Associated Capital Group, Inc. - FORM 10-Q

Attached files

file	filename
EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2, DATED MAY 13, 2016 - Associated Capital Group, Inc.	ex32_2033116.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1, DATED MAY 13, 2016 - Associated Capital Group, Inc.	ex32_1033116.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2, DATED MAY 13, 2016 - Associated Capital Group, Inc.	ex31_2033116.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1, DATED MAY 13, 2016 - Associated Capital Group, Inc.	ex31_1033116.htm

SECURITIES & EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016

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

For the transition period from ___ to ___

Commission File No. 001-37387

ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware		47-3965991
(State of other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

One Corporate Center, Rye, NY		10580-1422
(Address of principle executive offices)		(Zip Code)

(203) 629-9595

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 ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer", and "smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer ☐	Accelerated filer ☐

Non-accelerated filer ☐	Smaller reporting company ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes ☐ No ☒

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the Registrant’s classes of Common Stock, as of the latest practical date.

Class		Outstanding at April 30, 2016
Class A Common Stock, .001 par value	(Including 551,900 restricted stock awards)	6,189,038
Class B Common Stock, .001 par value		19,196,792

INDEX

ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

PART I.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition:
	- March 31, 2016
	- December 31, 2015
	- March 31, 2015

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income:
	- Three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income:
	- Three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity:
	- Three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:
	- Three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015

	Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk (Included in Item 2)

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures

PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Item 6.	Exhibits

SIGNATURES

ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

UNAUDITED

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

	March 31,			December 31,			March 31,
	2016			2015			2015
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	203,239		$	205,750		$	320,373
Investments in securities		184,819			197,264			120,834
Investment in GBL stock		162,807			136,360			-
Investments in registered investment companies		115,916			118,676			120,831
Investments in partnerships		113,147			105,051			106,940
Receivable from brokers		23,278			56,510			19,526
Investment advisory fees receivable		1,463			4,896			1,461
Receivable from affiliates		3,507			7,457			299
Goodwill		3,254			3,254			3,254
Other assets		1,270			1,530			2,523
Total assets	$	812,700		$	836,748		$	696,041

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Payable to brokers	$	12,251		$	50,648		$	10,127
Income taxes payable and deferred tax liabilities		13,357			5,669			17,367
Compensation payable		4,893			10,926			4,571
Securities sold, not yet purchased		8,014			9,623			8,569
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests		1,421			1,129			1,298
Payable to affiliates		673			-			22,760
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		4,072			1,466			1,619
Total liabilities		44,681			79,461			66,311

Redeemable noncontrolling interests		3,752			5,738			5,519

Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 10,000,000.000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding		-			-			-
Class A Common Stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 6,244,452, 6,247,452 and 0 shares
issued, respectively; 6,154,674, 6,242,952 and 0 shares outstanding, respectively		6			6			-
Class B Common Stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 19,196,792, 19,196,792 and 0 shares
issued and outstanding, respectively		19			19			-
Additional paid-in capital		999,644			999,000			-
Parent Company Equity - pre Spin-off		-			-			614,895
Retained earnings		1,131			2,072			-
GBL 4% PIK Note		(250,000	)		(250,000	)		-
Accumulated other comprehensive income		12,933			(1,857	)		9,316
Treasury stock, at cost (89,778, 1,500 and 0 shares, respectively)		(2,464	)		(44	)		-
Total Associated Capital Group, Inc. stockholders' equity		761,269			749,196			624,211
Noncontrolling interest		2,998			2,353			-
Total equity		764,267			751,549			624,211
Total liabilities and equity	$	812,700		$	836,748		$	696,041

See accompanying notes.

ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

UNAUDITED

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2016			2015
Revenues
Investment advisory and incentive fees	$	2,068		$	1,986
Institutional research services		2,055			2,066
Other		394			515
Total revenues		4,517			4,567
Expenses
Compensation		6,312			5,879
Management fee		274			387
Stock based compensation		644			638
Other operating expenses		1,802			1,543
Total expenses		9,032			8,447

Operating loss		(4,515	)		(3,880	)
Other income (expense)
Net gain from investments		3,709			6,946
Interest and dividend income		3,434			745
Interest expense		(420	)		(334	)
Total other income/(expense), net		6,723			7,357
Income before income taxes		2,208			3,477
Income tax provision		661			1,101
Net income		1,547			2,376
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		(46	)		(9	)
Net income attributable to Associated Capital Group, Inc.'s shareholders	$	1,593		$	2,385

Net income attributable to Associated Capital Group, Inc.'s shareholders
per share:
Basic	$	0.06		$	0.09

Diluted	$	0.06		$	0.09

Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic		24,863			25,132

Diluted		25,177			25,414

Dividends declared	$	0.10		$	-

See accompanying notes.

ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

UNAUDITED

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2016		2015

Net income	$	1,547	$	2,376
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Net unrealized gains on securities available for sale (a)		15,514		138
Other comprehensive income		15,514		138

Comprehensive income		17,061		2,514
Less: Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		678		(9	)

Comprehensive income attributable to Associated Capital Group, Inc.	$	16,383	$	2,523

(a)	Net of income tax expense of $8,726, and $81, respectively.

ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

UNAUDITED

(In thousands)

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016

				Associated Capital Group, Inc. shareholders
									Additional					Accumulated									Redeemable
	Noncontrolling			Common		Retained			Paid-in		GBL 4%			Comprehensive			Treasury						Noncontrolling
	Interests			Stock		Earnings			Capital		PIK Note			Income			Stock			Total			Interests
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	2,353		$	25	$	2,072		$	999,000	$	(250,000	)	$	(1,857	)	$	(44	)	$	751,549		$	5,738
Redemptions of
noncontrolling interests		-			-		-			-		-			-			-			-			(208	)
Deconsolidation of an offshore
fund		-			-		-			-		-			-			-			-			(1,811	)
Net income (loss)		(79	)		-		1,593			-		-			-			-			1,514			33
Net unrealized losses on
securities available for sale,
net of income tax benefit ($8,726)		724			-		-			-		-			14,790			-			15,514			-
Dividends declared ($0.10 per
share)		-			-		(2,534	)		-		-			-			-			(2,534	)		-
Stock based compensation
expense		-			-		-			644		-			-			-			644			-
Purchase of treasury stock		-			-		-			-		-			-			(2,420	)		(2,420	)		-
Balance at March 31, 2016	$	2,998		$	25	$	1,131		$	999,644	$	(250,000	)	$	12,933		$	(2,464	)	$	764,267		$	3,752

See accompanying notes.

ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

UNAUDITED

(In thousands)

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015

	Associated Capital Group, Inc stockholders
	Parent Company		Accumulated						Redeemable
	Equity		Comprehensive						Noncontrolling
	pre Spin-off		Income			Total			Interests
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	573,749	$	9,178		$	582,927		$	68,334
Redemptions of redeemable noncontrolling interests		-		-			-			(441	)
Contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interests		-		-			-			891
Deconsolidation of an offshore fund		-		-			-			(63,256	)
Net loss		2,385		-			2,385			(9	)
Net unrealized losses on securities available for sale,
net of income tax benefit ($89)		-		152			152			-
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive income,net of income tax $(8)		-		(14	)		(14	)		-
Stock based compensation expense		638		-			638			-
Net transfers from GBL		38,123		-			38,123			-
Balance at March 31, 2015	$	614,895	$	9,316		$	624,211		$	5,519

See accompanying notes.

ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

UNAUDITED

(In thousands)

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2016			2015
Operating activities
Net loss	$	1,547		$	2,376
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity in net gains from partnerships		(2,181	)		(2,088	)
Depreciation and amortization		3			3
Stock based compensation expense		644			638
Net gains on sales of available for sale securities		-			(45	)
(Increase) decrease in assets:
Investments in trading securities		9,801			4,603
Investments in partnerships:
Contributions to partnerships		(17,617	)		(9,870	)
Distributions from partnerships		11,699			13,525
Receivable from affiliates		3,951			-
Receivable from brokers		32,535			6,895
Investment advisory fees receivable		3,414			2,473
Other assets		628			16,680
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
Payable to brokers		(38,376	)		4,215
Income taxes payable and deferred tax liabilities		(1,038	)		922
Intercompany payable		673			2,027
Compensation payable		(6,032	)		(4,609	)
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests		292			(4	)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		132			487
Total adjustments		(1,472	)		35,852
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	75		$	38,228

ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

UNAUDITED (continued)

(In thousands)

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2016			2015
Investing activities
Purchases of available for sale securities	$	(219	)	$	(41,397	)
Proceeds from sales of available for sale securities		-			100
Return of capital on available for sale securities		263			217
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		44			(41,080	)

Financing activities
Redemptions of redeemable noncontrolling interests		(208	)		(441	)
Net transfer from Parent		-			38,123
Purchase of treasury stock		(2,420	)		-
Net cash provided by financing activities		(2,628	)		37,682
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		(2,509	)		34,830
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		205,750			285,530
Increase (decrease) in cash from consolidation		(2	)		13
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	203,239		$	320,373
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	$	128		$	302
Cash paid for taxes	$	1,600		$	-

Non-cash activity:

On January 1, 2016, Associated Capital Group, Inc. was no longer deemed to have control over a certain offshore fund which resulted in the deconsolidation of that offshore fund and a decrease of approximately $1 of cash and cash equivalents, a decrease of approximately $104 of net assets and a decrease of approximately $105 of redeemable noncontrolling interests.

On January 1, 2016, Associated Capital Group, Inc. adopted ASU 2015-02, which amends the consolidation requirements of ASC 810. This resulted in the deconsolidation of a certain consolidated feeder fund and a certain limited partnership and a decrease of approximately $1 of cash and cash equivalents, a decrease of approximately $1,705 of net assets and a decrease of approximately $1,706 of redeemable noncontrolling interests.

On January 1, 2015, Associated Capital Group, Inc. was no longer deemed to have control over a certain offshore fund and a certain consolidated feeder fund which resulted in the deconsolidation of that offshore fund and consolidated feeder fund and an increase of approximately $13 of cash and cash equivalents, a decrease of approximately $63,280 of net assets and a decrease of approximately $63,267 of redeemable noncontrolling interest.

- For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015, the Company accrued dividends on restricted stock awards

of $49 and $0, respectively.

See accompanying notes.

ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2016

(Unaudited)

A. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

Unless we have indicated otherwise, or the context otherwise requires, references in this report to “Associated Capital Group, Inc.,” “AC Group,” “the Company,” “AC,” “we,” “us” and “our” or similar terms are to Associated Capital Group, Inc., its predecessors and its subsidiaries.

The Spin-off and Related Transactions

We are a Delaware corporation organized to be the parent operating company for the spin-off of GAMCO Investors, Inc.’s (“GAMCO’s”) alternative investment management business, institutional research services operations and certain cash and other assets.

On November 30, 2015, GAMCO distributed all the outstanding shares of each class of common stock of AC Group on a pro rata one-for-one basis to the holders of each class of GAMCO’s common stock. Prior to the distribution, GAMCO contributed the 93.9% interest it held in Gabelli Securities, Inc. (“GSI”) and certain cash and other assets to AC Group. GSI is an investment adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. GSI and its wholly owned subsidiary, Gabelli & Partners, LLC ("Gabelli & Partners"), collectively serve as general partners or investment managers to investment funds including limited partnerships and offshore companies (collectively, "Investment Partnerships"), and separate accounts. We primarily manage assets in equity event-driven value strategies, across a range of risk and event arbitrage portfolios. The business earns fees from its advisory assets, and income (loss) from trading and investment portfolio activities. The advisory fees include management and incentive fees. Management fees are largely based on a percentage of the portfolios' levels of assets under management. Incentive fees are based on the percentage of profits derived from the investment performance delivered to clients' invested assets. At March 31, 2016, certain employees of GAMCO own 1.9% of GSI, and the remaining 4.2% of GSI is owned by individual investors unrelated to GAMCO and AC Group.

We operate our institutional research services operations through G.research, LLC ("G.research"), a wholly owned subsidiary of GSI. G.research is a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Through G.research, we provide institutional research services as well as act as an underwriter. G.research is regulated by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA"). G.research's revenues are derived primarily from institutional research services.

In addition, the following transactions were also undertaken in connection with the spin-off:

GAMCO issued a promissory note (the “GAMCO Note”) to AC Group in the original principal amount of $250.0 million used to partially capitalize the Company in connection with the spin-off. The GAMCO Note bears interest at 4.0% per annum and has a maturity date of November 30, 2020 with respect to the original principal amount of the GAMCO Note. Interest on the GAMCO Note will accrue from the most recent date for which interest has been paid, or if no interest has been paid, from the effective date of the GAMCO Note; provided, however, that at the election of GAMCO, payment of interest on the GAMCO Note may, in lieu of being paid in cash, be paid, in whole or in part, in kind on the then-outstanding principal amount (a “PIK Amount”). GAMCO will repay the original principal amount of the GAMCO Note to AC Group, in cash, in five equal annual installments of $50 million on each interest payment date up to and including the maturity date and will repay all PIK Amounts added to the outstanding principal amount of the GAMCO Note, in cash, on the fifth anniversary of the date on which each such PIK Amount was added to the outstanding principal amount of the GAMCO Note. In no event may any interest be paid in kind subsequent to November 30, 2019. GAMCO may prepay the GAMCO Note prior to maturity without penalty.

In addition, AC Group, through its majority-owned GSI subsidiary, owns 4,393,055 shares of GAMCO Class A common stock. The sale was made from GAMCO to GSI in advance of the spin-off. GSI paid the purchase price by issuing a note to GAMCO in the principal amount of $150 million (the “GSI Note”). In connection with the spin-off, AC Group received the GSI Note from GAMCO and GSI became a majority-owned subsidiary of AC Group. The GSI Note is thus now an intercompany note within the AC Group.

Basis of Presentation

The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of AC Group included herein have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP in the United States for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company for the interim periods presented and are not necessarily indicative of a full year’s results.

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AC Group and its subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated.

The Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, and the Company's condensed consolidated statement of income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 are presented based on our actual results as a stand-alone public company subsequent to our spin-off. References within these Notes to the condensed consolidated statement of financial condition as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and the condensed combined consolidated statement of financial condition as of March 31, 2015 shall hereinafter be referred to as the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. References within these Notes to the condensed consolidated statement of income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and the condensed combined consolidated statement of income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 shall hereinafter be referred to as the condensed consolidated statements of income.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported on the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recent Accounting Developments

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in the Accounting Standards Codification ("Codification") Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the industry topics of the Codification. The core principle of the new ASU No. 2014-09 is for companies to recognize revenue from the transfer of goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new standard provides a five-step approach to be applied to all contracts with customers and also requires expanded disclosures about revenue recognition. The ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods and is to be retrospectively applied. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance and the impact it will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

In May 2015, the FASB issued new guidance amending the current disclosure requirements for investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value (“NAV”) 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 condition. This new guidance was effective for the Company's first quarter of 2016 and was applied retrospectively.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, which amends the guidance in U.S. GAAP on the classification and measurement of financial instruments. Although the ASU retains many current requirements, it significantly revises an entity’s accounting related to (1) the classification and measurement of investments in equity securities and (2) the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. The ASU also amends certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. For public companies, the new standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. To adopt the amendments, entities will be required to make a cumulative-effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which the guidance is effective. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance and the impact it will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions for both public and nonpublic entities, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. For public companies, the ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those annual reporting periods. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance and the impact it will have on its consolidated financial statements.

B. Investment in Securities

Investments in securities (including GBL stock) at March 31, 2016, December 31, 2015 and March 31, 2015 consisted of the following:

	March 31, 2016				December 31, 2015				March 31, 2015
	Cost		Fair Value		Cost		Fair Value		Cost		Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Trading securities:
Government obligations	$	99,841	$	99,964	$	99,897	$	99,940	$	9,998	$	9,998
Common stocks		66,906		79,571		78,974		92,194		84,646		105,190
Mutual funds		2,579		3,215		2,578		3,216		2,505		3,596
Other investments		648		918		570		771		549		762
Total trading securities		169,974		183,668		182,019		196,121		97,698		119,546

Available for sale securities:
Common stocks		150,000		162,807		150,000		136,360		-		-
Mutual funds		627		1,151		627		1,143		627		1,288
Total available for sale securities		150,627		163,958		150,627		137,503		627		1,288

Total investments in securities	$	320,601	$	347,626	$	332,646	$	333,624	$	98,325	$	120,834

Securities sold, not yet purchased at March 31, 2016, December 31, 2015 and March 31, 2015 consisted of the following:

	March 31, 2016					December 31, 2015				March 31, 2015
	Proceeds			Fair Value		Proceeds		Fair Value		Proceeds		Fair Value
Trading securities:	(In thousands)
Common stocks		$	7,951	$	7,947	$	10,095	$	9,537	$	8,485	$	8,530
Other investments			2		67		24		86		3		39
Total securities sold, not yet purchased		$	7,953	$	8,014	$	10,119	$	9,623	$	8,488	$	8,569

Investments in affiliated registered investment companies at March 31, 2016, December 31, 2015 and March 31, 2015 consisted of the following:

	March 31, 2016				December 31, 2015				March 31, 2015
	Cost		Fair Value		Cost		Fair Value		Cost		Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Trading securities:
Mutual funds	$	40,097	$	43,798	$	40,097	$	43,133	$	37,097	$	39,871
Total trading securities		40,097		43,798		40,097		43,133		37,097		39,871

Available for sale securities:
Closed-end funds		60,865		69,052		62,070		72,591		63,538		77,663
Mutual funds		1,841		3,066		1,846		2,952		1,891		3,297
Total available for sale securities		62,706		72,118		63,916		75,543		65,429		80,960

Total investments in affiliated
registered investment companies	$	102,803	$	115,916	$	104,013	$	118,676	$	102,526	$	120,831

Management determines the appropriate classification of debt and equity securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such designation as of the date of each consolidated statement of financial condition. Investments in United States Treasury Bills and Notes with maturities of greater than three months at the time of purchase are classified as investments in securities, and those with maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase are classified as cash equivalents. The portion of investments in securities held for resale in anticipation of short-term market movements are classified as trading securities. Trading securities are stated at fair value, with any unrealized gains or losses reported in current period earnings. Available for sale (“AFS”) investments are stated at fair value, with any unrealized gains or losses, net of taxes, reported as a component of equity except for losses deemed to be other than temporary (“OTT”) which are recorded as realized losses in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

The following table identifies all reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") into income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):

Amount							Affected Line Items	Reason for
Reclassified							in the Statements	Reclassification
from AOCI							Of Income	from AOCI
Three months ended March 31,
2016			2015
	$	-		$	22		Net gain from investments	Realized gain on sale of AFS securities
		-			22		Income before income taxes
		-			(8	)	Income tax provision
	$	-		$	14		Net income

The Company recognizes all equity derivatives as either assets or liabilities measured at fair value and includes them in either investments in securities or securities sold, not yet purchased on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. From time to time, the Company and/or the partnerships and offshore funds that the Company consolidates will enter into hedging transactions to manage their exposure to foreign currencies and equity prices related to their proprietary investments. At March 31, 2016, December 31, 2015 and March 31, 2015, we held derivative contracts on 317,000 equity shares, 250,000 equity shares and 400,000 equity shares, respectively, that are included in investments in securities or securities sold, not yet purchased on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. We had two foreign exchange contracts, two foreign exchange contracts and one foreign exchange contract outstanding at March 31, 2016, December 31, 2015 and March 31, 2015, respectively, that are included in receivable from brokers or payable to brokers on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Aside from one foreign exchange contract, these transactions are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes, and therefore changes in fair values of these derivatives are included in net gain from investments on the condensed consolidated statements of income. The one foreign exchange contract that is designated as a hedge was for a short of British Pounds to hedge the long investment that we have in the London Stock Exchange listed Gabelli Value Plus+ Trust Ltd. closed-end fund which is denominated in British Pounds. As the underlying investment that is being hedged is an available for sale security, the portion of the change in value of the closed-end fund that is currency related is recorded in net gain from investments on the condensed consolidated statements of income and not in accumulated comprehensive income.

The following tables identify the fair values and gains and losses of all derivatives held by the Company (in thousands):

	Asset Derivatives							Liability Derivatives
	Statement of	Fair Value						Statement of	Fair Value
	Financial Condition	March 31,		December 31,		March 31,		Financial Condition	March 31,		December 31,		March 31,
	Location	2016		2015		2015		Location	2016		2015		2015
Derivatives designated as hedging
instruments under FASB ASC 815-20
Foreign exchange contracts	Receivable from brokers	$	-	$	-	$	-	Payable to brokers	$	2,875	$	37,584	$	-
Sub total		$	-	$	-	$	-		$	2,875	$	37,584	$	-
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments Under Fasb Asc 815-20
	Investments in							Securities sold,
Equity contracts	securities	$	185	$	236	$	128	not yet purchased	$	67	$	86	$	39
Foreign exchange contracts	Receivable from brokers		-		-		-	Payable to brokers		5,223		5,017		4,991
Sub total		$	185	$	236	$	128		$	5,290	$	5,103	$	5,030
Total derivatives		$	185	$	236	$	128		$	8,165	$	42,687	$	5,030

Type of Derivative	Income Statement Location	Three months ended March 31,
		2016			2015
Foreign exchange contracts	Net gain from investments		$	1,192		$	597
Equity contracts	Net gain from investments			69			131
Total			$	1,261		$	728

The Company is a party to enforceable master netting arrangements for swaps entered into as part of the investment strategy of the Company’s proprietary portfolio. They are typically not used as hedging instruments. These swaps, while settled on a net basis with the counterparties, major U.S. financial institutions, are shown gross in assets and liabilities on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. The swaps have a firm contract end date and are closed out and settled when each contract expires.

										Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
										Statements of Financial Condition
	Gross			Gross Amounts			Net Amounts of
	Amounts of			Offset in the			Assets Presented
	Recognized			Statements of			in the Statements			Financial				Cash Collateral
	Assets			Financial Condition			of Financial Condition			Instruments				Received			Net Amount
Swaps:	(In thousands)
March 31, 2016		$	185		$	-		$	185		$	(66	)		$	-		$	119
December 31, 2015			177			-			177			(81	)			-			96
March 31, 2015		$	128		$	-		$	128		$	(23	)		$	-		$	105

										Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
										Statements of Financial Condition
	Gross			Gross Amounts			Net Amounts of
	Amounts of			Offset in the			Liabilities Presented
	Recognized			Statements of			in the Statements			Financial				Cash Collateral
	Liabilities			Financial Condition			of Financial Condition			Instruments				Pledged			Net Amount
Swaps:	(In thousands)
March 31, 2016		$	66		$	-		$	66		$	(66	)		$	-		$	-
December 31, 2015			81			-			81			(81	)			-			-
March 31, 2015		$	23		$	-		$	23		$	(23	)		$	-		$	-

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, 2016, December 31, 2015 and March 31, 2015:

	March 31, 2016
				Gross			Gross
				Unrealized			Unrealized
	Cost			Gains			Losses				Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Common stocks		$	150,000		$	12,807		$	-			$	162,807
Closed-end Funds			60,865			11,828			(3,641	)			69,052
Mutual funds			2,468			1,749			-				4,217
Total available for sale securities		$	213,333		$	26,384		$	(3,641	)		$	236,076

	December 31, 2015
				Gross			Gross
				Unrealized			Unrealized
	Cost			Gains			Losses				Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Common stocks		$	150,000		$	-		$	(13,640	)		$	136,360
Closed-end Funds			62,070			11,299			(778	)			72,591
Mutual funds			2,472			1,641			(18	)			4,095
Total available for sale securities		$	214,542		$	12,940		$	(14,436	)		$	213,046

	March 31, 2015
				Gross			Gross
				Unrealized			Unrealized
	Cost			Gains			Losses				Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Common stocks		$	-		$	-		$	-			$	-
Closed-end Funds			63,538			14,150			(25	)			77,663
Mutual funds			2,518			2,101			(34	)			4,585
Total available for sale securities		$	66,056		$	16,251		$	(59	)		$	82,248

Changes in net unrealized gains, net of taxes, for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015 of $15.5 million and $0.2 million in gains, respectively, have been included in other comprehensive income, a component of equity, at March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015. Return of capital on available for sale securities was $0.3 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, there were no proceeds from the sales of investments available for sale and no gross gains on the sale of investments available for sale. Proceeds from sales of investments available for sale were approximately $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, gross gains on the sale of investments available for sale amounted to $45,000 and were reclassified from other comprehensive income into net gain from investments in the condensed consolidated statements of income. There were no losses on the sale of investments available for sale for the three months ended March 31, 2016 or March 31, 2015. The basis on which the cost of a security sold is determined using specific identification.

Investments classified as available for sale that are in an unrealized loss position for which other-than-temporary impairment has not been recognized consisted of the following:

	March 31, 2016										December 31, 2015										March 31, 2015
				Unrealized										Unrealized										Unrealized
	Cost			Losses				Fair Value			Cost			Losses				Fair Value			Cost			Losses				Fair Value
(in thousands)
Common stocks		$	-		$	-			$	-		$	150,000		$	(13,640	)		$	136,360		$	-		$	-			$	-
Closed-end Funds			39,413			(3,641	)			35,772			40,627			(778	)			39,849			149			(25	)			124
Mutual Funds			-			-				-			244			(18	)			226			303			(34	)			269
Total available for sale securities		$	39,413		$	(3,641	)		$	35,772		$	190,871		$	(14,436	)		$	176,435		$	452		$	(59	)		$	393

At March 31, 2016, there were three holdings in loss positions that were not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired due to the length of time that they had been in a loss position and because they passed scrutiny in our evaluation of issuer-specific and industry-specific considerations. In these specific instances, the investments at March 31, 2016 were closed-end funds with diversified holdings across multiple companies and across multiple industries. One holding was impaired for three months and two holdings were impaired for nine months at March 31, 2016. The value of these holdings at March 31, 2016 was $35.8 million.

At December 31, 2015, there were six holdings in loss positions that were not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired due to the length of time that they had been in a loss position and because they passed scrutiny in our evaluation of issuer-specific and industry-specific considerations. In these specific instances, five of the investments at December 31, 2015 were mutual funds and closed-end funds with diversified holdings across multiple companies and across multiple industries. Of the fund investments, two holdings were impaired for one month, one for six months, and two for seven months at December 31, 2015. The sixth holding was a common stock and was impaired for one month. The value of these holdings at December 31, 2015 was $176.4 million. If these holdings were to continue to be impaired, we may need to record impairment in a future period on the condensed consolidated statement of income for the amount of unrealized loss, which at December 31, 2015 was $14.4 million.

At March 31, 2015, there were three holdings in loss positions that were not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired due to the length of time that they had been in a loss position and because it passed scrutiny in our evaluation of issuer-specific and industry-specific considerations. In these specific instances, the investments at March 31, 2015 were mutual funds and closed-end funds with diversified holdings across multiple companies and across multiple industries. One holding was impaired for one month, one holding was impaired for five months and one holding was impaired for seven months at March 31, 2015. The value of these holdings at March 31, 2015 was $0.4 million.

There were no losses recognized on AFS securities for the three months ended March 31, 2016 or March 31, 2015.

C. Fair Value

The following tables present information about the Company’s assets and liabilities by major categories measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2016, December 31, 2015 and March 31, 2015 and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value. Note that the FASB issued new guidance effective for the Company’s first quarter of 2016 amending the current disclosure requirements 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 to be removed from the fair value hierarchy. Instead, those investment amounts are 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 condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis as of March 31, 2016 (in thousands)

	Quoted Prices in Active		Significant Other		Significant		Investments		Other Assets		Balance as of
	Markets for Identical		Observable		Unobservable		Measured at		Not Held at		March 31,
Assets	Assets (Level 1)		Inputs (Level 2)		Inputs (Level 3)		NAV (a)		Fair Value (b)		2016
Cash equivalents	$	203,231	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	203,231
Investments in partnerships		-		7,581		-		101,971		3,595		113,147
Investments in securities (including GBL stock):
AFS - Common stocks		162,807		-		-		-		-		162,807
AFS - Mutual funds		1,151		-		-		-		-		1,151
Trading - Gov't obligations		99,964		-		-		-		-		99,964
Trading - Common stocks		79,065		-		506		-		-		79,571
Trading - Mutual funds		3,215		-		-		-		-		3,215
Trading - Other		428		185		305		-		-		918
Total investments in securities		346,630		185		811		-		-		347,626
Investments in affiliated registered investment companies:
AFS - Closed-end Funds		69,052		-		-		-		-		69,052
AFS - Mutual Funds		3,066		-		-		-		-		3,066
Trading - Mutual funds		43,798		-		-		-		-		43,798
Total investments in affiliated
registered investment companies		115,916		-		-		-		-		115,916
Total investments		462,546		7,766		811		101,971		3,595		576,689
Total assets at fair value	$	665,777	$	7,766	$	811	$	101,971	$	3,595	$	779,920
Liabilities
Trading - Common stocks	$	7,947	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	7,947
Trading - Other		-		67		-		-		-		67
Securities sold, not yet purchased	$	7,947	$	67	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	8,014

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis as of December 31, 2015 (in thousands)

	Quoted Prices in Active		Significant Other		Significant		Investments		Other Assets		Balance as of
	Markets for Identical		Observable		Unobservable		Measured at		Not Held at		December 31,
Assets	Assets (Level 1)		Inputs (Level 2)		Inputs (Level 3)		NAV (a)		Fair Value (b)		2015
Cash equivalents	$	205,733	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	205,733
Investments in partnerships		-		13,953		-		87,501		3,597		105,051
Investments in securities (including GBL stock):
AFS - Common stocks		136,360		-		-		-		-		136,360
AFS - Mutual funds		1,143		-		-		-		-		1,143
Trading - Gov't obligations		99,940		-		-		-		-		99,940
Trading - Common stocks		91,686		-		508		-		-		92,194
Trading - Mutual funds		3,216		-		-		-		-		3,216
Trading - Other		230		236		305		-		-		771
Total investments in securities		332,575		236		813		-		-		333,624
Investments in affiliated registered investment companies:
AFS - Closed-end Funds		72,591		-		-		-		-		72,591
AFS - Mutual Funds		2,952		-		-		-		-		2,952
Trading - Mutual funds		43,133		-		-		-		-		43,133
Total investments in affiliated
registered investment companies		118,676		-		-		-		-		118,676
Total investments		451,251		14,189		813		87,501		3,597		557,351
Total assets at fair value	$	656,984	$	14,189	$	813	$	87,501	$	3,597	$	763,084
Liabilities
Trading - Common stocks	$	9,537	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	9,537
Trading - Other		-		86		-		-		-		86
Securities sold, not yet purchased	$	9,537	$	86	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	9,623

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis as of March 31, 2015 (in thousands)

	Quoted Prices in Active		Significant Other		Significant		Investments		Other Assets		Balance as of
	Markets for Identical		Observable		Unobservable		Measured at		Not Held at		March 31,
Assets	Assets (Level 1)		Inputs (Level 2)		Inputs (Level 3)		NAV (a)		Fair Value (b)		2015
Cash equivalents	$	320,313	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	320,313
Investments in partnerships		-		21,244		-		83,627		2,069		106,940
Investments in securities:
AFS - Common stocks		-		-		-		-		-		-
AFS - Mutual funds		1,288		-		-		-		-		1,288
Trading - Gov't obligations		9,998		-		-		-		-		9,998
Trading - Common stocks		104,071		180		939		-		-		105,190
Trading - Mutual funds		3,596		-		-		-		-		3,596
Trading - Other		355		128		279		-		-		762
Total investments in securities		119,308		308		1,218		-		-		120,834
Investments in affiliated registered investment companies:
AFS - Closed-end Funds		77,663		-		-		-		-		77,663
AFS - Mutual Funds		3,297		-		-		-		-		3,297
Trading - Mutual funds		39,871		-		-		-		-		39,871
Total investments in affiliated
registered investment companies		120,831		-		-		-		-		120,831
Total investments		240,139		21,552		1,218		83,627		2,069		348,605
Total assets at fair value	$	560,452	$	21,552	$	1,218	$	83,627	$	2,069	$	668,918
Liabilities
Trading - Common stocks	$	8,530	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	8,530
Trading - Other		-		39		-		-		-		39
Securities sold, not yet purchased	$	8,530	$	39	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	8,569

(a)	Amounts are comprised of certain investments measured at fair value using NAV (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient. These investments have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy (see Note A, Recent Accounting Developments, for more detail).

(b)

Amounts are comprised of certain equity method investments which are not accounted for under a fair value measure. In accordance with GAAP, certain equity method investees do not account for both their financial assets and liabilities under fair value measures; therefore, the Company’s investment in such equity method investees may not represent fair value.

The following tables present additional information about assets by major categories measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the Company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value:

Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 (in thousands)

											Total
											Unrealized
											Gains or			Total
				Total Realized and							(Losses)			Realized
	December 31,			Unrealized Gains or							Included in			and										Transfers			March
	31, 2015			(Losses) in Income							Other			Unrealized										In and/or			31, 2016
	Beginning							AFS			Comprehensive			Gains or										(Out) of			Ending
Asset	Balance			Trading				Investments			Income			(Losses)				Purchases			Sales			Level 3			Balance
Financial
instruments owned:
Trading - Common
stocks		$	508		$	(2	)		$	-		$	-		$	(2	)		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	506
Trading - Other			305			-				-			-			-				-			-			-			305
Total		$	813		$	(2	)		$	-		$	-		$	(2	)			-		$	-		$	-		$	811

There were no transfers between any Levels during the three months ended March 31, 2016.

Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 (in thousands)

										Total
										Unrealized
										Gains or			Total
				Total Realized and						(Losses)			Realized
	December 31,			Unrealized Gains or						Included in			and										Transfers			March
	2014			(Losses) in Income						Other			Unrealized										In and/or			31, 2015
	Beginning			AFS						Comprehensive			Gains or										(Out) of			Ending
Asset	Balance			Trading			Investments			Income			(Losses)			Purchases			Sales				Level 3			Balance
Financial
instruments owned:
Trading - Common
stocks		$	1,293		$	1		$	-		$	-		$	1		$	3		$	(358	)		$	-		$	939
Trading - Other			294			62			-			-			62			5			(82	)			-			279
Total		$	1,587		$	63		$	-		$	-		$	63		$	8		$	(440	)		$	-		$	1,218

There were no transfers between any Levels during the three months ended March 31, 2015.

D. Investments in Partnerships, Offshore Funds and Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”)

The Company is general partner or co-general partner of various affiliated entities in which the Company has investments totaling $96.8 million, $89.3 million and $93.4 million at March 31, 2016, December 31, 2015 and March 31, 2015, respectively, and whose underlying assets consist primarily of marketable securities (the “affiliated entities”). We also have investments in unaffiliated entities of $16.3 million, $15.8 million and $13.5 million at March 31, 2016, December 31, 2015 and March 31, 2015, respectively (the “unaffiliated entities”). On a quarterly basis, we evaluate each entity for the appropriate accounting treatment and disclosure. In February 2015, the FASB issued an accounting update amending the consolidation requirements under GAAP. This guidance was effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2016. Based on the new consolidation guidance, we have determined that two of the affiliated entities, and none of the unaffiliated entities, are required to be consolidated in our condensed consolidated financial statements in the quarter ended March 31, 2016.

For those entities where consolidation is not deemed to be appropriate, we report them in our condensed consolidated statements of financial condition under the caption “Investments in partnerships”. This caption includes those investments, in both affiliated and unaffiliated entities, which the Company accounts for under the equity method of accounting, as well as certain investments that the feeder funds hold that are carried at fair value, as described in Note C. The Company reflects the equity in earnings of these equity method investees and the change in fair value of the consolidated feeder funds (“CFFs”) under the caption Net gain from investments on the condensed consolidated statements of income.

The following table highlights the number of entities, including voting interest entities (“VOEs”), that we consolidate as well as under which accounting guidance they are consolidated, including CFFs, which retain their specialized investment company accounting in consolidation, partnerships and offshore funds:

Entities consolidated	CFFs				Partnerships				Offshore Funds				Total
	VIEs		VOEs		VIEs		VOEs		VIEs		VOEs		VIEs		VOEs
Entities consolidated at December 31, 2014		1		2		-		1		-		1		1		4
Additional consolidated entities		-		1		-		-		-		-		-		1
Deconsolidated entities		-		(1)		-		-		-		(1)		-		(2)
Entities consolidated at March 31, 2015		1		2		-		1		-		-		1		3
Additional consolidated entities		-		-		-		1		1		-		1		1
Deconsolidated entities		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
Entities consolidated at December 31, 2015		1		2		-		2		1		-		2		4
Additional consolidated entities		-		-		1		-		-		-		1		-
Deconsolidated entities		(1)		(1)		-		(2)		(1)		-		(2)		(3)
Entities consolidated at March 31, 2016		-		1		1		-		-		-		1		1

At and for the three months ended March 31, 2016, one CFF VOE is consolidated, as the Company owns a majority of the interests in the CFF. At and for the three months ended March 31, 2016, one Partnership VIE is consolidated, as it is a VIE because the unaffiliated partners or shareholders lack substantive kick-out rights and the Company has been determined to be the primary beneficiary because it has an equity interest and absorbs the majority of the expected losses and/or expected gains.

The following table breaks down the investments in partnerships line by accounting method, either fair value or equity method, and investment type (in thousands):

	March 31, 2016
	Investment Type
	Affiliated									Unaffiliated
	Consolidated
Accounting method	Feeder Funds			Partnerships			Offshore Funds			Partnerships			Offshore Funds			Total

Fair Value		$	7,581		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	7,581
Equity Method			-			36,168			53,099			8,007			8,292			105,566

Total		$	7,581		$	36,168		$	53,099		$	8,007		$	8,292		$	113,147

	December 31, 2015
	Investment Type
	Affiliated									Unaffiliated
	Consolidated
Accounting method	Feeder Funds			Partnerships			Offshore Funds			Partnerships			Offshore Funds			Total

Fair Value		$	13,953		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	13,953
Equity Method			-			39,552			35,746			7,911			7,889			91,098

Total		$	13,953		$	39,552		$	35,746		$	7,911		$	7,889		$	105,051

	March 31, 2015
	Investment Type
	Affiliated									Unaffiliated
	Consolidated
Accounting method	Feeder Funds			Partnerships			Offshore Funds			Partnerships			Offshore Funds			Total

Fair Value		$	21,244		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	21,244
Equity Method			-			36,016			36,137			6,666			6,877			85,696

Total		$	21,244		$	36,016		$	36,137		$	6,666		$	6,877		$	106,940

The following table includes the net impact by line item on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition for each category of entity consolidated (in thousands):

	March 31, 2016
	Prior to								Offshore
	Consolidation		CFFs			Partnerships			Funds		As Reported
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	203,204	$	-		$	35		$	-	$	203,239
Investments in securities (including GBL stock)		341,730		-			5,896			-		347,626
Investments in sponsored investment companies		115,916		-			-			-		115,916
Investments in partnerships		117,589		3,487			(7,929	)		-		113,147
Receivable from brokers		20,958		-			2,320			-		23,278
Investment advisory fees receivable		1,471		(4	)		(4	)		-		1,463
Other assets		8,031		-			-			-		8,031
Total assets	$	808,899	$	3,483		$	318		$	-	$	812,700
Liabilities and equity
Securities sold, not yet purchased	$	8,014	$	-		$	-		$	-	$	8,014
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		36,618		16			33			-		36,667
Redeemable noncontrolling interests		-		3,467			285			-		3,752
Total equity		764,267		-			-			-		764,267
Total liabilities and equity	$	808,899	$	3,483		$	318		$	-	$	812,700

	December 31, 2015
	Prior to							Offshore
	Consolidation		CFFs		Partnerships			Funds			As Reported
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	205,708	$	-	$	41		$	1		$	205,750
Investments in securities (including GBL stock)		325,692		-		7,849			83			333,624
Investments in sponsored investment companies		118,676		-		-			-			118,676
Investments in partnerships		109,274		4,506		(8,729	)		-			105,051
Receivable from brokers		53,921		-		2,164			425			56,510
Investment advisory fees receivable		4,881		2		5			8			4,896
Other assets		12,614		5		15			(393	)		12,241
Total assets	$	830,766	$	4,513	$	1,345		$	124		$	836,748
Liabilities and equity
Securities sold, not yet purchased	$	9,505	$	-	$	118		$	-		$	9,623
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		69,712		28		79			19			69,838
Redeemable noncontrolling interests		-		4,485		1,148			105			5,738
Total equity		751,549		-		-			-			751,549
Total liabilities and equity	$	830,766	$	4,513	$	1,345		$	124		$	836,748

	March 31, 2015
	Prior to							Offshore
	Consolidation		CFFs		Partnerships			Funds		As Reported
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	320,292	$	-	$	81		$	-	$	320,373
Investments in securities		113,074		-		7,760			-		120,834
Investments in sponsored investment companies		120,831		-		-			-		120,831
Investments in partnerships		109,979		5,255		(8,294	)		-		106,940
Receivable from brokers		18,751		-		775			-		19,526
Investment advisory fees receivable		1,456		6		(1	)		-		1,461
Other assets		6,060		16		-			-		6,076
Total assets	$	690,443	$	5,277	$	321		$	-	$	696,041
Liabilities and equity
Securities sold, not yet purchased	$	8,569	$	-	$	-		$	-	$	8,569
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		57,663		46		33			-		57,742
Redeemable noncontrolling interests		-		5,231		288			-		5,519
Total equity		624,211		-		-			-		624,211
Total liabilities and equity	$	690,443	$	5,277	$	321		$	-	$	696,041

The following table includes the net impact by line item on the condensed consolidated statements of income for each category of entity consolidated (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
	Prior to									Offshore
	Consolidation			CFFs			Partnerships			Funds		As Reported
Total revenues	$	4,522		$	(4	)	$	(1	)	$	-	$	4,517
Total expenses		8,985			33			14			-		9,032
Operating loss		(4,463	)		(37	)		(15	)		-		(4,515	)
Total other expense, net		6,638			93			(8	)		-		6,723
Income before income taxes		2,175			56			(23	)		-		2,208
Income tax provision		661			-			-			-		661
Net income		1,514			56			(23	)		-		1,547
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		(79	)		56			(23	)		-		(46	)
Net income attributable to AC Group	$	1,593		$	-		$	-		$	-	$	1,593

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Prior to									Offshore
	Consolidation			CFFs			Partnerships			Funds			As Reported
Total revenues	$	4,588		$	(6	)	$	(1	)	$	(14	)	$	4,567
Total expenses		8,376			33			9			29			8,447
Operating loss		(3,788	)		(39	)		(10	)		(43	)		(3,880	)
Total other expense, net		7,274			50			(1	)		34			7,357
Income before income taxes		3,486			11			(11	)		(9	)		3,477
Income tax provision		1,101			-			-			-			1,101
Net income		2,385			11			(11	)		(9	)		2,376
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		-			11			(11	)		(9	)		(9	)
Net income attributable to AC Group	$	2,385		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	2,385

Variable Interest Entities

We sponsor a number of investment vehicles where we are the general partner or investment manager. At March 31, 2016 we consolidated the only VIE. At December 31, 2015 and March 31, 2015, certain vehicles were deemed VIEs prior to the adoption of ASU 2015-02, but we were not the primary beneficiary, because we do not absorb a majority of the entities’ expected losses and/or expected returns, and they were, therefore, not consolidated. We consolidated VIEs where we are the primary beneficiary. The Company has not provided any financial or other support to those VIEs where we are not the primary beneficiary.

The total net assets of these non-consolidated VIEs at December 31, 2015 and March 31, 2015 were $70.2 million and $71.4 million, respectively. On December 31, 2015 and March 31, 2015, our maximum exposure to loss as a result of our involvement with the non-consolidated VIEs is limited to the investment in two VIEs of $9.9 million and $10.6 million, respectively, and the deferred carried interest that we have in another of $39,000 and $43,000, respectively, which was included in investments in partnerships on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Additionally, as the general partner or investment manager to the VIEs the Company earns fees in relation to this role, which given a decline in AUMs of the VIEs would result in lower fee revenues earned by the Company which would be reflected on the condensed consolidated statements of income, condensed consolidated statements of financial condition and condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.

The assets of the VIEs may only be used to satisfy obligations of the VIEs. The following table presents the balances related to the VIE that is consolidated and is included on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition as well as AC Group’s net interest in the VIE. There is one VIE consolidated at March 31, 2016, December 31, 2015 and March 31, 2015:

	March 31,			December 31,			March 31,
	2016			2015			2015
(In thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	35		$	1		$	-
Investments in securities		5,896			83			-
Investments in partnerships		-			4,791			11,480
Receivable from broker		2,320			425			-
Other assets		(4	)		-			-
Payable to brokers		-			(6	)		-
Securities sold, not yet purchased		-			-			-
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		(33	)		(404	)		(9	)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests		(285	)		(350	)		(706	)
AC Group's net interests in consolidated VIE	$	7,929		$	4,540		$	10,765

E. Income Taxes

The effective tax rate ("ETR) for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015 was 29.9% and 31.7%, respectively.

F. Stockholders’ Equity

Shares outstanding were 25.4 million, 25.4 million and 25.8 million on March 31, 2016, December 31, 2015, and March 31, 2015, respectively.

Voting Rights

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

Stock Award and Incentive Plan

The Company maintains one Plan approved by the shareholders, which is designed to provide incentives which will attract and retain individuals key to the success of AC through direct or indirect ownership of our common stock. Benefits under the Plan may be granted in any one or a combination of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock awards, dividend equivalents and other stock or cash based awards. A maximum of 0.9 million shares of Class A Stock have been reserved for issuance under the Plans by a committee of the Board of Directors responsible for administering the Plans (“Compensation Committee”). Under the Plan, the committee may grant RSAs and either incentive or nonqualified stock options with a term not to exceed ten years from the grant date and at an exercise price that the committee may determine.

On November 30, 2015, in connection with the spin-off of the Company from GAMCO on a one for one basis, the Company issued 554,100 AC RSA shares to employees who held 554,100 GAMCO RSA shares. As of March 31, 2016, December 31, 2015 and March 31, 2015, there were 553,100 RSA shares, 553,100 RSA shares and 707,050 RSA shares outstanding, respectively, that were previously issued at an average weighted GAMCO grant price of $64.02, $64.02 and $67.43, respectively. These RSA grants occurred prior to the spin-off of Associated Capital. On November 30, 2015, pursuant to the spin-off, all RSA grant holders received shares of Associated Capital’s Class A common stock as a result of their ownership of their GAMCO unvested RSAs (one share of Associated Capital for each share of GBL). All grants of the RSA shares were recommended by the Company's Chairman, who did not receive a RSA, and approved by the Compensation Committee. This expense, net of estimated forfeitures, is recognized over the vesting period for these awards which is either (1) 30% over three years from the date of grant and 70% over five years from the date of grant or (2) 30% over three years from the date of grant and 10% each year over years four through ten from the date of grant. During the vesting period, dividends to RSA holders are held for them until the RSA vesting dates and are forfeited if the grantee is no longer employed by the Company on the vesting dates. Dividends declared on these RSAs, less estimated forfeitures, are charged to retained earnings on the declaration date.

For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015, we recognized stock-based compensation expense of $0.6 million. Actual and projected stock-based compensation expense for RSA shares for the years ended December 31, 2015 through December 31, 2024 (based on awards currently issued or granted) is as follows (in thousands):

		2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		2020		2021		2022		2023		2024
	Q1	$	638	$	644	$	459	$	306	$	247	$	130	$	82	$	53	$	28	$	5
	Q2		627		645		459		295		247		115		82		53		28		5
	Q3		630		521		411		267		223		96		65		38		14		3
	Q4		3,036		459		362		247		207		82		53		28		5		-
Full Year		$	4,931	$	2,269	$	1,691	$	1,115	$	924	$	423	$	282	$	172	$	75	$	13

The total compensation cost related to non-vested RSAs not yet recognized is approximately $6.3 million as of March 31, 2016.

G. Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets

At March 31, 2016, $3.3 million of goodwill is reflected within other assets on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition with $3.3 million related to a 94%-owned subsidiary, Gabelli Securities, Inc. The Company assesses the recoverability of goodwill at least annually, or more often should events warrant, using a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that an impairment has occurred to determine if a quantitative analysis is required. There were no indicators of impairment for the three months ended March 31, 2016 or March 31, 2015, and as such there was no impairment analysis performed or charge recorded.

H. Commitments and Contingencies

From time to time, the Company may be named in legal actions and proceedings. These actions may seek substantial or indeterminate compensatory as well as punitive damages or injunctive relief. The Company is also subject to governmental or regulatory examinations or investigations. The examinations or investigations could result in adverse judgments, settlements, fines, injunctions, restitutions or other relief. For any such matters, the condensed consolidated financial statements include the necessary provisions for losses that the Company believes are probable and estimable. Furthermore, the Company evaluates whether there exist losses which may be reasonably possible and will, if material, make the necessary disclosures. However, management believes such amounts, both those that are probable and those that are reasonably possible, are not material to the Company’s financial condition, operations or cash flows at March 31, 2016.

The Company indemnifies the clearing brokers of G.research, LLC, our broker-dealer subsidiary, for losses they may sustain from the customer accounts that trade on margin introduced by it. At March 31, 2016, the total amount of customer balances subject to indemnification (i.e. unsecured margin debits) was immaterial. The Company also has entered into arrangements with various other third parties many of which provide for indemnification of the third parties against losses, costs, claims and liabilities arising from the performance of obligations under the agreements. The Company has had no claims or payments pursuant to these or prior agreements and believes the likelihood of a claim being made is remote. The Company’s estimate of the value of such agreements is de minimis, and therefore an accrual has not been made on the condensed consolidated financial statements.

I. Subsequent Events

From April 1, 2016 to May 13, 2016, the Company repurchased 15,400 shares at $29.91 per share. As a result, there are 394,822 shares available to be repurchased under this existing buyback plan at May 13, 2016.

During the month of April 2016, the Company negotiated to exchange AC shares for GSI shares from certain minority investors in GSI. We have increased the Company’s 93.9% interest in GSI by 1.9% to 95.8% in exchange for shares of AC. We plan to continue to exchange AC shares for shares of GSI in privately negotiated transactions with the remaining six minority shareholders who own 4.2% of GSI.

On May 3, 2016, shareholders ratified an amendment to the Company’s 2015 Stock Award and Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) to increase the number of shares of Class A Stock that are available to be issued under the Plan to 2,000,000 shares (subject to adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends and similar events).

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

Introduction

MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, the Company's unaudited Financial Statements and accompanying notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as the Company's audited annual financial statements included in our Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the SEC on October 30, 2015 to help provide an understanding of our financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of operations. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “AC Group” or the “Company” refer collectively to Associated Capital Group, Inc., a holding company, and its subsidiaries through which our operations are actually conducted.

Factors Affecting Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The Company's interim condensed combined consolidated statement of financial condition at March 31, 2015, and the Company's interim condensed combined consolidated statement of income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 were derived from the combined financial statements and accounting records of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (“GAMCO”) and are presented as carve-out financial statements as the Company was not a standalone public company prior to the spin-off. For the periods prior to the spin-off of the Company from GAMCO, the combined consolidated financial statements include allocations from GAMCO. The consolidated statement of income for the period ended March 31, 2015 includes allocations for certain support functions that were provided on a centralized basis by GAMCO and not historically recorded at the business unit level, such as expenses related to finance, human resources, information technology, and facilities, among others. These expenses were allocated on the basis of direct usage when identifiable, with the remainder allocated on a pro-rata basis of headcount or other measures. Management believes the assumptions underlying the consolidated financial statements, including the assumptions regarding allocating general corporate expenses, are reasonable. Nevertheless, the consolidated financial statements may not include all of the actual expenses that would have been incurred by the Company and may not reflect its consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows had it been a separate, standalone company during the periods presented. Actual costs that would have been incurred if the Company had been a separate, standalone company would depend on multiple factors, including organizational structure and strategic decisions made in various areas, including information technology and infrastructure.

Overview

In addition, the following transactions were also undertaken in connection with the spin-off:

GAMCO issued a promissory note (the "GAMCO Note") to AC Group in the original principal amount of $250.0 million used to partially capitalize the Company in connection with the spin-off. The GAMCO Note bears interest at 4.0% per annum and has a maturity date of November 30, 2020 with respect to the original principal amount of the GAMCO Note. Interest on the GAMCO Note will accrue from the most recent date for which interest has been paid, or if no interest has been paid, from the effective date of the GAMCO Note; provided, however, that at the election of GAMCO, payment of interest on the GAMCO Note may, in lieu of being paid in cash, be paid, in whole or in part, in kind on the then-outstanding principal amount (a "PIK Amount"). GAMCO will repay the original principal amount of the GAMCO Note to AC Group, in cash, in five equal annual installments of $50 million on each interest payment date up to and including the maturity date and will repay all PIK Amounts added to the outstanding principal amount of the GAMCO Note, in cash, on the fifth anniversary of the date on which each such PIK Amount was added to the outstanding principal amount of the GAMCO Note. In no event may any interest be paid in kind subsequent to November 30, 2019. GAMCO may prepay the GAMCO Note prior to maturity without penalty.

As part of the spin-off from GAMCO, on November 27, 2015 GSI purchased from GAMCO 4,393,055 shares of GAMCO class A common stock at a price of $34.1448 per share, based on the average of the volume weighted average price for GAMCO class A stock on an “ex-Distribution” basis from November 9, 2015 through and including November 27, 2015. GSI paid for the purchase by issuing a note to GAMCO in the principal amount of $150.0 million (the “GSI Note”). The GSI Note was then contributed by GAMCO to AC and GSI became a majority-owned subsidiary of AC on November 30, 2015 in connection with the completion of the spin-off.

Organizational Chart

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

Investment advisory and incentive fees, which are based on the amount and composition of AUM in our funds and accounts, represent our largest source of revenues. Growth in revenues depends on good investment performance, which influences the value of existing AUM as well as contributes to higher investment and lower redemption rates and facilitates the ability to attract additional investors while maintaining current fee levels. Growth in AUM is also dependent on being able to access various distribution channels, which is usually based on several factors, including performance and service.

Incentive fees generally consist of an incentive allocation on the absolute gain in a portfolio or a fee of 20% of the economic profit, as defined in the agreements governing the investment vehicle. We recognize revenue only when the measurement period has been completed and when the incentive fees have been earned.

Institutional research services revenues consist of brokerage commissions derived from securities transactions executed on an agency basis or direct payments on behalf of institutional clients Commission revenues vary directly with the perceived value of the research, as well as account trading activity and new account generation.

Compensation costs include variable and fixed compensation and related expenses paid to officers, portfolio managers, sales, trading, research and all other professional staff. Variable compensation paid to sales personnel and portfolio management generally represents 40% of revenues and is the largest component of total compensation costs.

Management fee is incentive-based and entirely variable compensation in the amount of 10% of the aggregate pre-tax profits which is paid to Mr. Gabelli or his designee for acting as CEO pursuant to his Employment Agreement so long as he is an executive of AC.

Other operating expenses include general and administrative operating costs and clearing charges and fees incurred by the brokerage business.

Other income and expenses include net gains from investments (which include both realized and unrealized gains and losses from trading securities and equity in earnings of investments in partnerships), interest and dividend income, and interest expense. Net gains from investments are derived from our proprietary investment portfolio consisting of various public and private investments.

Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests represents the share of net loss attributable to the minority stockholders, as reported on a separate company basis, of our consolidated majority-owned subsidiary and net income (loss) attributable to third party limited partners of certain partnerships and investors of offshore funds we consolidate. Please refer to Notes A and D in our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.

Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition

At March 31, 2016, the Company’s book value on a GAAP basis was $764 million, or $30.15 per share, including cash and investments of $772 million. This includes $303 million of cash and short term US treasuries; $240 million of marketable securities, including 4.4 million shares of GAMCO stock; and $229 million invested in affiliated and third party funds and partnerships. Our financial resources underpin our flexibility to pursue strategic objectives that may include acquisitions, lift-outs, seeding new investment strategies, and co-investing, as well as shareholder compensation in the form of share repurchase and dividends.

Total shareholders’ equity was $764 million or $30.15 per share at March 31, 2016 compared to $752 million or $29.54 per share on December 31, 2015. The increase in equity from the end of 2015 was due primarily to the increase in the value of our available for sale portfolio, net of taxes, of $15.5 million and our net income of $1.6 million, offset by $2.4 million spent on stock repurchases, and an accrual of $2.5 million related to our dividend payable.

Adjusted Economic Book Value – a Non-GAAP measure

Adjusted Economic book value (“AEBV”) and Adjusted Economic book value per share, are non-GAAP financial measures that management believes are useful for analyzing the Company’s financial condition during the period in which it builds its core operating businesses. For GAAP purposes, the amount of the GAMCO Note, which was issued to the Company as part of the spin-off transaction, is treated as a reduction in equity for the period all or a portion of it is outstanding. The GAMCO Note is expected to be paid down ratably over five years or sooner at GAMCO’s option. As GAMCO pays down the GAMCO Note, the Company's total equity will increase, and once the GAMCO Note is fully paid off by GAMCO, the Company's total equity and AEBV will be the same. AEBV and AEBV per share represent book value and book value per share, respectively, without reducing equity for the period all or any portion of the GAMCO Note is outstanding.

At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, AEBV for the Company was $1.014 billion and $1.002 billion, respectively, and the AEBV per diluted share was $40.01 and $39.37, respectively, share calculated as follows:

	March 31, 2016				December 31, 2015
	Total		Per Share		Total		Per Share
Total equity as reported	$	764,267	$	30.15	$	751,549	$	29.54
Add: GBL Note		250,000		9.86		250,000		9.83
Adjusted Economic book value	$	1,014,267	$	40.01	$	1,001,549	$	39.37

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Compared To Three Months Ended March 31, 2015

(Unaudited; in thousands, except per share data)
	2016			2015
Revenues
Investment advisory and incentive fees	$	2,068		$	1,986
Institutional research services		2,055			2,066
Other		394			515
Total revenues		4,517			4,567
Expenses
Compensation		6,312			5,879
Management fee		274			387
Stock based compensation		644			638
Other operating expenses		1,802			1,543
Total expenses		9,032			8,447
Operating loss		(4,515	)		(3,880	)
Other income (expense)
Net loss from trading securities		3,709			6,946
Interest and dividend income		3,434			745
Interest expense		(420	)		(334	)
Total other income/(expense), net		6,723			7,357
Loss before income taxes		2,208			3,477
Income tax benefit		661			1,101
Net loss		1,547			2,376
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		(46	)		(9	)
Net loss attributable to Associated Capital Group, Inc.'s shareholders	$	1,593		$	2,385

Net loss attributable to Associated Capital Group, Inc.'s shareholders per share:
Basic	$	0.06		$	0.09
Diluted	$	0.06		$	0.09

Overview

Net income attributable to shareholders of AC Group for the quarter was $1.6 million, or $0.06 per fully diluted share, versus $2.4 million, or $0.09 per fully diluted share, in the prior year’s quarter. The quarter to quarter comparison was impacted by decreased gains from proprietary investments and increased compensation costs offset by increased interest and dividend income.

Revenues

Total revenues were $4.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2016, $0.1 million, or 2.2%, lower than total revenues of $4.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2015.

Investment advisory income is directly influenced by the level and mix of average AUM. We earn advisory fees based on the level of average AUM in our products. Advisory fees, excluding incentive fees, were $2.1 million for the 2016 quarter compared to $2.0 million for the prior year quarter, an increase of $0.1 million. This increase is due to the increase in AUM to $1.128 billion in the first quarter of 2016 from $1.033 billion in the first quarter of 2015. Incentive fees are not recognized until the measurement period ends and the fee is crystalized (typically in the fourth quarter, based on results for the calendar year). If the measurement period had instead ended on March 31, we would have recognized $3.0 million and $2.3 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Institutional research services revenues in the current year’s first quarter were $2.1 million in line with the prior year.

Other revenue was $0.4 million for first quarter of 2016 versus $0.5 million for the first quarter of 2015, a decrease of $0.1 million.

Expenses

Compensation costs, which include variable compensation, salaries, bonuses and benefits, were $6.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2016, a 6.8% increase from $5.9 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 due to an increase in research analyst headcount and additional administrative personnel necessary to support our reporting as a stand-alone public company. Fixed compensation costs, which include salaries and benefits, increased to $4.0 million in the 2016 period from $3.6 million in the 2015 period. Discretionary bonus accruals increased in the first quarter of 2016 to $0.9 million from $0.7 million in the first quarter of 2015. The remainder of the compensation expenses represents variable compensation that fluctuates with management fee and incentive allocation revenues. For the first quarter of 2016, variable payouts on revenues were $1.4 million, lower by $0.1 million from the $1.5 million in 2015. Variable payouts as a percent of revenues are impacted by the mix of products upon which performance fees are earned and the extent to which they may exceed their allocated costs.

Stock based compensation remained the same at $0.6 million in 2016 and 2015.

Management fee expense is incentive-based and entirely variable compensation in the amount of 10% of the aggregate pre-tax profits which is paid to Mario J. Gabelli pursuant to his employment agreement. In the first quarter of 2016 and 2015, AC recorded management fee expense of $0.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

Other operating expenses were $1.8 million during the first quarter of 2016 compared to $1.5 million in prior year first quarter, an increase of $0.3 million due primarily to increased accounting and regulatory costs.

Other

Net gain from investments is directly related to the performance of our proprietary investment portfolio. For the quarter ended March 31, 2016, net gain from investments was $3.7 million, a decline from the prior year quarter’s gain of $7.0 million due to lower mark-to-market gains in the portfolio.

Interest and dividend income increased $2.7 million to $3.4 million in the 2016 quarter from $0.7 million in the 2015 quarter due to an increase in interest income of $2.7 million of which $2.5 million relates to interest earned on the GAMCO Note. Interest expense increased to $0.4 million in the first quarter of 2016 from $0.3 million in the prior year’s period.

ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT

Our revenues are highly correlated to the level of assets under management and fees associated with our various investment products, rather than our own corporate assets. Assets under management, which are directly influenced by the level and changes of the overall equity markets, can also fluctuate through acquisitions, the creation of new products, the addition of new accounts or the loss of existing accounts. Since various equity products have different fees, changes in our business mix may also affect revenues. At times, the performance of our equity products may differ markedly from popular market indices, and this can also impact our revenues.

Assets under management (“AUM”) were $1.128 billion as of March 31, 2016, an increase of 4.4% from AUM of $1.080 billion at December 31, 2015 and increased 9.2% from the March 31, 2015 AUM of $1.033 billion. The increases were attributable both to market appreciation and increased investments, net of redemptions, by investors.

Table I: Fund Flows - 1st Quarter 2016

				Market
	December 31,			appreciation/			Net cash				March 31,
	2015			(depreciation)			flows				2016

Event Merger Arbitrage		$	869		$	22		$	33			$	924
Event-Driven Value			145			1			(3	)			143
Other			66			1			(6	)			61
Total AUM		$	1,080		$	24		$	24			$	1,128

Table II: Assets Under Management by Quarter

										% Change From
	March 31,			December 31,			March 31,			December 31,			March 31,
	2016			2015			2015			2015			2015

Event Merger Arbitrage (a)		$	924		$	869		$	824		6.3			12.1
Event-Driven Value			143			145			134		(1.4	)		6.7
Other			61			66			75		(7.6	)		(18.7	)
Total AUM		$	1,128		$	1,080		$	1,033		4.4			9.2

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our principal assets are highly liquid in nature and consist of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, securities held for investment purposes, investments in funds, and investment partnerships. Cash and cash equivalents are comprised primarily of U.S. Treasury money market funds. Although investments in partnerships and offshore funds are subject to restrictions as to the timing of distributions, the underlying investments of such partnerships or funds are, for the most part, liquid, and the valuations of these products reflect that underlying liquidity.

Summary cash flow data is as follows:

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2016				2015
Cash flows provided by (used in):	(in thousands)
Operating activities		$	75		$	38,228
Investing activities			44			(41,080	)
Financing activities			(2,628	)		37,682
Net increase (decrease)			(2,509	)		34,830
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			205,750			285,530
Increase (decrease) in cash from deconsolidation			(2	)		13
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	203,239		$	320,373

We require relatively low levels of capital expenditures and have a highly variable cost structure where costs increase and decrease based on the level of revenues we receive. Our revenues, in turn, are highly correlated to the level of AUM and to their investment performance. We anticipate that our available liquid assets should be more than sufficient to meet our cash requirements as we build out our operating businesses. At March 31, 2016, we had total cash and cash equivalents of $203.2 million and $568.7 million in investments. Cash and cash equivalents of $0.4 million and investments in securities of $7.9 million held by a consolidated investment partnership may not be readily available for the Company to access.

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, cash provided by operating activities was $0.1 million. In first quarter 2016, our sources of cash included a $25.6 million decrease in receivable from brokers, $5.2 million of decreases in investments in trading securities, and a $4.0 million decrease in receivable from affiliates. Cash uses included a $42.6 million decrease in payables to brokers, a $16.1 million decline in other assets, $7.7 million of contributions to partnerships, $2.0 million decline for income taxes payables and deferred tax liabilities, $1.8 million of distributions in partnerships, $1.4 million decline in payable to affiliates, and $1.4 million from a decrease in compensation payable. Cash provided by investing activities, related to purchases and return of capital of available for sale securities, was $0.044 million in the first three months of 2016. Cash used in financing activities in the first three months of 2016 was $2.6 million primarily due to the purchase of treasury stock.

For the three months ended March 31, 2015, cash used in operating activities was $38.2 million. Cash used in investing activities, related to purchases, proceeds from sales, and return of capital of available for sale securities, was $41.1 million in the first three months of 2015. Cash provided by financing activities in the first three months of 2015 was $37.7 million.

G.research is subject to certain net capital requirements. G.research computes its net capital under the alternative method permitted, which requires minimum net capital of the greater of $250,000 or 2% of the aggregate debit items in the reserve formula for those broker-dealers subject to Rule 15c3-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The requirement was $250,000 for the broker-dealer at March 31, 2016. At March 31, 2016, G.research had net capital, as defined, of approximately $5.9 million, exceeding the regulatory requirement by approximately $5.7 million. Net capital requirements for our affiliated broker-dealer may increase in accordance with rules and regulations to the extent it engages in other business activities.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. See Note A and the Company’s Critical Accounting Policies in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in AC’s 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 24, 2016 for details on Critical Accounting Policies.

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

As a smaller reporting company, this information is not required to be provided.

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

We evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2016. Disclosure controls and procedures as defined under the Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e), are designed to ensure that the information we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in SEC rules and regulations. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our CEO and CFO participated in this evaluation and concluded that, as of the date of March 31, 2016, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting as defined by Rule 13a-15(f) that occurred during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Forward-Looking Information

Our disclosure and analysis in this report contain some forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations or forecasts of future events. You can identify these statements because they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” and other words and terms of similar meaning. They also appear in any discussion of future operating or financial performance. In particular, these include statements relating to future actions, future performance of our products, expenses, the outcome of any legal proceedings, and financial results. Although we believe that we are basing our expectations and beliefs on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of what we currently know about our business and operations, there can be no assurance that our actual results will not differ materially from what we expect or believe. Some of the factors that could cause our actual results to differ from our expectations or beliefs include, without limitation:

•

the adverse effect from a decline in the securities markets

•

a decline in the performance of our products

•

a general downturn in the economy

•

changes in government policy or regulation

•

changes in our ability to attract or retain key employees

•

unforeseen costs and other effects related to legal proceedings or investigations of governmental and self-regulatory organizations

We also direct your attention to any more specific discussions of risk contained in our Form 10-Q and other public filings. We are providing these statements as permitted by the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We do not undertake to update publicly any forward-looking statements if we subsequently learn that we are unlikely to achieve our expectations or if we receive any additional information relating to the subject matters of our forward-looking statements.

Part II: Other Information

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

From time to time, the Company may be named in legal actions and proceedings. These actions may seek substantial or indeterminate compensatory as well as punitive damages or injunctive relief. The Company is also subject to governmental or regulatory examinations or investigations. The examinations or investigations could result in adverse judgments, settlements, fines, injunctions, restitutions or other relief. For any such matters, the condensed consolidated financial statements include the necessary provisions for losses that the Company believes are probable and estimable. Furthermore, the Company evaluates whether there exist losses which may be reasonably possible and will, if material, make the necessary disclosures. However, management believes such amounts, both those that would be probable and those that would be reasonably possible, are not material to the Company’s financial condition, operations or cash flows at March 31, 2016.

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The following table provides information with respect to the repurchase of Class A Common Stock of AC during the three months ended March 31, 2016:

					(c) Total Number of		(d) Maximum
	(a) Total		(b) Average		Shares Repurchased as		Number of Shares
	Number of		Price Paid Per		Part of Publicly		That May Yet be
	Shares		Shares, net of		Announced Plans		Purchased Under
Period	Repurchased		Commissions		or Programs		the Plans or Programs
1/01/16 - 1/31/16		12,766	$	26.82		12,766		485,734
2/01/16 - 2/29/16		18,586		26.62		18,586		467,148
3/01/16 - 3/31/16		56,926		27.79		56,926		410,222
Totals		88,278	$	27.40		88,278

Item 6.

(a) Exhibits

31.1

Certification of CEO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).

31.2

Certification of CFO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).

32.1

Certification of CEO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2

Certification of CFO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC.

(Registrant)

By: /s/ Patrick Dennis

Name: Patrick Dennis

Title: Chief Financial Officer

Date: May 13, 2016

Associated Capital Group, Inc. - FORM 10-Q - May 13, 2016

Attached files

Associated Capital Group, Inc. Reports