EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1162283
Filing Year: 2021
Filename: 1162283_10-K_2021_0001140361-21-011666.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 1:
BUSINESS
Unless we have indicated otherwise, or the context otherwise requires, references in this report to “Morgan Group Holding Co.” “Morgan Group,” “the Company,” “MGHL,” “we,” “us” and “our” or similar terms are to Morgan Group Holding Co., its predecessors and its subsidiaries.
Our offices are located at 401 Theodore Fremd, Rye, NY 10580. Our website address is morgangroupholdingco.com. Information on our website is not incorporated by reference herein and is not part of this report. We provide a link on our website to the following filings as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission” or “SEC”): our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). All such filings on our website are available free of charge. In addition, these reports and the other documents we file with the SEC are available at www.sec.gov.
We were incorporated November 2001 in Delaware as a holding company. Morgan Group had no operating companies prior to the October 31, 2019 merger with G.research, LLC (“G.research”), (discussed below). Our wholly-owned subsidiary, G.research is a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and is a member of FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority). Our primary source of revenue is our institutional research and securities brokerage services including acting as an underwriter.
We publish research on approximately 100 companies globally with an emphasis on small and mid-cap investment. We operate an institutional sales trading desk which facilitates security transactions on behalf of our clients.
Index
Morgan Group Merger with G.research and Spin off
Morgan Group Holding Co. (the “Company,” “Morgan Group,” or “Morgan”) was incorporated in November 2001 as a Delaware corporation to serve as a holding company which seeks acquisitions as part of its strategic alternatives. Prior to the October 31, 2019 merger with G.research, LLC (“G.research”), discussed below, Morgan Group had no operating companies.
The Company acquired G.research from Associated Capital Group, Inc. (“AC”), an affiliate of the Company, on October 31, 2019, in exchange for issuing 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to AC (the “Merger”). Accordingly, G.research became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. Prior to the transaction, G.research was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Institutional Services holdings, LLC, which, in turn, was a wholly-owned subsidiary of AC. After the transaction, AC had an 83.3% ownership interest in the Company. As a result of this common ownership, the transaction was treated as a combination between entities under common control that led to a change in the reporting entity. The recognized assets and liabilities were transferred at their carrying amounts at the date of the transaction. For 2019 year comparative information, for the period prior to the Merger the companies have been combined retrospectively.
On March 16, 2020, AC’s Board of Directors approved the spin-off of the Company to AC’s shareholders. Upon execution of the spin-off on August 5, 2020, AC distributed to its shareholders on a pro rata basis the 500,000 shares of Morgan that AC owns.
On May 5, 2020, the Morgan Group board approved a reverse stock split of the issued and outstanding shares of their common stock, par value $0.01 per share, in a ratio of 1-for-100 that was effective on June 10, 2020.
Institutional Research Services
G.research’s revenues are derived primarily from institutional research services, underwriting fees (primarily for the Company) and selling concessions. Our industry-focused research analysts follow sectors based on our core competencies. Analysts publish their insights in the form of research reports and daily notes. In addition, G.research sponsors conferences which bring together industry leaders and institutional investors. The objective of institutional research services is to provide superior investment ideas to investment decision makers.
Analysts are generally assigned to industry sectors. Our research focus includes Basic Materials - Specialty Chemicals; Business Services; Financials - Community Banks; Healthcare - Animal Health, Biotech & Pharma; Biotech; Industrials - Diversified Industrials, Transports & Metals; Industrials & Internet; Media - Entertainment; and, Media.
G.research generates revenues via direct fees and commissions on securities transactions executed on an agency basis on behalf of clients. Clients include institutional investors (e.g., hedge funds and asset managers) as well as affiliated mutual funds and managed accounts. Institutional research services revenues totaled $4.3 million and $9.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
A significant portion of G.research institutional research services are provided to GAMCO Investors Inc., (“GAMCO”) and its affiliates. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, G.research earned $2.5 million and $4.9 million, or approximately 64% and 76%, of its commission revenue from transactions executed on behalf of funds advised by Gabelli Funds, LLC (“Gabelli Funds”) and clients advised by GAMCO Asset Management Inc. (“GAMCO Asset” ). The agreements between G.research and Gabelli Funds and GAMCO Asset to provide institutional research services were terminated effective January 1, 2020. For the year ending December 31, December 31, 2019, GAMCO Asset paid $0.8 million and Gabelli Funds, LLC paid $0.7 million to G.research pursuant to research service agreements. We can provide no assurance that GAMCO and its affiliates will continue to use G.research’s institutional research and brokerage services to the same extent in the future. G.research continues to pursue expansion of third party and affiliated activities.
Index
Underwriting
During 2020, G.research participated as Sales Manager in the at market offerings of The GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust. For the year ended December 31, 2020, G.research earned $334,825 for these roles.
During 2019, G.research participated as Sales Manager in the at market offerings of The GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust and acted as Dealer Manager for The Gabelli Dividend and Income Rights Offering. For the year ended December 31, 2019, G.research earned $733,422 for these roles.
Business Strategy
Our strategy is to continue to operate and expand our institutional research and securities brokerage business through the coverage of additional market sectors and companies. In order to achieve performance and growth in revenues and profitability, we are pursuing a strategy which includes the following key elements:
Attracting and Retaining Experienced Professionals
We offer significant variable compensation that provides opportunities to our staff. Our ability to attract and retain highly experienced investment and other professionals with a long-term commitment to us and our clients has been, and will continue to be, a significant factor in our long term growth.
Leveraging our Fundamental Research Methodology
Our fundamental (event driven value investing) methodology marketed under our licensed “Private Market Value with a Catalyst™” service mark will remain an important element of our business operations. This investment method is based on the investing principles articulated by Graham & Dodd in 1934, and has been further augmented by our founder Mario J. Gabelli. This method, however, will not necessarily be used in connection with all of our products.
Capitalizing on Acquisitions of Complementary Research Businesses
We intend to leverage our research and investment capabilities to selectively and opportunistically pursue acquisitions of complementary research businesses that will allow us to expand and diversify our research coverage.
Continuing Our Sponsorship of Industry Conferences
G.research co-sponsors industry conferences and management events throughout the year. At these conferences and events, senior management from leading companies share their thoughts on the industry, competition, regulation and the challenges and opportunities in their businesses with portfolio managers and securities analysts. These meetings are an important component of the research services provided to institutional clients. Specifically, in 2019, we hosted seven such meetings: our 43rd Annual Automotive Aftermarket Symposium, 29th Annual Pump Valve & Water Systems Conference, 25th Annual Aerospace & Defense Conference, 11th Annual Entertainment & Broadcasting Conference, 5th Annual Waste & Environmental Sciences Conference, 10th Annual Specialty Chemicals Conference and our 13th Annual Omaha Research Trip.
Competition
The institutional research and brokerages services industry is intensely competitive and is expected to remain so. We face competition in all aspects of our business and in each of our investment strategies from other managers both in the United States and globally. We compete with other institutional research firms, insurance companies, brokerage firms, banks, and other financial institutions that offer services that have similar features and investment objectives. Many of these competitors are subsidiaries of large diversified financial companies and may have access to greater resources, including liquidity sources, not available to us. Historically, we have competed primarily on the basis of the superior service. However, we have taken steps to increase our outreach to the investment community, brand name awareness and marketing efforts. However, no assurance can be given that our efforts to obtain new business will be successful.
Regulation
Virtually all aspects of our business are subject to various federal, state and foreign laws and regulations. These laws and regulations are primarily intended to protect investors, the markets and customers of broker-dealers. Under such laws and regulations, agencies that regulate broker-dealers have broad powers, including the power to limit, restrict or prohibit such broker-dealer from carrying on its business in the event that it fails to comply with such laws and regulations. In such an event, the possible sanctions that may be imposed include civil and criminal liability, the suspension of individual employees, injunctions, limitations on engaging in certain lines of business for specified periods of time, revocation of registrations, censures and fines.
Index
Broker-Dealer and Trading and Investment Regulation
G.research is registered as broker-dealer with the SEC and is subject to regulation by FINRA and various states. In its capacity as a broker-dealer, G.research is required to maintain certain minimum net capital amounts. These requirements also provide that equity capital may not be withdrawn, advances to affiliates may not be made or cash dividends paid if certain minimum net capital requirements are not met. G.research’s net capital, as defined, met or exceeded all minimum requirements as of December 31, 2020. As a registered broker-dealer, G.research is also subject to periodic examination by FINRA, the SEC and the state regulatory authorities.
Our trading and investment activities for client accounts are regulated under the Exchange Act, as well as the rules of various U.S. and non-U.S. securities exchanges and self-regulatory organizations, including laws governing trading on inside information, market manipulation and a broad number of technical requirements (e.g., short sale limits, volume limitations and reporting obligations) and market regulation policies in the United States and globally. Violation of any of these laws and regulations could result in restrictions on our activities and damage our reputation.
The institutional research and brokerage services industry is likely to continue facing a high level of regulatory scrutiny and become subject to additional rules designed to increase disclosure, tighten controls and reduce potential conflicts of interest. In addition, the SEC has substantially increased its use of focused inquiries which request information from broker dealers regarding particular practices or provisions of the securities laws. We participate in some of these inquiries in the normal course of our business. Changes in laws, regulations and administrative practices by regulatory authorities, and the associated compliance costs, have increased our cost structure and could in the future have a material adverse impact. Although we have installed procedures and utilize the services of experienced administrators, accountants and lawyers to assist us in adhering to regulatory guidelines and satisfying these requirements, and maintain insurance to protect ourselves in the case of client losses, there can be no assurance that the precautions and procedures that we have instituted and installed, or the insurance that we maintain to protect ourselves in case of client losses, will protect us from all potential liabilities.
The Patriot Act
The USA Patriot Act of 2001 contains anti-money laundering and financial transparency laws and mandates the implementation of various new regulations applicable to broker-dealers and other financial services companies, including standards for verifying client identification at account opening, and obligations to monitor client transactions and report suspicious activities. Anti-money laundering laws outside of the United States contain some similar provisions. Our failure to comply with these requirements could have a material adverse effect on us.
Employees
The Company has one executive officer and 15 employees performing day-to-day functions. The Company was a subsidiary of AC and can avail itself of the transition services agreement with GAMCO.
Index
Real Estate Properties
The Company does not own any properties. The Company is currently renting office space located at 401 Theodore Fremd Avenue in Rye, New York from AC under AC’s leasehold with GAMCO.
Status as a Smaller Reporting Company
Under the Exchange Act, we qualify as a “smaller reporting company,” which is defined as a company with either (a) public float of less than $250 million or (b) less than $100 million in annual revenues and (1) no public float or (2) public float of less than $700 million. As a smaller reporting company, we are eligible to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “smaller reporting companies.” These exemptions include reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and two, instead of three, fiscal years of audited financial statements.
We may take advantage of some or all of the reduced regulatory and reporting requirements that will be available to us as long as we qualify as a smaller reporting company, except that we have irrevocably elected not to take advantage of the extension of time to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards available under Section 107(b) of the JOBS Act.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A:
RISK FACTORS
Smaller reporting companies are not required to provide the information required by this item.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 1B:
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 2:
PROPERTIES
None.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 3:
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are currently not aware of any pending legal proceedings to which we are a party, nor are we aware of any such proceedings that are contemplated by any governmental authority. From time to time, we may be named in legal actions and proceedings. These actions may seek substantial or indeterminate compensatory as well as punitive damages or injunctive relief. We are also subject to governmental or regulatory examinations or investigations. Examinations or investigations can result in adverse judgments, settlements, fines, injunctions, restitutions or other relief. For any such matters, the Company’s financial statements include the necessary provisions for losses that we believe are probable and estimable. Furthermore, we evaluate whether there exist losses which may be reasonably possible and, if material, make the necessary disclosures.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
ITEM 4:
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
ITEM 5:
MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
The shares of our common stock trade on the over-the-counter market in the OTC Pink®, under the symbol: MGHL.
Index
The following table sets forth the high and low market prices of the common stock for the periods indicated, as reported by published sources. These prices represent inter-dealer quotations without retail markup, markdown, or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
High
Low
2020 Fiscal Year
First Quarter
$
60.00
$
21.00
Second Quarter
$
45.00
$
10.75
Third Quarter
$
20.00
$
6.14
Fourth Quarter
$
8.00
$
6.18
2019 Fiscal Year
First Quarter
$
10.00
$
7.00
Second Quarter
$
52.00
$
9.00
Third Quarter
$
53.00
$
21.00
Fourth Quarter
$
90.00
$
28.00

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6:
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Smaller reporting companies are not required to provide the information required by this item.

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
ITEM 7:
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (“MD&A”) OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Introduction
Through G.research, we act as an underwriter and provide institutional research services. Institutional research services revenues consist of brokerage commissions derived from securities transactions executed on an agency basis or direct payments from institutional clients as well as underwriting profits, selling concessions and management fees associated with underwriting activities. Commission revenues vary directly with the perceived value of the research provided, as well as account activity and new account generation.
In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus (“COVID-19”) surfaced in China and has since spread quickly to numerous countries, including the U.S. On March 11, 2020, COVID-19 was identified as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. In response to its spread, governmental authorities have imposed restrictions on travel and congregation and the temporary closure of many non-essential businesses in affected jurisdictions, including, beginning in March 2020, in the U.S. As world leaders focused on the unprecedented human and economic challenges of COVID-19, global equity markets plunged as the coronavirus pandemic spread. In March, the unfolding events led to the worst month for stocks since 2008 and the worst first quarter since 1937. In the remainder of the year, as a result of unprecedented fiscal and monetary stimulus and the fast tracking of potential COVID-19 vaccines, some of which have been approved and have begun to be distributed, the markets have rebounded strongly. The pandemic and resulting economic dislocations have resulted in lower transaction volumes, resulting in decreased revenues, partially offset by decreased variable operating and compensation expenses. As a result of this pandemic, most of our employees (“teammates”) continue to work remotely. However, there has been no material impact of remote work arrangements on our operations, including our financial reporting systems, internal control over financial reporting, and disclosure controls and procedures, and there has been no material challenge in implementing our business continuity plan.
Operating Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2020 as Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2019
Revenues
Institutional research service revenues were $4.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, $4.7 million, or 51.8%, lower than total revenues of $9.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. Institutional research services revenues by revenue component, excluding principal transactions, were as follows (dollars in thousands):
Year
Ended
Increase
December 31,
(Decrease)
$
%
Commissions
$
3,586
$
5,903
$
(2,317
)
-39.3
%
Hard dollar payments
(108
)
-22.8
%
3,951
6,376
$
(2,425
)
-38.0
%
Research services
-
1,503
(1,503
)
-100.0
%
Underwriting fees
(361
)
-83.6
%
Sales manager fees
(398
)
-54.3
%
Total
$
4,356
$
9,043
$
(4,687
)
-51.8
%
Index
Commissions and hard dollar payments in the 2020 period were $4.0 million, a $2.4 million or 38.0% decrease from $6.4 million. The decrease was primarily due to higher brokerage commissions from securities transactions executed on an agency basis. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, G.research earned $2.6 million and $4.9 million, or approximately 64% and 76%, of its commission revenue from transactions executed on behalf of funds advised by Gabelli Funds, LLC (“Gabelli Funds”) and clients advised by GAMCO Asset.
A significant portion of G.research institutional research services are provided to GAMCO and its affiliates pursuant to research services agreements. The agreements between G.research and Gabelli Funds and GAMCO Asset to provide institutional research services were terminated effective January 1, 2020. Research services were $1.5 million in 2019.
Underwriting fees decreased $0.4 million during 2020 over the prior year amount.
Principal Transactions
During 2020, net losses from principal transactions were negligible.
Interest and dividend income declined $.1 million to $0.1 million in 2020 from $.2 million in 2019 primarily due to the decline in short-term rates.
Expenses
Total expenses were $6.1 million during 2020, a decrease of $5.6 million, or 47.9%, from $11.7 million in the 2019 period. The decrease results primarily from lower compensation costs and a reduction of expenses across all categories.
Compensation costs, which includes salaries, bonuses and benefits, were $3.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, a decrease of $4.9 million from $8.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 and is due to headcount reductions related to the cessation of research services and the streamlining of operations.
Income Tax Benefit
We recorded income tax benefits of $0.2 million and $.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The ETR was 12.4% and 20.9% for the periods ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Net Loss
Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $1.4 million versus $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Summary cash flow data is as follows (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
Cash flows provided by (used in):
Operating activities
$
(1,840
)
$
(2,369
)
Investing activities
(1
)
-
Financing activities
-
(2,374
)
Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(1,841
)
(4,743
)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year
6,787
11,531
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year
4,946
6,788
Index
Net cash used by operating activities was $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, resulting from a net loss of $1.4 million and net decrease in operating liabilities of $0.4 million. Net cash used by operating activities was $2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, resulting from a net loss of $1.9 million and a net decrease of operating assets of $0.5 million.
There were no financing activities in 2020. Financing activities included stock issuances of $0.515 million for December 31, 2019. During 2019 other financing activities included a return of capital of $3.3 million and contributions of $0.41 million.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
Critical Accounting Policies
In the ordinary course of business, we make a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of results of operations and financial condition in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). We base our estimates on historical experience, when available, and on other various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates under different assumptions and conditions.
We believe that the following critical accounting policies require management to exercise significant judgment:
Revenue Recognition
The Company provides institutional research services and earns brokerage commissions and sales manager fees from securities transactions executed on an agency basis on behalf of institutional clients and mutual funds, private wealth management clients and retail customers of affiliated companies. Commission revenue and related clearing charges are recorded on a trade-date basis and are included in institutional research services and other operating expenses, respectively, on the consolidated statements of operations.
The Company has also been involved in syndicated underwriting activities that included public equity and debt offerings managed by major investment banks. Underwriting fees include gains, losses, selling concessions and fees, net of syndicate expenses, arising from securities offerings in which the Company acts as underwriter or agent and are accrued as earned.
See Note C, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, in the consolidated financial statements.
Securities Owned, at Fair Value
Securities owned, at fair value, including common stocks, closed-end funds and mutual funds, are recorded at fair value with the resulting realized and unrealized gains and losses reflected in principal transactions in the Statements of Operations. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. All securities transactions and transaction costs are recorded on a trade date basis. Dividends are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income and interest expense are accrued as earned or incurred.
Allocated Expenses
The Company is charged or incurs certain overhead expenses that are included in general and administrative and occupancy and equipment expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. These overhead expenses are allocated to the Company by AC and other AC affiliates or allocated by the Company to other AC affiliates as the expenses are incurred, based upon methodologies periodically reviewed by the management of the Company and the AC affiliates. In addition, Gabelli & Company Investment Advisers, Inc. (“GCIA”), a wholly - owned subsidiary of AC, and GAMCO Investors, Inc. (“GBL”) serve as paymasters for the Company under compensation payment sharing agreements. This includes compensation expense and related payroll taxes and benefits which are allocated to the Company for professional staff performing duties related entirely to the Company and those compensation expenses and related payroll taxes and benefits which relate to professional staff who serve more than one entity and whose compensation is therefore allocated to the Company as well as to its affiliates. These compensation expenses are included in compensation and related costs in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Index
Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts on the consolidated financial statements using the statutory tax rates in effect for the year when the reported amount of the asset or liability is expected to be recovered or settled, respectively. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the results of operations in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying values of deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. For each tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return, the Company determines whether it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation. A tax position that meets the more likely than not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize. The tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. The Company recognizes the accrual of interest on uncertain tax positions and penalties in the income tax provision on the consolidated statements of operations.
See Note B, Significant Accounting Policies - Income Taxes and G. Income Taxes, in the consolidated financial statements.
Recent Accounting Developments
See Note B, Significant Accounting Policies - Recent Accounting Developments, in the consolidated financial statements.
Seasonality and Inflation
We do not believe that our operations are subject to significant seasonal fluctuations. We do not believe inflation will significantly affect our compensation costs, as they are substantially variable in nature. The rate of inflation may affect certain other expenses, however, such as information technology and occupancy costs.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 7A:
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Smaller reporting companies are not required to provide the information required by this item.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 8:
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
MORGAN GROUP HOLDING CO. AND SUBSIDIARY
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Financial Statements:
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at December 31, 2020 and 2019
Consolidated Statements of Equity for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission that are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable have been omitted.
Index
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Morgan Group Holding Co.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of financial condition of Morgan Group Holding Co. and its subsidiary (the Company) as of December 31, 2020, the related consolidated statements of operations, equity and cash flows for the year then ended, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements (collectively, the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
Critical audit matters are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. We determined that there are no critical audit matters.
RSM US LLP
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2021.
New York, New York
April 5, 2021
Index
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of Morgan Group Holding Co.:
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of Morgan Group Holding Co. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2019, the related consolidated statements of operations, equity, and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2019, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2019, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche, LLP
April 1, 2020 (July 15, 2020 as to the effects of the reverse stock split described in Note A and I)
We began serving as the Company's auditor in 2009. In 2020, we became the predecessor auditor.
Index
MORGAN GROUP HOLDING CO. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019
Year Ended December 31,
Revenues
Commissions
$
3,950,998
$
6,376,075
Fees earned from affiliated entities pursuant to research services agreements
-
1,502,500
Principal transactions
(2,082
)
(9,416
)
Dividends and interest
64,504
194,955
Underwriting fees
70,488
431,114
Sales manager fees
334,825
733,422
Other revenues
17,196
16,833
Total revenues
4,435,929
9,245,483
Expenses
Compensation and related costs
3,445,893
8,373,668
Clearing charges
1,107,497
1,299,313
General and administrative
1,054,798
1,223,023
Occupancy and equipment
461,220
756,974
Total expenses
6,069,408
11,652,978
Loss before income tax benefit
(1,633,479
)
(2,407,495
)
Income tax benefit
(203,443
)
(500,903
)
Net loss
$
(1,430,036
)
$
(1,906,592
)
Net loss per share
Basic
$
(2.38
)
$
(3.42
)
Diluted
$
(2.38
)
$
(3.42
)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic
600,090
557,338
Diluted
600,090
557,338
Actual shares outstanding
600,090
600,090
See accompanying notes.
Index
MORGAN GROUP HOLDING CO. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019
December 31,
December 31,
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
$
4,746,403
$
6,587,097
Receivables from brokers and clearing organizations
66,211
808,686
Receivables from affiliates
62,514
30,625
Deposits with clearing organizations
200,000
200,000
Income taxes receivable (including deferred tax asset of $0 and $2,930, respectively)
273,735
184,396
Fixed assets, net of accumulated depreciation of $40,956 and $28,435, respectively
33,915
44,456
Other assets
220,799
281,896
Total assets
$
5,603,577
$
8,137,156
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Compensation payable
$
455,492
$
709,663
Payable to affiliates
29,376
985,632
Income tax payable
46,850
53,572
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
464,554
350,948
Total liabilities
996,272
2,099,815
Commitments and contingencies (Note J)
Equity
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 and 100,000,000 shares authorized, respectively, and 600,090 and 600,090 issued and outstanding, respectively
6,001
6,001
Additional paid-in capital
53,886,180
53,886,180
Accumulated deficit
(49,284,876
)
(47,854,840
)
Total equity
4,607,305
6,037,341
Total liabilities and equity
$
5,603,577
$
8,137,156
See accompanying notes.
Index
MORGAN GROUP HOLDING CO. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019
Shares
Common
Stock
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Accumulated
Deficit
Total
Balance at December 31, 2018
548,590
$
5,486
$
56,260,806
$
(45,948,248
)
10,318,044
Capital contribution
$
410,889
410,889
Return of capital
-
(3,300,000
)
-
(3,300,000
)
Issuance of stock
51,500
514,485
515,000
Net loss
-
(1,906,592
)
(1,906,592
)
Balance at December 31, 2019
600,090
$
6,001
$
53,886,180
$
(47,854,840
)
$
6,037,341
Net loss
-
(1,430,036
)
(1,430,036
)
Balance at December 31, 2020
600,090
6,001
53,886,180
(49,284,876
)
4,607,305
See accompanying notes.
Index
MORGAN GROUP HOLDING CO. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019
Year Ended December 31,
Operating activities
Net loss
$
(1,430,036
)
$
(1,906,592
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation
11,383
11,382
Deferred income tax, net
2,930
270,079
Other non-cash amounts included in net loss (see Non-cash financing activity)
(Increase)/decrease in operating assets:
Securities owned, net
Receivables from brokers and clearing organizations
742,475
(614,010
)
Receivables from affiliates
(34,098
)
(11,426
)
Income taxes receivable
(92,269
)
(101,876
)
Other assets
61,097
(50,714
)
Increase/(decrease) in operating liabilities:
Payable to affiliates
(954,048
)
766,843
Income taxes payable
(6,722
)
53,572
Compensation payable
(254,171
)
(729,863
)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
113,607
(56,892
)
Total adjustments
(409,816
)
(462,905
)
Net cash used in operating activities
(1,839,852
)
(2,369,497
)
Investing activities
Purchases of fixed assets
(842
)
-
Net cash used in investing activities
$
(842
)
$
-
Index
MORGAN GROUP HOLDING CO. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019
(continued)
Year Ended December 31,
Financing activities
Capital contribution
$
-
$
410,889
Return of capital
-
(3,300,000
)
Issuance of common stock
-
515,000
Cash used in / provided by financing activities
-
(2,374,111
)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
(1,840,694
)
(4,743,608
)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period
6,787,097
11,530,705
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period
$
4,946,403
$
6,787,097
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash (paid)/received for Income taxes
$
-
$
-
Cash received from Associated Capital Group, Inc. for Income taxes
$
107,158
$
723,019
Reconciliation to cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Cash and cash equivalents
$
4,746,403
$
6,587,097
Restricted cash: deposits from clearing organizations
200,000
200,000
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
$
4,946,403
$
6,787,097
Non-cash financing activity:
- On October 31, 2019 Morgan Group merged with G.research by exchanging 50 million shares of Morgan Group
(“MGHL” - OTC) common stock for 100% of Associated Capital Group's interest in G.research.
See accompanying notes.
Index
A. Organization and Business Description
Morgan Group Holding Co. (the “Company,” “Morgan Group,” or “Morgan”) was incorporated in November 2001 as a Delaware corporation to serve as a holding company which seeks acquisitions as part of its strategic alternatives. Prior to the October 31, 2019 merger with G.research, LLC (“G.research”), discussed below, Morgan Group had no operating companies.
The Company acquired G.research from Associated Capital Group, Inc. (“AC”), an affiliate of the Company, on October 31, 2019, in exchange for issuing 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to AC (the “Merger”). Accordingly, G.research became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. Prior to the transaction, G.research was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Institutional Services holdings, LLC, which, in turn, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AC. After the transaction, AC had an 83.3% ownership interest in the Company. As a result of this common ownership, the transaction was treated as a combination between entities under common control that led to a change in the reporting entity. The recognized assets and liabilities were transferred at their carrying amounts at the date of the transaction. For 2019 year comparative information, for the period prior to the Merger the companies have been combined retrospectively.
On March 16, 2020, AC’s Board of Directors approved the spin-off of the Company to AC’s shareholders. Upon execution of the spin-off on August 5, 2020, AC distributed to its shareholders on a pro rata basis the 500,000 shares of Morgan that AC owns.
On May 5, 2020, the Morgan Group board approved a reverse stock split of the issued and outstanding shares of their common stock, par value $0.01 per share, in a ratio of 1-for-100 that was effective on June 10, 2020.
G.research is a broker-dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and is regulated by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”).
The Company provides institutional investors and investment partnerships with investment research with a particular focus on small-cap and mid-cap companies. The team of sell-side analysts follows industry sectors on a global basis and performs fundamental security analysis using a Private Market Value (“PMV”) framework. PMV investing is a disciplined, research-driven approach based on security analysis. In this process, the analyst selects stocks whose intrinsic value, based on the analyst’s estimate of current asset value and future growth and earnings power, is significantly different from the public market value as reflected in the public market. PMV is defined as the price an informed industrial buyer would be likely to pay to acquire the business. The research focuses on company fundamentals, cash flow statistics, and catalysts that will help realize returns.
The Company generates brokerage commission revenues from securities transactions executed on an agency basis on behalf of institutional clients and mutual funds, private wealth management clients and retail customers of affiliated companies. The Company generates revenue from syndicated underwriting activities. It primarily participates in the offerings of certain closed-end funds advised by Gabelli Funds, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (“GBL”) an affiliate. The Company also earns investment income generated from its proprietary trading activities.
The Company acts as an introducing broker, and all securities transactions for the Company and its customers are cleared through and carried by three New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) member firms on a fully disclosed basis. The Company has Proprietary Accounts of Introducing Brokers (“PAIB”) agreements with these firms. Accordingly, open customer transactions are not reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition. The Company is exposed to credit losses on these open transactions in the event of nonperformance by its customers, pursuant to conditions of its clearing agreements with its clearing brokers. This exposure is mitigated by the clearing brokers’ policy of monitoring the collateral and credit of the counterparties until the transaction is completed.
The Company’s principal market is in the United States.
Index
B. Significant Accounting Policies
Consolidated Financial Statements
All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The Company consolidated the subsidiary from the date of the Merger with retrospective application.
Segment Analysis
The Company is one segment for reporting purposes.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company held an investment in an affiliated money market mutual fund which is invested solely in U.S. Treasuries.
Securities Owned, at Fair Value
Securities owned, at fair value, including common stocks, closed-end funds and mutual funds, are recorded at fair value with the resulting realized and unrealized gains and losses reflected in principal transactions in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. All securities transactions and transaction costs are recorded on a trade date basis. Dividends are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income and interest expense are accrued as earned or incurred.
Deposits with Clearing Organizations
Deposits with clearing organizations is restricted cash held at the clearing organizations.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts of all financial instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition approximate their fair values.
The Company’s financial instruments have been categorized based upon a fair value hierarchy:
•
Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 1 assets include cash equivalents.
•
Level 2 inputs utilize inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. As of and during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, there were no Level 2 securities owned.
•
Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. These assets include infrequently traded common stocks. As of and during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, there were no Level 3 securities owned.
In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. Investments are transferred into and out of any level at their beginning period values.
Index
The availability of observable inputs can vary from instrument to instrument and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of instrument, whether the instrument is new and not yet established in the marketplace, and other characteristics particular to the transaction. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized as Level 3.
In the absence of a closing price, an average of the bid and ask is used. Bid prices reflect the highest price that market participants are willing to pay for an asset. Ask prices represent the lowest price that market participants are willing to accept for an asset.
Cash equivalents - Cash equivalents consist of an affiliated money market mutual fund, which is invested solely in U.S. Treasuries. Cash equivalents are valued using the mutual fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) to measure fair value. Accordingly, cash equivalents are categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
Receivables from Affiliates/Payables to Affiliates
Receivables from affiliates consist of receivables from certain affiliates for expenses paid on their behalf. In 2020 and 2019, payables to affiliates are primarily comprised of sales manager fees and expenses paid on behalf of the Company due to AC. See Notes D and G.
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
See Note C.
Dividends and Interest
Dividends are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income and interest expense are accrued as earned or incurred. These amounts are not related to contracts with customers.
Depreciation
Fixed assets are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives of four to seven years.
Allocated Expenses
The Company is charged or incurs certain overhead expenses that are included in general and administrative and occupancy and equipment expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. These overhead expenses are allocated to the Company by AC and other AC affiliates or allocated by the Company to other AC affiliates as the expenses are incurred, based upon methodologies periodically reviewed by the management of the Company and the AC affiliates. In addition, Gabelli & Company Investment Advisers, Inc. (“GCIA”), a wholly - owned subsidiary of AC, and GAMCO Investors, Inc. (“GBL”) serve as paymasters for the Company under compensation payment sharing agreements. This includes compensation expense and related payroll taxes and benefits which are allocated to the Company for professional staff performing duties related entirely to the Company and those compensation expenses and related payroll taxes and benefits which relate to professional staff who serve more than one entity and whose compensation is therefore allocated to the Company as well as to its affiliates. These compensation expenses are included in compensation and related costs in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Income Taxes
Morgan Group Holding Co., which became part of the AC consolidated tax group after the merger on October 31, 2019, would generally not record an income tax provision as it was generally in a loss position for income tax purposes and any deferred tax benefit from net operating losses would be offset with a full valuation allowance. However, for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company is a member of a tax sharing agreement among members of the AC consolidated tax group and records an income tax provision. The Company generally settles either the benefit or expense with AC monthly, but not less than annually. The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income tax expense/benefit in the period that includes the enactment date of the change in tax rate.
Index
The Company records net deferred tax assets to the extent the Company believes these assets will more likely than not be realized. A valuation allowance would be recorded to reduce the carrying value of deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination of whether a valuation allowance is necessary, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. In the event the Company were to determine that the Company would be more likely than not to realize the Company’s deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, the Company would make an adjustment to the previously recorded deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.
The Company records uncertain tax positions on the basis of a two-step process: (1) the Company determines whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained based on the technical merits of the position; and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the Company recognizes the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority. The Company recognizes the accrual of interest on uncertain tax positions and penalties in income tax benefit on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Accrued interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions are included within accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
On August 5, 2020, Associated Capital Group, Inc. distributed all its shares of Morgan Group Holdings, Co. (“Morgan”). Management concluded that the spin-off of the Morgan Group Holdings, Co. group represented a strategic shift pursuant to Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08. For Federal income tax purposes, the transaction was considered a tax-free spin-off under IRC Section 355 and Morgan Group Holdings, Co. will be required to file standalone Federal and State tax returns from the date of the spin-off.
As of August 5, 2020, the Company’s operations are included in the consolidated U.S. federal and certain state and local income tax returns of Associated Capital Group, Inc. The Company’s federal and certain state and local income taxes are calculated as if the Company filed on a separate return basis, and the amount of current tax or benefit is either remitted to or received from AC using a benefits for loss approach such that net operating loss (or other tax attribute) is characterized as realized by the Company when those tax attributes are utilized in the consolidated tax return of AC. This is the case even if the Company would not otherwise have realized those tax attributes.
Use of Estimates
The Company’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during that reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recent Accounting Developments
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which amends the guidance in GAAP for the accounting for leases. ASU 2016-02 requires a lessee to recognize assets and liabilities arising from most operating leases in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition. The Company adopted this ASU effective January 1, 2019 with no material impact on its financial statements.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Accounting for Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) (“ASU 2016-13”), which requires an organization to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Currently, U.S. GAAP requires an “incurred loss” methodology that delays recognition until it is probable a loss has been incurred. Under ASU 2016-13, the allowance for credit losses must be deducted from the amortized cost of the financial asset to present the net amount expected to be collected. The Consolidated Statement of Operations will reflect the measurement of credit losses for newly recognized financial assets as well as the expected increases or decreases of expected credit losses that have taken place during the period. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-10, which deferred the effective date of this guidance for smaller reporting companies for three years. This guidance is effective for the Company on January 1, 2023 and requires a modified retrospective transition method, which will result in a cumulative-effect adjustment in retained earnings upon adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact of this new guidance on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Index
C. Revenue from Contracts with Customers
The Company records revenue from contracts with customers in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“Topic 606”). Under Topic 606, the Company must identify the contract with a customer, identify the performance obligations in the contract, determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and recognize revenue when the Company satisfies a performance obligation.
Significant judgments that affect the amounts and timing of revenue recognition:
The Company’s analysis of the timing of revenue recognition of each revenue stream is based on the provisions of each respective contract. Performance obligations could, however, change from time to time if and when existing contracts are modified or new contracts are entered into. These changes could potentially affect the timing of satisfaction of performance obligations, the determination of the transaction price, and the allocation of the price to performance obligations. In the case of the revenue streams discussed below, the performance obligation is satisfied either at a point in time or over time. The judgments outlined below, where the determination as to these factors is discussed in detail, are continually reviewed and monitored by the Company when new contracts or contract modifications occur. Transaction price is in all instances formulaic and not subject to significant (or any) judgment at the current time.
The Company’s assessment of the recognition of these revenues is as follows:
Revenue from contracts with customers includes commissions, fees earned from affiliated entities pursuant to research services agreements, underwriting fees and sales manager fees.
Commissions
Brokerage commissions. Acting as agent, the Company buys and sells securities on behalf of its customers. Commissions are charged on the execution of these securities transactions made on behalf of client accounts and are negotiated. The Company recognizes commission revenue when the related securities transactions are executed on trade date. The Company believes that the performance obligation is satisfied on the trade date because that is when the underlying financial instrument or purchaser is identified, the pricing is agreed upon and the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to/from the customer. Commissions earned are typically collected from the clearing brokers utilized by the Company on a daily or weekly basis.
Hard dollar payments. The Company provides research services to unrelated parties, for which direct payment is received. The company may, or may not, have contracts for such services. Where a contract for such services is in place, the contractual fee for the period is recognized ratably over the contract period, which is considered the period over which the Company satisfies its performance obligation. For payments where no research contract exists, revenue is not recognized until agreement is reached with the client at which time the performance obligation is considered to have been met and revenue is recognized.
Commission revenues are impacted by the perceived value of the research product provided to clients, the volume of securities transactions and the acquisition or loss of new client relationships.
Index
Fees earned from affiliated entities pursuant to research services agreements
The Company receives direct payments for research services provided to related parties pursuant to contracts. The contractual fee for the period is fixed and recognized ratably over the contract period, typically a calendar year, which is considered the period over which the Company satisfies its performance obligation. Payments for contracts with affiliated parties are collected monthly.
Underwriting fees
Underwriting fees. The Company acts as underwriter in an agent capacity. Revenues are earned from fees arising from these offerings and the terms are set forth in contracts between the underwriters and the issuer. The Company’s underwriting revenue is considered to be conditional revenue because it is subject to reduction to zero once the offsetting syndicate expenses have been quantified by the syndicate manager (i.e., lead underwriter) and allocated to each underwriter in proportion to their participation in the offering. Revenue recognition is therefore delayed until it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of revenue recognized will not occur. That is, it is recognized only when uncertainty associated with the syndicate expenses is subsequently resolved and final settlement of syndicate accounts is effected by the syndicate manager. Payment is typically received from the syndicate manager within ninety days after settlement date.
Selling concessions. The Company participates as a member of the selling group of underwritten equity offerings and receives compensation based on the difference between what its customers pay for the securities sold to its institutional clients and what the issuer receives. The terms of the selling concessions are set forth in contracts between the Company and the underwriter. Revenue is recognized on the trade date (the date on which the Company purchases the securities from the issuer) for the portion the Company is contracted to buy. The Company believes that the trade date is the appropriate point in time to recognize revenue for securities underwriting transactions as there are no significant actions the Company needs to take subsequent to this date, and the issuer obtains the control and benefit of the capital markets offering at this point. Selling concessions earned are typically collected from the clearing brokers utilized by the Company on a daily or weekly basis.
Sales manager fees
The Company participates as sales manager of at-the-market offerings of certain affiliated closed-end funds and receives a tiered percentage of proceeds as stipulated in agreements between the Company, the funds and the funds’ investment adviser. The Company recognizes sales manager fees upon sale of the related closed-end funds. Sales manager fees earned are fixed and typically collected from the clearing brokers utilized by the Company on a daily or weekly basis.
Total revenues from contracts with customers by type were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:
Commissions
$
3,586,066
$
5,903,200
Hard dollar payments
364,932
472,875
3,950,998
6,376,075
Research services
-
1,502,500
Underwriting fees
70,488
431,114
Sales manager fees
334,825
733,422
$
4,356,311
$
9,043,111
D. Related Party Transactions
At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had an investment of $4,724,290 and $ 6,579,577, respectively, in The Gabelli U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund advised by Gabelli Funds, LLC, which is an affiliate of the Company. The amount is recorded in cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Income earned from this investment totaled $64,504 and $175,846 in 2020 and 2019, respectively, and is included in dividends and interest revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Index
In 2020 and 2019, the Company earned $2,582,914 and $4,875,768 or approximately, 64% and 76%, respectively, of its commission revenue from transactions executed on behalf of funds advised by Gabelli Funds, LLC., (“Gabelli Funds”) and private wealth management clients advised by GAMCO Asset Management Inc., (“GAMCO Asset”), each affiliates of the Company. GAMCO Asset and Gabelli Funds each paid $752,550 and $750,000, respectively, to the Company pursuant to research services agreements (see Note C) for the year ended December 31, 2019. Effective February 1, 2019, the Company amended its existing research services agreements, whereby GAMCO Asset and Gabelli Funds shall each pay $62,500 per month for research services provided. These agreements were terminated on January 1, 2020.
The Company participated as agent in the secondary offerings of the GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust (“GGN”). Pursuant to sales agreements between the parties, the Company earned sales manager fees related to this offering of $334,825 and $729,893 during 2020 and 2019, respectively. In connection with the clearance of the GGN transactions the Company collects and pays GGN and has a payable to GGN for $511,108 as of December 31, 2019 included in payables to affiliates in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition. Sales manager fees are separately disclosed in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Company participated in the secondary offerings of the preferred stock of affiliated closed end funds during 2020 and 2019 as participants in the underwriting syndicate and selling groups earning $16,000 and $431,114, respectively.
The Company made a cash return of capital to AC on June 19, 2019, in the amount of $3,300,000. AC made two capital contributions pursuant to the merger between G.research and Morgan Group on October 28, 2019 and November 21, 2019, of $300,000 and $110,889, respectively. See Note I.
The Company pays AC a management fee equal to 20% of the Company’s year-to-date pretax profits before consideration of this fee. In 2020 and 2019, the Company did not pay a management fee to AC as there were no pretax profits.
AC has a sublease agreement with GBL that currently expires on April 1, 2020, which is subject to annual renewal. AC allocates this expense to the Company based on the percentage of square footage occupied by the Company’s employees (including pro rata allocation of common space). Pursuant to the sublease, AC and the Company shall pay a monthly fixed lease amount for the twelve-month contractual period. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company paid $269,448 and $321,975, respectively, under the sublease agreement. These amounts are included within occupancy and equipment expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
E. Fair Value
The following tables present information about the Company’s assets and liabilities by major category measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value:
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis as of December 31, 2020:
December 31, 2020
Assets
Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
Total
Cash equivalents
$
4,724,290
$
-
$
-
$
4,724,290
Total assets at fair value
$
4,724,290
$
-
$
-
$
4,724,290
There were no transfers between any Levels during the year ended December 31, 2020.
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis as of December 31, 2019:
December 31, 2019
Assets
Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
Total
Cash equivalents
$
6,579,577
$
-
$
-
$
6,579,577
Total assets at fair value
$
6,579,577
$
-
$
-
$
6,579,577
Index
There were no transfers between any Levels during the year ended December 31, 2019.
F. Retirement Plan
The Company participates in Associated Capital’s incentive savings plan (the “Plan”), covering substantially all employees. Company contributions to the Plan are determined annually by management of the Company and AC’s Board of Directors but may not exceed the amount permitted as a deductible expense under the Internal Revenue Code. Amounts expensed for allocated contributions to this Plan amounted to approximately $17,746 and $17,746 in 2020 and 2019, respectively, and are recorded as compensation and related costs in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
G. Income Taxes
Morgan Group Holding Co. filed its federal and state tax returns on a standalone basis as of October 31, 2019. On November 1, 2019, AC purchased 100% of the share of Morgan Group Holding Co. where its operations for the period November 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 were included in the consolidated U.S. Federal and certain state and local income tax returns of AC. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and through August 5, 2020, the operations of Morgan Group Holdings Co. were included in the consolidated U.S. federal and certain state and local income tax returns of AC. The Company’s federal and certain state and local income taxes are calculated as if the Company filed on a separate return basis, and the amount of current tax or benefit is either remitted to or received from AC using a benefit for loss approach such that the net operating loss (or other tax attribute) is characterized as realized by the Company when those tax attributes are utilized in the consolidated tax return of AC. This is the case even if the Company would not otherwise have realized those tax attributes.
On August 5, 2020, Associated Capital Group, Inc. distributed all its shares of Morgan Group Holdings, Co. (“Morgan”). Management concluded that the spin-off of the Morgan Group Holdings, Co. group represented a strategic shift pursuant to Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08. For Federal income tax purposes, the transaction was considered a tax-free spin-off under IRC Section 355 and Morgan Group Holdings, Co. will be required to file standalone Federal and State tax returns from the date of the spin-off.
As of August 5, 2020, the Company’s operations are included in the consolidated U.S. federal and certain state and local income tax returns of Associated Capital Group, Inc. The Company’s federal and certain state and local income taxes are calculated as if the Company filed on a separate return basis, and the amount of current tax or benefit is either remitted to or received from AC using a benefits for loss approach such that net operating loss (or other tax attribute) is characterized as realized by the Company when those tax attributes are utilized in the consolidated tax return of AC. This is the case even if the Company would not otherwise have realized those tax attributes.
The Company, however, will be required to file its own federal, state and local income tax returns with its parent, Morgan Group, from the date of the spin-off. Any
tax attributes generated by the Company will not be immediately realized after August 5, 2020 but will instead be deferred and classified as net operating losses and/or other tax attribute carryforwards.
Income tax benefit for the years ending December 31 consisted of:
Federal:
Current
$
(186,217
)
$
(707,040
)
Deferred
2,572
215,992
State and local:
Current
(20,159
)
(63,942
)
Deferred
54,087
Total
$
(203,443
)
$
(500,903
)
Index
A reconciliation of the federal statutory rate to the effective tax rate for the years ended December 31 is set forth below:
Statutory Federal income tax rate
21.0
%
21.0
%
State income tax, net of Federal benefit
3.12
%
-2.18
%
State Valuation Allowance
-2.17
%
3.16
%
Federal Valuation Allowance
-8.29
%
0.20
%
Other
-1.23
%
-1.33
%
Effective income tax rate
12.43
%
20.85
%
Significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:
Deferred tax assets:
Federal and State NOL Carryforward
337,606
174,590
Stock-based Compensation Expense
-
-
Compensation
-
-
Other
29,650
5,359
Total Gross DTA
367,256
179,949
Less: Valuation Allowance
(354,833
)
(174,590
)
Total Deferred Tax Assets
12,423
5,359
Deferred tax liabilities:
Stock Based Compensation
(9,468
)
(2,349
)
Deferred State Income Tax
(2,955
)
(80
)
(12,423
)
(2,429
)
Net deferred tax assets
-
2,930
In accordance to the Code 382 of the Internal Revenue Code corporations are generally required to limit the amount of its income in future years that can be offset by historic losses, i.e., net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards and certain built-in losses, after a corporation has undergone an ownership change. As a result of the Company’s equity financings in recent years, the Company underwent changes in ownership pursuant to the provisions of the IRC Section 382, therefore, annual use of any of the Company’s net operating loss carry forwards may be limited if cumulative changes in ownership of more than 50% occur during any three-year period.
At December 31, 2020 and 2019, for Federal and for certain states in which the Company files separate tax returns, the Company recorded deferred tax assets of approximately $354,833 and $174,590, respectively, relating to net operating losses. The Company concluded that it is not more likely than not that the benefit from federal net operating loss and these separate state net operating loss carryforwards will be realized and has provided a valuation allowance for the full amount of the related deferred tax assets.
As of December 31, 2020, the Company is not aware of any potentially material uncertain tax positions that were not included in the Company’s financial statements. The Company, which includes G. research, LLC and is part of the AC’s unitary filing group, is not under any tax examination as of December 31, 2020. The Company has filed most of its 2018 corporate income tax returns in states where they have determined a filing obligation exists. The Company continues to work on filing tax returns in certain states and intends to complete these filings by first quarter 2021. The Company believes there are no uncertain tax positions (“UTPs”) as it relates to their federal and state filings, and as such has not recorded any tax expense related to UTPs.
Index
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, management has not identified any potential subsequent events that could have a significant impact on unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months. The Company remains subject to income tax examination by the IRS for years 2016 and 2018 and state examinations for years after 2013.
H. Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income/(loss) attributable to shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period.
There were no dilutive shares outstanding during the periods.
The computations of basic and diluted net loss per share are as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
For the Years Ending December 31,
Basic:
Net loss attributable to shareholders
$
(1,430,036
)
$
(1,906,592
)
Weighted average shares outstanding
600,090
557,338
Basic net loss attributable per share
$
(2.38
)
$
(3.42
)
Diluted:
Net loss attributable to shareholders
$
(1,430,036
)
$
(1,906,592
)
Weighted average share outstanding
600,090
557,338
Diluted net loss per share
$
(2.38
)
$
(3.42
)
I. Equity
In the normal course of business, G.research made cash return of capital to AC on June 19, 2019 in the amount of $3,300,000.
In conjunction with the Merger on October 31, 2019, AC made two capital contributions to the Company on October 28, 2019 and November 21, 2019 of $300,000 and $110,889, respectively.
In conjunction with the Merger on October 31, 2019, the Company issued 500,000 shares of common stock to AC. The common stock, additional paid in capital, earnings per share and accumulated deficit amounts in these consolidated financial statements for the period prior to the Merger have been restated to reflect the recapitalization in accordance with the shares issued as a result of the Merger.
On June 10, 2020, the Company completed a 1-for-100 reverse stock split of the Company’s outstanding common stock (the “Reverse Stock Split”). As a result of the Reverse Stock Split, the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock decreased from 60,009,005 shares to 600,090. The par value of the common stock was not adjusted as a result of the Reverse Stock Split. Accordingly, unless otherwise noted, all historical share and per share information as well as common stock and additional paid in capital balances contained in the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes have been restated to retroactively show the effect of the Reverse Stock Split.
See Note D Related Party Transactions for detail.
J. Guarantees, Contingencies, and Commitments
The Company has agreed to indemnify its clearing brokers for losses they may sustain from the customer accounts that trade on margin introduced by the Company. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the total amount of customer balances subject to indemnification (i.e., unsecured margin debits) was immaterial. The Company also has entered into arrangements with various other third parties, many of which provide for indemnification of the third parties against losses, costs, claims and liabilities arising from the performance of the Company’s obligations under the agreements. The Company has had no claims or payments pursuant to these or prior agreements, and management believes the likelihood of a claim being made is remote, and therefore, an accrual has not been made in the financial statements.
Index
From time to time, the Company is named in legal actions and proceedings. These actions may seek substantial or indeterminate compensatory as well as punitive damages or injunctive relief. The Company is also subject to governmental or regulatory examinations or investigations. The examinations or investigations could result in adverse judgments, settlements, fines, injunctions, restitutions or other relief. The Company cannot predict the ultimate outcome of such matters. The financial statements include the necessary provisions for losses that the Company believes are probable and estimable. Furthermore, the Company evaluates whether losses exist which may be reasonably possible and, if material, makes the necessary disclosures. Such amounts, both those that are probable and those that are reasonably possible, are not considered material to the Company’s financial condition, operations or cash flows.
K. Net Capital Requirements
As a registered broker-dealer, G.research is subject to the SEC Uniform Net Capital Rule 15c3-1 (the “Rule”), which specifies, among other requirements, minimum net capital requirements for registered broker-dealers. G.research computes its net capital under the alternative method as permitted by the Rule, which requires that minimum net capital be the greater of $250,000 or 2% of the aggregate debit items in the reserve formula for those broker-dealers subject to Rule 15c3-3. G.research is exempt from Rule 15c3-3 pursuant to paragraph (k)(2)(ii) of that rule which exempts all customer transactions cleared through another broker-dealer on a fully disclosed basis. In addition, our assets at the clearing broker-dealer are treated as allowable assets for net capital purposes as we have in place PAIB agreements pursuant to Rule 15c3-3. These requirements also provide that equity capital may not be withdrawn, advances to affiliates may not be made or cash dividends paid if certain minimum net capital requirements are not met. G.research had net capital, as defined, of $3,490,673 and $4,618,033, exceeding the required amount of $250,000 by $3,240,673 and $4,368,033 at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
L. Subsequent Events
The Company has evaluated subsequent events for adjustment to or disclosure through April 5, 2021, the date of this report and the Company has not identified any subsequent events not otherwise reported in these financial statements or the notes thereto, that required recognition or additional disclosures in the financial statements.
Index

---

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ITEM 9:
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.

---

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 9A:
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company maintains a system of disclosure controls and procedures that is designed to provide reasonable assurance that information, which is required to be timely disclosed, is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported to management within the time periods specified in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act. The Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report, have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and are effective to provide reasonable assurance that such information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Morgan Group management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act. Management, with the participation of the principal executive officer and under the supervision of the principal financial officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of Morgan’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 as required by Rule 13a-15(c) of the Exchange Act. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective internal control over financial reporting controls can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives. In making its assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting, the Company used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework 2013.
Based on its evaluation, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2020, the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting. This annual report does not include an audit attestation report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm due to the rules of the SEC for non-accelerated filers.

---

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B:
OTHER INFORMATION
None.
Index
PART III

---

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
ITEM 10:
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The following information provides the name, business address, principal occupation, employment history positions, offices or employments for the past five years and ages as of March 30, 2021 for our executive officers and directors. The business address of our officers and directors is 401 Theodore Fremd Avenue, Rye, NY 10583.
Executive Officers
Name
Age
Title
Vincent M. Amabile, Jr.
President
Joseph L. Fernandez
Executive Vice President-Finance
The biographical information of each of our executive officers is included below under the caption “Board of Directors”
Board of Directors
Under Delaware law, the business and affairs of the Company will be managed under the direction of our Board. Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that the number of directors may be fixed by our Board from time to time. Members of the Board are elected and serve for one year terms or until their successors are elected qualify. As of March 30, 2021, our Board consists of the individuals listed below (ages as of March 30, 2021).
Name
Age
Vincent M. Amabile, Jr.
Joseph L. Fernandez
Cornelius V. McGinitiy
The present principal occupation or employment and five-year employment history of each of our directors is set forth below:
Vincent M. Amabile, Jr. Mr. Amabile assumed the office of president upon consummation of the Merger and is our principal executive officer. Mr. Amabile was appointed president of G.research during August 2019 and prior thereto he was employed as an institutional trader at G.research since 2003 and has been registered as a general securities principal of G.research since 2006. Prior to joining G.research, Mr. Amabile worked on the trading desk of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated from June 2000 and December 2002. Mr. Amabile has served as a director of City College Fund, a non-profit fundraising organization established to benefit students and scholars at the City University of New York, since 2010. Mr. Amabile earned his B.S. from Fairfield University in 2000.
The Board believes that Mr. Amabile’s qualifications to serve on the Board include his two decades career as a trader and his long tenure with G.research, including his service as a general securities principal since 2006, which Board believes will give him unique insight into the brokerage operations of the Company after the Merger.
Joseph L. Fernandez. Mr. Fernandez assumed the office of executive vice president-finance upon consummation of the Merger and is our principal financial officer. He has served as the financial operations principal and controller of G.research since June 2019. From September 2018 to May 2019, Mr. Fernandez was employed as a registered representative of Templum Markets LLC. Prior to that time, he was an independent consultant. From July 2014 to September 2016, Mr. Fernandez served as a managing director of finance for BNY Capital Markets, LLC. Earlier in his career commencing in 2007, Mr. Fernandez was employed at various brokerage houses, including Morgan Stanley, after concluding his ten year tenure beginning in 1997 with ICAP plc as a controller for the firm’s various broker-dealers and Latin America operations. Mr. Fernandez earned his BBA from Pace University in 1986.
Index
The Board believes that Mr. Fernandez’s qualifications to serve on the Board include his over thirty year career in the brokerage industry, including his service as a senior financial and accounting executive, most recently financial operations principal and controller of G.research, which Board believes will bring deep understanding of the financial and accounting affairs of the Company after the Merger.
Cornelius V. McGiniity. Mr. McGinity had previously served as President of G.research since 2012. Previously he was a Managing Director, Institutional Sales at Knight Capital Group for fifteen years. Prior to joining Knight, he was an institutional sales trader at Cantor Fitzgerald from 1994-1997; and an equity trader with several wire houses, including Merrill Lynch and Smith Barney. A native of Long Island, New York, Mr. McGinity is a graduate of Villanova University.
Corporate Governance
Code of Conduct
Our Board has adopted a corporate code of conduct that is applicable to our directors, officers and employees with additional requirements for our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, and will post a copy of which is available on our corporate website at https://morgangroupholdingco.com Any shareholder may also obtain a copy of the code of conduct upon request. Shareholders may address a written request for a printed copy of the code of conduct to our secretary at our principal executive offices following the Merger, Morgan Group Holding Co., One Corporate Center, 401 Theodore Fremd Avenue, Rye, NY 10580. We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement regarding any amendment to, or a waiver of, a provision of the Code of Conduct by posting such information on our website.
Committees of Our Board
We presently do not have an audit committee, compensation committee, nominating committee, an executive committee of our Board, stock plan committee or any other committees. Currently, our full Board serves as the audit committee and approves, when applicable, the appointment of auditors and the inclusion of financial statements in our periodic reports.
Legal Proceedings
None of directors and executive officers has been involved in legal proceedings that would be material to an evaluation of our management.
Index

---

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 11:
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth information about compensation for our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer (collectively, the “named executive officers”). These named executive officers were employed by G.research during 2019 and 2020, as result the compensation table reflects compensation received connection with such employment.
Summary Compensation Table
Name and Principal Position
Year
Salary
Bonus
All Other Compensation
Total
($)
($)
($)
($)
Vincent M. Amabile, Jr. Principal Executive Officer
168,750
-
47,254
216,004
170,000
22,820
192,820
Joseph L. Fernandez Principal Financial Officer (2)
105,000
-
-
105,000
180,000
25,000
-
205,000
(1) Represents a share of brokerage commissions earned by G.research.
(2) Mr. Fernandez joined G.research as an officer on June 1, 2019.
Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table
The Board of Morgan Group reviewed and approved the compensation paid to Mr. Amabile. The compensation reflects Mr. Amabile’s contributions to the Company and is reviewed no less than annually by the Company.
Index

---

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
ITEM 12:
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The following table sets forth information with respect to the anticipated beneficial ownership of our Common Stock by:
•
each stockholder who beneficially owns more than 5% of our Common Stock;
•
each executive officer;
•
each director; and
•
all of our executive officers and directors as a group.
We have based the percentage of class amounts set forth below on each indicated person’s beneficial ownership of our Common Stock on 600,090 shares outstanding on December 31, 2020.
Number of Shares Beneficially
Owned
Percentage of Shares
Beneficially Owned
Name of Beneficial Owner
5% or More Stockholders
Mario J. Gabelli (1)
443,681
73.94%
Directors and Executive Officers
Vincent M. Amabile, Jr.
50,000
8.33%
Joseph L. Fernandez
-
-
Cornelius V. McGinity
-
-
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (3 persons)
50,000
8.33%
(1)
ACG indirectly owns 500,000 shares of our Common Stock, representing approximately 83.3% of the outstanding shares of our Common Stock. Based upon information previously filed with the SEC, Mario J. Gabelli controls approximately 95.17% of the voting power over ACG and through this controlling interest power over ACG may be deemed to beneficially own the 500,000 shares of our Common Stock owned by ACG. Mr. Gabelli, directly and indirectly through a partnership of which he serves as general partner, beneficially owns 6,505 shares of our Common Stock, representing approximately 1.1% of the outstanding shares. Mr. Gabelli also beneficially owns 17,352 shares of our Common Stock, representing approximately 2.9% of the outstanding shares, held indirectly through LICT Corporation for which Mr. Gabelli currently serves as chief executive officer and owns approximately 39.2% of its outstanding common stock. Following the Spin-Off, (i) GGCP, Inc., a privately held company for which Mr. Gabelli is the chief executive officer, a director and controlling shareholder, will beneficially own approximately 412,638 shares of our Common Stock, representing approximately 68.76% of the outstanding shares, (ii) Mr. Gabelli will, directly and indirectly through the aforementioned partnership, beneficially own approximately 13,690 shares of our Common Stock, representing approximately 2.28% of the outstanding shares, (iii) and LICT Corporation will beneficially own 17,352 shares of our Common Stock, representing approximately 2.89% of the outstanding shares.

---

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 13:
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
As of December 31, 2020, Mario J. Gabelli and his affiliates beneficially own approximately 73.94% of our Common Stock.
Index
G.research has provided research and brokerage services to affiliates of GAMCO in the ordinary course of business for standard compensatory fees and commission. G.research earned $2.6 million and $4.9 million, or approximately 64% and 76%, of its commission revenue for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, from transactions executed on behalf of clients advised by affiliates of GAMCO. G.research earned $1.5 million for research service fees for 2019. The research services agreements were terminated effective as of January 1, 2020.
Pursuant to that certain transitional administrative and management services agreement, dated as of November 30, 2015, by and between GAMCO and AC, GAMCO provides AC with the specified services which are in turn directly or indirectly provided to the Company pursuant to expense sharing agreements with GAMCO, ACG and a subsidiary of ACG as discussed below. The principal services GAMCO provides to us are:
•
accounting, financial reporting and consolidation services;
•
treasury services, including, without limitation, insurance and risk management services and administration of benefits;
•
tax planning, tax return preparation, recordkeeping and reporting services;
•
human resources, including but not limited to the sourcing of permanent and temporary employees as needed, recordkeeping, performance reviews and terminations;
•
legal and compliance advice;
•
technical/technology consulting; and
•
operations and general administrative assistance, including office space, office equipment and furniture, payroll, procurement, and administrative personnel.
G.research has entered the following expense sharing agreements pursuant to which it has received and will receive services directly or indirectly from GAMCO, ACG or GCIA.
•
Amended and Restated Expense Sharing Agreement, dated as of November 23, 2016, between G.research, LLC and GAMCO Investors, Inc. Pursuant this agreement, GAMCO provides the services of shared employees, the cost and expense of which are determined pursuant to an allocation schedule that is periodically reviewed.
•
Amended and Restated Expense Sharing Agreement, dated as of November 23, 2016, between G.research, LLC and Gabelli & Company Investment Advisers, Inc. Pursuant this agreement, GCIA provides payroll services and the services of shared employees, the cost and expense of which are determined pursuant to an allocation schedule that is periodically reviewed.
•
Expense Sharing Agreement, dated as of November 23, 2016, between G.research, LLC and Associated Capital Group, Inc. Pursuant this agreement, ACG provides G.research with shared office space, general administrative assistance, information technology support and health insurance coverage, the cost and expense of which are determined pursuant to an allocation schedule that is periodically reviewed.
G.research has licensed on a non-exclusive and royalty free basis, the Private Market Value with a Catalyst™ service mark owned by GAMCO, for use in connection with the marketing of G.research’s services. The license agreement is terminable by GAMCO on 30 days prior written notice.
As required by ACG’s Code of Ethics, ACG staff members are required to maintain their brokerage accounts at G.research unless they receive permission to maintain an outside account. G.research offers all of these staff members the opportunity to engage in brokerage transactions at discounted rates. Accordingly, many of ACG’s staff members, including the executive officers or entities controlled by them, have brokerage accounts at G.research and have engaged in securities transactions through it at discounted rates.
Our directors, Mr. Amabile and Mr. Fernandez are, respectively, President and Executive Vice President, Financial Operations of G,research, our wholly-owned subsidiary
Index

---

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 14:
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Audit Fees 2020
a.
RSM US LLP audit fees for 2020 are expected to total $80,000.
b.
The aggregate fees billed by Deloitte for professional services rendered for in connection with 2020 planning billed was $26,000.
c.
The aggregate fees billed by Deloitte in connection with the review of the of the Company’s quarterly filings were $90,000.
Audit Fees 2019
a.
The aggregate fees billed by Deloitte for professional services rendered for the audit of the Company’s 2019 financial statements was $270,898.
b.
Audit-Related Fees: No audit-related fees were billed by Deloitte for 2019. For 2020 the aggregate audit-related fees billed by Deloitte in connection with the filing of the Company’s S-1 amendment were $40,000.
c.
Tax Fees: No tax fees were billed by Deloitte for 2019.
d.
All Other Fees: No other fees were billed by Deloitte for 2019 for services other than as set forth above.
PART IV

---

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15:
EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) List of documents filed as part of this Report:
(1) Consolidated Financial Statements and Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Reports included herein:
See Index on page 11.
(2) Financial Statement Schedules
Financial statement schedules are omitted as not required or not applicable or because the information is included in the Financial Statements or notes thereto.
(3) List of Exhibits:
The agreements included or incorporated by reference as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K contain representations and warranties by each of the parties to the applicable agreement. These representations and warranties were made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement and (i) were not intended to be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate; (ii) may have been qualified in such agreement by disclosures that were made to the other party in connection with the negotiation of the applicable agreement; (iii) may apply contract standards of “materiality” that are different from “materiality” under the applicable securities laws; and (iv) were made only as of the date of the applicable agreement or such other date or dates as may be specified in the agreement.
Index
The Company acknowledges that, notwithstanding the inclusion of the foregoing cautionary statements, it is responsible for considering whether additional specific disclosures of material information regarding material contractual provisions are required to make the statements in this report not misleading.
Exhibit
Number
Description of Exhibit
3.1
Certificate of Incorporation of the Company. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K dated February, 29, 2019 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26, 2019).
3.2
Bylaws of the Company. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K dated February, 26, 2019 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26, 2019).
10.1
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 31, 2019, by and among Morgan Group Holding Co., G.R. acquisition, LLC, G.research, LLC, Institutional Services Holdings, LLC and Associated Capital Group, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Morgan Group Holding Co. filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 6, 2019).
10.2
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2019, by and among Morgan Group Holding Co. and the investors signatory thereto (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Morgan Group Holding Co. filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 6, 2019).
10.3
Amended and Restated Expense Sharing Agreement, dated as of November 23, 2016, between G.research, LLC and GAMCO Investors, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Morgan Group Holding Co. filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 6, 2019).
10.4
Amended and Restated Expense Sharing Agreement, dated as of November 23, 2016, between G.research, LLC and Gabelli & Company Investment Advisers, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Morgan Group Holding Co. filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 6, 2019).
10.5
Expense Sharing Agreement, dated as of November 23, 2016, between G.research, LLC and Associated Capital Group, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Morgan Group Holding Co. filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 6, 2019).
10.6
License Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2019, between G.research, LLC and GAMCO Investors, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Morgan Group Holding Co. filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 6, 2019).
21.1
Subsidiary of the Company.
24.1
Powers of Attorney (included on page 36 of this Report).
31.1
Certification of CEO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
31.2
Certification of CFO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
32.1
Certification of CEO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2
Certification of CFO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document