# DARWOOD ASSOCIATES INCORPORATED X-17A-5 (2024-03-28) — Broker-dealer annual report - Company: DARWOOD ASSOCIATES INCORPORATED - Form: X-17A-5 - Filed: 2024-03-28 - Period: 2023-12-31 - Accession: 0000026952-24-000001 - CIK: 26952 - File #: 8-16560 - Type: Broker-dealer - Material weakness: No - Auditor: RW Group LLC. - Auditor location: Kennett Square, PA - Contact: Gerard Rendinaro - Phone: 9088743600 - Email: dinanl@darwooduslos.ccm - Website: darwooduslos.ccm - Signed by: Gerard Rendinaro (VP) Original filing: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/26952/000002695224000001/annualauditedreport23b.pdf --- {0}------------------------------------------------ | | UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION | 0MB APPROVAt
OMS Number: 3235-0123
Expires: Nov. 30, 2026 | |-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------| | | Washington, D.C. 20549 | Estimated average burden
hours per resptmse: 12 | | | ANNUAL REPORTS | SEC FILE NUMBER | | | FORM X-17A-S | 8-16560 | | | PART Ill | | | | FACING PAGE
Information Required Pursuant to Rules 17a-s, 17a-12, and 18a-7 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 | | | | | | | FILING FOR THE PERIOD BEGINNING O 1/01/2023 | MM/OO/YV | AND ENDING 12/31/2023 | | | | MM/DD/VY | | | A. REGISTRANT IDENTIFICATION | | | | NAME oF FIRM: Darwood Associates, Incorporated | | | TYPE OF REGISTRANT (check all appllcable boxes):
[!] Broker-dealer
D Check here ff respondent is also an OTC derivatives dealer
284 US Highway 206 | □ Security-based swap dealer
ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS: {Do not use a P.O. box no,} | D Major security-based swap participant | | | (No. and Street) | | | Hillsborough | NJ | 08844 | | (City) | (State) | (Zip Code) | | PERSON TO CONTACT WITH REGARD TO THIS FILING | | | | Gerard Rendinaro | (908) 87 4-3600 | g,res,dinanl@darwooduslos.ccm | | (Name} | (Area Code-Telephone Number) | (Email Address) | | | 8. ACCOUNTANT IDENTIFICATION | | | | | | | RW Group LLC. | INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT whose reports are contained In this filing• | | | | (Name- if individual, state last, first, and middle name) | | | 400 Old Forge Lane, Suite 401 | Kennett Square PA | 19348 | | | | | (Address) (City) {State) (Zip Code) 2/23/2010 5020 (Date of Re istratlon with PCAOS if a pllcable) ' (PCAOB Re istratlon Number, If a licable FOR OFFICAL USE ONLY • aalms for exemption from the requirement that the annual reports be covered by the reports of an independent publJc accountant mu,t be supported bv" :.totcment of facts and dreumstan<:cs relit,d on as lhe basis of the exemption. see 17 CFR 240,17a-S(el(l)(li), If applicable. PerSOJIS who are to respond to the collection of Information contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid 0MB control number. {1}------------------------------------------------ #### **OATH OR AFFIRMATION** | I, Gerard Rendinaro | | swear (or affirm) that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the | |------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | | f inancial report pertain ing to the firm of Darwood Associates, lncorpoated | as of | | 12/31 | 2~ | is true and correct. I further swear (or affirm) that neither the company nor any | | | | partner, officer, director, or equivalent person, as the case may be, has any proprietary interest in any account classified solely | | as that of a customer. | | | | ~ | AIDA ACEVED/'J
Notary Publtc, State of New Jersey
My Commission Expires Oct 10, 2028 | ±¥
Sigaature:
A
Title:
Vice President | | Notary
Public | | | Vice President #### Notary #### **This filing\*\* contains (check all applicable boxes):** - Iii (a) Statement of financial condition . - D (b) Notes to consolidated statement of financial condition. - Iii (c) Statement of income (loss) or, if there is other comprehensive income in the period(s) presented, a statement of comprehensive income (as defined in§ 210.1-02 of Regulation S-X). - Iii (d) Statement of cash flows . - Iii (e) Statement of changes in stockholders' or partners' or sole proprietor' s equity. - □ (f) Statement of changes in liabilities subordinated to claims of creditors. - Iii (g) Notes to consol idated financial statements. - Iii (h) Computation of net capital under 17 CFR 240.15c3-1 or 17 CFR 240.18a-l, as applicable. - D (i) Computation of tangible net worth under 17 CFR 240.18a-2. - □ (j) Computation for determination of customer reserve requirements pursuant to Exhibit A to 17 CFR 240.15c3-3. - D (k) Computation for determination of security-based swap reserve requirements pursuant to Exhibit 8 to 17 CFR 240.15c3-3 or Exhibit A to 17 CFR 240.18a-4, as applicable. - □ (I) Computation for Determination of PAB Requirements under Exhibit A to§ 240.15c3-3. - □ (m) Information relating to possession or control requirements for customers under 17 CFR 240.15c3-3. - D (n) Information relating to possession or control requirements for security-based swap customers under 17 CFR 240.15c3-3(p)(2) or 17 CFR 240.18a-4, as appl icable. - D (o) Reconcil iations, including appropriate explanations, of the FOCUS Report with computation of net capital or tangible net worth under 17 CFR 240.15c3-l, 17 CFR 240.18a-l, or 17 CFR 240.18a-2, as applicable, and the reserve requirements under 17 CFR 240.15c3-3 or 17 CFR 240.18a-4, as applicable, if material differences exist, or a statement that no material differences exist. - D (p) Summary of financial data for subsidiaries not consolidated in the statement of financial condition . - Iii (q) Oath or affirmation in accordance with 17 CFR 240.17a-5, 17 CFR 240.17a-12, or 17 CFR 240.18a-7, as applicable. - D (r) Compliance report in accordance with 17 CFR 240.17a-5 or 17 CFR 240.18a-7, as applicable. - Iii (s) Exemption report in accordance with 17 CFR 240.17a-5 or 17 CFR 240.18a-7, as applicable. - □ (t) Independent publ ic accountant' s report based on an examination of the statement of financial condition . - Iii (u) Independent public accountant's report based on an examination of the financial report or financial statements under 17 CFR 240.17a-5, 17 CFR 240.18a-7, or 17 CFR 240.17a-12, as applicable. - D (v) Independent public accountant's report based on an examination of certain statements in the compliance report under 17 CFR 240.17a-5 or 17 CFR 240.18a-7, as applicable. - Iii (w) Independent public accou ntant's report based on a review of the exemption report under 17 CFR 240.17a-5 or 17 CFR 240.18a-7, as applicable. - D (x) Supplemental reports on applying agreed-upon procedures, in accordance with 17 CFR 240.15c3-le or 17 CFR 240.17a-12, as applicable. - □ (y) Report describing any material inadequacies found to exist or found to have existed since the date of the previous audit, or a statement that no material inadequacies exist, under 17 CFR 240.17a-12(k). D (z) Other:------ --------------------------------- - \*\*To request confidential treatment of certain portions of this filing, see 17 CFR 240.17a-5{e)(3) or 17 CFR 240.18a-7{d)(2}, as applicable. {2}------------------------------------------------ ### DARWOOD ASSOCIATES INC. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION PURSUANT TO 17a-5(d) OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION AND REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM DECEMBER 31, 2023 {3}------------------------------------------------ # **DARWOOD ASSOCIATES INC. CONTENTS** | Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 1 | |------------------------------------------------------------| | | ## **Financial Statements:** | Statement of Financial Condition
| 2 | |------------------------------------------------------------|---| | Statement of Income 3 | | | Statement of Changes in Stockholder's Equity


.4 | | | Statement of Cash Flows
5 | | | Notes to Financial Statements

6-9 | | ## **Supplementary Schedule:** | Computation of Net Capital, Aggregate Indebtedness, and
Schedule I - | |-------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Basic Net Capital Requirement Pursuant to Rule l 5c3-1 of the | | Securities and Exchange Commission 10 | | | ### **Supplementary Reports:** | Exemption Report Pursuant to Rule 15c3-3 of the Securities and Exchange Commission
11 | |------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Review Report oflndependent Registered Public Accounting Firm 12 | | Supplemental SIPC Report 13-14 | {4}------------------------------------------------ ![](_page_4_Picture_0.jpeg) #### **REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM** To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Darwood Associates, Inc #### **Opinion on the Financial Statements** We have audited the accompanying statement of financial condition of Darwood Associates, Inc, as of December 31, 2023, and the related statements of income, changes in stockholder's equity, and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Darwood Associates, Inc as of December 31, 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2023 in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America . #### **Basis for Opinion** These financial statements are the responsibility of Darwood Associates, Inc's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on Darwood Associates, Inc's financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to Darwood Associates, Inc in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. #### **Auditor's Report on Supplemental Information** The computation of net capital, aggregate indebtedness, and basic net capital requirement pursuant to rule 15c3-1 of the Securities and Exchange Commission has been subjected to audit procedures performed in conjunction with the audit of Darwood Associates, Inc's financial statements. The supplemental information is the responsibility of Darwood Associates, Inc's management. Our audit procedures included determining whether the supplemental information reconciles to the financial statements or the underlying accounting and other records, as applicable, and performing procedures to test the completeness and accuracy of the information presented in the supplemental information. In forming our opin ion on the supplemental information, we evaluated whether the supplemental information, including its form and content, is presented in conformity with 17 C.F.R. §240.17a-5. In our opinion, the computation of net capital, aggregate indebtedness, and basic net capital requirement pursuant to rule 15c3-1 of the Security and Exchange Commision is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the financial statements as a whole. We have served as Darwood Associates, Inc's auditor since 2018. Kennett Square, Pennsylvania March 18, 2024 400 Old Forge Lane Suite 401 Kennett Square, PA 19348-1914 Phone: 610-713-8208 Fax: 610-807-0370 www.rwgroupllc.com {5}------------------------------------------------ ![](_page_5_Picture_0.jpeg) #### **REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNT ANTING FIRM ON APPLYING AGREED-UPON PROCEDURES** To the Board of Directors of Darwood Associates, Inc We have performed the procedures included in Rule 17a-S(e)(4) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and in the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) Series 600 Rules, which are enumerated below on the accompanying General Assessment Reconciliation (Form SIPC-7) for the year ended December 31, 2023 . Management of Darwood Associates, Inc (the Company) is responsible for its Form SIPC-7 and for its compliance with the applicable instructions on Form SIPC-7. Management of the Company has agreed to and acknowledged that the procedures performed are appropriate to meet the intended purpose of assisting you and SIPC in evaluating the Company's compliance with the applicable instructions on Form SIPC-7 for the year ended December 31, 2023. Additionally, SIPC has agreed to and acknowledged that the procedures performed are appropriate for their intended purpose. This report may not be suitable for any other purpose. The procedures performed may not address all the items of interest to a user of this report and may not meet the needs of all users of this report and, as such, users are responsible for determining whether the procedures performed are appropriate for their purposes. The sufficiency of these procedures is solely the responsibility of those parties specified in this report. Consequently, we make no representation regarding the sufficiency of the procedures described below either for the purpose for which this report has been requested or for any other purpose. The procedures we performed and our associated findings are as follows : - 1) Compared the listed assessment payments in Form SIPC-7 with respective cash disbursement records entries, noting no differences; - 2) Compared the Total Revenue amounts reported on the Annual Audited Report Form X-17A-5 Part Ill for the year ended December 31, 2023 with the Total Revenue amount reported in Form SIPC-7 for the year ended December 31, 2023, noting no differences; - 3) Compared any adjustments reported in Form SIPC-7 with supporting schedules and working papers, noting no differences; - 4) Recalculated the arithmetical accuracy of the calculations reflected in Form SIPC-7 and in the related schedules and working papers supporting the adjustments, noting no differences; and - 5) Compared the amount of any overpayment applied to the current assessment with the Form SIPC-7 on which it was originally computed, noting no differences. We were engaged by the Company to perform this agreed-upon procedures engagement and conducted our engagement in accordance with attestation standards established by the AICPA and in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). We were not engaged to and did not conduct an examination or a review engagement, the objective of which would be the expression of an opinion or conclusion, respectively, on the Company's Form SIPC-7 and for its compliance with the applicable instructions on Form SIPC-7 for the year ended December 31, 2023. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion or conclusion. Had we performed additional procedures, other matters might have come to our attention that would have been reported to you. {6}------------------------------------------------ ![](_page_6_Picture_0.jpeg) We are required to be independent of the Company and to meet our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements related to our agreed-upon procedures engagement. This report is intended solely for the information and use of the Company and SIPC and is not intended to be and should not be used by anyone other than these specified parties. W<;j(TJ;fJ;} Kennett Square, PA March 18, 2024 {7}------------------------------------------------ #### **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION** ### **DECEMBER 31, 2023** #### **ASSETS** | Cash | \$
12,607 | |---------------------------------------|---------------| | Commission receivable | 21,189 | | Marketable securities (at fair value) | 104,652 | | Clearing deposit | 35,000 | | Security deposits and other assets | 3,265 | | Right to use assets | 36,2
10 | | Total assets | \$
212,923 | #### **LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY** | Liabilities: | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------| | Accounts payable and accrued expenses | \$
40,956 | | Leases payable | \$
37,458 | | Deferred taxes | 19,232 | | Total liabilities | 97,646 | | Stockholder's Equity: | | | Common stock, no par value, 50,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding
Retained earnings | 50,000
65
,277 | | Total stockholder's equity | 115,277 | | Total liabilities and stockholder's equity | \$
212,923 | {8}------------------------------------------------ #### **STATEMENT OF INCOME** | Revenues: | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------| | Commissions | \$
535,787 | | Investment income | 1,548 | | | 537,335 | | Expenses: | | | Salaries and related expenses | 281,047 | | Professional fees and commissions | 69,446 | | Occupancy | 33,805 | | Regulatory fees and expenses | 7,157 | | Travel | ' 14,541 | | Insurance | 19,342 | | Meals and entertainment | 21,863 | | Other expenses | 96,578 | | | 543,779 | | Income from operations before other income and provision for income taxes | (6,444) | | Other income -
unrealized gain on marketable securities | (5,778) | | Income before provision for income taxes | (12,222) | | Provision for income tax expense | 1,091 | | Provision for deferred income tax expense | (226) | | Net income | \$
(13,087) | #### **FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023** {9}------------------------------------------------ #### **STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY** #### **FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023** | | Common
Stock | Retained
Earnings | Total | |----------------------------------|-----------------|--------------------------|---------------------------| | Balance, beginning
Net income | 50,000
\$ | 78,364
\$
(13,087) | \$
128,364
(13,087) | | Balance at December 31, 2023 | \$
50,000 | \$
65,277 | \$
115,277 | {10}------------------------------------------------ #### **ST A TEMENT OF CASH FLOWS** #### **FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023** | Cash flows from operating activities: | | |-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------| | Net income | (13,087)
\$ | | Adjustments to reconcile net income to | | | net cash provided by operating activities: | | | Unrealized loss on marketable securities | 5,778 | | Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | | | Decrease in commission receivables | 6,497 | | Decrease in security deposits, and other assets | 147 | | Increase in right to use assets | (36,211) | | Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses | 3,291 | | Decrease in deferred tax liability | (226) | | Increase lease payable | 37,458 | | Total adjustments | 16,734 | | Net cash provided by operating activities | 3,647 | | Net increase in cash | 3,647 | | Cash at beginning of the year | 43,960 | | Cash at end of the year | \$
47,607 | | Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest paid | | | Income taxes paid
Non cash financing: | 750 | | Cash & Restricted Cash | | | Cash | 12,607 | | Clearing Deposit | 35,000 | | Total Cash & Restricted Cash | 47,607
\$ | {11}------------------------------------------------ ### **DARWOOD ASSOCIATES INC. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023** ## **1. ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF BUSINESS** Darwood Associates Inc. ("the Company") is registered as a broker and dealer in securities pursuant to Section 15 (b) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. The Company was incorporated on April 1, 1971 in the State of New York. The Company is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the Securities Investor Protection Corp ("SIPC"). ## Recent Issued Accounting Pronouncements The Federal Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2016-13 and Amendments in ASU 2022-20 that require the adoption of a new model for recognizing Current Expected Credit Losses (CECL) for reporting periods that begin after December 31, 2022. We have adopted the new standard, beginning in the first quarter of 2023. Implementation has had no impact on our Financial Statements or Net Capital. ## **2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES** ## Basis of Presentation The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). It is management's opinion, that all material adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) have been made which are necessary for a fair financial statement presentation. ## Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets, and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates ## Commission Receivable The Commissions Receivable as of January 1, 2023 were \$27,685. Commission receivable are stated at the amounts management expects to collect from outstanding balances. Management provides for probable uncollectible amounts through a charge to earnings and a credit to a valuation allowance based on its assessment of the current status of individual accounts. Balances outstanding after management has used reasonable collection efforts are written off through a charge to the valuation allowance and a credit to trade accounts receivable. Management has determined that no allowance for credit losses at December 31 , 2023 are required. ## Accounting basis The Company uses the accrual basis of accounting for financial statement and income tax reporting. Accordingly revenues are recognized when services are rendered and expenses realized when the obligation is incurred. 6 {12}------------------------------------------------ # **DARWOOD ASSOCIATES INC. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023** # **2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)** # Cash and cash equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are carried at cost, which approximates market value. # Fair Values of Financial Instruments Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 825, "Financial Instruments," requires the Company to disclose estimated fair values for its financial instruments. Fair value estimates, methods, and assumptions are set forth below for the Company's financial instruments: The carrying amount of cash, accounts receivable, prepaid expenses, accounts payable and accrued expenses and accounts payable to related parties, approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments. ## Marketable Securities Marketable securities are carried at fair market value, with unrealized gains and losses reported in net earnings. Realized gains or losses are computed based on specific identification of the securities sold and are charged or credited to current earnings. Purchases and sales of marketable securities and the related commission revenue and expense are recorded on a trade date basis which is generally two business days before settlement. Marketable securities are classified as a Level 1 investment. ASC 820 Fair Value Hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. - Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities the Company has the ability to access. - Level 2 inputs are inputs ( other than quoted prices included within level 1) that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. - Level 3 are unobservable inputs should be developed based on the best information available in the circumstances and may include the Company's own data). ## Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon the differences between financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities. Deferred taxes also are recognized for operating losses that are available to offset future taxable income. Pursuant to accounting guidance concerning provision for uncertain income tax provisions contained in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 740-10, there are no uncertain income tax positions. The federal and state income tax returns of the Company are subject to examination by the IRS and state taxing authorities, generally for three years after they were filed . The expense (benefit) for income taxes consist of: | Total tax expense | \$
1091 | |-------------------|------------| | State | \$
935 | | Federal | \$
156 | | Current: | | {13}------------------------------------------------ | Total tax expense | \$
-226 | |---------------------|------------| | State | \$
-761 | | Federal | \$
535 | | Deferred and other: | | ## Revenue Recognition The Company's revenues are from commissions and fees earned from their brokering services and are recognized on settlement date. Any other revenues are de minimis and recognized when received. The Company has adopted ASC 606 and has applied the 5 Step Model to Revenue Recognition as follows: - 1. Contracts: - Accounts held at RBC- the RBC Customer Agreement and agreed upon commission schedule. - 2. Performance Obligation in the Contracts: - Trades- Execution of Trade and subsequent settlement. - Fees Earned- The passing of a prescribed period of time. - 3. Transaction Price: - Trades- Agreed upon commission schedule. - Fees Earned- As prescribed in contract. - 4. Allocation of the Transaction Price between Performance Obligations in the Contract: - The price is allocated ratably based on the stand alone performance price of each performance obligation. - 5. Recognition of Revenue when Performance Obligation is Satisfied: - See the paragraph above. # Concentrations of Credit Risk The Company places its cash with a high credit quality financial institution. The Company's account at this institution is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") up to \$250,000. To reduce its risk associated with the failure of such financial institution, the Company evaluates at least annually the rating of the financial institution in which it holds deposits. # **3. NET CAPITAL** The Company is a registered broker-dealer and is subject to the SEC's Uniform Net Capital Rule 15c3-l. This requires that the Company maintain minimum net capital of \$5,000 and requires that the ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital, both as defined, not exceed 8 to 1, in the first year of membership, and 15 to 1 thereafter. The rule also provides that equity capital may not be withdrawn, cash dividends paid or the Company's operations expanded, if the resulting net capital ratio would exceed 10 to 1. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had net capital of \$84,977 which exceeded required net capital by \$79,977 and aggregate indebtedness of\$61 ,435. The Company's aggregate indebtedness to net capital ratio was . **723** to 1 as of December 31, 2023 . {14}------------------------------------------------ # **4. CLEARING DEPOSIT** As of December 31 2023, the Company has a \$35,000 deposit with RBC Capital Markets pursuant to the Fully Disclosed Clearing Agreement. ## **5. OPERATING LEASE** The Company leases its facilities in New Jersey under lease agreements expiring on December 31 , 2025 . The weighted average remaining lease life is 24 months. The weighted average discount rate is 7%. Currently the space in New York is being rented on a month to month basis. The Company paid \$31 ,658 in office rent (including area maintenance costs) for 2023. Future minimum lease payments are as follows: | 2024 | \$1750 I mo | \$21
,000 | |------------------------------|-------------|--------------| | 2025 | \$1800 / mo | \$21,600 | | Total Future Lease Liability | | \$42,600 | ## **6. MARKET ABLE SECURITIES** The Company purchased 300 warrants divided into four tranches to purchase shares of common stock of The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. The first two tranches expired worthless. The Company exercised the warrant for the third tranche and paid \$4,500 for 300 shares of restricted stock in 2005. In 2006, the Company exercised the warrant for the fourth tranche and paid \$4,800 for 300 shares of restricted stock. On August 29, 2022 the aforementioned shares split three for one. As of December 31 , 2023 all restrictions on the marketability of the stock were lifted. Accordingly, the Company now carries the security as an allowable asset for net capital purposes at market value. As of December 31 , 2023 , the Company has \$104,652 in marketable securities. The following table presents the Company's fair value hierarchy for this asset as of December 31 , 2023: | | Level 1 | Level2 | Level3 | Total | |-----------------------|-----------|--------|--------|-----------| | Marketable Securities | \$104,652 | | | \$104,652 | ## **7. SUBSQUENT EVENTS** The Company evaluated events occurring between the end of its fiscal year, December 31, 2023 , and March 31, 2024, when the financial statements were issued. There were no transactions or event that required disclosure as subsequent events. {15}------------------------------------------------ #### **SCHEDULE I** #### **DARWOOD ASSOCIATES INC.** #### **COMPUTATION OF NET CAPITAL, AGGREGATE INDEBTEDNESS, AND BASIC NET CAPITAL REQUIREMENT PURSUANT TO RULE 15c3-1 OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION** | DECEMBER 31, 2023 | | | | | | |-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----|----------------|--|--|--| | Aggregate Indebtedness | | | | | | | Accounts payable and accrued expenses | \$ | 61 ,436 | | | | | Total Aggregate indebtness | \$ | 61,436 | | | | | | | | | | | | Total stockholder's equity | \$ | 115,277 | | | | | Adjustments to Net Capital
Haircuts and undue concentrations
(27,035)
Security deposits and other assets
(3,265) | | | | | | | Total Adjustments to Net Capital | | (30,300) | | | | | Net Capital, as defined | \$ | 84.977 | | | | | Computation of Basic Net Capital Requirement
(a) Minimum net capital required (6 2/3 % of total aggregate indebtness)
(b) Minimum net capital required of broker dealer | \$ | 4,096
5,000 | | | | | Net Capital Requirement (Greater of(a) or (b)) | \$ | 5.000 | | | | | Net Capital In Excess of Requirement | \$ | 79,977 | | | | | Net Capital less greater of 10% of A.I. or
120% of Net Capital Requirement | \$ | 78,977 | | | | | Ratio Of Aggregate Indebtedness To Net Capital | | 72.3% | | | | | Reconciliation with the Company's computation of net capital: | | | | | | | Net capital as reported in the Company's Part IIA (unaudited)
Focus Report
Net audit adjustments
Increase in non-allowable and haircuts
Net capital per above | \$ | 84,977 | | | | | | \$ | 84,977 | | | | There are no material differences between the computation of net capital presented above and the computation of net capital in the Company's unaudited Form X-17 A-5, Part IIA filing as of December 31, 2023. {16}------------------------------------------------ # **EXEMPTION REPORT PURSUANT TO RULE 15C3-3 OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION** ## **DECEMBER 31, 2023** Darwood Associates Inc. operates pursuant to paragraph (k)(2)(ii) of SEC Rule 15c3-3 under which the Company claims an exemption from SEC Rule 15c3-3. The Company is exempt from the reserve requirements of Rule 15c3-3 as its transactions are limited, such that it does not handle customer funds or securities. Accordingly, the computation for determination of reserve requirements pursuant to Rule 15c3-3 and information relating to the possession or control requirement pursuant to Rule 15c3-3 are not applicable. The Company has met the identified exemption provisions throughout the year ended December 31, 2022 without exception. Gerard Rendinaro, Vice President {17}------------------------------------------------ ![](_page_17_Picture_0.jpeg) #### **REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM** To the Board of Directors of Darwood Associates, Inc We have reviewed management's statements, included in the accompanying Exemption Report Pursuant to Rule 15c3-3 of the Securities and Exchange Commission, in which (1) Darwood Associates, Inc identified the following provisions of 17 C.F.R. §15c3-3(k) under which Darwood Associates, Inc claimed an exemption from 17 C.F.R. §240.15c3-3 : (2)(ii) (the "exemption provisions") and (2) Darwood Associates, Inc stated that Darwood Associates, Inc met the identified exemption provisions throughout the most recent fiscal year without exception. Darwood Associates, Inc's management is responsible for compliance with the exemption provisions and its statements. Our review was conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and, accordingly, included inquiries and other required procedures to obtain evidence about Darwood Associates, Inc's compliance with the exemption provisions. A review is substantially less in scope than an examination, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion on management's statements. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion. Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to management's statements referred to above for them to be fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the provisions set forth in paragraph (k)(2)(ii) of Rule 1Sc3-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Kennett Square, Pennsylvania March 18, 2024 Source: SEC EDGAR via Adviser Search (https://search.stillhousedata.com). Agents: see https://search.stillhousedata.com/llms.txt.