SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
[ X ] Quarterly Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended February 23, 2001
or
[ ] Transition Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from ___________ to ___________
Commission file number 1-8989
The Bear Stearns Companies Inc.
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 13-3286161
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
245 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10167
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(212) 272-2000
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(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
As of April 3, 2001, the latest practicable date, there were 105,035,782 shares
of Common Stock, $1 par value, outstanding.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of
February 23, 2001 (Unaudited) and November 30, 2000 (Audited)
Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) for the three
months ended February 23, 2001 and February 25, 2000
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the
three months ended February 23, 2001 and February 25, 2000
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Independent Accountants' Report
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
Signature
THE BEAR STEARNS COMPANIES INC.
Consolidated Statements of
Financial Condition
(Unaudited)
In thousands, except share data February 23, 2001 November 30, 2000
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ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,311,930 $ 2,319,974
Cash and securities deposited with clearing organizations or
segregated in compliance with federal regulations 9,011,048 3,773,232
Securities purchased under agreements to resell 31,293,892 35,499,232
Receivable for securities provided as collateral 741,386 587,540
Securities borrowed 53,620,344 61,759,831
Receivables:
Customers 16,060,194 17,315,232
Brokers, dealers and others 1,365,075 790,051
Interest and dividends 704,968 612,140
Financial instruments owned, at fair value 49,533,480 45,172,665
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net of accumulated
depreciation and amortization 515,485 542,613
Other assets 2,659,472 2,793,963
--------------- ---------------
Total Assets $ 167,817,274 $ 171,166,473
=============== ===============
LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Short-term borrowings $ 15,807,272 $ 14,574,854
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 47,272,183 54,461,463
Obligation to return securities received as collateral 1,774,553 2,534,871
Payables:
Customers 46,669,291 46,785,311
Brokers, dealers and others 7,277,082 4,450,285
Interest and dividends 737,389 842,749
Financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased, at fair value 21,071,864 19,005,776
Accrued employee compensation and benefits 570,661 1,479,417
Other liabilities and accrued expenses 868,709 781,571
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142,049,004 144,916,297
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Commitments and contingencies (Note 3)
Long-term borrowings 19,646,865 20,095,888
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Guaranteed Preferred Beneficial Interests in Company Subordinated
Debt Securities 500,000 500,000
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STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock 800,000 800,000
Common stock, $1.00 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized;
184,805,848 shares issued as of February 23, 2001 and November 30,
2000 184,806 184,806
Paid-in capital 2,585,506 2,583,638
Retained earnings 2,733,919 2,600,149
Employee stock compensation plans 1,867,646 1,916,708
Unearned compensation (206,516) (218,791)
Treasury stock, at cost--
Adjustable Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock Series A:
2,520,750 shares as of February 23, 2001 and November 30, 2000 (103,421) (103,421)
Common stock: 78,222,638 and 75,823,544 shares as of February 23,
2001 and November 30, 2000, respectively (2,240,535) (2,108,801)
---------------- -------------
Total Stockholders' Equity 5,621,405 5,654,288
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Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $ 167,817,274 $ 171,166,473
================ =============
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
THE BEAR STEARNS COMPANIES INC.
Consolidated Statements of
Income
(UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended Three Months Ended
In thousands, except share and per share data February 23, 2001 February 25, 2000
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REVENUES
Commissions $ 282,401 $ 310,411
Principal transactions 599,464 647,591
Investment banking 138,324 308,219
Interest and dividends 1,086,599 1,369,759
Other income 39,281 52,045
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Total revenues 2,146,069 2,688,025
Interest expense 932,282 1,181,959
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Revenues, net of interest expense 1,213,787 1,506,066
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NON-INTEREST EXPENSES
Employee compensation and benefits 642,259 718,655
Floor brokerage, exchange and clearance fees 32,873 36,634
Communications and technology 117,734 117,841
Occupancy 31,257 32,107
Advertising and market development 33,832 27,374
Other expenses 102,868 119,652
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Total non-interest expenses 960,823 1,052,263
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Income before provision for income taxes and cumulative effect of
change in accounting principle 252,964 453,803
Provision for income taxes 87,010 175,622
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Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 165,954 278,181
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax (6,273) -
===================== ====================
Net income $ 159,681 $ 278,181
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Net income applicable to common shares $ 149,903 $ 268,403
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Basic earnings per share:
Before change in accounting principle $ 1.15 $ 1.89
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle (.04) -
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$ 1.11 $ 1.89
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Diluted earnings per share:
Before change in accounting principle $ 1.10 $ 1.89
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle (.04) -
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$ 1.06 $ 1.89
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Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic 149,080,028 157,641,253
Diluted 158,617,123 157,685,693
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Cash dividends declared per common share $ 0.15 $ 0.15
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See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
THE BEAR STEARNS COMPANIES INC.
Consolidated Statements of
Cash Flows
(UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended Three Months Ended
In thousands February 23, 2001 February 25, 2000
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CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income $ 159,681 $ 278,181
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash used in operating
activities:
Depreciation and amortization 46,547 37,934
Deferred income taxes (28,712) (54,064)
Other 39,396 (8,262)
(Increases) decreases in operating assets:
Cash and securities deposited with clearing organizations or
segregated in compliance with federal regulations (5,237,816) (27,540)
Securities purchased under agreements to resell 4,205,340 2,244,914
Securities borrowed 8,139,487 (7,441,338)
Receivables:
Customers 1,255,038 (5,425,833)
Brokers, dealers and others (575,024) (1,361,929)
Financial instruments owned (5,274,979) (2,424,700)
Other assets 78,925 105,915
(Decreases) increases in operating liabilities:
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (7,189,280) 2,719,142
Payables:
Customers (116,020) (3,325,818)
Brokers, dealers and others 2,819,839 538,172
Financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased 2,066,088 3,529,561
Accrued employee compensation and benefits (976,364) 85,128
Other liabilities and accrued expenses (18,223) 1,265
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Cash used in operating activities (606,077) (10,529,272)
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CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net proceeds from short-term borrowings 1,532,773 7,918,377
Net proceeds from issuance of long-term borrowings 286,643 2,516,070
Tax benefit of common stock distributions 1,541 2,340
Payments for:
Retirement of long-term borrowings (1,041,676) (674,361)
Treasury stock purchases (128,133) (247,472)
Cash dividends paid (25,911) (26,822)
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Cash provided by financing activities 625,237 9,488,132
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CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of property, equipment and leasehold improvements (19,419) (38,129)
Purchases of investment securities and other assets (15,909) (28,582)
Proceeds from sale of investment securities and other assets 8,124 2,881
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Cash used in investing activities (27,204) (63,830)
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Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (8,044) (1,104,970)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 2,319,974 1,570,483
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Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 2,311,930 $ 465,513
======================================
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 125 requires balance
sheet recognition of collateral related to certain secured financing
transactions, which are non-cash activities and did not impact the
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
THE BEAR STEARNS COMPANIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Bear
Stearns Companies Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company"). All
material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
The November 30, 2000 Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition was
derived from the audited financial statements. The consolidated
financial statements as of and for the three months ended February 23,
2001 and February 25, 2000 are unaudited. The consolidated financial
statements have been prepared in accordance with the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") with
respect to the Form 10-Q and reflect all adjustments which, in the
opinion of management, are normal and recurring, as well as the
accounting change to adopt Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
("SFAS") No. 133 "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities", which are necessary for a fair statement of the results
for the interim periods presented. Pursuant to such rules and
regulations, certain disclosures that are normally included in annual
financial statements have been omitted. These financial statements
should be read in conjunction with the Company's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended November 30, 2000 filed by the Company under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The consolidated financial
statements are prepared in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles in the United States of America which require
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts
reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying
notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain prior
period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current
period's presentation. The nature of the Company's business is such
that the results of any interim period may not be indicative of the
results to be expected for an entire fiscal year.
2. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Financial instruments owned and financial instruments sold, but not yet
purchased, consisting of the Company's proprietary trading and
investment accounts, at fair value, were as follows:
In thousands February 23, 2001 November 30, 2000
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FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS OWNED:
US government and agency $ 13,927,146 $ 11,705,975
Other sovereign governments 6,902,957 5,137,115
Corporate equity and convertible debt 8,406,344 8,663,306
Corporate debt 2,232,167 2,986,442
Derivative financial instruments 5,126,557 4,797,087
Mortgages and mortgage-backed securities 12,195,344 11,304,982
Other 742,965 577,758
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$ 49,533,480 $ 45,172,665
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FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS SOLD, BUT NOT YET PURCHASED:
US government and agency $ 5,932,497 $ 6,142,702
Other sovereign governments 4,644,546 3,556,830
Corporate equity 4,577,367 5,222,967
Corporate debt 2,245,259 243,311
Derivative financial instruments 3,672,195 3,839,966
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$ 21,071,864 $ 19,005,776
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Financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased, represent
obligations of the Company to deliver the specified financial
instrument at the contracted price, and thereby, create a liability to
repurchase the financial instrument in the market at prevailing prices.
Accordingly, these transactions result in off-balance-sheet risk as the
Company's ultimate obligation to satisfy the sale of financial
instruments sold, but not yet purchased, may exceed the amount
recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
3. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
At February 23, 2001, the Company was contingently liable for unsecured
letters of credit of $2.3 billion and letters of credit of $120.1
million secured by financial instruments, which are principally used as
collateral for securities borrowed and to satisfy margin requirements
at option and commodity exchanges. The Company had various other
commitments aggregating $2.0 billion at February 23, 2001.
In the normal course of business, the Company has been named as a
defendant in several lawsuits which involve claims for substantial
amounts. Additionally, the Company is involved from time to time in
investigations and proceedings by governmental agencies and
self-regulatory organizations. Although the ultimate outcome of these
matters cannot be ascertained at this time, it is the opinion of
management, after consultation with counsel, that the resolution of the
foregoing matters will not have a material adverse effect on the
financial condition of the Company, taken as a whole; such resolution
may, however, have a material
3. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (continued)
adverse effect on the operating results in any future period, depending
on the level of such results in such period.
4. REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
The Company's principal operating subsidiaries, Bear, Stearns and Co.
Inc. ("Bear Stearns") and Bear, Stearns Securities Corp. ("BSSC"), are
registered broker-dealers and, accordingly, are subject to Rule 15c3-1
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Net Capital Rule") and
the capital rules of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. ("NYSE") and
other principal exchanges of which Bear Stearns and BSSC are members.
Included in the computation of net capital of Bear Stearns is $0.9
billion which is net capital of BSSC in excess of 7% of aggregate debit
items arising from customer transactions, as defined. At February 23,
2001, Bear Stearns' net capital, as defined, of $2.03 billion exceeded
the minimum requirement by $1.99 billion.
Bear, Stearns International Limited ("BSIL") and Bear Stearns
International Trading Limited ("BSIT"), London-based broker-dealer
subsidiaries, which are indirectly wholly owned by the Company, are
subject to regulatory capital requirements of the Securities and
Futures Authority, a self-regulatory organization established pursuant
to the United Kingdom Financial Services Act of 1986.
Bear Stearns Bank plc ("BSB"), which is indirectly wholly owned by the
Company, is incorporated in Dublin and is subject to the regulatory
capital requirements of the Central Bank of Ireland.
At February 23, 2001, Bear Stearns, BSSC, BSIL, BSIT and BSB were in
compliance with their respective regulatory capital requirements.
5. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share ("EPS") reflects no dilution related to
common stock equivalents and is computed by dividing net income
applicable to common shares, adjusted for costs related to the Capital
Accumulation Plan, by the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding during each period presented. Diluted EPS includes the
determinants of basic EPS and, in addition, gives effect to dilutive
potential common shares from employee stock compensation plans. Common
shares include the assumed distribution of shares of common stock
issuable under various employee stock compensation plans.
6. CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash payments for interest approximated interest expense for the three
months ended February 23, 2001 and February 25, 2000. Income taxes paid
totaled $49.8 million and $114.0 million for the three months ended
February 23, 2001 and February 25, 2000, respectively.
7. DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
Accounting Change
In June 1998 the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities", later amended by SFAS No. 137 "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities - Deferral of the Effective Date of
FASB Statement No. 133", and SFAS No. 138 "Accounting for Certain
Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities."
SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards for
stand-alone derivative instruments, derivatives embedded within other
contracts or securities and for hedging activities. It requires that
all derivatives, whether stand-alone or embedded within other
contracts or securities (except in very defined circumstances) be
carried on the Company's
7. DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (continued)
balance sheet at their then fair value. The Company adopted SFAS No.
133 on December 1, 2000.
An important objective of the Company's risk management process is to
hedge the economic risks associated with its long and short-term debt.
To accomplish this objective, the Company modifies the interest rate
characteristics of its debt through derivatives, typically interest
rate swaps. This is part of the on-going asset and liability risk
management function.
SFAS No. 133 now requires derivatives designated as hedges to be
carried at their fair value, and that the hedged items previously
carried at their accrued values now be marked to market to account for
the risks being hedged. Any resultant change in values for both the
hedging derivative and the hedged item is recognized in earnings
immediately, with the net impact being deemed the `ineffective'
portion of the hedge.
At December 1, 2000, the Company recognized a cumulative after-tax loss
of $6.3 million as a result of adopting SFAS No. 133. This loss is
reported in the Consolidated Statement of Income separately as
"cumulative effect of change in accounting principle". For the three
months ended February 23, 2001, the Company recognized a net after-tax
gain of $1.0 million, which represented the ineffective portion of
hedge designations. This gain is recognized within principal
transactions.
Derivatives Credit Risk
Credit risk arises from the potential inability of counterparties to
perform in accordance with the terms of the contract. The Company's
exposure to credit risk associated with counterparty nonperformance is
generally limited to the net replacement cost of over-the-counter
contracts, which are recognized as assets in the Company's Consolidated
Statements of Financial Condition. Exchange traded financial
instruments, such as futures and options, generally do not give rise to
significant counterparty exposure due to the margin requirements of the
individual exchanges. Options written generally do not give rise to
counterparty credit risk since they obligate the Company (not its
counterparty) to perform.
The Company has controls in place to monitor credit exposures by
assessing the future creditworthiness of counterparties and limiting
transactions with specific counterparties. The Company also seeks to
control credit risk by following an established credit approval
process, monitoring credit limits and requiring collateral where
appropriate.
7. DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (continued)
The following table summarizes the credit quality of the Company's
trading and non-trading related derivatives (including foreign exchange
and forward-settling mortgaged transactions) by showing counterparty
credit ratings for the replacement cost of contracts in a gain
position, net of $2.9 billion and $2.3 billion of collateral at
February 23, 2001 and November 30, 2000, respectively:
February 23, November 30,
In millions 2001 2000
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RATING(1) NET REPLACEMENT COST
AAA $ 385.3 $ 330.5
AA 1,087.9 854.7
A 534.9 498.2
BBB 36.9 65.2
BB and Lower 44.8 48.9
Non-rated 0.2 0.1
(1) Internal counterparty credit ratings as assigned by
the Company's Credit Department, converted to rating
agency equivalents.
8. SEGMENT DATA
The Company operates in three principal segments: Capital Markets,
Global Clearing Services and Wealth Management. These segments are
strategic business units that offer different products and services.
They are managed separately as different levels and types of expertise
are required to effectively manage the segments' transactions.
The Capital Markets segment is comprised of Institutional Equities,
Fixed Income and Investment Banking areas. Institutional Equities
combines the efforts of sales, trading and research in such areas as
block trading, convertible bonds, over-the-counter equities, equity
derivatives and risk arbitrage. Fixed Income includes the efforts of
sales, trading and research for institutional clients in a variety of
products such as mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, corporate
and government bonds, municipal and high yield securities and foreign
exchange and fixed income derivatives. Investment Banking provides
capabilities in capital raising, strategic advisory, mergers and
acquisitions and merchant banking. Capital raising encompasses the
Company's underwriting of equity, investment grade and high yield debt
securities.
The Global Clearing Services segment provides clearing, margin lending
and securities borrowing to facilitate customer short sales, to
approximately 2,900 clearing clients
8. SEGMENT DATA (continued)
worldwide. Such clients include approximately 2,500 prime brokerage
clients including hedge funds and clients of money managers, short
sellers, arbitrageurs and other professional investors and
approximately 400 fully disclosed clients, who engage in either the
retail or institutional brokerage business.
The Wealth Management segment is comprised of the Private Client
Services ("PCS") and Asset Management areas. PCS provides
high-net-worth individuals with an institutional level of service.
Asset Management serves the diverse investment needs of corporations,
municipal governments, multi-employer plans, foundations, endowments,
family groups and high-net-worth individuals and, in turn, earns
management and/or performance fees on the institutional and
high-net-worth products it offers.
The three business segments are comprised of many business areas with
interactions among each as they serve the needs of similar clients.
Revenues and expenses reflected below include those which are directly
related to each segment. Revenue from inter-segment transactions are
credited based upon specific criteria or agreed upon rates with such
amounts eliminated in consolidation. Individual segments also include
revenues and expenses relating to various items including corporate
overhead and interest which are internally allocated by the Company
primarily based on balance sheet usage or expense levels. The Company
generally evaluates performance of the segments based on net revenues
and profit or loss before provision for income taxes.
For the three months ended February 23, 2001:
In thousands Net Revenues Pre-Tax Income Segment Assets
------------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------
Capital Markets $ 801,535 $ 188,281 $ 120,329,555
Global Clearing Services 223,900 79,133 49,019,682
Wealth Management 144,588 16,204 3,771,806
Other (a) 43,764 (30,654) (5,303,769)
=============================== ========================== ========================== =========================
Total $ 1,213,787 $ 252,964 $ 167,817,274
=============================== ========================== ========================== =========================
For the three months ended February 25, 2000:
In thousands Net Revenues Pre-Tax Income Segment Assets
------------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------
Capital Markets $ 1,006,309 $ 319,456 $ 111,395,212
Global Clearing Services 267,974 119,210 63,922,620
Wealth Management 209,804 65,363 3,024,660
Other (a) 21,979 (50,226) (3,332,629)
=============================== ========================== ========================== =========================
Total $ 1,506,066 $ 453,803 $ 175,009,863
=============================== ========================== ========================== =========================
(a) Other is comprised of consolidation/elimination entries,
unallocated revenues (predominantly interest), and certain corporate
administrative functions, including costs related to the Capital
Accumulation Plan (the "CAP Plan") which were $31.0 million and $50.7
million for the three months ended February 23, 2001 and February 25,
2000 respectively.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' REPORT
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
The Bear Stearns Companies Inc.
We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated statement of financial
condition of The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. and Subsidiaries as of
February 23, 2001, and the related consolidated statements of income and
cash flows for the three months ended February 23, 2001 and February 25,
2000. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management.
We conducted our review in accordance with standards established by the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review of interim
financial information consists principally of applying analytical
procedures to financial data and of making inquiries of persons responsible
for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope
than an audit conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding
the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express
such an opinion.
Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that
should be made to such consolidated financial statements for them to be in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America.
We have previously audited, in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States of America, the consolidated statement of
financial condition of The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. and Subsidiaries as
of November 30, 2000, and the related consolidated statements of income,
cash flows and changes in stockholders' equity for the fiscal year then
ended (not presented herein) included in The Bear Stearns Companies Inc.'s
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2000; and
in our report dated January 16, 2001, we expressed an unqualified opinion
on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information
set forth in the accompanying consolidated statement of financial condition
as of November 30, 2000 is fairly stated, in all material respects, in
relation to the consolidated statement of financial condition from which it
has been derived.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
New York, New York
April 6, 2001
Item 2- MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The Company's principal business activities, investment banking, securities
trading and brokerage, are, by their nature, highly competitive and subject to
various risks, in particular, volatile trading markets and fluctuations in the
volume of market activity. Consequently, the Company's net income and revenues
have been, and are likely to continue to be, subject to wide fluctuations,
reflecting the impact of many factors, including securities market conditions,
the level and volatility of interest rates, competitive conditions, liquidity of
global markets, international and regional political events, regulatory
developments and the size and timing of transactions.
Certain Statements Contained in This Discussion are "Forward-looking Statements"
Within the Meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such
Forward-looking Statements Concerning Management's Expectations, Strategic
Objectives, Business Prospects, Anticipated Economic Performance and Financial
Condition and Other Similar Matters are Subject to Risks and Uncertainties,
Including Those Previously Mentioned, Which Could Cause Actual Results to Differ
Materially From Those Discussed in the Forward-looking Statements.
Forward-looking Statements Speak Only as of the Date of the Document in Which
They are Made. We Disclaim Any Obligation or Undertaking to Provide Any Updates
or Revisions to Any Forward-looking Statement to Reflect Any Change in Our
Expectations or Any Change in Events, Conditions or Circumstances On Which the
Forward-looking Statement is Based.
For a description of the Company's business, including its trading in cash
instruments and derivative products, its underwriting and trading policies, and
their respective risks, and the Company's risk management policies and
procedures, see the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended November 30, 2000.
Business Environment
The business environment during the first quarter ended February 23, 2001 was
characterized by a slowdown in U.S. economic growth and moderate inflation which
resulted in volatile domestic equity markets and record volume, with the New
York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") and NASDAQ(R) average trading volume rising 23.8%
and 38.1%, respectively, from the quarter ended February 25, 2000. With
investors concerned that a slowing economy would bring more modest growth in
corporate earnings and indications that consumer confidence was declining, the
Federal Reserve Board (the "Fed") moved aggressively to stimulate the economy.
In January 2001, the Fed cut the Federal Funds rate twice by a total of 100
basis points, including a 50 basis point cut during an unscheduled meeting on
January 3, 2001. The Fed's actions initially rallied the markets as the major
indices all gained, but a major sell-off followed in February as investors
reacted to a deteriorating corporate earnings picture. During the quarter ended
February 23, 2001, the Standard & Poor's 500 Index ("S&P 500") declined 5.3%,
while the Dow Jones Industrial Average ("DJIA") increased 27 points to close at
10,442.
The Nasdaq Composite Index ("Nasdaq") reached a high of 3,015 during the quarter
before closing at 2,263 at quarter end, off 12.9% from its November 30, 2000
close and off 24.9% from its high during the quarter. Despite these challenging
conditions, many of the Company's core businesses performed well. The Company's
fixed income businesses performed well as credit spreads tightened and liquidity
improved. Equity sales and trading were also strong during the quarter. In
addition, Global Clearing Services continued to add clients and provide a solid
base of recurring earnings. Net interest revenues during the quarter decreased
due to lower customer interest bearing balances. The broad-based weakness in the
equity markets adversely affected the Company's equity underwriting and mergers
and acquisitions results.
The business environment during the quarter ending February 25, 2000 was
characterized by strong U.S. economic growth and low inflation which resulted in
robust domestic equity markets and growth in both NYSE and NASDAQ(R) trading
volume. The Fed raised the Federal Funds rate 25 basis points on February 2,
2000, in an effort to slow the momentum of the consumer-led economy and prevent
inflationary pressures from taking hold. It was the fourth such rate increase in
less than a year. This and other factors caused the DJIA and the S&P 500 indices
to decrease 10.3% and 5.9%, respectively. The Nasdaq increased 33.1% during the
2000 quarter. These factors contributed to strong performances in the Company's
equity businesses resulting in record levels in commissions and underwriting
revenues. Heightened customer order flow and trading volumes in the equity
markets contributed to strong equity trading revenues. The fixed income markets
were generally weaker as rising interest rates and reduced customer activity
resulted in a decrease in fixed income trading and fixed income underwriting
revenues.
Results of Operations
Three Months Ended February 23, 2001
Compared to Three Months Ended February 25, 2000
Net income for the three months ended February 23, 2001 ("2001 Quarter") before
the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle was $166.0 million,
down 40.3% from $278.2 million for the three months ended February 25, 2000
("2000 Quarter"). Revenues, net of interest expense for the 2001 Quarter were
$1.2 billion, down 19.4% from $1.5 billion in the 2000 Quarter. The results
primarily reflect a decrease in investment banking, principal transactions
revenues and net interest, which resulted from the industry-wide, broad-based
weakness in the equity markets. Earnings per diluted share were $1.10, before
the accounting change, for the 2001 Quarter, down from $1.89 per share for the
2000 Quarter. Diluted earnings per share for the 2001 Quarter were $1.06 and net
income was $159.7 million after including the effect of the required adoption of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 133 "Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities". See Note 7 of the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the impact of adopting
SFAS No. 133.
Commission revenues for the 2001 Quarter decreased 9.0% to $282.4 million from
$310.4 million for the 2000 Quarter. The decrease was primarily attributable to
a decrease in retail commissions, partially offset by an increase in
institutional commissions. Uncertain economic conditions and volatile equity
markets led to a reduction in retail trade volume during the quarter as
investors awaited signs of economic improvement.
The Company's principal transactions revenues by reporting categories were as follows:
Three Months Ended Three Months Ended % Increase
In thousands February 23, 2001 February 25, 2000 (Decrease)
-------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------
Fixed income $ 287,199 $ 238,094 20.6
Equity 198,835 227,329 (12.5)
Derivative financial instruments, including foreign
exchange 113,430 182,168 (37.7)
-------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------
Total principal transactions revenues $ 599,464 $ 647,591 (7.4)
======================================================== ==================== =================== ==================
Revenues from principal transactions were $599.5 million for the 2001 Quarter,
down 7.4% from $647.6 million for the 2000 Quarter. Principal transactions
revenues derived from derivative financial instruments decreased 37.7% during
the 2001 Quarter due to a decline in equity derivatives. Results also reflect a
12.5% decrease in revenues from equity activities, particularly in the
over-the-counter, arbitrage and international equity trading areas. Principal
transactions revenues derived from fixed income activities increased 20.6% for
the 2001 Quarter, with strong performances in the mortgage-backed securities,
municipal and corporate bond trading areas, partially offset by decreases in the
government bond trading and high yield areas. Action taken by the Fed to lower
the Federal Funds rate twice during the 2001 Quarter by a total of 100 basis
points improved the fixed income trading environment as credit spreads tightened
and customer activity increased.
The Company's investment banking revenues were as follows:
Three Months Ended Three Months Ended % Increase
In thousands February 23, 2001 February 25, 2000 (Decrease)
------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- -------------------- ------------------
Underwriting revenues $ 56,864 $ 148,805 (61.8)
Advisory services revenues 81,460 159,414 (48.9)
------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- -------------------- ------------------
Total investment banking revenues $ 138,324 $ 308,219 (55.1)
======================================================= ==================== ==================== ==================
Investment banking revenues for the 2001 Quarter decreased 55.1% to $138.3
million from $308.2 million for the 2000 Quarter. Declining U.S. equity prices,
particularly in the technology and telecommunications sectors, led to a slowdown
in equity underwriting activities as investors were less interested in new
offerings. Mergers and acquisitions activity also declined during the 2001
Quarter. Included in advisory service revenues are merchant banking revenues of
$25.3 million and $28.4 million for the 2001 Quarter and for the 2000 Quarter,
respectively.
Net interest and dividends (revenues from interest and net dividends less
interest expense) for the 2001 Quarter decreased 17.8% to $154.3 million from
$187.8 million for the 2000 Quarter, principally due to lower levels of customer
interest bearing balances and 7% fewer interest days when compared to the
comparable prior year period. Average customer margin debit balances were $42.0
billion during the 2001 Quarter compared to $56.6 billion during the 2000
Quarter. Margin debit balances totaled $37.6 billion at February 23, 2001
compared to $61.5 billion at February 25, 2000. Average
customer shorts were $55.0 billion during the 2001 Quarter compared to $64.7
billion during the 2000 Quarter and totaled $53.8 billion at February 23, 2001,
down from $66.9 billion at February 25, 2000. Average free credit balances were
$18.3 billion during the 2001 Quarter compared to $15.3 billion during the 2000
Quarter and totaled $17.3 billion at February 23, 2001, an increase from $13.5
billion at February 25, 2000.
Other income decreased 24.5% to $39.3 million in the 2001 Quarter from $52.0
million in the 2000 Quarter. The decrease in other income was primarily due to a
decrease in performance-based fees earned by the Company's Asset Management
area, which was partially offset by an increase in management fees. Assets under
management increased to $21.5 billion (including $4.6 billion of alternative
investment products) at February 23, 2001, which reflected a 56.8% increase over
$13.7 billion in assets under management at February 25, 2000. The largest
components of the increase in assets were attributable to mutual funds and
alternative investments, including equity hedge funds, private equity and
venture capital.
Employee compensation and benefits for the 2001 Quarter decreased 10.6% to
$642.3 million from $718.7 million for the 2000 Quarter. Employee compensation
and benefits as a percentage of net revenues increased to 52.9% for the 2001
Quarter from 47.7% for the 2000 Quarter. For the fiscal year ended November 30,
2000, compensation as a percentage of net revenues was 51.4%. The increase in
compensation to net revenues reflects the lower levels of revenue experienced
during the 2001 Quarter and the hiring of a number of talented professionals
both domestically and in Europe.
Non-compensation expenses were $318.6 million for the 2001 Quarter, down 4.5%
from $333.6 million from the 2000 Quarter. Expenses related to the Capital
Accumulation Plan ("CAP Plan") for the 2001 Quarter were $31.0 million, down
from $50.7 million in the 2000 Quarter. The decline in CAP Plan related expenses
reflects the lower level of earnings for the 2001 Quarter as compared to the
2000 Quarter. Legal expenses decreased by $5.2 million or 26.3% for the 2001
Quarter compared to the 2000 Quarter. The decreases were partially offset by a
$6.5 million or 23.6% increase in advertising and market development costs in
the 2001 Quarter as compared to the 2000 Quarter.
The Company's effective tax rate decreased to 34% in the 2001 Quarter compared
to 38.7% for the 2000 Quarter, primarily due to a higher proportion of earnings
in lower tax jurisdictions and a higher proportion of tax preference items.
Business Segments
The Company is primarily engaged in business as a securities broker and dealer
operating in three principal segments: Capital Markets, Global Clearing Services
and Wealth Management. These segments are strategic business units analyzed
separately due to the distinct nature of the products they provide and the
clients they serve. Certain Capital Markets products are distributed by the
Wealth Management and Global Clearing Services distribution network with the
related
revenues of such intersegment services allocated to the respective segments
through transfer pricing.
The following segment operating results exclude certain unallocated revenues
(predominantly interest) as well as certain corporate administrative functions,
such as certain legal costs and costs related to the CAP Plan.
Capital Markets
Three Months Ended Three Months Ended % Increase
In thousands February 23, 2001 February 25, 2000 (Decrease)
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------ ------------------- -----------------
Net revenues
Institutional Equities $ 341,171 $ 376,143 (9.3)
Fixed Income 340,389 335,283 1.5
Investment Banking 119,975 294,883 (59.3)
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------ ------------------- -----------------
Total net revenues $ 801,535 $1,006,309 (20.3)
============================================================ ================== =================== =================
Pre-tax income $ 188,281 $ 319,456 (41.1)
============================================================ ================== =================== =================
The Capital Markets segment is comprised of the Institutional Equities, Fixed
Income and Investment Banking areas. Institutional Equities combines the efforts
of sales, trading and research in such areas as block trading, convertible
bonds, over-the-counter equities, equity derivatives and risk arbitrage. Fixed
Income includes the efforts of sales, trading and research for institutional
clients in a variety of products such as mortgage-backed and asset-backed
securities, corporate and government bonds, municipal and high yield securities,
foreign exchange and fixed income derivatives. Investment Banking provides
capabilities in capital raising, strategic advice, mergers and acquisitions and
merchant banking. Capital raising encompasses the Company's underwriting of
equity, investment-grade and high yield debt securities.
Net revenues for Capital Markets were $801.5 million in the 2001 Quarter, down
20.3% from $1.0 billion in the 2000 Quarter. Pre-tax income for Capital Markets
was $188.3 million in the 2001 Quarter, down 41.1% from $319.5 million in the
2000 Quarter. Investment Banking net revenues in the 2001 Quarter decreased
59.3% to $120.0 million from $294.9 million in the 2000 Quarter. Weak U.S.
equity markets led to declining U.S. equity underwriting and mergers and
acquisitions activities during the 2001 Quarter. Institutional Equities net
revenues in the 2001 Quarter decreased 9.3% to $341.2 million from $376.1
million in the 2000 Quarter, primarily attributable to decreases in the equity
derivatives, over-the-counter stock and international equity trading areas,
partially offset by strong commission revenues resulting from record domestic
trading volumes on both the NYSE and Nasdaq(R) and an increase in specialist
activities. The 2001 Quarter results also reflect a strong performance from the
convertible arbitrage area. Fixed Income net revenues increased to $340.4
million in the 2001 Quarter or 1.5% from $335.3 million in the 2000 Quarter.
Fixed income market conditions improved
during the 2001 Quarter as credit spreads tightened and liquidity returned to
the market, resulting in a strong performance from the mortgage-backed
securities area. Declining short-term rates also provided a boost to the high
yield and investment grade markets.
Global Clearing Services
Three Months Three Months % Increase
Ended Ended (Decrease)
In thousands February 23, 2001 February 25, 2000
--------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ------------------
Net revenues $ 223,900 $ 267,974 (16.4)
Pre-tax income $ 79,133 $ 119,210 (33.6)
The Global Clearing Services segment provides clearing, margin lending and
securities borrowing to facilitate customer short sales, to approximately 2,900
clearing clients worldwide. Such clients include approximately 2,500 prime
brokerage clients including hedge funds and clients of money managers, short
sellers, arbitrageurs and other professional investors and approximately 400
fully disclosed clients, who engage in either the retail or institutional
brokerage business.
Net revenues for Global Clearing Services were $223.9 million in the 2001
Quarter, down 16.4% from $268.0 million for the 2000 Quarter. Pre-tax income for
Global Clearing Services was $79.1 million in the 2001 Quarter, down 33.6% from
$119.2 million for the 2000 Quarter. The decrease in net revenues in the 2001
Quarter was primarily due to a decrease in customer margin debit and customer
short balances compared to the 2000 Quarter. While the Company's client base
continued to expand during the 2001 Quarter, the decline in margin debit and
customer short balances was a result of deteriorating equity market conditions
and lower leverage levels being employed by prime brokerage customers. Average
customer margin debit balances were $42.0 billion during the 2001 Quarter,
compared to $56.6 billion during the 2000 Quarter. Margin debit balances totaled
$37.6 billion at February 23, 2001 compared to $61.5 billion at February 25,
2000. Average customer short balances were $55.0 billion during the 2001 Quarter
compared to $64.7 billion during the 2000 Quarter and totaled $53.8 billion at
February 23, 2001, down from $66.9 billion at February 25, 2000. Average free
credit balances increased to $18.3 billion during the 2001 Quarter from $15.3
billion during the 2000 Quarter and totaled $17.3 billion at February 23, 2001,
an increase from $13.5 billion at February 25, 2000.
Wealth Management
Three Months Three Months
Ended Ended % Increase
In thousands February 23, 2001 February 25, 2000 (Decrease)
----------------------------------------------------------- ------------------ -------------------- ----------------
Net revenues $ 144,588 $ 209,804 (31.1)
Pre-tax income $ 16,204 $ 65,363 (75.2)
The Wealth Management segment is comprised of the Private Client Services
("PCS") and Asset Management areas. PCS provides high-net-worth individuals with
an institutional level of service, including access to the Company's resources
and professionals. PCS has approximately 500 account executives.
The Asset Management area had $21.5 billion in assets under management at
February 23, 2001 which reflected a 56.8% increase over $13.7 billion in assets
under management at February 25, 2000. Strong net inflows and performances from
certain of the funds' investments led to the growth in assets under management.
Assets from alternative investment products grew 103.2% to $4.6 billion under
management at February 23, 2001 from $2.3 billion at February 25, 2000.
Additionally, mutual funds under management rose 106.4% to $5.2 billion at
February 23, 2001 from $2.5 billion at February 25, 2000.
Net revenues for Wealth Management were $144.6 million in the 2001 Quarter, down
31.1% from $209.8 million for the 2000 Quarter. Pre-tax income for Wealth
Management was $16.2 million in the 2001 Quarter, down 75.2% from $65.4 million
for the 2000 Quarter. Private client service revenues in the 2001 Quarter
decreased from the 2000 Quarter due to a reduction in retail trading volume as a
result of uncertain economic conditions and volatile equity markets. Asset
management revenues also declined, reflecting lower levels of performance fees
on the Company's alternative investment products, partially offset by increased
management fees from mutual funds and wrap accounts.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Financial Leverage
The Company maintains a highly liquid balance sheet with the vast majority of
the Company's assets consisting of cash, marketable securities inventories,
which are marked-to-market daily, and collateralized receivables arising from
customer-related and proprietary securities transactions.
Collateralized receivables consist of resale agreements secured predominantly by
U.S. government and agency securities, customer margin loans and securities
borrowed, which are typically secured by marketable corporate debt and equity
securities. The nature of the Company's business as a securities dealer requires
it to carry significant levels of securities
inventories in order to meet its customer and proprietary trading needs.
Additionally, the Company's role as a financial intermediary for customer
activities which it conducts on a principal basis, together with its
customer-related activities attributable to its clearance business, results in
significant levels of customer-related balances, including customer margin debt,
securities borrowing and repurchase activity. The Company's total assets and
financial leverage can fluctuate, depending largely upon economic and market
conditions, volume of activity and customer demand.
The Company's total assets at February 23, 2001 decreased to $167.8 billion from
$171.2 billion at November 30, 2000. The decrease was primarily attributable to
a decrease in securities borrowed and securities purchased under agreements to
resell, partially offset by an increase in cash and securities deposited with
clearing organizations or segregated in compliance with federal regulations and
financial instruments owned. The Company's total capital base, which consists of
long-term debt, preferred equity issued by subsidiaries and total stockholders'
equity, decreased to $25.8 billion at February 23, 2001 from $26.3 billion at
November 30, 2000 primarily due to a decrease in long-term borrowings.
The Company's ability to support increases in total assets is a function of its
ability to obtain short-term secured and unsecured funding, as well as its
access to longer-term sources of capital (i.e., long-term debt and equity). The
Company regularly measures and monitors its total capital requirements, which
are a function of balance sheet risk (i.e., market, credit and liquidity) and
regulatory capital requirements. The Company seeks to ensure the adequacy of its
total capital base, the size of which is determined primarily as a function of
the self-funding ability of its assets. As such, the mix and liquidity
characteristics of assets being held are the primary determinant of required
total capital, thus significantly influencing the amount of leverage that the
Company can employ.
The following table sets forth total assets, adjusted assets, and net adjusted
assets with the resultant leverage ratios at February 23, 2001 and November 30,
2000. With respect to a comparative measure of financial risk and capital
adequacy, the Company believes that the low risk spread asset nature of its
securities borrowed position renders net adjusted leverage as the most relevant
measure.
In billions, except ratios February 23, 2001 November 30, 2000
---------------------------------------- ------------------- -----------------
Total Assets $ 167.8 $ 171.2
Adjusted Assets (1) 135.8 135.1
Net Adjusted Assets (2) 82.2 73.3
Leverage Ratio (3) 27.4 27.8
Adjusted Leverage (4) 22.2 21.9
Net Adjusted Leverage (5) 13.4 11.9
(1) Adjusted Assets represent Total Assets less securities purchased under
agreements to resell and the receivable for securities provided as
collateral.
(2) Net Adjusted Assets represent Adjusted Assets less securities borrowed.
(3) Leverage Ratio equals Total Assets divided by stockholders' equity and
preferred stock issued by subsidiaries.
(4) Adjusted Leverage equals Adjusted Assets divided by stockholders'
equity and preferred stock issued by subsidiaries.
(5) Net Adjusted Leverage equals Net Adjusted Assets divided by
stockholders' equity and preferred stock issued by subsidiaries.
Funding Strategy
The Company's general funding strategy seeks to ensure ample liquidity and
diversity of funding sources in order to meet the Company's financing needs at
all times and in all market environments. The Company attempts to finance its
balance sheet by maximizing, where economically competitive, its use of secured
funding. In addition, with respect to short-term, unsecured financing, the
Company's emphasis on diversification by product, geography, maturity and
instrument results in prudent, moderate usage of more credit sensitive,
potentially less stable funding. Short-term sources of cash consist principally
of collateralized borrowings, including repurchase transactions and securities
lending arrangements, customer free credit balances, unsecured commercial paper,
medium-term notes and bank borrowings generally having maturities from overnight
to one year.
The vast majority of the Company's balance sheet is financed with short-term
secured and longer-term sources of funding. The Company views its secured
funding as inherently less credit sensitive and therefore more stable due to the
collateralized nature of the borrowing. In this fashion, via an adequate total
capital base and extensive use of secured funding, the Company seeks to limit
its reliance on short-term unsecured borrowings.
In addition to short-term funding sources, the Company utilizes long-term senior
debt and medium-term notes as a longer-term source of unsecured financing.
During the 2001 Quarter, the Company made payments approximating $1.0 billion on
long-term debt which, net of proceeds of approximately $0.3 billion from the
issuance of long-term debt and an adjustment of $0.3 billion related to the
adoption of SFAS No.133, decreased total long-term debt to $19.6 billion at
February 23, 2001 from $20.1 billion at November 30, 2000. The amount of
long-term debt, as well as total capital, that the Company maintains is a
function of its asset composition.
The Company regularly monitors and analyzes the size, composition and liquidity
characteristics of its asset base in the context of each asset's ability to be
used to obtain secured financing and the associated margin level required for
such financing. This analysis results in a determination of the Company's
aggregate need for long-term funding sources, which translates into the amount
of long-term debt required for a given equity base and mix of assets.
The Company maintains an alternative funding strategy focused on the liquidity
and self-funding ability of the underlying assets. The objective is to maintain
sufficient total capital and funding sources to enable the Company to refinance
unsecured borrowings with fully secured borrowings. The analysis focuses on a
twelve-month time period and assumes that the Company does not liquidate assets
and cannot issue any new unsecured debt, including commercial paper. Within this
context, the Company monitors its cash position and the borrowing value of
unencumbered, unhypothecated marketable securities in relation to its unsecured
debt maturing over the next twelve months, striving to maintain the ratio of
liquidity sources to maturing debt at 100% or greater.
In addition, the Company monitors the maturity profile of its unsecured debt to
minimize refinancing risk, maintains relationships with a broad global base of
debt investors and bank creditors, establishes and adheres to strict short-term
debt investor concentration limits and periodically tests its secured and
unsecured committed credit facilities. The Company also maintains available
sources of short-term funding that exceed the actual utilization thereof to
allow it to endure changes in investor appetite and credit capacity to hold the
Company's debt obligations. During the 2001 Quarter, the Company expanded its
secured funding infrastructure with the addition of a committed secured credit
facility in Japan.
The Company has in place a committed revolving-credit facility (the "facility")
totaling $3.105 billion, which permits borrowing on a secured basis by Bear,
Stearns & Co. Inc. ("Bear Stearns"), Bear, Stearns Securities Corp. ("BSSC") and
certain affiliates. The facility also provides that the Company may borrow up to
$1.5525 billion of the facility on an unsecured basis. Secured borrowings can be
collateralized by both investment-grade and non-investment-grade financial
instruments. In addition, the facility provides for defined margin levels on a
wide range of eligible financial instruments that may be pledged under the
secured portion of the facility. The facility terminates in February 2002 with
all loans outstanding at that date payable no later than February 2003. The
Company expects to renew such facility upon expiration. There were no borrowings
outstanding under the facility at February 23, 2001.
In August 2000, the Company established a $1.25 billion committed revolving
securities repo facility (the "repo facility") which permits borrowings, under a
repurchase arrangement, by Bear, Stearns International Limited ("BSIL"), Bear
Stearns International Trading Limited ("BSIT") and Bear Stearns Bank plc
("BSB"). The repo facility terminates in August 2001 with all repos outstanding
at that date payable no later than August 2002. There were no borrowings
outstanding under the repo facility at February 23, 2001.
In December 2000, the Company established a $500 million committed revolving
credit facility, which permits borrowing on a secured basis by BSSC. The
facility terminates in December 2001 with all loans outstanding at that date
payable no later than December 2002. There were no borrowings outstanding under
the facility at February 23, 2001.
Capital Resources
The Company conducts a substantial portion of its operating activities within
its regulated subsidiaries Bear Stearns, BSSC, BSIL, BSIT and BSB. In connection
therewith, a substantial portion of the Company's long-term borrowings and
equity has been used to fund investments in, and advances to, these regulated
subsidiaries. The Company regularly monitors the nature and significance of
assets or activities conducted outside the regulated subsidiaries and attempts
to fund such assets with either capital or borrowings having maturities
consistent with the nature and liquidity of the assets being financed.
Long-term debt totaling $17.1 billion and $16.7 billion had remaining maturities
beyond one year at February 23, 2001 and November 30, 2000, respectively. The
Company's access to external sources of financing, as well as the cost of that
financing, is at least partially dependent on the Company's short-term and
long-term debt ratings. At February 23, 2001, the Company's long-term/short-term
debt ratings were as follows:
-------------------------------------------- ------------------
Moody's Investors Service A2/P-1
-------------------------------------------- ------------------
Standard & Poor's A/A-1
-------------------------------------------- ------------------
Fitch A+/F1+
-------------------------------------------- ------------------
Dominion Bond Rating A/R-1 (middle)
Service
-------------------------------------------- ------------------
Japan Rating & Investment A+/not rated
Information
-------------------------------------------- ------------------
The Company's CAP Plan requires participants to defer portions of their annual
compensation in exchange for the future receipt of shares of the Company's
Common Stock. During the quarter ended February 23, 2001, the Company
repurchased a total of 608,556 shares of Common Stock through open market
transactions in connection with the CAP Plan at a cost of approximately $33.0
million. The Company intends, subject to market conditions and plan limitations,
to continue to purchase a sufficient number of shares of Common Stock in the
open market to enable the Company to issue shares with respect to all
compensation deferred, including any additional amounts allocated to
participants under the CAP Plan.
On January 4, 2001, the Board of Directors of the Company approved an amendment
to the Stock Repurchase Program (the "Repurchase Program") to allow the Company
to purchase (in addition to any shares purchased under a previous repurchase
authorization) up to an aggregate of $1.2 billion in Common Stock. The purchases
under the new $1.2 billion repurchase authorization may be made periodically in
2001 or beyond in the open market or otherwise at prices then prevailing. During
the quarter ended February 23, 2001, the Company purchased, under the previous
and current repurchase program authorizations, a total of 1,914,079 shares of
Common Stock through open market transactions at a cost of approximately $102.1
million.
Cash Flows
Cash and cash equivalents decreased $8.0 million to $2,312.0 million at February
23, 2001 from $2,320.0 million at November 30, 2000. Cash used in operating
activities was $606.1 million, primarily attributable to a decrease in
securities sold under agreements to repurchase, increases in financial
instruments owned and cash and securities deposited with clearing organizations,
partially offset by decreases in securities borrowed, securities purchased under
agreements to resell, and an increase in payables to brokers, dealers, and
others. Cash provided by financing activities of $625.2 million reflected
proceeds from the issuance of short-term and long-term borrowings, partially
offset by payments for retirement of long-term borrowings. Cash used in
investing activities of $27.2 million reflected purchases of property, equipment
and leasehold improvements, as well as net increases in investment securities
and other assets.
Regulated Subsidiaries
As registered broker-dealers, Bear Stearns and BSSC are subject to the net
capital requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the New
York Stock Exchange and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which are
designed to measure the general financial soundness and liquidity of
broker-dealers. BSIL and BSIT, London-based broker-dealer subsidiaries, are
subject to the regulatory capital requirements of the Securities and Futures
Authority, a self-regulatory organization established pursuant to the United
Kingdom Financial Services Act of 1986. Additionally, BSB is subject to the
regulatory capital requirements of the Central Bank of Ireland. At February 23,
2001 Bear Stearns, BSSC, BSIL, BSIT, and BSB were in compliance with their
respective regulatory capital requirements.
Merchant Banking Investments
As part of merchant banking activities, the Company participates from time to
time in principal investments in leveraged transactions. As part of these
activities, the Company originates, structures and invests in merger,
acquisition, restructuring and leveraged capital transactions, including
leveraged buyouts. The Company's principal investments in these transactions are
generally made in the form of equity investments, equity-related investments or
subordinated loans and have not historically required significant levels of
capital investment. At February 23, 2001, the Company held investments in twenty
leveraged transactions with an aggregate carrying value of approximately $266.1
million.
High Yield Positions
As part of the Company's fixed income securities activities, the Company
participates in the underwriting, securitization and trading of
non-investment-grade debt securities, non-investment-grade mortgage loans,
non-investment-grade commercial loans and securities of companies that are the
subject of pending bankruptcy proceedings (collectively "high yield positions").
Also included in high yield positions is a portfolio of credit card receivables
from individuals that are subject to bankruptcy proceedings.
Non-investment-grade debt securities have been defined as high yield and
emerging market debt rated BB+ or lower or equivalent ratings recognized by
credit rating agencies. Non-investment-grade mortgage loans are principally
secured by residential properties and include non-performing loans. At February
23, 2001 and November 30, 2000, the Company held high yield positions
approximating $2.8 billion and $2.3 billion, respectively, in long inventory,
and $0.5 billion and $0.4 billion, respectively, in short inventory.
In addition, the Company provides extensions of credit to highly leveraged
companies in loan syndication transactions and then participates out a portion
of these leveraged transactions. At February 23, 2001 and November 30, 2000, the
amount outstanding to highly leveraged borrowers totaled $470.8 million and
$336.9 million, respectively. Additionally, lending commitments to
non-investment-grade borrowers totaled $991.7 million and $926.2 million at
February 23, 2001 and November 30, 2000, respectively. The Company also has
exposure to non-investment-grade counterparties related to its trading-related
derivative activities. At
February 23, 2001 and November 30, 2000, the Company's exposure to
non-investment-grade counterparties, net of collateral, was $45.0 million and
$49.0 million, respectively. See Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements. In addition, the Company has direct and indirect principal
investments in, as well as commitments to participate in, partnerships that
invest in leveraged transactions.
The Company's Risk Committee monitors exposure to market and credit risk with
respect to high yield positions and establishes limits with respect to overall
market exposure and concentrations of risk by both individual issuer and
industry group. High yield positions generally involve greater risk than
investment-grade debt securities due to credit considerations, liquidity of
secondary trading markets, and increased vulnerability to general economic
conditions. The level of the Company's high yield positions, and the impact of
such activities upon the Company's results of operations, can fluctuate from
period to period as a result of customer demand and economic and market
considerations.
Accounting Changes and Developments
In September 2000, the FASB issued SFAS No. 140, "Accounting for Transfers and
Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities--a Replacement
of FASB Statement No. 125," which revises the standards for accounting for
securitizations and other transfers of financial assets and collateral. The
provisions of SFAS No. 140 carry over most of the guidance outlined in SFAS No.
125 and further establish accounting and reporting standards with a
financial-components approach that focuses on control. Under this approach,
financial assets or liabilities are recognized when control is established and
derecognized when control has been surrendered or the liability has been
extinguished. In addition, specific implementation guidelines have been
established to further distinguish transfers of financial assets that are sales
from transfers that are secured borrowings. SFAS No. 140 is effective
prospectively for transfers occurring after March 31, 2001 and for disclosures
relating to securitization transactions and collateral for fiscal years ending
after December 15, 2000. The Company intends to adopt the provisions of SFAS No.
140 as required in 2001 and is currently assessing its impact.
Item 3- QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES
ABOUT MARKET RISK
For a description of the Company's risk management policies and Value-at-Risk
("VaR") model, including a discussion of the Company's primary market risk
exposures, which include interest rate risk, foreign exchange rate risk and
equity price risk and a discussion of how those exposures are managed, refer to
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30,
2000.
The total VaR presented below is less than the sum of the individual components
(i.e., Interest Rate Risk, Foreign Exchange Rate Risk, Equity Risk) due to the
benefit of diversification among the risks. This table illustrates the VaR for
each component of market risk at February 23, 2001 and November 30, 2000.
In millions February 23, 2001 November 30, 2000
----------------------------------------- ------------------- -------------------
MARKET RISK
Interest rate $ 15.3 $ 11.7
Currency 0.8 1.4
Equity 5.9 10.7
Diversification benefit (5.5) (7.9)
----------------------------------------- ------------------- --------------------
Total $ 16.5 $ 15.9
========================================= =================== ====================
The table below illustrates the high, low and average (calculated on a monthly
basis) VaR for each component of market risk and aggregate market risk during
the 2001 quarter:
In millions High Low Average
------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- --------------
MARKET RISK
Interest rate $ 15.3 $ 10.8 $ 12.4
Currency 2.3 0.8 1.4
Equity 10.7 5.9 7.6
Aggregate Value-at-Risk 16.5 12.7 14.8
------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- --------------
The average daily trading profit was $10.5 million and $10.4 million for the
quarters ended February 23, 2001 and February 25, 2000, respectively. During the
quarters ended February 23, 2001 and February 25, 2000, there were no trading
days in which daily trading losses exceeded the reported VaR amounts.
Part II - Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Goldberger v. Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., et al. / Bier, et al. v. Bear, Stearns &
Co. Inc., et al.
As previously reported in the Company's Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended November 30, 2000 (the "Fiscal Year 2000 Form 10-K"), Bear, Stearns and
Co. Inc. ("Bear Stearns") is a defendant in litigation pending in the United
States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
On January 25, 2001, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal of the district court's
decision granting defendants' motion to dismiss this action.
In re Lady Luck Gaming Corporation Securities Litigation.
As previously reported in the Company's Fiscal Year 2000 Form 10-K, Bear Stearns
is a defendant in litigation pending in the United States District Court for the
District of Nevada.
On February 13, 2001, the court granted defendants' motion and dismissed this
action with prejudice.
Scotia Nominees, as nominees for L.C.O. Investments, Ltd. v. Michael Berger, et
al.
As previously reported in the Company's Fiscal Year 2000 Form 10-K, Bear,
Stearns Securities Corp. ("BSSC") is a defendant in litigation pending in the
Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York.
On March 6, 2001, plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint against the same
defendants as were named in the first amended complaint. As amended, the
complaint alleges that BSSC aided and abetted a breach of fiduciary duty and
conspired to convert plaintiffs' funds by, among other things, failing to alert
the shareholders of Manhattan Investment Fund Limited ("MIFL") about false and
misleading statements made by certain of the other defendants related to the
financial condition of MIFL and continuing to provide credit to MIFL.
Compensatory damages in excess of $5 million are sought from BSSC.
BSSC has denied all allegations of wrongdoing asserted against it in this
litigation, and believes that it has substantial defenses to these claims.
In re Stewart Enterprises, Inc. Securities Litigation.
As previously reported in the Company's Fiscal Year 2000 Form 10-K, Bear Stearns
is a defendant in litigation pending in the United States District Court for the
Eastern District of Louisiana.
On March 7, 2001, the plaintiffs filed a motion to withdraw their appeal of the
lower court decision granting defendants' motion to dismiss the action.
In re Twinlab Securities Litigation.
As previously reported in the Company's Fiscal Year 2000 Form 10-K, Bear Stearns
is a defendant in litigation pending in the United States District Court for the
Eastern District of New York.
On or around March 7, 2001, the parties reached an agreement, subject to court
approval, to settle this action.
The Company also is involved from time to time in investigations and proceedings
by governmental agencies and self-regulatory organizations.
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) Exhibits
(10) (a) (1) Capital Accumulation Plan for Senior Managing Directors,
amended and restated November 29, 2000 for Plan Years beginning on or
after July 1, 1999
(10) (a) (6) Restricted Stock Unit Plan, effective as of November 29, 2000
(11) Statement Re Computation of Per Share Earnings
(12) Statement Re Computation of Earnings to Fixed Charges
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
During the quarter, the Company filed the following Current Reports on Form
8-K.
(i) A Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 13, 2000 and filed
on December 15, 2000, announcing the payment of regular
quarterly cash dividends on outstanding shares of the
Company's Adjustable Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock, 6.15%
Cumulative Preferred Stock, 5.72% Cumulative Preferred Stock
and 5.49% Cumulative Preferred Stock.
(ii) A Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 4, 2001 and filed
on January 8, 2001, pertaining to the Company's results of
operations for the three months ended and fiscal year ended
November 30, 2000.
(iii) A Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed on January 11,
2001, pertaining to an opinion of Cadwalader, Wickersham &
Taft as to certain federal income tax consequences
described in the Prospectus Supplement dated January 11, 2001
included in the Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed by
the Company relating to the registration of up to
$9,015,893,162 aggregate principal amount of Medium Term
Notes and a consent in connection with the Registration
Statement.
(iv) A Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed on February 15,
2001, announcing the execution of a definitive agreement to
acquire Wagner Stott Mercator, LLC.
(v) A Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed on February 15,
2001, pertaining to a copy of the text of a presentation dated
February 2001 relating to the agreement to acquire Wagner
Stott Mercator, LLC.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
The Bear Stearns Companies Inc.
(Registrant)
Date: April 9, 2001 By: /s/ Marshall J Levinson
Marshall J Levinson
Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
THE BEAR STEARNS COMPANIES INC.
FORM 10-Q
Exhibit Index
Exhibit No. Description Page
(10)(a)(1) Capital Accumulation Plan for Senior Managing Directors,
amended and restated November 29, 2000 for Plan Years
beginning on or after July 1, 1999 34
(10)(a)(6) Restricted Stock Unit Plan, effective as of November 29, 2000 61
(11) Statement Re Computation of Per Share Earnings 69
(12) Statement Re Computation of Earnings to Fixed Charges 70