显示标签为“enterprise”的博文。显示所有博文
显示标签为“enterprise”的博文。显示所有博文

2012年2月24日星期五

Anxiety to repay biz loans may weaken DOLE program

by Jeremaiah M. Opiniano, OFW Journalism Consortium
PASAY CITY – A months-old program handing out business loans to returning migrant workers does not require collateral from borrowers, and a finance expert thinks borrowers might encounter uneasiness to repay these loans.
The P2 billion Reintegration Fund for returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) hands out loans ranging from P200,000 to P2 million to existing migrant entrepreneurs. But microfinance specialist Jun Perez is worried that required documents returning OFWs must present and frequently show might give borrowers hesitation to repay.
The context here, said the managing director of the microfinance network Seed Finance Corp., is the size of the enterprises vis-à-vis returning OFWs’ abilities to repay.
The loan range implies that borrowers run small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Meanwhile, lenders Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) will require OFW borrowers to show documents related to their enterprises, such as purchase orders and titles to equipment purchased. There’s no collateral required for this loan program.
And this is where Perez’s view comes in about borrowers’ “compunction,” or a person’s strong uneasiness caused by a sense of guilt.
Borrowers running SMEs have to title their properties just to secure their loans, though the situation might not be applicable to those running sari-sari (small retail) stores or buy-and-sell ventures. Titling these properties entails costs, in the hope that with the titling the enterprise grows. With such growth the enterprise will now institutionalize having purchase orders (like sari-sari stores) like what usual businesses have.
Then the uneasiness comes in since running the business, producing the titles and business-related documents, and repaying the loans all come into play for the OFW borrower. In such a situation, the scheme of not requiring collateral for these SME loans “might be disadvantageous to the banks (DBP and LBP),” Perez said.
The Reintegration Fund represents the new scheme of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) to hand out livelihood loans to overseas workers. No less than President Aquino III ordered the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to roll out this program.
But years of previous livelihood programs handled by OWWA, whether handled alone or in collaboration with financial institutions such as the National Livelihood Development Corp. (NLDC), have histories of high non-repayment rates by OFW borrowers.
Risks
The fund has P0.5 billion each from Land Bank and DBP, as well as a guarantee amount of P1 billion from OWWA (the world’s largest migrant welfare fund whose resources come from US$25 membership fees that departing overseas workers pay on a per-contract basis).
Officials of Land Bank and DBP explained during the fund’s launch months ago that both banks will offer an interest rate of only 7.5 percent to each of the loans, payable from two to seven years.
The loans, said Land Bank’s Cressida Mendoza and DBP’s Brillo Reynes during the congress, will make up 80 percent of the total capital needed by the enterprise. There’s also a catch: The businesses to be financed by these loans “must be earning”.
That way, said Mendoza, the situation “will be mutually beneficial to the OFW and to the bank”.
NRCO director Vivian Tornea said in a DOLE release that while there’s no collateral, loan applicants must “guarantee the business enterprise… is viable and profitable —or earning, say, like P10,000 a month”.
Actually, Perez and another development finance expert, Hector de Pedro of the nonprofit Mandato Inc., think both LBP and DBP have proven track records in handing out these reintegration loans.
It’s just that the image of these banks as part of the “government” that worries both Perez and de Pedro. Government-run lending programs “fail,” de Pedro thinks, because “the (word) government is literally synonymous to the word dole out —and the approaches of some agencies do not breed entrepreneurs”.
Thus, Perez said the Reintegration Fund’s implementation “must maintain the discipline and conviction that it must be sustainable, thus must support clearly-viable or potentially viable (enterprises) with community impact”.
Not surprisingly, the Reintegration Fund leaves those OFWs planning to launch start-up enterprises by the wayside—similar to how banks offer loans to existing ventures (but not to start-ups).
The upside of this regulation by DBP and LBP is that government invests its loan resources on proven practices, and that means all figures are (easily) given. Still, new business models coming from OFW enterprise start-ups may not be developed “because there is no support,” said de Pedro.
Repayment
The issue of repayment has haunted previous livelihood programs of OWWA, the most recent of which was the loans OWWA and the NRCO issued to OFWs displaced by the global economic crisis in 2009.
Previous OWWA and NRCO programs on reintegration saw OWWA directly providing these services, especially loans (even if OWWA is not a quasi-financial institution). OWWA also has a running Livelihood Development Program for OFWs (LDPO), in coordination with the National Livelihood Development Corporation —though information is not available on the nationally-run loan program’s repayment performance.
During a press conference after the fund’s launch, Labor Undersecretary Danilo Cruz told the OFW Journalism Consortium that OWWA “will exert extra efforts” to monitor borrowers’ repayment of their loans. Handling loans “is not OWWA’s forte,” Cruz adds, justifying DOLE’s partnership with LandBank and DBP. The partnership sees OWWA’s share to the Reintegration Fund as a guarantee fund in case of non-repayment, Cruz told reporters during a press conference.
LDPO has its own repayment woes. For example, officials of a cooperative in central Philippines that is a conduit of LDPO loans said there is a “high” non-repayment rate among their OFW borrowers. The conduit, the Philippine Cooperative Central Fund Federation, then conducted a financial education and business assessment seminar to some of its borrowers so that the latter are told how to handle the capital they have.
For migrant civil society advocates like Carmelita Nuqui of the Development Action for Women Network (DAWN), the reintegration fund’s regulations are “different from what the government says in public”. Loans for returning migrants, Nuqui says, are available “but why can’t overseas Filipino workers get them right away if these are really for them?” OFW Journalism Consortium
http://tourism9.com/    http://vkins.com/

2012年2月13日星期一

Marin Software Raises $30 Million Funding

SAN FRANCISCO, CA–(Marketwire -02/13/12)- According to eMarketer, by 2015 advertisers will spend $132.1 billion annually for online advertising. Advertisers are increasing their investment in online advertising across multiple channels to drive greater lead generation, customer acquisition, and revenue. This activity is fueling the expanding adoption of Marin Software’s ad management and optimization platform. During the last year, Marin nearly doubled its customer base to 1,500 as well as the amount of annual spend managed on its platform to $3.5 billion. In the wake of Marin’s success, Asia investment company Temasek led a $30 million round of funding along with SAP Ventures. Joining the new investors in this oversubscribed round were existing Marin venture investors Benchmark Capital, Crosslink Capital, DAG Ventures, and Triangle Peak Partners.
Following Marin Software‘s year of rapid international expansion, customer growth, and product innovation, and the closing of the recent financing, Frank van Veenendaal, President of Worldwide Sales and Services at salesforce.com, has joined Marin Software’s Board of Directors.
Marin Software’s Dramatic Growth:

http://tourism9.cm/    http://vkins.com/
  • Since its inception in 2006, Marin Software has grown into the premier provider of advertising management solutions worldwide. Marin currently serves clients in 160 countries with 25 currencies, increasing its international footprint in the last year with the opening of offices in Singapore, France, Australia, and Germany.
  • More than 1,500 of the world’s leading advertisers and agencies manage $3.5 billion in annualized online ad spend through Marin Software. Within the last few months, Hotels.com, Brookstone, Coupons Inc., Rosetta, and Reprise Media have selected Marin’s platform to manage their search, display and social advertising campaigns. Longstanding Marin customers include iProspect, Neo@Ogilvy, Razorfish, Macy’s, Experian, and University of Phoenix.
  • Spurred by increasing demand for its products worldwide, Marin Software hired more than 100 new employees during 2011.
Marin Software Funding:
  • To date, Marin Software has raised more than $80 million in venture funding. Marin plans to invest this new capital to bolster product development, customer support, and service delivery worldwide.
  • Temasek is an Asia investment company headquartered in Singapore, with a diversified S$193 billion portfolio as of March 31, 2011, concentrated principally in Singapore, Asia and growth markets. Through its partnership with Temasek, Marin Software will be able to accelerate its growth across Asia and other emerging markets.
  • With the investment from SAP Ventures, which is affiliated with SAP AG, the market leader in enterprise application software, Marin Software will have the opportunity to leverage the experience and resources of SAP and its extensive ecosystem to help further Marin’s business momentum.
Marin Software Board of Directors:
  • Attracted by Marin Software’s exceptional growth and industry leadership, Frank van Veenendaal, President of Worldwide Sales and Services at salesforce.com, has joined the Marin Software Board of Directors. Van Veenendaal joined salesforce.com when it had less than $20 million in annual revenue and has since led salesforce.com to its current annual sales run rate of more than $2.3 billion.
  • van Veenendaal’s extensive experience will prove invaluable as Marin expands its global sales and services programs.
  • Marin Software’s Board of Directors includes Chris Lien, Founder and CEO of Marin Software; Paul Auvil, CFO at Proofpoint, Inc.; Bruce Dunlevie, General Partner at Benchmark Capital; and Donald Hutchison, advisor and investor.
Quotes:
  • “I am pleased to welcome Temasek and SAP Ventures as investors in Marin Software,” said Christopher Lien, Founder and CEO of Marin Software. “Temasek brings unrivalled experience and capabilities in Asian and emerging markets, which will benefit Marin’s international development. Support from SAP Ventures and relationships with the SAP global ecosystem will further accelerate Marin’s growth around the world.”
  • “We are honored to have Frank van Veenendaal join Marin’s Board of Directors, as he has written the global playbook on world-class SaaS sales and services execution during his tenure at salesforce.com,” said Lien. “The entire Marin team looks forward to benefiting from his expertise and counsel as we further develop Marin’s position as the global leader in online advertising management.”
  • “Marin Software has built incredible momentum in a short amount of time to become a leading provider of ad management solutions, helping advertisers and agencies wring more ROI out of every ad buy,” said Frank van Veenendaal, President of Worldwide Sales and Services at salesforce.com. “The traction Marin has gained in the global marketplace reminds me of the early days of salesforce.com, and I look forward to working hand-in-hand with the executive team as the company cements its leadership worldwide.”
Resources:About Marin Software
About Temasek
About SAP Ventures
About Frank van Veenendaal
Follow Marin Software on Twitter
About Temasek:
Incorporated in 1974, Temasek is an Asia investment company headquartered in Singapore. Supported by 12 affiliates and offices in Asia and Latin America, Temasek owns a diversified S$193 billion portfolio as at 31 March 2011, concentrated principally in Singapore, Asia and growth markets. Temasek’s investment themes centre on Transforming Economies, Growing Middle Income Populations, Deepening Comparative Advantages and Emerging Champions. Its portfolio covers a broad spectrum of industries: financial services; transportation & industrials; telecommunications, media & technology; life sciences, consumer & real estate; energy & resources. Total shareholder return for Temasek since its inception in 1974 has been a healthy 17% compounded annually. It has a corporate credit rating of AAA/Aaa from rating agencies Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s respectively. For further information on Temasek, please visit www.temasek.com.sg.
About SAP Ventures:SAP Ventures is an independent investment firm affiliated with SAP AG (NYSE: SAP – News), the global market leader in enterprise application software, and we leverage our relationships with SAP and its global ecosystem for the benefit of portfolio companies. We make growth equity and later-stage investments in market-leading technology companies across North America, Europe, and key emerging markets. Over the last 15 years, SAP Ventures has supported more than 100 companies across five continents. Past investments include Commerce One, Endeca, Greenplum, MySQL, Red Hat, and WebEx. Current portfolio companies include Alfresco, Alteryx, Control4, LinkedIn, Lithium, OnDeck, OpenX, SAVO, Spring Wireless, Tealeaf, Tremor Media, and Zend. For more information on SAP Ventures, please visit www.sapventures.com.
About Marin Software:Marin Software is a leading provider of online advertising management solutions, offering an integrated platform for managing search, social, display, and mobile marketing. The company provides solutions for advertisers and agencies, enabling them to improve financial performance, save time, and make better decisions. Marin Enterprise, the company’s flagship product, addresses the needs of online marketers spending at least $100,000 per month on biddable media. Marin Professional delivers the same power and ease of use as Marin Enterprise, through an application designed for marketers spending less than $100,000 per month. Headquartered in San Francisco, with offices worldwide, Marin’s technology powers marketing campaigns for over 1,500 customers managing more than $3.5 billion of annualized ad spend in more than 160 countries. For more information, please visit: http://www.marinsoftware.com.
Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1884165

Marin Software Raises $30 Million Funding

SAN FRANCISCO, CA–(Marketwire -02/13/12)- According to eMarketer, by 2015 advertisers will spend $132.1 billion annually for online advertising. Advertisers are increasing their investment in online advertising across multiple channels to drive greater lead generation, customer acquisition, and revenue. This activity is fueling the expanding adoption of Marin Software’s ad management and optimization platform. During the last year, Marin nearly doubled its customer base to 1,500 as well as the amount of annual spend managed on its platform to $3.5 billion. In the wake of Marin’s success, Asia investment company Temasek led a $30 million round of funding along with SAP Ventures. Joining the new investors in this oversubscribed round were existing Marin venture investors Benchmark Capital, Crosslink Capital, DAG Ventures, and Triangle Peak Partners.
Following Marin Software’s year of rapid international expansion, customer growth, and product innovation, and the closing of the recent financing, Frank van Veenendaal, President of Worldwide Sales and Services at salesforce.com, has joined Marin Software’s Board of Directors.
Marin Software’s Dramatic Growth:

http://tourism9.cm/    http://vkins.com/
  • Since its inception in 2006, Marin Software has grown into the premier provider of advertising management solutions worldwide. Marin currently serves clients in 160 countries with 25 currencies, increasing its international footprint in the last year with the opening of offices in Singapore, France, Australia, and Germany.
  • More than 1,500 of the world’s leading advertisers and agencies manage $3.5 billion in annualized online ad spend through Marin Software. Within the last few months, Hotels.com, Brookstone, Coupons Inc., Rosetta, and Reprise Media have selected Marin’s platform to manage their search, display and social advertising campaigns. Longstanding Marin customers include iProspect, Neo@Ogilvy, Razorfish, Macy’s, Experian, and University of Phoenix.
  • Spurred by increasing demand for its products worldwide, Marin Software hired more than 100 new employees during 2011.
Marin Software Funding:
  • To date, Marin Software has raised more than $80 million in venture funding. Marin plans to invest this new capital to bolster product development, customer support, and service delivery worldwide.
  • Temasek is an Asia investment company headquartered in Singapore, with a diversified S$193 billion portfolio as of March 31, 2011, concentrated principally in Singapore, Asia and growth markets. Through its partnership with Temasek, Marin Software will be able to accelerate its growth across Asia and other emerging markets.
  • With the investment from SAP Ventures, which is affiliated with SAP AG, the market leader in enterprise application software, Marin Software will have the opportunity to leverage the experience and resources of SAP and its extensive ecosystem to help further Marin’s business momentum.
Marin Software Board of Directors:
  • Attracted by Marin Software’s exceptional growth and industry leadership, Frank van Veenendaal, President of Worldwide Sales and Services at salesforce.com, has joined the Marin Software Board of Directors. Van Veenendaal joined salesforce.com when it had less than $20 million in annual revenue and has since led salesforce.com to its current annual sales run rate of more than $2.3 billion.
  • van Veenendaal’s extensive experience will prove invaluable as Marin expands its global sales and services programs.
  • Marin Software’s Board of Directors includes Chris Lien, Founder and CEO of Marin Software; Paul Auvil, CFO at Proofpoint, Inc.; Bruce Dunlevie, General Partner at Benchmark Capital; and Donald Hutchison, advisor and investor.
Quotes:
  • “I am pleased to welcome Temasek and SAP Ventures as investors in Marin Software,” said Christopher Lien, Founder and CEO of Marin Software. “Temasek brings unrivalled experience and capabilities in Asian and emerging markets, which will benefit Marin’s international development. Support from SAP Ventures and relationships with the SAP global ecosystem will further accelerate Marin’s growth around the world.”
  • “We are honored to have Frank van Veenendaal join Marin’s Board of Directors, as he has written the global playbook on world-class SaaS sales and services execution during his tenure at salesforce.com,” said Lien. “The entire Marin team looks forward to benefiting from his expertise and counsel as we further develop Marin’s position as the global leader in online advertising management.”
  • “Marin Software has built incredible momentum in a short amount of time to become a leading provider of ad management solutions, helping advertisers and agencies wring more ROI out of every ad buy,” said Frank van Veenendaal, President of Worldwide Sales and Services at salesforce.com. “The traction Marin has gained in the global marketplace reminds me of the early days of salesforce.com, and I look forward to working hand-in-hand with the executive team as the company cements its leadership worldwide.”
Resources:About Marin Software
About Temasek
About SAP Ventures
About Frank van Veenendaal
Follow Marin Software on Twitter
About Temasek:
Incorporated in 1974, Temasek is an Asia investment company headquartered in Singapore. Supported by 12 affiliates and offices in Asia and Latin America, Temasek owns a diversified S$193 billion portfolio as at 31 March 2011, concentrated principally in Singapore, Asia and growth markets. Temasek’s investment themes centre on Transforming Economies, Growing Middle Income Populations, Deepening Comparative Advantages and Emerging Champions. Its portfolio covers a broad spectrum of industries: financial services; transportation & industrials; telecommunications, media & technology; life sciences, consumer & real estate; energy & resources. Total shareholder return for Temasek since its inception in 1974 has been a healthy 17% compounded annually. It has a corporate credit rating of AAA/Aaa from rating agencies Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s respectively. For further information on Temasek, please visit www.temasek.com.sg.
About SAP Ventures:SAP Ventures is an independent investment firm affiliated with SAP AG (NYSE: SAP – News), the global market leader in enterprise application software, and we leverage our relationships with SAP and its global ecosystem for the benefit of portfolio companies. We make growth equity and later-stage investments in market-leading technology companies across North America, Europe, and key emerging markets. Over the last 15 years, SAP Ventures has supported more than 100 companies across five continents. Past investments include Commerce One, Endeca, Greenplum, MySQL, Red Hat, and WebEx. Current portfolio companies include Alfresco, Alteryx, Control4, LinkedIn, Lithium, OnDeck, OpenX, SAVO, Spring Wireless, Tealeaf, Tremor Media, and Zend. For more information on SAP Ventures, please visit www.sapventures.com.
About Marin Software:Marin Software is a leading provider of online advertising management solutions, offering an integrated platform for managing search, social, display, and mobile marketing. The company provides solutions for advertisers and agencies, enabling them to improve financial performance, save time, and make better decisions. Marin Enterprise, the company’s flagship product, addresses the needs of online marketers spending at least $100,000 per month on biddable media. Marin Professional delivers the same power and ease of use as Marin Enterprise, through an application designed for marketers spending less than $100,000 per month. Headquartered in San Francisco, with offices worldwide, Marin’s technology powers marketing campaigns for over 1,500 customers managing more than $3.5 billion of annualized ad spend in more than 160 countries. For more information, please visit: http://www.marinsoftware.com.
Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1884165

2012年2月1日星期三

Robbins Umeda LLP Announces the Investigation of Enterprise Financial Services Corporation

SAN DIEGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Shareholder rights firm Robbins Umeda LLP has commenced an investigation into possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of federal securities law by certain officers and directors at Enterprise Financial Services Corporation (NASDAQ: EFSC – News). Concerned shareholders who would like more information about their rights and potential remedies can contact attorney Gregory E. Del Gaizo at (800) 350-6003, info@robbinsumeda.com, or via the shareholder information form on the firm’s website.
On January 25, 2012, Enterprise Financial announced that it will restate its financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010 and for the first three quarters of 2011 and 2010. This restatement was a result of an accounting error that resulted in an overstatement of income on loans covered by The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation loss share agreements. The Company’s Audit Committee concluded that these annual and quarterly financial statements, report on internal controls, and the report of its independent registered accounting firm should no longer be relied upon as a result of this overstatement of income. In particular, the Company plans to restate its financial statements included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K as of and for the year ended December 31, 2010, and the interim financial statements included in its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q as of and for the first three quarters of 2010 and 2011. As a result of the restatement, based on current estimates, the company expects diluted earnings per share for 2010 to be between $0.20 and $0.25, compared to the originally reported earnings per share of $0.45.
Robbins Umeda LLP is a nationally recognized leader in securities litigation and shareholder rights law. The firm represents individual and institutional investors in shareholder derivative and securities class action lawsuits, and has helped its clients realize more than $1 billion of value for themselves and the companies in which they have invested. For more information, please go to http://www.robbinsumeda.com.
Press release link:  
http://tourism9.com/    http://vkins.com/

2012年1月27日星期五

Piper Jaffray Companies Announces 2011 Fourth Quarter and Full-Year Results

MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Piper Jaffray Companies (NYSE: PJC – News) today announced non-GAAP net income of $2.1 million(1), or $0.11(1) per diluted common share, for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2011. On a GAAP basis, the net loss was $116.4 million, or $7.38 per diluted common share. The non-GAAP figures exclude the $118.4 million after-tax goodwill impairment charge that the firm disclosed on Jan. 10. For the fourth quarter of 2010, net income was $9.4 million, or $0.49 per diluted common share. For the third quarter of 2011, results were a net loss of $3.6 million, or $0.23 per diluted common share.
Net revenues for the fourth quarter of 2011 were $99.2 million, compared to a record of $176.4 million in the year-ago period, and $98.2 million for the third quarter of 2011.
“It was a difficult second half to 2011, and our fourth quarter results were similar to the third quarter, with modest profitability(1),” said Andrew S. Duff, chairman and chief executive officer. “Asset management and investment banking revenues improved compared to the third quarter, and M&A revenues, while down, were solid. Institutional brokerage revenues were lower.”
Duff added “We navigated reasonably well against a challenging and volatile operating environment in 2011, achieving positive pre-tax earnings in each quarter during the year, on a non-GAAP basis(1). We remain focused on our key objective to increase the proportion of higher-margin, higher-return businesses—public finance, M&A and asset management— in order to improve our return on equity. We remain committed to our strategy to accomplish this goal and we executed against it in 2011: 1) made solid progress in building a national public finance franchise; 2) selectively added M&A talent and transitioned European investment banking operations to an M&A-only model; and 3) maintained competitive performance in key investment strategies, and grew mutual fund and MLP assets. As we head into 2012, we are well-positioned to serve our clients and compete in the marketplace.”
Fourth Quarter
Consolidated Expenses
For the fourth quarter of 2011, compensation and benefits expenses were $63.9 million, down 40 percent compared to $106.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. The decrease was primarily due to lower performance. Compensation and benefits expenses decreased 2 percent compared to the third quarter of 2011.
For the fourth quarter of 2011, compensation and benefits expenses as a percentage of net revenues were 64.4 percent, compared to 60.3 percent for the fourth quarter of 2010. The increase was primarily due to the impact of fixed components of compensation costs on a reduced revenue base. The compensation ratio declined from 66.5 percent in the third quarter of 2011, mainly due to lower variable compensation.
On a non-GAAP basis, non-compensation expenses were $33.7(2) million for the fourth quarter, down 28 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2010. On a GAAP basis, non-compensation expenses were $154.0 million. The decrease on a non-GAAP basis was attributable to a $9.5 million restructuring charge recorded in the year-ago period and actions implemented during 2011 to reduce costs given the current operating environment. Non-GAAP, non-compensation expenses increased 3 percent compared to the third quarter of 2011.
Fourth Quarter
Business Segment Results
The firm has two reportable business segments: Capital Markets and Asset Management. Consolidated net revenues and expenses are fully allocated to these two segments.
Capital Markets
For the fourth quarter, Capital Markets recorded a non-GAAP, pre-tax operating loss of $3.1 million(3), compared to pre-tax operating income of $16.1 million in the year-ago period and a pre-tax operating loss of $0.4 million in the third quarter of 2011. On a GAAP basis, this segment generated a pre-tax operating loss of $123.4 million.
Net revenues were $80.4 million, down 47 percent compared to the year-ago period, which was very strong across all products. Revenues declined 5 percent compared to the sequential third quarter, with stronger investment banking results more than offset by lower institutional brokerage performance.
  • Equity financing revenues of $17.0 million decreased 60 percent compared to the very strong fourth quarter of 2010. Industry-wide equity market volatility and uncertainty curtailed capital raising, particularly IPOs, in the U.S. and in Hong Kong. Revenues increased 146 percent compared to the low results in the third quarter of 2011, primarily driven by higher revenues in the U.S. and, to a lesser extent, Hong Kong.
  • Fixed income financing revenues were $15.2 million, down 24 percent compared to the robust fourth quarter of 2010. Revenues increased 37 percent compared to the third quarter of 2011, driven by an increase in completed public finance transactions with higher average revenue per transaction.
  • Advisory services revenues were $19.8 million, down 43 percent compared to the very strong year-ago period, and down 27 percent compared to the third quarter of 2011. The declines were due to a smaller transaction size and a lower transaction fee, on average.
  • Equity institutional brokerage revenues were $21.9 million, down 21 percent and 7 percent, compared to the fourth quarter of 2010 and the third quarter of 2011, respectively. The declines were primarily due to lower client activity in the U.S. and Hong Kong.
  • Fixed income institutional brokerage revenues were $9.7 million, down 57 percent and 33 percent, compared to the fourth quarter of 2010 and the third quarter of 2011, respectively. The declines were mainly due to lower results in taxable and municipal products, and lower strategic trading results.
  • Non-GAAP operating expenses for the quarter were $83.4(4) million, down 38 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2010, resulting from both significantly lower compensation and non-compensation expenses. On a GAAP basis with the goodwill impairment charge, operating expenses were $203.7 million. Operating expenses on a non-GAAP basis decreased 2 percent compared to the third quarter 2011, due to lower compensation expenses. Non-GAAP segment pre-tax operating margin was a negative 3.8(3) percent, compared to 10.6 percent in the year-ago quarter and a negative 0.4 percent in the third quarter of 2011.
The following is a recap of completed deal information for the fourth quarter of 2011:
  • 12 equity financings raising a total of $2.8 billion of capital.
  • 144 tax-exempt issues with a total par value of $2.2 billion.
  • 13 merger and acquisition transactions with an aggregate enterprise value of $1.4 billion. (The number of deals and the enterprise value include disclosed and undisclosed transactions.)
Asset Management
For the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2011, asset management generated pre-tax operating income of $4.7 million, down 34 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2010 and up from $0.7 million in the third quarter of 2011. Net revenues were $18.8 million, down 26 percent compared to the year-ago period, mainly due to lower performance fees. Net revenues rose 37 percent compared to the third quarter of 2011, mainly due to improved management fees from higher assets under management, and improved performance in the firm’s new Municipal Opportunities Fund.
  • Operating expenses for the quarter were $14.1 million, including $2.1 million of intangible amortization expense, down 22 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2010. The decrease was mainly attributable to lower compensation expenses. Operating expenses increased 8 percent compared to the third quarter of 2011. Segment pre-tax operating margin was 25.0 percent, compared to 28.1 percent in the year-ago period. The decline was mainly due to essentially the same level of non-compensation expenses over a lower revenue base, partially offset by a lower compensation ratio. The segment pre-tax operating margin was 4.9 percent in the third quarter of 2011. The significant improvement compared to the sequential third quarter resulted from higher revenues.
  • Assets under management (AUM) were $12.2 billion compared to $12.3 billion in the year-ago period and $11.2 billion in the third quarter of 2011. The improvement compared to the sequential third quarter was mainly due to improved equity market appreciation.
Other Matters
In the fourth quarter of 2011, $6.0 million, or 293,829 shares, of the firm’s common stock was repurchased pursuant to a share repurchase authorization. The average price per share repurchased was $20.40. The firm has $51.4 million remaining on the share repurchase authorization which expires on Sept. 30, 2012.
Full-Year 2011
For the year ended Dec. 31, 2011, non-GAAP net income was $16.4(1) million, or $0.86(1) per diluted common share. On a GAAP basis, results were a net loss of $102.0 million, or $6.51 per diluted common share. For 2010, net income was $24.4 million, or $1.23 per diluted common share. For 2011, net revenues were $458.1 million, down 14 percent compared to the prior year, resulting primarily from lower investment banking and institutional brokerage revenues.
Full-Year 2011
Consolidated Expenses
For 2011, compensation and benefits expenses were $288.1 million, down 9 percent compared to $315.2 million in 2010. The decrease was primarily driven by lower variable compensation due to lower performance. Compensation and benefits expenses as a percentage of net revenues were 62.9 percent, compared to 59.5 percent for 2010. The higher compensation ratio was mainly driven by the impact of fixed compensation costs on a reduced revenue base.
For 2011, non-compensation expenses were $139.4(2) million on a non-GAAP basis. On a GAAP basis, non-compensation expenses were $259.7 million. This amount compared to $157.6 million in 2010, which included $10.9 million of restructuring charges, mainly due to the re-organization of the firm’s European operations. The additional decrease in expenses was driven by the lower cost of the streamlined European operations and other cost-saving initiatives.
Full-Year 2011
Business Segment Results
Capital Markets
Capital Markets generated non-GAAP, pre-tax operating income of $16.0(3) million compared to $41.2 million in 2010. On a GAAP basis, this segment generated a pre-tax operating loss of $104.3 million. Net revenues were $386.9 million, down 16 percent compared to 2010, mainly attributable to macroeconomic issues and volatility, which negatively impacted capital raising — particularly in Asia — and institutional brokerage.
Non-GAAP operating expenses for the year were $370.9(4) million, down 12 percent compared to 2010. On a GAAP basis with the goodwill impairment charge, operating expenses for the year were $491.2 million. The decline on a non-GAAP basis was driven by both lower compensation and non-compensation expenses. For the year, segment pre-tax operating margin was 4.1(3) percent, on a non-GAAP basis, and compared to 8.9 percent in 2010.
The following is a recap of completed deal information for 2011:
  • 64 equity financings raising a total of $13.0 billion of capital.
  • 520 tax-exempt issues with a total par value of $6.9 billion.
  • 43 merger and acquisition transactions with an aggregate enterprise value of $5.6 billion. (The number of deals and the enterprise value include disclosed and undisclosed transactions.)
Asset Management
For 2011, asset management generated pre-tax operating income of $14.6 million, down 10 percent compared to 2010. Net revenues were $71.2 million, up 6 percent compared to 2010. Management fees increased 16 percent, partially offset by lower performance fees.
Operating expenses for the year were $56.6 million, up 11 percent compared to 2010, attributable to both higher compensation and non-compensation expenses. For the year, segment pre-tax operating margin was 20.5 percent compared to 24.0 percent in 2010. The lower margin was mainly driven by lower performance fees for the year.
Other Matters
For the full year, $26.5 million, or 803,500 shares, of the firm’s common stock was acquired, 509,671 of which was related to employee tax obligations on vesting of equity awards.
Additional Shareholder Information

  As of Dec. 31, 2011 As of Sept. 30, 2011 As of Dec. 31, 2010
Number of employees: 1,011 1,035 1,031
Asset Management
AUM:
 $12.2 billion $11.2 billion $12.3 billion
Common
Shareholders’ equity:
 $718.4 million $839.1 million $813.3 million
Annualized Qtrly.   
Return on Avg.1.1%(6)(1.9)%(5)5.4%(5)
Adjusted Common
Shareholders’ Equity      
Book value per share: $45.61 $52.73 $55.50
Tangible book value
per share(7):
 $29.51 $29.10 $29.42
 

Conference Call
Andrew S. Duff, chairman and chief executive officer, and Debbra L. Schoneman, chief financial officer, will hold a conference call to review the financial results Wed., Jan. 25 at 9 a.m. ET (8 a.m. CT). To view a copy of the earnings release on or after Jan. 25, please visit www.piperjaffray.com. The call can be accessed via live audio webcast available through the firm’s Web site at www.piperjaffray.com or by dialing (888)810-0209 (domestic) or (706)902-1361 (international). The reservation number is 96211034. Callers should dial in at least 15 minutes early to receive instructions. A replay of the conference call will be available beginning at approximately 11 a.m. ET Jan. 25 at the same Web address or by calling (855) 859-2056 and referencing reservation number 96211034.
About Piper Jaffray
Piper Jaffray is an investment bank and asset management firm serving clients in the U.S. and internationally. Proven advisory teams combine deep industry, product and sector expertise with ready access to global capital. Founded in 1895, the firm is headquartered in Minneapolis and has offices across the United States and in London, Hong Kong and Zurich. www.piperjaffray.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release and the conference call to discuss the contents of this press release contain forward-looking statements. Statements that are not historical or current facts, including statements about beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. These forward-looking statements cover, among other things, statements made about general economic and market conditions, our strategic priorities (including growth in public finance, asset management, and corporate advisory), the amount and timing of cost reduction measures and our quarterly run-rate for non-compensation expenses, anticipated financial results generally (including expectations regarding revenue levels, operating margins, earnings per share, and return on equity), the environment and prospects for capital markets transactions (including for our Asia-based business), current deal pipelines (or backlogs) or other similar matters. These statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both known and unknown, and important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or discussed in the forward-looking statements, including (1) market and economic conditions or developments may be unfavorable, including in specific sectors in which we operate, and these conditions or developments, such as market fluctuations or volatility, may adversely affect our business, revenue levels and profitability, (2) the volume of anticipated investment banking transactions as reflected in our deal pipelines (and the net revenues we earn from such transactions) may differ from expected results if any transactions are delayed or not completed at all or if the terms of any transactions are modified, (3) we may not be able to compete successfully with other companies in the financial services industry, which may impact our ability to achieve our growth priorities and objectives, (4) our ability to manage expenses may be limited by the fixed nature of certain expenses as well as the impact from unanticipated expenses, (5) our stock price may fluctuate as a result of several factors, including but not limited to, changes in our revenues and operating results, (6) the business operations that we conduct outside of the United States, including in Asia, subject us to unique risks, (7) hiring of additional senior talent may not yield the benefits we anticipate or yield them within expected timeframes, and (8) the other factors described under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, and updated in our subsequent reports filed with the SEC (available at our Web site at www.piperjaffray.com and at the SEC Web site at www.sec.gov). Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them. We undertake no obligation to update them in light of new information or future events.
© 2011 Piper Jaffray Companies, 800 Nicollet Mall, Suite 800, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402-7020

Piper Jaffray Companies   
Preliminary Unaudited Results of Operations
      
 
Three Months EndedPercent Inc/(Dec)Twelve Months Ended
Dec. 31, Sept. 30, Dec. 31,4Q ’11  4Q ’11Dec. 31, Dec. 31,Percent
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)201120112010vs. 3Q ’11vs. 4Q ’1020112010Inc/(Dec)
Revenues:
Investment banking$51,422$44,729$94,65015.0%(45.7)%$210,254$266,386(21.1)%
Institutional brokerage25,37431,53346,343(19.5)(45.2)142,308167,954(15.3)
Asset management17,11515,20524,98812.6(31.5)69,88966,8274.6
Interest13,06015,16212,592(13.9)3.755,59551,8517.2
Other income/(loss) (922) 441  5,989N/M N/M  11,656  12,043 (3.2)
Total revenues106,049107,070184,562(1.0)(42.5)489,702565,061(13.3)
 
Interest expense 6,829  8,894  8,190(23.2)(16.6) 31,577  34,987 (9.7)
 
Net revenues 99,220  98,176  176,3721.1 (43.7) 458,125  530,074 (13.6)
 
Non-interest expenses:
Compensation and benefits63,90165,307106,371(2.2)(39.9)288,129315,203(8.6)
Occupancy and equipment7,5337,4779,0190.7(16.5)32,45033,597(3.4)
Communications5,6805,9785,983(5.0)(5.1)24,47224,614(0.6)
Floor brokerage and clearance2,3222,2332,8234.0(17.7)9,24011,626(20.5)
Marketing and business development6,3885,7086,43511.9(0.7)25,03123,7155.5
Outside services7,9176,6648,43618.8(6.2)29,50632,120(8.1)
Restructuring-related expense--9,530N/M(100.0)-10,863(100.0)
Goodwill impairment120,298--N/MN/M120,298-N/M
Intangible asset amortization expense2,0692,0692,183-(5.2)8,2767,5469.7
Other operating expenses 1,761  2,440  2,430(27.8)(27.5) 10,404  13,506 (23.0)
Total non-interest expenses 217,869  97,876  153,210122.6 42.2 % 547,806  472,790 15.9 
 
Income/(loss) before income tax expense/(benefit)(118,649)30023,162N/MN/M(89,681)57,284N/M
 
Income tax expense/(benefit) (2,902) 3,676  13,727N/M N/M  10,876  33,354 (67.4)%
 
Net income/(loss)(115,747)(3,376)9,435N/MN/M(100,557)23,930N/M
 
Net income/(loss) applicable to noncontrolling interests 617  207  15198.1 %N/M  1,463  (432)N/M 
 
Net income/(loss) applicable to Piper Jaffray Companies (1) (116,364) (3,583) 9,420N/M N/M  (102,020) 24,362 N/M 
 
Net income/(loss) applicable to Piper Jaffray Companies’
common shareholders (1)
$(116,364)$(3,583)$7,198N/M N/M $(102,020)$18,929 N/M 
 
Earnings/(loss) per common share
Basic$(7.38)$(0.23)$0.49N/MN/M$(6.51)$1.23N/M
Diluted$(7.38)(2)$(0.23)(2)$0.49N/MN/M$(6.51)(2)$1.23N/M
 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
Basic15,77315,88914,635(0.7)%7.8%15,67215,3482.1%
Diluted15,773(2)15,889(2)14,639(0.7)%7.7%15,672(2)15,3781.9%
 

(1) Net income applicable to Piper Jaffray Companies is the total net income earned by the Company. Piper Jaffray Companies calculates earnings per common share using the two-class method, which requires the allocation of consolidated net income between common shareholders and participating security holders, which in the case of Piper Jaffray Companies, represents unvested restricted stock with dividend rights.
(2) Earnings per diluted common share is calculated using the basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding for periods in which a loss is incurred.
N/M – Not meaningful
http://tourism9.com/    http://vkins.com/


Piper Jaffray Companies           
Preliminary Unaudited Segment Data
 
 
Three Months EndedPercent Inc/(Dec)Twelve Months Ended
Dec. 31,Sept. 30,Dec. 31,4Q ’114Q ’11Dec. 31,Dec. 31,Percent
(Dollars in thousands)201120112010vs. 3Q ’11vs. 4Q ’1020112010Inc/(Dec)
Capital Markets
 
Investment banking
Financing
Equities$17,010$6,923$42,108145.7%(59.6)%$79,600$113,711(30.0)%
Debt15,21111,10619,93637.0(23.7)54,56665,958(17.3)
Advisory services 19,832  27,294  34,629 (27.3)(42.7) 78,684  90,396 (13.0)
Total investment banking52,05345,32396,67314.8(46.2)212,850270,065(21.2)
 
Institutional sales and trading
Equities21,85023,48227,486(7.0)(20.5)92,412106,206(13.0)
Fixed income 9,715  14,496  22,565 (33.0)(56.9) 75,794  79,833 (5.1)
Total institutional sales and trading31,56537,97850,051(16.9)(36.9)168,206186,039(9.6)
 
Other income/(loss) (3,243) 1,157  4,311 N/M N/M  5,882  6,763 (13.0)
 
Net revenues80,37584,458151,035(4.8)(46.8)386,938462,867(16.4)
 
Non-interest expenses
Goodwill impairment120,298--N/MN/M120,298-N/M
Operating expenses 83,431  84,828  134,984 (1.6)(38.2) 370,918  421,707 (12.0)
Total non-interest expenses203,72984,828134,984140.2%50.9%491,216421,70716.5%
 
Segment pre-tax operating income/(loss)$(123,354)$(370)$16,051 N/M N/M $(104,278)$41,160 N/M 
 
Segment pre-tax operating margin(153.5)%(0.4)%10.6%(26.9)%8.9%
 
 
Asset Management
 
Management and performance fees
Management fees$16,578$15,205$17,4189.0%(4.8)%$67,606$58,08016.4%
Performance fees 537  -  7,570 N/M (92.9) 2,283  8,747 (73.9)
Total management and performance fees17,11515,20524,98812.6(31.5)69,88966,8274.6
 
Other income/(loss) 1,730  (1,487) 349 N/M 395.7  1,298  380 241.6 
 
Net revenues18,84513,71825,33737.4(25.6)71,18767,2075.9
 
Operating expenses 14,140  13,048  18,226 8.4 (22.4) 56,590  51,083 10.8 
 
Segment pre-tax operating income$4,705 $670 $7,111 602.2 %(33.8)%$14,597 $16,124 (9.5)%
 
Segment pre-tax operating margin25.0%4.9%28.1%20.5%24.0%
 
 
Total
 
Net revenues$99,220$98,176$176,3721.1%(43.7)%$458,125$530,074(13.6)%
 
Non-interest expenses
Goodwill impairment120,298--N/MN/M120,298-N/M
Operating expenses 97,571  97,876  153,210 (0.3)(36.3) 427,508  472,790 (9.6)
Total non-interest expenses217,86997,876153,210122.6%42.2%547,806472,79015.9%
 
Total segment pre-tax operating income/(loss)$(118,649)$300 $23,162 N/M N/M $(89,681)$57,284 N/M 
 
Pre-tax operating margin(119.6)%0.3%13.1%(19.6)%10.8%
 
N/M – Not meaningful
 
FOOTNOTES
    
The press release includes the use of non-GAAP financial measures that are not prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and that exclude the effects of a goodwill impairment charge recognized in the fourth quarter of 2011. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered a substitute for measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures have been used in this press release because management believes they are useful to investors by providing greater transparency to Piper Jaffray’s operating performance.
 
 
 
(1)Net income/(loss) applicable to Piper Jaffray Companies and earnings per share
Three Months EndedFor the Year Ended
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)December 31, 2011 December 31, 2011
Net loss applicable to Piper Jaffray Companies$(116,364)$(102,020)
Adjustment to exclude the goodwill impairment charge, net of income tax 118,448  118,448 
 
Net income applicable to Piper Jaffray Companies, excluding the goodwill impairment charge$2,084 $16,428 
 
Net income applicable to Piper Jaffray Companies common shareholders, excluding
the goodwill impairment charge$1,729 $13,411 
 
 
Diluted earnings per common share, excluding the goodwill impairment charge$0.11$0.86
 
Weighted average number of common share outstanding – diluted15,77315,685
 
 
(2)Consolidated non-compensation expenses
Three Months EndedFor the Year Ended
(Amounts in thousands)December 31, 2011December 31, 2011
Non-compensation expenses$153,968$259,677
Adjustment to exclude the goodwill impairment charge (120,298) (120,298)
 
Non-compensation expenses, excluding the goodwill impairment charge$33,670 $139,379 
 
 
(3)Capital Markets pre-tax operating income and pre-tax margin
Three Months EndedFor the Year Ended
(Amounts in thousands)December 31, 2011December 31, 2011
Capital Markets pre-tax operating loss$(123,354)$(104,278)
Adjustment to exclude the goodwill impairment charge 120,298  120,298 
 
Capital Markets pre-tax operating income/(loss), excluding the goodwill impairment charge$(3,056)$16,020 
 
Capital Markets pre-tax operating margin(153.5)%(26.9)%
Capital Markets pre-tax operating margin, excluding the goodwill impairment charge(3.8)%4.1%
 
 
(4)Capital Markets operating expenses
Three Months EndedFor the Year Ended
(Amounts in thousands)December 31, 2011December 31, 2011
Capital Markets operating expenses$203,729$491,216
Adjustment to exclude the goodwill impairment charge (120,298) (120,298)
 
Capital Markets operating expenses, excluding the goodwill impairment charge$83,431 $370,918 
 
 
(5)Adjusted common shareholders’ equity
 
Adjusted common shareholders’ equity equals total common shareholders’ equity, including goodwill associated with acquisitions, less goodwill resulting from the 1998 acquisition of our predecessor company, Piper Jaffray Companies Inc., by U.S. Bancorp. Annualized return on average adjusted common shareholders’ equity is computed by dividing annualized net income by average monthly adjusted common shareholders’ equity. Management believes that annualized return on adjusted common shareholders’ equity is a meaningful measure of performance because it reflects equity deployed in our businesses after our spin off from U.S. Bancorp on December 31, 2003. The following table sets forth a reconciliation of common shareholders’ equity to adjusted common shareholders’ equity. Common shareholders’ equity is the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure to adjusted common shareholders’ equity.
 
Average for theAverage for the
Three Months EndedThree Months Ended
(Amounts in thousands)Sept. 30, 2011Dec. 31, 2010
Common shareholders’ equity$842,515$809,154
Deduct: goodwill attributable to PJC Inc. acquisition by USB 105,522  105,522 
 
Adjusted common shareholders’ equity$736,993 $703,632 
 
 
(6)Annualized quarterly return on average adjusted common shareholders’ equity
 
Management believes that the annualized quarterly return on average adjusted common shareholders’ equity excluding the impact of the goodwill impairment charge is a meaningful measure and aids comparison to the other quarters presented.
 
Average for theAverage for the
Three Months EndedThree Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011, Including theDec. 31, 2011, Excluding the
(Amounts in thousands)Goodwill Impairment ChargeGoodwill Impairment Charge
Common shareholders’ equity$808,079$837,691
Deduct: goodwill attributable to PJC Inc. acquisition by USB 79,141  105,522 
 
Adjusted common shareholders’ equity$728,938$732,169
 
Annualized net income applicable to Piper Jaffray CompaniesN/M$8,337
 
Annualized quarterly return on average adjusted common shareholders’ equityN/M1.1%
 
 
(7)Tangible common shareholders’ equity
 
Tangible shareholders’ equity equals total shareholders’ equity less all goodwill and identifiable intangible assets. Tangible book value per share is computed by dividing tangible shareholders’ equity by common shares outstanding. Management believes that tangible book value per share is a more meaningful measure of our book value per share. Shareholders’ equity is the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure to tangible shareholders’ equity. The following is a reconciliation of shareholders’ equity to tangible shareholders’ equity:
 
As ofAs ofAs of
(Amounts in thousands)Dec. 31, 2011Sept. 30, 2011Dec. 31, 2010
Common shareholders’ equity$718,391$839,139$813,312
Deduct: goodwill and identifiable intangible assets 253,656 376,022  382,174 
 
Tangible common shareholders’ equity$464,735$463,117 $431,138 
 
N/M – Not meaningful