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GAMCO INVESTORS, INC. ET AL - Quarter Report: 2017 June (Form 10-Q)

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

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2017
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)

Delaware
 
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   No 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes  No

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

Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company o Emerging growth company
   
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes    No 
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the Registrant's classes of Common Stock, as of the latest practical date.
Class
 
Outstanding at July 31, 2017
Class A Common Stock, .001 par value
  (Including 420,240 restricted stock awards)
10,208,724
Class B Common Stock, .001 par value
 
19,092,168


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 June 30, 2017 and 2016
 
- Six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016
   
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income:
 
- Three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016
 
- Six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016
   
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition:
 
- June 30, 2017
 
- December 31, 2016
 
- June 30, 2016
   
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity:
 
- Six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016
   
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:
 
- Six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016
   
 
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
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Revenues
                       
Investment advisory and incentive fees
 
$
76,625
   
$
72,794
   
$
151,614
   
$
143,642
 
Distribution fees and other income
   
10,975
     
11,150
     
21,903
     
21,687
 
Total revenues
   
87,600
     
83,944
     
173,517
     
165,329
 
Expenses
                               
Compensation
   
29,437
     
20,623
     
54,715
     
40,897
 
Management fee
   
2,356
     
1,133
     
4,520
     
2,213
 
Distribution costs
   
10,795
     
10,501
     
21,708
     
21,218
 
Other operating expenses
   
5,352
     
4,940
     
10,471
     
9,312
 
Total expenses
   
47,940
     
37,197
     
91,414
     
73,640
 
                                 
Operating income
   
39,660
     
46,747
     
82,103
     
91,689
 
Other income (expense)
                               
Net gain/(loss) from investments
   
(14
)
   
240
     
26
     
463
 
Interest and dividend income
   
551
     
365
     
1,020
     
733
 
Interest expense
   
(2,749
)
   
(3,168
)
   
(5,581
)
   
(6,574
)
Total other income/(expense), net
   
(2,212
)
   
(2,563
)
   
(4,535
)
   
(5,378
)
Income before income taxes
   
37,448
     
44,184
     
77,568
     
86,311
 
Income tax provision
   
14,554
     
16,641
     
29,854
     
32,743
 
Net income attributable to GAMCO Investors, Inc.'s shareholders
 
$
22,894
   
$
27,543
   
$
47,714
   
$
53,568
 
                                 
Net income attributable to GAMCO Investors, Inc.'s shareholders
                               
per share:
                               
Basic
 
$
0.79
   
$
0.94
   
$
1.65
   
$
1.83
 
                                 
Diluted
 
$
0.76
   
$
0.93
   
$
1.58
   
$
1.82
 
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                               
Basic
   
28,896
     
29,234
     
28,933
     
29,241
 
                                 
Diluted
   
31,100
     
29,522
     
31,130
     
29,510
 
                                 
Dividends declared:
 
$
0.02
   
$
0.02
   
$
0.04
   
$
0.04
 

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
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
                 
Net income
 
$
22,894
   
$
27,543
   
$
47,714
   
$
53,568
 
Other comprehensive gain/(loss), net of tax:
                               
Foreign currency translation
   
37
     
(65
)
   
47
     
(93
)
Net unrealized losses on securities available for sale (a)
   
1,259
     
(2,766
)
   
(1,302
)
   
(183
)
Other comprehensive income / (loss)
   
1,296
     
(2,831
)
   
(1,255
)
   
(276
)
                                 
Comprehensive income attributable to GAMCO Investors, Inc.
 
$
24,190
   
$
24,712
   
$
46,459
   
$
53,292
 

(a) Net of income tax benefit of $739, ($1,624), ($765) and ($107), respectively.

See accompanying notes.

4

GAMCO INVESTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
UNAUDITED
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

   
June 30,
   
December 31,
   
June 30,
 
   
2017
   
2016
   
2016
 
ASSETS
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
90,405
   
$
39,812
   
$
24,224
 
Investments in securities
   
35,225
     
37,285
     
32,079
 
Receivable from brokers
   
843
     
453
     
230
 
Investment advisory fees receivable
   
27,495
     
43,736
     
31,811
 
Receivable from affiliates
   
4,893
     
5,960
     
-
 
Income tax receivable and deferred tax asset
   
19,361
     
9,349
     
11,905
 
Other assets
   
12,709
     
12,634
     
13,665
 
Total assets
 
$
190,931
   
$
149,229
   
$
113,914
 
                         
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
                       
Payable to brokers
 
$
4,670
   
$
66
   
$
45
 
Income taxes payable and deferred tax liabilities
   
3,486
     
3,815
     
822
 
Capital lease obligation
   
5,008
     
5,066
     
5,120
 
Compensation payable
   
53,642
     
42,384
     
25,592
 
Payable to affiliates
   
2,387
     
1,412
     
1,226
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
   
28,791
     
29,178
     
30,483
 
Sub-total
   
97,984
     
81,921
     
63,288
 
                         
4.5% Convertible note (net of issuance costs of $147, $165 and $0, respectively)
                       
  (due August 15, 2021) (Note F)
   
109,853
     
109,835
     
-
 
AC 4% PIK Note (due November 30, 2020) (Note F)
   
80,000
     
100,000
     
250,000
 
Loan from GGCP (due ) (Note F)
                       
5.875% Senior notes (net of issuance costs of $93, $105 and $116, respectively)
                       
  (due June 1, 2021) (Note F)
   
24,132
     
24,120
     
24,109
 
Total liabilities
   
311,969
     
315,876
     
337,397
 
                         
Commitments and contingencies (Note I)
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
                         
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;
                       
  15,475,025, 15,477,082 and 15,482,982 issued, respectively;10,208,724,
                       
  10,369,601 and 10,681,153 outstanding, respectively
   
14
     
14
     
14
 
Class B Common Stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized;
                       
  24,000,000 shares issued; 19,092,168, 19,093,311 and 19,093,311 shares
                       
  outstanding, respectively
   
19
     
19
     
19
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
8,981
     
3,903
     
2,417
 
Retained earnings (deficit)
   
127,058
     
80,515
     
18,155
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
10,016
     
11,271
     
8,839
 
Treasury stock, at cost (5,266,301, 5,107,481 and 4,801,829 shares, respectively)
   
(267,126
)
   
(262,369
)
   
(252,927
)
Total GAMCO Investors, Inc. stockholders' equity (deficit)
   
(121,038
)
   
(166,647
)
   
(223,483
)
                         
Total liabilities and equity (deficit)
 
$
190,931
   
$
149,229
   
$
113,914
 

See accompanying notes.

5

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

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2017

   
GAMCO Investors, Inc. stockholders
 
                     
Accumulated
             
         
Additional
         
Other
             
   
Common
   
Paid-in
   
Retained
   
Comprehensive
   
Treasury
       
   
Stock
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
Income
   
Stock
   
Total
 
Balance at December 31, 2016
 
$
33
   
$
3,903
   
$
80,515
   
$
11,271
   
$
(262,369
)
 
$
(166,647
)
Net income
   
-
     
-
     
47,714
     
-
     
-
     
47,714
 
Net unrealized loss on
                                               
securities available for sale,
                                               
net of income tax benefit ($752)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(1,281
)
   
-
     
(1,281
)
Amounts reclassified from
                                               
  accumulated other
                                               
  comprehensive income,
                                               
  net of income tax benefit ($13)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(21
)
   
-
     
(21
)
Foreign currency translation
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
47
     
-
     
47
 
Dividends declared ($0.04 per
                                               
share)
   
-
     
-
     
(1,171
)
   
-
     
-
     
(1,171
)
Stock based compensation
                                               
expense
   
-
     
5,078
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
5,078
 
Purchase of treasury stock
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(4,757
)
   
(4,757
)
Balance at June 30, 2017
 
$
33
   
$
8,981
   
$
127,058
   
$
10,016
   
$
(267,126
)
 
$
(121,038
)

See accompanying notes.

6

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

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016

   
GAMCO Investors, Inc. stockholders
 
                     
Accumulated
             
         
Additional
   
Retained
   
Other
             
   
Common
   
Paid-in
   
Earnings
   
Comprehensive
   
Treasury
       
   
Stock
   
Capital
   
(Deficit)
   
Income
   
Stock
   
Total
 
Balance at December 31, 2015
 
$
33
   
$
345
   
$
(34,224
)
 
$
9,115
   
$
(251,596
)
 
$
(276,327
)
Net income
   
-
     
-
     
53,568
     
-
     
-
     
53,568
 
Net unrealized losses on
                                               
securities available for sale,
                                               
net of income tax benefit ($49)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(85
)
   
-
     
(85
)
Amounts reclassified from
                                               
accumulated other
                                               
comprehensive income,
                                               
net of income tax expense ($58)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(98
)
   
-
     
(98
)
Foreign currency translation
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(93
)
   
-
     
(93
)
Dividends declared ($0.04 per
                                               
share)
   
-
     
-
     
(1,189
)
   
-
     
-
     
(1,189
)
Stock based compensation
                                               
expense
   
-
     
2,072
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
2,072
 
Purchase of treasury stock
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(1,331
)
   
(1,331
)
Balance at June 30, 2016
 
$
33
   
$
2,417
   
$
18,155
   
$
8,839
   
$
(252,927
)
 
$
(223,483
)


See accompanying notes.


7

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

   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
Operating activities
           
Net income
 
$
47,714
   
$
53,568
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
   
294
     
313
 
Stock based compensation expense
   
5,078
     
2,072
 
Deferred income taxes
   
(5,698
)
   
(2,016
)
Foreign currency translation loss
   
47
     
(93
)
Cost basis of donated securities
   
16
     
65
 
Net gains on sales of available for sale securities
   
-
     
(4
)
(Increase) decrease in assets:
               
Investments in trading securities
   
27
     
223
 
Receivable from affiliates
   
1,069
     
5,036
 
Receivable from brokers
   
(390
)
   
861
 
Investment advisory fees receivable
   
16,241
     
(762
)
Income taxes receivable and deferred tax assets
   
(10,013
)
   
(5,118
)
Other assets
   
(357
)
   
(769
)
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
               
Payable to affiliates
   
974
     
(6,461
)
Payable to brokers
   
4,604
     
32
 
Income taxes payable and deferred tax liabilities
   
6,134
     
(1,875
)
Compensation payable
   
11,254
     
1,172
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
   
(458
)
   
1,533
 
Total adjustments
   
28,822
     
(5,791
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
76,536
   
$
47,777
 

8

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

   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
Investing activities
           
Purchases of available for sale securities
 
$
(50
)
 
$
(213
)
Proceeds from sales of available for sale securities
   
-
     
408
 
Net cash provided by investing activities
   
(50
)
   
195
 
                 
Financing activities
               
Dividends paid
   
(1,156
)
   
(1,170
)
Purchase of treasury stock
   
(4,757
)
   
(1,331
)
Repayment of AC 4% PIK Note
   
(20,000
)
   
-
 
Repayment of loan from GGCP
   
-
     
(35,000
)
Amortization of debt issuance costs
   
30
     
12
 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
   
(25,883
)
   
(37,489
)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
   
(10
)
   
22
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
50,593
     
10,505
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
39,812
     
13,719
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
90,405
   
$
24,224
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
Cash paid for interest
 
$
3,824
   
$
1,089
 
Cash paid for taxes
 
$
38,905
   
$
39,354
 

Non-cash activity:
-
For the six months ended June 30, 2017 and June 30, 2016, the Company accrued dividends on restricted stock awards of $15 and $19, respectively.


See accompanying notes.

9

GAMCO INVESTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
June 30, 2017
(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 U.S. GAAP in the United States for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows of GAMCO for the interim periods presented and are not necessarily indicative of a full year’s results.
 
The interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of GAMCO and its subsidiaries.  Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated.
 
These interim 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, 2016.

Use of Estimates

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

Recent Accounting Developments

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in the Accounting Standards Codification ("Codification") Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the industry topics of the Codification.  The core principle of the new ASU No. 2014-09 is for companies to recognize revenue from the transfer of goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.  The new standard provides a five-step approach to be applied to all contracts with customers and also requires expanded disclosures about revenue recognition.  In March 2016, the FASB issued revised guidance which clarifies the guidance related to (a) determining the appropriate unit of account under the revenue standard’s principal versus agent guidance and (b) applying the indicators of whether an entity is a principal or an agent in accordance with the revenue standard’s control principle. In April 2016, the FASB issued an amendment to provide more detailed guidance including additional implementation guidance and examples related to a) identifying performance obligations and b) licenses of intellectual property. In May 2016, the FASB amended the standard to clarify the guidance on assessing collectability, presenting sales taxes, measuring noncash consideration, and certain transition matters. This new guidance will be effective for the Company's first quarter of 2018 and requires either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adoption. The Company’s implementation analysis is ongoing; however, it does not expect the adoption of the guidance to have a significant effect on the timing of the recognition of revenue. The Company is currently evaluating performance obligations and the related transaction costs. The Company is also reviewing and preparing for the enhanced disclosure requirements of the standard.  The overall effect upon adoption may change based on further analysis and implementation efforts. The Company has not yet determined which transition method it will use.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, which amends the guidance in U.S. GAAP on the classification and measurement of financial instruments. Although the ASU retains many current requirements, it significantly revises an entity’s accounting related to (1) the classification and measurement of investments in equity securities and (2) the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. The ASU also amends certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. In addition, the FASB clarified guidance related to the valuation allowance assessment when recognizing deferred tax assets resulting from unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt securities. To adopt the amendments, entities will be required to make a cumulative-effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which the guidance is effective. This new guidance will be effective for the Company’s first quarter of 2018. Upon adoption of this guidance, changes in the fair value of the Company’s available-for-sale investments will be reported through earnings rather than through other comprehensive income.


10

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, which amends the guidance in U.S. GAAP for the accounting for leases.  ASU 2016-02 requires a lessee to recognize assets and liabilities arising from most operating leases in the condensed consolidated statement of financial position. It requires these operating leases to be recorded on the balance sheet as right of use assets and offsetting lease liability obligations.  This new guidance will be effective for the Company’s first quarter of 2019. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance and the impact it will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions for both public and nonpublic entities, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. For public companies, the ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those annual reporting periods.  The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2017 without a material impact to the consolidated financial statements.  Please see Note D.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, which adds and clarifies guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the consolidated statements of cash flows.  This guidance is intended to unify the currently diverse presentations and classifications, which address eight classification issues related to the statement of cash flows, including debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs, settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, including bank-owned life insurance policies, distributions received from equity method investees, beneficial interests in securitization transactions, and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. This new guidance will be effective for the Company’s first quarter of 2018 and requires a retrospective approach to adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the potential effect of this new guidance on its condensed consolidated financial statements and the related disclosures.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04 to simplify the process used to test for goodwill impairment.  A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. This new guidance will be effective for the Company’s first quarter of 2020. The Company is currently evaluating the potential effect of this new guidance on its condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

On May 10, 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, which amends the scope of modification accounting for share-based payment arrangements.  The ASU provides guidance on the types of changes to the terms or conditions of share-based payment awards to which an entity would be required to apply modification accounting under ASC 718.  Specifically, an entity would not apply modification accounting if the fair value, vesting conditions, and classification of the awards are the same immediately before and after the modification.  For all entities, the ASU is effective for annual reporting periods, including interim periods within those annual reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2017.  Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period.  This ASU, which we did not early adopt, would not have impacted the accounting for the acceleration of vesting of restricted stock awards during the quarter ended June 30, 2017.


11


B.  Investment in Securities

Investments in securities at June 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016 consisted of the following:

   
June 30, 2017
   
December 31, 2016
   
June 30, 2016
 
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Trading securities:
                                   
Common stocks
 
$
20
   
$
26
   
$
51
   
$
54
   
$
16
   
$
17
 
Mutual Funds
   
1
     
1
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Total trading securities
   
21
     
27
     
51
     
54
     
16
     
17
 
                                                 
Available for sale securities:
                                               
Common stocks
   
18,773
     
35,088
     
18,739
     
37,131
     
17,642
     
32,062
 
Closed-end funds
   
99
     
110
     
99
     
100
     
-
     
-
 
Total available for sale securities
   
18,872
     
35,198
     
18,838
     
37,231
     
17,642
     
32,062
 
                                                 
Total investments in securities
 
$
18,893
   
$
35,225
   
$
18,889
   
$
37,285
   
$
17,658
   
$
32,079
 

There were no securities sold, not yet purchased at June 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016.
 
Management determines the appropriate classification of debt and equity securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such designation as of the date of each condensed consolidated statement of financial condition.  Investments in United States Treasury Bills and Notes with maturities of greater than three months at the time of purchase are classified as investments in securities, and those with maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase are classified as cash equivalents.  The portion of investments in securities held for resale in anticipation of short-term market movements are classified as trading securities.  Trading securities are stated at fair value, with any unrealized gains or losses reported in current period earnings.  Available for sale (“AFS”) investments are stated at fair value, with any unrealized gains or losses, net of taxes, reported as a component of equity except for losses deemed to be other than temporary (“OTT”) which are recorded as realized losses in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

The following table identifies all reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) into income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands):
 
Amount
 
Affected Line Items
 
Reason for
Reclassified
 
in the Statements
 
Reclassification
from AOCI
 
Of Income
 
from AOCI
Three Months Ended June 30,
        
2017
 
2016
        
 
$
-
   
$
2
 
Net gain from investments
 
Realized gain on sale of AFS securities
   
34
     
152
 
Other operating expenses/net gains from investments
 
Realized gain on donations of AFS securities
   
34
     
154
 
Income before income taxes
   
   
(13
)
   
(57
)
Income tax provision
   
 
$
21
   
$
97
 
Net income
   

Amount
 
Affected Line Items
 
Reason for
Reclassified
 
in the Statements
 
Reclassification
from AOCI
 
Of Income
 
from AOCI
Six Months Ended June 30,
        
2017
 
2016
        
 
$
-
   
$
4
 
Net gain from investments
 
Realized gain on sale of AFS securities
   
34
     
152
 
Other operating expenses/net gains from investments
 
Realized gain on donations of AFS securities
               
Net gain from investments
 
Other than temporary impairment of AFS securities
   
34
     
156
 
Income before income taxes
   
   
(13
)
   
(58
)
Income tax provision
   
 
$
21
   
$
98
 
Net 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 June 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016:

 
June 30, 2017
 
     
Gross
 
Gross
     
     
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
     
 
Cost
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Common stocks
 
$
18,773
   
$
16,315
   
$
-
   
$
35,088
 
Closed-end funds
   
99
     
11
     
-
     
110
 
Total available for sale securities
 
$
18,872
   
$
16,326
   
$
-
   
$
35,198
 

 
December 31, 2016
 
     
Gross
 
Gross
     
     
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
     
 
Cost
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Common stocks
 
$
18,739
   
$
18,392
   
$
-
   
$
37,131
 
Closed-end funds
   
99
     
1
     
-
     
100
 
Total available for sale securities
 
$
18,838
   
$
18,393
   
$
-
   
$
37,231
 

 
June 30, 2016
 
     
Gross
 
Gross
     
     
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
     
 
Cost
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Common stocks
 
$
17,642
   
$
14,420
   
$
-
   
$
32,062
 
Total available for sale securities
 
$
17,642
   
$
14,420
   
$
-
   
$
32,062
 

A net unrealized gain, net of taxes, for the three months ended June 30, 2017 of $1.3 million has been included in other comprehensive income, a component of equity, at June 30, 2017.  A net unrealized loss, net of taxes, for the three months ended June 30, 2016 of $2.8 million has been included in other comprehensive income, a component of equity, at June 30, 2016.  There were no sales of investments available for sale for the three months ended June 30, 2017.  During the three months ended June 30, 2016, proceeds from the sales of investments available for sale were approximately $100,000 and gross gains on the sale of investments available for sale amounted to $2,000 and were reclassified from other comprehensive income into net gain from investments in the condensed consolidated statements of income.  There were no realized losses on the sale of investments available for sale for the three months ended June 30, 2017 or June 30, 2016.  A net unrealized loss, net of taxes, for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and June 30, 2016 of $1.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively, has been included in other comprehensive income, a component of equity, at June 30, 2017 and June 30, 2016, respectively.  There were no sales of investments available for sale for the six months ended June 30, 2017.  During the six months ended June 30, 2016, proceeds from the sales of investments available for sale were approximately $408,000 and gross gains on the sale of investments available for sale amounted to $4,000 and were reclassified from other comprehensive income into net gain from investments in the condensed consolidated statements of income.  There were no realized losses on the sale of investments available for sale for the six months ended June 30, 2017 or June 30, 2016.  The basis on which the cost of a security sold is determined using specific identification.  Accumulated other comprehensive income on the condensed consolidated statements of equity is primarily comprised of unrealized gains/losses, net of taxes, for AFS securities.

GBL has an established accounting policy and methodology to determine other-than-temporary impairment on available for sale securities.  Under this policy, available for sale securities are evaluated for other than temporary impairments and any impairment charges are recorded in net gain/(loss) from investments on the condensed consolidated statements of income.  Management reviews all available for sale securities whose cost exceeds their market value to determine if the impairment is other than temporary.  Management uses qualitative factors such as diversification of the investment, the amount of time that the investment has been impaired, the intent to sell and the severity of the decline in determining whether the impairment is other than temporary.  

There were no investments classified as available for sale that were in an unrealized loss position at June 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 or June 30, 2016.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 there were no losses on available for sale securities that were deemed to be other than temporary.


13

C. Fair Value

The following tables present information about the Company’s assets and liabilities by major categories measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016 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 June 30, 2017 (in thousands)

   
Quoted Prices in Active
   
Significant Other
   
Significant
   
Balance as of
 
   
Markets for Identical
   
Observable
   
Unobservable
   
June 30,
 
Assets
 
Assets (Level 1)
   
Inputs (Level 2)
   
Inputs (Level 3)
   
2017
 
Cash equivalents
 
$
90,206
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
90,206
 
Investments in securities:
                               
AFS - Common stocks
   
35,088
     
-
     
-
     
35,088
 
AFS - Closed-end Funds
   
110
     
-
     
-
     
110
 
Trading - Common stocks
   
26
     
-
     
-
     
26
 
Trading - Mutual Funds
   
1
     
-
     
-
     
1
 
Total investments in securities
   
35,225
     
-
     
-
     
35,225
 
Total assets at fair value
 
$
125,431
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
125,431
 

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis as of December 31, 2016 (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)
   
2016
 
Cash equivalents
 
$
39,638
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
39,638
 
Investments in securities:
                               
AFS - Common stocks
   
37,131
     
-
     
-
     
37,131
 
AFS - Closed-end Funds
   
100
     
-
     
-
     
100
 
Trading - Common stocks
   
54
     
-
     
-
     
54
 
Total investments in securities
   
37,285
     
-
     
-
     
37,285
 
Total assets at fair value
 
$
76,923
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
76,923
 

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis as of June 30, 2016 (in thousands)

   
Quoted Prices in Active
   
Significant Other
   
Significant
   
Balance as of
 
   
Markets for Identical
   
Observable
   
Unobservable
   
June 30,
 
Assets
 
Assets (Level 1)
   
Inputs (Level 2)
   
Inputs (Level 3)
   
2016
 
Cash equivalents
 
$
23,988
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
23,988
 
Investments in securities:
                               
AFS - Common stocks
   
32,062
     
-
     
-
     
32,062
 
Trading - Common stocks
   
17
     
-
     
-
     
17
 
Total investments in securities
   
32,079
     
-
     
-
     
32,079
 
Total assets at fair value
 
$
56,067
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
56,067
 

During the quarters ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, there were no transfers between any Level 1 and Level 2 holdings, or between Level 1 and Level 3 holdings.

D. Income Taxes

The effective tax rate (“ETR”) for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and June 30, 2016 was 38.9% and 37.7%, respectively.  The ETR for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and June 30, 2016 was 38.5% and 37.9%, respectively.

ASU 2016-09, which was issued in March 2016 and became effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, simplifies several aspects of accounting for employee share-based payment transactions. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-09 on January 1, 2017, our accounting for excess tax benefits has changed and adopted prospectively, resulting in recognition of excess tax benefits or tax deficiencies against income tax expenses rather than additional paid-in capital.  During the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, the ETR was higher by 0.6% and 0.3%, respectively, as a result of a reduction to previously recorded stock compensation tax benefits.

14

E. Earnings Per Share

The computations of basic and diluted net income per share are as follows:

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Basic:
                       
Net income attributable to GAMCO Investors, Inc.'s
                       
shareholders
 
$
22,894
   
$
27,543
   
$
47,714
   
$
53,568
 
Weighted average shares outstanding
   
28,896
     
29,234
     
28,933
     
29,241
 
Basic net income per share attributable to GAMCO
                               
Investors, Inc.'s shareholders
 
$
0.79
   
$
0.94
   
$
1.65
   
$
1.83
 
                                 
Diluted:
                               
Net income attributable to GAMCO Investors, Inc.'s shareholders
 
$
22,894
   
$
27,543
   
$
47,714
   
$
53,568
 
Add interest on convertible note, net of management fee and taxes
   
748
     
-
     
1,496
     
-
 
Total income attributable to GAMCO Investors, Inc.'s shareholders
 
$
23,642
   
$
27,543
   
$
49,210
   
$
53,568
 
                                 
Weighted average share outstanding
   
28,896
     
29,234
     
28,933
     
29,241
 
Restricted stock awards
   
204
     
288
     
197
     
269
 
Assumed conversion of convertible note
   
2,000
     
-
     
2,000
     
-
 
Total
   
31,100
     
29,522
     
31,130
     
29,510
 
                                 
Diluted net income per share attributable to GAMCO
                               
Investors, Inc.'s shareholders
 
$
0.76
   
$
0.93
   
$
1.58
   
$
1.82
 

F. Debt

Debt consists of the following:

 
June 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
June 30, 2016
 
 
Carrying
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying
 
Fair Value
 
 
Value
 
Level 2
 
Value
 
Level 2
 
Value
 
Level 2
 
(In thousands)
                       
4.5 % Convertible note
 
$
109,853
     
112,176
   
$
109,835
   
$
111,525
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
AC 4% PIK Note
   
80,000
     
91,599
     
100,000
     
100,930
     
250,000
     
251,909
 
5.875% Senior notes
   
24,132
     
24,822
     
24,120
     
24,558
     
24,109
     
24,483
 
Total
 
$
213,985
   
$
228,597
   
$
233,955
   
$
237,013
   
$
274,109
   
$
276,392
 

4.5% Convertible Note

On August 15, 2016, the Company issued and sold a 5-year, $110 million convertible note (“Convertible Note”).  The note bears interest at a rate of 4.5% per annum and is convertible into shares of the Company’s Class A Common stock (“Class A Stock”) at an initial conversion price of $55.00 per share.  The Convertible Note is initially convertible into two million shares of the Company’s Class A Stock, subject to adjustment pursuant to the terms of the Convertible Note.  The Company is required to repurchase the Convertible Note at the request of the holder on specified dates or after certain circumstances involving a Fundamental Change (as defined in the Convertible Note).  The Company recorded $174,000 of costs in connection with the issuance of the Convertible Note.  GGCP, Inc. (“GGCP”), which owns approximately 63 % of the equity interest of the Company, has deposited cash equal to the principal amount of the Note and six months interest (“Initial Deposit”) into an escrow account established pursuant to an escrow agreement by and among GGCP, the Company, the Convertible Note holder and the escrow agent.  In connection with the Initial Deposit made by GGCP, the Company has agreed that GGCP has a right to demand payment in an amount equal to any funds withdrawn from the escrow account by the Convertible Note holder.

AC 4% PIK Note

In connection with the spin-off of AC on November 30, 2015, the Company issued a $250 million promissory note (the “AC 4% PIK Note”) payable to AC.  The AC 4% PIK Note bears interest at 4.0% per annum.  The original principal amount has a maturity date of November 30, 2020.  Interest on the AC 4% PIK Note will accrue from the date of the last interest payment, or if no interest has been paid, from the effective date of the AC 4% PIK Note.  At the election of the Company, payment of interest on the AC 4% PIK Note may be paid in kind (in whole or in part) on the then-outstanding principal amount (a “PIK Amount”) in lieu of cash.  All PIK Amounts added to the outstanding principal amount of the AC 4% PIK Note will mature on the fifth anniversary from the date the PIK Amount was added to the outstanding principal of the AC 4% PIK Note.  In no event may any interest be paid in kind subsequent to November 30, 2019.  The Company may prepay the AC 4% PIK Note (in whole or in part) prior to maturity without penalty.


15

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, the Company prepaid $10 million and $20 million, respectively, of principal of the AC 4% PIK Note against the principal amount due on November 30, 2018.  Of the $80 million principal amount outstanding after this payment, $10 million is due on November 30, 2018, $20 million is due on November 30, 2019, and $50 million is due on November 30, 2020.

5.875% Senior notes

On May 31, 2011, the Company issued 10-year, $100 million senior notes (“Senior Notes”).  The Senior 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 Senior Notes at 101% of their principal amount.

At June 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016, the debt was recorded at its face value, net of issuance costs, of $24.1 million, $24.1 million and $24.1 million, respectively.

The fair value of the Companys 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.

G. Stockholders Equity
 
Shares outstanding were 29.3 million, 29.5 million and 29.8 million on June 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016, respectively.

Dividends

 
 Payment
Record
     
 
 Date
Date
 
Amount
 
           
Three months ended March 31, 2017
March 28, 2017
March 14, 2017
 
$
0.02
 
Three months ended June 30, 2017
July 11, 2017
June 27, 2017
 
 
0.02
 
Six months ended June 30, 2017
      
$
0.04
 

 
 Payment
Record
     
 
 Date
Date
 
Amount
 
           
Three months ended March 31, 2016
March 29, 2016
March 15, 2016
 
$
0.02
 
Three months ended June 30, 2016
June 28, 2016
June 14, 2016
 
 
0.02
 
Six months ended June 30, 2016
      
$
0.04
 

Voting Rights

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

Stock Award and Incentive Plan
 
The Company maintains two Plans approved by the shareholders, which are designed to provide incentives which will attract and retain individuals key to the success of GBL 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 7.5 million shares of Class A Stock have been reserved for issuance under the Plans by a committee of the Board of Directors responsible for administering the Plans (“Compensation Committee”). Under the 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.


16

As of June 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016, there were 420,240 RSA shares, 424,340 RSA shares and 549,700 RSA shares outstanding, respectively, that were previously issued at an average weighted grant price of $65.59, $65.74 and $63.99, respectively. These RSA grants occurred prior to the spin-off of Associated Capital (“AC”). On November 30, 2015, pursuant to the spin-off, all RSA grant holders received shares of AC’s Class A common stock as a result of their ownership of their GAMCO unvested RSAs (one share of AC for each share of GBL). All grants of the RSA shares were recommended by the Company's Chairman, who did not receive a RSA, and approved by the Compensation Committee. This expense, net of estimated forfeitures, is recognized over the vesting period for these awards which is either (1) 30% over three years from the date of grant and 70% over five years from the date of grant or (2) 30% over three years from the date of grant and 10% each year over years four through ten from the date of grant.  During the vesting period, dividends to RSA holders are held for them until the RSA vesting dates and are forfeited if the grantee is no longer employed by the Company on the vesting dates.  Dividends declared on these RSAs, less estimated forfeitures, are charged to retained earnings (deficit) on the declaration date.

On June 1, 2017, the Compensation Committee of AC accelerated the vesting of all 420,240 AC RSAs outstanding effective June 15, 2017.  As a result, GBL recorded an incremental $3.7 million of stock-based compensation for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017.  This amount related to GBL teammates who held AC RSAs.  While there will be no further expense related to these AC RSAs recorded by GBL after the second quarter ended June 30, 2017, there will be expense for the still outstanding GBL RSAs.  See table below for the impact by quarter.

ASU 2016-09, which was issued in March 2016 and became effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, simplifies several aspects of accounting for employee share-based payment transactions.  Upon adoption of ASU 2016-09 on January 1, 2017, the Company elected not to change its accounting policy on forfeitures and continue to estimate forfeitures rather than accounting for forfeitures as they occur, an alternative allowed under ASU 2016-09.  The Company’s accounting treatment for excess tax benefits or tax deficiencies also changed with the adoption of ASU 2016-09 on January 1, 2017. Excess tax benefits or tax deficiencies are now required to be recorded within the income tax expense line in the consolidated statement of income rather than to additional paid-in capital within the condensed consolidated statement of financial condition.  During the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, the Company reduced previously recorded tax benefits relating to RSA expense by $(0.3) million on RSAs that vested.

For the three months ended June 30, 2017 and June 30, 2016, we recognized stock-based compensation expense of $4.4 million and $1.0 million, respectively.  For the six months ended June 30, 2017 and June 30, 2016, we recognized stock-based compensation expense of $5.1 million and $2.1 million, respectively.  The three and six month amounts include the $3.7 million related to the AC RSAs’ accelerated vesting mentioned above.  All stock-based compensation expense in future periods will relate to GBL RSAs only.

Actual and projected stock-based compensation expense for RSA shares for the years ended December 31, 2016 through December 31, 2024 is as follows (in thousands):

     
2016
   
2017
   
2018
   
2019
   
2020
   
2021
   
2022
   
2023
   
2024
 
 
Q1
   
$
1,037
   
$
699
   
$
237
   
$
187
   
$
114
   
$
75
   
$
49
   
$
25
   
$
4
 
 
Q2
     
1,036
     
4,381
     
232
     
187
     
106
     
75
     
49
     
25
     
4
 
 
Q3
     
1,186
     
307
     
206
     
165
     
88
     
59
     
35
     
12
     
3
 
 
Q4
     
691
     
264
     
187
     
150
     
75
     
49
     
25
     
4
     
-
 
Full Year
   
$
3,950
   
$
5,651
   
$
862
   
$
689
   
$
383
   
$
258
   
$
158
   
$
66
   
$
11
 

The total compensation cost related to non-vested RSAs not yet recognized is approximately $3.0 million as of June 30, 2017.

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 3, 2017, our Board of Directors authorized an incremental 500,000 shares to be added to the current buyback authorization.  For the three months ended June 30, 2017 and June 30, 2016, the Company repurchased 33,410 shares and 12,532 shares, respectively, at an average price per share of $28.80 and $34.61, respectively.  For the six months ended June 30, 2017 and June 30, 2016, the Company repurchased 158,820 shares and 43,035 shares, respectively, at an average price per share of $29.94 and $30.93, respectively.  From the inception of the program through June 30, 2017, 10,060,160 shares have been repurchased at an average price of $44.09 per share.  At June 30, 2017, the total shares available under the program to be repurchased in the future were 574,648.


17

Shelf Registration

On May 4, 2015, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) declared effective the “shelf” registration statement filed by the Company. The “shelf” provides the Company with the flexibility of issuing any combination of senior and subordinated debt securities, convertible securities and common and preferred securities up to a total amount of $500 million and replaced the existing shelf registration which expired in May 2015.  As of June 30, 2017, $500 million is available on the shelf.

H. Identifiable Intangible Assets

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 June 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016. 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 2018. On November 1, 2015, as a result of becoming the advisor to the Bancroft Fund Ltd. and the Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. and the associated consideration paid, the Company maintains an identifiable intangible asset of $1.6 million within other assets on the condensed consolidated statement of financial condition at June 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016.  The advisory contracts for the Bancroft Fund Ltd. and the Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. are both next up for renewal in August 2017. 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 June 30, 2017 or June 30, 2016, and as such there was no impairment analysis performed or charge recorded.

I. Commitments and Contingencies

From time to time, the Company may be named in legal actions and proceedings. These actions may seek substantial or indeterminate compensatory as well as punitive damages or injunctive relief. The Company is also subject to governmental or regulatory examinations or investigations. The examinations or investigations could result in adverse judgments, settlements, fines, injunctions, restitutions or other relief. For any such matters, the condensed consolidated financial statements include the necessary provisions for losses that the Company believes are probable and estimable. Furthermore, the Company evaluates whether there exist losses which may be reasonably possible and will, if material, make the necessary disclosures.  However, management believes such amounts, both those that are probable and those that are reasonably possible, are not material to the Company’s financial condition, operations or cash flows at June 30, 2017.

J. Subsequent Events
 
On August 3, 2017, the Board of Directors declared its regular quarterly dividend of $0.02 per share to all of its shareholders, payable on September 26, 2017 to shareholders of record on September 12, 2017.

On August 3, 2017, the Board of Directors increased the authorization under the Stock Repurchase Program by an additional 425,352 shares.  As a result, there are 1,000,000 shares available to be repurchased under this existing buyback plan.

18

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 open-end funds, closed-end funds, and institutional and private wealth management investors principally in the United States.  Through G.distributors, LLC (“G.distributors”), we provide open-end 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 the following subsidiaries: GAMCO Asset Management Inc. (Institutional and Private Wealth Management) and Gabelli Funds, LLC (Funds).  The distribution of our open-end funds is conducted through G.distributors, our broker-dealer subsidiary.
 
Assets under management (“AUM”) were $41.3 billion as of June 30, 2017, a decrease of $0.1 billion, or 0.1%, from March 31, 2017 of $41.4 billion and an increase of $2.0 billion, or 5.2% from the June 30, 2016 AUM of $39.3 billion.  The second quarter 2017 activity consisted of net cash outflows of $0.6 billion, $0.7 billion of market appreciation and recurring distributions, net of reinvestments, from open-end and closed-end funds of $0.1 billion.  Average total AUM was $41.5 billion in the 2017 quarter versus $38.9 billion in the prior year period, an increase of 6.7%.

In addition to management fees, we earn incentive fees for certain institutional client assets, certain assets attributable to preferred issues of our closed-end funds and our GDL Fund (NYSE: GDL).  As of June 30, 2017, assets under management with incentive based fees were $2.5 billion unchanged from the $2.5 billion on both March 31, 2017 and June 30, 2016. 
19

The Company reported Assets Under Management as follows (in millions):
 
Table I: Fund Flows - 2nd Quarter 2017

                     
Fund
       
         
Market
         
distributions,
       
   
March 31,
   
appreciation/
   
Net cash
   
net of
   
June 30,
 
   
2017
   
(depreciation)
   
flows
   
reinvestments
   
2017
 
Equities:
                             
Open-end Funds
 
$
13,708
   
$
215
   
$
(339
)
 
$
(10
)
 
$
13,574
 
Closed-end Funds
   
7,315
     
172
     
(10
)
   
(118
)
   
7,359
 
Institutional & PWM - direct
   
13,492
     
234
     
(289
)
   
-
     
13,437
 
Institutional & PWM - sub-advisory
   
5,019
     
80
     
(51
)
   
-
     
5,048
 
SICAV
   
49
     
2
     
(1
)
   
-
     
50
 
Total Equities
   
39,583
     
703
     
(690
)
   
(128
)
   
39,468
 
Fixed Income:
                                       
Money-Market Fund
   
1,752
     
4
     
57
     
-
     
1,813
 
Institutional & PWM
   
34
     
-
     
(5
)
   
-
     
29
 
Total Fixed Income
   
1,786
     
4
     
52
     
-
     
1,842
 
Total Assets Under Management
 
$
41,369
   
$
707
   
$
(638
)
 
$
(128
)
 
$
41,310
 


Table II: Fund Flows - Year to date June 2017

                       
Fund
       
         
Market
            
distributions,
       
   
December 31,
   
appreciation/
   
Net cash
     
net of
   
June 30,
 
   
2016
   
(depreciation)
   
flows
     
reinvestments
   
2017
 
Equities:
                               
Open-end Funds
 
$
13,462
   
$
837
   
$
(704
)
   
$
(21
)
 
$
13,574
 
Closed-end Funds
   
7,150
     
463
     
(14
)
     
(240
)
   
7,359
 
Institutional & PWM - direct
   
13,441
     
910
     
(914
)
     
-
     
13,437
 
Institutional & PWM - sub-advisory
   
3,783
     
154
     
1,111
 
(a)
   
-
     
5,048
 
SICAV
   
50
     
4
     
(4
)
     
-
     
50
 
Total Equities
   
37,886
     
2,368
     
(525
)
     
(261
)
   
39,468
 
Fixed Income:
                                         
Money-Market Fund
   
1,767
     
5
     
41
       
-
     
1,813
 
Institutional & PWM
   
31
     
-
     
(2
)
     
-
     
29
 
Total Fixed Income
   
1,798
     
5
     
39
       
-
     
1,842
 
Total Assets Under Management
 
$
39,684
   
$
2,373
   
$
(486
)
   
$
(261
)
 
$
41,310
 

(a) Includes $1.2 billion from being approved as the sub-advisor on two sub-advisory entities as of February 27, 2017.
20

Table III: Assets Under Management by Quarter

                     
% Change From
 
   
June 30,
   
March 31,
   
June 30,
   
March 31,
   
June 30,
 
   
2017
   
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Equities:
                             
Open-end Funds
 
$
13,574
   
$
13,708
   
$
13,981
     
(1.0
%)
   
(2.9
%)
Closed-end Funds
   
7,359
     
7,315
     
6,917
     
0.6
     
6.4
 
Institutional & PWM - direct
   
13,437
     
13,492
     
13,326
     
(0.4
)
   
0.8
 
Institutional & PWM - sub-advisory
   
5,048
     
5,019
     
3,459
     
0.6
     
45.9
 
SICAV
   
50
     
49
     
40
     
2.0
     
25.0
 
Total Equities
   
39,468
     
39,583
     
37,723
     
(0.3
)
   
4.6
 
Fixed Income:
                                       
Money-Market Fund
   
1,813
     
1,752
     
1,518
     
3.5
     
19.4
 
Institutional & PWM
   
29
     
34
     
32
     
(14.7
)
   
(9.4
)
Total Fixed Income
   
1,842
     
1,786
     
1,550
     
3.1
     
18.8
 
Total Assets Under Management
 
$
41,310
   
$
41,369
   
$
39,273
     
(0.1
%)
   
5.2
%
 
Institutional & PWM - direct includes $300 million, $292 million and $307 million of Money Market Fund AUM at June 30, 2017, March 31, 2017 and June 30, 2016, respectively.

21

DEFERRED COMPENSATION
 
On December 21, 2015, GAMCO entered into a deferred compensation agreement with Mr. Gabelli whereby his variable cash compensation for 2016 was deferred (“2016 Deferred Cash Compensation Agreement” or “2016 DCCA”).  When the restrictions lapse on January 1, 2020 (the “Lapse Date”), the 2016 DCCA can be settled in either cash or stock.  Notwithstanding its ability to settle this agreement in stock, GAMCO currently intends to make a cash payment to Mr. Gabelli on the Lapse Date.  While the agreement itself does not change Mr. Gabelli’s compensation, the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) reporting for his compensation has changed.  The three and six month 2016 results were materially bolstered by the GAAP-mandated treatment of this agreement while the three and six month 2017 results were materially encumbered.  Under GAAP, only 25% of this expense was recognized in the 2016 year, 12.5% was recognized in the first half of 2017, and the remaining 62.5% will be amortized ratably as expense in the second half of 2017 and in 2018 and 2019.

On December 23, 2016, GAMCO entered into a second deferred compensation agreement with Mr. Gabelli for the period of January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2017 (“2017 Deferred Cash Compensation Agreement” or “2017 DCCA”).  Mr. Gabelli’s variable cash compensation for that period will vest on July 1, 2018.  For GAAP accounting purposes, the compensation earned from January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2017 will be expensed ratably from January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018.  As a result, under GAAP, the three and six month 2017 results were materially bolstered by the GAAP-mandated treatment.  Under GAAP, only 33% of the total 2017 DCCA expense was recognized in the first half of 2017 with the remaining 67% to be amortized as expense from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018.

The table below shows the effect of recording the DCCAs on a GAAP basis versus recording the expense in the period it was earned:

             
Full Year
 
 
Q2 2016
   
Q2 2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019
 
           
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016 DCCA
 
(13,046)
   
3,964
   
(53,516)
   
8,564
   
17,129
   
17,129
2017 DCCA
 
-
   
(11,353)
 
 
-
 
 
(11,379)
 
 
11,379
 
 
-

Accordingly, margins for the second quarter and first six months of 2017 and 2016 therefore are not comparable with periods prior to the issuance of the 2016 and 2017 DCCAs.

The GAAP based balance sheets are also impacted; the compensation payable at June 30, 2017 only includes 18/48ths of the 2016 DCCA compensation and 1/3rd of the 2017 DCCA compensation.  At June 30, 2017, the amount of unrecognized compensation was $67.5 million.

The following tables show a reconciliation of our results for the second quarters and first halves of 2017 and 2016, and our balance sheet at June 30, 2017 between the GAAP basis and a non-GAAP adjusted basis as if all of the 2016 and 2017 DCCAs expense was recognized in 2016 and 2017, respectively.  We believe the non-GAAP financial measures below provide relevant and meaningful information to investors about our core operating results.  These measures have been established in order to increase transparency for the purpose of evaluating our core business, for comparing results with prior period results, and to enable more appropriate comparisons with industry peers.  However, non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered a substitute for financial measures calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP and may be calculated differently by other companies.  The following schedules reconcile U.S. GAAP financial measures to non-GAAP measures for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 as well as at June 30, 2017.
 
 
22


 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
 
                         
   
Reported
   
Impact of
   
Impact of
       
 
 
GAAP
   
2017 DCCA
   
2016 DCCA
   
Non-GAAP
 
Revenues
                       
Investment advisory and incentive fees
 
$
76,625
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
76,625
 
Distribution fees and other income
   
10,975
     
-
     
-
     
10,975
 
Total revenues
   
87,600
     
-
     
-
     
87,600
 
Expenses
                               
Compensation
   
29,437
     
9,666
     
(3,260
)
   
35,843
 
Management fee
   
2,356
     
1,687
     
(704
)
   
3,339
 
Distribution costs
   
10,795
     
-
     
-
     
10,795
 
Other operating expenses
   
5,352
     
-
     
-
     
5,352
 
Total expenses
   
47,940
     
11,353
     
(3,964
)
   
55,329
 
 
                               
Operating income
   
39,660
     
(11,353
)
   
3,964
     
32,271
 
Other income (expense)
                               
Net gain (loss) from investments
   
(14
)
   
-
     
-
     
(14
)
Interest and dividend income
   
551
     
-
     
-
     
551
 
Interest expense
   
(2,749
)
   
-
     
-
     
(2,749
)
Total other expense, net
   
(2,212
)
   
-
     
-
     
(2,212
)
Income before income taxes
   
37,448
     
(11,353
)
   
3,964
     
30,059
 
Income tax provision
   
14,554
     
(4,412
)
   
1,541
     
11,683
 
Net income attributable to GAMCO Investors, Inc.'s shareholders
 
$
22,894
   
$
(6,941
)
 
$
2,423
   
$
18,376
 
                                 
Net income attributable to GAMCO Investors, Inc.'s shareholders
                               
per share:
                               
Basic
 
$
0.79
   
$
(0.24
)
 
$
0.08
   
$
0.64
 
Diluted
 
$
0.76
   
$
(0.22
)
 
$
0.08
   
$
0.61
 
 

 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
 
                         
   
Reported
   
Impact of
   
Impact of
       
 
 
GAAP
   
2017 DCCA
   
2016 DCCA
   
Non-GAAP
 
Revenues
                       
Investment advisory and incentive fees
 
$
151,614
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
151,614
 
Distribution fees and other income
   
21,903
     
-
     
-
     
21,903
 
Total revenues
   
173,517
     
-
     
-
     
173,517
 
Expenses
                               
Compensation
   
54,715
     
19,206
     
(5,759
)
   
68,162
 
Management fee
   
4,520
     
3,552
     
(1,484
)
   
6,588
 
Distribution costs
   
21,708
     
-
     
-
     
21,708
 
Other operating expenses
   
10,471
     
-
     
-
     
10,471
 
Total expenses
   
91,414
     
22,758
     
(7,243
)
   
106,929
 
 
                               
Operating income
   
82,103
     
(22,758
)
   
7,243
     
66,588
 
Other income (expense)
                               
Net gain (loss) from investments
   
26
     
-
     
-
     
26
 
Interest and dividend income
   
1,020
     
-
     
-
     
1,020
 
Interest expense
   
(5,581
)
   
-
     
-
     
(5,581
)
Total other expense, net
   
(4,535
)
   
-
     
-
     
(4,535
)
Income before income taxes
   
77,568
     
(22,758
)
   
7,243
     
62,053
 
Income tax provision
   
29,854
     
(8,761
)
   
2,791
     
23,884
 
Net income attributable to GAMCO Investors, Inc.'s shareholders
 
$
47,714
   
$
(13,997
)
 
$
4,452
   
$
38,169
 
                                 
Net income attributable to GAMCO Investors, Inc.'s shareholders
                               
per share:
                               
Basic
 
$
1.65
   
$
(0.48
)
 
$
0.15
   
$
1.32
 
Diluted
 
$
1.58
   
$
(0.45
)
 
$
0.14
   
$
1.27
 
 
 
23

 
   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2016
 
                   
   
Reported
   
Impact of
       
   
GAAP
   
2016 DCCA
   
Non-GAAP
 
Revenues
                 
  Investment advisory and incentive fees
 
$
72,794
   
$
-
   
$
72,794
 
  Distribution fees and other income
   
11,150
     
-
     
11,150
 
Total revenues
   
83,944
     
-
     
83,944
 
Expenses
                       
  Compensation
   
20,623
     
10,719
     
31,342
 
  Management fee
   
1,133
     
2,327
     
3,460
 
  Distribution costs
   
10,501
     
-
     
10,501
 
  Other operating expenses
   
4,940
     
-
     
4,940
 
Total expenses
   
37,197
     
13,046
     
50,243
 
                         
Operating income
   
46,747
     
(13,046
)
   
33,701
 
Other income (expense)
                       
  Net gain from investments
   
240
     
-
     
240
 
  Interest and dividend income
   
365
     
-
     
365
 
  Interest expense
   
(3,168
)
   
-
     
(3,168
)
Total other expense, net
   
(2,563
)
   
-
     
(2,563
)
Income before income taxes
   
44,184
     
(13,046
)
   
31,138
 
Income tax provision
   
16,641
     
(4,916
)
   
11,725
 
Net income attributable to GAMCO Investors, Inc.'s shareholders
 
$
27,543
   
$
(8,130
)
 
$
19,413
 
                         
Net income attributable to GAMCO Investors, Inc.'s shareholders
                       
  per share:
                       
Basic
 
$
0.94
   
$
(0.28
)
 
$
0.66
 
Diluted
 
$
0.93
   
$
(0.28
)
 
$
0.66
 
 
 
   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
 
                   
   
Reported
   
Impact of
       
   
GAAP
   
2016 DCCA
   
Non-GAAP
 
Revenues
                 
  Investment advisory and incentive fees
 
$
143,642
   
$
-
   
$
143,642
 
  Distribution fees and other income
   
21,687
     
-
     
21,687
 
Total revenues
   
165,329
     
-
     
165,329
 
Expenses
                       
  Compensation
   
40,897
     
21,131
     
62,028
 
  Management fee
   
2,213
     
4,526
     
6,739
 
  Distribution costs
   
21,218
     
-
     
21,218
 
  Other operating expenses
   
9,312
     
-
     
9,312
 
Total expenses
   
73,640
     
25,657
     
99,297
 
                         
Operating income
   
91,689
     
(25,657
)
   
66,032
 
Other income (expense)
                       
  Net gain from investments
   
463
     
-
     
463
 
  Interest and dividend income
   
733
     
-
     
733
 
  Interest expense
   
(6,574
)
   
-
     
(6,574
)
Total other expense, net
   
(5,378
)
   
-
     
(5,378
)
Income before income taxes
   
86,311
     
(25,657
)
   
60,654
 
Income tax provision
   
32,743
     
(9,736
)
   
23,007
 
Net income attributable to GAMCO Investors, Inc.'s shareholders
 
$
53,568
   
$
(15,921
)
 
$
37,647
 
                         
Net income attributable to GAMCO Investors, Inc.'s shareholders
                       
  per share:
                       
Basic
 
$
1.83
   
$
(0.54
)
 
$
1.29
 
Diluted
 
$
1.82
   
$
(0.54
)
 
$
1.28
 
 
 
24

 
 
 
 
June 30, 2017
 
                         
   
Reported
   
Impact of
   
Impact of
       
 
 
GAAP
   
2016 DCCA
   
2017 DCCA
   
Non-GAAP
 
ASSETS
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
90,405
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
90,405
 
Investments in securities
   
35,225
     
-
     
-
     
35,225
 
Receivable from brokers
   
843
     
-
     
-
     
843
 
Investment advisory fees receivable
   
27,495
     
-
     
-
     
27,495
 
Receivable from affiliates
   
4,893
     
-
     
-
     
4,893
 
Income tax receivable
   
19,361
     
9,378
     
16,272
     
45,011
 
Other assets
   
12,709
     
-
     
-
     
12,709
 
Total assets
 
$
190,931
   
$
9,378
   
$
16,272
   
$
216,581
 
 
                               
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
                               
Payable to brokers
   
4,670
     
-
     
-
     
4,670
 
Income taxes payable and deferred tax liabilities
   
3,486
     
-
     
-
     
3,486
 
Capital lease obligation
   
5,008
     
-
     
-
     
5,008
 
Compensation payable
   
53,642
     
24,679
     
42,822
     
121,143
 
Payable to affiliates
   
2,387
     
-
     
-
     
2,387
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
   
28,791
     
-
     
-
     
28,791
 
Sub-total
   
97,984
     
24,679
     
42,822
     
165,485
 
 
                               
4.5% Convertible note (due August 15, 2021)
   
109,853
     
-
     
-
     
109,853
 
AC 4% PIK Note (due November 30, 2020)
   
80,000
     
-
     
-
     
80,000
 
5.875% Senior notes (due June 1, 2021)
   
24,132
     
-
     
-
     
24,132
 
Total liabilities
   
311,969
     
24,679
     
42,822
     
379,470
 
 
                               
Equity
                               
GAMCO Investors, Inc. stockholders' equity
                               
Class A Common Stock
   
14
     
-
     
-
     
14
 
Class B Common Stock
   
19
     
-
     
-
     
19
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
8,981
     
-
     
-
     
8,981
 
Retained earnings (deficit)
   
127,058
     
(15,301
)
   
(26,550
)
   
85,207
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
10,016
     
-
     
-
     
10,016
 
Treasury stock, at cost
   
(267,126
)
   
-
     
-
     
(267,126
)
Total GAMCO Investors, Inc. stockholders' equity (deficit)
   
(121,038
)
   
(15,301
)
   
(26,550
)
   
(162,889
)
Total liabilities and equity (deficit)
 
$
190,931
   
$
9,378
   
$
16,272
   
$
216,581
 
 
 
25

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

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 Compared To Three Months Ended June 30, 2016

(Unaudited; in thousands, except per share data)
     
 
 
2017
   
2016
 
Revenues
           
Investment advisory and incentive fees
 
$
76,625
   
$
72,794
 
Distribution fees and other income
   
10,975
     
11,150
 
Total revenues
   
87,600
     
83,944
 
Expenses
               
Compensation
   
29,437
     
20,623
 
Management fee
   
2,356
     
1,133
 
Distribution costs
   
10,795
     
10,501
 
Other operating expenses
   
5,352
     
4,940
 
Total expenses
   
47,940
     
37,197
 
Operating income
   
39,660
     
46,747
 
Other income (expense)
               
Net gain from trading securities
   
(14
)
   
240
 
Interest and dividend income
   
551
     
365
 
Interest expense
   
(2,749
)
   
(3,168
)
Total other expense, net
   
(2,212
)
   
(2,563
)
Income before income taxes
   
37,448
     
44,184
 
Income tax provision
   
14,554
     
16,641
 
Net income attributable to GAMCO Investors, Inc.'s shareholders
 
$
22,894
   
$
27,543
 
 
               
Net income attributable to GAMCO Investors, Inc.'s shareholders per share:
               
Basic
 
$
0.79
   
$
0.94
 
                 
Diluted
 
$
0.76
   
$
0.93
 

Overview

Income for the quarter was $22.9 million, or $0.76 per fully diluted share, versus $27.5 million, or $0.93 per fully diluted share, in the prior year’s quarter.  The quarter to quarter comparison was impacted by higher revenues partially offset by higher variable compensation.

Revenues
 
Investment advisory and incentive fees for the second quarter 2017 were $76.6 million, 5.2% higher than the 2016 comparative figure of $72.8 million.  Open-end fund revenues increased by 2.1% to $33.4 million from $32.7 million in the second quarter of 2016.  Our closed-end fund revenues increased 10.5% to $15.8 million in the second quarter 2017 from $14.3 million in 2016 due to a 8.7% increase in non-performance fee based average AUM.  Institutional and private wealth management account revenues, excluding incentive fees, which are generally based on beginning of quarter AUM, rose $1.2 million to $26.4 million from $25.2 million in the second quarter of 2016.  There were no incentive fees earned during the second quarters of 2017 or 2016.  We recognize incentive fees only when the earning period for them is complete.  Revenues relating to the SICAV were $1.0 million in the second quarter of 2017 versus $0.6 million in the second quarter of 2016.
 
Open-end fund distribution fees and other income were $11.0 million for the second quarter 2017, a decrease of $0.2 million or 1.8% from $11.2 million in the prior year period, primarily due to lower average AUM in open-end equity funds that generate distribution fees.


26

Expenses
 
Compensation costs, which are largely variable, were $29.4 million or 42.7% higher than prior year compensation costs of $20.6 million.  The 2017 DCCA resulted in variable compensation being reduced by $9.7 million during the second quarter of 2017.  This expense will be recognized ratably over the vesting period through July 1, 2018.  The 2016 DCCA resulted in variable compensation for the second quarter of 2017 being increased by $3.3 million while the variable compensation for the second quarter of 2016 was reduced by $10.7 million.  The remainder of the quarter over quarter increase was comprised of a $1.3 million increase in variable compensation related to the increased levels of AUM, a $0.1 million decrease in fixed compensation, and a $3.3 million net increase in stock compensation expense, inclusive of the $3.7 million incurred in the second quarter of 2017 for the acceleration of the AC RSAs.
 
Management fee expense, which is wholly variable and based on pretax income, increased to $2.4 million in the second quarter of 2017 from $1.1 million in the 2016 period.  The management fee expense for the second quarter of 2016 was lower by $2.3 million due to the accounting for the 2016 DCCA while the management fee for the second quarter of 2017 was higher by $0.7 million due to the 2016 DCCA but $1.7 million lower due to the 2017 DCCA.
 
Distribution costs were $10.8 million, an increase of $0.3 million or 2.9% from $10.5 million in the prior year’s period.

Other operating expenses were $5.4 million in the second quarter of 2017, an increase of $0.5 million, or 10.2%, from $4.9 million in the second quarter of 2016. The research fee paid to G.research increased to $0.8 million in the second quarter of 2017 from $0.4 million in the prior year quarter.

Operating income for the second quarter of 2017 was $39.7 million, a decrease of $7.0 million, or 15.0%, from the $46.7 million in the second quarter of 2016.  Operating income, as a percentage of revenues, was 45.3% in the 2017 quarter as compared to 55.7% in the 2016 quarter.

Other expense
 
Total other expense, net was an expense of $2.2 million for the second quarter 2017 versus an expense of $2.6 million in the prior year’s quarter.  Net losses from trading securities were $14,000 in the second quarter of 2017 versus gains of $0.2 million in the second quarter of 2016.  Interest and dividend income increased to $0.5 million in the second quarter 2017 from $0.4 million in the second quarter 2016.  Interest expense decreased $0.5 million to $2.7 million in the second quarter of 2017 from $3.2 million in the second quarter of 2016 as gross debt at June 30, 2017 was $60.1 million lower as debt fell from $274.1 million at June 30, 2016 to $214.0 million at June 30, 2017.
 
The effective tax rates (“ETR”) for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and June 30, 2016 were 38.9% and 37.7%, respectively.  The ETR for the three months ended June 30, 2017 was higher by 0.6% than it would have otherwise been as a result of a reduction to previously recorded stock compensation tax benefits.

27

Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Compared To Six Months Ended June 30, 2016

(Unaudited; in thousands, except per share data)
     
   
2017
   
2016
 
Revenues
           
Investment advisory and incentive fees
 
$
151,614
   
$
143,642
 
Distribution fees and other income
   
21,903
     
21,687
 
Total revenues
   
173,517
     
165,329
 
Expenses
               
Compensation
   
54,715
     
40,897
 
Management fee
   
4,520
     
2,213
 
Distribution costs
   
21,708
     
21,218
 
Other operating expenses
   
10,471
     
9,312
 
Total expenses
   
91,414
     
73,640
 
Operating income
   
82,103
     
91,689
 
Other income (expense)
               
Net gain from trading securities
   
26
     
463
 
Interest and dividend income
   
1,020
     
733
 
Interest expense
   
(5,581
)
   
(6,574
)
Total other expense, net
   
(4,535
)
   
(5,378
)
Income before income taxes
   
77,568
     
86,311
 
Income tax provision
   
29,854
     
32,743
 
Net income attributable to GAMCO Investors, Inc.'s shareholders
 
$
47,714
   
$
53,568
 
                 
Net income attributable to GAMCO Investors, Inc.'s shareholders per share:
               
Basic
 
$
1.65
   
$
1.83
 
                 
Diluted
 
$
1.58
   
$
1.82
 

Overview

Income for the first six months was $47.7 million, or $1.58 per fully diluted share, versus $53.6 million, or $1.82 per fully diluted share, in the prior year’s quarter.  The quarter to quarter comparison was impacted by higher revenues and lower other expense, net partially offset by higher variable compensation.

Revenues
 
Investment advisory and incentive fees for the six months ended June 2017 were $151.6 million, 5.6% higher than the 2016 comparative figure of $143.6 million.  Open-end fund revenues increased by 3.0% to $65.9 million from $64.0 million in the first six months of 2017 driven by a 1.2% increase in average open-end equity AUM.  Our closed-end fund revenues increased 13.9% to $31.2 million in the six months ended June 2017 from $27.4 million in 2016 due to a 12.3% increase in non-performance fee based average AUM.  Institutional and private wealth management account revenues, excluding incentive fees, which are generally based on beginning of quarter AUM, rose $1.5 million to $52.6 million from $51.1 million in the first six months of 2016.  There were no incentive fees earned during the first half of 2017 or 2016.  We recognize incentive fees only when the earning period for them is complete.  Revenues relating to the SICAV were $1.9 million in the six months ended June 2017 versus $1.1 million in the six months ended June 2016.
 
Open-end fund distribution fees and other income were $21.9 million for the first six months of 2017, an increase of $0.2 million or 0.9% from $21.7 million in the prior year period, primarily due to higher average AUM in open-end equity funds that generate distribution fees.

28

Expenses
 
Compensation costs, which are largely variable, were $54.7 million or 33.7% higher than prior year compensation costs of $40.9 million.  The 2017 DCCA resulted in variable compensation being reduced by $19.2 million during the first six months of 2017.  This expense will be recognized ratably over the vesting period through July 1, 2018.  The 2016 DCCA resulted in variable compensation for the first half of 2017 being increased by $5.8 million while the variable compensation for the first half of 2016 was reduced by $21.1 million.  The remainder of the period over period increase was comprised of a $3.0 million increase in variable compensation related to the increased levels of AUM, a $0.1 million increase in fixed compensation, and a $3.0 million net increase in stock compensation expense, inclusive of the $3.7 million incurred in 2017 for the acceleration of the AC RSAs.
 
Management fee expense, which is wholly variable and based on pretax income, increased to $4.5 million in the six months ended June 30, 2017 from $2.2 million in the 2016 period.  The management fee expense for the first half of 2016 was lower by $4.5 million due to the accounting for the 2016 DCCA while the management fee for the first half of 2017 was higher by $1.5 million due to the 2016 DCCA but $3.6 million lower due to the 2017 DCCA.
 
Distribution costs were $21.7 million, an increase of $0.5 million or 2.4% from $21.2 million in the prior year’s period.
 
Other operating expenses were $10.5 million in the first half of 2017, an increase of $1.2 million, or 12.9%, from $9.3 million in the first half of 2016. The research fee paid to G.research increased to $1.5 million in the six months ending June 30, 2017 from $0.8 million in the prior year period.

Operating income for the first half of 2017 was $82.1 million, a decrease of $9.6 million, or 10.5%, from the $91.7 million in the first half of 2016.  Operating income, as a percentage of revenues, was 47.3% in the 2017 period as compared to 55.5% in the 2016 period.

Other expense
 
Total other expense, net was an expense of $4.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 versus an expense of $5.4 million in the prior year’s period.  Net gains from trading securities decreased to $26,000 in the second half of 2017 from $0.5 million in the prior year period.  Interest and dividend income increased to $1.0 million in the first six months of 2017 from $0.7 million in the first six months of 2016.  Interest expense decreased $1.0 million to $5.6 million in the first six months of 2017 from $6.6 million in the first six months of 2016 as gross debt at June 30, 2017 was $214.0 million down from the $274.1 million at June 30, 2016.
 
The ETR for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and June 30, 2016 were 38.5% and 37.9%, respectively.  The ETR for the six months ended June 30, 2017 was higher by 0.3% than it would have otherwise been as a result of a reduction to previously recorded stock compensation tax benefits.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our principal assets are highly liquid in nature and consist of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and securities held for investment purposes.  Cash and cash equivalents are comprised primarily of 100% U.S. Treasury money market funds managed by GAMCO.

Summary cash flow data is as follows:

   
Six months ended
 
 
 
June 30,
 
 
 
2017
   
2016
 
Cash flows provided by (used in) operations :
 
(in thousands)
 
Operating activities
 
$
76,536
   
$
47,777
 
Investing activities
   
(50
)
   
195
 
Financing activities
   
(25,883
)
   
(37,489
)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents from operations
   
50,603
     
10,483
 
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
   
(10
)
   
22
 
Net increase
   
50,593
     
10,505
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
39,812
     
13,719
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
90,405
   
$
24,224
 

Cash and liquidity requirements have historically been met through cash generated by operating income and our borrowing capacity.  We filed a registration statement with the SEC in 2015 which, among other things, provides us opportunistic 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 $500 million.  The shelf is available through April 2018, at which time it may be renewed.


29

At June 30, 2017, we had total cash and cash equivalents of $90.4 million, an increase of $50.6 million from December 31, 2016 primarily due to the Company’s operating activities described below.  Total debt outstanding at June 30, 2017 was $214 million, consisting of $80 million of a 4% PIK Note due November 30, 2020, $110 million of a 4.5% convertible note due August 15, 2021, and $24.2 million of 5.875% senior notes due 2021.  It is anticipated that the majority of our free cash flow will go towards servicing our debt for the next few years.
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2017, cash provided by operating activities was $76.5 million, an increase of $28.7 million from cash provided in the prior year period of $47.8 million.  Cash was provided through a decrease in investment advisory fees receivable of $17.0 million, an increase in compensation payable of $10.1 million, an increase in payable to affiliates of $7.4 million, an increase in payable to brokers of $4.6 million, an increase of $3.0 million in stock based compensation expense and an increase in income taxes payable and deferred tax liabilities of $8.0 million.   Reducing cash was a decrease in net income of $5.9 million, an increase of $4.0 in receivable from affiliates, a decrease to accrued expenses and other liabilities of $2.0 million, an increase in deferred income taxes of $3.7 million, an increase in income tax receivable and deferred tax assets of $4.9 million, and $0.9 million from other sources.  Cash used in investing activities was $0.1 million.  Cash used in financing activities in the first half of 2017 was $25.9 million, including $4.8 million paid for the purchase of treasury stock, and $1.2 million paid in dividends and $20.0 million for the partial repayment for the 4% PIK Note.
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2016, cash provided by operating activities was $47.8 million. Cash provided by investing activities, related to proceeds from sales of available for sale securities was $0.2 million in the first six months of 2016.  Cash used in financing activities in the first six months of 2016 was $37.5 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.

We have one broker-dealer, G.distributors, which is subject to certain net capital requirements.  G.distributors computes it net capital under the alternative method permitted, which requires minimum net capital of the greater of $250,000 or 2% of the aggregate debit items in the reserve formula for those broker-dealers subject to Rule 15c3-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  The requirement was $250,000 for the broker-dealer at June 30, 2017.  At June 30, 2017, G.distributors had net capital, as defined, of approximately $3.3 million, exceeding the regulatory requirement by approximately $3.0 million.  Net capital requirements for our affiliated broker-dealer 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 approximately 96% 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 monitors its 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 affiliated open-end and closed-end funds and Institutional and Private Wealth Management 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.
 
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With respect to our proprietary investment activities, investments in securities of $35.2 million, $37.3 million and $32.1 million at June 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016, respectively, included investments in common stocks of $35.1 million, $37.2 million and $32.1 million, respectively, and investments in closed-end funds of $0.1 million, $0.1 million and $0, respectively.  Of the $35.1 million, $37.2 million and $32.1 million, invested in common stocks at June 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016, respectively, $35.1 million, $37.1 million and $32.1 million, respectively, was related to our investment in Westwood Holdings Group Inc.  Securities sold, not yet purchased are financial instruments purchased under agreements to resell and financial instruments sold under agreement to repurchase.  These financial instruments are stated at fair value and are subject to market risks resulting from changes in price and volatility.  At June 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016, there were no securities sold, not yet purchased.

The following table provides a sensitivity analysis for our investments in equity securities as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.  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 June 30, 2017:
           
Equity price sensitive investments, at fair value
 
$
35,225
   
$
31,702
   
$
38,747
 
At December 31, 2016:
                       
Equity price sensitive investments, at fair value
 
$
37,285
   
$
33,557
   
$
41,014
 

Interest Rate Risk
 
Our exposure to interest rate risk results, principally, from our investment of excess cash in a sponsored 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 June 30, 2017, cash and cash equivalent balance of $90.4 million, a 1% increase in interest rates would increase our interest income by $0.9 million annually.  Given that our current return on these cash equivalent investments in this low interest rate environment is approximately 0.83% annually, an analysis of a 1% decrease is not meaningful.

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 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 8, 2017 for details on Critical 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 June 30, 2017, we had equity investments of $35.2 million.  We may alter our investment holdings from time to time in response to changes in market risks and other factors considered appropriate by management.  The equity investment portfolio is at fair value and will move in line with the equity markets.  The trading portfolio changes are recorded as net gain from investments in the condensed consolidated statements of income while the available for sale portfolio changes are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.
 
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Item 4.  Controls and Procedures
 
We evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2017.  Disclosure controls and procedures as defined under the Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e), are designed to ensure that the information we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in SEC rules and regulations.  Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Co-Chief Accounting Officers (“CAOs”), to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  Our CEO and CAOs participated in this evaluation and concluded that, as of the date of June 30, 2017, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
 
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting as defined by Rule 13a-15(f) that occurred during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
Forward-Looking Information
 
Our disclosure and analysis in this report contain some forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements give our current expectations or forecasts of future events. You can identify these statements because they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” and other words and terms of similar meaning. They also appear in any discussion of future operating or financial performance. In particular, these include statements relating to future actions, future performance of our products, expenses, the outcome of any legal proceedings, and financial results.  Although we believe that we are basing our expectations and beliefs on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of what we currently know about our business and operations, there can be no assurance that our actual results will not differ materially from what we expect or believe. Some of the factors that could cause our actual results to differ from our expectations or beliefs include, without limitation: the adverse effect from a decline in the securities markets; a decline in the performance of our products; a general downturn in the economy; changes in government policy or regulation; changes in our ability to attract or retain key employees; 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 may be named in legal actions and proceedings.  These actions may seek substantial or indeterminate compensatory as well as punitive damages or injunctive relief.  The Company is also subject to governmental or regulatory examinations or investigations.  The examinations or investigations could result in adverse judgments, settlements, fines, injunctions, restitutions or other relief.  For any such matters, the condensed consolidated financial statements include the necessary provisions for losses that the Company believes are probable and estimable.  Furthermore, the Company evaluates whether there exist losses which may be reasonably possible and will, if material, make the necessary disclosures.  However, management believes such amounts, both those that are probable and those that are reasonably possible, are not material to the Company’s financial condition, operations or cash flows at June 30, 2017.


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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 June 30, 2017:

             
(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
 
4/01/17 - 4/30/17
   
9,787
   
$
28.19
     
9,787
     
98,271
 
5/01/17 - 5/31/17
   
17,591
     
28.97
     
17,591
     
580,680
 
6/01/17 - 6/30/17
   
6,032
     
29.30
     
6,032
     
574,648
 
Totals
   
33,410
   
$
28.80
     
33,410
         

In May 2017, the Board of Directors increased the buyback authorization by 500,000 shares of GBL Class A stock.  Our stock repurchase program is not subject to an expiration date.
 
Item 5. Other Information

On August 3, 2017, following the shareholder meeting held on May 3, 2017, the Corporation’s Board of Directors determined that the frequency of the shareholder vote on “say-on-pay” will be every three years, which is consistent with the shareholder advisory vote.
 

Item 6. (a) Exhibits

 
31.1
Certification of CEO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).

 
31.2
Certification of co-CAO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
     
 
31.3
Certification of co-CAO 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 co-CAOs pursuant pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document


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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: August 3, 2017
Date: August 3, 2017

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