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HENNESSY ADVISORS INC - Quarter Report: 2006 December (Form 10-Q)

Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 


FORM 10-Q

 


 

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

For the Quarterly Period Ended December 31, 2006

 

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

For the Transition Period From              to             

Commission File Number 000-49872

 


HENNESSY ADVISORS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

California   68-0176227

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

7250 Redwood Blvd., Suite 200

Novato, California

  94945
(Address of principal executive office)   (Zip Code)

(415) 899-1555

(Issuer’s telephone number)

 


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, and accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):

Large Accelerated Filer  ¨    Accelerated Filer  ¨    Non-accelerated Filer  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

As of January 10, 2007 there were 3,775,343 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.

 



Table of Contents

HENNESSY ADVISORS, INC.

INDEX

 

         

Page

Number

PART I.

   Financial Information   

Item 1.

  

Condensed Financial Statements

  
  

Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2006 (unaudited) and September 30, 2006

   3
  

Statements of Income for the three months ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 (unaudited)

   4
  

Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the three months ended December 31, 2006 (unaudited)

   5
  

Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 (unaudited)

   6
  

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements

   7

Item 2.

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   11

Item 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   17

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

   17

PART II.

  

Other Information

   18

Item 6.

  

Exhibits

   18

Signatures

      21

 

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Hennessy Advisors, Inc.

Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

     December 31,
2006
   September 30,
2006
     (Unaudited)     

Assets

     

Current assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 10,632    $ 10,360

Investments in marketable securities, at fair value

     5      5

Investment fee income receivable

     1,464      1,408

Prepaid expenses

     131      232

Deferred income tax asset

     263      259

Other current assets

     75      16
             

Total current assets

   $ 12,570    $ 12,280
             

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $131 and $106

   $ 364    $ 383

Management contracts, net of accumulated amortization of $629

     19,406      19,406

Non-compete agreement, net of accumulated amortization of $808 and $673

     808      943

Other assets

     106      95
             

Total assets

   $ 33,254    $ 33,107
             

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

     

Current liabilities:

     

Accrued liabilities and accounts payable

   $ 1,024    $ 2,248

Income taxes payable

     589      —  

Current portion of deferred rent

     10      —  

Current portion of long-term debt

     2,091      2,091
             

Total current liabilities

   $ 3,714    $ 4,339
             

Long-term debt

   $ 8,077    $ 8,599

Long-term portion of deferred rent

     17      —  

Deferred income tax liability

     1,306      1,219
             

Total liabilities

   $ 13,114    $ 14,157
             

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 8)

     

Stockholders’ equity:

     

Adjustable rate preferred stock, $25 stated value, 5,000,000 shares authorized: zero shares issued and outstanding

   $ —      $ —  

Common stock, no par value, 15,000,000 shares authorized:

     

3,775,343 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2006 and 3,772,205 at September 30, 2006

     7,602      7,551

Additional paid-in capital

     661      652

Retained earnings

     11,877      10,747
             

Total stockholders’ equity

   $ 20,140    $ 18,950
             

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 33,254    $ 33,107
             

See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements

 

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Hennessy Advisors, Inc.

Statements of Income

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended December 31,  
     2006     2005  
     (In thousands, except share and per share amounts)  

Revenue

    

Investment advisory fees

   $ 3,884     $ 3,257  

Shareholder service fees

     498       422  

Other

     5       4  
                

Total revenue

     4,387       3,683  
                

Operating expenses

    

Compensation and benefits

     894       663  

General and administrative

     472       432  

Mutual fund distribution

     867       741  

Amortization and depreciation

     163       151  
                

Total operating expenses

     2,396       1,987  

Operating income

     1,991       1,696  

Interest expense

     219       222  

Other income

     (117 )     (18 )
                

Income before income tax expense

     1,889       1,492  

Income tax expense

     754       597  
                

Net income

   $ 1,135     $ 895  
                

Earnings per share:

    

Basic

   $ 0.30     $ 0.24  
                

Diluted

   $ 0.29     $ 0.23  
                

Weighted average shares outstanding:

    

Basic

     3,751,664       3,696,944  
                

Diluted

     3,957,044       3,873,741  
                

See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements

 

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Hennessy Advisors, Inc.

Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

Three Months Ended December 31, 2006

(In thousands, except share data)

(Unaudited)

 

     Common
Shares
    Common
Stock
    Additional
Paid-in
Capital
    Retained
Earnings
    Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 

Balance as of September 30, 2006

   3,772,205     $ 7,551     $ 652     $ 10,747     $ 18,950  

Net income for three months ended December 31, 2006

   —         —         —         1,135       1,135  

Employee restricted stock vested

   3,750       61       (61 )     —         —    

Repurchase of vested employee restricted stock for tax withholding

   (612 )     (10 )     —         (5 )     (15 )

Employee restricted stock compensation

   —         —         59       —         59  

Tax benefit of restricted stock vesting

   —         —         11       —         11  
                                      

Balance as of December 31, 2006

   3,775,343     $ 7,602     $ 661     $ 11,877     $ 20,140  
                                      

See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.

 

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Hennessy Advisors, Inc.

Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended December 31,  
     2006     2005  
     (In thousands)  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 1,135     $ 895  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     163       151  

Loss on asset disposal

     —         33  

Deferred income taxes

     83       92  

Tax benefit exercised of employee and director stock options

     —         130  

Tax benefit from vesting of restricted stock units

     11       —    

Restricted stock units vested

     (15 )     —    

Deferred restricted stock unit compensation

     59       15  

(Increase) decrease in operating assets:

    

Investment fee income receivable

     (56 )     (69 )

Prepaid expenses

     101       104  

Other current assets

     (59 )     56  

Other assets

     (15 )     (22 )

Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:

    

Accrued liabilities and accounts payable

     (1,224 )     (993 )

Income taxes payable

     589       276  

Current portion of deferred rent

     10       —    

Long-term portion of deferred rent

     17       —    
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     799       668  
                

Cash flows used in investing activities:

    

Purchases of property and equipment

     (5 )     (202 )
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (5 )     (202 )
                

Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:

    

Principal payments on long-term debt

     (522 )     (523 )

Proceeds from exercise of employee and director stock options

     —         144  
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (522 )     (379 )
                

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     272       87  

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period

     10,360       6,291  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period

   $ 10,632     $ 6,378  
                

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

    

Cash paid for:

    

Income taxes

   $ —       $ —    
                

Interest

   $ 219     $ 218  
                

See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements

 

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Hennessy Advisors, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements

(1) Basis of Financial Statement Presentation

The accompanying condensed financial statements of Hennessy Advisors, Inc. (the “Company”) are unaudited, but in the opinion of management, such financial statements have been presented on the same basis as the audited financial statements and include all adjustments consisting of only normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The condensed financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. Operating results for the three months ended December 31, 2006, are not necessarily indicative of results which may be expected for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007. For additional information, refer to the financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006, which are included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-KSB, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 8, 2006.

The operating activities of the Company consist primarily of providing investment management services to six open-end mutual funds (the “Hennessy Funds”). The Company serves as investment advisor of the Hennessy Cornerstone Growth Fund, Hennessy Cornerstone Growth Fund-Series II, Hennessy Focus 30 Fund, Hennessy Cornerstone Value Fund, Hennessy Total Return Fund and Hennessy Balanced Fund.

(2) Management Contracts

As of December 31, 2006, Hennessy Advisors, Inc. had contractual management agreements with Hennessy Funds, Inc. for the Hennessy Balanced Fund and the Hennessy Total Return Fund; with Hennessy Mutual Funds, Inc. for the Hennessy Cornerstone Growth Fund, the Hennessy Cornerstone Value Fund and the Hennessy Focus 30 Fund; and with Hennessy Funds Trust for the Hennessy Cornerstone Growth Fund-Series II.

The management agreements were renewed by the Board of Directors of Hennessy Funds, Inc. and Hennessy Mutual Funds, Inc., at their meeting on March 7, 2006 for a period of one year. The management agreement with Hennessy Funds Trust was approved on April 5, 2005 for an initial period of two years, to be approved at least annually thereafter. The agreements may be renewed from year to year, as long as continuance is specifically approved at least annually in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act. Each management agreement will terminate in the event of its assignment, or it may be terminated by Hennessy Funds, Inc., Hennessy Mutual Funds, Inc., Hennessy Funds Trust (either by the Board of Directors or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of each Fund), or by Hennessy Advisors, upon 60 days’ prior written notice.

Under the terms of the management agreements, each Fund bears all expenses incurred in its operation that are not specifically assumed by Hennessy Advisors, the administrator or the distributor. Hennessy Advisors bears the expense of providing office space, shareholder servicing, fulfillment, clerical and bookkeeping services and maintaining books and records of the Funds. Hennessy Advisors has, from time to time, had contractural obligations to waive all or part of its management fees for the Funds it manages, but such agreements are now

 

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expired. Hennessy Advisors may still choose to voluntarily waive part of its management fees in order to maintain competitive expense ratios for its funds.

(3) Long-term Debt

On March 11, 2004, Hennessy Advisors, Inc. secured financing from US Bank National Association to acquire the management contracts for certain Lindner funds. The loan agreement required fifty-nine (59) monthly payments in the amount of $94,060 plus interest at the bank’s prime rate as it may change from time to time (currently 8.25%, in effect since June 29, 2006) and was secured by the Company’s assets. On July 1, 2005, the loan was amended to provide an additional $6.7 million to fund acquisition of the management contract for the Henlopen Fund. The amended loan after payment of an installment of $94,060 on July 10, 2005, requires 64 monthly payments in the amount of $174,210 plus interest at the bank’s prime rate (currently 8.25%) and is secured by the Company’s assets. The final installment of the then outstanding principal and interest is due September 30, 2010.

In connection with securing the financing discussed above, Hennessy Advisors, Inc. incurred loan costs in the amount of $101,110. These costs are included in other assets and the unamortized balance of $85,289 (as of the loan amendment date of July 1, 2005) is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 64 months.

(4) Investment Advisor and Shareholder Service Fee Revenue

Investment Advisory and Shareholder Service fees, which are the primary sources of revenue, are recorded when earned. The Company receives investment advisory fees monthly at an annual rate of 0.74% of the average daily net assets of the Hennessy Cornerstone Growth Fund, Hennessy Cornerstone Growth Fund - Series II, Hennessy Focus 30 Fund, and Hennessy Cornerstone Value Fund. The annual advisory fee for the Hennessy Balanced Fund and Hennessy Total Return Fund is 0.60%.

Fees for shareholder support services provided to the Hennessy Cornerstone Growth Fund, Hennessy Cornerstone Growth Fund - Series II, Hennessy Focus 30 Fund, and Hennessy Cornerstone Value Fund, are charged at an annual rate of 0.1% of average daily net assets.

(5) Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method, in accordance with the provisions of FASB Statement No. 109 “Accounting For Income Taxes”.

Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.

A valuation allowance is then established to reduce that deferred tax asset to the level at which it is “more likely than not” that the tax benefits will be realized. Realization of tax benefits of deductible temporary differences and operating losses or credit carryforwards depends on having sufficient taxable income of an appropriate character within the carryforward periods. Sources of taxable income that may allow for the realization of tax benefits include income that will result from future operations.

 

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The Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2006, was 40.0%, and differs from the federal statutory rate of 34% primarily due to the effects of state income taxes.

(6) Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share is determined by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding, while diluted earnings per share is determined by dividing the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding adjusted for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents.

On January 26, 2006, our Board of Directors declared a three-for-two stock split which was implemented on March 7, 2006 for shareholders of record as of February 14, 2006. All disclosures in this report relating to shares of common stock, stock options and per share data have been adjusted to reflect this stock split.

(7) Stock-Based Compensation

On May 2, 2001, the Company established an incentive plan (the Plan) providing for the issuance of options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance awards, and stock loans for the purpose of attracting and retaining executive officers and key employees. The maximum number of shares which may be issued under the Plan is 25% of the outstanding common stock of the Company, subject to adjustment by the compensation committee of the Board of Directors. The 25% limitation shall not invalidate any awards made prior to a decrease in the number of outstanding shares, even though such awards have resulted or may result in shares constituting more than 25% of the outstanding shares being available for issuance under the Plan. Shares available under the Plan which are not awarded in one particular year may be awarded in subsequent years. The compensation committee of the Board of Directors has the authority to determine the awards granted under the Plan, including among other things, the individuals who receive the awards, the times when they receive them, vesting schedules, performance goals, whether an option is an incentive or nonqualified option and the number of shares to be subject to each award. However, no participant may receive options or stock appreciation rights under the Plan for an aggregate of more than 75,000 shares in any calendar year. The exercise price and term of each option or stock appreciation right will be fixed by the compensation committee except that the exercise price for each stock option which is intended to qualify as an incentive stock option must be at least equal to the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant and the term of the option cannot exceed 10 years. In the case of an incentive stock option granted to a 10% shareholder, the exercise price must be at least 110% of the fair market value on the date of grant and cannot exceed five years. Incentive stock options may be granted only within ten years from the date of adoption of the Plan. The aggregate fair market value (determined at the time the option is granted) of shares with respect to which incentive stock options may be granted to any one individual, which stock options are exercisable for the first time during any calendar year, may not exceed $100,000. An optionee may, with the consent of the compensation committee, elect to pay for the shares to be received upon exercise of their options in cash or shares of common stock or any combination thereof.

As the exercise prices of all options granted under the Plan were equal to the market price of the underlying common stock on the grant date, no stock-based employee compensation cost was recognized in net income. There were no options granted during the three month periods ended December 31, 2006 and 2005.

During the three months ended December 31, 2006, the Company issued restricted stock units (“RSU”) under its 2001 Omnibus Plan. Under the Company’s

 

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2001 Omnibus Plan, participants may be granted RSU’s, representing an unfunded, unsecured right to receive a Company common share on the date specified in the recipient’s award. The Company issues new shares for shares delivered for RSU recipients. The RSU granted under this plan vests over four years, at a rate of 25 percent per year. The Company recognizes compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the four-year vesting term of each award. RSU activity for the three months ended December 31, 2006 was as follows:

 

    

Restricted Stock Unit Activity

Three Months Ended December 31, 2006

    

Number of Restricted

Share Units

   

Weighted Avg.

Fair Value at

Grant Date

      
      

Non-vested Balance at September 30, 2006

   34,924     $ 18.73

Granted

   11,950       24.81

Vested

   (3,311 )     19.23

Forfeited

   —         —  
            

Non-vested Balance at December 31, 2006

   43,563     $ 20.48
            

 

    

Restricted Stock Unit

Compensation as of
December 31, 2006

 
     (In Thousands)  

Total expected compensation expense related to Restricted Stock Units

   $ 1,146  

Compensation Expense recognized as of December 31, 2006

     (254 )
        

Unrecognized compensation expense related to RSU’s at December 31, 2006

   $ 892  
        

As of December 31, 2006, there was $0.9 million of total RSU compensation expense related to non-vested awards not yet recognized, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average vesting period of 3.3 years.

(8) Commitments and Contingencies

The Company’s headquarters is located in lease office space under a single non-cancelable operating lease at 7250 Redwood Blvd., Suite 200, in Novato, California. The initial lease expires October 31, 2010 with one five-year extension available thereafter.

 

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The Company’s portfolio trading operation is located in leased office space under a non-cancelable lease at One Landmark Square, Suite 424, in Stamford, Connecticut. The lease expires September 30, 2008.

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

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this report are forward-looking within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, future levels of activity, performance or achievements cannot be guaranteed. Additionally, management does not assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of these statements. There is no regulation requiring an update of any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this report to conform these statements to actual results or to changes in our expectations.

Our business activities are affected by many factors, including redemptions by mutual fund shareholders, general economic and financial conditions, movement of interest rates, competitive conditions, industry regulation, and others, many of which are beyond the control of our management. Statements regarding the following subjects are forward-looking by their nature:

 

    our business strategy, including our ability to identify and complete future acquisitions;

 

    market trends and risks;

 

    our estimates for future performance;

 

    our estimates regarding anticipated revenues and operating expenses; and

 

    our ability to retain the mutual fund assets we currently manage.

Although we seek to maintain cost controls, a significant portion of our expenses are fixed and do not vary greatly. As a result, substantial fluctuations in our revenue can directly impact our net income from period to period.

Overview

We derive our operating revenue from management fees and shareholder servicing fees paid to us by the Hennessy Funds. These fees are calculated as a percentage of the average daily net assets in each of our mutual funds and vary from fund to fund. The fees we receive fluctuate with changes in the total net asset value of the assets in our mutual funds, which are affected by our investment performance, redemptions, completed acquisitions of management agreements, market conditions and the success of our marketing efforts. Total assets under management were $2.03 billion as of December 31, 2006.

The assets we manage in total have grown since December 31, 2005 as a result of fund inflows and market appreciation. However, there have been fluctuations in the last three quarters due to increasing redemptions and market depreciation. The following table illustrates the changes in assets under management since December 31, 2005 through December 31, 2006:

 

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Assets Under Management

At Each Quarter End, December 31, 2005 through December 31, 2006

 
     12/31/2005     3/31/2006     6/30/2006     9/30/2006     12/31/2006  
     (In Thousands)  

Beginning assets under management

   $ 1,807,472     $ 1,831,993     $ 2,249,995     $ 2,182,580     $ 2,056,253  

Organic inflows

     122,446       262,441       268,615       165,112       102,584  

Redemptions

     (120,497 )     (116,171 )     (173,620 )     (196,412 )     (296,568 )

Market appreciation (depreciation)

     22,572       271,732       (162,410 )     (95,027 )     170,467  
                                        

Ending assets under management

   $ 1,831,993     $ 2,249,995     $ 2,182,580     $ 2,056,253     $ 2,032,736  
                                        

The principal asset on our balance sheet, management contracts – net of accumulated amortization, represents the capitalized costs incurred in connection with the acquisition of management agreements. As of December 31, 2006, this asset had a net balance of $19.4 million.

The principal liability on our balance sheet is the long-term bank debt incurred in connection with the acquisition of the management agreements for the Lindner Funds and the Henlopen Fund. As of December 31, 2006, this liability, including the current portion of long-term debt, had a balance of $10.2 million.

Results of Operations

The following table displays items in the statements of income as dollar amounts and as percentages of total revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2006 and 2005:

 

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     Three Months Ended December 31,  
     2006     2005  
     (In thousands, except percentages)  
     Amounts     Percent
of Total
Revenue
    Amounts     Percent
of Total
Revenue
 

Revenue:

        

Investment advisory fees

   $ 3,884     88.5 %   $ 3,257     88.4 %

Shareholder service fees

     498     11.4       422     11.5  

Other

     5     0.1       4     0.1  
                            

Total revenue

     4,387     100.0       3,683     100.0  
                            

Operating expenses:

        

Compensation and benefits

     894     20.4       663     18.0  

General and administrative

     472     10.9       432     11.8  

Mutual fund distribution

     867     19.8       741     20.1  

Amortization and depreciation

     163     3.5       151     4.1  
                            

Total operating expenses

     2,396     54.6       1,987     54.0  
                            

Operating income

     1,991     45.4       1,696     46.0  

Interest expense

     219     5.0       222     6.0  

Other income

     (117 )   (2.7 )     (18 )   (0.5 )
                            

Income before income tax expense

     1,889     43.1       1,492     40.5  

Income tax expense

     754     17.2       597     16.2  
                            

Net income

   $ 1,135     25.9 %   $ 895     24.3 %
                            

Revenues: Total revenue increased by $0.7 million or 19.1%, in the three months ended December 31, 2006, from $3.7 million in the prior comparable period, primarily due to fees earned from increased assets under management. Investment management fees increased by $0.6 million, or 19.3%, in the three months ended December 31, 2006, from $3.3 million in the prior comparable period, and shareholder service fees increased by $0.8 million, or 18.0%, in the three months ended December 31, 2006 from $0.4 million in the prior comparable period. These increases resulted from increases in the average daily net assets of our mutual funds, which can differ considerably from total net assets of our mutual funds at the end of an accounting period. Total net assets in our mutual funds increased by $200.7 million, or 11.0%, as of December 31, 2006, from $1.832 billion as of the end of the prior comparable period. The $200.7 million increase in net mutual funds assets is attributable to cash inflows of $798.8 million and $184.7 million in market appreciation, partly offset by redemptions of $782.8 million. Redemptions as a percentage of assets under management increased from an average of 2.3% per month to 4.7% per month during the same period, mainly due to increasing redemptions.

Operating Expenses: Total operating expenses increased by $.04 million, or 20.6%, in the three months ended December 31, 2006, from $2.0 million in the prior comparable period. The increase resulted from increases in compensation and benefits, several components of general and administrative expense, increased mutual fund distribution costs, and increased amortization expense. As a percentage of total revenue, total operating expenses increased by 0.6% to 54.6% in the three months ended December 31, 2006, as compared to 54.0% in the prior comparable period.

 

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Compensation and Benefits: Compensation and benefits increased by $0.2 million, or 34.8%, in the three months ended December 31, 2006, from $0.7 million in the prior comparable period. The increase resulted primarily due to increased bonus accruals, a function of increasing income. As a percentage of total revenue, compensation and benefits increased by 2.4% to 20.4% for the three months ended December 31, 2006, compared to 18.0% in the prior comparable period.

General and Administrative Expenses: General and administrative expense increased by $0.04 million, or 9.3%, in the three months ended December 31, 2006, from $0.4 million in the prior comparable period, primarily due to increases in office rental and business development. As a percentage of total revenue, general and administrative expense decreased by 0.9% to 10.9% in the three months ended December 31, 2006, from 11.8% in the prior comparable period.

Mutual Fund Distribution Expenses: Distribution expenses increased by $0.1 million, or 17.0%, in the three months ended December 31, 2006, from $0.7 million in the prior comparable period. As a percentage of total revenue, distribution expenses decreased by 0.3% to 19.8% for the three months ended December 31, 2006, compared to 20.1% in the prior comparable period. The increased costs are due to increased assets through mutual fund supermarkets such as Charles Schwab, Fidelity and TD Waterhouse.

Amortization and Depreciation Expense: Amortization and depreciation expense increased by $0.1 million, or 7.9%, in the three months ended December 31, 2006, from $0.2 million in the prior comparable period. The increase is related to a larger fixed asset balance being depreciated in the current period. As a percentage of total revenue, amortization and depreciation expenses decreased by 0.6% to 3.5% for the three months ended December 31, 2006, compared to 4.1% in the prior comparable period.

Interest Expense: Interest expense decreased by $0.3 million from the prior comparable period due to a lower principal balance in the current period as the loan is paid down monthly. As a percentage of total revenue, interest expense decreased by 1.0% to 5.0% for the three months ended December 31, 2006, compared to 6.0% in the prior comparable period.

Other Income: Other income relates mainly to interest income earned on cash and investments in marketable securities.

Income Taxes: The provision for income taxes increased by $0.2 million, or 26.2%, in the three months ended December 31, 2006, from $0.6 million in the prior comparable period.

Net Income: Net income increased by $0.2 million, or 26.8%, in the three months ended December 31, 2006, compared to $0.9 million in the prior comparable period, as a result of the factors discussed above.

Critical Accounting Policies

In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued FASB Statement No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” FASB No. 142 addresses financial accounting and reporting for acquired goodwill and other intangible assets and supersedes APB No. 17, Intangible Assets. Under FASB Statement No. 142, goodwill and intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but are tested at least annually for impairment. We consider the management agreements acquired to be intangible assets with an indefinite life. We fully implemented the provisions of FASB Statement No. 142 on October 1, 2002, at which time we ceased amortization of these intangible assets. Impairment analysis is conducted quarterly

 

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and coincides with our quarterly and annual financial reporting. Based on our detailed assessment of current fair market value, the value of the management agreements acquired has not been impaired. If future valuations in the marketplace decline significantly, the valuation of management agreements acquired may become impaired and net earnings would be negatively impacted by the resulting impairment adjustment.

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued FASB Statement No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment,” which amended the provisions of FASB Statement No. 123 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” FASB Statement No. 123R requires public companies to recognize as an expense the fair value of stock-based payment arrangements at the date of grant, including stock options and employee stock purchase plans. The statement eliminates proforma accounting for share-based payments using the intrinsic value method previously allowed under the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.”

Effective October 1, 2005, we adopted the fair value recognition of FASB Statement No. 123R under the “Modified Perspective” method in accordance with the transition and disclosure provisions of FASB Statement No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure.” All compensation costs related to restricted stock units vested during the three-months ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 have been recognized in our financial statements.

In November, 2005, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position 115-1 and 124-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments” (FSP 115-1 and 124-1), which addresses the determination as to when an investment is considered impaired, whether that impairment is other than temporary, and the measurement of an impairment loss. The guidance in FSP SFAS 115-1 and 124-1 amends FASB Statement No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debit and Equity Securities.” We currently account for investments held in publicly traded mutual funds as trading securities under FASB Statement No. 115. Accordingly, any unrealized gains and losses on the investments are recognized currently in operations, and impairment is therefore not an issue.

In February, 2006, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position FAS 123R-4, “Classification of Options and Similar Instruments Issued as Employee Compensation That Allow for Cash Settlement upon the Occurrence of a Contingent Event.” FSP FAS 123R-4 addresses the classification of options and similar instruments issued as employee compensation that allow for cash settlement upon the occurrence of a contingent event and amends paragraphs 32 and A229 of SFAS 123R. The adoption of FSP FAS 123R-4 has not had an impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In July, 2006, the FASB issued Financial Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”), which is a change in accounting for income taxes. FIN 48 provides guidance on the threshold for recognizing the financial statement effects of a tax position. This interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. We do not expect the adoption of FIN 48 to have a material effect on our financial statements or results of operations.

In September, 2006, staff from the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin 108, “Considering the effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements” (“SAB 108”). SAB 108 requires quantification of financial statement errors based on a “roll-over approach” based on the amount of the error originating in the current year income statement as well as an “iron curtain approach” based on the effects of correcting the misstatement existing in the balance sheet at the end of the current year. If the misstatement to the current year under either approach is material, a company is required to restate its

 

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financial statements. SAB 108 is effective for fiscal years ending after November 15, 2006. We do not expect the standard to have a material effect on our financial statements or results of operations.

In September, 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans” (“FAS 158”). FAS 158 requires companies to fully recognize the obligations associated with single-employer defined benefit pension, retiree healthcare and other postretirement plans in their financial statements. As we do not have defined benefit pensions or other postretirement plans, FAS 158 will have no impact on our financial statements or results of operations.

In October, 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”). This standard defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about the use of fair value to measure assets and liabilities. FAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We do not expect the adoption of FAS 157 to have a material effect on our financial statements or results of operations.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We continually review our capital requirements to ensure that we have sufficient funding available to support our growth strategies. Management anticipates that cash and other liquid assets on hand as of December 31, 2006 will be sufficient to meet our short-term capital requirements. To the extent that liquid resources and cash provided by operations are not adequate to meet long-term capital requirements, management plans to raise additional capital through debt or equity markets. There can be no assurance that we will be able to borrow funds or raise additional equity.

Total assets under management as of December 31, 2006 were $2.033 billion, which was a decrease of $23.5 million, or 1.1%, from September 30, 2006. Property and equipment, management agreements, and non-compete agreement acquired totaled $20.6 million as of December 31, 2006. Our remaining assets are very liquid, consisting primarily of cash and receivables derived from mutual fund asset management activities. As of December 31, 2006, we had cash and cash equivalents of $10.6 million.

Our Bank Loan: We have an outstanding bank loan with U.S. Bank National Association. We incurred $7.9 million of indebtedness in connection with acquiring the management agreements for the Lindner Funds and an additional $6.7 million of indebtedness in connection with acquiring the management agreement for The Henlopen Fund (now known as the Hennessy Cornerstone Growth Fund - Series II). The indebtedness we incurred to acquire the management agreement of The Henlopen Fund was rolled into a single loan with the indebtedness we incurred to acquire the management agreements of the Lindner Funds. We currently have $10.2 million of principal outstanding under our bank loan, which bears interest at U.S. Bank National Association’s prime rate as set by U.S. Bank National Association from time to time (currently 8.25%, in effect since June 29, 2006). The loan agreement requires us to make 64 monthly payments in the approximate amount of $0.2 million, plus interest, with the final installment of the then outstanding principal and interest due on September 30, 2010.

 

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

We derive all of our operating revenues from management and shareholder service fees paid to us by the mutual funds we manage. These fees are calculated as a percentage of the average daily net assets of our mutual funds and vary from fund to fund. The securities markets are inherently volatile and may be affected by factors beyond our control, including global economic conditions, interest rate fluctuations, inflation rate increases and other factors that are difficult to predict. Volatility in the securities markets, and the equity markets in particular, could reduce the net assets of our mutual funds and consequently reduce our revenues. In addition to declines in the equity markets, failure of these markets to sustain prior levels of growth or continued short-term volatility in these markets could result in investors withdrawing their investments from our mutual funds or decreasing their rate of investment, either of which would likely adversely affect our revenues. Risk factors are described in more detail under the heading “Risk Relating to Our Business” in the Company’s Annual Report, filed on Form 10-KSB with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on December 8, 2006.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, the Company conducted an evaluation of its disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

There has been no significant change in our internal controls over financial reporting identified in connection with the foregoing evaluation that occurred during the last quarter and that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

 

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Part II. OTHER INFORMATION

There were no reportable events for items 1 through 5.

Item 6. Exhibits

 

3.1   Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (1)
3.2   Second Amended and Restated Bylaws (3)
10.1   Restated Management Agreement, dated June 30, 2000, between registrant and Hennessy Mutual Funds, Inc. (on behalf of the Cornerstone Growth Fund, the Cornerstone Value Fund and the Focus 30 Fund) (1)
10.2   License Agreement, dated April 10, 2000, between Edward J. Hennessy, Inc. and Netfolio, Inc. (1)
10.4   Hennessy Advisors, Inc. 2001 Omnibus Plan (1) (2)
10.4(a)   Form of Option Award Agreement (1) (2)
10.5   Employment Agreement of Neil J. Hennessy (1) (2)
10.6   Amended and Restated Loan Agreement between the registrant and U.S. Bank National Association, dated July 1, 2005 (5)
10.7   Restated Investment Advisory Agreement, dated February 28, 2002, between the registrant and The Hennessy Funds, Inc. (on behalf of the Total Return Fund) (5)
10.8   Restated Investment Advisory Agreement, dated February 28, 2002, between the registrant and The Hennessy Funds, Inc. (on behalf of the Balanced Fund) (5)
10.9   Investment Advisory Agreement, dated July 1, 2005, between the registrant and Hennessy Funds Trust (on behalf of the Cornerstone Growth Fund, Series II) (5)
10.10   Servicing Agreement, dated October 1, 2002, between the registrant and The Hennessy Mutual Funds, Inc. (on behalf of the Cornerstone Growth Fund, the Cornerstone Value Fund and the Focus 30 Fund) (5)
10.10(a)   Amendment to Servicing Agreement, dated June 30, 2005, between the registrant and The Hennessy Mutual Funds, Inc. with respect to the Focus 30 Fund (5)
10.11   Servicing Agreement, dated July 1, 2005 between the registrant and Hennessy Funds Trust (on behalf of the Cornerstone Growth Fund, the Cornerstone Value Fund and the Focus 30 Fund) (5)
10.12   Non-Competition Agreement, dated March 15, 2005, between the registrant and Michael L. Hershey (4)
10.13   Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for officers (2) (6)
10.14   Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Directors (2) (6)

 

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31.1   Rule 13a – 14a Certification of the Chief Executive Officer
31.2   Rule 13a – 14a Certification of the Chief Financial Officer
32.1   Written Statement of the Chief Executive Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350
32.2   Written Statement of the Chief Financial Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350

 

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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:

 

  HENNESSY ADVISORS, INC.

Date: January 25, 2007

  By:  

/s/ Teresa M. Nilsen

    Teresa M. Nilsen, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

3.1   Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (1)
3.2   Second Amended and Restated Bylaws (3)
10.1   Restated Management Agreement, dated June 30, 2000, between registrant and Hennessy Mutual Funds, Inc. (on behalf of the Cornerstone Growth Fund, the Cornerstone Value Fund and the Focus 30 Fund) (1)
10.2   License Agreement, dated April 10, 2000, between Edward J. Hennessy, Inc. and Netfolio, Inc. (1)
10.4   Hennessy Advisors, Inc. 2001 Omnibus Plan (1) (2)
10.4(a)   Form of Option Award Agreement (1) (2)
10.5   Employment Agreement of Neil J. Hennessy (1) (2)
10.6   Amended and Restated Loan Agreement between the registrant and U.S. Bank National Association, dated July 1, 2005 (5)
10.7   Restated Investment Advisory Agreement, dated February 28, 2002, between the registrant and The Hennessy Funds, Inc. (on behalf of the Total Return Fund) (5)
10.8   Restated Investment Advisory Agreement, dated February 28, 2002, between the registrant and The Hennessy Funds, Inc. (on behalf of the Balanced Fund) (5)
10.9   Investment Advisory Agreement, dated July 1, 2005, between the registrant and Hennessy Funds Trust (on behalf of the Cornerstone Growth Fund, Series II) (5)
10.10   Servicing Agreement, dated October 1, 2002, between the registrant and The Hennessy Mutual Funds, Inc. (on behalf of the Cornerstone Growth Fund, the Cornerstone Value Fund and the Focus 30 Fund) (5)
10.10(a)   Amendment to Servicing Agreement, dated June 30, 2005, between the registrant and The Hennessy Mutual Funds, Inc. with respect to the Focus 30 Fund (5)
10.11   Servicing Agreement, dated July 1, 2005 between the registrant and Hennessy Funds Trust (on behalf of the Cornerstone Growth Fund, the Cornerstone Value Fund and the Focus 30 Fund) (5)
10.12   Non-Competition Agreement, dated March 15, 2005, between the registrant and Michael L. Hershey (4)
10.13   Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for officers (2) (6)
10.14   Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Directors (2) (6)

 

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31.1    Rule 13a – 14a Certification of the Chief Executive Officer
31.2    Rule 13a – 14a Certification of the Chief Financial Officer
32.1    Written Statement of the Chief Executive Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350
32.2    Written Statement of the Chief Financial Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350

Notes:

(1) Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Form SB-2 registration statement (SEC File No. 333-66970).
(2) Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
(3) Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 000-49872).
(4) Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended March 31, 2005.
(5) Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Form S-1 registration statement filed July 26, 2005 (SEC File No. 333-126896).
(6) Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended March 31, 2006.

 

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