10-Q 1 d10q.htm FORM 10-Q Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form 10-Q

 

 

 

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

For the quarterly period ended March 26, 2010

OR

 

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

For the transition period from              to             

Commission file number 000-19483

 

 

SWS GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   75-2040825
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)   Identification No.)

 

1201 Elm Street, Suite 3500, Dallas, Texas   75270
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (214) 859-1800

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (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 or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   x
Non-accelerated filer   ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   ¨

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

As of April 23, 2010, there were 32,558,681 shares of the registrant’s common stock, $.10 par value, outstanding.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

SWS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

Item 1. Financial Statements

  

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
March 26, 2010 (unaudited) and June  26, 2009

   1

Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the three and nine-months ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009 (unaudited)

   2

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the nine-months ended March 26, 2010 and March  27, 2009 (unaudited)

   3

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

   5

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   27

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   69

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

   69
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION   

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

   69

Item 1A. Risk Factors

   69

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

   70

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

   70

Item 5. Other Information

   70

Item 6. Exhibits

   70
SIGNATURES    71
EXHIBIT INDEX    72


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

SWS Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

March 26, 2010 and June 26, 2009

(In thousands, except par values and share amounts)

 

     March     June  
     (Unaudited)        
Assets     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 55,890      $ 96,253   

Assets segregated for regulatory purposes

     302,213        313,153   

Receivable from brokers, dealers and clearing organizations

     1,731,519        1,892,739   

Receivable from clients, net

     198,875        158,032   

Loans held for sale

     322,100        262,780   

Loans, net

     1,152,838        1,138,602   

Securities owned, at market value

     234,140        175,030   

Securities held to maturity

     88,839        6,237   

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

     33,666        21,622   

Goodwill

     7,552        7,552   

Securities available for sale

     1,167        4,094   

Other assets

     159,607        122,945   
                
   $ 4,288,406      $ 4,199,039   
                
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity     

Short-term borrowings

   $ 107,000      $ 10,000   

Payable to brokers, dealers and clearing organizations

     1,618,532        1,853,544   

Payable to clients

     454,220        426,300   

Deposits

     1,438,468        1,292,366   

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

     7,873        4,462   

Securities sold, not yet purchased, at market value

     68,672        53,236   

Drafts payable

     30,594        27,457   

Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank

     109,910        117,492   

Other liabilities

     67,053        73,825   
                
     3,902,322        3,858,682   

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Preferred stock of $1.00 par value. Authorized 100,000 shares; none issued

     —          —     

Common stock of $.10 par value. Authorized 60,000,000 shares; issued 33,309,140 and outstanding 32,358,548 shares at March 26, 2010; issued 28,309,139 and outstanding 27,262,923 shares at June 26, 2009

     3,331        2,831   

Additional paid-in capital

     325,919        271,131   

Retained earnings

     65,106        75,918   

Accumulated other comprehensive income – unrealized holding gain, net of tax of $4 at March 26, 2010 and $0 at June 26, 2009

     158        180   

Deferred compensation, net

     3,120        2,639   

Treasury stock (950,592 shares at March 26, 2010 and 1,046,216 shares at June 26, 2009, at cost)

     (11,550     (12,342
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     386,084        340,357   

Commitments and contingencies

    
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 4,288,406      $ 4,199,039   
                

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Table of Contents

SWS Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)

AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

For the three and nine-months ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009

(In thousands, except per share and share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

     For the Three-Months
Ended
    For the Nine-Months
Ended
 
     March 26,
2010
    March 27,
2009
    March 26,
2010
    March 27,
2009
 

Revenues:

        

Net revenues from clearing operations

   $ 2,476      $ 2,401      $ 7,832      $ 8,774   

Commissions

     35,215        46,360        119,979        135,414   

Interest

     36,224        43,260        118,397        163,339   

Investment banking, advisory and administrative fees

     7,895        7,374        26,183        27,728   

Net gains on principal transactions

     7,776        11,466        32,251        22,128   

Other

     5,661        3,230        17,017        6,150   
                                

Total revenue

     95,247        114,091        321,659        363,533   

Interest expense

     12,246        19,423        44,028        80,921   
                                

Net revenues

     83,001        94,668        277,631        282,612   
                                

Non-interest expenses:

        

Commissions and other employee compensation

     53,032        61,571        174,860        177,423   

Occupancy, equipment and computer service costs

     8,607        8,574        25,696        24,346   

Communications

     3,370        3,366        9,925        9,835   

Floor brokerage and clearing organization charges

     1,008        751        2,939        2,665   

Advertising and promotional

     881        1,175        3,056        3,115   

Provision for loan loss

     25,000        5,734        34,420        8,443   

Other

     9,402        6,643        31,102        23,606   
                                

Total non-interest expenses

     101,300        87,814        281,998        249,433   
                                

Income (loss) before income tax expense

     (18,299     6,854        (4,367     33,179   

Income tax expense (benefit)

     (6,759     2,900        (1,779     13,156   
                                

Net income (loss)

     (11,540     3,954        (2,588     20,023   

Net gain/(loss) recognized in other comprehensive income, net of tax of $(3) and $(375) for the three-months ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009, respectively and $4 and $(1,394) for the nine-months ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009, respectively

     1        (627     (22     (2,606
                                

Comprehensive income (loss)

   $ (11,539   $ 3,327      $ (2,610   $ 17,417   
                                

Earnings per share – basic

        

Net income (loss)

   $ (0.35   $ 0.15      $ (0.09   $ 0.73   
                                

Weighted average shares outstanding – basic

     32,544,021        27,434,224        29,489,035        27,413,962   
                                

Earnings per share – diluted

        

Net income (loss)

   $ (0.35   $ 0.15      $ (0.09   $ 0.73   
                                

Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted

     32,544,021        27,508,487        29,489,035        27,500,961   
                                

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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SWS Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the nine-months ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     For the Nine-Months Ended  
     March 26,
2010
    March 27,
2009
 

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income (loss)

   $ (2,588   $ 20,023   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     5,232        4,390   

Amortization of premiums on loans purchased

     (138     (408

Amortization of premiums /discounts on investment securities

     4        —     

Provision for loan loss/doubtful accounts and write downs on real estate owned properties

     38,749        10,181   

Deferred income tax benefit

     (5,251     (2,008

Deferred compensation

     4,382        (1,529

Gain on sale of loans

     (902     (551

Loss on fixed assets transactions

     5        2   

Loss on sale of real estate

     1,549        656   

Gain on sale of factored receivables

     —          (260

Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated ventures

     (1,687     2,457   

Gain on sale of marketable equity securities

     (16     —     

Dividend received on investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock

     (12     (75

Windfall tax expense (benefit)

     120        (68

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Decrease in assets segregated for regulatory purposes

     10,940        37,825   

Net change in broker, dealer and clearing organization accounts

     (73,792     (54,376

Net change in client accounts

     (13,643     (7,066

Net change in loans held for sale

     (59,320     61,802   

(Increase) decrease in securities owned

     (59,110     84,863   

(Increase) decrease in securities purchased under agreements to resell

     (12,044     4,520   

(Increase) decrease in other assets

     (13,800     6,694   

Increase in drafts payable

     3,137        5,768   

Increase (decrease) in securities sold, not yet purchased

     15,436        1,569   

Increase (decrease) in other liabilities

     (9,102     4,236   
                

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

     (171,851     178,645   
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Purchase of fixed assets and capitalized improvements on real estate owned properties

     (5,788     (8,696

Proceeds from fixed assets transactions

     86        116   

Proceeds from the sale of real estate

     20,400        9,508   

Loan originations and purchases

     (304,379     (447,491

Loan repayments

     215,277        240,683   

Proceeds from the sale of factored receivables

     —          260   

Cash paid on investments

     (83,447     (6,564

Cash received on investments

     650        —     

Proceeds from the sale of marketable equity securities

     2,925        —     

Cash paid for purchase of M.L. Stern & Co., LLC

     —          (119

Proceeds from sale of Federal Home Loan Bank stock

     267        3,462   

Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank stock

     —          (4,081
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (154,009     (212,922
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Payments on short-term borrowings

     (2,168,900     (1,508,785

Proceeds from short-term borrowings

     2,265,900        1,429,485   

Increase in deposits

     146,102        142,842   

Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank

     997        3,041,751   

Payments on advances from Federal Home Loan Bank

     (8,579     (3,065,432

 

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Table of Contents
     For the Nine-Months Ended  
     March 26,
2010
    March 27,
2009
 

Payment of cash dividends on common stock

   $ (8,285   $ (7,409

Windfall tax (benefits) expense

     (120     68   

Cash payments on securities sold under agreements to repurchase

     3,411        (1,303

Net proceeds from secondary offering

     54,700        —     

Net proceeds from exercise of stock options

     —          333   

Proceeds related to the deferred compensation plan

     499        551   

Purchase of treasury stock related to deferred compensation plan

     (228     (437
                

Net cash provided by financing activities

     285,497        31,664   
                

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (40,363     (2,613

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     96,253        39,628   
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 55,890      $ 37,015   
                

Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:

    

Granting of restricted stock

   $ 1,461      $ 1,007   
                

Foreclosures on loans

   $ 41,485      $ 15,270   
                

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

    

Cash paid during the period for:

    

Interest

   $ 46,718      $ 82,205   
                

Income taxes

   $ 7,055      $ 12,850   
                

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Table of Contents

SWS Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Three and Nine-Months Ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009

(Unaudited)

GENERAL AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The interim consolidated financial statements as of March 26, 2010, and for the three and nine-months ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009, are unaudited; however, in the opinion of management, these interim statements include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes as of and for the year ended June 26, 2009 filed on Form 10-K. Amounts included for June 26, 2009 are derived from the audited consolidated financial statements as filed on Form 10-K. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SWS Group, Inc. (“SWS Group”) and the consolidated active subsidiaries listed below (collectively with SWS Group, “SWS” or the “Company”):

 

Southwest Securities, Inc.

  

“Southwest Securities”

SWS Financial Services, Inc.

  

“SWS Financial”

Southwest Financial Insurance Agency, Inc.

  
Southwest Insurance Agency, Inc.   

Southwest Insurance Agency of Alabama, Inc.

  

collectively, “SWS Insurance”

SWS Banc Holdings, Inc.   

“SWS Banc”

Southwest Securities, FSB

  

“Bank”

Southwest Securities is a New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) member broker/dealer and Southwest Securities and SWS Financial are members of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). Each is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) as a broker/dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) and as registered investment advisors under the Investment Advisors Act of 1940.

SWS Insurance holds insurance agency licenses in forty-one states for the purpose of facilitating the sale of insurance and annuities for Southwest Securities and its correspondents. The Company retains no underwriting risk related to the insurance and annuity products that SWS Insurance sells.

The Bank is a federally chartered savings bank regulated by the Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”). SWS Banc was incorporated as a wholly owned subsidiary of SWS Group and became the sole stockholder of the Bank in 2004.

Consolidated Financial Statements. The quarterly consolidated financial statements of SWS are customarily closed on the last Friday of the month. The Bank’s third quarter financial statements are prepared as of March 31, 2010. Any individually material transactions are reviewed and recorded in the appropriate quarterly period. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Change in Accounting Estimate. Prior to the third quarter of fiscal 2010, the Bank’s provision for loan loss computation used a three year rolling average of historical loan losses by product type to assess losses in the Bank’s loan portfolio. Product types include 1-4 family residential loans, 1-4 family residential construction loans, land and land development loans, commercial real estate loans, commercial loans and consumer loans. Due to accelerated deterioration in the Bank’s loan portfolio, depressed appraised values for collateral, continued high unemployment rates in Texas and deteriorating banking industry loss statistics, the Bank’s management reevaluated its use of historical loan losses in its provision for loan loss computation. As a result of this reevaluation, in the third quarter of fiscal 2010, management reduced the historical loan loss look back period from three years to four quarters. This change resulted in a $10,415,000 effect to the loan loss provision in the third quarter of fiscal 2010.

Amortization Expense. The Company has recorded a customer relationship intangible which is amortized over a five year period at a rate based on the estimated future economic benefit of the customer relationships. See additional discussion in “Intangible Assets.”

Income Taxes. SWS and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

 

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SWS Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Three and Nine-Months Ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009

(Unaudited)

 

At March 26, 2010, the Company had approximately $1,060,000 of unrecognized tax benefits. The Company’s net liability decreased $100,000 from June 26, 2009 to March 26, 2010 due to unrecognized tax benefits related to tax positions taken on previously filed returns and returns expected to be filed in the current year. While the Company expects that the net liability for uncertain tax positions will change during the next twelve months, the Company does not believe that the change will have a significant impact on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties on income taxes in income tax expense. Included in the net liability was accrued interest and penalties, net of federal benefit, of $242,000 as of March 26, 2010 and $183,000 as of June 26, 2009. The total amount of unrecognized income tax benefits that, if recognized, would reduce income tax expense, net of federal benefit, was approximately $818,000 as of March 26, 2010 and $977,000 as of June 26, 2009.

With limited exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state or local tax audits by taxing authorities for tax years preceding 2005. The examination of the federal income tax return for the year ended December 31, 2006 was concluded with no significant adjustments. In May 2010, a state agency intends to begin examination of the Company’s returns for the tax years ended December 31, 2006-2008.

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company adopted the fair value accounting standard of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) effective June 28, 2008. Fair value accounting establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.

Under fair value accounting, fair value refers to the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the market in which the reporting entity transacts. The standard clarifies the principle that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. In support of this principle, the standard establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable data. Under the standard, fair value measurements are separately disclosed by level within the fair value hierarchy. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

 

   

Level 1 — Quoted prices in an active market for identical assets or liabilities. Assets and liabilities utilizing Level 1 inputs include the following: a) the Company’s investment in U.S. Home Systems, Inc. (“USHS”) common stock; b) the Company’s deferred compensation plan’s investment in Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. (“Westwood”) common stock; c) the Company’s investment in government guaranteed bonds purchased under the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (“TLGP”); and d) certain inventories held in the Company’s securities owned and securities sold, not yet purchased portfolio. Valuation of these instruments does not require a high degree of judgment as the valuations are based on quoted prices in active markets that are readily available.

 

   

Level 2 — Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Assets and liabilities utilizing Level 2 inputs include the following: a) certain real estate owned (“REO”) investments; and b) certain inventories held in the Company’s securities owned and securities sold, not yet purchased portfolio. These financial instruments are valued by quoted prices that are less frequent than those in active markets or by models that use various assumptions that are derived from or supported by data that is generally observable in the marketplace. Valuations in this category are inherently less reliable than quoted market prices due to the degree of subjectivity involved in determining appropriate methodologies and the applicable underlying assumptions.

 

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SWS Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Three and Nine-Months Ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009

(Unaudited)

 

   

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets and liabilities. Assets and liabilities utilizing Level 3 inputs include the following: a) the Company’s equity method investments in investment partnerships (described under “Other Assets” below); b) certain REO and other repossessed assets; and c) certain inventories held in the Company’s securities owned and securities sold, not yet purchased portfolio. These financial instruments have significant inputs that cannot be validated by readily determinable market data and generally involve considerable judgment by management.

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis and recognized in the accompanying balance sheet, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.

Assets Segregated for Regulatory Purposes. Because quoted market prices are available in an active market, these securities are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. These securities include government bonds purchased under the TLGP.

Marketable Equity Securities Available for Sale. Because quoted market prices are available in an active market, these securities are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. These securities include the Company’s investment in USHS common stock and the Company’s deferred compensation plan’s investment in Westwood common stock.

Securities Owned and Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased Portfolio. Securities classified as Level 1 securities primarily consist of financial instruments whose value is based on quoted market prices such as corporate equity securities and U.S. government obligations.

Securities classified as Level 2 securities include financial instruments that are valued using models or other valuation methodologies. These models are primarily industry standard models that consider various assumptions, including time value, yield curve, volatility factors, current market and contractual prices for the underlying financial instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures. Substantially all of these assumptions are observable in the marketplace, can be derived from observable data or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. Securities in this category include corporate debt, certain U.S. government and government agency obligations and municipal obligations.

Securities classified as Level 3 securities are securities whose fair value is estimated based on internally developed models or methodologies, including discounted cash flow, utilizing significant inputs that are generally less readily observable. Included in this category are certain corporate equity securities and municipal auction rate securities.

Other Assets. Other assets consist of the Company’s investment in REO, other repossessed assets and equity investments in limited partnerships. REO is valued at the lower of cost or market. For those investments where the REO is valued at market, the value is determined by third party appraisals. When the REO investments are valued solely based on appraisals, the REO investments are categorized as Level 2. In certain circumstances, the Company adjusts the appraisals to reflect more accurately the economic conditions of the area at the time of valuation and, in those cases, these REO investments are categorized as Level 3. Other repossessed assets are valued at an amount approximating their selling value, which is generally the estimated fair value of the asset less a selling discount. Included in other repossessed assets are land leases which are valued using a discounted cash flow analysis. The Company’s investments in three privately held limited partnerships (the “Investment Partnerships”) are categorized as Level 3, as the underlying investments in the funds are valued based on internally developed models utilizing inputs with little or no market activity. Most of the investments in these funds are in privately held growth companies.

 

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SWS Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Three and Nine-Months Ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009

(Unaudited)

 

Substantially all of SWS’ brokerage assets and liabilities are carried at market value or at amounts which, because of their short-term nature, approximate current fair value.

Fair values of loans held for sale are determined by outstanding commitments from investors or current investor yield requirements calculated on the aggregate note basis and approximate carrying value in the years presented in the consolidated financial statements. Fair values of loans receivable are estimated for portfolios of loans with similar characteristics. Loans are segregated by type, such as real estate, commercial and consumer, which are also segregated into fixed and adjustable rate interest terms. The fair value of loans receivable is calculated by discounting scheduled cash flows through the estimated maturity using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality. Loan fair value estimates include judgments regarding future expected loss experience and risk characteristics. The fair value of loans held for sale was $322,827,000 and $263,400,000 at March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2009, respectively. The fair value of and loans receivable was $1,240,747,000 and $1,176,855,000 at March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2009, respectively.

The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as interest-bearing checking accounts, passbook savings accounts and advance payments from borrowers for taxes and insurance, are equal to the amount payable on demand (carrying value). The fair value of certificates of deposit and advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits and borrowings of similar remaining maturities. The fair value of certificates of deposit was $71,487,000 and $72,256,000 at March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2009, respectively. The fair value of other deposits was $1,367,812,000 and $1,220,806,000 at March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2009, respectively. The fair value of advances to the FHLB was $121,149,000 and $128,895,000 at March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2009, respectively.

The following table summarizes by level within the fair value hierarchy “Assets segregated for regulatory purposes”, “Marketable equity securities available for sale,” “Securities owned, at market value,” “Other assets” and “Securities sold, not yet purchased, at market value” as of March 26, 2010.

 

(in thousands)                    
     Level 1    Level 2    Level 3    Total

Assets segregated for regulatory purposes

           

U.S. government guaranteed obligations

   $ 61,882    $ —      $ —      $ 61,882
                           
   $ 61,882    $ —      $ —      $ 61,882
                           

Marketable equity securities available for sale

           

USHS common stock

   $ 925    $ —      $ —      $ 925

Westwood common stock

     242      —        —        242
                           
   $ 1,167    $ —      $ —      $ 1,167
                           

Securities owned, at market value

           

Corporate equity securities

   $ 11,725    $ —      $ 2,125    $ 13,850

Municipal obligations

     —        92,247      22,848      115,095

U.S. government agency obligations

     3,457      41,080      —        44,537

Corporate obligations

     —        48,889      —        48,889

Other

     769      11,000      —        11,769
                           
   $ 15,951    $ 193,216    $ 24,973    $ 234,140
                           

 

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Table of Contents

SWS Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Three and Nine-Months Ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009

(Unaudited)

 

     Level 1    Level 2    Level 3    Total

Other Assets

           

REO and other repossessed assets

   $ —      $ 25,698    $ 15,740    $ 41,438

Investment partnerships

     —        —        6,856      6,856
                           
   $ —      $ 25,698    $ 22,596    $ 48,294
                           

Securities sold, not yet purchased, at market value

           

Corporate equity securities

   $ 1,229    $ —      $ —      $ 1,229

Municipal obligations

     —        15      —        15

U.S. government and government agency obligations

     49,944      91      —        50,035

Corporate obligations

     —        17,209      —        17,209

Other

     174      10      —        184
                           
   $ 51,347    $ 17,325    $ —      $ 68,672
                           

Grand Total

   $ 27,653    $ 201,589    $ 47,569    $ 276,811
                           

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for the three and nine-months ended March 26, 2010.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for the major classes of assets and liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):

 

(in thousands)    Corporate
Equity
Securities
    Municipal
Obligations
    REO and
Other
Repossessed
Assets
    Investment
Partnerships
   Total  

Beginning balance at June 26, 2009

   $ 1,704      $ 23,875      $ 8,124      $ 5,259    $ 38,962   

Unrealized gains (losses)

     (4     —          (150     334      180   

Transfers into level 3

     —          —          1,098        —        1,098   

Transfers out of level 3

     —          —          (1,725     —        (1,725

Purchases

     375        —          2,237        —        2,612   

Sales

     (50     —          (624     —        (674
                                       

Ending balance at September 25, 2009

   $ 2,025      $ 23,875      $ 8,960      $ 5,593    $ 40,453   
                                       

Unrealized gains (losses)

     —          —          —          379      379   

Transfers into level 3

     —          —          80        —        80   

Transfers out of level 3

     —          —          (80     —        (80

Purchases

     150        —          2,988        —        3,138   

Sales

     —          —          (344     —        (344
                                       

Ending balance at December 31, 2009

   $ 2,175      $ 23,875      $ 11,604      $ 5,972    $ 43,626   
                                       

Unrealized gains (losses)

     —          (1,027     (331     884      (474

Transfers into level 3

     —          —          1,527        —        1,527   

Transfers out of level 3

     —          —          (819     —        (819

Purchases

     —          —          6,100        —        6,100   

Sales

     (50     —          (2,341     —        (2,391
                                       

Ending balance at March 26, 2010

   $ 2,125      $ 22,848      $ 15,740      $ 6,856    $ 47,569   
                                       

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) and realized gains (losses) for corporate and municipal obligations and corporate equity securities are presented in “Net gains on principal transactions” on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Unrealized gains (losses) for REO and the Investment Partnerships are presented in “Other revenues” on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

The total unrealized losses for the three-month period ended March 26, 2010 included in earnings that related to assets still held at March 26, 2010 were $474,000. The total unrealized gains for the nine-month period ended March 26, 2010 included in earnings that related to assets still held at March 26, 2010 were $85,000.

 

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Table of Contents

SWS Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Three and Nine-Months Ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009

(Unaudited)

 

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Stock Option Plans. There were no active stock option plans at March 26, 2010. All outstanding options under the SWS Group, Inc. Stock Option Plan (the “1996 Plan”) may still be exercised until their contractual expiration date occurs. No options may be exercised under the SWS Group, Inc. 1997 Stock Option Plan (the “1997 Plan”) as all outstanding options under the 1997 Plan have expired. Options granted under the 1996 Plan have a maximum ten-year term, and all options are fully vested.

Restricted Stock Plan. On November 12, 2003, the stockholders of SWS Group approved the adoption of the SWS Group, Inc. 2003 Restricted Stock Plan (as amended to date, the “Restricted Stock Plan”). The Restricted Stock Plan allows for awards of up to 1,250,000 shares of SWS Group’s common stock to SWS’ directors, officers and employees. No more than 300,000 of the authorized shares may be newly issued shares of common stock. The Restricted Stock Plan terminates on August 21, 2013. The vesting period is determined on an individualized basis by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. In general, restricted stock granted to employees under the Restricted Stock Plan vests pro-rata over a three year period, and restricted stock granted to non-employee directors vests on the one year anniversary of the date of grant.

During the first nine-months of fiscal 2010, the Board of Directors approved grants to various officers and employees totaling 146,844 shares with a weighted average market value of $14.76 per share. In the first nine-months of fiscal 2009, the Board of Directors approved grants to various officers and employees totaling 110,373 shares with a weighted average market value of $17.65 per share. As a result of these grants, SWS recorded deferred compensation in “Additional paid-in capital” of approximately $2,016,000 in fiscal 2010 and $1,757,000 in fiscal 2009. For the three and nine-months ended March 26, 2010, SWS recognized compensation expense related to restricted stock grants of approximately $530,000 and $2,151,000, respectively. For the three and nine-months ended March 27, 2009, SWS recognized compensation expense related to restricted stock grants of approximately $549,000 and $1,611,000, respectively.

At March 26, 2010, the total number of unvested shares outstanding under the Restricted Stock Plan was 294,162 and the total number of shares available for future grants was 383,972.

Deferred Compensation Plan. On November 17, 2009, the stockholders of SWS Group voted to increase the authorized number of shares of SWS Group common stock available for issuance under the deferred compensation plan from 375,000 shares to 675,000 shares.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

For the purpose of the consolidated statements of cash flows, SWS considers cash to include cash on hand and in bank accounts. In addition, SWS considers funds due from banks and interest bearing deposits in other banks to be cash. Highly liquid debt instruments purchased with original maturities of three months or less, when acquired, are considered to be cash equivalents. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insures accounts up to $250,000. At March 26, 2010 and June 26, 2009, cash balances included $17,496,000 and $9,125,000, respectively, that were not federally insured because they represented amounts in individual accounts above the federally insured limit for each such account. This at-risk amount is subject to fluctuation on a daily basis, but management does not believe there is significant risk with respect to such deposits.

The Bank is required to maintain balances on hand or with the Federal Reserve Bank. The Bank receives credit for excess balances maintained and receives interest on all such balances. At March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2009, these reserve balances amounted to $8,433,000 and $4,362,000, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

SWS Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Three and Nine-Months Ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009

(Unaudited)

 

INVESTMENTS

SWS has interests in three investment partnerships that are accounted for under the equity method, which approximates fair value, as described above. One is a limited partnership venture capital fund to which SWS has committed $5,000,000. As of March 26, 2010, SWS had contributed $4,400,000 of this commitment. SWS has been notified that it must pay the remaining $600,000 of its commitment by September 2010. SWS has recorded a contingent liability of $600,000 for this capital call. Based on a review of the fair value of this limited partnership investment, SWS determined that its share of the investments made by the limited partnership should be valued at $2,303,000 as of March 26, 2010. As a result of this fair value analysis, SWS recorded a net gain on this investment for the three and nine-months ended March 26, 2010 of $885,000 and $1,263,000, respectively. In comparison, during the three-months ended March 27, 2009, SWS recorded a loss of $153,000 on this investment, consisting of an $847,000 gain on the investment and a $1,000,000 impairment of the commitment. During the nine-months ended March 27, 2009, SWS recorded a loss of $2,619,000 related to this investment.

The other two investments are limited partnership equity funds to which the Bank committed $3,000,000 in fiscal 2007 and $2,000,000 in fiscal 2009 as a cost effective way of meeting its obligations under the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 (“CRA”). As of March 31, 2010, the Bank had invested $3,000,000 of its aggregate commitment to the two funds. During the three and nine-months ended March 31, 2010, the Bank recorded losses of $1,000 and gains of $334,000, respectively, related to these investments. In comparison, during the three and nine-months ended March 31, 2009, the Bank recorded no change and gains of $162,000, respectively, related to these investments.

SECURITIES HELD TO MATURITY

In the third quarter of fiscal 2010, the Bank purchased Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) securities at a cost of $83,047,000 including a premium of $837,000. The premium is amortized over an average life of 4 years using the interest method. The Bank recorded $25,000 in amortization of the premium for the third quarter of fiscal 2010. During the third quarter of fiscal 2010, the Bank received $596,000 of principal and interest payments, recording $155,000 in interest. Bank management has determined that the investment will be held until maturity. The weighted average yield on this investment is expected to be 2.1%. At March 31, 2010, the recorded value of the GNMA securities was $82,581,000, with a fair value of $82,796,000.

The Bank held additional investment securities from state and political subdivisions that had a recorded value at March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2009 of $6,258,000 and $6,237,000, respectively. The Bank recorded amortization of the discount on these securities of $7,100 and $20,400 for the three and nine-months ended March 31, 2010, respectively. The Bank recorded less than $1,000 of amortization expenses on the discount on these securities for both the three and nine-months ended March 31, 2009. The fair value of these securities as of March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2009 was $6,883,000 and $6,425,000, respectively.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments held to maturity at March 31, 2010, by contractual maturity, are shown below ( in thousands). Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or repay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 

     Investments Held to Maturity
     Amortized
Cost
   Fair Value

Due in one year or less

   $ —      $ —  

Due from one year to five years

     266      273

Due from five years to ten years

     —        —  

Due after ten years

     88,573      89,406
             
   $ 88,839    $ 89,679
             

 

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Table of Contents

SWS Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Three and Nine-Months Ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009

(Unaudited)

 

ASSETS SEGREGATED FOR REGULATORY PURPOSES

At March 26, 2010, SWS held TLGP bonds with a market value of $61,882,000 and cash of approximately $240,331,000 segregated in special reserve bank accounts for the exclusive benefit of customers under Exchange Act Rule 15c3-3. SWS had no balances in special reserve bank accounts for the Proprietary Accounts of Introducing Brokers (“PAIB”) at March 26, 2010.

At June 26, 2009, SWS held TLGP bonds with a market value of $15,916,000 and cash of approximately $297,237,000 segregated in special reserve bank accounts for the exclusive benefit of customers under Exchange Act Rule 15c3-3. SWS had no balances in special reserve bank accounts for the PAIB at June 26, 2009.

SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE

SWS Group owns shares of common stock of USHS and Westwood, which are classified as marketable equity securities available for sale. Consequently, the unrealized holding gains (losses), net of tax, are recorded as a separate component of stockholders’ equity on the consolidated statements of financial condition.

At March 26, 2010 and June 26, 2009, SWS Group held 357,154 shares of common stock of USHS with a cost basis of $914,000. The market value of the USHS shares was $925,000 at March 26, 2010 and $914,000 at June 26, 2009.

At March 26, 2010 and June 26, 2009, SWS Group held 6,454 shares of common stock of Westwood within its deferred compensation plan with a cost basis of $91,000. The market value of the Westwood shares was $242,000 at March 26, 2010 and $271,000 at June 26, 2009.

At June 26, 2009, Southwest Securities had 103,898 shares of NYSE Euronext, Inc. (“NYX”) common stock with a cost basis of $2,909,000. The market value of the NYX shares was $2,909,000 at June 26, 2009. In the first quarter of fiscal 2010, the 103,898 shares of NYX common stock were sold for $2,925,000. SWS recognized a gain of $16,000 on the sale.

RECEIVABLE FROM AND PAYABLE TO BROKERS, DEALERS AND CLEARING ORGANIZATIONS

At March 26, 2010 and June 26, 2009, SWS had receivable from and payable to brokers, dealers and clearing organizations related to the following (in thousands):

 

     March    June

Receivable

     

Securities failed to deliver

   $ 33,892    $ 13,446

Securities borrowed

     1,611,879      1,816,657

Correspondent broker/dealers

     44,776      22,069

Clearing organizations

     19,666      24,044

Other

     21,306      16,523
             
   $ 1,731,519    $ 1,892,739
             

Payable

     

Securities failed to receive

   $ 32,204    $ 13,762

Securities loaned

     1,539,081      1,777,942

Correspondent broker/dealers

     14,264      13,722

Other

     32,983      48,118
             
   $ 1,618,532    $ 1,853,544
             

 

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Table of Contents

SWS Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Three and Nine-Months Ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009

(Unaudited)

 

SWS participates in the securities borrowing and lending business by borrowing and lending securities other than those of its clients. SWS obtains or releases collateral as prices of the underlying securities fluctuate. At March 26, 2010, SWS had collateral of $1,682,079,000 under securities lending agreements, of which SWS had repledged $1,507,038,000. At June 26, 2009, SWS had collateral of $1,815,518,000 under securities lending agreements, of which SWS had repledged $1,769,499,000.

LOANS HELD FOR SALE

Loans held for sale are valued at the lower of cost or market value as determined by outstanding commitments from investors or current investor yield requirements calculated on the aggregate note basis. Loans held for sale consist of first mortgage loans and home improvement loans, which have been purchased or originated but not yet sold in the secondary market.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR PROBABLE LOAN LOSSES

The Bank grants loans to customers primarily within Texas and New Mexico. Although the Bank has a diversified loan portfolio, a substantial portion of its debtors’ ability to honor their contracts is dependent upon the general economic conditions of Texas and New Mexico.

Loans receivable at March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2009 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

     March     June  

Loans receivable:

    

Construction

   $ 135,052      $ 251,044   

Lot and land development

     127,056        159,935   

Residential mortgage

     150,447        129,290   

Commercial real estate

     504,386        429,208   

Multi-family

     74,861        50,425   

Commercial loans

     187,527        129,734   

Consumer loans

     4,693        4,813   
                
     1,184,022        1,154,449   

Unamortized premiums

     (789     (1,116

Allowance for probable loan losses

     (30,395     (14,731
                
   $ 1,152,838      $ 1,138,602   
                

Impairment of loans with a recorded investment of approximately $33,934,000 and $18,077,000 has been recognized at March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2009, respectively. The year to date average recorded investment in impaired loans was approximately $31,561,000 for the period ended March 31, 2010 and $4,168,000 for the period ended March 31, 2009. No specific allowance for loan losses is recorded if the impaired loans are adequately collateralized. The total allowance for loan losses related to these loans was approximately $69,000 and $2,007,000 at March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2009, respectively. No material amount of interest income on impaired loans was recognized for cash payments received in the first nine-months of either fiscal 2010 or fiscal 2009.

Loans are classified as non-performing when they are 90 days or more past due as to principal or interest or when reasonable doubt exists as to timely collectability. The Bank uses a standardized review process to determine which loans should be placed on non-accrual status. At the time a loan is placed on non-accrual status, previously accrued and uncollected interest is reversed against interest income. Interest income on non-accrual loans is subsequently recognized to the extent cash payments are received for loans where ultimate full collection is likely. For loans where ultimate collection is not likely, interest payments are applied to the outstanding principal and income is only recognized if full payment is made. Total non-accrual loans at March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2009 were $29,742,000 and $30,099,000, respectively. The average recorded investment in non-accrual loans was approximately $29,653,000 during the first nine-months of fiscal 2010 and $21,726,000 during the first nine-months of fiscal 2009. The Bank has not recognized income on non-accrual loans during the three and nine-months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009. No additional funds are committed to be advanced in connection with impaired loans.

 

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Table of Contents

SWS Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Three and Nine-Months Ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009

(Unaudited)

 

An analysis of the allowance for probable loan losses for the three and nine-month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three-Months Ended
March 31,
    Nine-Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2010     2009     2010     2009  

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 17,601      $ 8,931      $ 14,731      $ 6,936   

Provision for loan losses

     25,000        5,734        34,420        8,443   

Net charge-offs

     (12,206     (3,534     (18,756     (4,248
                                
     12,794        2,200        15,664        4,195   
                                

Balance at end of period

   $ 30,395      $ 11,131      $ 30,395      $ 11,131   
                                

The allowance to ending loan balance ratio as of March 31, 2010 and 2009 was 2.57% and 0.99%, respectively.

SECURITIES OWNED AND SECURITIES SOLD, NOT YET PURCHASED

Securities owned and securities sold, not yet purchased at March 26, 2010 and June 26, 2009, which are carried at market value, include the following (in thousands):

 

     March    June

Securities owned

     

Corporate equity securities

   $ 13,850    $ 9,234

Municipal obligations

     115,095      90,923

U.S. government and government agency obligations

     44,537      24,824

Corporate obligations

     48,889      39,735

Other

     11,769      10,314
             
   $ 234,140    $ 175,030
             

Securities sold, not yet purchased

     

Corporate equity securities

   $ 1,229    $ 476

Municipal obligations

     15      112

U.S. government and government agency obligations

     50,035      28,584

Corporate obligations

     17,209      23,247

Other

     184      817
             
   $ 68,672    $ 53,236
             

During the three-months ended March 26, 2010, certain of the above securities were pledged to secure short-term borrowings and as security deposits at clearing organizations for SWS’ clearing business. See additional discussion in “Short-Term Borrowings.” Securities pledged as security deposits at clearing organizations were $3,298,000 and $2,998,000 at March 26, 2010 and June 26, 2009, respectively. Additionally, at March 26, 2010 and June 26, 2009, SWS had pledged firm securities valued at $1,035,000 and $1,134,000, respectively, in conjunction with securities lending activities.

SECURITIES PURCHASED UNDER AGREEMENTS TO RESELL

Transactions involving purchases of securities under agreement to resell (“reverse repurchase agreements”) are accounted for as collateralized financings except where SWS does not have an agreement to sell the same or substantially the same securities before maturity at a fixed or determinable price. At March 26, 2010, SWS held reverse repurchase agreements totaling $33,666,000, collateralized by U.S. government and government agency obligations with a market value of approximately $33,388,000. At June 26, 2009, SWS held reverse repurchase agreements totaling $21,622,000, collateralized by U.S. government and government agency obligations with a market value of approximately $21,628,000.

 

14


Table of Contents

SWS Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Three and Nine-Months Ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009

(Unaudited)

 

GOODWILL

SWS performed its annual assessment of the fair value of goodwill during fiscal 2009 in June 2009, and based on the results of the assessment, SWS’ goodwill balance was not impaired. SWS bases its assessment of the fair value of the business units with goodwill on a weighted average of a discounted cash flow model estimate of fair value and a market multiple approach to fair value.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2010, the clearing segment reported a net operating loss of $5,688,000. As a result, SWS performed an analysis of the recoverability of the goodwill within the clearing segment as of September 25, 2009. Based on the analysis, SWS’ goodwill balance for the clearing segment was not impaired. The estimated fair value exceeded book value of the clearing segment by 48%. There were no events in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 that required a review and analysis of the recoverability of goodwill. SWS’ goodwill balance was valued at $7,552,000, of which $4,254,000 was in the clearing segment and $3,298,000 was in the institutional segment.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

On March 22, 2006, the Company entered into an agreement with TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation (“Ameritrade”), to transfer its correspondent clients to the Company. This transaction closed in July 2006. $2,382,000 of the maximum agreed upon purchase price of $5,800,000 was paid upon closing with the remainder paid on the one year anniversary of the closing date. SWS paid an additional $2,678,000 in July 2007 under the terms of the agreement. As a result of these transactions, the Company recorded a customer relationship intangible of $5,060,000. The intangible asset is amortized over a five year period at a rate based on the estimated future economic benefit of the customer relationships. SWS recognized approximately $236,000 and $707,000, respectively, and $282,000 and $847,000, respectively, of amortization expense for the three and nine-months ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009, respectively. The net intangible asset of $1,027,000 is included in “Other assets” on the consolidated statements of financial condition. SWS performed its annual analysis of the impairment of its intangible asset in June 2009 and based on its analysis, SWS’ intangible asset balance was not impaired. Nothing came to SWS’ attention in the nine-months ended March 26, 2010 that would require SWS to reperform this analysis.

SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS

Southwest Securities has credit arrangements with commercial banks, which include broker loan lines up to $300,000,000. These lines of credit are used primarily to finance securities owned, securities held for correspondent broker/dealer accounts, receivables in customers’ margin accounts and underwriting activities. These lines may also be used to release pledged collateral against day loans. These credit arrangements are provided on an “as offered” basis and are not committed lines of credit. These arrangements can be terminated at any time by the lender. Any outstanding balance under these credit arrangements is due on demand and bears interest at rates indexed to the federal funds rate. At March 26, 2010, the amount outstanding under these secured arrangements was $107,000,000, which was collateralized by securities held for firm accounts valued at $157,773,000. At June 26, 2009, the amount outstanding under these secured arrangements was $10,000,000, which was collateralized by securities held for firm accounts valued at $82,615,000.

SWS had $250,000 outstanding under unsecured letters of credit at both March 26, 2010 and June 26, 2009, pledged to support its open positions with securities clearing organizations, which bear a 1% commitment fee and are renewable semi-annually.

At March 26, 2010 and June 26, 2009, SWS had an additional unsecured letter of credit issued for a sub-lease of space previously occupied by Mydiscountbroker.com, a subsidiary of SWS dissolved in July 2004, in the amount of $143,000 and $286,000, respectively. The letter of credit bears a 1% commitment fee and is renewable annually.

 

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SWS Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Three and Nine-Months Ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009

(Unaudited)

 

SWS had an additional $500,000 outstanding under an unsecured letter of credit at March 26, 2010 and June 26, 2009, pledged to support its underwriting activities, which bears a 1% commitment fee and is renewable annually at SWS’s option.

In addition to the broker loan lines, at March 26, 2010 and June 26, 2009, SWS had a $20,000,000 unsecured line of credit that is due on demand and bears interest at rates indexed to the federal funds rate. This credit arrangement is provided on an “as offered” basis and is not a committed line of credit. The total amount of borrowings available under this line of credit is reduced by the amount outstanding on the line and under any unsecured letters of credit at the time of borrowing. At March 26, 2010 and June 26, 2009, there were no amounts outstanding on this line, other than the $893,000 and $1,036,000, respectively, under unsecured letters of credit referenced above. At March 26, 2010 and June 26, 2009, the total amount available for borrowing was $19,107,000 and $18,964,000, respectively.

At both March 26, 2010 and June 26, 2009, SWS had an irrevocable letter of credit agreement aggregating $42,000,000, pledged to support customer open options positions with an options clearing organization. The letter of credit bears interest at the brokers’ call rate, if drawn, and is renewable semi-annually. The letter of credit is fully collateralized by marketable securities held in client and non-client margin accounts with a value of $54,275,000 and $59,428,000 at March 26, 2010 and June 26, 2009, respectively.

On January 29, 2010, Southwest Securities entered into an agreement with an unaffiliated bank for a $50,000,000 committed revolving credit facility. The facility includes up to $15,000,000 in unsecured credit. The commitment fee is 37.5 basis points and when drawn, the interest rate is equal to the federal funds rate plus 75 basis points. The agreement provides that Southwest Securities must maintain tangible net worth of $150,000,000. As of March 26, 2010, there were no amounts outstanding under the committed revolving credit facility.

In addition to using customer securities to collateralize bank loans, SWS also loans client securities as collateral in conjunction with SWS’ securities lending activities. At March 26, 2010, approximately $253,436,000 of client securities under customer margin loans was available to be pledged, of which SWS had pledged $31,679,000 under securities loan agreements. At June 26, 2009, approximately $195,983,000 of client securities under customer margin loans was available to be pledged, of which SWS had pledged $8,381,000 under securities loan agreements.

The Bank has an agreement with an unaffiliated bank for a $30,000,000 unsecured line of credit for the purchase of federal funds with a floating interest rate. The unaffiliated bank is not obligated by this agreement to sell federal funds to the Bank. The monies from the line of credit are used by the Bank to support short-term liquidity needs. At March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2009, there were no amounts outstanding on this line of credit.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2010, the Bank entered into a secured line of credit agreement with the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank. This line of credit is secured by the Bank’s commercial loan portfolio. This line is due on demand and bears interest at a rate 25 basis points over the federal funds target rate. The total amount available under this line at March 31, 2010 was $105,268,000 and there was no amount outstanding as of that date.

 

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SWS Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Three and Nine-Months Ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009

(Unaudited)

 

DEPOSITS

Deposits at March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2009 are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

     March     June  
     Amount    Percent     Amount    Percent  

Non-interest bearing demand accounts

   $ 67,104    4.7   $ 60,463    4.7

Interest bearing demand accounts

     98,976    6.9        84,318    6.5   

Savings accounts

     1,162,465    80.8        1,030,900    79.8   

Limited access money market accounts

     39,267    2.7        45,126    3.5   

Certificates of deposit, less than $100,000

     39,093    2.7        40,172    3.1   

Certificates of deposit, $100,000 and greater

     31,563    2.2        31,387    2.4   
                          
   $ 1,438,468    100.0   $ 1,292,366    100.0
                          

The weighted average interest rate on deposits was approximately 0.26% at March 31, 2010 and 1.06% at June 30, 2009.

At March 31, 2010, scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit were as follows (in thousands):

 

     1 Year or
Less
   > 1 Year
Through
2 Years
   > 2 Years
Through
3 Years
   > 3 Years
Through
4 Years
   Thereafter    Total

Certificates of deposit, less than $100,000

   $ 29,801    $ 2,891    $ 2,323    $ 826    $ 3,252    $ 39,093

Certificates of deposit, $100,000 and greater

     22,047      2,983      2,658      411      3,464      31,563
                                         
   $ 51,848    $ 5,874    $ 4,981    $ 1,237    $ 6,716    $ 70,656
                                         

The Bank is funded primarily by core deposits, with interest bearing checking accounts and savings accounts from Southwest Securities’ customers making up a significant source of these deposits.

SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE

Securities sold under repurchase agreements, which are secured borrowings, generally mature within one to four days from the transaction date. Securities sold under repurchase agreements are reflected at the amount of cash received in connection with the transactions. The Company may be required to provide additional collateral based on the fair value of the underlying securities. The Company monitors the fair value of the underlying securities on a daily basis. Securities sold under repurchase agreements at March 26, 2010 and June 26, 2009 were $7,873,000 and $4,462,000, respectively.

ADVANCES FROM THE FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK

At March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2009, advances from the FHLB were due as follows (in thousands):

 

     March    June

Maturity:

     

Due within one year

   $ 10,075    $ 5,579

Due within two years

     4,971      10,146

Due within five years

     53,785      57,875

Due within seven years

     4,701      5,522

Due within ten years

     7,201      8,111

Due within twenty years

     29,177      30,259
             
   $ 109,910    $ 117,492
             

 

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SWS Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Three and Nine-Months Ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009

(Unaudited)

 

Pursuant to collateral agreements, the advances from the FHLB, with interest rates ranging from 2% to 8%, were collateralized by approximately $479,000,000 of collateral value (as defined) in qualifying first mortgage loans at March 31, 2010 (calculated at December 31, 2009). At June 30, 2009 (calculated at March 31, 2009), advances from the FHLB with interest rates from 2% to 8%, were collateralized by approximately $499,000,000 of collateral value in qualifying first mortgage loans.

REGULATORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

Brokerage. The broker/dealer subsidiaries are subject to the SEC’s Uniform Net Capital Rule (the “Rule”), which requires the maintenance of minimum net capital. Southwest Securities has elected to use the alternative method, permitted by the Rule, which requires that it maintain minimum net capital, as defined in Rule 15c3-1 of the Exchange Act, equal to the greater of $1,000,000 or 2% of aggregate debit balances, as defined in Rule 15c3-3 of the Exchange Act. At March 26, 2010, Southwest Securities had net capital of $121,719,000, or approximately 39.3% of aggregate debit balances, which was $115,525,000 in excess of its minimum net capital requirement of $6,194,000 at that date. Additionally, among other conditions, the net capital rule provides that equity capital may not be withdrawn or cash dividends paid if resulting net capital would be less than 5% of aggregate debit items. At March 26, 2010, Southwest Securities had net capital of $106,235,000 in excess of 5% of aggregate debit items.

SWS Financial follows the primary (aggregate indebtedness) method under Exchange Act Rule 15c3-1, which requires the maintenance of the larger of minimum net capital of $250,000 or 1/15 of aggregate indebtedness. At March 26, 2010, the net capital and excess net capital of SWS Financial was $1,037,000 and $787,000, respectively.

Banking. The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by federal agencies. Quantitative measures, established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy, require maintaining minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of total and Tier I capital (as defined in 12 CFR 565 and 12 CFR 567) to risk-weighted assets (as defined or the OTS may require the Bank to apply another measurement of risk-weight that the OTS deems appropriate), and of Tier I capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined). Management believes, as of March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2009, that the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject. Management believes that it is prudent to maintain additional capital during this economic downturn to provide additional support for loan concentrations and potential asset deterioration. To accomplish this, management is targeting a total capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of 12%.

As of March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2009, the Bank is considered “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as “well capitalized,” the Bank must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier I risk-based and Tier I leverage ratios. Should the Bank not meet these minimums, certain mandatory and discretionary supervisory actions (as defined in 12 CFR 565.6) would be applicable.

 

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SWS Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Three and Nine-Months Ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009

(Unaudited)

 

The Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios are presented in the following tables (dollars in thousands):

 

     Actual     For  Capital
Adequacy
Purposes
    To Be Well
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
 
     Amount    Ratio     Amount    Ratio     Amount    Ratio  

March 31, 2010:

               

Total capital to risk-weighted assets

   $ 167,228    12.4   $ 108,269    8.0   $ 135,336    10.0

Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets

     150,311    11.1        54,135    4.0        81,202    6.0   

Tier I capital to adjusted total assets

     150,311    8.8        68,585    4.0        85,731    5.0   

June 30, 2009:

               

Total capital to risk-weighted assets

   $ 155,991    12.1   $ 103,216    8.0   $ 129,020    10.0

Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets

     141,261    10.9        51,608    4.0        77,412    6.0   

Tier I capital to adjusted total assets

     141,261    9.1        62,355    4.0        77,944    5.0   

EARNINGS PER SHARE (“EPS”)

A reconciliation between the weighted average shares outstanding used in the basic and diluted EPS computations is as follows for the three and nine-month periods ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009 (in thousands, except share and per share amounts):

 

     Three-Months Ended    Nine-Months Ended
     March 26,
2010
    March 27,
2009
   March 26,
2010
    March 27,
2009

Net income

   $ (11,540   $ 3,954    $ (2,588   $ 20,023

Dividends on estimated forfeitures-restricted stock

     3        3      8        8
                             

Adjusted net income

   $ (11,537   $ 3,957    $ (2,580   $ 20,031
                             

Weighted average shares outstanding – basic(* )

     32,544,021        27,434,224      29,489,035        27,413,962

Effect of dilutive securities:

         

Assumed exercise of stock options

     —          74,263      —          86,999
                             

Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted

     32,544,021        27,508,487      29,489,035        27,500,961
                             

Earnings per share – basic

         

Net income

   $ (0.35   $ 0.15    $ (0.09   $ 0.73
                             

Earnings per share – diluted

         

Net income

   $ (0.35   $ 0.15    $ (0.09   $ 0.73
                             

 

(* )

Unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (paid or unpaid) are treated as participating securities and are factored into the calculation of EPS.

At March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009, there were options to acquire approximately 425,400 and 531,000 shares of common stock outstanding under the two stock option plans, respectively. See “Employee Benefits.” As a result of the net loss in both the three and nine-months ended March 26, 2010, all options are anti-dilutive and are not included in the calculation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding and diluted earnings per share. As of March 27, 2009, options to acquire 8,843 shares of common stock were anti-dilutive and were not included in the calculation of weighted average shares outstanding-dilutive.

 

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Table of Contents

SWS Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Three and Nine-Months Ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009

(Unaudited)

 

Dividends per share for the three-months ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009 were $0.09.

OFFERING OF COMMON STOCK

On October 16, 2009, the Company filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC in the amount of $150,000,000. On December 9, 2009, the Company closed a public offering of 4,347,827 shares of common stock at a price of $11.50 per share. On December 16, 2009, the underwriters for the public offering exercised their option to purchase an additional 652,174 shares of common stock to cover over-allotments. The Company generated net proceeds from these common stock offerings, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions, of approximately $54,354,000.

REPURCHASE OF TREASURY STOCK

Periodically, SWS repurchases common stock under a plan approved by our Board of Directors. Currently, SWS has authorization to repurchase 500,000 shares of common stock from time to time in the open market, expiring February 28, 2011. No shares were repurchased by SWS under this program during the nine-months ended March 26, 2010.

Additionally, the trustee under SWS’ deferred compensation plan periodically purchases common stock in the open market in accordance with the terms of the plan. This stock is classified as treasury stock in the consolidated financial statements, but participates in future dividends declared by SWS. The plan purchased 15,099 shares in the nine-months ended March 26, 2010, at a cost of approximately $228,000, or $15.09 per share. The plan purchased 20,000 shares in the nine-months ended March 27, 2009, at a cost of approximately $437,000, or $21.83 per share. The plan distributed 453 shares in the nine-months ended March 26, 2010.

Upon vesting of the shares granted under the Restricted Stock Plan, the grantees may choose to sell a portion of their vested shares to the Company to cover the tax liabilities arising from the vesting. As a result, 32,100 shares were repurchased with a market value of approximately $459,383, or an average price of $14.31 per share, in the nine-months ended March 26, 2010. In the nine-months ended March 27, 2009, 21,901 shares were repurchased with a market value of $372,899, or an average of $17.03 per share.

SEGMENT REPORTING

SWS operates four business segments:

 

   

Clearing: The clearing segment provides clearing and execution services (generally on a fully disclosed basis) for general securities broker/dealers, bank affiliated firms and firms specializing in high volume trading.

 

   

Retail: The retail brokerage segment includes retail securities products and services (equities, mutual funds and fixed income products), insurance products and managed accounts and encompasses the activities of our employee registered representatives and our independent representatives who are under contract with SWS Financial.

 

   

Institutional: The institutional brokerage segment serves institutional customers in securities lending, investment banking and public finance, fixed income sales and trading, proprietary trading and agency execution services.

 

   

Banking: The Bank offers traditional banking products and services and focuses on business banking and several sectors of the residential housing market, including interim construction and short-term funding for mortgage bankers.

Clearing and institutional brokerage services are offered exclusively through Southwest Securities. The Bank and its subsidiaries comprise the banking segment. Retail brokerage services are offered through Southwest Securities (the Private Client Group and the Managed Advisors Accounts department), SWS Insurance, and through SWS Financial (which contracts with independent representatives for the administration of their securities business).

 

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SWS Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Three and Nine-Months Ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009

(Unaudited)

 

SWS’ segments are managed separately based on types of products and services offered and their related client bases. The segments are consistent with how the Company manages its resources and assesses its performance. Management assesses performance based primarily on income before income taxes and net interest revenue (expense). As a result, SWS reports net interest revenue (expense) by segment. SWS’ business segment information is prepared using the following methodologies:

 

   

the financial results for each segment are determined using the same policies as those described in Note 1, “Significant Accounting Policies,” to the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements contained in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 26, 2009;

 

   

segment financial information includes the allocation of interest based on each segment’s earned interest spreads;

 

   

information system and operational expenses are allocated based on each segment’s usage;

 

   

shared securities execution facilities expenses are allocated to the segments based on production levels;

 

   

money market fee revenue is allocated based on each segment’s average balances; and

 

   

clearing charges are allocated based on clearing levels from each segment.

Intersegment balances are eliminated upon consolidation and have been applied to the appropriate segment.

The “other” category includes SWS Group, corporate administration and SWS Capital Corporation (“SWS Capital”). SWS Capital is a dormant entity which holds approximately $25,000 of assets. SWS Group is a holding company that owns various investments, including USHS common stock. In March 2009, SWS Group also owned shares of NYX common stock, which were sold in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

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SWS Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Three and Nine-Months Ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009

(Unaudited)

 

The following table presents the Company’s operations by the segments outlined above for the three and nine-months ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009:

UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

(in thousands)

   Clearing     Retail (#)     Institutional(#)    Banking     Other     Consolidated
SWS Group,  Inc.
 

Three-months ended March 26, 2010

             

Operating revenue

   $ 3,539      $ 26,523      $ 28,802    $ (422   $ 581      $ 59,023   

Net intersegment revenues

     (207     235        78      939        (1,045     —     

Net interest revenue

     1,386        755        3,800      18,152        (115     23,978   

Net revenues

     4,925        27,278        32,602      17,730        466        83,001   

Operating expenses

     4,829        28,244        23,068      37,852        7,307        101,300   

Depreciation and amortization

     243        261        141      624        501        1,770   

Income (loss) before taxes

     96        (966     9,534      (20,122     (6,841     (18,299

Three-months ended March 27, 2009

             

Operating revenue

   $ 4,425      $ 23,569      $ 43,293    $ (28   $ (428   $ 70,831   

Net intersegment revenues

     (226     276        341      1,269        (1,660     __   

Net interest revenue

     998        500        5,545      16,794        0        23,837   

Net revenues

     5,423        24,069        48,838      16,766        (428     94,668   

Operating expenses

     5,331        27,367        31,496      17,095        6,525        87,814   

Depreciation and amortization

     290        247        124      588        341        1,590   

Income (loss) before taxes

     92        (3,298     17,342      (329     (6,953     6,854   

 

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Table of Contents

SWS Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Three and Nine-Months Ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009

(Unaudited)

 

UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

(in thousands)

   Clearing     Retail (#)     Institutional(#)    Banking     Other     Consolidated
SWS Group, Inc.
 

Nine-months ended March 26, 2010

             

Operating revenue

   $ 11,020      $ 80,430      $ 109,388    $ 488      $ 1,936      $ 203,262   

Net intersegment revenues

     (664     906        900      2,755        (3,897     —     

Net interest revenue

     4,327        2,197        12,748      55,300        (203     74,369   

Net revenues

     15,347        82,627        122,136      55,788        1,733        277,631   

Operating expenses

     21,244        83,299        80,352      69,970        27,133        281,998   

Depreciation and amortization

     730        799        416      1,843        1,444        5,232   

Income (loss) before taxes

     (5,897     (672     41,784      (14,182     (25,400     (4,367

Assets(* )

     371,065        186,558        1,903,873      1,704,279        26,286        4,192,061   

Nine-months ended March 27, 2009

             

Operating revenue

   $ 16,352      $ 78,871      $ 112,105    $ 542      $ (7,676   $ 200,194   

Net intersegment revenues

     (717     804        727      5,407        (6,221     __   

Net interest revenue

     4,420        2,127        29,732      46,138        1        82,418   

Net revenues

     20,772        80,998        141,837      46,680        (7,675     282,612   

Operating expenses

     16,524        81,279        89,458      40,102        22,070        249,433   

Depreciation and amortization

     869        666        362      1,478        1,015        4,390   

Income (loss) before taxes

     4,248        (281     52,379      6,578        (29,745     33,179   

Assets(*)

     314,686        182,779        1,819,099      1,490,476        20,808        3,827,848   

 

(* )

Assets are reconciled to total assets as presented in the March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009 consolidated statements of financial condition as follows (in thousands):

 

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SWS Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Three and Nine-Months Ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009

(Unaudited)

 

     March 26,
2010
    March 27,
2009
 

Amount as presented above

   $ 4,192,061      $ 3,827,848   

Reconciling items:

    

Unallocated assets:

    

Cash

     8,428        11,351   

Receivables from brokers, dealers and clearing organizations

     55,478        49,159   

Receivable from clients, net of allowances

     17,849        18,703   

Other assets

     17,172        27,091   

Unallocated eliminations

     (2,582     (13,481
                

Total assets

   $ 4,288,406      $ 3,920,671   
                

 

(#)

SWS reorganized certain operations in its Pacific Coast division which resulted in the transfer of the Pacific Coast trading operation to the institutional segment from the retail segment. As a result, the financial information for the Company’s three and nine-months ended March 27, 2009 has been reclassified to reflect the transfer of the trading operations to the institutional segment from the retail segment.

COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND GUARANTEES

Commitment and Contingencies.

Litigation. In the general course of its brokerage business and the business of clearing for other brokerage firms, SWS Group and/or its subsidiaries have been named as defendants in various lawsuits and arbitration proceedings. These claims allege violations of various federal and state securities laws. The Bank is also involved in certain claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. Management believes that resolution of these claims will not result in any material adverse effect on SWS’ consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Venture Capital Funds. SWS has committed to invest $5,000,000 in a limited partnership venture capital fund. As of March 26, 2010, SWS had contributed $4,400,000 of its commitment. SWS has been notified that it must pay the remaining $600,000 of its commitment by September 2010. The Bank has committed to invest $5,000,000 in two limited partnership equity funds. As of March 31, 2010, the Bank had invested $3,000,000 of its commitment.

Underwriting. Through its participation in underwriting securities, both corporate and municipal, SWS could expose itself to material risk, since the possibility exists that securities SWS has committed to purchase cannot be sold at the initial offering price. Federal and state securities laws and regulations also affect the activities of underwriters and impose substantial potential liabilities for violations in connection with sales of securities by underwriters to the public. Total potential liabilities on open underwritings at March 26, 2010 were $1,344,000.

Guarantees. The Bank has issued stand-by letters of credit primarily for real estate development purposes. As of March 31, 2010, the maximum potential amount of future payments the Bank could be required to make under the letters of credit was $1,142,000. The recourse provision of the letters of credit allows the amount of the letters of credit to become part of the fully collateralized loans with total repayment. The collateral on these letters of credit consists of real estate, certificates of deposit, equipment, accounts receivable or furniture and fixtures.

 

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SWS Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Three and Nine-Months Ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009

(Unaudited)

 

In the normal course of business, the mortgage origination division of the Bank sells the majority of mortgage loans it originates in the secondary market. As a part of these sales, the Bank makes certain representations and warranties to the purchaser. If these representations and warranties are breached, the Bank may be required to repurchase these loans, at which time the Bank would be responsible for any subsequent credit losses. In addition, there are occasions when the warehouse lending division of the Bank may have customers that cease to do business. When this occurs and loans are still outstanding and not sold related to that particular customer, the Bank will engage in a thorough review of the file documentation. If this documentation proves to be adequate, the Bank will market the loans directly to permanent investors using agreements and relationships already established. Any subsequent credit losses related to loans repurchased as a result of a breach in representations and warranties to the investor would be recorded through the allowance for loan losses.

The Company provides representations and warranties to counterparties in connection with a variety of commercial transactions and occasionally indemnifies them against potential losses caused by the breach of those representations and warranties. These indemnities generally are standard contractual indemnities and are entered into in the normal course of business. The maximum potential amount of future payments that the Company could be required to make under these indemnities cannot be quantified. However, the potential for SWS to be required to make payments under these arrangements is believed to be unlikely. Accordingly, no contingent liability is recorded in the consolidated financial statements for these arrangements.

SWS is a member of an exchange and various clearinghouses. Under the membership agreements, members are generally required to guarantee the performance of other members. Additionally, if a member becomes unable to satisfy its obligations to the clearinghouse, other members would be required to meet shortfalls. To mitigate these performance risks, the exchanges and clearinghouses often require members to post collateral. SWS’ maximum potential liability under these arrangements cannot be quantified. However, the potential for SWS to be required to make payments under these arrangements is believed to be unlikely. Accordingly, no contingent liability is recorded in the consolidated financial statements for these arrangements.

ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

The FASB and the SEC have recently issued the following statements and interpretations, which are applicable to SWS. Any other new accounting pronouncements not specifically identified in our disclosures are not applicable to SWS or are not expected to have a material effect on our financial statements:

Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 860-65-3, “Transfer and Servicing—Transition Related to FASB Statement No. 166, Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets.” In June 2009, the FASB issued new guidance regarding the accounting for transfers of financial assets, as an amendment of previously issued guidance. This new guidance eliminates the Qualified Special Purpose Entity (“QSPE”) concept, creates more stringent conditions for reporting a transfer of a portion of a financial asset as a sale, clarifies the derecognition criteria, revises how retained interests are initially measured, and removes the guaranteed mortgage securitization recharacterization provisions. It also requires enhanced disclosures about transfers of financial assets and the transferor’s continuing involvement with transfers of financial assets accounted for as sales. ASC 860-65-3 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after November 15, 2009, SWS’ fiscal 2011. SWS is assessing the impact of this new guidance on its financial statements and processes.

ASC 810-10-65, “Transition Related to FASB Statement No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R).” In June 2009, the FASB issued new guidance amending the existing pronouncement related to the consolidation of variable interest entities. This new guidance requires the reporting entities to evaluate former QSPE’s for consolidation, changes the approach to determine a variable interest entity’s primary beneficiary from a quantitative assessment to a qualitative assessment designed to identify a controlling financial interest, and increases the frequency of required assessments to determine whether a company is the primary beneficiary of any variable interest entities to which it is a party. ASC 810-10-65 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after November 15, 2009, SWS’ fiscal 2011. SWS is assessing the impact of this new guidance on its financial statements and processes.

 

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SWS Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Three and Nine-Months Ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009

(Unaudited)

 

AFFILIATE TRANSACTIONS

Two directors own approximately 64% of the ownership interests of a local bank and one of SWS’ executive officers owns less than 1% of the ownership interests in this bank. The Bank sold loan participations in fiscal 2005 and 2006 with outstanding balances of $2,034,000 and $3,450,000 at March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2009, respectively, to this local bank. The terms of the participation agreements resulted in payments of interest and fees to the other bank of $32,000 and $109,000 for the three and nine-months ended March 31, 2010, respectively, and $51,000 and $226,000 for the three and nine-months ended March 31, 2009, respectively. The interest rates on these participations were substantially the same as those participations sold by the Bank to unrelated banks.

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

OVERVIEW

SWS Group, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, “we,” “us,” “SWS” or the “company”) is engaged in full-service securities brokerage and full-service commercial banking. While brokerage and banking revenues are dependent upon trading volumes and interest rates, which may fluctuate significantly, a large portion of our expenses remain fixed. Consequently, net operating results can vary significantly from period to period.

Our business is also subject to substantial governmental regulation, and changes in legal, regulatory, accounting, tax and compliance requirements may have a substantial impact on our business and results of operations. We also face substantial competition in each of our lines of business. See “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in our Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on September 9, 2009 and in our Form S-3 filed with the SEC on October 16, 2009.

We operate through four segments grouped primarily by products, services and customer base: clearing, retail, institutional and banking.

Clearing. We provide clearing and execution services for other broker/dealers (predominantly on a fully disclosed basis). Our clientele includes general securities broker/dealers and firms specializing in high volume trading. We currently support a wide range of clearing clients, including discount and full-service brokerage firms, direct access firms, registered investment advisors and institutional firms. In addition to clearing trades, we tailor our services to meet the specific business needs of our clearing clients (“correspondents”) and offer such products and services as recordkeeping, trade reporting, accounting, general back-office support, securities and margin lending, reorganization assistance and custody of securities.

Revenues in this segment are generated primarily through transaction charges to our correspondent firms for clearing their trades. Revenue is also earned from various fees and other processing charges as well as through net interest earnings on correspondent customer balances.

Retail. We offer retail securities products and services (equities, mutual funds and fixed income products), insurance products and managed accounts through the activities of our employee registered representatives and our independent contractors. As a securities broker, we extend margin credit on a secured basis to our retail customers in order to facilitate securities transactions. This segment generates revenue primarily through commissions charged on securities transactions, fees from managed accounts and the sale of insurance products as well as net interest income from retail customer balances.

Institutional. We serve institutional customers in the areas of securities borrowing and lending, public finance, municipal sales and underwriting, investment banking, fixed income sales and trading and equity trading. Our securities lending business includes borrowing and lending securities for other broker/dealers, lending institutions, and our own clearing and retail operations. Generally, we earn net interest income based on the spread between the interest rate on cash or similar collateral we deposit and the interest rate paid on cash or similar collateral we receive. Our public finance and municipal sales and underwriting professionals assist public bodies in origination, syndication and distribution of securities of municipalities and political subdivisions. Our corporate finance professionals arrange and evaluate mergers and acquisitions, offer private placements and participate in public offerings of securities with institutional and individual investors, assist clients with raising capital, and provide other consulting and advisory services.

 

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Our fixed income sales and trading group specializes in trading and underwriting U.S. government and agency bonds, corporate bonds, mortgage-backed, asset-backed and commercial mortgage-backed securities and structured products. The clients of our fixed income group include corporations, insurance companies, banks, mutual funds, money managers and other institutions. Our equity trading department focuses on providing best execution for equity and option orders for clients. We also execute institutional portfolio trades and are a market maker in a limited number of listed securities.

Revenues are derived from the net interest spread on stock loan transactions, commission and trading income from fixed income and equity products and investment banking fees from corporate and municipal securities transactions.

Banking. We offer traditional banking products and services. We specialize in two primary areas, business banking and mortgage purchase. Our focus in business banking includes commercial lending, commercial real estate lending, small business lending and residential construction lending. We originate the majority of our loans internally and we believe this business model helps us better assess and control the credit risk associated with our lending activities. Our mortgage purchase division purchases participations in newly originated residential loans from various mortgage bankers nationwide. Southwest Securities, FSB (the “Bank”) earns substantially all of its income on the spread between the rates charged to customers on loans and the rates paid to depositors.

The “other” category includes SWS Group, Inc. (“SWS Group”), corporate administration and SWS Capital Corporation. SWS Group is a holding company that owns various investments, including common stock of U.S. Home Systems, Inc. (“USHS”). At March 27, 2009, SWS Group also owned NYSE Euronext, Inc. (“NYX”) common stock, which was sold in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.

Growth Strategy

Regional Focus

Our retail brokerage and banking businesses focus on the Southwestern United States and we seek to grow these businesses primarily in the Southwestern United States. We believe our current focus on the Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles and San Francisco markets will provide a good base to expand across the Southwest. We enjoy a competitive advantage in these target markets as our tailored customer service and regional expertise allow us to more effectively capitalize on the high growth potential in these regions.

 

   

As a full-service brokerage firm headquartered in the Southwestern United States, we are well positioned to take advantage of the recent outflow of financial advisors from branches in the region. We believe our historical ability to recruit and integrate highly productive brokers provides us with a unique opportunity to increase our scale across the region in the current economic climate.

 

   

We believe our banking customers value the high level of personalized customer service that we offer. Our bankers are well known in their local business communities and have large networks of contacts, business relationships and local community ties that help them understand the needs of our banking customers. We believe the customer relationships in our lending business are strengthened because we have the same geographic footprint as many of our customers.

Capitalize on Recent Dislocation in Financial Industry

The recent economic turmoil and upheaval in the credit markets resulted in significant dislocation in our industry. We believe this presents a time of opportunity for us. The considerable changes and challenges that many larger national firms are experiencing give us an advantage in hiring highly qualified and experienced bankers and financial advisors who have either become dislocated by or disheartened with their current employer. Bankers and financial advisors at these firms are faced with the challenge of convincing customers that their parent firm is strong and financially stable despite negative media coverage. These financial professionals now consider regional firms like ours as serious alternatives for their business. Our pipeline of new recruits and the quality of new recruits has increased significantly over the past two years. We may also seek growth through acquisitions to the extent attractive opportunities exist.

 

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Business Environment

Our business is sensitive to financial market conditions, which have been very volatile over the past 24 months. As of March 26, 2010, equity market indices reflected an average increase from a year ago with the Dow Jones Industrial Average (the “DJIA”) up 40%, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (“S&P 500”) up 43% and the NASDAQ Composite Index (“NASDAQ”) up 55%. These three indices have shown a steady increase from the beginning of our fiscal 2010 with increases of 29% in the DJIA, 27% for the S&P 500 and 30% of the NASDAQ Composite Index. In contrast the average daily volume on the New York Stock Exchange declined during our third quarter of fiscal 2010, decreasing 36% over the same period last fiscal year and 35% for the first nine-months of fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009. Despite the current rally in the equity markets, the economic environment is challenging, with the national unemployment rate at approximately 9.7% at the end of March 2010, a decrease from the high of 10% at the end of December 2009. The Federal Reserve Board (“FRB”) reduced the federal funds target rate to 0 - 0.25% on December 16, 2008 and has not yet begun increasing rates. Most economists do not expect the federal funds rate will increase significantly during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010.

The disruptions and developments in the general economy and the credit markets over the past 24 months have resulted in a range of actions by the U.S. and foreign governments to attempt to bring liquidity and order to the financial markets and to prevent a long recession in the world economy. For example, the U.S. government provided capital to rescue the operations of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and American International Group, Inc. (“AIG”) while allowing Lehman Brothers (“Lehman”) to fail. For more details regarding some of the actions taken by U.S. and foreign governments, see the discussion under the caption “Regulatory Matters.”

Investors initially responded to the volatile markets with a flight to quality which, in turn, reduced yields on short-term U.S. treasury securities and produced a dramatic reduction in commercial paper issuance. Investors are slowly moving back to higher yielding investments, but this has been a slow progression.

While many economists believe the recession ended some time during the first quarter of fiscal 2010, unemployment and tight credit markets continue to create an unstable economic environment, and there is no guarantee that conditions will not worsen again. All of these factors have had an impact on our banking and brokerage operations.

Impact of Credit Markets

Brokerage. On the brokerage side of the business, reduced volatility in the credit and mortgage markets, reduced interest rates and reduced volume in the stock markets continued to have an impact on several aspects of our business primarily related to valuation of securities, liquidity, counterparty risk, depressed net interest margins and reduced investor interest in maintaining or originating margin loans.

Valuation of Securities

In order to take advantage of attractive tax-free yields for the company, we began investing in certain auction rate municipal bonds in the spring of 2008. At the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2010, we held $22.8 million of auction rate municipal bonds, which represented one security and 19.9% of our municipal obligations portfolio at March 26, 2010. This security is an investment grade credit, was valued at 95.7% of par, and as of March 26, 2010, was yielding less than 1% per year. While management does not expect any reduction in the cash flow from this bond, the disruption in the credit markets has led to auction failures. The company currently has the ability to hold this investment. While we expect the issuer of this bond to refinance its debt when interest rates rise, there can be no certainty that this refinancing will occur. As the three month LIBOR (and rates in general) are forecasted to remain relatively flat for the next nine to twelve months, we do not expect the issuer of this bond to refinance its debt over the next nine to twelve months. We believe valuation of this bond at 95.7% of par appropriately reflects a discount for the current lack of liquidity in this investment.

 

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Our customers also own $2.7 million in auction rate bonds as well as approximately $24.1 million in auction rate preferred securities. We did not actively market these securities to our customers or classify them as cash equivalents on our statements to our customers. We do not underwrite auction rate securities or serve as the remarketing agent for any of these securities.

We also trade mortgage and asset-backed securities on a regular basis. We monitor our trading limits daily to ensure that these securities are maintained at levels we consider to be prudent given current market conditions. Inventories of these securities are priced using a third-party pricing service and are reviewed monthly to ensure reasonable valuation. At March 26, 2010, we held mortgage and asset-backed securities of approximately $18.5 million included in “securities owned, at market value” on the consolidated statements of financial condition.

We have one investment in a venture capital investment partnership which we account for on the equity method of accounting, which approximates fair value. This venture capital fund invests in small businesses in various stages of development and operating in a variety of industries. After several quarters of losses, during the three and nine-months ended March 26, 2010, we recorded gains of $885,000 and $1.3 million on this investment. At March 26, 2010, this investment was recorded at $2.3 million.

Liquidity

Dislocation in the credit markets has led to increased liquidity risk. All but $50 million of our borrowing arrangements are uncommitted lines of credit and, as such, can be reduced or eliminated at any time by the banks extending the credit. While we have not experienced reductions in our borrowing capacity, our lenders have taken actions that indicate their concerns regarding liquidity in the marketplace. These actions have included reduced advance rates for certain security types, more stringent requirements for collateral eligibility and higher interest rates. All of these actions have had a negative impact on our liquidity. Should our lenders take additional similar actions, the cost of conducting our business will increase and our volume of business could be limited. To address this liquidity risk, on January 29, 2010, we entered into a $50 million committed credit facility with a national bank, with unsecured borrowing capability of $15 million. Currently, we have not borrowed under this facility.

The volatility in the U.S. stock markets is also impacting our liquidity through increased margin requirements at our clearing houses. These margin requirements are determined through a combination of risk factors including volume of business and volatility in the U.S. stock markets. To the extent we are required to post cash or other collateral to meet these requirements, we will have less borrowing capacity to finance our other businesses.

Bank. The Bank has experienced deterioration in its real estate loan portfolio for the past 24 months. This deterioration was initially limited to the Bank’s residential construction portfolio. However, as the recession lengthened, deterioration in credit quality began to appear in the Bank’s commercial real estate loan portfolio. This deterioration accelerated in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 as our North Texas customers began to experience more significant economic problems from the continuing recession. Indicators of the accelerating deterioration include significant declines in property values, reclassification of criticized assets to classified assets, increased charge-offs and continuing declines in banking industry statistics. Criticized assets are assets that reflect developing adverse trends and classified assets are assets that reflect well defined weaknesses.

 

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Appraisals received at the end of the second quarter and through the third quarter of fiscal 2010 also exhibited more conservative valuation methodologies than in prior periods which adversely affected collateral values. In addition, capitalization rates, defined as net operating income divided by cost or value of the property, increased significantly in a flat interest rate environment, resulting in overall lower collateral valuations. These lower valuations resulted in increased write-downs of our REO properties from $777,000 and $1.0 million for the three and nine-months ended March 31, 2009, respectively to $1.7 million and $3.6 million for the three and nine-months ended March 31, 2010, respectively.

The deterioration was further evidenced by the progression of criticized assets to classified assets. Classified assets increased significantly during the third quarter from $93.2 million at December 31, 2009 to $124.4 million at March 31, 2010, a 33.5% increase, which led to increased net charge-offs during the third quarter of fiscal 2010. Total charge-offs for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 were $12.2 million of which 98.7% were real estate related. Non-performing assets increased $12.6 million from December 31, 2009 and $21.1 million from June 30, 2009 to $77.2 million at March 31, 2010, or 4.5% of total assets.

Banking industry national statistics for the fourth calendar quarter of 2009, which became available in the third fiscal quarter of 2010, evidenced continued deterioration in the industry. Fourth calendar quarter of 2009 data published by the Federal Reserve indicated real estate charge-off rates for real estate loans increased from 2.41% in the third calendar quarter of 2009 to 2.88% in the fourth calendar quarter of 2009. Charge-off rates for total loans increased from 2.84% in the third calendar quarter of 2009 to 3.04% in the fourth calendar quarter of 2009. Banking industry national delinquency rates also increased for real estate loans from 8.8% in the third calendar quarter of 2009 to 9.69% in the fourth calendar quarter of 2009. Total loan delinquencies increased from 6.87% to 7.72% in the fourth calendar quarter of 2009.

Unemployment, both nationally and in Texas, remains at elevated levels causing continuing economic distress.

After consideration of all of theses factors, the Bank determined that a $25.0 million loan loss provision was required for the third quarter of fiscal 2010, bringing the Bank’s loan loss allowance to $30.4 million or 2.57% of loans held for investment at March 31, 2010. We expect the allowance to be at a 2.5% level of ending loan balances held for investment until non-performing assets begin to decline. Stabilization of non-performing assets and loss levels are largely dependent on the North Texas economy and employment levels. Until employment levels improve in North Texas, we do not expect meaningful improvement in the credit quality of our loan portfolio.

To address the deterioration in the Bank’s real estate loan portfolio, management has taken actions to reduce the level of problem assets and has established a focused and conservative lending strategy, including restrictions on originating certain types of loans. Actions taken include restricting lending for certain loan categories, providing additional experienced staff in the special assets department and expanding the Bank’s loan workout and marketing strategies. Additionally, loan concentration guidelines have been modified to limit the Bank’s exposure in commercial real estate, residential construction and lot and land development loans.

Regulatory Matters

We operate in the financial services industry as, among other things, a securities broker/dealer, a registered investment advisor and a bank. As a result, our businesses are highly regulated by U.S. federal and state regulatory agencies, self-regulatory organizations and securities exchanges and, to a lesser extent, by foreign governmental agencies and other financial regulatory authorities.

 

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Due to the current economic crisis, many new regulations and statutes have been proposed or passed into law that contain wide-ranging proposals for altering the structures, regulations, and competitive relationships of financial institutions operating and doing business in the United States.

In 2009, President Barack Obama laid out a comprehensive regulatory reform plan aiming to modernize and protect the integrity of the U.S. financial system. Among other things, the plan contemplates increased supervision, consumer protection and higher capital requirements for financial institutions. Various bills have been introduced in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate to implement portions of the Obama plan as well as offer alternative approaches to financial reform. On December 11, 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2009 (H.R. 4173) (the “House Bill”), which includes portions of the Obama plan. The U.S. Senate is considering various bills which differ from the House Bill. On March 15, 2010, the Senate Banking Committee approved the Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 (the “Senate Bill”). Among other things, the Senate Bill would (i) create a Financial Stability Oversight Council, (ii) establish a process for winding down failing companies that pose systemic risk using the FDIC as receiver, (iii) expand the SEC’s authority over hedge fund advisors, (iv) create the Office of National Insurance within the Department of the Treasury, (v) regulate over-the-counter derivatives markets, (vi) improve the regulation of payment, clearing and settlement systems, (vii) amend the authority of the SEC to improve investor protection and the regulation of securities and (viii) establish a Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection within the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. We cannot predict whether or in what form any proposed regulation or statute will be adopted or the extent to which our business may be affected by any new regulation or statute.

Securities Regulation. The securities industry in the United States is subject to extensive regulation under federal and state laws and regulations. Our U.S. broker/dealer subsidiaries are registered as such with the SEC and with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”). Self-regulatory organizations such as FINRA have also enacted rules (which are subject to approval by the SEC) for governing the industry. Securities firms are subject to regulation by state securities commissions in the states in which they conduct business. Southwest Securities, Inc. (“Southwest Securities”) and SWS Financial Services, Inc. are registered in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Southwest Securities is also registered in Puerto Rico. Federal and state authorities, as well as state regulatory authorities, have the power to undertake periodic examinations of our securities broker/dealer operations for the purpose of assuring our compliance with the applicable rules and regulations.

The regulations to which broker/dealers are subject cover all aspects of the securities business, including the manner in which securities transactions are effected, net capital requirements, recordkeeping and reporting procedures, relationships and conflicts with customers, the handling of cash and margin accounts, sales methods and conduct, experience and training requirements for certain employees, the conduct of investment banking and research activities, and the manner in which we prevent and detect money-laundering activities. As a policy matter, the regulatory framework of the financial services industry is designed primarily to safeguard the integrity of the capital markets and to protect customers, not creditors or stockholders. Legislation and changes in rules promulgated by the SEC and by self-regulatory organizations or changes in the interpretation or enforcement of existing laws and rules often directly affect the method of operation and profitability of broker/dealers. The SEC and the self-regulatory organizations may conduct administrative proceedings that can result in censure, fine, suspension or expulsion of a broker/dealer firm, its officers or employees.

Our broker/dealer subsidiaries are subject to the SEC’s net capital rule (Exchange Act Rule 15c3-1), Generally, a broker-dealer’s net capital is net worth plus qualified subordinated debt less deductions for non-allowable (or non-liquid) assets and other operational charges. The SEC and FINRA impose rules that require notification when net capital falls below certain predefined criteria. These rules also dictate the ratio of debt-to-equity in the regulatory capital composition of a broker-dealer, and constrain the ability of a broker-dealer to expand its business under certain circumstances. If a firm fails to maintain the required net capital, it may be subject to suspension or revocation of registration by the applicable regulatory agency, and suspension or expulsion by these regulators could ultimately lead to the firm’s liquidation.

 

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Compliance with the net capital requirements may limit our operations requiring the intensive use of capital. Such requirements require that a certain percentage of our assets be maintained in relatively liquid form and therefore act to restrict our ability to withdraw capital from our broker/dealer subsidiaries, which in turn may limit our ability to pay dividends, repay debt or redeem or purchase shares of our outstanding common stock. Any change in such rules or the imposition of new rules affecting the scope, coverage, calculation or amount of capital requirements, or a significant operating loss or any unusually large charge against capital, could adversely affect our ability to pay dividends or to expand or maintain present business levels. In addition, such rules may require us to make substantial capital contributions into one or more of our broker/dealer subsidiaries in order for such subsidiaries to comply with such rules, either in the form of cash or subordinated loans made in accordance with the requirements of the SEC’s net capital rule. As of March 26, 2010, Southwest Securities had regulatory net capital, as defined by Exchange Act Rule 15c3-1, of $121.7 million, which exceeded the amounts required by $115.5 million. However, the amount of such net excess capital may change dramatically within short periods of time.

Our broker/dealer subsidiaries are required by federal law to belong to the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”), whose primary function is to provide financial protection for the customers of failing brokerage firms. SIPC provides protection for clients up to $500,000, of which a maximum of $100,000 may be in cash.

Our broker/dealer subsidiaries must also comply with the USA PATRIOT Act and other rules and regulations designed to fight international money laundering and to block terrorist access to the U.S. financial system. We are required to have systems and procedures to ensure compliance with such laws and regulations.

Certain activities of some our subsidiaries are regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) and various commodity exchanges. The CFTC also has net capital regulations (CFTC Rule 1.17) which must be satisfied. Our futures business is also regulated by the National Futures Association (“NFA”), a registered futures association. Violation of the rules of the CFTC, the NFA or the commodity exchanges could result in remedial actions including fines, registration restrictions or terminations, trading prohibitions or revocations of commodity exchange memberships.

Banking Regulations. We are subject to the extensive regulatory framework applicable to savings and loan holding companies as well as federal savings associations and insurance agencies. This regulatory framework is primarily intended for the protection of depositors, the Federal Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”), and the banking system as a whole, rather than for the protection of stockholders and creditors.

As a savings and loan holding company, we are subject to regulation by the Office Thrift Supervision (the “OTS”) The Bank is subject to regulation and examination by the OTS (its primary federal regulator). The OTS has broad authority to prohibit activities of holding companies, federal savings banks, their non-banking subsidiaries, directors, officers and other institution affiliated parties (such as attorneys and accountants) that represent unsafe and unsound banking practices or that constitute violations of laws or regulations. The OTS can assess civil money penalties for violations of law, OTS orders, written conditions or written agreements with the OTS, as well as certain activities conducted on a “knowing and reckless” basis, if those activities caused a substantial loss to a depository institution. The penalties can be as high as $1.375 million for each day the activities continue.

Included in the House Bill and the Senate Bill are provisions that transfer the functions of the OTS (other than consumer protection) as they relate to the Bank to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”). Under the House Bill, supervision of the Company would be transferred to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Under the Senate Bill, supervision of the Bank would be transferred to the OCC. Bank management is actively analyzing the potential impact of the proposed legislation.

 

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With very limited exceptions, we may not be acquired by any company or by any individual without the approval of a governing bank regulatory agency. That agency must complete an application review, and generally the public must have an opportunity to comment on any proposed acquisition. Without prior approval from the OTS, we may not acquire more than five percent of the voting stock of any savings institution. If we engage in activities that go beyond the permissible activities of a financial holding company, we will not be permitted to participate in the FDIC’s Debt Guarantee Program (“DGP”), which is described in more detail below.

The Bank is subject to OTS capital requirements. Federal statutes and OTS regulations have established four ratios for measuring an institution’s capital adequacy: a “leverage” ratio — the ratio of an institution’s Tier 1 capital to adjusted tangible assets; a “Tier 1 risk-based capital” ratio — an institution’s adjusted Tier 1 capital as a percentage of total risk-weighted assets; a “total risk-based capital” ratio — the percentage of total risk-based capital to total risk-weighted assets; and a “tangible equity” ratio — the ratio of tangible capital to total tangible assets.

Federal statutes and OTS regulations have also established five capital categories for federal savings banks: well-capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized. The federal banking agencies have jointly specified by regulation the relevant capital level for each category. An institution is treated as well-capitalized when its total risk-based capital ratio is at least 10.00%, its Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio is at least 6.00%, its leverage ratio is at least 5.00%, and it is not subject to any federal supervisory order or directive to meet a specific capital level. As of March 31, 2010, the Bank met all capital requirements to which it was subject and satisfied the requirements to be treated as a well-capitalized institution – the Bank’s risk-based capital ratio was 12.4%, its Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 11.1% and its leverage ratio was 8.8%. The federal bank regulatory agencies may set capital requirements for a particular banking organization that are higher than the minimum ratios when circumstances warrant. Management and the OTS agree that it is prudent to maintain additional capital during the current economic downturn to provide additional support for loan concentrations and potential asset deterioration. To accomplish this, management is targeting a total capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of 12%.

Bank regulators are required to take “prompt corrective action” to resolve problems associated with insured depository institutions whose capital declines below certain levels. Federal banking agencies are required to take various mandatory supervisory actions and are authorized to take other discretionary actions with respect to institutions that are “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” or “critically undercapitalized.” The severity of the action depends upon the capital category in which the institution is placed. Generally, subject to a narrow exception, the banking regulator must appoint a receiver or conservator for an institution that is critically undercapitalized.

In the event an institution becomes “undercapitalized,” it must submit an acceptable capital restoration plan. The capital restoration plan will not be accepted by the regulators unless, among other requirements, each company having control of the undercapitalized institution guarantees the subsidiary’s compliance with the capital restoration plan up to a certain specified amount. Any such guarantee from a depository institution’s holding company is entitled to a priority of payment in bankruptcy.

The aggregate liability of the holding company of an undercapitalized depository institution is limited to the lesser of 5% of the institution’s assets at the time it became undercapitalized or the amount necessary to cause the institution to be “adequately capitalized.” The bank regulators have greater power in situations where an institution becomes “significantly” or “critically” undercapitalized or fails to submit a capital restoration plan. However, the guarantee can be limited for a holding company that is a “functionally regulated affiliate” of the depository institution, such as a holding company that is a broker-dealer registered with the SEC, if the functional regulator of the affiliate objects. For example, the OTS could require an SEC registered broker/dealer holding company for an undercapitalized federal savings bank to guarantee the bank’s capital restoration plan, subject to the limitations summarized above and subject to an objection from the holding companies functional regulator, the SEC.

 

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An undercapitalized institution is also generally prohibited from increasing its average total assets, making acquisitions, establishing branches or engaging in any new line of business, except under an accepted capital restoration plan or with FDIC approval. The prompt corrective action regulations also establish procedures for downgrading an institution to a lower capital category based on supervisory factors other than capital.

The FDIC insures the deposits of the Bank to the applicable maximum in each account, and such insurance is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government. On October 3, 2008, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (“EESA”) temporarily raised the basic limit on federal deposit insurance coverage from $100,000 to $250,000 per depositor. On May 20, 2009, the temporary increase in the standard maximum insurance amount to $250,000 per depositor was extended through December 31, 2013. The coverage amount will return to $100,000 per depositor on January 1, 2014.

Separate from the EESA and following a systemic risk determination, the FDIC instituted the FDIC Liquidity Guarantee Program on October 14, 2008 to strengthen confidence and encourage liquidity in the banking system. The FDIC Liquidity Guarantee Program has two parts, the Transaction Account Guarantee Program (“TAGP”) and the DGP. Eligible entities continue to participate unless they opted out on or before December 5, 2008. For the DGP, eligible entities are generally U.S. bank holding companies, savings and loan holding companies, and FDIC-insured institutions. Under the DGP, the FDIC guarantees senior unsecured debt, including mandatory convertible debt, of an eligible entity issued on or after October 14, 2008 and not later than October 31, 2009. The guarantee is effective through the earlier of the maturity date or June 30, 2012 for debt issued before April 1, 2009. The guarantee on debt issued on or after April 1, 2009, will expire on the earlier of the maturity date, the mandatory conversion date for mandatory convertible debt or December 31, 2012. The Bank and SWS Group elected to participate in the DGP; however, neither the Bank nor SWS Group has issued any debt covered by the DGP. Accordingly, there is currently no cost to the Bank or SWS Group for electing to participate in the DGP.

Under the TAGP, the FDIC will provide full FDIC deposit insurance coverage for non-interest-bearing transaction deposit accounts, Negotiable Order of Withdrawal accounts paying less than one half of one percent (0.5%) interest per annum, and Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts held at participating FDIC insured institutions. Participating institutions pay an assessment on the balance of each covered account in excess of $250,000. The assessment rate is 10 basis points (annualized) through December 31, 2009 (the original TAGP expiration date) and for the period from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010 it will be either 15 basis points, 20 basis points or 25 basis points, depending upon the Risk Category assigned to the institution under the FDIC’s risk-based premium system. Any institution participating in the original TAGP that wished to opt-out of the TAGP extensions from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010 was required to submit its opt-out election to the FDIC on or before November 2, 2009 (for the first extension) or on or before April 30, 2010 (for the second extension). The Bank participated in the original TAGP and opted-out of both extensions; therefore its participation ended on December 31, 2009.

Effective January 1, 2007, the FDIC modified its system for setting deposit insurance assessments to maintain the DIF. In addition to the capital and supervisory factors of the former system, assessment rates under the new system will be determined by an institution’s examination rating and either its long-term debt ratings or certain financial ratios. The federal deposit insurance reform legislation also increases the amount of deposit insurance coverage for retirement accounts, allows for deposit insurance coverage on individual accounts to be indexed for inflation starting in 2010, and provides the FDIC more flexibility in setting and imposing deposit insurance assessments.

 

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On February 27, 2009, the FDIC Board of Directors (i) approved an amended restoration plan for the DIF that extends from five years to seven years the time horizon for raising the reserve ratio for the DIF up to 1.15 percent, (ii) adopted an interim rule imposing an emergency special assessment on all insured depository institutions on June 30, 2009 to be collected on September 30, 2009 (with the possibility of additional special assessments thereafter), and (iii) adopted a final rule implementing changes to the risk-based assessment system and setting new assessment rates beginning in the second quarter of 2009.

Pursuant to this final rule, base assessment rates will range from 12 to 45 basis points, but giving effect to certain risk adjustments in the FDIC’s rule issued on February 27, 2009, assessments may range from 7 to 77.5 basis points. Changes to the risk-based assessment system include increasing premiums for institutions that rely on excessive amounts of brokered deposits to fund asset growth, increasing premiums for excessive use of secured liabilities, including Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings, lowering premiums for smaller institutions with very high capital levels, and adding financial ratios and debt issuer ratings to the premium calculations for banks with over $10 billion in assets, while providing a reduction for their unsecured debt.

In addition, all FDIC insured institutions are required to pay assessments to the FDIC at an annual rate of approximately 1.14 basis points of insured deposits to fund interest payments on bonds issued by the Financing Corporation, an agency of the federal government established to recapitalize the predecessor to the Savings Association Insurance Fund. These assessments will continue until the Financing Corporation bonds mature in 2017 through 2019.

On May 22, 2009, the FDIC adopted a final rule imposing a 5 basis point special assessment on each insured depository institution’s assets minus Tier 1 capital as of June 30, 2009. The amount of the special assessment for any institution will not exceed 10 basis points times the institution’s assessment base for the second quarter 2009. The Bank’s special assessment amount was $708,808 and it was collected on September 30, 2009.

On November 12, 2009, the FDIC Board of Directors voted to require insured depository institutions to prepay their estimated quarterly risk-based insurance assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009, and for all of 2010, 2011 and 2012. Payment of the prepaid assessment, along with the payment of the Bank’s regular third quarter assessment, was paid on December 30, 2009. For the purposes of estimating the Bank’s assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009, and for all of 2010, 2011, and 2012, and calculating the amount that the Bank prepaid on December 30, 2009, the Bank’s assessment rate was its total base assessment rate in effect on September 30, 2009. The FDIC Board of Directors also increased the annual assessment rates uniformly by 3 basis points beginning in 2011. As a result, the Bank’s total assessment rate for purposes of estimating its assessments for 2011 and 2012 will be increased by an annualized 3 basis points beginning in 2011. The Bank’s total base assessment rate in effect on September 30, 2009 was 15.54 basis points and its prepayment amount was $8.2 million. Unlike the special assessment, which the FDIC collected on September 30, 2009, the prepayment was recorded as a prepaid expense and will not immediately affect the Bank’s earnings. Finally, the FDIC Board of Directors also voted to extend the DIF restoration period from seven to eight years.

Due to the overall increase in assessments, the emergency special assessment, the TAGP surcharge, the prepaid assessments and future market developments, the Bank expects to pay higher deposit insurance premiums in fiscal 2010.

On October 14, 2008, the U.S. Treasury announced a capital purchase program which would inject $250 billion of capital into the banking system through the Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”). Management determined it was not in the best interest of the company to participate in the TARP.

On March 23, 2009, the Treasury Department announced the details related to its Public Private Investment Program (“PPIP”) to address the problem of legacy assets – both real estate loans held directly on the books of banks and securities backed by loan portfolios. To address the challenge of legacy assets, the Treasury Department – in conjunction with the FDIC and the FRB – will use $75 to $100 billion in TARP capital and capital raised from private investors on a dollar-for-dollar basis to generate $500 billion in purchasing power in the PPIP to buy legacy assets. The Treasury Department also announced that the PPIP has the potential to expand to $1 trillion over time. The Bank does not anticipate participation in the PPIP.

 

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Numerous regulations promulgated by the FRB and other federal agencies as amended from time to time, affect the business operations of the Bank. These include regulations relating to equal credit opportunity, home mortgage disclosure, electronic fund transfers, fair credit reporting, fair debt collection, service members civil relief, collection of checks, insider lending, truth in lending, truth in savings, home ownership and equity protection, transactions with affiliates, and availability of funds. Under FRB regulations, the Bank is required to maintain a reserve against its transaction accounts (primarily interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing checking accounts). Because reserves must generally be maintained in cash or in non-interest-bearing accounts, the historical effect of the reserve requirements is to increase the Bank’s cost of funds. The Financial Services Regulatory Relief Act of 2006 authorized the Federal Reserve banks to pay interest on reserves, subject to regulations of the FRB, effective October 1, 2011. However, the EESA changed the effective date for this authority to October 1, 2008.

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (“GLBA”) includes provisions that give consumers protections regarding the transfer and use of their nonpublic personal information by financial institutions. In addition, states are permitted under the GLBA to have their own privacy laws, which may offer greater protection to consumers than the GLBA. Numerous states in which the Bank does business have enacted such laws.

The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act of 2003 directed the federal banking agencies and the Federal Trade Commission, among other requirements, to issue joint regulations and guidelines regarding the detection, prevention and mitigation of identity theft, including special regulations requiring debit and credit card issuers to validate notifications of changes of address under certain circumstances. The final rules require each financial institution that holds any consumer account or other account where there is a reasonably foreseeable risk of identity theft, to develop and implement an Identity Theft Prevention Program for combating identity theft in connection with new and existing accounts prior to November 1, 2008. The Bank implemented an identity theft policy and program, an information security and privacy policy, as well as interagency guidelines on identity theft detection, prevention, and mitigation.

The Bank Secrecy Act, the USA PATRIOT Act and rules and regulations of the Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC Rules”) include numerous provisions designed to fight international money laundering and to block terrorist access to the U.S. financial system. We have established policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Bank Secrecy Act, the USA PATRIOT Act and the OFAC Rules.

The Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) requires that the Bank help meet the credit needs of the communities it serves, including low-to-moderate-income neighborhoods, while maintaining safe and sound banking practices. The primary federal regulatory agency assigns one of four possible ratings to an institution’s CRA performance and is required to make public an institution’s rating and written evaluation. The four possible ratings of meeting community credit needs are outstanding, satisfactory, needs to improve, and substantial non-compliance. In the most recent examination, the Bank received a “Satisfactory” CRA rating from the OTS. The Bank has committed $5,000,000 to two investments in limited partnership equity funds as a cost effective way of meeting its obligations under the CRA. As of March 31, 2010, the Bank has invested $3,000,000 of its aggregate commitment to the two funds.

Transactions between the Bank and its nonbanking affiliates, including us, are subject to Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act. In general, Section 23A imposes limits on the amount of such transactions, and also requires certain levels of collateral for loans to affiliated parties. Affiliate transactions are also subject to Section 23B of the Federal Reserve Act, which generally requires that certain transactions between the Bank and its affiliates be on terms substantially the same, or at least as favorable to the Bank, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with or involving other nonaffiliated persons. The FRB’s Regulation W codifies prior regulations under Section 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and interpretive guidance with respect to affiliate transactions.

 

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The restrictions on loans to directors, executive officers, principal stockholders and their related interests (collectively referred to herein as “insiders”) contained in the Federal Reserve Act and Regulation O apply to all insured depository institutions, their subsidiaries and holding companies. These restrictions include limits on loans to one borrower and conditions that must be met before such a loan can be made. There is also an aggregate limitation on all loans to insiders and their related interests. These loans cannot exceed the institution’s total unimpaired capital and surplus, and the OTS may determine that a lesser amount is appropriate. Insiders are subject to enforcement actions for knowingly accepting loans in violation of applicable restrictions.

Subject to various exceptions, savings and loan holding companies and their affiliates are generally prohibited from tying the provision of certain services, such as extensions of credit, to certain other services offered by a holding company or its affiliates.

The federal financial regulators, including the OTS, recently issued for public comment proposed rules to implement the registration requirements of the Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008, or SAFE Act. The SAFE Act requires mortgage loan originators who are employees of regulated institutions (including banks and certain of their subsidiaries) to be registered with the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry (the “Registry”), a database established by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators to support the licensing of mortgage loan originators by each state. As part of this registration process, mortgage loan originators must furnish the Registry with background information and fingerprints for a background check. The SAFE Act generally prohibits employees of a regulated financial institution from originating residential mortgage loans without first registering with the Registry and maintaining that registration. Financial institutions must also adopt policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the SAFE Act.

Although our lending activities expose us to some risk of liability for environmental hazards, we do not currently have any significant liabilities for environmental matters.

From time to time, various legislative and regulatory initiatives are introduced in Congress and state legislatures, as well as by regulatory agencies. These initiatives may include proposals to expand or contract the powers of holding companies and depository institutions or proposals to substantially change the financial institution regulatory system. Such legislation could change banking and brokerage statutes and our operating environment in substantial and unpredictable ways. If enacted, such legislation could increase or decrease the cost of doing business, limit or expand permissible activities or affect the competitive balance among banks, savings associations, credit unions, and other financial institutions. We cannot predict whether any such legislation will be enacted, and, if enacted, the impact that it, and any implementing regulations, would have on our financial condition or results of operations. A change in statutes, regulations or regulatory policies applicable to us or any of our subsidiaries could have a material effect on our business.

Events and Transactions

Several material events and transactions impacted the results of operations in the periods presented. A description of the transactions and the impact on our results are discussed below.

Increase in provision for loan losses. The provision for loan loss increased $19.3 million for the three-months ended March 31, 2010 and $26.0 million for the nine-months ended March 31, 2010, resulting in an allowance for loan loss of $30.4 million at March 31, 2010. See discussion in “Overview—Business Environment—Impact of Credit Markets—Bank.”

Sale of 5,000,001 shares of our common stock. On October 16, 2009, we filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC providing for the sale of $150.0 million of securities. On December 9, 2009, the company closed a public offering of 4,347,827 shares of its common stock at a price of $11.50 per share. On December 16, 2009, the underwriters for the public offering exercised their option to purchase 652,174 additional shares of our common stock to cover over-allotments. We generated net proceeds, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions, from the offerings of approximately $54.3 million. To date, we have invested $40.0 million of the net proceeds as a $20.0 million capital contribution to the Bank and a $20.0 million capital contribution to Southwest Securities. The remaining funds will be used by us for general corporate purposes.

 

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Write-off of $6.3 million for clearing. In the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we recorded a pre-tax loss of $6.3 million as a result of a clearing correspondent’s unauthorized short sale of more than 2 million shares of a stock. The short sale and the subsequent trades to cover the short position resulted in a $6.3 million receivable from the correspondent. Consequently, we established an allowance for this receivable. The loss was recorded in “other expenses” on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. The actual amount of the loss will depend on the amount of recovery, if any, received from the correspondent.

Write-off of $5.4 million for stock loan. In the first quarter of fiscal 2009, we wrote-off $5.4 million related to a deficit in the collateral securing a counterparty obligation of Lehman. We experienced the counterparty deficit as a result of Lehman declaring bankruptcy on September 19, 2008. Lehman had an obligation to us for stock borrowed of approximately $10.3 million at the time of the bankruptcy filing, which was backed by approximately $9.7 million in collateral. Subsequent sales and revaluation of the remaining collateral resulted in a $5.4 million deficit. We have made a claim to SIPC and are negotiating with other counterparties to mitigate the deficit. However, the potential for a successful recovery is unknown at this time. This write-off was recorded in “other expenses” on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Consolidated

Net loss for the three and nine-month periods ended March 26, 2010 was $11.5 million and $2.6 million, respectively, a decrease of $15.5 million and $22.6 million, respectively, from net income for the comparable three and nine-month periods ended March 27, 2009. The three and nine-month periods ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009 contained 58 and 188 and 59 and 188 trading days, respectively.

The following is a summary of increases (decreases) in categories of net revenues and operating expenses for the three and nine-month periods ended March 26, 2010 compared to the three and nine-month periods ended March 27, 2009 (dollars in thousands):

 

     Three-Months Ended     Nine-Months Ended  
     Amount     %
Change
    Amount     %
Change
 

Net revenues:

        

Net revenues from clearing operations

   $ 75      3   $ (942   (11 )% 

Commissions

     (11,145   (24     (15,435   (11

Net interest

     141      1        (8,049   (10

Investment banking, advisory and administrative fees

     521      7        (1,545   (6

Net gains on principal transactions

     (3,690   (32     10,123      46   

Other

     2,431      75        10,867      177   
                            
     (11,667   (12     (4,981   (2
                            

 

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     Three-Months Ended     Nine-Months Ended  
     Amount     %
Change
    Amount     %
Change
 

Operating expenses:

        

Commissions and other employee compensation

   $ (8,539   (14 )%    $ (2,563   (1 )% 

Occupancy, equipment and computer service costs

     33      —          1,350      6   

Communications

     4      —          90      1   

Floor brokerage and clearing organization charges

     257      34        274      10   

Advertising and promotional

     (294   (25     (59   (2

Provision for loan loss

     19,266      336        25,977      308   

Other

     2,759      42        7,496      32   
                            
     13,486      15        32,565      13   
                            

Pre-tax income

   $ (25,153   (367 )%    $ (37,546   (113 )% 
                            

Net revenues decreased for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 by $11.7 million as compared to the same period of fiscal 2009. The largest component of the decrease was in commissions. The $11.1 million decrease in commissions was due primarily to a $13.5 million decrease in commissions in the institutional segment, primarily in the taxable fixed income business, as a result of tighter spreads and reduced market volatility. There was also a $3.7 million decrease in net gains on principal transactions. The decrease in net gains on principal transactions was driven primarily by a decrease in taxable fixed income gains due to an extremely volatile market in the same quarter of the prior fiscal year and a write-down in the fair value of our auction rate securities by $1.0 million. These decreases were offset by a $2.4 million increase in other revenue. The increase in other revenue was due primarily to an increase in the value of investments in our deferred compensation plan of $585,000, a gain in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 of $885,000 related to a limited partnership venture capital fund as compared to a loss in the prior fiscal year third quarter of $153,000 and a $1.2 million increase in the sale of insurance products in our retail business.

Net revenues decreased for the first nine-months of fiscal 2010 by $5.0 million as compared to the same period of fiscal 2009. The largest components of the decrease were commissions of $15.4 million, net interest of $8.0 million and investment banking, advisory and administrative fees of $1.5 million. The decrease in commissions was due to lower commissions in the institutional segment, primarily in the taxable fixed income business, as a result of tighter spreads and reduced market volatility. The decrease in net interest was due to a 74 basis point decrease in the spread in the institutional segment’s securities lending business. Additionally, net interest decreased due to reduced investment in tax-exempt municipal auction rate bonds in our municipal business. The decrease in investment banking, advisory and administrative fees was due to closing Tower Asset Management, LLC in the prior fiscal year, which reduced fees in our retail segment by $3.0 million. This decrease in investment banking, advisory and administrative fees was offset primarily by an increase in the institutional segment due to unit investment trusts (“UIT”) underwriting activity in the taxable fixed income business, fees generated from competitive underwritings in the municipal business and advisory fees in our corporate finance business. These decreases were offset by a $10.1 million increase in net gains on principal transactions and a $10.9 million increase in other revenue. The increase in net gains on principal transactions was primarily in the institutional segment and resulted from broader product offerings in fiscal year 2010 as compared to fiscal year 2009 offset by a write-down in the fair value of our auction rate securities of $1.0 million. The increase in other revenue was due primarily to (i) the elimination of M.L. Stern LLC’s deferred compensation plan which produced a loss of $1.2 million in the prior fiscal year; (ii) an increase in the sale of insurance products of $2.2 million; (iii) an increase in the value of our deferred compensation plan of $4.0 million and (iv) a gain of $1.3 million related to a limited partnership venture capital fund compared to a loss of $2.6 million in the prior fiscal year.

 

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Operating expenses increased $13.5 million for the three-months ended March 26, 2010 as compared to the same period of fiscal 2009. The largest increase was the provision for loan loss of $19.3 million and other expenses of $2.7 million. The increase for the Bank’s loan loss provision is discussed in “Overview—Business Environment—Impact of Credit Markets—Bank.” The increase in other expenses was due to (i) an increase in the Bank’s REO provision of $911,000; (ii) a $691,000 increase in loan collections and other real estate expense; and (iii) an increase in the DIF assessment of $841,000. These increases were offset by a decrease in commission expense of $8.5 million primarily in the institutional segment resulting from a corresponding decrease in commission revenue.

Operating expenses increased $32.6 million for the nine-months ended March 26, 2010 as compared to the same period of fiscal 2009. The largest increase was the provision for loan loss of $26.0 million and other expenses of $7.5 million. The increase for the Bank’s loan loss provision is discussed in “Overview—Business Environment—Impact of Credit Markets—Bank.” The increase in other expenses was due to (i) a $6.3 million loss incurred in the clearing segment in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 from a correspondent’s short sale of securities; (ii) an increase in the Bank’s REO provision of $2.6 million; (iii) a $2.2 million increase in loan collections and other real estate expenses; and (iv) a $1.5 million increase in the DIF assessment. Additionally, in last fiscal year’s comparable period, other expenses included a $5.4 million write-off related to the Lehman stock loan deficit. This increase in other expenses was offset by a decrease in commissions and other employee compensation of $2.6 million driven by a decrease in commission and incentive compensation in our institutional segment as a result of lower revenues. The decrease in commission and other employee compensation in our institutional segment was offset by an increase in salaries to our corporate employees and deferred compensation expense related to our restricted stock plan resulting from acceleration in the vesting of restricted stock for retired directors and terminated executive management.

Net Interest Income

We generate net interest income from our brokerage segments and our banking segment. Net interest income from the brokerage segments is dependent upon the level of customer and stock loan balances as well as the spread between the rates we earn on those assets compared with the cost of funds. Net interest is the primary source of income for the Bank and represents the amount by which interest and fees generated by earning assets exceed the cost of funds. The Bank’s cost of funds consists primarily of interest paid to the Bank’s depositors on interest-bearing accounts. The components of interest earnings are as follows for the three and nine-month periods ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009 (in thousands):

 

     Three-Months Ended    Nine-Months Ended
     March 26,
2010
   March 27,
2009
   March 26,
2010
   March 27,
2009

Brokerage

   $ 5,826    $ 7,043    $ 19,069    $ 36,280

Bank(1)

     18,152      16,794      55,300      46,138
                           

Net interest

   $ 23,978    $ 23,837    $ 74,369    $ 82,418
                           

 

(1)

The net interest reported for the Bank is for the periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.

For the three and nine-months ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009, net interest income from our brokerage entities accounted for approximately 7%, 8%, 7% and 13% of our net revenues, respectively. Net interest for the Bank is discussed in the Banking segment discussion below.

 

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Average balances of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities in the broker/dealer operations are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three-Months Ended    Nine-Months Ended
     March 26,
2010
   March 27,
2009
   March 26,
2010
   March 27,
2009

Average interest-earning assets:

           

Customer margin balances

   $ 175,000    $ 161,000    $ 165,000    $ 191,000

Assets segregated for regulatory

purposes

     311,000      252,000      311,000      297,000

Stock borrowed

     1,826,000      1,879,000      1,893,000      2,157,000

Average interest-bearing liabilities:

           

Customer funds on deposit

     386,000      360,000      383,000      422,000

Stock loaned

     1,753,000      1,835,000      1,831,000      2,118,000

Net interest revenue generated by each segment is reviewed in detail in the segment analysis below.

Income Tax Expense

For the nine-months ended March 26, 2010, income tax benefit (effective rate of 40.8%) differed from the amount that would have otherwise been calculated by applying the federal corporate tax rate (35.0%) to loss before income taxes due to state income taxes and other permanently excluded items, such as tax exempt interest, meals and entertainment and increases in the value of company-owned life insurance.

Segment Information

The following is a summary of the increases (decreases) in net revenues and pre-tax income by segment for the three and nine-month periods ended March 26, 2010 compared to the three and nine-month periods ended March 27, 2009 (dollars in thousands):

 

     Three-Months Ended              
     March 26,
2010
    March 27,
2009
    Increase/
(Decrease)
    %
Change
 

Net revenues:

        

Clearing

   $ 4,925      $ 5,423      $ (498   (9 )% 

Retail

     27,278        24,069        3,209      13   

Institutional

     32,602        48,838        (16,236   (33

Banking

     17,730        16,766        964      6   

Other

     466        (428     894      (209
                              

Total

   $ 83,001      $ 94,668      $ (11,667   (12 )% 
                              

Pre-tax income (loss):

        

Clearing

   $ 96      $ 92      $ 4      4

Retail

     (966     (3,298     2,332      71   

Institutional

     9,534        17,342        (7,808   (45

Banking

     (20,122     (329     (19,793   >100   

Other

     (6,841     (6,953     112      2   
                              

Total

   $ (18,299   $ 6,854      $ (25,153   (367 )% 
                              

 

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     Nine-Months Ended              
     March 26,
2010
    March 27,
2009
    Increase/
(Decrease)
    %
Change
 

Net revenues:

        

Clearing

   $ 15,347      $ 20,772      $ (5,425   (26 )% 

Retail

     82,627        80,998        1,629      2   

Institutional

     122,136        141,837        (19,701   (14

Banking

     55,788        46,680        9,108      20   

Other

     1,733        (7,675     9,408      123   
                              

Total

   $ 277,631      $ 282,612      $ (4,981   (2 )% 
                              

Pre-tax income (loss):

        

Clearing

   $ (5,897   $ 4,248      $ (10,145   (239 )% 

Retail

     (672     (281     (391   (139

Institutional

     41,784        52,379        (10,595   (20

Banking

     (14,182     6,578        (20,760   (316

Other

     (25,400     (29,745     4,345      15   
                              

Total

   $ (4,367   $ 33,179      $ (37,546   (113 )% 
                              

Clearing:

Three-months Ended:

The following is a summary of the results for the clearing segment for the three-months ended March 26, 2010 as compared to the three-months ended March 27, 2009 (dollars in thousands):

 

     Three-Months Ended             
     March 26,
2010
   March 27,
2009
   Increase/
(Decrease)
    %
Change
 

Net revenue from clearing services

   $ 2,475    $ 2,400    $ 75      3

Net interest

     1,386      998      388      39   

Other

     1,064      2,025      (961   (47
                            

Net revenues

     4,925      5,423      (498   (9

Operating expenses

     4,829      5,331      (502   (9
                            

Pre-tax income

   $ 96    $ 92    $ 4      4
                            

Average customer margin balance

   $ 97,000    $ 85,000    $ 12,000      14
                            

Average customer funds on deposit

   $ 203,000    $ 212,000    $ (9,000   (4 )% 
                            

The following table reflects the number of client transactions processed for the three-months ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009 and the number of correspondents at the end of each three-month period.

 

     Three-Months Ended
     March 26,
2010
   March 27,
2009

Tickets for high-volume trading firms

   252,360    524,256

Tickets for general securities broker/dealers

   225,609    204,223
         

Total tickets

   477,969    728,479
         

Correspondents(*)

   183    183
         

 

(*) In evaluating correspondent relationships, we determined that certain clearing accounts, while not officially terminated, have become inactive. Consequently, we have revised our definition of correspondent and have excluded these dormant relationships in our correspondent count for both periods presented.

 

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In the three-months ended March 26, 2010 as compared to the three-months ended March 27, 2009, the clearing segment posted an increase in clearing fee revenue of 3%, a decrease in net revenue of 9% and an increase in pre-tax income of 4%.

For the three-months ended March 26, 2010 as compared to the three-months ended March 27, 2009, tickets processed for high-volume trading firms decreased 52% while tickets processed for general securities broker/dealers increased by 10%. The decrease in high-volume tickets is primarily due to one of our former correspondents consolidating their business at another clearing firm. The reduction in tickets from high-volume firms caused an increase in revenue per ticket from $3.30 for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 to $5.18 for the third quarter of fiscal 2010.

Net interest revenue in the clearing segment increased 39% for the three-months ended March 26, 2010 over the same period last fiscal year. Net interest increased due to an increase in the spread we earn on customer deposits and an increase in customer balances.

Other revenue, primarily made up of fees from money market funds, decreased $961,000 for the three-months ended March 26, 2010 as compared to the same period last fiscal year. This decrease was due to a 66% decrease in the administrative fee income earned by the clearing segment from the money market providers. This fee income decreased due to a reduction in short-term interest rates resulting in a reduction of our revenue sharing with various money market funds.

Operating expenses decreased for the three-months ended March 26, 2010 as compared to the same period last fiscal year primarily due to a decrease in commissions and other employee compensation of $550,000. This decrease was due to a decrease in salary expenses of $133,000, as well as a decrease in incentive compensation of $365,000 primarily related to reduced headcount, including the termination of the head of our clearing segment.

Nine-months Ended:

The following is a summary of the results for the clearing segment for the nine-months ended March 26, 2010 as compared to the nine-months ended March 27, 2009 (dollars in thousands):

 

     Nine-Months Ended             
     March 26,
2010
    March 27,
2009
   Increase/
(Decrease)
    %
Change
 

Net revenue from clearing services

   $ 7,830      $ 8,769    $ (939   (11 )% 

Net interest

     4,327        4,420      (93   (2

Other

     3,190        7,583      (4,393   (58
                             

Net revenues

     15,347        20,772      (5,425   (26

Operating expenses

     21,244        16,524      4,720      29   
                             

Pre-tax income (loss)

   $ (5,897   $ 4,248    $ (10,145   (239 )% 
                             

Average customer margin balance

   $ 95,000      $ 106,000    $ (11,000   (10 )% 
                             

Average customer funds on deposit

   $ 204,000      $ 263,000    $ (59,000   (22 )% 
                             

 

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The following table reflects the number of client transactions processed for the nine-months ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009.

 

     Nine-Months Ended
     March 26,
2010
   March 27,
2009

Tickets for high-volume trading firms

   1,036,849    7,922,473

Tickets for general securities broker/dealers

   695,228    661,007
         

Total tickets

   1,732,077    8,583,480
         

The clearing segment posted a decrease in net revenue of 26% and a decrease in pre-tax income of 239% for the nine-months ended March 26, 2010 over the same period last fiscal year.

For the nine-months ended March 26, 2010 over the same period last fiscal year, tickets processed decreased substantially while clearing fee revenue decreased only 11%. Decreased volume from daytrading customers was the primary driver of this change. Revenue per ticket was $1.02 for the first nine-months of fiscal 2009 versus $4.52 for the first nine-months of fiscal 2010.

Net interest revenue in the clearing segment decreased 2% for the nine-months ended March 26, 2010 over the same period last fiscal year. Net interest decreased primarily due to the 10% decline in margin balances in the clearing segment.

Operating expenses were up for the nine-months ended March 26, 2010 as compared to the same period last fiscal year due primarily to an increase in other expenses of $5.8 million. This increase was due to a $6.3 million loss incurred on a correspondent’s short sale of securities in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 as well as increased legal expenses of $1.0 million related thereto. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in information technology and operating expenses of $1.3 million.

Retail:

Three-months Ended:

The following is a summary of the results for the retail segment for the three-months ended March 26, 2010 as compared to the three-months ended March 27, 2009 (dollars in thousands):

 

     Three-Months Ended        
     March 26,
2010
   March 27,
2009
    %
Change
 

Private Client Group (“PCG”)

       

Commissions

   $ 14,290    $ 12,968      10

Advisory fees

     1,316      1,509      (13

Insurance products

     1,488      915      63   

Other

     103      (115   190   

Net interest revenue

     552      377      46   
                     
     17,749      15,654      13   
                     

Independent registered representatives (“SWS Financial”)

       

Commissions

     6,026      5,022      20   

Advisory fees

     622      686      (9

Insurance products

     1,470      886      66   

Other

     217      157      38   

Net interest revenue

     203      132      54   
                     
     8,538      6,883      24   
                     

 

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Table of Contents
     Three-Months Ended        
     March 26,
2010
    March 27,
2009
    %
Change
 

Other

      

Commissions

   $ 60      $ 31      94

Advisory fees

     599        1,274      (53

Insurance products

     276        189      46   

Other

     56        47      19   

Net interest revenue

     —          (9   100   
                      
     991        1,532      (35
                      

Total net revenues

     27,278        24,069      13   

Operating expenses

     28,244        27,367      3   
                      

Pre-tax income (loss)

   $ (966   $ (3,298   71
                      

Average customer margin balances

   $ 65,000      $ 58,000      12
                      

Average customer funds on deposit

   $ 109,000      $ 101,000      8
                      

PCG representatives

     207        220      (6 )% 
                      

SWS Financial representatives

     308        310      (1 )% 
                      

Net revenues in the retail segment increased 13% for the three-months ended March 26, 2010 over the same period last fiscal year due to an increase in commission revenue of $2.4 million and an increase in insurance product sales of $1.2 million. The insurance product sales increases were due to an increase in volume in both our PCG and SWS Financial businesses. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in advisory fees of $932,000. The primary reason for the decrease in advisory fees was due to closing Tower Asset Management, LLC on June 30, 2009, which reduced fees by $871,000. Total customer assets were $13.2 billion at March 26, 2010 and $10.3 billion at March 27, 2009. Assets under management were $564 million at March 26, 2010 versus $740 million at March 27, 2009. The reduction in assets under management was primarily due to closing Tower Asset Management, LLC on June 30, 2009.

Operating expenses increased 3% for the three-months ended March 26, 2010 over the same period last fiscal year. This increase was primarily due to a 5% increase in commission expense, the primary component of operating expenses in the retail segment.

Nine-months Ended:

The following is a summary of the results for the retail segment for the nine-months ended March 26, 2010 as compared to the nine-months ended March 27, 2009 (dollars in thousands):

 

     Nine-Months Ended        
     March 26,
2010
   March 27,
2009
    %
Change
 

Private Client Group

       

Commissions

   $ 44,169    $ 43,839      1

Advisory fees

     4,025      5,123      (21

Insurance products

     3,789      3,003      26   

Other

     119      (818   115   

Net interest revenue

     1,628      1,408      16   
                     
     53,730      52,555      2   
                     

 

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     Nine-Months Ended        
     March 26,
2010
    March 27,
2009
    %
Change
 

Independent registered representatives

      

Commissions

   $ 18,666      $ 16,066      16

Advisory fees

     1,724        2,562      (33

Insurance products

     4,463        3,218      39   

Other

     636        512      24   

Net interest revenue

     573        686      (16
                      
     26,062        23,044      13   
                      

Other

      

Commissions

     158        137      15   

Advisory fees

     1,655        4,382      (62

Insurance products

     855        685      25   

Other

     170        163      4   

Net interest revenue

     (3     32      (109
                      
     2,835        5,399      (47
                      

Total net revenues

     82,627        80,998      2   

Operating expenses

     83,299        81,279      2   
                      

Pre-tax loss

   $ (672   $ (281   (139 )% 
                      

Average customer margin balances

   $ 59,000      $ 70,000      (16 )% 
                      

Average customer funds on deposit

   $ 116,000      $ 110,000      5
                      

Customer Deposits at the Bank

   $ 573,433      $ 446,029      29
                      

Net revenues in the retail segment increased 2% for the nine-months ended March 26, 2010 over the same period last fiscal year driven by an increase in commission revenue of $2.9 million, an increase in insurance products of $2.2 million and the elimination of M.L. Stern LLC’s deferred compensation plan which produced a loss of $1.2 million in the comparable fiscal 2009 period. The insurance product sales increases were due to an increase in volume in both our PCG and SWS Financial businesses. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in advisory fees of $4.7 million. The primary reason for the decrease in advisory fees was due to (i) closing Tower Asset Management, LLC on June 30, 2009, which reduced fees by $3.0 million and (ii) a reduction in money market fee revenue of $2.7 million offset by increased managed and advisory fee income of $1.4 million due to the increase in assets under management from March 27, 2009 to March 26, 2010, excluding the impact of Tower Asset Management, LLC’s assets under management.

Operating expenses increased 2% for the nine-months ended March 26, 2010 over the same period last fiscal year. This increase was primarily due to an increase in commissions and other employee compensation of $1.7 million, the primary component of operating expense in the retail segment, as well as an increase in information and technology expenses in the retail segment of $1.2 million. These increases were slightly offset by a decrease in communication expense of $668,000.

 

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Table of Contents

Institutional:

Three-months Ended:

The following is a summary of the results for the institutional segment for the three-months ended March 26, 2010 as compared to the three-months ended March 27, 2009 (dollars in thousands):

 

     Three-Months Ended       
     March 26,
2010
   March 27,
2009
   %
Change
 

Commissions

        

Taxable fixed income

   $ 7,655    $ 21,615    (65 )% 

Municipal distribution

     3,231      3,592    (10

Portfolio trading

     3,906      3,104    26   

Other

     5      2    150   
                
     14,797      28,313    (48
                

Investment banking fees

     5,429      3,142    73   

Net gains on principal transactions

     8,340      11,605    (28

Other

     236      233    1   

Net interest revenue

     3,800      5,545    (31
                

Total net revenues

     32,602      48,838    (33

Operating expenses

     23,068      31,496    (27
                

Pre-tax income

   $ 9,534    $ 17,342    (45 )% 
                

Taxable fixed income representatives

     31      28    11
                

Municipal distribution representatives

     24      21    14
                

Average balances of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the institutional segment were as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three-Months Ended
     March 26,
2010
   March 27,
2009

Average interest-earning assets:

     

Stock borrowed

   $ 1,826,000    $ 1,879,000

Average interest-bearing liabilities:

     

Stock loaned

     1,753,000      1,835,000

The following table sets forth the number and aggregate dollar amount of municipal new issue bond underwritings conducted by Southwest Securities, as reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board, for the three-month periods ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009:

 

     Three-Months Ended
     March 26,
2010
   March 27,
2009

Number of Issues

     150      107

Aggregate Amount of Offerings

   $ 9,910,318,000    $ 9,904,255,000

Net revenues from the institutional segment decreased 33% while pre-tax income was down 45% in the three-months ended March 26, 2010 when compared to the three-months ended March 27, 2009. Decreased commissions in the institutional segment of $13.5 million for the three-months ended March 26, 2010 over the same period last fiscal year was due to tighter spreads and reduced volatility primarily in taxable fixed income. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in investment banking fees of $2.3 million. The increase in investment banking fees was due to increased UIT underwriting activity in the taxable fixed income business as well as increased fees generated from advisory services in the corporate finance business.

 

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Table of Contents

Net gains on principal transactions were down 28% in the three-months ended March 26, 2010 as compared to the prior fiscal year. Taxable fixed income represented $3.8 million of this decrease. The decrease in taxable fixed income was due to extreme market volatility leading to wider spreads in the prior fiscal year third quarter resulting in higher revenue than in the third quarter of fiscal 2010. This decrease was partially offset by a $637,000 increase from increased customer activity in the municipal fixed income business.

In the three-months ended March 26, 2010, net interest revenue in the institutional segment decreased 31% over the same period of last fiscal year. The institutional segment’s net interest is primarily generated from the company’s securities lending activities. This decrease was due to a 33 basis point decline in the spread earned on securities lending balances and a decrease in the average securities lending balance for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 when compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2009.

Operating expenses were down 27% for the three-months ended March 26, 2010 versus the same period last fiscal year primarily due to decreases in commission expense. The decrease in commission expense was due to the decrease in revenue produced by the institutional segment.

Nine-months Ended:

The following is a summary of the results for the institutional segment for the nine-months ended March 26, 2010 as compared to the nine-months ended March 27, 2009 (dollars in thousands):

 

     Nine-Months Ended       
     March 26,
2010
   March 27,
2009
   %
Change
 

Commissions

        

Taxable fixed income

   $ 34,921    $ 54,221    (35 )% 

Municipal distribution

     11,787      11,495    3   

Portfolio trading

     10,157      9,546    6   

Other

     14      9    56   
                
     56,879      75,271    (24
                

Investment banking fees

     18,951      13,839    37   

Net gains on principal transactions

     32,786      22,211    48   

Other

     772      784    (2

Net interest revenue

     12,748      29,732    (57
                

Total net revenues

     122,136      141,837    (14

Operating expenses

     80,352      89,458    (10
                

Pre-tax income

   $ 41,784    $ 52,379    (20 )% 
                

Average balances of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the institutional segment were as follows (in thousands):

 

     Nine-Months Ended
     March 26,
2010
   March 27,
2009

Average interest-earning assets:

     

Stock borrowed

   $ 1,893,000    $ 2,157,000

Average interest-bearing liabilities:

     

Stock loaned

     1,831,000      2,118,000

 

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Table of Contents

The following table sets forth the number and aggregate dollar amount of municipal new issue bond underwritings conducted by Southwest Securities, as reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board, for the nine-month periods ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009:

 

     Nine-Months Ended
     March 26,
2010
   March 27,
2009

Number of Issues

     446      360

Aggregate Amount of Offerings

   $ 49,321,645,000    $ 35,181,666,000

Net revenues from the institutional segment decreased 14% while pre-tax income was down 20% in the nine-months ended March 26, 2010 over the same period last fiscal year. Commissions in the institutional segment were down 24% for the nine-months ended March 26, 2010 over the same period last fiscal year. Volumes in both the taxable fixed income and municipal areas remained at record levels in the first quarter of fiscal 2010; however, tighter spreads and reduced volatility in the second and third fiscal quarters led to decreased commissions in the first nine-months of fiscal 2010 in the taxable fixed income area compared with last fiscal year. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in investment banking fees of $5.1 million. The increase in investment banking fees was due to increased UIT underwriting activity in the taxable fixed income business, increased fees generated from competitive underwritings in the municipal business as well as increased fees generated from advisory services in the corporate finance business in the first nine-months of fiscal 2010 compared to the first nine-months of fiscal 2009.

Net gains on principal transactions were up 48% due to broader product offerings in fiscal year 2010 versus last fiscal year. The municipal business unit contributed $6.7 million to this increase and the taxable fixed income unit contributed $4.0 million.

In the nine-months ended March 26, 2010, net interest revenue in the institutional segment decreased 57% over the same period of last fiscal year. The institutional segment’s net interest is primarily generated from the company’s securities lending activities. This decrease was due to a 74 basis point decrease in the spread earned on securities lending. The disruption in the markets, the regulators’ limits on short sales and changes in our internal risk limits caused average balances in our stock loan business to fall to $1.8 billion at March 26, 2010. Net interest revenue also decreased in the municipal business unit due to reduced investment in tax-exempt municipal auction rate bonds.

Operating expenses were down 10% for the nine-months ended March 26, 2010 versus the same period last fiscal year primarily due to the $5.4 million write-off for the Lehman counterparty exposure that was included in the prior fiscal year as well as a decrease in commission and other employee compensation. The decrease in compensation expense was due primarily to a decrease in commission expense of $4.3 million and incentive compensation of $4.4 million offset by an increase in salary expense of $1.5 million. The decrease in commission and incentive compensation was due to reduced revenue and profitability in fixed income and securities lending business. The increase in salary expense was due to hiring additional registered representatives in our municipal fixed income business. These decreases were offset by an increase in communication expense of $1.0 million, primarily due to an increase in quotations and an increase in occupancy expense of $715,000 due to new office locations, insurance and software licenses.

 

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Table of Contents

Banking:

Three-months Ended:

The following is a summary of the results for the banking segment for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 (dollars in thousands):

 

     Three-Months Ended        
     March 31,
2010
    March 31,
2009
    %
Change
 

Net interest revenue

   $ 18,152      $ 16,794      8

Other

     (422     (28   >(100
                      

Total net revenues

     17,730        16,766      6   

Operating expenses

     37,852        17,095      121   
                      

Pre-tax loss

   $ (20,122   $ (329   >(100 )% 
                      

In the three-months ended March 31, 2010 as compared to the three-months ended March 31, 2009, the Bank’s net revenues increased 6% but the Bank posted a pre-tax loss of $20.0 million up from a $329,000 pre-tax loss reported in the same period last fiscal year.

Net interest revenue generated by the Bank accounted for approximately 21.7% of our consolidated net revenue for the three-months ended March 31, 2010 and 17.8% for the three-months ended March 31, 2009. The increase in net interest revenue at the Bank was due primarily to an increase in the average loans held for investment balance from March 31, 2009 to March 31, 2010. Other revenue for the Bank decreased more than 100% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2010 over the same period last fiscal year. This decrease was primarily due to a net loss on the sale of REO property of $670,000 offset by a gain on small business administration (“SBA”) loans sold of $329,000.

The Bank’s operating expenses were up 121% for the three-months ended March 31, 2010 over the same period last fiscal year. This increase was due primarily to a $19.3 million increase in the Bank’s loan loss provision and a $2.4 million increase in other expense consisting of the following: a $911,000 increase in the Bank’s REO loss provision; a $691,000 increase in loan collections and other real estate expense; a $841,000 increase in the DIF assessment and a $171,000 increase in outside services. These increases were offset by a $124,000 decrease in salary expenses; a $541,000 decrease in incentive compensation expense and a $146,000 decrease in profit sharing accruals and employee health insurance. The increase in the Bank’s loan loss provision was due to continued deterioration in the real estate market and the Bank’s commercial real estate loan portfolio as well as the continuing uncertainty in the U.S. economy. The allowance computation is discussed in detail in “Loans and Allowance for Probable Loan Loss” below.

The following table sets forth an analysis of the Bank’s net interest income by the major categories of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 (dollars in thousands):

 

     Three-Months Ended  
     March 31, 2010     March 31, 2009  
     Average
Balance
   Interest
Income/
Expense  (*)
   Yield/
Rate
    Average
Balance
   Interest
Income/
Expense  (*)
   Yield/
Rate
 

Assets:

                

Interest-earning assets:

                

Real estate – mortgage

   $ 362,219    $ 5,984    6.7   $ 414,491    $ 7,247    7.1

Real estate – construction

     105,883      1,313    5.0        164,079      1,864    4.6   

Commercial – real estate

     621,129      8,420    5.5        512,397      6,928    5.5   

Commercial – loans

     173,752      2,517    5.9        130,495      1,979    6.2   

Individual

     4,544      83    7.4        4,814      88    7.4   

Land

     135,887      1,628    4.9        176,704      1,988    4.6   

Money market

     88,867      15    0.1        —        —      —     

Federal funds sold

     16,128      4    0.1        3,135      1    0.2   

Interest bearing deposits in banks

     5,806      —      —          1,143      —      —     

 

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Table of Contents
     Three-Months Ended  
     March 31, 2010     March 31, 2009  
     Average
Balance
   Interest
Income/
Expense(*)
   Yield/
Rate
    Average
Balance
   Interest
Income/
Expense(*)
   Yield/
Rate
 

Federal reserve funds

   $ 49,115    $ 13    0.1      $ 4,217    $ 15    1.4   

Investments - other

     47,198      280    2.4        9,596      18    0.8   
                                
     1,610,528    $ 20,257    5.1     1,421,071    $ 20,128    5.7

Non-interest-earning assets:

                

Cash and due from banks

     6,776           7,524      

Other assets

     59,046           33,162      
                        
   $ 1,676,350         $ 1,461,757      
                        

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:

                

Interest-bearing liabilities:

                

Certificates of deposit

   $ 70,406    $ 293    1.7   $ 77,063    $ 489    2.6

Money market accounts

     40,187      14    0.1        45,561      37    0.3   

Interest-bearing demand accounts

     92,301      35    0.2        72,842      87    0.5   

Savings accounts

     1,128,346      454    0.2        933,970      1,262    0.6   

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     110,958      1,309    4.8        152,108      1,459    3.9   

Federal funds purchased

     28      —      —          222      —      0.2   
                                
     1,442,226      2,105    0.6     1,281,766      3,334    1.1

Non-interest-bearing liabilities:

                

Non interest-bearing demand accounts

     63,810           52,871      

Other liabilities

     5,380           5,561      
                        
     1,511,416           1,340,198      

Stockholders’ equity

     164,934           121,559      
                        
   $ 1,676,350         $ 1,461,757      
                        

Net interest income

      $ 18,152         $ 16,794   
                        

Net yield on interest-earning assets

         4.6         4.8
                        

 

(*) Loans fees included in interest income for the three-months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 were $1,079 and $1,626, respectively.

Interest rate trends, changes in the U.S. economy and competition and the scheduled maturities and interest rate sensitivity of the loan portfolios and deposits affect the spreads earned by the Bank.

Net interest margin for the three-months ended March 31, 2010 was down from the same period last fiscal year as the rate received on loans and investments declined from March 31, 2010 to March 31, 2009 by 60 basis points and the amount paid out on saving account balances was down 40 basis points. The Bank’s excess liquidity was invested in a portfolio of Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) securities midway through the third quarter of fiscal 2010.

The following table sets forth a summary of the changes in the Bank’s interest earned and interest paid resulting from changes in volume and rate (in thousands):

 

     Three-Months Ended  
     March 31, 2010 compared to March 31, 2009  
     Total
Change
    Attributed to  
       Volume     Rate     Mix  

Interest income:

        

Real estate – mortgage

   $ (1,263   $ (913   $ (400   $ 50   

Real estate – construction

     (551     (661     171        (61

Commercial – real estate

     1,492        1,470        18        4   

Commercial – loans

     538        656        (88     (30

Individual

     (5     (5     —          —     

Land

     (360     (459     129        (30

Money markets

     15        —          —          15   

Federal funds sold

     3        5        (1     (1

Interest bearing deposits in banks

     —          1        —          (1

 

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     Three-Months Ended  
     March 31, 2010 compared to March 31, 2009  
     Total
Change
    Attributed to  
       Volume     Rate     Mix  

Federal reserve funds

   $ (2   $ 158      $ (13   $ (147

Investments - other

     262        75        4        183   
                                
   $ 129      $ 327      $ (180   $ (18
                                

Interest expense:

        

Certificates of deposit

   $ (196   $ (42   $ (168   $ 14   

Money market accounts

     (23     (5     (21     3   

Interest-bearing demand accounts

     (52     24        (60     (16

Savings accounts

     (808     262        (886     (184

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     (150     (111     (157     118   
                                
     (1,229     128        (1,292     (65
                                

Net interest income

   $ 1,358      $ 199      $ 1,112      $ 47   
                                

Nine-months Ended:

The following is a summary of the results for the banking segment for the nine-month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 (dollars in thousands):

 

     Nine-Months Ended       
     March 31,
2010
    March 31,
2009
   %
Change
 

Net interest revenue

   $ 55,300      $ 46,138    20

Other

     488        542    (10
                     

Total net revenues

     55,788        46,680    20   

Operating expenses

     69,970        40,102    74   
                     

Pre-tax income (loss)

   $ (14,182   $ 6,578    (316 )% 
                     

The Bank’s net revenues increased 20% while pre-tax income decreased 316% for the nine-months ended March 31, 2010 as compared to the same period last fiscal year.

Net interest revenue generated by the Bank accounted for approximately 19.9% of our consolidated net revenue for the nine-months ended March 31, 2010 and 16.4% for the nine-months ended March 31, 2009. The increase in net interest revenue at the Bank was due primarily to an increase in loan volume of 9% for the nine-months ended March 31, 2010 as compared to the same period last year as well as a 10 basis point increase in the net yield from the nine-months ended March 31, 2009 to March 31, 2010.

The Bank’s operating expenses were up 74% for the nine-months ended March 31, 2010 over the same period last fiscal year. This increase was due primarily to a $26.0 million increase in the Bank’s provision for loan loss and a $5.2 million increase in other expense consisting of the following: a $2.6 million increase in the Bank’s REO loss provision; a $2.2 million increase in loan collections, loan related legal fees as well as other real estate expenses; and a $1.5 million increase in the DIF assessment. These increases were offset by a $723,000 decrease in expenses related to overdraft charge-offs and write-downs of loans held for sale.

 

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The following table sets forth an analysis of the Bank’s net interest income by the major categories of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the nine-month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 (dollars in thousands):

 

     Nine-Months Ended  
     March 31, 2010     March 31, 2009  
     Average
Balance
   Interest
Income/
Expense(*)
   Yield/
Rate
    Average
Balance
   Interest
Income/
Expense(*)
   Yield/
Rate
 

Assets:

                

Interest-earning assets:

                

Real estate – mortgage

   $ 365,465    $ 18,833    6.9   $ 364,403    $ 20,056    7.3

Real estate – construction

     121,307      4,629    5.1        174,370      6,894    5.3   

Commercial – real estate

     607,232      25,236    5.5        451,781      20,970    6.2   

Commercial – loans

     159,986      7,007    5.8        116,547      5,714    6.5   

Individual

     4,608      255    7.4        4,698      266    7.6   

Land

     145,642      5,398    4.9        177,785      7,191    5.4   

Money market

     54,050      56    0.1        —        —      —     

Federal funds sold

     56,572      52    0.1        10,574      105    1.3   

Interest bearing deposits in banks

     11,925      1    —          22,792      229    1.3   

Federal reserve funds

     21,198      22    0.1        15,245      82    0.7   

Investments - other

     24,453      502    2.7        7,277      100    1.8   
                                
     1,572,438    $ 61,991    5.3     1,345,472    $ 61,607    6.1

Non-interest-earning assets:

                

Cash and due from banks

     6,450           9,920      

Other assets

     49,601           32,652      
                        
   $ 1,628,489         $ 1,388,044      
                        

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:

                

Interest-bearing liabilities:

                

Certificates of deposit

   $ 70,423    $ 987    1.9   $ 84,868    $ 2,051    3.2

Money market accounts

     42,706      50    0.2        45,287      333    1.0   

Interest-bearing demand accounts

     88,275      117    0.2        73,556      643    1.2   

Savings accounts

     1,093,996      1,513    0.2        885,915      8,358    1.3   

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     113,598      4,024    4.7        122,180      4,084    4.5   

Federal funds purchased

     9      —      —          90      —      0.3   
                                
     1,409,007      6,691    0.6     1,211,896      15,469    1.7

Non-interest-bearing liabilities:

                

Non interest-bearing demand accounts

     60,014           52,695      

Other liabilities

     7,020           6,147      
                        
     1,476,041           1,270,738      

Stockholders’ equity

     152,448           117,306      
                        
   $ 1,628,489         $ 1,388,044      
                        

Net interest income

      $ 55,300         $ 46,138   
                        

Net yield on interest-earning assets

         4.7         4.6
                        

 

(*) Loans fees included in interest income for the nine-months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 were $3,558 and $5,084, respectively.

Interest rate trends, changes in the U.S. economy and competition and the scheduled maturities and interest rate sensitivity of the loan portfolios and deposits affect the spreads earned by the Bank.

 

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The following table sets forth a summary of the changes in the Bank’s interest earned and interest paid resulting from changes in volume and rate (in thousands):

 

     Nine-Months Ended  
     March 31, 2010 compared to March 31, 2009  
     Total
Change
    Attributed to  
       Volume     Rate     Mix  

Interest income:

        

Real estate – mortgage

   $ (1,223   $ 58      $ (1,277   $ (4

Real estate – construction

     (2,265     (2,098     (240     73   

Commercial – real estate

     4,266        7,216        (2,195     (755

Commercial – loans

     1,293        2,130        (610     (227

Individual

     (11     (5     (7     1   

Land

     (1,793     (1,300     (602     109   

Money market

     56        —          —          56   

Federal funds sold

     (53     456        (95     (414

Interest bearing deposits in banks

     (228     (109     (226     107   

Federal reserve funds

     (60     32        (66     (26

Investments - other

     402        228        (64     238   
                                
   $ 384      $ 6,608      $ (5,382   $ (842
                                

Interest expense:

        

Certificates of deposit

   $ (1,064   $ (349   $ (862   $ 147   

Money market accounts

     (283     (19     (280     16   

Interest-bearing demand accounts

     (526     129        (546     (109

Savings accounts

     (6,845     1,963        (7,133     (1,675

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     (60     116        (323     147   
                                
     (8,778     1,840        (9,144     (1,474
                                

Net interest income

   $ 9,162      $ 4,768      $ 3,762      $ 632   
                                

Other:

Pre-tax loss from the other category was $6.8 million for the three-months ended March 26, 2010 compared to $7.0 million for the same period last fiscal year. The change was primarily due to a $1.3 million increase in other revenue, a $479,000 decrease in net gains on principal transactions and a $680,000 decrease in other expense offset by a $1.1 million increase in compensation expense. The increase in other revenue was primarily due to a $585,000 increase in the value of the investments in our deferred compensation plan and a $885,000 gain in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 related to our investment in a venture capital fund as compared to a $153,000 loss on this investment in the prior fiscal year third quarter. The decrease in net gains on principal transactions is primarily due to the write-down in fair value of inventory securities. The decrease in other expense is primarily related to a $775,000 decrease in legal expense; a $136,000 decrease in audit expense offset by a $310,000 increase in taxes. The increase in compensation expense was due to the related increase in the liability associated with the deferred compensation plan, offsetting the other revenue increase above, a $208,000 increase in salaries for our corporate employees and a $376,000 increase in employee health insurance.

Pre-tax loss from the other category was $25.4 million for the nine-months ended March 26, 2010 as compared to $29.7 million for the same period last fiscal year. The change was primarily due to a $7.8 million increase in other revenue offset by a $5.1 million increase in compensation expense. The increase in other revenue was primarily due to a $4.0 million increase in the value of the investments in our deferred compensation plan and a $1.3 million gain in the current year related to our investment in a venture capital fund as compared to a $2.6 million loss in the prior fiscal year. The increase in compensation expense was due to the related increase in the liability associated with the deferred compensation plan, offsetting the other revenue increase above, a $789,000 increase in salaries for our corporate employees and a $525,000 increase in our deferred compensation expense related to our restricted stock plan, due primarily to accelerated vesting of restricted stock for retired directors and terminated executive management. These increases in compensation expense were offset by decreases in incentive compensation.

 

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FINANCIAL CONDITION

Investments

The book values of the Bank’s investment portfolio at March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2009 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

     March 31,
2010
   June 30,
2009

Government-sponsored enterprises

   $ 89,385    $ 7,059

States of the U.S. and political subdivisions

     6,258      6,237
             
   $ 95,643    $ 13,296
             

Loans and Allowance for Probable Loan Losses

The Bank grants loans to customers primarily within Texas and New Mexico. The Bank also purchases loans in the ordinary course of business which have been originated in various areas of the United States. Although the Bank has a diversified loan portfolio, a substantial portion of its debtors’ ability to honor their contracts is dependent upon the general economic conditions in Texas and New Mexico. Substantially all of the Bank’s loans are collateralized with real estate.

The allowance for probable loan losses is increased by charges to income and decreased by charge-offs (net of recoveries). Management’s periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance is based on the Bank’s past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral and current economic conditions. In determining the appropriate allowance at the balance sheet date, management evaluates the Bank’s historical loss percentage, concentrations of risk in the portfolio, estimated changes in the value of underlying collateral as well as changes in the volume and growth in the portfolio.

Prior to the third quarter of fiscal 2010, the Bank’s provision for loan loss computation used a three year rolling average of historical loan losses by product type to assess losses in the Bank’s loan portfolio. Product types include 1-4 family residential loans, 1-4 family residential construction loans, land and land development loans, commercial real estate loans, commercial loans and consumer loans. Due to accelerated deterioration in the Bank’s loan portfolio, depressed appraised values for collateral, continued high unemployment rates in Texas and deteriorating banking industry loss statistics, the Bank’s management reevaluated its use of historical loan losses in its provision for loan loss computation. As a result of this reevaluation, in the third quarter of fiscal 2010, management reduced the historical loan loss look back period from three years to four quarters. This change resulted in a larger loan loss provision in the third quarter of fiscal 2010.

The historical loss ratios are adjusted by an analysis of our real estate market deterioration, derived from industry data related to the markets we serve, as well as information from our bank specific losses related to real estate transactions. We also revise the historic loss ratios upward for concentrations of capital greater than 100% for the product types defined above. Currently, our most significant product type concentration is in commercial real estate. Lastly, we adjust the loss ratios based on growth in the product types as well as problem loan trends within these product types. Consideration of all of these factors has resulted in an upward adjustment of our historical loss ratios over the past few quarters. Our calculation also includes specific allocations arising from our loan impairment analysis.

Certain types of loans, such as option ARM products, junior lien mortgages, high loan-to-value ratio mortgages, single family interest only loans, sub-prime loans, and loans with initial “teaser” rates, can have a greater risk of non-collection than other loans. At March 31, 2010, the Bank had $9.0 million in junior lien mortgages. These loans represented less than 1% of total loans at March 31, 2010. The Bank did not have any exposure to sub-prime loans and loans with initial teaser rates. Single family interest only loans were $17.2 million at March 31, 2010.

 

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At March 31, 2010, the Bank’s loan portfolio included a total of $42 million in loans with a high loan-to-value ratio. High loan-to-value ratios are defined by OTS regulation and range from 75%-90% depending on the type of loan. Approximately 46% of these loans were 1-4 single family or lot loans and are inventory for home builders in North Texas. The additional risk in these loans is addressed in our allowance calculation primarily through review of the real estate market deterioration adjustment to the historical loss ratio. Additionally, there were ten loans with high loan-to-value ratios that were deemed impaired. The impairment analysis resulted in a partial charge-off of $8,000 on one loan. The impairment analysis on the remaining nine loans resulted in no impairment allocation or loss. Regulatory guidelines suggest that high loan-to-value ratio loans should not exceed 100% of total capital. At March 31, 2010, our high loan-to-value ratio loans represented 25% of our total capital.

We obtain appraisals on real estate loans at the time of origination from third party appraisers approved by the Bank’s board of directors. Additional appraisals may be obtained when performance indicates default may be likely. When loans default and the foreclosure process is complete, new appraisals are obtained to determine the fair value of the foreclosed asset. Updated appraisals are obtained on foreclosed properties on an annual basis until the property is sold. As discussed above, appraisals obtained in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 appeared to use more conservative discount rates resulting in lower property valuations.

Management reviews the loan loss computation methodology on a quarterly basis to determine appropriateness of the factors used in the calculation. Because our problem loans and losses are concentrated in real estate-related loans, we pay particular attention to real estate market deterioration and the concentration of capital in our real estate related loans. Improvement or additional deterioration in the residential and commercial real estate market may have an impact on these factors in future quarters. To the extent we underestimate the impact of these risks, our allowance account could be materially understated.

Loans receivable at March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2009 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

     March 31,
2010
    June 30,
2009
 

Residential

    

Mortgage loans held for sale

   $ 322,100      $ 262,780   

Mortgage 1-4 first liens

     141,205        118,868   

Mortgage 1-4 junior liens

     8,984        10,131   
                
     472,289        391,779   
                

Construction

    

Residential construction

     91,052        143,234   

Multi-family construction

     6,043        21,264   

Commercial construction

     37,957        86,546   
                
     135,052        251,044   
                

Lot and land development

    

Residential land

     89,821        120,844   

Commercial land

     37,096        38,873   
                
     126,917        159,717   
                

Commercial real estate

     504,013        428,602   

Multi-family

     74,787        50,340   

Commercial loans

     187,582        129,818   

Consumer loans

     4,693        4,813   
                
     1,505,333        1,416,113   

General provision for loan losses

     (30,395     (14,731
                
   $ 1,474,938      $ 1,401,382   
                

 

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The following table shows the scheduled maturities of certain loans at March 31, 2010 and segregates those loans with fixed interest rates from those with floating or adjustable rates (in thousands):

 

     1 year
or less
   1-5
years
   Over 5
years
   Total

Commercial real estate

   $ 93,621    $ 310,256    $ 174,923    $ 578,800

Commercial loans

     100,943      50,040      36,599      187,582

Real estate loans

     95,262      17,823      21,967      135,052
                           

Total

   $ 289,826    $ 378,119    $ 233,489    $ 901,434
                           

 

     1 year
or less
   1-5
years
   Over 5
years
   Total

Amount of loans based upon:

           

Floating or adjustable interest rates

   $ 275,657    $ 301,266    $ 175,213    $ 752,136

Fixed interest rates

     14,169      76,853      58,276      149,298
                           

Total

   $ 289,826    $ 378,119    $ 233,489    $ 901,434
                           

Loans are classified as non-performing when they are 90 days or more past due as to principal or interest or when reasonable doubt exists as to timely collectability. The Bank uses a standardized review process to determine which non-performing loans should be placed on non-accrual status. At the time a loan is placed on non-accrual status, previously accrued and uncollected interest is reversed against interest income. Interest income on non-accrual loans is subsequently recognized to the extent cash payments are received for loans with respect to which ultimate full collection is likely. For loans where ultimate collection is not likely, interest payments are applied to the outstanding principal and income is only recognized if full payment is made.

Non-performing assets as of March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2009 are as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

     March 31,
2010
    June 30,
2009
 

Loans accounted for on a non-accrual basis

    

1-4 family

   $ 6,434      $ 3,582   

Lot and land development

     5,440        8,867   

Multi-family

     2,430        —     

Residential construction

     6,259        4,342   

Commercial real estate

     8,758        10,006   

Commercial loans

     409        3,283   

Consumer loans

     12        19   
                
   $ 29,742      $ 30,099   
                

Non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans

     2.0     2.2

Loans past due 90 days or more, not included above Interim (residential) construction

     —          670   
                
   $ —        $ 670   
                

Troubled debt restructurings REO

    

1-4 family

   $ 2,848      $ 463   

 

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     March 31,
2010
    June 30,
2009
 

Lot and land development

   $ 21,112      $ 8,346   

Residential construction

     9,388        7,947   

Commercial real estate

     7,864        8,412   

Commercial loans

     225        133   
                
   $ 41,437      $ 25,301   

Other

     6,009        —     
                
     47,446        25,301   
                

Non-performing assets

   $ 77,188      $ 56,070   
                

Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets

     4.5     3.6
                

The following table presents an analysis of REO for the three and nine-months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

     Three-Months Ended
March 31,
    Nine-Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2010     2009     2010     2009  

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 37,610      $ 13,690      $ 25,301      $ 14,219   

Foreclosures

     12,449        8,311        41,485        15,270   

Sales

     (6,956     (2,629     (21,949     (10,164

Write-downs

     (1,687     (777     (3,608     (1,018

Other

     21        161        208        449   
                                

Balance at end of period

   $ 41,437      $ 18,756      $ 41,437      $ 18,756   
                                

The following table presents the non-performing assets as of March 31, 2010 by year of origination (in thousands):

 

Year Originated

   Non-Performing
Loans
   Troubled
Debt
Restructuring
   REO    Total

Fiscal 2005 or prior

   $ 3,979    $ 1,304    $ 3,078    $ 8,361

Fiscal 2006

     1,229      4,323      9,284      14,836

Fiscal 2007

     6,855      134      6,061      13,050

Fiscal 2008

     14,441      —        18,853      33,294

Fiscal 2009

     2,912      248      4,161      7,321

Fiscal 2010

     326      —        —        326
                           

Total

   $ 29,742    $ 6,009    $ 41,437    $ 77,188
                           

 

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An analysis of the allowance for probable loan losses for the three and nine-month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 is as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

     Three-Months Ended
March 31,
    Nine-Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2010     2009     2010     2009  

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 17,601      $ 8,931      $ 14,731      $ 6,936   

Charge-offs:

        

Construction

     (1,913     (354     (2,999     (567

Lot and land development

     (4,074     (752     (5,487     (1,150

Residential mortgage

     (1,110     —          (1,798     (67

Commercial real estate

     (2,606     (1,669     (4,904     (1,669

Multi-family

     (2,391     —          (2,391     —     

Commercial loans

     (149     (913     (1,253     (932

Consumer loans

     (6     (9     (18     (38
                                

Total charge-offs

     (12,249     (3,697     (18,850     (4,423

Recoveries:

        

Construction

     1        155        1        155   

Lot and land development

     37        —          37        —     

Residential mortgage

     1        —          18        —     

Commercial real estate

     —          —          5        —     

Commercial loans

     3        8        29        20   

Consumer loans

     1        —          4        —     
                                

Total recoveries

     43        163        94        175   
                                

Net charge-offs

     (12,206     (3,534     (18,756     (4,248

Additions charged to operations

     25,000        5,734        34,420        8,443   
                                

Balance at end of period

   $ 30,395      $ 11,131      $ 30,395      $ 11,131   
                                

Ratio of net charge-offs during the period to average loans outstanding during the period

     0.87     0.25     1.34     0.33
                                

The increase in the allowance from March 31, 2009 to March 31, 2010 is due to several factors, including the continued deterioration in the real estate market in North Texas as well as the continued uncertainty in the U.S. economy. We believed it was appropriate to use the top range of our loan loss calculation to adequately reflect current market conditions.

The allowance for probable loan losses is applicable to the following types of loans as of March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2009 (dollars in thousands):

 

     March 31, 2010     June 30, 2009  
     Amount    Percent
of loans
to total
loans
    Amount    Percent
of loans
to total
loans
 

Construction

   $ 2,872    9.0   $ 1,184    17.7

Lot and land development

     5,664    8.4        1,719    11.3   

Residential mortgage

     4,717    31.4        1,633    27.7   

Commercial real estate

     12,089    33.5        8,115    30.3   

Multi-family

     2,590    5.0        765    3.5   

Commercial loans

     2,413    12.4        1,269    9.2   

Consumer loans

     50    0.3        46    0.3   
                          
   $ 30,395    100.0   $ 14,731    100.0
                          

 

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Approximately 40% of the loan loss allowance is allocated to the commercial real estate loan portfolio while the commercial real estate loan portfolio at the Bank represents approximately 33% of the Bank’s total loan portfolio at March 31, 2010. Because commercial loans tend to be individually larger than residential loans, deterioration in this portfolio could lead to greater volatility in our earnings.

The Bank’s written loan policies address specific underwriting standards for commercial loans. These policies include loan to value requirements, cash flow requirements, acceptable amortization periods and appraisal guidelines. In addition, specific covenants, unique to each relationship, may be used where deemed appropriate to further strengthen the lending relationship. Collateral in this portfolio varies from owner occupied property to investor properties. We review the portfolio for concentrations by industry as well as geographic concentration. All commercial relationships are stress tested at the time of origination and major relationships are then stress tested on an annual basis.

Deposits

Average deposits and the average interest rate paid on the deposits for the three and nine -month periods ended March 31, 2010 can be found in the discussion of the banking segment’s net interest income under the caption “Results of Operations-Segment-Banking.”

Certificates of deposit of $100,000 or greater were $31.6 million and $31.4 million at March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2009, respectively. In April 2009, the Bank began classifying the deposits from SWS’ brokerage customers as core deposits based on an advisory opinion from the FDIC. The Bank is funded primarily by these deposits. These core deposits provide the Bank with a stable and low cost funding source. The Bank also utilizes short-and long-term FHLB borrowings, which were $109.9 million and $117.5 million at March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2009, respectively, to match long-term fixed rate loan funding. Core deposits represented approximately 90% of total funding at both March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2009. At March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2009, the Bank had $1,246.3 million and $1,097.9 million, respectively, in funds on deposit from customers of Southwest Securities. This funding source has reduced the Bank’s reliance on short-term borrowings from the FHLB and brokered certificates of deposit.

Short Term Borrowings and Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank

This table represents short term borrowings and advances from the FHLB which were due within one year during the three and nine-month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 (dollars in thousands):

 

     Three-Months Ended March 31,     Nine-Months Ended March 31,  
     2010     2009     2010     2009  
     Amount    Interest
Rate
    Amount    Interest
Rate
    Amount    Interest
Rate
    Amount    Interest
Rate
 

At end of period

   $ 10,075    5.1   $ 32,867    1.3   $ 10,075    5.1   $ 32,867    1.3

Average during period

     9,818    5.0     44,867    1.4     6,777    4.9     18,276    1.8

Maximum balance during period

     12,400    —          101,769    —          12,400    —          101,769    —     

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Brokerage

A substantial portion of our assets are highly liquid in nature and consist mainly of cash or assets readily convertible into cash. Our equity capital, short-term bank borrowings, interest bearing and non-interest bearing client credit balances, correspondent deposits and other payables finance these assets. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts which represents amounts that are necessary, in the judgment of management, to adequately absorb losses from known and inherent risks in receivables from clients, clients of correspondents and correspondents. Even with the tight capital markets, the highly liquid nature of our assets provides us with flexibility in financing and managing our anticipated operating needs. Management believes that the brokerage business’ present liquidity position is adequate to meet its needs over the next twelve months.

 

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Short-Term Borrowings. We have credit arrangements with commercial banks, which include broker loan lines up to $300 million. We have not received any notification from the bank indicating a change in the amount of our broker loan lines since June 2009. These lines of credit are used primarily to finance securities owned, securities held for correspondent broker/dealer accounts and receivables in customers’ margin accounts. These lines may also be used to release pledged collateral against day loans. These credit arrangements are provided on an “as offered” basis and are not committed lines of credit. These arrangements can be terminated at any time by the lender. Any outstanding balances under these credit arrangements are due on demand and bear interest at rates indexed to the federal funds rate. At March 26, 2010, the amount outstanding under these secured arrangements was $107.0 million, which was collateralized by securities held for firm accounts valued at $157.8 million. Our ability to borrow additional funds is limited by our eligible collateral. See additional discussion under “Risk Factors” in our Form 10-K filed with the SEC on September 9, 2009.

At March 26, 2010, we had $250,000 outstanding under unsecured letters of credit pledged to support our open positions with securities clearing organizations, which bear a 1% commitment fee and are renewable semi-annually.

At March 26, 2010, we had an unsecured letter of credit issued for a sub-lease to the sub-lessee of space previously occupied by a former subsidiary in the amount of $143,000. This letter of credit bears a 1% commitment fee and is renewable annually.

At March 26, 2010, we had an additional $500,000 outstanding under an unsecured letter of credit pledged to support our underwriting activities, which bears a 1% commitment fee and is renewable annually.

In addition to the broker loan lines, we have a $20.0 million unsecured line of credit that is due on demand and bears interest at rates indexed to the federal funds rate. This credit arrangement is provided on an “as offered” basis and is not a committed line of credit. The total amount of borrowings available under this line of credit is reduced by the amount outstanding under any unsecured letters of credit at the time of borrowing. At March 26, 2010, there were no amounts outstanding on this line, other than the $893,000 under unsecured letters of credit described above. At March 26, 2010, the total amount available for borrowing under this line of credit was $19.1 million.

At March 26, 2010, we had an irrevocable letter of credit agreement aggregating $42.0 million pledged to support our open options positions with an options clearing organization. The letter of credit bears interest at the brokers’ call rate (0.5% at March 26, 2010), if drawn, and is renewable semi-annually. This letter of credit is fully collateralized by marketable securities held in client and non-client margin accounts with a value of $54.3 million at March 26, 2010.

On January 29, 2010, Southwest Securities entered into an agreement with an unaffiliated bank for a $50,000,000 committed revolving credit facility. The facility includes up to $15,000,000 in unsecured credit. The commitment fee is 37.5 basis points per annum and, when drawn, the interest rate is equal to the federal funds rate plus 75 basis points. The agreement provides that Southwest Securities must maintain tangible net worth of $150,000,000. As of March 26, 2010, there were no amounts outstanding under this committed revolving credit facility

 

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Net Capital Requirements. Our broker/dealer subsidiaries are subject to the requirements of the SEC relating to liquidity, capital standards and the use of client funds and securities. The amount of broker/dealer subsidiaries’ net assets that may be distributed is subject to restrictions under applicable net capital rules. Historically, we have operated in excess of the minimum net capital requirements. See “Regulatory Capital Requirements” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this report.

Secondary Offering. On October 16, 2009, we filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC providing for the sale of $150.0 million of our securities. On December 9, 2009, the company closed a public offering of 4,347,827 shares of its common stock at a price of $11.50 per share. On December 16, 2009, the underwriters for the public offering exercised their option to purchase 652,174 additional shares of our common stock to cover over-allotments. We generated net proceeds, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions, of approximately $54.3 million from these offerings. To date, we have invested $40.0 million of the net proceeds as a $20.0 million capital contribution to the Bank and a $20.0 million capital contribution to Southwest Securities. The remaining funds will be used by us for general corporate purposes.

Banking

Liquidity is monitored daily to ensure the Bank’s ability to support asset growth, meet deposit withdrawals, maintain reserve requirements and otherwise sustain operations. The Bank’s liquidity is maintained in the form of readily marketable loans, balances with the FHLB, federal funds sold to correspondent banks and vault cash. In addition, at March 31, 2010, the Bank had borrowing capacity with the FHLB of $368.7 million, a $30.0 million federal funds agreement and the ability to borrow up to $105.3 million in funds from the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank for the purpose of purchasing short-term funds should additional liquidity be needed.

The Bank has an agreement with an unaffiliated bank for a $30.0 million unsecured line of credit for the purchase of federal funds with a floating interest rate. The unaffiliated bank is not obligated by this agreement to sell federal funds to the Bank. The agreement is used by the Bank to support short-term liquidity needs. At March 31, 2010, there were no amounts outstanding under this line of credit.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2010, the Bank entered into a secured line of credit agreement with the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank. This line of credit is secured by the Bank’s commercial loan portfolio. This line is due on demand and bears interest at a rate 25 basis points over the federal funds target rate. At March 31, 2010, the total amount available under this line was $105.3 million and there were no amounts outstanding.

Management believes that the Bank’s current assets and available liquidity are adequate to meet its current and future liquidity needs.

The Bank’s asset and liability management policy is intended to manage interest rate risk. The Bank accomplishes this through management of the periodic repricing of its interest-earning assets and its interest-bearing liabilities. Overall interest rate risk is monitored through reports showing both sensitivity ratios, a simulation model and existing “GAP” data. (See the Bank’s GAP analysis in “Risk Management-Market Risk-Interest Rate Risk/Banking.”) At March 31, 2010, $1.3 billion of the Bank’s deposits were from brokerage customers of Southwest Securities. Current events in the securities markets could impact the amount of these funds available to the Bank.

Net Capital Requirements. The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by federal agencies. Quantitative measures, established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy, require maintaining minimum amounts and ratios of total and Tier I capital (as defined in 12 CFR 565 and 12 CFR 567) to risk-weighted assets (as defined, or the OTS may require the Bank to apply another measurement of risk-weight that the OTS deems appropriate), and of Tier I capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined). Management and the OTS agree that it is prudent to maintain additional capital during this economic downturn to provide additional support for loan concentrations and potential asset deterioration. To accomplish this, management is targeting a total capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of 12%.

The Bank has historically met all the capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject and as of March 31, 2010, the Bank is considered “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as “well capitalized,” the Bank must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier I risk-based and Tier I leverage ratios. Should the Bank not meet these minimums, certain mandatory and discretionary supervisory actions (as defined in 12 CFR 565.6) would be applicable.

 

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We generally do not enter into off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined by the SEC. However, our broker/dealer subsidiaries enter into transactions in the normal course of business that expose us to off-balance sheet risk. See Note 23 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 26, 2009.

Cash Flow

Net cash used in operating activities was $171.9 million for the nine-months ended March 26, 2010 and net cash provided by operating activities was $178.6 million for the nine-months ended March 27, 2009. Cash flow from operations was primarily used to increase investment in loans held for sale at the Bank, securities inventories in broker/dealer accounts and net receivables from broker/dealer and clearing organization accounts, primarily in our securities loaned/borrowed area.

Net cash used in investing activities for the nine-month periods ended March 26, 2010 and March 27, 2009 was $154.0 million and $212.9 million, respectively. The primary reason for the use of cash for investing activities was an increase in the net amount invested in loans at the Bank of $117.7 million and a $83.4 million investment by the Bank in GNMA’s.

Net cash provided by financing activities totaled $285.5 million for the nine-month period ended March 26, 2010 as compared to $31.7 million in the same period of fiscal 2009. The primary reasons for the increase in the cash provided by financing activities was the receipt of funds from our common stock offering, an increase in net short-term borrowings in the brokerage business and a decrease in the net amount paid to the FHLB.

We expect that cash flows provided by operating activities, the net proceeds from our public common stock offering, as well as short-term borrowings will be the primary source of working capital for the next twelve months.

Treasury Stock

In August 2009, the board of directors of SWS Group approved a plan authorizing the company to purchase up to 500,000 shares of its common stock from time to time in the open market for an 18-month time period ending on February 28, 2011. During the first nine-months of fiscal 2010, no shares were purchased under this program.

On November 17, 2009, the stockholders of the SWS Group voted to increase the authorized number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the deferred compensation plan from 375,000 shares to 675,000 shares. The trustee under our deferred compensation plan periodically purchases shares of our common stock in the open market in accordance with the terms of the plan. This stock is classified as treasury stock in our consolidated financial statements, but participates in future dividends declared by us. In the nine-months ended March 26, 2010, 15,099 shares were purchased at a cost of $228,000, or $15.09 per share, and 453 shares were distributed pursuant to the plan.

 

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As restricted stock grants vest, grantees may sell a portion of their vested shares to us to cover the tax liabilities arising from vesting. As a result, in the nine-months ended March 26, 2010, 32,100 shares were repurchased by us with a market value of $459,383, or an average of $14.31 per share, to cover tax liabilities.

RISK MANAGEMENT

We manage risk exposure through the involvement of various levels of management. We establish, maintain and regularly monitor maximum positions by industry and issuer in both trading and inventory accounts. Current and proposed underwriting, banking and other commitments are subject to due diligence reviews by senior management, as well as professionals in the appropriate business and support units involved. The Bank seeks to reduce the risk of significant adverse effects of market rate fluctuations by minimizing the difference between rate-sensitive assets and liabilities, referred to as “GAP”, by maintaining an interest rate sensitivity position within a particular timeframe. Credit risk related to various financing activities is reduced by the industry practice of obtaining and maintaining collateral. We monitor our exposure to counterparty risk through the use of credit information, the monitoring of collateral values and the establishment of credit limits. We have established various risk management committees that are responsible for reviewing and managing risk related to interest rates, trading positions, margin and other credit risk and risks from capital market transactions.

Credit Risk

Brokerage. Credit risk arises from the potential nonperformance by counterparties, customers or debt security issuers. We are exposed to credit risk as a trading counterparty and as a stock loan counterparty to dealers and customers, as a holder of securities and as a member of exchanges and clearing organizations. We have established credit risk committees to review our credit exposure in our various business units. These committees are composed of senior management of the company. Credit exposure is also associated with customer margin accounts, which are monitored daily. We monitor exposure to individual securities and perform sensitivity analysis on a regular basis in connection with our margin lending activities. We adjust our margin requirements if we believe our risk exposure is not appropriate based on market conditions.

Banking. Credit risk is the possibility that a borrower or counterparty will fail to meet its obligations in accordance with agreed terms and is inherent in all types of lending. The Bank has developed and implemented extensive policies and procedures to provide a robust process for proactively managing credit risk. These policies and procedures include underwriting guidelines, credit and collateral tracking, and detailed loan approval procedures which include officer and director loan committees. The Bank also maintains a detailed loan review process to monitor the quality of the loan portfolio. The Bank grants loans to customers primarily within Texas and New Mexico. The Bank also purchases loans which have been originated in other areas of the U. S. Although the Bank has a diversified loan portfolio, a substantial portion of its debtors’ ability to honor their contracts is dependent upon the general economic conditions of the North Texas area. Policies and procedures, which are in place to manage credit risk, are designed to be responsive to changes in these economic conditions.

Operational Risk

Operational risk refers generally to risk of loss resulting from our operations, including but not limited to, improper or unauthorized execution and processing of transactions, deficiencies in our operating systems, and inadequacies or breaches in our control processes. We operate in diverse markets and are reliant on the ability of our employees and systems to process large numbers of transactions. 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. We also use periodic self-assessments and internal audit examinations as further review of the effectiveness of our controls and procedures in mitigating our operational risk.

 

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Legal Risk

Legal risk includes the risk of non-compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements. We are subject to extensive regulation in the different jurisdictions in which we conduct business. We have established procedures based on legal and regulatory requirements that are designed to reasonably ensure compliance with all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. We also have established procedures that are designed to ensure that executive management’s policies relating to conduct, ethics and business practices are followed. In connection with our business, we have various procedures addressing significant issues such as regulatory capital requirements, sales and trading practices, new products, use and safekeeping of customer funds and securities, granting credit, collection activities, money laundering, privacy and record keeping.

Market Risk

Market risk generally represents the risk of loss that may result from the potential change in value of a financial instrument as a result of fluctuations in interest rates, market prices, investor expectations and changes in credit ratings of the issuer. Our exposure to market risk is directly related to our role as a financial intermediary in customer-related transactions and to our proprietary trading and securities lending activities.

Interest Rate Risk.

Brokerage. Interest rate risk is a consequence of maintaining inventory positions, trading in interest rate sensitive financial instruments and maintaining a matched stock loan book. Our fixed income activities also expose us to the risk of loss related to changes in credit spreads. Credit spread risk arises from the potential that changes in an issuer’s credit rating or credit perception could affect the value of financial instruments.

Banking. Our primary emphasis in interest rate risk management for the Bank is the matching of assets and liabilities of similar cash flow and re-pricing time frames. This matching of assets and liabilities reduces exposure to rate movements and aids in stabilizing positive interest spreads. We strive to structure our balance sheet as a natural hedge by matching floating rate assets with variable short term funding and by matching fixed rate liabilities with similar longer term fixed rate assets. The Bank has established percentage change limits in both interest margin and net portfolio value. To verify that the Bank is within the limits established for interest margin, the Bank prepares an analysis of net interest margin based on various shifts in interest rates. To verify that the Bank is within the limits established for net portfolio value, the Bank analyzes data prepared by the OTS for interest rate sensitivity of the Bank’s net portfolio. These analyses are conducted on a quarterly basis for the Bank’s board of directors.

The following table illustrates the estimated change in net interest margin based on shifts in interest rates of positive 300 basis points and negative 100 basis points:

 

Hypothetical Change in Interest Rates

   Projected Change in Net Interest Margin
+300    7.87%
+200    4.68%
+100    1.48%
0    0%
-50    -5.29%
-100    -10.57%

 

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The following GAP analysis table indicates the Bank’s interest rate sensitivity position at March 31, 2010 (in thousands):

 

     Repricing Opportunities
     0-6 months     7-12 months     1-3 years    3+ years
Earning assets:          

Loans

   $ 1,278,277      $ 25,023      $ 58,002    $ 144,031

Securities and FHLB stock

     6,804        —          —        88,839

Interest bearing deposits

     34,746        —          —        —  
                             

Total earning assets

     1,319,827        25,023        58,002      232,870
                             

Interest bearing liabilities:

         

Transaction accounts and savings

     1,300,708        —          —        —  

Certificates of deposit

     31,401        20,447        10,855      7,953

Borrowings

     927        9,148        20,430      79,405
                             

Total interest bearing liabilities

     1,333,036        29,595        31,285      87,358
                             

GAP

   $ (13,209   $ (4,572   $ 26,717    $ 145,512

Cumulative GAP

   $ (13,209   $ (17,781   $ 8,936    $ 154,448

Market Price Risk. We are exposed to market price risk as a result of making markets and taking proprietary positions in securities. Market price risk results from changes in the level or volatility of prices, which affect the value of securities or instruments that derive their value from a particular stock or bond, a basket of stocks or bonds or an index.

The following table categorizes “Securities owned, at market value” net of “Securities sold, not yet purchased, at market value,” which are in our securities owned and securities sold, not yet purchased, portfolios and “Marketable equity securities” in our available-for-sale portfolio, which are subject to interest rate and market price risk (dollars in thousands):

 

     Years to Maturity  
     1 or less     1 to 5     5 to 10     Over 10     Total  

Trading securities, at fair value

          

Municipal obligations

   $ 152      $ 11,271      $ 19,066      $ 61,743      $ 92,232   

Auction rate municipal bonds

     22,848        —          —          —          22,848   

U.S. government and government agency obligations

     4,047        2,154        (5,638     (6,061     (5,498

Corporate obligations

     1,185        8,626        9,663        12,206        31,680   
                                        

Total debt securities

     28,232        22,051        23,091        67,888        141,262   

Corporate equity

     —          —          —          12,621        12,621   

Other

     11,585        —          —          —          11,585   
                                        
   $ 39,817      $ 22,051      $ 23,091      $ 80,509      $ 165,468   
                                        

Assets segregated for regulatory purposes

   $ —        $ 61,882      $ —        $ —        $ 61,882   
                                        

Weighted average yield

          

Municipal obligations

     2.3     1.6     3.1     5.4     4.4

Auction rate municipal bonds

     0.5     —          —          —          0.5

U.S. government and government agency obligations

     0.2     1.2     2.7     4.6     3.1

Corporate obligations

     3.0     3.8     4.8     5.1     4.5

Assets segregated for regulatory purposes

     —          2.9     —          —          2.9

Available-for-sale securities, at fair value

          

Marketable equity securities

   $ 925      $ —        $ —        $ 242      $ 1,167   
                                        

 

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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and disclosures. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Our accounting policies and methodology used in establishing estimates (primarily related to loan loss reserves and other contingency estimates) have not changed materially since June 26, 2009. See our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year then ended.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

From time to time, we make statements (including some contained in this report) that predict or forecast future events, depend on future events for their accuracy, or otherwise contain “forward-looking information.” These statements may relate to anticipated changes in revenues or earnings per share, anticipated changes in our businesses or in anticipated expense levels, or in expectations regarding financial market conditions.

Actual results may differ materially as a result of various factors, some of which are outside of our control, including:

 

   

the interest rate environment;

 

   

the volume of trading in securities;

 

   

the liquidity in capital and credit markets;

 

   

the volatility and general level of securities prices and interest rates;

 

   

the level of customer margin loan activity and the size of customer account balances;

 

   

the demand for housing in the North Texas and New Mexico areas and the national market;

 

   

the credit-worthiness of our correspondents, counterparties in securities lending transactions and of our banking and margin customers;

 

   

the demand for investment banking services;

 

   

general economic conditions, especially in Texas and New Mexico and investor sentiment and confidence;

 

   

competitive conditions in each of our business segments;

 

   

changes in accounting, tax and regulatory compliance requirements;

 

   

the ability to attract and retain key personnel; and

 

   

the availability of credit lines.

Our future operating results also depend on our operating expenses, which are subject to fluctuation due to:

 

   

variations in the level of compensation expense incurred as a result of changes in the number of total employees, competitive factors, or other market variables;

 

   

variations in expenses and capital costs, including depreciation, amortization and other non-cash charges incurred to maintain our infrastructure; and

 

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unanticipated costs which may be incurred from time to time in connection with litigation or other contingencies.

Factors which may cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements include those factors discussed in this report in “Overview,” “Risk Management” and “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” and those discussed in “Risk Factors” in our annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC, our Form S-3 filed with the SEC, this quarterly report on Form 10-Q and our other reports filed with and available from the SEC. All forward-looking statements we make speak only as of the date on which they are made, and except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update them to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date on which they were made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The information required by this item is incorporated from “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” under the caption “Risk Management.”

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

The management of SWS, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) pursuant to the Exchange Act) as of March 26, 2010. Based on such evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that, as of March 26, 2010, such disclosure controls and procedures were effective for the purpose of ensuring that information required to be disclosed by SWS in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) pursuant to the Exchange Act) during the three-months ended March 26, 2010 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

In the general course of our brokerage business and the business of clearing for other brokerage firms, we have been named as defendants in various pending lawsuits and arbitration proceedings. These claims allege violations of various federal and state securities laws. The Bank is also involved in certain claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. We believe that resolution of these claims will not result in any material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Except for the addition of the risk factors below, there have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 26, 2009.

We face liquidity risk, which is the potential inability to repay short-term borrowings with new borrowings or assets that can be quickly converted into cash while meeting other obligations and continuing to operate as a going concern. Our liquidity may be impaired due to circumstances that we may be unable to control, such as general market disruptions or an operational problem that affects our trading clients, depositors, third parties or ourselves. Our ability to sell assets may also be impaired if other market participants are seeking to sell similar assets at the same time. Our inability to borrow funds or sell assets to meet maturing obligations would have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.

 

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Deteriorating credit quality, particularly in commercial, construction and real estate loans, has adversely impacted the Bank and may continue to adversely impact the Bank. Beginning in fiscal 2009, the Bank began to experience a downturn in the overall credit performance of its real estate loans held for investment, as well as acceleration in the deterioration of general economic conditions in Texas and other areas of the U.S. This deterioration, as well as increases in Texas unemployment levels, worsened in the third quarter of fiscal 2010. These conditions have caused increased financial stress on many of the Bank’s borrowers and have negatively impacted their ability to repay their loans. Real estate collateral values also continued to decline in the third quarter of fiscal 2010. Due to these factors, the Bank increased its loan loss reserves at March 31, 2010 by $25.0 million.

We expect credit quality to remain challenging and at elevated levels of risk at least throughout calendar 2010. Continued deterioration in the credit quality of the Bank’s real estate loan portfolio could significantly increase nonperforming loans, require additional increases in loan loss reserves and elevate charge-off levels. The occurrence of any of these events could have a material adverse effect on the Bank’s capital, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The following table provides information about our purchases during the quarter ended March 26, 2010 of our equity securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act:

 

     Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Period

   Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
   Average
Price
Paid per
Share
   Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans
   Maximum
Number of
Shares that
May Yet be
Purchased
Under the
Plans(1)

01/01/10 to 01/29/10

   —      —      —      500,000

01/30/10 to 02/26/10

   —      —      —      500,000

02/27/10 to 03/26/10

   —      —      —      500,000
                 
   —      —      —     
                 

 

(1)

On August 20, 2009, the board approved and announced a plan authorizing the company to repurchase up to 500,000 shares of its common stock from time to time in the open market for an 18-month period beginning August 20, 2009 and ending February 28, 2011.

 

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities

None.

 

Item 5. Other Information

None.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

The exhibits required to be furnished pursuant to Item 6 are listed in the Exhibit Index filed herewith, which Exhibit Index is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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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.

 

    SWS Group, Inc.    
    (Registrant)
April 28, 2010             /S/    DONALD W. HULTGREN            
Date     (Signature)
    Donald W. Hultgren
   

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

   
April 28, 2010             /S/    KENNETH R. HANKS            
Date     (Signature)
    Kenneth R. Hanks
   

Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

   
April 28, 2010             /S/    STACY HODGES            
Date     (Signature)
    Stacy Hodges
   

Executive Vice President

(Principal Accounting Officer)

 

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SWS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit
Number

  

Description

  3.1    Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 15, 2009
  3.2    Restated By-laws of the Registrant incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 27, 2007
31.1*    Chief Executive Officer Certification filed pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2*    Chief Financial Officer Certification filed pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1*    Chief Executive Officer Certification furnished pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2*    Chief Financial Officer Certification furnished pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

* Filed herewith

 

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