Q4 2025 Cohen & Co Inc Earnings Call
Speaker #1: operator today. Before remind everyone that some of the statements the undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect subsequent events or during this call are made only as of circumstances.
Operator: Cohen & Company advise you to read the cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements in its earnings release and its most recent annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.
Speaker #1: Cohen & its earnings release and its most recent 2025 financials, complementary to that press release, actual results to website as discussed in such forward-looking results.
Operator: Earlier today, Cohen & Company issued a press release announcing Q4 and full year 2025 financial results. Today's discussion is complementary to that press release, which is available on the company's website at Cohen, C-O-H-E-N-A-N-D, Company, C-O-M-P-A-N-Y com. This conference call is being recorded, and a replay of it will be available for three days, beginning shortly after the conclusion of this call. The company's remarks also include certain non-GAAP financial measures that management believes are meaningful when evaluating the company's performance. A reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP measures is provided in the company's earnings release. After the prepared remarks, the call will be opened up for questions. I would now like to turn the call over to your host, Mr. Lester Brafman, Chief Executive Officer at Cohen & Company. Thank you. You may begin.
Operator: Earlier today, Cohen & Company issued a press release announcing Q4 and full year 2025 financial results. Today's discussion is complementary to that press release, which is available on the company's website at Cohen, C-O-H-E-N-A-N-D, Company, C-O-M-P-A-N-Y com. This conference call is being recorded, and a replay of it will be available for three days, beginning shortly after the conclusion of this call. The company's remarks also include certain non-GAAP financial measures that management believes are meaningful when evaluating the company's performance. A reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP measures is provided in the company's earnings release. After the prepared remarks, the call will be opened up for questions. I would now like to turn the call over to your host, Mr. Lester Brafman, Chief Executive Officer at Cohen & Company. Thank you. You may begin.
Speaker #1: Recorded, and a replay of it will be available. Today's discussion is called. The company’s for three days beginning measures to the comparable GAAP earnings release.
Speaker #1: After the prepared remarks, the call will be opened up for questions. I would now like to turn the call over to Lester Brafman, Chief Executive Officer at Cohen & Company.
Lester Brafman: Thank you, Robert, and thank you everybody for joining us for our Q4 2025 earnings call. With me on the call is Joe Pooler, our CFO. We are pleased with our strong Q4 and full year 2025 results, which were driven by the continued expansion of our client franchise and particularly our full-service boutique investment bank, Cohen & Company Capital Markets, which continues to focus on frontier technologies, including digital assets, energy transition and natural resources. In 2025, we strengthened our leadership team with the appointment of additional managing directors to expand our presence in the energy and energy transition sectors as well as across space technology, aerospace and communications infrastructure.
Lester Brafman: Thank you, Robert, and thank you everybody for joining us for our Q4 2025 earnings call. With me on the call is Joe Pooler, our CFO. We are pleased with our strong Q4 and full year 2025 results, which were driven by the continued expansion of our client franchise and particularly our full-service boutique investment bank, Cohen & Company Capital Markets, which continues to focus on frontier technologies, including digital assets, energy transition and natural resources. In 2025, we strengthened our leadership team with the appointment of additional managing directors to expand our presence in the energy and energy transition sectors as well as across space technology, aerospace and communications infrastructure.
Speaker #2: Robert. And thank you, everybody, for joining us for our fourth quarter 2025 earnings call. With me on the call is Joe Pooler, our CFO.
Speaker #2: We are pleased with our strong fourth quarter and full year 2025 results, which were driven by the continued expansion particularly our full-service boutique investment bank, Cohen & Company Capital Markets.
Speaker #2: Which continues to focus on frontier technologies, including digital assets, energy transition, and natural resources. In 2025, we strengthened our leadership team with the appointment of additional managing directors to expand our presence in the energy and energy transition sectors, as well as across space technology, aerospace, and communications infrastructure.
Speaker #2: During the year, CCM closed $43 billion in transactions and, according to SPACT research, ranked number one in SPACT IPO underwritings by left book run deals and in the DSPACT advisory with leading share in DSPACT pipe transactions.
Lester Brafman: During the year, CCM closed $43 billion in transactions. According to SPAC Research, ranked number one in SPAC IPO underwritings by left bookrun deals and in the de-SPAC advisory, with a leading share in de-SPAC PIPE transactions, reflecting the strength of our client franchise and execution capabilities. Supported by its growing team and strong pipeline of transactions, we believe that CCM is well-positioned for continued success over the long term. CCM's pipeline is more robust than it was a year ago, reflecting our strong IPO presence and significant de-SPAC opportunities. Going forward, we will continue to focus on being the advisor of choice to growth in frontier technology sectors of the economy.
Lester Brafman: During the year, CCM closed $43 billion in transactions. According to SPAC Research, ranked number one in SPAC IPO underwritings by left bookrun deals and in the de-SPAC advisory, with a leading share in de-SPAC PIPE transactions, reflecting the strength of our client franchise and execution capabilities. Supported by its growing team and strong pipeline of transactions, we believe that CCM is well-positioned for continued success over the long term. CCM's pipeline is more robust than it was a year ago, reflecting our strong IPO presence and significant de-SPAC opportunities. Going forward, we will continue to focus on being the advisor of choice to growth in frontier technology sectors of the economy.
Speaker #2: Reflecting the strength of our client franchise and execution capabilities. Supported by its growing team and strong pipeline of transactions, we believe that CCM is well positioned for continued success over the long term.
Speaker #2: CCM's pipeline is more robust than it was a year ago, reflecting our strong IPO presence and significant DSPACT opportunities. Going forward, we will continue to focus on being the advisory of choice to growth and frontier technology sectors of the economy.
Speaker #2: For the full year of 2025, basic and fully diluted net income attributable to Cohen & Company per share was $8.33, and $4.35 respectively. Total revenue was $275.6 million, and an increase of $246% from 2024, and adjusted pre-tax income of $41.4 million, representing a 15% of total revenue.
Lester Brafman: For the full year of 2025, basic and fully diluted net income attributable to Cohen & Company per share was $8.33 and $4.35, respectively. Total revenue was $275.6 million, an increase of 246% from 2024, an adjusted pre-tax income of $41.4 million, representing a 15% of total revenue. We finished 2025 with $2.3 million of revenue per employee. Additionally, we announced a special dividend of $0.70 a share, as well as our recurring quarterly dividend of $0.25 a share. These dividends are in addition to special dividend of $2.00 per share that was announced December 2025 and paid in January 2026.
Lester Brafman: For the full year of 2025, basic and fully diluted net income attributable to Cohen & Company per share was $8.33 and $4.35, respectively. Total revenue was $275.6 million, an increase of 246% from 2024, an adjusted pre-tax income of $41.4 million, representing a 15% of total revenue. We finished 2025 with $2.3 million of revenue per employee. Additionally, we announced a special dividend of $0.70 a share, as well as our recurring quarterly dividend of $0.25 a share. These dividends are in addition to special dividend of $2.00 per share that was announced December 2025 and paid in January 2026.
Speaker #2: We finished 2025 with a $2.3 million revenue per employee. Additionally, we announced a special dividend of $0.70 a share as well as our recurring quarterly dividend of 25 cents
Speaker #2: to special dividends of $2 per share that was announced December 2025 and paid in January 2026. As we look ahead with the first quarter 2026 revenue trending substantially higher than first quarter 2025, we are well positioned to continue building on the significant momentum underway and remain confident in our ability to drive long-term sustainable value for our stockholders.
Lester Brafman: As we look ahead with the Q1 2026 revenue trending substantially higher than Q1 2025, we are well-positioned to continue building on the significant momentum underway and remain confident in our ability to drive long-term sustainable value for our stockholders. Now, I will turn the call over to Joe to walk through this quarter's financial highlights in more detail.
Lester Brafman: As we look ahead with the Q1 2026 revenue trending substantially higher than Q1 2025, we are well-positioned to continue building on the significant momentum underway and remain confident in our ability to drive long-term sustainable value for our stockholders. Now, I will turn the call over to Joe to walk through this quarter's financial highlights in more detail.
Speaker #2: Now, I will turn the call over to Joe to walk through this quarter's financial highlights in more detail. regarding forward-looking statements in
Speaker #3: Thank you, Lester. I will begin with a discussion of our operating results for the quarter. Our net income attributable to Cohen & Company Inc. shareholders was $8.1 million for the quarter, or $1.48 per fully diluted share, compared to net income of $4.6 million for the prior
Joseph W. Pooler, Jr.: Thank you, Lester. I will begin with a discussion of our operating results for the quarter. Our net income attributable to Cohen & Company Inc. shareholders was $8.1 million for the quarter, or $1.48 per fully diluted share, compared to net income of $4.6 million for the prior quarter, or $2.58 per fully diluted share, and net loss of $2 million for the prior year quarter, or $1.21 per fully diluted share. Our fully diluted earnings per share calculation reflects all convertible membership units in our primary operating subsidiary, Cohen & Company, LLC, as if they are converted to shares, and it also reflects an income tax expense adjustment at an estimated effective tax rate as if our ownership structure was a full C corp for the entire period.
Joseph W. Pooler, Jr.: Thank you, Lester. I will begin with a discussion of our operating results for the quarter. Our net income attributable to Cohen & Company Inc. shareholders was $8.1 million for the quarter, or $1.48 per fully diluted share, compared to net income of $4.6 million for the prior quarter, or $2.58 per fully diluted share, and net loss of $2 million for the prior year quarter, or $1.21 per fully diluted share. Our fully diluted earnings per share calculation reflects all convertible membership units in our primary operating subsidiary, Cohen & Company, LLC, as if they are converted to shares, and it also reflects an income tax expense adjustment at an estimated effective tax rate as if our ownership structure was a full C corp for the entire period.
Speaker #1: A quarter or $2.58 per diluted share , and net loss of $2 million for the prior year quarter , or $1.21 per diluted share Our fully diluted earnings per share calculation reflects all convertible membership units in our primary operating subsidiary , Cowen and Company LLC .
Speaker #1: As if as if they are converted to shares . And it also reflects an income tax expense adjustment at an estimated effective tax rate .
Speaker #1: As if our ownership structure was a full c-corp for the entire period . Our adjusted pre-tax income was 18.3 million for the quarter , compared to adjusted pre-tax income of 16.4 million for the prior quarter and adjusted pre-tax loss of 7.7 million for the prior year quarter .
Joseph W. Pooler, Jr.: Our adjusted pre-tax income was $18.3 million for the quarter, compared to adjusted pre-tax income of $16.4 million for the prior quarter and adjusted pre-tax loss of $7.7 million for the prior year quarter. As a reminder, adjusted pre-tax income and loss is a key earnings measurement for us as it incorporates enterprise earnings attributable to our convertible non-controlling interest, which is substantially held by our founder and chairman, Daniel Cohen. Daniel holds his interest in the enterprise through the primary operating subsidiary, Cohen & Company, LLC, which is a consolidated subsidiary of Cohen & Company Inc.
Joseph W. Pooler, Jr.: Our adjusted pre-tax income was $18.3 million for the quarter, compared to adjusted pre-tax income of $16.4 million for the prior quarter and adjusted pre-tax loss of $7.7 million for the prior year quarter. As a reminder, adjusted pre-tax income and loss is a key earnings measurement for us as it incorporates enterprise earnings attributable to our convertible non-controlling interest, which is substantially held by our founder and chairman, Daniel Cohen. Daniel holds his interest in the enterprise through the primary operating subsidiary, Cohen & Company, LLC, which is a consolidated subsidiary of Cohen & Company Inc.
Speaker #1: As a reminder , adjusted pre-tax income and loss key earnings measurement for us as it incorporates enterprise earnings attributable to our convertible noncontrolling interest , which is substantially held by our founder and chairman .
Speaker #1: Daniel Cohen Daniel holds his interest in the enterprise through the primary operating subsidiary , Cohen and LLC , which is a consolidated subsidiary of Cowen and Company , Inc. As noted in prior earnings calls , chem has become an increasingly important component of our company , generating revenue of 50.8 million in the fourth quarter and one .
Joseph W. Pooler, Jr.: As noted in prior earnings calls, CCM has become an increasingly important component of our company, generating revenue of $50.8 million in Q4 and $184 million in the full year 2025, an increase of 370% from full year 2024. CCM revenue as a percentage of total company revenue was 67% for the full year 2025. Investment banking and new issue revenue was $55 million in Q4 compared to $69 million from the prior quarter and $8.2 million from the year-ago quarter. $50.8 million of our investment banking and new issue revenue came from our CCM business and was primarily driven by SPAC M&A and SPAC IPO transactions.
Joseph W. Pooler, Jr.: As noted in prior earnings calls, CCM has become an increasingly important component of our company, generating revenue of $50.8 million in Q4 and $184 million in the full year 2025, an increase of 370% from full year 2024. CCM revenue as a percentage of total company revenue was 67% for the full year 2025. Investment banking and new issue revenue was $55 million in Q4 compared to $69 million from the prior quarter and $8.2 million from the year-ago quarter. $50.8 million of our investment banking and new issue revenue came from our CCM business and was primarily driven by SPAC M&A and SPAC IPO transactions.
Speaker #1: Hundred and 84 million in the full year 2025 , an increase of 370% from full year 2020 . For chem revenue as a percentage of total company revenue was 67% for the full year , 25 investment banking and new issue revenue was 55 million .
Speaker #1: In the fourth quarter , compared to 69 million from the prior quarter and 8.2 million from the year ago quarter 50.8 million of our investment banking and new issue revenue came from our chem business and was primarily driven by Spac , M&A , and Spac .
Speaker #1: IPO transactions . European insurance origination generated an additional 3.6 million , and commercial real estate originated origination generated 300,000 for the quarter . As a reminder , we have received financial instruments as consideration for services provided by chem instead of cash .
Joseph W. Pooler, Jr.: European insurance origination generated an additional $3.6 million. Commercial real estate origination generated $300,000 for Q4. As a reminder, we have received financial instruments as consideration for services provided by CCM instead of cash at times, which are included in other investments at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets. Beginning in Q4 and reclassified historically, any realized or unrealized gains or losses on these financial instruments after the day of the transaction closing are now being reported in our investment banking and new issue revenue line item. Net trading revenue came in at $13.8 million in Q4, up $300,000 from Q3 and up $4.9 million from the prior year Q4.
Joseph W. Pooler, Jr.: European insurance origination generated an additional $3.6 million. Commercial real estate origination generated $300,000 for Q4. As a reminder, we have received financial instruments as consideration for services provided by CCM instead of cash at times, which are included in other investments at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets. Beginning in Q4 and reclassified historically, any realized or unrealized gains or losses on these financial instruments after the day of the transaction closing are now being reported in our investment banking and new issue revenue line item. Net trading revenue came in at $13.8 million in Q4, up $300,000 from Q3 and up $4.9 million from the prior year Q4.
Speaker #1: At times, which are included in other investments at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets, beginning in the fourth quarter and reclassified historically, any realized or unrealized gains or losses on these financial instruments after the day of the transaction closing are now being reported in our investment banking and new issue revenue line item. Net trading revenue came in at $13.8 million in the fourth quarter, up $300,000 from the prior quarter and up $4.9 million from the prior year quarter.
Speaker #1: Asset management revenue totaled 2.7 million in the quarter , up 700,000 from the prior quarter and up 600,000 from the prior year quarter Fourth quarter principal transactions and other revenue was positive 31.5 million , primarily due to the completion of the business combination between our sponsored Spac , Columbus Circle Capital Corp.
Joseph W. Pooler, Jr.: Asset management revenue totaled $2.7 million in the quarter, up $700,000 from the prior quarter and up $600,000 from the prior year quarter. Q4 principal transactions and other revenue was positive $31.5 million, primarily due to the completion of the business combination between our sponsored SPAC, Columbus Circle Capital Corp I and ProCap Financial. The 5 December 2025 closing of the business combination resulted in $33 million of principal transactions revenue in Q4 from the markup of consolidated founder and placement shares, primarily held by the consolidated sponsor of the SPAC after the business combination closing.
Joseph W. Pooler, Jr.: Asset management revenue totaled $2.7 million in the quarter, up $700,000 from the prior quarter and up $600,000 from the prior year quarter. Q4 principal transactions and other revenue was positive $31.5 million, primarily due to the completion of the business combination between our sponsored SPAC, Columbus Circle Capital Corp I and ProCap Financial. The 5 December 2025 closing of the business combination resulted in $33 million of principal transactions revenue in Q4 from the markup of consolidated founder and placement shares, primarily held by the consolidated sponsor of the SPAC after the business combination closing.
Speaker #1: . One and Procap Financial . The December 5th , 2025 closing of the business Combination resulted in 33 million of principal transactions revenue in the fourth quarter from the markup of consolidated founder and placement shares primarily held by the consolidated sponsor of the Spac .
Speaker #1: After the business combination closing , there was an offsetting 16.5 million of compensation expense related to the founder shares that were applicable to employees upon the closing , and there was an offsetting 8.5 million of non-convertible , noncontrolling interest expense related to founder shares eligible applicable to third party investors in the consolidated sponsor at the end of the year , Cohen held 2.543 million shares of Procap Financial , which trades on Nasdaq under the symbol BRR .
Joseph W. Pooler, Jr.: There was an offsetting $16.5 million of compensation expense related to the founder shares that were allocable to employees upon the closing. There was an offsetting $8.5 million of non-convertible non-controlling interest expense related to founder shares allocable to third-party investors in the consolidated sponsor. At the end of the year, Cohen held 2.543 million shares of ProCap Financial, which trades on Nasdaq under the symbol BRR.
Joseph W. Pooler, Jr.: There was an offsetting $16.5 million of compensation expense related to the founder shares that were allocable to employees upon the closing. There was an offsetting $8.5 million of non-convertible non-controlling interest expense related to founder shares allocable to third-party investors in the consolidated sponsor. At the end of the year, Cohen held 2.543 million shares of ProCap Financial, which trades on Nasdaq under the symbol BRR.
Speaker #1: Compensation and benefits expense for the fourth quarter was 57.8 million , which was up from both prior quarters , primarily due to fluctuations in revenue and the related variable incentive compensation , including the 16.5 million of expense recorded related to the founder shares applicable to Cohen & Company employees from the sponsor of Columbus Circle Capital Corp.
Joseph W. Pooler, Jr.: Compensation and benefits expense for the Q4 was $57.8 million, which was up from both prior quarters, primarily due to fluctuations in revenue and the related variable incentive compensation, including the $16.5 million of expense recorded related to the founder shares allocable to Cohen & Company employees from the sponsor of Columbus Circle Capital Corp I. The number of company employees was 126 at the end of the year, compared to 124 at the end of September and 113 at the end of the prior year. Net interest expense for the Q4 of 2025 was $1.5 million, including $1.2 million on our trust preferred securities, $200,000 on our senior promissory notes, and $45,000 on our bank credit facility.
Joseph W. Pooler, Jr.: Compensation and benefits expense for the Q4 was $57.8 million, which was up from both prior quarters, primarily due to fluctuations in revenue and the related variable incentive compensation, including the $16.5 million of expense recorded related to the founder shares allocable to Cohen & Company employees from the sponsor of Columbus Circle Capital Corp I. The number of company employees was 126 at the end of the year, compared to 124 at the end of September and 113 at the end of the prior year. Net interest expense for the Q4 of 2025 was $1.5 million, including $1.2 million on our trust preferred securities, $200,000 on our senior promissory notes, and $45,000 on our bank credit facility.
Speaker #1: . The number of company employees was 126 at the end of the year , compared to 124 at the end of September and 113 at the end of the prior year .
Speaker #1: Net interest expense for the fourth quarter of 25 was 1.5 million , including 1.2 million on our trust preferred securities , 200,000 on our senior promissory notes , and 45,000 on our bank credit facility .
Speaker #1: Loss from equity method affiliates totaled 5.1 million , primarily due to 3.1 million of mark to market losses . On one of our Spac series fund investments , which was partially offset by a $1.5 million credit recorded in the net income loss attributable to non convertible noncontrolling interest line item .
Joseph W. Pooler, Jr.: Loss from equity method affiliates totaled $5.1 million, primarily due to $3.1 million of mark-to-market losses on one of our SPAC series fund investments, which was partially offset by a $1.5 million credit recorded in the non-convertible non-controlling interest line item. In terms of our balance sheet at the end of the year, total equity was $103.1 million, compared to $90.3 million as of the end of the prior year. The non-convertible non-controlling interest component of total equity was $400,000 at the end of the year and $11.5 million at the end of the prior year.
Joseph W. Pooler, Jr.: Loss from equity method affiliates totaled $5.1 million, primarily due to $3.1 million of mark-to-market losses on one of our SPAC series fund investments, which was partially offset by a $1.5 million credit recorded in the non-convertible non-controlling interest line item. In terms of our balance sheet at the end of the year, total equity was $103.1 million, compared to $90.3 million as of the end of the prior year. The non-convertible non-controlling interest component of total equity was $400,000 at the end of the year and $11.5 million at the end of the prior year.
Speaker #1: In terms of our balance sheet at the end of the year, total equity was $103.1 million compared to $90.3 million as of the end of the prior year.
Speaker #1: The non-convertible noncontrolling interest component of total equity was $400,000 at the end of the year, and $11.5 million at the end of the prior year.
Speaker #1: Thus , the total enterprise equity , excluding the non-convertible noncontrolling interest , was 102.6 million at the end of the year . A $23.8 million increase from 78.8 million at the end of the prior year .
Joseph W. Pooler, Jr.: Thus, the total enterprise equity, excluding the non-convertible non-controlling interest, was $102.6 million at the end of the year, a $23.8 million dollar increase from $78.8 million at the end of the prior year. At quarter end, consolidated corporate indebtedness was carried at $33 million. As Lester mentioned, we declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share and a special dividend of $0.70 per share, both payable on 3 April 2026 to stockholders of record as of 20 March 2026. The $0.70 per share special dividend is on top of the $2 per share special dividend that was announced in December 2025 and paid in January 2026.
Joseph W. Pooler, Jr.: Thus, the total enterprise equity, excluding the non-convertible non-controlling interest, was $102.6 million at the end of the year, a $23.8 million dollar increase from $78.8 million at the end of the prior year. At quarter end, consolidated corporate indebtedness was carried at $33 million. As Lester mentioned, we declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share and a special dividend of $0.70 per share, both payable on 3 April 2026 to stockholders of record as of 20 March 2026. The $0.70 per share special dividend is on top of the $2 per share special dividend that was announced in December 2025 and paid in January 2026.
Speaker #1: At quarter end , consolidated corporate indebtedness was carried at 33 million , as Lester mentioned , we declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share and a special dividend of $0.70 per share , both payable on April 3rd of 26 , to stockholders of record as of March 20th of 26 .
Speaker #1: The $0.70 per share special dividend is on top of the $2.00 per share special dividend that was announced in December of 2025 and paid in January of 2026.
Speaker #1: The board of directors will continue to evaluate the dividend policy each quarter , and future decisions regarding dividends may be impacted by quarterly operating results company's capital needs .
Joseph W. Pooler, Jr.: The board of directors will continue to evaluate the dividend policy each quarter. Future decisions regarding dividends may be impacted by quarterly operating results and the company's capital needs. With that, I'll turn it back over to Lester.
Joseph W. Pooler, Jr.: The board of directors will continue to evaluate the dividend policy each quarter. Future decisions regarding dividends may be impacted by quarterly operating results and the company's capital needs. With that, I'll turn it back over to Lester.
Speaker #1: With that , I'll turn it back over , and the to Lester
Speaker #2: Thanks , Joe We remain confident in our ability to execute on our strategic priorities and continue driving progress as we enhance long term value for our stockholders .
Lester Brafman: Thanks, Joe. We remain confident in our ability to execute on our strategic priorities and continue driving progress as we enhance long-term value for our stockholders. Please direct any offline investor questions to Joe Pooler at 2157018952 or via email to investorrelations@cohenandcompany.com. The contact information can also be found at the bottom of our earnings release. Operator, you can now open the call lines for questions. Thank you for joining us today.
Lester Brafman: Thanks, Joe. We remain confident in our ability to execute on our strategic priorities and continue driving progress as we enhance long-term value for our stockholders. Please direct any offline investor questions to Joe Pooler at 2157018952 or via email to investorrelations@cohenandcompany.com. The contact information can also be found at the bottom of our earnings release. Operator, you can now open the call lines for questions. Thank you for joining us today.
Speaker #2: Please direct any offline investor questions to Joe Pooler at (215) 701-8952 or via email to Investor Relations at Cohen & Company . Com the contact information can also be found at the bottom of our earnings release Operator .
Speaker #2: You can now open the call lines for questions. Thank you for joining us.
Speaker #3: Thank you . At this time , we'll be conducting a question and answer session . If you'd like to ask a question , please press star One on your telephone keypad A confirmation tone will indicate your line is in the question queue .
Operator: Thank you. At this time, we'll be conducting a question-and-answer session. If you'd like to ask a question, please press star one on your telephone keypad. A confirmation tone will indicate your line is in the question queue. You may press star two if you'd like to remove your question from the queue. For participants using speaker equipment, it may be necessary to pick up your handset before pressing the star keys. One moment please while we poll for questions. Our first question comes from Mike Grondahl with Northland Securities. Your line is now live.
Operator: Thank you. At this time, we'll be conducting a question-and-answer session. If you'd like to ask a question, please press star one on your telephone keypad. A confirmation tone will indicate your line is in the question queue. You may press star two if you'd like to remove your question from the queue. For participants using speaker equipment, it may be necessary to pick up your handset before pressing the star keys. One moment please while we poll for questions. Our first question comes from Mike Grondahl with Northland Securities. Your line is now live.
Speaker #3: You may press star two . If you'd like to remove your question from the queue for participants using speaker equipment , it may be necessary to pick up your handset before pressing the star key's One moment please .
Speaker #3: While we poll for questions Our first question comes from Mike Randall with Northland Securities . Your line is now live .
Speaker #4: Hey guys . Thank you and congrats on a nice year . Joe , I think in your comments or Lester , I mean , talking about the pipeline , you said it was robust and off the kind of a good start .
Mike Grondahl: Hey, guys. Thank you, and congrats on a nice year. Joe, I think in your comments or Lester, I mean, talking about the pipeline, you said it was robust and off to kind of a good start. Could you go into just a little bit more detail there, kind of what you're seeing, and is there any sector sticking out?
Mike Grondahl: Hey, guys. Thank you, and congrats on a nice year. Joe, I think in your comments or Lester, I mean, talking about the pipeline, you said it was robust and off to kind of a good start. Could you go into just a little bit more detail there, kind of what you're seeing, and is there any sector sticking out?
Speaker #4: Could you go into just a little bit more detail there ? Kind of what you're seeing ? And is there any sector sticking out
Lester Brafman: Yeah. I think if I was on this call a year ago and looking at where our pipeline is, we're ahead of where we were last year. I think that's as much kind of context as I'd like to kind of give. And in terms of sectors and as the sectors, look, we dominate in the SPAC and in the de-SPAC space. That's really our strength. From there, we, as we spoke before, it really leads us into deals across all of the kind of frontier technology space which you're looking at, whether it's digital assets, whether it's energy transmission. Any real growth company is what really fits into the SPAC product.
Speaker #2: Yeah . I think if we were standing in , if I was on this call a year ago and looking at where our pipeline is , we're ahead of where we were last year .
Lester Brafman: Yeah. I think if I was on this call a year ago and looking at where our pipeline is, we're ahead of where we were last year. I think that's as much kind of context as I'd like to kind of give. And in terms of sectors and as the sectors, look, we dominate in the SPAC and in the de-SPAC space. That's really our strength. From there, we, as we spoke before, it really leads us into deals across all of the kind of frontier technology space which you're looking at, whether it's digital assets, whether it's energy transmission. Any real growth company is what really fits into the SPAC product.
Speaker #2: I think that's as much kind of context as I'd like to kind of give And in terms of and what was sectors , look , we were we dominate in the Spac in the Spac , in the Spac space .
Speaker #2: That's really our strength . And so from there , we as we spoke before , it really leads us into deals across all of the kind of frontier technology space which you're looking at , whether it's digital assets , whether it's energy , energy transmission , any real growth company is what really fits into the back , into this back product .
Speaker #2: Now , that being said , you know , business begets business . And from from what we've printed in the Spac space , you know , we've we've got some traditional M&A mandates , some capital raises , capital markets advisory work .
Lester Brafman: That being said, you know, business begets business. From what we've printed in the SPAC space, you know, we've got some traditional M&A mandates, some capital raises, and capital market advisory work. You know, we're starting also to build out more kind of industry verticals in that frontier technology space. You know, hiring a banker focused on space and aerospace, as well as someone to telecommunications, new telecommunications areas. Energy in the energy space as well. I mean, when we think about kind of industries, we think about kind of what fits into that SPAC product.
Lester Brafman: That being said, you know, business begets business. From what we've printed in the SPAC space, you know, we've got some traditional M&A mandates, some capital raises, and capital market advisory work. You know, we're starting also to build out more kind of industry verticals in that frontier technology space. You know, hiring a banker focused on space and aerospace, as well as someone to telecommunications, new telecommunications areas. Energy in the energy space as well. I mean, when we think about kind of industries, we think about kind of what fits into that SPAC product.
Speaker #2: So and we're starting also to build out more kind of industry verticals . And that technology space , you know , hiring a banker , focusing on space and aerospace as well as some of the telecommunications , new telecommunications areas .
Speaker #2: That and energy and the energy space as well . So , I mean , when we think about kind of industries , we think about kind of what fits into that Spac spec product
Speaker #4: Got it . And then what would you say your top two priorities for 2026 are ?
Mike Grondahl: Got it. What would you say your top two priorities for 2026 are?
Mike Grondahl: Got it. What would you say your top two priorities for 2026 are?
Lester Brafman: Our top two priorities on 26 is expanding our investment bank, expanding our footprint, getting, you know, more verticals and not being as dependent on the SPAC product. That's one priority. On the fixed income trading side is again, continue to grow our footprint there. You know, we're looking to add probably 8 people or so in that area. All synergistic with the kind of, you know, leading with the mortgage space and trading other products around there. When I think about, you know, how, you know, Look, our investment bank has grown dramatically, obviously year-over-year. We kind of we're in the right spaces, and we've spent a lot of time kind of making sure we had really good market share.
Speaker #2: Our top three priorities on 26 is expanding our investment bank , expanding our footprint , getting more verticals , and not being as dependent on the Spac product .
Lester Brafman: Our top two priorities on 26 is expanding our investment bank, expanding our footprint, getting, you know, more verticals and not being as dependent on the SPAC product. That's one priority. On the fixed income trading side is again, continue to grow our footprint there. You know, we're looking to add probably 8 people or so in that area. All synergistic with the kind of, you know, leading with the mortgage space and trading other products around there. When I think about, you know, how, you know, Look, our investment bank has grown dramatically, obviously year-over-year. We kind of we're in the right spaces, and we've spent a lot of time kind of making sure we had really good market share.
Speaker #2: So that's one priority . And on the fixed income trading side is again , continuing to grow the same thing , continue to grow footprint .
Speaker #2: There . We're looking to add probably eight people or so in that area . All synergistic with the kind of leading with the mortgage space .
Speaker #2: And trading other products around there . So when I think about how our our investment bank has grown dramatically , obviously year over year , we kind of were we're in the right spaces and we've spent a lot of time kind of making sure we had really good market share .
Lester Brafman: I don't want to forget about, you know, the fixed income business and trading business, which, you know, revenue-wise, was close to $50 million this year, and we'd like to get that up to $60, $65 or so. That's where we've been. I think if we've got a couple of rate cuts, we should be able to get a little wind in our back in that area as well. You know, again, a little more stable on the fixed income side and looking at more growth in the capital markets side, investment banking.
Speaker #2: But I don't want to forget about the fixed income , the fixed income business and trading businesses , which , you know , we may , you know , revenue wise is close to 50 million this year .
Lester Brafman: I don't want to forget about, you know, the fixed income business and trading business, which, you know, revenue-wise, was close to $50 million this year, and we'd like to get that up to $60, $65 or so. That's where we've been. I think if we've got a couple of rate cuts, we should be able to get a little wind in our back in that area as well. You know, again, a little more stable on the fixed income side and looking at more growth in the capital markets side, investment banking.
Speaker #2: And we'd like to get that up to 60 or 65 or so. That's where we've been. And I think if we've got a couple of rate cuts, we should be able to get a little wind in our back in that area as well.
Speaker #2: But you know , so again , a little bit more stable on the fixed income side and looking at more growth in the capital and capital markets side investment banking
Speaker #4: Got it . And then maybe just lastly , I , I don't know if you have it handy or not , but the investment banking MD headcount at the end of 2024 .
Mike Grondahl: Got it. Maybe just lastly, I don't know if you have it handy or not, the investment banking MD headcount at the end of 2024 then what it was at the end of 2025. You know, just with your expansion plans, a rough estimate of where it could be at the end of 2026.
Mike Grondahl: Got it. Maybe just lastly, I don't know if you have it handy or not, the investment banking MD headcount at the end of 2024 then what it was at the end of 2025. You know, just with your expansion plans, a rough estimate of where it could be at the end of 2026.
Speaker #4: And then what it was at the end of 2025 and , you know , just with your expansion plans , a a rough estimate of where it could be at the end of 26 .
Lester Brafman: I don't have those numbers in front of me. I think we've promoted 2 MDs. And again, I don't have the exact numbers. My sense is we promoted 2 MDs last year, and we've hired 2 MDs into new areas this year so far. My guess is we probably add another 2 to 3 through promotions and hiring over the year. Maybe as many as 4 or 5. I guess 2 to 5 would be how you bound the range, or 3 to 5 is how you bound the range there.
Speaker #2: I don't have those numbers in front of me . I think we've promoted two MDS . And again , I don't have the exact numbers , but my sense is we we promoted a couple MDS last year and we've hired a couple MDS into new areas this year .
Lester Brafman: I don't have those numbers in front of me. I think we've promoted 2 MDs. And again, I don't have the exact numbers. My sense is we promoted 2 MDs last year, and we've hired 2 MDs into new areas this year so far. My guess is we probably add another 2 to 3 through promotions and hiring over the year. Maybe as many as 4 or 5. I guess 2 to 5 would be how you bound the range, or 3 to 5 is how you bound the range there.
Speaker #2: So far . My guess is we probably add another 2 to 3 through promotions and hiring over the year . Maybe as much , maybe as many as 4 or 5 , kind .
Speaker #2: And I guess 2 to 5 . Or it would be how you bound the range or 3 to 5 is how you bound the range .
Speaker #2: There .
Speaker #1: Yeah . Unless at the end of the year , at the end of the year , the investment bank had 28 total employees and we anticipate growth of about five , excluding interns in 26 .
Joseph W. Pooler, Jr.: Yeah. Lester, at the end of the year, the investment bank had 28 total employees, and we anticipate growth of about 5, excluding interns, in 2026. That can move around to the extent that we see an opportunity to hire an MD that makes sense.
Joseph W. Pooler, Jr.: Yeah. Lester, at the end of the year, the investment bank had 28 total employees, and we anticipate growth of about 5, excluding interns, in 2026. That can move around to the extent that we see an opportunity to hire an MD that makes sense.
Speaker #1: But that can move around to the extent that we see an opportunity to hire an MD that makes sense.
Speaker #4: Perfect, thanks, guys, and good luck. In '26.
Mike Grondahl: Perfect. Thanks, guys. Good luck in 26.
Mike Grondahl: Perfect. Thanks, guys. Good luck in 26.
Speaker #2: Okay. Thank you. Thanks, Mike.
Lester Brafman: Okay.
Lester Brafman: Okay.
Joseph W. Pooler, Jr.: Thanks.
Joseph W. Pooler, Jr.: Thanks.
Lester Brafman: Thanks, bye.
Lester Brafman: Thanks, bye.
Speaker #3: As a reminder , if you'd like to ask a question , please press Star One on your telephone keypad One moment while we poll for questions There are no further questions at this point .
Operator: As a reminder, if you'd like to ask a question, please press star one on your telephone keypad. One moment while we poll for questions. There are no further questions. At this point, I'd like to turn the call back over to Lester Brafman for closing comments.
Operator: As a reminder, if you'd like to ask a question, please press star one on your telephone keypad. One moment while we poll for questions. There are no further questions. At this point, I'd like to turn the call back over to Lester Brafman for closing comments.
Speaker #3: I'd like to turn the call back over to Lester Brafman for closing comments
Speaker #2: Operator Oh , I'm sorry Thank you , Robert , and thanks everyone for listening today . We look forward to reconvening at our next quarter call .
Lester Brafman: Operator. I'm sorry. Thank you, Robert, and thanks everyone for listening today. We look forward to reconvening at our next quarter. You can now close the call.
Lester Brafman: Operator. I'm sorry. Thank you, Robert, and thanks everyone for listening today. We look forward to reconvening at our next quarter. You can now close the call.
Operator: This concludes today's call. You may disconnect your lines at this time, we thank you for your participation.
Operator: This concludes today's call. You may disconnect your lines at this time, we thank you for your participation.