Attached files
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EXCEL - IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT - COHEN & STEERS, INC. | Financial_Report.xls |
EX-10.1 - AMENDED AND RESTATED COHEN & STEERS, INC. STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN - COHEN & STEERS, INC. | cns10q-33115ex10.htm |
EX-32.1 - CEO CERTIFICATION - SECTION 906 - COHEN & STEERS, INC. | cns10q-33115ex321.htm |
EX-31.2 - CFO CERTIFICATION - SECTION 302 - COHEN & STEERS, INC. | cns10q-33115ex312.htm |
EX-31.1 - CEO CERTIFICATION - SECTION 302 - COHEN & STEERS, INC. | cns10q-33115ex311.htm |
EX-32.2 - CFO CERTIFICATION - SECTION 906 - COHEN & STEERS, INC. | cns10q-33115ex322.htm |
________________________________________________________
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND 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 MARCH 31, 2015 |
OR
o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO |
Commission File Number: 001-32236
________________
COHEN & STEERS, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
________________
Delaware | 14-1904657 | |
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |
280 Park Avenue New York, NY | 10017 | |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) |
(212) 832-3232
(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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). 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 | x | Accelerated Filer | o | |||
Non-Accelerated Filer | o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | Smaller Reporting Company | o |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x
The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding as of May 5, 2015 was 45,414,522.
________________________________________________________
COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Form 10-Q
Index
Page | ||
Part I. | Financial Information | |
Item 1. | ||
Item 2. | ||
Item 3. | ||
Item 4. | ||
Part II. | Other Information * | |
Item 1. | ||
Item 1A. | ||
Item 2. | ||
Item 6. | ||
* Items other than those listed above have been omitted because they are not applicable.
Forward-Looking Statements
This report and other documents filed by us contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which reflect management's current views with respect to, among other things, our operations and financial performance. You may identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “outlook,” “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “may,” “should,” “seeks,” “predicts,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates” or the negative versions of these words or other comparable words. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these forward-looking statements. We believe that these factors include, but are not limited to, the risks described in the Risk Factors section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 (the Form 10-K), which is accessible on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov and on our website at www.cohenandsteers.com. These factors are not exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this report, the Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
PART I—Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION (Unaudited)
(in thousands, except share data)
March 31, 2015 | December 31, 2014 | ||||||
ASSETS | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 99,493 | $ | 124,938 | |||
Trading investments (1) | 9,395 | 9,509 | |||||
Equity method investments | 27,465 | 28,550 | |||||
Available-for-sale investments | 21,320 | 21,269 | |||||
Accounts receivable | 54,935 | 43,392 | |||||
Due from broker | 1,315 | 1,805 | |||||
Income tax receivable | 5,839 | 56 | |||||
Property and equipment—net | 10,136 | 11,189 | |||||
Goodwill | 17,862 | 19,120 | |||||
Intangible assets—net | 1,590 | 1,612 | |||||
Deferred income tax asset—net | — | 15,108 | |||||
Other assets | 5,652 | 4,173 | |||||
Total assets | $ | 255,002 | $ | 280,721 | |||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||
Liabilities: | |||||||
Accrued compensation | $ | 6,651 | $ | 28,300 | |||
Deferred rent | 5,677 | 5,728 | |||||
Income tax payable | 1,164 | 4,141 | |||||
Other liabilities and accrued expenses | 13,074 | 13,964 | |||||
Total liabilities | 26,566 | 52,133 | |||||
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 11) | |||||||
Redeemable noncontrolling interest | 797 | 607 | |||||
Stockholders’ equity: | |||||||
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 49,630,490 and 48,593,812 shares issued at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively | 496 | 486 | |||||
Additional paid-in capital | 500,604 | 489,266 | |||||
Accumulated deficit | (133,574 | ) | (142,786 | ) | |||
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax | (3,775 | ) | (1,582 | ) | |||
Less: Treasury stock, at cost, 4,236,934 and 3,800,920 shares at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively | (136,112 | ) | (117,403 | ) | |||
Total stockholders’ equity | 227,639 | 227,981 | |||||
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 255,002 | $ | 280,721 |
_________________________
(1) Includes $622 and $650 held as collateral attributable to the consolidated balances of Cohen & Steers Active Commodities Strategy Fund, Inc. (CDF) as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
1
COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
Revenue: | |||||||
Investment advisory and administration fees | $ | 77,752 | $ | 67,564 | |||
Distribution and service fees | 3,906 | 3,470 | |||||
Portfolio consulting and other | 2,157 | 1,801 | |||||
Total revenue | 83,815 | 72,835 | |||||
Expenses: | |||||||
Employee compensation and benefits | 25,983 | 24,035 | |||||
Distribution and service fees | 9,251 | 8,304 | |||||
General and administrative | 12,463 | 11,093 | |||||
Depreciation and amortization | 1,052 | 1,262 | |||||
Amortization of deferred commissions | 517 | 545 | |||||
Total expenses | 49,266 | 45,239 | |||||
Operating income | 34,549 | 27,596 | |||||
Non-operating income: | |||||||
Interest and dividend income—net | 299 | 239 | |||||
(Loss) gain from trading investments—net | (451 | ) | 983 | ||||
Gain from available-for-sale investments—net | 100 | 1,076 | |||||
Equity in (losses) earnings of affiliates | (1,081 | ) | 935 | ||||
Other losses | (419 | ) | (52 | ) | |||
Total non-operating (loss) income | (1,552 | ) | 3,181 | ||||
Income before provision for income taxes | 32,997 | 30,777 | |||||
Provision for income taxes | 12,226 | 11,177 | |||||
Net income | 20,771 | 19,600 | |||||
Less: Net loss (income) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest | 45 | (155 | ) | ||||
Net income attributable to common stockholders | $ | 20,816 | $ | 19,445 | |||
Earnings per share attributable to common stockholders: | |||||||
Basic | $ | 0.46 | $ | 0.44 | |||
Diluted | $ | 0.45 | $ | 0.43 | |||
Dividends declared per share | $ | 0.25 | $ | 0.22 | |||
Weighted average shares outstanding: | |||||||
Basic | 45,241 | 44,633 | |||||
Diluted | 45,980 | 45,483 |
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
2
COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
Net income | $ | 20,771 | $ | 19,600 | |||
Less: Net loss (income) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest | 45 | (155 | ) | ||||
Net income attributable to common stockholders | 20,816 | 19,445 | |||||
Foreign currency translation (loss) gain (net of tax of $0) | (2,078 | ) | 77 | ||||
Net unrealized (loss) gain from available-for-sale investments (net of tax of $0) | (15 | ) | 1,090 | ||||
Reclassification to statements of operations of gain from available-for-sale investments (net of tax of $0) | (100 | ) | (1,076 | ) | |||
Other comprehensive (loss) income | (2,193 | ) | 91 | ||||
Total comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders | $ | 18,623 | $ | 19,536 |
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
3
COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND
REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014
(in thousands)
Common Stock | Additional Paid-In Capital | Accumulated Deficit | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax | Treasury Stock | Total Stockholders’ Equity | Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest | Shares of Common Stock, Net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning balance, January 1, 2014 | $ | 477 | $ | 457,138 | $ | (131,366 | ) | $ | 2,989 | $ | (105,681 | ) | $ | 223,557 | $ | 207 | 44,254 | ||||||||||||||
Dividends | — | — | (10,015 | ) | — | — | (10,015 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock | 8 | 157 | — | — | — | 165 | — | 775 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase of common stock | — | — | — | — | (10,593 | ) | (10,593 | ) | — | (291 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Tax benefits associated with restricted stock units—net | — | 2,533 | — | — | — | 2,533 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of restricted stock units | — | 272 | — | — | — | 272 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of restricted stock units—net | — | 5,907 | — | — | — | 5,907 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | 19,445 | — | — | 19,445 | 155 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income, net of tax | — | — | — | 91 | — | 91 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interest | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1,820 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interest | — | — | — | — | — | — | (130 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Transfer of redeemable noncontrolling interest in consolidated entity | — | — | — | — | — | — | (209 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Ending balance, March 31, 2014 | $ | 485 | $ | 466,007 | $ | (121,936 | ) | $ | 3,080 | $ | (116,274 | ) | $ | 231,362 | $ | 1,843 | 44,738 | ||||||||||||||
Beginning balance, January 1, 2015 | $ | 486 | $ | 489,266 | $ | (142,786 | ) | $ | (1,582 | ) | $ | (117,403 | ) | $ | 227,981 | $ | 607 | 44,793 | |||||||||||||
Dividends | — | — | (11,604 | ) | — | — | (11,604 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock | 10 | 221 | — | — | — | 231 | — | 1,037 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase of common stock | — | — | — | — | (18,709 | ) | (18,709 | ) | — | (436 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Tax benefits associated with restricted stock units—net | — | 4,790 | — | — | — | 4,790 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of restricted stock units | — | 375 | — | — | — | 375 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of restricted stock units—net | — | 5,952 | — | — | — | 5,952 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | — | — | 20,816 | — | — | 20,816 | (45 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax | — | — | — | (2,193 | ) | — | (2,193 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
Contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interest | — | — | — | — | — | — | 235 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Ending balance, March 31, 2015 | $ | 496 | $ | 500,604 | $ | (133,574 | ) | $ | (3,775 | ) | $ | (136,112 | ) | $ | 227,639 | $ | 797 | 45,394 |
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
4
COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||
Net income | $ | 20,771 | $ | 19,600 | |||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||
Stock compensation expense | 5,990 | 5,932 | |||||
Amortization of deferred commissions | 517 | 545 | |||||
Depreciation and amortization | 1,052 | 1,262 | |||||
Deferred rent | (51 | ) | 1,532 | ||||
Loss (gain) from trading investments—net | 451 | (983 | ) | ||||
Equity in losses (earnings) of affiliates | 1,081 | (935 | ) | ||||
Gain from available-for-sale investments—net | (100 | ) | (1,076 | ) | |||
Deferred income taxes | 12,879 | 4,828 | |||||
Foreign currency (gain) loss | (852 | ) | 760 | ||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |||||||
Accounts receivable | (10,691 | ) | (9,344 | ) | |||
Due from broker | 490 | 225 | |||||
Deferred commissions | (668 | ) | (366 | ) | |||
Trading investments | (337 | ) | (1,204 | ) | |||
Income tax receivable | (5,783 | ) | 43 | ||||
Other assets | (1,304 | ) | 381 | ||||
Accrued compensation | (21,624 | ) | (18,695 | ) | |||
Income tax payable | (402 | ) | 192 | ||||
Other liabilities and accrued expenses | (1,077 | ) | (2,792 | ) | |||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 342 | (95 | ) | ||||
Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||
Proceeds from redemptions of equity method investments—net | 4 | 22 | |||||
Purchases of available-for-sale investments | (1,409 | ) | (2,099 | ) | |||
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale investments | 1,366 | 6,609 | |||||
Purchases of property and equipment | — | (705 | ) | ||||
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities | (39 | ) | 3,827 | ||||
Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||
Excess tax benefits associated with restricted stock units | 4,674 | 2,427 | |||||
Issuance of common stock | 200 | 139 | |||||
Repurchase of common stock | (18,709 | ) | (10,593 | ) | |||
Dividends to stockholders | (11,354 | ) | — | ||||
Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interest | — | (130 | ) | ||||
Contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interest | 235 | 1,820 | |||||
Net cash used in financing activities | (24,954 | ) | (6,337 | ) | |||
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (24,651 | ) | (2,605 | ) | |||
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | (794 | ) | 73 | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period | 124,938 | 128,277 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period | $ | 99,493 | $ | 125,745 |
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
5
COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS—(Continued)
(UNAUDITED)
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company paid taxes, net of tax refunds, of approximately $805,000 and $3,697,000, respectively.
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities:
In connection with its stock incentive plan, for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company issued fully vested restricted stock units in the amount of $125,000 and $104,000, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded restricted stock unit dividend equivalents, net of forfeitures, in the amount of $250,000 and $167,000, respectively.
6
COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
1. Organization and Description of Business
Cohen & Steers, Inc. (CNS) was organized as a Delaware corporation on March 17, 2004. CNS is the holding company for its direct and indirect subsidiaries, including Cohen & Steers Capital Management, Inc. (CSCM), Cohen & Steers Securities, LLC (CSS), Cohen & Steers Asia Limited (CSAL), Cohen & Steers UK Limited (CSUK) and Cohen & Steers Japan, LLC (collectively, the Company).
The Company is a leading global investment manager with a long history of innovation and a focus on real assets, including real estate, infrastructure and commodities, along with preferred securities and other income solutions. The Company serves institutional and individual investors around the world. Its clients include Company-sponsored open-end mutual funds and closed-end funds, U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans, endowment funds, foundations and subadvised funds for other financial institutions. The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). The condensed consolidated financial statements set forth herein include the accounts of CNS and its direct and indirect subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
The condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company included herein are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the interim results have been made. The Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes should be read together with the consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Accounting Estimates—The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Management believes the estimates used in preparing the condensed consolidated financial statements are reasonable and prudent. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications—Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Consolidation—The Company consolidates operating entities deemed to be voting interest entities if the Company owns a majority of the voting interest. The Company also consolidates any variable interest entities (VIEs) in which the Company is the primary beneficiary. The Company records noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries for which the Company’s ownership is less than 100 percent. The equity method of accounting is used for investments in affiliates in which the Company’s ownership ranges from 20 to 50 percent, or in instances in which the Company is able to exercise significant influence but not control.
A VIE is an entity in which either (a) the equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its own activities without additional financial support or (b) the group of holders of the equity investment at risk lack certain characteristics of a controlling financial interest. The primary beneficiary is the entity that has the obligation to absorb a majority of the expected losses or the right to receive the majority of the residual returns. Investments and redemptions or amendments to the governing documents of the respective entities could affect an entity's status as a VIE or the determination of the primary beneficiary. The Company assesses whether entities in which it has an interest are VIEs upon initial involvement and at each reporting date. The Company assesses whether it is the primary beneficiary of any VIEs identified by evaluating its economic interests in the entity held either directly by the Company and its affiliates or indirectly through employees. See Note 4 for further discussion about the Company’s investments.
Cash and Cash Equivalents—Cash equivalents consist of short-term, highly liquid investments, which are readily convertible into cash and have original maturities of three months or less.
7
COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(UNAUDITED)
Due from Broker—The Company conducts business, primarily through its consolidated seed investments, with brokers for certain of its investment activities. The clearing and custody operations for these investment activities are performed pursuant to contractual agreements. The due from broker balance represents cash and cash equivalents balances at brokers/custodians and net receivables and payables for unsettled security transactions.
Investments—Management of the Company determines the appropriate classification of its investments at the time of purchase and re-evaluates such determination at each statement of financial condition date.
Investments classified as trading represent securities held within the affiliated funds that the Company consolidates and are measured at fair value based on quoted market prices, market prices obtained from independent pricing services engaged by management or as determined by the Company’s valuation committee. Unrealized gains and losses are recorded as gain (loss) from trading investments—net in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Investments classified as equity method investments are accounted for using the equity method, under which the Company recognizes its respective share of the investee’s net income or loss for the period. As of March 31, 2015, the Company's equity method investments consisted of interests in affiliated funds which measure their underlying investments at fair value and report a net asset value on a recurring basis. The carrying amounts of these investments approximate their fair value.
Investments classified as available-for-sale are comprised of equity securities, investment-grade preferred instruments and investments in Company-sponsored open-end mutual funds. These investments are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices or market prices obtained from independent pricing services engaged by management, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported in accumulated other comprehensive income. The Company periodically reviews each individual security position that has an unrealized loss, or impairment, to determine if that impairment is other than temporary. If the Company believes an impairment of a security position is other than temporary, the loss will be recognized in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations. An other than temporary impairment is presumed to have occurred if the available-for-sale investment has an unrealized loss continuously for 12 or more months.
From time to time, the affiliated funds consolidated by the Company enter into derivative contracts to gain exposure to the underlying commodities markets or to hedge market and credit risks of the underlying portfolios utilizing options, total return swaps, credit default swaps and futures contracts. These instruments are measured at fair value with gains and losses recorded as gain (loss) from trading investments—net in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of operations. The fair values of these instruments are recorded in other assets or other liabilities and accrued expenses in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. As of March 31, 2015, none of the outstanding derivative contracts were subject to a master netting agreement or other similar arrangement.
Additionally, from time to time, the Company enters into foreign exchange contracts to hedge its currency exposure related to client receivables. These instruments are measured at fair value with gains and losses recorded in other non-operating income in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of operations. The fair values of these contracts are recorded in other assets or other liabilities and accrued expenses in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets—Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of the Company’s investment in the net assets of an acquired company over the fair value of the underlying identifiable net assets at the date of acquisition. Goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets are not amortized but are tested at least annually for impairment by comparing the fair value to their carrying amounts. Finite lived intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives and are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. See Note 3 for further discussion about the Company’s goodwill and intangible assets.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest—Redeemable noncontrolling interest represents third-party interests in the Company's consolidated entities. This interest is redeemable at the option of the investors and therefore is not treated as permanent equity. Redeemable noncontrolling interest is remeasured at redemption value which approximates the fair value at each reporting period.
8
COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(UNAUDITED)
Investment Advisory and Administration Fees—The Company earns revenue by providing asset management services to institutional accounts and to Company-sponsored open-end mutual funds and closed-end funds. Investment advisory fees are earned pursuant to the terms of underlying advisory contracts, and are based on a contractual fee rate applied to the assets in the portfolio. The Company also earns administration fees from certain Company-sponsored open-end mutual funds and closed-end funds pursuant to the terms of underlying administration contracts. Administration fees are based on the average assets under management of such funds. Investment advisory and administration fee revenue is recognized as such fees are earned.
Distribution and Service Fee Revenue—CSS acts as the principal distributor of the Company’s sponsored open-end mutual funds which may offer the following classes: Class A (initial sales load), Class C (back end sales load), Class R (load retirement) and Class Z (no load retirement). Effective May 2007, the Company suspended sales of Class B shares and all remaining Class B shares are expected to convert to Class A shares in 2015. Distribution and service fee revenue is based on the average daily net assets of the funds as detailed below. Distribution and service fee revenue is earned daily and is recorded gross of any third-party distribution and service fee expense for applicable share classes.
Pursuant to distribution plans with the Company's sponsored open-end mutual funds, CSS receives distribution fees of up to 25bps for Class A shares, 75bps for Class C shares and 50bps for Class R shares. CSS also receives shareholder servicing fees of up to 10bps on Class A shares, 25bps on Class C shares and 15bps on Class Z shares, pursuant to shareholder servicing plans with the funds. Effective October 1, 2014, the Company no longer receives shareholder servicing fees on Class Z shares.
Distribution and Service Fee Expense—Distribution and service fee expense includes distribution fees, service fees and intermediary assistance payments. Distribution and service fee expense is recorded as incurred.
Distribution fee expense represents payments made to qualified dealers/institutions for (i) assistance in connection with the distribution of the Company's sponsored open-end mutual funds' shares and (ii) for other expenses such as advertising costs and printing and distribution of prospectuses to investors. Such amounts may also be used to pay financial intermediaries for services as specified in the terms of written agreements complying with Rule 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (Rule 12b-1). CSS pays distribution fee expense based on the average daily net assets under management of up to 25bps on Class A shares, 75bps on Class C shares and 50bps on Class R shares.
Shareholder servicing fee expense represents payments made to qualified dealers/institutions for shareholder account service and maintenance. These services are provided pursuant to written agreements with such qualified institutions. CSS pays service fee expenses based on the average daily net assets under management of up to 10bps on Class A shares, 25bps on Class C shares and 15bps on Class Z shares. Effective October 1, 2014, Class Z shares no longer pay shareholder service fees.
Intermediary assistance payments represent payments to qualified dealers/institutions for activities related to distribution, shareholder servicing and marketing and support of Company-sponsored open-end mutual funds and are incremental to those described above. Intermediary assistance payments are generally based on the average assets under management or the number of accounts being serviced.
Portfolio Consulting and Other—The Company earns portfolio consulting and other fees by: (i) providing portfolio consulting services in connection with model-based strategies accounts; (ii) earning a licensing fee for the use of the Company's proprietary indices; and (iii) providing portfolio monitoring services related to a number of unit investment trusts. This revenue is earned pursuant to the terms of the underlying contract, and the fee schedules for these relationships vary based on the type of services the Company provides for each relationship. This revenue is recognized as such fees are earned.
Stock-based Compensation—The Company recognizes compensation expense for the grant-date fair value of awards of equity instruments granted to employees. This expense is recognized over the period during which employees are required to provide service. The Company also estimates forfeitures.
Income Taxes—The Company records the current and deferred tax consequences of all transactions that have been recognized in the condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with the provisions of the enacted tax laws.
9
COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(UNAUDITED)
Deferred tax assets are recognized for temporary differences that will result in deductible amounts in future years at tax rates that are expected to apply in those years. Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for temporary differences that will result in taxable income in future years at tax rates that are expected to apply in those years. The Company records a valuation allowance, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to an amount that more likely than not will be realized. The effective tax rate for interim periods represents the Company’s best estimate of the effective tax rate expected to be applied to the full fiscal year.
Currency Translation and Transactions—Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries having non-U.S. dollar functional currencies are translated at exchange rates at the applicable condensed consolidated statement of financial condition date. Revenue and expenses of subsidiaries are translated at average exchange rates during the period. The gains or losses resulting from translating non-U.S. dollar functional currency into U.S. dollars are included in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The cumulative translation adjustment was $(3,524,000) and $(1,446,000) as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Gains or losses resulting from non-U.S. dollar currency transactions are included in other non-operating income in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Comprehensive Income—The Company reports all changes in comprehensive income in the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Comprehensive income includes net income or loss attributable to common stockholders, foreign currency translation gain and loss (net of tax), unrealized gain and loss from available-for-sale investments (net of tax) and reclassification to statements of operations of gain and loss from available-for-sale investments (net of tax).
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements—In May 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new guidance amending the current disclosure requirement for investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value per share. The guidance requires investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient be removed from the fair value hierarchy. Instead, those investment amounts shall be provided as a separate item to permit reconciliation of the fair value of investments included in the fair value hierarchy to the line items presented in the statement of financial position. This new guidance will be effective for the Company’s first quarter of 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In February 2015, the FASB issued new guidance amending the current accounting for consolidation of certain legal entities. These amendments modify the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are VIEs or voting interest entities, eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership, affect the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships, and provide a scope exception from consolidation guidance for reporting entities with interests in certain investment funds. This new guidance will be effective for the Company’s first quarter of 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In August 2014, the FASB issued new guidance regarding disclosure of going concern uncertainties in the financial statements. The guidance requires management to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued at each annual and interim reporting period. This new guidance will be effective for the Company’s first quarter of 2017. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of this new guidance will have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued new guidance which outlined a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. The core principle of the revenue model is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This new guidance will be effective for the Company's first quarter of 2017 and requires either a retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adoption. Early application is prohibited. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, as well as the available transition methods.
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COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(UNAUDITED)
3. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the net tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets of an acquired business. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, goodwill was approximately $17,862,000 and $19,120,000, respectively. The Company’s goodwill decreased by $1,258,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 as a result of foreign currency revaluation.
Intangible Assets
The following table details the gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization for the intangible assets at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
Remaining Amortization Period (in months) | Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Intangible Assets, Net | ||||||||||
March 31, 2015: | |||||||||||||
Amortized intangible assets: | |||||||||||||
Client relationships | 45 | $ | 1,543 | $ | (1,203 | ) | $ | 340 | |||||
Non-amortized intangible assets: | |||||||||||||
Mutual fund management contracts | — | 1,250 | — | 1,250 | |||||||||
Total | $ | 2,793 | $ | (1,203 | ) | $ | 1,590 | ||||||
December 31, 2014: | |||||||||||||
Amortized intangible assets: | |||||||||||||
Client relationships | 48 | $ | 1,543 | $ | (1,181 | ) | $ | 362 | |||||
Non-amortized intangible assets: | |||||||||||||
Mutual fund management contracts | — | 1,250 | — | 1,250 | |||||||||
Total | $ | 2,793 | $ | (1,181 | ) | $ | 1,612 |
Amortization expense related to the intangible assets was approximately $22,000 for both the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Estimated future amortization expense is as follows (in thousands):
Periods Ending December 31, | Estimated Amortization Expense | ||
2015 | $ | 67 | |
2016 | 89 | ||
2017 | 89 | ||
2018 | 95 | ||
2019 | — | ||
Total | $ | 340 |
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COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(UNAUDITED)
4. Investments
The following is a summary of the Company's investments as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
March 31, 2015 | December 31, 2014 | ||||||
Trading investments | $ | 9,395 | $ | 9,509 | |||
Equity method investments | 27,465 | 28,550 | |||||
Available-for-sale investments | 21,320 | 21,269 |
The Cohen & Steers Active Commodities Strategy Fund, Inc. (CDF), which was launched by the Company in May 2014, is an open-end mutual fund for which the Company is the investment adviser. As of March 31, 2015, the Company owned the majority of the outstanding voting interest in CDF. Accordingly, the underlying assets and liabilities and results of operations of CDF have been included in the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements with the third-party interests classified as redeemable noncontrolling interest.
The Cohen & Steers MLP & Energy Opportunity Fund, Inc. (MLO), which was launched by the Company in December 2013, is an open-end mutual fund for which the Company is the investment adviser. The Company owned the majority of the outstanding voting interest in MLO through October 31, 2014. Accordingly, the underlying assets and liabilities and results of operations of MLO had been included in the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements with the third-party interests classified as redeemable noncontrolling interest. As a result of additional third-party subscriptions into the fund, effective November 1, 2014, the Company no longer owned the majority of the outstanding voting interest in MLO, however it was determined that the Company had significant influence over MLO. Accordingly, effective November 1, 2014, the Company began recording its investment in MLO using the equity method of accounting. As of March 31, 2015, the Company's ownership in MLO was approximately 23%.
The Cohen & Steers Active Commodities Fund, LP (ACOM), launched by the Company in April 2013, is structured as a partnership. The Company is the investment adviser of ACOM for which it is entitled to receive a management fee. The Company owned all of the voting interest in ACOM through September 30, 2014. Accordingly, the underlying assets and liabilities and results of operations of ACOM had been included in the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. As a result of third-party investments into the fund, effective October 1, 2014, the Company no longer held a controlling financial interest in ACOM. The Company determined that ACOM was not a VIE as the limited partners, unaffiliated with the Company, have the ability to liquidate the fund with a majority vote. As a result, the Company does not have financial control and ACOM is not consolidated into the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. As the general partner, the Company has significant influence over the financial decisions of ACOM and therefore records its investment in ACOM using the equity method of accounting. The Company's equity interest in ACOM represents a seed investment to launch the fund, adjusted for the Company's proportionate share of the fund's earnings. As of March 31, 2015, the Company's ownership in ACOM was approximately 21%.
Cohen & Steers Global Realty Partners III-TE, L.P. (GRP-TE), which had its closing in October 2011, is structured as a partnership. The Company is the general partner and investment adviser of GRP-TE, for which it receives a management fee and is entitled to receive an incentive distribution, if earned. GRP-TE is a VIE and the Company is not the primary beneficiary. As the general partner, the Company has significant influence over the financial decisions of GRP-TE and therefore records its investment using the equity method of accounting. The Company's equity interest in GRP-TE represents a seed investment to launch the fund, adjusted for the Company’s proportionate share of the fund’s earnings. As of March 31, 2015, the Company's ownership in GRP-TE was approximately 0.2%. The Company's risk with respect to its investment in GRP-TE is limited to its equity ownership and any uncollected management fees. In conjunction with the launch of GRP-TE, the Company established Cohen & Steers Co-Investment Partnership, L.P. (GRP-CIP), which is used by the Company to fulfill its contractual commitment to co-invest with GRP-TE. See Note 11 for further discussion regarding the Company's co-investment commitment. As of March 31, 2015, the Company owned all of the voting interest in GRP-CIP. Accordingly, the
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COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(UNAUDITED)
underlying assets and liabilities and results of operations of GRP-CIP have been included in the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.
Cohen & Steers Real Assets Fund, Inc. (RAP), which was launched by the Company on January 31, 2012, is an open-end mutual fund for which the Company is the investment adviser. During the period of August 1, 2013 through September 30, 2014, the Company did not hold a controlling financial interest in RAP, however it was determined that the Company had significant influence over RAP. Accordingly, the Company recorded its investment in RAP using the equity method of accounting. Effective September 30, 2014, the Company's ownership interest in RAP fell below 20% and the Company no longer has significant influence over RAP. Accordingly, the Company began recording its investment in RAP as an available-for-sale investment.
Prior to its liquidation in April 2014, the Company owned the majority of the voting interests in Cohen & Steers Global Real Estate Long-Short Fund, L.P. (the Onshore Fund). Accordingly, the underlying assets and liabilities and results of operations of the Onshore Fund had been included in the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. The Onshore Fund was structured as a partnership and the Company was the general partner and investment adviser of the fund.
The Cohen & Steers Global Real Estate Long-Short Offshore Fund, L.P. (the Offshore Fund), which was liquidated in April 2014, was structured as a partnership. The Company was the general partner and investment adviser of the Offshore Fund for which it received a management fee and was entitled to receive a performance fee, if earned. The Company determined that the Offshore Fund was not a VIE as the limited partners, unaffiliated with the Company, had the ability to dissolve the fund with a majority vote. As a result, the Company did not have financial control and the Offshore Fund was not consolidated into the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. As the general partner, the Company had significant influence over the financial decisions of the Offshore Fund and therefore recorded its investment in this fund using the equity method of accounting. The Company’s equity interest in the Offshore Fund represented a seed investment to launch the fund, adjusted for the Company’s proportionate share of the fund’s earnings.
The following is a summary of the fair value of trading investments and equity method investments as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
March 31, 2015 | December 31, 2014 | ||||||||||||||
Trading Investments | Equity Method Investments | Trading Investments | Equity Method Investments | ||||||||||||
ACOM | $ | — | $ | 7,174 | $ | — | $ | 7,612 | |||||||
CDF | 6,950 | — | 7,000 | — | |||||||||||
GRP-CIP | 2,445 | — | 2,509 | — | |||||||||||
GRP-TE | — | 109 | — | 111 | |||||||||||
MLO | — | 20,182 | — | 20,827 | |||||||||||
Total | $ | 9,395 | $ | 27,465 | $ | 9,509 | $ | 28,550 |
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COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(UNAUDITED)
Gain (loss) from trading investments—net for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, which represent realized and unrealized gains and losses recorded by the funds the Company consolidates, are summarized below (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
ACOM | $ | — | $ | 537 | |||
CDF | (463 | ) | — | ||||
GRP-CIP | 12 | 10 | |||||
MLO | — | 412 | |||||
Onshore Fund | — | 24 | |||||
Total (loss) gain from trading investments—net | $ | (451 | ) | $ | 983 |
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 are summarized below (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
ACOM | $ | (438 | ) | $ | — | ||
GRP-TE | 2 | 20 | |||||
MLO | (645 | ) | — | ||||
Offshore Fund | — | 11 | |||||
RAP | — | 904 | |||||
Total equity in (losses) earnings of affiliates | $ | (1,081 | ) | $ | 935 |
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COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(UNAUDITED)
The following is a summary of the cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and fair value of available-for-sale investments as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
March 31, 2015 | |||||||||||||||
Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses (1) | Fair Value | ||||||||||||
Preferred securities | $ | 1,079 | $ | 71 | $ | (1 | ) | $ | 1,149 | ||||||
Common stocks | 5,497 | 590 | (165 | ) | 5,922 | ||||||||||
Company-sponsored mutual funds | 15,010 | 7 | (768 | ) | 14,249 | ||||||||||
Total available-for-sale investments | $ | 21,586 | $ | 668 | $ | (934 | ) | $ | 21,320 |
_________________________
(1) At March 31, 2015, there were no securities with unrealized losses continuously for a period of more than 12 months.
December 31, 2014 | |||||||||||||||
Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses (1) | Fair Value | ||||||||||||
Preferred securities | $ | 1,043 | $ | 54 | $ | (2 | ) | $ | 1,095 | ||||||
Common stocks | 5,366 | 627 | (155 | ) | 5,838 | ||||||||||
Company-sponsored mutual funds | 15,010 | 4 | (678 | ) | 14,336 | ||||||||||
Total available-for-sale investments | $ | 21,419 | $ | 685 | $ | (835 | ) | $ | 21,269 |
_________________________
(1) At December 31, 2014, there were no securities with unrealized losses continuously for a period of more than 12 months.
The aggregate fair value of available-for-sale investments in an unrealized loss position was approximately $16,038,000 and $15,875,000 at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
Unrealized losses on available-for-sale investments as of March 31, 2015 were generally caused by market conditions. When evaluating whether an unrealized loss on an available-for-sale investment is other than temporary, the Company reviews such factors as the extent and duration of the loss, deterioration in the issuer’s credit quality, reduction or cessation of dividend payments and overall financial strength of the issuer. As of March 31, 2015, the Company determined that it had the ability and intent to hold the remaining investments for which no other-than-temporary impairment has occurred until a recovery of fair value. Accordingly, impairment of these investments is considered temporary.
Sales proceeds, gross realized gains and losses from available-for-sale investments for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 are summarized below (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
Proceeds from sales | $ | 1,390 | $ | 6,750 | |||
Gross realized gains | 169 | 1,106 | |||||
Gross realized losses | (69 | ) | (30 | ) |
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COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(UNAUDITED)
5. Fair Value
Codification Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement (ASC 820) specifies a hierarchy of valuation classifications based on whether the inputs to the valuation techniques used in each valuation classification are observable or unobservable. These classifications are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
• | Level 1—Unadjusted quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. |
• | Level 2—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable. |
• | Level 3—Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable. |
Inputs used to measure fair value might fall in different levels of the fair value hierarchy, in which case the Company defaults to the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. These levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with the investments. In determining the appropriate levels, the Company performed a detailed analysis of the assets and liabilities that are subject to ASC 820. Transfers among levels, if any, are recorded at the beginning of the reporting period. There were no transfers between level 1 and level 2 during the three months ended March 31, 2015.
The following table presents fair value measurements as of March 31, 2015 (in thousands):
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
Cash equivalents (1) | $ | 58,389 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 58,389 | |||||||
Trading investments | |||||||||||||||
Fixed income securities | $ | — | $ | 6,950 | $ | — | $ | 6,950 | |||||||
Limited partnership interests | — | — | 2,445 | 2,445 | |||||||||||
Total trading investments | $ | — | $ | 6,950 | $ | 2,445 | $ | 9,395 | |||||||
Equity method investments | $ | 20,182 | $ | 7,174 | $ | 109 | $ | 27,465 | |||||||
Available-for-sale investments | |||||||||||||||
Preferred securities | $ | 1,149 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,149 | |||||||
Common stocks | 5,922 | — | — | 5,922 | |||||||||||
Company-sponsored mutual funds | 14,249 | — | — | 14,249 | |||||||||||
Total available-for-sale investments | $ | 21,320 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 21,320 | |||||||
Derivatives - assets | |||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange contracts | $ | — | $ | 563 | $ | — | $ | 563 | |||||||
Commodity contracts | 141 | — | — | 141 | |||||||||||
Total derivatives - assets | $ | 141 | $ | 563 | $ | — | $ | 704 | |||||||
Derivatives - liabilities | |||||||||||||||
Commodity contracts | $ | 419 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 419 | |||||||
Total derivatives - liabilities | $ | 419 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 419 |
_________________________
(1) Comprised of investments in actively traded money market funds measured at net asset value.
Trading investments classified as level 2 in the above table were primarily comprised of investments in United States Treasury Bills carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
Trading investments classified as level 3 in the above table were comprised of limited partnership interests which represent the Company's co-investments through GRP-CIP, which along with the Company's interest in GRP-TE, represent the Company's collective ownership interests in limited partnership vehicles that invest in non-registered real estate funds,
16
COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(UNAUDITED)
which are valued based on the net asset values of the underlying funds, and private equity vehicles that invest directly in real estate which are generally valued using a discounted cash flow model.
Equity method investments classified as level 2 in the above table represent the carrying amount of the Company's partnership interest in ACOM, which approximates its fair value based on the fund's net asset value. ACOM invests in exchange-traded commodity futures contracts and other commodity related derivatives. The Company has the ability to redeem its investment in the fund monthly at net asset value per share with prior written notice of 5 days and there are no significant restrictions to redemption.
Equity method investments classified as level 3 in the above table represent the carrying amount of the Company's partnership interest in GRP-TE, which approximates its fair value based on the fund's net asset value. GRP-TE invests in non-registered real estate funds and in private equity vehicles that invest directly in real estate. As of March 31, 2015, the Company did not have the ability to redeem its investment in GRP-TE.
The following table presents fair value measurements as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
Cash equivalents (1) | $ | 59,281 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 59,281 | |||||||
Trading investments | |||||||||||||||
Fixed income securities | $ | — | $ | 7,000 | $ | — | $ | 7,000 | |||||||
Limited partnership interests | — | — | 2,509 | 2,509 | |||||||||||
Total trading investments | $ | — | $ | 7,000 | $ | 2,509 | $ | 9,509 | |||||||
Equity method investments | $ | 20,827 | $ | 7,612 | $ | 111 | $ | 28,550 | |||||||
Available-for-sale investments | |||||||||||||||
Preferred securities | $ | 1,095 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,095 | |||||||
Common stocks | 5,838 | — | — | 5,838 | |||||||||||
Company-sponsored mutual funds | 14,336 | — | — | 14,336 | |||||||||||
Total available-for-sale investments | $ | 21,269 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 21,269 | |||||||
Derivatives - assets | |||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange contracts | $ | — | $ | 505 | $ | — | $ | 505 | |||||||
Commodity contracts | 234 | — | — | 234 | |||||||||||
Total derivatives - assets | $ | 234 | $ | 505 | $ | — | $ | 739 | |||||||
Derivatives - liabilities | |||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange contracts | $ | — | $ | 12 | $ | — | $ | 12 | |||||||
Commodity contracts | 754 | — | — | 754 | |||||||||||
Total derivatives - liabilities | $ | 754 | $ | 12 | $ | — | $ | 766 |
_________________________
(1) Comprised of investments in actively traded money market funds measured at net asset value.
Trading investments classified as level 2 in the above table were primarily comprised of investments in United States Treasury Bills carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
Trading investments classified as level 3 in the above table were comprised of limited partnership interests which represent the Company's co-investments through GRP-CIP, which along with the Company's interest in GRP-TE, represent the Company's collective ownership interests in limited partnership vehicles that invest in non-registered real estate funds, which are valued based on the net asset values of the underlying funds, and private equity vehicles that invest directly in real estate which are generally valued using a discounted cash flow model.
Equity method investments classified as level 2 in the above table represent the carrying amount of the Company's partnership interest in ACOM, which approximates its fair value based on the fund's net asset value. ACOM invests in
17
COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(UNAUDITED)
exchange-traded commodity futures contracts and other commodity related derivatives. The Company has the ability to redeem its investment in the fund monthly at net asset value per share with prior written notice of 5 days and there are no significant restrictions to redemption.
Equity method investments classified as level 3 in the above table represent the carrying amount of the Company's partnership interest in GRP-TE, which approximates its fair value based on the fund's net asset value. GRP-TE invests in non-registered real estate funds and in private equity vehicles that invest directly in real estate. As of December 31, 2014, the Company did not have the ability to redeem its investment in GRP-TE.
The following table summarizes the changes in level 3 investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the three months ended March 31, 2015 (in thousands):
Trading Investments | Equity Method Investments | ||||||
Limited Partnership Interests | GRP-TE | ||||||
Balance at January 1, 2015 | $ | 2,509 | $ | 111 | |||
Purchases / contributions | 37 | 2 | |||||
Sales / distributions | (113 | ) | (6 | ) | |||
Realized gains | 80 | 2 | |||||
Unrealized losses (1) | (68 | ) | — | ||||
Transfers into (out of) level 3 | — | — | |||||
Balance at March 31, 2015 | $ | 2,445 | $ | 109 |
_________________________
(1) Pertains to unrealized gains (losses) from securities held at March 31, 2015.
The following table summarizes the changes in level 3 investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (in thousands):
Trading Investments | Equity Method Investments | Available-for-sale investment | |||||||||||||
Common Stocks | Limited Partnership Interests | GRP-TE/Offshore Fund | Preferred Securities | ||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2014 | $ | 503 | $ | 2,740 | $ | 528 | $ | 3,325 | |||||||
Purchases / contributions | — | 281 | 7 | — | |||||||||||
Sales / distributions | (527 | ) | (721 | ) | (29 | ) | (4,000 | ) | |||||||
Realized gains | 24 | 209 | — | 675 | |||||||||||
Unrealized (losses) gains (1) | — | (258 | ) | 31 | — | ||||||||||
Transfers into (out of) level 3 | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2014 | $ | — | $ | 2,251 | $ | 537 | $ | — |
_________________________
(1) Pertains to unrealized gains (losses) from securities held at March 31, 2014.
Realized gains (losses) from investments classified as trading investments, equity method investments and available-for-sale investments in the above tables were recorded as gain (loss) from trading investments, equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates and gain (loss) from available-for-sale investments, respectively, in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of operations. Unrealized gains (losses) from investments classified as trading investments and equity method investments in the above tables were recorded as gain (loss) from trading investments and equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, respectively, in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of operations. Unrealized gains (losses) from
18
COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(UNAUDITED)
available-for-sale investments in the above tables were recorded as unrealized gain (loss) from available-for-sale investments in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Valuation Techniques
In certain instances, debt and equity securities are valued on the basis of prices from an orderly transaction between market participants provided by reputable brokers/dealers or pricing services. In determining the value of a particular investment, pricing services may use information with respect to transactions in such investments, broker quotes, pricing matrices, market transactions in comparable investments and various relationships between investments. As part of its independent price verification process, the Company selectively performs detailed reviews of valuations provided by broker/dealers or pricing services.
Foreign exchange contracts are valued by interpolating a value using the spot foreign exchange rate and forward points (based on the spot rate and currency interest rate differentials), which are all inputs that are observable in active markets (level 2).
In the absence of observable market prices, the Company values its investments using valuation methodologies applied on a consistent basis. For some investments, little market activity may exist; management's determination of fair value is then based on the best information available in the circumstances, and may incorporate management's own assumptions and involves a significant degree of judgment, taking into consideration a combination of internal and external factors. Such investments are valued on a quarterly basis, taking into consideration any changes in key inputs and changes in economic and other relevant conditions, and valuation models are updated accordingly. The valuation process also includes a review by the Company's valuation committee which is comprised of senior members from various departments within the Company, including investment management. The valuation committee provides independent oversight of the valuation policies and procedures.
The valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the following level 3 investments as of March 31, 2015 were:
Fair Value | Fair Value | Significant | Input / | ||||||
(in thousands) | Methodology | Unobservable Inputs | Range | ||||||
Limited partnership interests - direct investments in real estate | $ | 1,403 | Discounted cash flows | Discount rate Exit capitalization rates Market rental rates | 9.5% - 15% 8% - 8.5% $15.00 - 17.00 psf |
The valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the following level 3 investments as of December 31, 2014 were:
Fair Value | Fair Value | Significant | Input / | ||||||
(in thousands) | Methodology | Unobservable Inputs | Range | ||||||
Limited partnership interests - direct investments in real estate | $ | 1,465 | Discounted cash flows | Discount rate Exit capitalization rates Market rental rates | 9% - 15% 8% - 8.5% $15.00 - 17.00 psf |
Changes in the significant unobservable inputs in the tables above may result in a materially higher or lower fair value measurement. The disclosure in the above tables excludes the Company's ownership interests in limited partnership vehicles which are valued based on the net asset values of the underlying funds.
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COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(UNAUDITED)
6. Derivatives
The following is a summary of the notional and fair value of the derivative financial instruments. The notional amount represents the absolute value amount of all outstanding derivative contracts as of March 31, 2015 (in thousands):
March 31, 2015 | |||||||||||||||
Assets | Liabilities | ||||||||||||||
Notional | Fair Value | Notional | Fair Value | ||||||||||||
Total foreign exchange contracts | $ | 23,103 | $ | 563 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||
Total commodity contracts | 4,202 | 141 | 7,571 | 419 | |||||||||||
Total derivatives | $ | 27,305 | $ | 704 | $ | 7,571 | $ | 419 |
The following is a summary of the notional and fair value of the derivative financial instruments. The notional amount represents the absolute value amount of all outstanding derivative contracts as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
December 31, 2014 | |||||||||||||||
Assets | Liabilities | ||||||||||||||
Notional | Fair Value | Notional | Fair Value | ||||||||||||
Total foreign exchange contracts | $ | 11,349 | $ | 505 | $ | 222 | $ | 12 | |||||||
Total commodity contracts | 6,095 | 234 | 8,977 | 754 | |||||||||||
Total derivatives | $ | 17,444 | $ | 739 | $ | 9,199 | $ | 766 |
Cash included in due from broker in the condensed consolidated statement of financial condition of approximately $140,000 and $422,000 as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, was held as collateral for futures contracts. Securities included in trading investments in the condensed consolidated statement of financial condition of approximately $622,000 and $650,000 as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, were held as collateral for futures contracts.
Gains and losses from derivative financial instruments for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 are summarized below (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
Foreign exchange contracts | $ | 71 | $ | (168 | ) | ||
Commodity contracts | (465 | ) | 548 | ||||
Total derivatives | $ | (394 | ) | $ | 380 |
7. Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the total weighted average shares of common stock outstanding and common stock equivalents. Common stock equivalents are comprised of dilutive potential shares from restricted stock unit awards. Common stock equivalents are excluded from the computation if their effect is anti-dilutive. Diluted earnings per share are computed using the treasury stock method.
No anti-dilutive common stock equivalents were excluded from the computation for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
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COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(UNAUDITED)
The following is a reconciliation of the income and share data used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands, except per share data):
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
Net income | $ | 20,771 | $ | 19,600 | |||
Less: Net loss (income) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest | 45 | (155 | ) | ||||
Net income attributable to common stockholders | $ | 20,816 | $ | 19,445 | |||
Basic weighted average shares outstanding | 45,241 | 44,633 | |||||
Dilutive potential shares from restricted stock units | 739 | 850 | |||||
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding | 45,980 | 45,483 | |||||
Basic earnings per share attributable to common stockholders | $ | 0.46 | $ | 0.44 | |||
Diluted earnings per share attributable to common stockholders | $ | 0.45 | $ | 0.43 |
8. Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2015 includes U.S. federal, state, local and foreign taxes at an approximate effective tax rate of 37%. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was approximately 36.5%. The Company expects the tax rate for the full year 2015 to approximate 37%, excluding discrete items.
Deferred income taxes represent the tax effects of the temporary differences between book and tax bases and are measured using enacted tax rates that will be in effect when such items are expected to reverse. The Company's net deferred tax asset is primarily comprised of future income tax deductions attributable to the delivery of unvested restricted stock units. The Company records a valuation allowance, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to an amount that more likely than not will be realized.
9. Regulatory Requirements
CSS, a registered broker/dealer in the U.S., is subject to the SEC’s Uniform Net Capital Rule 15c3-1 (the Rule), which requires that broker/dealers maintain a minimum level of net capital, as prescribed under the Rule. As of March 31, 2015, CSS had net capital of approximately $1,258,000, which exceeded its requirements by approximately $1,078,000. The Rule also provides that equity capital may not be withdrawn or cash dividends paid if the resulting net capital of a broker/dealer is less than the amount required under the Rule and requires prior notice to the SEC for certain withdrawals of capital.
CSS does not carry customer accounts and is exempt from SEC Rule 15c3-3 pursuant to provisions (k)(1) and (k)(2)(i) of such rule.
CSAL and CSUK are regulated outside the U.S. by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission and the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, respectively. As of March 31, 2015, CSAL and CSUK had aggregate regulatory capital of approximately $64,826,000, which exceeded requirements by approximately $62,718,000.
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COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(UNAUDITED)
10. Related Party Transactions
The Company is an investment adviser to, and has administrative agreements with, affiliated funds for which certain employees are officers and/or directors. The following table sets forth the amount of revenue the Company earned from these affiliated funds for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
Investment advisory and administration fees | $ | 56,109 | $ | 48,137 | |||
Distribution and service fees | 3,906 | 3,470 | |||||
$ | 60,015 | $ | 51,607 |
Sales proceeds, gross realized gains, gross realized losses and dividend income from available-for-sale investments in Company-sponsored mutual funds for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 are summarized below (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
Proceeds from sales | $ | — | $ | 192 | |||
Gross realized gains | — | — | |||||
Gross realized losses | — | (3 | ) | ||||
Dividend income | — | — |
The Company has agreements with certain affiliated open-end mutual funds and closed-end funds to reimburse certain fund expenses. For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, expenses of approximately $2,394,000 and $2,116,000, respectively, were incurred by the Company pursuant to these agreements and are included in general and administrative expenses.
Included in accounts receivable at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are receivables due from Company-sponsored mutual funds of approximately $20,559,000 and $19,750,000, respectively.
11. Commitments and Contingencies
From time to time, the Company is involved in legal matters relating to claims arising in the ordinary course of business. There are currently no such matters pending that the Company believes could have a material adverse effect on its condensed consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial position.
The Company periodically commits to fund a portion of the equity in certain of its sponsored investment products. The Company has committed to co-invest up to $5.1 million alongside GRP-TE, a portion of which is made through GRP-TE and the remainder of which is made through GRP-CIP for up to 12 years through the life of GRP-TE. As of March 31, 2015, the Company has funded approximately $3.2 million with respect to this commitment. The actual timing for funding the unfunded portion of this commitment is currently unknown, as the drawdown of the Company's unfunded commitment is contingent on the timing of drawdowns by the underlying funds and co-investments in which GRP-TE invests. The unfunded commitment was not recorded on the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition as of March 31, 2015.
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COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(UNAUDITED)
12. Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company's cash and cash equivalents are principally on deposit with three major financial institutions. The Company is subject to credit risk should these financial institutions be unable to fulfill their obligations.
13. Subsequent Events
The Company has evaluated the need for disclosures and/or adjustments resulting from subsequent events through the date the condensed consolidated financial statements were issued. Other than the items described below, the Company determined that there were no additional subsequent events that require disclosure and/or adjustment.
On May 7, 2015, CNS declared a quarterly dividend on its common stock in the amount of $0.25 per share. The dividend will be payable on June 25, 2015 to stockholders of record at the close of business on June 2, 2015.
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Set forth on the following pages is management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014. Such information should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements included herein. The condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company included herein are unaudited. When we use the terms “Cohen & Steers,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our,” we mean Cohen & Steers, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Executive Overview
General
Founded in 1986, we are a leading global investment manager with a long history of innovation and a focus on real assets, along with preferred securities and other income solutions. We serve institutional and individual investors around the world.
Our primary investment strategies include U.S. and global/international real estate securities, global listed infrastructure, MLPs and midstream energy, commodities, natural resource equities, multi-strategy real assets, preferred securities and large cap value. Our strategies encompass a diversity of investment objectives and risk profiles and are actively managed by specialist teams of investment professionals who employ fundamentally driven research and portfolio management techniques. We offer our strategies through a variety of investment vehicles, including U.S. registered mutual funds and other commingled vehicles and separate accounts. We also sub-advise portfolios for financial institutions around the world.
Our products and services are marketed and offered through multiple distribution channels. We distribute our U.S. mutual funds principally through financial intermediaries, including broker/dealers, registered investment advisers, banks and fund supermarkets. Our institutional clients include corporate and public pension plans, endowments and foundations and insurance companies that access our investment management services directly or through consultants.
Our revenue is derived from investment advisory fees received from our clients, including fees for managing or sub-advising separate accounts, and investment advisory, administration, distribution and service fees received from our sponsored open-end mutual funds and closed-end funds. Our fees are based on contractually specified percentages of the value of the assets we manage. Our revenue fluctuates with changes in the total value of our assets under management, which may occur as a result of our investment decisions; market conditions; foreign currency fluctuations; or investor subscriptions or redemptions, and is recognized over the period that the assets are managed.
Quarterly Highlights
Revenue increased 2% from the fourth quarter of 2014 to $84 million for the first quarter of 2015. The increase in revenue was primarily attributable to higher average assets under management in institutional accounts and open-end mutual funds. Operating income increased 7% from the fourth quarter of 2014 to $34.5 million for the first quarter of 2015. Operating margin increased to 41.2% for the first quarter of 2015 compared with 39.5% for the fourth quarter of 2014, reflecting a lower compensation to revenue ratio of 31% for the first quarter of 2015 compared with 31.9% for the fourth quarter of 2014 and a lower general and administrative expense to revenue ratio of 14.9% for the first quarter of 2015 compared with 15.7% for the fourth quarter of 2014. Our effective tax rate was 37% for the first quarter of 2015.
Assets under management increased by $1.5 billion, or 3%, in the first quarter of 2015 to $54.7 billion as of March 31, 2015, reflecting market appreciation partially offset by net outflows. Average assets under management increased by 5% during the first quarter of 2015 to $55.0 billion. Our annualized organic growth rate for open-end mutual funds was 4% which, combined with our annualized organic decay rate of 9% for institutional accounts resulted in an overall annualized organic decay rate of 3% for the first quarter of 2015. Organic growth/decay rates represent the ratio of annualized net flows for the quarter to the beginning assets under management.
Business Developments
During the first quarter of 2015, a new global listed infrastructure institutional account and our first global natural resource equities mandate were funded. We were also selected by Argo Investments Limited (Argo) to sub-advise Argo Global Listed Infrastructure Limited (AGLI). Argo, which was founded in 1946 and is a leading Australian listed investment
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company with over 75,000 shareholders, intends to create AGLI as a new listed investment company on the Australian Securities Exchange. We expect AGLI to be listed in the second quarter of 2015, subject to market conditions.
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Assets Under Management
We manage three types of accounts: institutional accounts, open-end mutual funds and closed-end funds.
The following table sets forth information regarding the net flows and appreciation/(depreciation) of assets under management for the periods presented (in millions):
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
Institutional Accounts | |||||||
Assets under management, beginning of period | $ | 26,201 | $ | 22,926 | |||
Inflows | 617 | 432 | |||||
Outflows | (1,235 | ) | (652 | ) | |||
Net outflows | (618 | ) | (220 | ) | |||
Market appreciation | 1,121 | 1,773 | |||||
Total increase | 503 | 1,553 | |||||
Assets under management, end of period | $ | 26,704 | $ | 24,479 | |||
Average assets under management for period | $ | 27,080 | $ | 23,858 | |||
Open-end Mutual Funds | |||||||
Assets under management, beginning of period | $ | 17,131 | $ | 14,016 | |||
Inflows | 1,642 | 1,523 | |||||
Outflows | (1,475 | ) | (1,419 | ) | |||
Net inflows | 167 | 104 | |||||
Market appreciation | 764 | 1,028 | |||||
Total increase | 931 | 1,132 | |||||
Assets under management, end of period | $ | 18,062 | $ | 15,148 | |||
Average assets under management for period | $ | 17,963 | $ | 14,607 | |||
Closed-end Funds | |||||||
Assets under management, beginning of period | $ | 9,805 | $ | 8,965 | |||
Inflows | — | — | |||||
Outflows | — | — | |||||
Net inflows | — | — | |||||
Market appreciation | 95 | 439 | |||||
Total increase | 95 | 439 | |||||
Assets under management, end of period | $ | 9,900 | $ | 9,404 | |||
Average assets under management for period | $ | 9,978 | $ | 9,241 | |||
Total | |||||||
Assets under management, beginning of period | $ | 53,137 | $ | 45,907 | |||
Inflows | 2,259 | 1,955 | |||||
Outflows | (2,710 | ) | (2,071 | ) | |||
Net outflows | (451 | ) | (116 | ) | |||
Market appreciation | 1,980 | 3,240 | |||||
Total increase | 1,529 | 3,124 | |||||
Assets under management, end of period | $ | 54,666 | $ | 49,031 | |||
Average assets under management for period | $ | 55,021 | $ | 47,706 |
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Assets under management were $54.7 billion at March 31, 2015, an increase of 11% from $49.0 billion at March 31, 2014. The increase was due to market appreciation of $7.9 billion, including $5.9 billion from U.S. real estate, $1.4 billion from global/international real estate and $355 million from preferred securities, partially offset by net outflows of $2.2 billion, including net outflows of $2.1 billion from U.S. real estate, $1.4 billion from large cap value and $970 million from global/international real estate, partially offset by net inflows of $1.3 million into preferred securities and $521 million into global listed infrastructure for the twelve months ended March 31, 2015.
Average assets under management was $55.0 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2015, an increase of 15% from $47.7 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
Institutional accounts
Assets under management in institutional accounts were $26.7 billion at March 31, 2015, an increase of 9% from $24.5 billion at March 31, 2014. The increase in assets under management was due to market appreciation of $4.6 billion, including $3.2 billion from U.S. real estate and $1.2 billion from global/international real estate. The increase from market appreciation was partially offset by net outflows of $2.5 billion, including $1.4 billion from large cap value, $1.3 billion from U.S. real estate and $619 million from global/international real estate, partially offset by net inflows of $348 million into global listed infrastructure and $327 million into commodities for the twelve months ended March 31, 2015.
Average assets under management for institutional accounts was $27.1 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2015, an increase of 14% from $23.9 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
Net outflows from institutional accounts were $618 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared with $220 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. Gross inflows were $617 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared with $432 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. Gross outflows totaled $1.2 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared with $652 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. Market appreciation was $1.1 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared with $1.8 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
Open-end mutual funds
Assets under management in open-end mutual funds were $18.1 billion at March 31, 2015, an increase of 19% from $15.1 billion at March 31, 2014. The increase in assets under management was due to market appreciation of $2.8 billion, including $2.3 billion from U.S. real estate and $270 million from global/international real estate, and net inflows of $259 million, including $1.1 billion into preferred securities and $175 million into global listed infrastructure, partially offset by net outflows of $763 million from U.S. real estate and $351 million from global/international real estate for the twelve months ended March 31, 2015.
Average assets under management for open-end mutual funds was $18.0 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2015, an increase of 23% from $14.6 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
Net inflows for open-end mutual funds were $167 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared with $104 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. Gross inflows were $1.6 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared with $1.5 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2014. Gross outflows totaled $1.5 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared with $1.4 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2014. Market appreciation was $764 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared with $1.0 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
Closed-end funds
Assets under management in closed-end funds were $9.9 billion at March 31, 2015, an increase of 5% from $9.4 billion at March 31, 2014. The increase in assets under management was primarily due to market appreciation of $496 million for the twelve months ended March 31, 2015.
Average assets under management for closed-end funds was $10.0 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2015, an increase of 8% from $9.2 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
Market appreciation was $95 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared with $439 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
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Results of Operations
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 Compared with Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
(in thousands) | 2015 | 2014 | |||||
Results of operations | |||||||
Total revenue | $ | 83,815 | $ | 72,835 | |||
Total expenses | (49,266 | ) | (45,239 | ) | |||
Total non-operating (loss) income (1) | (1,552 | ) | 3,181 | ||||
Income before provision for income taxes (1) | $ | 32,997 | $ | 30,777 | |||
(1) Includes net loss of $45 and net income of $155 attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. |
Revenue
Total revenue increased 15% to $83.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 from $72.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. This increase was primarily attributable to higher investment advisory and administration fees of approximately $10.2 million, resulting from higher average assets under management.
For the three months ended March 31, 2015, total investment advisory and administration revenue from institutional accounts increased 11% to $21.8 million from $19.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The increase in institutional account revenue was attributable to higher average assets under management.
For the three months ended March 31, 2015, total investment advisory and administration revenue from open-end mutual funds increased 23% to $35.1 million from $28.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The increase in open-end mutual fund revenue was attributable to higher average assets under management.
For the three months ended March 31, 2015, total investment advisory and administration revenue from closed-end funds increased 8% to $20.9 million from $19.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The increase in closed-end fund revenue was attributable to higher average assets under management.
Distribution and service fee revenue increased 13% to $3.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 from $3.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The increase was primarily due to higher average assets under management in our open-end load mutual funds.
Portfolio consulting and other revenue increased 20% to $2.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 from $1.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The increase was primarily attributable to higher average assets under advisement from exchange traded funds and model-based strategies.
Expenses
Total operating expenses increased 9% to $49.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 from $45.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, due to increases of $1.9 million in employee compensation and benefits, $1.4 million in general and administrative and $947,000 in distribution and service fees.
Employee compensation and benefits increased 8% to $26.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 from $24.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The increase was primarily due to higher salaries of approximately $922,000 and higher benefits and other compensation of approximately $764,000.
General and administrative expenses increased 12% to $12.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 from $11.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The increase was primarily due to higher hosted conferences of approximately $296,000, higher information technology costs of approximately $263,000, higher travel and entertainment expenses of approximately $158,000 and higher sponsored conferences of approximately $105,000.
Distribution and service fee expenses increased 11% to $9.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 from $8.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The increase was primarily due to an increase in average assets under management in open-end mutual funds.
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Non-operating Income
Non-operating loss for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $1.6 million, compared with non-operating income of $3.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The decrease was primarily due to lower unrealized earnings from seed investments. The non-operating loss for the three months ended March 31, 2015 included net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest of $45,000. The non-operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 included net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest of $155,000.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense was $12.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared with $11.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The provision for income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2015 included U.S. federal, state, local and foreign taxes at an approximate effective tax rate of 37.0%. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was approximately 36.5%. We expect our tax rate for the full year 2015 to approximate 37%, excluding discrete items.
Changes in Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our investment advisory business does not require us to maintain significant capital balances. Our current financial condition is highly liquid, with a significant amount of our assets comprised of cash and cash equivalents, trading investments, equity method investments, available-for-sale investments and accounts receivable. Our cash flows generally result from the operating activities of our business, with investment advisory and administrative fees being the most significant contributor. Cash and cash equivalents, equity method investments, available-for-sale investments and accounts receivable, excluding investments classified as level 3 in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (the Codification) Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement (ASC 820), were 80% and 78% of total assets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $24.7 million, excluding the effect of foreign exchange rate changes, for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Net cash provided by operating activities was $342,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Net cash used in investing activities was $39,000, which included purchases of available-for-sale investments in the amount of $1.4 million, mostly offset by proceeds from sales of available-for-sale investments in the amount of $1.4 million. Net cash used in financing activities was $25.0 million, primarily for repurchases of common stock to satisfy employee withholding tax obligations on the delivery of restricted stock units of $18.7 million and dividends to stockholders of $11.4 million, partially offset by excess tax benefits associated with the delivery of restricted stock units of $4.7 million.
Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $2.6 million, excluding the effect of foreign exchange rate changes, for the three months ended March 31, 2014. Net cash used in operating activities was $95,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014. Net cash provided by investing activities was $3.8 million, primarily from proceeds from sales of available-for-sale investments in the amount of $6.6 million, partially offset by purchases of $2.1 million of available-for-sale investments and purchases of $705,000 of property and equipment. Net cash used in financing activities was $6.3 million, primarily for repurchases of common stock to satisfy employee withholding tax obligations on the delivery of restricted stock units of $10.6 million, partially offset by excess tax benefits associated with the delivery of restricted stock units of $2.4 million and contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interest of $1.8 million.
It is our policy to continuously monitor and evaluate the adequacy of our capital. We have consistently maintained net capital in excess of the regulatory requirements for our broker/dealer, as prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). At March 31, 2015, we exceeded our minimum regulatory capital requirements by approximately $1.1 million. The SEC’s Uniform Net Capital Rule 15c3-1 imposes certain requirements that may have the effect of prohibiting a broker/dealer from distributing or withdrawing capital and requiring prior notice to the SEC for certain withdrawals of capital.
Cohen & Steers Asia Limited (CSAL) and Cohen & Steers UK Limited (CSUK) are regulated outside the U.S. by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission and the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, respectively. At March 31, 2015, CSAL and CSUK exceeded their aggregate minimum regulatory requirements by approximately $62.7 million. We believe that our cash and cash equivalents and cash flows from operations will be more than adequate to meet our anticipated capital requirements and other obligations as they become due.
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Included in cash and cash equivalents was approximately $78.9 million held by our foreign subsidiaries as of March 31, 2015. It is our current intention to permanently reinvest funds held by our non-U.S. subsidiaries. We believe that our cash and cash equivalents and short term investments held in the U.S. are more than sufficient to cover our working capital needs in the U.S.
We periodically commit to fund a portion of the equity in certain of our sponsored investment products. We have committed to co-invest up to $5.1 million alongside Cohen & Steers Global Realty Partners III-TE, L.P. (GRP-TE). As of March 31, 2015, we funded approximately $3.2 million with respect to this commitment. Our co-investment alongside GRP-TE is illiquid and is anticipated to be invested for the life of the fund. The timing of the funding of the unfunded portion of our commitment is currently unknown, as the drawdown of our commitment is contingent on the timing of drawdowns by the underlying funds and co-investments in which GRP-TE invests. The unfunded portion of this commitment was not recorded on our condensed consolidated statements of financial condition as of March 31, 2015.
Contractual Obligations and Contingencies
We have contractual obligations to make future payments in connection with our noncancelable operating leases for office space and certain computer and office equipment. There were no material capital lease obligations as of March 31, 2015. The following summarizes our contractual obligations as of March 31, 2015 (in thousands):
2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 and after | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||
Operating leases | $ | 8,396 | $ | 11,053 | $ | 10,213 | $ | 9,836 | $ | 10,580 |