Edgar Filing: NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORP

nhc_10q-033109.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2009

Commission File Number 001-12629

NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	36-4128138
(State or other jurisdiction of	(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)	Identification No.)

120 Broadway, 27th Floor, New York, NY 10271

(Address including zip code of principal executive offices)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (212) 417-8000

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [ ] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “accelerated filer”, “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (check one).

Large Accelerated Filer [ ] Accelerated Filer [ ]

Non-Accelerated Filer [ ] Smaller Reporting Company [X]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES [ ] NO [X]

As of May 14, 2009 there were 17,150,704 shares of the registrant's common stock outstanding.

NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2009

INDEX

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1 – Financial Statements

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
as of March 31, 2009 and September 30, 2008	4

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the
three and six months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008	5

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
three and six months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008	6

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	7

Item 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	13

Item 3 – Quantitative & Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	18

Item 4 – Controls and Procedures	18

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1 – Legal Proceedings	24

Item 1a– Risk Factors	24

Item 2 – Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	24

Item 3 – Defaults Upon Senior Securities	24

Item 4 – Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders	24

Item 5 – Other Information	24

Item 6 – Exhibits	25

Signatures	26

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The following information provides cautionary statements under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the Reform Act). We identify important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements we make in this report or in other documents that reference this report. All statements that express or involve discussions as to: expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, identified through the use of words or phrases such as we or our management believes, expects, anticipates or hopes and words or phrases such as will result, are expected to, will continue, is anticipated, estimated, projection and outlook, and words of similar import) are not statements of historical facts and may be forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are based largely on our expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, economic, competitive, regulatory, growth strategies, available financing and other factors discussed elsewhere in this report and in the documents filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Many of these factors are beyond our control. Actual results could differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make in this report or in other documents that reference this report. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the results anticipated in the forward-looking information contained in this report or other documents that reference this report will, in fact, occur.

These forward-looking statements involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties, and, accordingly, actual results could differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. These uncertainties include, among others, the following: (i) the inability of our broker-dealer operations to operate profitably in the face of intense competition from larger full service and discount brokers; (ii) a general decrease in merger and acquisition activities and our potential inability to receive success fees as a result of transactions not being completed; (iii) increased competition from business development portals; (iv) technological changes; (v) our potential inability to implement our growth strategy through acquisitions or joint ventures; and (vi) our potential inability to secure additional debt or equity financing.

Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for our management to predict all of such factors, nor can our management assess the impact of each such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM I. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

ASSETS

	March 31,			September 30,
	2009			2008
	(unaudited)			(see note below)

Cash	$	4,414,000		$	7,387,000
Deposit with clearing organizations		1,261,000			1,210,000
Receivables from broker dealers and clearing organizations		3,751,000			3,691,000
Other receivables, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $164,000
at March 31, 2009 and September 30, 2008, respectively		965,000			580,000
Advances to registered representatives		3,853,000			4,463,000
Securities owned
Marketable, at market value		2,128,000			976,000
Non-marketable, at fair value		26,000			48,000
Fixed assets, net		1,225,000			1,243,000
Secured demand note		500,000			500,000
Intangible assets, net		2,639,000			2,950,000
Other assets		1,439,000			1,429,000
Total Assets	$	22,201,000		$	24,477,000

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Payable to broker dealers and clearing organizations	$	310,000		$	730,000
Securities sold, but not yet purchased, at market		11,000			63,000
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities		13,071,000			12,335,000
Convertible notes payable, net of debt discounts of $1,234,000 and
$1,431,000 at March 31, 2009 and September 30, 2008, respectively		4,766,000			4,569,000
Notes payable, net of debt discount of $0 and $41,000 at
March 31, 2009 and September 30, 2008, respectively		850,000			959,000
Total Liabilities		19,008,000			18,656,000

Subordinated borrowings		500,000			500,000

Stockholders' Equity
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 200,000 shares authorized; 50,000 shares
designated as Series A and 20,000 shares designated as Series B
Series A 9% cumulative convertible preferred stock, $.01 par value, 50,000
shares authorized; 42,957 shares issued and outstanding (liquidation
preference: $4,295,700) at March 31, 2009 and 37,550 shares issued and
outstanding (liquidation preference: $3,755,000) at September 30, 2008		-			-
Series B 9% cumulative convertible preferred stock, $.01 par value, 20,000
shares authorized; 0 shares issued and outstanding (liquidation
preference: $0) at December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2008		-			-
Common stock, $.02 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized;
16,421,538 shares issued and outstanding, at March 31, 2009
and September 30, 2008		328,000			328,000
Additional paid-in capital		39,720,000			39,279,000
Accumulated deficit		(37,355,000	)		(34,286,000	)
Total Stockholders' Equity		2,693,000			5,321,000

Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$	22,201,000		$	24,477,000

Note: The balance sheet at September 30, 2008 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date.

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements

NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)


	-------- Three Months Ended ---------						-------- Six Months Ended ---------
	March 31,			March 31,			March 31,			March 31,
	2009			2008			2009			2008
Revenues:
Commissions	$	15,405,000		$	9,924,000		$	28,119,000		$	23,216,000
Net dealer inventory gains		4,126,000			3,639,000			13,914,000			7,833,000
Investment banking		482,000			67,000			1,149,000			67,000

Total commission and fee revenues		20,013,000			13,630,000			43,182,000			31,116,000

Interest and dividends		336,000			880,000			1,033,000			1,810,000
Transfer fees and clearing services		2,919,000			962,000			5,669,000			2,273,000
Other		1,318,000			812,000			2,554,000			1,450,000

Total Revenues		24,586,000			16,284,000			52,438,000			36,649,000

Expenses:
Commissions		18,007,000			12,551,000			38,463,000			28,754,000
Employee compensation and related expenses		3,037,000			2,308,000			6,044,000			4,549,000
Clearing fees		1,174,000			522,000			2,367,000			1,136,000
Communications		1,031,000			253,000			1,893,000			608,000
Occupancy and equipment costs		1,440,000			869,000			2,846,000			1,733,000
Professional fees		607,000			463,000			1,370,000			1,051,000
Interest		309,000			70,000			634,000			143,000
Taxes, licenses, registration		342,000			77,000			602,000			207,000
Other administrative expenses		566,000			535,000			1,289,000			1,000,000

Total Eexpenses		26,513,000			17,648,000			55,508,000			39,181,000

Net loss		(1,927,000	)		(1,364,000	)		(3,070,000	)		(2,532,000	)
Preferred stock dividends		(83,000	)		(83,000	)		(169,000	)		(169,000	)

Net loss attributable to common stockholders	$	(2,010,000	)	$	(1,447,000	)	$	(3,239,000	)	$	(2,701,000	)

Net loss per common share
Basic:
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	$	(0.12	)	$	(0.17	)	$	(0.20	)	$	(0.31	)
Diluted:
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	$	(0.12	)	$	(0.17	)	$	(0.20	)	$	(0.31	)
Weighted average number of shares outstanding
Basic		16,421,538			8,609,628			16,421,538			8,606,090
Diluted		16,421,538			8,609,628			16,421,538			8,606,090

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements

NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

	Six Months Ended
	March 31,
	2009			2008
Cash flows from operating activities
Net loss	$	(3,069,000	)	$	(2,532,000	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net
cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Depreciation and amortization		672,000			101,000
Amortization of deferred financing costs		27,000			6,000
Amortization of note discount		238,000			49,000
Compensatory element of common stock options issuance		441,000			210,000
Unrealized loss on securities owned		-			-
Changes in assets and liabilities
Deposits with clearing organizations		(51,000	)		-
Receivables from broker-dealers, clearing organizations and others		(60,000	)		1,687,000
Other receivables		(385,000	)		-
Advances to registered representatives		610,000			-
Securities owned: marketable, at market value		(1,152,000	)		750,000
Securities owned: non-marketable, at fair value		22,000			-
Other assets		(37,000	)		(144,000	)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		735,000			-
Payable to broker dealers and clearing organizations		(419,000	)		(3,908,000	)
Securities sold, but not yet purchased, at market		(52,000	)		347,000
Net cash used in operating activities		(2,480,000	)		(3,434,000	)

Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of fixed assets		(343,000	)		(91,000	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(343,000	)		(91,000	)

Cash flows from financing activities
Repayment of notes payable		(150,000	)		-
Net proceeds from issuance of convertible notes		-			3,000,000
Cash payment of deferred financing costs		-			(80,000	)
Deferred merger costs		-			(219,000	)
Exercise of stock options		-			8,000
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities		(150,000	)		2,709,000

Net decrease in cash		(2,973,000	)		(816,000	)

Cash balance
Beginning of the period		7,387,000			4,957,000
End of the period	$	4,414,000		$	4,141,000

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$	394,000		$	107,000
Income taxes	$	56,000		$	23,000

Supplemental disclosures of noncash financing activities
Warrants issued in connection with debt	$	-		$	395,000
Preferred stock dividends	$	676,000		$	-

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements

NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2009

(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of National Holdings Corporation (“National” or the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial statements and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and disclosures required for annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The condensed consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2009 and for the periods ended March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008 are unaudited. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the fiscal year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes included thereto in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008.

NOTE 2. CONSOLIDATION

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of National and its wholly owned subsidiaries. National operates primarily through National Securities Corporation (“National Securities”), vFinance Investments, Inc. (“vFinance Investments”) and EquityStation, Inc. (“EquityStation”) (collectively, the “Broker Dealer Subsidiaries”). The Broker Dealer Subsidiaries conduct a national securities brokerage business through its main offices in New York, New York, Boca Raton, Florida, and Seattle, Washington.

Through its Broker Dealer Subsidiaries, the Company offers (1) full service retail brokerage to approximately 45,000 high net worth and institutional clients, (2) provides investment banking, merger, acquisition and advisory services to micro, small and mid-cap high growth companies, and (3) engages in trading securities, including making markets in over 3,500 micro and small cap stocks and provides liquidity in the United States Treasury marketplace. The Broker Dealer Subsidiaries are introducing brokers and clear all transactions through clearing organizations on a fully disclosed basis. They are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), are members of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. ("FINRA") (formerly the National Association of Securities Dealers) and Securities Investor Protection Corporation ("SIPC"). vFinance Investments is also a member of the National Futures Association ("NFA").

In July 1994, National Securities formed a wholly owned subsidiary, National Asset Management, Inc., a Washington corporation ("NAM"). NAM is a federally-registered investment adviser providing asset management advisory services to high net worth clients for a fee based upon a percentage of assets managed. In March 2008, all of the issued and outstanding stock of NAM was transferred from National Securities to National. National formed a new wholly owned subsidiary, National Insurance Corporation, a Washington corporation (“National Insurance”) in the third quarter of fiscal year 2006. National Insurance provides fixed insurance products to its clients, including life insurance, disability insurance, long term care insurance and fixed annuities. National Insurance finalized certain requisite state registrations during the second quarter of fiscal year 2007 and commenced business operations that to date have been de minimus. vFinance Lending Services, Inc. (“vFinance Lending”), originally formed as a wholly owned subsidiary of vFinance, was established in May 2002. It is a mortgage lender focused primarily on the commercial sector, providing bridge loans and commercial mortgages through its nationwide network of lenders. Its operations to date have been de minimus. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

NOTE 3. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141(R)”), which replaces SFAS No. 141. SFAS No. 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill acquired. SFAS No. 141(R)also establishes disclosure requirements which will enable users to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS 141(R) is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and applies to any business combinations which occur after March 31, 2009. The adoption of SFAS 141(R), effective January 1, 2009, may have an impact on accounting for future business combinations.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51” (“SFAS 160”), which establishes accounting and reporting standards for ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent, the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the non-controlling interest, changes in a parent’s ownership interest and the valuation of retained non-controlling equity investments when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. SFAS 160 also establishes reporting requirements that provide sufficient disclosures that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the non-controlling owners. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The adoption of SFAS No. 160 did not have any material impact on the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”. The new standard is intended to improve financial reporting about derivative instruments and hedging activities by requiring enhanced disclosures to enable investors to better understand their effects on an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. It is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged. The adoption of SFAS No. 161 did not have a material impact on the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In May 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position APB 14-1, Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement) (“FAS APB 14-1”). FSP APB 14-1 clarifies that convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon either mandatory or optional conversion (including partial cash settlement) are not addressed by paragraph 12 of APB Opinion No. 14, Accounting for Convertible Debt and Debt issued with Stock Purchase Warrants. Additionally, FSP APB 14-1 specifies that issuers of such instruments should separately account for the liability and equity components in a manner that will reflect the entity’s non-convertible debt borrowing rate when interest cost is recognized in subsequent periods. FSP APB 14-1 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company has adopted FSP APB 14-1 beginning January 1, 2009, and this standard must be applied on a retroactive basis. The adoption of FSP APB 14-1 did not have any impact on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

In May 2008, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“SFAS No. 162”). This standard is intended to improve financial reporting by identifying a consistent framework, or hierarchy, for selecting accounting principles to be used in preparing financial statements that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States for non-governmental entities. The Company has adopted this and found SFAS No. 162 did not have a material impact on the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

On June 16, 2008, the FASB issued Final Staff Position (FSP) No. EITF 03-6-1, “Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities,” to address the question of whether instruments granted in share-based payment transactions are participating securities prior to vesting. The FSP determines that unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to dividend payments should be included in earnings per share calculations. The guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The requirements of (FSP) No. EITF 03-6-1 as well as the impact of its adoption did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In December 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 140-4 and FIN 46(R)-8, “Disclosures by Public Entities (Enterprises) about Transfers of Financial Assets and Interests in Variable Interest Entities” (“FSP FAS 140-4 and FIN 46(R)-8”). FSP FAS 140-4 and FIN 46(R)-8 amends FAS 140 and FIN 46(R) to require additional disclosures regarding transfers of financial assets and interest in variable interest entities. FSP FAS 140-4 and FIN 46(R)-8 is effective for interim or annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2008. The adoption of FSP FAS 140-4 and FIN 46(R)-8 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.

NOTE 4. STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

Effective October 1, 2005, the Company adopted FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 123R “Share Based Payment.” This statement is a revision of SFAS Statement No. 123 and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, and its related implementation guidance. SFAS 123R addresses all forms of share based payment (“SBP”) awards including shares issued under employee stock purchase plans, stock options, restricted stock and stock appreciation rights. Under SFAS 123R, SBP awards will result in a charge to operations that will be measured at fair value on the awards grant date, based on the estimated number of awards expected to vest over the service period. The Company granted 40,000 and 180,000 options to outside directors during the three months ended March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008, respectively. A charge of approximately $237,000 and $473,000 was recorded in the three and six months ended March 31, 2009, respectively, and a charge of approximately $108,000 and $210,000 was recorded in the three and six months ended March 31, 2008, respectively, relating to the amortization of the fair value associated with stock option grants and restricted stock grants.

The Black-Scholes option valuation model is used to estimate the fair value of the options granted. The model includes subjective input assumptions that can materially affect the fair value estimates. The model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and that are fully transferable. For example, the expected volatility is estimated based on the most recent historical period of time equal to the weighted average life of the options granted. Options issued under the Company's option plans have characteristics that differ from traded options. In management's opinion, this valuation model does not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its employee stock options.

A summary of the stock option activity as of March 31, 2009, and changes during the six month period then ended is presented below:

					Weighted
			Weighted		Average
			Average		Remaining		Aggregate
			Exercise		Contractual		Intrinsic
	Shares		Price		Term (Yrs)		Value
Outstanding at September 30, 2008		6,887,640	$	1.58		-	$	-
Granted		40,000		0.75		5.00		-
Expired		387,175		1.52		1.72		-
Outstanding at March 31, 2009		6,540,465	$	1.58		3.85	$	-
Exerciseable at March 31, 2009		3,423,974	$	1.48		2.69	$	-

As of March 31, 2009, there was approximately $1,180,000 of total unrecognized deferred compensation costs related to share-based compensation arrangements. The Company has experienced a historic forfeiture rate of approximately 38% on previously granted stock options and expects that future forfeitures will be consistent with this experience.

A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested shares as of March 31, 2009, and changes during the three month period then ended is presented below:

			Weighted Average
			Grant Date
Nonvested Shares	Shares		Fair Value
Nonvested at September 30, 2008		3,828,774	$	0.92
Granted		-
Vested		365,108		1.38
Expired		387,175		0.87
Nonvested at March 31, 2009		3,076,491		0.85

NOTE 5. SECURITIES OWNED AND SECURITIES SOLD, BUT NOT YET PURCHASED

The following table shows the quoted market values of securities owned by the Company, and securities sold but not yet purchased by the Company, as of March 31, 2009:

	Securities		Securities sold, but
	owned		not yet purchased
Corporate stocks	$	221,000	$	10,000
Corporate bonds		11,000		1,000
Government obligations		1,896,000
Non-marketable securities		26,000		-
	$	2,154,000	$	11,000

NOTE 6. CONTINGENCIES

During the quarter ended March 31, 2009, there were no significant developments in the Company’s legal proceedings. For a detailed discussion of the Company’s legal proceedings, please refer to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008.

The Company’s subsidiaries are defendants in various arbitrations and administrative proceedings, lawsuits and claims together alleging damages in excess of $22,000,000. The Company estimates, to the extent that it can, that based on discussions with legal counsel and prior experience, its aggregate liability from these pending actions may be less than $500,000 (exclusive of fees, costs and unspecified punitive damages related to certain claims and inclusive of expected insurance coverage). These matters arise in the normal course of business. The Company intends to vigorously defend itself in these actions, and based on discussions with counsel believes that the eventual outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company. However, the ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time. The amounts related to such matters that are reasonably estimable and which have been accrued at March 31, 2009 and 2008, is $135,000 and $91,000 (primarily legal fees), respectively, and have been included in "Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities" in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition. The Company has included in "Professional fees" litigation and FINRA related expenses of $164,000 and $175,000 for the second quarter of fiscal year 2009 and 2008, respectively, and $347,000 and $490,000 for the first six months of fiscal year 2009 and 2008, respectively .

NOTE 7. DIVIDENDS ON CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK

The holders of the Company’s Series A convertible preferred stock, that are convertible into the Company’s common stock at $1.25 per share, are entitled to receive dividends on a quarterly basis at a rate of 9% per annum, per share. Such dividends are cumulative and accumulate whether or not declared by the Company’s Board of Directors, but are payable only when and if declared by the Company’s Board of Directors. In the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2009, the Company accumulated $83,000 and $169,000, respectively, of dividends on its Series A preferred stock. In March 2009, the Company’s Board of Directors declared an in-kind dividend in the aggregate of 5,407 shares of Series A preferred stock, in payment of approximately $676,000 of dividends accrued through March 31, 2009. At March 31, 2009, the accumulated dividend on the Company’s 42,957 issued and outstanding shares of Series A preferred stock was $0.

NOTE 8. LOSS PER COMMON SHARE

Basic loss per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted loss per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the potential dilution that would occur if securities or other contracts to issue common shares were exercised or converted.

For both the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2009 15,289,999 common share equivalents were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. For both the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2008, 7,721,000 common share equivalents were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

The following table sets forth the common share equivalents that were excluded from the calculation:

	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	March 31, 2009		March 31, 2008		March 31, 2009		March 31, 2008

Stock options		6,500,465		2,092,000		6,500,465		2,092,000
Warrants		1,977,974		1,125,000		1,977,974		1,125,000
Assumed conversion of:
Series A Preferred Stock		3,436,560		3,004,000		3,436,560		3,004,000
Notes		3,375,000		1,500,000		3,375,000		1,500,000

Dilutive potential common shares		15,289,999		7,721,000		15,289,999		7,721,000

NOTE 9. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE, ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER LIABILITIES

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities as of March 31, 2009 and September 30, 2008, respectively, consist of the following:

	March 31, 2009		September 30, 2008

Commissions payable	$	4,786,000	$	6,537,000
Deferred clearing fee credits		531,000		578,000
Telecommunications vendors payable		76,000		209,000
Legal payable		793,000		646,000
Deferred rent payable		315,000		313,000
Accrued compensation		629,000		679,000
Capital lease liability		680,000		613,000
Other vendors		5,261,000		2,760,000
Total	$	13,071,000	$	12,335,000

NOTE 10. NET CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

National Securities, as a registered broker-dealer, is subject to the SEC’s Uniform Net Capital Rule 15c3-1 that requires the maintenance of minimum net capital. National Securities has elected to use the alternative standard method permitted by the rule. This requires that National Securities maintain minimum net capital equal to the greater of $250,000 or a specified amount per security based on the bid price of each security for which National Securities is a market maker. The alternative method precludes National Securities from having to maintain a ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital. At March 31, 2009, National Securities had net capital of approximately $415,000 which exceeded its requirement by approximately $165,000.

Due to its market maker status, vFinance Investments is required to maintain a minimum net capital of $1,000,000 and EquityStation is required to maintain $100,000. In addition to the net capital requirements, each of vFinance Investments and EquityStation are required to maintain a ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital, as defined, of not more than 15 to 1 (and the rule of the “applicable” exchange also provides that equity capital may not be withdrawn or cash dividends paid if the resulting net capital ratio would exceed 10 to 1). At March 31, 2009, vFinance Investments had net capital of approximately $1,313,000 which was approximately $313,000 in excess of its required net capital of $1,000,000 and its percentage of aggregate indebtedness to net capital was 360%. At March 31, 2009, EquityStation had net capital of approximately $227,000 which was approximately $127,000 in excess of its required net capital of $100,000 and its percentage of aggregate indebtedness to net capital was 258%. Each of the Broker Dealer subsidiaries qualifies under the exemptive provisions of Rule 15c3-3 under Section (k)(2)(ii) of the Rule, as none of them carry the accounts of their customers on their books nor perform custodial functions related to customer securities.

Advances, dividend payments and other equity withdrawals from its broker dealer subsidiaries are restricted by the regulations of the SEC, and other regulatory agencies. These regulatory restrictions may limit the amounts that a subsidiary may dividend or advance to the Company.

NOTE 11. PRO FORMA

Had the acquisition of vFinance, Inc. occurred on October 1, 2007, the results would have been as follows:

	For the 6 months
	ended
	March 31, 2008
Total Revenue	$	61,798,000
Net loss		(4,239,000	)
Basic and diluted loss per common share		(0.26	)

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. This Quarterly Report may contain certain statements of a forward-looking nature relating to future events or future business performance. Any such statements that refer to the Company’s estimated or anticipated future results or other non-historical facts are forward-looking and reflect the Company’s current perspective of existing trends and information. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that cannot be predicted or quantified and, consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, risks and uncertainties detailed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 29, 2008. Any forward-looking statements contained in or incorporated into this Quarterly Report speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

OVERVIEW

We are engaged in investment banking, equity research, institutional sales and trading, independent brokerage and advisory services and asset management services through our principal subsidiaries, National Securities Corporation (“National Securities”), vFinance Investments, Inc. (“vFinance Investments”) and EquityStation, Inc. (“EquityStation”, and collectively with National Securities and vFinance Investments, the “Broker Dealer Subsidiaries”). We are committed to establishing a significant presence in the financial services industry by meeting the varying investment needs of our retail, corporate and institutional clients.

Each of National Securities, vFinance Investments and EquityStation is subject to regulation by, among others, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (“MSRB”) and is a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”). vFinance Investments is also subject to regulation by the National Futures Association (“NFA”). In addition, each of the Broker Dealer Subsidiaries is licensed to conduct its brokerage activities in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, with vFinance Investments also being licensed in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

As of March 31, 2009, we had approximately 925 associated personnel serving retail and institutional customers, trading and investment banking clients. With the exception of our New York, New Jersey, Florida, Washington and Illinois branches, our approximately 84 other registered offices are owned and operated by independent owners who maintain all appropriate licenses and are responsible for all office overhead and expenses. Because these independent operators, many of whom are financial planners, are required to pay their own expenses, we generally pay them a much greater percentage of the commissions and fee income they generate, typically 70% - 90%.

Our registered representatives offer a broad range of investment products and services. These products and services allow us to generate both commissions (from transactions in securities and other investment products) and fee income (for providing investment advisory services, namely managing a client’s account). The investment products and services offered include but are not limited to stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities, insurance, and managed money accounts.

Difficult Market Conditions

The U.S. and global economies have continued to deteriorate and are now in a recession, which could be long-term. We, like other companies in the financial services sector, are exposed to volatility and trends in the securities markets and the economy, generally. The market downturn and poor economic conditions have reduced overall investment banking and client activity levels. It is difficult to predict when conditions will change. Given difficult market and economic conditions, we have focused on reducing redundancies and unnecessary expense. At the same time, however, we continue to seek to selectively upgrade our talent pool given the availability of experienced professionals.

Growth Strategy

We continue to evaluate opportunities to grow our businesses, including potential acquisitions or mergers with other securities, investment banking and investment advisory firms, and by adding to our base of independent representatives organically. These acquisitions may involve payments of material amounts of cash, the incurrence of a significant amount of debt or the issuance of significant amounts of our equity securities, which may be dilutive to our existing shareholders and/or may increase our leverage. We cannot assure you that we will be able to consummate any such potential acquisitions at all or on terms acceptable to us or, if we do, that any acquired business will be profitable. There is also a risk that we will not be able to successfully integrate acquired businesses into our existing business and operations.

Key Indicators of Financial Performance for Management

Management periodically reviews and analyzes our financial performance across a number of measurable factors considered to be particularly useful in understanding and managing our business. Key metrics in this process include productivity and practice diversification of representatives, top line commission and advisory services revenues, gross margins, operating expenses, legal costs, taxes and earnings per share. Management also relies on a Non-GAAP metric referred to as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, as adjusted ("EBITDA, as adjusted") as a key metric for evaluating the financial performance of the Company, an example of which can be found later in this section under NON-GAAP INFORMATION.

Acquisition of vFinance, Inc.

In July 2008, we acquired vFinance, Inc. through a merger with a newly formed wholly-owned subsidiary. The assets and liabilities acquired as well as the financial results of vFinance were included in our consolidated financial statements after the close of business on July 1, 2008, the acquisition date. The aggregate acquisition price was approximately $17.6 million, which consisted of approximately 7,788,910 shares of Company common stock issued in exchange for all of the issued and outstanding common stock of vFinance, and direct expenses of $0.6 million in legal fees, valuation fees, severance costs and contract cancellation costs. We accounted for the acquisition of vFinance under the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 141 “Business Combinations.”

Since July 1, 2008, our management team has been focused on the task of eliminating duplicative overhead and services, and eliminating unnecessary costs in an effort to improve bottom line performance. As of the date of this report, the Company has made considerable progress on cost cutting measures, and these savings are exceeding $5 million dollars on an annualized basis. We fully intend to continue our efforts to conserve capital and keep costs low in an effort to improve the Company’s profitability.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2008

The Company’s second quarter of fiscal year 2009 resulted in an increase in revenues, but a greater increase in expenses compared to the same period last year. As a result, the Company reported a net loss of $1,927,000 compared with a net loss of $1,364,000 for the second quarters of fiscal years 2009 and 2008, respectively.

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,				Increase (Decrease)
	2009		2008		Amount			Percent
Commissions	$	15,405,000	$	9,924,000	$	5,481,000			55%
Net dealer inventory gains		4,126,000		3,639,000		487,000			13%
Investment banking		482,000		67,000		415,000			619%
Interest and dividends		336,000		880,000		(544,000	)		-62%
Transfer fees and clearance services		2,919,000		962,000		1,957,000			203%
Other		1,318,000		812,000		506,000			62%
	$	24,586,000	$	16,284,000	$	8,302,000			51%

Total revenues increased $8,302,000, or 51%, in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009 to $24,586,000 from $16,284,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008. Commission revenue increased $5,481,000, or 55%, to $15,405,000 from $9,924,000 during the second quarter of fiscal year 2009 compared with the same period in fiscal year 2008, Net dealer inventory gains which includes profits on proprietary trading, market making activities and customer mark-ups and mark-downs, increased $487,000, or 13%, to $4,126,000 from $3,639,000 during the second quarter of fiscal year 2009 compared with the same period in fiscal year 2008. The increase in total revenues, commission revenues and net dealer inventory gains were all primarily due to the addition of vFinance revenues as a result of the merger.

Investment banking revenue increased $415,000, or 619%, in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009 to $482,000 from $67,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008. These revenues were attributable to the closing of a small private placement during the quarter. The Company did not complete any investment banking transactions in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008, and received only modest fee income. Interest and dividend income decreased by $544,000 or 62%, to $336,000 from $880,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009 compared with the same period last year. The decrease in interest income is attributable to generally lower customer margin account balances, lower customer free cash balances and lower prevailing interest rates during the quarter. Transfer fees increased $1,957,000 or 203%, to $2,919,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009 from $962,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008. The increase is due primarily to the addition of vFinance revenues as a result of the merger.

Other revenue, consisting of asset management fees, miscellaneous transaction fees and trading fees and other investment income, increased $506,000, or 62%, to $1,318,000 from $812,000 during the second quarter of fiscal year 2009 compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2008. The increase is due primarily to the addition of vFinance revenues as a result of the merger.

In comparison with the 51% increase in total revenues, total expenses increased 50% or $8,865,000 to $26,513,000 for the second quarter of fiscal year 2009 compared to $17,648,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008. The increase in total expenses is primarily a result of the addition of vFinance expenses as a result of the merger.

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,				Increase (Decrease)
	2009		2008		Amount		Percent
Commissions	$	18,007,000	$	12,551,000	$	5,456,000		43%
Employee compensation		3,037,000		2,308,000		729,000		32%
Clearing fees		1,174,000		522,000		652,000		125%
Communications		1,031,000		253,000		778,000		308%
Occupancy and equipment costs		1,440,000		869,000		571,000		66%
Professional fees		607,000		463,000		144,000		31%
Interest		309,000		70,000		239,000		341%
Taxes, licenses and registration		342,000		77,000		265,000		344%
Other administrative expenses		566,000		535,000		31,000		6%
	$	26,513,000	$	17,648,000	$	8,865,000		50%

Commission expense, which includes expenses related to commission revenue, net dealer inventory gains and investment banking, increased $5,456,000, or 43%, to $18,007,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009 from $12,551,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in the related commission revenues from the vFinance merger and is consistent with the increase in commission revenues. Commission expense includes the amortization of advances to registered representatives of $364,000 and $313,000 for the second quarter of fiscal years 2009 and 2008, respectively. These amounts fluctuate based upon the amounts of advances outstanding and the time period for which the registered representatives have agreed to be affiliated with National Securities.

Employee compensation expense increased $729,000, or 32%, to $3,307,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009 from $2,308,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008. The increase is primarily attributable to costs from vFinance due to the merger. Employee compensation includes the amortization of the fair value associated with stock based compensation of $237,000 and $108,000 in second quarter of fiscal years 2009 and 2008, respectively. Overall, combined commission and employee compensation expense, as a percentage of total revenue decreased to 86% from 91% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009 and 2008, respectively as a result of cost cutting plans implemented due to economic conditions.

Clearing fees increased $652,000 or 125%, to $1,174,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009 from $522,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008. The increase in clearing fees is primarily attributable to costs from vFinance due to the merger. The greater increase in clearing fees as compared to the increase in commission revenue is attributable to lower average commission revenue per ticket in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009.

Communication expenses increased $778,000 or 308%, to $1,031,000 from $253,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009 compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2008. The increase is partly due to costs from vFinance due to the merger and the need for additional network connectivity between corporate offices. Occupancy costs increased $571,000, or 66%, to $1,440,000 from $869,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009 compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2008. The increase in occupancy expense is due to annual rent increases contained in the Company’s office leases and the addition of rented office space due to the vFinance merger.

Professional fees increased $144,000, or 31%, to $607,000 from $463,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009 compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2008. The increase in professional fees is primarily a result of the filing of a registration statement and generally higher legal costs associated with the merger with vFinance.

Interest expense increased $239,000, or 341%, to $309,000 from $70,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009 compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2008. The increase in interest expense is attributable to new convertible notes issued in March and June of fiscal year 2008. Included in interest expense is the amortization of deferred financing costs of $137,000 and $27,000 for the second quarter of fiscal years 2009 and 2008, respectively. Taxes, licenses and registration increased $265,000, or 344%, to $342,000 from $77,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009 compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2008. The increase in taxes, licenses and registration is due to primarily to costs from vFinance due to the merger. Other administrative expenses increased $31,000 or 6% to $566,000 from $535,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009 compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2008. The increase is primarily attributable to costs from vFinance due to the merger.

The Company reported a net loss of $1,927,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009 compared to a net loss of $1,364,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008. The net loss attributable to common stockholders in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009 was $2,010,000, or $.12 per common share, as compared to a net loss attributable to common stockholders in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 of $1,447,000, or $.17 per common share. The net loss attributable to common stockholders for both the second quarter of fiscal year 2009 and 2008 reflects $83,000 of cumulative preferred stock dividends on the Company’s preferred stock.

Six Months Ended March 31, 2009 Compared to Six Months Ended March 31, 2008

The Company’s first six months of fiscal year 2009 resulted in an increase in revenues, but a greater increase in expenses compared to the same period last year. As a result, the Company reported a net loss of $3,070,000 compared with a net loss of $2,532,000 for the first six months of fiscal years 2009 and 2008, respectively.

	Six Months Ended
	March 31,				Increase (Decrease)
	2009		2008		Amount			Percent
Commissions	$	28,119,000	$	23,216,000	$	4,903,000			21%
Net dealer inventory gains		13,914,000		7,833,000		6,081,000			78%
Investment banking		1,149,000		67,000		1,082,000			1615%
Interest and dividends		1,033,000		1,810,000		(777,000	)		-43%
Transfer fees and clearance services		5,669,000		2,273,000		3,396,000			149%
Other		2,554,000		1,450,000		1,104,000			76%
	$	52,438,000	$	36,649,000	$	15,789,000			43%

Total revenues increased $15,789,000, or 43%, in the first six months of fiscal year 2009 to $52,438,000 from $36,649,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2008. The increase in revenues is due primarily to the addition of vFinance revenues as a result of the merger. Commission revenue increased $4,903,000, or 21%, to $28,119,000 from $23,216,000 during the first six months of fiscal year 2009 compared with the same period in fiscal year 2008, which is due primarily to the addition of vFinance revenues as a result of the merger. Net dealer inventory gains which includes profits on proprietary trading, market making activities and customer mark-ups and mark-downs, increased $6,081,000, or 78%, to $13,914,000 from $7,833,000 during the first six months of fiscal year 2009 compared with the same period in fiscal year 2008. The increase is due primarily to the addition of vFinance revenues as a result of the merger.

Investment banking revenue increased $1,082,000, or 1,615%, in the first six months of fiscal year 2009 to $1,149,000 from $67,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2008. These revenues were attributable to the closing of a small private placement as well as advisory and consulting services provided during the six month period. Interest and dividend income decreased by $777,000 or 43%, to $1,033,000 from $1,810,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2009 compared with the same period last year. The decrease in interest income is attributable to generally lower customer margin account balances, lower customer free cash balances and lower prevailing interest rates during the quarter. Transfer fees and clearance services increased $3,396,000 or 149%, to $5,669,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2009 from $2,273,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2008. The increase is due primarily to the addition of vFinance revenues as a result of the merger.

Other revenue, consisting of asset management fees, miscellaneous transaction fees and trading fees and other investment income, increased $1,104,000, or 76%, to $2,554,000 from $1,450,000 during the first six months of fiscal year 2009 compared to the first six months of fiscal year 2008. The increase is due primarily to the addition of vFinance revenues as a result of the merger.

In comparison with the 43% increase in total revenues, total expenses increased 42% or $16,327,000 to $55,508,000 for the first six months of fiscal year 2009 compared to $39,181,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2008. The increase in total expenses is primarily a result of the addition of vFinance expenses as a result of the merger.

	Six Months Ended
	March 31,				Increase (Decrease)
	2009		2008		Amount		Percent
Commissions	$	38,463,000	$	28,754,000	$	9,709,000		34%
Employee compensation		6,044,000		4,549,000		1,495,000		33%
Clearing fees		2,367,000		1,136,000		1,231,000		108%
Communications		1,893,000		608,000		1,285,000		211%
Occupancy and equipment costs		2,846,000		1,733,000		1,113,000		64%
Professional fees		1,370,000		1,051,000		319,000		30%
Interest		634,000		143,000		491,000		343%
Taxes, licenses and registration		602,000		207,000		395,000		191%
Other administrative expenses		1,289,000		1,000,000		289,000		29%
	$	55,508,000	$	39,181,000	$	16,327,000		42%

Commission expense, which includes expenses related to commission revenue, net dealer inventory gains and investment banking, increased $9,709,000, or 34%, to $ 38,463,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2009 from $28,754,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2008. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in the related commission revenues from the vFinance merger. Commission expense includes the amortization of advances to registered representatives of $759,000 and $804,000 for the first six months of fiscal years 2009 and 2008, respectively. These amounts fluctuate based upon the amounts of advances outstanding and the time period for which the registered representatives have agreed to be affiliated with National Securities.

Employee compensation expense increased $1,495,000, or 33%, to $6,044,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2009 from $4,549,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2008. The increase is primarily attributable to costs from vFinance due to the merger. Employee compensation includes the amortization of the fair value associated with stock based compensation of $473,000 and $210,000 in first six months of fiscal years 2009 and 2008, respectively. Overall, combined commission and employee compensation expense, as a percentage of revenue decreased to 85% from 91% in the first six months of fiscal year 2009 and 2008, respectively as a result of cost cutting plans implemented due to economic conditions.

Clearing fees increased $1,231,000 or 108%, to $2,367,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2009 from $1,136,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2008. The increase in clearing fees is primarily attributable to costs from vFinance due to the merger. The greater increase in clearing fees as compared to the increase in commission revenue is attributable to lower average commission revenue per ticket in the first six months of fiscal year 2009.

Communication expenses increased $1,285,000 or 211%, to $1,893,000 from $608,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2009 compared to the first six months of fiscal year 2008. The increase is due to costs from vFinance due to the merger. Occupancy costs increased $1,113,000, or 64%, to $2,846,000 from $1,733,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2009 compared to the first six months of fiscal year 2008. The increase in occupancy expense is due to annual rent increases contained in the Company’s office leases and the addition of rented office space due to the vFinance merger.

Professional fees increased $319,000, or 30%, to $1,370,000 from $1,051,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2009 compared to the first six months of fiscal year 2008. The increase in professional fees is primarily a result of the filing of a registration statement and generally higher legal costs associated with the merger with vFinance.

Interest expense increased $491,000, or 343%, to $634,000 from $143,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2009 compared to the first six months of fiscal year 2008. The increase in interest expense is attributable to new convertible notes issued in March and June of fiscal year 2008. Included in interest expense is the amortization of deferred financing costs of $265,000 and $55,000 the first six months of fiscal years 2009 and 2008, respectively. Taxes, licenses and registration increased $395,000, or 191%, to $602,000 from $207,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2009 compared to the first six months of fiscal year 2008. The increase in taxes, licenses and registration is due to primarily attributable to costs from vFinance due to the merger. Other administrative expenses increased $289,000 or 29% to $1,289,000 from $1,000,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2009 compared to the first six months of fiscal year 2008. The increase is primarily attributable to costs from vFinance due to the merger.

The Company reported a net loss of $3,070,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2009 compared to a net loss of $2,532,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2008. The net loss attributable to common stockholders in the first six months of fiscal year 2009 was $3,239,000, or $.20 per common share, as compared to a net loss attributable to common stockholders in the first six months of fiscal year 2008 of $2,701,000, or $.31 per common share. The net loss attributable to common stockholders for both the first six months of fiscal year 2009 and 2008 reflects $169,000 of cumulative preferred stock dividends on the Company’s preferred stock.

NON-G.A.A.P. INFORMATION

Management considers EBITDA, as adjusted, an important indicator in evaluating our business on a consistent basis across various periods. Due to the significance of non-recurring items, EBITDA, as adjusted, enables our board of directors and management to monitor and evaluate our business on a consistent basis. We use EBITDA, as adjusted, as a primary measure, among others, to analyze and evaluate financial and strategic planning decisions regarding future operating investments and potential acquisitions. We believe that EBITDA, as adjusted, eliminates items that are not part of our core operations, such as interest expense and amortization expense associated with intangible assets, or do not involve a cash outlay, such as stock-related compensation. EBITDA, as adjusted should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, pre-tax income, net income and cash flows from operating activities. For the three and six months ended March 31, 2009, EBITDA, as adjusted, was $(620,000) and ($432,000), respectively. In the three and six months ended March 31, 2008, EBITDA, as adjusted, was ($957,000) and ($1,664,000),respectively. This improvement of $337,000 and $1,232,000 in both the three and six months ended March 31, 2009 over 2008 result from increased revenues, lower average payout per dollar of commission earned, and a reduction of operating expenses.

The following table presents a reconciliation of EBITDA, as adjusted, to net income as reported.

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	March 31,						March 31,
	2009			2008			2009			2008

Net income (loss), as reported	$	(1,927,000	)	$	(1,364,000	)	$	(3,070,000	)	$	(2,532,000	)
Interest expense		309,000			70,000			634,000			143,000
Taxes		33,000			40,000			77,000			106,000
Depreciation		200,000			44,000			362,000			101,000
Amortization		162,000			-			324,000			-
EBITDA		(1,223,000	)		(1,210,000	)		(1,673,000	)		(2,182,000	)
Non-cash compensation expense		237,000			20,000			473,000			29,000
Forgivable loan write down		366,000			233,000			768,000			489,000
EBITDA, as adjusted	$	(620,000	)	$	(957,000	)	$	(432,000	)	$	(1,664,000	)

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, adjusted for gains or losses on sales of assets, non-cash compensation expense and loss on extinguishment of debt, is a key metric we use in evaluating our business. EBITDA is considered a non-GAAP financial measure as defined by Regulation G promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

For the periods ended March 31, 2009 and September 30, 2008, 52% and 54% of our total assets consisted of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities owned and receivables from clearing brokers and other broker dealers. The level of cash used in each asset class is subject to fluctuation based on market volatility, revenue production and trading activity in the marketplace. Allocation of cash into marketable securities classes are dependent upon overall market activity, but the majority of our securities owned are in municipal securities and common stock.

Our Broker Dealer Subsidiaries are subject to the SEC's Uniform Net Capital Rule 15c3-1, which is designed to measure the general financial integrity and liquidity of a broker-dealer and requires the maintenance of minimum net capital. Net capital is defined as the net worth of a broker-dealer subject to certain adjustments. In computing net capital, various adjustments are made to net worth that exclude assets not readily convertible into cash. Additionally, the regulations require that certain assets, such as a broker-dealer's position in securities, be valued in a conservative manner so as to avoid over-inflation of the broker-dealer's net capital. National Securities has elected to use the alternative standard method permitted by the rule. This requires that National Securities maintain minimum net capital equal to the greater of $250,000 or a specified amount per security based on the bid price of each security for which National Securities is a market maker. At March 31, 2008, National Securities’ net capital exceeded the requirement by $165,000. Due to its market maker status, vFinance Investments is required to maintain a minimum net capital of $1,000,000 and EquityStation is required to maintain $100,000, and at March 31, 2009 the firms had excess net capital of $313,000 and $127,000, respectively.

Cash used in operations for the six months ended March 31, 2009 was $2,480,000 which was primarily due to our net loss of $3,069,000, an increase in marketable securities owned of $1,152,000, a decrease of the payable to broker dealers and clearing organizations of $419,000 and increase in other receivables of $385,000 partly due to an unsecured customer debit, and offset by a reduction in advances to registered representatives of $610,000, and an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $735,000.

Investing activities used $343,000 due to the need to purchase fixed assets under mostly capital leases due to the move of our vFinance Boca Raton data center into a co-location in Miami, Florida.

Financing activities used $150,000 due to the repayment of part of the note to St. Cloud Capital Partners of $150,000.

The Company has historically satisfied its capital needs with cash generated from operations or from financing activities. The Company believes that it will have sufficient funds to maintain its current level of business activities during fiscal year 2009. If market conditions should weaken, the Company would need to consider curtailing certain of its business activities, reducing its fixed overhead costs and/or seek additional sources of financing.

Advances, dividend payments and other equity withdrawals from the Company’s subsidiary are restricted by the regulations of the SEC and other regulatory agencies. These regulatory restrictions may limit the amounts that a subsidiary may dividend or advance to the Company. During the quarter ended March 31, 2009 the Company did not have any equity withdrawals.

The Company extends unsecured credit in the normal course of business to its brokers. The determination of the appropriate amount of the reserve for uncollectible accounts is based upon a review of the amount of credit extended, the length of time each receivable has been outstanding, and the specific individual brokers from whom the receivables are due.

The objective of liquidity management is to ensure that the Company has ready access to sufficient funds to meet commitments, fund deposit withdrawals and efficiently provide for the credit needs of customers.

National Securities entered into a secured demand note collateral agreement with an employee of National Securities and a former Director of the Company to borrow securities that can be used by the Company for collateral agreements. In February 2008, upon the maturity of the previously issued note, National Securities and the holder entered into a new $500,000 secured demand note collateral agreement with a maturity date of March 1, 2009 at which time the holder also entered into a warrant agreement to purchase 150,000 shares of common stock at a price of $1.25 per share, with an expiration date of July 31, 2009. The note collateral agreement automatically renewed on March 1, 2009 and is set to mature on March 1, 2010.

In February 2007, the Company completed a financing transaction under which certain investors purchased 10% promissory notes in the principal amount of $1.0 million, which notes matured in February 2009. The Company recorded a debt discount of approximately $195,000 that is being charged to interest expense over the life of the debt. The investment included $500,000 by Christopher C. Dewey and $250,000 by St. Cloud Capital Partners, L.P. (“St. Cloud”). Mr. Dewey, and Marshall S. Geller, the Senior Managing Partner of St. Cloud, are each members of the Company’s board of directors. In February 2009, we entered into forbearance agreements with the investors as previously reported on our Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on March 2, 2009, and on April 6, 2009 we amended our forbearance agreement with St. Cloud, as filed with the SEC on April 10, 2009. The St. Cloud note was repaid in full on April 30, 2009.

On May 6, 2009, we entered into amendments to the existing forbearance agreements with the remaining investors, as previously reported on our Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on May 6, 2009, whereby the remaining investors agreed not exercise any of their rights under their notes until May 12, 2009. On May 14, 2009, we entered into second amendments to the existing forbearance agreements with the remaining investors whereby the remaining investors agreed not exercise any of their rights under their notes until May 22, 2009. As of the date here, such notes remain outstanding.

On March 31, 2008, the Company completed a financing transaction under which an investor made an investment in the Company by purchasing a convertible promissory note in the principal amount of $3.0 million, with a warrant to purchase 375,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.50 per share. The promissory note matures in March 2012, is convertible into common stock at a price of $2.00 per share and has a stated interest rate of 10% per annum. Under accounting guidance provided by EITF No 98-5 and EITF No. 00-27 the relative fair value of the warrant was calculated using the Black-Scholes Option Valuation Model. The Company also recorded an additional debt discount for the beneficial conversion feature of the instrument. These amounts, totaling approximately $791,000, have been recorded as a debt discount that will be charged to interest expense over the life of the promissory note.

On June 30, 2008, the Company completed a financing transaction under which the same investor made an additional investment in the Company by purchasing a convertible promissory note in the principal amount of $3.0 million, with a warrant to purchase 468,750 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.00 per share. The promissory note matures in June 2012, is convertible into common stock at a price of $1.60 per share and has a stated interest rate of 10% per annum. Under accounting guidance provided by EITF No 98-5 and EITF No. 00-27 the relative fair value of the warrant was calculated using the Black-Scholes Option Valuation Model. The Company also recorded an additional debt discount for the beneficial conversion feature of the instrument. These amounts, totaling approximately $789,000, have been recorded as a debt discount that will be charged to interest expense over the life of the promissory note.

In April 2005, National Securities entered into a clearing agreement with National Financial Services LLC (“NFS”) that became effective in June 2005. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2007, NFS paid National Securities a $750,000 general business credit that is being amortized over an eight year period ending November 2014, corresponding with the expiration date of the clearing agreement. In the second quarter of fiscal year 2007, NFS provided National Securities a $250,000 clearing fee waiver that is being amortized over a two year period ending December 2008, corresponding with the time period that certain performance standards were to be achieved. The clearing agreement includes a termination fee if National Securities terminates the agreement without cause. The Broker Dealer Subsidiaries currently have clearing agreements with NFS, Penson Financial Services, Inc., Legent Clearing LLC and Fortis Securities, LLC. The Company believes that the overall effect of its clearing relationships has been beneficial to the Company’s cost structure, liquidity and capital resources.

Contractual Obligations

There have been no material changes during the period covered by this report, outside of the ordinary course of our business, to the contractual obligations specified in the table of contractual obligations disclosed in Part II, Item 7 – “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2008.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company's primary market risk arises from the fact that it engages in proprietary trading and historically made dealer markets in equity securities. Accordingly, the Company may be required to maintain certain amounts of inventories in order to facilitate customer order flow. The Company may incur losses as a result of price movements in these inventories due to changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, equity prices and other political factors. The Company is not subject to direct market risk due to changes in foreign exchange rates. However, the Company is subject to market risk as a result of changes in interest rates and equity prices, which are affected by global economic conditions. The Company manages its exposure to market risk by limiting its net long or short positions. Trading and inventory accounts are monitored daily by management and the Company has instituted position limits.

Credit risk represents the amount of accounting loss the Company could incur if counterparties to its proprietary transactions fail to perform and the value of any collateral proves inadequate. Although credit risk relating to various financing activities is reduced by the industry practice of obtaining and maintaining collateral, the Company maintains more stringent requirements to further reduce its exposure. The Company monitors its exposure to counterparty risk on a daily basis by using credit exposure information and monitoring collateral values. The Company maintains a credit committee, which reviews margin requirements for large or concentrated accounts and sets higher requirements or requires a reduction of either the level of margin debt or investment in high-risk securities or, in some cases, requiring the transfer of the account to another broker-dealer.

The Company monitors its market and credit risks daily through internal control procedures designed to identify and evaluate the various risks to which the Company is exposed. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company's risk management procedures and internal controls will prevent losses from occurring as a result of such risks.

The following table shows the quoted market values of marketable securities owned ("long") by the Company, securities sold but not yet purchased ("short") the Company, and net positions as of March 31, 2009:

	Long		Short		Net
Corporate stocks	$	221,000	$	10,000	$	211,000
Corporate bonds		11,000		1,000		10,000
Government obligations		1,896,000		-		1,896,000
	$	2,128,000	$	11,000	$	2,117,000

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) required by the Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b), the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were adequate and effective to ensure that material information relating to the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries would be made known to them by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report on Form 10-Q was being prepared.

Disclosure controls and procedures are our controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act, is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.

Changes in internal controls. There were no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect those controls and procedures subsequent to the date of our evaluation nor any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in such disclosure controls and procedures requiring corrective actions.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

During the quarter ended March 31, 2009, there were no significant developments in the Company’s legal proceedings. For a detailed discussion of the Company’s legal proceedings, please refer to Note 6 herein, and the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There are no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2008.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

The Company held its annual meeting of shareholders on March 16, 2009 as reported on the Company’s Current report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on March 19, 2009

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

On April 9, 2009, we announced that we entered into a definitive Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), with Fund.Com, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Investor”) whereby the Investor has agreed to provide $5 million in preferred stock financing (the “Financing”).

Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the Investor has agreed to purchase an aggregate of 5,000 shares of our to be created Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Series C Preferred Stock”) at a purchase price of $1,000.00 per share, and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 25,333,333 shares of common stock (on an as-exercised basis) with an exercise price of $0.75 per share. In connection with the Financing, the Investor provided us with an initial investment tranche of $500,000, as evidenced by the Company’s limited recourse promissory note, dated April 8, 2009 (the “Note”), which Note automatically converted on April 30, 2009 into 666,666 shares of common stock based on a $.75 per common share price.

On May 5, 2009, we entered into Amendment No. 1 to the Purchase Agreement which provides that the closing date of the transaction will be extended to May 29, 2009, subject to receipt by the Company of a good faith deposit from the Investor by May 11, 2009 in the amount of $200,000 for the payment of professional fees. On May 14, 2009, we entered into Amendment No. 2 to the Purchase Agreement whereby we waived the $200,000 payment of professional fees and agreed to close the transaction no later than May 22, 2009.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

4.7	Limited Recourse Promissory Note, dated April 8, 2009, to Fund.Com, Inc.

10.28

Securities Purchase Agreement, dated April 8, 2009, by and between National Holding Corporation and Fund.Com, Inc.

10.29

Amendment No. 1 to Securities Purchase Agreement, dated May 5, 2009, by and between National Holdings Corporation and Fund.Com, Inc.

10.30

Amendment No. 2 to Securities Purchase Agreement, dated May 14, 2009, by and between National Holdings Corporation and Fund.Com, Inc.

10.31

Amendment No. 1 to Forbearance Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2009, by and between National Holdings Corporation and Christopher C. Dewey.

10.32

Amendment No. 1 to Forbearance Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2009, by and between National Holdings Corporation and Bedford Oak Partners, L.P.

10.33

Amendment No.2 to Forbearance Agreement, dated as of May 14, 2009, by and between National Holdings Corporation and Christopher C. Dewey.

10.34

Amendment No.2 to Forbearance Agreement, dated as of May 14, 2009, by and between National Holdings Corporation and Bedford Oak Partners, L.P.

31.1	Chief Executive Officer’s Certificate pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2	Chief Financial Officer’s Certificate pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1	Chief Executive Officer’s Certificate pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2	Chief Financial Officer’s Certificate pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

	NATIONAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


May 14, 2009	By:	/s/ Mark Goldwasser
		Mark Goldwasser Chief Executive Officer



May 14, 2009	By:	/s/ Alan B. Levin
		Alan B. Levin Chief Financial Officer