form10q093009.htm



SECURITIES & EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

[X]
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009
or

[ ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ___ to ___

Commission File No. 1-106

GAMCO INVESTORS, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
       
New York
   
13-4007862
(State of other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
   
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
     
One Corporate Center, Rye, NY
   
10580-1422
(Address of principle executive offices)
   
(Zip Code)
       
(914) 921-5100
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes
x
No
o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer", and "smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer ¨
 
Accelerated filer x
 
       
Non-accelerated filer o
 
Smaller reporting company o
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).
Yes
o
No
x

 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the Registrant’s classes of Common Stock, as of the latest practical date.
Class
 
Outstanding at October 31, 2009
 
Class A Common Stock, .001 par value
 
7,327,847
 
Class B Common Stock, .001 par value
 
20,292,917
 
 
 
1

 

INDEX
 
GAMCO INVESTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
   
   
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
   
   
Item 1.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
   
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income:
 
 
   
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition:
 
 
 
   
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Other Comprehensive Income:
 
   
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:
 
   
 
   
Item 2.
 
(Including Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk)
   
Item 3.
   
Item 4.
   
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
 
   
Item 1.
   
Item 2.
   
Item 6.
   
   
SIGNATURES
 
   
 
 

 

GAMCO INVESTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
UNAUDITED
(In thousands, except per share data)
 

   
Three months Ended
   
Nine months ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
                         
Revenues
                       
Investment advisory and incentive fees
 
$             40,957
   
$             52,297
   
$           112,145
   
$          164,269
 
Institutional research services
   
4,588
     
4,098
     
12,187
     
11,018
 
Distribution fees and other income
 
6,037
   
6,585
   
15,780
   
19,665
 
Total revenues
 
51,582
   
62,980
   
140,112
   
194,952
 
Expenses
                               
Compensation
   
21,590
     
26,233
     
62,056
     
83,013
 
Management fee
   
2,638
     
1,740
     
6,291
     
6,307
 
Distribution costs
   
6,089
     
6,658
     
17,094
     
19,691
 
Other operating expenses
 
4,405
   
7,076
   
13,648
   
20,204
 
Total expenses
   
34,722
     
41,707
     
99,089
     
129,215
 
                                 
Operating income
   
16,860
     
21,273
     
41,023
     
65,737
 
Other income (expense)
                               
Net gain (loss) from investments
   
9,659
     
(4,786
)
   
22,981
     
(13,165
)
Interest and dividend income
   
598
     
1,340
     
2,677
     
10,310
 
Interest expense
 
(3,296
)
 
(2,091
)
 
(9,965
)
 
(6,295
)
Total other income (expense), net
 
6,961
   
(5,537
)
 
15,693
   
(9,150
)
Income before income taxes
   
23,821
     
15,736
     
56,716
     
56,587
 
Income tax provision
 
8,913
   
3,837
   
20,034
   
19,882
 
Net income
 
14,908
   
11,899
   
36,682
   
36,705
 
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
   
257
 
 
(86
)
 
503
   
(225
)
Net income attributable to GAMCO Investors, Inc.’s shareholders
 
$             14,651
   
$             11,985
   
$             36,179
   
$             36,930
 
                                 
Net income attributable to GAMCO Investors, Inc.’s shareholders
                               
  per share:
                               
Basic
 
$                 0.54
   
$                 0.43
   
$                 1.32
   
$                 1.32
 
                                 
Diluted
 
$                 0.53
   
$                 0.43
   
$                 1.32
   
$                 1.32
 
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                               
Basic
 
27,366
   
27,602
   
27,376
   
27,930
 
                                 
Diluted
 
27,505
   
27,647
   
27,464
   
27,973
 
                                 
Dividends declared:
 
$                 0.03
   
$                 1.03
   
$                0.09
   
$                 1.09
 
                                 
See accompanying notes.
                               
 

 

 


GAMCO INVESTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
UNAUDITED
(In thousands, except share data)
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
  September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
2008
 
ASSETS
                 
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash of $62,246, $7,156, and $0
 
$                   463,361
   
$                 338,330
 
$                  165,098
 
Investments in securities, including restricted securities of $0, $54,894, and $0
   
172,571
     
226,494
   
379,072
 
Investments in partnerships and affiliates
   
63,997
     
60,707
   
73,234
 
Receivable from brokers
   
21,991
     
16,460
   
37,929
 
Investment advisory fees receivable
   
13,313
     
11,261
   
16,392
 
Income tax receivable and deferred tax assets
   
4,536
     
23,952
   
4,388
 
Other assets
 
18,682
   
20,430
 
23,086
 
Total assets
 
$                   758,451
   
$                 697,634
 
$                  699,199
 
                       
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                     
Payable to brokers
 
$                   10,006
   
$                     1,857
 
$                       2,492
 
Compensation payable
   
20,974
     
15,862
   
28,253
 
Capital lease obligation
   
5,278
     
5,329
   
5,300
 
Securities sold, not yet purchased
   
9,738
     
1,677
   
6,620
 
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests
   
1,586
     
1,396
   
1,519
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
 
24,670
   
23,605
 
24,066
 
Sub-total
 
72,252
   
49,726
 
68,250
 
                       
5.5% Senior notes (due May 15, 2013)
   
99,000
     
99,000
   
100,000
 
6% Convertible notes (due August 14, 2011)
   
39,829
     
39,766
   
39,746
 
6.5% Convertible note (due October 2, 2018)
 
60,000
   
60,000
 
-
 
Total liabilities
   
271,081
     
248,492
   
207,996
 
                       
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
   
1,424
     
4,201
   
4,333
 
                       
Commitments and contingencies (Note J)
                     
                       
Stockholders’ equity
                     
   GAMCO Investors, Inc. stockholders’ equity
                     
      Class A Common Stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000
                     
        shares authorized; 13,108,526, 13,018,869, 12,850,162
                     
        issued, respectively; 7,337,347, 7,367,090, and 7,395,483
                     
        outstanding, respectively
   
13
     
13
   
12
 
      Class B Common Stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000
                     
        shares authorized; 24,000,000 shares issued,
                     
        20,292,917, 20,378,699, 20,550,006 shares outstanding, respectively
   
20
     
20
   
21
 
      Additional paid-in capital
   
249,889
     
245,973
   
244,674
 
      Retained earnings
   
447,145
     
413,761
   
451,635
 
      Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
24,870
     
14,923
   
14,515
 
      Treasury stock, at cost (5,771,179, 5,651,779, and 5,454,679 shares, respectively)
 
(239,939
)
 
(234,537
)
(229,129
)
   Total GAMCO Investors, Inc. stockholders’ equity
 
481,998
   
440,153
 
481,728
 
Noncontrolling interests
 
3,948
   
4,788
 
5,142
 
Total stockholders’ equity
 
485,946
   
444,941
 
486,870
 
                       
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$                  758,451
   
$                697,634
 
$                699,199
 
  See accompanying notes.

 

 

 
GAMCO INVESTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
UNAUDITED
 (In thousands)
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2009
     
               
         
GAMCO Investors, Inc. shareholders
   
                           
Accumulated
             
               
Additional
       
Other
             
   
Noncontrolling
 
Common
 
Paid-in
 
Retained
 
Comprehensive
 
Treasury
       
   
Interests
 
Stock
 
Capital
 
Earnings
 
Income
 
Stock
 
Total
 
Balance at December 31, 2008
 
$               4,788
 
$                33
 
$       245,973
 
$       413,761
 
$              14,923
 
$      (234,537
)
$        444,941
 
Purchase of subsidiary shares
                                           
 from noncontrolling interest
   
(747
)
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(747
)
Spin-off of subsidiary shares
                                           
 to noncontrolling interests
   
(412
)
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(412
)
Comprehensive income:
                                           
Net income
   
319
   
-
   
-
   
36,179
   
-
   
-
   
36,498
 
Net unrealized gains on
                                           
 securities available for sale,
                                           
 net of income tax
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
9,898
   
-
   
9,898
 
Foreign currency translation
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
49
   
-
 
49
 
Total comprehensive income
                                       
46,445
 
Dividends declared
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(2,795
)
 
-
   
-
   
(2,795
)
Income tax effect of transaction
                                           
   with shareholders
   
-
   
-
   
(243
)
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
(243
)
Stock based compensation
                                           
 expense
   
-
   
-
   
3,821
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
3,821
 
Exercise of stock options
                                           
 including tax benefit
 
-
 
-
 
338
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
338
 
Purchase of treasury stock
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(5,402
)
(5,402
)
Balance at September 30, 2009
 
$               3,948
 
$                 33
 
$       249,889
 
$        447,145
 
$               24,870
 
$      (239,939
)
$        485,946
 
                                             
  See accompanying notes.
 

 

 


 
GAMCO INVESTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
UNAUDITED (continued)
 
 (In thousands)
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2008
 
                                             
         
GAMCO Investors, Inc. shareholders
 
                           
Accumulated
             
               
Additional
       
Other
             
   
Noncontrolling
 
Common
 
Paid-in
 
Retained
 
Comprehensive
 
Treasury
       
   
Interests
 
Stock
 
Capital
 
Earnings
 
Income
 
Stock
 
Total
 
Balance at December 31, 2007
 
$               5,791
 
$                33
 
$      230,483
 
$       445,121
 
$              20,815
 
$      (195,137
)
$            507,106
 
Payment of subsidiary dividend
                                           
 to noncontrolling interests
   
(604
)
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(604
)
Comprehensive income:
                                           
Net income
   
(45
)
 
-
   
-
   
36,930
   
-
   
-
   
36,885
 
Net unrealized losses on
                                           
 securities available for sale, net
                                           
 of income tax
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(6,246
)
 
-
   
(6,246
)
Foreign currency translation
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(54
)
 
-
 
(54
)
Total comprehensive income
                                       
30,585
 
Dividends declared
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(30,416
)
 
-
   
-
   
(30,416
)
Stock based compensation
                                           
 expense
   
-
   
-
   
3,639
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
3,639
 
Conversion of 6% convertible
                                           
 note
   
-
   
-
   
9,923
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
9,923
 
Exercise of stock options
                                           
 including tax benefit
   
-
   
-
   
629
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
629
 
Purchase of treasury stock
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(33,992
)
(33,992
)
Balance at September 30, 2008
 
$                5,142
 
$                33
 
$       244,674
 
$       451,635
 
$              14,515
 
$      (229,129
)
$             486,870
 
                                             
See accompanying notes.
 
 

 

 


 GAMCO INVESTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 UNAUDITED
 (In thousands)

   
Nine months ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2009
 
2008
 
Operating activities
         
Net income
 
$       36,682
 
$     36,705
 
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
         
  Equity in net (gains) losses from partnerships and affiliates
 
(10,791
)
7,370
 
  Depreciation and amortization
 
487
 
  747
 
  Stock based compensation expense
 
3,821
 
  3,639
 
  Deferred income taxes
 
2,644
 
(2,503
)
  Tax benefit from exercise of stock options
 
113
 
  2
 
  Foreign currency (gain) loss 
 
49
 
  (54
)
  Other-than-temporary loss on available for sale securities
 
-
 
  713
 
  Acquisition of intangible asset
 
-
 
  (3,370
)
  Fair value of donated securities
 
370
 
  507
 
  (Gains) losses on investments in securities
 
(13,588
6,377
 
  Gain (loss) related to investment partnerships and offshore funds consolidated under EITF 04-5, net
 
1,387
 
(1,824
)
  Amortization of discount on debt 
 
63
 
138
 
(Increase) decrease in operating assets:
         
   Trading investments in securities
 
88,883
 
  (7,789
   Investments in partnerships and affiliates 
 
5,669
 
  21,039
 
   Receivable from brokers
 
(5,531
)
  2,216
 
   Investment advisory fees receivable 
 
(2,052
)
17,309
 
   Other receivables from affiliates 
 
144
 
3,303
 
   Income tax receivable and deferred tax assets
 
16,450
 
-
 
   Other assets
 
1,128
 
  (397
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
         
   Payable to brokers 
 
8,149
 
  (5,070
)
   Income taxes payable 
 
(5,817
 (6,617
)
   Compensation payable
 
6,366
 
  4,232
 
   Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests
 
190
 
(133
)
   Accrued expenses and other liabilities
 
678
 
(22,364
Total adjustments 
 
98,812
 
17,471
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
135,494
 
54,176
 

 

 

 
GAMCO INVESTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 UNAUDITED  (continued)
 (In thousands)

   
Nine months ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2009
 
 2008
 
           
Investing activities
         
Purchases of available for sale securities
 
$            (6,183
$          (1,022
Proceeds from sales of available for sale securities
 
7,077
 
8,451
 
Change in restricted cash
 
(55,090
)
-
 
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
 
(54,196
7,429
 
           
Financing activities
         
Contributions related to investment partnerships and offshore funds consolidated
         
   under EITF 04-5, net
 
(2,309
)
(346
)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
 
225
 
630
 
Dividends paid
 
(2,795
  (30,416
Subsidiary dividends to noncontrolling interests
 
(1,159
  (604
Purchase of treasury stock
 
(5,402
(33,992
Net cash used in financing activities
 
(11,440
(64,728
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
69,858
 
(3,123
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
 
83
 
  (98
)
Cash and cash equivalents, excluding restricted cash at beginning of period
 
331,174
 
168,319
 
Cash and cash equivalents, excluding restricted cash at end of period
 
$         401,115
 
$       165,098
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
         
Cash paid for interest
 
$             9,859
 
$           5,726
 
Cash paid for taxes
 
$           17,356
 
$         29,145
 
 
Non-cash activity:
 - On January 22, 2008, Cascade Investment, L.L.C. elected to convert $10 million of its $50 million convertible note paying interest of 6% into 188,679 shares of GAMCO Investors, Inc. Class A Common stock.
 - On September 15, 2008, GAMCO Investors, Inc. modified and extended its lease with M4E, LLC, the Company’s landlord at 401 Theodore Fremd Ave, Rye, NY. The lease term was extended to December 31, 2023. This resulted in an increase to the capital lease obligation and corresponding asset of $3.0 million each.
               
See accompanying notes.


 

 

 
GAMCO INVESTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2009
(Unaudited)
A.  Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation
 
Unless we have indicated otherwise, or the context otherwise requires, references in this report to “GAMCO Investors, Inc.,” “GAMCO,” “the Company,” “GBL,” “we,” “us” and “our” or similar terms are to GAMCO Investors, Inc., its predecessors and its subsidiaries.
 
The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of GAMCO included herein have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows of GAMCO for the interim periods presented and are not necessarily indicative of a full year’s results.
 
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of GAMCO and its subsidiaries.  Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated.
 
These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 from which the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements were derived.

On March 20, 2009, the Company completed its spin-off of its ownership of Teton Advisors, Inc. (“Teton”) to its shareholders.  The condensed consolidated financial statements include the results of Teton up to March 20, 2009.  Prior periods have not been restated.
 
Institutional research services revenues include brokerage commission revenues on a trade-date basis from securities transactions executed on an agency basis on behalf of institutional clients and mutual funds, private wealth management clients and retail customers of affiliated companies.  The Company is also involved in underwriting activities and participates in syndicated underwritings of public equity and debt offerings managed by major investment banks.  The Company provides institutional investors and investment partnerships with investment ideas on numerous industries and special situations, with a particular focus on small-cap and mid-cap companies.
 
Certain items previously reported have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s condensed consolidated financial statement presentation.
 
Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 

 

 


Recent Accounting Developments
 
In December 2007 the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Statement No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements” (“Statement 160”) (FASB ASC 810-10-10).  The statement’s objective is to improve the relevance, comparability, and transparency of the financial information that a reporting entity with minority interests provides in its consolidated financial statements.  Statement 160 does not change the provisions of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements” (“ARB 51”) related to consolidation purpose or consolidation policy or the requirement that a parent consolidate all entities in which it has a controlling financial interest.  Statement 160 does, however, amend certain of ARB 51’s consolidation procedures to make them consistent with the requirements of FASB Statement No. 141(R) “Business Combinations”.  It also amends ARB 51 to provide definitions for certain terms and to clarify some terminology. Statement 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  The Company adopted this statement on January 1, 2009.  The impact of adopting Statement 160 to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements required a change in the presentation on the condensed consolidated financial statements that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent’s owners and the interests of the noncontrolling owners of a subsidiary.  In accordance with this pronouncement as well as with FASB Statement No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity”, and SEC Topic No. D-98, “Classification and Measurement of Redeemable Securities,” GAMCO now discloses noncontrolling interests, formerly referred to as minority interest, in three different line items in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition, depending on their characteristics.  Noncontrolling interests that are mandatorily redeemable upon a certain date or event occurring are classified as liabilities.  Noncontrolling interests that are redeemable at the option of the holder are classified as redeemable noncontrolling interests in the mezzanine section between liabilities and stockholders’ equity.  All other noncontrolling interests are classified as equity and are presented within the stockholders’ equity section, separately from GAMCO Investors, Inc.’s portion of equity.  Statement 160 also requires prior periods to be recast in the same manner.

In March 2008, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“Statement 161”) (FASB ASC 815-10-10) to improve financial reporting about derivative instruments and hedging activities by requiring enhanced disclosures to enable investors to better understand their effects on an entity's financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. Statement 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged. The Company adopted Statement 161 on January 1, 2009. Statement 161 impacted only the Company's disclosure of derivative instruments.  Refer also to Note B to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) 142-3, ”Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets“ (“FSP 142-3“) (FASB ASC 350-30-50) which amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under FASB Statement No. 142, ”Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”.  FSP 142-3 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is prohibited. The Company adopted FSP 142-3 on January 1, 2009 without a material impact to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

In April 2009, the FASB issued three FASB Staff Positions (“FSP”) intended to provide additional application guidance and enhance disclosures regarding fair value measurements and impairments of securities.  FSP FAS 157-4, “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly” (“FSP FAS 157-4”) (FASB ASC 820-10-65), provides guidelines for making fair value measurements more consistent with the principles presented in Statement 157.  FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments” (“FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1”) (FASB ASC 825-10-10), enhances consistency in financial reporting by increasing the frequency of fair value disclosures.  FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments” (“FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2”), provides additional guidance designed to create greater clarity and consistency in accounting for and presenting impairment losses on securities.  The application and adoption in the second quarter of these FSPs was not material to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
10 

 


In May 2009 the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 165, “Subsequent Events” (“Statement 165”) (FASB ASC 855-10-05).  The statement’s objective is to establish general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued.  Although Statement 165 does not change the recognition and disclosure requirements for type I and type II subsequent events it does refer to them as recognized (type I) and nonrecognized (type II) subsequent events.  Statement 165 does require management to disclose the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated and whether that is the date on which the financial statements were issued or were available to be issued.  Statement 165 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods ending after June 15, 2009 and shall be applied prospectively.  The Company adopted Statement 165 for the quarter ended June 30, 2009.  Statement 165 impacted only the Company's disclosure of subsequent events.  Refer to Note K.

In June 2009, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 166, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140” (“Statement 166”) (FASB ASC 860-10-10).  The statement’s objective is to improve the relevance, representational faithfulness, and comparability of the information that a reporting entity provides in its financial statements about a transfer of financial assets; the effects of a transfer on its financial position, financial performance, and cash flows; and a transferor’s continuing involvement, if any, in transferred financial assets.  Statement 166 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2009 and shall be applied prospectively.  Early adoption is prohibited.  The application of this statement is not expected to be material to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

In June 2009, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 167, “Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R)” (“Statement 167”).  The statement’s objective is to improve financial reporting by enterprises involved with variable interest entities.  Statement 167 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2009 and shall be applied prospectively.  Early adoption is prohibited.  The Company is in the process of analyzing the impact of this statement on the potential consolidation of open-end and closed-end funds as well as investment partnerships and offshore funds where we serve as the investment manager and/or general partner of the investment manager.  While this statement will have no impact on net income, the effect of the application of this statement to the condensed consolidated financial statements cannot be determined at this time.

In June 2009, the FASB voted to approve the FASB Statement No. 168 “The FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles – a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162” (“Codification”) (FASB ASC 105-10-10) as the single source of authoritative nongovernmental U.S. GAAP, effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009.  All existing accounting standard documents are superseded.  All other accounting literature not included in the Codification will be considered nonauthoritative.  The Codification reorganizes the thousands of U.S. GAAP pronouncements into roughly 90 accounting topics and displays all topics using a consistent structure.  It also includes relevant Securities and Exchange Commission guidance that follows the same topical structure in separate sections in the Codification.  While the Codification does not change GAAP, it introduces a new structure - one that is organized in an easily accessible, user-friendly online research system.  The FASB expects that the new system will reduce the amount of time and effort required to research an accounting issue, mitigate the risk of noncompliance with standards through improved usability of the literature, provide accurate information with real-time updates as new standards are released, and assist the FASB with the research efforts required during the standard-setting process.  While the Codification does not change the U.S. GAAP used by the Company, it will change how U.S. GAAP is referenced in the condensed consolidated financial statements.  All references to U.S. GAAP are organized by topic, subtopic, section and paragraph and are preceded by FASB ASC, where ASC stands for Accounting Standards Codification.  In order to facilitate the transition to the Codification, the Company has elected to show all references to U.S. GAAP within this report on Form 10-Q along with the Codification reference.

In August 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2009-05 addressing “Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures Topic”, ASC 820.  This standard amended Subtopic 820-10, Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures-Overall, for the fair value measurement of liabilities.  The amendments in the update provide clarification that in circumstances in which a quoted price in an active market for the identical liability is not available, a reporting entity is required to measure fair value using the quoted price of the identical liability when traded as an asset, quoted prices for similar liabilities or similar liabilities when traded as assets or another valuation technique that is consistent with the principles of Topic 820.  The guidance provided in this update is effective for the first reporting period beginning after issuance of the update.  The application of this update is not expected to be material to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
11 

 


In September 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-12 addressing “Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures Topic”, ASC 820.  This standard amended Subtopic 820-10, Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures-Overall, for the fair value measurement of investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value per share or its equivalent.  The amendments in the update permit, as a practical expedient, a reporting entity to measure the fair value of an investment that is within the scope of the amendments in this update on the basis of the net asset value per share of the investment or its equivalent.  Additionally, this update requires disclosures about the nature of any restrictions on redemptions, any unfunded commitments and the investment strategies of the investees.  The amendments in this update are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods ending after December 15, 2009.  The adoption of the amendments in this update may have an effect on the disclosures within the condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
B.  Investment in Securities

Investments in securities at September 30, 2009 and 2008 consisted of the following:

   
2009
 
2008
   
Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Cost
 
Fair Value
   
(In thousands)
Trading securities:
               
U.S. Government obligations
 
$                    -
 
$                   -
 
$           69,898
 
$            70,261
Common stocks 
   
74,618
   
79,680
   
142,753
   
132,647
Mutual funds
   
1,215
   
1,254
   
62,057
   
58,501
Preferred stocks 
   
10
   
18
   
31
   
69
Other investments 
 
355
 
151
 
594
 
729
Total trading securities
 
76,198
 
81,103
 
275,333
 
262,207
                         
Available for sale securities:
                       
Common stocks 
   
17,100
   
32,746
   
19,314
   
50,381
Mutual funds
 
48,412
 
58,722
 
77,179
 
66,484
Total available for sale securities
 
65,512
 
91,468
 
96,493
 
116,865
                         
Total investments in securities
 
$        141,710
 
$        172,571
 
$         371,826
 
$          379,072

Securities sold, not yet purchased at September 30, 2009 and 2008 consisted of the following:

   
2009
 
2008
   
Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Cost
 
Fair Value
   
(In thousands)
 Common stocks
 
$              9,037
 
$            9,738
 
$              2,399
 
$              2,257
 Mutual funds
 
-
 
-
 
67
 
28
 Other investments
 
-
 
-
 
4,634
 
4,335
 Total securities sold, not yet purchased
 
$              9,037
 
$            9,738
 
$              7,100
 
$              6,620

Management determines the appropriate classification of debt and equity securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such designation as of each balance sheet date.  Investments in United States Treasury Bills and Notes with maturities of greater than three months at the time of purchase are classified as investments in securities and those with maturities of three months or less at time of purchase are classified as cash and cash equivalents.  A substantial portion of investments in securities are held for resale in anticipation of short-term market movements and therefore are classified as trading securities.  Trading securities are stated at fair value, with any unrealized gains or losses, reported in current period earnings.  Available for sale (“AFS”) investments are stated at fair value, with any unrealized gains or losses, net of taxes, reported as a component of stockholders’ equity except for losses deemed to be other than temporary which are recorded as realized losses in the condensed consolidated statements of income.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, there was no impairment of AFS securities.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, there was an impairment of $0.7 million of AFS securities.  

 
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The Company accounts for derivative financial instruments in accordance with FASB Statement No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended” (“Statement 133”) (FASB ASC 815-10-10).  Statement 133 requires that an entity recognize all derivatives, as defined, as either assets or liabilities measured at fair value.  From time to time, the Company will enter into hedging transactions to manage its exposure to foreign currencies related to its proprietary investments.  These transactions are not designated as hedges, and changes in fair values of these derivatives are included in net gain (loss) from investments in the condensed consolidated statements of income.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company closed out of its only two foreign currency forwards which resulted in a net loss of $27,000.  As of September 30, 2009, the Company did not hold any derivative contracts.

At September 30, 2009, December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2008, the fair value of common stock investments available for sale was $32.7 million, $29.7 million and $50.4 million, respectively.  The total unrealized gains for common stock investments available for sale securities with unrealized gains was $15.6 million, $10.7 million and $31.1 million at September 30, 2009, December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2008, respectively.  There were no unrealized losses for common stock investments available for sale at September 30, 2009, December 31, 2008 or September 30, 2008.  At September 30, 2009, December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2008, the fair value of mutual fund investments available for sale with unrealized gains was $58.5 million, $30.5 million and $4.4 million, respectively.  At September 30, 2009, December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2008, the fair value of mutual fund investments available for sale with unrealized losses was $0.2 million, $15.9 million and $62.1 million, respectively.  All of the mutual fund investments available for sale with unrealized losses at September 30, 2009, December 31, 2008 or September 30, 2008 have been in continuous loss positions for less than twelve months.  The total unrealized gains for mutual fund investments available for sale securities with unrealized gains was $10.3 million, $1.9 million and $0.8 million at September 30, 2009, December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2008, respectively, while the total unrealized losses for available for sale securities with unrealized losses was $0.0 million, $0.9 million and $11.5 million, respectively.  Increases in unrealized gains to fair value, net of taxes, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 of $1.0 million and $9.9 million, respectively, have been included in stockholders’ equity at September 30, 2009 while decreases in unrealized gains to fair value, net of taxes, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 of $2.9 million and $6.2 million, respectively, have been included in stockholders’ equity at September 30, 2008.  Proceeds from sales of investments available for sale were approximately $1.8 million and $7.8 million for the three month periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  For the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, gross gains on the sale of investments available for sale amounted to $0.2 million and $3.6 million, respectively; there were no gross losses on the sale of investments available for sale.  Proceeds from sales of investments available for sale were approximately $7.1 million and $8.5 million for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, gross gains on the sale of investments available for sale amounted to $2.1 million and $4.0 million; there were no gross losses on the sale of investments available for sale.  The basis on which the cost of a security sold is determined is specific identification.

At September 30, 2009, there were 5 holdings in loss positions which were not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired due to the length of time that they had been in a loss position and because they passed scrutiny in our evaluation of issuer-specific and industry-specific considerations.  In these specific instances, the investments at September 30, 2009 were mutual funds with diversified holdings across multiple companies and in most cases across multiple industries.  One holding was impaired for six consecutive months and four holdings were impaired for eleven consecutive months.  The fair value of these holdings at September 30, 2009 was $0.2 million.

At December 31, 2008, there were 11 holdings in loss positions which were not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired due to the length of time that they had been in a loss position and because they passed scrutiny in our evaluation of issuer-specific and industry-specific considerations.  In these specific instances, the investments at December 31, 2008 were mutual funds with diversified holdings across multiple companies and in most cases across multiple industries.  One holding was impaired for one month, one holding was impaired for two consecutive months, two holdings were impaired for three consecutive months, six holdings were impaired for four consecutive months, and one holding was impaired for eight consecutive months.  The fair value of these holdings at December 31, 2008 was $15.9 million.

At September 30, 2008, there were 46 holdings in loss positions which were not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired due to the length of time that they had been in a loss position and because they passed scrutiny in our evaluation of issuer-specific and industry-specific considerations.  In these specific instances, the investments at September 30, 2008 were mutual funds with diversified holdings across multiple companies and in most cases across multiple industries.  Twenty holdings were impaired for one month, two holdings were impaired for three consecutive months, nineteen holdings were impaired for four consecutive months, one holding was impaired for six consecutive months, one holding was impaired for seven consecutive months and three holdings were impaired for eleven consecutive months.  The fair value of these holdings at September 30, 2008 was $62.1 million.


 
13 

 


C. Investments in Partnerships and Affiliates
 
The provisions of FIN 46(R) (FASB ASC 810-10-10) and Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 04-5, “Investor’s Accounting for an Investment in a Limited Partnership When the Investor is the Sole General Partner and the Limited Partners Have Certain Rights” (“EITF 04-5”) (FASB ASC 810-20-15), require consolidation of several of our investment partnerships and offshore funds managed by our subsidiaries into our condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
Cash and cash equivalents, investments in securities, investments in partnerships and affiliates, receivable from brokers, securities sold, not yet purchased and payable to brokers held by investment partnerships and offshore funds consolidated under EITF 04-5 which resulted in a net increase to the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition of $1.6 million, $4.1 million and $4.3 million as of September 30, 2009, December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2008, respectively, are also restricted from use for general operating purposes.

In the normal course of business, the Company is the manager or general partner of several sponsored investment partnerships.  We evaluate each partnership for the appropriate accounting treatment and disclosure.  Certain of the partnerships are consolidated, generally because a majority of the equity is owned by the Company.  Other investment partnerships for which we serve as the general partner but have only a minority ownership interest are not consolidated because the limited partners have substantive rights to replace the Company as general partner.  We also have sponsored a number of investment vehicles where we are the investment manager in which we do not have an equity investment.  These vehicles are considered variable interest entities under FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised) (FASB ASC 810-10-10), Variable Interest Entities, and we are not the primary beneficiary because we do not absorb a majority of the entities’ expected losses or expected returns.  For these entities, the Company has no amount recorded on the balance sheet, has zero maximum exposure to loss, and has not provided any financial or other support to the entity.  The total assets of these entities at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 were $9.9 million and $9.1 million, respectively.

D. Fair Value

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement 157 (FASB ASC 820-10-50), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  All of the instruments within cash and cash equivalents, investments in securities and securities sold, not yet purchased are measured at fair value.

The Company’s assets and liabilities recorded at fair value have been categorized based upon a fair value hierarchy in accordance with Statement 157.  The levels of the fair value hierarchy and their applicability to the Company are described below:

-  
Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
-  
Level 2 inputs utilize inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.  Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly-quoted intervals.
-  
Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. 
 
In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy.  In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.  The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

The availability of observable inputs can vary from product to product and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of product, whether the product is new and not yet established in the marketplace, and other characteristics particular to the transaction.  To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment.  Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized as Level 3.
 
Many of our securities have bid and ask prices that can be observed in the marketplace.  Bid prices reflect the highest price that the market is willing to pay for an asset.  Ask prices represent the lowest price that the market is willing to accept for an asset.
 
 
14

 
 
Cash and cash equivalents – Cash is maintained in demand deposit accounts at major United States banking institutions.  Cash equivalents primarily consist of an affiliated money market mutual fund which is invested solely in U.S. Treasuries.  U.S. Treasury Bills and Notes with maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase are considered cash equivalents.  Cash equivalents are valued using quoted market prices.

Investments in securities and securities sold, not yet purchased – Investments in securities and securities sold, not yet purchased are generally valued based on quoted prices from an exchange.  To the extent these securities are actively traded, valuation adjustments are not applied, and they are categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.  Nonpublic and infrequently traded investments are included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy because significant inputs to measure fair value are unobservable.  Investments are transferred into or out of Level 3 at their beginning period values.
 
The following table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities by major categories measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2009 and 2008 and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value:

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis as of September 30, 2009 (in thousands)
 
   
Quoted Prices in Active
 
Significant Other
 
Significant
 
Balance as of
   
Markets for Identical
 
Observable
 
Unobservable
 
September 30,
Assets
 
Assets (Level 1)
 
Inputs (Level 2)
 
Inputs (Level 3)
 
2009
Cash equivalents
 
$                           462,913
 
$                               -
 
$                              -
 
$                  462,913
Investments in securities:
                       
   AFS – Common stocks
   
32,746
   
-
   
-
   
32,746
   AFS – Mutual funds
   
58,722
   
-
   
-
   
58,722
   Trading – Common stocks
   
79,346
   
102
   
232
   
79,680
   Trading – Mutual funds
   
1,254
   
-
   
-
   
1,254
   Trading – Preferred stocks
   
9
   
-
   
9
   
18
   Trading – Other
 
67
 
-
 
84
 
151
Total investments in securities
 
172,144
 
102
 
325
 
172,571
Total assets at fair value
 
$                           635,057
 
$                          102
 
$                         325
 
$                  635,484
Liabilities
                       
   Trading – Common stocks
 
$                               9,738
 
$                               -
 
$                              -
 
$                      9,738
Securities sold, not yet purchased
 
$                               9,738
 
$                               -
 
$                              -
 
$                      9,738

 
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Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis as of September 30, 2008 (in thousands)

   
Quoted Prices in Active
 
Significant Other
 
Significant
   Balance as of
   
Markets for Identical
 
Observable
 
Unobservable
 
September 30,
Assets
 
Assets (Level 1)
 
Inputs (Level 2)
 
Inputs (Level 3)
 
2008
Cash equivalents
 
$                           164,751
 
$                               -
 
$                              -
 
$                   164,751
Investments in securities:
                       
   AFS – Common stocks
   
50,381
   
-
   
-
   
50,381
   AFS – Mutual funds
   
66,484
   
-
   
-
   
66,484
   Trading – U.S. Gov’t obligations
   
70,261
   
-
   
-
   
70,261
   Trading – Common stocks
   
131,647
   
22
   
978
   
132,647
   Trading – Mutual funds
   
58,501
   
-
   
-
   
58,501
   Trading – Preferred stocks
   
-
   
-
   
69
   
69
   Trading – Other
 
198
 
(4
)
535
 
729
Total investments in securities
 
377,472
 
18
 
1,582
 
379,072
Total assets at fair value
 
$                           542,223
 
$                            18
 
$                      1,582
 
$                   543,823
Liabilities
               
   Trading – Common stocks
 
$                               2,257
 
$                               -
 
$                              -
 
$                       2,257
   Trading – Mutual funds
 
28
 
-
 
-
 
28
   Trading – Other
 
4,335
 
-
 
-
 
4,335
Securities sold, not yet purchased
 
$                               6,620
 
$                               -
 
$                              -
 
$                       6,620

The following tables present additional information about assets and liabilities by major categories measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the Company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value.
 
Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2009 (in thousands)
 
               
Total
                       
               
Unrealized
                       
               
Gains or
   
Total
                 
               
(Losses)
   
Realized
         
Net
     
   
June
   
Total Realized and
   
Included in
   
and
         
Transfers
     
   
30, 2009
   
Unrealized Gains or
   
Other
   
Unrealized
   
Purchases
   
In and/or
     
   
Beginning
   
 (Losses) in Income
   
Comprehensive
   
Gains or
   
and Sales,
   
(Out) of
   
Ending
Asset
 
Balance
   
Trading
   
Investments
   
Income
   
(Losses)
   
net
   
Level 3
   
Balance
Financial instruments owned:
                                                             
Trading – Common
   stocks
 
$                 242
   
$           (10
)
 
$                         -
   
$                                   -
   
$                     (10
)
 
$                      -
   
$                     -
   
$          232
Trading – Preferred
   stocks
   
14
     
(5
)
   
-
     
-
     
(5
)
   
-
     
-
     
9
Trading – Other
 
172
   
(62
)
 
-
   
-
   
(62
)
 
(26
 
-
   
84
Total
 
$                 428
   
$           (77
)
 
$                         -
   
$                                   -
   
$                     (77
)
 
$                  (26
 
$                     -
   
$         325



 
16 

 


Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis for the Nine months ended September 30, 2009 (in thousands)
 
               
Total
                       
               
Unrealized
                       
               
Gains or
   
Total
                 
               
(Losses)
   
Realized
         
Net
     
   
December
   
Total Realized and
   
Included in
   
and
         
Transfers
     
   
31, 2008
   
Unrealized Gains or
   
Other
   
Unrealized
   
Purchases
   
In and/or
     
   
Beginning
   
 (Losses) in Income
   
Comprehensive
   
Gains or
   
and Sales,
   
(Out) of
   
Ending
Asset
 
Balance
   
Trading
   
Investments
   
Income
   
(Losses)
   
net
   
Level 3
   
Balance
Financial instruments owned:
                                                             
Trading – Common
   stocks
 
$              1,114
   
$             (4
)
 
$                         -
   
$                                   -
 
 
$                       (4
)
 
$                    (1
)
 
$               (877
)
 
$          232
Trading – Preferred
   stocks
   
96
     
(87
)
   
-
     
-
     
(87
)
   
-
     
-
     
9
Trading – Other
 
331
   
(193
)
 
-
   
-
   
(193
)
 
(54
 
-
   
84
Total
 
$              1,541
   
$         (284
)
 
$                         -
   
$                                   -
   
$                  (284
)
 
$                  (55
 
$               (877
 
$         325

During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company reclassed approximately $0.9 million of investments from Level 3 to Level 2.  The reclassifications were due to increased availability of market price quotations and based on the values at the beginning of the period in which the reclass occurred.

Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 (in thousands)

               
Total
                       
               
Unrealized
                       
               
Gains or
   
Total
                 
               
(Losses)
   
Realized
         
Net
     
   
June
   
Total Realized and
   
Included in
   
and
         
Transfers
     
   
30, 2008
   
Unrealized Gains or
   
Other
   
Unrealized
   
Purchases
   
In and/or
     
   
Beginning
   
 (Losses) in Income
   
Comprehensive
   
Gains or
   
and Sales,
   
(Out) of
   
Ending
Asset
 
Balance
   
Trading
   
Investments
   
Income
   
(Losses)
   
net
   
Level 3
   
Balance
Financial instruments owned:
                                                             
Trading – Common
   stocks
 
$              1,379
   
$           (71
)
 
$                         -
   
$                                   -
   
$                     (71
)
 
$                (205
)
 
$               (125
)
 
$          978
Trading – Preferred
   stocks
   
37
     
32
     
-
     
-
     
32
     
-
     
-
     
69
Trading – Other
 
596
   
(61
)
 
-
   
-
   
(61
)
 
-
   
-
   
535
Total
 
$              2,012
   
$         (100
)
 
$                         -
   
$                                   -
   
$                   (100
)
 
$                (205
 
$               (125
 
$       1,582

During the quarter ended September 30, 2008, the Company reclassified approximately $0.1 million of investments from Level 3 to Level 2.  The reclassifications were due to increased availability of market price quotations and based on the values at the beginning of the period in which the reclass occurred.

 
17 

 


Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis for the Nine months ended September 30, 2008 (in thousands)

               
Total
                       
               
Unrealized
                       
               
Gains or
   
Total
                 
               
(Losses)
   
Realized
         
Net
     
   
December
   
Total Realized and
   
Included in
   
and
         
Transfers
     
   
31, 2007
   
Unrealized Gains or
   
Other
   
Unrealized
   
Purchases
   
In and/or
     
   
Beginning
   
(Losses) in Income
   
Comprehensive
   
Gains or
   
and Sales,
   
(Out) of
   
Ending
Asset
 
Balance
   
Trading
   
Investments
   
Income
   
(Losses)
   
net
   
Level 3
   
Balance
Financial instruments owned:
                                                             
Trading – Common
   stocks
 
$                 856
   
$         (624
)
 
$                         -
   
$                                   -
   
$                   (624
)
 
$                 530
   
$                 216
   
$          978
Trading – Preferred
   stocks
   
-
     
40
     
-
     
-
     
40
     
-
     
29
     
 69
Trading – Other
 
567
   
(53
)
 
-
   
-
   
(53
)
 
-
   
21
   
535
Total
 
$              1,423
   
$         (637
)
 
$                         -
   
$                                   -
   
$                  (637
)
 
$                 530
   
$                266
   
$       1,582

During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company reclassified approximately $0.3 million of investments from Level 2 to Level 3.  The reclassification was due to a reduction in market price quotations for these investments and based on the values at the beginning of the period in which the reclass occurred.

Unrealized Level 3 losses included within net gain (loss) from investments in the condensed consolidated statement of income for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 were approximately $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 were approximately $0.3 million and $0.6 million, respectively, for those Level 3 securities held at September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
E. Debt
 
The fair value of the Company’s debt is estimated based on quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities or using market standard models.  At September 30, 2009, the fair value of the Company’s debt is estimated to be $203.4 million.  The carrying value of the Company debt at September 30, 2009 is $198.8 million.
 
F. Income Taxes
 
The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2009 was 37.4% compared to the prior year quarter’s effective rate of 24.4%.  The prior year’s rate includes a reduction to certain income tax reserves.

The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was 35.3% compared to the prior year quarter’s effective rate of 35.1%.

 
18 

 


 
G. Earnings Per Share
 
The computations of basic and diluted net income per share are as follows:
 
   
Three
 
Three
 
Nine
 
Nine
 
   
Months
 
Months
 
Months
 
Months
 
   
Ended
 
Ended
 
Ended
 
Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2009
 
2008
 
2009
 
2008
 
Basic:
                 
Net income attributable to GAMCO Investors, Inc.’s shareholders
 
$              14,651
 
$              11,985
 
$              36,179
 
$              36,930
 
Weighted average shares outstanding
 
27,366
 
27,602
 
27,376
 
27,930
 
Basic net income attributable to GAMCO Investors, Inc. ’s shareholders per share
 
$                  0.54
 
$                  0.43
 
$                  1.32
 
$                  1.32
 
       
  
         
Diluted:
                 
Net income attributable to GAMCO Investors, Inc. ’s shareholders
 
$              14,651
 
$              11,985
 
$              36,179
 
$              36,930
 
                   
Weighted average shares outstanding
 
27,366
 
  27,602
 
 27,376
 
  27,930
 
Dilutive stock options & RSAs
 
139
 
45
 
88
 
43
 
Total
 
27,505
 
27,647
 
27,464
 
27,973
 
Diluted net income attributable to GAMCO Investors, Inc. ’s shareholders per share
 
$                  0.53
 
$                  0.43
 
$                  1.32
 
$                  1.32
 
 
H. Stockholders’ Equity
 
Shares outstanding were 27.6 million on September 30, 2009, 27.7 million on December 31, 2008, and 27.9 million shares on September 30, 2008. 
 
On February 3, 2009, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.03 per share to all of its Class A and Class B shareholders, payable on March 31, 2009 to shareholders of record on March 17, 2009.  On May 5, 2009, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.03 per share to all of its Class A and Class B shareholders, payable on June 30, 2009 to shareholders of record on June 16, 2009.  On August 4, 2009, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.03 per share to all of its Class A and Class B shareholders, payable on September 29, 2009 to shareholders of record on September 14, 2009.

On February 25, 2009, our Board of Directors declared a distribution to all of its Class A and Class B shareholders in the form of shares of Class B common stock of Teton owned by the Company.  The distribution was paid on March 20, 2009 to shareholders of record on March 10, 2009 at a ratio of 14.930 shares of Teton for each 1,000 shares of GBL owned on the record date.  The spin-off was accounted for as a nonreciprocal transfer to shareholders and was recorded at book value.

Voting Rights

The holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock have identical rights except that (i) holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share, while holders of Class B Common Stock are entitled to ten votes per share on all matters to be voted on by shareholders in general, and (ii) holders of Class A Common Stock are not eligible to vote on matters relating exclusively to Class B Common Stock and vice versa.

 
19 

 

 
Stock Award and Incentive Plan
 
The Company maintains two Plans approved by the shareholders, which are designed to provide incentives which will attract and retain individuals key to the success of GAMCO through direct or indirect ownership of our common stock.  Benefits under the Plans may be granted in any one or a combination of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock awards, dividend equivalents and other stock or cash based awards.  A maximum of 1,500,000 shares of Class A Common Stock have been reserved for issuance under each of the Plans.  Under the Plans, the Compensation Committee may grant either incentive or nonqualified stock options with a term not to exceed ten years from the grant date and at an exercise price that the committee may determine.  Options granted under the Plans vest 75% after three years and 100% after four years from the date of grant and expire after ten years.
 
On January 2, 2009, the Company issued 15,000 restricted stock award (“RSA”) shares at a grant day fair value of $29.06 per share.  As of September 30, 2009, there were 361,600 RSA shares outstanding that were previously issued at an average grant price of $60.80.  All grants of the RSAs were recommended by the Company's Chairman, who did not receive an RSA award, and approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board.  This expense will be recognized over the vesting period for these awards which is 30% over three years from the date of grant and 70% over five years from the date of grant.  During the vesting period, dividends to RSA holders are held for them until the RSA vesting dates and are forfeited if the grantee is no longer employed by the Company on the vesting dates.  Dividends declared on these RSAs are charged to retained earnings on the declaration date.
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, we recognized stock-based compensation expense of $1.3 million and $1.2 million, respectively.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, we recognized stock-based compensation expense of $3.8 million and $3.6 million, respectively.  Stock-based compensation expense for RSAs and options for the years ended December 31, 2008 through December 31, 2013 (based on awards currently issued) is as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2008
 
2009
 
2010
 
2011
 
2012
 
 2013
 
Q1
 
$          1,198
 
$          1,271
 
$          1,260
 
$             766
 
$            730
 
$               44
 
Q2
   
1,204
   
1,267
   
1,257
   
763
   
729
   
 44
 
Q3
   
1,237
   
1,283
   
1,256
   
746
   
729
   
 23
 
Q4
 
1,252
 
1,264
 
1,093
 
739
 
501
 
12
Full Year
 
$          4,891
 
$          5,085
 
$          4,866
 
$          3,014
 
$         2,689
 
$             123

The total compensation costs related to non-vested restricted stock awards and options not yet recognized is approximately $12.0 million.  For the three months ended September 30, 2009 there were no options exercised.  For the three months ended September 30, 2008 proceeds from the exercise of 2,000 stock options were $58,000, resulting in a tax benefit to GAMCO of $7,000.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 proceeds from the exercise of 12,175 and 17,550 stock options were $225,000 and $630,000, respectively, resulting in a tax benefit to GAMCO of $112,000 and $52,000, respectively.  Additionally, during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 the Company reversed a previously recognized tax benefit of $50,000.
 
Stock Repurchase Program
 
In March 1999, GAMCO's Board of Directors established the Stock Repurchase Program to grant the authority to repurchase shares of our Class A Common Stock.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company repurchased 115,900 and 119,400 shares, respectively, at an average price per share of $45.14 and $45.24, respectively.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company repurchased 246,800 and 699,425 shares, respectively, at an average price per share of $43.60 and $48.58, respectively.  From the inception of the program through September 30, 2009, 6,171,983 shares have been repurchased at an average price of $39.88 per share.  At September 30, 2009, the total shares available under the program able to be repurchased were 745,436.

 
20 

 


I. Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets
 
In accordance with FASB Statement No. 142 “Accounting for Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” (FASB ASC 350-10-05) we assess the recoverability of goodwill and other intangible assets at least annually, or more often should events warrant.  There was no impairment charge recorded for the three or nine months ended September 30, 2009.  At September 30, 2009, $3.5 million of goodwill is reflected within other assets on our condensed consolidated statements of financial condition related to our 92%-owned subsidiary, Gabelli Securities, Inc.
 
On March 10, 2008, the Enterprise Mergers and Acquisitions Fund's (the "Fund") Board of Directors, subsequent to obtaining shareholder approval, approved the assignment of the advisory contract to Gabelli Funds, LLC (the "Adviser") as the investment adviser to the Fund.  GAMCO Asset Management Inc. had been the sub-adviser to the Fund.  On July 8, 2008, the Fund was renamed the Gabelli Enterprise Merger and Acquisitions Fund.  As a result of becoming the adviser to the rebranded Gabelli Enterprise Mergers and Acquisitions Fund, at September 30, 2009, the Company maintains an indefinite-lived identifiable intangible asset within other assets on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition of approximately $1.9 million, after the write down of $1.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2008.  The investment advisory agreement is subject to annual renewal by the Fund's Board of Directors, which the Company expects will be renewed, and the Company does not expect to incur additional expense as a result, which is consistent with other investment advisory agreements entered into by the Company.  The advisory contract is next up for renewal in February 2010.
 
J.  Commitments and Contingencies
 
From time to time, the Company has been, and may continue to be, named in legal actions, including filed FINRA arbitration claims.  These claims may seek substantial compensatory as well as punitive damages.  At this stage the Company cannot predict the ultimate outcome of these claims.  The condensed consolidated financial statements include the necessary provision for losses that are deemed to be probable and estimable.  In the opinion of management, the resolution of such claims will not be material to the financial condition of the Company.

We indemnify the clearing brokers for our affiliated broker-dealer for losses they may sustain from the customer accounts that trade on margin introduced by our broker-dealer subsidiary.  At September 30, 2009, the total amount of customer balances subject to indemnification (i.e. unsecured margin debits) was immaterial.  The Company also has entered into arrangements with various other third parties many of which provide for indemnification of the third parties against losses, costs, claims and liabilities arising from the performance of our obligations under the agreements.  The Company has had no claims or payments pursuant to these or prior agreements, and we believe the likelihood of a claim being made is remote.  Management cannot estimate any potential maximum exposure due both to the remoteness of any potential claims and the fact that items that would be included within any such calculated claim would be beyond the control of management.  Consequently, no accrual has been made in the condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
K. Subsequent Events
 
On November 6, 2009, our Board of Directors declared a special dividend of $2.00 per share to all of its Class A and Class B shareholders, payable on December 15, 2009 to shareholders of record on December 1, 2009 and a quarterly dividend of $0.03 per share to all of its Class A and Class B shareholders, payable on December 29, 2009 to shareholders of record on December 15, 2009.
 
From October 1, 2009 through November 6, 2009, we repurchased 22,600 shares of our Class A Common Stock, under the Stock Repurchase Program, at an average investment of $42.68 per share.
 
These subsequent events have been evaluated through November 6, 2009, the date the condensed consolidated financial statements were issued.

 
21 

 

ITEM 2:  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (INCLUDING QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK)

Overview
 
GAMCO through the Gabelli brand, well known for its Private Market Value (PMV) with a CatalystTM investment approach, is a widely-recognized provider of investment advisory services to mutual funds, institutional and high net worth investors, and investment partnerships, principally in the United States.  Through Gabelli & Company, Inc., we provide institutional research and brokerage services to institutional clients and investment partnerships and mutual fund distribution.  We generally manage assets on a discretionary basis and invest in a variety of U.S. and international securities through various investment styles.  Our revenues are based primarily on the firm’s levels of assets under management and fees associated with our various investment products.
 
Since 1977, we have been identified with and have enhanced the “value” style approach to investing. Our investment objective is to earn a superior risk-adjusted return for our clients over the long-term through our proprietary fundamental research.  In addition to our value portfolios, we offer our clients a broad array of investment strategies that include global, growth, international and convertible products.  We also offer a series of investment partnership (performance fee-based) vehicles that provide a series of long-short investment opportunities in market and sector specific opportunities, including offerings of non-market correlated investments in merger arbitrage, as well as fixed income strategies.
 
Our revenues are highly correlated to the level of assets under management and fees associated with our various investment products, rather than our own corporate assets.  Assets under management, which are directly influenced by the level and changes of the overall equity markets, can also fluctuate through acquisitions, the creation of new products, the addition of new accounts or the loss of existing accounts.  Since various equity products have different fees, changes in our business mix may also affect revenues.  At times, the performance of our equity products may differ markedly from popular market indices, and this can also impact our revenues.  General stock market trends will have the greatest impact on our level of assets under management and hence, revenues.

We conduct our investment advisory business principally through: GAMCO Asset Management Inc. (Separate Accounts), Gabelli Funds, LLC (Mutual Funds) and Gabelli Securities, Inc. (Investment Partnerships).  We also act as an underwriter, are a distributor of our open-end funds and provide institutional research through Gabelli & Company, Inc. (“Gabelli & Company”), our broker-dealer subsidiary.

 
22 

 

 
On March 20, 2009, the Company completed its spin-off of its ownership of Teton Advisors, Inc. (“Teton”) to its shareholders.  The condensed consolidated financial statements include the results of Teton up to March 20, 2009.  Prior period results have not been restated.  However, Assets Under Management (“AUM”) have been presented for prior periods excluding Teton for comparability.  Such Teton AUM were $450 million at December 31, 2008 and $418 million at September 30, 2008.

AUM were $24.5 billion as of September 30, 2009, 14.5% higher than June 30, 2009 AUM of $21.4 billion but 2.8% below September 30, 2008 AUM of $25.2 billion.  Equity AUM were $22.8 billion on September 30, 2009, 16.3% above the June 30, 2009 equity AUM of $19.6 billion and 5.8% below the $24.2 billion on September 30, 2008.  Highlights are as follows:
 
-  
Our institutional and private wealth management business ended the quarter with $10.3 billion in separately managed accounts, up 17.0% from the June 30, 2009 level of $8.8 billion but 5.5% lower than the $10.9 billion on September 30, 2008.

-  
Our closed-end equity funds had AUM of $4.4 billion on September 30, 2009, rising 15.8% from the $3.8 billion on June 30, 2009 but 10.2% below the $4.9 billion on September 30, 2008.

-  
Our open-end equity funds AUM were $7.9 billion on September 30, 2009, 17.9% more than the $6.7 billion on June 30, 2009 nearly matching the $8.0 billion on September 30, 2008.

-  
We have the opportunity to earn base fees and incentive fees for certain institutional client assets, assets attributable to preferred issues for our closed-end funds, assets of the Gabelli Global Deal Fund (NYSE: GDL) and Investment Partnership assets.  As of September 30, 2009, assets with incentive based fees were $2.7 billion, in line with the $2.7 billion on June 30, 2009 and 12.9% below the $3.1 billion on September 30, 2008.  At September 30, 2009, we have unearned incentive fee revenues of $16.7 million on these assets representing approximately $0.20 per diluted share after direct expenses (compensation) and taxes.  These fees, which vary with the market value of the related AUM, are not recorded as revenues until the contract period has ended, which for the majority of these arrangements is December 31, 2009.

-  
Our Investment Partnerships AUM were $291 million on September 30, 2009 versus $266 million on June 30, 2009 and $340 million on September 30, 2008.

-  
AUM in The Gabelli U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund, our 100% U.S. Treasury money market fund, was down slightly at $1.6 billion on September 30, 2009 from $1.8 billion on June 30, 2009 and higher than the September 30, 2008 AUM of $1.0 billion.


 
23 

 

 
The Company reported Assets Under Management as follows:

Table I: Fund Flows – 3rd Quarter 2009 (in millions)
                         
       
Closed-end fund
             
       
distributions,
             
   
June 30,
 
net of
 
Net Cash
 
 Market
 
September 30,
 
   
 2009
 
reinvestments
 
  Flows (a)
 
Appreciation
 
 2009
 
Equities:
                       
Open-end Funds
 
$               6,684
 
$
-
 
$                      188
 
$                   1,034
 
$                 7,906
 
Closed-end Funds
 
               3,822
 
(70
)
                 66
 
                 551
 
            4,369
 
Institutional & PWM - direct
 
7,332
 
-
 
(107
)
1,266
 
8,491
 
Institutional & PWM – sub-advisory
 
  1,476
 
-
 
  (7
)
  308
 
1,777
 
Investment Partnerships
 
 266
 
-
 
13
 
 12
 
 291
 
Total Equities
 
  19,580
 
(70
)
  153
 
  3,171
 
  22,834
 
Fixed Income:
                     
Money-Market Fund
 
1,765
 
-
 
  (150
)
1
 
1,616