optionable_10q-093010.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

ý	Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010.

o	Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

For the transition period from ___________ to ___________

Commission File Number: 000-51837

OPTIONABLE, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Delaware		52-2219407
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or		(IRS Employer Identification No.)
Organization)

55 St. Marks Place, Suite 4, New York, NY		10003
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)		(Zip Code)

(914) 773-1100

(Registrant’s Telephone Number Including Area Code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required 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 ý Noo

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yesý Noo

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

Large Accelerated Filer o		Accelerated Filer o
Non-accelerated Filer o		Smaller reporting company ý

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

The number of outstanding shares of the registrant’s Common Stock as of November 12, 2010 is 48,328,328.

OPTIONABLE, INC.

INDEX

PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1:	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)	3

	Consolidated Balance Sheets	3

	Consolidated Statements of Operations	4

	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	5

	Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements	6

ITEM 2:	MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OFOPERATIONS	14

ITEM 3 :	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK	17

ITEM 4:	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	18

PART II: OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1:	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	18

ITEM 1A :	RISK FACTORS	19

ITEM 2:	UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS	19

ITEM 3:	DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES	19

ITEM 5:	OTHER INFORMATION	19

ITEM 6:	EXHIBITS	19

SIGNATURES		20

PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

OPTIONABLE, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

	September 30,			December 31,
	2010			2009
	(Unaudited)			(Audited)
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,594,556		$	4,231,534
Recoverable income taxes		152,245			933,662
Prepaid expenses		1,173,016			1,194,296
Total current assets		4,919,817			6,359,492

Total assets	$	4,919,817		$	6,359,492

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	482,525		$	608,270
Total current liabilities		482,525			608,270

Due to director, net of unamortized discount of $260,455 and $303,461 at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively		248,242			205,236
Total liabilities		730,767			813,506

Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred Stock; $.0001 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009		-			-
Common stock; $.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 52,428,203 issued and 48,328,328 outstanding at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009		5,242			5,242
Additional paid-in capital		162,789,508			162,784,691
Treasury stock at cost, 4,800 shares		(47,552	)		(47,552	)
Accumulated deficit		(158,558,148	)		(157,196,395	)

Total stockholders’ equity		4,189,050			5,545,986

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	4,919,817		$	6,359,492

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

OPTIONABLE, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

	For the three-month period ended						For the nine-month period ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2010			2009			2010			2009
	(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)

Operating expenses:
General and administrative	$	114,130		$	527,785		$	1,473,522		$	2,803,433

Total operating expenses		114,130			527,785			1,473,522			2,803,433

Operating Loss		(114,130	)		(527,785	)		(1,473,522	)		(2,803,433	)

Other income (expense):
Interest income		1,779			3,944			7,103			38,635
Interest expense to related parties		(14,765	)		(13,103	)		(43,005	)		(141,879	)
		(12,986	)		(9,159	)		(35,902	)		(103,244	)

Income before income tax		(127,116	)		(536,944	)		(1,509,424	)		(2,906,677	)

Income tax benefit- current		(241	)		338,341			147,671			76,537
Income tax benefit		(241	)		338,341			147,671			76,537


Net loss	$	(127,357	)	$	(198,603	)	$	(1,361,753	)	$	(2,830,140	)

Basic earnings per common share	$	(0.00	)	$	(0.00	)	$	(0.03	)	$	(0.06	)

Diluted earnings per common share	$	(0.00	)	$	(0.00	)	$	(0.03	)	$	(0.06	)

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding		48,328,328			48,328,328			48,328,328			49,183,344

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding		48,328,328			48,328,328			48,328,328			49,183,344

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.  

OPTIONABLE, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

	For the nine-month period ended
	September 30,
	2010			2009
	(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)

Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$	(1,361,753	)	$	(2,830,140	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Amortization of debt discount		43,005			141,879
Provision for doubtful accounts		-			80,000
Fair value of warrants and options		4,817			17,657
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Prepaid and other assets		21,280			-
Other current assets		-			101,959
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(125,744	)		336,358
Due to stockholder		-			(97,907	)
Income tax payable		-			(139,941	)
Recoverable income taxes		781,417			29,155

Net cash used in operating activities		(636,978	)		(2,360,980	)

Cash flows used in investing activities:
Purchase of notes receivable		-			(80,000	)

Net cash used in investing activities		-			(80,000	)

Cash flows from financing activities:

Repurchase of shares of common stock		-			(45,046	)
Principal repayment of due to stockholder		-			(2,529,954	)

Net cash used in financing activities		-			(2,575,000	)

Net decrease in cash		(636,978	)		(5,015,980	)

Cash, beginning of period		4,231,534			8,974,282

Cash, end of period	$	3,594,556		$	3,958,302

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid for income taxes	$	-		$	-

Cash paid for interest	$	-		$	-

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements. 

OPTIONABLE, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 1 - Organization, Description of Business and Going Concern

Optionable, Inc. (“the “Company”) is a corporation that was formed in Delaware in February 2000. Between April 2001 and July 2007, a substantial portion of its revenues were generated from providing energy derivative brokerage services to brokerage firms, financial institutions, energy traders, and hedge funds worldwide.

The Company has not generated any revenues since the third quarter of 2007 as a result of the termination of the business relationship with it by its largest customer together with the combined succession of events since then. In addition, the matters discussed in Item 1 of Part II of this Report, "Legal Proceedings", have had a significant adverse impact on its business, including current and, likely, future results of operations and financial condition. The Company’s management continues to seek out possible business transactions and new business relationships.

The Company is a defendant to three significant legal proceedings, one from the Commodities and Futures Trade Commission (“CFTC”), another from its largest stockholder, Chicago Mercantile Exchange/ New York Mercantile Exchange (“NYMEX”), and a third one from its former largest customer, Bank of Montreal (“BMO”). Also named in such lawsuits, among others, are: one of the Company’s current board members and former president, as well as the Company’s former chief executive officer. The Company’s former chairman is a defendant in the latter two proceedings. Additionally, the Company’s former chief executive officer and former president (who is a current board member) are defendants in a claim made by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Furthermore, the US Department of Justice has indicted the Company’s former chief executive officer.

Going Concern

The Company is unable to determine whether it will have sufficient funds to meet its obligations for at least the next twelve months. The combination of its anticipated legal costs to defend against current legal proceedings, the potential amounts the Company would have to pay if there are negative outcomes in one or more of such legal proceedings and the Company’s obligations under its indemnification obligations could exceed the Company’s resources. The legal proceedings also negatively impact the Company’s ability to enter into strategic transactions with other companies. The Company’s future depends on its ability to satisfactorily resolve the aforementioned legal issues and there is no assurance it will be able to do so. If the Company fails for any reason, it would not be able to continue as a going concern and could potentially be forced to seek relief through a filing under the US Bankruptcy Code.

Principles of consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the results of operations of Opex International, Inc. and Hydra Commodity Services, Inc. for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2010. These subsidiaries were dissolved in December 2009 and January 2010, respectively. All material intercompany accounts and transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries have been eliminated in consolidation.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and the footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring accruals, considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2010 is not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2010. The accompanying consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 which was filed on April 15, 2010.

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Concentration of Credit Risks

The Company is subject to concentrations of credit risk primarily from cash and cash equivalents.

The Company's cash and cash equivalents accounts are held at financial institutions and are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") up to $100,000 between January 2007 and October 2008 and $250,000 for interest-bearing accounts and an unlimited amount for noninterest-bearing accounts after October 2008. During the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009, the Company has reached bank balances exceeding the FDIC insurance limit. While the Company periodically evaluates the credit quality of the financial institutions in which it holds deposits, it cannot reasonably alleviate the risk associated with the sudden failure of such financial institutions. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents held at financial institutions exceeding the FDIC insurance limit amounted to $2.1 million and $937,000 at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Statement Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”, for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. ASC 820 establishes a common definition for fair value to be applied to existing generally accepted accounting principles that require the use of fair value measurements, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure about such fair value measurements.

ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Additionally, ASC 820 requires the use of valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. These inputs are prioritized below:

	Level 1:	Observable inputs such as quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

	Level 2:	Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data

	Level 3:	Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data, which require the use of the reporting entity’s own assumptions.

The Company did not have any Level 2 or Level 3 assets or liabilities as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, with the exception of its due to director. The carrying amount of the due to director at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 approximate the fair value based on the rate at which the Company was able to settle its due to stockholder in February 2009.

Cash and cash equivalents include money market securities that are considered to be highly liquid and easily tradable as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. These securities are valued using inputs observable in active markets for identical securities and are therefore classified as Level 1 within our fair value hierarchy.

In addition, ASC 825-10-25, “Fair Value Option,” was effective for January 1, 2008. ASC 825-10-25 expands opportunities to use fair value measurements in financial reporting and permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The Company did not elect the fair value option for any of its qualifying financial instruments.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for in accordance with "Accounting for Income Taxes", which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities to reflect the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company's financial statements or tax returns. Measurement of the deferred items is based on enacted tax laws. In the event the future consequences of differences between financial reporting bases and tax bases of the Company's assets and liabilities result in a deferred tax asset, ASC 740 requires an evaluation of the probability of being able to realize the future benefits indicated by such assets. A valuation allowance related to a deferred tax asset is recorded when it is more likely than not that some or all deferred tax assets will not be realized. Penalties and interest on underpayment of taxes are reflected in the Company’s effective tax rate.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant estimates made by management include, but are not limited to, the realization of receivables and share-based payments. Actual results will differ from these estimates.

Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing income available to stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share are computed using the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive common share equivalents outstanding during the period. Dilutive common share equivalents consist of shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and warrants (calculated using the modified-treasury stock method). The outstanding options amounted to 1,233,000 at September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009, respectively. (The outstanding options amounted to 1,683,000 on November 12, 2010). The outstanding warrants amounted to 0 and 100,000 at September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009, respectively. The options and warrants outstanding at September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2010, respectively, have been excluded from the computation of diluted common shares outstanding and diluted earnings per share due to their anti-dilutive effect.

Stock Compensation

Under ASC 718- Compensation-Stock Compensation, companies are required to measure the costs of stock-based compensation arrangements based on the grant-date fair value and recognize the costs in the financial statements over the period during which employees are required to provide services. Stock-based compensation arrangements include stock options, restricted share plans, performance-based awards, share appreciation rights and employee share purchase plans. In March 2005, the SEC issued SAB 107. SAB 107 expresses views of the staff regarding the interaction between ASC 718 and certain SEC rules and regulations and provides the staff's views regarding the valuation of share-based payment arrangements for public companies. Compensation cost is measured on the date of grant as its fair value. Such compensation amounts, if any, are amortized over the respective vesting periods of the option grant.

Contingencies

The outcomes of legal proceedings and claims brought against the Company are subject to significant uncertainty. FASB ASC 450-20-25-2 “ Contingencies- Loss Contingencies-Recognition”, requires that an estimated loss from a loss contingency such as a legal proceeding or claim should be accrued by a charge to income if it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Disclosure of a contingency is required if there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss has been incurred.

In determining whether a loss should be accrued the Company evaluates, among other factors, the degree of probability of an unfavorable outcome and the ability to make a reasonable estimate of the amount of loss. While the Company believes that it will continue to incur losses from such legal proceedings, it is unable to make a reasonable estimate of the amount of loss.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Management does not believe that any recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards could have a material effect on the accompanying consolidated financial statements. As new accounting pronouncements are issued, the Company will adopt those that are applicable under the circumstances.

Note 3- Prepaid expenses

Prepaid expenses primarily consists of retainers paid to certain law firms which represent the Company and certain former and current directors and officers in connection with legal proceedings which are described in Note 7 “Litigation and Contingencies”.

Note 4 - Notes receivable

The Company purchased five notes receivable aggregating $80,000 from its former chief technology officer and an affiliate. The notes can be either redeemed in cash or in kind for services performed, at the Company’s option.

The Company did not receive payment on the notes and has provided for an allowance for doubtful accounts on all the notes at September 30, 2010.

Note 5 - Due to Related Parties

The terms and amounts of due to related parties at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 are as follows:

Due to Director and former President, non-interest bearing, unsecured, payable by March 12, 2014, if the Company obtains additional equity or debt financing of at least $1,000,000 following a capital raise, the Company will repay its Director up to 5.3% of the capital raise, up to $381,250, with the remaining balance and accrued interest of 4.68% from the date of the capital raise due on March 12, 2014:

	September 30,			December 31,
	2010			2009
	$	508,697		$	508,697
Discount, using initial implied rate of 12%		(260,455	)		(303,461	)
	$	248,242		$	205,236

The amortization of the discount on the due to related parties amounted to approximately $43,005 and $142,000 during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Note 6- Stockholders' Equity

Stock Compensation Plan

During November 2004, the Company adopted the 2004 Stock Option Plan ("2004 Plan"). The 2004 Plan allows for the grant of both incentive stock options and nonstatutory stock options. The 2004 Plan may be administered, interpreted and constructed by the Board of Directors or a compensation committee. The maximum number of shares of common stock which may be issued pursuant to options granted under the 2004 Plan may not exceed 7,500,000 shares. The options outstanding vest over periods of up to twenty-four months.

The amortization of share-based payment was recorded in selling, general, and administrative expenses during such periods.

The Company granted 500,000 options to CEO Brad O'Sullivan during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2010. In addition, the Company granted 450,000 options to CFO Matthew Katzeff in October 2010.

The fair value of the options granted during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2010 is based on the Black Scholes Model using the following assumptions:

Exercise price:	$0.015

Market price at date of grant:	$0.015

Volatility:	162%

Expected dividend rate:	0%

Expected terms:	5 years

Risk-free interest rate:	2.12%

The following activity occurred under our plan:

	Nine-month periods ended September 30,
	2010		2009

Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted	$	0.014	$	0.015

Fair value of options recognized as expense:	$	4,817	$	12,932

The total compensation cost related to nonvested options not yet recognized amounted to approximately $7,000 at September 30, 2010 and the Company expects that it will be recognized over the following weighted-average period of 20 months.

If any options granted under the 2004 Plan expire or terminate without having been exercised or cease to be exercisable, such options will be available again under the 2004 Plan. All employees of the Company and its subsidiaries, if any, are eligible to receive incentive stock options and nonstatutory stock options. Non-employee directors and outside consultants who provided bona-fide services not in connection with the offer or sale of securities in a capital raising transaction are eligible to receive nonstatutory stock options. Incentive stock options may not be granted below the fair market value of the Company's common stock at the time of grant or, if to an individual who beneficially owns more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all stock classes of the Company or a subsidiary, the option price may not be less than 110% of the fair value of the common stock at the time of grant. The expiration date of an incentive stock option may not be longer than ten years from the date of grant. Option holders, or their representatives, may exercise their vested options up to three months after their employment termination or one year after their death or permanent and total disability. The 2004 Plan provides for adjustments upon changes in capitalization.

The Company's policy is to issue shares pursuant to the exercise of stock options from its available authorized but unissued shares of common stock. It does not issue shares pursuant to the exercise of stock options from its treasury shares.

Note 7 - Litigation and Contingencies

Regulatory Matters

Commodity Futures Trading Commission v. Cassidy et al.

On November 18, 2008, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, against the Company; former employees of the Company, including its former Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Cassidy, and its former President (currently a Director), Edward O’Connor; and two former employees of BMO, David Lee and Robert Moore. The CFTC claims that the Company is liable for violations of Section 4c(b) of the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”) and CFTC Regulations 33.10(a),(b) and (c). The CFTC seeks a permanent injunction restraining and enjoining the Company and other defendants from directly or indirectly violating these provisions. The CFTC further seeks an order directing the Company and other defendants to pay civil monetary penalties, in an undetermined amount. The Company is unable to predict the outcome of this matter. The Court denied our motion to dismiss on March 31, 2010.

CMEG NYMEX Inc. v. Optionable, Inc. et. al.

On April 10, 2009, NYMEX filed a complaint against the Company, several past and present officers and directors (one of whom is a current director), and other defendants in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The complaint claims that defendants are liable for securities and common-law fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and breach of warranty in connection with an April 2007 transaction in which several individuals who were officers and directors of the Company at the time sold shares in it to NYMEX and the Company issued NYMEX warrants for the purchase of additional shares. The complaint seeks rescission, compensatory damages of at least $28.5 million, and punitive damages of $28.5 million. The Company is unable to predict the outcome of this matter. The Court denied our motion to dismiss on March 31, 2010.

Bank of Montreal v. Optionable, Inc. et al.

On August 28, 2009, the Bank of Montreal (“BMO”) filed a complaint against the Company and other defendants in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The other defendants include former employees Scott Connor and Ryan Woodgate, former chief executive officer Kevin Cassidy, former chairman Mark Nordlicht, and former president (and currently a Director) of the Company, Edward O’Connor, as well as MF Global Inc. and one of its current or former employees. The complaint claims that the Company is liable for fraud, negligent misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty, and breach of contract. It demands compensatory and punitive damages in an undetermined amount, and it demands indemnification from the Company for certain of BMO’s trading losses and attorneys’ fees. The Company is unable to predict the outcome of this litigation. The Court denied our motion to dismiss on June 18, 2010.

Claims from former employee

On December 9, 2009, Scott Connor, a co-defendant in the BMO action, filed cross-claims against the Company. Connor claims rights to indemnity and contribution from the Company for any liability he may have to BMO. He also lays claims of breach of contract, quantum meruit, and unjust enrichment, on the basis of an allegation that the Company failed to pay him the full amount of salary and commissions that was due to him for 2007.

Claim from the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer

On October 15, 2007, and as subsequently reiterated, the Company received a letter from the Company's former Chief Executive Officer in which he states, among other things, that the Company is in breach of certain obligations pursuant to an Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated April 10, 2007, and the Company should:

1)	continue to pay him his base salary, amounting to $25,000 per month for fiscal 2007, $325,000 for fiscal 2008, and $350,000 for fiscal 2009;

2)	continue to pay him a cash consideration equal to 5% of the Company's revenues and a stock consideration equal to 2% of the Company's revenues. The aggregate value of the unpaid consideration based on the Company's revenues amounted to approximately $289,000 at September 30, 2007; and

3)	continue to provide to him health, welfare, and pension plan benefits as well as the payment of an annual premium for his life insurance through October 2009.

While the Company intends to defend itself vigorously against such claims and cross-claims, there exists the possibility of adverse outcomes that the Company cannot determine. These matters are subject to inherent uncertainties and management’s view of these matters may change in the future.

Note 8 - Income Taxes

The components of the benefit for income taxes are as follows:

	Nine month period ended		Nine month period ended
	September 30, 2010		September 30, 2009

Current and deferred:
Federal	$	147,912	$	76,537
Total benefit for income taxes	$	147,912	$	76,537

A reconciliation of the Company’s effective tax rate to the statutory federal rate is as follows:

	Nine-month period ended September 30,
	2010			2009
Federal statutory taxes		35.0	%		35.0	%
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit		5.7	%		5.7
Utilization of state net operating loss		(9.7	)		(5.7	)
Change in valuation allowance		21.3			-
Permanent differences (taxable gain on extinguishment of due to Stockholder in 2009)		-			32.3
		9.7	%		2.7	%

The recoverable income tax amounting to approximately $150,000 is recoverable from applications for carryback refund from the Company’s 2006 federal tax returns.

The Company has net operating losses of approximately $1.1 million for both federal and state tax purposes.

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

Overview

Optionable, Inc. (the “Company”) was formed in Delaware in February 2000. Between April 2001 and July 2007, a substantial portion of the Company’s revenues were generated from providing energy derivative brokerage services to brokerage firms, financial institutions, energy traders, and hedge funds worldwide.

The Company has not generated any revenues since the third quarter of 2007 as a result of the termination of the business relationship by its largest customer and the succession of events since then. In addition, the matters discussed in Note 11 and Item 1 of Part II of this Report "Legal Proceedings" have had a significant adverse impact on its business and future results of operations and financial condition.

The Company is a defendant to three legal proceedings, one from the Commodities and Futures Trade Commission (“CFTC”), another from its largest shareholder, Chicago Mercantile Exchange/ New York Mercantile Exchange (“NYMEX”), and a third one from its former largest customer, Bank of Montreal (“BMO”). Also named in such lawsuits, among others, are: one of the Company’s current board members and former president, as well as the Company’s former chief executive officer. The Company’s former chairman is a defendant in the latter two proceedings. Additionally, the Company’s former chief executive officer and former president are defendants in a claim made by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Furthermore, the US Department of Justice has indicted the Company’s former chief executive officer.

The Company has exhausted its insurance policy for the current litigation matters described in Note 7 and in Part II, Item I-- “Legal Proceedings”. As a result of this and the fact that the Company has not generated any revenues since the third quarter of 2007, the Company cash reserves, liquidity and capital resources likely will decrease more rapidly in the coming reporting cycles. The Company’s Board of Directors has placed a cap on advancements for litigation expenses at $40,000 per month per defendant. Going forward these advancements for litigation fees will no longer be covered by insurance.

GOING CONCERN

Nine Month Periods Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009

Results of Operations

(Unaudited)

	For the three-month period						Increase/			Increase/		For the nine-month period						Increase/			Increase/
	ended						(Decrease)			(Decrease)		ended						(Decrease)			(Decrease)
	September 30,						in $ 2010			in % 2010		September 30,						in $ 2010			in % 2010
	2010			2009			vs 2009			vs 2009		2010			2009			vs 2009			vs 2009

Operating expenses:
General and administrative	$	114,130		$	527,785		$	(413,655	)	-78.4	%	$	1,473,522		$	2,803,433		$	(1,329,911	)	-47.4	%
Total operating expenses		114,130			527,785			(413,655	)	-78.4	%		1,473,522			2,803,433			(1,329,911	)	-47.4	%

Operating loss		(114,130	)		(527,785	)		(413,655	)	-78.4	%		(1,473,522	)		(2,803,433	)		1,329,911		-47.4	%

Other income (expense):
Interest income		1,779			3,944			(2,165	)	-54.9	%		7,103			38,635			(31,532	)	-81.6	%
Interest expense-related parties		(14,765	)		(13,103	)		1,662		12.7	%		(43,005	)		(141,879	)		(98,874	)	-69.7	%
		(12,986	)		(9,159	)		3,827		41.8	%		(35,902	)		(103,244	)		(67,342	)	65.2	%

Net loss before income tax		(127,116	)		(536,944	)		(409,828	)	-76.3	%		(1,509,424	)		(2,906,677	)		(1,397,253	)	-48.1	%

Income tax benefit (expense)		(241	)		338,341			(338,582	)	-100.1	%		147,671			76,537			71,134		NM

Net loss	$	(127,357	)	$	(198,603	)	$	(71,246	)	-35.9	%	$	(1,361,753	)	$	(2,830,140	)	$	(1,468,387	)	-51.9	%

NM: Not meaningful

General and administrative expenses

General and administrative expenses consists primarily of legal fees, incurred in connection with the Company’s attention to matters described in Part II, Item 1- Legal Proceedings, expenses incurred in connection with the handling of certain matters which occur during the course of our operations and compensation of personnel supporting our operations.

The decrease in general and administrative expenses during the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, when compared to the prior year periods is primarily due to the following:

- Lower legal fees were incurred after the Company instituted cost-saving measures, including changing legal counsel.

- Lower legal fees were incurred in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2010,compared to the nine month period in the prior year because the Company had to incur legal expenses in the first half of 2009 for a settlement agreement with Mark Nordlicht, who is one of the Company’s largest stockholders and the Company’s former Chairman of the Board.

- Substantially lower salaries were paid to the Company's current chief executive officer and chief financial officer compared to their predecessors.

As a result of the matters discussed above and in Item 1 of Part II of this Report, we believe that our legal fees for 2010 will continue to constitute a large share of our general and administrative expenses.

Interest income

Interest income consists primarily of interest earned on interest-bearing cash and cash equivalents. The decrease in interest income during the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2010 when compared to the prior year periods is primarily due to a decrease in interest rate we earned as well as a lower weighted average interest-bearing cash balance.

Interest expense to related parties

Interest expense to related parties consists of interest charges associated with amounts due to related parties, including Mark Nordlicht, our former Chairman of the Board and Edward O’Connor, our former President and current Director. As of September 30, 2010, the only remaining related party note payable is due to Edward O’Connor. The decrease in interest expense to related parties during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2010 in comparison to the comparable period in 2009 is primarily due to the significant decrease of the related parties payable since 2009.

Income tax

Income tax benefit/expense consists of federal and state current and deferred income tax or benefit based on our net income. The increase in our deferred income tax benefit during the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2010 when compared to the comparable prior-year periods is primarily due to our continued operating losses in 2010 and the fact that in first quarter of 2009 we incurred a $2.5 million gain due to a settlement with Mark Nordlicht, one of our largest stockholders and our former Chairman of the Board.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our cash balance as of September 30, 2010 amounts to approximately $3.6 million.

During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2010, we used cash for operating activities of approximately $637,000, primarily resulting from:

	·	net loss of approximately $1.3 million, adjusted for the amortization of debt discount of approximately $43,000;
	·	An increase in recoverable income taxes resulting from the reimbursement during 2009 of the 2007 federal and estimated tax payments offset by the current year tax benefits resulting from operating losses; and

A decrease in insurance proceeds for legal expenses.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

A summary of significant accounting policies is included in Note 2 of the audited financial statements included in this Report. Management believes that the application of these policies on a consistent basis enables us to provide useful and reliable financial information about our operating results and financial condition. Our financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Preparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are affected by management's application of accounting policies. Critical accounting policies for us include the following:

Contingencies

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

n/a

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of November 12, 2010, our Chief Executive Officer and our Principal Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Principal Financial Officer concluded that, as of November 12, 2010, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that material information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms, including ensuring that such material information is accumulated and communicated to our Chief Executive Officer and our Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting

We did not have a Principal Financial Officer from April 1, 2010 until July 27, 2010. We appointed Matthew L. Katzeff as our new Chief Financial Officer on July 27, 2010. Also in July 2010 we hired a Controller. There have been no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 under the Exchange Act that occurred during the Company’s last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART 2: OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings

Commodity Futures Trading Commission v. Cassidy et al.

CMEG NYMEX Inc. v. Optionable, Inc. et. al.

Bank of Montreal v. Optionable, Inc. et al.

Claims from former employee

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

N/A

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

None

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

	31.1	Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934*
	31.2	Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934*
	32.1	Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b)/15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350*
	32.2	Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b)/15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350*

* Filed herewith

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.

November 12, 2010

	Optionable, Inc.



	By:	/s/ Brad P. O’Sullivan

		Brad P. O’Sullivan

		Chief Executive Officer

		(Principal Executive Officer)