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HENNESSY ADVISORS INC - Quarter Report: 2013 March (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 March 31, 2013

 

¨ 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 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  x    No  ¨

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

 

Large Accelerated Filer   ¨    Accelerated Filer   ¨
Non-accelerated Filer   ¨    Smaller Reporting Company   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 April 10, 2013 there were 5,884,172 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

HENNESSY ADVISORS, INC.

INDEX

 

         Page
Number
 

PART I.

 

Financial Information

  

Item 1.

 

Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements

  
 

Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2013 (unaudited) and September 30, 2012

     3   
 

Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the three and six months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 (unaudited)

     4   
 

Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the six months ended March 31, 2013 (unaudited)

     5   
 

Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 (unaudited)

     6   
 

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements

     7   

Item 2.

 

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

     16   

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

     29   

PART II.

 

Other Information

  

Item 2.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

     30   

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

     30   

Signatures

       31   

 

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Hennessy Advisors, Inc.

Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

     March 31,
2013
     September 30,
2012
 
     (Unaudited)         

Assets

     

Current assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 6,145       $ 8,730   

Investments in marketable securities, at fair value

     6         6   

Investment fee income receivable

     2,117         643   

Prepaid expenses

     760         190   

Deferred income tax asset

     124         166   

Other accounts receivable

     251         14   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current assets

     9,403         9,749   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $389 and $358, respectively

     231         148   

Management contracts

     42,517         22,557   

Investment in available for sale security, at fair value

     —           404   

Other assets, net of accumulated amortization of $134 and $114, respectively

     246         44   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 52,397       $ 32,902   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

     

Current liabilities:

     

Accrued liabilities and accounts payable

   $ 2,228       $ 1,087   

Income taxes payable

     —           48   

Deferred rent

     63         87   

Current portion of long-term debt

     1,840         625   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     4,131         1,847   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Long-term debt

     15,947         1,302   

Deferred income tax liability

     5,168         4,529   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     25,246         7,678   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

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: 5,884,172 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2013 and 5,759,857 at September 30, 2012

     9,879         9,584   

Retained Earnings

     17,272         15,748   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     —           (108
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     27,151         25,224   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 52,397       $ 32,902   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed financial statements

 

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Hennessy Advisors, Inc.

Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months ended March 31,      Six Months ended March 31,  
     2013     2012      2013      2012  

Revenue

          

Investment advisory fees

   $ 5,726      $ 1,538       $ 10,215       $ 3,068   

Shareholder service fees

     221        191         435         378   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total revenue

     5,947        1,729         10,650         3,446   

Operating expenses

          

Compensation and benefits

     1,850        586         3,262         1,120   

General and administrative

     698        387         1,372         935   

Mutual fund distribution

     351        149         619         291   

Sub-advisor fees

     950        142         1,661         282   

Amortization and depreciation

     45        25         83         46   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     3,894        1,289         6,997         2,674   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating income

     2,053        440         3,653         772   

Interest expense

     179        13         317         27   

Other expense (income), net

     (1     —           109         (1
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income before income tax expense

     1,875        427         3,227         746   

Income tax expense

     758        181         1,342         348   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

     1,117        246         1,885         398   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss

          

Unrealized loss on investment in available for sale security

     —          84         —           84   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Comprehensive Income

   $ 1,117      $ 162       $ 1,885       $ 314   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

          

Basic

   $ 0.20      $ 0.04       $ 0.33       $ 0.07   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted

   $ 0.20      $ 0.04       $ 0.33       $ 0.07   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding:

          

Basic

     5,714,559        5,697,740         5,757,333         5,739,123   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted

     5,714,559        5,703,509         5,757,333         5,745,235   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed financial statements

 

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Hennessy Advisors, Inc.

Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

Six Months Ended March 31, 2013

(In thousands, except share data)

(Unaudited)

 

     Common
Shares
    Common
Stock
    Retained
Earnings
    Other
Comprehensive
Loss
    Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 

Balance at September 30, 2012

     5,759,857      $ 9,584      $ 15,748      $ (108   $ 25,224   

Net Income

     —          —          1,885        —          1,885   

Dividends paid

     —          —          (361     —          (361

Realized loss on sale of investment in available for sale security

     —          —          —          108        108   

Employee and director stock options exercised

     226,439        804        —          —          804   

Repurchase of employee and director stock options to pay for option exercise

     (95,802     (671     —          —          (671

Repurchase of employee stock to pay for option exercise

     (18,449     (129     —          —          (129

Employee and director restricted stock vested

     12,350        —          —          —          —     

Repurchase of vested restricted stock for employee tax withholding

     (223     (1     —          —          (1

Deferred restricted stock unit compensation

     —          3        —          —          3   

Tax effect of RSU vesting and stock option exercise

     —          289        —          —          289   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2013

     5,884,172      $ 9,879      $ 17,272      $ —        $ 27,151   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed financial statements

 

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Hennessy Advisors, Inc.

Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

 

     Six Months Ended March 31,  
     2013     2012  
     (In thousands)  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 1,885      $ 398   

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

    

Depreciation and amortization

     83        46   

Deferred income taxes

     681        366   

Tax effect from restricted stock units and stock options

     289        (19

Restricted stock units repurchased for employee tax withholding

     (1     (24

Deferred restricted stock unit compensation

     3        35   

Realized loss on liquidation of available for sale security

     108        —     

(Increase) decrease in operating assets:

    

Investment fee income receivable

     (1,474     (42

Prepaid expenses

     (570     110   

Other current assets

     (237     (29

Other assets

     1        10   

Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:

    

Accrued liabilities and accounts payable

     1,141        (353

Income taxes

     (48     —     

Deferred rent

     (24     (2
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     1,837        496   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows used in investing activities:

    

Purchases of property and equipment

     (145     (26

Payments related to acquisition of management contracts

     (19,960     (38

Proceeds on liquidation of available for sale security

     404        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (19,701     (64
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:

    

Principal payments on bank loan

     (665     (312

Proceeds from amended bank loan

     16,525        —     

Loan fee payments on amended bank loan

     (224     —     

Proceeds from exercise of director stock options

     4        15   

Dividend payments

     (361     (324
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     15,279        (621
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (2,585     (189

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period

     8,730        8,362   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period

   $ 6,145      $ 8,173   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

    

Unrealized gain on investment

   $ —        $ 105   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash paid for:

    

Income taxes

   $ 984      $ 30   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest

   $ 261      $ 27   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed financial statements

 

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Hennessy Advisors, Inc.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements

 

(1) Basis of Financial Statement Presentation

The accompanying condensed balance sheet as of September 30, 2012, which has been derived from audited financial statements, and the unaudited interim condensed financial statements as of March 31, 2013 have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and include the accounts of Hennessy Advisors, Inc. (the “Company”). Certain information and footnote disclosures, normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, the financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position at March 31, 2013, the operating results for the three and six months ended March 31, 2013 and March 31, 2012, and the cash flows for the six months ended March 31, 2013 and March 31, 2012. These financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended September 30, 2012, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The operating activities of the Company consist primarily of providing investment management services to sixteen open-end mutual funds (the “Hennessy Funds”). The Company serves as the investment advisor to all classes of the Hennessy Cornerstone Growth Fund, the Hennessy Cornerstone Large Growth Fund, the Hennessy Cornerstone Mid Cap 30 Fund, the Hennessy Cornerstone Value Fund, the Hennessy Large Value Fund, the Hennessy Focus Fund, the Hennessy Technology Fund, the Hennessy Gas Utility Index Fund, the Hennessy Core Bond Fund, the Hennessy Equity and Income Fund, the Hennessy Small Cap Financial Fund, the Hennessy Large Cap Financial Fund, the Hennessy Japan Fund, the Hennessy Japan Small Cap Fund, the Hennessy Total Return Fund, and the Hennessy Balanced Fund.

The Company’s operating revenues consist of contractual management and shareholder servicing fees. The Company earns management fees through portfolio management of mutual funds. The Company earns shareholder servicing fees by assisting customers in purchases, sales, distribution and customer service. The revenues are earned and calculated daily by the funds’ accountants at US Bancorp Fund Services, LLC. The fees are computed and billed monthly, at which time they are recognized in accordance with Accounting Standard Codification 605 “Revenue Recognition” (ASC 605).

The Company waives fees to comply with contractual expense ratio limitations. The fee waivers are calculated daily by the funds’ accountants at US Bancorp Fund Services, LLC and are charged to expense monthly by the Company as an offset to revenue. The fees are deducted from the management fee income, and are deducted from the funds received from US Bancorp Fund Services, LLC in the subsequent month. To date, the Company has only waived fees based on contractual obligations, but the Company has the ability to waive fees at its discretion to compete with other mutual funds with lower expense ratios. If the Company were to elect to voluntarily waive fees, then the decision to waive fees would not apply to previous periods, but would only apply on a going forward basis. The Company has waived $0.03 million and $0.05 million in the three and six months ended March 31, 2013, respectively, in fees due to contractual expense ratio limitations.

 

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The Company’s contractual agreements provide persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists with fixed and determinable fees, and the services are rendered daily. The collectability is probable as the fees are received from the funds’ accountants in the month subsequent to the month in which the services are provided.

On October 26, 2012, the Company purchased the assets related to the management of the entire family of ten FBR funds (the “former FBR Funds”), adding approximately $2.2 billion in assets under management. The purchase was consummated in accordance with the terms and conditions of that certain Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 6, 2012, between the Company and FBR Fund Advisers. The transaction was funded by an amendment to the Company’s existing loan with US Bank to borrow an additional $16.3 million (see Footnote 4). Additionally, the Company paid $3.4 million from its cash currently available. The additional capitalized transaction costs of $0.5 million, $0.2 million of which was capitalized in the prior fiscal year, include legal fees, printing fees and other costs related to purchasing the assets related to management of the former FBR Funds.

The initial payment was based on total assets under management for each of the FBR Funds as of October 25, 2012, an amount constituting sixty percent of the total purchase price. In accordance with the Asset Purchase Agreement, the Company will make a subsequent payment upon the first anniversary of closing constituting the remaining forty percent of the purchase price. The subsequent payment will be calculated on total assets under management as of October 25, 2013, which is an unknown number. Based on net asset values of the former FBR Funds on March 31, 2013, the second payment would be approximately $14 million. However, positive market impact has contributed significantly to the increase in net asset values of the former FBR Funds since the purchase date, and the calculation can therefore change immensely prior to the valuation date of October 25, 2013 due to market volatility. There is no maximum payment due, and it is possible that zero payment will be due. Therefore, although the second payment is probable, it is not estimable as of March 31, 2013 and a contingent liability has not been recorded.

 

(2) Management Contracts

As of March 31, 2013, Hennessy Advisors 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 all classes of the Hennessy Cornerstone Growth Fund, the Hennessy Cornerstone Value Fund, and the Hennessy Cornerstone Mid Cap 30 Fund; with Hennessy Funds Trust for all classes of the Hennessy Cornerstone Large Growth Fund, the Hennessy Large Value Fund, the Hennessy Focus Fund, the Hennessy Technology Fund, the Hennessy Gas Utility Index Fund, the Hennessy Core Bond Fund, the Hennessy Equity and Income Fund, the Hennessy Small Cap Financial Fund, and the Hennessy Large Cap Financial Fund; and with Hennessy SPARX Funds Trust for all classes of the Hennessy Japan Fund and the Hennessy Japan Small Cap Fund.

The management agreements for the Hennessy Focus Fund, the Hennessy Technology Fund, the Hennessy Gas Utility Index Fund, the Hennessy Core Bond Fund, the Hennessy Equity and Income Fund, the Hennessy Small Cap Financial Fund, and the Hennessy Large Cap Financial Fund have an initial period of two years, which commenced on October 26, 2012, to be renewed annually thereafter.

 

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The management agreements for the remaining Hennessy Funds are renewed annually by (1) the board of directors or trustees of the applicable investment company or by a majority vote of the outstanding shares of the applicable fund and (2) by the vote of a majority of the directors or trustees of the applicable investment company who are not parties to the management agreement and are disinterested directors or trustees. These management agreements were renewed by the Board of Directors of Hennessy Funds, Inc. and Hennessy Mutual Funds, Inc. and by the Board of Trustees of Hennessy Funds Trust and Hennessy SPARX Funds Trust on March 6, 2013 for a period of one year.

Other than non-renewal, two other circumstances might lead to termination of the management agreements: (1) the assignment of a management agreement to another advisor automatically terminates the agreement (assignment includes an “indirect assignment” by transferring a controlling block of our common stock); and (2) the termination of the agreement by the Company or by one of the Hennessy Funds’ investment companies upon 60 days’ prior written notice.

As provided in the management agreements for the sixteen Hennessy Funds, the Company receives investment advisory fees monthly based on a percentage of the respective Fund’s average daily net assets.

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 Hennessy Funds.

The Company has entered into sub-advisory agreements covering the Hennessy Large Value Fund, the Hennessy Japan Fund, the Hennessy Japan Small Cap Fund, the Hennessy Core Bond Fund, the Hennessy Equity and Income Fund, and the Hennessy Focus Fund, with the same asset management companies that previously managed the Funds. Under these agreements, the sub-advisor is responsible for the investment and re-investment of the assets of the fund, in accordance with the terms of the sub-advisory agreement, the fund’s Prospectus and the fund’s Statement of Additional Information. The sub-advisors are subject to the direction, supervision and control of Hennessy Advisors, Inc., and the trustees of the Hennessy Funds.

In exchange for the sub-advisory services, the Company (not the funds) pays a sub-advisor fee to the sub-advisors, which is based on the amount of each fund’s average daily net assets.

As of March 31, 2013, no events or changes in circumstances occurred that indicated potential impairment of the management contracts.

 

(3) Investment in available for sale security

On October 30, 2007, Hennessy Advisors, Inc. invested $0.5 million in the Hennessy Micro Cap Growth Fund, LLC (the “Micro Cap Fund”). The Micro Cap Fund was closed on December 14, 2012, and the investment was liquidated, resulting in a realized loss of $0.11 million. The loss was included in other expense on the income statement for the six months ended March 31, 2013.

 

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(4) Bank Loan

On October 26, 2012, our existing loan was amended to provide an additional $16.3 million to purchase the assets related to the management of the former FBR Funds. The loan was amended to include the additional financing for a new balance of $18.4 million. The amended loan agreement requires fifty-nine (59) monthly payments in the amount of $153,333 plus interest at the bank’s prime rate (currently 3.25%, in effect since December 17, 2008) plus 0.75% (effective interest rate of 4.00%) and is secured by the Company’s assets. The final installment of the then outstanding principal and its interest are due October 26, 2017.

The amended loan is considered “substantially different” from the original loan per the conditions set forth in EITF 96-19 “Debtors’s Accounting for a Modification or Exchange of Debt Instruments.” The Company did an evaluation of the debt modification under EITF 96-19 and determined that the financial impact of the modification on the prior principal is not material to the overall financial statements and accordingly no adjustment was made.

The loan agreement includes certain reporting requirements and loan covenants requiring the maintenance of certain financial ratios. The Company is in compliance for the periods ended March 31, 2013, and 2012.

In connection with securing the financing discussed above, the Company incurred loan costs in the amount of $0.25 million. These costs are included in other assets and the balance is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 60 months. The unamortized balance of loan fees was $0.22 million at March 31, 2013.

 

(5) Income Taxes

The following is our tax position at March 31, 2013 and 2012:

The provision (benefit) for income taxes comprised of the following for the six months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:

 

     3/31/2013      3/31/2012  

Current

     

Federal

   $ 574,600       $ (5,300

State

     85,100         5,600   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     659,700         300   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred

     

Federal

     540,600         270,600   

State

     141,100         76,800   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     681,700         347,400   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,341,400       $ 347,700   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2013 and September 30, 2012 are presented below:

 

     3/31/2013     9/30/2012  

Current deferred tax assets:

    

Accrued compensation

   $ 24,400      $ 23,900   

Deferred rent

     25,200        35,900   

Capital loss carryforward

     110,400        —     

State taxes

     —          9,700   

Charitable contribution carryover

     74,000        96,200   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross deferred tax assets

     234,000        165,700   

Less: Disallowed capital loss

     (110,400     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred tax assets

     123,600        165,700   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities:

    

Net operating loss

     —          44,800   

Property and equipment

     (800     (7,300

Management contracts

     (5,166,300     (4,566,600
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred tax liabilities

     (5,167,100     (4,529,100
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred tax liabilities

   $ (5,043,500   $ (4,363,400
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company files U.S. federal and state tax returns and has determined that its major tax jurisdictions are the United States and California. The tax years ended in 2010 through 2012 remain open and subject to examination by the appropriate governmental agencies in the U.S., and the 2009 through 2012 tax years remain open in California.

The Company’s effective tax rates for the six months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, were 41.6% and 46.6%, respectively, and differ from the federal statutory rate of 34% for the following principal reasons:

 

     3/31/2013     3/31/2012  

Federal tax at statutory rate

     34.00     34.00

State tax at statutory rate

     5.83     5.83

Permanent differences

     0.38     6.78

Disallowed capital loss

     1.35     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effective Tax Rate

     41.56     46.61
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The effective tax rate, which is normally about 40%, was higher for the current period ended March 31, 2013 due to a disallowed capital loss carryforward created by the loss on the sale of the available for sale investment. The effective tax rate for the prior period ended March 31, 2012 was higher due to a one-time revaluation of the Company’s state deferred tax liabilities to reflect a higher blended state tax rate.

 

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(6) Earnings per Share and Dividends per Share

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

There were 207,006 common stock equivalents, consisting of unexercised options, excluded from the per share calculation for the six months ended March 31, 2013 because they were anti-dilutive. There were 653,175 common stock equivalents, consisting of unexercised options and unvested restricted stock units (“RSUs”), excluded from the per share calculation for the six months ended March 31, 2012 because they were anti-dilutive.

Quarterly cash dividends of $0.03125 per share were paid on December 7, 2012 to shareholders of record as of November 15, 2012, and on February 25, 2013 to shareholders of record as of February 1, 2013.

 

(7) Stock-Based Compensation

On January 17, 2013, the Company established, and a shareholder vote approved, an omnibus incentive plan (the Plan) providing for the issuance of options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance awards, and other equity awards for the purpose of attracting and retaining executive officers, key employees, and outside directors and advisors. (Previously, the Company had adopted and had in place the 2001 Omnibus Plan). The maximum number of shares which may be issued under the Plan is 50% of the outstanding common stock of the Company, subject to adjustment by the compensation committee of the Board of Directors. The 50% limitation does 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 50% 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 50,000 shares in any calendar year. The exercise price and term of each option or stock appreciation right is 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.

 

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The exercise price of all options granted under the 2001 Omnibus Plan was equal to the market price of the underlying common stock on the grant date and all options were granted and fully vested on the grant date. There were no options granted during the six months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012.

Under the Plan, participants may be granted RSUs, 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 RSUs granted under the Plan vest 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. There were no RSUs granted during the six months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012. RSU activity for the six months ended March 31, 2013 was as follows:

 

     Restricted Stock Unit Activity
Six Months Ended March 31,  2013
 
     Number of Restricted
Share Units
    Weighted
Fair Value
Per Share
Each Date
 

Non-vested Balance at September 30, 2012

     1,062      $ 2.59   

Granted

     —          —     

Vested (1)

     (1,062     2.59   

Forfeited

     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-vested Balance at March 31, 2013

     —        $ —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) The restricted stock units vested were partially vested (and expensed) in the prior fiscal year. There were 12,127 shares of common stock issued for restricted stock units vested (net of shares repurchased for tax withholding) in the six months ended March 31, 2013.

 

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Restricted Stock Unit Compensation

Six Months Ended March 31, 2013

 
     (In Thousands)  

Total expected compensation expense related to Restricted Stock Units

   $ 2,150   

Compensation Expense recognized as of March 31, 2013

     (2,150
  

 

 

 

Unrecognized compensation expense related to RSU’s at March 31, 2013

   $ —     
  

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2013, there was no RSU compensation expense related to non-vested awards not yet recognized.

 

(8) Commitments and Contingencies

The Company’s headquarters is located in leased office space under a single non-cancelable operating lease at 7250 Redwood Blvd., Suite 200, in Novato, California. There were no other commitments or contingencies as of March 31, 2013.

As of March 31, 2013, there were no material changes in the leasing arrangements that would have a significant effect on future minimum lease payments reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012.

 

(9) Fair Value Measurements

The Company applies the FASB standard “Fair Value Measurements” for all financial assets and liabilities, which establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The standard defines fair value as “the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.” It also establishes a fair value hierarchy consisting of the following three “levels” that prioritize the inputs to the valuation techniques used to measure fair value:

 

   

Level 1 – quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that are accessible at the measurement date.

 

   

Level 2 – from other than quoted market prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly (namely, similar assets or from markets that are not active).

 

   

Level 3 – unobservable and shall be used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available (namely, reflecting an entity’s own assumptions).

 

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Based on the definitions, the following table represents the Company’s assets categorized in the level 1 to 3 hierarchies as of March 31, 2013:

 

     Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date
(amounts in thousands)
 
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Money market fund deposits

   $ 4,664       $ —         $ —         $ 4,664   

Mutual fund investments

     6         —           —           6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 4,670       $ —         $ —         $ 4,670   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Amounts included in:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 4,664       $ —         $ —         $ 4,664   

Investments in marketable securities

     6         —           —           6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 4,670       $ —         $ —         $ 4,670   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(10) New Accounting Pronouncements

In July, 2012, the FASB issued amendments to Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2012-02 “Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment.” The objective of the amendments are to reduce the cost and complexity of performing an impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets by simplifying how an entity tests those assets for impairment and to improve consistency in impairment testing guidance among long-lived asset categories. The amendments permit an entity first to assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test in accordance with Subtopic 350-30, “Intangibles–Goodwill and Other–General Intangibles Other than Goodwill.” The more-likely-than-not threshold is defined as having a likelihood of more than 50 percent. Previously, an entity was required to test at least annually. The guidance provided by this update is effective for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012 (the Company’s fiscal year 2013). The standard was adopted October 1, 2012, and will allow the Company to forego its next annual impairment analysis if the more-likely-than-not threshold is met as of September 30, 2013, which would cause a reduction in the Company’s expenses.

In February, 2013, the FASB issued an update to Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2013-02 “Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.” The amendment improves the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income by requiring an entity to report the effect of the reclassification on respective line item in the financials. The guidance provided by this update was effective for reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2012 (the second quarter of fiscal year 2013). The adoption of this standard did not impact the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

There have been no other significant changes in the Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates during the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared to what was previously disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2012 as filed with the SEC on December 6, 2012.

 

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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, without limitation, redemptions by mutual fund shareholders, general economic and financial conditions, movement of interest rates, competitive conditions, industry regulation, fluctuation in the stock market, 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 assumptions about changes in the market place, especially with the extreme volatility in the global and US financial markets;

 

 

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 investment advisory 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 our mutual funds and vary from fund to fund. The

 

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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 purchases of the rights to manage mutual funds, market conditions and the success of our marketing efforts. Average assets under management were $3.23 billion and $809.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Average assets under management were $2.84 billion and $793.2 million for the six months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Total assets under management were $3.41 billion as of March 31, 2013. Our total assets under management have increased since March 31, 2012 mainly due to our purchase of assets related to the management of the former FBR funds, which had approximately $2.2 billion in assets under management. The following table illustrates the changes in assets under management from March 31, 2012 through March 31, 2013:

 

     Assets Under Management
At Each Quarter End, March 31, 2012 through March 31, 2013
 
     3/31/2012     6/30/2012     9/30/2012     12/31/2012     3/31/2013  
     (In Thousands)  

Beginning assets under management

   $ 780,950      $ 814,944      $ 821,406      $ 919,262      $ 3,024,068   

Acquisition inflows

     —          —          —          2,222,961        —     

Organic inflows

     28,167        80,366        78,949        156,362        312,272   

Redemptions

     (75,389     (40,381     (55,355     (287,467     (297,363

Market appreciation (depreciation)

     81,216        (33,523     74,262        12,950        367,449   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending assets under management

   $ 814,944      $ 821,406      $ 919,262      $ 3,024,068      $ 3,406,426   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The principal asset on our balance sheet, management contracts - net of accumulated amortization, represents the capitalized costs incurred in connection with the purchase of assets related to management of mutual funds. As of March 31, 2013, this asset had a net balance of $42.5 million.

The principal liability on our balance sheet is the bank debt incurred in connection with the purchase of assets related to management of mutual funds. As of March 31, 2013, this liability had a balance of $17.8 million.

 

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Results of Operations

The following table displays items in the statements of income and comprehensive income as dollar amounts and as percentages of total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2013     2012  
     (In thousands, except percentages)  
     Amounts     Percent
of Total
Revenue
    Amounts      Percent
of Total
Revenue
 

Revenue:

         

Investment advisory fees

   $ 5,726        96.3   $ 1,538         89.0

Shareholder service fees

     221        3.7        191         11.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total revenue

     5,947        100.0        1,729         100.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

         

Compensation and benefits

     1,850        31.1        586         33.9   

General and administrative

     698        11.7        387         22.4   

Mutual fund distribution

     351        5.9        149         8.6   

Sub-advisor fees

     950        16.0        142         8.2   

Amortization and depreciation

     45        0.8        25         1.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     3,894        65.5        1,289         74.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating income

     2,053        34.5        440         25.4   

Interest expense

     179        3.0        13         0.7   

Other income

     (1     (0.0     —           —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income before income tax expense

     1,875        31.5        427         24.7   

Income tax expense

     758        12.7        181         10.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 1,117        18.8   $ 246         14.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Revenues: Total revenue increased 244% from the prior comparable period to $5.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2013, due to increased average assets under management. Investment advisory fees increased 272.3% from the prior comparable period to $5.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2013, and shareholder servicing fees increased 15.7% from the prior comparable period to $0.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2013. The increase in investment advisory fees is due to increased average daily net assets in our mutual funds. However, not all of the Hennessy Funds earn shareholder servicing fees. The increase in shareholder servicing fees is due to increased average daily net assets in our mutual funds that earn shareholder servicing fees.

Average daily net assets in our mutual funds for the three months ended March 31, 2013 increased by $2.4 billion, or 299%, to $3.23 billion from $809.5 million in the prior comparable period. The increase is mainly attributable to the purchase of assets related to the management of the former FBR Funds, which had approximately $2.2 billion in assets under management. The increase is augmented by market appreciation.

About 25.8%, or $833.5 million, is in the Hennessy Focus Fund, which generates revenue at a rate of 0.90% of daily average assets. However, the Company pays a sub-advisor fee of 0.29% of average daily net assets of the Hennessy Focus Fund, which reduces the net impact to the Company’s financial operations. The second largest concentration of average daily net assets, at 24.5%, or $792 million, is in the Hennessy Gas Utility Index Fund, which generates revenue at a rate of 0.40% of daily average assets.

 

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Total net assets in our mutual funds increased by $2.59 billion, or 318%, from $814.9 million as of the end of the prior comparable period to $3.4 billion as of March 31, 2013. The $2.59 billion increase in net mutual fund assets is attributable to the purchase of assets related to the management of the former FBR Funds, which had approximately $2.2 billion in assets under management. Redemptions as a percentage of assets under management increased from an average of 3.1% per month to 3.2% per month during the same period due to increased outflows.

The net outflows are relatively negligible at approximately $50 million. There has been market appreciation of $421 million since the prior comparable period, and investors are seeking positive returns over the relatively flat or negative returns in other investment markets.

Redemptions from the funds were due, among other factors, to the following:

Although the economic environment remains turbulent, we are finally seeing investors returning to the equity markets. For the quarter ended March 31, 2013, every one of our sixteen Hennessy Funds had positive returns, which has encouraged inflows.

There is continued political and economic uncertainty due to: continued unemployment, rising US debt and continued volatility in Europe, among other things. However, Americans have poured record amounts into their savings, despite interest rates being at record lows. Also, the U.S. Government is beginning to provide clarity, and we believe this will allow a sustained recovery to begin in earnest.

We offer two sub-advised funds that are invested in the Japanese equity market. These funds experienced outflows as Japan continued to recover from the earthquake and tsunami of March, 2011. However, we continue to believe in the resiliency and aptitude of the Japanese people and of Japanese companies, and investors have shown they agree. The Hennessy Japan Fund and the Hennessy Japan Small Cap Fund experienced net inflows of $2.7 million and $2.2 million, respectively, in the quarter ended March 31, 2013.

The market appreciation was due, among other factors, to the following:

This year ended March 31, 2013, the financial markets showed great resiliency despite the consistently negative news that drive consumer and investor fear. We are finally seeing indications that the confidence of the individual investor is returning, and there is nothing like positive returns to convince even the greatest market bears to invest in the US equity markets.

The fundamentals continue to support viable markets: Price to Sales, Price to Earnings, Price to Book, and Price to Cash Flow ratios are below their historical averages, and corporate profits were at an all-time high during the fiscal year, with companies sitting on over $2 trillion in cash on their balance sheets. If investors stay the course and focus on the fundamentals, we expect to see the success in the stock market continue.

 

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The Company has contractual expense ratio limitations for the following Funds:

 

Fund

  Expense Ratio
Limitation
(as a % of fund assets)
    Expenses Waived for
the 3-months ended
3/31/2013

(in $)
 

Investor Class Shares

   

Hennessy Large Cap Financial Fund*

    1.95   $ —     

Hennessy Small Cap Financial Fund*

    1.95     —     

Hennessy Technology Fund*

    1.95     10,261   

Hennessy Focus Fund*

    1.95     —     

Hennessy Gas Utility Index Fund*

    0.80     —     

Hennessy Equity and Income Fund*

    1.08     17   

Hennessy Core Bond Fund*

    1.05     5,255   

Institutional Class Shares

   

Hennessy Cornerstone Growth Fund

    0.98     —     

Hennessy Cornerstone Mid Cap 30 Fund

    0.98     —     

Hennessy Cornerstone Value Fund

    0.98     —     

Hennessy Cornerstone Large Growth Fund

    0.98     —     

Hennessy Large Value Fund

    0.98     —     

Hennessy Small Cap Financial Fund*

    1.70     —     

Hennessy Technology Fund*

    1.70     2,550   

Hennessy Focus Fund*

    1.70     —     

Hennessy Equity and Income Fund*

    1.08     —     

Hennessy Core Bond Fund*

    1.05     14,499   
   

 

 

 

Total

    $ 32,582   
   

 

 

 

 

* Expense ratio limitations expire on February 28, 2015.

The Company does not normally waive fees (other than for contractual expense ratio limitations), nor does it anticipate waiving fees, on a voluntary basis.

Operating Expenses: Total operating expenses increased 202.1% to $3.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2013, from $1.3 million in the prior comparable period. The increase is due to increases in all expense categories due to management of seven additional mutual funds. As a percentage of total revenue, total operating expenses decreased 9.1% to 65.5% in the three months ended March 31, 2013, as compared to 74.6% in the prior comparable period.

Compensation and Benefits: Compensation and benefits increased 215.7% to $1.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2013, from $0.6 million in the prior comparable period. The increase is primarily due to new employees hired to manage mutual funds and increase our sales and marketing efforts. As a percentage of total revenue, compensation and benefits decreased 2.8% to 31.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to 33.9% in the prior comparable period.

General and Administrative Expenses: General and administrative expense increased 80.4% to $0.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2013, from $0.4 million in the prior comparable period. The increase resulted primarily from an increase in marketing, sales and distribution efforts in the current period. As a percentage of total revenue, general and administrative expense decreased 10.7% to 11.7% in the three months ended March 31, 2013, from 22.4% in the prior comparable period.

 

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Mutual Fund Distribution Expenses: Distribution expense increased 135.6% to $0.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2013, from $0.1 million in the prior comparable period. As a percentage of total revenue, distribution expense decreased 2.7% to 5.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to 8.6% in the prior comparable period.

The mutual fund distribution expense consists of fees paid for our mutual funds to be offered on various financial “platforms.” The platforms allow consumers to purchase shares from numerous mutual fund companies through a single location, which provides those customers with a single statement of investments and a single source for mutual fund information and customer service. When our funds are purchased through one of these platforms, such as Charles Schwab, Fidelity, TD Ameritrade or Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, the platform typically charges us an asset based fee which is recorded in “mutual fund distribution expense” in our statement of operations. The fees increase or decrease in line with the value of the funds held on the platforms, which can be affected by inflows, outflows and market performance.

The increased costs in the current period are due to an increase in the value of average assets held through mutual fund platforms such as Charles Schwab, Fidelity and TD Ameritrade. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, the value of the mutual funds held on Charles Schwab (the platform to which we pay almost half of our total mutual fund distribution fees) increased by about 95% from the prior comparable period.

The incremental assets purchased through the mutual fund platforms are not as profitable as those purchased in direct shareholder accounts due to the participation fees paid on assets held in the various mutual fund platforms. All of our funds are impacted by activity on the financial platforms as they are all available on several platforms.

Sub-advisor Fee Expense: Sub-advisor fee expense increased 569% to $0.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2013, from $0.1 million in the prior comparable period. The increase is a result of the addition of three new sub-advised funds in the current period: the Hennessy Focus Fund, the Hennessy Core Bond Fund and the Hennessy Equity and Income Fund. As a percentage of total revenue, sub-advisor fee expense increased 7.8% to 16% for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to 8.2% in the prior comparable period.

Amortization and Depreciation Expense: Amortization and depreciation expense increased 80% to $0.05 million in the three months ended March 31, 2013, from $0.03 million in the prior comparable period. As a percentage of total revenue, amortization and depreciation expense decreased 0.7% to 0.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to 1.5% in the prior comparable period.

Interest Expense: Interest expense increased by 1,276.9% from the prior comparable period due to a loan amendment adding a net amount of $15.9 million to the principal loan balance since the prior comparable period. As a percentage of total revenue, interest expense increased 2.3% to 3% for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to 0.7% in the prior comparable period.

 

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Other Income: Other income increased 100% to $0.001 million from the prior comparable period income of $0. The increased income is due to dividends and unrealized gains on marketable securities. As a percentage of total revenue, other income remained the same at 0%.

Income Taxes: The provision for income taxes increased 318.8% to $0.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2013, from $0.2 million in the prior comparable period. The change is due to increased income before income tax expense in the current period, as well as a valuation allowance on the capital loss carryforward in the current period.

Net Income: Net income increased by 354.1% to $1.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2013, from $0.2 million in the prior comparable period, as a result of the factors discussed above.

The following table displays items in the statements of income and comprehensive income as dollar amounts and as percentages of total revenue for the six months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:

 

     Six Months Ended March 31,  
     2013     2012  
     (In thousands, except percentages)  
     Amounts      Percent
of Total
Revenue
    Amounts     Percent
of Total
Revenue
 

Revenue:

         

Investment advisory fees

   $ 10,215         95.9   $ 3,068        89.0

Shareholder service fees

     435         4.1        378        11.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenue

     10,650         100.0        3,446        100.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

         

Compensation and benefits

     3,262         30.6        1,120        32.5   

General and administrative

     1,372         12.9        935        27.1   

Mutual fund distribution

     619         5.8        291        8.4   

Sub-advisor fees

     1,661         15.6        282        8.2   

Amortization and depreciation

     83         0.8        46        1.4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     6,997         65.7        2,674        77.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     3,653         34.3        772        22.4   

Interest expense

     317         3.0        27        0.9   

Other expense (income), net

     109         1.0        (1     (0.1
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income tax expense

     3,227         30.3        746        21.6   

Income tax expense

     1,342         12.6        348        10.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 1,885         17.7   $ 398        11.5
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Revenues: Total revenue increased 209.1% from the prior comparable period to $10.7 million in the six months ended March 31, 2013, due to increased average assets under management. Investment advisory fees increased 233% from the prior comparable period to $10.2 million in the six months ended March 31, 2013, and shareholder servicing fees increased 15.1% from the prior comparable period to $0.4 million in the six months ended March 31, 2013. The increase in investment advisory fees is due to increased average daily net assets in our mutual funds. However, not all of the Hennessy Funds earn shareholder servicing fees. The increase in shareholder servicing fees is due to increased average daily net assets in our mutual funds that earn shareholder servicing fees.

Average daily net assets in our mutual funds for the six months ended March 31, 2013 increased by $2.0 billion, or 258%, to $2.84 billion from $793.2 million in the prior comparable period. The increase is attributable to the purchase of assets related to the management of the former FBR Funds, which had approximately $2.2 billion in assets under management.

About 24.5%, or $694.9 million, of the total average daily net assets for the period are concentrated in the Hennessy Focus Fund, which generates revenue at a rate of 0.90% of daily average assets. However, the Company pays a sub-advisor fee of 0.29% of average daily net assets of the Hennessy Focus Fund, which reduces the net impact to the Company’s financial operations. The second largest concentration of average daily net assets at 22.9%, or $651.3 million, is in the Hennessy Gas Utility Index Fund, which generates revenue at a rate of 0.40% of daily average assets.

Total net assets in our mutual funds increased by $2.59 billion, or 318%, from $814.9 million as of the end of the prior comparable period to $3.4 billion as of March 31, 2013. The $2.59 billion increase in net mutual fund assets is mainly attributable to the purchase of assets related to the management of the former FBR Funds, which had approximately $2.2 billion in assets under management. Redemptions as a percentage of assets under management increased from an average of 2.9% per month to 3.6% per month during the same period due to increased outflows.

The net outflows are relatively negligible at approximately $50 million. There has been market appreciation of $421 million since the prior comparable period, and investors are seeking positive returns over the relatively flat or negative returns in other investment markets.

Redemptions from the funds were due, among other factors, to the following:

Although the economic environment remains turbulent, we are finally seeing investors returning to the equity markets. For the year ended March 31, 2013, every one of our sixteen Hennessy Funds had positive returns, which has encouraged inflows.

There is continued political and economic uncertainty due to: continued unemployment, rising US debt and continued volatility in Europe, among other things. However, Americans have poured record amounts into their savings, despite interest rates being at record lows. Also, the U.S. Government is beginning to provide clarity, and we believe this will allow a sustained recovery to begin in earnest.

We offer two sub-advised funds that are invested in the Japanese equity market. These funds experienced outflows as Japan continued to recover from the earthquake and tsunami of March, 2011. However, we

 

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continue to believe in the resiliency and aptitude of the Japanese people and of Japanese companies, and investors have shown they agree. The Hennessy Japan Fund and the Hennessy Japan Small Cap Fund experienced net inflows of $2.7 million and $2.2 million, respectively, in the quarter ended March 31, 2013.

The market appreciation was due, among other factors, to the following:

This year ended March 31, 2013, the financial markets showed great resiliency despite the consistently negative news that drive consumer and investor fear. We are finally seeing indications that the confidence of the individual investor is returning, and there is nothing like positive returns to convince even the greatest market bears to invest in the US equity markets.

The fundamentals continue to support viable markets: Price to Sales, Price to Earnings, Price to Book, and Price to Cash Flow ratios are below their historical averages, and corporate profits were at an all-time high during the fiscal year, with companies sitting on over $2 trillion in cash on their balance sheets. If investors stay the course and focus on the fundamentals, we expect to see the success in the stock market continue.

The Company has contractual expense ratio limitations for the following Funds:

 

Fund

  Expense Ratio
Limitation
(as a % of fund assets)
    Expenses Waived for
the 6-months ended
3/31/2013

(in $)
 

Investor Class Shares

   

Hennessy Large Cap Financial Fund*

    1.95   $ —     

Hennessy Small Cap Financial Fund*

    1.95     —     

Hennessy Technology Fund*

    1.95     19,167   

Hennessy Focus Fund*

    1.95     —     

Hennessy Gas Utility Index Fund*

    0.80     —     

Hennessy Equity and Income Fund*

    1.08     17   

Hennessy Core Bond Fund*

    1.05     7,767   

Institutional Class Shares

   

Hennessy Cornerstone Growth Fund

    0.98     —     

Hennessy Cornerstone Mid Cap 30 Fund

    0.98     —     

Hennessy Cornerstone Value Fund

    0.98     —     

Hennessy Cornerstone Large Growth Fund

    0.98     —     

Hennessy Large Value Fund

    0.98     —     

Hennessy Small Cap Financial Fund*

    1.70     —     

Hennessy Technology Fund*

    1.70     4,115   

Hennessy Focus Fund*

    1.70     —     

Hennessy Equity and Income Fund*

    1.08     —     

Hennessy Core Bond Fund*

    1.05     22,259   
   

 

 

 

Total

    $ 53,325   
   

 

 

 

 

* Expense ratio limitations expire on February 28, 2015.

The Company does not normally waive fees (other than for contractual expense ratio limitations), nor does it anticipate waiving fees, on a voluntary basis.

 

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Operating Expenses: Total operating expenses increased 161.7% to $7 million in the six months ended March 31, 2013, from $2.7 million in the prior comparable period. The increase is due to increases in all expense categories due to management of seven additional mutual funds. As a percentage of total revenue, total operating expenses decreased 11.9% to 65.7% in the six months ended March 31, 2013, as compared to 77.6% in the prior comparable period.

Compensation and Benefits: Compensation and benefits increased 191.3% to $3.3 million in the six months ended March 31, 2013, from $1.1 million in the prior comparable period. The increase is primarily due to new employees hired to manage mutual funds and increase our sales and marketing efforts. As a percentage of total revenue, compensation and benefits decreased 1.9% to 30.6% for the six months ended March 31, 2013, compared to 32.5% in the prior comparable period.

General and Administrative Expenses: General and administrative expense increased 46.7% to $1.4 million in the six months ended March 31, 2013, from $0.9 million in the prior comparable period. The increase resulted primarily from an increase in marketing, sales and distribution efforts in the current period. As a percentage of total revenue, general and administrative expense decreased 14.2% to 12.9% in the six months ended March 31, 2013, from 27.1% in the prior comparable period.

Mutual Fund Distribution Expenses: Distribution expense increased 112.7% to $0.6 million in the six months ended March 31, 2013, from $0.3 million in the prior comparable period. As a percentage of total revenue, distribution expense decreased 2.6% to 5.8% for the six months ended March 31, 2013, compared to 8.4% in the prior comparable period.

The mutual fund distribution expense consists of fees paid for our mutual funds to be offered on various financial “platforms.” The platforms allow consumers to purchase shares from numerous mutual fund companies through a single location, which provides those customers with a single statement of investments and a single source for mutual fund information and customer service. When our funds are purchased through one of these platforms, such as Charles Schwab, Fidelity, TD Ameritrade or Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, the platform typically charges us an asset based fee which is recorded in “mutual fund distribution expense” in our statement of operations. The fees increase or decrease in line with the value of the funds held on the platforms, which can be affected by inflows, outflows and market performance.

The increased costs in the current period are due to an increase in the value of average assets held through mutual fund platforms such as Charles Schwab, Fidelity and TD Ameritrade. For the six months ended March 31, 2013, the value of the mutual funds held on Charles Schwab (the platform to which we pay almost half of our total mutual fund distribution fees) increased by about 81% from the prior comparable period.

The incremental assets purchased through the mutual fund platforms are not as profitable as those purchased in direct shareholder accounts due to the participation fees paid on assets held in the various mutual fund platforms. All of our funds are impacted by activity on the financial platforms as they are all available on several platforms.

Sub-advisor Fee Expense: Sub-advisor fee expense increased 489% to $1.7 million in the six months ended March 31, 2013, from $0.3 million in the prior comparable period. The increase is a result of the addition of three new sub-advised funds in the

 

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current period: the Hennessy Focus Fund, the Hennessy Core Bond Fund and the Hennessy Equity and Income Fund. As a percentage of total revenue, sub-advisor fee expense increased 7.4% to 15.6% for the six months ended March 31, 2013, compared to 8.2% in the prior comparable period.

Amortization and Depreciation Expense: Amortization and depreciation increased 80.4% to $0.08 million in the six months ended March 31, 2013, from $0.05 million in the prior comparable period. As a percentage of total revenue, amortization and depreciation expense decreased 0.6% to 0.8% for the six months ended March 31, 2013, compared to 1.4% in the prior comparable period.

Interest Expense: Interest expense increased by 1,074.1% from the prior comparable period due to a loan amendment adding a net amount of $15.5 million to the principal loan balance since the prior comparable period. As a percentage of total revenue, interest expense increased 2.1% to 3.0% for the six months ended March 31, 2013, compared to 0.9% in the prior comparable period.

Other Income or Expense: Other income or expense increased 11,100% to an expense of $0.1 million from the prior comparable period income of $.001 million. The increased expense is due to the realized loss of $0.1 million on the sale of the available for sale investment on December 14, 2012. As a percentage of total revenue, other expense increased 1.1% to 1.0% for the six months ended March 31, 2013, compared to (0.1%) in the prior comparable period.

Income Taxes: The provision for income taxes increased 285.6% to $1.3 million in the six months ended March 31, 2013, from $0.3 million in the prior comparable period. The change is due to increased income before income tax expense in the current period, as well as a valuation allowance on the capital loss carryforward in the current period.

Net Income: Net income increased by 373.6% to $1.9 million in the six months ended March 31, 2013, from $0.4 million in the prior comparable period, as a result of the factors discussed above.

Critical Accounting Policies

Accounting policies, methods, and estimates are an integral part of the financial statements prepared by management and are based upon management’s current judgments. Those judgments are normally based on knowledge and experience with regard to past and current events and assumptions about future events. Certain accounting policies, methods, and estimates are particularly sensitive because of their significance to the financial statements and because of the possibility that future events affecting them may differ markedly from management’s current judgment.

Our operating revenues consist of contractual management and shareholder servicing fees. We earn our management fees principally through portfolio management of our mutual funds, and we earn our shareholder servicing fees by assisting customers in

 

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purchases, sales, distribution and customer service. The revenues are earned and calculated daily by our fund accountant. In accordance with the FASB guidance on revenue recognition, the fees are recognized monthly by the Company. Our contractual agreements provide persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists with fixed and determinable fees, and the services are rendered daily. The collectability is probable as the fees are received from our fund accountant in the month subsequent to the month in which the services are provided.

The management agreements acquired by the Company are considered intangible assets with an indefinite life. In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued the FASB guidance “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other.” It states that goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but are tested at least annually for impairment. We fully implemented the provisions of the FASB guidance on October 1, 2002, at which time we ceased amortization of these intangible assets. Impairment analysis is conducted quarterly and coincides with our quarterly and annual financial reporting.

In conducting the impairment analysis, the future revenues are calculated as a percent of assets under management based on our existing management agreements with the Hennessy Funds. The future expenses are based on projections of our current expenses, adjusted for changes in the assets under management. For example, variable expenses such as platform fees and sub-advisor fees grow in direct proportion with our assets under management. Other semi-variable expenses, such as office rent and professional services, grow at a rate slower than the growth in assets under management. Specifically, the projected revenues and expenses are based on assumptions about the growth of our assets under management. Since our management contracts have an indefinite life, the projections of revenues and expenses in theory are calculated into perpetuity. The actual values, however, were calculated over the future 15 years, and the value developed for the periods beyond the 15 year forecast is reflected in the terminal value calculation. Ultimately, growth rates of equities over the long-term were used in estimating future rates, primarily based on the consistent tendency of returns to center about the 11% range, as evidenced by annual S&P returns from 1928 to 2011. In addition, studies have concluded that in general, flows into various mutual fund groups are highly correlated with market performance, which suggests the Hennessy Funds will average reasonable inflows over the future 15 years in response to market appreciation.

We measured the fair value of the management contracts by incorporating our estimates and assumptions into a projection of future revenues, based in part upon estimates of assets under management growth and client attrition, and expenses. Based on the analysis, we concluded that projected revenues exceed projected expenses by an amount that is greater than the current carrying value of the management contracts. We therefore concluded that the management contract assets are not impaired as of September 30, 2012. We continually evaluate whether events or circumstances have occurred that indicate the management contracts may be impaired. If future valuations in the marketplace decline, the valuation of management agreements acquired may become impaired and net earnings would be negatively impacted by the resulting impairment adjustment. As of March 31, 2013, no events or circumstances occurred that indicated potential impairment of the management contracts.

The costs related to the Company’s purchase of assets related to the management of mutual funds are capitalized as incurred. The costs are defined as an ‘intangible asset’ per FASB standard “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other.” The acquisition costs include legal fees, fees for soliciting shareholder approval and percent of asset costs. The amounts are included in the management contract asset totaling $42.5 million, net as of March 31, 2013.

 

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Significant Estimate

In accordance with the Asset Purchase Agreement, we will make a subsequent payment upon the first anniversary of closing constituting the remaining forty percent of the purchase price. The subsequent payment will be calculated on total assets under management as of October 25, 2013, which is an unknown number. Based on net asset values of the former FBR Funds on March 31, 2013, the second payment would be approximately $14 million. However, positive market impact has contributed significantly to the increase in net asset values of the former FBR Funds since the purchase date, and the calculation can therefore change immensely prior to the valuation date of October 25, 2013 due to market volatility. There is no maximum payment due, and it is possible that zero payment will be due. Therefore, although the second payment is probable, it is not estimable, and we are therefore booking zero contingent liability as of March 31, 2013.

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 March 31, 2013 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, such as a possible subsequent payment on the purchase of assets related to management of the former FBR Funds, 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 March 31, 2013 were $3.41 billion, which was an increase of $2.5 billion, or 270.6%, from September 30, 2012. The primary source of our revenue, liquidity and cash flow are our fees, which are based on and generated by our average assets under management. Fixed assets and management agreements purchased totaled $42.7 million as of March 31, 2013. Our remaining assets are very liquid, consisting primarily of cash and receivables derived from mutual fund asset management activities. As of March 31, 2013, we had cash and cash equivalents of $6.1 million.

 

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The following table summarizes key financial data relating to our liquidity and use of cash for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:

 

     For the Six Months
Ended March 31,
(unaudited, in thousands)
 
     2013     2012  

Cash flow data:

    

Operating cash flows

   $ 1,837      $ 496   

Investing cash flows

     (19,701     (64

Financing cash flows

     15,279        (621
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

   $ (2,585   $ (189
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The increase in cash provided by operating activities of $1.3 million is due to the effects of the purchase of assets related to the management agreements of mutual funds which increased net income.

The increase in cash used in investing activities is due to $20 million related to the purchase of assets related to the management of the former FBR Funds, partly offset by the proceeds related to the liquidation of the available for sale investment.

The increase in cash provided by financing activities is due to a loan amendment to finance the purchase of assets related to the management of the former FBR Funds.

Our Bank Loan: We have an outstanding bank loan with U.S. Bank National Association. On October 26, 2012, the $1.9 million loan was amended to provide an additional $16.3 million to purchase the assets related to the management of the former FBR funds and an additional $0.2 million in loan fees for a new balance of $18.4 million. The loan agreement requires fifty-nine (59) monthly payments in the amount of $153,333 plus interest at the bank’s prime rate (currently 3.25%, in effect since December 17, 2008) plus 0.75% (effective interest rate of 4.00%) and is secured by the Company’s assets. The final installment of the then outstanding principal and its interest are due October 26, 2017. The loan agreement includes certain reporting requirements and loan covenants requiring the maintenance of certain financial ratios. We are in compliance with our loan covenants as of March 31, 2013. As of March 31, 2013, we had $17.8 million outstanding under our bank loan.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

An evaluation was performed by management of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as of March 31, 2013. Based on that evaluation, management, including the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

There has been no change in the internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that occurred during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Part II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

We purchased shares and vested stock options from employees and directors to pay for stock option exercises. The stock repurchases are presented in the following table for the three months ended March 31, 2013:

 

Period

  Total number of
shares purchased
    Average price
paid  per

share
    Total number of
shares purchased
as part of publicly
announced plans
or programs (3)
    Maximum number of
shares that may
yet be purchased
under the plans
or programs (3)
 
    (a)     (b)     (c)     (d)  

On the exercise dates of January 1-31, 2013

    0      $ 0.00        0        908,807   

On the exercise dates of February 1-28, 2013

    0      $ 0.00        0        908,807   

On the exercise dates of March 1-31, 2013(1)

    114,251      $ 7.00        0        908,807   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total (2)

    114,251      $ 7.00        0        908,807   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) The shares repurchased on March 25, 2013 were repurchased, according to the employee’s and director’s instructions, to pay for the exercise of stock options granted on August 6, 2003 and were not purchased pursuant to the stock buyback program described below.
(2) The total shares repurchased were purchased at a weighted average price of $7.00 per share.
(3) The share repurchases related to the stock option exercises were not completed pursuant to a plan or program, and are therefore not subject to a maximum per a plan or program. The Company has adopted a stock buyback program which it announced August 5, 2010. Pursuant to the program, the Company is authorized to purchase a maximum of 1,000,000 shares. The program has no expiration date.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

  10.1    Hennessy Advisors, Inc. 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (1)
  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
100    Financial statements from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Hennessy Advisors, Inc. for the quarter ended March 31, 2013, filed on May 8, 2013, formatted in XBRL: (i) the Condensed Balance Sheets; (ii) the Condensed Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income; (iii) the Condensed Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity; (iv) the Condensed Statements of Cash Flows; and (v) the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements.

 

(1) Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to Hennessy Advisors’ definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A for the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on January 17, 2013 (File No. 000-49872).

 

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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: May 8, 2013                 By:  

/s/ Teresa M. Nilsen

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

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

  10.1    Hennessy Advisors, Inc. 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (1)
  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
100    Financial statements from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Hennessy Advisors, Inc. for the quarter ended March 31, 2013, filed on May 8, 2013, formatted in XBRL: (i) the Condensed Balance Sheets; (ii) the Condensed Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income; (iii) the Condensed Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity; (iv) the Condensed Statements of Cash Flows; and (v) the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements.

 

(1) Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to Hennessy Advisors’ definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A for the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on January 17, 2013 (File No. 000-49872).

 

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