Annual Statements Open main menu

GAMCO INVESTORS, INC. ET AL - Quarter Report: 2012 March (Form 10-Q)

form10q033112.htm
SECURITIES & EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012
or

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

For the transition period from ___ to ___

Commission File No. 001-14761

GAMCO INVESTORS, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
       
New York
   
13-4007862
(State of other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
   
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
     
One Corporate Center, Rye, NY
   
10580-1422
(Address of principle executive offices)
   
(Zip Code)
       
(914) 921-3700
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes
x
No
o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate 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).
Yesx    Noo
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer", and "smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer ¨
 
Accelerated filer x
 
       
Non-accelerated filer o
 
Smaller reporting company o
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes
o
No
x
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the Registrant’s classes of Common Stock, as of the latest practical date.
Class
 
Outstanding at April 30, 2012
 
Class A Common Stock, .001 par value
 
6,592,716
 
Class B Common Stock, .001 par value
 
20,040,746
 

 
 
 

 
 
 
INDEX
 
GAMCO INVESTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
   
   
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
   
   
Item 1.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
   
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income:
 
-    Three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011
   
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income:
 
-    Three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011
   
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition:
 
-    March 31, 2012
 
-    December 31, 2011
 
-    March 31, 2011
   
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity:
 
-    Three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011
   
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:
 
-    Three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011
   
 
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
 
   

 
 
2

 

 
GAMCO INVESTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
UNAUDITED
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
               
               
   
Three Months Ended
   
   
March 31,
   
   
2012
   
2011
   
Revenues
             
  Investment advisory and incentive fees
  $ 67,783     $ 62,911    
  Distribution fees and other income
    11,623       10,345    
  Institutional research services
    2,343       3,649    
Total revenues
    81,749       76,905    
Expenses
                 
  Compensation
    34,554       33,417    
  Management fee
    4,184       3,113    
  Distribution costs
    10,177       13,429    
  Other operating expenses
    5,822       6,186    
Total expenses
    54,737       56,145  
(a)
                   
Operating income
    27,012       20,760    
Other income (expense)
                 
  Net gain from investments
    13,878       8,740    
  Interest and dividend income
    1,236       1,936    
  Interest expense
    (4,404 )     (2,867 )  
Total other income, net
    10,710       7,809    
Income before income taxes
    37,722       28,569    
Income tax provision
    13,756       10,288    
Net income
    23,966       18,281    
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    130       638    
Net income attributable to GAMCO Investors, Inc.'s shareholders
  $ 23,836     $ 17,643    
                   
Net income attributable to GAMCO Investors, Inc.'s shareholders
                 
  per share:
                 
Basic
  $ 0.90     $ 0.66    
                   
Diluted
  $ 0.90     $ 0.65    
                   
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                 
Basic
    26,415       26,901    
                   
Diluted
    26,533       27,008    
                   
Dividends declared:
  $ 0.04     $ 0.03    
(a) Includes $5.6 million in costs directly related to the launch of a new closed-end fund.
   
                   
See accompanying notes.
                 
 
 
 
3

 
 
 
GAMCO INVESTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
UNAUDITED
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
             
             
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
             
Net income
  $ 23,966     $ 18,281  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
               
  Foreign currency translation
    (17 )     24  
  Net unrealized gains on securities available for sale
    3,457       2,487  
Other comprehensive income
    3,440       2,511  
                 
Comprehensive income
    27,406       20,792  
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (130 )     (638 )
                 
Comprehensive income attributable to GAMCO Investors, Inc.
  $ 27,276     $ 20,154  
                 
See accompanying notes.
               
 

 
4

 
 
 
GAMCO INVESTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
 
UNAUDITED
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
                   
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2011
 
ASSETS
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 324,630     $ 276,340     $ 164,671  
Investments in securities
    257,607       238,333       279,713  
Investments in sponsored registered investment companies
    62,305       59,214       65,903  
Investments in partnerships
    101,685       100,893       94,584  
Receivable from brokers
    29,298       20,913       43,308  
Investment advisory fees receivable
    27,193       32,156       24,992  
Income tax receivable
    39       39       302  
Other assets
    23,668       28,861       24,030  
  Total assets
  $ 826,425     $ 756,749     $ 697,503  
                         
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
                       
Payable to brokers
  $ 22,366     $ 10,770     $ 7,998  
Income taxes payable and deferred tax liabilities
    24,782       15,296       25,035  
Capital lease obligation
    5,043       5,072       5,151  
Compensation payable
    28,834       17,695       22,883  
Securities sold, not yet purchased
    9,657       5,488       15,550  
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests
    1,390       1,386       1,466  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    28,692       24,441       28,351  
  Sub-total
    120,764       80,148       106,434  
                         
5.5% Senior notes (due May 15, 2013)
    99,000       99,000       99,000  
5.875% Senior notes (due June 1, 2021)
    100,000       100,000       -  
Zero coupon subordinated debentures, Face value: $86.3 million at March 31, 2012 and
                       
  December 31, 2011 and $86.4 million at March 31, 2011 (due December 31, 2015)
    65,300       64,119       60,697  
  Total liabilities
    385,064       343,267       266,131  
                         
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
    16,828       6,071       28,884  
Commitments and contingencies (Note J)
                       
Equity
                       
  GAMCO Investors, Inc. stockholders' equity
                       
    Preferred stock, $.001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized;
                       
      none issued and outstanding
                       
    Class A Common Stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized;
                       
      13,760,697, 13,627,397 and 13,256,203 issued, respectively; 6,592,716,
                       
      6,684,149 and 6,872,333 outstanding, respectively
    13       13       13  
    Class B Common Stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized;
                       
      24,000,000 shares issued; 20,040,746, 20,070,746 and 20,190,140 shares
                       
      outstanding, respectively
    20       20       20  
    Additional paid-in capital
    265,280       264,409       262,686  
    Retained earnings
    431,963       409,191       387,101  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income
    25,960       22,520       27,900  
    Treasury stock, at cost (7,167,981, 6,943,248 and 6,653,870 shares, respectively)
    (302,152 )     (292,181 )     (278,870 )
  Total GAMCO Investors, Inc. stockholders' equity
    421,084       403,972       398,850  
Noncontrolling interests
    3,449       3,439       3,638  
Total equity
    424,533       407,411       402,488  
                         
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 826,425     $ 756,749     $ 697,503  
                         
See accompanying notes.
                       
 
 
 
5

 

 
GAMCO INVESTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
 
UNAUDITED
 
(In thousands)
 
                                                 
For the three months ended March 31, 2012
 
         
GAMCO Investors, Inc. stockholders
       
                           
Accumulated
                   
               
Additional
         
Other
               
Redeemable
 
   
Noncontrolling
   
Common
   
Paid-in
   
Retained
   
Comprehensive
   
Treasury
         
Noncontrolling
 
   
Interests
   
Stock
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
Income
   
Stock
   
Total
   
Interests
 
Balance at December 31, 2011
  $ 3,439     $ 33     $ 264,409     $ 409,191     $ 22,520     $ (292,181 )   $ 407,411     $ 6,071  
Redemptions of redeemable
                                                               
 noncontrolling interests
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (3 )
Contributions from redeemable
                                                               
 noncontrolling interests
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       10,640  
Net income (loss)
    10       -       -       23,836       -       -       23,846       120  
Net unrealized gains on
                                                               
 securities available for sale,
                                                               
 net of income tax ($2,031)
    -       -       -       -       3,457       -       3,457       -  
Foreign currency translation
    -       -       -       -       (17 )     -       (17 )     -  
Dividends declared ($0.04 per
                                                               
 share)
    -       -       -       (1,064 )     -       -       (1,064 )     -  
Stock based compensation
                                                               
 expense
    -       -       871       -       -       -       871       -  
Purchase of treasury stock
    -       -       -       -       -       (9,971 )     (9,971 )     -  
Balance at March 31, 2012
  $ 3,449     $ 33     $ 265,280     $ 431,963     $ 25,960     $ (302,152 )   $ 424,533     $ 16,828  
                                                                 
See accompanying notes.
                                                               
 
 
 
6

 
 
 
GAMCO INVESTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
 
UNAUDITED
 
(In thousands)
 
                                                 
For the three months ended March 31, 2011
 
         
GAMCO Investors, Inc. stockholders
       
                           
Accumulated
                   
               
Additional
         
Other
               
Redeemable
 
   
Noncontrolling
   
Common
   
Paid-in
   
Retained
   
Comprehensive
   
Treasury
         
Noncontrolling
 
   
Interests
   
Stock
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
Income
   
Stock
   
Total
   
Interests
 
Balance at December 31, 2010
  $ 3,579     $ 33     $ 262,108     $ 370,272     $ 25,389     $ (271,773 )   $ 389,608     $ 26,984  
Redemptions of redeemable
                                                               
 noncontrolling interests
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (839 )
Contributions from redeemable
                                                               
 noncontrolling interests
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       6,263  
Deconsolidation of
                                                               
  Partnership
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (4,103 )
Net income
    59       -       -       17,643       -       -       17,702       579  
Net unrealized gains on
                                                               
 securities available for sale,
                                                               
 net of income tax ($1,460)
    -       -       -       -       2,487       -       2,487       -  
Foreign currency translation
    -       -       -       -       24       -       24       -  
Dividends declared
                                                               
 ($0.03 per share)
    -       -       -       (814 )     -       -       (814 )     -  
Stock based compensation
                                                               
 expense
    -       -       578       -       -       -       578       -  
Purchase of treasury stock
    -       -       -       -       -       (7,097 )     (7,097 )     -  
Balance at March 31, 2011
  $ 3,638     $ 33     $ 262,686     $ 387,101     $ 27,900     $ (278,870 )   $ 402,488     $ 28,884  
                                                                 
See accompanying notes.
                                                               
 
 
 
7

 
 
 
GAMCO INVESTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
UNAUDITED
 
(In thousands)
 
             
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Operating activities
           
Net income
  $ 23,966     $ 18,281  
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
               
  Equity in net gains from partnerships
    (3,351 )     (2,977 )
  Depreciation and amortization
    180       274  
  Stock based compensation expense
    871       578  
  Deferred income taxes
    1,515       1,649  
  Foreign currency translation gain/(loss)
    (17 )     24  
  Fair value of donated securities
    83       -  
  Gains on sales of available for sale securities
    (279 )     (101 )
  Accretion of zero coupon debentures
    1,180       1,117  
  Loss on extinguishment of debt
    1       -  
(Increase) decrease in assets:
               
  Investments in trading securities
    (13,604 )     (44,589 )
  Investments in partnerships:
               
    Contributions to partnerships
    (23,293 )     (6,583 )
    Distributions from partnerships
    25,852       3,026  
  Receivable from brokers
    (8,385 )     (2,373 )
  Investment advisory fees receivable
    4,963       19,798  
  Income tax receivable and deferred tax assets
    -       23  
  Other assets
    5,023       (1,129 )
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
               
  Payable to brokers
    11,596       6,444  
  Income taxes payable and deferred tax liabilities
    5,940       (1,035 )
  Compensation payable
    11,139       (891 )
  Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests
    4       23  
  Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    4,227       6,531  
Total adjustments
    23,645       (20,191 )
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ 47,611     $ (1,910 )
 
 
 
8

 
 
 
GAMCO INVESTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
UNAUDITED (continued)
 
(In thousands)
 
             
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Investing activities
           
Purchases of available for sale securities
  $ (4 )   $ (4 )
Proceeds from sales of available for sale securities
    525       101  
Return of capital on available for sale securities
    571       631  
Net cash provided by investing activities
    1,092       728  
                 
Financing activities
               
Contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interests
    10,640       6,263  
Redemptions of redeemable noncontrolling interests
    (3 )     (839 )
Dividends paid
    (1,070 )     (814 )
Purchase of treasury stock
    (9,971 )     (7,097 )
Net cash used in financing activities
    (404 )     (2,487 )
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
    (9 )     (10 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    48,290       (3,679 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    276,340       169,601  
Decrease in cash from deconsolidation of partnership
    -       (1,251 )
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 324,630     $ 164,671  
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
Cash paid for interest
  $ 322     $ 271  
Cash paid for taxes
  $ 6,038     $ 9,167  
                 
Non-cash activity:
               
- On January 1, 2011, GAMCO Investors, Inc. was no longer deemed to have control over a certain partnership which
 
resulted in the deconsolidation of that partnership and decreases of approximately $1,251 of cash and cash
 
     equivalents, $2,852 of net assets and $4,103 of noncontrolling interests.
               
- For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011, the Company accrued restricted stock
 
     award dividends of $13 and $7, respectively.
               
See accompanying notes.
               
 
 
 
9

 
 
 
GAMCO INVESTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2012
(Unaudited)
A.  Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation
 
Unless we have indicated otherwise, or the context otherwise requires, references in this report to “GAMCO Investors, Inc.,” “GAMCO,” “the Company,” “GBL,” “we,” “us” and “our” or similar terms are to GAMCO Investors, Inc., its predecessors and its subsidiaries.
 
The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of GAMCO included herein have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by 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 GAMCO for the interim periods presented and are not necessarily indicative of a full year’s results.
 
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of GAMCO and its subsidiaries, including our new broker-dealer, G.distributors, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of GAMCO, which became the distributor for the Gabelli/GAMCO family of funds on August 1, 2011.  Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated.
 
These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 from which the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements were derived.

The Company has now separately disclosed the amount of investments in sponsored registered investment companies as a new line item in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.  These amounts were previously included within investments in securities in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

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 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance on fair value measurement which expands existing disclosure requirements for fair value measurements and makes other amendments.  The guidance requires, for level 3 fair value measurements, (1) a quantitative disclosure of the unobservable inputs and assumptions used in the measurement, (2) a description of the valuation processes in place, and (3) a narrative description of the sensitivity of the fair value to changes in unobservable inputs and interrelationships between those inputs.  Additionally, the guidance requires disclosure of the level in the fair value hierarchy of items that are not measured at fair value in the statement of financial condition but whose fair value must be disclosed and clarifies that the valuation premise and highest and best use concepts are not relevant to financial assets or liabilities.  The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011.  The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2012 and has reflected the new disclosures in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued guidance which revises the manner in which entities present comprehensive income in their financial statements.  The new guidance requires entities to report comprehensive income in either (1) a continuous statement of comprehensive income or (2) two separate but consecutive statements.  Under the two-statement approach, the first statement would include components of net income, which is consistent with the income statement format used currently, and the second statement would include components of other comprehensive income (“OCI”).  The guidance does not change the items that must be reported in OCI.  In December 2011, the FASB indefinitely deferred a portion of the guidance that would have required entities to present reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component in both the statement in which the net income is presented and the statement in which other comprehensive income is presented.  The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, and for interim periods within those fiscal years.  The Company adopted the guidance on January 1, 2012 and opted for the two separate but consecutive statements approach.  Accordingly, the Company now presents the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income immediately following the condensed consolidated statements of income.
 
 
 
10

 

 
In December 2011, the FASB issued guidance which creates new disclosure requirements about the nature of an entity’s right of offset and related arrangements associated with its financial instruments and derivative instruments.  The disclosure requirements are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods therein, with retrospective application required.  The new disclosures are designed to make financial statements that are prepared under U.S. GAAP more comparable to those prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the application of this guidance will have on its disclosures.

B.  Investment in Securities

Investments in securities at March 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011 consisted of the following:
 
   
March 31, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
   
March 31, 2011
 
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Trading securities:
                                   
  Government obligations
  $ 48,624     $ 48,630     $ 42,124     $ 42,126     $ 12,069     $ 12,076  
  Common stocks
    156,206       170,224       153,294       159,314       210,956       225,589  
  Mutual funds
    1,086       1,495       1,084       1,307       1,190       1,629  
  Convertible bonds
    -       -       -       -       163       175  
  Preferred stocks
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
  Other investments
    601       571       466       399       465       476  
Total trading securities
    206,517       220,920       196,968       203,146       224,843       239,945  
                                                 
Available for sale securities:
                                               
  Common stocks
    16,158       34,578       16,487       33,282       16,835       37,408  
  Mutual funds
    1,362       2,109       1,362       1,905       1,503       2,360  
Total available for sale securities
    17,520       36,687       17,849       35,187       18,338       39,768  
                                                 
Total investments in securities
  $ 224,037     $ 257,607     $ 214,817     $ 238,333     $ 243,181     $ 279,713  

Securities sold, not yet purchased at March 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011 consisted of the following:
 
   
March 31, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
   
March 31, 2011
 
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
Trading securities:
 
(In thousands)
 
  Common stocks
  $ 9,016     $ 9,553     $ 5,271     $ 5,415     $ 14,044     $ 15,550  
  Other
    21       104       49       73       -       -  
Total securities sold, not yet purchased
  $ 9,037     $ 9,657     $ 5,320     $ 5,488     $ 14,044     $ 15,550  

 
 
11

 
 
 
Investments in sponsored registered investment companies at March 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011 consisted of the following:
 
   
March 31, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
   
March 31, 2011
 
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Trading securities:
                                   
  Mutual funds
  $ 15     $ 17     $ 15     $ 18     $ 15     $ 25  
Total trading securities
    15       17       15       18       15       25  
                                                 
Available for sale securities:
                                               
  Closed-end funds
    36,546       58,721       37,104       55,855       39,232       61,734  
  Mutual funds
    2,204       3,567       2,213       3,341       2,345       4,144  
Total available for sale securities
    38,750       62,288       39,317       59,196       41,577       65,878  
                                                 
Total investments in sponsored
                                               
  registered investment companies
  $ 38,765     $ 62,305     $ 39,332     $ 59,214     $ 41,592     $ 65,903  

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

The Company recognizes all 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.  For the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company had derivative transactions in equity derivatives which resulted in net losses of $29,000.  At March 31, 2011, the Company did not hold any derivatives.  At March 31, 3012 and December 31, 2011, we held derivative contracts on 1 million equity shares and 142,000 equity shares, respectively, and the fair value was $105,000 and $24,000, respectively; these are included in investments in securities in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.  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 in the condensed consolidated statements of income. 
 
 
 
12

 

 
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, 2012, December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011:
 
   
March 31, 2012
 
         
Gross
   
Gross
       
         
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
 
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Common stocks
  $ 16,158     $ 18,420     $ -     $ 34,578  
Closed-end Funds
    36,546       22,189       (14 )     58,721  
Mutual funds
    3,566       2,110       -       5,676  
Total available for sale securities
  $ 56,270     $ 42,719     $ (14 )   $ 98,975  
                                 
   
December 31, 2011
 
           
Gross
   
Gross
         
           
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
 
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Common stocks
  $ 16,487     $ 16,795     $ -     $ 33,282  
Closed-end Funds
    37,104       18,779       (28 )     55,855  
Mutual funds
    3,575       1,671       -       5,246  
Total available for sale securities
  $ 57,166     $ 37,245     $ (28 )   $ 94,383  
                                 
   
March 31, 2011
 
           
Gross
   
Gross
         
           
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
 
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Common stocks
  $ 16,835     $ 20,573     $ -     $ 37,408  
Closed-end Funds
    39,232       22,502               61,734  
Mutual funds
    3,848       2,656       -       6,504  
Total available for sale securities
  $ 59,915     $ 45,731     $ -     $ 105,646  

Unrealized changes to fair value, net of taxes, for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011 of $3.5 million and $2.5 million in gains, respectively, have been included in other comprehensive income, a component of equity, at March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011.  Return of capital on available for sale securities were $0.6 million for both the three months ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011.  Proceeds from sales of investments available for sale were approximately $0.5 million and $0.1 million for the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011, respectively.  For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011, gross gains on the sale of investments available for sale amounted to $0.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively, and were reclassed from other comprehensive income into 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, 2012 or March 31, 2011.  The basis on which the cost of a security sold is determined is 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, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
   
March 31, 2011
 
         
Unrealized
               
Unrealized
               
Unrealized
       
   
Cost
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Cost
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Cost
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
 
(in thousands)
                                                     
Mutual Funds
  $ 97     $ (14 )   $ 83     $ 101     $ (28 )   $ 73     $ -     $ -     $ -  

At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, there was one holding in a loss position which was not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired due to the length of time that it had been in a loss position and because it passed scrutiny in our evaluation of issuer-specific and industry-specific considerations.  In this specific instance, the investment at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was a closed-end fund with diversified holdings across multiple companies and across multiple industries.  The one holding was impaired for ten and seven consecutive months, respectively.  The value of this holding at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was $0.1 million for both periods.

 
 
13

 
 
 
At March 31, 2011, there were no available for sale holdings in loss positions.

For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, there were no losses on available for sale securities deemed to be other than temporary.

C. Investments in Partnerships, Offshore Funds and Variable Interest Entities
 
The Company is general partner or co-general partner of various sponsored limited partnerships and the investment manager of various sponsored offshore funds, and have investments totaling $86.9 million, $86.9 million and $74.4 million at March 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011, respectively, whose underlying assets consist primarily of marketable securities (the “affiliated entities”).  We also have investments in unaffiliated partnerships, offshore funds and other entities of $14.8 million, $14.0 million and $20.2 million at March 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011, respectively (the “unaffiliated entities”).  We evaluate each entity for the appropriate accounting treatment and disclosure.  Certain of the affiliated entities are consolidated.  In addition, our statement of financial condition caption “Investments in partnerships” 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 D.  The Company reflects the equity in earnings of these equity method investees and the change in fair value of the consolidated feeder funds under the caption “Net gain from investments” on the condensed consolidated statements of income.

The following table highlights the number of entities that we consolidate as well as under which accounting guidance they are consolidated, including consolidated feeder funds (“CFFs”), which retain their specialized investment company accounting, partnerships and offshore funds.
 
Entities consolidated
                                               
   
CFFs
   
Partnerships
   
Offshore Funds
   
Total
 
   
VIEs
   
VOEs
   
VIEs
   
VOEs
   
VIEs
   
VOEs
   
VIEs
   
VOEs
 
Entities consolidated at December 31, 2010
    1       2       -       2       1       -       2       4  
Additional consolidated entities
    -       -       -       -       -       1       -       1  
Deconsolidated entities
    -       -       -       (1 )     -       -       -       (1 )
Entities consolidated at March 31, 2011
    1       2       -       1       1       1       2       4  
Additional consolidated entities
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Deconsolidated entities
    -       -       -       -       (1 )     -       (1 )     -  
Entities consolidated at December 31, 2011
    1       2       -       1       -       1       1       4  
Additional consolidated entities
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Deconsolidated entities
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Entities consolidated at March 31, 2012
    1       2       -       1       -       1       1       4  

On January 1, 2011, upon analysis of several factors, including the additional contribution of capital from unrelated third parties into a partnership that we consolidated for the year ended and as of December 31, 2010, we determined that the Company was no longer deemed to control the partnership, resulting in the deconsolidation of this partnership, effective January 1, 2011.  The deconsolidation did not result in the recognition of any gain or loss.  The Company continues to serve as the general partner and earn fees for this role, and it also maintains an investment in the deconsolidated partnership which is included in investments in partnerships on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition and is accounted for under the equity method (which approximates fair value).
 
 
 
14

 

 
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, 2012
 
   
Prior to
                         
   
Consolidation
   
CFFs
   
Partnerships
   
Offshore Funds
   
As Reported
 
Assets
                             
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 322,523     $ -     $ 2,107     $ -     $ 324,630  
Investments in securities
    236,387       -       6,503       14,717       257,607  
Investments in sponsored investment companies
    62,289       -       16       -       62,305  
Investments in partnerships
    109,136       990       (8,441 )     -       101,685  
Receivable from brokers
    18,400       -       121       10,777       29,298  
Investment advisory fees receivable
    27,189       5       (1 )     -       27,193  
Other assets
    23,691       16       -       -       23,707  
Total assets
  $ 799,615     $ 1,011     $ 305     $ 25,494     $ 826,425  
Liabilities and equity
                                       
Securities sold, not yet purchased
  $ 9,633     $ -     $ -     $ 24     $ 9,657  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    101,149       59       38       9,861       111,107  
Total debt
    264,300       -       -       -       264,300  
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
    -       952       267       15,609       16,828  
Total equity
    424,533       -       -       -       424,533  
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 799,615     $ 1,011     $ 305     $ 25,494     $ 826,425  
                                         
   
December 31, 2011
 
   
Prior to
                                 
   
Consolidation
   
CFFs
   
Partnerships
   
Offshore Funds
   
As Reported
 
Assets
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 259,531     $ 15,000     $ 1,809     $ -     $ 276,340  
Investments in securities
    225,599       -       6,211       6,523       238,333  
Investments in sponsored investment companies
    59,197       -       17       -       59,214  
Investments in partnerships
    107,981       933       (8,021 )     -       100,893  
Receivable from brokers
    17,593       -       270       3,050       20,913  
Investment advisory fees receivable
    32,157       1       (2 )     -       32,156  
Other assets
    43,889       (14,989 )     -       -       28,900  
Total assets
  $ 745,947     $ 945     $ 284     $ 9,573     $ 756,749  
Liabilities and equity
                                       
Securities sold, not yet purchased
  $ 5,488     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 5,488  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    69,929       51       28       4,652       74,660  
Total debt
    263,119       -       -       -       263,119  
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
    -       894       256       4,921       6,071  
Total equity
    407,411       -       -       -       407,411  
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 745,947     $ 945     $ 284     $ 9,573     $ 756,749  
                                         
   
March 31, 2011
 
   
Prior to
                                 
   
Consolidation
   
CFFs
   
Partnerships
   
Offshore Funds
   
As Reported
 
Assets
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 162,685     $ -     $ 32     $ 1,954     $ 164,671  
Investments in securities
    196,142       -       6,542       77,029       279,713  
Investments in sponsored investment companies
    65,879       -       24       -       65,903  
Investments in partnerships
    155,507       1,124       (8,587 )     (53,460 )     94,584  
Receivable from brokers
    24,631       -       2,390       16,287       43,308  
Investment advisory fees receivable
    25,043       9       (2 )     (58 )     24,992  
Other assets
    24,258       10       -       64       24,332  
Total assets
  $ 654,145     $ 1,143     $ 399     $ 41,816     $ 697,503  
Liabilities and equity
                                       
Securities sold, not yet purchased
  $ 3,279     $ -     $ -     $ 12,271     $ 15,550  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    88,681       95       55       2,053       90,884  
Total debt
    159,697       -       -       -       159,697  
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
    -       1,048       344       27,492       28,884  
Total equity
    402,488       -       -       -       402,488  
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 654,145     $ 1,143     $ 399     $ 41,816     $ 697,503  
 
 
 
15

 
 

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, 2012
 
   
Prior to
                         
   
Consolidation
   
CFFs
   
Partnerships
   
Offshore Funds
   
As Reported
 
Total revenues
  $ 82,579     $ (1 )   $ (1 )   $ (828 )   $ 81,749  
Total expenses
    54,521       23       11       182       54,737  
Operating income
    28,058       (24 )     (12 )     (1,010 )     27,012  
Total other income, net
    9,544       85       23       1,058       10,710  
Income before income taxes
    37,602       61       11       48       37,722  
Income tax provision
    13,756       -       -       -       13,756  
Net income
    23,846       61       11       48       23,966  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    10       61       11       48       130  
Net income attributable to GAMCO
  $ 23,836     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 23,836  
                                         
   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
 
   
Prior to
                                 
   
Consolidation
   
CFFs
   
Partnerships
   
Offshore Funds
   
As Reported
 
Total revenues
  $ 76,968     $ (4 )   $ (1 )   $ (58 )   $ 76,905  
Total expenses
    55,974       31       15       125       56,145  
Operating income
    20,994       (35 )     (16 )     (183 )     20,760  
Total other income, net
    6,996       251       96       466       7,809  
Income before income taxes
    27,990       216       80       283       28,569  
Income tax provision
    10,288       -       -       -       10,288  
Net income
    17,702       216       80       283       18,281  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    59       216       80       283       638  
Net income attributable to GAMCO
  $ 17,643     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 17,643  
 
Variable Interest Entities

We also have sponsored a number of investment vehicles where we are the general partner or investment manager.  These vehicles are variable interest entities (“VIEs”), and we are not the primary beneficiary because we do not absorb a majority of the entities’ expected losses or expected returns.  The Company has not provided any financial or other support to these entities.  The total assets of these entities at March 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011 were $74.5 million, $73.7 million and $9.8 million, respectively.  Our maximum exposure to loss as a result of our involvement with the VIEs is limited to the investment in one VIE and the deferred carried interest that we have in another.  On March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we had an investment in one of the VIE offshore funds of approximately $8.2 million and $5.0 million, respectively, which was included in investments in partnerships on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.  On March 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011, we had a deferred carried interest in one of the VIE offshore funds of approximately $49,000, $47,000 and $48,000, 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 these VIEs the Company earns fees in relation to these roles, 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.

Prior to January 1, 2011, we were consolidating two VIEs since we had determined that we were the primary beneficiary of each because we had equity interests and absorbed a majority of each entity’s expected losses; therefore they were consolidated in the financial statements.  Effective October 1, 2011, we deconsolidated one of the VIEs upon analysis of several factors, including the redemption of $49.2 million of proprietary capital from this VIE, we determined that the Company was no longer deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE.  The deconsolidation did not result in the recognition of any gain or loss.  The Company has not provided any financial support to these VIEs but does continue to serve as the investment manager and earn fees for this role, and it also maintains an investment in the deconsolidated VIE, which is included in investments in partnerships on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition and is accounted for under the equity method (which approximates fair value).  The assets of these VIEs may only be used to satisfy obligations of the VIEs.  The following table presents the balances related to these VIEs that are consolidated and were included on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition as well as GAMCO’s net interest in these VIEs:
 
 
 
16

 

 
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2011
 
(In thousands)
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ -     $ 15,000     $ -  
Investments in securities
    -       -       -  
Investments in partnerships
    17,183       1,433       1,598  
Receivable from brokers
    -       -       -  
Other assets
    -       -       -  
Securities sold, not yet purchased
    -       -       -  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    (7 )     (15,006 )     (41 )
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
    (403 )     (381 )     (522 )
GAMCO's net interests in consolidated VIEs
  $ 16,773     $ 1,046     $ 1,035  
 
D. Fair Value

All of the instruments within cash and cash equivalents, investments in securities and securities sold, not yet purchased are measured at fair value.  Certain investments in partnerships are also measured at fair value.

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

-  
Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the reporting date.  Level 1 assets include cash equivalents, government obligations, open-end mutual funds, closed-end funds and equities.
-  
Level 2 inputs utilize inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.  Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities that are not active and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly-quoted intervals.  Assets that generally are included in this category may include certain limited partnership interests in private funds in which the valuations for substantially all of the investments within the fund are based upon Level 1 or Level 2 inputs and over the counter derivatives that have inputs to the valuations that can generally be corroborated by observable market data.
-  
Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability.  Assets included in this category generally include equities that trade infrequently and direct private equity investments held within consolidated partnerships.
 
In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy.  In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.  The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.  Investments are transferred into or out of any level at their beginning period values.

The availability of observable inputs can vary from product to product and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of product, whether the product is new and not yet established in the marketplace, and other characteristics particular to the transaction.  To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment.  Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized as Level 3.

The valuation process and policies reside with the financial reporting and accounting group which reports to the Chief Financial Officer.  The Company uses the “market approach” valuation technique to value its investments in Level 3 investments.  The Company’s valuation of the Level 3 investments has been based upon either i) the recent sale prices of the issuers or ii) the net assets, book value or cost basis of the issuer when there is no recent sales prices available.

In the absence of a closing price, an average of the bid and ask price is used.  Bid prices reflect the highest price that the market is willing to pay for an asset.  Ask prices represent the lowest price that the market is willing to accept for an asset.
 
 
 
17

 

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

Investments in securities and securities sold, not yet purchased – Investments in securities and securities sold, not yet purchased are generally valued based on quoted prices from an exchange.  To the extent these securities are actively traded, valuation adjustments are not applied, and they are categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.  Securities categorized in Level 2 investments are valued using other observable inputs.  Nonpublic and infrequently traded investments are included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy because significant inputs to measure fair value are unobservable.

Investments in Partnerships – The Company’s investments include limited partner investments in consolidated feeder funds.  The Company considers the net asset value of the master funds held by the consolidated feeder fund to be the best estimate of fair value.  Investments in private funds that are redeemable at the measurement date or within the near term, are categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.  These funds primarily invest in long and short investments in debt and equity securities that are traded in public and over-the-counter exchanges in the United States and are generally classified as Level 1 assets or liabilities in the master funds’ financial statements.  We may redeem our investments in these funds monthly with 30 days’ notice.

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, 2012, December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011 and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value:

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis as of March 31, 2012 (in thousands)
 
   
Quoted Prices in Active
   
Significant Other
   
Significant
   
Balance as of
 
   
Markets for Identical
   
Observable
   
Unobservable
   
March 31,
 
Assets
 
Assets (Level 1)
   
Inputs (Level 2)
   
Inputs (Level 3)
   
2012
 
Cash equivalents
  $ 324,333     $ -     $ -     $ 324,333  
Investments in partnerships
    -       23,166       -       23,166  
Investments in securities:
                               
  AFS - Common stocks
    34,578       -       -       34,578  
  AFS - Mutual funds
    2,109       -       -       2,109  
  Trading - Gov't obligations
    48,630       -       -       48,630  
  Trading - Common stocks
    169,463       114       647       170,224  
  Trading - Mutual funds
    1,495       -       -       1,495  
  Trading - Other
    293       -       278       571  
Total investments in securities
    256,568       114       925       257,607  
Investments in sponsored registered investment companies:
                         
  AFS - Closed-end Funds
    58,721       -       -       58,721  
  AFS - Mutual Funds
    3,567       -       -       3,567  
  Trading - Mutual funds
    17       -       -       17  
Total investments in sponsored
                               
  registered investment companies
    62,305       -       -       62,305  
Total investments
    318,873       23,280       925       343,078  
Total assets at fair value
  $ 643,206     $ 23,280     $ 925     $ 667,411  
Liabilities
                               
  Trading - Common stocks
  $ 9,553     $ -     $ -     $ 9,553  
  Trading - Other
    -       104       -       104  
Securities sold, not yet purchased
  $ 9,553     $ 104     $ -     $ 9,657  
 
 
 
18

 

 
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis as of December 31, 2011 (in thousands)
 
   
Quoted Prices in Active
   
Significant Other
   
Significant
   
Balance as of
 
   
Markets for Identical
   
Observable
   
Unobservable
   
December 31,
 
Assets
 
Assets (Level 1)
   
Inputs (Level 2)
   
Inputs (Level 3)
   
2011
 
Cash equivalents
  $ 260,969     $ -     $ -     $ 260,969  
Investments in partnerships
    -       27,122       -       27,122  
Investments in securities:
                               
  AFS - Common stocks
    33,282       -       -       33,282  
  AFS - Mutual funds
    1,905       -       -       1,905  
  Trading - Gov't obligations
    42,126       -       -       42,126  
  Trading - Common stocks
    158,623       21       670       159,314  
  Trading - Mutual funds
    1,307       -       -       1,307  
  Trading - Other
    55       60       284       399  
Total investments in securities
    237,298       81       954       238,333  
Investments in sponsored registered investment companies:
                         
  AFS - Closed-end Funds
    55,855       -       -       55,855  
  AFS - Mutual Funds
    3,341       -       -       3,341  
  Trading - Mutual funds
    18       -       -       18  
Total investments in sponsored
                               
  registered investment companies
    59,214       -       -       59,214  
Total investments
    296,512       27,203       954       324,669  
Total assets at fair value
  $ 557,481     $ 27,203     $ 954     $ 585,638  
Liabilities
                               
  Trading - Common stocks
  $ 5,415     $ -     $ -     $ 5,415  
  Trading - Other
    -       73       -       73  
Securities sold, not yet purchased
  $ 5,415     $ 73     $ -     $ 5,488  

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis as of March 31, 2011 (in thousands)
 
   
Quoted Prices in Active
   
Significant Other
   
Significant
   
Balance as of
 
   
Markets for Identical
   
Observable
   
Unobservable
   
March 31,
 
Assets
 
Assets (Level 1)
   
Inputs (Level 2)
   
Inputs (Level 3)
   
2011
 
Cash equivalents
  $ 161,946     $ -     $ -     $ 161,946  
Investments in partnerships
    -       28,473       -       28,473  
Investments in securities:
                               
  AFS - Common stocks
    37,408       -       -       37,408  
  AFS - Mutual funds
    2,360       -       -       2,360  
  Trading - Gov't obligations
    12,076       -       -       12,076  
  Trading - Common stocks
    225,008       13       568       225,589  
  Trading - Mutual funds
    1,629       -       -       1,629  
  Trading - Convertible bonds
    175       -       -       175  
  Trading - Other
    120       -       356       476  
Total investments in securities
    278,776       13       924       279,713  
Investments in sponsored registered investment companies:
                         
  AFS - Closed-end Funds
    61,734       -       -       61,734  
  AFS - Mutual Funds
    4,144       -       -       4,144  
  Trading - Mutual funds
    25       -       -       25  
Total investments in sponsored
                               
  registered investment companies
    65,903       -       -       65,903  
Total investments
    344,679       28,486       924       374,089  
Total assets at fair value
  $ 506,625     $ 28,486     $ 924     $ 536,035  
Liabilities
                               
  Trading - Common stocks
  $ 15,550     $ -     $ -     $ 15,550  
Securities sold, not yet purchased
  $ 15,550     $ -     $ -     $ 15,550  

 
19

 
 
 
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, 2012 (in thousands)
 
                     
Total
                               
                     
Unrealized
                               
                     
Gains or
   
Total
                         
         
Total Realized and
   
(Losses)
   
Realized
                         
   
December
   
Unrealized Gains or
   
Included in
   
and
               
Transfers
       
     31, 2011    
(Losses) in Income
   
Other
   
Unrealized
               
In and/or
       
   
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
  $ 670     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 57     $ (80 )   $ -     $ 647  
Trading - Other
    284       (2 )     -       -       (2 )     4       (8 )     -       278  
Total
  $ 954     $ (2 )   $ -     $ -     $ (2 )   $ 61     $ (88 )   $ -     $ 925  
 
There were no transfers between any Levels during the three months ended March 31, 2012.

Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 (in thousands)
 
                     
Total
                               
                     
Unrealized
                               
                     
Gains or
   
Total
                         
         
Total Realized and
   
(Losses)
   
Realized
                         
   
December
   
Unrealized Gains or
   
Included in
   
and
               
Transfers
       
     31, 2010    
(Losses) in Income
   
Other
   
Unrealized
               
In and/or
       
   
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
  $ 147     $ 21     $ -     $ -     $ 21     $ 400     $ -     $ -     $ 568  
Trading - Other
    278       126       -       -       126       -       (48 )     -       356  
Total
  $ 425     $ 147     $ -     $ -     $ 147     $ 400     $ (48 )   $ -     $ 924  
 
There were no transfers between any Levels during the three months ended March 31, 2011.

E. Debt

Debt consists of the following:
 
   
March 31, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
   
March 31, 2011
 
   
Carrying
   
Fair Value
   
Carrying
   
Fair Value
   
Carrying
   
Fair Value
 
   
Value
   
Level 2
   
Value
   
Level 2
   
Value
   
Level 2
 
(In thousands)
                                   
5.5% Senior notes
  $ 99,000     $ 100,733     $ 99,000     $ 93,070     $ 99,000     $ 102,614  
5.875% Senior notes
    100,000       104,375       100,000       100,733       -       -  
0% Subordinated debentures
    65,300       66,774       64,119       58,899       60,697       57,006  
Total
  $ 264,300     $ 271,882     $ 263,119     $ 252,702     $ 159,697     $ 159,620  
 
 
 
20

 
 
 
On May 31, 2011, the Company issued $100 million of senior unsecured notes at par.  The net proceeds of $99.1 million were used for working capital and general corporate purposes.  The issuance costs of $0.9 million have been capitalized and will be amortized over the term of the debt.  The notes mature on June 1, 2021 and bear interest at 5.875% per annum, payable semi-annually on June 1 and December 1 of each year and commenced on December 1, 2011.  Upon the occurrence of a change of control triggering event, as defined in the indenture, the Company would be required to offer to repurchase the notes at 101% of their principal amount.

On December 31, 2010, the Company issued $86.4 million in par value of five year zero coupon subordinated debentures due December 31, 2015 (“Debentures”) to its shareholders of record on December 15, 2010 through the declaration of a special dividend of $3.20 per share.  The Debentures have a par value of $100 and are callable at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Debentures to be redeemed.  During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company repurchased 229 Debentures, having a face value of $22,900.  The redemption was accounted for as an extinguishment of debt and resulted in a loss of $1,000 which was included in net gain from investments on the condensed consolidated statements of income.  There were no repurchases for the three month period ended March 31, 2011.  The debt is being accreted to its face value using the effective rate on the date of issuance of 7.45%.  At March 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011, the debt was recorded at its accreted value of $65.3 million, $64.1 million and $59.6 million, respectively.

The fair value of the Company’s debt, which is a Level 2 valuation, is estimated based on either quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities or using market standard models.  Inputs in these standard models include credit rating, maturity and interest rate.

F. Income Taxes
 
The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was 36.5% compared to 36.0% for the prior year three month period.  Prior to the consolidation of certain partnerships and offshore entities, in which no tax liability or benefit is recorded at the corporate level but which flow directly to its partners, the effective tax rate was 36.5% and 36.8% for the first quarter of 2012 and 2011, respectively.

G. Earnings Per Share
 
The computations of basic and diluted net income per share are as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2012
   
2011
 
Basic:
           
Net income attributable to GAMCO Investors, Inc.'s shareholders
  $ 23,836     $ 17,643  
Weighted average shares outstanding
    26,415       26,901  
Basic net income attributable to GAMCO Investors, Inc.'s
               
  shareholders per share
  $ 0.90     $ 0.66  
                 
Diluted:
               
Net income attributable to GAMCO Investors, Inc.'s shareholders
  $ 23,836     $ 17,643  
                 
Weighted average share outstanding
    26,415       26,901  
Dilutive stock options and restricted stock awards
    118       107  
Total
    26,533       27,008  
Diluted net income attributable to GAMCO Investors, Inc.'s
               
  shareholders per share
  $ 0.90     $ 0.65  

 
 
21

 
 
 
H. Stockholders’ Equity
 
Shares outstanding were 26.6 million on March 31, 2012, 26.8 million on December 31, 2011, and 27.1 million on March 31, 2011.

Dividends
 
   
Payment
 
Record
   
   
Date
 
Date
 
Amount
             
Three months ended March 31, 2012
 
March 27, 2012
 
March 13, 2012
 
 $    0.04
Three months ended March 31, 2011
 
March 29, 2011
 
March 15, 2011
 
 $    0.03

Voting Rights

The holders of Class A Common stock (“Class A Shares”) 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 two Plans approved by the shareholders, which are designed to provide incentives which will attract and retain individuals key to the success of GAMCO through direct or indirect ownership of our common stock.  Benefits under the Plans may be granted in any one or a combination of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock awards, dividend equivalents and other stock or cash based awards.  A maximum of 1.5 million shares of Class A Stock have been reserved for issuance under each of the Plans by a committee of the Board of Directors responsible for administering the Plans (“Compensation Committee”).  Under the Plans, 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.  Options granted under the Plans vest 75% after three years and 100% after four years from the date of grant and expire after ten years.  Restricted stock award (“RSA”) shares granted under the Plans vest 30% after three years and 100% after five years.

On January 3, 2012, the Company approved the granting of 105,300 RSA shares at a grant date fair value of $43.49 per share.  On January 15, 2011, and February 9, 2011, the Company approved the granting of 193,900 RSA shares and 3,300 RSA shares, respectively, at a grant date fair value of $48.85 per share and $45.77 per share, respectively.  As of March 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011, there were 375,000 RSA shares, 275,600 RSA shares and 293,800 RSA shares, respectively, outstanding that were previously issued at an average weighted grant price of $45.14, $45.56 and $45.54, respectively.  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 forfeitures, is recognized over the vesting period for these awards which is 30% over three years from the date of grant and 70% over five years from the date of grant.  During the vesting period, dividends to RSA holders are held for them until the RSA vesting dates and are forfeited if the grantee is no longer employed by the Company on the vesting dates.  Dividends declared on these RSAs, less estimated forfeitures, are charged to retained earnings on the declaration date.
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011, we recognized stock-based compensation expense of $0.9 million and $0.6 million, respectively.  Actual and projected stock-based compensation expense for RSA shares and options for the years ended December 31, 2011 through December 31, 2016 (based on awards currently issued or granted) is as follows ($ in thousands):
 
     
2011
   
2012
   
2013
   
2014
   
2015
   
2016
 
  Q1     $ 577     $ 871     $ 870     $ 625     $ 494     $ 175  
  Q2       686       870       848       588       462       128  
  Q3       655       870       805       588       399       128  
  Q4       670       870       805       588       399       128  
Full Year
    $ 2,588     $ 3,481     $ 3,328     $ 2,389     $ 1,754     $ 559  
 
The total compensation costs related to non-vested RSAs and options not yet recognized is approximately $10.6 million as of March 31, 2012.  There were no options exercised in either the three month period ended March 31, 2012 or March 31, 2011.
 
 
 
22

 
 

Stock Repurchase Program
 
In March 1999, GAMCO's Board of Directors established the Stock Repurchase Program to grant management the authority to repurchase shares of our Class A Common Stock.  On May 6, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized an incremental 500,000 shares to be added to the current buyback authorization.  For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011, the Company repurchased 224,733 shares and 161,588 shares, respectively, at an average price per share of $44.35 and $43.91, respectively.  From the inception of the program through March 31, 2012, 7,568,785 shares have been repurchased at an average price of $40.74 per share.  At March 31, 2012, the total shares available under the program to be repurchased in the future were 348,634.

I. Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets
 
At March 31, 2012, $3.5 million of goodwill is reflected within other assets on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition with $3.3 million related to a 93%-owned subsidiary, Gabelli Securities, Inc. and $0.2 million related to G.distributors, LLC.  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, 2012 or the three months ended March 31, 2011, and as such there was no impairment analysis performed or charge recorded.

As a result of becoming the advisor to the Gabelli Enterprise Mergers and Acquisitions Fund and the associated consideration paid, the Company maintains an identifiable intangible asset of $1.9 million within other assets on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition at March 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011.  The investment advisory agreement is subject to annual renewal by the fund's Board of Directors, which the Company expects to be renewed, and the Company does not expect to incur additional expense as a result, which is consistent with other investment advisory agreements entered into by the Company.  The advisory contract is next up for renewal in February 2013.  The Company assesses the recoverability of this intangible asset at least annually, or more often should events warrant.  There were no indicators of impairment for the three months ended March 31, 2012 or March 31, 2011, and as such there was no impairment analysis performed or charge recorded.

J.  Commitments and Contingencies
 
From time to time, the Company is 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.  The Company cannot predict the ultimate outcome of such matters.  The 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, if material, makes the necessary disclosures.  Such amounts, both those that are probable and those that are reasonably possible, are not considered material to the Company’s financial condition, operations or cash flows.

The Company indemnifies the clearing brokers of Gabelli & Company for losses they may sustain from the customer accounts that trade on margin introduced by our broker-dealer subsidiary.  At March 31, 2012, 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.
 
K. Subsequent Events
 
On May 1, 2012, our Board of Directors declared a special dividend of $0.25 per share to all of its Class A and Class B shareholders in addition to its quarterly dividend of $0.04 per share payable on June 26, 2012 to its Class A and Class B shareholders of record on June 12, 2012.

On May 1, 2012 our Board of Directors authorized the Company to renew its shelf registration, before the expiration of its current shelf in July 2012, that will allow it to issue up to $500 million in a combination of senior and subordinated debt securities, convertible debt securities and common and preferred securities.

 
 
23

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

Overview
 
GAMCO through the Gabelli brand, well known for its Private Market Value (PMV) with a CatalystTM investment approach, is a widely-recognized provider of investment advisory services to mutual funds, institutional and high net worth investors, and investment partnerships, principally in the United States.  Through Gabelli & Company, Inc. (“Gabelli & Company”), we provide institutional research and brokerage services to institutional clients and investment partnerships.  Through G.distributors, LLC (“G.distributors”) we provide mutual fund distribution.  We generally manage assets on a fully discretionary basis and invest in a variety of U.S. and international securities through various investment styles.  Our revenues are based primarily on the Company’s levels of assets under management and fees associated with our various investment products.
 
Our revenues are highly correlated to the level of assets under management and fees associated with our various investment products, rather than our own corporate assets.  Assets under management, which are directly influenced by the level and changes of the overall equity markets, can also fluctuate through acquisitions, the creation of new products, the addition of new accounts or the loss of existing accounts.  Since various equity products have different fees, changes in our business mix may also affect revenues.  At times, the performance of our equity products may differ markedly from popular market indices, and this can also impact our revenues.  General stock market trends will have the greatest impact on our level of assets under management and hence, on revenues.

We conduct our investment advisory business principally through: GAMCO Asset Management Inc. (Separate Accounts), Gabelli Funds, LLC (Mutual Funds) and Gabelli Securities, Inc. (Investment Partnerships).  We also act as an underwriter and provide institutional research through Gabelli & Company, one of our broker-dealer subsidiaries.  The distribution of our open-end funds is conducted through G.distributors.
 
Assets under management (“AUM”) were $36.7 billion as of March 31, 2012, an increase of 3.6% from AUM of $35.4 billion at March 31, 2011 and 7.6% above the December 31, 2011 AUM of $34.1 billion.  Fund flows in the first quarter of 2012 were $2.6 billion consisting of market appreciation of $2.3 billion and net cash inflows of $0.3 billion.  Average total AUM was $35.8 billion in the 2012 quarter versus $33.9 billion in the prior year period, an increase of 5.6%.  Average AUM in our open-end equity funds, a key driver to our investment advisory fees, was $12.8 billion in the first quarter of 2012, up 9.4% from the 2011 quarter average AUM of $11.7 billion,

In addition to management fees, we earn incentive fees for certain institutional client assets, assets attributable to preferred issues for our closed-end funds, our Gabelli Global Deal Fund (NYSE: GDL) and investment partnership assets.  As of March 31, 2012, assets with incentive based fees were $3.7 billion, 2.6% lower than the $3.8 billion on March 31, 2011 but 2.8% above the $3.6 billion on December 31, 2011. 


 
24

 


The Company reported Assets Under Management as follows (in millions):
                   
                               
Table I: Fund Flows - 1st Quarter 2012
                         
                     
Closed-end Fund
       
         
Market
         
distributions,
       
   
December 31,
   
appreciation/
   
Net cash
   
net of
   
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
(depreciation)
   
flows
   
reinvestments
   
2012
 
Equities:
                             
Open-end Funds
  $ 12,273     $ 858     $ (135 )   $ -     $ 12,996  
Closed-end Funds
    5,799       336       40       (108 )     6,067  
Institutional & PWM - direct
    10,853       883       295       -       12,031  
Institutional & PWM - sub-advisory
    2,600       252       72       -       2,924  
Investment Partnerships
    605       15       (26 )     -       594  
SICAV (a)
    105       2       11       -       118  
Total Equities
    32,235       2,346       257       (108 )     34,730  
Fixed Income:
                                       
Money-Market Fund
    1,824       -       98       -       1,922  
Institutional & PWM
    26       -       -       -       26  
Total Fixed Income
    1,850       -       98       -       1,948  
Total Assets Under Management
  $ 34,085     $ 2,346     $ 355     $ (108 )   $ 36,678  
 
Table II: Assets Under Management
                 
   
March 31,
   
March 31,
   
%
 
   
2011
   
2012
   
Inc.(Dec.)
 
Equities:
                 
Open-end Funds
  $ 12,348     $ 12,996       5.2 %
Closed-end Funds
    6,170       6,067       (1.7 )
Institutional & PWM - direct
    11,780       12,031       2.1  
Institutional & PWM - sub-advisory
    2,937       2,924       (0.4 )
Investment Partnerships
    547       594       8.6  
SICAV (a)
    -       118       n/m  
Total Equities
    33,782       34,730       2.8  
Fixed Income:
                       
Money-Market Fund
    1,583       1,922       21.4  
Institutional & PWM
    26       26       -  
Total Fixed Income
    1,609       1,948       21.1  
Total Assets Under Management
  $ 35,391     $ 36,678       3.6 %

 
Table III: Assets Under Management by Quarter
                                     
                                 
% Increase/
 
                                 
(decrease) from
 
      3/11       6/11       9/11       12/11       3/12       3/11       12/11  
Equities:
                                                       
Open-end Funds
  $ 12,348     $ 12,912     $ 11,469     $ 12,273     $ 12,996       5.2 %     5.9 %
Closed-end Funds
    6,170       6,259       5,355       5,799       6,067       (1.7 )     4.6  
Institutional & PWM - direct
    11,780       11,735       9,644       10,853       12,031       2.1       10.9  
Institutional & PWM - sub-advisory
    2,937       2,953       2,326       2,600       2,924       (0.4 )     12.5  
Investment Partnerships
    547       609       627       605       594       8.6       (1.8 )
SICAV (a)
    -       -       -       105       118       n/m       12.4  
Total Equities
    33,782       34,468       29,421       32,235       34,730       2.8       7.7  
Fixed Income:
                                                       
Money-Market Fund
    1,583       1,643       1,895       1,824       1,922       21.4       5.4  
Institutional & PWM
    26       26       26       26       26       -       -  
Total Fixed Income
    1,609       1,669       1,921       1,850       1,948       21.1       5.3  
Total Assets Under Management
  $ 35,391     $ 36,137     $ 31,342     $ 34,085     $ 36,678       3.6 %     7.6 %
(a) Includes $100 million and $102 million of proprietary seed capital at December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2012, respectively.
         

 
25

 
 
 
Relative long-term investment performance remained strong with approximately 30%, 45%, 63% and 67% of firm wide mutual funds performed in the top half of their Lipper categories on a one-, three-, five-, and ten-year total return basis, respectively as of March 31, 2012.  Also, 33% of the firm’s mutual funds that are rated have a 4- or 5-star overall Morningstar RatingTM.

Gabelli/GAMCO Funds Morningstar Ratings Based on Risk Adjusted returns as of March 31, 2012 for funds that we manage
         
   
Overall Rating
3 Year Rating
5 Year Rating
10 Year Rating
 
Morningstar
 
# of
 
# of
 
# of
 
# of
FUND
Category
Stars
Funds
Stars
Funds
Stars
Funds
Stars
Funds
Gabelli ABC AAA
Mid-Cap Growth
êêêê
676
ê
676
êêêêê
601
êêêê
404
Gabelli Asset AAA
Large Blend
êêêêê
1652
êêêêê
1652
êêêê
1408
êêêêê
832
Gabelli Dividend Growth AAA
Large Blend
êêê
1652
êê
1652
êêê
1408
êêê
832
Gabelli Equity Income AAA
Large Value
êêêêê
1114
êêêê
1114
êêêêê
964
êêêêê
545
Gabelli Small Cap Growth AAA
Small Blend
êêêêê
578
êêê
578
êêêêê
493
êêêêê
289
Gabelli SRI Green AAA
World Stock
êêê
692
êêê
692
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Gabelli Utilities AAA
Specialty-Utilities
êêêê
73
êêê
73
êêêêê
71
êêê
45
Gabelli Value A
Mid-Cap Blend
êê
369
êêêê
369
êê
305
êê
193
Gabelli Focus Five AAA
Small Blend
êêê
578
êê
578
êêê
493
n/a
n/a
GAMCO Vertumnus AAA
Convertibles
êê
58
ê
58
ê
47
êê
39
GAMCO Global Growth AAA
World Stock
êêê
692
êêê
692
êêêê
491
êêê
276
GAMCO Global Opportunity AAA
World Stock
êêêê
692
êêê
692
êêê
491
êêêê
276
GAMCO Global Telecommunications AAA
Specialty-Communications
êêê
40
êê
40
êêê
33
êêêê
30
Gabelli Gold AAA
Specialty-Precious Metals
êêê
69
êêê
69
êêê
55
êêê
40
GAMCO Growth AAA
Large Growth
êê
1479
êêê
1479
êê
1261
ê
788
GAMCO International Growth AAA
Foreign Large Growth
êêê
206
êêêê
206
êêê
163
êêê
104
GAMCO Mathers
Conservative Allocation
ê
544
ê
544
ê
442
ê
170
Gabelli Enterprise Mergers & Acquisitions A
Mid-cap Blend
êêê
369
êê
369
êêêê
305
êêê
193
Percent of Rated funds rated 4 or 5 stars
 
33.33%
 
22.22%
 
41.18%
 
37.50%
 
                   
The Overall Morningstar Rating™ is derived from a weighted average of the performance figures associated with its three, five and ten year (if applicable) Morningstar Rating metrics.
Data presented reflects past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.  Ratings are for Class AAA or A shares noted above.  Other classes may have different
 
performance characteristics.  Unrated funds and closed-end funds are not listed above.  The percentage of 4 and 5 star funds are calculated based on the total number of
GAMCO/Gabelli Funds that are rated for a given period.  For each fund with at least a three year history, Morningstar calculates a Morningstar Rating based on a Morningstar Risk-
Adjusted Return measure (including the effects of sales charges, loads, and redemption fees) that accounts for variation in a fund's monthly performance, placing more emphasis on
downward variations and rewarding consistent performance.  The top 10% of the funds in each category receive 5 stars, the next 22.5% receive 4 stars, the next 35% receive 3 stars, the
next 22.5% receive 2 stars, and the bottom 10% receive 1 star.  (Each share class is counted as a fraction of one fund within this scale and rated separately, which may cause slight
variations in the distribution percentages.)  Strong relative performance is not indicative of positive fund returns.  Performance for some funds was negative for certain periods.  
© 2012 Morningstar, Inc.  All rights reserved.  The information contained herein:  (1) is proprietaryto Morningstar and/or its content providers; (2) may not be copied or distributed; and
(3) is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely.  Neither Morningstar nor its contentproviders are responsible for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information.
Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, andexpenses of each fund before investing.  Each fund's prospectus contains information about these
and other matters and should be read carefully before investing.  Each fund's share price will fluctuate with changes in the market value of the fund's portfolio securities.  Stocks
are subject to market, economic and business risks that cause their prices to fluctuate.  When you sell fund shares, they may be worth less than what you paid for them.
Consequently, you can lose money by investing in any of the funds.  You can obtain a prospectus by calling 800-GABELLI (422-3554), online at www.gabelli.com, or from
your financial advisor. Distributed by G.distributors, LLC, One Corporate Center, Rye New York, 10580.
         
The inception date for the Gabelli SRI Green Fund was June 1, 2007.  The inception date for the Gabelli Focus Five Fund was December 31, 2002.
   
 
 
 
26

 

 
GABELLI/GAMCO FUNDS
 
Gabelli/GAMCO Funds Lipper Rankings as of March 31, 2012
   
1 Yr - 3/31/11-3/31/12
3 Yrs - 3/31/09-3/31/12
5 Yrs - 3/31/07-3/31/12
10 Yrs - 3/31/02-3/31/12
   
Percentile
Rank /
Percentile
Rank /
Percentile
Rank /
Percentile
Rank /
Fund Name
Lipper Category
Rank
Total Funds
Rank
Total Funds
Rank
Total Funds
Rank
Total Funds
Gabelli Asset; AAA
Multi-Cap Core Funds
57
406/715
17
103/620
13
68/540
11
30/291
Gabelli Value Fund; A
Multi-Cap Core Funds
60
426/715
4
21/620
29
152/540
27
78/291
Gabelli SRI; AAA
Global Small/Mid-Cap Funds
96
78/81
68
49/72
-
-
-
-
Gabelli Eq:Eq Inc; AAA
Equity Income Funds
67
195/294
22
55/251
25
53/214
9
9/109
GAMCO Growth; AAA
Large-Cap Core Funds
48
483/1,045
43
395/937
27
215/819
86
444/519
Gabelli Eq:SC Gro; AAA
Small-Cap Core Funds
54
361/680
70
428/618
14
68/501
11
31/296
Gabelli Focus Five Fund;AAA
Small-Cap Core Funds
93
633/680
70
430/618
49
244/501
-
-
GAMCO Gl:Oppty; AAA
Global Large-Cap Growth
82
84/102
45
39/87
53
39/73
20
9/45
GAMCO Gl:Growth; AAA
Global Large-Cap Growth
28
28/102
11
9/87
26
19/73
46
21/45
GAMCO Gold; AAA
Precious Metal Funds
11
8/74
54
32/59
46
23/50
53
19/35
GAMCO Intl Gro; AAA
International Large-Cap Growth
16
36/226
7
14/214
30
53/180
37
42/113
Gabelli Dividend Growth Fund; AAA
Large-Cap Core Funds
69
721/,045
68
630/937
59
482/819
22
112/519
Gabelli Inv:ABC; AAA
Specialty Diversified Equity Funds
23
11/48
57
18/31
39
10/25
10
1/9
GAMCO Mathers; AAA
Specialty Diversified Equity Funds
70
34/48
72
23/31
70
18/25
50
5/9
Comstock Cap Val; A
Specialty Diversified Equity Funds
86
42/48
88
28/31
89
23/25
70
7/9
GAMCO Gl:Telecom; AAA
Telecommunications Funds
70
27/38
69
24/34
56
15/26
22
4/18
GAMCO Gl:Vertumnus; AAA
Convertible Securities Funds
97
62/63
93
50/53
95
37/38
91
29/31
Gabelli Utilities; AAA
Utility Funds
75
55/73
36
24/67
20
12/61
52
22/42
787:Gabelli Merg&Acq; A
Mid-Cap Core Funds
31
95/309
98
263/268
78
180/231
88
138/157
Gabelli Capital Asset Fund
Distributed through Insurance Channel
58
171/295
5
14/282
19
46/247
12
18/146
% of funds in top half
 
30.0%
 
45.0%
 
63.2%
 
66.7%
 
                   
Data presented reflects past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Strong rankings are not indicative of positive fund performance.  Absolute performance for some
funds was negative for certain periods.  Other share classes are available which may have different performance characteristics.
                   
Lipper, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reuters, provides independent insight on global collective investments including mutual funds, retirement funds, hedge funds, fund fees and
expenses to the asset management and media communities. Lipper ranks the performance of mutual funds within a classification of funds that have similar investment objectives.
Rankings are historical with capital gains and dividends reinvested and do not include the effect of loads. If an expense waiver was in effect, it may have had a material effect on the
total return or yield for the period.                  
                   
Relative long-term investment performance remained strong with approximately 30%, 45%, 63% and 67% of firmwide mutual funds in the top half of their Lipper categories on a one-,
three-, five-, and ten-year total-return basis, respectively, as of March 31, 2012.
           
                   
Investors should carefully consider the investment objective, risks, charges, and expenses of each fund before investing.  Each fund's prospectus contains information about these
and other matters and should be read carefully before investing.  Each fund’s share price will fluctuate with changes in the market value of the fund’s portfolio securities. Stocks are
subject to market, economic and business risks that cause their prices to fluctuate.  When you sell fund shares, they may be worth less than what you paid for them. Consequently,
you can lose money by investing in a fund.  You can obtain a prospectus by calling 800-GABELLI (422-3554), online at www.gabelli.com, or from your financial advisor.  
Distributed by G.distributors, LLC., One Corporate Center, Rye New York, 10580.  Other share classesare available that have different performance characteristics.
                   
The inception date for the Gabelli SRI Green Fund was June 1, 2007.  The inception date for the Gabelli Focus Five Fund was December 31, 2002.
     
 
 
 
27

 
 
 
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto included in Item 1 to this report.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 Compared To Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
 
(Unaudited; in thousands, except per share data)
           
   
2012
   
2011
 
Revenues
           
  Investment advisory and incentive fees
  $ 67,783     $ 62,911  
  Distribution fees and other income
    11,623       10,345  
  Institutional research services
    2,343       3,649  
Total revenues
    81,749       76,905  
Expenses
               
  Compensation
    34,554       33,417  
  Management fee
    4,184       3,113  
  Distribution costs
    10,177       13,429  
  Other operating expenses
    5,822       6,186  
Total expenses (a)
    54,737       56,145  
Operating income
    27,012       20,760  
Other income (expense)
               
  Net gain from investments
    13,878       8,740  
  Interest and dividend income
    1,236       1,936  
  Interest expense
    (4,404 )     (2,867 )
Total other income, net
    10,710       7,809  
Income before income taxes
    37,722       28,569  
Income tax provision
    13,756       10,288  
Net income
    23,966       18,281  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    130       638  
Net income attributable to GAMCO Investors, Inc.'s shareholders
  $ 23,836     $ 17,643  
                 
Net income attributable to GAMCO Investors, Inc.'s shareholders per share:
               
Basic
  $ 0.90     $ 0.66  
Diluted
  $ 0.90     $ 0.65  
                 
Reconciliation of net income attributable to GAMCO Investors, Inc.'s shareholders
               
  to Adjusted EBITDA:
               
                 
Net income attributable to GAMCO Investors, Inc.'s shareholders
  $ 23,836     $ 17,643  
Interest expense
    4,404       2,867  
Income tax provision and net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    13,886       10,926  
Depreciation and amortization
    180       274  
Adjusted EBITDA (b)
  $ 42,306     $ 31,710  
 
(a)   First quarter 2011 includes $5.6 million in costs directly related to the launch of a new closed-end fund.
(b) Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and noncontrolling interests.  Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure and should not be considered as an alternative to any measure of performance as promulgated under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States nor should it be considered as an indicator of our overall financial performance.  We use Adjusted EBITDA as a supplemental measure of performance as we believe it gives investors a more complete understanding of our operating results before the impact of financing activities as a tool for determining the private market value of an enterprise.
 
 
 
28

 
 
 
Overview

Net income attributable to shareholders of GAMCO Investors, Inc. for the quarter was $23.8 million or $0.90 per fully diluted share versus $17.6 million or $0.65 per fully diluted share in the prior year’s quarter.  Included in the 2011 quarter was $5.6 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, of pre-tax charges related to the launch of a new closed-end fund.  The quarter to quarter comparison further benefitted from an increase in total revenues, largely driven by higher AUM, and an increase in investment gains in our proprietary portfolios which were offset by increased operating expenses, interest expense on higher average debt balances outstanding and a higher effective tax rate.

Revenues
 
Investment advisory and incentive fees for the first quarter 2012 were $67.8 million, 7.8% above the 2011 comparative figure of $62.9 million.  Open-end mutual fund revenues increased by 10.9% to $31.5 million from $28.4 million in first quarter 2011 driven by a 10.9% increase in average AUM resulting from both net inflows and positive market performance.  Our closed-end fund revenues rose 5.1% to $12.3 million in the first quarter 2012 from $11.7 million in 2011 due to a 3.7% increase in average AUM.  Institutional and private wealth management account revenues, which are generally based on beginning of quarter AUM, increased $0.8 million, or 3.7%, to $22.7 million from $21.9 million in first quarter 2011, largely due to an increase of $0.3 million in incentive fees and a 1.6% increase in billable AUM.  Investment partnership revenues were $1.3 million, an increase of 44.4% from $0.9 million in first quarter 2011.
 
Open-end fund distribution fees and other income were $11.6 million for the first quarter 2012, an increase of $1.3 million or 12.6% from $10.3 million in the prior year period, primarily due to higher quarterly average AUM in open-end equity mutual funds that generate such fees and an increased level of sales of load shares of mutual funds.

Our institutional research subsidiary had revenues of $2.3 million in the first quarter 2012, down 36.1% from $3.6 million in the prior year quarter principally due to lower trading volume.

Expenses
 
Compensation costs, which are largely variable, were $34.6 million or 3.6% higher than the $33.4 million incurred in the prior year period.  Included in the 2011 quarter was $0.4 million in one-time costs related to the launch of a new closed-end fund.  Excluding these costs the quarter over quarter increase was $1.6 million or 4.8%, and was largely comprised of $1.9 million of increased variable compensation related to the increased AUM and $0.3 million in amortization expense for RSAs issued in January 2012 offset by a $0.9 million decrease in commissions and payouts related to lower trading volume and sales of open-end funds.
 
Management fee expense, which is wholly variable and based on pretax income, increased to $4.2 million in the first quarter of 2012 from $3.1 million in the 2011 period.
 
Distribution costs were $10.2 million, a decrease of $3.2 million or 23.9% from $13.4 million in the prior year’s period.  Costs were lower on a comparable basis due to $4.7 million in one-time charges related to the launch of GNT during the first quarter of 2011.  Excluding these one-time charges, distribution costs increased $1.5 million, or 17.2%, to $10.2 million from $8.7 million for the first quarter of 2011.  This increase in distribution costs was mostly due to the 9.6% increase in average AUM in our open-end equity funds, increased amortization of costs associated with sales of Class C shares and higher expense reimbursements.
 
Other operating expenses were $5.8 million in the first quarter of 2012, a decline of $0.4 million, or 6.5%, from the $6.2 million in the first quarter of 2011 largely due to the one-time charges of $0.5 million incurred in the 2011 quarter related to the launch of GNT.

Total expenses, excluding the management fee, were $50.6 million in the first quarter of 2012, a 4.5% decrease from $53.0 million in the first quarter of 2011, primarily due to the $5.6 million in one-time charges related to the launch of GNT in the first quarter of 2011.
 
Operating income for the first quarter of 2012 was $27.0 million, an increase of $6.2 million from the first quarter 2011’s $20.8 million.  Operating income, as a percentage of revenues, was 33.0% in the 2012 quarter as compared to 27.0% in the 2011 quarter.  The 2011 operating income and operating margin was negatively impacted by $5.6 million in one-time charges related to the launch of GNT.

 
 
29

 

 
Other
 
Total other income (net of interest expense) was $10.7 million for the first quarter 2012 versus $7.8 million in the prior year’s quarter.  Realized and unrealized gains in our trading portfolio were $13.9 million in the 2012 quarter, an increase of $5.2 million versus $8.7 million in the 2011 quarter largely on the relative strength in the equity markets.  Interest and dividend income was lower by $0.7 million.  Interest expense increased by $1.5 million to $4.4 million in the first quarter of 2012 from the $2.9 million in first quarter of 2011 due to an increase in total debt outstanding.
 
The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was 36.5% as compared to the prior year period’s effective rate of 36.0%.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our principal assets consist of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, securities held for investment purposes, investments in mutual funds, and investment partnerships and offshore funds, both proprietary and external.  Cash and cash equivalents are comprised primarily of money market funds managed by GAMCO.  Although the investment partnerships and offshore funds are, for the most part, illiquid, 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,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Cash flows provided by (used in):
 
(in thousands)
 
  Operating activities
  $ 47,611     $ (1,910 )
  Investing activities
    1,092       728  
  Financing activities
    (404 )     (2,487 )
  Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
    (9 )     (10 )
  Net (decrease) increase
    48,290       (3,679 )
  Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    276,340       169,601  
  Decrease in cash from deconsolidation
    -       (1,251 )
  Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 324,630     $ 164,671  
 
Cash requirements and liquidity needs have historically been met through cash generated by operating activities and our borrowing capacity.  We filed a shelf registration with the SEC in 2009 which, among other things, provides us the flexibility to sell any combination of senior and subordinate debt securities, convertible debt securities, equity securities (including common and preferred stock), and other securities up to a total amount of $400 million.  On May 31, 2011, the Company issued $100 million of senior unsecured notes at par.  The net proceeds of $99.1 million were used for working capital and general corporate purposes.  The notes mature June 1, 2021 and bear interest, payable semi-annually, at 5.875% per annum.  The notes were issued pursuant to the Company’s shelf registration reducing the amount for future issuances to $300 million.  We currently plan on renewing our shelf registration on or before its expiration on July 27, 2012.
 
At March 31, 2012, we had total cash and cash equivalents of $324.6 million, an increase of $48.3 million from December 31, 2011.  Cash and cash equivalents of $2.1 million and investments in securities of $6.5 million held by consolidated investment partnerships and offshore funds may not be readily available for the Company to access.  Total debt outstanding at March 31, 2012 was $264.3 million, consisting of $65.3 million in five year zero coupon subordinated debentures due 2015 (“Debentures”), with a face value of $86.3 million, $100 million of 5.875% senior notes due 2021 and $99 million of 5.5% senior notes due 2013.
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2012, cash provided by operating activities was $47.6 million, an increase of $49.5 million from cash used in the prior year period of $1.9 million.  Cash was provided by an increase in net income of $5.7 million, net distributions received from partnerships of $6.1 million, a $31.0 million decrease in trading investments, $22.9 million in increased payables and $4.2 million from other sources.  Reducing cash was $20.4 million largely from increases in investment advisory receivables.  Cash provided by investing activities, related to purchases and proceeds from sales of available for sale securities, was $1.1 million in the first three months of 2012.  Cash used in financing activities in the first three months of 2012 was $0.4 million, including $1.1 million paid in dividends and $10.0 million paid for the purchase of treasury stock offset by $10.6 million in contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interests.
 
 
 
30

 

 
For the three months ended March 31, 2011, cash used in operating activities was $1.9 million.  Cash provided by investing activities, related to purchases and proceeds from sales of available for sale securities, was $0.7 million in the first three months of 2011.  Cash used in financing activities in the first three months of 2011 was $2.5 million.

Based upon our current level of operations and anticipated growth, we expect that our current cash balances plus cash flows from operating activities and our borrowing capacity will be sufficient to finance our working capital needs for the foreseeable future.  We have no material commitments for capital expenditures.
 
As a registered broker-dealer, Gabelli & Company is subject to certain net capital requirements.  Gabelli & Company's net capital has historically exceeded these minimum net capital requirements.  Gabelli & Company 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 at March 31, 2012.  At March 31, 2012, Gabelli & Company had net capital, as defined, of approximately $6.9 million, exceeding the regulatory requirement by approximately $6.7 million.  During the second quarter of 2011, we received regulatory approval of our newly registered broker-dealer, G.distributors, which became the distributor of the open-end mutual funds on August 1, 2011.  G.distributors 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 (“Exchange Act”).  The requirement was $250,000 at March 31, 2012.  At March 31, 2012, G.distributors had net capital, as defined, of approximately $2.8 million, exceeding the regulatory requirement by approximately $2.5 million.  Net capital requirements for our affiliated broker-dealers may increase in accordance with rules and regulations to the extent they engage in other business activities.

Market Risk
 
Our primary market risk exposure is to changes in equity prices and interest rates.  Since over 90% of our AUM are equities, our financial results are subject to equity-market risk as revenues from our investment management services are sensitive to stock market dynamics.  In addition, returns from our proprietary investment portfolio are exposed to interest rate and equity market risk.

The Company’s Chief Investment Officer oversees the proprietary investment portfolios and allocations of proprietary capital among the various strategies.  The Chief Investment Officer and the Board of Directors review the proprietary investment portfolios throughout the year.  Additionally, the Company has a risk committee which monitors the proprietary investment portfolios to ensure that they are in compliance with the Company’s guidelines.

Equity Price Risk
 
The Company earns substantially all of its revenue as advisory and distribution fees from our affiliated open-end and closed-end funds, Institutional and Private Wealth Management, and Investment Partnership assets.  Such fees represent a percentage of AUM and the majority of these assets are in equity investments.  Accordingly, since revenues are proportionate to the value of those investments, a substantial increase or decrease in equity markets overall will have a corresponding effect on the Company's revenues.
 
With respect to our proprietary investment activities, included in investments in securities of $257.6 million at March 31, 2012 were investments in United States Treasury Bills and Notes of $48.6 million, in mutual funds, largely invested in equity products, of $3.6 million, a selection of common and preferred stocks totaling $204.9 million, and other investments of approximately $0.5 million.  In addition, we may alter our investment holdings from time to time in response to changes in market risks and other factors considered appropriate by management.  Of the approximately $204.9 million invested in common and preferred stocks at March 31, 2012, $34.6 million represented our investment in Westwood Holdings Group Inc., and $70.3 million was invested by the Company in risk arbitrage opportunities in connection with mergers, consolidations, acquisitions, tender offers or other similar transactions.  Risk arbitrage generally involves announced deals with agreed upon terms and conditions, including pricing, which typically involve less market risk than common stocks held in a trading portfolio.  The principal risk associated with risk arbitrage transactions is the inability of the companies involved to complete the transaction.  Securities sold, not yet purchased are stated at fair value and are subject to market risks resulting from changes in price and volatility.  At March 31, 2012, the fair value of securities sold, not yet purchased was $9.7 million.  Investments in partnerships totaled $101.7 million at March 31, 2012, the majority of which consisted of investment partnerships and offshore funds which invest in risk arbitrage opportunities.  

 
 
31

 
 
 
The following table provides a sensitivity analysis for our investments in equity securities and partnerships and affiliates which invest primarily in equity securities, excluding arbitrage products for which the principal exposure is to deal closure and not overall market conditions, as of March 31, 2012.  The sensitivity analysis assumes a 10% increase or decrease in the value of these investments (in thousands):
 
         
Fair Value
   
Fair Value
 
         
assuming
   
assuming
 
         
10% decrease in
   
10% increase in
 
  (unaudited)
 
Fair Value
   
equity prices
   
equity prices
 
At March 31, 2012:
                 
Equity price sensitive investments, at fair value
  $ 291,867     $ 262,680     $ 321,054  
At December 31, 2011:
                       
Equity price sensitive investments, at fair value
  $ 261,024     $ 234,922     $ 287,126  

Interest Rate Risk
 
Our exposure to interest rate risk results, principally, from our investment of excess cash in a money market fund that holds U.S. Government securities.  These investments are primarily short term in nature, and the carrying value of these investments generally approximates fair value.  Based on March 31, 2012, cash and cash equivalent balance of $324.6 million a 1% increase in interest rates would increase our interest income by $3.3 million annually.  Given that our current return on these cash equivalent investment is approximately 0.00% annually, an analysis of a 1% decrease is not meaningful.

As the advisor to a money market fund that invests 100% in U.S. Government securities our exposure to interest rate risk results from the fund’s potential inability to earn a return in excess of the fund’s expenses.  If the fund were to earn no return on its $1.9 billion in assets, the advisor could be responsible to cover the fund’s expenses of approximately $570,000, or 0.03%, annually.

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 GAMCO’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 7, 2012 for details on Significant Accounting Policies.
 
Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
In the normal course of its business, GAMCO is exposed to risk of loss due to fluctuations in the securities market and general economy. Management is responsible for identifying, assessing and managing market and other risks. 

Our exposure to pricing risk in equity securities is directly related to our role as financial intermediary and advisor for AUM in our affiliated open-end and closed-end funds, institutional and private wealth management accounts, and Investment Partnerships as well as our proprietary investment and trading activities.  At March 31, 2012, we had equity investments, including mutual funds largely invested in equity products, of $319.9 million.  Investments in mutual funds, $65.9 million, usually generate lower market risk through the diversification of financial instruments within their portfolios.  In addition, we may alter our investment holdings from time to time in response to changes in market risks and other factors considered appropriate by management.  We also hold investments in partnerships which invest primarily in equity securities and which are subject to changes in equity prices.  Investments in partnerships totaled $101.7 million, of which $49.8 million were invested in partnerships which invest in risk arbitrage.  Risk arbitrage is primarily dependent upon deal closure rather than the overall market environment.  The equity investment portfolio is at fair value and will move in line with the equity markets.  The trading portfolio changes will be recorded as net gain from investments in the condensed consolidated statements of income while the available for sale portfolio changes will be recorded in other comprehensive income in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures
 
We evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2012.  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”), Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), and Co-Chief Accounting Officers (“CAOs”), to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  Our CEO, CFO, and CAOs participated in this evaluation and concluded that, as of the date of March 31, 2012, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
 
 
 
32

 
 
 
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; and 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 is 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.  The Company cannot predict the ultimate outcome of such matters.  The 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, if material, makes the necessary disclosures.  Such amounts, both those that are probable and those that are reasonably possible, are not considered material to the Company’s financial condition, operations or cash flows.

 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 GAMCO during the three months ended March 31, 2012:

               
(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
   
Share, net of
   
Announced Plans
   
Purchased Under
 
Period
 
Repurchased
   
Commissions
   
or Programs
   
the Plans or Programs
 
1/01/12 - 1/31/12
    1,462     $ 43.49       1,462       571,905  
2/01/12 - 2/28/12
    12,995       47.79       12,995       558,910  
3/01/12 - 3/31/12
    210,276       44.14       210,276       348,634  
Totals
    224,733     $ 44.35       224,733          
 
Our stock repurchase programs are not subject to expiration dates.

 
 
33

 
 
 
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.
  
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.
 
GAMCO INVESTORS, INC.
(Registrant)
 
By:/s/ Kieran Caterina
 
By:/s/ Diane M. LaPointe
 
Name: Kieran Caterina
Name:  Diane M. LaPointe
Title: Co-Chief Accounting Officer
Title: Co-Chief Accounting Officer
   
Date: May 1, 2012
Date: May 1, 2012
 
 
 
34