Appendix — Touche Ross & Co. v. Redington
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Supreme Court, U. S, ¥
'
| FILED
JAN 28 1979
APPENDIX
R., CLERK |
in the Supreme Court of the United States
OCTOBER TERM, 1978
No. 78-309
TOUCHE Ross & Co.,
Petitioner,
—_—_vVv.—
EDWARD S. REDINGTON, as Trustee for the liquidation of the
business of Weis Securities, Inc., and SECURITIES INVESTOR
PROTECTION CORPORATION,
Respondents.
ON WRIT OF CERTIORARI TO THE UNITED STATES
COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE SECOND CIRCUIT
PETITION FOR CERTIORARI FILED AUGUST 23, 1978
CERTIORARI GRANTED NOVEMBER 27, 1978
SP VIN isviptiisiepesaguitindidalinndachadenterhasammndarieeaaeenis
Exhibit A to Complaint: Weis, Voisin & Co.,
Inc., Repo*t on Examination of Statement of
Financia! Condition, May 26, 1972 ...............
Exhibit B to Complaint: Weis, Voisin & Co.,
Inc., Answers to Financial Questionnaire
and Additional Information, May 26, 1972 ..
Exhibit C to Complaint: Weis, Voisin & Co.,
Inc. and Subsidiaries, Report on Exam-
ination of Consolidated Financial State-
ments, Year (52 Weeks) Ended May 26,
DPT i aisisssnsvincss «ceaiisadaididaictaiehiadanldimnbastresibentes
Exhibit D to Complaint: Weis, Voisin & Co.,
Inc. and Subsidiaries, Report on Exam-
ination of Consolidated Financial State-
ments, Five Years Ended May 26, 1972........
Defendant’s Notice of Motion to Dismiss, Filed
IRE EE, Fe isinadeeiakicstcakeibertaeenearidindicinion
Affidavit of Arnold I. Roth in Support of Motion to
Dismiss, Filed September 22, 1976 ................000005
Exhibit 1 to Affidavit of Arnold I. Roth:
Complaint in this Action, Filed April 30,
1976, Served May 12, 1976................cscccecerees
Exhibit 2 to Affidavit of Arnold I. Roth:
Summons in the State Court Action, pend-
ing in the Supreme Court of the State of
New York, County of New York, Served
bE. > oC a eR PRS BE i DOD
Exhibit 3 to Affidavit of Arnold I. Roth:
Complaint in the State Court Action, pend-
ing in the Supreme Court of the State of
New York, County of New York, Served
NE BE POD stsnnahtelcvlthsttapckaicdsbdidhdsageieqivscenanes
35
42
67
85
112
114
120
121
Affidavit of Wilfred R. Caron in Opposition to
Motion to Dismiss, Filed January 10, 1977...........
Affidavit of Clarence Fried in Opposition to Motion
to Dismiss, Filed January 10, 1977.0...
Affidavit of Bruce E. Baker in Opposition to Motion
to Dismiss, Filed January 10, 1977..........0.....eee
Exhibit A to Affidavit of Bruce E. Baker: Proof
of Claim dated July 11, 1973 .................ccccceee
Exhibit B to Affidavit of Bruce E. Baker: Proof
of Claim dated July 11, 1973 0.0...
Reply Affidavit of Arnold I. Roth in Support of
Motion to Dismiss, Filed February 7, 1977 ..........
Opinion of the United States District Court for the
Southern District of New York, Filed March 1,
EWP? 7 ovciscesischaipstaesescsndniaespasan oan,
Order and Judgment of the United States District
Court for the Southern District of New York,
Pe PIE Be WIPE F vocantrcesccsintilcacdasecaeiinieeaeees
Opinion of the United States Court of Appeals for
the Second Circuit, Filed April 21, 1978...............
Judgment of the United States Court of Appeals
for the Second Circuit, Filed April 21, 1978 .........
Order of the United States Court of Appeals for the
Second Circuit Denying Petition for Rehearing,
FOS Fy Bi Pi ttesininnceinsieeninadadanasediic
Order of the United States Court of Appeals for the
Second Circuit Denying Rehearing En Banc,
POG ONY 6 FID vrciserccccnsaviojioninsialintn pean
9-30
9-30
Relevant Docket Entries
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK
PROCEEDINGS
Filed complaint. Issued summons.
Filed summons’ with marshals return.
SERVED: TOUCHE ROSS & CO. on 5-12-76.
Filed stp & order that the time of deft to
answer etc, is extended to 6-23-76, Wyatt, J.
Filed Notice that pltff will take deposition of
Karl Brunhuber on 6-21-76 as indicated.
Filed Stip & Order that the time for dft. to
answer complaint is extended to 7-13-76... .
Ward J.
Filed Notice of Appearance of Rosenman
Colin Freund Lewis & Cohen. as indicated.
Filed pltffs first set of interrogatories.
Filed stip & order that the time for deft to
move etc, is extended to 9-15-76, etc, as
indicated. Conner J.
Filed defts objections and answers to inter-
rogatories to pltff.
Filed pltffs Affidavit & Notice of motion for an
order striking defts blanket objections to pltffs,
first set of interrogatories, etc, as indicated
rtble before Mag. Schreiber on 9-21-76.
Filed plitffs memorandum of law as indicated.
Filed defts Affidavit & Notice of Motion for
an order dismissing this action etc, as indicated
rtble on 10-1-76.
Filed memorandum of deft Touche Ross &
Co. in support of motion to dismiss, etc, as
indicated.
Filed stip & order that the deposition of Karl
Brunhuber is adjourned to 10-20-76, and pltffs
motion is adjourned to a mutually convenient
date to be determined after consultation with
Mag. Schreiber. Wyatt, J.
Filed defts Affidavit in opposition to the mo-
tion of the pltffs etc, as indicated.
Filed defts memorandum in opposition to
pltffs motion to compel further discovery.
DATE
[1976]
11-15
1977
1-10
1-10
1-10
1-10
2-07
2-07
2-14
3-01
3-15
PROCEEDINGS
Filed stip & order that pltffs shall have to 1-7-
77 to serve papers with respect to defts motion
of 9-15-76 to dismiss or stay this action etc, as
indicated, Wyatt, J.
Filed affidavit in opposition to motion to
dismiss.
Filed plitffs memo in opposition to motion to
dismiss.
Filed memorandum of pltffs Securities In-
vestor Protection Corp. in opposition to deft’s
motion to dismiss.
Filed pltffs Securities Investor Protection
Corp. affdvt. in opposition to deft’s motion to
dismiss complaint.
Filed defts. reply affdvt. to dismiss the com-
plaint and for related relief.
Filed defts. reply memorandum of deft.
Touche Ross & Co., in support of motion to
dismiss and for related relief.
Filed Pltffs. Redington, sur-reply memo-
randum of law.
Filed Opinion #45650 There can be no
jurisdiction simply because SIPC was created
by Act. of congress because there is no stock
ownership in SIPC by the United States. Fi-
nally, the Trustee is a citizen of New York and
is a pltff. along with SIPC. Partners of Touch-
e, the deft. are citizens of N.Y. Thus, there is
no complete diversity of citizenship within the
rule of Strawbridge v. Curtiss, 3 Cranch 267
(1806). The fifth, sixth, seventh, and eight[h]
claims of SIPC must be dismissed for lack of
jurisdiction over the subject matter..... So
Ordered... WYATT, J. Settle order and
judgment cn notice. m/n
Filed Order & Judgment this action is dis-
missed, and deft. have judgment against pltffs,
and each of them, dismissing this action . . . So
Ordered..... WYATT, J. Judgment Ent. on
3-15-77...m/n
DATE
[1977]
4-13
4-14
5-13
DATE
4-14-77
4-14-77
5-13-77
7-12-77
7-12-77
7-12-77
8-22-77
8-25-77
8-31-77
PROCEEDINGS
Filed Pitffs. Edward S. Redington, notice of
appeal to the U.S.C.A. from the order &
Judgment Ent. in this action on the 15th day of
March 1977. . Mailed All Copies.
Filed Pitffs. Securities Investor Protection
Corp. notice of appeal to the U.S.C.A. from
ihe order & Judgment Ent. in this action on
the 15th day of March 1977... Mailed all
copies.
Filed stipulation designating a copy of an
originally filed document to become part of
the record on appeal.
UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS
For THE SECOND CIRCUIT
FILINGS— PROCEEDINGS
Filed copies of docket entries and notice of
appeal (Edward S. Redington )
Filed copies of docket entries and notice of
appeal (Securities Investor Protection Corpo-
ration )
Filed record (original papers of district court)
Filed briefs, appellant, p/s ( Redington )
Filed briefs, appellant, p/s (SIPC)
Filed joint appendix, appellants, p/s
Filed motion for leave to file brief amicus
curiae, p/s (S.E.C.) (& in 77-7186)
Received stipulation consenting to the filing of
the S.E.C. amicus brief and for a modified
scheduling order, appellee, p/s (& in 77-
7186)
Filed order granting motion for leave to file a
brief as amicus curiae on consent. Further
ordered that appellees shall file a brief by 9-
23-77, reply brief, if any, by 10-25-77, appeal
ready to be heard during the week of 11-7-77.
Appellees shall deliver to appellants copy of
galley or page proof of its brief by 9-20-77
Filed brief, amicus curiae, p/s (SEC)
Filed printed briefs, appellee, p/s
DATE
10-25-77
10-25-77
11-14-77
4-21-78
4-21-78
4-21-78
4-21-78
5-5-78
7-7-78
7-71-78
7-13-78
7-17-78
7-21-78
7-24-78
8-23-78
9-25-78
9-29-78
12-4-78
4
FILINGS— PROCEEDINGS
Filed reply briefs, appellant, p/s (& in 77-
7186)
Filed reply brief, appellant, p/s (Sec. Investor
etc.) (& in 77-7186)
Argument heard (By: Lumbard, Mulligan,
Timbers, CJJ) (& in 77-7186)
Judgment reversed as to both plaintiffs and
remanded-Lumbard, C.J.
Concurring in separate opinion—Timbers,
tat
Dissenting in separate opinion—Mulligan,
C.J.
Filed judgment
Filed petition for rehearing and rehearing en
banc, appellee, pfs
Filed order denying petition for rehearing
Filed order denying petition for rehearing en
banc
Filed motion for leave to stay issuance of
mandate, appellee, pfs
Filed memorandum in opposition to motion
for leave to stay mandate, appellant, pfs
Filed reply to memorandum in opposition to
motion for leave to stay mandate, appellee, pfs
Filed order granting motion for leave to stay
issuance of mandate
Filed notice of filing petition for writ of cer-
tiorari (S.C. #78-309 )
Filed notice of filing petition for writ of cer-
tiorari (Redington ) S.C. #78-493
Filed notice of filing petition for writ of cer-
tiorari (Securities Investor Protection Corp. ),
S.C. #78-526
Filed certified copy of order granting petition
for writ of certiorari (S.C. #78-309 )
5
Complaint
Filed April 30, 1976, Served May 12, 1976
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK
EDWARD S. REDINGTON, as Trustee for the
liquidation of the business of Weis Securities, Inc.,
and SECURITIES INVESTOR PROTECTION CORPORATION,
Plaintiffs,
—against—
TOUCHE Ross & Co.,
Defendant.
76 Civ. 1981 (IBW)
COMPLAINT
PLAINTIFFS DEMAND A TRIAL BY JURY
Plaintiffs E>warpD S. REDINGTON, Trustee for the
liquidation of the business of Weis Securities, Inc., and
SECURITIES INVESTOR PROTECTION CORPORATION, by their
respective attorneys, complaining of the Defendant, allege
as follows:
JURISDICTION AND VENUE
1. This action arises under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. Sections 78a et seg.) (hereinafter
the “1934 Act’) and particularly under Section 17 thereof
(15 U.S.C. Section 78q), the Securities Investor Protection
Act of 1970 (15 U.S.C. Section 78aaa et seg.) (hereinafter
the “1970 Act’), and the common law.
6
2. This Court has jurisdiction over Plaintiff Reding-
ton’s claims by virtue of Section 27 of the 1934 Act (15
U.S.C. Section 78aa); Section 6 of the 1970 Act (15
U.S.C. Section 78fff); Sections 2a(7), 102 and 115 of the
Bankruptcy Act (11 U.S.C. Sections 1la(7), 502 and
515); Sections 1331 and 1334 of the United States Judicial
Code (28 U.S.C. Sections 1331 and 1334); and principles
of pendent jurisdiction. The amount in controversy,
exclusive of interest and costs, exceeds the sum of $10,000.
3. This Court has jurisdiction over the claims of
Plaintiff Securities Investor Protection Corporation by
virtue of Section 27 of the 1934 Act (15 U.S.C. Section
78aa), Sections 1331 and 1332 of the United States
Judicial Code (28 U.S.C. Sections 1331 and 1332), and
principles of pendent jurisdiction. The amount in con-
troversy, exclusive of interest and costs, exceeds the sum of
$10,000.
4. Defendant has its principal place of business in
this District and most of the acts alleged herein occurred
in this District.
PARTIES
5. Plaintiff Edward S. Redington (hereinafter the
“Trustee”), pursuant to the 1970 Act, was duly appointed
by Order of this Court dated May 30, 1973 as Trustee for
the liquidation of the business of Weis Securities, Inc.
(“Weis”), has duly qualified, and is presently acting in
such capacity. Section 6(b)(1) of the 1970 Act (15
U.S.C. Section 78fff(b)(1)) provides that a trustee
appointed under the 1970 Act shall be vested, inter alia,
with the same powers and title with respect to the debtor
and the property of the debtor as a trustee in bankruptcy
and a trustee under Chapter X of the Bankruptcy Act (11
U.S.C. Sections 501-676) have with respect to a bankrupt
and a Chapter X debtor.
ee ah
7
6. Plaintiff Securities Investor Protection Corporation
(hereinafter “SIPC”) is a non-profit membership corpo-
ration created by and organized under the 1970 Act whose
members are, with certain statutory exceptions, all persons
registered as broker-dealers under Section 15(b) of the
1934 Act (15 U.S.C. Section 780(b)) and, with certain
Statutory exceptions, all persons who are members of a
national securities exchange. SIPC has its principal place
of business in the District of Columbia. At all relevant
times Weis was a member of SIPC.
7. Defendant Touche Ross & Co. (“‘Touche Ross’’)
is a partnership of certified public accountants with its
principal place of business at 1633 Broadway in the City,
County and State of New York. In or about 1969 Touche
Ross was engaged by Weis as its independent certified
public accounting firm, and Touche Ross continued to act
in such capacity from about 1969 until about May 1973,
when the forced liquidation of Weis commenced.
COMMON ALLEGATIONS
8. At all relevant times prior to May 30, 1973, Weis
was a corporation registered as a broker-dealer with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and
was engaged in the business of a broker-dealer in secu-
rities. From June 1965 until May 1973, Weis was a
member of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the
“Exchange’’), the self-regulatory organization designated
by SIPC to examine Weis for compliance with the appli-
cable financial responsibility rules which are imposed on
broker-dealers pursuant to Section 6 of the 1934 Act (15
U.S.C. Section 78f) for the protection of the public as a
minimum prerequisite for conducting a securities broker-
age business.
9. For each of its four fiscal years 1968 through 1971
(ended May 31), Weis’ audited financial statements re-
flected a profit. During early 1972 five of Weis’ officers
8
(the ““Weis Five”) became increasingly concerned that a
fair and accurate presentation of Weis’ results of oper-
ations for fiscal year 1972 would refiect that Weis was
cperating at a loss.
10. The Weis Five misstated the financial condition
and results of operations of Weis in financial reports
prepared at fiscal year-end 1972. These reports were
required to be filed with regulatory authorities pursuant to
Section 17 of the 1934 Act (15 U.S.C. Section 78q) and
were directly or indirectly submitted to Weis, its Board of
Directors, the SEC, SIPC, the Exchange, and Weis’ cus-
tomers, creditors, lenders and shareholders. Such mis-
Statements were accomplished, by inter alia, materially
Overstating assets, creating non-existent assets, under-
stating liabilities, overstating income, and understating
expenses. The purpose and effect of such material mis-
Statements were, inter alia, to create a false impression
that Weis’ earnings for the fiscal year ended May 26, 1972
were $1,700,000 before taxes whereas in truth and in fact
Weis had actually suffered losses in that period in excess
of $1,500,000.
11. Had Weis’ actual financial condition, its actual
results of operations, and the misstatements in its books
and records been truthfully reported at the end of Weis’
1972 fiscal year, Weis’ 1973 forced liquidation under the
1970 Act would not have become necessary, and most if
not all of Weis’ assets and its good will as a going concern
could have been preserved by a number of means
including, inter alia, change in Weis’ management, rever-
sal of its policy of growth and expansion, curtailment or
contraction of certain of its operations and business prac-
tices, gradual liquidation of some or all of its operations,
or merger with another securities firm. Moreover, if a
liquidation of Weis had been necessary as the result of
such truthful reporting, such liquidation could have
9
occurred at the end of Weis’ 1972 fiscal year, when its
assets were greater and the aggregate of its liabilities was
lower than a year later.
12. The incorrect and incomplete fiscal 1972 year-
end reports prepared by or under the direction of the Weis
Five were certified by Touche Ross as being correct and
complete. Consequently, the doctoring of Weis’ books,
records and required reports, the deterioration of its
financial condition and the violations of financial responsi-
bility rules could not be nipped in the bud at a time when
a forced liquidation of Weis could still have been avoided.
Instead, during Weis’ fiscal year 1973, Weis’ financial
condition deteriorated further as the Weis policy of
expansion continued unabated. Weis incurred substantial
operating losses, depletion of its assets, and depletion of
the property held by Weis in trust for its customers. The
Weis Five continued to make false and fictitious entries in
Weis’ books and records, and continued directly or
indirectly to submit false reports to Weis, its Board of
Directors, the SEC, SIPC, the Exchange, and Weis’ cus-
tomers, creditors, lenders and shareholders in order to
conceal Weis’ true financial condition.
13. Not until April and May of 1973, as a result of
separate investigations by the Exchange and the SEC, did
the misstatement of Weis’ financial condition come to
light. These investigations gradually revealed violations
of financial responsibility rules, Weis’ unsafe, unsatisfac-
tory and deteriorating financial condition, and the lack of
' accuracy and reliability of any of its financial statements,
including those certified by Touche Ross. These revela-
tions and the resulting uncertainties with respect to Weis’
true financial condition prevented Weis from being saved
as a going concern or being merged with another, finan-
cially more secure, brokerage firm, and resulted in Weis’
forced liquidation under the 1970 Act.
10
. 14. On May 24, 1973, the SEC commenced an action
in this Court (73 Civ. 2332) against Weis and the Weis
Five for injunctive relief to prevent them from conducting
the business of Weis in violation of the 1934 Act and the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. Also on
May 24, 1973 (the “Filing Date”), pursuant to Section
5(a)(2) of the 1970 Act (15 U.S.C. Section 78eee
(a )(2)), SIPC applied in this Court for a decree adjudica-
ting that the customers of Weis were in need of the
protection of the 1970 Act. On May 30, 1973 (the “Date
of Adjudication”) such a decree was granted, the liquida-
tion of Weis was ordered, and Plaintiff Edward S. Reding-
ton was appointed Trustee for the liquidation of the
business of Weis.
15. Upon the entry of the decree referred to in the
preceding paragraph, SIPC was required by the 1970 Act
to provide, and did provide to the Trustee, funds for the
payment of claims submitted by customers and certain
other creditors of Weis and for certain administrative
expenses of the liquidation.
16. At all relevant times, Defendant Touche Ross
held itself out to Weis, the SEC, SIPC, the Exchange and
the general public as possessing the ordinary skill, ability
and expertise of certified public accountants in accounting
and auditing matters, and as being qualified, inter alia, (i)
to examine and audit the books, records and accounts of
firms engaged in the securities business in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards, (ii) to express
opinions with respect to the financial statements of such
firms as fairly reflecting their financial condition and
results of operations in accordance with generally accept-
ed accounting principles, and (iii) to prepare and assist in
the preparation of the reports concerning such books
records, accounts and opinions required by Section 17 of
the 1934 Act (15 U.S.C. Section 78q) and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder. Touche Ross further
ate me ne Sn on
11
held itself out as being familiar with accounting and
auditing practices and standards required by the SEC and
the Exchange for firms engaged in the securities business.
17. From approximately 1969 until the Date of
Adjudication, Touche Ross was engaged by Weis for
valuable consideration to serve as Weis’ independent
certified public accounting firm. During this period
Touche Ross agreed to conduct annual audits of the
affairs of Weis and to issue opinions and prepare reports
on its financial statements, all in accordance with Section
17 of the 1934 Act (15 U.S.C. Section 78q), generally
accepted auditing standards, generally accepted account-
ing principles, and the audit regulations of the SEC and
the Exchange. In accepting said engagement, Touche
Ross agreed to perform said services in a thorough,
proper, skillful and diligent manner.
18. Weis and its Board of Directors, customers,
creditors, lenders and shareholders, and the SEC, the
Exchange and SIPC relied on Touche Ross to apply the
standards and expertise, to express the opinions, to make
the certifications and to prepare or assist in the prepara-
tion of the reports discussed in paragraphs 16 and 17,
supra, for the purposes, among others, of (i) protecting
Weis from fraudulent activity of its officers, directors,
agents, and employees; (ii) safeguarding the existence
and use of Weis’ assets; (iii) assuring the accuracy of
financial data submitted directly or indirectly to the
Exchange, the SEC and SIPC, and generally made avail-
able to the public; (iv) determining whether Weis could
continue to engage in business as a broker-dealer in
securities; (v) determining whether or not significant
restrictions and alterations in the scope and nature of its
operations would be required in order for Weis to contin-
ue to engage in business as a broker-dealer; and (vi)
making informed business decisions concerning the future
operations of Weis on the basis of accurate financial
information.
12
19. In or about late 1971 or early 1972, Touche Ross
agreed with Weis to perform the aforementioned auditing
‘and accounting services for the year 1972. Among other
things, Touche Ross agreed (a) to prepare, cause to be
prepared, and assist in the preparation of financial state-
ments of Weis and to issue opinion letters with respect to
said statements; (b) to audit the affairs of Weis in
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards,
generally accepted accounting principles, and the audit
regulations promulgated by the Exchange and the SEC
pursuant to Sections 6 and 17 of the 1934 Act (15 U.S.C.
Sections 78f and 78q); (c) to notify the Exchange
promptly that such audit had been commenced; (d) To
prepare an answer to the financial questionnaire (the
“Answers to the Financial Questionnaire”) of the
Exchange based upon said audit; (e) to submit to the
Exchange (i) a copy of the Answers to the Financial
Questionnaire, (ii) an attestation that the requirements of
the audit regulations had been observed in the conduct of
the audit, and (iii) a statement that Touche Ross had
made a review of Weis’ accounting system, internal
accounting control, and procedures for safeguarding secu-
rities; (f) to furnish to the Exchange comments relative to
any material inadequacies found to exist in Weis’ account-
ing system, internal accounting control, and procedures for
safeguarding securities; and (g) to indicate any corrective
action taken or proposed.
20. Weis’ employment of Touche Ross as its inde-
pendent certified public accounting firm was not merely a
matter of private contract between Weis and Touche Ross,
but was required by the Exchange pursuant to its duty
under Section 6 of the 1934 Act (15 U.S.C. Section 78f) to
regulate its members’ conduct of their businesses and
supervise their financial condition for the benefit of the
public. Touche Ross knew or should have known that
Weis’ engagement of an independent certified public
so dnt SO ately Dae eee e= 6 ek tt
ee AD ia Da NAN EO iE a Ee ate te on ath toe
13
accounting firm was a requirement of the Exchange and
that it was for the benefit both of Weis in making
decisions with respect to the operation of its business and
of persons other than Weis.
21. Touche Ross’ examination of and report on Weis’
financial condition were not intended solely for the benefit
of Weis but were, pursuant to Section 17 of the 1934 Act
(15 U.S.C. Section 78q) and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder, intended for and submitted di-
rectly or indirectly to, inter alia, the SEC, the Exchange,
SIPC, and Weis’ customers, creditors, lenders and share-
holders. The Exchange was the organization designated
and relied upon by SIPC to examine Weis for compliance
with the applicable financial responsibility rules and to
alert SIPC of Weis’ financial difficulty.
22. Touche Ross knew or should have known that its
examination of and report on Weis’ financial condition
were a requirement of Section 17 of the 1934 Act (15
U.S.C. Section 78q) and the rules and regulations promul-
gated thereunder, and were for the benefit both of Weis
and of persons other than Weis.
23. In accordance with its engagement agreement,
Touche Ross purported to conduct an audit of Weis’
books and records for the fiscal year ended May 26, 1972
and in connection therewith (a) certified, prepared,
caused to be prepared, and assisted in the preparation of
financial statements of Weis; (b) certified and prepared
Weis’ Answers to the Financial Questionnaire; and (c)
issued four opinion letters (the “1972 Opinion Letters”’)
to the Board of Directors of Weis dated, respectively, July
7, 1972, July 7, 1972, July 21, 1972 and July 2i, 1972.
24. By means of the foregoing, Touche Ross repre-
sented and certified that it had examined (1) the statement
of Weis’ financial condition as of May 26, 1972, (ii) Weis’
Answers to the Financial Questionnaire as of May 26,
1972, (ili) Weis’ consolidated balance sheet for the 52
14
weeks ended May 26, 1972, and (iv) Weis’ consolidated
statement of earnings for the five years ended May 26,
1972. The letter pertaining to the Answers to the Finan-
cial Questionnaire stated that the Touche Ross exam-
ination had been made “in accordance with generally
accepted auditing standards, and accordingly included a
review of the accounting system, internal accounting con-
trol and the procedures for safeguarding securities in-
cluding such tests thereof ... as [Touche Ross] consid-
ered necessary in the circumstances, including the audit
procedures prescribed by the New York Stock Exchange
and the Securities and Exchange Commission.” The letter
also stated that the Answers to the Financial Question-
naire presented fairly the financial position of Weis at
May 26, 1972 in the form prescribed by the Exchange and
the SEC in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles applied on a consistent basis. Each of the other
three 1972 Opinion Letters stated that the Touche Ross
examination had been conducted in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards and that the
aforementioned financial statements presented fairly the
financial position of Weis and subsidiaries at May 26,
1972, and the results of operations and changes in their
financial position for the year and the five years then
ended, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles applied on a consistent basis. (The 1972
Opinion Letters and accompanying Answers to the Finan-
cial Questionnaire and financial statements are annexed
hereto as Exhibits A, B, C and D.)
25. Touche Ross knew, should have known and
intended that Weis and its Board of Directors would rely
on the 1972 Opinion Letters and accompanying Answers
to the Financial Questionnaire and financial statements
for various purposes, including those set forth in para-
graph 18, supra.
26. Touche Ross knew, should have known and
intended that the SEC, the Exchange and SIPC would rely
on the 1972 Opinion Letters and accompanying Answers
we Naas sete ee eles «erent
15
to the Financial Questionnaire and financial statements in
carrying out their respective regulatory, supervisory and
protective duties with respect to Weis, in determining
whether Weis was in compliance with the applicable
financial responsibility rules, and in determining whether
Weis was in financial difficulty.
27. Touche Ross knew, should have known and
intended that Weis’ customers, creditors, lenders and
shareholders would rely directly or indirectly on the 1972
Opinion Letters and accompanying Answers to the Finan-
cial Questionnaire and financial statements in making
decisions whether to commence or continue their respec-
tive relationships with Weis.
28. Touche Ross breached and failed to perform its
agreement and obligation to render auditing and account-
ing services with respect to Weis in a thorough, proper,
skillful and diligent manner and performed said services
in a negligent, reckless, careless, unskilled and grossly
negligent manner in that, among other things, it:
a. failed to audit, verify and examine the books,
records, accounts and financial statements of Weis in
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards,
generally accepted accounting principles, and the audit
regulations of the Exchange and the SEC;
b. failed to prepare, cause to be prepared, and assist
in the preparation of accurate financial statements of Weis
and Weis’ Answers to the Financial Questionnaire;
c. rendered the 1972 Opinion Letters, which were
false, inaccurate and incomplete;
d. failed properly to test, study and evaluate Weis’
system of internal accounting control;
e. failed to obtain competent evidential matter
sufficient to afford a proper basis for the 1972 Opinion
Letters; :
16
f. falsely certified that it had examined Weis’ books
and records in accordance with generally accepted audit-
ing standards, generally accepted accounting principles,
and the audit regulations of the Exchange and SEC; and
g. failed to inform or otherwise alert Weis, its Board
of Directors, the SEC and the Exchange (and, through the
Exchange, SIPC) (i) of the material errors in Weis’
Answers to the Financial Questionnaire and in Weis’
financial statements prepared in connection with the 1972
Touche Ross audit; (ii) of the existence of inaccurate and
unreliable books and records with respect to Weis; or (iii)
of the possibility that Weis was facing financial difficulty.
29. Specifically, among other things, Touche Ross
failed properly to audit, verify and examine:
(a) the Scheinman Hochstin & Trotta liquidation
omnibus account (the “SH&T Omnibus Account”), a
claimed asset of $745,000. If Touche Ross had audited,
verified and examined the SH&T Omnibus Account in
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards,
generally accepted accounting principles, and the audit
regulations of the Exchange and the SEC, it would have
discovered the following:
(1) that in or about April 1972 the SH&T
Omnibus Account had been debited in the amount of
approximately $625,000;
(2) that, contrary to generally accepted account-
ing principles, the offsetting credits for this debit were
to One Or more income accounts;
(3) that the purpose and effect of these improper
credits were to overstate Weis’ gross income by
approximately $625,000 and its net income and net
worth by approximately $312,500; and
te it OTS Nth tat A BO A Mt vt te te tt
17
(4) that an overstatement by this amount wa: a
material overstatement because it constituted over
30% of Weis’ claimed net income for the entire fiscal
year ended May 26, 1972 and over 4% of Weis’
claimed net worth as of that date.
(b) the Winslow, Cohu & Stetson (““WC&S”’) insur-
ance claim receivable, a claimed asset of $1,285,000. If
Touche Ross had audited, verified and examined the
WC&S insurance claim receivable in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards, generally accepted
accounting principles, and the audit regulations of the
Exchange and the SEC, it would have discovered the
following:
(1) that, on or about May 8, 1972, the WC&S
insurance claim receivable had improperly been in-
creased in value (debited) from $600,000 to
$785,000 because of interest purportedly payable on
the claim;
(2) that, on or about May 25, 1972, the WC&S
insurance claim receivable had improperly been fur-
ther increased in value (debited) to $1,285,000 be-
cause of a purported increase in the value of the
claim;
(3) that, contrary to generally accepted account-
ing principles, the offsetting credits for these two
debits had been made to various income accounts;
(4) that the purpose and effect of these improper
transactions were to overstate Weis’ gross income by
approximately $685,000 and its net income and net
worth by approximately $342,500;
(5) that an overstatement by this amount was a
material overstatement because it constituted nearly
35% of Weis’ claimed net income for the entire fiscal
18
year ended May 26, 1972 and approximately 4.5% of
Weis’ claimed net worth as of that date.
(c) other false, fraudulent and improper entries,
irregularities and accounting transactions in the books of
Weis which included, inter alia, the following:
(1) The re-depositing into income accounts of at
least $800,000 worth of checks which were purport-
edly drawn to pay vendors or other creditors, thus
overstating Weis’ net income and net worth by at
least $400,000;
(2) The doubling (to approximately $432,000)
of accrued commission income for May 22-26, 1972,
thus overstating Weis’ net income, net worth, and net
capital by approximately $108,000;
(3) The improper crediting of income accounts
with proceeds from a sale-leaseback transaction, thus
overstating Weis’ net income and net worth;
(4) The improper transfer of certain short secur-
ity positions to dividend receivable accounts;
(5) The improper failure to record certain liabil-
ities of Weis on the books of Weis;
(6) The manipulation of certain error accounts
to reflect false credit balances of $100,000 to
$200,000, which then were taken into income, thus
overstating Weis’ net income, net worth and net
capital by approximately $50,060 to $100,000;
(7) The improper designation of up to $500,000
worth of miscellaneous receivables as “current” so
that it was not necessary to deduct them from capital
in computing Weis’ net capital ratio under Exchange
ete es, eee.
19
Rule 325, with the result that Weis’ net capital ratio
was made to appear to be below 10:1 and Weis thus
was not precluded by Exchange Rule 326 from
expanding its business.
30. Upon the discovery by Touche Ross of any one
or more of the false entries or improper accounting
transactions discussed in paragraph 29 above, Touche
Ross would have had an obligation to report such dis-
coveries, inter alia, to Weis, its Board of Directors, the
SEC and the Exchange (and, through the Exchange,
SIPC); and it would have had an obligation to report such
discoveries in the 1972 Opinion Letters and to refrain
from issuing the 1972 Opinion Letters in the form they
actually took.
31. As a direct and proximate result of Touche Ross’
failure to conduct the 1972 audit of Weis in accordance
with generally accepted auditing standards, generally ac-
cepted accounting principles, and the audit regulations of
the Exchange and the SEC:
a. the acts of the Weis Five as set forth in paragraphs
10 through 13 herein were not promptly discovered, and
the Weis Five were able to continue to make false and
fictitious entries in Weis’ books, records and financial
statements in order to conceal Weis’ true financial condi-
tion during its fiscal year 1973;
b. other misstatements and inaccuracies in Weis’
books, records and financial statements were not dis-
covered;
c. Weis, its Board of Directors, the Exchange, the
SEC, SIPC, and Weis’ customers, creditors, lenders and
shareholders were misled by Touche Ross into believing
or assuming that as of May 26, 1972 Weis was in sound
financial condition and in compliance with applicable
financial responsibility rules;
20
d. Weis, its Board of Directors, the Exchange, the
SEC and SIPC were prevented from (i) knowing the true
financial condition of Weis, (ii) performing their respec-
tive duties to safeguard the assets of Weis and the
property Weis was holding in trust for its customers, (iii)
taking and causing to be taken appropriate and immediate
remedial action at a time when a forced liquidation of
Weis under the 1970 Act could have been prevented, and
(iv) taking or causing to be taken appropriate and
immediate action to avoid or reduce the costs of satisfying
the claims of Weis’ customers;
e. the acts of the Weis Five as set forth in paragraphs
10 through 13 herein were not discovered by Weis, its
Board of Directors, the SEC, SIPC or the Exchange until
April and May 1973 at which time the only remedial
action that could be taken was the forced liquidation of
Weis under the 1970 Act, which caused and continues to
cause substantial injury to Weis and SIPC as well as Weis’
customers, creditors, lenders and shareholders;
f. the assets of Weis and the property Weis was
holding in trust for its customers were not on the Filing
Date or thereafter sufficient to satisfy the claims of Weis’
customers, creditors, lenders and shareholders;
g. Weis was unable to comply with the minimum
financial responsibility rules which would allow it to
conduct its business as a broker-dealer in securities, was
unable to restore itself to a condition in which it could
remain in business, and lost the value of its business and
assets as a going concern;
h. the assets of Weis were wasted and mismanaged;
and
21
i. Weis was caused to undertake financial obligations
which it could not satisfy and which it would not or could
not have undertaken had its true financial condition as of
May 26, 1972 been known to Weis and its Board of
Directors, the SEC, the Exchange and SIPC.
As AND For PLAINTIFF TRUSTEE’S
First CAUSE Or ACTION
32. Plaintiff Trustee repeats and realleges each and
every allegation contained in paragraphs | through 31
herein as though here set forth in full.
33. Asa result of the errors and omissions of Touche
Ross, including those set forth in paragraphs 28 through
30 herein, Touche Ross violated, and aided and abetted
the Weis Five in violating, Section 17 of the 1934 Act (15
U.S.C. Section 78q) and the rules and regulations promul-
gated thereunder, which require broker-dealers such as
Weis to file with regulatory authorities accurate and
truthful reports of their financial condition, including
reports such as those certified by Touche Ross, in order to
ensure the integrity and safety of the nation’s securities
markets and of the brokers and dealers that participate
therein.
34. Weis, its Board of Directors, its creditors, custom-
ers, lenders and shareholders were among the class of
persons which Section 17 of the 1934 Act was designed to
protect and were among the beneficiaries of duties im-
posed on Touche Ross by Section 17 of the 1934 Act. The
- injuries which have occurred to Weis, its creditors, custom-
ers, lenders and shareholders as a result of the liquidation
of Weis were of the type that Section 17 of the 1934 Act
was intended to prevent.
35. As a result of Touche Ross’ violation of Section
17 of the 1934 Act and the rules and regulations promul-
gated thereunder, its aiding and abetting of the Weis
22
Five’s violation of Section 17 of the 1934 Act and the rules
and regulations promulgated thereunder, and its breach of
the duties imposed by Section 17 of the 1934 Act and the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, Weis, its
creditors, customers, lenders and shareholders have suf-
fered and will continue to suffer damages in an amount
which is presently estimated to be at least $51,000,000.
As AND For PLAINTIFF TRUSTEE’S
SECOND CAUSE OF ACTION
36. Plaintiff Trustee repeats and realleges each and
every allegation contained in paragraphs | through 34
herein as though here set forth in full.
37. As a result of Touche Ross’ negligence per se in
violating Section 17 of the 1934 Act (15 U.S.C. Section
78q), and not as the result of any negligence of the
Trustee or Weis, Weis has suffered and will continue to
suffer damages in an amount which is presently estimated
to be at least $51,000,000.
As AND For PLAINTIFF TRUSTEE’S
THIRD CAUSE OF ACTION
38. Plaintiff Trustee repeats and realleges each and
every allegation contained in paragraphs 1 through 31
herein as though here set forth in full.
39. As a result of the negligence and malpractice of
Touche Ross, including that set forth in paragraphs 28
through 30 herein, and not as the result of any negligence
of the Trustee or Weis, Weis has suffered and will
continue to suffer damages in an amount which is present-
ly estimated to be at least $51,000,000.
do er
23
As AND For PLAINTIFF TRUSTEE’S
FourTH CAUSE OF ACTION
40. Plaintiff Trustee repeats and realleges each and
every allegation contained in paragraphs 1 through 31
herein as though here set forth in full.
41. The auditing and accounting services performed
by Touche Ross with respect to Weis were performed in so
reckless and grossly negligent a manner that Touche Ross
knew or should have known that the 1972 Opinion Letters
and the accompanying Answers to the Financial Question-
naire and financial statements were false, inaccurate and
incomplete.
42. By reason of the foregoing reckless and grossly
negligent conduct of Touche Ross, and not as the result of
any negligence of the Trustee or Weis, Weis has suffered
and will continue to suffer damages in an amount which is
presently estimated to be at least $51,000,000.
As AND For PLAINTIFF TRUSTEE’S
FIFTH CAUSE OF ACTION
43. Plaintiff Trustee repeats and realleges each and
every allegation contained in paragraphs | through 31
herein as though here set forth in full.
44. In connection with the auditing and accounting
services performed by Touche Ross and as compensation
therefor, Weis paid Touche Ross a certain sum of money
(the “Touche Ross Fee”), the amount of which is not
presently known to Plaintiff Trustee.
45. By reason of Touche Ross’ breach of and failure
to perform its agreement to render said auditing and
accounting services in a thorough, proper, skillful and
diligent manner, Weis is entitled to general damages in
the amount of the Touche Ross Fee and to consequential
damages in an amount which is presently estimated to be
at least $51,000,000.
24
AS AND For PLAINTIFF TRUSTEE’S
SIxTH CAUSE OF ACTION
46. Plaintiff Trustee repeats and realleges each and
every allegation contained in paragraphs 1 through 31
herein as though here set forth in full.
47. In its engagement letter with Weis and other
communications to Weis, Touche Ross expressly and
impliedly warranted to Weis that its services to Weis
would be of a certain quality (i.e. that, inter alia, they
would comply with generally accepted auditing standards,
generally accepted accounting principles, and the audit
regulations of the Exchange and the SEC).
48. By reason of the breaches and failures of Touche
Ross, including those set forth in paragraphs 28 through
30 herein, those services were not of the warranted quality
and were wholly without value to Weis.
49. By reason of Touche Ross’ breach of warranty of
the quality of its services to Weis, Weis is entitled to
general damages in the amount of the difference between
the actual and warranted values of the services rendered,
and to consequential damages in an amount which is
presently estimated to be at least $51,000,000.
As AND For PLAINTIFF SIPC’s
First Cause Or ACTION
50. Plaintiff SIPC repeats and realleges each and
every allegation contained in paragraphs | through 31
herein as though here set forth in full.
51. Touche Ross’ audit of Weis failed to comply with
the auditing standards and regulations piescribed by the
1934 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder, in that the 1972 Opinion Letters and the
accompanying Answers to the Financial Questionnaire
and financial statements prepared by Touche Ross were
false, inaccurate and incomplete.
sdentit
25
52. As a consequence of the liquidation of Weis, the
SIPC fund has been or may be depleted in order to satisfy
the claims of over 34,000 customers and certain other
creditors of Weis and to pay for certain administrative
expenses of the liquidation.
53. As a result of Touche Ross’ failure to comply
with the auditing standards prescribed by the 1934 Act
and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder,
and as a result of Touche Ross’ breach of the duties it
owed to SIPC thereunder, SIPC has suffered and will
continue to suffer damages in an amount which is present-
iy estimated to be at least $14,000,000.
As AND For PLAINTIFF SIPC’s
SECOND CAUSE OF ACTION
54. Plaintiff SIPC repeats and realleges each and
every allegation contained in paragraphs | through 31
herein as though here set forth in full.
55. As a result of Touche Ross’ failure to comply
with the auditing standards prescribed by the 1934 Act
and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, in
that the 1972 Opinion Letters and accompanying Answers
to the Financial Questionnaire and financial statements
prepared by Touche Ross were false, inaccurate and
incomplete, Touche Ross breached the duties it owed to
the customers and certain other creditors of Weis by
misleading them into believing or assuming that Weis was
not in financial difficulty, and consequently over 34,000 of
- said customers and creditors ultimately filed claims in the
Weis liquidation proceeding.
56. The SIPC fund has been or may be depleted in
order to satisfy the claims of the over 34,000 customers
and certain other creditors of Weis, hereinabove men-
tioned in paragraph 55, and to pay for certain adminis-
trative expenses of the liquidation.
26
57. But for Touche Ross’ breach of the duties it owed
to the customers and certain other creditors of Weis by its
failure to comply with the auditing standards and regu-
lations prescribed by the 1934 Act and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder, the SIPC fund would
not have been depleted to the extent that it has been, if at
all, and consequently SIPC is subrogated to those claims
which such customers and certain other creditors of Weis
who have been paid out of the SIPC fund could have
asserted against Touche Ross based on the auditing and
accounting services performed by Touche Ross with re-
spect to Weis.
58. The aggregate of the claims of Weis’ customers
and certain other creditors which have been satisfied out
of the SIPC fund and for which Touche Ross is liable to
SIPC is presently estimated to be at least $14,000,000.
As AND For PLAINTIFF SIPC’s
THIRD CAUSE OF ACTION
59. Plaintiff SIPC repeats and realleges each and
every allegation contained in paragraphs | through 31
herein as though here set forth in full.
60. Touche Ross had knowledge of or, but for its
errors and omissions, should have had knowledge of the
deception caused by the Weis Five, in violation of the
1934 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder, by means of the filing or dissemination of the
1972 Opinion Letters and accompanying Answers to the
Financial Questionnaire and financial statements.
61. Touche Ross breached the duties it owed to SIPC
by failing to inquire as to, and to disclose, the deception
caused by the Weis Five, in violation of the 1934 Act and
the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, by
means of the filing or dissemination of the 1972 Opinion
Letters and the accompanying Answers to the Financial
Questionnaire and financial statements.
of the Weis Five’s violation 0
and regulations promuigat
paragraphs 60 and 61 hereinabove,
i PC
uent depletion of the SI ™
pi 62 hereinabove, SIPC has suffered and wil
continue to suffer da
27
62. The SIPC fund has been or may be depleted in
i rs and
order to satisfy the claims of over 34,000 oe aad
certain other creditors of Weis and to pay
administrative expenses of the liquidation.
’ aidi betting
f Touche Ross’ aiding and a
tia or F the 1934 Act and the rules
lgated thereunder as discussed in
and as a result of the
fund as indicated in
mages in an amount which is present-
ly estimated to be at least $14,000,000.
As AND For PLAINTIFF SIPC’s
FouRTH CAUSE Or ACTION
64. Plaintiff SIPC repeats and realleges south
every allegation contained in paragraphs 1 throug
herein as though here set forth in full.
65. Touche Ross had knowledge of = “00 ow
‘errors and omissions, should have had — fied soloed
deception caused by the Weis Five, in vio atl ooabe
1934 Act and the rules, an Ty dissemination ofthe
r, by means of the hing
Oe ane Letters and the rpremcrt gd sa to
the Financial Questionnaire and financial state .
66. Touche Ross breached the pr it aye ‘gt
, ‘1 other creditors of Weis DY
customers and certain 0 Jn
inquire as to, and to disclose, the aes hae
is Five, in violati f the 1934 Act an
Weis Five, in violation 0 Ayre
regulations promulgated thereunder, by oppo oo
filing or dissemination of the 1972 Opinion carretera
accompanying Answers to the Financial Ques
and financial statements.
28
67. The SIPC fund has been or may be depleted in
order to satisfy the claims of over 34,000 customers and
certain other creditors of Weis and to pay for certain
administrative expenses of the liquidation.
68. But for Touche Ross’ aiding and abetting of the
Weis Five’s violation of the 1934 Act and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder, as discussed in para-
graphs 65 and 66 hereinabove, the SIPC fund would not
have been depleted to the extent that it has been, if at all,
and consequently SIPC is subrogated to those claims
which such customers and certain other creditors of Weis
who have been paid out of the SIPC fund could have
asserted against Touche Ross based on the auditing and
accounting services performed by Touche Ross with re-
spect to Weis.
69. The aggregate of the claims of Weis’ customers
and certain other creditors which have been satisfied out
of the SIPC fund and for which Touche Ross is liable to
SIPC is presently estimated to be at least $14,000,000.
As AND For PLAINTIFF SIPC’s
FIFTH CAUSE OF ACTION
70. Plaintiff SIPC repeats and realleges each and
every allegation contained in paragraphs 1 through 31
herein as though here set forth in full.
71. As a consequence of the liquidation of Weis,
SIPC was required to satisfy the claims of over 34,000
customers and certain other creditors of Weis and to pay
for certain administrative expenses of the liquidation.
72. As a result of the negligence and malpractice of
Touche Ross, including that set forth in paragraphs 28
through 30 herein, and not as a result of any negligence of
SIPC, SIPC has suffered and will continue to suffer
damages in an amount which is presently estimated to be
at least $14,000,000.
ee
Tse ee
29
As AND For PLAINTIFF SIPC’s
SIXTH CAUSE OF ACTION
73. Plaintiff SIPC repeats and realleges each and
every allegation contained in paragraphs | through 31
herein as though here set forth in full.
74. Asa result of the negligence and malpractice of
Touche Ross, including that set forth in paragraphs 28
through 30 herein (and not as a result of any negligence of
any customer or creditor of Weis), the customers and
certain other creditors of Weis were misled into believing
or assuming that Weis was not in financial difficulty, and
consequently over 34,000 of said customers and creditors
ultimately filed claims in the Weis liquidation proceeding.
75. The SIPC fund has been or may be depleted in |
order to satisfy the claims of the over 34,000 customers
and certain other creditors of Weis, hereinabove men-
tioned in paragraph 74, and to pay for certain adminis-
trative expenses of the liquidation. |
76. But for Touche Ross’ negligence and malpractice,
the SIPC fund would not have been depleted to the extent
that it has been, if at all, and consequently SIPC is
subrogated to thcse claims which such customers and
certain other creditors of Weis who have been paid out of
the SIPC fund could have asserted against Touche Ross
based on the auditing and accounting services performed
by Touche Ross with respect to Weis. si
77. The aggregate of the claims of Weis customers
and certain other creditors which have been satisfied out
_of the SIPC fund and for which Touche Ross is liable to
SIPC is presently estimated to be at least $14,000,000.
AS AND For PLAINTIFF SIPC’s
SEVENTH CAUSE OF ACTION
78. Plaintiff SIPC repeats and realleges each and
every allegation contained in paragraphs | through 31
herein as though here set forth in full.
30
79. As a consequence of the liquidation of Weis, the
SIPC fund has been or may be depleted in order to satisfy
the claims of over 34,000 customers and certain other
creditors of Weis and to pay for certain administrative
expenses of the liquidation.
80. As a result of the malpractice of Touche Ross and
its breach of the duties it owed to SIPC (and not as a
result of any negligence of SIPC), in that the auditing and
accounting services performed by Touche Ross were
conducted in so reckless and grossly negligent a manner
that Touche Ross knew or should have known that the
1972 Opinion Letters and the accompanying Answers to
the Financial Questionnaire and financial statements were
false, inaccurate and incomplete, SIPC has suffered and
will continue to suffer damages in an amount which is
presently estimated to be at least $14,000,000.
As AND For PLAINTIFF SIPC’s
EIGHTH CAusE OF ACTION
81. Plaintiff SIPC repeats and realleges each and
every allegation contained in paragraphs | through 31
herein as though here set forth in full.
82. As a result of the malpractice of Touche Ross and
its breach of the duties it owed to the customers and
certain other creditors of Weis (and not as a result of any
negligence of any customer or creditor of Weis), in that
the auditing and accounting services performed by Touche
Ross were conducted in so reckless and grossly negligent a
mannér that Touche Ross knew or should have known
that the 1972 Opinion Letters and the accompanying
Answers to the Financial Questionnaire and financial
statements were false, inaccurate and incomplete, the
customers and certain other creditors of Weis were misled
into believing or assuming that Weis was not in financial
ee a ee
7
31
difficulty, and consequently over 34,000 of said customers
and certain other creditors ultimately filed claims in the
Weis liquidation proceeding.
83. The SIPC fund has been or may be depleted in
order to satisfy the claims of the over 34,000 customers
and certain other creditors of Weis, hereinabove men-
tioned in paragraph 82, and to pay for certain adminis-
trative expenses of the liquidation.
84. But for Touche Ross’ malpractice, recklessness
and gross negligence, the SIPC fund would not have been
depleted to the extent that it has been, if at all, and
consequently SIPC is subrogated to those claims which
such customers and certain other creditors of Weis who
have been paid out of the SIPC fund could have asserted
against Touche Ross based on the auditing and account-
ing services performed by Touche Ross with respect to
Weis.
85. The aggregate of the claims of Weis’ customers
and certain other creditors which have been satisfied out
of the SIPC fund and for which Touche Ross is liable to
SIPC is presently estimated to be at least $14,000,000.
WHEREFORE, plaintiffs demand judgment:
a. for $51,000,000 on Plaintiff Trustee’s First
Cause of Action;
b. for $51,000,000 on Plaintiff Trustee’s Second
Cause of Action;
c. for $51,000,000 on Plaintiff Trustee’s Third
Cause of Action;
d. for $51,000,000 on Plaintiff Trustee’s Fourth
Cause of Action;
e. for the amount of the Touche Ross Fee plus
$51,000,000 on Plaintiff Trustee’s Fifth Cause of
Action;
i
32
f. for an amount which is the difference between
the actual and warranted values of Touche Ross’
services with respect to Weis, plus $51,000,000, on
Plaintiff Trustee’s Sixth Cause of Action;
g. for $14,000,000 on Plaintiff SIPC’s First
Cause of Action;
h. for $14,000,000 on Plaintiff SIPC’s Second
Cause of Action;
i. for $14,000,000 on Plaintiff SIPC’s Third
Cause of Action;
j. for $14,000,000 on Plaintiff SIPC’s Fourth
Cause of Action;
k. for $14,000,000 on Plaiatiff SIPC’s Fifth
Cause of Action;
l. for $14,000,000 on Plaintiff SIPC’s Sixth
Cause of Action;
m. for $14,000,000 on Plaintiff SIPC’s Seventh |
Cause of Action;
n. for $14,000,000 on Plaintiff SIPC’s Eighth
Cause of Action;
o. for interest on the amounts demanded herein;
p. for the costs and disbursements of this action;
and
q. for such other, further and different relief as
to the Court may seem just and proper.
ee ne Eos ©
ee eee ee eee
eb tle Ase ein a SLANT ste Bae Breet mh me oe er ae
Dated: New York, New York
April 30, 1976
33
ek SRI 6 oH 1 ee ee
HUGHES HUBBARD & REED
By _/s/ JOHN S. ALLEE
_A Member of the Firm
Attorneys for Edward S.
Redington, as Trustee for
the liquidation of the busi-
ness of Weis Securities, Inc.
One Wall Street
New York, New York 10005
(212) WH 3-6500
HAWKINS, DELAFIELD &
Woop
By_/s/ CLARENCE FRIED
A Member of the Firm
Attorneys for Securities In-
vestor Protection
Corporation |
67 Wall Street
New York, New York 10005
(212) 952-4700
34
[ This page left blank intentionally. ]
ON Na AM RN ett ne na nl
35
Exhibit A to Complaint
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC.
REPORT ON EXAMINATION OF STATEMENT OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION
MAY 26, 1972
TOUCHE ROSS & CO.
——<—— Cl Cis
err
36
Toucue Ross & Co.
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC.
REPORT ON EXAMINATION OF STATEMENT OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION
MAY 26, 1972
ee
37
TOUCHE ROSS & CO.
1633 BROADWAY
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10019
July 7, 1972
Board of Directors
Weis, Voisin & Co., Inc.
New York, New York
We have examined the accompanying statement of
financial condition of Weis, Voisin & Co., Inc. as of May
26, 1972. Our examination was made in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards, and accordingly
included such tests of the accounting records and such
other auditing procedures as we considered necessary in
the circumstances.
In our opinion, the statement of financial condition
referred to above presents fairly the financial position of
Weis, Voisin & Co., Inc. at May 26, 1972, in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a
basis consistent with that of the preceding period.
Touche Ross & Co.
Certified Public Accountants
ToucueE Ross & Co. 38
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC.
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
MAY 26, 1972
ASSETS
Cash 1,758,766
Deposits with clearing organizations and others 753,033
Receivables from brokers and dealers 8,775,852
Receivables from customers 76,376,206
Secured demand notes of subordinated lenders
(collateralized by securities, at quoted market
$6,625,570) 4,226,794
Miscellaneous receivables 3,610,935
Securities in firm trading and investment accounts:
Marketable securities, at quoted market 3,542,457
Securities not readily marketable, at fair value 949,908
Securities held under subordination agreements, at
quoted market 5,460,751
Investment in and advances to subsidiaries, at cost,
plus equity in undistributed earnings 1,153,583
Exchange memberships:
Owned, at cost (last sales prices $1,044,606 ) 1,289,938
Held under subordination agreement, at last
sales prices 421,494
Leasehold improvements, office furniture and fix-
tures, at cost, less accumulated amortization and
depreciation of $789,960 3,048,296
Excess of investment over net assets acquired, less
accumulated amortization of $76,465 ( Note 1) 2,217,403
Miscellaneous other assets 1,983,371
$115,568,787
See notes to statement of financial condition
nd
te ew. --
39
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC.
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
MAY 26, 1972
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Short-term bank loans, collateralized
by customers’ margin accounts
securities
Short-term bank loans, collateralized
by securities owned by the Com-
pany or covered by subordination
agreements
Payables to brokers and dealers
Payables to customers, including
$6,791,886 of fee credit balances
Securities sold but not yet purchased,
at quoted market
Accounts payable and _ accrued
expenses
Due to lessors on lease contracts cap-
italized
Subordinated liabilities and stock-
holders’ equity:
Liabilities subordinated to ll
claims of general creditors
( Note 2)
Stockholders’ equity:
Capital stock ( Note 2)
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Less treasury stock, at cost
Contingencies and commitments
( Note 3)
$15,237,951
2,374,800
2,767,078
3,811,397
8,953,275
1,366,017
7,587,258
$ 47,575,000
6,912,245
14,311,794
16,770,379
2,967,457
2,731,488
1,475,215
22,825,209
$115,568,787
ph Ms) ee ee
ToucueE Ross & Co.
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC.
NOTES TO
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
MAY 26, 1972
Note |:
As of October 1, 1971, the Company acquired certain
specified assets and assumed certain specified liabilities of
Scheinman, Hockstein & Trotta, Inc., a member firm of
the New York Stock Exchange. This acquisition has been
accounted for as a purchase and the excess of investment
over net assets acquired is being amortized over a twenty-
year period.
Note 2:
The capital stock of the Company is composed of the
following classes of stock:
Number of shares
Autho- Out- In
Description rized Issued standing treasury Amount
Common, par value
$1, Class A (voting) 150,000 150,000 110,948 39,052 $ 150,000
Common, par value
$1, Class B
(non-voting ) 150,000 150,000 149,080 920 150,000
Preferred, par value
$100, Class A 55,000 16,248 10,273 5,975 1,624,800
Preferred, par value
$100, Class B,
1% cumulative,
convertible 3,500 3,500 3,500 — 350,000
Preferred, par value
$100, Class C,
1% cumulative,
converible 2,500 1,000 1,000 — 100,000
Preferred, par value
$100, Class D, 6%
cumulative 10,000 — — — —
$2,374,800
Re ee ee ee
<a ke
41
TOUCHE Ross & Co.
=o
The Company has granted stock options to subordi-
nated lenders to purchase Class B, non-voting common
stock as follows:
Option Exercise Expiration
granted amount date
Shares equa! to 2% 2% of total 1976
of total Class A stockholders’
and Class B equity at
common stock exercise date
issued and
outstanding at the
exercise date
10,907 shares $25 per share 1975
2,000 shares $35,000 Upon termination
of subordina-
tion agreement
The exercise of these options is subject to the written
approval of the New York Stock Exchange.
Note 3:
Aggregate rental commitments at May 26, 1972,
under material noncancelable leases for premises were
approximately $34,650,000 payable as follows:
Fiscal year
ending Amount
May 25, 1973 $ 3,000,000
May 31, 1974 2,825,000
May 30, 1975 2,875,000
May 28, 1976 2,750,000
May 27, 1977 2,725,000
May 26, 1978-1991 20,475,000
se ae
42
Exhibit B to Complaint
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC.
ANSWERS TO FINANCIAL QUESTIONNAIRE
AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
MAY 26, 1972
TOUCHE ROSS & CO.
43
Toucue Ross & Co.
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC.
ANSWERS TO FINANCIAL QUESTIONNAIRE
AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
MAY 26, 1972
TOUCHE Ross & Co.
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC.
ANSWERS TO FINANCIAL QUESTIONNAIRE
AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
MAY 26, 1972
CONTENTS
Page
number
Report of independent certified public accoun-
tants | l
Answers to financial questionnaire:
Part I 2-11
Additional information:
Report of independent certified public
accountants 12
Net capital computation 13-18
Report on internal controls by independent certi-
fied public accountants 19
Note: In accordance with general instructions regarding the
preparation of this questionnaire, questions and
subdivisions have been omitted where the respondent
had nothing to report.
TOUCHE ROSS & CO.
1633 BROADWAY
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10019
July 7, 1972
Board of Directors
Weis, Voisin & Co., Inc.
New York, New York
We have examined the answers to the financial
questionnaire of Weis, Voisin & Co., Inc. as of May 26,
1972. Our examination was made in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards, and accordingly
included a review of the accounting system, internal
accounting control and the procedures for safeguarding
securities including such tests thereof for the period since
the prior examination date and such other auditing proce-
dures as we considered necessary in the circumstances,
including the audit procedures prescribed by the New
York Stock Exchange and the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
In our opinion, the accompanying answers to the
financial questionnaire present fairly the financial position
of Weis, Voisin & Co., Inc. at May 26, 1972, in the form
prescribed by the New York Stock Exchange and the
Securities and Exchange Commission, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles applied on a
basis consistent with that of the preceding period.
Touche Ross & Co.
Certified Public Accountants
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC. -2-
ANSWERS TO FINANCIAL QUESTIONNAIRE
MAY 26, 1972
PARTI Ledger balance Security valuation Commodity contracts
Question number and title of account Debit Credit Long Short Losses Gains
1. Bank balances and other deposits:
Cash on Hand $ 11,935
Cash on deposit:
Subject to immediate withdrawal 1,482,856
Segregated under the Commodity Exchange Act 263,975
Guaranty deposits with clearing organizations: .
General funds 599,143 $ 445,960
Segregated under the Commodity Exchange Act 25,010
Good faith deposits—brokers and dealers—Current 128,880
2. Money borrowed, and accounts carried for respondent
by other banking or brokerage houses, secured by or
containing customers’ collateral:
A. Money borrowed:
1. From banks, trust companies and other finan-
cial institutions $47,575,000 71,372,501
B. Accounts carried by other banking or bro: -age
houses:
1. Securities accounts:
a. Accounts with net debit balance, National
Clearing Corp. 453,361 $1,257,102 889,204
b. Accounts with net credit balance, Pacific
Coast Stock Exchange Clearing Corp. 197,272 193,123 314,089
2. Commodities accounts—futures:
a. Regulated commodities accounts:
ii. Accounts liquidating to a deficit 176,914 | $15,374 $49,214
b. Non-regulated commodities accounts:
ii. Accounts liquidating to a Deficit 44,022 16,140 30,839
3. Money borrowed, and accounts carried for respondent
by other banking or brokerage houses, unsecured, or
secured entirely by collateral owned by respondent
and/or its officers and directors, or by securities
covered by “satisfactory subordination agreements”:
A. Money borrowed:
1. From banks, trust companies and other finan-
cial institutions 6,912,245 12,806,501
47
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC. ,
ANSWERS TO FINANCIAL QUESTIONNAIRE
MAY 26, 1972
PART I
Question number and title of account
4. Other accounts and open items with brokers and deal-
ers:
A. Securities borrowed
B. Securities failed to deliver:
1. Outstanding less than 30 days
2. Outstanding 30 days or more:
30 through 39 calendar days
40 through 49 calendar days
50 through 59 calendar days
60 calendar days or more
C. Securities loaned:
1. For customers
2. For accounts reportable under 10, 11 and 12
D. Securities failed to receive:
1. For customers:
a. Outstanding less than 30 days
b. Outstanding 30 days or more
3. For accounts reportable under 10, 11 and 12:
a. Outstanding less than 30 days
b. Outstanding 30 days or more |
E. Open transactions in foreign securities with other
brokers
5. Valuation of securities in box, transfer and transit:
A. Negotiable securities in box and in transfer
Ledger balance
Security valuation Commodity contracts
Debit Credit
$2,641,600
5,051,188
97,518
25,311
5,932
66,921
$8,158,872
344,928
4,870,326
222,859
405,333
6,071
213,085 57,594
Long Short Losses Gains
$2,590,700
4,995,527
91,758
19,721
4,600
79,830
$ 8,083,063
350,387
4,963,022
251,152
422,999
5,516
708,348 1,502,139
37,949,184
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC.
ANSWERS TO FINANCIAL QUESTIONNAIRE
MAY 26, 1972
PART I
Question number and title of account
Customers’ securities accounts:
A. Cash accounts:
1. Accounts with debit balances
2. Accounts with credit balances
B. Secured Accounts:
1. Accounts with debit balances
2. Accounts with credit balances
C. Partly secured accounts (see Reserve—Question
13):
2. Accounts with credit balances
Unsecured accounts (see Reserve—Question 13)
Accounts with credit balances having open con-
tractual commitments
Accounts with free credit balances
Fully paid securities not segregated:
1. Segregation instructions issued:
a. Securities failed to receive
b. Securities due from customers
c. Pending execution of instructions (based
on tests, substantially all cleared within
three business days)
2. Substantially all in process of sale (based on
tests )
Customers’ commodities accounts:
A. Accounts with open future contracts liquidating to
an equity:
1. Regulated commodities
2. Non-regulated commodities
Unsecured debit balances
Accounts with free credit balances:
1. Regulated
2. Non-regulated
Om mo
mo
48
-4-
Ledger balance Sécurity valuation Commodity contracts
Debit Credit Long Short Losses Gains
$ 4,201,268 $ 5,734,085 $ 346,799
$5,263,785 1,616,717 5,656,274
71,823,113 96,673,766 1,719,750
3,207,453 562,761 3,240,069
196 2,660
419,241 35,274
760,916 101,005
6,791,886
1,021,791
4,293,950
8,704,928
7,730,105
269,566 $36,216 $23,281
; 275,749 34,608 36,058
6,170
143,613
46,871
49
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC. m, #
ANSWERS TO FINANCIAL QUESTIONNAIRE
MAY 26, 1972
PARTI Ledger balance Security valuation Commodity contracts
Question number and title of account Debit Credit Long Short Losses Gains
8. Accounts of officers and directors:
A. Officers:
1. Securities accounts:
A. Bona fide cash accounts:
1. Accounts with debit balances $ 13,689 $ 14,600
B. Secured accounts:
1. Accounts with debit balances 101,240 117,326
F. Accounts with free credit balances $ 10,344
G. Fully paid securities not segregated 11,400
10. Trading and investment accounts of respondents:
A. Securities accounts:
1. Exempt securities 3,255,793 1,707,061 506,000
2. Other securities 2,749,793 $1,707,061
C. Arbitrage account 1,236,572 1,260,396 1,236,572 1,260,396
50
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC. -6-
ANSWERS TO FINANCIAL QUESTIONNAIRE
MAY 26, 1972
PARTI Ledger balance Security valuation Commodity contracts
Question number and title of account Debit Credit Long Short Losses Gains
11. Capital accounts:
C. Corporation capital:
1. Capital stock:
A. Authorized:
Class A, $1 par—150,000 shares
Class B, $1 par—150,000 shares
Preferred A, $100 par—55,000
shares
Preferred B, $100 par, 1% cumula-
tive, convertible—3,500 shares
Preferred C, $100 par, 1% cumula-
tive, convertible—2,500 shares
Preferred D, $100 par, 6% cumula-
tive— 10,000 shares
B. Issued:
Class A, $1 par—150,000 shares $ 150,000
Class B, $1 par—150,000 shares 150,000
Preferred A, $100 par—16,248
shares 1,624,800
Preferred B, $100 par, 1% cumula-
tive, convertible—3,500 shares 350,000
Preferred C, $100 par, 1% cumula-
tive, convertible— 1,000 shares 100,000
C. Treasury stock:
Class A, $1 par—39,052 shares $ 750,071
Class B, $1 par—920 shares 18,400
Preferred A, $100 par—S,975.46
shares 597,546
2. Paid-in capital 2,767,078
3. Retained earnings 3,811,397
Si
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC. RX
ANSWERS TO FINANCIAL QUESTIONNAIRE
MAY 26, 1972
PARTI Ledger balance Security valuation Commodity contracts
Question number and title of account Debit Credit Long Short Losses Gains
12. Subordinated accounts and borrowings:
A. Subordinated accounts:
Officer and directors:
1. Accounts with debit balances $ 39,939 $ 82,148
2. Accounts with credit balances $ 478,856 698,662
3. Securities not readily marketable 96,157
Debenture holders:
1. Accounts with debit balances 14,998 116,062
2. Accounts with credit balances 4 8,670
Customers:
1. Accounts with debit balances 690,260 1,431,460
2. Accounts with credit balances 2,256,768 3,005,725
3. Securities not readily marketable 21,867
B. Other subordinated borrowings:
Subordinated exchange memberships at market 421,494
Subordinated debentures 3,110,275
Secured demand notes—see Question 13 4,255,000
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC.
ANSWERS TO FINANCIAL QUESTIONNAIRE
MAY 26, 1972
PART I
Question number and title of account
13. Other accounts:
Exchange memberships:
Owned by respondent—at cost
Owned by stockholders (subordinated )—at last
sales prices
Leasehold improvements, office furniture and fix-
tures—at cost, less accumulated amortization
and depreciation of $188,916
Commodity difference accounts:
Regulated
Non-regulated
Loans and advances
Commissions receivable—last five trade dates
Insurance claim receivable re Winslow, Cohu &
Stetson, Inc.
Investment in and advances to subsidiaries—at
equity
Receivable from stockholders
Miscellaneous receivables:
Current
Other
Prepaid expenses and deposits
Deferred charges
Dividends and interest receivable, payable and
unclaimed:
Current (outstanding less than 30 days)
Not current
Scheinman, Hochstin & Trotta, Inc. liquidating
omnibus account
Secured demand notes receivable from subordi-
nated lenders, collateralized by:
Cash
Exempt securities
Non-exempt securities
Due from member firm
Excess of investment over net assets acquired, less
accumulated amortization of $76,465
Accrued customers’ interest receivable—current
52
Ledger balance Security valuation
Commodity contracts
Debit Credit Long Short
$1,289,938
421,494
1,341,057
$ 19,473
17,581
99,458
432,107
1,285,401
1,153,583
768,199
503,058
108,471
551,138
395,901
48,991
135,067
120,373
97,729
$ 635,277
233,431
$591,771
92,607
745,238
4,255,000
28,206
1,871,420
4,754,150
91,123
2,217,403
139,060
Losses Gains
$19,473
17,581
53
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC. 9.
ANSWERS TO FINANCIAL QUESTIONNAIRE
MAY 26, 1972
PARTI Ledger balance Security valuation Commodity contracts
Question number and title of account Debit Credit Long Short Losses Gains
13. Other accounts (continued ):
Purchased public relations contracts re acquisi-
tion of Thomas J. Deegan & Co., Inc., less
accumulated amortization of $29,432 $ 291,094
Leasehold improvements, office furniture and
fixtures—at cost acquired under lease con-
tracts, less accumulated amortization and
depreciation of $601,044 1,707,239
Due to lessors on lease contracts capitalized $ 1,475,215
Other liabilities 946,245
Reserve for doubtful accounts 200,000
Accrued interest payable 275,562
Accrued salaries and commissions 652,583
Floor brokerage payable 74,778
Federal, state, and local taxes payable on income 564,218
Unlocated security differences $ 43,821 $ 5,980
$112,435,971 $112,435,971 $154,014,358 $154,014,358 $139,392 $139,392
NOTE TO QUESTION 13:
Security count differences, discovered through physical count and verification procedures
pursuant to Rule 17a-5 and 17a-13, classified by date of discovery, which remained unresolved
or were bought or sold since the last examination date are as follows:
Security
valuation
Date of Number of
discovery securities Long Short
Unresolved differences May 26, 1972 60 $43,821 $5,980
Securities bought or sold: Bought Sold
March 24, 1972 3 $7,800
November 26, 1971 | 160
There were 14,624 securities with positions at May 26, 1972.
54
TOucHE Ross & Co. -10-
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC.
ANSWERS TO FINANCIAL QUESTIONNAIRE
MAY 26, 1972
PART |
16. Unrecorded assets, liabilities, and account-
abilities:
Under 31 leases for premises in effect as of May
26, 1972, aggregate annual rentals are as follows:
Fiscal year ending
IE Tt FE crkncoinpsckoksademanasietcnmenetauna $ 3,000,000
SEE TE I Bilccoluanskastnemanintinwmenueniaaiols 2,825,000
SE I IIE ins anaensdinsicncehionionadamnannageithe 2,875,000
IN cic asisceiscteiaceisseuaseunaranhents 2,750,000
Sy Ep . : RE 2,725,000
I Die, BT TIE vin eicinicscnccencesnncssenion 20,475,000
55
TOUCHE Ross & Co. ott.
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC.
ANSWERS TO FINANCIAL QUESTIONNAIRE
MAY 26, 1972
PART I
NOTE
The Company has granted stock options to subordinated lenders
to purchase Class B, non-voting common stock as follows:
Exercise Expiration
Option granted amount date
Shares equal to 2% of total 2% of total stock- 1976
Class A and Class B common holders’ equity
stock issued and outstand- at exercise date
ing at the exercise date
10,907 shares $25 per share 1975
2,000 shares $35,000 Upon termina-
tion of sub-
ordination
agreement
The exercise of these options is subject to the written approval of the
New York Stock Exchange.
56
ToucueE Ross & Co. -12-
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The additional information presented in the following
pages which has been taken primarily from accounting
and other records of the Respondent has been subjected to
the tests and other auditing procedures applied in our
examination of the answers to financial questionnaire of
Weis, Voisin & Co., Inc. as of May 26, 1972. In our
opinion, such information is fairly presented in all mate-
rial respects in relation to the answers to the financial
questionnaire taken as a whole although it is not necessary
for a fair presentation of financial position.
Touche Ross & Co.
Certified Public Accountants
57
TOUCHE Ross & Co. -13-
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC.
NET CAPITAL COMPUTATION
MAY 26, 1972
SUMMARY
Aggregate indebtedness $80,315,478
Y,, of aggregate indebtedness $ 5,354,365
Net capital:
Total credit items $30,099,473
Total debit items 21,867,090
NET CAPITAL 8,232,383
Capital in excess of minimum
requirements $ 2,878,018
Ratio of indebtedness to capital 976%
58
TOUCHE Ross & Co. -14-
Question
number
2Al
2B1
4Cl
4D 1
4E
6A2
6B2
6E
6F
7TA2
7El
7TE2
8F
13
13
13
13
13
13
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC.
NET CAPITAL COMPUTATION
MAY 26, 1972
Aggregate indebtedness
Money borrowed, collateralized
by customers’ securities
Credit balance in account car-
ried by other banking or bro-
kerage house
Open items with brokers and
dealers:
Securities loaned—customers’
securities
Securities failed to receive
customers’ securities
Foreign securities transactions
Customers’ security accounts:
Cash
Secured
Accounts with credit balances
having open contractual
commitments
Free credits
Customers’ commodity
accounts:
Equities in nonregulated com-
modities
Free credits—regulated
Free credits—nonregulated
Securities and commodities
accounts of officers and direc-
tors
Accrued interest payable
Accrued salaries and commis-
sions
Floor brokerage payable
Dividends and interest payable
Federal, state and local taxes
payable on income
Other liabilities
Total aggregate
indebtedness
$47,575,000
197,272
8,158,872
5,093,185
57,594
5,263,785
3,207,453
760,916
6,791,886
277,199
143,613
46,871
10,344
275,562
652,583
74,778
218,102
564,218
946,245
$80,315,478
59
TOUCHE Ross & Co. -15-
Question
number
6C
10
Noe ee
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC.
NET CAPITAL COMPUTATION
MAY 26, 1972
Credit items
Ledger balances in partly se-
cured accounts
Firm trading and investment
accounts:
Securities long
Credit balance
Capital stock—A
Capital stock—B
Capital stock —Preferred—A
Capital stock —Preferred—B
Capital stock —Preferred —C
Paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Subordinated lenders’ ledger
balances—officers and direc-
tors
Subordinated lenders’ ledger
balances—debenture holders
Subordinated lenders’ ledger
balances—customers
Securities in subordinated lend-
ers’ accounts
Other subordinated borrowings
—memberships
Other subordinated borrowings
—debentures
Other subordinated borrowings
—secured demand notes
Reserve for doubtful accounts
Total credit items
196
3,255,793
1,707,061
150,000
150,000
1,624,800
350,000
100,000
2,767,078
3,811,397
478,856
4
2,256,768
5,460,751
421,494
3,110,275
4,255,000
200,000
$30,099,473
60
ToucueE Ross & Co. 16.
Question
number
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC.
NET CAPITAL COMPUTATION
MAY 26, 1972
Debit items
Short securities in partly secured accounts $
Debit balances in unsecured accounts
Short securities in unsecured accounts
Debit balances in unsecured commodities ac-
counts
Firm trading and investment accounts:
Securities short
Debit balance
Treasury stock, class A
Treasury stock, class B
Treasury stock, preferred A
Subordinated lenders’ ledger balances
—officers and directors
Subordinated lenders’ ledger balances
—debenture holders
Subordinated lenders’ ledger balances
—customers
Exchange memberships—firm
Exchange memberships—subordinated lenders
Leasehold improvements, furniture and fixtures
ect.
Miscellaneous receivables
Loans and advances
Insurance claims receivable re Winslow, Cohu &
Stetson, Inc.
Investments in and advances to subsid-
iaries at equity
2,660
419,241
35,274
6,170
1,707,061
3,255,793
750,071
18,400
597,546
39,939
14,998
690,260
1,289,938
421,494
1,341,057
108,471
99,458
1,285,401
1,153,583
61
TOUCHE Ross & Co. -17-
Question
number Debit items
13 Prepaid expenses and deposits
13 Deferred charges
13 Dividends and interest receivable— noncurrent
13 Short securities receivable— dividends
13 Excess of investment over net assets acquired
13 Receivable from stockholders
+ Due from member firm
3 Purchased public relations contracts re acquisi-
tion of Thomas J. Deegan & Co., Inc.
13 Leasehold improvements, office
furniture and fixtures, acquired
under lease contracts 1,707,239
Less amount due to lessors 1,475,215
13 Scheinman, Hochstin & Trotta, Inc. liquidating
Omnibus account
13 Unlocated security differences—short
Charges to capital:
Haircuts” (Schedule 1 ):
Subordinated lenders—customers
Subordinated lenders—debenture holders
Subordinated lenders—officers and direc-
tors
Firm accounts
LA% of value of commodities
Penalties on fails to deliver
TOTAL DEBIT ITEMS
551,138
395,901
135,067
92,607
2,217,403
768,199
91,123
291,094
232,024
745,238
5,980
1,170,062
36,580
295,194
1,529,962
48,910
23,793
$21,867,090
62
TOUCHE Ross & Co. -18-
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC.
NET CAPITAL COMPUTATION
MAY 26, 1972
SUMMARY OF CAPITAL CHARGES
Long
Security
value
Subordinated accounts:
Customers $ 990
19,500
29,300
206,400
532,000
66,500
8,300
21,867
3,574,195
$4,459,052
Debenture holders §$ 5,600
119,132
$ 124,732
Officers and direc-
tors $ 2,475
5,200
27,780
82,850
10,500
10,100
11,800
96,157
630,105
$ 876,967
Capital charge
Amount
195
586
10,320
53,200
9,975
1,660
21,867
1,072,259
$1,170,062
$ 840
35,740
36,580
104
833
4,143
1,050
1,515
2,360
96,157
189,032
295,194
TOUCHE Ross & Co.
Firm accounts
Commodities:
Fails to deliver:
40 through 49
days
50 through 59
days
60 days or more
63
Long
Security
value
$1,261,635
66,482
238,655
53,461
3,350
122,950
56,678
949,908
1,739,246
$4,492,265
HF
25,311
5,932
66,921
$ 98,164
Capital charge
100
10
20
30
Amount
1 330
7,160
2,673
335
18,443
28,339
949,908
521,774
1,529,962
FoF
1,186
20,076
23,793
$3,055,591
64
TOUCHE Ross & Co. -19-
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC.
REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL
MAY 26, 1972
We have examined the financial statements of Weis,
Voisin & Co., Inc. for the period ended May 26, 1972 and
have issued our report thereon dated July 7, 1972. Asa
part of our examination, we reviewed and tested the
Company’s system of internal accounting control to the
extent we considered necessary to evaluate the system as
required by generally accepted auditing standards. Under
these standards the purpose of such evaluation is to
establish a basis for reliance thereon in determining the
nature, timing, and extent of other auditing procedures
that are necessary for expressing an opinion on the
financial statements.
The objective of internal accounting control is to
provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance as to the
safeguarding of assets against loss from unauthorized use
or disposition, and the reliability of financial records for
preparing financial statements and maintaining account-
ability for assets. The concept of reasonable assurance
recognizes that the cost of a system of internal accounting
control should not exceed the benefits derived and also
recognizes that the evaluation of these factors necessarily
requires estimates and judgments by management.
There are inherent limitations that should be recog-
nized in considering the potential effectiveness of any
system of internal accounting control. In the performance
of most control procedures, errors can result from misun-
derstanding of instructions, mistakes of judgment, care-
65
lessness or other personal factors. Control procedures
whose effectiveness depends upon segregation of duties
can be circumvented by collusion. Similarly, control
procedures can be circumvented intentionally by manage-
ment with respect either to the execution and recording of
transactions or with respect to the estimates and judg-
ments required in the preparation of financial statements.
Further, projection of any evaluation of internal account-
ing control to future periods is subject to the risk that the
procedures may become inadequate because of changes in
conditions, and that the degree of compliance with the
procedures may deteriorate.
Our study and evaluation of the Company’s system of
internal accounting control for the period November 26,
1971, the prior examination date, to May 26, 1972 was
made for the purpose set forth in the first paragraph
above, and it would not necessarily disclose all weaknesses
in the system. However, such study and evaluation
disclosed no conditions that we believe to be material
weaknesses.
Touche Ross & Co.
Certified Public Accountants
nee
66
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) 67
Exhibit C to Complaint
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
REPORT ON EXAMINATION OF CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR (52 WEEKS) ENDED MAY 26, 1972
TOUCHE ROSS & CO.
68
TOUCHE Ross & Co.
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
REPORT ON EXAMINATION OF CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR (52 WEEKS) ENDED MAY 26, 1972
69
TOUCHE ROSS & CO.
1633 BROADWAY
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10019
July 21, 1972
Board of Directors
Weis, Voisin & Co., Inc.
New York, New York
We have examined the accompanying consolidated
balance sheet of Weis, Voisin & Co., Inc. and subsidiaries
as of May 26, 1972, and the related statements of
earnings, stockholders’ equity and changes in financial
position for the year (52 weeks) then ended. Our
examination was made in accordance with generally
accepted auditing standards, and accordingly included
such tests of the accounting records and such other
auditing procedures as we considered necessary in the
circumstances.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements
referred to above present fairly the financial position of
Weis, Voisin & Co., Inc. and subsidiaries at May 26, 1972,
the results of their operations and changes in their finan-
cial position for the year (52 weeks) then ended, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles
applied on a basis consistent with that of the preceding
year.
Touche Ross & Co.
Certified Public Accountants
70
TOUCHE Ross & Co.
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
MAY 26, 1972
ASSETS
Cash
Deposits with clearing organizations and
others
Receivables from brokers and _ dealers
( Note 4)
Receivables from customers ( Note 4)
Secured demand notes of subordinated
lenders (collateralized by cash of $28,206
and securities, at quoted market
$6,625,570) ( Note 5)
Miscellaneous receivables ( Note 9)
Securities owned ( Note 6)
Securities held under subordination agree-
ments, at quoted market ( Note 5)
Exchange memberships:
Owned, at cost (last sales prices
$1,044,606)
Held under subordination agreements, at
last sales prices ( Note 5)
Leasehold improvements, office furniture
and fixtures, at cost, less accumulated
amortization and _ depreciation of
$1,008,058 ( Note 7)
Excess of investment over net assets
acquired, less accumulated amortization
of $76,465 ( Note 3)
Miscellaneous other assets ( Note 3)
1,842,307
753,033
8,775,852
76,376,206
4,226,794
3,763,785
4,492,365
5,460,751
1,289,938
421,494
3,513,321
2,217,403
2,396,602
$115,529,851
See notes to consolidated financial statements
te ES A RS. a i eens OSS
a a eS a mee Te
71
ToucueE Ross & Co.
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
MAY 26, 1972
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Short-term bank loans, collateralized by
customers’ margin accounts securities
Short-term bank loans, collateralized by
securities owned by the Company or
covered by subordination agreements
Payables to brokers and dealers ( Note 4)
Payables to customers ( Note 4)
Securities sold but not yet purchased
( Note 6)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
(Note 8)
Due to lessors on lease contracts capital-
ized ( Note 7)
Subordinated liabilities and stockholders’
equity:
Liabilities subordinated to all claims of
general creditors ( Note 5)
Stockholders’ equity ( Notes 9 and 10):
Capital stock
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Less treasury stock, at cost
Contingencies and commitments (Notes
11 and 12)
$14,977,921
,374,800
,767,078
3,811,397
8,953,275
1,366,017
7,587,258
$ 47,575,000
6,912,245
14,311,794
16,770,379
2,967,457
2,952,582
1,475,215
22,565,179
$115,529,851
72
ToucueE Ross & Co.
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS
YEAR (52 WEEKS) ENDED MAY 26, 1972
Revenues:
Commissions:
Customers $19,160,975
Clearing brokers 762,745
Investment banking 5,191,186
Principal transactions
( Note 6) 2,288,365
Interest 3,408,607
Fees 873,707
Other 161,718
31,847,303
Expenses:
Employee compensation $15,575,609
Commissions—clearing
brokers 456,247
Floor brokerage commis-
sions 892,825
Interest 3,120,501
Office and equipment rent-
als 3,024,609
Communications 2,596,221
Other operating expenses 4,394,017 30,060,029
EARNINGS BEFORE
TAXES ON INCOME 1,787,274
Taxes on income ( Note 8) 765,000
Net EARNINGS $ 1,022,274
Weighted average number of
common and common
equivalent shares out-
standing ( Note 13) 234,204
Earnings per common and
common equivalent share
(Note 13) $4.36
See notes to consolidated financial statements
ee
73
ToucueE Ross & Co.
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
YEAR (52 WEEKS) ENDED MAY 26, 1972
Capital stock issued
Number of shares
Common Preferred
Class A Class B Class A, Class B Class C Additional
par par par par par paid-in Retained
$1.00 $1.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 Amount capital earnings
Balance, June 1, 1971.................0006 150,000 150,000 16,248 — — $1,924,800 $2,469,921 $2,789,123
NT idaisiecsiveiianctisisbininsinissbasteiansthnennes — — — 3,500 1,000 450,000 — _
Excess of proceeds over cost of
treasury stock sold:
Common, Class A—29,375
I snishitthcaseasiauiiatiareiiisibapinaneein — — — _ 17,827 —
Common, Class B—40,750
i cietaniiedanssinnntesseicieawmnensees — _ — = — 279,330 _
Net earnings for the year (52
weeks ) ended May 26, 1972....... — _ _ — — _ _ 1,022,274
Balance, May 26, 1972.................0 150,000 150,000 16,248 3,500 1,000 $2,374,800 $2,767,078 $3,811,397
Capital stock in treasury
Number of shares
Common Preferred
Class A, Class B Class A,
par $1.00 par $1.00 par $100.00 Cost
Balance, June 1, 1971..................008 61,375 24,124 6,412.96 $ 2,162,929
PPI srcitvninsansendstectcpsicenssonaxecsonn 7,052 17,546 4,962.50 835,057
ei iauiiariiaidabnicabinservibstinddiasansiacseenicss (29,375) (40,750) (5,400.00 ) (1,631,969)
Balance, May 26, 1972..........e.000000 39,052 920 5,975.46 $ 1,366,017
See notes to consolidated financial statements
74
TOuCHE Ross & Co.
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN
FINANCIAL POSITION
YEAR (52 WEEKS) ENDED MAY 26, 1972
Source of funds:
Operations:
Net earnings
Non-cash charges—depreciation and
amortization
Increase in:
Short-term bank loans, collateralized
by customers’ margin account secu-
rities
Short-term bank loans, collateralized
by securities owned by the Company
or covered by subordination agree-
ments
Payable to brokers and dealers
Payable to customers
Securities soid but not yet purchased
Liabilities subordinated to all claims of
general creditors
Proceeds from issue of preferred stock
Proceeds from sale of treasury stock:
Cost
Excess of proceeds over cost
Other sources
$ 1,022,274
538,410
1,560,684
31,073,040
5,612,245
5,062,360
5,642,327
2,833,092
6,474,117
450,000
1,631,969
297,157
61,550
60,698,541
Ai cS ett nc tems,
75
[CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN
FINANCIAL POSITION —( Continued ) ]
Application of funds:
Increase in:
Deposits with clearing organizations 487,317
Receivables from brokers and dealers 4,064,603
Receivables from customers 42,799,812
Secured demand notes of subordinated
lenders 4,226,794
Miscellaneous receivables 1,397,252
Securities owned 924,121
Securities held under subordination
agreements 146,933
Exchange memberships owned 154,050
Exchange memberships held under
subordination agreements 152,768
Miscellaneous other assets 1,750,911
Purchase of leasehold improvements and
furniture and fixtures 1,937,996
Excess of investment over net assets ac-
quired 2,217,403
Purchase of treasury stock 835,057
61,095,017
Decrease in cash $ 396,476
See notes to consolidated financial statements
76
TOUCHE Ross & Co.
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
!. PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION:
The consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of Weis, Voisin & Co., Inc. and all of its
subsidiaries. The results of operations of companies
purchased are included from the dates of acquisition. All
significant intercompany balances and transactions have
been eliminated in consolidation.
2. ACCOUNTING:
In 1972 the Company adopted a fiscal year consisting
of the fifty-two or fifty-three week period ending the last
Friday of May. Prior to 1972, the Company’s fiscal year
ended on May 31.
Security transactions are recorded in the accounts on
settlement date. Commission income and related ex-
penses for transactions executed but not settled are accru-
ed on financial statement dates.
3. ACQUISITIONS:
Scheinman, Hochstin & Trotta, Inc.:
As of October 1, 1971, the Company acquired certain
specified assets and assumed certain specified liabilities of
Scheinman, Hochstin & Trotta, Inc. (SH&T), a former
member firm of the New York Stock Exchange. This
acquisition has been accounted for as a purchase and the
excess of investment over net assets acquired of
Oe ee eee a RR eri ce
an
77
TOUCHE Ross & Co.
$2,293,868 is being amortized over a twenty-year period.
As part of the purchase agreement a subordinated
lender of SH&T agreed to become a subordinated lender
of the Company and to indemnify the Company to a
maximum of $4,000,000 in the event the assumed liabi-
lities exceeded the acquired assets. Through May 26, 1972
the liabilities assumed exceed the assets acquired by
approximately $750,000 which is included in mis-
cellaneous other assets.
Thomas J. Deegan Company, Inc.:
As of July 1, 1971, the Company acquired the
outstanding capital stock of Thomas J. Deegan Company,
Inc. in exchange for 3,500 shares of its 1% cumulative
convertible preferred par value $100, Class B stock. The
Company is accounting for this acquisition as a purchase.
=.
4. RECEIVABLES FROM AND PAYABLES TO BROKERS AND
DEALERS AND CUSTOMERS:
The components of receivables from and payables to
brokers and dealers as of May 26, 1972 are as follows:
Securities failed to deliver $ 5,246,870
Deposits paid for securities borrowed 2,641,600
Other 887,382
Total receivables from brokers and dealers $ 8,775,852
Securities failed to receive $ 5,642,689
Deposits received for securities loaned 8,433,450
Other 235,655
Total payables to brokers and dealers $14,311,794
“Fails” represent the contract value of securities which
have not been received or delivered by settlement date.
78
TOUCHE Ross & Co.
Receivables from and payables to customers repre-
sent the dollar balances arising in connection with normal
cash and margin transactions. The receivables are
collateralized by securities held by the Company which
are not reflected in the accompanying consolidated finan-
cial statements. Free credit balances totaling approxi-
mately $6,792,000 at May 26, 1972 are included in
payables to customers. Accounts of officers, directors and
stockholders are included in receivables from and pay-
ables to customers since they are subject to the normal
terms and regulations as to payment and, in the aggregate,
are not significant. |
5. LIABILITIES SUBORDINATED TO ALL CLAIMS OF
GENERAL CREDITORS:
Certain creditors of the Company have signed agree-
ments subordinating their debentures, exchange member-
ships or securities accounts to all claims of general credit-
ors, and thus the respective amounts are available to the
Company in computing net capital under the New York
Stock Exchange rule regarding capital requirements (see
Note 10). These agreements generally specify release,
payment, or redemption no less than six months following
the date on which the lender demands termination subject
to approval of the New York Stock Exchange. These
liabilities at May 26, 1972 are summarized as follows:
~ Rate of
interest
Debentures 7-10% $ 3,110,275
Secured demand notes 8% 4,255,000
Exchange memberships 6-8% 421,494
Equities in securities accounts:
Securities at quoted market 2.8-5% 5,460,751
Cash 4-10% 1,730,401
$14,977,921
79
TOUCHE Ross & Co. -3-
6. SECURITIES OWNED:
Securities owned at May 26, 1972 consist of the
Company’s regular trading and investment accounts and
are summarized as follows:
Marketable securities—at Cost
quoted market: seta
U.S. Government bonds $ 330,200 $ 332,560
Municipal bonds 175,800 162,587
Corporate debentures and
note 69,718 69,608
Corporate stocks 1,730,167 1,745,421
Arbitrage (convertible
within 30 days) 1,236,572 1,151,459
g
3,542,457 3,461,635
Securities not readily mar-
ketable—at fair value 949,908 508,244
$4,492,365 $3,969,879
Marketable securities sold but
not yet purchased—at
quoted market:
Corporate debentures and
notes $ 24,734 $ 24,700
Corporate stocks 1,682,327 1,671,581
Arbitrage (convertible
within 30 days) 1,260,396 1,192,206
$2,967,457 $2,888,487
N
Quoted market has been determined by reference to
available quotations as to marketable securities. The fair
values of securities not readily marketable have been
determined by management. Fair values as determined
are, in the aggregate, not less than cost.
80
ToucueE Ross & Co.
The increase in unrealized appreciation on securities
owned for the fiscal year ended May 26, 1972 of $285,516
is included in principal transactions on the statement of
earnings. The effect on net earnings (after taxes) is
$170,667 or $.73 per share.
7. LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS, OFFICE FURNITURE AND
FIXTURES:
Leasehold improvements, office furniture and fixtures
include approximately $2,300,000 of such assets acquired
under lease contracts. The net book value of these assets
of approximately $1,700,000 collateralizes the amounts
due to lessors on lease contracts capitalized. The Com-
pany computes depreciation and amortization on the
straight-line method for financial statement purposes (see
Note 8).
8. TAXES ON INCOME:
Taxes on income indicate a significant variation in the
customary relationship to earnings before taxes on income
due to the effect of the different tax rates applied to
ordinary income and capital gains, and because federal
taxes on income were reduced by $113,000 of investment
tax credit. The Company accounts for the investment tax
credit by use of the flow-through method. Deferred
—4-
income taxes of $18,000 have been provided on the
difference in depreciation and amortization for leasehold
improvements, office furniture and fixtures acquired since
June 1, 1971, computed by the double-declining balance
method for tax purposes and the straight-line method for
financial reporting purposes. The liability for taxes on
income ($564,000 after reduction for estimated tax pay-
ments) at May 26, 1972 is included in accounts payable
and accrued expenses.
Ee em ee Ree es ay A
SoG bi NAS as Die Hs A ee
81
TOUCHE Ross & Co.
9. STOCKHOLDERS’ Eguity:
The capital stock of the Company is composed of the
following at May 26, 1972:
Number of shares
Autho- Out- In
Description rized Issued standing treasury Amount
Common, par value
$1, Class A (vo-
ting ) 150,000 150,000 110,948 39,052 $ 150,000
Common, par value
$1, Class B (non-
voting ) 150,000 150,000 149,080 920 150,000
Preferred, par value
$100, Class A 55,000 16,248 10,273 5,975 1,624,800
Preferred, par value
$100, Class B, 1%
cumulative, con-
vertible 3,500 3,500 3,500 — 350,000
Preferred, par value
$100, Class C, 1%
cumulative, con-
vertible 2,500 1,000 1,000 — 100,000
Preferred, ~ar value
$100, Ciass D, 6%
cumulative 10,000 — _ ‘i yom
$2,374,800
The Company has granted stock options (at option
prices not less than fair market value as determined by the
Company) to subordinated lenders to purchase Class B,
non-voting common stock as follows:
Option Exercise Expiration
granted amount date
Shares equal to 2% of 2% of total stock- 1976
total Class A and Class holders’ equity at
B common stock issued exercise date
and outstanding
at the exercise date
10,907 shares $25 per share 1975
2,000 shares $35,000 Upon termination
of subordination
agreement
82
ToucueE Ross & Co. -5-
The exercise of these options is subject to the written
approval of the New York Stock Exchange.
Subject to certain anti-dilution provisions, the 3,500
shares of Class B preferred stock are convertible, in whole
but not in part, into 3,500 shares each of Class A and
Class B common stock and the 1,000 shares of Class C
preferred stock are convertible, in whole but not in part,
into 2,000 shares of Class B common stock.
As of May 26, 1972, $768,000 included in mis-
cellaneous receivables in the accompanying consolidated
balance sheet was due from employees in connection with
the purchase of the Company’s capital stock.
10. Net CapITaL REQUIREMENTS:
The Company is required to comply with a New
York Stock Exchange regulation which provides that the
Company maintain a ratio of aggregate indebtedness to
net capital, as defined, not exceeding 15 to 1. The excess
net capital as computed under this rule was approximately
$2,878,000 at May 26, 1972.
11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
There are various lawsuits pending against the Com-
pany which, in the opinion of management, will be
resolved with no material adverse effect on the financial
condition of the Company.
Aggregate rental commitments at May 26, 1972
under material noncancellable leases for premises were
approximately $34,650,000 payable as follows:
Fiscal year ending Amount
May 25, 1973 $ 3,000,000
May 31, 1974 2,825,000
May 30, 1975 2,875,000
May 28, 1976 2,750,000
May 27, 1977 2,725,000
May 26, 1978-1991 20,475,000
PeieniAeeine! © cat. cheer TLR ttle
— ee)
83
TOUCHE Ross & Co.
In the normal course of business, the Company enters
into underwriting commitments. Transactions relating to
underwriting commitments which were open as of May
26, 1972 and subsequently settled, had no material effect
on the financial statements at that date.
12. PrRoFit SHARING PLAN:
The Company has a non-contributory profit sharing
plan, qualified under the Internal Revenue Code, which
covers substantially all employees with more than one
year’s service. The plan is funded through a self-
administered trust and may be terminated at any time by
the Company. Contributions to the Trust are made at the
sole discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors. The
amount charged to income during the year was $150,000.
ad
13. EARNINGS PER SHARE:
Earnings per common share and common equivalent
share were computed by dividing net earnings by the
weighted-average number of Class A voting and Class B
non-voting common shares and common share equiva-
lents outstanding during the year. The number of com-
mon share equivalents outstanding during the year. The
number of common share equivalents outstanding includ-
ed, (1) weighted-average of 6,417 shares issuable on
conversion of the Class B preferred stock, (2) weighted
average of 1,360 shares issuable on conversion of the
Class C preferred stock and (3) 600 shares issuable on
exercise Of stock options which are dilutive. All other
stock options outstanding are anti-dilutive and are
excluded in computing earnings per share.
84
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85
Exhibit D to Complaint
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
REPORT ON EXAMINATION OF CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FIVE YEARS ENDED MAY 26, 1972
TOUCHE ROSS & CO.
86
TOUCHE Ross & Co.
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
REPORT ON EXAMINATION OF CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FIVE YEARS ENDED MAY 26, 1972
— we
87
TOUCHE ROSS & CO.
1633 BROADWAY
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10019
Jaly 21, 1972
Board of Directors
Weis, Voisin & Co., Inc.
New York, New York
We have examined the accompanying consolidated
balance sheet of Weis, Voisin & Co., Inc. and subsidiaries
as of May 26, 1972, and the related statement of earnings
for the five years then ended and the related statements of
stockholders’ equity and changes in financial position for
the three years then ended. Our examination was made in
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards,
and accordingly included such tests of the accounting
records and such other auditing procedures as we consid-
ered necessary in the circumstances.
In our opinion, the aforementioned consolidated
financial statements present fairly the financial position of
Weis, Voisin & Co., Inc. and subsidiaries at May 26, 1972,
and the results of their operations and the changes in their
financial position for the periods indicated, in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a
consistent basis.
Touche Ross & Co.
Certified Public Accountants
ToucueE Ross & Co.
Revenues ( Note B):
Commissions ( Note C):
Customers
Clearing brokers
Investment banking ( Note D)
Principal transactions ( Note E)
Interest ( Note F)
Fees
Other
Expenses:
Employee compensation (Note G)
Commissions—clearing brokers
Floor brokerage commissions
Interest
Office and equipment rentals
Communications
Other operating expenses
EARNINGS BEFORE TAXES ON INCOME
Taxes on income ( Note H)
Net EARNINGS
Weighted average number of common and common
equivalent shares outstanding ( Notes B and I)
Earnings per common and common equivalent
= 88
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS
Year ended May 31,
1968 1969 1970 1971
$10,069,939 $13,769,505 $10,834,529 $13,533,183
8,077,966 9,684,578 7,887,924 3,011,337
471,190 3,359,274 2,446,189 1,596,898
974,778 425,719 2,825,483 1,336,104
2,378,745 3,532,765 4,979,995 2,748,397
348,755 385,860 298,150 803,270
166,798 447,920 525,850 455,016
22,488,171 31,605,621 29,298,120 23,484,205
8,405,466 13,831,272 11,852,884 10,605,677
5,78 208 7,027,742 5,044,094 1,922,969
1,471,079 1,539,924 1,044,958 861,370
1,128,850 1,589,146 3,112,488 2,247,205
784,998 1,423,922 1,971,289 2,074,299
777,153 1,219,448 2,023,393 1,842,214
2,114,091 4,114,189 3,624,121 3,245,782
20,461,045 30,745,643 28,673,227 22,799,516
2,027,126 859,978 624,893 684,689
882,000 418,000 206,000 336,000
$ 1,145,126 $ 441,978 $ 418,893 $ 348,689
211,429 213,136 238,605 219,114
$5.42 $2.07 $1.76 $1.59
share ( Notes E, H and I)
See notes to consolidated statement of earnings
Year
(52 weeks)
ended May
26, 1972
(Note A)
$19,160,975
762,745
5,191,186
2,288,365
3,408,607
873,707
161,718
31,847,303
15,575,609
456,247
892,825
3,120,501
3,024,609
2,596,221
4,394,017
30,060,029
1,787,274
765,000
$1,022,274
234,204
$4.36
89
ToucueE Ross & Co. -3-
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF
EARNINGS
Nore A:
In 1972 the Company adopted a fiscal year consisting
of the fifty-two or fifty-three week period ending the last
Friday of May. Prior to 1972, the Company’s fiscal year
ended on May 31.
Security transactions are recorded in the accounts on
settlement date. Commission income and related
expenses for transactions executed but not settled are
accrued on financial statement dates.
Note B:
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial
statements, the Company acquired certain specified assets
and assumed certain specified liabilities of Scheinman,
Hochstin & Trotta, Inc., and acquired certain selected
assets of Winslow, Cohu & Stetson, Incorporated and
undertook to liquidate its assets and liabilities. The
statement of earnings reflects operations of these acquisi-
tions from their respective acquisition dates. Separate
statements of operations of these companies are not
included because both acquisitions were of offices, regis-
tered representatives and customers together with related
assets. Since processing operations and associated costs of
both companies have been eliminated, presentation of
past operational data and pro forma statements of oper-
ations for periods prior to acquisition would not be
meaningful.
a ar
TOucHE Ross & Co.
The statement of earnings reflects operations of VCL
Associates, a limited partnership, all of whose assets and
liabilities were transferred to the Company on May 27,
1971 (see Notes H and 2). The weighted average number
of common and common equivalent shares outstanding
for years prior to the date of acquisition reflect retro-
actively the shares issued in connection with the acquisi-
tion. Net earnings of this company prior to its acquisition
have been transferred to Additional Paid-in Capital.
Note C:
Details of commission income are as follows:
Over-the- Mutual Commod-
Year ended Listed counter funds ities Total
May 31, 1968 $14,991,050 $2,884,241 $157,323$115,291 $18,147,905
May 31, 1969 17,497,592 5,190,585 669,449 96,457 23,454,083
May 31,1970 14,002,091 3,856,612 261,732 102,018 18,222,453
May 31,1971 13,764,538 2,091,596 422,929 265,457 16,544,520
May 26, 1972 15,475,771 3,143,198 834,209 470,542 19,923,720
-4-
Note D:
Investment banking income is ac follows:
Underwriting
manage-
ment— Syndicate
Year ended manager member Total
May 31, 1968 $ 185,087 $ 286,103 $ 471,190
May 31, 1969 3,002,414 356,860 3,359,274
May 31, 1970 1,598,406 847,783 2,446,189
May 31, 1971 69,236 1,527,662 1,596,898
May 26, 1972 2,334,849 2,856,337 5,191,186
91
TOUCHE Ross & Co.
Nore E:
Securities owned and securities sold but not yet
purchased are valued at quoted market or fair value
resulting in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation),
which is reflected in principal transactions for each period.
The change in unrealized appreciation/( depreciation) as
shown below is due not only to fluctuations in the quoted
market or fair value of individual securities owned, but it
is also affected by gains/(losses) realized on transactions
in these securities during the period. For tax purposes
securities owned are valued at cost. The change in
unrealized appreciation/( depreciation) by year, the effect
on net earnings and the related per share effect are as
follows:
Change in Increase/( decrease )
unrealized in net earnings
appreciation /
Year ended (depreciation) Amount Pershare
May 31, 1968 $ 418,448 $ 301,348 §$ 1.43
May 31, 1969 (507,843) (365,343) (1.71)
May 31, 1970 20,233 13,533 .06
May 31, 1971 319,474 214,074 .98
May 26, 1972 285,516 170,667 Ry
Note F:
Interest income is derived from interest-bearing
securities and deposits, and from credit extended to
92
TOUCHE Ross & Co.
customers for security purchases on margin and is as
follows:
Interest on
margin
Year ended accounts Other Total
May 31, 1968 $2,352,305 $26,440 $2,378,745
May 31, 1969 3,465,047 67,718 3,532,765
May 31, 1970 4,966,369 13,626 4,979,995
May 31, 1971 2,721,393 27,004 2,748,397
May 26, 1972 3,390,844 17,763 3,408,607
ie
Note G:
The Company has a noncontributory profit-sharing
plan, qualified under the Internal Revenue Code, which
covers substantially all employees with more than one
year’s service. The plan is funded through d self-
administered trust and may be terminated at any time by
the Company. Contributions to the trust are made at the
sole discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors. The
amount charged to income was $154,000 in 1968,
$209,000 in 1969, none in 1970 and 1971, and $150,000 in
1972.
Note H:
The effective rate of taxes on income varies from year
to year due primarily to the different tax rates applied to
ordinary income and capital gains, investment tax credits,
and the varying tax rates during the five-year period. The
Company accounts for the investment tax credits, which
amounted to $10,000 in 1968, $87,000 in 1969, none in
1970 and 1971, and $113,000 in 1972, by use of the flow-
through method. State and local taxes included in taxes
93
TOUCHE Ross & Co.
on income were $77,000 in 1968, $18,000 in 1969, $70,000
in 1970, $52,000 in 1971 and $112,000 in 1972. As
discussed in Notes B and 2, VCL Associates operated as a
limited partnership. Pro forma provisions for taxes on
income which would have been required had this business
operated as a corporation are included in taxes on income
in the following amounts: 1968—$2,900, 1969—$24,000,
1970—$207,800, and 1971—$2,200. These additional tax
provisions reduced consolidated net earnings per share in
1968 by $.01, 1969—$.11, 1970—$.87, and 1971—$.01.
Note I:
Earnings per common and common equivalent share
for each of the four years ended May 31, 1971 were
computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted-
average number of Class A voting and Class B non-voting
common shares outstanding during the respective years
since there were no dilutive common share equivalents
outstanding during this period. For the year (52 weeks)
ended May 26, 1972 the weighted-average number of
common sares was increased by common share equiva-
lents including (1) weighted-average of 6,417 shares
issuable on conversion of the Class B preferred stock, (2)
weighted-average of 1,360 shares issuable on conversion
of the Class C preferred stock and (3) 600 shares issuable
on exercise of stock options which are dilutive. All other
stock options outstanding during this period are antidilu-
tive and were excluded in computing earnings per share.
Note J:
No dividends have been paid by the Company.
94
TOUCHE Ross & Co.
WEIS VOISIN & CO., INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
MAY 26, 1972
ASSETS
a aac a snaninesiintioens $ 1,842,307
Deposits with clearing organizations and
EIS Ea es 753,033
Receivables from brokers and _ dealers
ia ee icsascideice nasitenienptes 8,775,852
Receivables from customers ( Note 3) .......... 76,376,206
Secured demand notes of subordinated len-
ders (collateralized by cash of $28,206,
and securities at quoted market
BOR FO) CINOND 4) os cnccncoccctecesessecerssccecese 4,226,794
Miscellaneous receivables ( Note 9) .............. 3,763,785
Securities owned, at quoted market or fair
II sin sntisnetcislensbsnasenssndviccseosseoces 4,492,365
Securities held under subordination agree-
ments, at quoted market ( Note 4)............. 5,460,751
Exchange memberships:
Owned—at cost (last sales prices
EN 1,289,938
Held under subordination agreements,
at last sales prices ( Note 4)................ 421,494
Leasehold improvements, office furniture
and fixtures—at cost, less accumulated
amortization and depreciation of
Bee ( INGED 6) ono. cccccsevicccccseseccesecceees 3,513,321
Excess of investment over net assets
acquired, less accumulated amortization
Se INET 0 OUIO Oh prrcreccocsathocserecsecesicecsccss 2,217,403
Miscellaneous other assets ( Note 2) ............. 2,396,602
$115,529,851
See notes to consolidated financial statements
SEG edoraregys tareencenee arene ee
95
adie
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
MAY 26, 1972
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Short-term bank loans (Note
¥ Paltsadiinmnianssteiehastibusassisins $ 54,487,245
Payables to brokers and deal-
eS) ee ee 14,311,794
Payables to customers (Note
BD ctcinishsevasdiavalipedaeuptiniatnies 16,770,379
Securities sold but not yet pur-
chased, at quoted market
4} } GRR ee 2,967,457
Accounts payable and ac-
crued expenses ( Note 8)..... 2,952,582
Due to lessors on lease con-
tracts capitalized ( Note 6).. 1,475,215
Subordinated liabilities and
stockholders’ equity:
Liabilities subordinated
to all claims of general
creditors ( Note 4)........ $14,977,921
Stockholders’ equity
(Notes 9 and 10):
Capital stock............. 2,374,800
Additional paid-in
Si cicteceniccscasens 2,767,078
Retained earnings.... 3,811,397
8,953,275
Less treasury
stock—at cost....... 1,366,017
7,587,258 22,565,179
Contingencies and commit-
ments ( Note 11 )..............00e
$115,529,851
Toucue Ross & Co.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
- Ss
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Balance June |, 1969—as previously reported
Adjustment to reflect acquisition of VCL
Associates ( Notes 2 and B)
Balance June !, 1969—as adjusted
Issued
Excess of proceeds over cost of treasury stock
sold:
Common Class A 17,075 shares
Common Class B 40,626 shares
Net earnings for the year ended May 31, 1970
( Note B)
Pro forma taxes on income ( Note H)
Balance May 31, 1970
Excess of proceeds over cost of treasury stock
sold—common Class A 9,750 shares
Excess of cost over proceeds of treasury stock
sold—common Class B 14,250 shares
Net earnings for the year ended May 31, 1971
( Note B)
Pro forma taxes on income ( Note H)
Balance May 31, 1971
Issued
a of proceeds over cost of treasury stock
sold:
Common Class A 29,375 shares
Common Class B 40,750 shares
Net earnings for the year ended May 26, 1972
Baiance May 26, 1972
Capital stock issued
96
Number of shares
Common Preferred
Class A Class B Class A Class B Class C
par par par par par
$1.00 $1.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00
144,700 150,000 14,961 — ~
144,700 150,000 14,961 — —
5,300 — 1,287 — —
150,000 150,000 16,248 — _—
150,000 150,000 16,248 — —
sili pen _ 3,500 1,000
150,000 150,000 16,248 3,500 1,000
See notes to consolidated financial statements
Amount
$1,790,812
Additional
paid-in
capital
$ 967,778
(142,659)
1,790,812
133,988
825,119
127,450
344,755
628,025
305,142
207,800
2,438,291
82,581
(57,872)
4,721
2,200
1,924,800
450,000
2,469,921
17,827
279,330
$2,374,800
$2,767,078
Page l
Retained
earnings
$2,331,404
2,331,404
113,751
2,445,155
343,968
2,789,123
1,022,274
$3,811,397
a ee eee ee,
97
TOUCHE Ross & Co. -8-
Page 2
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Capital stock in treasury
Number of shares
Common Pre-
ferred
Class A Class B Class A
par par par
$1.00 $1.00 $100.00 Cost
Balance June 1, 1969
—as previously re-
ported 47,950
Adjustment to reflect
shares issued in con-
nection with acquisi-
tion of VCL Associ-
ates (Notes 2 and
41,250 - 4,157 $ 1,211,341
(12,000) —_ (260,000 )
29,250 4,157 951,341
21,750 9,297 1,802,184
(40,626) (6,945) (1,153,493)
10,374 6,509 — 1,600,032
28,000 1,191 1,037,814
(14,250) (1,286) (474,917)
B) —
Balance June 1, 1969
—as adjusted ~ 47,950
Purchased 19,000
Sold (17,075)
Balance May 31, 1970 49,875
Purchased 21,250
Sold (9,750)
Balance May 31, 1971 61,375
Purchased 7,052
Sold (29,375)
24,124 6,414 2,162,929
17,546 4,961 835,057
(40,750) (5,400) (1,631,969)
Balance May 26, 1972 39,052
920 5,975 $ 1,366,017
See notes to consolidated financial statements
98
TOUCHE Ross & Co. -9- Page |
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN
FINANCIAL POSITION
Year ended
May 31, May 31, May 26,
1970 1971 1972
SOURCE OF FUNDS:
Operations:
Net earnings exclusive
of earnings appli-
cable to VCL Associ-
ates credited to addi-
tional paid-in capital $
Noncash charges—
depreciation and
amortization
113,751 $ 343,968 $ 1,022,274
266,497
380,248
426,422
770,390
538,410
1,560,684
Decrease in:
Deposits with clearing
organizations and
others
Receivables from bro-
kers and dealers
Receivables from cus-
tomers
Miscellaneous
receivables —
Securities held under
subordination agree-
ments —
Exchange
memberships:
Owned —
Held under subordi-
nation agreements
238,940 — —
7,320,413 446,876 —
5,709,490 13,543,056 —
1,263,919 --
752,398 —
190,000 --
801,828 — —
he ed eee
TOUCHE Ross & Co.
99
{CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN
FINANCIAL POSITION —( Continued) }
Increase in:
Short-term bank loans,
collateralized by
customers’ margin
account securities
Short-term bank loans,
collateralized by
securities owned
by the company or
covered by
subordination
agreements
Payables to _ brokers
and dealers
Payables to customers
Securities sold but not
yet purchased
Accounts payable and
accrued expenses
Due to lessors on lease
contracts capitalized.
Liabilities subordinated
to all claims of gen-
eral creditors
Proceeds from the issue
of:
Common stock
Preferred stock
Proceeds from sale of
treasury stock:
Cost
Excess of proceeds
over cost
Year ended
May 31, May 31, May 26,
1970 1971 1972
18,737,500 -- 31,073,040
— 1,300,000 5,612,245
— 3,392,640 5,062,360
Sia — §,642,327
217,361 _ 2,833,092
— 837,782 —
487,763 320,424 —
933,576 352,089 6,474,117
132,750 — —
128,688 -~ 450,000
1,153,493 474,917 1,631,969
972,780 24,709 297,157
100
ToucueE Ross & Co.
[CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN
FINANCIAL POSITION —( Continued ) }
Year ended
May 31, May 31, May 26,
1970 1971 1972
Equity of VCL Associates
acquired as of May 27,
1971 — 637,204 _
Other sources — — 61,550
37,214,830 24,306,404 60,698,541
—10- Page 2
APPLICATION OF FUNDS:
Increase in:
Deposits with clearing
organizations and
others $ — $
Receivables from bro-
154,286 $ 487,317
kers and dealers — — 4,064,603
Receivables from cus-
tomers — — 42,799,812
Secured demand notes
of subordinated len-
ders — — 4,226,794
Miscellaneous
receivables 2,816,756 — 1,397,252
Securities owned 44,199 1,413,137 924,121
Securities held under
subordination
agreements 1,174,127 — 146,933
Exchange
memberships:
Owned 696,000 — 154,050
Held under subordi-
nation agreements _ 64,754 152,768
PH
rary
cil MPN i dal. itd tt i cn aan? ah
101
TOucHE Ross & Co.
[CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN
FINANCIAL POSITION —( Continued ) |
Year ended
May 31, May 31, May 26,
1970 1971 1972
Miscellaneous other
assets 543,416 39,862 1,756,911
Decrease in: |
Short-term bank loans,
collateralized by cus-
tomers’ margin ac-
count securities — 14,535,540 —
Payables to brokers
and dealers 20,486,933 — —
Payables to customers 7,985,597 5,695,133 —
Securities sold but not
yet purchased — 662,445 —
Accounts payable and
accrued expenses 298,020
Purchase of leasehold
improvements,
furniture and fixtures 606,969 1,400,183 1,937,996
Purchase of treasury
stock 1,802,184 1,037,814 835,057
Excess of investment over
net assets acquired — — 2,217,403
36,454,201 25,003,154 61,095,017
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN
CASH $ 760,629 $ (696,750)$ (396,476)
See notes to consolidated financial statements
102
ToucueE Ross & Co. a)
WEIS, VOISIN & CO., INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
1. PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION:
The consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of Weis, Voisin & Co., Inc. and all of its
subsidiaries. The results of operations of companies
purchased are included from the dates of acquisition. All
significant intercompany balances and transactions have
been eliminated in consolidation. The parent company
accounts for its investments in subsidiaries by the equity
method.
2. ACQUISITIONS:
Scheinman, Hochstin & Trotta, Inc.: -
As of October 1, 1971, the Company acquired certain
specified assets and assumed certain specified liabilities of
Scheinman, Hochstin & Trotta, Inc. (SH&T), a former
member firm of the New York Stock Exchange. This
acquisition has been accounted for as a purchase and the
excess of investment over net assets acquired of
$2,293,868 is being amortized over a twenty-year period.
As part of the purchase agreement a subordinated
lender of SH&T agreed to become a subordinated lender
of the Company and to indemnify the Company to a
maximum of $4,000,000 in the event the assumed liabi-
lities exceeded the acquired assets. Through May 26, 1972
the liabilities assumed exceed the assets acquired by
approximately $750,000 which is included in mis-
cellaneous other assets.
103
TOUCHE Ross & Co.
Thomas J. Deegan Company, Inc.:
As of July 1, 1971, the Company acquired the
outstanding capital stock of Thomas J. Deegan Company,
Inc. in exchange for 3,500 shares of its 1% cumulative
convertible preferred par value $100, Class B stock. The
Company is accounting for this acquisition as a purchase.
VCL Associates:
As of May 27, 1971, the business and all of the assets
and liabilities of VCL Associates, a limited partnership,
were transferred to the Company in exchange for 12,000
shares of Class B common stock. Prior to the transfer, the
Company and VCL Associates were “under common
control” and the accounting for the transaction is similar
to that used in a pooling of interests. The number of
common shares outstanding for years prior to the date of
acquisition reflect retroactively the shares issued in con-
nection with the acquisition.
~j2—
Winslow, Cohu & Stetson; Incorporated:
As of September 29, 1969, the Company acquired
certain selected assets of a former New York Stock
Exchange member firm, Winslow, Cohu & Stetson,
Incorporated (WCS) and undertook to liquidate its assets
and liabilities. This acquisition has been accounted for as
a purchase. WCS assets realized and liabilities liquidated
through May 26, 1972 have resulted in a net deficiency of
approximately $411,000 which, in accordance with the
purchaSe agreement, has been charged in the financial
statements against the subordinated accounts ($4,315,402
at May 26, 1972) transferred from WCS. In the event that
the assets realized and liabilities liquidated result ulti-
mately in a net surplus, the Company will issue a 20-year
subordinated debenture to the former stockholders of
WCS in an amount equal to the net surplus.
104
TOUCHE Ross & Co.
3. RECEIVABLES FROM AND PAYABLES TO BROKERS
DEALERS AND CUSTOMERS:
The components of receivables from and payables to
brokers and dealers as of May 26, 1972 are as follows:
Securities failed to deliver:
Outstanding less than 30 days $ 5,051,188
Outstanding 30 days or more 195,682
Deposits paid for securities borrowed 2,641,600
Other 887,382
Total receivables from brokers and deal-
ers $ 8,775,852
Securities failed to receive:
Outstanding less than 30 days $ 5,386,021
Outstanding 30 days or more 256,668
Deposits received for securities losses 8,433,450
Other 235,655
Total payables to brokers and dealers $14,311,794
“Fails” represent the contract value of securities
which have not been received or delivered by settlement
date.
Receivables from and payables to customers repre-
sent the dollar balances arising in connection with normal
cash and margin transactions. The receivables are
collateralized by securities with a quoted market of
$100,306,000 held by the Company which are not reflect-
ed in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Free credit balances totaling approximately $6,792,000 at
May 26, 1972 are included in payables to customers.
Accounts of officers, directors and stockholders are includ-
ed in receivables from and payables to customers since
they are subject to the normal terms and regulations as to
payment and, in the aggregate, are not significant.
105
ToucueE Ross & Co. —13-
4. LIABILITIES SUBORDINATED TO ALL CLAIMS OF
GENERAL CREDITORS:
Certain creditors of the Company have signed agree-
ments subordinating their debentures, exchange member-
ships or securities accounts to all claims of general credit-
ors, and thus the respective amounts are available to the
Company in computing net capital under the New York
Stock Exchange rule regarding capital requirements (see
Note 11). These agreements generally specify release,
payment, or redemption no less than six months following
the date on which the lender demands termination subject
to approval of the New York Stock Exchange. These
liabilities at May 26, 1972 are summarized as follows:
Rate of
interest
Debentures 7 - 10% $ 3,110,275
Secured demand notes 8% 4,255,000
Exchange memberships 6 - 8% 421,494
Equities in securities
accounts:
Securities at quoted
market 2.8- 5% 5,460,751
Cash 4 - 10% 1,730,401
$14,977,921
106
TOucHE Ross & Co.
5. SECURITIES OWNED:
Securities owned at May 26, 1972 consist of the
Company’s regular trading and investment accounts and
are summarized as follows:
Marketable securities—at Cost
quoted market:
U.S. Government bonds $ 330,200 $ 332,560
Municipal bonds 175,800 162,587
Corporate debentures
and notes 69,718 69,608
Corporate stocks 1,730,167 1,745,421
Arbitrage (convertible
within 30 days ) 1,236,572 1,151,459
3,542,457 3,461,635
Securities not readily market-
able—at fair value 949,908 508,244
$4,492,365 $3,969,879
Marketable securities sold but
107
TOUCHE Ross & Co.
The following securities included above have quoted
market or fair values which exceed 5% of the balance
sheet caption:
not yet purchased—at
quoted market:
Corporate debentures
Quoted
market
or fair
value Cost
Marketable securities:
Alaska Interstate con-
vertible debenture 6%,
February 1, 1996 $404,421 $408,236
Harmony Gold Mining
Ltd. 240,663 212,596
Security National Bank
of Long Island 327,500 430,000
Securities not readily market-
able—
Electro-Catheter 234,983 48,330
Securities sold but not yet pur-
chased:
Alaska Interstate 396,250 435,239
Channel Companies, Inc. 948,500 948,500
Harmony Gold Mining
Ltd. ADR 259,125 215,437
Medallion Leisure Corp. © 346,000 346,000
and notes $ 24,734 $ 24,700
Corporate stocks 1,682,327 1,671,581
Arbitrage (convertible
within 30 days ) 1,260,396 1,192,206
$2,967,457 $2,888,487
—14-
Quoted market has been determined by reference to
available quotations as to marketable securities. The fair
values of securities not readily marketable have been
determined by management. Fair values as determined
are, in the aggregate, not less than cost.
6. LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS, OFFICE FURNITURE
AND FIXTURES:
Leasehold improvements, office furniture and fixtures
include approximately $2,300,000 of such assets acquired
under lease contracts. The net book value of these assets
of approximately $1,700,000 collateralizes the amounts
due to lessors on lease contracts capitalized. The Com-
pany computes depreciation and amortization by the
straight-line method for financiai statement purposes (see
Note 8).
108
ToucueE Ross & Co.
Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as
incurred. Renewals and betterments are capitalized. The
cost of assets retired or otherwise disposed of is removed
from the asset accounts and the related reserve for depre-
ciation is removed from the reserve account; any resulting
gain or loss is included in income.
7. SHORT-TERM BANK LOANS:
The Company borrows from banks primarily to
finance customers’ purchases on margin and dealer
inventory positions. At May 26, 1972, bank borrowings of
$6,912,245 were collateralized by securities owned by the
Company or covered by subordination agreements having
a quoted market of $12,807,000 and borrowings of
$47,575,000 were collateralized by securities owned by
customers having a quoted market of $71,373,000. The
customer-owned securities pledged are those securities for
which the Company has the right of hypothecation under
signed margin agreements.
-15-
8. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES:
Included in accounts payable and accrued expenses
are the following:
Accrued salaries and commissions $653,000
Federal, state and local taxes on
income 564,000
Interest payable on short term-bank
loans and subordinated borrow-
ings 280,000
Unclaimed dividends and interest
items 218,000
109
Toucue Ross & Co.
Deferred income taxes of $18,000 have been pro-
vided on the difference in depreciation and amortization
for leasehold improvements, office furniture and fixtures
acquired since June 1, 1971, computed by the double-
declining balance method for tax purposes and the
straight-line method for financial reporting purposes.
9. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
The capital stock of the Company is composed of the
- following at May 26, 1972:
Number of shares
Autho- Out- In
Description rized Issued standing treasury Amount
Common, par value
$1, Class A (vot-
ing ) 150,000 150,000 110,948 39,052 $ 150,000
Common, par value
$1, Class B (non-
voting ) 150,000 150,000 149,080 920 150,000
Preferred, par value
$100, Class A 55,000 16,248 10,273 5,975 1,624,800
Preferred, par value
$100, Class B, 1%
cumulative, con-
vertible 3,500 3,500 3,500 — 350,000
Preferred, par value
$100, Class C, 1%
cumulative, con-
vertible 2,500 1,000 1000 — 100,000
Preferred, par value
$100, Class D, 6%
cumulative 10,000 — — — —_
$2,374,800
110
Toucue Ross & Co. -16-
The Company has granted stock options (at opiton
prices not less than fair market value as determined by the
Company) to subordinated lenders to purchase Class B,
nonvoting common stock which are currently exercisable
as follows:
111
TOUCHE Ross & Co.
10. Net CaPIraAL REQUIREMENTS:
The Company is required to comply with a New
York Stock Exchange regulation which provides that the
Company maintain a ratio of aggregate indebtedness to
net capital, as defined, not exceeding 15 to 1. The excess
Expiration ;
Option granted ee date net capital as computed under this rule was approximately
oe $2,878,000 at May 26, 1972.
Shares equalto2%of 2% of total stock- 1976
total Class A and holders’ equity at 11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
Class Bcommon stock exercise date
issued and outstanding ($29.18 per share, There are various lawsuits pending against the Com-
at the exercise date $151,745 total at pany which, in the opinion of management, will be
Hoag tage = , May 26, 1972 resolved with no material adverse effect on the financial
10,907 shares $25 per share; 1975 condition of the Company.
$272,675 total ae Aggregate rental commitments at May 26, 1972
2,000 shares aon ang —. mae a under material noncancellable leases for premises were
,000 tota phe 8 sia approximately $34,650,000 payable as follows:
The exercise of these options is subject to the written
approval of the New York Stock Exchange.
Subject to certain antidilution provisions, the 3,500
shares of Class B preferred stock are convertible, in whole
but not in part, into 3,500 shares each of Class A and
Class B common stock and the 1,000 shares of Class C
preferred stock are convertible, in whole but not in part,
into 2,000 shares of Class B common stock. An increase of
150,000 shares in the number of Class A and Class B
common shares authorized was approved by the siock-
holders in June 1972.
As of May 26, 1972, $768,000 included in mis-
cellaneous receivables in the accompanying consolidated
balance sheet was due from employees in connection with
the purchase of the Company’s capital stock.
a
Fiscal year Ending Amount
May 25, 1973 $ 3,000,000
May 31, 1974 2,825,000
May 30, 1975 2,875,000
May 28, 1976 2,750,000
May 27, 1977 2,725,000
May 26, 1978-1991 20,475,000
In the normal course of business, the Company enters
into underwriting commitments. Transactions relating to
underwriting commitments which were open as of May
26, 1972 and subsequently settled, had no material effect
on the financial statements at that date.
112
Defendant’s Notice of Motion to Dismiss
Filed September 22, 1976
UNITED STATES DistTRICT COURT
FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK
[Caption omitted in printing]
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, upon the annexed
affidavits of Arnold I. Roth (sworn to September 15,
1976), Philip H. Cohen (sworn to September 14, 1976)
and Barry N. Cooper (sworn to September 14, 1976), and
the complaint and the prior proceedings herein, the
undersigned will move this Court, before the Honorable
Inzer B. Wyatt, in Room 905, United States Court House,
Foley Square, New York, New York on October 1, 1976,
at 2:30 P.M., or as soon thereafter as counsel can be
heard, for an order
1. Pursuant to Rule 12(b), F.R.Civ.P., dis-
missing this action, said complaint, and each so-called
cause of action therein alleged, on the grounds that
this Court lacks subject matter jurisdiction and plain-
tiffs have failed to state a claim upon which relief can
be granted; and,
2. To the extent that the foregoing relief is not
granted, staying this action pending determination of
the action in the Supreme Court of the State of New
York, New York County, entitled Edward S. Reding-
ton, as Trustee for the liquidation of the business of
Weis Securities, Inc., and Securities Investor Protec-
tion Corporation v. Touche Ross & Co. (Index No.
13996/76); and
113
3. Granting to defendant such other relief as is
just and proper.
September 15, 1976
TO:
ROSENMAN COLIN FREUND
Lewis & COHEN
By _/s/ ARNOLD I. ROTH
A Partner
Attorneys for Defendant
575 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10022
212-644-7000
HUGHES HUBBARD & REED
Attorneys for Plaintiff
Edward S. Redington
One Wall Street
New York, New York 10005
HAWKINS, DELAFIELD & Woop
Attorneys for Plaintiff
Securities Investor
Protection Corporation
67 Wall Street
New York, New York 10005
114
Affidavit of Arnold I. Roth
in Support of Motion to Dismiss
Filed September 22, 1976
UNITED STATES DISTRICT CouRT
FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK
[Caption omitted in printing]
STATE OF NEW YORK =:
COUNTY OF NEw YORK *
ARNOLD I. ROTH, being duly sworn, deposes and
says:
1. I am a member of the firm of Rosenman Colin
Freund Lewis & Cohen, attorneys for defendant Touche
Ross & Co. (“Touche Ross”) herein. I submit this
Affidavit together with the accompanying Affidavits of
Philip H. Cohen and Barry N. Cooper, in support of the
present motion by defendant Touche Ross for an order (i)
pursuant to Rule 12(b), F.R.Civ.P., dismissing the com-
plaint herein, each of the so-called “causes of action”
therein alleged, and this action, on the grounds of lack of
subject matter jurisdiction and failure to state a claim
upon which relief can be granted, and (ii) to the extent
that the foregoing relief is not granted, staying this action
pending determination of the action in the Supreme Court
of the State of New York, New York County, entitled
Edward S. Redington, as Trustee for the liquidation of the
business of Weis Securities, Inc., and Securities Investors
Protection Corporation v. Touche Ross & Co. (Index No.
13996/76) (the “State Court Action”’).
2. This is yet another in the series of actions in this
Court which arise from the liquidation under the Securities
Investor Protection Act of 1970 (“SIPA”) of the defunct
brokerage firm, Weis Securities, Inc. (“Weis”), and which
would impose liability upon defendant Touche Ross, a
REE 4 NEP, A RN seit.
i1l5
firm of certified public accountants, by reason of its work
on certain financial statements of Weis for periods ending
approximately a year before the Weis collapse. This
action is brought by plaintiffs Edward S. Redington
(“Redington”), the Trustee for the liquidation of Weis,
and Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”),
and seeks from defendant Touche Ross aggregate alleged
damages of over $65,000,000.
3. Although plaintiffs seek to create the appearance
of federally-created claims primarily by the now familiar
tactic of alleging that the conduct of defendant Touche
Ross of which they complain violated the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the “1934 Act”), they are here
asserting what are essentially state-created, common law
claims of negligence, malpractice, breach of contract and
breach of warranty. Indeed, so clear is the basic common
law nature of plaintiff's claims, even to plaintiffs them-
selves, that they did not even commence this action until
almost a year after they had commenced a separate action
(the “State Court Action”) in the New York State courts
seeking, on the basis of identical factual allegations and
almost identical claims as are now asserted in the com-
plaint in this action, the same relief against defendant
Touche Ross as they now seek here.
4. The accompanying memorandum sets forth in
detail the reasons which compel the granting of the
present motion and the dismissal of the complaint and
each of the “causes of action” therein alleged. This
affidavit (and the accompanying Cohen and Cooper
Affidavits) sets forth facts concerning this action and the
State Court Action, and pertinent to an understanding of
the many reasons why this action must be dismissed, and
why plaintiffs are and should be limited to proceeding
with their claims, if in fact they have any viable claims, in
the State Court Action.
116
5. This action was commenced on April 30, 1976, by
the filing of the compiaint herein. A copy of the complaint
is annexed hereto as Exhibit 1.
6. Almost ten months prior to the commencement of
this action, by service of a summons on July 3, 1975,
plaintiffs herein commenced the State Court Action in the
Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New
York, under the title (which is the same as the title of this
action) Edward S. Redington, as Trustee for the liquida-
tion of the business of Weis Securities, Inc., and Securities
Investor Protection Corporation v. Touche Ross & Co.
(Index No. 13996/76). Copies of the summons, and the
subsequently served complaint, in the State Court Action
are annexed hereto as, respectively, Exhibits 2 and 3.
The parties to the State Court Action are the same as
the parties to this action and the complaint in the State
Court Action asserts identical factual allegations and
almost identical claims, and seeks identical relief, as does
the complaint in this action.
7. Defendant Touche Ross has commenced discovery
in the State Court Action, having served extensive inter-
rogatories therein on both plaintiff Redington and plaintiff
SIPC and notices to take the deposition of each. Objec-
tions and answers to the interrogatories were originally
due on, respectively, September 13 and September 20,
and the depositions were originally set to commence on
September 27 for plaintiff SIPC and on September 30 for
plaintiff Redington. At plaintiffs’ request, each of those
dates has been adjourned for approximately one month.
8. The extensive litigation in this Court arising out of
the collapse of Weis involves matters and facts pertinent
to this action, among which are those set forth below.
9. The complaint herein refers (14) to the “SEC
... action in this Court (73 Civ. 2332) against Weis and
117
the Weis Five for injunctive relief” an action which led to
plaintiff Redington’s appointment as Trustee. The com-
plaint of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
“SEC”’) in that action, a copy of which is annexed hereto
as Exhibit 4, alleged violations of the securities acts in
connection with Weis’ allegedly false financial statements
only against Weis itself and certain of its officers. Even
after the “separate investigations by the Exchange and the
SEC” referred to in the complaint herein (¥ 13), the SEC
complaint did not allege that defendant Touche Ross had
committed or participated in or aided and abetted any such
violations. A necessary conclusion is that the
“investigations” by the SEC and the Exchange revealed
that defendant Touche Ross had not committed or been
involved in any violations.
10. Moreover, in the indictment filed in this Court
against several former Weis officers in United States v.
Arthur Levine et al. (73 Crim. 693), a copy of which is
annexed hereto as Exhibit 5, Count I significantly alleged
that those officers
“did fraudulently conceal from Weis’ auditors, Touche
Ross & Co., the existence and nature of the aforesaid
fraudulent books and records and, in addition, ... did
create directly and indirectly wholly fictitious documenta-
tion for the aforesaid fraudulent entries” (emphasis
added) (Exh. 5, p. 5),
and three of those officers, including the former Chairman
of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, the President
and the Comptroller, have admitted the truth of such
allegations by pleading guilty to Count I of the indictment
(see copy of criminal docket sheet annexed hereto as
Exhibit 6).
11. There are presently in this Court a number of
actions against defendant Touche Ross which arise out of
118
the Weis situation. Various decisions have been rendered
in those actions, and are referred to in the accompanying
memorandum as pertinent.
12. In one of those actions, which was brought as a
purported class action on behalf of the customers of Weis
during the relevant period, Judge Brieant recognized that
the claims against defendant Touche Ross by reason of its
involvement with Weis—claims which were the same as
those of plaintiffs Redington and SIPC here (indeed,
claims which plaintiff SIPC purports to assert here as an
alleged subrogee )—were not claims under the 1934 Act,
but were at most non-federal, common law claims for
negligence and malpractice which should be determined
by the State courts. Rich v. Touche Ross & Co., CCH Fed.
Sec. L. Rep. $95,514 (S.D.N.Y. 1976). Judge Brieant
held that the Rich plaintiffs did not state a claim for relief
under the 1934 Act, and dismissed their second amended
complaint, a copy of which is annexed hereto as Exhibit 7.
Thereafter, the plaintiffs in Rich v. Touche Ross & Co., as
have other customers, commenced a State court action
which is brought as a purported class action, and which is
now pending in the Supreme Court of the State of New
York, County of New York.
13. Another related group of such actions are the
three actions in this court entitled, respectively, Sheldon
Berger et al. v. Weis Securities, Inc., et al. (74 Civ. 186
(1.B.W.)), George P. Govatos, Sr. v. Weis Securities, Inc.,
et al. (74 Civ. 2832 (1.B.W.)) and Irwin S. Barshack v.
Weis Securities, Inc., et al. (74 Civ. 2833 (1.B.W.)).
Copies of the second amended complaint in the Berger
action, and the amended complaint in the Govatos and
Barshack action, are annexed hereto as, respectively,
Exhibits 8 and 9.
On June 27, 1975, Judge Wyatt rendered an unre-
ported decision on a motion by defendant Touche Ross to
119
dismiss the second amended complaint and amended
complaint. In that decision, a copy of which is annexed
hereto as Exhibit 10, Judge Wyatt granted the motion with
respect to claims made under Section 17(a) of the 1934
Act (claims which were similar to those asserted in this
action by plaintiffs Redington and SIPC).
14. This action involves claims based upon Section
17 of the 1934 Act and Rule 17a-5 thereunder. Because
Section 17 and Rule 17a-5 have been substantially
amended since the time in 1972 pertinent to this action,
copies of Section 17 and Rule 17a-5 in effect at that time
are annexed hereto as, respectively, Exhibits 11 and 12,
for the convenience of the Court.
15. For the reasons set forth in the accompanying
memorandum it is respectfully submitted that the present
motion of defendant Touche Ross be granted.
/s/ ARNOLD I. RotH
Arnold I. Roth
{Jurat omitted in printing]
120
Exhibit 1 to Affidavit of Arnold I. Roth:
Complaint in this Action
Exhibit 1 to the affidavit of Arnold I. Roth is the
complaint and the exhibits thereto. The complaint and
the exhibits thereto are printed in this appendix at pp. 5-
111, supra.
121
Exhibit 2 to Affidavit of Arnold I. Roth:
Summons in State Court Action
Served July 3, 1975
SUPREME COURT OF THE
STATE OF NEw YORK
COUNTY OF New YorK
EpwarbD S. REDINGTON, As Trustee for the
Liquidation of the Business of Weis Securities, Inc.,
and SECURITIES INVESTOR PROTECTION CORPORATION,
Plaintiffs,
—against—
TOUCHE Ross & Co.,
Defendant.
INDEX No.
Plaintiffs designate New York County as the place of Trial
SUMMONS WITH NOTICE
Plaintiff Edward S. Redington, Trustee, resides at
One Wall Street, New York, New York 10005.
Plaintiff Securities Investor Protection Corporation
(“SIPC”) resides at 900 Seventeenth Street,
N. W., Washington, D. C. 20006.
To the above named Defendant:
YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to appear in this
action by serving a notice of appearance on the plaintiffs’
attorneys within 20 days after the service of this summons,
exclusive of the day of service.
Take notice that the object of this action is to recover
damages for negligence, malpractice, fraud, breach of
122
contract and breach of warranty in connection with audit-
ing and accounting services rendered by defendant to
Weis Securities, Inc., and in case of your failure to appear,
judgment will be taken against you by default for the sum
of $55,000,000.00 on behalf of plaintiff Edward S.
Redington, Trustee, and for the sum of $14,500,000.00 on
behalf of plaintiff SIPC, plus interest from July 7, 1972
and the costs and disbursements of this action.
The basis of the venue designated is the residence of
the defendant, which is 1633 Broadway, New York, New
York 10019.
Dated: July 2, 1975
HUGHES HUBBARD & REED
Attorneys for Trustee
One Wall Street
New York, New York 10005
(212) 943-6500
WILFRED R. CarRONn, Esq.
Attorney for SIPC
c/o Goldman & Drazen
One State Street Plaza
New York, New York 10004
(212) 422-0488
123
Exhibit 3 to Affidavit of Arnold I. Roth:
Complaint in State Court Action
Served May 3, 1976
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF NEw YORK
EDWARD S. REDINGTON, as Trustee for the
liquidation of the business of Weis Securities, Inc.,
and SECURITIES INVESTOR PROTECTION CORPORATION,
Plaintiffs,
—against—
TOUCHE Ross & Co.,
Defendant.
COMPLAINT
Index No.
Plaintiffs, EDWARD S. REDINGTON, Trustee for
the liquidation of the business of Weis Securities, Inc., and
SECURITIES INVESTOR PROTECTION CORPO-
RATION, by their respective attorneys, complaining of
the Defendant, allege upon information and belief, except
as to paragraphs I, 2, 4, 9, 10 and 17 hereof, as follows:
PARTIES
1. Plaintiff Edward S. Redington (the “Trustee”’)
was duly appointed by Order of the United States District
Court for the Southern District of New York dated May
30, 1973 as Trustee for the liquidation of the business of
Weis Securities, Inc. (“‘Weis’’) pursuant to the Securities
124
Investor Protection Act of 1970 (15 U.S.C. Section 78aaa,
et seq.) (hereinafter the “1970 Act”), has duly qualified,
and is presently acting in such capacity.
2. Plaintiff Securities Investor Protection Corporation
(“SIPC”) is a non-profit membership corporation created
by and organized under the 1970 Act whose members are,
with certain statutory exceptions, all persons registered as
broker-dealers under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(15 U.S.C. Section 78a, et seg.) (hereinafter the “1934
Act”) and, with certain statutory exceptions, all persons
who are members of a national securities exchange. The
duties and functions of SIPC are set forth in the 1970 Act
and include, inter alia, the initiation of liquidation pro-
ceedings against members of SIPC that have failed or are
in danger of failing to meet their obligations to customers,
the establishment of a fund from which to satisfy, within
certain limits, the claims of customers of SIPC members
that are being liquidated pursuant to the 1970 Act,
and—in consultation with and with the cooperation of the
Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the New
York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the ““Exchange”’) and other
self-regulatory organizations—the establishment of proce-
dures designed to detect approaching financial difficulty of
SIPC members and to ensure that such members are in
compliance with applicable financial responsibility rules.
SIPC relies entirely and solely on the SEC, the Exchange
and other self-regulatory organizations to monitor the
financial condition of SIPC members, to investigate any
SIPC member in financial difficulty, and to notify SIPC
thereof. At all relevant times Weis was a member of
SIPC.
3. Defendant Touche Ross & Co. (““Touche Ross’’)
is a partnership of certified public accountants with its
principal place of business at 1633 Broadway in the City,
125
County and State of New York. In or about 1969, Touche
Ross was engaged by Weis as its independent certified
public accounting firm, and Touche Ross continued to act
in such capacity from about 1969 until about May 1973,
when the forced liquidation of Weis commenced.
COMMON ALLEGATIONS
4. At all relevant times prior to May 30, 1973, Weis
was a corporation registered as a broker-dealer with the
SEC and was engaged in the business of a broker-dealer
of securities. From June 1965 until May 1973, Weis was a
member of the Exchange, the self-regulatory organization
designated by SIPC to examine Weis for compliance with
the applicable financial responsibility rules imposed on
broker-dealers pursuant to Section 6 of the 1934 Act (15
U.S.C. Section 78f) for the protection of the public as a
minimum prerequisite for conducting a business as a
broker-dealer in securities.
5. For each of its four fiscal years 1968 through 1971
(ended May 31), Weis’ audited financial statements re-
flected a profit. During early 1972 five of Weis’ officers
(the “Weis Five”) became increasingly concerned that a
fair and accurate presentation of Weis’ results of oper-
ations for fiscal year 1972 would reflect that Weis was
operating at a loss. The Weis Five misstated the financial
condition and results of operations of Weis in financial
reports prepared at fiscal year-end 1972. These reports
were required to be filed with regulatory authorities
pursuant to Section 17 of the 1934 Act (15 U.S.C. Section
78q) and were directly or indirectly submitted to Weis, its
Board of Directors, the SEC, SIPC, the Exchange, and
Weis’ customers, creditors, lenders and shareholders.
Such misstatements were accomplished by, inter alia,
materially overstating assets, creating non-existent assets,
understating liabilities, overstating income, and under-
126
stating expenses. The purpose and effect of such material
misstatements were, inter alia, to create a false impression
that Weis’ earnings for the fiscal year ended May 26, 1972
were $1,700,000 before taxes whereas in truth and in fact
Weis had actually suffered losses in that period in excess
of $1,500,000.
6. Had Weis’ actual financial condition, its actual
results of operations, and the misstatement in its books
and records been truthfully reported at the end of Weis’
1972 fiscal year, Weis’ 1973 forced liquidation under the
1970 Act would not have become necessary, and most if
not all of Weis’ assets and its good will as a going concern
could have been preserved by a number of means
including, inter alia, change in Weis’ management, rever-
sal of its policy of growth and expansion, curtailment or
contraction of certain of its operations and business prac-
tices, gradual liquidation of some or all of its operations,
or merger with another securities firm. Moreover, if a
liquidation of Weis had been necessary as the result of
such truthful reporting, such liquidation could have
occurred at the end of Weis’ 1972 fiscal year, when its
assets were greater and the aggregate of its liabilities was
lower than a year later.
7. The incorrect and incomplete fiscal 1972 year-end
reports prepared by and under the direction of the Weis
Five were certified by Touche Ross as being correct and
complete. Consequently, the doctoring of Weis’ books,
records and required reports, the deterioration of its
financial condition and the violations of financial responsi-
bility rules could not be nipped in the bud at a time when
a forced liquidation of Weis could still have been avoided.
Instead, during Weis’ fiscal year 1973, Weis’ financial
condition deteriorated as the Weis policy of expansion
continued unabated. Weis incurred substantial operating
losses, depletion of its assets, and depletion of the property
127
held by Weis in trust for its customers. The Weis Five
continued to make false and fictitious entries in Weis’
books and records and continued, directly or indirectly, to
submit false reports to Weis, its Board of Directors, the
SEC, SIPC, the Exchange, and Weis’ customers, creditors
lenders and shareholders in order to conceal Weis’ true
financial condition.
8. Not until April and May of 1973, as a result of
separate investigations by the Exchange and the SEC, did
the misstatement of Weis’ financial condition come to
light. These investigations gradually revealed the viola-
tions of financial responsibility rules, Weis’ unsafe,
unsat
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