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

01/25/2012 | 07:00:30 AM

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 25, 2012-- Piper Jaffray Companies (NYSE: PJC) 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. ETJan. 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 Ended Percent Inc/(Dec) Twelve Months Ended
Dec. 31,   Sept. 30,   Dec. 31, 4Q '11     4Q '11 Dec. 31,   Dec. 31, Percent
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data) 2011 2011 2010 vs. 3Q '11 vs. 4Q '10 2011 2010 Inc/(Dec)
Revenues:
Investment banking $ 51,422 $ 44,729 $ 94,650 15.0 % (45.7 ) % $ 210,254 $ 266,386 (21.1 ) %
Institutional brokerage 25,374 31,533 46,343 (19.5 ) (45.2 ) 142,308 167,954 (15.3 )
Asset management 17,115 15,205 24,988 12.6 (31.5 ) 69,889 66,827 4.6
Interest 13,060 15,162 12,592 (13.9 ) 3.7 55,595 51,851 7.2
Other income/(loss)   (922 )   441     5,989 N/M   N/M     11,656     12,043   (3.2 )
Total revenues 106,049 107,070 184,562 (1.0 ) (42.5 ) 489,702 565,061 (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     176,372 1.1   (43.7 )   458,125     530,074   (13.6 )
 
Non-interest expenses:
Compensation and benefits 63,901 65,307 106,371 (2.2 ) (39.9 ) 288,129 315,203 (8.6 )
Occupancy and equipment 7,533 7,477 9,019 0.7 (16.5 ) 32,450 33,597 (3.4 )
Communications 5,680 5,978 5,983 (5.0 ) (5.1 ) 24,472 24,614 (0.6 )
Floor brokerage and clearance 2,322 2,233 2,823 4.0 (17.7 ) 9,240 11,626 (20.5 )
Marketing and business development 6,388 5,708 6,435 11.9 (0.7 ) 25,031 23,715 5.5
Outside services 7,917 6,664 8,436 18.8 (6.2 ) 29,506 32,120 (8.1 )
Restructuring-related expense - - 9,530 N/M (100.0 ) - 10,863 (100.0 )
Goodwill impairment 120,298 - - N/M N/M 120,298 - N/M
Intangible asset amortization expense 2,069 2,069 2,183 - (5.2 ) 8,276 7,546 9.7
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     153,210 122.6   42.2   %   547,806     472,790   15.9  
 
Income/(loss) before income tax expense/(benefit) (118,649 ) 300 23,162 N/M N/M (89,681 ) 57,284 N/M
 
Income tax expense/(benefit)   (2,902 )   3,676     13,727 N/M   N/M     10,876     33,354   (67.4 ) %
 
Net income/(loss) (115,747 ) (3,376 ) 9,435 N/M N/M (100,557 ) 23,930 N/M
 
Net income/(loss) applicable to noncontrolling interests   617     207     15 198.1   % N/M     1,463     (432 ) N/M  
 
Net income/(loss) applicable to Piper Jaffray Companies (1)   (116,364 )   (3,583 )   9,420 N/M   N/M     (102,020 )   24,362   N/M  
 

Net income/(loss) applicable to Piper Jaffray Companies'
common shareholders (1)

$ (116,364 ) $ (3,583 ) $ 7,198 N/M   N/M   $ (102,020 ) $ 18,929   N/M  
 
Earnings/(loss) per common share
Basic $ (7.38 ) $ (0.23 ) $ 0.49 N/M N/M $ (6.51 ) $ 1.23 N/M
Diluted $ (7.38 ) (2) $ (0.23 ) (2) $ 0.49 N/M N/M $ (6.51 ) (2 ) $ 1.23 N/M
 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
Basic 15,773 15,889 14,635 (0.7 ) % 7.8 % 15,672 15,348 2.1 %
Diluted 15,773 (2) 15,889 (2) 14,639 (0.7 ) % 7.7 % 15,672 (2 ) 15,378 1.9 %
 

(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

Piper Jaffray Companies                      
Preliminary Unaudited Segment Data
 
 
Three Months Ended Percent Inc/(Dec) Twelve Months Ended
Dec. 31, Sept. 30, Dec. 31, 4Q '11 4Q '11 Dec. 31, Dec. 31, Percent
(Dollars in thousands) 2011 2011 2010 vs. 3Q '11 vs. 4Q '10 2011 2010 Inc/(Dec)
Capital Markets
 
Investment banking
Financing
Equities $ 17,010 $ 6,923 $ 42,108 145.7 % (59.6 ) % $ 79,600 $ 113,711 (30.0 ) %
Debt 15,211 11,106 19,936 37.0 (23.7 ) 54,566 65,958 (17.3 )
Advisory services   19,832     27,294     34,629   (27.3 ) (42.7 )   78,684     90,396   (13.0 )
Total investment banking 52,053 45,323 96,673 14.8 (46.2 ) 212,850 270,065 (21.2 )
 
Institutional sales and trading
Equities 21,850 23,482 27,486 (7.0 ) (20.5 ) 92,412 106,206 (13.0 )
Fixed income   9,715     14,496     22,565   (33.0 ) (56.9 )   75,794     79,833   (5.1 )
Total institutional sales and trading 31,565 37,978 50,051 (16.9 ) (36.9 ) 168,206 186,039 (9.6 )
 
Other income/(loss)   (3,243 )   1,157     4,311   N/M   N/M     5,882     6,763   (13.0 )
 
Net revenues 80,375 84,458 151,035 (4.8 ) (46.8 ) 386,938 462,867 (16.4 )
 
Non-interest expenses
Goodwill impairment 120,298 - - N/M N/M 120,298 - N/M
Operating expenses   83,431     84,828     134,984   (1.6 ) (38.2 )   370,918     421,707   (12.0 )
Total non-interest expenses 203,729 84,828 134,984 140.2 % 50.9 % 491,216 421,707 16.5 %
 
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 $ 17,418 9.0 % (4.8 ) % $ 67,606 $ 58,080 16.4 %
Performance fees   537     -     7,570   N/M   (92.9 )   2,283     8,747   (73.9 )
Total management and performance fees 17,115 15,205 24,988 12.6 (31.5 ) 69,889 66,827 4.6
 
Other income/(loss)   1,730     (1,487 )   349   N/M   395.7     1,298     380   241.6  
 
Net revenues 18,845 13,718 25,337 37.4 (25.6 ) 71,187 67,207 5.9
 
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 margin 25.0 % 4.9 % 28.1 % 20.5 % 24.0 %
 
 
Total
 
Net revenues $ 99,220 $ 98,176 $ 176,372 1.1 % (43.7 ) % $ 458,125 $ 530,074 (13.6 ) %
 
Non-interest expenses
Goodwill impairment 120,298 - - N/M N/M 120,298 - N/M
Operating expenses   97,571     97,876     153,210   (0.3 ) (36.3 )   427,508     472,790   (9.6 )
Total non-interest expenses 217,869 97,876 153,210 122.6 % 42.2 % 547,806 472,790 15.9 %
 
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 Ended For 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 - diluted 15,773 15,685
 
 
(2) Consolidated non-compensation expenses
Three Months Ended For the Year Ended
(Amounts in thousands) December 31, 2011 December 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 Ended For the Year Ended
(Amounts in thousands) December 31, 2011 December 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 Ended For the Year Ended
(Amounts in thousands) December 31, 2011 December 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 the Average for the
Three Months Ended Three Months Ended
(Amounts in thousands) Sept. 30, 2011 Dec. 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 the Average for the
Three Months Ended Three Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011, Including the Dec. 31, 2011, Excluding the
(Amounts in thousands) Goodwill Impairment Charge Goodwill 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 Companies N/M $ 8,337
 
Annualized quarterly return on average adjusted common shareholders' equity N/M 1.1 %
 
 
(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 of As of As of
(Amounts in thousands) Dec. 31, 2011 Sept. 30, 2011 Dec. 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
 

Source: Piper Jaffray Companies

Piper Jaffray Companies
Jennifer A. Olson-Goude, 612-303-6277
Investor Relations and Corporate Communications