carrying value. Operations conducted through vFinance Investments are now conducted through National Securities. In March 2018, vFinance Investments filed for withdrawal from registration with the SEC as a Broker-dealer.

As of March 31, 2018, we had approximately 1,056 associated personnel serving retail and institutional customers, trading and investment banking clients. In addition to our 28 Company offices located in New York, New Jersey, Florida, Texas and Washington, we had approximately 105 other registered offices, owned and operated by independent owners who maintain all appropriate licenses and are responsible for all office overhead and expenses.

Our registered representatives offer a broad range of investment products and services. These products and services allow us to generate both commissions (from transactions in securities and other investment products) and fee income (for providing investment advisory services, namely managing clients’ accounts). The investment products and services offered include but are not limited to stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities, insurance, and managed money accounts.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

Summary

Our second quarter ended March 31, 2018 resulted in 16%increase in revenues and 16%increase in operating expenses. The increase in revenues is primarily related to higher revenues in commissions, investment advisory and tax preparation and accounting. Investment banking showed a slight decrease when compared to prior year quarter but continues to generate high levels of revenue and profitability.

24

Revenues

Total revenues increased$8,462,000, or 16%, to $60,346,000, in the current quarter as compared to $51,884,000 recorded in the comparative period last year.

	Three Months Ended March 31,				Increase (Decrease)
	2018		2017		Amount			Percent
Commissions	$	31,407,000	$	23,993,000	$	7,414,000		31	%
Net dealer inventory gains	2,761,000		3,423,000		(662,000		)	(19	)
Investment banking	14,532,000		14,916,000		(384,000		)	(3	)
Investment advisory	5,197,000		3,700,000		1,497,000			40
Interest and dividends	601,000		675,000		(74,000		)	(11	)
Transaction fees and clearing services	1,777,000		1,687,000		90,000			5
Tax preparation and accounting	3,868,000		3,144,000		724,000			23
Other	203,000		346,000		(143,000		)	(41	)
Total Revenues	$	60,346,000	$	51,884,000	$	8,462,000		16	%

Commissions increased$7,414,000, or 31%, to $31,407,000 in the current quarter as compared to $23,993,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. The increase in retail commissions this quarter is due to new hires and continuing strong equity markets;

Net dealer inventory gains, decreased$662,000, or 19%, to $2,761,000 in the current quarter as compared to $3,423,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. We have reduced the number of trading silos within the Company to focus on servicing our retail and institutional clients. We expect this to result in improved margins within our trading business;

Investment banking fees decreased$384,000, or 3%, to $14,532,000 in the current quarter as compared to $14,916,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. While revenue declined slightly, the number and diversification of deals executed increased versus the prior year quarter;

Investment advisory fees increased$1,497,000, or 40%, to $5,197,000 in the current quarter as compared to $3,700,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. The increase is related to continuing strength in the equity markets;

Interest and dividend income decreased$74,000, or 11%, to $601,000 in the current quarter as compared to $675,000 recorded in the comparative period last year;

Transaction fees and clearing services increased$90,000, or 5%, to $1,777,000 in the current quarter as compared to $1,687,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. The increase is directly associated with the increase in commissions

revenue and is primarily due to higher number of retail transactions processed during the period;

Tax preparation and accounting fees increased$724,000, or 23%, to $3,868,000 in the current quarter as compared to $3,144,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. This increase is attributable to revenue generated by new business acquisitions, which resulted in an increase to our client base;

Other revenue decreased$143,000, or 41%, to $203,000 in the current quarter as compared to $346,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. This decrease is due to a decline in client participation in our fully paid stock lending program;

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Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses increased $7,471,000, or 16%, to $55,653,000 in the current quarter as compared to $48,182,000 recorded in the comparative period last year.

	Three Months Ended March 31,				Increase (Decrease)
	2018		2017		Amount			Percent
Commissions, compensation and fees	$	49,345,000	$	41,761,000	$	7,584,000		18	%
Clearing fees	578,000		618,000		(40,000		)	(6	)
Communications	813,000		682,000		131,000			19
Occupancy	1,141,000		937,000		204,000			22
License and registration	530,000		428,000		102,000			24
Professional fees	578,000		991,000		(413,000		)	(42	)
Interest	2,000		4,000		(2,000		)	(50	)
Depreciation and amortization	379,000		286,000		93,000			33
Other administrative expenses	2,287,000		2,475,000		(188,000		)	(8	)
Total Operating Expenses	$	55,653,000	$	48,182,000	$	7,471,000		16	%

Commissions, compensation, and fees increased$7,584,000, or 18%, to $49,345,000 in the current quarter as compared to $41,761,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. Commissions, compensation, and fees include expenses based on commission revenue earned, net dealer inventory gains and investment banking revenues, as well as compensation to our non-broker employees. The increase in commissions revenue was primarily responsible for the increase in this expense category. In addition, new strategic hires in technology and enterprise risk management and increases in benefits expenses also contributed to the increase;

Clearing fees decreased$40,000, or 6%, to $578,000 in the current quarter as compared to $618,000 recorded in the comparative period last year;

Communications expenses increased$131,000, or 19%, to $813,000 in the current quarter as compared to $682,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. This increase is attributable to costs related to the new customer relationship management system;

Occupancy expenses increased$204,000, or 22%, to $1,141,000 in the current quarter as compared to $937,000 recorded in the comparative period last year;

License and registration expense increased by $102,000, or 24%, to $530,000 in the current quarter as compared to $428,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. This increase is attributable to new licenses for software applications as the Company continues to invest in and implement technology enhancements;

Professional fees decreased by $413,000, or 42% to $578,000 in the current quarter as compared to $991,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. This decrease is related to a reduction in the use of outside providers and more work being handled by employees;

Interest expense decreased by $2,000, to $2,000 in the current quarter as compared to $4,000 recorded in the comparative period last year;

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased$93,000, or 33% to $379,000 in the current quarter as compared to $286,000 recorded in the comparative period last year; This increase is consistent with increases in leasehold improvements and amortization of development costs associated with a new system brought on-line in the fourth quarter of 2017;

Other administrative expenses decreased$188,000, or 8%, to $2,287,000 in the current quarter as compared to $2,475,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. This decrease is the result of a more normalized spending in the current quarter. The prior year period included higher provision for potential arbitration settlements and an increase in certain insurance costs;

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Six Months Ended March 31, 2018 Compared to Six Months Ended March 31, 2017

Summary

Our results for the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 produced a 14%increase in revenues and 16%increase in operating expenses. Investment banking revenues increased significantly with continued successful capital raises in conjunction with favorable market conditions. These revenues coupled with an 18% increase in commissions accounted for the majority of the increase.

The majority of the increase in operating expenses is related to the commission expense generated by the overall increase in revenues.

Revenues

Total revenues increased$13,972,000, or 14%, to $110,425,000 in the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 as compared to $96,453,000 recorded in the comparative period last year.

	Six Months Ended March 31,				Increase (Decrease)
	2018		2017		Amount			Percent
Commissions	$	57,025,000	$	48,499,000	$	8,526,000		18	%
Net dealer inventory gains	3,666,000		5,967,000		(2,301,000		)	(39	)
Investment banking	29,079,000		24,608,000		4,471,000			18
Investment advisory	10,529,000		7,086,000		3,443,000			49
Interest and dividends	1,232,000		1,391,000		(159,000		)	(11	)
Transaction fees and clearing services	4,074,000		4,185,000		(111,000		)	(3	)
Tax preparation and accounting	4,391,000		4,000,000		391,000			10
Other	429,000		717,000		(288,000		)	(40	)
Total Revenues	$	110,425,000	$	96,453,000	$	13,972,000		14	%

Commissions revenue increased$8,526,000, or 18%, to $57,025,000 in the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 as compared to $48,499,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. Commissions increased primarily due to favorable markets, focus on a diversified product base and additional new hires during the current year;

Net dealer inventory gains decreased$2,301,000, or 39%, to $3,666,000 in the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 as compared to $5,967,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. Given the difficult trading environment experienced during the past few years, we have reduced our trading silos to focus on servicing our retail and institutional clients;

Investment banking fees increased$4,471,000, or 18%, to $29,079,000 in the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 as compared to $24,608,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. The increase is related to high demand and execution of product offerings and a diverse group of issuers;

Investment advisory fees increased$3,443,000, or 49%, to $10,529,000 in the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 as compared to $7,086,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. This increase is related to stronger equity markets and higher levels of assets under management;

Interest and dividends decreased$159,000, or 11%, to $1,232,000 in the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 as compared to $1,391,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. This decrease is primarily attributable to lower customer margin and free cash balances;

Transaction fees and clearing services decreased$111,000, or 3%, to $4,074,000 in the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 as compared to $4,185,000 recorded in the comparative period last year;

Tax preparation and accounting fees increased$391,000, or 10%, to $4,391,000 in the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 as compared to $4,000,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. This increase is attributable to revenue generated by new business acquisitions;

27

Other revenue decreased$288,000, or 40%, to $429,000 in the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 from $717,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. This decrease is due to the a decline in client participation in our fully paid stock lending program;

Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses increased$14,803,000, or 16%, to $105,908,000 in the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 as compared to $91,105,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. The increase in total operating expenses is primarily due to the increase in commissions, investment banking and investment advisory revenues, which has a direct effect on compensation, variable fees and clearing costs.

	Six Months Ended March 31,				Increase (Decrease)
	2018		2017		Amount			Percent
Commissions, compensation and fees	$	92,906,000	$	79,020,000	$	13,886,000		18	%
Clearing fees	1,321,000		1,356,000		(35,000		)	(3	)
Communications	1,572,000		1,404,000		168,000			12
Occupancy	2,096,000		1,944,000		152,000			8
License and registration	1,167,000		832,000		335,000			40
Professional fees	1,970,000		2,254,000		(284,000		)	(13	)
Interest	5,000		8,000		(3,000		)	(38	)
Depreciation and amortization	758,000		582,000		176,000			30
Other administrative expenses	4,113,000		3,705,000		408,000			11
Total Operating Expenses	$	105,908,000	$	91,105,000	$	14,803,000		16	%

Commissions, compensation, and feesincreased$13,886,000, or18%, to$92,906,000in thesix months endedMarch 31, 2018as compared to$79,020,000recorded in the comparative period last year. Commissions, compensation, and feesincludeexpenses based on commission revenue, net dealer inventory gains, investment banking and investment advisory, as well as compensation to our non-broker employees. The increase in commissions expense is primarily due to higher revenues earned in both commissions and investment banking revenues. Strategic new hires and increases in benefits expenses also contributed to the increase;

Clearing fees decreased$35,000, or 3%, to $1,321,000 in the six months endedMarch 31, 2018, as compared to $1,356,000 recorded in the comparative period last year;

Communications expenses increased$168,000, or 12%, to $1,572,000 in the six months endedMarch 31, 2018, as compared to $1,404,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. This increase is attributable to costs related to the new customer relationship management system;

Occupancy expenses increased$152,000, or 8%, to $2,096,000 in the six months endedMarch 31, 2018, as compared to $1,944,000 recorded in the comparative period last year;

License and registration fees increased$335,000, or 40%, to $1,167,000 in the six months endedMarch 31, 2018, as compared to $832,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. This increase is attributable to new licenses for software applications as the company continues to invest in and implement technology enhancement;

Professional fees decreased$284,000, or 13%, to $1,970,000 in the six months endedMarch 31, 2018, as compared to $2,254,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. This decrease is related to a reduction in the use of outside providers and more work being handled by employees;

Interest expense decreased$3,000, or 38%, to $5,000 in the six months endedMarch 31, 2018, as compared to $8,000 recorded in the comparative period last year;

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased$176,000, or 30%, to $758,000 in the six months endedMarch 31, 2018, as compared to $582,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. The increase in leasehold improvements and amortization of development costs associated with a new system brought on-line in the fourth quarter of 2017 is generating this increase;

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Other administrative expenses increased$408,000, or 11%, to $4,113,000 in the six months endedMarch 31, 2018, as compared to $3,705,000 recorded in the comparative period last year. This increase is attributable to recruitment charges for new hires, stock based compensation for the board of directors and real estate taxes offset in part by a decrease in settlement provision.

NON-GAAP INFORMATION

Management considers earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, as adjusted, an important indicator in evaluating our business on a consistent basis across various periods. Due to the significance of non-recurring items, EBITDA, as adjusted, enables our board of directors and management to monitor and evaluate our business on a consistent basis. We use EBITDA, as adjusted, as a primary measure, among others, to analyze and evaluate financial and strategic planning decisions regarding future operating investments and potential acquisitions. We believe that EBITDA, as adjusted, eliminates items that are not part of our core operations, such as interest expense and amortization expense associated with intangible assets, or items that do not involve a cash outlay, such as stock-related compensation. EBITDA, as adjusted should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute for pre-tax income (loss), net income (loss) and cash flows from operating activities.

For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, EBITDA, as adjusted, was $5,872,000 and $4,341,000, respectively. The increase of $1,531,000, or 35% resulted primarily from the profit generated by the increase in commission and investment advisory revenue.

For the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017, EBITDA, as adjusted, was $6,502,000 and $6,488,000, respectively.

The following table presents a reconciliation of EBITDA, as adjusted, to net income (loss) as reported in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP:

	Three Months Ended March 31,						Six Months Ended March 31,
	2018			2017			2018			2017
Net (loss) income, as reported	$	(2,252,000	)	$	3,874,000		$	(10,292,000	)	$	8,934,000
Interest expense	2,000			4,000			5,000			8,000
Income taxes	1,578,000			1,736,000			3,851,000			2,414,000
Depreciation	159,000			89,000			328,000			187,000
Amortization	220,000			197,000			430,000			395,000
EBITDA	(293,000		)	5,900,000			(5,678,000		)	11,938,000
Non-cash compensation expense	418,000			183,000			676,000			183,000
Change in fair value of warrant liability	5,597,000			(1,773,000		)	11,194,000			(5,865,000		)
Forgivable loan amortization	150,000			161,000			310,000			362,000
Gain on disposal of Gilman branches	$	—		$	(130,000	)	$	—		$	(130,000	)
EBITDA, as adjusted	$	5,872,000		$	4,341,000		$	6,502,000		$	6,488,000

EBITDA, adjusted for forgivable loan amortization, non-cash compensation expense and other non-recurring items, is a key metric we use in evaluating our business. EBITDA is considered a non-GAAP financial measure as defined by Regulation G, promulgated by the SEC.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

	Ending Balance at March 31,				Average Balance during first six months of
	2018		2017		2018		2017
Cash	$	27,211,000	$	24,344,000	$	25,013,000	$	22,738,000
Receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations	2,709,000		2,813,000		2,934,000		3,010,000
Securities owned (excludes warrants)	2,261,000		3,406,000		2,430,000		2,323,000
Accrued commissions and payroll payable, accounts payable and accrued expenses	19,105,000		18,736,000		19,125,000		17,749,000

We maintain a relatively high level of liquidity on our balance sheet. At both March 31, 2018 and 2017, 49% of our total assets consisted of cash, securities owned and receivables from clearing brokers and other broker-dealers. The level of cash used in each asset class is subject to fluctuation based on market volatility, revenue production and trading activity in the marketplace.

National Securities is subject to the Securities and Exchange Commission Uniform Net Capital Rule (Rule 15c3-1) (the Rule), which, among other things, requires the maintenance of minimum net capital. At March 31, 2018, National Securities had net capital of $11,905,586 which was $10,905,586 in excess of its required net capital of $1,000,000. National Securities is exempt from the provisions of the SEC's Rule 15c3-3 since it is an introducing broker-dealer that clears all transactions on a fully disclosed basis and promptly transmits all customer funds and securities to clearing brokers.

vFinance Investments is also subject to the Rule, which, among other things, requires the maintenance of minimum net capital and requires that the ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital, both as defined, shall not exceed 15 to 1. At March 31, 2018, vFinance Investments had net capital of $487,321 which was $237,321 in excess of its required net capital of $250,000. vFinance Investments percentage of aggregate indebtedness to net capital was 0.3 to 1. vFinance Investments is exempt from the provisions of the SEC's Rule 15c3-3 since it is an introducing broker-dealer that clears all transactions on a fully disclosed basis and promptly transmits all customer funds and securities to clearing brokers.

Advances, dividend payments and other equity withdrawals from its Broker-Dealer Subsidiaries are restricted by the regulations of the SEC, and other regulatory agencies. These regulatory restrictions may limit the amounts that a subsidiary may dividend or advance to the Company.

During the first six months of fiscal 2018 and 2017, the Broker-Dealer Subsidiaries were in compliance with the rules governing dividend payments and other equity withdrawals.

The Company extends unsecured credit in the normal course of business to its brokers. The determination of the appropriate amount of the reserve for uncollectible accounts is based upon a review of the amount of credit extended, the length of time each receivable has been outstanding, and the specific individual brokers from whom the receivables are due.

We do not have any material commitments for capital expenditures. We routinely purchase computer equipment and technology to maintain or enhance the productivity of our employees and such capital expenditures amounted to $50,000 and $354,000 during the first six months of fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively.

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Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended March 31, 2018 and 2017

	Six months ended March 31,
	2018			2017
Cash flows from operating activities
Net (loss) income	$	(10,292,000	)	$	8,934,000
Non-cash adjustments
Change in fair value of warrant liability	11,194,000			(5,865,000		)
Depreciation and amortization	758,000			582,000
Stock based compensation	676,000			183,000
Deferred tax expense	2,413,000			714,000
Other	154,000			(114,000		)
Changes in assets and liabilities
Receivables from clearing organizations, broker-dealers and others	(1,005,000		)	693,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses and other liabilities	(288,000		)	(720,000		)
Prepaid expenses	809,000			(149,000		)
Other	(399,000		)	(1,285,000		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	4,020,000			2,973,000
Cash flows from investing and financing activities
Acquisition of businesses	(187,000		)	(19,000		)
Acquisition of intangible assets	(45,000		)	—
Purchase of fixed assets	(50,000		)	(312,000		)
Collection on notes receivable	47,000			8,000
Repurchase of common stock for tax withholding	(82,000		)	—
Net cash used in investing and financing activities	(317,000		)	(323,000		)
Net increase in cash	$	3,703,000		$	2,650,000

Net cash provided by operating activities increased$1,047,000 for the six months endedMarch 31, 2018, compared to the six months endedMarch 31, 2017. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to higher operating revenues collected for the six months endedMarch 31, 2018.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

31

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market Risk

Our primary market risk arises from the fact that we engage in proprietary trading and make dealer markets in equity securities. Accordingly, we may be required to maintain certain amounts of inventories in order to facilitate customer order flow. We may incur losses as a result of price movements in these inventories due to changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, equity prices and other political factors. We are not subject to direct market risk due to changes in foreign exchange rates. However, we are subject to market risk as a result of changes in interest rates and equity prices, which are affected by global economic conditions. We manage our exposure to market risk by limiting our net long or short positions. Trading and inventory accounts are monitored daily by management and we have instituted position limits.

Credit risk represents the amount of accounting loss we could incur if counterparties to our proprietary transactions fail to perform and the value of any collateral proves inadequate. Although credit risk relating to various financing activities is reduced by the industry practice of obtaining and maintaining collateral, we maintain more stringent requirements to further reduce our exposure. We monitor our exposure to counterparty risk on a daily basis by using credit exposure information and monitoring collateral values. We maintain a credit committee, which reviews margin requirements for large or concentrated accounts and sets higher requirements or requires a reduction of either the level of margin debt or investment in high-risk securities or, in some cases, requiring the transfer of the account to another broker-dealer.

We monitor our market and credit risks daily through internal control procedures designed to identify and evaluate the various risks to which we are exposed. There can be no assurance, however, that our risk management procedures and internal controls will prevent losses from occurring as a result of such risks.

The following table shows the fair values of our securities owned and securities sold, but not yet purchased as of March 31, 2018:  

	Securities owned		Securities sold, but not yet purchased
Corporate stocks	$	32,000	$	2,000
Corporate debt	—		6,000
Municipal bonds	1,183,000		—
Restricted stock	1,046,000		—
Warrants	5,215,000		—
Total	$	7,476,000	$	8,000

Operational Risk

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

32

Risk Management

We have established various committees of the Board of Directors to manage the risks associated with our business. Our Audit Committee was established for the primary purpose of overseeing (i) the integrity of our unaudited and audited consolidated financial statements, (ii) our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements that may impact our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements or financial operations, (iii) the independent auditor’s qualifications and independence and (iv) the performance of our independent auditor and internal audit function.

In addition, we have written policies and procedures that govern the conduct of business by our employees and our relationship with our clients. Our client policies address the extension of credit for client accounts, data and physical security, compliance with industry regulation and codes of ethics to govern employee conduct among other matters.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.

Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), are recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act, is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.

Based on our evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) required by the Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b), our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were adequate and effective to ensure that material information relating to us and our consolidated subsidiaries would be made known to them by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q was being prepared.

Changes in internal controls.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2018, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

33

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We and our subsidiaries are defendants or respondents in various pending and threatened arbitrations, administrative proceedings and lawsuits seeking compensatory damages. Several cases have no stated alleged damages. Claim amounts are infrequently indicative of the actual amounts we will be liable for, if any. Further, we have a history of collecting amounts awarded in these types of matters from our registered representatives that are still affiliated, as well as from those that are no longer affiliated. Many of these claimants also seek, in addition to compensatory damages, punitive or treble damages, and all seek interest, costs and fees. These matters arise in the normal course of business. We intend to vigorously defend our company in these actions, and the ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time.



Liabilities for potential losses from complaints, legal actions, government investigations and proceedings are established where management believes that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. In making these decisions, management bases its judgments on its knowledge of the situations, consultations with legal counsel and its historical experience in resolving similar matters. In many lawsuits, arbitrations and regulatory proceedings, it is not possible to determine whether a liability has been incurred or to estimate the amount of that liability until the matter is close to resolution. However, accruals are reviewed regularly and are adjusted to reflect management’s estimates of the impact of developments, rulings, advice of counsel and any other information pertinent to a particular matter. Because of the inherent difficulty in predicting the ultimate outcome of legal and regulatory actions, management cannot predict with certainty the eventual loss or range of loss related to such matters. As of March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017, the Company accrued approximately $1,703,000 and $2,403,000, respectively. These amounts are included in accounts payable and other accrued expenses in the statements of financial condition. Awards ultimately paid, if any, may be covered by our errors and omissions insurance policy. While we will vigorously defend our company in these matters, and will assert insurance coverage and indemnification to the maximum extent possible, there can be no assurance that such matters will not have a material adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There are no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

In August 2015, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $2 million of our common stock. Share repurchases, if any, could be made using a variety of methods, which may include open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or block trades, or any combination of such methods, in accordance with applicable insider trading and other securities laws and regulations. The Board of Directors did not stipulate an expiration date for this repurchase and the purchase decisions are at the discretion of our management. There were no share repurchases during the six months endedMarch 31, 2018.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY

Not applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

34

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

31.1	Principal Executive Officer’s Certificate pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2	Principal Financial Officer’s Certificate pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1	Principal Executive Officer’s Certificate pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2	Principal Financial Officer’s Certificate pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS**	XBRL Instance
101.SCH**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation
101.DEF**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition
101.LAB**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels
101.PRE**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation
** XBRL	information is furnished and not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.

35

SIGNATURES

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

NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

May 15, 2018	By:	/s/ Michael Mullen
		Michael Mullen
		Chief Executive Officer
		(Principal Executive Officer)
May 15, 2018	By:	/s/ Glenn C. Worman
		Glenn C. Worman
		Chief Financial Officer
		(Principal Financial Officer)

36

EXHIBIT INDEX

31.1	Principal Executive Officer’s Certificate pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2	Principal Financial Officer’s Certificate pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1	Principal Executive Officer’s Certificate pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2	Principal Financial Officer’s Certificate pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS**	XBRL Instance
101.SCH**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation
101.DEF**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition
101.LAB**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels
101.PRE**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation
** XBRL	information is furnished and not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.

37

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Michael Mullen, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of National Holdings Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting;

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ Michael Mullen

Michael Mullen, Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

May 15, 2018

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Glenn C. Worman, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of National Holdings Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting;

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ Glenn C. Worman

Glenn C. Worman, Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

May 15, 2018

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of National Holdings Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2018 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Michael Mullen, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Michael Mullen

Michael Mullen

Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

May 15, 2018

EX-32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of National Holdings Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2018 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Glenn C. Worman, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Glenn C. Worman

Glenn C. Worman, Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

May 15, 2018

XML

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	May 03, 2018
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORP
Trading Symbol	NHLD
Entity Central Index Key	0001023844
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		12,490,524

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
ASSETS
Cash	$ 27,211	$ 23,508
Restricted cash	1,383	1,381
Cash deposits with clearing organizations	836	1,041
Securities owned, at fair value	7,476	7,102
Receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations	2,709	2,850
Forgivable loans receivable	1,598	1,616
Other receivables, net	6,033	5,180
Prepaid expenses	1,681	2,490
Fixed assets, net	2,119	2,397
Intangible assets, net	5,225	4,843
Goodwill	5,217	5,217
Deferred tax asset, net	4,007	6,420
Other assets, principally refundable deposits	438	353
Total Assets	65,933	64,398
Liabilities
Securities sold, but not yet purchased, at fair value	8	151
Accrued commissions and payroll payable	10,652	10,065
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	8,453	8,715
Deferred clearing and marketing credits	681	786
Warrants issued (Note 19)	0	5,597
Other	158	181
Total Liabilities	19,952	25,495
Stockholders’ Equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; none outstanding	0	0
Common stock $0.02 par value, authorized 75,000,000 shares at March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017; 12,489,501 and 12,437,916 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively	249	248
Additional paid-in-capital	84,339	66,955
Accumulated deficit	(38,607)	(28,315)
Total National Holdings Corporation Stockholders’ Equity	45,981	38,888
Non-Controlling interest	0	15
Total Stockholders’ Equity	45,981	38,903
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$ 65,933	$ 64,398

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.02	$ 0.02
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	75,000,000	75,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	12,489,501	12,437,916
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	12,489,501	12,437,916

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Revenues
Commissions	$ 31,407	$ 23,993	$ 57,025	$ 48,499
Net dealer inventory gains	2,761	3,423	3,666	5,967
Investment banking	14,532	14,916	29,079	24,608
Investment advisory	5,197	3,700	10,529	7,086
Interest and dividends	601	675	1,232	1,391
Transaction fees and clearing services	1,777	1,687	4,074	4,185
Tax preparation and accounting	3,868	3,144	4,391	4,000
Other	203	346	429	717
Total Revenues	60,346	51,884	110,425	96,453
Operating Expenses
Commissions, compensation and fees	49,345	41,761	92,906	79,020
Clearing fees	578	618	1,321	1,356
Communications	813	682	1,572	1,404
Occupancy	1,141	937	2,096	1,944
License and registration	530	428	1,167	832
Professional fees	578	991	1,970	2,254
Interest	2	4	5	8
Depreciation and amortization	379	286	758	582
Other administrative expenses	2,287	2,475	4,113	3,705
Total Operating Expenses	55,653	48,182	105,908	91,105
Income before Other (Expense) Income and Income Taxes	4,693	3,702	4,517	5,348
Other (Expense) Income
Gain on disposal of Gilman branches	0	130	0	130
Change in fair value of warrant liability	(5,597)	1,773	(11,194)	5,865
Other income	230	5	236	5
Total Other (Expense) Income	(5,367)	1,908	(10,958)	6,000
(Loss) Income before Income Taxes	(674)	5,610	(6,441)	11,348
Income tax expense	1,578	1,736	3,851	2,414
Net (Loss) Income	$ (2,252)	$ 3,874	$ (10,292)	$ 8,934
Net (loss) income per share - Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.18)	$ 0.31	$ (0.83)	$ 0.72
Net (loss) income per share - Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.18)	$ 0.31	$ (0.83)	$ 0.72
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - Basic (in shares)	12,457,043	12,437,916	12,447,321	12,437,916
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - Diluted (in shares)	12,457,043	12,461,882	12,447,321	12,450,178

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) - 6 months ended Mar. 31, 2018 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in- Capital	Accumulated Deficit	Non-Controlling Interest
Beginning balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2017		12,437,916
Beginning balance at Sep. 30, 2017	$ 38,903	$ 248	$ 66,955	$ (28,315)	$ 15
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation for restricted stock units	676		676
Issuance of shares of common stock with respect to vested restricted stock units, net of 26,540 shares valued at $82,000 tendered for tax withholding (in shares)		51,585
Issuance of shares of common stock with respect to vested restricted stock units, net of 26,540 shares valued at $82,000 tendered for tax withholding	(82)	$ 1	(83)
Warrant liability reclassification ( See Note 19)	16,791
Deconsolidation of subsidiary	(15)				(15)
Net loss	(10,292)			(10,292)
Ending balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2018		12,489,501
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2018	$ 45,981	$ 249	$ 84,339	$ (38,607)	$ 0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Shares tendered for tax withholding (in shares)	26,540
Value of shares tendered for tax withholding	$ 82

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net (loss) income	$ (10,292)	$ 8,934
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities
Change in fair value of warrant liability	11,194	(5,865)
Depreciation and amortization	758	582
Amortization of forgivable loans to registered representatives	310	362
Stock-based compensation	676	183
Recovery for doubtful accounts	(46)	(256)
Amortization of deferred clearing credit	(105)	(104)
Increase in fair value of contingent consideration payable	10	14
Deferred tax expense	2,413	714
Gain on disposal of Gilman branches	0	(130)
Gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary	(15)	0
Changes in assets and liabilities
Restricted cash	(2)	0
Cash deposits with clearing organizations	205	(10)
Securities owned, at fair value	(374)	(1,049)
Receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations	141	544
Forgivable loans receivable	(292)	(47)
Other receivables, net	(854)	196
Prepaid expenses	809	(149)
Other assets, principally refundable deposits	(85)	(5)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	(288)	(720)
Securities sold, but not yet purchased, at fair value	(143)	(221)
Net cash provided by operating activities	4,020	2,973
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Acquisition of businesses	(187)	(19)
Acquisition of intangible assets	(45)	0
Purchase of fixed assets	(50)	(312)
Collection on notes receivable	47	8
Net cash used in investing activities	(235)	(323)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Repurchase of common stock for tax withholding	(82)	0
Net cash used in financing activities	(82)	0
NET INCREASE IN CASH	3,703	2,650
CASH BALANCE
Beginning of the period	23,508	21,694
End of the period	27,211	24,344
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	5	8
Income taxes	630	576
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Fixed assets (acquired but not paid)	0	42
Business acquired:
Identifiable intangible assets acquired	767	211
Contingent consideration payable	(580)	(192)
Sale of Gilman branches:
Notes receivable (included in other receivables)	0	638
Disposal of goodwill	0	(305)
Disposal of intangible assets, net	0	(203)
Reclassification of warrant liability from debt to equity	$ 16,791	$ 0

XML

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company, have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial statements and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and disclosures required for annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The condensed consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2018 and for the three and six months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 are unaudited. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the respective fiscal years. The consolidated statement of financial condition at September 30, 2017 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statement presentation. The accompanying consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 for additional disclosures and accounting policies.

Certain items in the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the fiscal 2017 period have been reclassified to conform to the presentation in the fiscal 2018 period. Such reclassifications did not have a material impact on the presentation of the overall financial statements.

XML

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

National Holdings Corporation (“National” or the “Company”), a Delaware corporation organized in 1996, operates through its wholly owned subsidiaries which principally provide financial services. Through its broker-dealer and investment advisory subsidiaries, the Company (1) offers full service retail brokerage and investment advisory services to individual, corporate and institutional clients, (2) provides investment banking, merger, acquisition and advisory services to micro, small and mid-cap high growth companies, (3) engages in trading securities, including making markets in micro and small-cap, NASDAQ and other exchange listed stocks and (4) provides liquidity in the United States Treasury marketplace. Broker-dealer subsidiaries consist of National Securities Corporation (“National Securities” or “NSC”) and vFinance Investments, Inc. (“vFinance Investments”) (collectively, the “Broker-Dealer Subsidiaries”). The Broker-Dealer Subsidiaries conduct a national securities brokerage business through their main offices in New York City, New York, Boca Raton, Florida, and Seattle, Washington. Broker-dealer subsidiaries are introducing brokers and clear all transactions through clearing organizations, on a fully disclosed basis. The Broker-Dealer Subsidiaries are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and the Commodities and Futures Trading Commission, and are members of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA") and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation.

The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, National Asset Management, Inc. ("NAM"), is a federally-registered investment adviser providing asset management advisory services to retail clients for a fee based upon a percentage of assets managed.

The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, National Insurance Corporation ("National Insurance") and Prime Financial Services ("Prime Financial"), provide fixed insurance products to their clients, including life insurance, disability insurance, long term care insurance and fixed annuities.

The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Gilman Ciocia, Inc. ("Gilman"), provides tax preparation and accounting services to individuals and small to midsize companies.

The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, GC Capital Corporation ("GC"), provides licensed mortgage brokerage services in New York and Florida.

On September 9, 2016, a subsidiary of Fortress Biotech, Inc. (“Fortress”), acquired a controlling interest in the Company. See Note 19.

On February 23, 2018, vFinance Investments merged into NSC in accordance to an agreement and plan of merger between the two companies. Assets and liabilities were transferred at carrying value. Operations conducted through vFinance are now conducted through NSC. In March 2018, vFinance filed for withdrawal from registration with the SEC as a Broker-dealer.

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RECEIVEABLES FROM BROKER-DEALERS AND CLEARING ORGANIZATIONS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Brokers and Dealers [Abstract]

RECEIVEABLES FROM BROKER-DEALERS AND CLEARING ORGANIZATIONS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

RECEIVABLES FROM BROKER-DEALERS AND CLEARING ORGANIZATIONS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

At March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017, the receivables of $2,709,000 and $2,850,000, respectively, from broker-dealers and clearing organizations represent net amounts due for fees and commissions associated with the Company’s retail brokerage business as well as asset based fee revenues associated with the Company’s Investment advisory business.

Other receivables at March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017 consist of the following:

	March 31,			September 30,
	2018			2017
Trailing fees	$	1,138,000		$	1,156,000
Accounts receivable for tax and accounting services	1,015,000			698,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts - tax and accounting services	(210,000		)	(390,000		)
Advances to registered representatives	808,000			881,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts - advances to registered representatives	(288,000		)	(154,000		)
Investment banking receivable	1,373,000			1,086,000
Advisory fees	478,000			510,000
Notes receivable	631,000			676,000
Other	1,088,000			717,000
Total	$	6,033,000		$	5,180,000

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FORGIVABLE LOANS RECEIVABLE

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Schedule of Investments [Abstract]

FORGIVABLE LOANS RECEIVABLE

FORGIVABLE LOANS RECEIVABLE

From time to time, the Company's operating subsidiaries may make loans, evidenced by promissory notes, primarily to newly recruited independent financial advisors as an incentive for their affiliation. The notes receivable balance is comprised of unsecured non-interest-bearing and interest-bearing loans (weighted average interest rate of 4%). These notes have various schedules for repayment or forgiveness based on production or retention requirements being met and mature at various dates through 2023. Forgiveness of loans amounted to $310,000 and $362,000 for the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and the related compensation was included in commissions, compensation and fees in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. In the event the advisor’s affiliation with the subsidiary terminates, the advisor is required to repay the unamortized balance of any notes payable.

The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts on the notes based on historical collection experience and continually evaluates the receivables for collectability and possible write-offs where a loss is deemed probable. As of March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017, no allowance for doubtful accounts was required.

Forgivable loan activity for the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 is as follows:

Balance, September 30, 2017	$	1,616,000
Additions	292,000
Amortization	(310,000		)
Balance, March 31, 2018	$	1,598,000

There were no unamortized loans outstanding at March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017 attributable to registered representatives who ended their affiliation with the Broker-Dealer Subsidiaries prior to the fulfillment of their obligation.

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FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Schedule of Investments [Abstract]

FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Authoritative accounting guidance defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and establishes a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market. Valuation techniques that are consistent with the market or income approach are used to measure fair value.

The fair value hierarchy ranks the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable, either directly or indirectly, and reasonably available. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability and are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company.

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs which reflect the assumptions that the Company develops based on available information about what market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability.

The following tables present the carrying values and estimated fair values at March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017 of financial assets and liabilities, excluding financial instruments that are carried at fair value on a recurring basis, and information is provided on their classification within the fair value hierarchy. Such instruments are carried at amounts that approximate fair value due to their short-term nature and generally negligible credit risk.

	March 31, 2018
Assets	Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Total Estimated Fair Value
Cash	$	27,211,000	$	27,211,000	$	—	$	27,211,000
Cash deposits with clearing organizations	836,000		836,000		—		836,000
Receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations	2,709,000		—		2,709,000		2,709,000
Forgivable loans receivable	1,598,000		—		1,598,000		1,598,000
Other Receivables, net	6,033,000		—		6,033,000		6,033,000
	$	38,387,000	$	28,047,000	$	10,340,000	$	38,387,000
Liabilities
Accrued commissions and payroll payable	$	10,652,000	$	—	$	10,652,000	$	10,652,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (1)	7,564,000		—		7,564,000		7,564,000
	$	18,216,000	$	—	$	18,216,000	$	18,216,000

(1)    Excludes contingent consideration liabilities of $889,000.

	September 30, 2017
Assets	Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Total Estimated Fair Value
Cash	$	23,508,000	$	23,508,000	$	—	$	23,508,000
Cash deposits with clearing organizations	1,041,000		1,041,000		—		1,041,000
Receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations	2,850,000		—		2,850,000		2,850,000
Forgivable loans receivable	1,616,000		—		1,616,000		1,616,000
Other Receivables, net	5,180,000		—		5,180,000		5,180,000
	$	34,195,000	$	24,549,000	$	9,646,000	$	34,195,000
Liabilities
Accrued commissions and payroll payable	$	10,065,000	$	—	$	10,065,000	$	10,065,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (1)	8,404,000		—		8,404,000		8,404,000
	$	18,469,000	$	—	$	18,469,000	$	18,469,000

(1)    Excludes contingent consideration liabilities of $311,000.

The following tables present the financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017:

	March 31, 2018
Assets	Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
Securities owned:
Corporate stocks	$	32,000	$	32,000	$	—	$	—	$	32,000
Municipal bonds	1,183,000		1,183,000		—		—		1,183,000
Restricted stock	1,046,000		—		1,046,000		—		1,046,000
Warrants	5,215,000		—		5,215,000		—		5,215,000
	$	7,476,000	$	1,215,000	$	6,261,000	$	—	$	7,476,000
Liabilities
Contingent consideration	$	889,000	$	—	$	—	$	889,000	$	889,000
Warrants issued	—		—		—		—		—
Securities sold, but not yet purchased:
Corporate stocks	2,000		2,000		—		—		2,000
Corporate debt	6,000		6,000		—		—		6,000
	$	897,000	$	8,000	$	—	$	889,000	$	897,000

	September 30, 2017
Assets	Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
Securities owned:
Corporate stocks	$	116,000	$	116,000	$	—	$	—	$	116,000
Municipal bonds	1,239,000		1,239,000		—		—		1,239,000
Restricted stock	82,000		—		82,000		—		82,000
Warrants	5,665,000		—		5,665,000		—		5,665,000
	$	7,102,000	$	1,355,000	$	5,747,000	$	—	$	7,102,000
Liabilities
Contingent consideration	$	311,000	$	—	$	—	$	311,000	$	311,000
Warrants issued	5,597,000		—		5,597,000		—		5,597,000
Securities sold, but not yet purchased:
Municipal bonds	151,000		151,000		—		—		151,000
	$	6,059,000	$	151,000	$	5,597,000	$	311,000	$	6,059,000

Certain positions in common stock and warrants were received as compensation for investment banking services. Restricted common stock and warrants may be freely traded only upon the effectiveness of a registration statement covering them or upon the satisfaction of the requirements of Rule 144, including the requisite holding period. The unrealized (loss)/gain for the change in fair value of such positions for the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017 amounted to approximately $(556,000) and $69,000, respectively, which is included in net dealer inventory gains.

Warrants are carried at fair value as determined by using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. This model takes into account the underlying securities current market values, the underlying securities market volatility, the terms of the warrants, exercise prices, and risk-free return rate. The market value of the underlying securities’ market value is discounted based on the value of a protective put, which reduces the current market price used as an input into the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

Debt securities are valued based on recently executed transactions.

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FIXED ASSETS

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

FIXED ASSETS

FIXED ASSETS

Fixed assets as of March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017 consist of the following: 

	March 31, 2018			September 30, 2017			Estimated Useful Lives
Equipment and software	$	1,780,000		$	1,742,000		5
Furniture and fixtures	389,000			382,000			5
Leasehold improvements	1,405,000			1,400,000			Lesser of useful life or term of lease
Capital leases (primarily composed of computer equipment)	739,000			739,000			5
	4,313,000			4,263,000
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(2,194,000		)	(1,866,000		)
Fixed assets – net	$	2,119,000		$	2,397,000

Depreciation expense associated with fixed assets for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was $159,000 and $89,000, respectively.

Depreciation expense associated with fixed assets for the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017 was $328,000 and $187,000, respectively.

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BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND CONTINGENT CONSIDERATION

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Business Combinations [Abstract]

BUSINESS COMBINATION AND CONTINGENT CONSIDERATION

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND CONTINGENT CONSIDERATION

Business Combination

In October, November 2017 and March 2018, Gilman acquired certain assets of five tax preparation and accounting businesses that were deemed to be business acquisitions. The consideration for the transactions consisted of cash payments at closing totaling $187,000 and contingent consideration payables in cash having a fair value of $580,000, for which liabilities (included in Accounts payable and accrued expenses) were recognized based on the estimated acquisition date fair value of the potential earn-outs. The earn-outs are based on revenue, as defined in the acquisition agreements, during various periods following the closings. The liabilities were valued using an income-based approach using unobservable inputs (Level 3) and reflect the Company’s own assumptions. The liabilities will be revalued at each balance sheet date with changes therein recorded in earnings. The fair values of the acquired assets totaling $767,000 were allocated to customer relationships, which are being amortized over seven years. Results of operations of the acquired businesses are included in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations from the respective dates of acquisition and were not material. In addition, based on materiality, pro forma results are not presented.

Contingent Consideration

Set below are changes in the carrying value of contingent consideration for the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 related to acquisitions:

Fair value of contingent consideration at September 30, 2017	$	311,000
Fair value of contingent consideration in connection with above acquisitions	580,000
Payments	(12,000		)
Change in fair value	10,000
Fair value of contingent consideration at March 31, 2018	$	889,000

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INTANGIBLE ASSETS

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangibles consisted of the following at March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017: 

	March 31, 2018
Intangible asset	Cost		Accumulated Amortization		Carrying Value		Estimated Useful Life (years)
Customer relationships	$	7,585,000	$	3,111,000	$	4,474,000	3-10
Software license	45,000		4,000		41,000		3
Gilman brand name	710,000		—		710,000		Indefinite
	$	8,340,000	$	3,115,000	$	5,225,000

	September 30, 2017
Intangible asset	Cost		Accumulated Amortization		Carrying Value		Estimated Useful Life (years)
Customer relationships	$	6,818,000	$	2,685,000	$	4,133,000	3-10
Gilman brand name	710,000		—		710,000		Indefinite
	$	7,528,000	$	2,685,000	$	4,843,000

Amortization expense associated with intangible assets for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was $220,000 and $197,000, respectively.

Amortization expense associated with intangible assets for the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017 was $430,000 and $395,000, respectively.

The estimated future amortization expense of the finite lived intangible assets for the next five fiscal years and thereafter is as follows:   

Year ending September 30,
Six months ending September 30, 2018	$	440,000
2019	880,000
2020	810,000
2021	798,000
2022	741,000
Thereafter	846,000
Total	$	4,515,000

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ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER LIABILITIES

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Payables and Accruals [Abstract]

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER LIABILITIES

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER LIABILITIES

Accounts payable and accrued expenses as of March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017 consist of the following:

	March 31, 2018		September 30, 2017
Legal	$	615,000	$	877,000
Audit	299,000		176,000
Telecommunications	194,000		205,000
Data services	526,000		464,000
Regulatory	638,000		540,000
Settlements	1,703,000		2,403,000
Contingent consideration payable	889,000		311,000
Deferred rent	686,000		497,000
Other	2,903,000		3,242,000
Total	$	8,453,000	$	8,715,000

Other primarily consists of $580,000 for investment banking deal expense accruals, $697,000 for soft dollar accruals and $165,000 for sales tax accrual at March 31, 2018. Other primarily consists of $187,000 for investment banking deal expense accruals, $552,000 for soft dollar accruals, $482,000 for recruiting fee payable and $141,000 for sales tax accrual at September 30, 2017.

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PER SHARE DATA

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

PER SHARE DATA

PER SHARE DATA

Basic net (loss) income per share of common stock attributable to the Company is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted net (loss) income per share is computed on the basis of such weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding plus the dilutive effect of incremental shares of common stock potentially issuable under outstanding options, warrants and unvested restricted stock units utilizing the treasury stock method. A reconciliation of basic and diluted common shares used in the computation of per share data follows: 

	Three Month Period Ended March 31,		Six Month Period Ended March 31,
	2018	2017	2018	2017
Basic weighted-average shares	12,457,043	12,437,916	12,447,321	12,437,916
Effect of dilutive securities:
Options	—	—	—	279
Unvested restricted stock units	—	23,966	—	11,983
Diluted weighted-average shares	12,457,043	12,461,882	12,447,321	12,450,178

The following potential common share equivalents are not included in the above diluted computation because to do so would be anti-dilutive:  

	Three Month Period Ended March 31,		Six Month Period Ended March 31,
	2018	2017	2018	2017
Options	612,000	1,214,000	618,000	1,208,000
Warrants	12,437,916	12,459,474	12,437,916	6,240,516
Restricted stock units	291,082	—	184,410	—
Total	13,340,998	13,673,474	13,240,326	7,448,516

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OFF BALANCE SHEET RISK AND CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]

OFF BALANCE SHEET RISK AND CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK

OFF BALANCE SHEET RISK AND CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK

The Company is engaged in trading and providing a broad range of securities brokerage and investment services to a diverse group of retail and institutional clientele, as well as corporate finance and investment banking services to corporations and businesses. Counterparties to the Company’s business activities include broker-dealers and clearing organizations, banks and other financial institutions. The Company uses clearing brokers to process transactions and maintain customer accounts for the Company on a fee basis. The Company permits the clearing firms to extend credit to its clientele secured by cash and securities in the client’s account. The Company’s exposure to credit risk associated with the non-performance by its customers and counterparties in fulfilling their contractual obligations can be directly impacted by volatile or illiquid trading markets, which may impair the ability of customers and counterparties to satisfy their obligations to the Company. The Company has agreed to indemnify the clearing brokers for losses they incur while extending credit to the Company’s clients. It is the Company’s policy to review, as necessary, the credit standing of its customers and counterparties. Amounts due from customers that are considered uncollectible by the clearing broker are charged back to the Company by the clearing broker when such amounts become determinable. Upon notification of a charge back, such amounts, in total or in part, are then either (i) collected from the customers, (ii) charged to the broker initiating the transaction and/or (iii) charged to operations, based on the particular facts and circumstances.

The Company maintains cash in bank deposits, which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced and does not expect to experience losses on such accounts.

A short sale involves the sale of a security that is not owned in the expectation of purchasing the same security (or a security exchangeable) at a later date at a lower price. A short sale involves the risk of a theoretically unlimited increase in the market price of the security that would result in a theoretically unlimited loss.

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NEW ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

NEW ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE

NEW ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue From Contracts With Customers (Topic 606) which creates a single, principle-based model for revenue recognition and expands and improves disclosures about revenue. The new guidance is effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2018, and must be adopted using either a full retrospective approach for all periods presented in the period of adoption or a modified retrospective approach. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this standard on its financial statements which, (1) for investment banking advisory arrangements may change the timing of revenue recognition depending on the number and nature of the performance obligations identified, (2) for underwriting expenses and costs of advisory services and related reimbursement revenue may need to be recognized on a gross basis, and (3) for costs to obtain and fulfill a contract may need to be capitalized, amortized and reviewed regularly for impairment.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which supersedes the existing guidance for lease accounting, Leases (Topic 840). ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to recognize leases on their balance sheets, and leaves lessor accounting largely unchanged. The amendments in this ASU are effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2019 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted for all entities. ASU 2016-02 requires a modified retrospective approach for all leases existing at, or entered into after, the date of initial application, with an option to elect to use certain transition relief. The Company is currently assessing the impact that the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on its financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting”. ASU 2016-09 simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 was effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2017 for both interim and annual reporting periods. The adoption did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements. The Company had historically estimated the number of forfeitures as part of its share-based accounting and will continue to do so under the new guidance. No aspect of the guidance that requires retrospective adoption impacted the Company.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments”. ASU 2016-15 reduces the diversity of how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows under Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows, and other Topics. The standard is effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2018 for both interim and annual periods. Early adoption is permitted. The ASU should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of ASU 2016-15 will have a material impact on its financial statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) - Restricted Cash”. ASU 2016-18 reduces the diversity in the presentation of restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement. The statement requires that restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents be included as components of total cash and cash equivalents as presented on the statement of cash flows. The standard is effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2018 for both interim and annual periods. Early adoption is permitted. The ASU should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company expects that it will present restricted cash as a component of total cash and cash equivalents on the statement of cash flow upon adoption.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business”. The amendments in this Update is to clarify the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The definition of a business affects many areas of accounting including acquisitions, disposals, goodwill, and consolidation. The standard is effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2018 for both interim and annual periods. The Company is currently assessing the impact that the adoption of ASU 2017-01 will have on its financial statements.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, “Scope of Modification Accounting”. This ASU clarifies when changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award must be accounted for as modifications. Under the new guidance, modification accounting is required only if the fair value, the vesting conditions, or the classification of the award (as equity or liability) changes as a result of the change in terms or conditions. The standard is effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2018 for both interim and annual periods. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact that the adoption of ASU 2017-09 will have on its financial statements.

In March 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-05, “Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118”. ASU 2018-05 formally amended ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”) for the guidance previously provided by SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”), which provides guidance for the application of ASC 740 in the reporting period in which the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Reform Act”) was signed into law. The Company adopted SAB 118 in the first quarter of the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018. Additional information regarding the accounting for income taxes for the Tax Reform Act is contained in Note 17, Income Taxes.

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS ANDCONTINGENCIES

Leases

The Company leases office space in various states expiring at various dates through October 2026, and as of March 31, 2018, is committed under operating leases for future minimum lease payments as follows:  

Fiscal Year Ending	Lease Payments		Less, Sublease Income		Net
Six months ending September 30, 2018	$	1,739,000	$	180,000	$	1,559,000
2019	2,785,000		30,000		2,755,000
2020	2,658,000		—		2,658,000
2021	2,293,000		—		2,293,000
2022	1,449,000		—		1,449,000
Thereafter	4,532,000		—		4,532,000
	$	15,456,000	$	210,000	$	15,246,000

The total amount of rent payable under the leases is recognized on a straight line basis over the term of the leases. Rental expense under all operating leases, excluding sublease income, for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was $1,051,000 and $930,000, respectively. Rental expense under all operating leases, excluding sublease income, for the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017 was $2,091,000 and $1,925,000, respectively. Sublease income under all operating subleases for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was approximately $(43,000) and $37,000, respectively. Sublease income under all operating subleases for the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017 was approximately $90,000 and $75,000, respectively. During the three and six months ended March 31, 2018, sublease income includes a charge of approximately $180,000 for sublease receivable deemed uncollectible.

As of March 31, 2018, the Company and its subsidiaries had three outstanding letters of credit, which have been issued in the maximum amount of $1,382,000 as security for property leases, and which are collateralized by the restricted cash as reflected in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

Litigation and Regulatory Matters

The Company and its subsidiaries are defendants or respondents in various pending and threatened arbitrations, administrative proceedings and lawsuits seeking compensatory damages. Several cases have no stated alleged damages. Claim amounts are infrequently indicative of the actual amounts the Company will be liable for, if any. Further, the Company has a history of collecting amounts awarded in these types of matters from its registered representatives that are still affiliated, as well as from those that are no longer affiliated. Many of these claimants also seek, in addition to compensatory damages, punitive or treble damages, and all seek interest, costs and fees. These matters arise in the normal course of business. The Company intends to vigorously defend itself in these actions, and the ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time.

Liabilities for potential losses from complaints, legal actions, government investigations and proceedings are established where the Company believes that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. In making these decisions, management bases its judgments on its knowledge of the situations, consultations with legal counsel and its historical experience in resolving similar matters. In many lawsuits, arbitrations and regulatory proceedings, it is not possible to determine whether a liability has been incurred or to estimate the amount of that liability until the matter is close to resolution. However, accruals are reviewed regularly and are adjusted to reflect the Company’s estimates of the impact of developments, rulings, advice of counsel and any other information pertinent to a particular matter. Because of the inherent difficulty in predicting the ultimate outcome of legal and regulatory actions, management cannot predict with certainty the eventual loss or range of loss related to such matters. At March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017, the Company accrued approximately $1,703,000 and $2,403,000, respectively. These amounts are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Amounts charged to operations for settlements and potential losses during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 were $414,000 and $989,000, respectively, and during the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company charged $660,000 and $995,000, respectively, to operations, which is included in other administrative expenses. The Company has included in "Professional fees" litigation and FINRA related expenses of $(10,000) and $254,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively and $341,000 and $799,000 for the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Chargebacks for litigation and FINRA related expenses recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2018 exceeded the expense recorded.

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NET CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]

NET CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

NET CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

National Securities is subject to the SEC's Uniform Net Capital Rule (Rule 15c3-1) (the "Rule"), which, among other things, requires the maintenance of minimum net capital. At March 31, 2018, National Securities had net capital of $11,905,586 which was $10,905,586 in excess of its required net capital of $1,000,000. National Securities is exempt from the provisions of the SEC's Rule 15c3-3 since it is an introducing broker-dealer that clears all transactions on a fully disclosed basis and promptly transmits all customer funds and securities to clearing brokers.

vFinance Investments is also subject to the Rule, which, among other things, requires the maintenance of minimum net capital and requires that the ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital, both as defined, shall not exceed 15 to 1. At March 31, 2018, vFinance Investments had net capital of $487,321 which was $237,321 in excess of its required net capital of $250,000. vFinance Investments' ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital was 0.3 to 1. vFinance Investments is exempt from the provisions of the SEC's Rule 15c3-3 since it is an introducing broker-dealer that clears all transactions on a fully disclosed basis and promptly transmits all customer funds and securities to clearing brokers. On February 23, 2018, vFinance Investments merged into National Securities in accordance to the agreement and plan merger between the two companies. See Note 2 for additional information.

Advances, dividend payments and other equity withdrawals from the Company's Broker-Dealer Subsidiaries are restricted by the regulations of the SEC, and other regulatory agencies. These regulatory restrictions may limit the amounts that a subsidiary may dividend or advance to the Company.

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STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Stock Options

Information with respect to stock option activity during the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 follows:

	Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted Average Grant- Date Fair Value Per Share		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual term (years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at September 30, 2017	1,206,000		$	6.54	$	1.21	2.29	$	—
Expired	(594,000	)	$	6.85	$	0.83
Outstanding at March 31, 2018	612,000		$	6.23	$	1.59	3.77	$	—
Vested and exercisable at March 31, 2018	612,000		$	6.23	$	1.59	3.77	$	—

As of September 30, 2016, all compensation expense associated with the grants of stock options had been recognized.

Warrants

The following table summarizes information about warrant activity during the six months endedMarch 31, 2018:

	Warrants		Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Outstanding at September 30, 2017	12,439,387		$	3.25	4.30
Forfeited or expired	(1,471	)	$	5.00
Outstanding and exercisable at March 31, 2018	12,437,916		$	3.25	3.81

Restricted Stock Units

A summary of the Company's non-vested restricted stock units for the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 is as follows:

	Shares		Weighted Average Grant- Date Fair Value Per Share
Non-vested restricted stock units at September 30, 2017	1,250,000		$	2.44
Granted	416,524		4.72
Vested	(78,125	)	2.71
Forfeited	(25,000	)	2.55
Non-vested restricted stock units at March 31, 2018	1,563,399		$	3.03

In February 2018, the Company granted 363,558 restricted stock units ("RSU") to the board of directors of the Company and 52,966 restricted stock units to employees of the Company. The fair value of the RSU awards issued in February 2018 of $1,966,000 was estimated on the grant date using the Company’s stock price as of the grant date. The RSU awards vest upon the passage of time. Compensation with respect to RSU awards is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.

For the three and six months endedMarch 31, 2018, the Company recognized compensation expense of $418,000 and $676,000, respectively, related to RSUs. For the three and six months endedMarch 31, 2017, the Company recognized compensation expense of $183,000 related to RSUs. At March 31, 2018, unrecognized compensation with respect to RSUs amounted to $3,678,000, assuming all performance-based compensation will vest.

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SHARE REPURCHASE

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

SHARE REPURCHASE

SHARE REPURCHASE

In August 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $2 million of the Company’s common stock. Share repurchases, if any, will be made using a variety of methods, which may include open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or block trades, or any combination of such methods, in accordance with applicable insider trading and other securities laws and regulations. The Company's Board did not stipulate an expiration date for this repurchase and the purchase decisions are at the discretion of the Company's management. During the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company did not repurchase any shares.

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INCOME TAXES

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES

The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return and certain combined state and local income tax returns with its subsidiaries. Income taxes for the three and six month period ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 is based on the estimated annual effective tax rate. Each quarter the Company updates its estimate of the annual effective tax rate and records cumulative adjustments as necessary.

The effective tax rate for the three and six month period ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 differs from the federal statutory income tax rate principally due to non-deductible expenses, state and local income taxes and non-taxable changes in the fair value of warrant liability.

During the six month period ended March 31, 2018, the Company estimated its annual effective rate to reflect a change in the federal statutory rate from 34% to 21%, resulting from legislation enacted on December 22, 2017. The rate change is administered effective at the beginning of the Company's fiscal year, using a blended rate for the annual period of 24.28%. Additionally, the Company recognized a tax expense of approximately $2,200,000 during the six month period ended March 31, 2018 to adjust the Company's net deferred tax balance to reflect the new corporate tax rate. The accounting for the effects of the rate change on deferred tax balances is complete and no provisional amounts were recorded for this item.

At March 31, 2018, the Company's net deferred tax asset is principally comprised of net operating loss carryforwards. Management believes that is more likely than not that its deferred tax assets will be realized and, accordingly, has not provided a valuation allowance against such amount.

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SEGMENT INFORMATION

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

SEGMENT INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company has two reportable segments. The brokerage and advisory services segment includes broker-dealer and investment advisory services, the sale of insurance products and licensed mortgage brokerage services provided by the Broker-Dealer Subsidiaries, NAM, National Insurance, Prime Financial and GC. The tax and accounting services segment includes tax preparation and accounting services provided by Gilman.

The Corporate pre-tax income (loss) consists of certain items that have not been allocated to reportable segments. 

Segment information for the three and six months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 is as follows: 

	Brokerage and Advisory Services		Tax and Accounting Services		Corporate				Total
Three Months Ended March 31,
2018
Revenues	$	56,478,000	$	3,868,000	$	—			$	60,346,000
Pre-tax income (loss)	3,668,000		1,940,000		(6,282,000		)	(a)	(674,000		)
Assets	51,638,000		4,635,000		9,660,000			(b)	65,933,000
Depreciation and amortization	181,000		63,000		135,000				379,000
Interest	2,000		—		—				2,000
Capital expenditures	5,000		—		—				5,000
2017
Revenues	$	48,740,000	$	3,144,000	$	—			$	51,884,000
Pre-tax income	3,470,000		1,099,000		1,041,000			(c)	5,610,000
Assets	46,834,000		3,538,000		12,629,000			(b)	63,001,000
Depreciation and amortization	154,000		45,000		87,000				286,000
Interest	4,000		—		—				4,000
Capital expenditures	8,000		16,000		166,000				190,000

	Brokerage and Advisory Services		Tax and Accounting Services		Corporate				Total
Six Months Ended March 31,
2018
Revenues	$	106,034,000	$	4,391,000	$	—			$	110,425,000
Pre-tax income (loss)	5,242,000		948,000		(12,631,000		)	(a)	(6,441,000		)
Assets	51,638,000		4,635,000		9,660,000			(b)	65,933,000
Depreciation and amortization	367,000		121,000		270,000				758,000
Interest	5,000		—		—				5,000
Capital expenditures	44,000		6,000		—				50,000
2017
Revenues	$	92,453,000	$	4,000,000	$	—			$	96,453,000
Pre-tax income	6,574,000		387,000		4,387,000			(c)	11,348,000
Assets	46,834,000		3,538,000		12,629,000			(b)	63,001,000
Depreciation and amortization	312,000		92,000		178,000				582,000
Interest	8,000		—		—				8,000
Capital expenditures	27,000		63,000		264,000				354,000

(a) Consists of loss on the change in fair value of warrant liability and executive salaries and other expenses not allocated to reportable segments by management.

(b) Consists principally of deferred tax assets, cash, prepaid and fixed asset balances held at Corporate.

(c) Consists of gain on the change in fair value of warrant liability offset in part by executive salaries and other expenses not allocated to reportable segments by management.

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ACQUISITION OF CONTROLLING INTEREST IN THE COMPANY AND WARRANT LIABILITY

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Business Combinations [Abstract]

ACQUISITION OF CONTROLLING INTEREST IN THE COMPANY AND WARRANT LIABILITY

ACQUISITION OF CONTROLLING INTEREST IN THE COMPANY AND WARRANT LIABILITY

On September 12, 2016, FBIO Acquisition, Inc. (“FBIO Acquisition”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fortress, completed a tender offer (the “Offer”) for all outstanding shares of the Company at a price of $3.25 per share, net to the seller in cash (less any required withholding taxes and without interest) (the “Offer Price”), pursuant to the terms of an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of April 27, 2016 (as amended, the “Merger Agreement”) among the Company, Fortress and FBIO Acquisition. The Offer expired on September 9, 2016, and a total of 7,037,482 shares were validly tendered and not withdrawn (including shares delivered through notices of guaranteed delivery), representing approximately 56.6% of the Company's issued and outstanding shares of common stock immediately following the completion of the Offer (in each case, without giving effect to the issuance or exercise of the Dividend Warrants). On September 12, 2016, FBIO Acquisition accepted for payment all shares that were validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the expiration time of the Offer and delivered payment for such shares.

Dividend Warrants

In accordance with the Merger Agreement, since less than 80% of the Company's issued and outstanding shares of common stock were tendered, the Company remains a publicly-traded company and stockholders post-tender offer received from the Company a five year warrant per held share to purchase an additional share of the Company's common stock at $3.25 as a dividend to all holders of the Company's common stock.

As the Company did not have the ability to settle the warrants with unregistered shares and maintenance of an effective registration statement (which did not exist at September 30, 2016) was considered outside of the Company’s control, net cash settlement of the warrants was assumed. Accordingly, as the Company was obligated to issue the warrants at September 30, 2016, and subsequently issued the warrants in January 2017, the fair value of the 12,437,916 warrants was classified as a liability in the consolidated statement of financial condition at September 30, 2017. This liability was subject to re-measurement at each balance sheet date until the warrants were exercised or expired, and any change in fair value was recognized as “change in fair value of warrant liability” in the consolidated statements of operations. As the warrants were registered and the Company maintained an effective registration statement at March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017, fair value of the warrants was based on the market price. The (loss)/gain for the change in fair value of the warrants for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 amounted to $(5,597,000) and $1,773,000, respectively. The (loss)/gain for the change in fair value of the warrants for the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017 amounted to $(11,194,000) and $5,865,000, respectively.

Warrant Liability Reclassification

On March 15, 2018, the Company, Computershare Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Computershare”), and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., a federally chartered trust company (and together with Computershare, the “Warrant Agent”) agreed to amend and restate the terms of the form of warrant agreement dated December 13, 2016 (the “Original Agreement”).

The Amended and Restated Warrant Agreement (the “Amended Agreement”) explicitly provides that the Company shall not be required to pay cash if it cannot issue registered shares of common stock upon exercise of a warrant.

The Company is required to reassess its classification of each contract as of each reporting date. Reclassification of a contract classified as an asset or a liability is required if the contract begins to meet all the criteria for equity classification. If reclassification is required, the Company reclassifies the instrument as of the date of the event or change in circumstance that caused the reclassification at its then-current fair value. If a contract is reclassified from an asset or a liability to equity, gains and losses during the period the contract was classified as an asset or a liability are not reversed, and the adjustment to the contract’s current fair value is recognized in earnings before reclassification.

The Original Agreement required the issuance of registered shares upon exercise and since it did not expressly preclude an implied right to cash settlement, the agreement was accounted for as a derivative liability and the Company classified the derivative warrant liability on the consolidated statement of financial conditions as a liability.

Since the Amended Agreement expressly precludes cash settlement, the warrants meet the criteria for equity classification. Accordingly, the Company recorded the change in fair value of the warrants in earnings through March 15, 2018 before reclassification from liability to equity. The reclassification resulted in a credit to additional paid-in-capital of $16,791,000 during the six months endedMarch 31, 2018.

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RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Related Party Transactions [Abstract]

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, Investment Banking revenues include approximately $3,633,000 and $5,916,000, respectively, of fees related to placement of securities for Fortress and subsidiaries of Fortress.

During the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017, Investment Banking revenues include approximately $4,931,000 and $8,581,000, respectively, of fees related to placement of securities for Fortress and subsidiaries of Fortress.

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VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

The Company has entered into agreements to provide investment banking and advisory services to numerous entities that are

variable interest entities ("VIEs") under the accounting guidance. As the fee arrangements under such agreements are arm's-length and contain customary terms and conditions and represent compensation that is considered fair value for the services

provided, the fee arrangements are not considered variable interests and accordingly, the Company does not consolidate such VIEs. Fees attributable to such arrangements for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 were $2,074,000 and $4,908,000, respectively. Fees attributable to such arrangements for the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017 were $8,290,000 and $7,962,000, respectively.

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NEW ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE (Policies)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

New Accounting Guidance

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue From Contracts With Customers (Topic 606) which creates a single, principle-based model for revenue recognition and expands and improves disclosures about revenue. The new guidance is effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2018, and must be adopted using either a full retrospective approach for all periods presented in the period of adoption or a modified retrospective approach. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this standard on its financial statements which, (1) for investment banking advisory arrangements may change the timing of revenue recognition depending on the number and nature of the performance obligations identified, (2) for underwriting expenses and costs of advisory services and related reimbursement revenue may need to be recognized on a gross basis, and (3) for costs to obtain and fulfill a contract may need to be capitalized, amortized and reviewed regularly for impairment.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which supersedes the existing guidance for lease accounting, Leases (Topic 840). ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to recognize leases on their balance sheets, and leaves lessor accounting largely unchanged. The amendments in this ASU are effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2019 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted for all entities. ASU 2016-02 requires a modified retrospective approach for all leases existing at, or entered into after, the date of initial application, with an option to elect to use certain transition relief. The Company is currently assessing the impact that the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on its financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting”. ASU 2016-09 simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 was effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2017 for both interim and annual reporting periods. The adoption did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements. The Company had historically estimated the number of forfeitures as part of its share-based accounting and will continue to do so under the new guidance. No aspect of the guidance that requires retrospective adoption impacted the Company.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments”. ASU 2016-15 reduces the diversity of how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows under Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows, and other Topics. The standard is effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2018 for both interim and annual periods. Early adoption is permitted. The ASU should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of ASU 2016-15 will have a material impact on its financial statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) - Restricted Cash”. ASU 2016-18 reduces the diversity in the presentation of restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement. The statement requires that restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents be included as components of total cash and cash equivalents as presented on the statement of cash flows. The standard is effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2018 for both interim and annual periods. Early adoption is permitted. The ASU should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company expects that it will present restricted cash as a component of total cash and cash equivalents on the statement of cash flow upon adoption.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business”. The amendments in this Update is to clarify the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The definition of a business affects many areas of accounting including acquisitions, disposals, goodwill, and consolidation. The standard is effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2018 for both interim and annual periods. The Company is currently assessing the impact that the adoption of ASU 2017-01 will have on its financial statements.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, “Scope of Modification Accounting”. This ASU clarifies when changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award must be accounted for as modifications. Under the new guidance, modification accounting is required only if the fair value, the vesting conditions, or the classification of the award (as equity or liability) changes as a result of the change in terms or conditions. The standard is effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2018 for both interim and annual periods. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact that the adoption of ASU 2017-09 will have on its financial statements.

In March 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-05, “Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118”. ASU 2018-05 formally amended ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”) for the guidance previously provided by SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”), which provides guidance for the application of ASC 740 in the reporting period in which the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Reform Act”) was signed into law. The Company adopted SAB 118 in the first quarter of the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018. Additional information regarding the accounting for income taxes for the Tax Reform Act is contained in Note 17, Income Taxes.

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RECEIVEABLES FROM BROKER-DEALERS AND CLEARING ORGANIZATIONS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Brokers and Dealers [Abstract]

Schedule of Other Receivables

Other receivables at March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017 consist of the following:

	March 31,			September 30,
	2018			2017
Trailing fees	$	1,138,000		$	1,156,000
Accounts receivable for tax and accounting services	1,015,000			698,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts - tax and accounting services	(210,000		)	(390,000		)
Advances to registered representatives	808,000			881,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts - advances to registered representatives	(288,000		)	(154,000		)
Investment banking receivable	1,373,000			1,086,000
Advisory fees	478,000			510,000
Notes receivable	631,000			676,000
Other	1,088,000			717,000
Total	$	6,033,000		$	5,180,000

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FORGIVABLE LOANS RECEIVABLE (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Schedule of Investments [Abstract]

Forgivable Loan Activity

Forgivable loan activity for the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 is as follows:

Balance, September 30, 2017	$	1,616,000
Additions	292,000
Amortization	(310,000		)
Balance, March 31, 2018	$	1,598,000

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FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Schedule of Investments [Abstract]

Carrying Values, Estimated Fair Values, and Fair Value Hierarchy of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis

The following tables present the carrying values and estimated fair values at March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017 of financial assets and liabilities, excluding financial instruments that are carried at fair value on a recurring basis, and information is provided on their classification within the fair value hierarchy. Such instruments are carried at amounts that approximate fair value due to their short-term nature and generally negligible credit risk.

	March 31, 2018
Assets	Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Total Estimated Fair Value
Cash	$	27,211,000	$	27,211,000	$	—	$	27,211,000
Cash deposits with clearing organizations	836,000		836,000		—		836,000
Receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations	2,709,000		—		2,709,000		2,709,000
Forgivable loans receivable	1,598,000		—		1,598,000		1,598,000
Other Receivables, net	6,033,000		—		6,033,000		6,033,000
	$	38,387,000	$	28,047,000	$	10,340,000	$	38,387,000
Liabilities
Accrued commissions and payroll payable	$	10,652,000	$	—	$	10,652,000	$	10,652,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (1)	7,564,000		—		7,564,000		7,564,000
	$	18,216,000	$	—	$	18,216,000	$	18,216,000

(1)    Excludes contingent consideration liabilities of $889,000.

	September 30, 2017
Assets	Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Total Estimated Fair Value
Cash	$	23,508,000	$	23,508,000	$	—	$	23,508,000
Cash deposits with clearing organizations	1,041,000		1,041,000		—		1,041,000
Receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations	2,850,000		—		2,850,000		2,850,000
Forgivable loans receivable	1,616,000		—		1,616,000		1,616,000
Other Receivables, net	5,180,000		—		5,180,000		5,180,000
	$	34,195,000	$	24,549,000	$	9,646,000	$	34,195,000
Liabilities
Accrued commissions and payroll payable	$	10,065,000	$	—	$	10,065,000	$	10,065,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (1)	8,404,000		—		8,404,000		8,404,000
	$	18,469,000	$	—	$	18,469,000	$	18,469,000

(1)    Excludes contingent consideration liabilities of $311,000.

The following tables present the financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017:

	March 31, 2018
Assets	Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
Securities owned:
Corporate stocks	$	32,000	$	32,000	$	—	$	—	$	32,000
Municipal bonds	1,183,000		1,183,000		—		—		1,183,000
Restricted stock	1,046,000		—		1,046,000		—		1,046,000
Warrants	5,215,000		—		5,215,000		—		5,215,000
	$	7,476,000	$	1,215,000	$	6,261,000	$	—	$	7,476,000
Liabilities
Contingent consideration	$	889,000	$	—	$	—	$	889,000	$	889,000
Warrants issued	—		—		—		—		—
Securities sold, but not yet purchased:
Corporate stocks	2,000		2,000		—		—		2,000
Corporate debt	6,000		6,000		—		—		6,000
	$	897,000	$	8,000	$	—	$	889,000	$	897,000

	September 30, 2017
Assets	Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
Securities owned:
Corporate stocks	$	116,000	$	116,000	$	—	$	—	$	116,000
Municipal bonds	1,239,000		1,239,000		—		—		1,239,000
Restricted stock	82,000		—		82,000		—		82,000
Warrants	5,665,000		—		5,665,000		—		5,665,000
	$	7,102,000	$	1,355,000	$	5,747,000	$	—	$	7,102,000
Liabilities
Contingent consideration	$	311,000	$	—	$	—	$	311,000	$	311,000
Warrants issued	5,597,000		—		5,597,000		—		5,597,000
Securities sold, but not yet purchased:
Municipal bonds	151,000		151,000		—		—		151,000
	$	6,059,000	$	151,000	$	5,597,000	$	311,000	$	6,059,000

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FIXED ASSETS (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Fixed Assets

Fixed assets as of March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017 consist of the following: 

	March 31, 2018			September 30, 2017			Estimated Useful Lives
Equipment and software	$	1,780,000		$	1,742,000		5
Furniture and fixtures	389,000			382,000			5
Leasehold improvements	1,405,000			1,400,000			Lesser of useful life or term of lease
Capital leases (primarily composed of computer equipment)	739,000			739,000			5
	4,313,000			4,263,000
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(2,194,000		)	(1,866,000		)
Fixed assets – net	$	2,119,000		$	2,397,000

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BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND CONTINGENT CONSIDERATION (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Changes in the Carrying Value in Contingent Consideration

Set below are changes in the carrying value of contingent consideration for the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 related to acquisitions:

Fair value of contingent consideration at September 30, 2017	$	311,000
Fair value of contingent consideration in connection with above acquisitions	580,000
Payments	(12,000		)
Change in fair value	10,000
Fair value of contingent consideration at March 31, 2018	$	889,000

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INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Intangibles

Intangibles consisted of the following at March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017: 

	March 31, 2018
Intangible asset	Cost		Accumulated Amortization		Carrying Value		Estimated Useful Life (years)
Customer relationships	$	7,585,000	$	3,111,000	$	4,474,000	3-10
Software license	45,000		4,000		41,000		3
Gilman brand name	710,000		—		710,000		Indefinite
	$	8,340,000	$	3,115,000	$	5,225,000

	September 30, 2017
Intangible asset	Cost		Accumulated Amortization		Carrying Value		Estimated Useful Life (years)
Customer relationships	$	6,818,000	$	2,685,000	$	4,133,000	3-10
Gilman brand name	710,000		—		710,000		Indefinite
	$	7,528,000	$	2,685,000	$	4,843,000

Estimated Future Amortization Expense

The estimated future amortization expense of the finite lived intangible assets for the next five fiscal years and thereafter is as follows:   

Year ending September 30,
Six months ending September 30, 2018	$	440,000
2019	880,000
2020	810,000
2021	798,000
2022	741,000
Thereafter	846,000
Total	$	4,515,000

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ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER LIABILITIES (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Payables and Accruals [Abstract]

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses

Accounts payable and accrued expenses as of March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017 consist of the following:

	March 31, 2018		September 30, 2017
Legal	$	615,000	$	877,000
Audit	299,000		176,000
Telecommunications	194,000		205,000
Data services	526,000		464,000
Regulatory	638,000		540,000
Settlements	1,703,000		2,403,000
Contingent consideration payable	889,000		311,000
Deferred rent	686,000		497,000
Other	2,903,000		3,242,000
Total	$	8,453,000	$	8,715,000

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PER SHARE DATA (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Common Shares

A reconciliation of basic and diluted common shares used in the computation of per share data follows: 

	Three Month Period Ended March 31,		Six Month Period Ended March 31,
	2018	2017	2018	2017
Basic weighted-average shares	12,457,043	12,437,916	12,447,321	12,437,916
Effect of dilutive securities:
Options	—	—	—	279
Unvested restricted stock units	—	23,966	—	11,983
Diluted weighted-average shares	12,457,043	12,461,882	12,447,321	12,450,178

Potential Common Share Equivalents Excluded from Diluted Computation

The following potential common share equivalents are not included in the above diluted computation because to do so would be anti-dilutive:  

	Three Month Period Ended March 31,		Six Month Period Ended March 31,
	2018	2017	2018	2017
Options	612,000	1,214,000	618,000	1,208,000
Warrants	12,437,916	12,459,474	12,437,916	6,240,516
Restricted stock units	291,082	—	184,410	—
Total	13,340,998	13,673,474	13,240,326	7,448,516

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Future Minimum Lease Payments

The Company leases office space in various states expiring at various dates through October 2026, and as of March 31, 2018, is committed under operating leases for future minimum lease payments as follows:  

Fiscal Year Ending	Lease Payments		Less, Sublease Income		Net
Six months ending September 30, 2018	$	1,739,000	$	180,000	$	1,559,000
2019	2,785,000		30,000		2,755,000
2020	2,658,000		—		2,658,000
2021	2,293,000		—		2,293,000
2022	1,449,000		—		1,449,000
Thereafter	4,532,000		—		4,532,000
	$	15,456,000	$	210,000	$	15,246,000

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STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Stock Option Activity

Information with respect to stock option activity during the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 follows:

	Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted Average Grant- Date Fair Value Per Share		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual term (years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at September 30, 2017	1,206,000		$	6.54	$	1.21	2.29	$	—
Expired	(594,000	)	$	6.85	$	0.83
Outstanding at March 31, 2018	612,000		$	6.23	$	1.59	3.77	$	—
Vested and exercisable at March 31, 2018	612,000		$	6.23	$	1.59	3.77	$	—

Warrant Activity

The following table summarizes information about warrant activity during the six months endedMarch 31, 2018:

	Warrants		Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Outstanding at September 30, 2017	12,439,387		$	3.25	4.30
Forfeited or expired	(1,471	)	$	5.00
Outstanding and exercisable at March 31, 2018	12,437,916		$	3.25	3.81

Nonvested Restricted Stock Activity

A summary of the Company's non-vested restricted stock units for the six months endedMarch 31, 2018 is as follows:

	Shares		Weighted Average Grant- Date Fair Value Per Share
Non-vested restricted stock units at September 30, 2017	1,250,000		$	2.44
Granted	416,524		4.72
Vested	(78,125	)	2.71
Forfeited	(25,000	)	2.55
Non-vested restricted stock units at March 31, 2018	1,563,399		$	3.03

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SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Information

Segment information for the three and six months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 is as follows: 

	Brokerage and Advisory Services		Tax and Accounting Services		Corporate				Total
Three Months Ended March 31,
2018
Revenues	$	56,478,000	$	3,868,000	$	—			$	60,346,000
Pre-tax income (loss)	3,668,000		1,940,000		(6,282,000		)	(a)	(674,000		)
Assets	51,638,000		4,635,000		9,660,000			(b)	65,933,000
Depreciation and amortization	181,000		63,000		135,000				379,000
Interest	2,000		—		—				2,000
Capital expenditures	5,000		—		—				5,000
2017
Revenues	$	48,740,000	$	3,144,000	$	—			$	51,884,000
Pre-tax income	3,470,000		1,099,000		1,041,000			(c)	5,610,000
Assets	46,834,000		3,538,000		12,629,000			(b)	63,001,000
Depreciation and amortization	154,000		45,000		87,000				286,000
Interest	4,000		—		—				4,000
Capital expenditures	8,000		16,000		166,000				190,000

	Brokerage and Advisory Services		Tax and Accounting Services		Corporate				Total
Six Months Ended March 31,
2018
Revenues	$	106,034,000	$	4,391,000	$	—			$	110,425,000
Pre-tax income (loss)	5,242,000		948,000		(12,631,000		)	(a)	(6,441,000		)
Assets	51,638,000		4,635,000		9,660,000			(b)	65,933,000
Depreciation and amortization	367,000		121,000		270,000				758,000
Interest	5,000		—		—				5,000
Capital expenditures	44,000		6,000		—				50,000
2017
Revenues	$	92,453,000	$	4,000,000	$	—			$	96,453,000
Pre-tax income	6,574,000		387,000		4,387,000			(c)	11,348,000
Assets	46,834,000		3,538,000		12,629,000			(b)	63,001,000
Depreciation and amortization	312,000		92,000		178,000				582,000
Interest	8,000		—		—				8,000
Capital expenditures	27,000		63,000		264,000				354,000

(a) Consists of loss on the change in fair value of warrant liability and executive salaries and other expenses not allocated to reportable segments by management.

(b) Consists principally of deferred tax assets, cash, prepaid and fixed asset balances held at Corporate.

(c) Consists of gain on the change in fair value of warrant liability offset in part by executive salaries and other expenses not allocated to reportable segments by management.

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RECEIVEABLES FROM BROKER-DEALERS AND CLEARING ORGANIZATIONS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Brokers and Dealers [Abstract]
Receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations	$ 2,709	$ 2,850
Trailing fees	1,138	1,156
Accounts receivable for tax and accounting services	1,015	698
Allowance for doubtful accounts - tax and accounting services	(210)	(390)
Advances to registered representatives	808	881
Allowance for doubtful accounts - advances to registered representatives	(288)	(154)
Investment banking receivable	1,373	1,086
Advisory fees	478	510
Notes receivable	631	676
Other	1,088	717
Other Receivables	$ 6,033	$ 5,180

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FORGIVABLE LOANS RECEIVABLE - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Forgiveness of loans balance	$ 310,000	$ 362,000
Loans Receivable
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$ 0		$ 0
Maximum
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	4.00%

XML

FORGIVABLE LOANS RECEIVABLE - Forgivable Loan Activity (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Forgivable Loan Activity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 1,616
Additions	292
Amortization	(310)
Ending balance	$ 1,598

XML

FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES - Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Liabilities
Contingent consideration liability	$ 889	$ 311
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Carrying Value
Assets
Receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations	2,709	2,850
Forgivable loans receivable	1,598	1,616
Other Receivables, net	6,033	5,180
Total assets, excluding financial instruments	38,387	34,195
Liabilities
Accrued commissions and payroll payable	10,652	10,065
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	7,564	8,404
Total liabilities, excluding financial instruments	18,216	18,469
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Total Estimated Fair Value
Assets
Receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations	2,709	2,850
Forgivable loans receivable	1,598	1,616
Other Receivables, net	6,033	5,180
Total assets, excluding financial instruments	38,387	34,195
Liabilities
Accrued commissions and payroll payable	10,652	10,065
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	7,564	8,404
Total liabilities, excluding financial instruments	18,216	18,469
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Total Estimated Fair Value | Level 1
Assets
Receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations	0	0
Forgivable loans receivable	0	0
Other Receivables, net	0	0
Total assets, excluding financial instruments	28,047	24,549
Liabilities
Accrued commissions and payroll payable	0	0
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	0	0
Total liabilities, excluding financial instruments	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Total Estimated Fair Value | Level 2
Assets
Receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations	2,709	2,850
Forgivable loans receivable	1,598	1,616
Other Receivables, net	6,033	5,180
Total assets, excluding financial instruments	10,340	9,646
Liabilities
Accrued commissions and payroll payable	10,652	10,065
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	7,564	8,404
Total liabilities, excluding financial instruments	18,216	18,469
Cash | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Carrying Value
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	27,211	23,508
Cash | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Total Estimated Fair Value
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	27,211	23,508
Cash | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Total Estimated Fair Value | Level 1
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	27,211	23,508
Cash | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Total Estimated Fair Value | Level 2
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash deposits with clearing organizations | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Carrying Value
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	836	1,041
Cash deposits with clearing organizations | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Total Estimated Fair Value
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	836	1,041
Cash deposits with clearing organizations | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Total Estimated Fair Value | Level 1
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	836	1,041
Cash deposits with clearing organizations | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Total Estimated Fair Value | Level 2
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 0	$ 0

XML

FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES - Fair Value Hierarchy of Financial Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Unrealized gain (loss) for the change in fair value	$ (556)	$ 69
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	1,215		$ 1,355
Liabilities	8		151
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	6,261		5,747
Liabilities	0		5,597
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	0		0
Liabilities	889		311
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	7,476		7,102
Liabilities	897		6,059
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Total Estimated Fair Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	7,476		7,102
Liabilities	897		6,059
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Contingent consideration | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Contingent consideration | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Contingent consideration | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities	889		311
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Contingent consideration | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities	889		311
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Contingent consideration | Total Estimated Fair Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities	889		311
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Warrants issued | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Warrants issued | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities	0		5,597
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Warrants issued | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Warrants issued | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities	0		5,597
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Warrants issued | Total Estimated Fair Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities	0		5,597
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Municipal bonds | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities			151
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Municipal bonds | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities			0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Municipal bonds | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities			0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Municipal bonds | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities			151
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Municipal bonds | Total Estimated Fair Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities			151
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Corporate stocks | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities	2
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Corporate stocks | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Corporate stocks | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Corporate stocks | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities	2
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Corporate stocks | Total Estimated Fair Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities	2
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Corporate debt | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities	6
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Corporate debt | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Corporate debt | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Corporate debt | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities	6
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Corporate debt | Total Estimated Fair Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities	6
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Corporate stocks | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	32		116
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Corporate stocks | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Corporate stocks | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Corporate stocks | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	32		116
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Corporate stocks | Total Estimated Fair Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	32		116
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Municipal bonds | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	1,183		1,239
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Municipal bonds | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Municipal bonds | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Municipal bonds | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	1,183		1,239
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Municipal bonds | Total Estimated Fair Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	1,183		1,239
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Restricted stock | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Restricted stock | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	1,046		82
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Restricted stock | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Restricted stock | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	1,046		82
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Restricted stock | Total Estimated Fair Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	1,046		82
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Warrants | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Warrants | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	5,215		5,665
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Warrants | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Warrants | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	5,215		5,665
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Warrants | Total Estimated Fair Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	$ 5,215		$ 5,665

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FIXED ASSETS - Fixed Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment	$ 4,313	$ 4,263
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(2,194)	(1,866)
Fixed assets – net	2,119	2,397
Equipment and software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment	$ 1,780	1,742
Estimated Useful Lives	5 years
Furniture and fixtures
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment	$ 389	382
Estimated Useful Lives	5 years
Leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment	$ 1,405	1,400
Capital leases (primarily composed of computer equipment)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment	$ 739	$ 739
Estimated Useful Lives	5 years

XML

FIXED ASSETS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation expense	$ 159	$ 89	$ 328	$ 187

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BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND CONTINGENT CONSIDERATION - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($) business	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire business		$ 187	$ 19
Contingent consideration liability	$ 889	889		$ 311
Certain Assets of a Tax Preparation and Accounting Business
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of businesses acquired | business	5
Payments to acquire business	$ 187
Contingent consideration liability	580	$ 580
Customer relationships | Certain Assets of a Tax Preparation and Accounting Business
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Assets acquired	$ 767
Estimated useful life	7 years

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BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND CONTINGENT CONSIDERATION - Changes in the Carrying Value in Contingent Consideration (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Contingent Consideration [Roll Forward]
Fair value of contingent consideration, beginning balance	$ 311
Fair value of contingent consideration in connection with above acquisitions	580
Payments	(12)
Change in fair value	10
Fair value of contingent consideration, ending balance	$ 889

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INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Intangibles (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cost	$ 8,340	$ 7,528
Accumulated Amortization	3,115	2,685
Carrying Value	5,225	4,843
Customer relationships
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cost	7,585	6,818
Accumulated Amortization	3,111	2,685
Carrying Value	$ 4,474	$ 4,133
Customer relationships | Minimum
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life (years)	3 years	3 years
Customer relationships | Maximum
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life (years)	10 years	10 years
Software license
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cost	$ 45
Accumulated Amortization	4
Carrying Value	$ 41
Estimated Useful Life (years)	3 years
Gilman brand name
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cost	$ 710	$ 710
Accumulated Amortization	0	0
Carrying Value	$ 710	$ 710

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INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization expense	$ 220	$ 197	$ 430	$ 395

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INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Estimated Future Amortization Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Year ending September 30,
Carrying Value	$ 5,225	$ 4,843
Gilman
Year ending September 30,
Six months ending September 30, 2018	440
2019	880
2020	810
2021	798
2022	741
Thereafter	846
Carrying Value	$ 4,515

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ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER LIABILITIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Legal	$ 615	$ 877
Audit	299	176
Telecommunications	194	205
Data services	526	464
Regulatory	638	540
Settlements	1,703	2,403
Contingent consideration payable	889	311
Deferred rent	686	497
Other	2,903	3,242
Total	8,453	8,715
Investment banking deal expense accruals	580	187
Soft dollar accruals	697	552
Recruiting fee payable		482
Sales tax accrual	$ 165	$ 141

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PER SHARE DATA - Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Common Shares (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Basic weighted-average shares (in shares)	12,457,043	12,437,916	12,447,321	12,437,916
Diluted weighted-average shares (in shares)	12,457,043	12,461,882	12,447,321	12,450,178
Options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	0	0	0	279
Unvested restricted stock units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	0	23,966	0	11,983

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PER SHARE DATA - Potential Common Share Equivalents Excluded from Diluted Computation (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities (in shares)	13,340,998	13,673,474	13,240,326	7,448,516
Options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities (in shares)	612,000	1,214,000	618,000	1,208,000
Warrants
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities (in shares)	12,437,916	12,459,474	12,437,916	6,240,516
Restricted stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities (in shares)	291,082	0	184,410	0

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Future Minimum Lease Payments (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Lease Payments
Six months ending September 30, 2018	$ 1,739
2019	2,785
2020	2,658
2021	2,293
2022	1,449
Thereafter	4,532
Total	15,456
Less, Sublease Income
Six months ending September 30, 2018	180
2019	30
2020	0
2021	0
2022	0
Thereafter	0
Total	210
Net
Six months ending September 30, 2018	1,559
2019	2,755
2020	2,658
2021	2,293
2022	1,449
Thereafter	4,532
Total	$ 15,246

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($) Letter_of_credit	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Rent expense	$ 1,051,000	$ 930,000	$ 2,091,000	$ 1,925,000
Sublease income	(43,000)	37,000	90,000	75,000
Sublease receivable deemed uncollectible expense	180,000		180,000
Settlements and potential losses	414,000	989,000	660,000	995,000
Pending Litigation | Professional Fees
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Legal fees	(10,000)	$ 254,000	341,000	$ 799,000
Pending Litigation | Accounts Payable and Other Liabilities
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimate of possible loss	1,703,000		$ 1,703,000		$ 2,403,000
Letter of Credit
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of letters of credit, outstanding | Letter_of_credit			3
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 1,382,000		$ 1,382,000

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NET CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS (Details)	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)
National Securities
Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations [Line Items]
Net capital	$ 11,905,586
Alternative excess net capital	10,905,586
National Securities | SEC Requirement
Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations [Line Items]
Minimum net capital required	1,000,000
vFinance Investments
Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations [Line Items]
Net capital	487,321
Alternative excess net capital	$ 237,321
Ratio of indebtedness to net capital	0.3
vFinance Investments | Maximum
Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations [Line Items]
Ratio of indebtedness to net capital	15
vFinance Investments | SEC Requirement
Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations [Line Items]
Minimum net capital required	$ 250,000

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STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - Stock Option Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Options
Beginning balance (in shares)	1,206,000
Expired (in shares)	(594,000)
Ending balance (in shares)	612,000	1,206,000
Vested and exercisable balance (in shares)	612,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share
Beginning balance (in dollars per share)	$ 6.54
Expired (in dollars per share)	6.85
Ending balance (in dollars per share)	6.23	$ 6.54
Vested and exercisable balance (in dollars per share)	6.23
Weighted Average Grant- Date Fair Value Per Share
Outstanding balance (in dollars per share)	1.59	$ 1.21
Expired (in dollars per share)	0.83
Vested and exercisable balance (in dollars per share)	$ 1.59
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual term (years)
Balance outstanding	3 years 9 months 7 days	2 years 3 months 15 days
Expired
Vested and exercisable balance	3 years 9 months 7 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Balance outstanding	$ 0	$ 0
Expired
Vested and exercisable balance	$ 0

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STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - Warrant Activity (Details) - Warrants - $ / shares	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Warrants
Beginning balance (in shares)	12,439,387
Forfeited or expired (in shares)	(1,471)
Ending balance (in shares)	12,437,916	12,439,387
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share
Balance (in dollars per share)	$ 3.25	$ 3.25
Forfeited or expired (in dollars per share)	$ 5.00
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Balance outstanding	3 years 9 months 22 days	4 years 3 months 18 days

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STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - Nonvested Restricted Stock Activity (Details) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018 $ / shares shares
Shares
Nonvested beginning balance (in shares) | shares	1,250,000
Granted (in shares) | shares	416,524.00
Vested (in shares) | shares	(78,125)
Forfeited (in shares) | shares	(25,000)
Nonvested ending balance (in shares) | shares	1,563,399
Weighted Average Grant- Date Fair Value Per Share
Nonvested beginning balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 2.44
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	4.72
Vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	2.71
Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	2.55
Nonvested ending balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 3.03

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STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - Narrative (Details) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)				416,524.00
Compensation expense		$ 418,000	$ 183,000	$ 676,000	$ 183,000
Unrecognized share based compensation		$ 3,678,000		$ 3,678,000
Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	363,558
Management
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	52,966
Fair value of RSU awards issued	$ 1,966,000

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SHARE REPURCHASE (Details) - USD ($)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Authorized amount of repurchase plan, maximum			$ 2,000,000
Value of shares repurchased	$ 0	$ 0

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INCOME TAXES - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Annualized blended rate	24.28%
Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, tax expenses realized from adjustment of deferred taxes	$ 2.2

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SEGMENT INFORMATION - Narrative (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018 segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	2

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SEGMENT INFORMATION - Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 60,346	$ 51,884	$ 110,425	$ 96,453
Pre-tax income (loss)	(674)	5,610	(6,441)	11,348
Assets	65,933	63,001	65,933	63,001	$ 64,398
Depreciation and amortization	379	286	758	582
Interest	2	4	5	8
Capital expenditures	5	190	50	354
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Pre-tax income (loss)	(6,282)	1,041	(12,631)	4,387
Assets	9,660	12,629	9,660	12,629
Depreciation and amortization	135	87	270	178
Interest	0	0	0	0
Capital expenditures	0	166	0	264
Brokerage and Advisory Services | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	56,478	48,740	106,034	92,453
Pre-tax income (loss)	3,668	3,470	5,242	6,574
Assets	51,638	46,834	51,638	46,834
Depreciation and amortization	181	154	367	312
Interest	2	4	5	8
Capital expenditures	5	8	44	27
Tax and Accounting Services | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	3,868	3,144	4,391	4,000
Pre-tax income (loss)	1,940	1,099	948	387
Assets	4,635	3,538	4,635	3,538
Depreciation and amortization	63	45	121	92
Interest	0	0	0	0
Capital expenditures	$ 0	$ 16	$ 6	$ 63

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ACQUISITION OF CONTROLLING INTEREST IN THE COMPANY AND WARRANT LIABILITY - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 12, 2016	Jan. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Gain (loss) from change in fair value of warrants			$ 5,597	$ (1,773)	$ 11,194	$ (5,865)
Reclassification of warrant liability from debt to equity					$ 16,791	$ 0
FBIO Acquisitions Inc. | Common Stock
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Warrant, term of contract	5 years
Exercise price of warrants (in dollars per share)	$ 3.25
National Holdings Corp | FBIO Acquisitions Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of stock owned by acquiree required to become a privately held company, minimum (as a percent)	80.00%
National Holdings Corp | FBIO Acquisitions Inc. | Common Stock
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Share price for acquisition (in dollars per share)	$ 3.25
Number of shares tendered (in shares)	7,037,482
Percentage of voting interests acquired (as a percent)	56.60%
Warrants | FBIO Acquisitions Inc. | Common Stock
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Warrants issued (in shares)		12,437,916

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RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Revenue from placement agent fees	$ 3,633	$ 5,916	$ 4,931	$ 8,581

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VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Variable Interest Entities
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investment banking and advisory fee revenue	$ 2,074	$ 4,908	$ 8,290	$ 7,962