Silvercrest Asset Management Group Inc. - Quarter Report: 2021 June (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

(Mark One)

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED June 30, 2021

OR

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM                      TO

Commission file number: 001-35733

Silvercrest Asset Management Group Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

1330 Avenue of the Americas, 38th Floor

New York, New York 10019

(Address of Principal Executive Offices and Zip Code)

(212) 649-0600

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

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

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Securities Act.  ☐

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

The number of outstanding shares of the registrant’s Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, as of July 26, 2021 was 9,669,760 and 4,781,844, respectively.

Except where the context requires otherwise and as otherwise set forth herein, in this report, references to the “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our” refer to Silvercrest Asset Management Group Inc. (“Silvercrest”) and its consolidated subsidiary, Silvercrest L.P., the managing member of our operating subsidiary (“Silvercrest L.P.” or “SLP”). SLP is a limited partnership whose existing limited partners are referred to in this report as “principals”.

Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains, and from time to time our management may make, forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended. For those statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events. Important factors that could cause actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements include but are not limited to: incurrence of net losses, fluctuations in quarterly and annual results, adverse economic or market conditions, our expectations with respect to future levels of assets under management, inflows and outflows, our ability to retain clients from whom we derive a substantial portion of our assets under management, our ability to maintain our fee structure, our particular choices with regard to investment strategies employed, our ability to hire and retain qualified investment professionals, the cost of complying with current and future regulation coupled with the cost of defending ourselves from related investigations or litigation, failure of our operational safeguards against breaches in data security, privacy, conflicts of interest or employee misconduct, our expected tax rate, and our expectations with respect to deferred tax assets,  adverse economic or market conditions, including the continued adverse effects of the coronavirus pandemic, incurrence of net losses, adverse effects of management focusing on implementation of a growth strategy, failure to develop and maintain the Silvercrest brand and other factors disclosed under “Risk Factors” in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 which is accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.  We undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

Part I – Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

Silvercrest Asset Management Group Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except share and par value data)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

1

Silvercrest Asset Management Group Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

2

Silvercrest Asset Management Group Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

Silvercrest Asset Management Group Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

Silvercrest Asset Management Group Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

Silvercrest Asset Management Group Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 and for the Three and Six Months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share and par value data and as otherwise indicated)

1. ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS

Silvercrest Asset Management Group Inc. (“Silvercrest”), together with its consolidated subsidiary, Silvercrest L.P., a limited partnership, (collectively the “Company”), was formed as a Delaware corporation on July 11, 2011. Silvercrest is a holding company that was formed in order to carry on the business of Silvercrest L.P., the managing member of our operating subsidiary, and its subsidiaries.  Effective on June 26, 2013, Silvercrest became the sole general partner of Silvercrest L.P. and its only material asset is the general partner interest in Silvercrest L.P., represented by 9,669,760 Class A units or approximately 66.9% of the outstanding interests of Silvercrest L.P.  Silvercrest controls all of the businesses and affairs of Silvercrest L.P. and, through Silvercrest L.P. and its subsidiaries, continues to conduct the business previously conducted by these entities prior to the reorganization.  

Silvercrest L.P., together with its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively “SLP”), provides investment management and family office services to individuals and families and their trusts, and to endowments, foundations and other institutional investors primarily located in the United States of America. The business includes the management of funds of funds and other investment funds, collectively referred to as the “Silvercrest Funds”.

Silvercrest L.P. was formed on December 10, 2008 and commenced operations on January 1, 2009.

On March 11, 2004, Silvercrest Asset Management Group LLC (“SAMG LLC”) acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of James C. Edwards Asset Management, Inc. (“JCE”) and subsequently changed JCE’s name to Silvercrest Financial Services, Inc. (“SFS”). On December 31, 2004, SLP acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of the LongChamp Group, Inc. (now SAM Alternative Solutions, Inc.) (“LGI”). Effective March 31, 2005, SLP entered into an Asset Contribution Agreement with and acquired all of the assets, properties, rights and certain liabilities of Heritage Financial Management, LLC (“HFM”). Effective October 3, 2008, SLP acquired 100% of the outstanding limited liability company interests of Marathon Capital Group, LLC (“MCG”) through a limited liability company interest purchase agreement dated September 22, 2008. On November 1, 2011, SLP acquired certain assets of Milbank Winthrop & Co. (“Milbank”). On April 1, 2012, SLP acquired 100% of the outstanding limited liability company interests of MW Commodity Advisors, LLC (“Commodity Advisors”). On March 28, 2013, SLP acquired certain assets of Ten-Sixty Asset Management, LLC (“Ten-Sixty”). On June 30, 2015, SLP acquired certain assets of Jamison, Eaton & Wood, Inc. (“Jamison”).  On January 11, 2016, SLP acquired certain assets of Cappiccille & Company, LLC (“Cappiccille”).  On January 15, 2019, SLP acquired certain assets of Neosho Capital LLC (“Neosho”).  On July 1, 2019, SLP acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed certain liabilities of Cortina Asset Management, LLC (“Cortina”).  See Notes 3, 7 and 8 for additional information related to the acquisition, goodwill and intangible assets arising from these acquisitions.

Tax Receivable Agreement

In connection with the Company’s initial public offering (the “IPO”) and reorganization of SLP that were completed on June 26, 2013, Silvercrest entered into a tax receivable agreement (the “TRA”) with the partners of SLP (the “SLP Partners”) that requires Silvercrest to pay the SLP Partners 85% of the amount of cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local income tax that Silvercrest actually realizes (or is deemed to realize in the case of an early termination payment by it, or a change in control) as a result of the increases in tax basis and certain other tax benefits related to entering into the TRA, including tax benefits attributable to payments under the TRA or attributable to exchanges of shares of Class B common stock for shares of Class A common stock.  The payments to be made pursuant to the tax receivable agreement are a liability of Silvercrest and not Silvercrest L.P.  As of June 30, 2021, this liability is estimated to be $9,466 and is included in deferred tax and other liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Silvercrest expects to benefit from the remaining 15% of cash savings realized, if any.

The TRA was effective upon the consummation of the IPO and will continue until all such tax benefits have been utilized or expired, unless Silvercrest exercises its right to terminate the TRA for an amount based on an agreed upon value of the payments remaining to be made under the agreement. The TRA will automatically terminate with respect to Silvercrest’s obligations to an SLP partner if such SLP partner (i) is terminated for cause, (ii) breaches his or her non-solicitation covenants with Silvercrest or any of its subsidiaries or (iii) voluntarily resigns or retires and competes with Silvercrest or any of its subsidiaries in the 12-month period following resignation of employment or retirement, and no further payments will be made to such partner under the TRA.

For purposes of the TRA, cash savings in income tax will be computed by comparing Silvercrest’s actual income tax liability to the amount of such taxes that it would have been required to pay had there been no increase in its share of the tax basis of the tangible and intangible assets of SLP.

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Estimating the amount of payments that Silvercrest may be required to make under the TRA is imprecise by nature, because the actual increase in its share of the tax basis, as well as the amount and timing of any payments under the TRA, will vary depending upon a number of factors, including:

In addition, the TRA provides that upon certain mergers, asset sales, other forms of business combinations, or other changes of control, Silvercrest’s (or its successors’) obligations with respect to exchanged or acquired Silvercrest Class B units, whether exchanged or acquired before or after such transaction, would be based on certain assumptions, including that Silvercrest would have sufficient taxable income to fully utilize the deductions arising from the increased tax deductions and tax basis and other benefits related to entering into the TRA.

Decisions made by the continuing SLP Partners in the course of running Silvercrest’s business, such as with respect to mergers, asset sales, other forms of business combinations or other changes in control, may influence the timing and amount of payments that are received by an exchanging or selling principal under the TRA. For example, the earlier disposition of assets following an exchange or acquisition transaction will generally accelerate payments under the TRA and increase the present value of such payments, and the disposition of assets before an exchange or acquisition transaction will increase an existing owner’s tax liability without giving rise to any rights of a principal to receive payments under the TRA.

Were the IRS to successfully challenge the tax basis increases described above, Silvercrest would not be reimbursed for any payments previously made under the TRA. As a result, in certain circumstances, Silvercrest could make payments under the TRA in excess of its actual cash savings in income tax.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Silvercrest and its wholly owned subsidiaries SLP, SAMG LLC, SFS, MCG, Silvercrest Investors LLC, Silvercrest Investors II LLC and Silvercrest Investors III LLC as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.  All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

The Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition at December 31, 2020 was derived from the audited Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that may be expected for the full fiscal year ending December 31, 2021 and 2020 or any future period.

The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company included herein are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the interim financial position and results, have been made. The Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes should be read together with the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

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The Company evaluates for consolidation those entities it controls through a majority voting interest or otherwise, including those Silvercrest Funds over which the general partner or equivalent is presumed to have control, e.g. by virtue of the limited partners not being able to remove the general partner. The initial step in determining whether a fund for which SLP is the general partner is required to be consolidated is assessing whether the fund is a variable interest entity (“VIE”) or a voting interest entity (“VoIE”).

SLP then considers whether the fund is a VoIE in which the unaffiliated limited partners have substantive “kick-out” rights that provide the ability to dissolve (liquidate) the limited partnership or otherwise remove the general partner without cause. SLP considers the “kick-out” rights to be substantive if the general partner for the fund can be removed by the vote of a simple majority of the unaffiliated limited partners and there are no significant barriers to the unaffiliated limited partners’ ability to exercise these rights in that among other things, (1) there are no conditions or timing limits on when the rights can be exercised, (2) there are no financial or operational barriers associated with replacing the general partner, (3) there are a number of qualified replacement investment advisors that would accept appointment at the same fee level, (4) each fund’s documents provide for the ability to call and conduct a vote, and (5) the information necessary to exercise the kick-out rights and related vote are available from the fund and its administrator.

If the fund is a VIE, SLP then determines whether it has a variable interest in the fund, and if so, whether SLP is the primary beneficiary.  In determining whether SLP is the primary beneficiary, SLP evaluates its control rights as well as economic interests in the entity held either directly or indirectly by SLP. The consolidation analysis can generally be performed qualitatively; however, if it is not readily apparent that SLP is not the primary beneficiary, a quantitative analysis may also be performed. Amendments to the governing documents of the respective Silvercrest Funds could affect an entity’s status as a VIE or the determination of the primary beneficiary. At each reporting date, SLP assesses whether it is the primary beneficiary and will consolidate or deconsolidate accordingly.   

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, each fund is deemed to be a VoIE and neither SLP nor Silvercrest consolidated any of the Silvercrest Funds.

Non-controlling Interest

As of June 30, 2021, Silvercrest holds approximately 66.9% of the economic interests in SLP. Silvercrest is the sole general partner of SLP and, therefore, controls the management of SLP. As a result, Silvercrest consolidates the financial position and the results of operations of SLP and its subsidiaries, and records a non-controlling interest, as a separate component of equity on its Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition for the remaining economic interests in SLP. The non-controlling interest in the income or loss of SLP is included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as a reduction or addition to net income derived from SLP.

Segment Reporting

The Company views its operations as comprising one operating segment, the investment management industry. Each of the Company’s acquired businesses has similar economic characteristics and has been, or is in the process of becoming, fully integrated. Furthermore, our chief operating decision maker, who is the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, monitors and reviews financial information at a consolidated level for assessing operating results and the allocation of resources.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, and the reported amounts of revenues, expenses and other income reported in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates and assumptions made by management include the fair value of acquired assets and liabilities, determination of equity-based compensation, accounting for income taxes, determination of the useful lives of long-lived assets, and other matters that affect the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid securities with original maturities of 90 days or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

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Equity Method Investments

The Company accounts for investment activities related to entities over which the Company exercises significant influence but do not meet the requirements for consolidation, using the equity method of accounting, whereby the Company records its share of the underlying income or losses of these entities. Intercompany profit arising from transactions with affiliates is eliminated to the extent of its beneficial interest. Equity in losses of equity method investments is not recognized after the carrying value of an investment, including advances and loans, has been reduced to zero, unless guarantees or other funding obligations exist.

The Company evaluates its equity method investments for impairment, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of such investments may not be recoverable. The difference between the carrying value of the equity method investment and its estimated fair value is recognized as an impairment when the loss in value is deemed other than temporary. The Company’s equity method investments approximate their fair value at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The fair value of the equity method investments is estimated based on the Company’s share of the fair value of the net assets of the equity method investee. No impairment charges related to equity method investments were recorded during the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 or 2020.

Receivables and Due from Silvercrest Funds

Receivables consist primarily of amounts for management and advisory fees, performance fees, and allocations and family office service fees due from clients and are stated as net realizable value. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful receivables based on estimates of expected losses and specific identification of uncollectible accounts. The Company charges actual losses to the allowance when incurred.

Furniture, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements

Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements consist primarily of furniture, fixtures and equipment, computer hardware and software and leasehold improvements and are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation and amortization are calculated using the straight-line method over the assets’ estimated useful lives, which for leasehold improvements is the lesser of the lease term or the life of the asset, generally 10 years, and 3 to 7 years for other fixed assets.

Business Combinations

The Company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting. The acquisition method of accounting requires that purchase price, including the fair value of contingent consideration, of the acquisition be allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed using the fair values determined by management as of the acquisition date. The method for determining relative fair value varied depending on the type of asset or liability and involved management making significant estimates related to assumptions such as future growth rates used to produce financial projections and the selection of unobservable inputs and other assumptions. The inputs used in establishing the fair value are in most cases unobservable and reflect the Company's own judgments about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Contingent consideration is recorded as part of the purchase price when such contingent consideration is not based on continuing employment of the selling shareholders. Contingent consideration that is related to continuing employment is recorded as compensation expense. Payments made for contingent consideration recorded as part of an acquisition’s purchase price are reflected as financing activities in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

The Company remeasures the fair value of contingent consideration at each reporting period using a probability-adjusted discounted cash flow method based on significant inputs not observable in the market and any change in the fair value from either the passage of time or events occurring after the acquisition date, is recorded in earnings. Contingent consideration payments that exceed the acquisition date fair value of the contingent consideration are reflected as an operating activity in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired, including intangibles, and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. The Company generally uses valuation specialists to perform appraisals and assist in the determination of the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. These valuations require management to make estimates and assumptions that are critical in determining the fair values of the assets and liabilities. During the measurement period, the Company may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Any adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period are recorded in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to earnings.

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Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill consists of the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but is evaluated for impairment at least annually, on October 1^st of each year, or whenever events or circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred.

The Company accounts for Goodwill under Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) No. 350, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other,” which provides an entity the option to first perform a qualitative assessment of whether a reporting unit’s fair value is more likely than not less than its carrying value, including goodwill. In performing its qualitative assessment, an entity considers the extent to which adverse events or circumstances identified, such as changes in economic conditions, industry and market conditions or entity specific events, could affect the comparison of the reporting unit’s fair value with its carrying amount. If an entity concludes that the fair value of a reporting unit is more likely than not less than its carrying amount, the entity is required to perform the currently prescribed two-step goodwill impairment test to identify potential goodwill impairment and, accordingly, measure the amount, if any, of goodwill impairment loss to be recognized for that reporting unit. The Company utilized this option when performing its annual impairment assessment in 2020 and 2019 and concluded that its single reporting unit’s fair value was more likely than not greater than its carrying value, including goodwill.

The Company has one reporting unit at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. No goodwill impairment charges were recorded during the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.

Intangible assets of the Company are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the net carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. In connection with such review, the Company also re-evaluates the periods of amortization for these assets. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceed their fair value.

Identifiable finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives ranging from 3 to 20 years. The method of amortization is based on the pattern over which the economic benefits and generally expected undiscounted cash flows of the intangible asset are consumed. Intangible assets for which no pattern can be reliably determined are amortized using the straight-line method. Intangible assets consist primarily of the contractual right to future management and advisory fees and performance fees and allocations from customer contracts or relationships.

Long-lived Assets

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the net carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. In connection with such review, the Company also reevaluates the periods of depreciation and amortization for these assets. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds their fair value.

Partner Distributions

Partner incentive allocations, which are determined by the general partner, can be formula-based or discretionary. Partner incentive allocations are treated as compensation expense and recognized in the period in which they are earned. In the event there is insufficient distributable cash flow to make incentive distributions, the general partner in its sole and absolute discretion may determine not to make any distributions called for under the partnership agreement. The remaining net income or loss after partner incentive allocations is generally allocated to unit holders based on their pro rata ownership.

Redeemable Partnership Units

If a principal of SLP is terminated for cause, SLP has the right to redeem all of the vested Class B units collectively held by the principal and his or her permitted transferees for a purchase price equal to the lesser of (i) the aggregate capital account balance in SLP of the principal and his or her permitted transferees or (ii) the purchase price paid by the terminated principal to first acquire the Class B units.

SLP also makes distributions to its partners of various nature including incentive payments, profit distributions and tax distributions.  The profit distributions and tax distributions are accounted for as equity transactions.

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Class A Common Stock

The Company’s Class A stockholders are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of the Company’s stockholders. Class A stockholders are also entitled to receive dividends, when and if declared by the Company’s board of directors, out of funds legally available therefor, subject to any statutory or contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends and to any restrictions on the payment of dividends imposed by the terms of any outstanding preferred stock. Dividends consisting of shares of Class A common stock may be paid only as follows: (i) shares of Class A common stock may be paid only to holders of shares of Class A common stock and (ii) shares of Class A common stock will be paid proportionately with respect to each outstanding share of the Company’s Class A common stock. Upon the Company’s liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, or the sale of all, or substantially all, of the Company’s assets, after payment in full of all amounts required to be paid to creditors and to holders of preferred stock having a liquidation preference, if any, the Class A stockholders will be entitled to share ratably in the Company’s remaining assets available for distribution to Class A stockholders. Class B units of SLP held by principals will be exchangeable for shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, on a one-for-one basis, subject to customary adjustments for share splits, dividends and reclassifications.

Class B Common Stock

Shares of the Company’s Class B common stock are issuable only in connection with the issuance of Class B units of SLP. When a vested or unvested Class B unit is issued by SLP, the Company will issue the holder one share of its Class B common stock in exchange for the payment of its par value. Each share of the Company’s Class B common stock will be redeemed for its par value and cancelled by the Company if the holder of the corresponding Class B unit exchanges or forfeits its Class B unit pursuant to the terms of the Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of SLP and the terms of the Silvercrest Asset Management Group Inc. 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2012 Equity Incentive Plan”). The Company’s Class B stockholders will be entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of the Company’s stockholders. The Company’s Class B stockholders will not participate in any dividends declared by the Company’s board of directors. Upon the Company’s liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, or the sale of all, or substantially all, of its assets, Class B stockholders only will be entitled to receive the par value of the Company’s Class B common stock.

Revenue Recognition

The Company generates revenue from management and advisory fees, performance fees and allocations, and family office services fees. Management and advisory fees and performance fees and allocations are generated by managing assets on behalf of separate accounts and acting as investment adviser for various investment funds. Performance fees and allocations also relate to assets managed in external investment strategies in which the Company has a revenue sharing arrangement and in funds in which the Company has no partnership interest. Management and advisory fees and family office services fees income is recognized through the course of the period in which these services are provided. Income from performance fees and allocations is recorded at the conclusion of the contractual performance period when all contingencies are resolved. In certain arrangements, the Company is only entitled to receive performance fees and allocations when the return on assets under management exceeds certain benchmark returns or other performance targets.

The discretionary investment management agreements for the Company’s separately managed accounts do not have a specified term. Rather, each agreement may be terminated by either party at any time, unless otherwise agreed with the client, upon written notice of termination to the other party. The investment management agreements for the Company’s private funds are generally in effect from year to year, and may be terminated at the end of any year (or, in certain cases, on the anniversary of execution of the agreement) (i) by the Company upon 30 or 90 days’ prior written notice and (ii) after receiving the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the investors in the private fund that are not affiliated with the Company, by the private fund on 60 or 90 days’ prior written notice. The investment management agreements for the private funds may also generally be terminated effective immediately by either party where the non-terminating party (i) commits a material breach of the terms subject, in certain cases, to a cure period, (ii) is found to have committed fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct or (iii) terminates, becomes bankrupt, becomes insolvent or dissolves. Each of the Company’s investment management agreements contains customary indemnification obligations from the Company to their clients.

The management and advisory fees are primarily driven by the level of the Company’s assets under management. The assets under management increase or decrease based on the net inflows or outflows of funds into the Company’s various investment strategies and the investment performance of its clients’ accounts. In order to increase the Company’s assets under management and expand its business, the Company must develop and market investment strategies that suit the investment needs of its target clients and provide attractive returns over the long term. The Company’s ability to continue to attract clients will depend on a variety of factors including, among others:

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The majority of management and advisory fees that the Company earns on separately managed accounts are based on the value of assets under management on the last day of each calendar quarter. Most of the management and advisory fees are billed quarterly in advance on the first day of each calendar quarter. The Company’s basic annual fee schedule for management of clients’ assets in separately managed accounts is generally: (i) for managed equity or balanced portfolios, 1% of the first $10 million and 0.60% on the balance, (ii) for managed fixed income only portfolios, 0.40% on the first $10 million and 0.30% on the balance, (iii) for the municipal value strategy, 0.65%, (iv) for Cortina equity portfolios, 1.0% on the first $25 million, 0.90% on the next $25 million and 0.80% on the balance and (v) for outsourced chief investment officer portfolios, 0.40% on the first $50 million, 0.32% of the next $50 million and 0.24% on the balance.  The Company’s fee for monitoring non-discretionary assets can range from 0.05% to 0.01% but can also be incorporated into an agreed-upon fixed family office service fee. The majority of the Company’s clients pay a blended fee rate since they are invested in multiple strategies.

Management fees earned on investment funds that the Company advises are calculated primarily based on the net assets of the funds. Some funds calculate investment fees based on the net assets of the funds as of the last business day of each calendar quarter, whereas other funds calculate investment fees based on the value of net assets on the first business day of the month. Depending on the investment fund, fees are paid either quarterly in advance or quarterly in arrears. For the Company’s private fund clients, the fees range from 0.25% to 1.5% annually. Certain management fees earned on investment funds for which the Company performs risk management and due diligence services are based on flat fee agreements customized for each engagement.

The Company’s management and advisory fees may fluctuate based on a number of factors, including the following:

The Company’s performance fees and allocations may fluctuate based on performance with respect to accounts and funds on which the Company is paid incentive fees and allocations.

The Company’s family office services capabilities enable us to provide comprehensive and integrated services to its clients. The Company’s dedicated group of tax and financial planning professionals provide financial planning, tax planning and preparation, partnership accounting and fund administration and consolidated wealth reporting among other services. Family office services income fluctuates based on both the number of clients for whom the Company performs these services and the level of agreed-upon fees, most of which are flat fees. Therefore, non-discretionary assets under management, which are associated with family office services, do not typically serve as the basis for the amount of family office services revenue that is recognized. Family office services fees are also typically billed quarterly in advance at the beginning of the quarter or in arrears after the end of the quarter based on a contractual percentage of the assets managed or upon a contractually agreed-upon flat fee arrangement. Revenue is recognized on a ratable basis over the period in which services are performed.

The Company accounts for performance-based revenue in accordance with ASC 606 by recognizing performance fees and allocations as revenue only when it is certain that the fee income is earned and payable pursuant to the relevant agreements. In certain arrangements, the Company is only entitled to receive performance fees and allocations when the return on assets under management exceeds certain benchmark returns or other performance targets. The Company records performance fees and allocations as a component of revenue once the performance fee or allocation, as applicable, has crystalized. As a result, there is no estimate or variability in the consideration when revenue is recorded.

Equity-Based Compensation

Equity-based compensation cost relating to the issuance of share-based awards to employees is based on the fair value of the award at the date of grant, which is expensed ratably over the requisite service period, net of estimated forfeitures. The forfeiture assumption is

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ultimately adjusted to the actual forfeiture rate. Therefore, changes in the forfeiture assumptions may affect the timing of the total amount of expense recognized over the vesting period. The service period is the period over which the employee performs the related services, which is normally the same as the vesting period. Equity-based awards that do not require future service are expensed immediately. Equity-based awards that have the potential to be settled in cash at the election of the employee or prior to the reorganization related to redeemable partnership units are classified as liabilities (“Liability Awards”) and are adjusted to fair value at the end of each reporting period.

Leases

The Company accounts for leases under ASU No. 2016-02, “Topic 842, Leases” (“ASC 842”), which requires lessees to recognize leases on-balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. ASC 842 established a right-of-use model (“ROU”) that requires a lessee to recognize a ROU asset and lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with a term longer than 12 months. Leases are classified as finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern and classification of expense recognition in the consolidated statement of operations.

Income Taxes

Silvercrest and SFS are subject to federal and state corporate income tax, which requires an asset and liability approach to the financial accounting and reporting of income taxes. SLP is not subject to federal and state income taxes, since all income, gains and losses are passed through to its partners. SLP is, however, subject to New York City unincorporated business tax. With respect to the Company’s incorporated entities, the annual tax rate is based on the income, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available in the various jurisdictions in which the Company operates. Tax laws are complex and subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and respective governmental taxing authorities. Judgment is required in determining the tax expense and in evaluating tax positions. The tax effects of any uncertain tax position (“UTP”) taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns are recognized only if it is “more likely-than-not” to be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on its technical merits as of the reporting date. The tax benefits recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company recognizes estimated accrued interest and penalties related to UTPs in income tax expense.

The Company recognizes the benefit of a UTP in the period when it is effectively settled. Previously recognized tax positions are derecognized in the first period in which it is no longer more likely than not that the tax position would be sustained upon examination.

Recent Accounting Developments

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Accounting for Credit Losses” which amends the Board’s guidance on the impairment of financial instruments. The ASU adds to U.S. GAAP an impairment model, known as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model, that is based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. Under the new guidance, an entity recognizes as an allowance its estimate of expected credit losses, which the FASB believes will result in more timely recognition of such losses. This amendment became effective for the Company on January 1, 2020. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material effect on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, “Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract.” The ASU provides guidance for entities to evaluate the accounting for fees paid by a customer in a cloud computing arrangement which includes a software license. ASU 2018-15 became effective for the Company on January 1, 2020.  The adoption of this ASU did not have a material effect on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, “Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting” which applies to all entities, subject to meeting certain criteria, that have contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. This ASU is effective for all public entities beginning March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022.  The Company expects the adoption of this guidance will not have a material effect on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

3. ACQUISITIONS

Cortina:

On April 12, 2019, SAMG LLC and SLP entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Cortina Asset Management, LLC, a Wisconsin limited liability company (“Cortina”), and certain interest holders of Cortina (together, the

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“Principals of Cortina”) to acquire, directly or through a designated affiliate, substantially all of the assets of Cortina relating to Cortina’s business of providing investment management, investment advisory, and related services (the “Cortina Acquisition”).

Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Purchase Agreement, SAMG LLC agreed to pay to Cortina an aggregate maximum amount of $44,937, 80% of which was agreed to be paid in cash at closing by SAMG LLC, and 20% of which was agreed to be paid by SLP in the form of issuance and delivery to certain Principals of Cortina at closing of Class B Units in SLP, in each case subject to certain adjustments as described in the Purchase Agreement.

On July 1, 2019, the acquisition was completed pursuant to the Purchase Agreement.  At closing, SAMG LLC paid to Cortina an aggregate principal amount of $33,577 in cash, and SLP paid an additional $8,952, in the form of issuance and delivery to certain Principals of Cortina of 662,713 Class B Units in SLP.  The $33,577 paid in cash represented $35,072 in consideration, partially offset by net closing credits due to SAMG LLC for reimbursable expenses from Cortina.

In addition, the Purchase Agreement provides for up to an additional $26,209 to be paid 80% in cash with certain Principals of Cortina receiving the remaining 20% in the form of Class B Units of SLP in potential earn-out payments over the next four years.  SAMG LLC determined that the preliminary fair value of contingent consideration pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement whereby the sellers of Cortina are potentially entitled to two retention payments and one growth payment contingent upon the achievement of various revenue targets is $13,800.  The estimated fair value of contingent consideration is recognized at the date of acquisition and adjusted for changes in facts and circumstances until the ultimate resolution of the contingency.  Changes in the fair value of contingent consideration are reflected as a component of general and administrative expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.  The income approach was used to determine the fair value of these payments, by estimating a range of likely expected outcomes and payouts given these outcomes.  The potential payouts were estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation and discounted back to their present values using a risk-free discount rate adjusted to account for SAMG LLC’s credit or counterparty risk to arrive at the present value of the contingent consideration payments.  The discount rate for the contingent consideration payments was based on the revenue cost of capital for Cortina’s revenue.  

The first retention payment, due if revenue for the 12-month period from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021 is greater than or equal to 95% of the acquired revenue of $13,027, which represents Cortina’s annual revenue run-rate as of closing (“Acquired Revenue”), is equal to $3,370.  If revenue for the period is equal to 75% or less of the Acquired Revenue, there is no first retention payment, and if revenue for the period is between 75% and 95%, the first retention payment will be determined using linear interpolation between $0 and $3,370.  Cortina’s revenue for the 12-month period from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021 exceeded 95% of the acquired revenue of $13,027, therefore, a first retention payment of $3,370 is due as of June 30, 2021.  

The second retention payment is based on revenue for the 12-month period from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, with a revenue threshold between 85% and 105% of Acquired Revenue and a maximum retention payment of $5,617.  If revenue for the period is equal to 85% or less of the Acquired Revenue, there is no second retention payment, and if revenue for the period is between 85% and 105%, the second retention payment will be determined using linear interpolation between $0 and $5,617.

The growth payment is based on revenue for the 12-month period from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023, with a revenue threshold between 95% and 140% of Acquired Revenue and a maximum payment of $17,222.  If revenue for the period is equal to 95% or less of the Acquired Revenue, there is no growth payment, and if revenue for the period is between 95% and 140%, the growth payment will be determined using linear interpolation between $0 and $17,222.

A fair value adjustment to contingent purchase price consideration of $1,600 and $3,900 was recorded during the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, respectively, and $3,800 and ($2,200) was recorded during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively, and is included in general and administrative expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the quarters then ended.  SAMG LLC has a liability of $19,000 and $15,100 as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, related to earnout payments to be made in conjunction with the Cortina Acquisition which is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition for contingent consideration.

In connection with their receipt of the equity consideration, the Principals of Cortina became subject to the rights and obligations set forth in the limited partnership agreement of SLP and are entitled to distributions consistent with SLP’s distribution policy.  In addition, the Principals of Cortina became parties to the exchange agreement between the Company and its principals, which governs the exchange of Class B Units for Class A common stock of the Company (the “Exchange Agreement”), the resale and registration rights agreement between the Company and its principals, which provides the Principals of Cortina with liquidity with respect to shares of Class A common stock of the Company received in exchange for Class B Units (the “Resale and Registration Rights Agreement”), and the TRA of the Company, which entitles the Principals of Cortina to share in a portion of the tax benefit received by the Company upon the exchange of Class B Units for Class A common stock of the Company.

The Purchase Agreement includes customary representations, warranties and covenants.

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The strategic acquisition of Cortina, a long-standing innovative and high-caliber growth equity asset management firm, establishes a growth equity capability for the Company.  Furthermore, the Company gains investment professionals that have significant experience and knowledge of the industry and establishes a presence in the Midwest.

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company incurred $13 and $85, respectively, in costs related to the Cortina Acquisition, and has included these in general, administrative and other in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.

The Company believes the recorded goodwill is supported by the anticipated revenues and expected synergies of integrating the operations of Cortina into the Company.  Most of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

Neosho:

On December 13, 2018, the Company executed an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Asset Purchase Agreement”) by and among the Company, SLP, SAMG LLC (the “Buyer”) and Neosho Capital LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Neosho” or the “Seller”), and Christopher K. Richey, Alphonse I. Chan, Robert K. Choi and Vincent G. Pandes, each such individual a principal of Neosho (together, the “Principals of Neosho”), to acquire certain assets of Neosho.  The transaction contemplated by the Asset Purchase Agreement closed on January 15, 2019 and is referred to herein as the “Neosho Acquisition”.

Pursuant to the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement, SAMG LLC acquired substantially all of the business and assets of the Seller, a provider of investment management and advisory services, including goodwill and the benefit of the amortization of goodwill related to such assets. In consideration of the purchased assets and goodwill, SAMG LLC paid to the Seller and the Principals of Neosho an aggregate purchase price consisting of (1) a cash payment of $399 (net of cash acquired) and (2) Class B units of SLP issued to the Principals of Neosho with a value equal to $20 and an equal number of shares of Class B common stock of the Company, having voting rights but no economic interest. The Company determined that the acquisition-date fair value of the contingent consideration was $1,686, based on the likelihood that the financial and performance targets described in the Asset Purchase Agreement will be achieved.  SAMG LLC will make a payment of $300 to the Principals of Neosho on the first anniversary of the closing date.  SAMG LLC will make earnout payments to the Principals of Neosho as soon as practicable following December 31, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, in an amount equal to the greater of (i) $100 and (ii) the product obtained by multiplying (x) 50% by (y) the revenue of Neosho as of such payment date less the revenue of Neosho as of the immediately preceding payment date for the prior year. Earnout payments will be paid 75% in cash and 25% in equity. The estimated fair value of contingent consideration is recognized at the date of acquisition and adjusted for changes in facts and circumstances until the ultimate resolution of the contingency. Changes in the fair value of contingent consideration are reflected as a component of general and administrative expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The fair value of the contingent consideration was based on discounted cash flow models using projected revenue for each earnout period. The discount rate applied to the projected revenue was determined based on the weighted average cost of capital for the Company and took into account that the overall risk associated with the payments was similar to the overall risks of the Company as there is no target, floor or cap associated the contingent payments.  

The Company has a liability of $928 and $1,028 related to earnout payments to be made in conjunction with the Neosho Acquisition which is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, for contingent consideration.  During the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company made contingent purchase price payments to Neosho of $100 and $300, respectively.

4. INVESTMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Investments

Investments include $53 and $914 as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, representing the Company’s interests in the Silvercrest Funds which have been established and managed by the Company and its affiliates. The Company’s financial interest in these funds can range in amounts up to 2% of the net assets of the funds. The Company applies the equity method to account for its interests in affiliated investment funds, despite the Company’s insignificant financial interest therein, because the Company exercises significant influence over and typically serves as the general partner, managing member, or equivalent of these funds. During 2007, the Silvercrest Funds granted the unaffiliated investors in each respective fund the right, by a simple majority of the fund’s unaffiliated investors, without cause, to remove the general partner or equivalent of that fund or to accelerate the liquidation date of that fund in accordance with certain procedures. At June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company determined that none of the Silvercrest Funds were required to be consolidated. The Company’s involvement with these entities began on the dates that they were formed, which range from July 2003 to July 2014.

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Fair Value Measurements

GAAP establishes a hierarchal disclosure framework which prioritizes and ranks the level of market price observability used in measuring investments at fair value. Market price observability is affected by a number of factors, including the type of investment, the characteristics specific to the investment and the state of the marketplace including the existence and transparency of transactions between market participants. Investments with readily available active quoted prices or for which fair value can be measured from actively quoted prices in an orderly market generally will have a higher degree of market price observability and a lesser degree of judgment used in measuring fair value.

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the determination of which category within the fair value hierarchy is appropriate for any given investment is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the investment.

At June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company did not have any financial assets or liabilities that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, with the exception of the contingent consideration related to the acquisition earnouts.

Contingent Consideration

For business acquisitions, the Company recognizes the fair value of goodwill and other acquired intangible assets, and estimated contingent consideration at the acquisition date as part of purchase price. This fair value measurement is based on unobservable (Level 3) inputs.

The following table represents changes in the fair value of estimated contingent consideration for the year ended December 31, 2020 and the three and six months ended June 30, 2021:

Estimated contingent consideration is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.  Payments of contingent consideration are included in earn-outs paid related to acquisitions in financing activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

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In determining fair value of the estimated contingent consideration, the acquired business’ future performance is estimated using financial projections for the acquired business. These financial projections, as well as alternative scenarios of financial performance, are measured against the performance targets specified in each respective acquisition agreement. In addition, discount rates are established based on the cost of debt and the cost of equity. The Company uses the Monte Carlo Simulation Model to determine the fair value of the Company’s estimated contingent consideration.

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s estimated contingent consideration are the forecasted growth rates over the measurement period and discount rates. Significant increases or decreases in the Company’s forecasted growth rates over the measurement period or discount rates would result in a higher or lower fair value measurement.

Inputs used in the fair value measurement of estimated contingent consideration at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 are summarized below:

Please refer to Note 3. Acquisitions for more details on contingent consideration related to acquisition earnouts.

At June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, financial instruments that are not held at fair value are categorized in the table below:

5. RECEIVABLES, NET

The following is a summary of receivables as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:

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6. FURNITURE, EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS, NET

The following is a summary of furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements, net as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:

Depreciation expense for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 was $306 and $287, respectively.  Depreciation expense for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 was $587 and $559, respectively.

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company wrote off leased assets of $0 and $82, with accumulated depreciation of $0 and $64, respectively.  During the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company wrote off leased assets of $131, with accumulated depreciation of $102.

7. GOODWILL

The following is a summary of the changes to the carrying amount of goodwill for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020:

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8. INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET

The following is a summary of intangible assets as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020: