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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K/A

 

CURRENT REPORT

 

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): February 10, 2025 (March 15, 2024)

 

Binah Capital Group, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   333-269004   88-3276689
(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation)
  (Commission File Number)   (I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

 

80 State Street, Albany, NY 12207

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (212) 404-7002

 

17 Battery Place, Room 625

New York, New York 10004

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Each Class   Trading Symbols   Name of Each Exchange on Which
Registered
Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share   BCG   The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Warrants, each exercisable for one share of Common Stock at an exercise price of $11.50 per share   BCGWW   The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

 

Emerging growth company x

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

 

 

 

 

 

 

Explanatory Note

 

This Amendment No. 2 to Form 8-K amends the Current Report on Form 8-K Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 21, 2024. This Amendment is being filed in order to (i) provide the audited consolidated financial statements of Wentworth as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Wentworth as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, (ii) provide the audited consolidated financial statements of Kingswood Acquisition Corp as of December 31, 2023 and 2022; (iii) provide the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information for the year ended December 31, 2023 and (iv) update certain disclosures contained in Item 2.01 of the Original Report and update and amend certain disclosures contained in Item 4.01 of the Original Report, in each case, in connection with providing such additional financial statements and information.

  

This Amendment does not amend any other item of the Original Report or purport to provide an update or a discussion of any developments at the Company or its subsidiaries subsequent to the filing date of the Original Report. The information previously reported in or filed with the Original Report is hereby incorporated by reference to this Amendment.

 

Item 2.01. Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets.

 

FORM 10 INFORMATION

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The information set forth in Exhibit 99.2 to this Amendment is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Financial Statements, Supplementary Data and Exhibits

 

The information set forth in sections (a) and (d) of Item 9.01 of this Amendment is incorporated herein by reference.

  

Item 4.01. Changes in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant.

 

On March 15, 2024, the Audit Committee of the Board approved FGMK, LLC (“FGMK”) as its independent registered public accounting firm. FGMK previously served as the independent registered public accounting firm of Wentworth prior to the Business Combination. Accordingly, Binah Capital Group, Inc. intended to dismiss Marcum LLP ("Marcum"), the independent registered public accounting firm prior to the Business Combination of Binah Capital Corp. (formerly known as Kingswood Acquisition Corp.), a wholly owned subsidiary of Binah Capital Group, Inc. ("KWAC"), following the completion of its audit of KWAC's financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023. The Audit Committee of the Board of Binah Capital Group, Inc. dismissed Marcum on February 5, 2025.

 

Marcum’s report of independent registered public accounting firm dated December 13, 2024 on the balance sheets of KWAC as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ deficit and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes to the financial statements did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainties, audit scope or accounting principles.

 

During the two years in the period ended December 31, 2023, there were no (i) “disagreements” (as such term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K) by KWAC with Marcum on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedures, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Marcum, would have caused Marcum to make reference thereto in its reports on KWAC’s financial statements for such periods, or (ii) “reportable events” (as described in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) other than the material weaknesses in internal controls identified by management as of December 31, 2023 related to lack of controls in the accounting for complex financial instruments including those requiring them to apply complex accounting principles as a means of differentiating between liability, temporary equity and permanent equity classification and including proper classification of gain on private warrant liabilities and fair value measurement of convertible promissory notes, and lack of controls to review the appropriateness of its legal fee and transfer agent fee accruals, Delaware franchise tax accruals, and presentation in the statement of cash flows.

 

During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the subsequent interim periods through February 5, 2025, KWAC did not consult FGMK with respect to either (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed; or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on KWAC’s financial statements, and no written report or oral advice was provided to KWAC by FGMK that FGMK concluded was an important factor considered by KWAC in reaching a decision as to the accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; or (ii) any matter that was either the subject of a disagreement, as that term is described in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and the related instructions to Item 304 of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act, or a reportable event, as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act.

 

The Company has provided Marcum with a copy of the disclosures made by in this Item 4.01 in response to Item 304(a) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and requested that Marcum furnish the Company with a letter addressed to the SEC stating whether it agrees with the statements made by the registrant in this Item 4.01 in response to Item 304(a) of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act and, if not, stating the respects in which it does not agree. A letter from Marcum is attached hereto as Exhibit 16.1.

 

 

 

 

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(a) Financial statements of business acquired.

  

The audited consolidated financial statements of Wentworth Management Services LLC as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 and related notes are filed herewith as exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herin by reference.

 

The audited consolidated financial statements of Kingswood Acquisition Corp. as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 and related notes are filed herewith as exhibit 99.3 and incorproated herein by reference.

  

(b) Pro forma financial information.

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and the related notes are filed herewith as exhibit 99.4 and incorporated herin by reference.

 

(d) Exhibits.

 

Exhibit No.   Description
16.1   Letter from Marcum LLP
99.1   Audited consolidated financial statements of Wentworth Management Services LLC as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
99.2   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Wentworth for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
99.3   Audited consolidated financial statements of Kingswood Acquisition Corp. as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
99.4   Unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information of Binah Capital Group, Inc. as of December 31, 2023.
104   Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).

 

 

 

  

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 hereunto duly authorized.

 

Dated: February 10, 2025

 

  BINAH CAPITAL GROUP, INC.
     
  By: /s/ Craig Gould
  Name: Craig Gould
  Title: Chief Executive Officer and Director

 

 

 

Exhibit 16.1

 

February 10, 2025

 

Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street, N.E.

Washington, DC 20549

 

Commissioners:

 

We have read the statements made by Binah Capital Group, Inc. under Item 4.01 of its Form 8-K/A dated February 10, 2025 as it relates to Binah Capital Corp. (formerly known as Kingswood Acquisition Corp.), a wholly owned subsisdiary of Binah Capital Group, Inc. We agree with the statements concerning our Firm in such Form 8-K/A; we are not in a position to agree or disagree with other statements of Binah Capital Group, Inc. contained therein.

 

Very truly yours,

 

/s/ Marcum llp

 

Marcum llp

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

WENTWORTH MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC

DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

  Page
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT F-2
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations F-4
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Members’ Equity F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows F-6
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements F-7-F-28

 

 F-1 

 

  

WENTWORTH MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of
Binah Capital Group, Inc.

 

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of Wentworth Management Services LLC (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in members’ equity, and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/ FGMK LLC

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2021.

 

Chicago, Illinois 

April 16, 2024

 

 F-2 

 

 

WENTWORTH MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022

(in thousands)

  

   2023   2022 
ASSETS          
Assets:          
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash  $7,621   $7,849 
Receivables, net:          
Commissions receivable   8,220    7,944 
Due from clearing broker   631    642 
Other   1,587    1,878 
Property and equipment, net   974    1,461 
Right of use assets   4,332    4,523 
Intangible assets, net   1,580    2,159 
Goodwill   39,839    39,839 
Other assets   2,626    2,389 
           
TOTAL ASSETS  $67,410   $68,684 
           
           
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' EQUITY          
           
Liabilities:          
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities  $9,082   $8,905 
Commissions payable   10,676    11,095 
Operating lease liabilities   4,381    4,527 
Notes payable, net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $645,382 and $748,643 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively   20,822    22,929 
Promissory notes-affiliates   12,177    11,606 
Due to members   5,169    4,725 
           
TOTAL LIABILITIES   62,307    63,787 
           
Members' equity   5,103    4,897 
           
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' EQUITY  $67,410   $68,684 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 F-3 

 

 

WENTWORTH MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022

(in thousands)

  

   2023   2022 
Revenues:          
Revenue from Contracts with Customers:          
Commissions  $138,191   $149,297 
Advisory fees   21,668    23,107 
Total Revenue from Contracts with Customers   159,859    172,404 
Interest and other income   8,096    6,446 
           
Total revenues   167,955    178,850 
           
Expenses:          
Commissions and fees   136,169    145,651 
Employee compensation and benefits   13,385    14,227 
Rent and occupancy   1,189    950 
Professional fees   4,709    6,077 
Technology fees   2,457    1,892 
Interest   5,119    3,318 
Depreciation and amortization   1,216    1,523 
Other   3,225    3,721 
           
Total expenses   167,469    177,359 
           
Income before provision (benefit) for income taxes   486    1,491 
           
Provision (benefit) for income taxes   (85)   580 
           
Net income  $571   $911 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 F-4 

 

 

WENTWORTH MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN MEMBERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022

(in thousands)

  

                           Total 
   Common   Class B Preferred       Accumulated   Members' 
   Units   Amount   Units   Amount   Capital   Deficit   Equity 
                             
Balance January 1, 2022   1,325   $12,299    277   $2,774   $11,311   $(20,172)  $6,212 
                                    
Distribution of capital                   (2,225)       (2,225)
                                    
Net Income                       911    911 
                                    
Balance December 31, 2022   1,325   $12,299    277   $2,774   $9,086   $(19,261)  $4,897 
                                    
Distribution of capital                   (200)       (200)
                                    
Redemption of Class B Preferred Units           (17)   (165)           (165)
                                    
Net Income                       571    571 
                                    
Balance December 31, 2023   1,325   $12,299    260   $2,609   $8,886   $(18,690)  $5,103 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 F-5 

 

 

WENTWORTH MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands)

  

   2023   2022 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities          
Net income  $571   $911 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Depreciation and amortization   1,104    1,523 
Deferred income taxes   993    573 
Amortization of debt issuance costs   103    103 
Non-cash lease expense   511    660 
Capitalized interest - promissory notes-affiliates   697    697 
Capitalized interest - due to members   444    491 
Loss on disposal of property and equipment   41    82 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
Commissions receivable   (276)   (94)
Due from clearing broker   11    1,692 
Other receivables   291    977 
Other assets   (1,230)   (350)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities   125    670 
Commissions payable   (419)   (1,901)
Operating lease liabilities   (466)   (673)
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities   2,553    5,361 
           
Cash Flows From Investing Activities          
Purchases of property and equipment   (80)   (327)
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities   (80)   (327)
           
Cash Flows From Financing Activities          
Repayment - notes payable   (2,210)   (2,421)
Proceeds from borrowings from members       135 
Repayment - promissory notes-affiliates   (126)    
Redemption of Class B Preferred Units   (165)    
Distribution of capital   (200)   (2,225)
Net Cash Used In Financing Activities   (2,701)   (4,511)
           
Net Change in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash   (228)   526 
           
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash - Beginning of Year   7,849    7,323 
           
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash - End of Year  $7,621   $7,849 
           
Cash Paid During the Year for:          
Interest  $3,978   $2,634 
Income taxes  $   $338 
           
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information          
Right of use asset in exchange for operating lease liability  $320   $998 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 F-6 

 

1.ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF BUSINESS

 

Wentworth Management Services LLC (the “Company” or “WMS”) is a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware in March 2016. WMS is a holding company of multiple businesses that operate in the financial services industry as follows:

 

·PKS Holdings, LLC (“PKSH”) maintains offices in Albany, New York, and branch offices throughout the United States of America, and includes the following entities (collectively, the “PKSH Entities”):

 

oPurshe Kaplan Sterling Investments, Inc. (“PKSI”), incorporated in the State of New York, is a broker-dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and the Securities Investors Protection Corporation (“SIPC”).

 

oPKS Advisory Services, LLC (“PKSA”), a New York limited liability company, is an investment advisory firm, registered with the SEC, which provides advisory services to clients.

 

oPKS Financial Services, Inc. (“PKSF”), incorporated in the State of New York, is an insurance entity providing financial services to clients.

 

oRepresentatives Indemnity Company, Inc. (“Repco”), incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, holds a general business insurance license for the purpose of providing professional liability insurance coverage for affiliated entities under WMS.

 

·Cabot Lodge Securities LLC maintains offices in New York, New York and branch offices throughout the United States of America and includes the following entities (collectively, the Cabot Entities”):

 

oCabot Lodge Securities, LLC (“CLS”), a Delaware Limited Liability Company, is a broker-dealer registered with the SEC and is a member of FINRA and SIPC.

 

oCL Wealth Management, LLC (“CLWM”), a Virginia Limited Liability Company, is an investment advisory firm, registered with the SEC, which provides advisory services to clients.

 

oWentworth Financial Partners LLC (“WFP”) (f/k/a CL General Agency), a Delaware Limited Liability Company, is an insurance entity providing financial services to clients.

 

·Michigan Securities, Inc. (“MSI”) maintains offices in Albany, New York and includes the following entities (collectively, the “MSI Entities”):

 

oMSI, (d/b/a as Broadstone Securities, Inc., “Broadstone”), incorporated in the State of Michigan, is a financial services firm, and is a broker-dealer registered with the SEC and is a member of FINRA.

 

oMichigan Advisors, Inc., (“MAI”) incorporated in the State of Michigan, was a SEC registered investment advisor. MAI withdrew its registration in September 2021.

 

oInsurance Audit Agency, Inc. (“IAA”), incorporated in the state of Michigan, is an insurance agency.

 

·World Equity Group, Inc. (“WEG”), incorporated in the State of Illinois, is registered as a broker-dealer and investment advisor with the SEC and is a member of FINRA and SIPC. WEG maintains offices in Schaumburg, Illinois and has branch offices throughout the United States of America.

 

 F-7 

 

2.BUSINESS COMBINATION

 

On July 7, 2022, Kingswood Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (“KWAC”), Binah Capital Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of KWAC (“Holdings”), Kingswood Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings (“Kingswood Merger Sub”), Wentworth Merger Sub, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly- owned subsidiary of Holdings (“Wentworth Merger Sub”), and the Company, entered into an agreement and plan of merger (the “Merger Agreement”).

 

Holdings, Kingswood Merger Sub and Wentworth Merger Sub are newly formed entities that were formed for the sole purpose of entering into and consummating the transactions set forth in the Merger Agreement. Holdings is a wholly-owned direct subsidiary of KWAC and both Kingswood Merger Sub and Wentworth Merger Sub are wholly-owned direct subsidiaries of Holdings. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, at closing, each of the following transactions will occur in the following order: (i) Kingswood Merger Sub will merge with and into KWAC (the “Kingswood Merger”), with KWAC surviving the Kingswood Merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings (the “Kingswood Surviving Company”); (ii) simultaneously with the Kingswood Merger, Wentworth Merger Sub will merge with and into the Company (the “Wentworth Merger”), with the Company surviving the Wentworth Merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings (the “Surviving Company”); and (iii) following the Wentworth Merger, Kingswood Surviving Company will acquire, and Holdings will contribute to Kingswood Surviving Company all of the common units of the Surviving Company directly held by Holdings after the Kingswood Merger (the “Holdings Contribution”), such that, following the Holdings Contribution, Surviving Company shall be a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Kingswood Surviving Company (the Kingswood Merger and the Wentworth Merger, together with the other transactions related thereto, the “Business Combination”).

 

On March 15, 2024, the Business Combination will be accounted for as a reverse recapitalization acquisition in accordance with FASB ASC 805-40, Business Acquisitions. Under this method of accounting, KWAC is expected to be treated as the “acquired” company for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, for accounting purposes, the consolidated financial statements of Holdings will represent a continuation of the consolidated financial statements of the Company with the business combination treated as the equivalent of the Company issuing shares for the net assets of KWAC, accompanied by a recapitalization. The net assets of KWAC will be stated at historical cost, with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded. Operations prior to the business combination will be those of the Company in future reports of Holdings.

 

Under the terms of the Business Combination, the aggregate consideration paid in the Business Combination was approximately $217 million, paid in the form of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Company Common Stock”) and assumed indebtedness.

 

Nasdaq Exchange Listing

 

The KWAC Class A Common Stock and KWAC Public Warrants are currently listed on the OTC Exchange under the symbols “KWAC” and “KWAC WS,” respectively. Certain of the shares of KWAC Class A Common Stock and KWAC Public Warrants currently trade as KWAC Units consisting of one share of KWAC Class A Common Stock and three-fourths of one redeemable KWAC Public Warrant and are listed on the OTC Exchange under the symbol “KWAC.U.” The KWAC Units will automatically separate into component securities of Holdings upon consummation of the Business Combination and, as a result, will no longer trade as an independent security.

 

On March 26, 2024, Holdings received approval for Holding’s securities to be listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC. Holdings Common Stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market and its warrants will be listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbols “BCG” and “BCG.W”, respectively.

 

 F-8 

 

3.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of WMS and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Use of Estimates and Assumptions

 

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include the valuation and impairment of intangible assets, the valuation of deferred income taxes, allowance for credit losses, and contingencies.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenues from contracts with customers are recognized when control of the promised services is transferred to customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those services. For additional information see Note 4 - Revenues From Contracts with Customers.

 

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

 

Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of cash on deposit and money market funds, all of which have original maturities of three months or less.

 

Restricted cash represents cash held by the Company’s lender related to its credit facility. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, restricted cash amounted to approximately $0.4 million.

 

The Company regularly maintains cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash that exceed Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation limits. The Company has not experienced any losses and does not believe it is exposed to any significant credit risk from cash.

 

Receivables

 

Receivables, which amounted to approximately $10.5 and $13.0 million as of January 1, 2023 and 2022, respectively, represent amounts due to the Company from its clearing broker, clients, financial institutions and others. Receivables consists of unconditional amounts due to the Company and are reported at amortized costs. All receivables are uncollateralized.

 

 F-9 

 

3.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

Financial Instruments – Credit Losses. The Company accounts for estimated credit losses on financial assets measured at an amortized cost basis and certain off-balance sheet credit exposures in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 326-20, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses. FASB ASC 326-20 requires the Company to estimate expected credit losses over the life of its financial assets and certain off-balance sheet exposures as of the reporting date based on relevant information about past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The Company records the estimate of expected credit losses as an allowance for credit losses. For financial assets measured at an amortized cost basis the allowance for credit losses is reported as a valuation account on the statement of financial condition that adjusts the asset’s amortized cost basis. Changes in the allowance for credit losses are reported in credit loss expense, if applicable. Management believes its risk of loss on currently recorded receivables is minimal and accordingly an allowance for credit losses has been recorded as of December 31, 2023, December 31, 2022, and January 1, 2022, in the amount of $0.2 million.

 

Property and Equipment, net

 

Property and equipment are recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. The Company depreciates its property and equipment for financial reporting purposes using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets once the asset is placed in service, which range from 2 to 10 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the useful life of the asset or the initial lease term. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs, which do not extend the economic useful life of the related assets, are charged to operations as incurred, and expenditures, which extend the useful life, are capitalized. When assets are retired, or otherwise disposed of, the costs and related accumulated depreciation or amortization are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss on disposal is recognized.

 

The Company reviews property and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. No impairment occurred for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

Goodwill is tested annually for impairment or if certain events occur indicating that the carrying amounts may be impaired. If a qualitative assessment is used and the Company determines that the fair value of a reporting unit is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of more than 50%) less than its carrying amount, a quantitative impairment test will be performed. An impairment loss will be recognized if a reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, to the extent that it does not exceed the total carrying amount of goodwill. No impairment of goodwill was recognized for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

Intangible assets that are deemed to have definite lives are amortized over their useful lives, generally ranging from 5 to 10 years. They are reviewed for impairment when there is evidence that events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by comparing the carrying amount to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the estimated fair value.

 

There was no impairment of intangible assets recognized for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. See Note 8 - Intangible Assets, for additional information regarding the Company’s intangible assets.

 

Debt Issuance Costs

 

Debt issuance costs are capitalized and amortized as additional interest expense over the expected term of the related debt agreement. Debt issuance costs are presented as a direct reduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability.

 

 F-10 

 

3.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

Leases

 

The Company accounts for its leases in accordance with FASB ASC 842- Leases. The Company is a lessee in several noncancelable operating leases for office space. The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease, or contains a lease, at inception of a contract and when the terms of an existing contract are changed. The Company recognizes a lease liability and right of use (“ROU”) asset at the commencement date of the lease.

 

ROU assets. A lessee’s ROU asset is measured at the commencement date at the amount of the initially measured lease liability plus any lease payments made to the lessor before or at the commencement date, minus any lease incentives received; plus any initial direct costs. Unless impaired, the ROU asset is subsequently measured throughout the lease term at the amount of the lease liability (that is, present value of the remaining lease payments), plus unamortized initial direct costs, plus (minus) any prepaid (accrued) lease payments, less the unamortized balance of lease incentives received. Lease cost for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

 

Lease Liabilities. A lease liability is measured based on the present value of its future lease payments. Variable payments are included in the future lease payments when those variable payments depend on an index or a rate and are measured using the index or rate at the commencement date. Lease payments, including variable payments based on an index rate, are remeasured when any of the following occur: (1) the lease is modified (and the modification is not accounted for as a separate contract), (2) certain contingencies related to the variable lease payments are resolved, or (3) there is a reassessment of any of the following: the lease term, purchase options or amounts that are probable of being owed under a residual value guarantee. The discount rate is the implicit rate if it is readily determinable; otherwise, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate. The implicit rates of the Company’s leases are not readily determinable; accordingly, the Company uses it incremental rate based on the information available at the commencement date for each lease. The Company’s incremental borrowing rate for a lease is the rate of interest it would pay on a collateralized basis to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments under similar terms and in a similar economic environment. The Company determines its incremental borrowing rates by starting with the interest rates on its recent borrowings and other observable market rates and adjusting those rates to reflect the differences in the amount collateral and the payment terms of the leases.

 

Accounting policy election for short-term leases. The Company has elected, for all underlying classes of assets, to not recognize ROU assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases that have a lease term of 12 months or less at lease commencement, and do not include an option to purchase the underlying asset that the Company is reasonably certain to exercise. The Company recognizes lease cost associated with its short-term leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

 

See Note 12 - Leases for additional information.

 

Income Taxes

 

WMS is treated as a partnership for income tax purposes and therefore not subject to federal taxes. The Company is subject to certain state and local income taxes.

 

The PKSH Entities, Cabot Entities and WEG are taxable entities and are subject to federal, state, and local income taxes. Therefore, these consolidated financial statements include an income tax provision for the taxable entities only. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amount of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and net operating loss carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The Company periodically evaluates deferred tax assets and net operating loss carryforwards to determine their recoverability based primarily on the Company’s ability to generate future taxable income. A valuation allowance may be established to reduce deferred tax assets, if it is more likely than not that all, or some portion, of such deferred tax assets will not be realized.

 F-11 

 

3.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

The Company accounts for taxes in accordance with the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, the Company must recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the consolidated financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution.

 

Contingent Liabilities

 

The Company recognizes liabilities for contingencies when there is an exposure that, when fully analyzed, indicates potential losses become probable and can be reasonably estimated. Whether a potential loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated is based on currently available information and is subject to significant judgment, a variety of assumptions and uncertainties.

 

When a potential loss is probable and the loss or range of loss can be estimated, the Company will accrue the most likely amount within that range. No liability is recognized for those matters which, in management’s judgment, the determination of a reasonable estimate of potential loss is not possible, or for which a potential loss is not determined to be probable.

 

The determination of these liability amounts requires significant judgment on the part of management. See Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies for additional information.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures to enhance the transparency of income tax disclosures relating to the rate reconciliation, disclosure of income taxes paid, and certain other disclosures. The ASU should be applied prospectively and is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact on the related disclosures; however, it does not expect this update to have an impact on its financial condition or results of operations.

 

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures to improve the disclosures about reportable segments and include more detailed information about a reportable segment’s expenses. This ASU also requires that a public entity with a single reportable segment, like the Company, provide all of the disclosures required as part of the amendments and all existing disclosures required by Topic 280. The ASU should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the consolidated financial statements and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact on the related disclosures; however, it does not expect this update to have an impact on its financial condition or results of operations.

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

 

There were no new accounting pronouncements adopted during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 that materially impacted the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 F-12 

 

4.REVENUES FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS

 

Revenues from contracts with customers are recognized when control of the promised services is transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those services. Revenues are analyzed to determine whether the Company is the principal (i.e., reports revenues on a gross basis) or agent (i.e., reports revenues on a net basis) in the contract. Principal or agent designations depend primarily on the control an entity has over the product or service before control is transferred to a customer. The indicators of which party exercises control include primary responsibility over performance obligations, inventory risk before the good or service is transferred and discretion in establishing the price.

 

Commissions

 

Commission revenues represent sales commissions generated by advisors for their clients’ purchases and sales of securities on exchanges and over-the-counter, as well as purchases of other investment products. The Company views the selling, distribution and marketing, or any combination thereof, of investment products to such clients as a single performance obligation to the product sponsors.

 

The Company is the principal for commission revenues, as it is responsible for the execution of the clients’ purchases and sales and maintains relationships with the product sponsors. Advisors assist the Company in performing its obligations. Accordingly, total commission revenues are reported on a gross basis.

 

The Company generates two types of commission revenues: sales-based commissions that are recognized at the point of sale on the trade date and trailing commissions that are recognized over time as earned. Sales-based commission revenues vary by investment product and are based on a percentage of an investment product’s current market value at the time of purchase. Trailing commission revenues are generally based on a percentage of the current market value of clients’ investment holdings in trail-eligible assets, and are recognized over the period during which services, such as ongoing support, are performed. As trailing commission revenues are based on the market value of clients’ investment holdings, the consideration is variable, and an estimate of the variable consideration is constrained due to dependence on unpredictable market impacts. The constraint is removed once the value of the clients’ investment holdings can be determined.

 

Advisory Fees

 

Advisory fees represent fees charged to advisors’ clients’ accounts on the Company’s corporate advisory platform. The Company provides ongoing investment advice, brokerage and execution services on transactions, and performs administrative services for these accounts. This series of performance obligations transfers control of the services to the client over time as the services are performed. These revenues are recognized ratably over time to match the continued delivery of the performance obligations to the client over the life of the contract. The advisory revenues generated from the Company’s corporate advisory platform are based on a percentage of the market value of the eligible assets in the clients’ advisory accounts. As such, the consideration for these revenues is variable and an estimate of the variable consideration is constrained due to dependence on unpredictable market impacts on client portfolio values. The constraint is removed once the value of the clients’ investments holdings can be determined.

 

The Company provides advisory services to clients on its corporate advisory platform through the advisor. The Company is the principal in these arrangements and recognizes advisory revenues on a gross basis, as the Company is responsible for satisfying the performance obligations and has control over determining the fees.

 F-13 

 

4.REVENUES FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS (continued)

 

The following table presents total revenues from contracts with customers disaggregated by investment product for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):

 

   For the years ended December 31, 
Revenue From Contracts With Customers  2023   2022 
Variable annuities and other insurance commissions  $102,218   $104,700 
Mutual fund commissions   19,022    19,688 
Securities commissions   10,810    12,589 
Alternative investments   6,141    12,320 
Advisory fees   21,668    23,107 
Total Revenue From Contracts With Customers  $159,859   $172,404 

 

The following tables presents sales-based and trailing revenues disaggregated by product category for the years ended December 31 (in thousands)

 

Sales-based (Point in time)  2023   2022 
Variable annuities and other insurance commissions  $52,209   $53,530 
Mutual fund commissions   5,422    5,623 
Securities commissions   10,810    12,589 
Alternative investments   6,084    12,246 
Total Sales Based Revenues  $74,525   $83,988 

  

Trailing (Over time)  2023   2022 
Variable annuities and other insurance commissions  $50,009   $51,170 
Mutual fund commissions   13,600    14,065 
Advisory fees   21,668    23,107 
Alternative investments   57    74 
Total Trailing Revenues   85,334    88,416 
Total Revenue From Contracts With Customers  $159,859   $172,404 

 

Contract Balances

 

The timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of payment by the Company’s customers. The Company records a receivable when revenue is recognized prior to payment and there is an unconditional right to payment. The Company records a contract asset when the Company has recognized revenue prior to payment but the Company’s right to payment is conditional on something other than the passage of time. Alternatively, when payment precedes the provision of the related services, the Company records deferred revenues (a contract liability) until the performance obligations are satisfied. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had receivables from contracts with customers totaling approximately $8.9 million and $8.6 million, respectively. The opening balance of receivables from contracts with customers was approximately $10.0 million as of January 1, 2022. As of December 31, 2023, December 31, 2022, and January 1, 2022, the Company had no liabilities from contracts with customers.

 

Interest and Other Income

 

The Company earns interest income from client margin accounts and cash equivalents. This revenue is not generated from contracts with customers. Additionally, the Company receives marketing fees and sponsorship income.

 F-14 

 

5.DUE FROM CLEARING BROKER AND CLEARING DEPOSIT

 

PKSI, CLS and WEG clear customer transactions through a clearing broker and, therefore, they operate pursuant to exemptions contained in Rule 15c3-3 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022 , clearing deposits, which are included in other assets on the consolidated statements of financial condition and receivables due from clearing brokers were as follows (in thousands):

 

   2023   2022 
         Due from         Due from 
    Clearing    Clearing    Clearing    Clearing 
Entity   Deposit    Broker    Deposit    Broker 
PKSI  $519   $373   $326   $406 
CLS   180    214    180    155 
WEG   175    44    175    80 
Total  $874   $631   $681   $641 

  

6.FAIR VALUE

  

FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The standard establishes the following hierarchy used in fair value measurements and expands the required disclosures of assets and liabilities measured at fair value:

 

·Level 1 - Inputs use quoted unadjusted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company can access.

 

·Level 2 - Fair value measurements use other inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly. These inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets as well as other inputs such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals.

 

·Level 3 - Inputs that are unobservable inputs, including inputs that are available in situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the related asset or liability. The inputs or methodology used for valuing assets and liabilities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those assets and liabilities.

 

Certain financial instruments are carried at cost on the consolidated statements of financial condition, which approximates fair value due to their short-term, highly liquid nature. The carrying value of debt approximates their fair value since the interest rates on these obligations represent current market rates.

 F-15 

 

7.PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

 

Property and equipment consisted of the following as of December 31 (in thousands):

 

   2023   2022 
Computer hardware  $2,587   $2,601 
Office furniture and equipment   971    1,010 
Leasehold improvements   41    44 
    3,599    3,655 
           
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization   (2,625)   (2,195)
Property and equipment, net  $974   $1,460 

 

Depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment amounted to approximately $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

8.INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

The components of intangible assets were as follows as of December 31, 2023 (in thousands):

 

      Gross         
   Estimated  Carrying   Accumulated   Net Carrying 
   Useful Life  Amount   Amortization   Amount 
Policies and procedures library  5 years  $2,200   $2,200   $ 
Developed technology  7 years   1,600    1,391    209 
Trade name  10 years   3,500    2,129    1,371 
Total     $7,300   $5,720   $1,580 

 

The components of intangible assets were as follows as of December 31, 2022:

 

      Gross         
   Estimated  Carrying   Accumulated   Net Carrying 
   Useful Life  Amount   Amortization   Amount 
Policies and procedures library  5 years  $2,200   $2,200   $ 
Developed technology  7 years   1,600    1,162    438 
Trade name  10 years   3,500    1,779    1,721 
Total     $7,300   $5,141   $2,159 

 

Amortization expense related to intangible assets amounted to approximately $0.6 million and $1.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 

As of December 31, 2023, the estimated future amortization expense for intangible assets over the next four years is as follows (in thousands):

 

2024  $560 
2025   350 
2026   350 
2027   320 
   $1,580 

 

 F-16 

 

9.DEBT

 

On April 2, 2020, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Oak Street Funding LLC (“Oak Street”) in the amount of $25 million. This note payable bears interest at the prime rate (“Prime”) (8.50% as of December 31, 2023) plus 2.25% and has a 10-year term and a 3-month interest only repayment provision. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the outstanding balance of the Oak Street note, net of unamortized debt issuance costs was $17,6 million and $19,.5 million, respectively.

 

On April 25, 2021, the Company entered into an additional promissory note with Oak Street in the amount of $4.1 million related to the acquisition of WEG (“WEG Note”). This note payable bears interest at Prime plus 2.25% and has a 10-year term. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the outstanding balance of this note, net of unamortized debt issuance costs was $3.2 million and $3.4 million, respectively.

 

Under the Oak Street notes, the Company is subject to certain covenants as defined in the agreements. As of December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023, the Company did not meet a certain debt service coverage ratio and subsequently obtained a waiver from Oak Street for such covenant violations. For the period from April 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all financial related covenants.

 

The minimum calendar year payments and maturities of the Oak Street notes as of December 31, 2023, are as follows (in thousands):

 

2024  $2,418 
2025   2,702 
2026   3,012 
2027   3,357 
2028   3,739 
Thereafter   6,239 
Total  $21,467 

 

Subsequent to December 31, 2023, and in connection with the closing of the Business Combination, the Company entered into an amendment to the Credit Agreement with Oak Street providing for, among other things, consenting to the Business Combination, and the payoff and restructuring of certain debt obligations. Additionally, the rate of interest being charged will increase at rate of .15% per annum until the interest rate reaches a maximum of 15.00%, provided that in no event the interest rate will not be less than 10.75% (the “Floor”). Additionally, in connection with the amendment the Company has agreed to pay a fee equal to $0.14 million (the “Deferred Fee”), which is due and payable in the amounts of $0.025 million and $0.115 million on June 12, 2024 and August 12, 2024, respectively. If the obligations under this Credit Agreement are paid in full prior to the respective deferral fee dates, the respective deferral fees would be waived.

 

The amended Credit Agreement also includes a guarantee provision whereby each of the Company, KWAC, Holdings and MHC Securities, LLC are guarantors under the Credit Agreement. Additionally, certain of the members of the Company provide guarantees under the Credit Agreement.

 F-17 

 

10.PROMISSORY NOTES – AFFILIATES

 

On November 30, 2017, WMS issued subordinated promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $3.6 million to certain sellers in connection with the acquisition of the PKSH Entities. These notes had a maturity date of May 17, 2023 and accrued interest at a rate of 10% annually. The interest on these notes has continued to accrue until such time as these notes are paid.

 

Additionally, in connection with the acquisition of the PKSH Entities, the Company agreed to pay contingent consideration in the amount of $5.0 million to certain sellers. The conditions related to this contingency were met on November 30, 2018, and thus the notes have been issued to the sellers. These subordinated promissory notes had a maturity date of May 30, 2023, and accrued interest at a rate of 10% annually. The interest on these notes has continued to accrue until such time as these notes are paid.

 

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the amount of principal and accrued interest related to these promissory notes were approximately $12.2 million and $11.6 million, respectively. Related interest expense was approximately $0.9 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

Subsequent to December 31, 2023, and in connection with the closing of the Business Combination, the Company paid approximately $3,5 million on these notes. In addition to the paydown, the noteholders agreed to forgive the remaining accrued but unpaid interest of approximately $3.8 million and entered into a new promissory note in the principal amount of approximately $5.3 million. The terms of this new promissory note provides for maturity on May 15, 2027 and carries an interest rate of Prime plus 1.00%, but no less than 7.50% per annum.

 

11.DUE TO MEMBERS

 

The Company has entered into promissory notes with certain of its members to provide for working capital. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the amount of principal and accrued interest related to these notes were approximately $5.2 million and $4.7 million, respectively. The notes bear interest at the rate of 10% and are due on demand. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 interest expense related to these notes amounted to approximately $0.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively.

 

Subsequent to December 31, 2023, and in connection with the closing of the Business Combination, the noteholders agreed to satisfy all outstanding obligations, including the payment of principal and interest, in exchange for an amount of cash equal to approximately $0.9 million, forgiveness of certain other obligations owed to a noteholder and the issuance of 357,000 shares of Company Common Stock of Binah Capital Group, Inc.

 

 F-18 

 

 

12.LEASES

 

The Company has obligations as a lessee for office space with initial noncancelable terms in excess of one year. The Company classifies these leases as operating leases. These leases generally contain renewal options for periods ranging from 2 to 10 years. Because the Company is not reasonably certain to exercise these renewal options, the optional periods are not included in determining the lease term, and associated payments under these renewal options are excluded from lease payments used to determine the lease liability. The Company’s leases do not include termination options for either party to the lease or restrictive financial or other covenants. Payments due under the lease contracts include fixed payments plus, for many of the Company’s leases, variable payments. The Company’s office space leases require it to make variable payments for the Company’s proportionate share of the building’s property taxes, insurance, and common area maintenance. These variable lease payments are not included in lease payments used to determine lease liability and are recognized as variable costs when incurred.

 

The components of lease cost for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows (in thousands):

 

   2023   2022 
Operating lease cost  $1,141   $908 
Variable lease cost   48    41 
Total lease cost  $1,189   $950 

 

Total lease cost is included rent and occupancy on the consolidated statements of operations.

 

Amounts reported in the consolidated statements of financial condition as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 were as follows (in thousands):

 

   2023   2022 
Operating leases ROU assets  $4,332   $4,524 
Operating lease liabilities  $4,381   $4,527 

 

Other supplemental information related to leases as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 was as follows:

 

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):

 

   2023   2022 
Operating leases  $466   $673 

 

ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):

 

   2023   2022 
Operating leases  $319   $998 

 

Reductions to ROU assets and lease liabilities as a result of lease termination during the year ended December 31, 2022 (in thousands):

 

   2022 
ROU asset  $1,670 
Lease liability  $2,189 

 

 F-19 

 

 

12.LEASES (continued)

 

Weighted-average remaining lease term as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:

 

    2023    2022 
Operating leases   6.7 years    8.0 years 

 

Weighted-average discount rate as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:

 

   2023   2022 
Operating leases   5.5%   5.6%

 

Amounts disclosed for ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities and reductions to ROU assets resulting from reductions to lease liabilities include amounts added to or reduced from the carrying amount of ROU assets resulting from new leases, lease modifications or reassessments.

 

Maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2023 were as follows (in thousands):

 

2024  $768 
2025   777 
2026   767 
2027   731 
2028   731 
Thereafter   1,400 
    5,174 
Less: Imputed interest   (792)
Lease liability  $4,382 

 

Sublease

 

CLS entered into an agreement to sublease its former office space which expired September 2022. Rental income and reimbursement of lease costs for the year ended December 31, 2022 amounted to approximately $0.2 million and is included in other income in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

 F-20 

 

13.TAXES

 

WMS is classified as a partnership for income tax purposes and is therefore not subject to federal, and certain state, and local income taxes. PKSH elected to be taxed as a corporation. The PKSH Entities and WEG are taxable entities and are subject to federal, state, and local income taxes. Therefore, these consolidated financial statements include an income tax provision for the taxable entities only, which is the primary reason for the difference between the statutory tax rate and the effective tax rate.

 

The income tax provision (benefit) for the years ended December 31, consisted of the following:

 

   2023   2022 
Federal:          
Current  $180   $(174)
Deferred   (354)   512 
           
State and local:          
Current   119    181 
Deferred   (30)   61 
Income tax provision (benefit)  $(85)  $580 

 

The reconciliation between the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate and the Company’s effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2023 was as follows:

 

U.S federal statutory rate   21.00%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit   13.21%
Non-deductible meals and entertainment   6.32%
Deferred adjustments   (127.28)%
Non-taxable pass through entities   69.74%
Other adjustments   (0.48)%
      
Effective rate   (17.49)%

  

Deferred Taxes

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities as measured by the enacted tax rates. Temporary differences, and net operating loss carryforwards that give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities are summarized as follows as of December 31:

 

   2023   2022 
Deferred tax assets/(liabilities):          
Property, and equipment, net  $(92)  $79 
IRC 163(j) interest limitation, carryover   190    47 
Net operating loss   832    391 
Other   63    56 
Total   993    573 
Valuation Allowance        
Net deferred tax liability  $993   $573 

 

 F-21 

 

13.INCOME TAXES (continued)

 

Net Operating Losses

 

At December 31, 2023, the Company and its subsidiaries had federal and state net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $4.4 million. These carry forward losses are available to offset future U.S. federal and state taxable income and are not subject to IRC Section 382 limitations. All federal net operating losses being carried forward were incurred in tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, and therefore will carry forward indefinitely.

 

Valuation Allowance

 

The Company provides for recognition of deferred tax assets if the realization of such assets is more likely than not to occur in accordance with accounting standards that address income taxes. Significant management judgment is required in determining the period in which the reversal of a valuation allowance should occur. The Company has considered all available evidence, both positive and negative, such as historical levels of income and future forecasts of taxable income amongst other items, in determining its valuation allowance and has concluded that a valuation allowance is not warranted.

 

Unrecognized Tax Benefits

 

Based on the Company’s evaluation, it has been concluded that there are no material uncertain tax positions requiring recognition in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

The Company’s policy for recording interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits is to record such interest and penalties as interest expense and other expense, respectively. There were no amounts accrued for interest or penalties on unrecognized tax benefits for the year ended December 31, 2023. Management does not expect any material changes in its unrecognized tax benefits in the next year.

 

The Company files income tax returns, including returns for its subsidiaries, with federal and state jurisdictions. The Company is generally not subject to examinations for its federal and state returns for any periods prior to the 2018 tax year. The Company is not currently under examination for any tax years.

 

 F-22 

 

14.COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Litigation

 

Certain conditions may exist as of the date the consolidated financial statements are issued which may result in a loss to the Company, but which will only be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. The Company assesses such contingent liabilities, and such assessment inherently involves an exercise of judgment. In assessing loss contingencies related to legal proceedings that are pending against the Company, or unasserted claims that may result in such proceedings, the Company evaluates the perceived merits of any legal proceedings or unasserted claims, as well as the perceived merits of the amount of relief sought or expected to be sought therein.

 

If the assessment of a contingency indicates that it is probable that a material loss has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be estimated, then the estimated liability would be accrued in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. If the assessment indicates that a potentially material loss contingency is not probable, but is reasonably possible, or is probable but cannot be estimated, then the nature of the contingent liability and an estimate of the range of possible losses, if determinable and material, would be disclosed. Loss contingencies considered remote are generally not disclosed, unless they involve guarantees, in which case the guarantees would be disclosed.

 

There can be no assurance that such matters will not materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, financial position, and results of operations or cash flows.

 

The Company is a defendant or respondent in various pending and threatened arbitrations, administrative proceedings and lawsuits seeking compensatory damages. Claim amounts are infrequently indicative of the actual amounts the Company will be liable for, if any. Many of these claimants also seek, in addition to compensatory damages, punitive or treble damages, and all seek interest, costs and fees. These matters arise in the normal course of business. The Company intends to vigorously defend itself in these actions, and the ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time.

 

In many lawsuits, arbitrations, and regulatory proceedings, it is not possible to determine whether a liability has been incurred or to estimate the amount of that liability until the matter is close to resolution. However, accruals are reviewed regularly and are adjusted to reflect management’s estimates of the impact of developments, rulings, advice of counsel and any other information pertinent to a particular matter.

 

Because of the inherent difficulty in predicting the ultimate outcome of legal and regulatory actions, management cannot predict with certainty the eventual loss or range of loss related to such matters. The Company believes, based upon current information, that the outcome of any such legal proceeding, claim, dispute, or investigation will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, the actual outcomes of such legal proceedings, claims, disputes, or investigations could be material to the Company’s operating results and cash flows for a particular future period as additional information is obtained.

 

Settlement Agreements

 

On August 18, 2021, the Company entered into a 2021 Settlement Agreement with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan whereby the Paying Parties, as defined, were to make six payments totaling approximately $3.7 million, which represented the remaining amount due plus interest. The members of the Company, under the terms of an agreement are jointly and severally liable for the full settlement amount. The Company entered into a First Amendment to the 2021 Settlement Agreement on February 17, 2022, which stipulated that payment terms of the remaining amount owed of approximately $1.5 million, plus interest to be paid during 2022. Such amount was satisfied in June 2022 and recorded as a distribution of members’ capital.

 

 F-23 

 

14.COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (continued)

 

Indemnification

 

The activities of the Company’s customers are transacted on either a cash or margin basis through the facilities of its clearing broker. In margin transactions, the clearing broker extends credit to the customers, subject to various regulatory and margin requirements, collateralized by cash and securities in the customer’s account. In connection with these activities, the clearing broker may also execute and clear customer transactions involving the sale of securities not yet purchased.

 

The clearing broker monitors required margin levels daily and, pursuant to such guidelines, requires the customers to deposit additional collateral, or reduce positions, when necessary.

 

These transactions may expose the Company to significant off-balance sheet risk in the event margin requirements are not sufficient to fully cover losses which the customers may incur. In the event the customers fail to satisfy their obligations to the clearing broker, the Company may be required to compensate the clearing broker for losses incurred on behalf of the customers.

 

The Company, through its clearing broker, seeks to control the risk associated with its customers’ activities by requiring customers to maintain margin collateral in compliance with various regulatory and internal guidelines. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, management of the Company had not been notified by any clearing brokers, nor were they otherwise aware of any potential losses relating to this indemnification.

 

15.RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries earn revenue from entities that are controlled by a principal member of the Company as well as from entities controlled or by individuals that are members or officers of the Company. The revenue earned by the subsidiaries and amounts due to or due from these affiliated entities as of and for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows (in thousands):

 

   Revenue   Due from/(Due to) 
Subsidiary  2023   2022   2023   2022 
PKSI  $   $8   $   $ 
CLS   1,000    1,491    (0.1)    
WEG       4,123         
Total  $1,000   $5,622   $(0.1)  $ 

  

The revenue amounts and amounts due to and due from are included in commissions on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and other assets on the consolidated statements of financial condition, respectively.

 

 F-24 

 

 

16.MEMBERS’ EQUITY Incentive units

 

The Company authorized a class of units designated as Incentive Units. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, no Incentive Units have been issued.

 

Voting Rights - Incentive Units will generally have no voting rights, except as required by law.

 

Profit interest - Incentive Units constitute an interest in the profits of the Company. All Incentive Units received by a service provider are received in exchange for the provision of services by the service provider for the benefit of the Company.

 

Call Right - At any time prior to the consummation of a Qualified Public Offering or a Change of Control, following the termination of employment or other engagement of any service provider with the Company, the Company may, at its election, require the service provider to sell to the Company all or any portion of such service provider’s Incentive Units at the following respective purchase prices:

 

For any Incentive Units that have not vested pursuant to the terms of the incentive plan or any award agreement (“Restricted Incentive Units”), under all circumstances of termination, a price equal to the lesser of their fair value or their initial cost (the “Cause Purchase Price”).

 

For any Incentive Units that have vested pursuant to the terms of the incentive plan or any associated award agreement (“Unrestricted Incentive Units”), the Cause Purchase Price, in the event of:

 

·Service provider is terminated with cause; or

 

·Service provider resigns without good reason.

 

For the Unrestricted Incentive Units, a price equal to their fair value, in the event of:

 

·Service provider is terminated without cause;

 

·Service provider resigns for good reason;

 

·Service provider resigns for any reason after 5 years; or

 

·Death or disability.

 

Put Right - At any time prior to the consummation of a Qualified Public Offering or a Change of Control, if a service provider’s employment or other engagement with the Company is terminated as a result of such service provider’s death or disability, and the Company has not delivered a repurchase notice within ninety (90) days of such termination, then, subject to certain other provisions, such service provider may elect to sell to the Company all or any percentage of the Unrestricted Incentive Units held by such Person at a price equal to the fair value of such Unrestricted Incentive Units as of the date of termination.

 

 F-25 

 

16.MEMBERS’ EQUITY (continued)

 

Class A Preferred Units

 

The Company authorized a class of units designated as Class A Preferred Units. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, no Class A Preferred Units have been issued.

 

Voting Rights - Class A Preferred Units will generally have no voting rights, except as required by law.

 

Pre-Emptive Rights - Class A Preferred Units will have the right to purchase their applicable pro rata portion of any new securities that the Company may from time to time propose to issue or sell to any party after the consummation of a Qualified Public Offering.

 

Protective Provisions - For as long as the Class A Preferred Units are outstanding, the holders will be afforded certain protection provisions pursuant to the warrant holders’ rights agreement. There were no warrants outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 

Class B Preferred Units

 

The Company authorized a class of units designated as Class B Preferred Units. Effective September 4, 2023, the Company entered into an agreement with the holder of the Class B Preferred Units whereby beginning on September 30, 2023, monthly payments in the amount of $61,676 (inclusive of the principal and the yield) will be made to redeem the Class B Preferred Unit holders. The payment of the Class B Preferred Units are intended to be completed no later than eighteen months from the date or the agreement or upon the consummation of the contemplated Business Combination. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, 260,834 and 277,364 Class B Preferred Units are outstanding at a value of $2.6 million and $2,8 million, respectively.

 

Voting Rights - Class B Preferred Units will generally have no voting rights, except as required by law, and except that the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the then outstanding units of Class B Preferred Units is required to authorize the issuance of any units that are senior in any respect to the Class B Preferred Units.

 

Pre-Emptive Rights - Class B Preferred Units will have the right to purchase their applicable pro rata portion of any new securities that the Company may from time to time propose to issue or sell to any party between the date of issuance and the consummation of a Qualified Public Offering.

 

Conversion - Class B Preferred Units are convertible into Common Units (subject to adjustment as provided in the related operating agreements, rights and limitations) at any time at the option of the holder at a conversion price equal to (a) if the conversion notice date is on or prior to the date that is 6 months after the closing date, the result of $10,172,877 divided by the number of Common Units outstanding as of the conversion notice date. Or (b), if the conversion notice date is after the date that is 6 months after the closing date, the result of (x) enterprise value less net debt less aggregate Class B Preferred unreturned capital value of all outstanding Class B Preferred Units as of the measurement date (all as defined) divided by (y) the number of Common Units as of the conversion notice date. The Class B Preferred Units are convertible up to only an aggregate of 10% of the fully diluted outstanding equity interests of WMS.

 

Redemption - Class B Preferred Units are redeemable upon a change in control, the termination of employment of the holder or upon exercise by the holder on the third anniversary of the instrument. The redemption price of a Class B Preferred Unit shall be equal to the sum of (x) the Class B preferred yield in respect of such Class B Preferred Unit and the Class B Preferred capital value, (all as defined) less (y) the aggregate amount of all distributions made by the Company in respect of such Class B Preferred Unit.

 

Preferred Yield - Class B Preferred Units are entitled to a cumulative preferred yield of 2.06% per annum and a default rate of 9% per annum, compounded quarterly, on the sum of (a) the Class B Preferred Unit unreturned capital value and (b) the Class B

 F-26 

 

16.MEMBERS’ EQUITY (continued)

 

Preferred unpaid yield accumulated for all prior quarterly compounding periods. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the cumulative preferred yield amounted to approximately $0.3 million, which was paid during the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

Subsequent to December 31, 2023, and in connection with the Business Combination, the Class B Preferred units were redeemed in full for approximately $2,5 million.

 

Common Units

 

The Company authorized a class of units designated as Common Units, which have voting rights. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, there are 1,325,433 Common Units issued and outstanding at a value of approximately $12.3 million.

 

Priority of Distributions

 

The priority of distributions after making any required tax advances is as follows:

 

1.Pro rata to the holders of Class A Preferred Units on a fully diluted basis in an amount equal to the product of (a) the aggregate distribution amount; times (b) this group’s fully diluted membership interest expressed as a percentage of the overall fully diluted membership interest;

 

2.Pro rata to the holders of Class B Preferred Units in an amount equal to any unpaid cumulative preferred yield;

 

3.Pro rata to the holders of Class B Preferred Units in an amount equal to any unreturned capital contribution;

 

4.Pro rata to the holders of Common Units in an amount equal to any unreturned capital contribution;

 

5.Pro rata to the holders of Common Units and Incentive Units in an amount equal to any remainder.

 

17.RETIREMENT PLAN

 

PKSI maintains a 401(k) retirement plan for the benefit of its employees. Contributions to the PKSI Plan are limited to a maximum of 3% of employee compensation and are based upon employee contributions. Employees must be 21 years of age and employed for three months to participate. The PKSI contribution to the plan amounted to approximately $0.3 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 

Additionally, WEG maintains a 401(k) plan for qualified employees. WEG matches 50% of employee contributions up to 3% of employee compensation, and may make discretionary contributions to the plan, subject to certain limitations as set forth in the plan agreement. WEG’s aggregate contribution to the plan for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was approximately $0.02 million and $0.03 million, respectively. WEG also has a separate profit-sharing plan, making discretionary contributions as defined in the plan, subject to certain limitations set forth in the plan agreement. The Company did not make a separate profit-sharing plan contribution for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

18.NET CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

 

The Company operates four registered broker-dealers that are subject to the SEC Uniform Net Capital Rule (Rule 15c3-1). This requires the Company to maintain certain minimum net capital requirements. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, all broker-dealers had net capital in excess of the required minimums.

 

 F-27 

 

  

19.CREDIT RISK AND CONCENTRATIONS

 

Financial instruments that subject the Company to credit risk consist principally of receivables and cash and cash equivalents. The Company performs certain credit evaluation procedures and does not require collateral for financial instruments subject to credit risk. The Company believes that credit risk is limited because the Company routinely assesses the financial strength of its counterparties and, based upon factors surrounding the credit risk of its counterparties, establishes an allowance for credit losses and, consequently, believes that its receivables credit risk exposure beyond such allowances is limited.

 

20.SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

The Company evaluated subsequent events that occurred after the balance sheet date up to April 16, 2024, the date that the consolidated financial statements were available to be issued.

 

 F-28 

 

Exhibit 99.2

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto contained elsewhere in this report. This discussion contains forward- looking statements that involve significant risks and uncertainties. As a result of many factors, such as those set forth under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. Please also refer to the section under heading “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

 

The information for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are derived from Wentworth Management Services LLC’s audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this report.

 

Any reference to Binah Capital Group, Inc. refers to Binah Capital Group, Inc. and our consolidated subsidiaries on a forward-looking basis or as the context requires, to the historical results of Wentworth Management Services LLC. Any reference to “Wentworth Management Services LLC” refers to the entities comprising the Binah Capital Group, Inc. business prior to the consummation of the Business Combination.

 

Business Overview

 

The Company is a leading consolidator of retail wealth management businesses that owns and operates ten entities, four of which are broker-dealers, three of which are registered investment advisors, and three of which are insurance entities, that have over 1900 registered individuals working within the financial services industries.

 

The Company focuses on three critical areas comprised of the hybrid, independent and W2 business models to allow affiliated advisors to choose the operating model that works best for them and run their practices on their own terms. The Company’s platform adds to its flexibility by providing a variety of custody and clearing firm options to accommodate the unique business needs of advisors.

 

Our Sources of Revenue

 

Our revenue is derived primarily from fees and commissions from products and advisory services offered by our advisors to their clients, a substantial portion of which we pay out to our advisors.

 

Executive Summary

 

Financial Highlights

 

Results for the year ended December 31, 2023 included net income of approximately $571,000 and total revenue of approximately $168.0 million, which compares to net income and total revenue of $910,331 and approximately $178.0 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

Asset Trends

 

Total advisory and brokerage assets served were $23.9 billion at December 31, 2023, compared to $22.2 billion at December 31, 2022. Total net new assets were $(3.6) billion for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $1.6 billion for the same period in 2022.

 

Net new advisory assets were $(531) million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $98 million in 2022. Advisory assets were $2.1 billion at December 31, 2023, which is consistent from the $2.1 billion at December 31, 2022.

 

Net new brokerage assets were $(3.1) billion for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $1.5 billion in 2022. Brokerage assets were $21.8 billion at December 31, 2023, up 8% from $20.1 billion at December 31, 2022.

 1 

 

Gross Profit Trend

 

Gross profit, a non-GAAP financial measure, was $31.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of 4% from $33.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. See the ”Key Performance Metrics and Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for additional information on gross profit.

 

Key Performance Metrics and Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

We focus on several key metrics in evaluating the success of our business relationships and our resulting financial position and operating performance. Our key metrics of Gross Profit and EBITDA are “non-GAAP financial measures.” Our management periodically uses certain “non-GAAP financial measures,” as such term is defined under the rules of the SEC, to supplement our financial information presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP and to clarify and enhance understanding of past performance and prospects for the future. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s operating performance, financial position or cash flows that excludes or includes amounts that are included in or excluded from the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Management believes that the non-GAAP financial measures of Gross Profit and EBITDA provide investors and analysts useful insight into our financial position and operating performance. Any non-GAAP measure provided should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative to, the most directly comparable measure determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Further, the calculation of these non-GAAP financial measures may differ from the calculation of similarly titled financial measures presented by other companies and therefore may not be comparable among companies.

 

Gross profit is defined as total revenue less commissions paid to financial advisors and registered representatives and other fees that generate the revenue. We consider our gross profit amounts to be non-GAAP financial measures that may not be comparable to those of others in our industry. We believe that gross profit amounts can provide investors with useful insight into our core operating performance before other costs that are general and administrative in nature.

 

EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as net income plus interest expense, provision for income taxes, and depreciation and amortization. The Company presents EBITDA because management believes that it can be a useful financial metric in understanding the Company’s earnings from operations. EBITDA is not a measure of the Company’s financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP.

 

A reconciliation of our non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures appears below in the footnotes to the table of our key operating, business and financial metrics.

 

Our key operating, business and financial metrics are as follows:

 

   As of and for the Years Ended December 31, 
Operating Metric (dollars in billions)  2023   2022 
Advisory and Brokerage Assets          
Brokerage assets  $21.8   $20.1 
Advisory assets   2.1    2.1 
Total Advisory and Brokerage Assets  $23.9   $22.2 
           
Net New Assets          
Net new brokerage assets  $(3.1)  $1.5 
Net new advisory assets   (0.5)   0.1 
Total Net New Assets  $(3.6)  $1.6 
           
Financial Metrics (dollars in millions)          
Total revenue  $168.0   $178.8 
Net income  $0.6   $0.9 
Non-GAAP Financial Metrics (dollars in millions)          
Gross Profit(1)  $31.8   $33.2 
EBITDA(2)  $6.8   $6.3 

 

 

(1)Gross profit is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as total revenue less commissions paid to financial advisors and registered representatives and other fees that generate the revenue. We consider our gross profit amounts to be non-GAAP financial measures that may not be comparable to those of others in our industry. We believe that gross profit amounts can provide investors with useful insight into our core operating performance before other costs that are general and administrative in nature. Below is a calculation of gross profit for the periods presented (in millions):

 

 2 

 

 

   As of and for the Years Ended December 31, 
Gross Profit  2023   2022 
Total revenue  $168.0   $178.8 
Commission and fees   136.2    145.7 
Gross Profit  $31.8   $33.2 

 

 

(2)EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as net income plus interest expense, provision for income taxes, and depreciation and amortization. The Company presents EBITDA because management believes that it can be a useful financial metric in understanding the Company’s earnings from operations. EBITDA is not a measure of the Company’s financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP. Below is a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA for the periods presented (in millions):

  

   As of and for the Years Ended December 31, 
EBITDA Reconciliation  2023   2022 
Net income  $0.6   $0.9 
Interest expense   5.1    3.3 
(Benefit) Provision for income taxes   (0.1)   0.6 
Depreciation and amortization   1.2    1.5 
EBITDA  $6.8   $6.3 

 

Economic Overview and Impact of Financial Market Events

 

Our business is directly and indirectly sensitive to several macroeconomic factors and the state of the United States financial markets.

 

According to the most recent estimate from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the U.S. economy grew 2.5% in 2023, and at an annualized pace of 3.3% in the fourth quarter of 2023 after growing at an annualized pace of 4.9% in the third quarter of 2023. Although inflation, rising interest rates and volatile global markets were all headwinds the U.S. economy added roughly 494,000 jobs in the fourth quarter of 2023, while the unemployment rate averaged 3.7% in the fourth quarter of 2023, up slightly from the average in the prior quarter.

 

Our business is also sensitive to current and expected short-term interest rates, which are largely driven by Fed policy. During the fourth quarter of 2023, Fed policymakers maintained the target range for the federal funds rate to 5.25% to 5.50%.

 

Please consult the Factors Affecting Our Financial Condition and Results of Operations, including those described in the section of this proxy statement/prospectus titled “Risk Factors.”

 

Basis of Presentation

 

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Currently, we conduct business through one operating segment. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that we will continue as a going concern. See Note 1 in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for further details.

 

Results of Operations

 

The following presents an analysis of our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):

 

   For the years ended December 31,    
   2023   2022   % Change
Revenues:           
Revenue from Contracts with Customers:             
Commissions   138,191    149,297   (7.4)%
Advisory Fees   21,668    23,107   (6.2)%
Total Revenue from Contracts with Customers   159,859    172,404    
Interest and other income   8,096    6,446   (25.6)%
Total revenues   167,955    178,850   (6.1)%

 

 3 

 

 

   For the years ended December 31,    
Expenses:  2023   2022    
Commissions and fees   136,169    145,651   (6.5)%
Employee compensation and benefits   13,385    14,227   (5.9)%
Rent and occupancy   1,189    950   25.2%
Professional fees   4,709    6,077   (22.5)%
Technology fees   2,457    1,892   29.9%
Interest   5,119    3,318   54.3%
Depreciation and amortization   1,216    1,523   (20.1)%
Other   3,225    3,721   (13.5)%
              
Total expenses   167,469    177,359   (5.6)%
              
Income before provision for income taxes   486    1,491   (66.9)%
              
(Benefit) Provision for income taxes   (85)   580   (15.8)%
              
Net income  $571   $911   (99.4)%

 

Revenues

 

Wentworth’s primary source of revenue is from fees and commissions from products and advisory services offered by our advisors to their clients, a substantial portion of which we pay out to our advisors. We also generate interest income in accordance with our agreements with our clearing partners. In accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, we record revenue when control of the promised services is transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those services. Revenues are analyzed to determine whether the Company is the principal (i.e., reports revenues on a gross basis) or agent (i.e., reports revenues on a net basis) in the contract. Principal or agent designations depend primarily on the control an entity has over the product or service before control is transferred to a customer. The indicators of which party exercises control include primary responsibility over performance obligations, inventory risk before the good or service is transferred and discretion in establishing the price.

 

Commissions

 

Commission revenues represent sales commissions generated by advisors for their clients’ purchases and sales of securities on exchanges and over-the-counter, as well as purchases of other investment products.

 

The Company generates two types of commission revenues: sales-based commissions that are recognized at the point of sale on the trade date and trailing commissions that are recognized over time as earned. Sales-based commission revenues vary by investment product and are recognized on the trade date or the transaction date, which represents the completion of the Company’s performance obligation because that is when the underlying financial instrument or purchaser is identified, the pricing is agreed upon, and the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to/from the customer at a point in time. The rates at which commissions are charged to the customers range from 1% to 7% based on the investment product. Trailing commission revenues which are preliminarily related to the sales of mutual funds and variable annuities held by clients of the Company’s advisors are generally based on a percentage of the current market value of clients’ investment holdings in trail-eligible assets, and are recognized over the time the client owns the investment or holds the contract and is generally based on a fixed rate applied, generally twenty-five to fifty basis points (25-50 bps) of the current market value of the clients’ holdings. Trailing commissions are generally received monthly or quarterly. The ongoing revenue is not recognized at the time of sale because it is variably constrained due to factors outside the Company’s control including market volatility and the client’s investment hold period and the Company does not believe that it can overcome such constraints until the market value of the fund and the investor activities are known. The revenues will not be recognized until it is probable that a significant reversal will not occur.

 

The Company is principal for the commission revenue, as it is responsible for the execution of the clients’ purchases and sales and maintains relationships with the product sponsors. Advisors assist the Company in performing it obligations. Accordingly, total commission revenue is reported on a gross basis. See Note 4 — Revenues From Contracts with Customers within the notes to the audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022 for further details regarding our commission revenue by product category.

 

 4 

 

 

The following table sets forth the components of our commission revenue for years December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):

 

   For the years ended December 31,        
   2022   2022   $ Change   % Change
Sales-based  $74,525   $83,988    (9,463)  (11.3)%
Trailing   85,334    88,416    (3,082)  (3.5)%
Total commission revenue  $159,859   $172,404    (12,545)  (7.3)%

 

Sales based revenue decreased by approximately $9.5 million or 11% year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to 2022. Trailing based revenue decreased by approximately $3.1 million of 3% for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to 2022. The decrease in sales based revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to 2022 is attributable to a decrease in the generation of transactional based products. The decrease in the trailing based revenues is primarily due to volatility driven declines in trail eligible assets.

 

Commission revenue is generated from brokerage assets. The following tables summarizes the brokerage assets for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in billions):

 

   Years Ended 
   December 31, 
   2023   2022 
Brokerage Assets   21.8    20.1 

 

Included in the brokerage assets above are trail-eligible assets as follows:

 

   Years Ended 
   December 31, 
   2023   2022 
Trail-Eligible Assets   14.8    13.9 

 

The following table summarizes activity impacting brokerage assets for the years ended:

 

   Years Ended 
   December 31, 
   2023   2022 
Balance – Beginning of period   20.1    23.1 
Net new brokerage assets(1)   (3.1)   1.5 
Market impact(2)   4.8    (4.5)
Balance – End of period   21.8    20.1 

 

 

(1)Net new brokerage assets consist of total client deposits less client withdrawals from brokerage accounts, plus dividends, plus interest.

 

(2)Market impact is the difference between the beginning and ending asset balances less the net new asset amounts, representing the implied growth or decline in asset balances due to market change over the same period of time.

 

Advisory Fees

 

Advisory fees represent fees charged to advisors’ clients’ accounts on the Company’s corporate advisory platform. The Company provides ongoing investment advice, brokerage and execution services on transactions, and performs administrative services for these accounts. These fees are recognized ratably over time to match the continued delivery of the performance obligations to the client over the life of the contract. The advisory fees generated from the Company’s corporate advisory platform are based on a percentage of the market value of the eligible assets in the clients’ advisory accounts.

 

Advisory fees decreased by approximately 2% for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to December 31, 2022, due to a net outflow of advisory assets.

 

 5 

 

 

The following tables summarizes the advisory assets for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in millions):

 

   December 31, 
   2023   2022 
Advisory Assets   2,087    2,129 

 

The following table summarizes activity impacting advisory assets for the years ended:

 

   Years Ended 
   December 31, 
   2023   2022 
Balance – Beginning of period   2,129    2,518 
Net new advisory assets(1)   (531)   98 
Market impact(2)   489    (487)
Balance – End of period   2,087    2,129 

 

 

(1)Net new advisory assets consist of total client deposits less client withdrawals from custodial accounts, plus dividends, plus interest, minus advisory fees.

 

(2)Market impact is the difference between the beginning and ending asset balances less the net new asset amounts, representing the implied growth or decline in asset balances due to market change over the same period of time.

 

Interest and other income

 

Interest income includes amounts earned on balances held at the Company’s clearing brokers related to cash balances and margin balances. The Company’s clearing agreements include provisions that provide for a sharing of the interest income earned on such balances with the clearing brokers. The rate varies based on the clearing broker.

 

Other income primarily includes amounts earned by the Company related to marketing and incentives earned from the sales of certain investment products by the financial advisors to its clients, primarily alternative investments, as well as sponsorship income.

 

The growth in interest and other income for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 2022 is primarily related to an increase in interest rates and an increase in marketing revenue from alternative investments, and an increase in sponsorship revenue.

 

Operating Expenses

 

Commissions and Fees

 

Commissions and fees primarily consist of commissions paid to the financial advisors, technology costs associated with the platform for which the financial advisors operate their business, insurance costs and regulatory costs. Certain of the technology, insurance and regulatory costs are passed through to the financial advisors and any excess costs are included as fees within commissions and fees. The commissions and fees paid to the financial advisors are based on the advisory and commission revenue earned on each client’s account. The payout amount is production based, which is the gross revenue produced by the financial advisor, and varies based on the level of such production ranging from 50% to 95% of the revenue generated. The production levels begin at gross revenue of $15,000 up to $4,000,000 and up, and the payout rate starts at 50% and increases to a top payout rate of 94% for annual production of $4,000,000 and up.

 

 6 

 

 

The following table sets forth our payout rate, which is a statistical or operating measure and monitored to review that such costs of revenue remain consistent on a period over period basis:

 

   For the years ended December 31,     
   2023   2022   Change 
Payout range   77.96%   75.48%   2.49%

 

For the year ended December 31, 2023, the payout rate increased as compared to 2022 as a result of the addition of a team of financial advisors whose payout percentages range from 90-94%.

 

Employee compensation and benefits

 

Employee compensation and benefits includes salaries, wages, benefits and related taxes for our employees.

 

Employee compensation and benefits for the year ended December 31, 2023 decreased by $0.8 million which is directly related to the decrease in headcount of approximately 6%.

 

Rent and occupancy

 

Rent and occupancy increased by $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 2022 relating to a new lease agreement entered into by World Equity Group, Inc.

 

Professional fees

 

Professional fees includes costs incurred related to legal and accounting services. Professional fees for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to 2022 decreased by $1.4 million, respectively, which is related to decrease in tax and audit costs related to the preparation and audit of the financial statements required to be included in the initial proxy and registration statements filed with the SEC.

 

Technology fees

 

Technology fees primarily represent infrastructure costs that support the Company’s technology and communications costs. Technology fees increased by $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to 2022.

 

Interest expense

 

Interest expense primarily includes interest associated with the Company’s credit facility and other debt obligations. Interest expense increased by $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to 2022 resulting from an increase in the interest rate of the credit facility.

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

Depreciation and amortization relates to the use of property, equipment and leasehold improvements. Amortization also includes the amortization related to certain intangible assets.

 

Other expense

 

Other expense includes insurance, travel-related expenses, office expenses, marketing and other miscellaneous expenses.

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

Our effective income tax rate was (17.49)% and 11.35% for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The decrease in our effective tax rate was related to the change in deferred adjustments.

 

 7 

 

 

Liquidity and capital resources

 

We have established liquidity policies intended to support the execution of strategic initiatives, while meeting regulatory capital requirements and maintaining ongoing and sufficient liquidity. We believe liquidity is of critical importance to the Company and, in particular, to our broker-dealer subsidiaries, PKSI, CLS, MSI and WEG. The objective of our policies is to ensure that we can meet our strategic, operational and regulatory liquidity and capital requirements under both normal operating conditions and under periods of stress in the financial markets.

 

Parent Company Liquidity

 

Wentworth Management Services LLC (the “Parent”), the direct holding company of our operating subsidiaries, considers its primary sources of liquidity to be dividends and management fees from our operating subsidiaries.

 

Sources of Liquidity

 

As of December 31, 2023, we had $20.82 million outstanding under our Senior Credit Facility with Oak Street Funding, LLC, net of debt issuance costs. The associated debt facilities are as follows:

 

Oak Street Funding, LLC

 

On April 2, 2020, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Oak Street Funding LLC (“Oak Street”) in the amount of $25 million. This note payable bears interest at the prime rate (“Prime”) (8.50% as of December 31, 2023) plus 2.25% and has a 10-year term and a 3-month interest only repayment provision. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the outstanding balance of the Oak Street note, net of unamortized debt issuance costs was $17.6 million and $19.5 million, respectively.

 

On April 25, 2021, the Company entered into an additional promissory note with Oak Street in the amount of $4.1 million related to the acquisition of WEG (“WEG Note”). This note payable bears interest at Prime plus 2.25% and has a 10-year term. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the outstanding balance of this note, net of unamortized debt issuance costs was $3.2 million and $3.4 million, respectively.

 

Under the Oak Street notes, the Company is subject to certain covenants as defined in the agreements. As of December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023, the Company did not meet a certain debt service coverage ratio and subsequently obtained a waiver from Oak Street for such covenant violations. For the period from April 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all financial related covenants.

 

The minimum calendar year payments and maturities of the Oak Street notes as of December 31, 2023 were as follows (in thousands):

 

2024  $2,418 
2025   2,702 
2026   3,012 
2027   3,357 
2028   3,739 
Thereafter   6,239 
Total  $21,467 

 

Other promissory notes

 

On November 30, 2017, WMS issued subordinated promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $3.6 million to certain sellers in connection with the acquisition of the PKSH Entities. These notes had a maturity date of May 17, 2023 and accrued interest at a rate of 10% annually. The interest on these notes has continued to accrue until such time as these notes are paid.

 

Contingent consideration subordinated promissory notes

 

Additionally, in connection with the acquisition of the PKSH Entities, the Company agreed to pay contingent consideration in the amount of $5.0 million to certain sellers. The conditions related to this contingency were met on November 30, 2018, and thus the notes have been issued to the sellers. These subordinated promissory notes had a maturity date of May 30, 2023, and accrued interest at a rate of 10% annually. The interest on these notes has continued to accrue until such time as these notes are paid.

 

 8 

 

 

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the amount of principal and accrued interest related to these promissory notes were approximately $12.2 million and $11.6 million, respectively. Related interest expense was approximately $0.9 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

Other commitments

 

Other commitments include amounts due to members of Wentworth related to promissory notes entered into between certain members and Wentworth to provide for working capital. The outstanding balance of these promissory notes as of December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022 are $5.2 million and $4.7 million, respectively.

 

Cash Flows

 

The following table sets forth a summary of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:

 

(in thousands)  2023   2022 
Net cash provided by operating activities  $2,553   $5,362 
Net cash used in investing activities   (80)   (327)
Net cash used in financial activities   (2,701)   (4,510)
Net change in cash flows  $(228)  $526 

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities.  Net provided by operating activities was $2.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $5.3 million for the year ended December 31 2022, representing a decrease of $2.8 million or 52%. The decrease was primarily attributable to the decrease in commissions receivable offset by decreases in commissions payable.

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities.  Net cash used in investing activities was $0.08 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $0.33 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease was primarily related to the decrease in the purchases of property and equipment.

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities.  Net cash used in financing activities was $2.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to cash used in financing activities of $4.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease is primarily related to the decrease in the distribution of capital during the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

 

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations and other commitments as of December 31, 2023:

 

   Payments Due by period 
   Total   Less than 1 Year   1 - 3 Years   3 - 5 Years   More than 5 Years 
Contractual obligations  (in thousands) 
Long-term debt obligations(1)  $21,467   $2,418   $9,071   $9,815   $163 
Interest payments   7,158    1,901    4,112    1,142    3 
Promissory notes – affiliates(2)   12,177    12,177             
Due to member(4)   5,169    5,169             
Operating lease obligations(3)   4,501    535    1,662    1,764    540 
   $50,473   $22,200   $14,845   $12,721   $706 

 

 

(1)Represents principal obligations related to the Oak Street credit facility that was entered into during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2021.

 

(2)Represents the obligations under the amounts due to certain sellers of the PKSH entities. The amount includes accrued interest as of December 31, 2023 and the notes matured in May 2023.

 

(3)Represents future minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2023, under non-cancelable office leases.

 

(4)Represents amounts due to WMS members which are payable on demand.

 

 9 

 

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Although these estimates are based on the Company’s knowledge of current events and actions the Company may undertake in the future, actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenues from contracts with customers are recognized when control of the promised services is transferred to customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those services. Management exercises judgment in determining whether the Company is the principal (i.e., reports revenues on a gross basis) or agent (i.e., reports revenue on a net basis). For additional information see Note 4 in the consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

Goodwill and other intangible assets are tested annually for impairment or if certain events occur indicating that the carrying amounts may be impaired. We have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, we determine it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is not required. However, if we conclude otherwise, we are then required to perform the first step of the two-step impairment test. Goodwill impairment is determined by comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit with its respective carrying value. If the estimated fair value exceeds the carrying value, goodwill at the reporting unit level is not deemed to be impaired. If the estimated fair value is below carrying value, however, further analysis is required to determine the amount of the impairment. Additionally, if the carrying value of a reporting unit is zero or a negative value and it is determined that it is more likely than not the goodwill is impaired, further analysis is required. The estimated fair values of the reporting units are derived based on valuation techniques we believe market participants would use for each of the reporting units.

 

We performed our goodwill impairment test as of and for the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022. The estimated fair value of the reporting units were determined using the market approach for each reporting unit, relying specifically on the guideline public company method. Our guideline public company method incorporates revenue and earnings multiples from publicly traded companies with operations and other characteristics similar to each reporting unit. As a result of the 2023 and 2022 annual impairment tests, the fair value of the reporting units was 257% and 266% greater than its carrying value, respectively. Since there have been no events or circumstances which indicated that it was more likely than not the fair value of the reporting units were below their carrying amount, interim goodwill tests were not considered necessary.

 

The goodwill impairment test requires us to make judgments in determining what assumptions to use in the calculation. Assumptions, judgments, and estimates about future cash flows and discount rates are complex and often subjective. They can be affected by a variety of factors, including, among others, economic trends and market conditions, changes in revenue growth trends or business strategies, unanticipated competition, discount rates, technology, or government regulations. In assessing the fair value of our reporting units, the volatile nature of the securities markets and industry requires us to consider the business and market cycle and assess the stage of the cycle in estimating the timing and extent of future cash flows. In addition to discounted cash flows, we consider other information, such as public market comparable and multiples of recent mergers and acquisitions of similar businesses. Although we believe the assumptions, judgments, and estimates we have made in the past have been reasonable and appropriate, different assumptions, judgments, and estimates could materially affect our reported financial results.

 

Intangible assets that are deemed to have definite lives are amortized over their useful lives, generally ranging from 5 to 10 years. They are reviewed for impairment when there is evidence that events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by comparing the carrying amount to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the estimated fair value.

 

 10 

 

 

Contingent Liabilities

 

The Company recognizes liabilities for contingencies when there is an exposure that, when fully analyzed, indicates potential losses become probable and can be reasonably estimated. Whether a potential loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated is based on currently available information and is subject to significant judgment, a variety of assumptions and uncertainties.

 

When a potential loss is probable and the loss or range of loss can be estimated, the Company will accrue the most likely amount within that range. No liability is recognized for those matters which, in management’s judgment, the determination of a reasonable estimate of potential loss is not possible, or for which a potential loss is not determined to be probable.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

Refer to Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, within the notes to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion

 

 

 11 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.3

 

KINGSWOOD ACQUISITION CORP.

 

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID No. 688)     F-2  
Financial Statements:        
Balance Sheets     F-3  
Statements of Operations     F-4  
Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Deficit     F-5  
Statements of Cash Flows     F-6  
Notes to Financial Statements     F-7 to F-24  

 

 

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of

Binah Capital Group, Inc. (formerly “Kingswood Acquisition Corp.”)

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Kingswood Acquisition Corp. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ deficit and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB and in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/ Marcum llp

 

Marcum llp

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor from 2020 to 2025.

 

Houston, Texas

December 13, 2024

 

F-2

 

 

KINGSWOOD ACQUISITION CORP.

BALANCE SHEETS

 

   December 31, 
   2023   2022 
Assets        
Cash  $111,675   $277,511 
Due from Sponsor for Trust Account funding   138,437     
Prepaid taxes   42,850    58,141 
Prepaid expense   25,750     
Total current assets   318,712    335,652 
           
Trust Account   6,262,478    5,514,494 
Total Assets  $6,581,190   $5,850,146 
           
LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE COMMON STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT          
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  $3,542,157   $3,849,284 
Redemptions payable   124,176     
Convertible promissory note   1,645,525    1,351,662 
Deferred tax liability   40,014    31,151 
Excise and income taxes payable   14,594     
Total current liabilities   5,366,466    5,232,097 
           
Deferred underwriters’ compensation   4,025,000    4,025,000 
Warrant liability   1,584,051    672,978 
Total liabilities   10,975,517    9,930,075 
           
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 3 and 7)          
Class A Common Stock subject to possible redemption, 484,083 and 508,456 shares at redemption value of $12.24 and $10.25, as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively   5,925,887    5,211,674 
           
Stockholders’ Deficit:          
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding        
Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 2,709,000 and 104,000 shares issued and outstanding, excluding 484,083 and 508,456 shares subject to possible redemption, at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively   271    10 
Class B common stock, $0.0001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; 270,000 and 2,875,000 shares issued and outstanding, at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively   27    288 
Additional paid-in capital        
Accumulated deficit   (10,320,512)   (9,291,901)
Total stockholders’ deficit   (10,320,214)   (9,291,603)
LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE COMMON STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT  $6,581,190   $5,850,146 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

F-3

 

 

KINGSWOOD ACQUISITION CORP.

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

   For the Year Ended 
   December 31, 
   2023   2022 
Operating costs  $2,387,899   $4,784,480 
Loss from operations   (2,387,899)   (4,784,480)
           
Other (expense) income:          
Forgiveness of legal expenses   2,372,208    - 
Interest income   220,110    255,057 
Change in fair value of convertible promissory note   (43,863)   148,338 
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities   (911,073)   5,770,129 
Total other (expense) income   1,637,382    6,173,524 
           
(Loss) income before provision for income taxes   (750,517)   1,389,044 
Provision for income taxes   (33,914)   36,810 
Net (loss) income  $(784,431)  $1,352,234 
           
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding, Class A common stock, subject to possible redemption   498,450    4,859,959 
Basic and diluted net (loss) income per share  $(0.22)  $0.17 
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding, Class A and Class B common stock not subject to redemption   2,979,000    2,979,000 
Basic and diluted net (loss) income per share  $(0.23)  $0.17 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

F-4

 

 

KINGSWOOD ACQUISITION CORP.

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022

 

   Class A   Class B   Additional       Total 
   Common Stock   Common Stock   Paid-in   Accumulated   Stockholders’ 
   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Capital   Deficit   Deficit 
Balance-December 31, 2021   104,000   $10    2,875,000   $288                  —   $(10,256,949)  $(10,256,651)
Remeasurement of Class A common stock subject to possible redemption                       (387,186)   (387,186)
Net income                       1,352,234    1,352,234 
Balance-December 31, 2022   104,000    10    2,875,000    288        (9,291,901)   (9,291,603)
Excise tax payable                       (2,884)   (2,884)
Conversion of Class B shares to Class A   2,605,000    261    (2,605,000)   (261)            
Remeasurement of Class A common stock subject to possible redemption                       (241,296)   (241,296)
Net loss                       (784,431)   (784,431)
Balance-December 31, 2023   2,709,000   $271    270,000   $27   $   $(10,320,512)  $(10,320,214)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

F-5

 

 

KINGSWOOD ACQUISITION CORP.

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

   For the 
   Year Ended 
   December 31, 
   2023   2022 
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net (loss) income  $(784,431)  $1,352,234 
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash used in operating activities:          
Interest earned on Trust Account   (220,110)   (254,973)
Forgiveness of legal expenses   (2,372,208)   - 
Change in fair value of convertible note   43,863    (148,338)
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities   911,073    (5,770,129)
Write-off due to related party       (1,667)
Changes in working capital:          
Receivables       (58,141)
Deferred tax liability   8,863    31,151 
Prepaid taxes   1,950     
Prepaid expenses   (25,750)   132,740 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   2,065,081    3,091,189 
Income taxes payable   25,051      
Net cash used in operating activities   (346,618)   (1,625,934)
           
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Cash withdrawn from Trust Account in connection with redemption   164,309    113,037,043 
Investment in Trust – for extension from Wentworth   (622,965)    
Investment in Trust – for extension from Sponsor   (69,218)   (435,033)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities   (527,874)   112,602,010 
           
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Redemption of Class A common stock subject to possible redemption   (164,309)   (113,037,043)
Proceeds from convertible promissory note   250,000    1,500,000 
Trust Funding – for extension from Wentworth   622,965     
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   708,656    (111,537,043)
           
Net change in cash   (165,836)   (560,967)
Cash, beginning of the period   277,511    838,478 
Cash, end of period  $111,675   $277,511 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:          
Non-cash investing and financing transactions:          
Federal income taxes paid  $   $19,000 
Redemptions payable  $124,176   $ 
Due from Sponsor for Trust funding  $138,437   $ 
Accretion of Class A common stock subject to possible redemption  $241,296   $387,186 
Excise tax payable  $2,884   $ 
Conversion of Class B shares to Class A  $261   $ 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

 

F-6

 

 

Note 1 — Organization and Business Operations

 

Kingswood Acquisition Corp. (the “Company”) is a blank check company incorporated as a Delaware corporation on July 27, 2020. The Company was formed for the purpose of acquiring, merging with, engaging in capital stock exchange with, purchasing all or substantially all of the assets of, engaging in contractual arrangements, or engaging in any other similar business combination with a single operating entity, or one or more related or unrelated operating entities operating in any sector.

 

The Company’s sponsor is Kingswood Global Sponsor LLC (“Sponsor”), a Delaware limited liability company.

 

As of December 31, 2023, the Company had not commenced any operations. All activity for the period from July 27, 2020 (inception) through December 31, 2023, relates to the Company’s formation and initial public offering (“Public Offering” or “IPO”), and, since the completion of the Public Offering, searching for a target to consummate a business combination. The Company will not generate any operating revenues until after the completion of a business combination, at the earliest. The Company will generate non-operating income in the form of interest income from the proceeds derived from the Public Offering and placed in the Trust Account (defined below) and recognizes changes in the fair value of warrant liabilities and Convertible Promissory Notes (as defined below) as other income (expense).

 

Public Offering

 

The Company completed the sale of 10,000,000 units (the “Units” and, with respect to the shares of Class A common stock included in the Units being offered, the “Public Shares”) at $10.00 per Unit on November 24, 2020. Simultaneous with the closing of the Public Offering, the Company completed the sale of 6,050,000 warrants (the “Private Warrants”), at a price of $1.00 per Private Warrant, which is discussed in Note 5.

 

In connection with the Public Offering, the underwriters were granted a 30-day option from the date of the prospectus for the Public Offering to purchase up to 1,500,000 additional units to cover over-allotments (the “Over-Allotment Units”), if any. Simultaneously with the closing of the Public Offering, the underwriters elected to exercise its over-allotment option in full, which, at $10.00 per Unit, generated gross proceeds of $15,000,000. The Company, in parallel, consummated the private placement of an additional 431,550 Private Warrants at a price of $1.00 per Private Warrant, which generated total additional gross proceeds of $431,550.

 

The Company had until November 24, 2022 to complete a business combination (the “Combination Period”). If the Company is unable to consummate its initial business combination within the Combination Period, the Company will: (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter, redeem the public shares, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account including interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to the Company (less up to $100,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses), divided by the number of then outstanding Public Shares, which redemption will completely extinguish public stockholders’ rights as stockholders (including the right to receive further liquidating distributions, if any), (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of the Company’s remaining stockholders and the Company’s board of directors, liquidate and dissolve, subject in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii) to the Company’s obligations under the law of the state of Delaware to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law, and (iv) unless time for which the business combination is otherwise extended as further outlined below under the heading “Proxy Statement”. The Combination Period was extended until March 15, 2024 and the business combination was consummated on March 15, 2024.

 

The Company’s Initial stockholders agreed to waive their rights to liquidating distributions from the Trust Account with respect to any Founder Shares held by them if the Company fails to complete its initial business combination within the Combination Period. However, if the initial stockholders acquire public shares in or after the Public Offering, they will be entitled to liquidating distributions from the Trust Account with respect to such public shares if the Company fails to complete a business combination during the Combination Period.

 

Business Combination Agreement

 

On July 7, 2022, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Binah Capital Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Kingswood (“Holdings”), Kingswood Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings (“Kingswood Merger Sub”), Wentworth Merger Sub, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings (“Wentworth Merger Sub”), and Wentworth Management Services LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Wentworth”). In addition, contemporaneously with the execution of the Merger Agreement, (i) certain holders of Wentworth’s membership units representing a majority of the Wentworth’s outstanding membership interests entered into a Wentworth Support Agreement pursuant to which such Wentworth members agreed, among other things, to approve the Merger Agreement and the transaction, (ii) the Company and Sponsor entered into a Founder Support Agreement pursuant to which certain holders of founder shares agreed to approve the Merger Agreement and the transaction and (iii) certain holders of Kingswood’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Kingswood Common Stock”) and Kingswood Private Placement Warrants entered into a Founder Support Agreement, pursuant to which, among other things, such holders of Kingswood Common Stock agreement to approve the Merger Agreement and the transaction.

 

F-7

 

 

On December 30, 2022, the Company, Holdings, and Wentworth entered into a side letter agreement to the Merger Agreement revising the Merger Agreement to extend the date upon which the Merger Agreement is terminable by either the Company or Wentworth from December 30, 2022 to June 30, 2023.

 

On March 20, 2023, the Company, Holdings, Kingswood Merger Sub, Wentworth Merger Sub and Wentworth entered that certain First Amendment to the Merger Agreement to, among other things, (i) amend and restate the definition of “Transaction Expenses Shortfall” in the Merger Agreement to an amount equal to (x) the Outstanding Transaction Expenses (as defined in the Merger Agreement) minus (y) the Available Closing Date Cash (as defined in the Merger Agreement); (ii) amend and restate the condition precedent in Section 8.03(k) of the Merger Agreement to require that Available Closing Date Cash be sufficient to cover an amount equal to the sum of $3,500,000 and the Outstanding Transaction Expenses; and (iii) amend and restate the termination rights in Section 9.01©(B) to allow for the termination of the Merger Agreement if the Available Closing Date Cash is insufficient to cover the sum of $3,500,000 and the Outstanding Transaction Expenses.

 

On September 13, 2023, the Company, Holdings, Kingswood Merger Sub, Wentworth Merger Sub and Wentworth entered that certain Second Amendment to the Merger Agreement further amending, modifying, and supplementing the Merger Agreement (as amended) to, among other things:

 

  · add definitions for (x) “Additional Sponsor Loans” to mean an additional $250,000 to be loaned to the Company by Sponsor or an Affiliate of Sponsor between the date of the Second Amendment and the Closing Date; and (y) “Additional Shares of Holdings Common Stock” to mean 1,100,000 shares of common stock of Holdings (“Holdings Common Stock”) to be issued to those certain holders of Continuing Company Units (as defined in the Merger Agreement) (in the amounts determined by Wentworth) and provided to the Company and Holdings in writing prior to the filing of the final amendment to the registration statement of which this proxy statement/prospectus forms a part;

 

  · amend the definition of “Company Merger Consideration” to mean (i) 12,000,000 shares of Holdings Common Stock at the Per Share Price (as defined in the Merger Agreement) (excluding any amount of warrants of Holdings issued or issuable to Continuing Company Unit Holders), plus (ii) the Additional Shares of Holdings Common Stock;

 

  · delete the definitions of “Converted Company Debt Amount” and “Minimum Company Share Amount” and references to such terms in the Merger Agreement;

 

  · amend and restate Section 2.09(d)(i) to provide for the forfeiture by Sponsor of 3,084,450 Private Warrants immediately prior to the effective time of the business combination;

 

  · amend Section 2.09(b) to provide for the escrow (or at Sponsor’s option, forfeiture) of 1,100,000 shares of Holdings Common Stock that would otherwise be issued to Sponsor in respect of its shares of common stock of the Company at closing and the release of such shares (or in the case of forfeiture, reissuance of an equal number of shares) to Sponsor if the VWAP of Holdings Common Stock exceeds $12.00 for 20 trading days within any 30-day trading period during the four-year period following the closing of the business combination;
     
  · amend Section 2.11(d) to provide that (i) the Additional Shares of Holdings Common Stock will not be subject to the Lock-Up Agreement, and (ii) Craig Gould has the ability to release PPD Group, LCC and/or Wentworth Funding, LLC (or any of their ultimate beneficial owners who receive Holdings Common Stock) and the Holdings Common Stock owned by such holders from the obligations under the Lock-Up Agreement (as defined in the Merger Agreement) to the extent necessary to cause Holdings to satisfy the initial listing requirements of the National Exchange (as defined in the Merger Agreement) upon which the Holdings Common Stock has applied to be listed;

 

  · amend Section 2.16 to provide that if the closing does not occur then the Company shall promptly reimburse Wentworth the amount of such SPAC Extension Costs (as defined in the Merger Agreement) and if Closing does not occur due to the Company’s failure to satisfy any of the conditions precedent to closing that are reasonably with the control of the Company, the Company shall reimburse and pay to Wentworth up to $150,000 of costs and other expenses actually reimbursed by Wentworth to the prospective purchaser of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock;

 

F-8

 

 

  · further amend Section 2.16 to provide Wentworth with the option to cause the outstanding Sponsor Loans and Additional Sponsor Loans to be repaid by Holdings at the closing either (A) through the issuance of shares of Holdings Common Stock of equal value, or (B) in immediately available funds, provided, however, that in case of clause (B) Sponsor will be required to surrender a number of shares of Holdings Common Stock of equal value otherwise issuable to it in connection with the closing of the business combination;

 

  · further amend Section 2.16 to require the Outstanding SPAC Expenses (as defined in the Merger Agreement) incurred by the Company in connection with any prior business combination not consummated by the Company (“Prior Expenses”) to be allocated to Sponsor and its equity holders on a pro-rata basis, and be repaid by (A) them in exchange for the issuance to such Sponsor and its equity holders a number of shares of Holdings Common Stock of equal value, or (B) Holdings in exchange for such Sponsor and its equity holders’ surrender of a number of shares of Holdings Common Stock of equal value;

 

  · further amend Section 2.16 to provide Wentworth the option (subject to the prior written consent of the Company) to pay any Outstanding Company Expenses (as defined in the Merger Agreement) owed to unrelated third parties prior to the closing, in exchange for the issuance of number of additional shares of Holdings Common Stock of equal value;

 

  · amend and restate the covenants and agreements in Section 7.10 to (A) require each of Wentworth, the Company and Holdings to use their commercially reasonable best efforts to enter into and consummate subscription agreements with investors relating to a private placement of shares in Wentworth, the Company and/or Holdings, and/or the entry into backstop arrangements with potential investors, and (B) acknowledge and agree that the proposed issuance and sale by Holdings at closing of up to 1,500,000 Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of Holdings on the terms set forth on the term sheet dated August 9, 2023 has been agreed upon by each of Wentworth, the Company and Holdings;

 

  · amend and restate the closing condition in Section 8.03(h) to require the Sponsor Loans and Additional Sponsor Loans be paid in full prior to or substantially concurrently with the closing of the business combination;

 

  · amend and restate the closing condition in Section 8.03(k) to require the Available Closing Date Cash not be less than $14,000,000;

 

  · amend and restate the closing condition in Section 8.03(l) to require the Company Merger Consideration (as defined in the Merger Agreement) to be issued prior to or substantially concurrently with the closing of the business combination;

 

  · amend the definition of “Termination Date” by replacing “June 30, 2023” with “November 24, 2023; and

 

  · amend and restate the termination rights in Section 9.01© to allow for the termination of the Merger Agreement if the conditions specified in Section 8.03(k) and 8.03(l) are not capable of being satisfied at the closing of the business combination.

 

On January 16, 2024 the Company, Holdings, Kingswood Merger Sub, Wentworth Merger Sub and Wentworth entered that certain Third Amendment to the Merger Agreement further amending, modifying, and supplementing the Merger Agreement (as amended) by replacing the “Termination Date” of November 24, 2023 with February 24, 2024.

 

Associated with the Merger Agreement, Wentworth has agreed to pay for certain merger related expenses and additional funding in the Trust Account. For the year ended December 31, 2023, Wentworth deposited $622,965 into the Trust Account.

 

Proxy Statements

 

On May 18, 2022, the Company convened its special meeting in lieu of an annual meeting of stockholders virtually and voted in the affirmative on the proposal to extend the date by which the Company must complete its business combination (the “Business Combination”) from May 24, 2022 to November 24, 2022 (“Extension Amendment Proposal”). In connection with the Extension Amendment Proposal, shareholders holding 10,036,744 Public Shares exercised their right to redeem such Public Shares for a pro rata portion of the Trust Account. On May 20, 2022, the Company paid from the Trust Account an aggregate amount of $102,894,278, or approximately $10.25 per share, to redeeming shareholders. For each one-month extension, the Sponsor agreed to contribute, as a loan, to the Company $60,969 or approximately $0.04 per Public Share not redeemed in connection with the Extension Amendment. Contributions to the Trust Account in the amount of $60,969 were payable monthly through the Company’s extension date in November 2022.

 

F-9

 

 

On November 23, 2022, the Company convened its special meeting in lieu of an annual meeting of stockholders virtually and voted in the affirmative on the proposal to extend the date by which the Company must complete its initial business combination from November 24, 2022 to May 24, 2023 (the “Extension Amendment Proposal 2”). In connection with the Extension Amendment Proposal 2, shareholders holding 954,800 Public Shares exercised their right to redeem such Public Shares for a pro rata portion of the Trust Account. On November 21, 2022, the Company paid from the Trust Account an aggregate amount of $10,142,765, or approximately $10.62 per share, to redeeming shareholders. In connection with such extension and pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Wentworth deposited $69,218 per month into the Trust Account through the Company’s extension date in May 2023.

 

On May 18, 2023, the Company convened a special meeting of stockholders virtually and voted in the affirmative on the proposal to extend the date by which the Company must complete its initial Business Combination from May 24, 2023 to August 24, 2023 (the “Extension Amendment Proposal 3”). In connection with the Extension Amendment Proposal 3, shareholders holding 14,406 Public Shares exercised their right to redeem such Public Shares for a pro rata portion of the Trust Account. On May 23, 2023, the Company paid from the Trust Account an aggregate amount of $164,297, or approximately $11.40 per share, to redeeming shareholders. With the redemption of $164,297 from the Trust Account, the Company may be subject to a U.S. federal 1% excise tax equal to $1,642. The amount of the excise tax is generally 1% of the fair market value of the shares repurchased at the time of the repurchase.

 

On August 17, 2023, the Company convened a special meeting of stockholders virtually and voted in the affirmative on the proposal to extend the date by which the Company must complete its initial Business Combination from August 24, 2023 to November 24, 2023 (the “Extension Amendment Proposal 4”). In connection with the Extension Amendment Proposal 4, a shareholder holding one Public Share exercised their right to redeem such Public Share for a pro rata portion of the Trust Account. On August 23, 2023, the Company paid from the Trust Account $12.23 to the redeeming shareholder. With the redemption of $12.23 from the Trust Account, the Company may be subject to a U.S. federal 1% excise tax equal to $0.12.

 

Additionally, at such special meeting the Company’s stockholders approved further amendments to the Company’s second amended and restated certificate of incorporation to provide holders of the Company’s Class B common stock the right to convert their shares of Class B common stock into shares of Class A common stock on a one-to-one basis at any time and from time to time at the election of the holder. On August 17, 2023, Sponsor converted 2,605,000 shares of Class B common stock into shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis. The holders of the newly converted shares of Class A common stock have agreed to carry over the transfer restrictions associated with the Founder Shares and have no rights to funds in the Trust Account.

 

Following the aforementioned conversion and redemptions, the Company had 3,203,049 shares of Class A common stock and 270,000 shares of Class B common stock issued and outstanding.

 

On November 17, 2023, the Company held a special meeting at which the Company’s stockholders approved extending the date by which the Company must complete its initial Business Combination from November 24, 2023 to February 24, 2024. In connection with the approval of the extension, stockholders elected to redeem 9,966 Public Share and exercised their right to redeem such Public Share for a pro rata portion of the Trust Account. The Company expects to pay approximately $12.46 from the Trust Account or an aggregate of $124,176 from the Trust Account to the redeeming stockholders with respect to such redeemed Public Shares. As of December 31, 2023, the redemption remains outstanding and is included as redemptions payable on the balance sheet. With the redemption of $124,176 from the Trust Account, the Company may be subject to a 1% excise tax equal to $1,242.

 

Following the aforementioned redemptions, the Company had 3,193,083 shares of Class A common stock and 270,000 shares of Class B common stock issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023.

 

On February 22, 2024, the Company convened its special meeting of stockholders and the stockholders approved the proposal to extend the date by which the Company must complete its initial Business Combination from February 24, 2024 to March 15, 2024. In connection with the approval of the extension, stockholders elected to redeem 1,060 Public Shares and exercised their right to redeem such Public Shares for a pro rata portion of the Trust Account. The Company paid approximately $12.98 from the Trust Account or an aggregate of $13,766 from the Trust Account to the redeeming stockholders with respect to such redeemed Public Shares. With the redemption of $13,766 from the Trust Account, the Company may be subject to a 1% excise tax equal to $137.

 

F-10

 

 

On March 8, 2024, the Company filed a seventh amendment to the second amended and restated certificate of incorporation of the Company with the Secretary of the State of Delaware (the “Amendment”). Additionally, on March 8, 2024, the Company convened its special meeting of stockholders (the “Special Meeting”) at which the stockholders approved the Business Combination and related matters (See Note 2 – Business Combination).

 

In connection with such extension and pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Wentworth agreed to deposit $69,218 per month into the Trust Account through the Company’s extension date to March 15, 2024.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Sponsor deposited $69,218 and Wentworth deposited $622,965 in the Trust Account for an aggregate amount of $692,183. Additionally, the Company owes the Trust Account $138,437 related to the extension of the Combination Period to February 24, 2024.Subsequent to December 31, 2023, Wentworth deposited an amount to satisfy the amount owed to the Trust Account and the extension of the Combination Period to March 15, 2024.

 

Liquidity, Capital Resources, and Going Concern

 

As of December 31, 2023, the Company had cash of $111,675 and working capital deficit of $5,047,754.

 

On March 24, 2022, the Company and Sponsor entered into a convertible promissory note (the “Initial Convertible Promissory Note”) pursuant to which Sponsor agreed to loan the Company up to $1,500,000 (such loans, the “Initial Working Capital Loans”). The Initial Convertible Promissory Note provides that, upon the consummation of a Business Combination, the Initial Working Capital Loans would either be repaid, without interest, or, at the Sponsor’s election, converted into additional Private Warrants at a price of $1.00 per Private Warrant. If a Business Combination is not consummated, the Initial Convertible Promissory Note provides that the Company will use a portion of proceeds held outside the Trust Account to repay the Initial Working Capital Loans, but no proceeds held in the Trust Account would be used for such purposes. As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, $1,500,000, was drawn on the Initial Convertible Promissory Note, presented at its fair value of $1,645,525, and $1,351,662, respectively.

 

On October 6, 2023, the Company and the Sponsor amended and restated the Initial Convertible Promissory Note and entered into an additional convertible promissory note.

 

If the Company’s estimate of the costs of completing the Merger Agreement are less than the actual amount necessary to do so, the Company may have insufficient funds available to operate the business prior to a Business Combination. Moreover, in addition to the access to the Working Capital Loans, the Company may need to obtain other financing either to complete a Business Combination or because the Company redeemed a significant number of public shares upon consummation of a business combination, in which case the Company may issue additional securities or incur debt in connection with such business combination. Subject to compliance with applicable securities laws, the Company would only complete such financing simultaneously with the completion of a business combination. If the Company is unable to complete a business combination because the Company does not have sufficient funds available, the Company will be forced to cease operations and liquidate the Trust Account. In addition, following a business combination, if cash on hand is insufficient, the Company may need to obtain additional financing in order to meet its obligations.

 

The Company had until March 15, 2024 to consummate a business combination. On March 15, 2024, the Business Combination was consummated. See Note 2 – Business Combination. Management has determined that as a result of the consummation of the Business Combination, there is not a substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time, which is considered to be one year from the issuance of the financial statements.

 

Risks and Uncertainties

 

Management is continuing to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and has concluded that while it is reasonably possible that the virus could have a negative effect on the Company’s financial position and results of its operations, the specific impact is not readily determinable as of the date of these financial statements. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

The continuing military conflict between the Russian Federation the Ukraine and the military action between Hamas and Israel have created and are expected to create global economic consequences. The specific impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows is also not determinable as of the date of these financial statements.

 

F-11

 

 

Consideration of Inflation Reduction Act Excise Tax

 

On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the “IR Act”) was signed into federal law. The IR Act provides for, among other things, a new U.S. federal 1% excise tax on certain repurchases of stock by publicly traded U.S. domestic corporations and certain U.S. domestic subsidiaries of publicly traded foreign corporations occurring on or after January 1, 2023. The excise tax is imposed on the repurchasing corporation itself, not its shareholders from which shares are repurchased. The amount of the excise tax is generally 1% of the fair market value of the shares repurchased at the time of the repurchase. However, for purposes of calculating the excise tax, repurchasing corporations are permitted to net the fair market value of certain new stock issuances against the fair market value of stock repurchases during the same taxable year. In addition, certain exceptions apply to the excise tax. The U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”) has been given authority to provide regulations and other guidance to carry out and prevent the abuse or avoidance of the excise tax.

 

Any redemption or other repurchase that occurs after December 31, 2022, in connection with a business combination, extension vote or otherwise, may be subject to the excise tax. Whether and to what extent the Company would be subject to the excise tax in connection with a business combination, extension vote or otherwise would depend on a number of factors, including (i) the fair market value of the redemptions and repurchases in connection with the business combination, extension or otherwise, (ii) the structure of a business combination, (iii) the nature and amount of any “PIPE” or other equity issuances in connection with a business combination (or otherwise issued not in connection with a business combination but issued within the same taxable year of a business combination) and (iv) the content of regulations and other guidance from the Treasury. In addition, because the excise tax would be payable by the Company and not by the redeeming holder, the mechanics of any required payment of the excise tax have not been determined. The foregoing could cause a reduction in the cash available on hand to complete a business combination and in the Company’s ability to complete a business combination.

 

Note 2 — Business Combination

 

On March 15, 2024, the Business Combination was consummated and will be accounted for as a reverse recapitalization acquisition in accordance with FASB ASC 805-40, Business Acquisitions. Under this method of accounting, the Company is expected to be treated as the “acquired” company for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, for accounting purposes, the consolidated financial statements of Holdings will represent a continuation of the consolidated financial statements of Wentworth with the business combination treated as the equivalent of Holdings issuing shares for the net assets of the Company, accompanied by a recapitalization. The net assets of the Company will be stated at historical cost, with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded. Operations prior to the business combination will be those of the Company and Wentworth in future reports of Holdings.

 

In connection with the consummation of the Business Combination on March 15, 2024, stockholders elected to redeem 403,066 Public Share and exercised their right to redeem such Public Share for a pro rata portion of the Trust Account. The Company paid approximately $13.15 from the Trust Account or an aggregate of $5,300,317 from the Trust Account to the redeeming stockholders with respect to such redeemed Public Shares. Subsequent to this redemption, the shares of Class A and Class B common stock outstanding was 2,788,957 and 270,000, respectively. With the redemption of $5,300,317 from the Trust Account, the Company may be subject to a 1% excise tax equal to $53,003.

 

Note 3 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying financial statement is presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.

 

Making estimates requires management to exercise significant judgment. It is at least reasonably possible that the estimate of the effect of a condition, situation or set of circumstances that existed at the date of the financial statements, which management considered in formulating its estimate, could change in the near term due to one or more future confirming events. The more significant accounting estimates included in these financial statements is the determination of fair value of the warrant liabilities and the Initial Convertible Promissory Note. Such estimates may be subject to change as more current information becomes available and accordingly, the actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

 

F-12

 

 

Trust Account

 

At December 31, 2022, assets held in the Trust Account were held in a money market mutual fund. In February 2023, the Company transferred its investments from a money market mutual fund to a demand deposit account and at December 31, 2023, assets held in the Trust Account were held in a demand deposit account. Demand deposit accounts and money market mutual funds are characterized as Level 1 investments within the fair value hierarchy under ASC 820 (as defined below). Gains and losses resulting from the change in fair value of assets held in Trust Account are included in interest income in the accompanying statements of operations. The estimated fair values of assets held in Trust Account are determined using available market information. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had $6,262,478 and $5,514,494 held in the Trust Account, respectively.

 

Due from Sponsor for Trust Account funding

 

The Company has not made payments of $138,437 to the Trust Account related to funding the extension of the Combination Period to February 24, 2024. The Class A Common Stock subject to possible redemption on the balance sheet reflects the $138,437 funding of the Trust Account. Subsequent to December 31, 2023, Wentworth deposited $207,655 related to the satisfaction of the amount owed to the Trust Account and the extension of the Combination Period to March 15, 2024.

 

Prepaid taxes

 

Prepaid taxes at December 31, 2023 and 2022 in the amount of $42,850 and $58,141 with taxing authorities related to estimated tax payments. At December 31, 2023, prepaid taxes represents $42,850 of Delaware franchise taxes. At December 31, 2022, prepaid taxes represents $44,800 of Delaware franchise taxes and $13,141 of prepaid income taxes.

 

Warrant Liabilities

 

The Company evaluated its Warrants, (which are discussed in Note 4 and Note 10) in accordance with ASC 815-40, “Derivatives and Hedging; Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity” (“ASC 815-40”) and concluded that a provision in the Warrant Agreement related to certain transfers, tender or exchange offers precludes the Warrants from being accounted for as components of equity. As the Warrants meet the definition of a derivative as contemplated in ASC 815-40, the Warrants are recorded as derivative liabilities on the Balance Sheet and measured at fair value at inception (on the date of the IPO) and at each reporting date in accordance with ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement”, with changes in fair value recognized in the statement of operations in the period of change.

 

Convertible Promissory Notes

 

On March 24, 2022, the Company and Sponsor entered into the Initial Convertible Promissory Note pursuant to which Sponsor agreed to loan the Company up to $1,500,000. The Initial Convertible Promissory Note provides that, upon the consummation of a Business Combination, the Initial Working Capital Loans would either be repaid, without interest, or, at the Sponsor’s election, converted into additional Private Warrants at a price of $1.00 per Private Warrant. If a Business Combination is not consummated, the Initial Convertible Promissory Note provides that the Company will use a portion of proceeds held outside the Trust Account to repay the Initial Working Capital Loans, but no proceeds held in the Trust Account would be used for such purposes. The Company elected the fair value option as the reporting value of the Initial Convertible Promissory Note. As a result of applying the fair value option, the Company records each draw with a gain or loss recognized at issuance, and subsequent changes in fair value are recorded as change in fair value of convertible promissory note on the statement of operations. The fair value is based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. These inputs reflect management’s assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had drawn down $0 and $1,500,000, respectively under the Initial Convertible Promissory Note.

 

On October 6, 2023, the Company and Sponsor entered into the A&R Convertible Promissory Note, which amends and restates the Initial Convertible Promissory Note to provide that, among other things, upon the consummation of a Business Combination , the Initial Working Capital Loans would either be repaid, or at Wentworth’s election, converted into a number of shares of Class A common stock of the Company (or the shares or other securities of another entity for or into which the Class A common stock of the Company are exchangeable or convertible in connection with a Business Combination) equal to the then aggregate principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interests outstanding, divided by $10.00.

 

Also on October 6, 2023, the Company and Sponsor entered into the Additional Convertible Promissory Note pursuant to which Sponsor agreed to loan the Company up to $250,000 (such loans, the “Additional Working Capital Loans”). The Additional Convertible Promissory Note provided that, upon the consummation of a Business Combination, the Additional Working Capital Loans would either be repaid, or, at the Sponsor’s election, converted into a number of shares of Class A common stock of the Company (or the shares or other securities of another entity for or into which the Class A common stock of the Company are exchangeable or convertible in connection with a Business Combination) equal to the then aggregate principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interests outstanding, divided by $10.00. If a Business Combination is not consummated, the Additional Convertible Promissory Note provides that the Company will use a portion of proceeds held outside the Trust Account to repay the Additional Working Capital Loans, but no proceeds held in the Trust Account would be used for such purposes.

 

F-13

 

 

The Company elected the fair value option as the reporting value of the A&R Convertible Promissory Note and Additional Convertible Promissory Note (together “Convertible Promissory Notes” or “Working Capital Loans”). As a result of applying the fair value option, the Company records each draw with a gain or loss recognized at issuance, and subsequent changes in fair value are recorded as change in fair value of Convertible Promissory Note on the statement of operations. The fair value is based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. These inputs reflect management’s assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability. As of December 31, 2023, an aggregate of $1,750,000 was drawn on the Convertible Promissory Notes and presented at its fair value on the balance sheet of $1,645,525.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk

 

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist of a cash account in a financial institution, which, at times, may exceed the Federal Depository Insurance Coverage of $250,000. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company has not experienced losses on this account and management believes the Company is not exposed to significant risks on such account.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The Company follows the guidance in ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurement”, for its financial assets and liabilities that are re-measured and reported at fair value at each reporting period, and non-financial assets and liabilities that are re-measured and reported at fair value at least annually.

 

The Fair Value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities reflects management’s estimate of amounts that the Company would have received in connection with the sale of the assets or paid in connection with the transfer of the liabilities in an orderly transaction between market participants at the Measurement date. In connection with measuring the fair value of its assets and liabilities, the Company seeks to maximize the use of observable inputs (market data obtained from independent sources) and to minimize the use of unobservable inputs (internal assumptions about how market participants would price assets and liabilities). The following fair value hierarchy is used to classify assets and liabilities based on the observable inputs and unobservable inputs used in order to value the assets and liabilities:

 

Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. An active market for an asset or liability is a market in which transactions for the asset or liability occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

 

Level 2: Observable inputs other than Level 1 inputs. Examples of Level 2 inputs include quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities and quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.

 

Level 3: Unobservable inputs based on our assessment of the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

 

See Note 10 for additional information on assets and liabilities measured at fair value.

 

Common Stock Subject to Possible Redemption

 

The Company accounts for its common stock subject to possible redemption in accordance with the guidance in ASC Topic 480 “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity.” Redeemable common stock is classified as temporary equity. Non-redeemable common stock is classified as permanent equity. The Company’s common stock feature certain redemption rights that are considered to be outside of the Company’s control and subject to the occurrence of uncertain future events. Accordingly, common stock subject to possible redemption is presented as temporary equity, outside of the stockholders’ deficit section of the Company’s balance sheets.

 

On May 18, 2022, the Company held a special meeting in lieu of an annual meeting at which the Company’s stockholders approved extending the date by which the Company had to complete a Business Combination from May 24, 2022 to November 24, 2022. In connection with the approval of the extension, stockholders elected to redeem an aggregate of 10,036,744 shares of class A common stock. As a result, an aggregate of $102,894,278 (or approximately $10.25 per share) was released from the Trust Account to pay such redeeming stockholders.

 

F-14

 

 

On November 23, 2022, the Company held a special meeting in lieu of an annual meeting at which the Company’s stockholders approved extending the date by which the Company had to complete a Business Combination from November 24, 2022 to May 24, 2023. In connection with the approval of the extension, stockholders elected to redeem an aggregate of 954,800 shares of class A common stock. As a result, an aggregate of $10,142,765 (or approximately $10.62 per share) was released from the Trust Account to pay such redeeming stockholders.

 

On May 18, 2023, the Company convened a special meeting at which the Company’s stockholders approved extending the date by which the Company had to complete a Business Combination from May 24, 2023 to August 24, 2023. In connection with the approval of the extension, stockholders elected to redeem an aggregate of 14,406 shares of class A common stock. As a result, an aggregate of $164,297 (or approximately $11.40 per share) was released from the Trust Account to pay such stockholders.

 

On August 17, 2023, the Company convened a special meeting of stockholders virtually and voted in the affirmative on the proposal to extend the date by which the Company must complete its initial Business Combination from August 24, 2023 to November 24, 2023 (the “Extension Amendment Proposal 4”). In connection with the Extension Amendment Proposal 4, a shareholder holding one Public Share exercised their right to redeem such Public Share for a pro rata portion of the Trust Account. On August 23, 2023, the Company paid from the Trust Account $12.23 to the redeeming shareholder.

 

On November 17, 2023, the Company held a special meeting at which the Company’s stockholders approved extending the date by which the Company must complete its initial Business Combination from November 24, 2023 to February 24, 2024. In connection with the approval of the extension, stockholders elected to redeem 9,966 Public Share and exercised their right to redeem such Public Share for a pro rata portion of the Trust Account. The Company expects to pay approximately $12.46 or an aggregate of $124,176 from the Trust Account to the redeeming stockholders with respect to such redeemed Public Shares. As of December 31, 2023, the redemption remains outstanding and is included as redemptions payable on the balance sheet.

 

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, 484,083 and 508,456 shares of class A common stock subject to possible redemption, respectively, are presented at redemption value as temporary equity, outside of the stockholders’ deficit section of the balance sheets.

 

The change in the carrying value of redeemable common stock resulted in charges against additional paid-in capital and accumulated deficit.

 

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Class A common stock reflected in the accompanying balance sheets are reconciled in the following table.

 

   December 31,   December 31, 
   2023   2022 
As of beginning of the period  $5,211,674   $117,861,531 
Less:          
Redemptions   (164,309)   (113,037,043)
Redemptions payable   (124,176)    
Plus:          
Receivable from Sponsor for Trust funding   138,437     
Remeasurement adjustment of carrying value to redemption value (1)   864,261    387,186 
Class A common stock subject to possible redemption  $5,925,887   $5,211,674 

 

  (1) The period ended December 31, 2023, includes deposits of $622,965 in the Trust Account made by Wentworth (see Note 1). Such deposits are not included as a reduction to stockholders’ equity.

 

Stock based Compensation

 

The Company complies with ASC 718 Compensation — Stock Compensation regarding founder shares acquired by directors of the Company at prices below fair value. The acquired shares shall vest upon the Company consummating an initial business combination (the “Vesting Date”). If prior to the Vesting Date, the director ceases to be a director, the shares will be forfeited and funds paid for the shares shall be refunded. The founder shares owned by the director (1) may not be sold or transferred, until one year after the consummation of a business combination, (2) not be entitled to redemption from the funds held in the Trust Account, or any liquidating distributions. The Company has until February 24, 2024 to consummate a business combination, and if a business combination is not consummated, the Company will liquidate and the shares will become worthless.

 

F-15

 

 

The shares were issued in October 2020 and November 2020 (“Grant Dates”), and the shares vest, not upon a fixed date, but upon consummation of an initial business combination. Since the approach in ASC 718 is to determine the fair value without regard to the vesting date, the Company has determined the valuation of the Class B shares as of the Grant Dates. The valuation resulted in a fair value of $6.19 per share as of the Grant Dates, or an aggregate of $1,671,300 for the 270,000 shares. The aggregate amount paid for the acquired shares was approximately $218,000. The excess fair value over the amount paid is $1,453,300, which is the amount of share-based compensation expense which the Company will recognize upon consummation of an initial business combination.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes under ASC 740, “Income Taxes.” Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statements carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that included the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

 

ASC 740 prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. There were no unrecognized tax benefits and no amounts accrued for interest and penalties as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. The Company is currently not aware of any issues under review that could result in significant payments, accruals or material deviation from its position. The Company is subject to income tax examinations by major taxing authorities since inception.

 

Net (Loss) Income per Common Share

 

The Company has two classes of stock, which are referred to as redeemable Class A common stock and non-redeemable Class A and Class B common stock. Earnings and losses are shared pro rata between the two classes of stock. The 15,184,550 potential common stock for outstanding warrants to purchase the Company’s stock were excluded from diluted (loss) income per share for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 because the warrants are contingently exercisable, and the contingencies have not yet been met. As a result, diluted net (loss) income per common stock is the same as basic net (loss) income per common stock for the periods. The table below presents a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used to compute basic and diluted net (loss) income per share for each class of common stock:

 

   For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2023   2022 
Net (loss) income available to Redeemable Class A  $(109,820)  $838,385 
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding, Class A common stock, subject to possible redemption  $498,450   $4,859,959 
Basic and diluted net (loss) income per share, redeemable Class A common stock   (0.22)   0.17 
Net (loss) income available to non-redeemable Class A and Class B common stock   (674,611)   513,849 
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding, Non-Redeemable Class A and Class B common stock  $2,979,000   $2,979,000 
Basic and diluted net (loss) income per share, Class A and Class B common stock  $(0.23)  $0.17 

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13 – Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”). This update requires financial assets measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The measurement of expected credit losses is based on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. Since June 2016, the FASB issued clarifying updates to the new standard including changing the effective date for smaller reporting companies. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2023. The adoption of ASU 2016-13 did not have a material impact on its financial statements.

 

F-16

 

 

In August 2020, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2020-06, Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity (“ASU 2020-06”), which simplifies accounting for convertible instruments by removing major separation models required under current GAAP. The ASU also removes certain settlement conditions that are required for equity-linked contracts to qualify for the derivative scope exception, and it simplifies the diluted earnings per share calculation in certain areas. The provisions of ASU 2020-06 are applicable to the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, with early adoption permitted no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2020-06 on its financial statements.

 

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (ASU 2023-09), which requires disclosure of incremental income tax information within the rate reconciliation and expanded disclosures of income taxes paid, among other disclosure requirements. ASU 2023-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The Company’s management does not believe the adoption of ASU 2023-09 will have a material impact on its financial statements and disclosures.

 

Management does not believe that any other recently issued, but not effective, accounting standards, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

 

Note 4 — Initial Public Offering

 

Pursuant to the Public Offering on November 24, 2020, the Company sold 10,000,000 Units at a price of $10.00 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one share of Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share and three-fourths of one redeemable warrant (each, a “Public Warrant”). Each whole Public Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of Class A common stock at a price of $11.50 per share. Each whole warrant will become exercisable on the later of the completion of the initial business combination or 12 months from the closing of the Public Offering and will expire five years after the completion of the initial business combination, or earlier upon redemption or liquidation.

 

Simultaneously with the closing of the Public Offering, the underwriters elected to exercise their full over-allotment option of 1,500,000 Units at a purchase price of $10.00 per Unit.

 

Upon closing the Public Offering and the sale of the Over-Allotment Units, a total of $117,848,550 ($10.25 per Unit) was placed in a U.S.-based trust account, with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company (“CST”) acting as trustee.

 

Warrants

 

Public Warrants may only be exercised for a whole number of shares. No fractional shares will be issued upon exercise of the Public Warrants. The Public Warrants will become exercisable on the later of (a) 30 days after the completion of a business combination and (b) 12 months from the closing of the Initial Public Offering. The Public Warrants will expire five years from the completion of a business combination or earlier upon redemption or liquidation. The Company has agreed that as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 15 business days after the closing of the initial business combination, the Company will use its best efforts to file with the SEC and have an effective registration statement covering the Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants and to maintain a current prospectus relating to those Class A common stock until the warrants expire or are redeemed, as specified in the warrant agreement. If a registration statement covering the Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants is not effective by the 60th business day after the closing of the initial business combination, warrant holders may, until such time as there is an effective registration statement and during any period when the Company will have failed to maintain an effective registration statement, exercise warrants on a “cashless basis” in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act or another exemption. Notwithstanding the above, if the Company’s Class A common stock are at the time of any exercise of a warrant not listed on a national securities exchange such that they satisfy the definition of a “covered security” under Section 18(b)(1) of the Securities Act, the Company may, at its option, require holders of Public Warrants who exercise their warrants to do so on a “cashless basis” in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act and, in the event the Company so elect, the Company will not be required to file or maintain in effect a registration statement, and in the event the Company does not so elect, the Company will use its best efforts to register or qualify the shares under applicable blue sky laws to the extent an exemption is not available. The warrants will expire five years after the completion of a business combination or earlier upon redemption or liquidation.

 

F-17

 

 

The Company may call the Public Warrants for redemption:

 

  · in whole and not in part;
  · at a price of $0.01 per warrant;
  · upon not less than 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption (the “30-day redemption period”) to each warrant holder; and
  · if, and only if, the reported closing price of the Class A common stock equals or exceeds $18.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period ending three business days before the Company sends the notice of redemption to the warrant holders.

 

If the Company calls the Public Warrants for redemption, management will have the option to require all holders that wish to exercise the Public Warrants to do so on a “cashless basis”, as described in the warrant agreement. Additionally, in no event will the Company be required to net cash settle any Warrants. If the Company is unable to complete the initial business combination within the combination period and the Company liquidates the funds held in the Trust Account, holders of warrants will not receive any of such funds with respect to their warrants, nor will they receive any distribution from the Company’s assets held outside of the Trust Account with the respect to such warrants. Accordingly, the warrants may expire worthless.

 

If (x) the Company issues additional common stock or equity-linked securities for capital raising purposes in connection with the closing of its initial business combination at an issue price or effective issue price of less than $9.20 per common stock (with such issue price or effective issue price to be determined in good faith by the Company’s board of directors and, in the case of any such issuance to the initial stockholders or their affiliates, without taking into account any Founder Shares held by the initial stockholders or such affiliates, as applicable, prior to such issuance) (the “Newly Issued Price”), (y) the aggregate gross proceeds from such issuances represent more than 60% of the total equity proceeds, and interest thereon, available for the funding of the initial business combination (net of redemptions), and (z) the volume weighted average trading price of the Company’s common stock during the 20 trading day period starting on the trading day prior to the day on which the Company consummates its initial business combination (such price, the “Market Value”) is below $9.20 per share, the exercise price of the warrants will be adjusted (to the nearest cent) to be equal to 115% of the higher of the Market Value and the Newly Issued Price, and the $18.00 per share redemption trigger price described above will be adjusted (to the nearest cent) to be equal to 180% of the higher of the Market Value and the Newly Issued Price.

 

Note 5 — Private Placement

 

On November 24, 2020, simultaneously with the closing of the Public Offering and the closing of the exercise of the over-allotment option, the Sponsor and one of the Company’s directors purchased an aggregate of 6,481,550 Private Warrants at a price of $1.00 per Private Warrant, for an aggregate purchase price of $6,481,550, in a private placement. A portion of the proceeds from the private placement was added to the proceeds from the Public Offering held in the Trust Account.

 

The Private Warrants are identical to the Public Warrants sold in the Public Offering except that the Private Warrants, so long as they are held by the Sponsor or their permitted transferees, (i) will not be redeemable by the Company, (ii) may not (including the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of these warrants), subject to certain limited exceptions, be transferred, assigned or sold by the holders until 30 days after the completion of the Company’s initial business combination, (iii) may be exercised by the holders on a cashless basis and (iv) will be entitled to registration rights.

 

The Company’s Sponsor has agreed to: (i) waive its redemption rights with respect to its Founder Shares and public shares in connection with the completion of the Company’s initial business combination; (ii) waive its redemption rights with respect to its Founder Shares and public shares in connection with a stockholder vote to approve an amendment to the Company’s Charter (A) to modify the substance or timing of the Company’s obligation to allow redemption in connection with the Company’s initial business combination or to redeem 100% of the Company’s public shares if the Company has not consummated an initial business combination within 18 months from the closing of the Public Offering or (B) with respect to any other provisions relating to stockholders’ rights or pre-initial business combination activity; (iii) waive its rights to liquidating distributions from the Trust Account with respect to its Founder Shares if the Company fails to consummate its initial business combination within 18 months from the closing of the Public Offering, although the Sponsor will be entitled to liquidating distributions from the Trust Account with respect to any public shares it holds if the Company fails to complete its initial business combination within the prescribed time frame; and (iv) vote any Founder Shares and any public shares purchased during or after the Public Offering (including in open-market and privately negotiated transactions) in favor of the Company’s initial business combination.

 

In accordance with the Second Amendment to the Merger Agreement, the Sponsor has agreed to forfeit 3,084,450 of Private Warrants immediately prior to the effective time of the Business Combination.

 

Note 6 — Related Party Transactions

 

Founder Shares

 

In August 2020, the Sponsor paid $25,000, or approximately $0.006 per share, to cover certain offering costs in consideration for 4,312,500 shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Founder Shares”). On October 22, 2020 and November 3, 2020, the Sponsor surrendered an aggregate of 1,437,500 Founder Shares, which were cancelled, resulting in an aggregate of 2,875,000 Founder Shares outstanding and held by the Sponsor. Up to 375,000 Founder Shares were subject to forfeiture to the extent that the over-allotment option was not exercised in full by the underwriters. In connection with the underwriters’ full exercise of their over-allotment option on November 24, 2020, the 375,000 Founder Shares were no longer subject to forfeiture.

 

F-18

 

 

The initial stockholders have agreed, subject to limited exceptions, not to transfer, assign or sell any of their Founder Shares until the earlier to occur of: (i) one year after the completion of the initial business combination; or (ii) the date on which the Company completes a liquidation, merger, share exchange or other similar transaction after the initial business combination that results in all of the Company’s stockholders having the right to exchange their Class A common stock for cash, securities or other property; except to certain permitted transferees and under certain circumstances (the “lock-up”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (1) the closing price of Class A common stock equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing at least 150 days after the initial business combination or (2) if the Company consummates a transaction after the initial business combination which results in the Company’s stockholders having the right to exchange their shares for cash, securities or other property, the Founder Shares will be released from the lock-up.

 

In October 2020 and November 2020 (“Grant Dates”), the Sponsor transferred a total of 270,000 Founder Shares to the Company’s directors. The shares vest, not upon a fixed date, but upon consummation of an initial business combination. The Company has determined the valuation of the Class B shares as of the Grant Dates. The valuation resulted in a fair value of $6.19 per share as of the Grant Dates, or an aggregate of $1,671,300 for the 270,000 shares. The aggregate amount paid for the transferred shares was approximately $218,000. The excess fair value over the amount paid is $1,453,300, which is the amount of share-based compensation expense which the Company will recognize upon consummation of an initial business combination.

 

Convertible Promissory Notes

 

In order to finance transaction costs in connection with a business combination, on March 24, 2022, the Company and Sponsor entered into the Initial Convertible Promissory Note pursuant to which Sponsor agreed to loan the Company up to $1,500,000. The Initial Convertible Promissory Note provides that, upon the consummation of a Business Combination, the Initial Working Capital Loans would either be repaid out of the proceeds of the Trust Account released to the Company, without interest, or, at the Sponsor's election, converted into additional Private Warrants at a price of $1.00 per Private Warrant. If a Business Combination is not consummated, the Initial Convertible Promissory Note provides that the Company will use a portion of proceeds held outside the Trust Account to repay the Initial Working Capital Loans, but no proceeds held in the Trust Account would be used for such purpose. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had drawn down $0 and $1,500,000, respectively under the Initial Convertible Promissory Note.

 

On October 6, 2023, the Company and Sponsor entered into the A&R Convertible Promissory Note, which amends and restates the Initial Convertible Promissory Note to provide that, among other things, upon the consummation of a Business Combination , the Initial Working Capital Loans would either be repaid, or at Wentworth’s election, converted into a number of shares of Class A common stock of the Company (or the shares or other securities of another entity for or into which the Class A common stock of the Company are exchangeable or convertible in connection with a Business Combination) equal to the then aggregate principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interests outstanding, divided by $10.00.

 

Also on October 6, 2023, the Company and Sponsor entered into the Additional Convertible Promissory Note pursuant to which Sponsor agreed to loan the Company up to $250,000 (such loans, the “Additional Working Capital Loans”). The Additional Convertible Promissory Note provided that, upon the consummation of a Business Combination, the Additional Working Capital Loans would either be repaid, or, at the Sponsor’s election, converted into a number of shares of Class A common stock of the Company (or the shares or other securities of another entity for or into which the Class A common stock of the Company are exchangeable or convertible in connection with a Business Combination) equal to the then aggregate principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interests outstanding, divided by $10.00. If a Business Combination is not consummated, the Additional Convertible Promissory Note provides that the Company will use a portion of proceeds held outside the Trust Account to repay the Additional Working Capital Loans, but no proceeds held in the Trust Account would be used for such purposes.

 

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had drawn $1,750,000 and $1,500,000 on the Convertible Promissory Notes or the Initial Convertible Promissory Note.

 

Administrative Service Fee

 

Commencing on the date of the final prospectus for the Public Offering, the Company agreed to pay the Sponsor up to $10,000 per month for office space, secretarial and administrative services as needed. Upon completion of the initial Business Combination or the Company’s liquidation, the Company will cease paying these monthly fees. The Sponsor has forgone charging the Company for the administrative service fee and during the year ended December 31, 2022, the Sponsor agreed to forgive the administrative service fee in the amount of $1,667, and accordingly, at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, no amounts were due for this administrative service fee.

 

F-19

 

 

Note 7 — Commitments

 

Registration Rights

 

The holders of (i) the Founder Shares, which were issued in a private placement prior to the closing of the Public Offering, (ii) Private Warrants, which were issued in a private placement simultaneously with the closing of the Public Offering, and the common stock underlying such Private Warrants and (iii) Private Warrants that may be issued upon conversion of Working Capital Loans (and the securities underlying such securities) have registration rights to require the Company to register a sale of any of its securities held by them pursuant to a registration rights agreement. These holders of these securities will be entitled to make up to three demands, excluding short form registration demands, that the Company register such securities for sale under the Securities Act. In addition, these holders will have “piggy-back” registration rights to include their securities in other registration statements filed by the Company, subject to certain limitations. The Company will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statements.

 

Underwriting Agreement

 

A deferred underwriting discount of $0.35 per Unit, or $4.02 million in the aggregate, will be payable to the underwriters from the amounts held in the Trust Account solely in the event that the Company completes an initial business combination, subject to the terms of the underwriting agreement, which has been revised as disclosed below.

 

In connection with the initial Business Combination, the Company engaged Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. (“Oppenheimer”) and SPAC Advisory Partners LLC (“SAP”) to act as its financial advisors, each will be entitled to customary fees in such capacity, with payment due at, and conditioned upon, the closing of the Business Combination. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. will be due 3.5% of the value of the Company’s IPO or $4,025,000 upon consummation of the Company’s initial Business Combination. This amount is reported on the balance sheet as deferred underwriters’ compensation.

 

In connection with the closing of the Business Combination, the underwriting agreement was revised, and the Company, Oppenheimer and SAP agreed to the following:

 

·Oppenheimer was paid $1.5 million in cash at the closing of the Business Combination; plus
·$500,000 in cash to be paid prior to the one-year anniversary of Closing; plus
·$460,000 in cash to be paid as a portion of a capital markets advisory fee: plus
·SAP was paid $0.25 million in cash at closing.

 

Note 8 — Stockholders’ Deficit

 

On August 17, 2023, Sponsor converted 2,605,000 shares of Class B common stock into shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis. The holders of the newly converted shares of Class A common stock have agreed to carry over the transfer restrictions associated with the Founder Shares and have no rights to funds in the Trust Account. After the conversion and redemptions at December 31, 2023, there are 3,193,083 and 270,000 Class A common and Class B common stock, respectively, issued and outstanding.

 

Preferred Stock — The Company is authorized to issue 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.0001 per share and with such designations, voting and other rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by the Company’s board of directors. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were no preferred shares issued or outstanding.

 

Class A Common Stock — The Company is authorized to issue 100,000,000 shares of Class A common stock with a par value of $0.0001 per share. Holders are entitled to one vote for each share of Class A common stock. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were 484,083 and 508,456 shares of Class A common stock issued and outstanding subject to possible redemption (excluding 9,966 Public Shares redeemed in relation to the November 17, 2023 special meeting), and 2,709,000 and 104,000 shares of Class A common stock not subject to redemption held by the sponsor, the underwriters and/or its designees, respectively.

 

Class B Common Stock — The Company is authorized to issue 10,000,000 shares of Class B common stock with a par value of $0.0001 per share. Holders are entitled to one vote for each share of Class B common stock. There were 270,000 and 2,875,000 shares of Class B common stock issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

F-20

 

 

Holders of the Class A common stock and holders of the Class B common stock will vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to a vote of the Company’s stockholders, except as required by law or stock exchange rule.

 

The Class B common stock will automatically convert into Class A common stock on the first business day following the consummation of the initial business combination at a ratio such that the number of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of all Founder Shares will equal, in the aggregate, on an as-converted basis, 20% of the sum of (a) the total number of all shares of Class A common stock issued and outstanding (including any shares of Class A common stock issued pursuant to the underwriter’s over-allotment option) upon the consummation of the Public Offering, plus (b) the sum of all shares of Class A common stock issued or deemed issued or issuable upon conversion or exercise of any equity-linked securities or rights issued or deemed issued, by the Company in connection with or in relation to the consummation of the initial business combination(including any shares of Class A common stock issued pursuant to a forward purchase agreement), excluding any shares of Class A common stock or equity-linked securities or rights exercisable for or convertible into Class A common stock issued, deemed issued, or to be issued, to any seller in the initial business combination and any private shares issued to the Sponsor, members of the Company’s management team or any of their affiliates upon conversion of Working Capital Loans, minus (c) the number of shares of Class A common stock redeemed in connection with the initial business combination, provided that such conversion of shares of Class B common stock shall never be less than the initial conversion ratio. In no event will the Class B common stock convert into Class A common stock at a rate of less than one-to one.

 

Note 9 — Income Tax

 

The Company’s net deferred tax liability at December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

   December 31,   December 31, 
   2023   2022 
Deferred tax assets          
Organizational costs/Startup expenses  $812,823   $843,823 
Federal Net Operating Loss       20,252 
Change in fair value of convertible debt   (40,014)   (31,151)
Total deferred tax assets   772,809    832,924 
Valuation Allowance   (812,823)   (864,075)
Deferred tax liability  $(40,014)  $(31,151)

 

The income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 consists of the following:

 

   December 31,   December 31, 
   2023   2022 
Federal          
Current   4,454    5,659 
Deferred   409,190    (540,116)
           
States          
Current   20,597     
Deferred   (349,076)    
Change in valuation allowance   (51,251)   571,267 
Income tax (benefit) provision  $33,914   $36,810 

 

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had $0 and $96,436 of U.S. federal net operating loss carryovers, which do not expire, and no state net operating loss carryovers available to offset future taxable income.

 

In assessing the realization of the deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion of all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which temporary differences representing net future deductible amounts become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. After consideration of all of the information available, management believes that significant uncertainty exists with respect to future realization of the deferred tax assets and has therefore established a full valuation allowance. For the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the change in the valuation allowance was $51,251 and $571,267, respectively.

 

F-21

 

 

A reconciliation of the federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective tax rate at December 31, 2023 and 2022 is as follows:

 

   December 31,   December 31, 
   2023   2022 
Statutory federal income tax rate   21.0%   21.0%
Business Combination expenses   (66.1)%   27.8%
State taxes, net of federal tax benefit   106.5%   0.0%
Transaction costs   0.0%   0.0%
Change in fair value of Derivative Liabilities   (45.3)%   (87.3)%
Change in valuation allowance   6.6%   41.1%
Income tax provision   22.9%   2.6%

 

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and is subject to examination by the various taxing authorities since inception.

 

Note 10 — Recurring Fair Value Measurements

 

The fair value of the Company’s certain assets and liabilities, which qualify as financial instruments under ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” approximates the carrying amounts represented in the balance sheet. The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, prepaid expenses, accounts payable and accrued expenses, due to related parties are estimated to approximate the carrying values as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 due to the short maturities of such instruments.

 

Since all of the Company’s permitted assets in the Trust Account consist of demand deposits at December 31, 2023 and U.S. Money Market funds at December 31, 2022, fair values of these assets are determined utilizing quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets. The Company’s warrant liability for the Private Warrants and Convertible Promissory Notes is based on valuation models utilizing management judgment and pricing inputs from observable and unobservable markets with less volume and transaction frequency than active markets. Significant deviations from these estimates and inputs could result in a material change in fair values. The Company’s warrant liability for the Public Warrants is based on quoted prices in an active market for identical assets.

 

The following table sets forth by level within the fair value hierarchy the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2023 and 2022:

 

December 31, 2023  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 
Assets:               
Demand deposits held in Trust Account  $6,262,478   $   $ 
                
Liabilities:               
Convertible Promissory Notes  $   $   $1,645,525 
Private Placement Warrants  $   $   $721,551 
Public Warrants  $862,500   $   $ 

 

December 31, 2022  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 
Assets:               
U.S. Money Market Mutual Funds held in Trust Account  $5,514,494   $   $ 
                
Liabilities:               
Convertible Promissory Note  $   $   $1,351,662 
Private Placement Warrants  $   $   $327,978 
Public Warrants  $345,000   $   $ 

 

F-22

 

 

Warrants and Convertible Promissory Note

 

The Warrants and Convertible Promissory Notes are accounted for as liabilities in accordance with ASC 815-40 on the balance sheets. The warrant liabilities and Convertible Promissory Notes are measured at fair value at inception and on a recurring basis, with changes in fair value presented within change in fair value of warrant liabilities and convertible promissory notes in the statement of operations.

 

Measurement

 

On December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company’s Public Warrants were trading in an active market and valuation of the Company’s Public Warrant liability was determined based upon the closing market price at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 

On December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company used a modified Black-Scholes model to value the Private Warrants.

 

The key inputs into the modified Black Scholes option pricing model for the Private Placement Warrants were as follows:

 

   December 31,   December 31, 
Input  2023   2022 
Stock price  $12.40   $10.02 
Exercise price  $11.50   $11.50 
Term (years)   5.00    5.00 
Risk free rate   3.84%   3.99%
Dividend yield   %   %
Volatility   11.2%   1.8%
Probability of a successful business combination   95%   92.5%

 

On December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company used a yield-to-maturity bond pricing model to value the Convertible Promissory Notes.

 

The key inputs into the pricing model for the Convertible Promissory Notes was as follows:

 

   December 31,   December 31, 
Input  2023   2022 
Amount due at maturity  $1,750,000   $1,500,000 
Term (years)   0.15    0.39 
Probability of a successful business combination   95%   92.5%
Present value factor   0.9898    0.9742 
Risk free rate   7.05%   4.62%
Volatility   %   1.8%

 

The Company’s use of models required the use of subjective assumptions:

 

  · The risk-free interest rate assumption was based on the five-year U.S. Treasury rate, which was commensurate with the contractual term of the Private Warrants and Convertible Promissory Note. An increase in the risk-free interest rate, in isolation, would result in an increase in the fair value measurement of the Private Warrant and Convertible Promissory Note and vice versa.
     
  · An increase in the expected term, in isolation, would result in an increase in the fair value measurement of the warrant liabilities and Convertible Promissory Note and vice versa.
     
  · The volatility assumption was based on the implied volatility from a set of comparable publicly-traded warrants as determined based on the size and proximity of other similar business combinations. An increase in the expected volatility, in isolation, would result in an increase in the fair value measurement of the Private Warrant and Convertible Promissory Note and vice versa.    
     
  · As of December 31, 2023, the probability of a successful business combination was based on the premises that the Business Combination Agreement had been executed and was scheduled to close on March 15, 2024. As of the date of these financial statements the Business Combination has been consummated.

 

F-23

 

 

The following table provides a reconciliation of changes in fair value of the beginning and ending balances for our financial instruments classified as Level 3:

 

Fair Value - Financial Instruments Classified as Level 3    
December 31, 2022  $1,679,640 
Borrowing - Convertible Promissory Notes   250,000 
Change in value of Convertible Promissory Notes   43,863 
Change in fair value - Private Warrant Liabilities   393,573 
December 31, 2023  $2,367,076 

 

 

Fair Value - Financial Instruments Classified as Level 3    
December 31, 2021  $2,820,607 
Borrowing - Convertible Promissory Note   1,500,000 
Change in value of Convertible Promissory Note   (148,338)
Change in fair value - Private Warrant Liabilities   (2,492,629)
December 31, 2022  $1,679,640 

 

Note 11 — Subsequent Events

 

The Company evaluated subsequent events and transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date up to the date that the financial statements were issued. Based upon this review, other than as disclosed above, the Company did not identify any subsequent events that would have required adjustment or disclosure in the financial statements other than noted below.

 

F-24

 

Exhibit 99.4

 

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Defined terms included below shall have the same meaning as terms defined and included elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information presents the combination of the financial information of KWAC and Wentworth adjusted to give effect to the Business Combination, including the PIPE Financing. The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X.

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of December 31, 2023, combines the historical balance sheet of KWAC and the historical balance sheet of Wentworth on a pro forma basis as if the Business Combination had been consummated on December 31, 2023. The unaudited pro forma combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 combines the historical statements of operations of KWAC and Wentworth for such period on a pro forma basis as if the Business Combination and the transaction contemplated by the merger Agreement summarized below, had been consummated on January 1, 2023, the beginning of the earliest period presented. The transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement that are given pro forma effect include:

 

  · Wentworth Adjustments represent transaction that occurred at the closing of Business Combination that are required to be presented to illustrate the effects of the Business Combination of a Pro Forma basis including the following:

 

  · Payment of certain Class B Preferred Units

 

  · Transaction accounting adjustments represent adjustments that occurred in the connection with the Closing the Business Combination, including the following:

 

  · The reverse capitalization between Merger Sub and Wentworth;

 

  · All outstanding Transaction Expenses shall have been paid;

 

  · The Series A PIPE of 1,500,000 shares of Series A Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock of Binah Capital Group, Inc. issued to purchasers in such Series A PIPE; and

 

  · The amount of shares outstanding of Binah Capital Group, Inc. Common Stock to be issued at the Closing shall not be less than the Minimum Wentworth Share Amount.

 

 

 

 

The pro forma condensed combined financial information may not be useful in predicting the future financial condition and results of operations of the Combined Company. The actual financial position and results of operations may differ significantly from the pro forma amounts reflected herein due to a variety of factors.

 

Upon the closing of the Business Combination, public shareholders were offered the opportunity to redeem all or a portion of such shareholder’s public shares for cash equal to their pro rata share of the aggregate amount on deposit (as of two business days prior to the Closing) in the Trust Account. The unaudited condensed combined pro forma financial information reflects actual redemptions of 403,066 shares of KWAC’s Class A Ordinary Shares at approximately $13.15 per share, or $5.3 million in the aggregate.

 

The following summarizes the pro forma capitalization of the Company immediately after the Business Combination and related transactions:

 

KWAC’s public shareholders   79,957    0.5%
           
Sponsor(1)   3,028,999    18.7%
           
Wentworth Stockholders   13,100,000    80.8%
Pro Forma Common Stock (2)   16,208,956    100.0%

 

(1) Includes 2,875,000 Founder Shares converted into New Binah Capital Group, Inc. Class A Common Stock,  270,000 Class B common stock converted into New Binah Capital Group, Inc. Class A Common Stock and 104,000 Class Common Stock help by the underwriter as compensation for services.

 

(2) The pro forma capitalization excludes the following:

 

  8,666,425 unexercised public warrants

 

  6,481,550 unexercised Private Placement Warrants

 

1,100,000 shares of Binah Capital Group, Inc. common stock held in escrow (the “Escrowed Shares”). Escrowed Shares are eligible for release if the volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) of Binah Capital Group, Inc. common stock exceeds $12.000 for 20 trading days within any 30-day trading period during the four-year period following March 15, 2024 (the “VWAP Condition”) or else the Escrowed Shares are forfeited.

 

The Business Combination was accounted for as a reverse recapitalization, in accordance with GAAP. Under this method of accounting, KWAC will be treated as the “acquired” company for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the Business Combination will be treated as the equivalent of Wentworth issuing stock for the net assets of KWAC, accompanied by a recapitalization. The net assets of KWAC will be stated at historical cost, with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded. Operations prior to the Business Combination will be those of Wentworth.

 

Wentworth has been determined to be the accounting acquirer based on evaluation of the following facts and circumstances under both the no and maximum redemption scenarios:

 

  · Wentworth unit holders will have a relative majority of the voting power of Binah Capital Group, Inc.;

 

  · The Binah Capital Group, Inc. Board will have seven members, and Wentworth’s unit holders will have the ability to nominate the majority of the members of the Binah Capital Group, Inc. Board;

 

  · Wentworth’s senior management will comprise the senior management of Binah Capital Group, Inc. and be responsible for the day-to-day operations; and

 

  · The intended strategy and operations of Binah Captial Group, Inc. will continue Wentworth’s current strategy and operations.

 

Assumptions and estimates underlying the unaudited pro forma adjustments included in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements are described in the accompanying notes. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been presented for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of the operating results and financial position that would have been achieved had the Business Combination and related transactions occurred on the dates indicated. Further, the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information does not purport to project the future operating results or financial position of the Company following the completion of the Business Combination and related transactions. The unaudited pro forma adjustments represent management’s estimates based on information available as of the date of these unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information and are subject to change as additional information becomes available and analyses are performed.

 

 

 

 

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023

 

Assets:  WMS
(Historical)
   WMS
Adjustments
      WMS As
Adjusted
   KWAC
(Historical)
   KWAC
Adjustments
      KWAC As
Adjusted
   Transaction
Accounting
Adjustments
      Pro-Forma
Combined
(Assuming
Maximum
Redemptions)
 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   7,621    (2,609)   A   5,012    112    158    L   270    1,051    C   8,620 
                                        14,400    D     
                                        (1,518)   F     
                                        (6,248)   G     
                                        (3,445)   E     
                                        (902)   M     
Receivables                                                 
Commission receivable   8,220    -       8,220    -    -       -    -       8,220 
Due from clearing broker   631    -       631    -    -       -    -       631 
Other   1,587    -       1,587    -    -       -    -       1,587 
Due from Sponsor for Trust Funding Account   -    -       -    138    (138)   L   -    -       - 
Investments held in Trust Account   -    -       -    6,262    89    L   6,351    (1,051)   C   - 
                                        (5,300)   K     
Property and equipment, net   974    -       974    -    -       -    -       974 
Right of use asset   4,332    -       4,332    -    -       -    -       4,332 
Intangible assets, net   1,580    -       1,580    -    -       -    -       1,580 
Goodwill   39,839    -       39,839    -    -       -    -       39,839 
Other assets   2,626    -       2,626    69    -       69    -       2,695 
                                                  
TOTAL ASSETS   67,410    (2,609)      64,801   $6,581   $109      $6,690   $(3,013)     $68,478 
                                                  
                                                  
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' EQUITY                                                 
                                                  
Liabilities:                                                 
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities   9,082    -       9,082    3,542    -       3,542    (4,401)   G   8,223 
Commissions payable   10,676    -       10,676    -    -       -    -       10,676 
Operating lease liability   4,381    -       4,381    -    -       -    -       4,381 
Redemptions payable   -    -       -    124    -       124    (124)   K   - 
Convertible promissory note   -    -       -    1,646    -       1,646    (1,646)   B   - 
Notes payable, net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $645,382   20,822    -       20,822    -    -       -    -       20,822 
Promissory notes-affiliates   12,177    -       12,177    -    -       -    (6,864)   E   5,313 
Due to members   5,169    -       5,169    -    -       -    (5,169)   M   - 
Taxes payable   -    -       -    -    -       -    -       - 
Excise and income taxes tax payable   -    -       -    15    -       15    -       15 
Deferred underwriters' compensation   -    -       -    4,025    -       4,025    (4,025)   F   - 
Warrant liability   -    -       -    1,584    -       1,584    -       1,584 
Deferred income taxes   -    -       -    40    -       40    -       40 
                                                  
TOTAL LIABILITIES   62,307    -       62,307    10,976    -       10,976    (22,229)      51,054 
                                                  

Mezzanine Equity and Members’/Shareholders’ Equity(Deficit) 

                                                 
Class A Common Stock subject to redemption   -    -       -    5,926    65    L   5,991    (4,940)   K   - 
Mezzanine Equity:                -                      (1,051)        
Redeemable preferred shares, $0.0001 par value, 2,000,000 shares authorized, 1,500,000   -    -       -                 -              
shares outstanding at December 31, 2023   -    -       -    -    -       -    14,400    D   14,400 
                                                  
Class A Common Units   12,299    -       12,299    -    -       -    (12,299)   I   - 
Class B Preferred Units   2,609    (2,609)   A   -    -    -       -            - 
Class A Common Stock   -    -       -    -    -       -    -    H   - 
Class B Common Stock   -    -       -    -    -       -    -       - 
Additional paid-in capital   8,886    -       8,886    -    -       -    1,051    H   26,318 
                                        4,025    F     
                                        (755)   G     
                                        (8,886)   I     
                                        131,000    I     
                                        (109,815)   I     
                                        1,500    CC     
                                        1,750    B     
                                        3,502    E     
                                        (10,278)   J     
                                        4,338    M     
Accumulated deficit   (18,691)   -       (18,691)   (10,321)   43   L   (10,278)   10,278    J   (23,295)
                                        (104)   B     
                                        (1,092)   G     
                                        (1,518)   F     
                                        (83)   E     
                                        (71)   M     
                                        (236)   K     
                                        (1,500)   CC     
TOTAL MEMBERS' EQUITY/STOCKHODLERS' DEFICIT   5,103    (2,609)      2,494    (10,321)   43       (10,278)   10,807       3,023 
                                                  
TOTAL LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND MEMBERS'/SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY(DEFICIT)   67,410    (2,609)      64,801   $6,581   $108      $6,689   $(3,013)     $68,477 

 

 

 

 

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023

 

(in thousands)  WMS (Historical)   KWAC
(Historical)
   Transaction
Accounting
Adjustments
      Pro Forma
Combined
 
Revenues:    
                   
Commissions   138,191    -    -       138,191 
Advisory Fees   21,668    -    -       21,668 
Interest and Other income   8,096    1,637    (61)   L, B   9,672 
                        
Total revenues   167,955    1,637    (61)      169,531 
                        
Expenses:                       
Commissions and fees   136,169    -    -       136,169 
Employee compensation and benefits   13,385    -    1,500    CC   14,885 
Rent and occupancy   1,189    -    -       1,189 
Professional fees   4,709    2,388    1,092    G   8,189 
Technology fees   2,457    -    -       2,457 
Interest   5,119    -    154    M, E   5,273 
Depreciation and amortization   1,216    -    -       1,216 
Other   3,225    -    -       3,225 
                        
Total expenses   167,469    2,388    2,746       172,603 
                        
Income (loss) before provision/benefit for income taxes   486    (751)   (2,807)      (3,072)
                        
Provision (benefit) for income taxes   (85)   33    52    DD   - 
                        
Net income (loss)   571    (784)   (2,859)      (3,072)
                        
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding Class A common stock, subject to redemption   -    498    -       - 
                        
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share   -   $(0.64)   -       - 
                        
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding Class A and B common stock, not subject to redemption   -    2,979    -       16,129 
                        
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share   -   $(0.26)   -      $(0.19)

 

 

 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

1. Basis of Presentation

 

The Business Combination was accounted for as a reverse recapitalization in accordance with GAAP. Under this method of accounting, KWAC was treated as the “acquired” company for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the Business Combination was treated as the equivalent of Wentworth issuing stock for the net assets of KWAC, accompanied by a recapitalization. The net assets of KWAC are stated at historical cost, with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded. Operations prior to the Business Combination will be those of Wentworth.

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of December 31, 2023 assumes that the Business Combination occurred on December 31, 2023. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 gives pro forma effect to the Business Combination as if it had been completed on January 1, 2023. The period presented is on the basis of Wentworth as the accounting acquirer.

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of December 31, 2023 has been prepared using, and should be read in conjunction with, the following:

 

·KWAC’s audited balance sheet as of December 31, 2023 and the related notes, included elsewhere in this proxy statement/ prospectus;
   

·Wentworth’s audited consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2023 and the related notes, included elsewhere in this proxy statement/ prospectus.

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 has been prepared using, and should be read in conjunction with, the following:

 

·KWAC’s audited statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the related notes, included elsewhere in this proxy statement/ prospectus; and
   

·Wentworth’s audited statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the related notes, included elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Management has made significant estimates and assumptions in its determination of the pro forma adjustments. As the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared based on these preliminary estimates, the final amounts recorded may differ materially from the information presented.

 

 

 

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information does not give effect to any anticipated synergies, operating efficiencies, tax savings, or cost savings that may be associated with the Business Combination.

 

The pro forma adjustments reflecting the consummation of the Business Combination are based on certain currently available information and certain assumptions and methodologies that KWAC believes are reasonable under the circumstances. The unaudited condensed combined pro forma adjustments, which are described in the accompanying notes, may be revised as additional information becomes available and is evaluated. Therefore, it is likely that the actual adjustments will differ from the pro forma adjustments, and it is possible the difference may be material. KWAC believes that its assumptions and methodologies provide a reasonable basis for presenting all of the significant effects of the Business Combination based on information available to management at this time and that the pro forma adjustments give appropriate effect to those assumptions and are properly applied in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information.

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information is not necessarily indicative of what the actual results of operations and financial position would have been had the Business Combination taken place on the dates indicated, nor are they indicative of the future consolidated results of operations or financial position of the Combined Company. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information should be read in conjunction with the historical financial statements and notes thereto of KWAC and Wentworth.

 

2. Accounting Policies

 

Upon consummation of the Business Combination, the Combined Company will perform a comprehensive review of the two entities’ accounting policies. As a result of the review, management may identify differences between the accounting policies of the two entities which, when conformed, could have a material impact on the financial statements of the Combined Company.

 

3. Adjustments to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared to illustrate the effect of the Business Combination and has been prepared for informational purposes only.

 

The pro forma condensed combined financial information does not include an income tax adjustment. The pro forma combined provision for income taxes does not necessarily reflect the amounts that would have resulted had the Combined Company filed consolidated income tax returns during the periods presented.

 

The pro forma basic and diluted loss per share amounts presented in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations are based upon the number of the Combined Company’s shares outstanding, assuming the Business Combination occurred on January 1, 2023.

 

 

 

 

Transaction Accounting Adjustments to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet

 

The adjustments included in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of December 31, 2023 are as follows:

 

A.Represents the payment of Wentworth Class B Preferred at an amount of approximately $2.6 million.

 

B.Represents the satisfaction of the KWAC promissory notes including any accrued interest to arrive at the Assumed Indebtedness amount per the Merger Agreement. In accordance with the Amended and Restated Promissory Note, the KWAC promissory notes was converted into the Class A common stock at the closing of the transaction.

 

C.Reflects the reclassification of approximately $1.0 million of cash held in the Trust Account at the balance sheet date that became available at the closing of the Business Combination.

 

D.Represents the proceeds from the sale of the Series A Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock.

 

E.Represents the repayment and restructuring of the Wentworth promissory notes.

 

F.Represents the settlement of $4.025 million of deferred underwriters’ fees and the payment of the buy-side fees.

 

  G. Represents the transaction costs of $6.2 million, in addition to the deferred underwriting fees noted above, inclusive of advisory, banking, printing, legal and accounting fees that are expensed as a part of the Business Combination and equity issuance costs that are capitalized into additional paid-in capital. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet reflects these costs as a reduction of cash of $6.2 million. Equity issuance costs of $0.755 million are offset to additional paid-in capital and the remaining balance is expensed through accumulated deficit. The costs expensed through accumulated deficit are included in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 as discussed below. Includes amounts included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities in the amount of $4.4 million.

 

H.Reflects the reclassification of approximately $1.1 million of common stock subject to possible redemption to permanent equity.

 

I.Represents recapitalization of Wentworth’s Units and the issuance of 13.10 million shares of Binah Capital Group, Inc. Common Stock to Wentworth Unitholders as consideration for the reverse recapitalization.

 

J.Reflects the reclassification of KWAC’s historical accumulated deficit.

 

K.Reflects the final redemption of approximately 0.4 million KWAC Public Shares for aggregate redemption payments of $5.3 million allocated to Common Stock and additional paid-in capital using par value $0.0001 per share and a redemption price of $13.15 per share. Additionally, reflects the redemption of

 

L.Reflects trust activity subsequent to December 31, 2023 including the funding of the due from Sponsor for Trust Funding Account and additional trust deposits related to the extension by which the date Business Combination must be completed from February 24, 2024 to March 15, 2024. Additionally, reflects redemption of 11,026 Public Shares in connection with the extension by which the Business Combination must be completed from February 24, 2024 to March 15, 2024.

 

M.Represents the repayment and restructuring of Wentworth’s Due to Members.

 

 

 

 

Adjustments to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations

 

The pro forma adjustments included in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 are as follows:

 

CC.

 

Reflects the recognition of compensation expense related to the current independent directors of KWAC and the grant of Class A common stock to the independent directors. The stock was granted in October 2020 and November 2020 and the shares vest upon the consummation of the Business Combination. The stock was granted at fair value on the grant dates at $6.19 per share or an aggregate of $1.7 million for the 270,000 shares of Class A common stock. The aggregate amount paid for the acquired stock was approximately $0.2 million. The excess of fair value over the amount paid is approximately $1.5 million, which is reflected in the pro forma consolidated statement of operations for the for the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

DD.

 

The income tax expense impact of the transaction adjustments was determined by tax effecting the expected tax treatment of the individual elements of the transaction adjustments in the jurisdictions they are expected to be incurred in, at the estimated statutory tax rate in those jurisdictions. The tax adjustments could change based upon the Company’s final determination of the tax treatment of the individual items and the statutory tax rate in the jurisdictions where the fair values are expected to occur and/ or as a result of any changes in legislation prior to closing.

 

Excluding the impact of all Merger accounting, and transaction related costs related to the Merger, the underlying effective tax rate of the combined group for the year ended December 31, 2023, would have been 0.0% as a result of federal net operating loss carryovers of $4.4 million available to offset future taxable income indefinitely.

 

4. Earnings per Share

 

Represents the earnings per share calculated using the historical weighted average shares outstanding, and the issuance of additional shares in connection with the Business Combination, assuming the shares were outstanding since January 1, 2023. As the Business Combination and related equity transactions are being reflected as if they had occurred at the beginning of the periods presented, the calculation of weighted average shares outstanding for basic and diluted net income (loss) per share assumes that the shares issuable relating to the Business Combination have been outstanding for the entirety of all periods presented. If the maximum number of shares are redeemed, this calculation is retroactively adjusted to eliminate such shares for the entire period.

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared assuming two alternative levels of redemption into cash of Common Stock for the year ended December 31, 2023:

 

   For theYear Ended
December 31, 2023
 
   Pro Forma
Combined
(Assuming No
Redemptions)
   Pro Forma
Combined
(Assuming
Maximum
Redemptions)
 
Pro forma net income (loss)   (3,072)   (3,072)
           
 Pro forma weighted average shares outstanding of common stock   16,613    16,129 
           
Net income (loss) per share (Basic and Diluted) attributable to common stockholders  $(0.18)  $(0.19)

 

Excludes KWAC’s 8,703,000 KWAC Public Warrants and 6,481,550 KWAC Private Placement Warrants from the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders for the indicated because including them would have had an antidilutive effect.

 

The 8,703,000 of Public Warrants and the 6,481,550 Private Placement Warrants have an exercise price of $11.50 and not converted to Class A Common Stock at closing and therefore are anti-dilutive for the year ended December 31, 2023.