EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1642122
Filing Year: 2022
Filename: 1642122_10-K_2022_0001140361-22-009943.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 1:
BUSINESS
(Y)our Business
We are a Delaware corporation, incorporated in 2015, that provides alternative investment management services and operates a direct investment business that over time invests in businesses that fit our criteria. Additionally, we derive income from proprietary investments.
Alternative Investment Management
We conduct our investment management activities through our wholly-owned subsidiary Gabelli & Company Investment Advisers, Inc. (“GCIA”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Gabelli & Partners, LLC (“Gabelli & Partners”). GCIA is an investment adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). GCIA and Gabelli & Partners together serve as general partners or investment managers to investment funds including limited partnerships and offshore companies (collectively, “Investment Partnerships”), and separate accounts. We primarily manage assets across a range of risk and event arbitrage portfolios and in equity event-driven value strategies. The business earns management and incentive fees from its advisory activities. Management fees are largely based on a percentage of assets under management (“AUM”). Incentive fees are based on a percentage of the investment returns of certain client portfolios.
We manage assets on a discretionary basis and invest in a variety of U.S. and foreign securities mainly in the developed global markets. We primarily employ absolute return strategies with the objective of generating positive returns. We serve a wide variety of investors globally including private wealth management clients, corporations, corporate pension and profit-sharing plans, foundations and endowments, as well as serving as sub-advisor to certain third-party investment funds.
In merger arbitrage, the goal is to earn absolute positive returns. We introduced our first limited partnership, Gabelli Arbitrage (renamed Gabelli Associates), in February 1985. Our typical investment process begins at the time of deal announcement, buying shares of the target at a discount to the stated deal terms, earning the spread until the deal closes, and reinvesting the proceeds in new deals in a similar manner. By owning a diversified portfolio of transactions, we mitigate the adverse impact of singular deal-specific risks. Since inception, we have compounded net annual returns of 7.4% with 35 of 37 positive years, net, overall. As a result, a $10 million investment by a tax free vehicle in this fund at its inception would be worth more than $138 million as of December 31, 2021. In addition, the value of such an investment would have exhibited significantly less volatility than that of broad equity indices.
As the business and investor base expanded, we launched an offshore version in 1989. Building on our strengths in global event-driven value investing, several investment vehicles have been added to balance investors’ geographic, strategic and sector-specific needs. Today, we manage investments in multiple categories, including merger arbitrage, event-driven value and other strategies.
Lastly, during 2021 our Board of Directors approved the launch of a private equity fund.
Assets Under Management
As of December 31, 2021, we managed approximately $1.78 billion in assets. The following table sets forth AC’s total AUM, including investment funds and separately managed accounts, for the dates shown (in millions):
December 31,
Merger Arbitrage
$
1,542
$
1,126
Event-Driven Value (a)
Other (b)
Total (c)
$
1,781
$
$ 1,351
(a)
Excluding merger arbitrage.
(b)
Includes investment vehicles focused on private equity, merchant banking, non-investment-grade credit and capital structure arbitrage.
(c)
Includes $238 and $235 of proprietary capital, respectively.
Proprietary Capital
Proprietary capital is earmarked for our direct investment business that invests in new and existing businesses, using a variety of techniques and structures. We launched our direct private equity and merchant banking activities in August 2017. The direct investment business is developing along three core pillars:
•
Gabelli Private Equity Partners, LLC (“GPEP”), formed in August 2017 with $150 million of authorized capital as a “fund-less” sponsor.
•
Gabelli Special Purpose Acquisition Vehicles (“SPAC”), which commenced in 2018 with the launch of the Gabelli Value for Italy S.p.a., a general sector SPAC (VALU) that was listed on the London Stock Exchange’s Borsa Italiana AIM segment.
•
Finally, Gabelli Principal Strategies Group, LLC (“GPS”) was created to pursue strategic operating initiatives broadly.
Our direct investing efforts are organized to invest in various ways, including growth capital, leveraged buyouts and restructurings, with an emphasis on small and mid-sized companies. Our investment sourcing is across a variety of channels including direct owners, private equity funds, classic agents, and corporate carve outs (which are positioned for accelerated growth, as businesses seek to enhance shareholder value through financial engineering). The Company’s direct investing vehicles allow us to acquire companies and create long-term value with no pre-determined exit timetable. The SPAC vehicles leverage our capital markets expertise and act to expand deal flow in target industries.
On September 22, 2020, Associated Capital completed the $175 million initial public offering of its special purpose acquisition corporation (“SPAC”), PMV Consumer Acquisition Corp. (NYSE:PMVC). PMV Consumer Acquisition Corp. (“PMV”) was created to pursue an initial business combination following the consumer globally with companies having an enterprise valuation in the range of $200 million to $3.5 billion.
We have a proprietary portfolio of cash and investments which we expect to use to invest primarily in funds that we will manage, provide seed capital for new products, including SPACs that we or our affiliates sponsor, expand our geographic presence, develop new markets and pursue strategic acquisitions and alliances.
Morgan Group Holding Co. Spin-Off
On March 16, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the spin-off of Morgan Group Holding Co. (“Morgan Group”) to AC’s shareholders. On August 5, 2020, AC distributed its 83.3% stake in Morgan Group to shareholders of record as of July 30, 2020. Following the 1 for 100 reverse split on June 10, 2020, AC shareholders received approximately 0.022356 shares of Morgan Group common stock for each share of AC common stock they held.
The historical financial results of Morgan Group have been reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as discontinued operations for all periods presented through August 5, 2020.
Business Strategy
Our business strategy targets global growth of the business through continued leveraging of our proven asset management strengths including the long-term performance record of our alternative investment funds, diverse product offerings and experienced investment, research and client relationship professionals. In order to achieve performance and growth in AUM and profitability, we are pursuing a strategy which includes the following key elements:
Continuing an Active Fundamental Investment Approach
Since 1985, our results demonstrate our core competence in event driven investing through market cycles. Our “Private Market Value (PMV) with a Catalyst™” investing approach remains the principal management philosophy guiding our investment operations. This method is based on investing principles first articulated by Graham & Dodd, and further refined by our Executive Chair, Mario J. Gabelli.
Growing our Investment Partnerships Advisory Business
We intend to grow our Investment Partnerships advisory operations by gaining share with existing products and introducing new products within our core competencies, such as event and merger arbitrage. In addition, we intend to grow internationally.
Capitalizing on Acquisitions and Alliances - Direct Investments
We intend to leverage our research and investment capabilities by pursuing acquisitions and alliances that will broaden our product offerings and add new sources of distribution. In addition, we may make direct investments in operating businesses using a variety of techniques and structures. For example, on September 22, 2020, Associated Capital announced the $175 million initial public offering of its special purpose acquisition corporation, PMV Consumer Acquisition Corp. (NYSE:PMVC). PMV Consumer Acquisition Corp. (“PMV”) was created to pursue an initial business combination following the consumer globally with companies having an enterprise valuation in the range of $200 million to $3.5 billion.
Opportunities in Private Equity
One of our initiatives is to launch a private equity business to take advantage of the opportunities in the market place.
Pursuing Partnerships and Joint Ventures
We plan to pursue partnerships and joint ventures with firms that fit with AC’s product quality and that can provide Asian/European distribution capabilities that would complement our U.S. equity product expertise. We expect to target opportunities for investors interested in non-market correlated returns.
Competition
The alternative asset management industry is intensely competitive. We face competition in all aspects of our business from other managers in the United States and around the globe. We compete with alternative investment management firms, insurance companies, banks, brokerage firms and financial institutions that offer products that have similar features and investment objectives. Many of these investment management firms are subsidiaries of large diversified financial companies and may have access to greater resources than we do. Many are larger in terms of AUM and revenues and, accordingly, have larger investment and sales organizations and related budgets. Historically, we have competed primarily on the basis of the long-term investment performance of our investment products. We have recently taken steps to increase our distribution channels, brand awareness and marketing efforts.
The market for providing investment management services to institutional and private wealth management clients is also highly competitive. Selection of investment advisors by U.S. institutional investors is often subject to a screening process and to favorable recommendations by investment industry consultants. Many of these investors require their investment advisors to have a successful and sustained performance record, often five years or longer, and focus on one-year and three-year performance records. Currently, we believe that our investment performance record would be attractive to potential new institutional and private wealth management clients. While we have significantly increased our AUM from institutional investors since our founding, no assurance can be given that our efforts to obtain new business will be successful.
Intellectual Property
Service marks and brand name recognition are important to our business. We have rights to the service marks under which our products are offered. We have rights to use the “Gabelli” name, and the “GAMCO” brand, pursuant to a non-exclusive, royalty-free license agreement we have entered into with GAMCO (the “Service Mark and Name License Agreement”). We can use these names with respect to our funds, collective investment vehicles, Investment Partnerships and other investment products pursuant to the Service Mark and Name License Agreement. The Service Mark and Name License Agreement has a perpetual term, subject to termination only in the event we are not in compliance with its quality control provisions. Pursuant to an assignment agreement signed in 1999, Mario J. Gabelli had assigned to GAMCO all of his rights, title and interests in and to the “Gabelli” name for use in connection with investment management services and institutional research services. In addition, the funds managed by Mario J. Gabelli outside GAMCO and AC have entered into a license agreement with GAMCO permitting them to continue limited use of the “Gabelli” name under specified circumstances.
Regulation
Virtually all aspects of our businesses are subject to federal, state and foreign laws and regulations. These laws and regulations are primarily intended to protect investment advisory clients and investors and the financial markets. Under such laws and regulations, agencies that regulate investment advisors have broad powers, including the power to limit, restrict or prohibit such an advisor from carrying on its business in the event that it fails to comply with such laws and regulations. In such an event, the possible sanctions that may be imposed include civil and criminal liability, the suspension of individual employees, injunctions, limitations on engaging in certain lines of business for specified periods of time, revocation of the investment advisor and other registrations, censures and fines.
Existing U.S. Regulation Overview
AC and certain of its U.S. subsidiaries are currently subject to extensive regulation, primarily at the federal level, by the SEC, the United States Department of Labor, and other regulatory bodies. Certain of our U.S. subsidiaries are also subject to anti-terrorist financing, privacy, and anti-money laundering regulations as well as economic sanctions laws and regulations established by these agencies.
The Advisers Act
GCIA is registered with the SEC under the Advisers Act and is regulated by and subject to examination by the SEC. The Advisers Act imposes numerous obligations on registered investment advisors including fiduciary duties, disclosure obligations and record keeping, operational and marketing requirements. The SEC is authorized to institute proceedings and impose sanctions for violations of the Advisers Act, ranging from censure to termination of an investment advisor’s registration. The failure of GCIA to comply with the requirements of the SEC could have a material adverse effect on us.
We derive substantially all of our revenues from investment advisory services under investment management agreements. Under the Advisers Act, our investment management agreements may not be assigned without the client’s consent.
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”)
GCIA is subject to ERISA and to regulations promulgated thereunder, insofar as it is a “fiduciary” under ERISA with respect to certain of its clients. ERISA and applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, impose certain duties on persons who are fiduciaries under ERISA and prohibit certain transactions involving ERISA plan clients. Our failure to comply with these requirements could have a material adverse effect on us.
Anti-Tax Evasion Legislation
Our global business may be impacted by the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”) which was enacted in 2010 and introduced expansive new investor onboarding, withholding and reporting rules aimed at ensuring U.S. persons with financial assets outside of the United States pay appropriate taxes. In many instances, however, the precise nature of what needs to be implemented will be governed by bilateral Intergovernmental Agreements (“IGAs”) between the United States and the countries in which we do business or have accounts. While many of these IGAs have been put into place, others have yet to be concluded.
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (“OECD”) has developed the Common Reporting Standard (“CRS”) to address the issue of offshore tax evasion on a global basis. Aimed at maximizing efficiency and reducing cost for financial institutions, the CRS provides a common standard for due diligence, reporting and exchange of information regarding financial accounts. Pursuant to the CRS, participating jurisdictions will obtain from reporting financial institutions, and automatically exchange with partner jurisdictions on an annual basis, financial information with respect to all reportable accounts identified by financial institutions on the basis of common due diligence and reporting procedures. As a result, the Investment Partnerships will be required to report information on the investors of the Partnerships to comply with the CRS due diligence and reporting requirements, as adopted by the countries in which the Investment Partnerships are organized.
The FATCA and CRS rules will impact both U.S. and non-U.S. Investment Partnerships and separately managed accounts and subject us to extensive additional administrative burdens. Our business could also be impacted to the extent there are other changes to tax laws such as the recent tax reform legislation. Such changes could adversely affect our financial results.
The Patriot Act
The USA Patriot Act of 2001 contains anti-money laundering and financial transparency laws and mandates various regulations applicable to financial services companies, including standards for verifying client identification at account opening, and obligations to monitor client transactions and report suspicious activities. Anti-money laundering laws outside of the United States contain some similar provisions. Our failure to comply with these requirements as applicable to us could have a material adverse effect on us.
Laws and Other Issues Relating to Taking Significant Equity Stakes in Companies
Investments by AC, its affiliates, and those made on behalf of their respective advisory clients and Investment Partnerships often represent a significant equity ownership position in an issuer’s equity. This may be due to the fact that AC is deemed to be a member of a “group” that includes GAMCO, an entity under common control with AC, and, therefore, may be deemed to beneficially own the securities owned by other members of the group under applicable securities regulations. As of December 31, 2021, by virtue of being a member of the group, AC was deemed to hold five percent or more beneficial ownership with respect to approximately 80 equity securities. This activity raises frequent regulatory, legal and disclosure issues regarding our aggregate beneficial ownership level with respect to portfolio securities, including issues relating to issuers’ stockholder rights plans or “poison pills;” various federal and state regulatory limitations, including (i) state gaming laws and regulations, (ii) federal communications laws and regulations; (iii) federal and state public utility laws and regulations, (iv) federal proxy rules governing stockholder communications; and (v) federal laws and regulations regarding the reporting of beneficial ownership positions. Our failure to comply with these requirements could have a material adverse effect on us.
Potential Legislation Relating to Private Pools of Capital
We manage a variety of private pools of capital, including hedge funds. Congress, regulators, tax authorities and others continue to explore increased regulation related to private pools of capital, including changes with respect to: investor eligibility; trading activities, record-keeping and reporting; the scope of anti-fraud protections; safekeeping of client assets; tax treatment; and a variety of other matters. AC may be materially and adversely affected by new legislation, rule-making or changes in the interpretation or enforcement of existing rules and regulations imposed by various regulators.
Existing European Regulation Overview
Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive
Our European activities are impacted by the European Union’s (“EU”) Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (“AIFMD”). AIFMD regulates managers of, and service providers to, a broad range of alternative investment funds (“AIFs”) domiciled within and, potentially, outside the EU. AIFMD also regulates the marketing of all AIFs inside the European Economic Area. AIFMD’s requirements restrict AIF marketing and impose additional compliance and disclosure obligations on AC regarding items such as remuneration, capital requirements, leverage, valuation, stakes in EU companies, depositaries, domicile of custodians and liquidity management. These compliance and disclosure obligations and the associated risk management and reporting requirements will subject us to additional expenses.
Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities
The EU has also adopted directives on the coordination of laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities (“UCITS”) impacting depositary functions, remuneration policies and sanctions. The latest initiative in this area, UCITS V, seeks to align the depositary regime, remuneration rules and sanctioning powers of regulators under the UCITS Directive with the requirements of AIFMD.
Similarly, the European Securities and Markets Authority recently revised its guidelines for exchange-traded and other UCITS funds. These guidelines introduced new collateral management requirements for UCITS funds concerning collateral received in the context of derivatives using Efficient Portfolio Management (“EPM”) techniques (including securities lending) and over-the-counter derivative transactions. We are following the guidelines with respect to our collateral management arrangements applicable to the EPM of the UCITS funds for which GCIA acts as a sub-advisor. The costs of complying with increasing regulation in the EU may negatively impact the net performance of the UCITs fund that GCIA sub advises and therefore may result in decreased remuneration to GCIA for this sub advisory activity.
Markets in Financial Instruments Directive
The EU’s revised Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (“MiFID II”), which was fully implemented in 2018, created specific new rules regarding the use of “soft dollars” to pay for research. A MiFID licensed investment firm that provides portfolio management services or independent investment advisory services to clients may not pay for third-party research with soft dollars generated through client trading activity. Research must be paid for either (i) by the investment firm out of its own resources or (ii) through a separate research payment account for each client to pay for the research. While currently GCIA is not directly subject to MiFID II: (a) GCIA may be invoiced separately by any EU brokers from whom it purchases research in the future; and (b) clients may begin to require that GCIA “unbundle” research payments from commission trading.
The Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) currently regulates Gabelli Securities International (UK) Limited (“GSIL UK”), our MiFID licensed entity in the United Kingdom. Authorization by the FCA is required to conduct certain financial services-related business in the United Kingdom under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. The FCA’s rules adopted under that Act provide requirements dealing with a firm’s capital resources, senior management arrangements, conduct of business, interaction with clients and systems and controls. The FCA supervises GSIL UK through a combination of proactive engagement, event-driven and reactive supervision and thematic-based reviews in order to monitor our compliance with regulatory requirements. Breaches of the FCA’s rules may result in a wide range of disciplinary actions against GSIL and/or its employees.
Clients whose assets we manage in the EU are additionally subject to EU regulations on OTC derivatives which require (i) the central clearing of standardized OTC derivatives, (ii) the application of risk-mitigation techniques to non-centrally cleared OTC derivatives and (iii) the reporting of all derivative contracts.
Brexit Impact
Through The European Union (Withdrawal) Act of 2018, GSIL UK remained subject to the requirements of MiFID II as in effect on December 31, 2021 (the “Transition End Date”). MiFID II, sets out detailed requirements governing the organization and conduct of business of investment firms and regulated markets. MiFID II also includes pre- and post-trade transparency requirements for equity markets and extensive transaction reporting requirements. In addition, relevant entities must comply with revised obligations on capital resources for banks and certain investment firms set out in the Capital Requirements Directive. This directive includes requirements not only on capital, but also governance and remuneration as well. The obligations introduced through these directives have a direct effect on some of our European operations. The Company cannot assure you the extent to which the future amendments to or replacement of MiFID II or other EU regulations will be adopted into UK law and continue to apply to GSIL UK after the Transition End Date.
Regulatory Matters Generally
The investment management industry is likely to continue to face a high level of regulatory scrutiny and to become subject to additional rules designed to increase disclosure, tighten controls and reduce potential conflicts of interest. In addition, the SEC has substantially increased its use of focused inquiries which request information from investment advisors regarding particular practices or provisions of the securities laws. We participate in some of these inquiries in the normal course of our business. Changes in laws, regulations and administrative practices by regulatory authorities, and the associated compliance costs, have increased our cost structure and could in the future have a material adverse impact. Although we have installed procedures and utilize the services of experienced administrators, accountants and lawyers to assist us in adhering to regulatory guidelines and satisfying these requirements, and maintain insurance to protect ourselves in the case of client losses, there can be no assurance that the precautions and procedures that we have instituted and installed, or the insurance that we maintain to protect ourselves in case of client losses, will protect us from all potential liabilities.
Employees
On March 11, 2022, we had a full-time staff of 25 teammates, of whom 8 served in the portfolio management, research and trading areas, 8 served in the marketing and shareholder servicing areas and 9 served in the finance, legal, operations and administrative areas. We also avail ourselves of services provided by GAMCO in accordance with a transitional services agreement that was entered into with GAMCO as part of AC’s spin-off from GAMCO on November 30, 2015.
Status as a Smaller Reporting Company
We are a “smaller reporting company” as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and in Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K. As a result, we are eligible to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are not available to other public companies that are not “smaller reporting companies.”
We ceased to be an emerging growth company after December 31, 2020.
Our website address is www.associated-capital-group.com. Information on our website is not incorporated by reference herein and is not part of this report. We provide a link on our website to the following filings as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission” or “SEC”): our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). All such filings on our website are available free of charge. In addition, these reports and the other documents we file with the SEC are available at www.sec.gov.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A:
RISK FACTORS
Smaller reporting companies are not required to provide the information required by this item.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 1B:
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 2:
PROPERTIES
Our offices are owned by a wholly owned subsidiary of AC and are located at 191 Mason Street, Greenwich, CT 06830. A portion of the office space is leased to affiliates. During 2021 AC received $118.1 thousand from affiliates (primarily GAMCO) pursuant to lease agreements for this property.
AC acquired 3 St. James Place, London, UK on March 3, 2020 which is fully leased to GAMCO in 2021. During 2021 AC received $275.4 thousand from GAMCO pursuant to the lease agreement for this property.
During 2021 and 2020, AC paid $73.7 thousand and $144 thousand, respectively, to GAMCO pursuant to a sublease based on the percentage of square footage occupied by several AC teammates (including pro rata allocation of common space) at GAMCO’s offices at One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 3:
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Currently, we are not subject to any legal proceedings that individually or in the aggregate involved a claim for damages in excess of 10% of our consolidated assets. From time to time, we may be named in legal actions and proceedings. These actions may seek substantial or indeterminate compensatory as well as punitive damages or injunctive relief. We are also subject to governmental or regulatory examinations or investigations. Examinations or investigations can result in adverse judgments, settlements, fines, injunctions, restitutions or other relief. For any such matters, the consolidated financial statements include the necessary provisions for losses that we believe are probable and estimable. Furthermore, we evaluate whether there exist losses which may be reasonably possible and, if material, make the necessary disclosures. However, management believes such amounts, both those that are probable and those that are reasonably possible, are not material to the Company’s consolidated financial condition, operations, or cash flows at December 31, 2021. See also Note L, Guarantees,
Contingencies and Commitments, to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
ITEM 4:
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
ITEM 5:
MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market for our Stock, Dividends and Stock Repurchase Program
Shares of our Class A common stock are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AC.
As of March 11, 2022, there were 109 and 21 holders of record of the Company’s Class A and Class B common stock, respectively. These figures do not include beneficial holders of Class A shares held in “street” name at various brokerage firms.
In December 2015, the Board of Directors established a stock repurchase program authorizing the Company to repurchase up to 500,000 shares. On February 7, 2017, the Board of Directors reset the available number of shares to be purchased under the stock repurchase program to 500,000 shares. On August 3, 2017 and May 8, 2018, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional 1 million and 500,000 shares, respectively. Our stock repurchase program is not subject to an expiration date.
The following table provides information for our repurchase of our Class A common stock during the quarter ended December 31, 2021.
Period
Total
Number
of Shares
Repurchased
Average
Price Paid Per
Share, net of
Commissions
Total Number of
Shares Repurchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
Maximum
Number of Shares
That May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
10/01/21 - 10/31/21
2,276
$
36.86
2,276
679,170
11/01/21 - 11/30/21
2,026
36.08
2,026
677,144
12/01/21 - 12/31/21
-
-
-
677,144
Totals
4,302
$
36.49
4,302
We have adopted the 2015 Stock Award and Incentive Plan (the “Equity Compensation Plan”). A maximum of 2.0 million shares of Class A Stock have been reserved for issuance as approved by the Company’s stockholders at the annual meeting of stockholders held on May 3, 2016. The Company withdrew the registration statement covering the issuance of those shares as of December 29, 2017.
The number of shares remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans is 1.3 million.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6:
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Smaller reporting companies are not required to provide the information required by this item.

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
ITEM 7:
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (“MD&A”) OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus (“COVID-19”) surfaced in China and spread quickly to numerous countries, including the United States. On March 11, 2020, COVID-19 was identified as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. As world leaders focused on the unprecedented human and economic challenges of COVID-19, global equity markets plunged as the coronavirus pandemic spread. In the remainder of 2020 and continuing through 2021, as a result of unprecedented fiscal and monetary stimulus and the fast tracking of COVID-19 vaccines, the markets have rebounded strongly. The pandemic and resulting economic dislocations did not have a significant adverse impact on our AUM. As a result of this pandemic, the majority of our employees (“teammates”) were working remotely. The Company’s remote work arrangements were mostly discontinued as of July 2021. As restrictions around the globe begin to lift, our teams will once again seek to meet and engage our current and prospective investors in their local jurisdictions.
There continues to be no material impact of remote work arrangements on our operations, including our financial reporting systems, internal control over financial reporting, and disclosure controls and procedures, and there has been no material challenge in implementing our business continuity plan.
Financial Highlights
Financial Performance
The following is a summary of the Company’s financial performance for the Quarters and Years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020:
($000s except per share data or as noted)
Fourth Quarter
Full Year
AUM - end of period (in millions)
$
1,781
$
1,351
$
1,781
$
1,351
AUM - average (in millions)
1,735
1,286
1,595
1,399
Net income/(loss) per share-diluted
$
0.43
$
2.29
$
2.68
$
0.84
Book Value Per Share
$
42.48
$
40.36
$
42.48
$
40.36
Financial Condition Overview
The Company consolidates certain investment partnerships and other entities for which it has a controlling financial interest. The following table reflects the net impact of the consolidated investment partnerships and other entities (“Consolidated Entities”) on the consolidated statements of financial condition (in thousands):
December 31, 2021
Prior to
Consolidation
Consolidated
Entities
As Reported
Assets
Cash
315,009
4,039
319,048
Investments
606,382
16,709
623,091
Other
69,713
191,484
261,197
Total assets
$
991,104
$
212,232
$
1,203,336
Liabilities and equity
Total liabilities
45,024
20,510
65,534
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
-
202,456
202,456
Total Associated Capital Group, Inc. equity(1)
946,080
(8,978
)
937,102
Noncontrolling interests(1)
-
(1,756
)
(1,756
)
Total liabilities and equity
$
991,104
$
212,232
$
1,203,336
December 31, 2020
Prior to
Consolidation
Consolidated
Entities
As Reported
Assets
Cash
32,347
7,162
39,509
Investments
869,751
19,188
888,939
Other
45,709
200,388
246,097
Total assets
$
947,807
$
226,738
$
1,174,545
Liabilities and equity
Total liabilities
46,418
19,910
66,328
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
-
206,828
206,828
Total equity
901,389
-
901,389
Total liabilities and equity
$
947,807
$
226,738
$
1,174,545
(1) Debit adjustments to Associated Capital Group, Inc. equity and noncontrolling interests reflects the amortization of the discount related to the issuance of PMV SPAC’s redeemable noncontrolling interest. The discount is amortized over a period of 18 months through an adjustment to additional paid-in capital and noncontrolling interest (proportionate to ownership interest in PMV Sponsor) and is also adjusted periodically for income/loss allocated to redeemable noncontrolling interest.
Consolidated Statements of Income
Investment advisory and incentive fees, which are based on the amount and composition of AUM in our funds and accounts, represent our largest source of revenues. Growth in revenues depends on good investment performance, which influences the value of existing AUM as well as contributes to higher investment and lower redemption rates and attracts additional investors while maintaining current fee levels. Growth in AUM is also dependent on being able to access various distribution channels, which is usually based on several factors, including performance and service. In light of the ongoing dynamics created by COVID-19 and its impact on the global economy and markets, we could experience higher volatility in short-term returns of our funds.
Incentive fees generally consist of an incentive allocation on the absolute gain in a portfolio generally equating to 15-20% of the economic profit, as defined in the agreements governing the investment vehicle or account. We recognize such revenue only when the measurement period has been completed or at the time of an investor redemption.
Compensation includes variable and fixed compensation and related expenses paid to officers, portfolio managers, sales, trading, research and all other professional staff. Variable compensation is paid to sales personnel and portfolio management and may represent up to approximately 55% of revenues.
Management fee expense is incentive-based equal to 10% of adjusted aggregate pre-tax profits paid to the Executive Chair or his designees for his services pursuant to an employment agreement.
Other operating expenses include general and administrative operating costs.
Other income and expense includes net gains and losses from investments (which include both realized and unrealized gains and losses from securities and equity in earnings of investments in partnerships), interest and dividend income, and interest expense. Net gains and losses from investments are derived from our proprietary investment portfolio consisting of various public and private investments and from consolidated investment funds.
Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests represents the share of net income attributable to third-party limited partners of certain partnerships and offshore funds we consolidate. Please refer to Notes A and E in our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
We ended 2021 with approximately $942 million in cash and investments, net of securities sold, not yet purchased of $13 million. This includes $319 million of cash and cash equivalents; $61 million of short-term U.S. Treasury obligations; $260 million of securities, net of securities sold, not yet purchased, including shares of GAMCO with a market value of $60.4 million; and $289 million invested in affiliated and third-party funds and partnerships, including investments in closed end funds managed by an affiliate (primarily GAMCO) which have a value of $64 million and more limited liquidity. Our financial resources provide flexibility to pursue strategic objectives that may include acquisitions, lift-outs, seeding new investment strategies, and co-investing, as well as shareholder compensation in the form of share repurchases and dividends.
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to shareholders of the Company was $937 million or $42.48 per share as of December 31, 2021, compared to $899 million or $40.36 per share as of the prior year-end. Shareholders’ equity per share is calculated by dividing the total equity by the number of common shares outstanding. The increase in equity from the end of 2020 was largely attributable to net income for the year, partially offset by dividends, share repurchases and the impact of amortization of the discount related to the issuance of PMV SPAC's redeemable noncontrolling interest.
Assets Under Management Highlights
We reported assets under management as follows (dollars in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
% Change
Merger Arbitrage
$
1,542
$
1,126
36.90
Event-Driven Value
8.33
Other
(2.22
)
Total AUM (a)
$
1,781
$
1,351
31.83
(a)
Includes $238 million and $235 million of proprietary capital, respectively.
Changes in our AUM during 2021 were as follows (dollars in millions):
Year Ended December 31, 2021
Beginning
Inflows
Outflows
Investment
Return
Ending
Merger Arbitrage
$
1,126
$
$
(200
)
$
$
1,542
Event-Driven Value
(12
)
Other
-
(3
)
Total AUM
$
1,351
$
$
(215
)
$
$
1,781
The majority of our AUM have calendar year-end measurement periods, and our incentive fees are primarily recognized in the fourth quarter. Assets under management increased on a net basis by $356 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 coupled with $74 million in market appreciation.
Operating Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2021 as Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2020
Revenues
Total revenues were $20.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, $1.9 million higher than total revenues of $19.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Total revenues by type were as follows (dollars in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
Change
$
%
Investment advisory and incentive fees
$
20,530
$
18,288
$
2,242
12.3
Other revenues
(301
)
(43.3
)
Total revenues
$
$ 20,924
$
$ 18,983
$
1,941
10.2
Investment advisory and incentive fees: We earn advisory fees based on our AUM. Investment advisory fees are directly influenced by the amount of average AUM and the fee rates applicable to various accounts.
Advisory and incentive fees were $20.5 million for 2021 compared to $18.3 million for 2020, an increase of $2.2 million. This increase is the result of the higher average AUM over the period.
Incentive fees are directly related to the gains generated for our clients’ accounts. We earn a percentage, usually 20%, of such gains. Incentive fees were $12.4 million in 2021, up $1.9 million from $10.5 million in 2020, due to higher assets under management coupled with superior investment performance.
Other revenues: Other revenues were $0.4 million for 2021 compared to $0.7 million for 2020, a decrease of $0.3 million.
Expenses
Compensation: Compensation, which includes variable compensation, salaries, bonuses and benefits, was $24.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, an increase of $5.1 million from $19.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Fixed compensation expense, which includes salaries, bonuses and benefits, increased to $11.1 million in 2021 from $9.5 million in 2020. The remainder of compensation expense represents variable compensation that fluctuates with management and incentive fee revenues as well as the investment results of certain proprietary accounts. Variable payouts are also impacted by the mix of products upon which performance fees are earned and the extent to which they may exceed their allocated costs. For 2021, these variable payouts (based on the investment performance of the products with incentive fees) were $13.4 million, an increase of $3.5 million from $9.9 million in 2020.
Stock-based compensation, which primarily consists of awards accounted for as liabilities, was $2.1 million in 2021, an increase of $2.3 million from $(0.2) million recorded in 2020 due to increases in the Company’s share price in 2021 coupled with a new grant of awards in May 2021.
Management fees: Management fee expense is incentive-based and entirely variable compensation equal to 10% of the aggregate adjusted pre-tax profits, which is paid to the Executive Chair or his designees pursuant to his employment agreement with AC. In 2021 and 2020, AC recorded management fee expense of $8.4 million and $3.1 million, respectively.
Other operating expenses: Our other operating expenses were $7.1 million in 2021 compared to $8.9 million in 2020, a decrease of $1.8 million primarily due to a one-time credit recorded in 2021 of $1.5 million.
Investment and other non-operating income/(expense), net
Net gain from investments: Net gain from investments is directly related to the performance of our proprietary portfolio. For the year ended December 31, 2021, net gains from investments were $93.4 million compared to $36.9 million in the prior year primarily driven by investment income on our holdings of GBL as well as other portfolio increases.
Interest and dividend income: Interest and dividend income increased to $12.1 million in 2021 from $8.7 million in 2020 primarily due to the $5.1 million ($2 per share) special dividend declared on our holdings of GAMCO in 2021.
Income Taxes
In 2021 we recorded income tax expense of $17.7 million resulting in an effective tax rate (“ETR”) of 21.8%. In 2020 we recorded income tax expense of $9.4 million resulting in an ETR of 31.4%. The decrease in rate from 2020 is primarily driven by foreign investments which increased the 2020 rate by 9.9%.
Noncontrolling Interests
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was $4.4 million in 2021 compared to $1.0 million in 2020. The increase of $3.4 million was driven primarily by Gabelli Merger Plus+ Trust and mark to market earnings from PMV SPAC.
Net Income/(Loss)
Net income for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $59.2 million compared to net income of $18.8 million for the prior year. The change was primarily driven by higher gains on our investment portfolio primarily driven by the 2021 market recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our principal assets consist of cash and cash equivalents; short-term treasury securities; marketable securities, primarily equities, including 2.4 million shares of GAMCO; and interests in affiliated and third-party funds and partnerships. Although Investment Partnerships may be subject to restrictions as to the timing of distributions, the underlying investments of such Investment Partnerships are generally liquid, and the valuations of these products reflect that underlying liquidity.
Summary cash flow data is as follows (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
Cash flows provided by (used in) continuing operations:
Operating activities
$
238,194
$
(279,483
)
Investing activities
65,285
(174,072
)
Financing activities
(14,394
)
150,949
Net increase from continuing operations
289,085
(302,606
)
Cash flows provided by (used in) discontinued operations:
Operating activities
-
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
289,085
(302,492
)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period
39,509
342,001
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period
$
328,594
$
39,509
We require relatively low levels of capital expenditures and have a highly variable cost structure where costs increase and decrease based on the level of revenues we receive. Our revenues, in turn, are highly correlated to the level of AUM and to investment performance. We anticipate that our available liquid assets should be sufficient to meet our cash requirements as we build out our operating business. At December 31, 2021, we had cash and cash equivalents of $319.0 million, investments in U.S. Treasury Bills of $61.0 and $260.2 million of investments net of securities sold, not yet purchased of $12.9 million. Included in cash and cash equivalents are $4.0 million and $7.2 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, which were held by consolidated investment funds and may not be readily available for the Company to access.
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations was $238.2 million in 2021 due to $278.1 million of net decreases of securities and net contributions to investment partnerships and our net income of $63.6, offset by $82.9 million of adjustments for noncash items, primarily gains on investments securities and partnership investments and deferred taxes, and $20.6 million in net receivables/payables.
Net cash used in operating activities from continuing operations was $279.5 million in 2020 due to $295.8 million in net purchases of trading securities, including $315.4 million of net purchases of U.S. Treasury Bills, $10.7 of net income adjusted for noncash items, primarily unrealized gains on securities and equity in net gains from partnerships, net distributions from Investment Partnerships of $31.0 million and increases in net receivables/payables of $4.0 million.
Net cash provided by investing activities from continuing operations was $65.3 million in 2021 due to proceeds from sales of securities of $35.3 million and return of capital on securities of $38.7 million, partially offset by purchases of securities of $8.7 million.
Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations was $174.1 million in 2020 due to the investment of cash in a trust account by the PMV SPAC of $175 million, the purchase of our building in London for $11.1 million and purchases of securities of $2.7 million partially offset by proceeds from sales of securities of $13.1 million and return of capital on securities of $1.6 million.
Net cash used in financing activities from continuing operations was $14.4 million in 2021 resulting from stock buyback payments of $7.6 million, dividends paid of $4.4 million and redemptions of redeemable noncontrolling interests of $2.3 million.
Net cash provided by financing activities from continuing operations was $150.9 million in 2020 resulting from contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interests of $162.6 million primarily related to contributions to PMV SPAC and nonredeemable non-controlling interests of $2.4 million reduced by dividends paid of $6.7 million and stock buyback payments of $7.4 million. Cash provided by discontinued operations from the spin-off of Morgan Group was $0.1 million.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
Critical Accounting Policies
In the ordinary course of business, we make a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of results of operations and financial condition in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). We base our estimates on historical experience, when available, and on other various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates under different assumptions and conditions.
We believe that the following critical accounting policies require management to exercise significant judgment:
Major Revenue-Generating Services and Revenue Recognition
The Company’s revenues are derived primarily from investment advisory and incentive fees.
Investment advisory and incentive fees are directly influenced by the level and mix of AUM as fees are derived from a contractually-determined percentage of the balance of each account as well as a percentage of the investment performance of certain accounts. Management fees from Investment Partnerships and offshore funds are computed either monthly or quarterly, and amounts receivable are included in investment advisory fees receivable on the consolidated statements of financial condition. These revenues vary depending upon the level of capital flows, financial market conditions, investment performance and the fee rates applicable to each account.
Incentive allocations or fees are generally recognized at the end of an annual measurement period and amounts receivable are included in investment advisory fees receivable on the consolidated statements of financial condition.
See Note B, Significant Accounting Policies, in the consolidated financial statements for additional information.
Investments in Securities
Investments in securities are a recorded at fair value in the statements of financial condition in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Securities transactions and any related gains and losses are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the specific identified cost basis and are included in net gain from investments on the consolidated statements of income.
Management determines the appropriate classification of securities at the time of purchase. Government debt with maturities of greater than three months at the time of purchase are considered investments in debt securities. The Company has investments in debt securities accounted for as trading, including investments in marketable securities held in trust by PMV.
Securities sold, but not yet purchased are recorded on the trade date, and are stated at fair value and represent obligations of AC to purchase the securities at prevailing market prices. Therefore, the future satisfaction of such obligations may be for an amount greater or less than the amounts recorded on the consolidated statements of financial condition. The ultimate gains or losses recognized are dependent upon the prices at which these securities are purchased to settle the obligations under the sales commitments. Unrealized gains and losses and realized gains and losses from covers of securities sold, not yet purchased transactions are included in net gain from investments on the consolidated statements of income.
Consolidation
The Company assesses all entities with which it is involved for consolidation on a case by case basis depending on the specific facts and circumstances surrounding each entity. Pursuant to accounting guidance, the Company first evaluates whether it holds a variable interest in an entity. The Company considers all economic interests, including proportionate interests through related parties, to determine if such interests are to be considered a variable interest. Fees paid to the Company that are customary and commensurate with the level of services provided from entities in which the Company does not hold other economic interests in the entity are not considered as a variable interest.
For any entity where the Company has determined that it does hold a variable interest, the Company performs an assessment to determine whether it qualifies as a variable interest entity (“VIE”).
The granting of substantive kick-out rights is a key consideration in determining whether a limited partnership or similar entity is a VIE and whether or not that entity should be consolidated. The Company evaluates consolidation on a case by case basis for those VIEs in which substantive kick-out rights have been granted to the unaffiliated investors to either dissolve the fund or remove the general partner.
Under the variable interest entity model, the Company consolidates those entities where it is determined that the Company is the primary beneficiary of the entity. The Company is determined to be the primary beneficiary when it has a controlling financial interest in the VIE, which is defined as possessing both (a) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. If the Company alone is not considered to have a controlling financial interest in the VIE but the Company and its related parties under common control in the aggregate have a controlling financial interest in the VIE, the Company will be deemed to be the primary beneficiary if it is the party that is most closely associated with the VIE. When the Company and its related parties not under common control in the aggregate have a controlling financial interest in a VIE, the Company would be deemed to be the primary beneficiary if substantially all the activities of the entity are performed on behalf of the Company.
The Company determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE at the time it becomes initially involved with the VIE and reconsiders that conclusion as required. Investments and redemptions (either by the Company, related parties of the Company or third parties) or amendments to the governing documents of the respective entity may affect an entity’s status as a VIE or the determination of the primary beneficiary.
Entities that do not qualify as VIEs are assessed for consolidation as voting interest entities (“VOEs”) under the voting interest model. The Company evaluates whether the entity should be evaluated under the guidance for partnerships and similar entities, or corporations, and consolidates those entities it controls through a majority voting interest or other means. If the Company is the general partner or managing member it generally will not be required to consolidate a VOE.
The Company records noncontrolling interests in consolidated Investment Partnerships for which the Company’s ownership is less than 100%.
See Note E, Investment Partnerships and Other Entities in the consolidated financial statements for additional information.
Investments in Partnerships and Affiliates
The Company is general partner or co-general partner of various managed funds. We also have investments in unaffiliated partnerships, offshore funds and other entities (collectively, “investments in partnerships and affiliates”). The Company accounts for its investments in partnerships and affiliates under the equity method. Substantially all of the Company’s equity method investees are entities that record their underlying investments at fair value and included in investments in partnerships. Therefore, under the equity method of accounting, the Company’s share of the investee’s underlying net income predominantly represents fair value adjustments in the investments held by the equity method investees. The Company’s share of the investee’s underlying net income or loss is based upon the most currently available information and is recorded as net gain from investments on the consolidated statements of income. Capital contributions are recorded as an increase in investments when paid, and withdrawals and distributions are recorded as reductions of the investments when received. Depending on the terms of the investment, the Company may be restricted as to the timing and amounts of withdrawals.
Income Taxes
For purposes of the preparation of the consolidated financial statements, the provision for income taxes is computed using the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the consolidated financial statements. Under this method deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts on the consolidated financial statements using the statutory tax rates in effect for the year when the reported amount of the asset or liability is expected to be recovered or settled, respectively. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the results of operations in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying values of deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. For each tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return, the Company determines whether it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation. A tax position that meets the more likely than not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize. The tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. The Company recognizes the accrual of interest on uncertain tax positions and penalties in the income tax provision on the consolidated statements of income.
Recent Accounting Developments
See Note B, Significant Accounting Policies - Recent Accounting Developments, in the consolidated financial statements.
Seasonality and Inflation
We do not believe that our operations are subject to significant seasonal fluctuations. We do not believe inflation will significantly affect our compensation costs, as they are substantially variable in nature. The rate of inflation may affect certain other expenses, however, such as information technology and occupancy costs. To the extent inflation results in rising interest rates and has other effects upon the securities markets, it may adversely affect our financial position and results of operations by reducing our AUM, revenues or otherwise.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 7A:
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Smaller reporting companies are not required to provide the information required by this item.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 8:
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID #34)
Consolidated Financial Statements:
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at December 31, 2021 and 2020
Consolidated Statements of Equity for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
24-25
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
A. Organization
B. Significant Accounting Policies
C. Revenue
D. Investments in Securities
E. Investments in Partnerships and Other Entities
F. Fair Value
G. Income Taxes
H. Earnings per share
I. Related Party Transactions
J. Equity
K. Retirement Plan
L. Guarantees, Contingencies and Commitments
M. Shareholder Designated Contribution Plan
N. Discontinued Operations
O. Subsequent Events
All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission that are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable have been omitted.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the stockholders and the Board of Directors of Associated Capital Group, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of Associated Capital Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity and cash flows, for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2021, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2021, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
Critical audit matters are matters arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. We determined that there are no critical audit matters.
/S/ Deloitte & Touche, LLP
Stamford, Connecticut
March 17, 2022
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2015.
ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Year Ended December 31,
Revenues
Investment advisory and incentive fees
$
20,530
$
18,288
Other revenues
Total revenues
20,924
18,983
Expenses
Compensation
24,457
19,436
Management fee
8,426
3,101
Other operating expenses
7,117
8,915
Total expenses
40,000
31,452
Operating loss
(19,076
)
(12,469
)
Other income/(expense)
Net gain from investments
93,405
36,864
Interest and dividend income
12,109
8,675
Interest expense
(310
)
(180
)
Shareholder-designated contribution
(4,789
)
(3,007
)
Total other income, net
100,415
42,352
Income/(loss) before income taxes
81,339
29,883
Income tax expense/(benefit)
17,705
9,374
Income/(loss) from continuing operations, net of taxes
63,634
20,509
Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes
-
(632
)
Income/(loss) before noncontrolling interests
63,634
19,877
Income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
4,431
1,061
Net income/(loss) attributable to Associated Capital Group, Inc.’s shareholders
$
59,203
$
18,816
Net income/(loss) per share attributable to Associated Capital Group, Inc.’s shareholders:
Basic - Continuing operations
$
2.68
$
0.87
Basic - Discontinued operations
-
(0.03
)
Basic - Total
$
2.68
$
0.84
Diluted - Continuing operations
$
2.68
$
0.87
Diluted - Discontinued operations
-
(0.03
)
Diluted - Total
$
2.68
$
0.84
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic
22,120
22,369
Diluted
22,120
22,369
Actual shares outstanding
22,058
22,274
See accompanying notes.
ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Dollars in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
Income/(loss) before noncontrolling interests
$
63,634
$
19,877
Less: Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
4,431
1,061
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Associated Capital Group, Inc.
$
59,203
$
18,816
See accompanying notes.
ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
December 31,
December 31,
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
$
319,048
$
39,509
Investments in U.S. Treasury Bills
60,996
344,453
Investments in equity securities (Including GBL stock with a value of $60.4 million and $48.9 million, respectively)
273,087
249,887
Investments in affiliated registered investment companies
134,548
170,605
Investments in partnerships
154,460
123,994
Receivable from brokers
42,478
24,677
Investment advisory fees receivable
8,315
7,346
Receivable and investment in note receivable from affiliates
10,094
4,743
Deferred tax assets, net
-
2,207
Goodwill
3,519
3,519
Other assets
21,682
28,565
Investments in marketable securities held in trust
175,109
175,040
Total assets
$
1,203,336
$
1,174,545
LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS AND EQUITY
Payable to brokers
$
9,339
$
6,496
Income taxes payable, including deferred tax liabilities, net
8,575
9,746
Compensation payable
19,730
18,567
Securities sold, not yet purchased
12,905
17,571
Payable to affiliates
-
2,188
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
3,580
5,635
Deferred underwriting fee payable
6,125
6,125
PMV warrant liability
5,280
-
Total liabilities
65,534
66,328
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
202,456
206,828
Commitments and contingencies (Note J)
Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding
Class A Common Stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 6,629,254 shares issued, respectively; 3,095,169 and 3,311,127 shares outstanding, respectively
Class B Common Stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 19,196,792 shares issued; 18,962,918 outstanding, respectively
Additional paid-in capital
990,069
999,047
Retained earnings
68,435
13,649
Treasury stock, at cost (3,534,085 and 3,318,127 shares, respectively)
(121,427
)
(113,783
)
Total Associated Capital Group, Inc. equity
937,102
898,938
Noncontrolling interests
(1,756
)
2,451
Total equity
935,346
901,389
Total liabilities and equity
$
1,203,336
$
1,174,545
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, certain balances include amounts related to consolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”) and voting interest entities (“VOEs”). See Footnote E.
See accompanying notes.
ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021, June 30, 2021, September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2021
Associated Capital Group, Inc. shareholders
Common
Stock
Retained
Earnings
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Treasury
Stock
Total
Noncontrolling
Interests
Total
Equity
Redeemable
Noncontrolling
Interests
Balance at December 31, 2020
$
$
13,649
$
999,047
$
(113,783
)
$
898,938
$
2,451
$
901,389
$
206,828
Contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interests
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Redemptions of noncontrolling interests
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(12,066
)
Net income
-
18,555
-
-
18,555
-
18,555
Purchase of treasury stock
-
-
-
(4,198
)
(4,198
)
-
(4,198
)
-
Balance at March 31, 2021
$
$
32,204
$
999,047
$
(117,981
)
$
913,295
$
2,451
$
915,746
$
195,070
Contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interests
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Net income/(loss)
-
29,716
-
-
29,716
-
29,716
(532
)
Dividends declared ($0.10 per share)
-
(2,211
)
-
-
(2,211
)
-
(2,211
)
-
Purchase of treasury stock
-
-
-
(1,893
)
(1,893
)
-
(1,893
)
-
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interest
-
-
(6,001
)
-
(6,001
)
(2,892
)
(8,893
)
8,893
Other changes to redeemable noncontrolling interests
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(7,527
)
Balance at June 30, 2021
$
$
59,709
$
993,046
$
(119,874
)
$
932,906
$
(441
)
$
932,465
$
196,569
Redemptions of noncontrolling interests
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(2,161
)
Net income/(loss)
-
1,503
-
-
1,503
1,625
3,879
Purchase of treasury stock
-
-
-
(1,396
)
(1,396
)
-
(1,396
)
-
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interest
-
-
(1,028
)
-
(1,028
)
(478
)
(1,506
)
1,506
Balance at September 30, 2021
$
$
61,212
$
992,018
$
(121,270
)
$
931,985
$
(797
)
$
931,188
$
199,793
Redemptions of noncontrolling interests
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(973
)
Net income/(loss)
-
9,429
-
-
9,429
9,444
Dividends declared ($0.10 per share)
-
(2,206
)
-
-
(2,206
)
-
(2,206
)
-
Purchase of treasury stock
-
-
-
(157
)
(157
)
-
(157
)
-
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interest
-
-
(1,949
)
-
(1,949
)
(974
)
(2,923
)
2,923
Other changes to redeemable noncontrolling interests
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(62
)
Balance at December 31, 2021
$
$
68,435
$
990,069
$
(121,427
)
$
937,102
$
(1,756
)
$
935,346
$
202,456
See accompanying notes.
ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
For the three months ended March 31, 2020, June 30, 2020, September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020
Associated Capital Group, Inc. shareholders
Common Stock
Retained Earnings/
(Accumulated Deficit)
Additional Paid-in Capital
Treasury Stock
Total
Noncontrolling Interest
Total Equity
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Balance at December 31, 2019
$
$
(701
)
$
1,003,450
$
(106,342
)
$
896,432
$
1,003
$
897,435
$
50,385
Redemptions of noncontrolling interests
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(531
)
Net income/(loss)
-
(73,355
)
-
-
(73,355
)
(52
)
(73,407
)
(3,945
)
Purchase of treasury stock
-
-
-
(3,225
)
(3,225
)
-
(3,225
)
-
Balance at March 31, 2020
$
$
(74,056
)
$
1,003,450
$
(109,567
)
$
819,852
$
$
820,803
$
45,909
Redemptions of noncontrolling interests
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(1,167
)
Net income/(loss)
-
35,237
-
-
35,237
(48
)
35,189
2,436
Dividends declared ($0.10 per share)
-
(2,237
)
-
-
(2,237
)
-
(2,237
)
-
Purchase of treasury stock
-
-
-
(1,068
)
(1,068
)
-
(1,068
)
-
Balance at June 30, 2020
$
$
(41,056
)
$
1,003,450
$
(110,635
)
$
851,784
$
$
852,687
$
47,178
Contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interests
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
156,049
Spin-off of MGHL
-
-
(4,403
)
-
(4,403
)
(903
)
(5,306
)
-
PMV Sponsor members’ interest
-
-
-
-
-
2,072
2,072
-
Net income
-
5,815
-
-
5,815
-
5,815
Purchase of treasury stock
-
-
-
(1,101
)
(1,101
)
-
(1,101
)
-
Balance at September 30, 2020
$
$
(35,241
)
$
999,047
$
(111,736
)
$
852,095
$
2,072
$
854,167
$
204,164
Contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interests
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,031
PMV Sponsor members’ interest
-
-
-
-
-
-
Net income/(loss)
-
51,120
-
-
51,120
-
51,120
1,633
Dividends declared ($0.10 per share)
-
(2,230
)
-
-
(2,230
)
-
(2,230
)
-
Purchase of treasury stock
-
-
-
(2,047
)
(2,047
)
-
(2,047
)
-
Balance at December 31, 2020
$
$
13,649
$
999,047
$
(113,783
)
$
898,938
$
2,451
$
901,389
$
206,828
See accompanying notes.
ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
Operating activities
Net income/(loss)
$
63,634
$
19,877
Less: Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes
-
Income/(loss) from continuing operations
63,634
20,509
Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities:
Equity in net (gains) from partnerships
(23,392
)
(15,000
)
Depreciation and amortization
Deferred income taxes
8,742
(209
)
Donated securities
2,213
Unrealized (gains)/losses on securities
(26,791
)
(20,213
)
Dividends received as securities
(5,066
)
-
Realized (gains)/losses on sales of securities
(38,971
)
3,299
(Increase)/decrease in assets:
Investments in trading securities
281,986
(295,795
)
Investments in partnerships:
Contributions to partnerships
(15,172
)
(4,829
)
Distributions from partnerships
11,308
35,847
Receivable from affiliates
(285
)
(405
)
Receivable from brokers
(10,097
)
(1,535
)
Investment advisory fees receivable
(916
)
2,236
Other assets
(1,454
)
(4,383
)
Increase/(decrease) in liabilities:
Payable to affiliates
(2,188
)
1,705
Payable to brokers
2,843
(8,393
)
Income taxes payable
(7,706
)
6,176
Compensation payable
1,163
(970
)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
(2,036
)
1,534
Total adjustments
174,560
(299,992
)
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities
238,194
(279,483
)
Investing activities
Maturities of marketable securities held in trust
175,109
-
Purchases of marketable securities held in trust, net
(175,109
)
-
Purchases of securities
(8,738
)
(2,749
)
Proceeds from sales of securities
35,329
13,115
Return of capital on securities
38,694
1,646
Purchase of building
-
(11,084
)
Investment of cash in Trust Account
-
(175,000
)
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities
$
65,285
$
(174,072
)
ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
Financing activities
Dividends paid
(4,417
)
(6,716
)
Purchase of treasury stock
(7,644
)
(7,441
)
Contributions/(redemptions) from/(of) redeemable noncontrolling interests
(2,333
)
162,655
Contributions from nonredeemable noncontrolling interests
-
2,451
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(14,394
)
150,949
Cash flows of discontinued operations
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
-
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
289,085
(302,492
)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period
39,509
342,001
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period
$
328,594
$
39,509
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest
$
$
Cash paid/(received) for taxes
$ 16,741
$ 2,000
Reconciliation to cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Cash and cash equivalents
319,048
39,509
Restricted cash included in receivable from brokers
9,546
-
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
$ 328,594
$ 39,509
Non-cash activity:
-
On September 21, 2020 a deferred underwriting fee of $6.1 million was recorded.
-
On December 30, 2020 equity securities in the amount of $4.2 million were distributed from investments in partnerships to investments in equity securities.
See accompanying notes.
A. Organization
Unless we have indicated otherwise, or the context otherwise requires, references in this report to “Associated Capital Group, Inc.,” “AC Group,” “the Company,” “AC,” “we,” “us” and “our” or similar terms are to Associated Capital Group, Inc., its predecessors and its subsidiaries.
We are a Delaware corporation that provides alternative investment management, and we derive investment income/(loss) from proprietary investment of cash and other assets in our operating business.
GCIA and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Gabelli & Partners, LLC (“Gabelli & Partners”), collectively serve as general partners or investment managers to investment funds including limited partnerships and offshore companies (collectively, “Investment Partnerships”), and separate accounts. We primarily manage assets across a range of risk and event arbitrage portfolios and in equity event-driven value strategies. The businesses earn management and incentive fees from their advisory activities. Management fees are largely based on a percentage of assets under management. Incentive fees are based on a percentage of the investment returns of certain clients’ portfolios. GCIA is an investment adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”).
PMV Consumer Acquisition Corp.
On September 22, 2020, Associated Capital announced the $175 million initial public offering of its special purpose acquisition corporation, PMV Consumer Acquisition Corp. (NYSE:PMVC).
PMV Consumer Acquisition Corp. (“PMV”, or “PMV SPAC”) was created to pursue an initial business combination following the consumer globally with companies having an enterprise valuation in the range of $200 million to $3.5 billion. PMV Consumer Acquisition Holding Company, LLC (“Sponsor”) was created to assist PMV in sourcing, analyzing and consummating acquisition opportunities for that initial business combination.
The Sponsor and PMV have been consolidated in the financial statements of AC beginning in September 2020 because AC has a controlling financial interest in these entities. This resulted in the consolidation of $163.8 million of assets, $11.5 million of liabilities, $161.8 million of redeemable noncontrolling interests and $1.8 million of noncontrolling interests relating to PMV and the Sponsor as of December 31, 2021. In addition, there are several other entities that are consolidated within the financial statements. The details on the impact of consolidating these entities on the consolidated financial statements can be seen in Note E.
Investment Partnerships and Other Entities.
See Note E for a further discussion of PMV Consumer Acquisition Corp. as well as its registration statement, Annual Reports, and Quarterly Reports, which are all located on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission website https://www.sec.gov under the symbol PMVC.
AC Spin-off
On November 30, 2015, GAMCO Investors, Inc. (“GAMCO” or “GBL”) distributed all the outstanding shares of each class of AC common stock on a pro rata one-for-one basis to the holders of each class of GAMCO’s common stock (the “Spin-off”).
As part of the Spin-off, AC received 4,393,055 shares of GAMCO Class A common stock for $150 million. The Company currently holds 2,417,500 shares as of December 31, 2021.
Morgan Group Spin-off
On March 16, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the spin-off of Morgan Group Holding Co. (“Morgan Group”) to AC’s shareholders. On August 5, 2020, AC distributed its 83.3% stake in Morgan Group to shareholders of record as of July 30, 2020. Following the 1 for 100 reverse split on June 10, 2020, AC shareholders received approximately 0.022356 shares of Morgan Group common stock for each share of AC common stock they held.
The historical financial results of Morgan Group have been reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as discontinued operations for all periods presented through August 5, 2020.
B. Significant Accounting Policies
Consolidated Financial Statements
All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date the Company obtains control and continue to be consolidated until the date that such control ceases. The Company’s principal market is in the United States.
Amounts in Note E, Investment Partnerships and Other Entities, related to PMV SPAC were reported in the impact of consolidating VOE table as of December 31, 2020. This prior year disclosure in Note E has been revised to correctly include the assets, liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and total net interests of PMV SPAC of $14.1 million in the VIE table.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported on the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents primarily consist of an affiliated money market mutual fund which is highly liquid. U.S. Treasury Bills and Notes with maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase are also considered cash equivalents.
Investments in Securities
Securities owned are recorded at fair value in the statements of financial condition with any unrealized gains or losses reported in current period earnings in net gain from investments on the consolidated statements of income. Securities transactions and any related gains and losses are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the specific identified cost basis and are included in net gain from investments on the consolidated statements of income.
Management determines the appropriate classification of debt securities at the time of purchase. Government debt securities with maturities of greater than three months at the time of purchase are considered investments in debt securities. A majority of our investments in debt securities are accounted for as trading securities, except in 2020 in which investments in marketable securities held in trust by PMV were accounted for as held to maturity.
Investments in securities are reflected in U.S. Treasury Bills, investments in equity securities, investments in affiliated registered investment companies and investments in marketable securities held in trust.
Securities sold, but not yet purchased are recorded on the trade date, and are stated at fair value and represent obligations of AC to purchase the securities at prevailing market prices. Therefore, the future satisfaction of such obligations may be for an amount greater or less than the amounts recorded on the consolidated statements of financial condition. The ultimate gains or losses recognized are dependent upon the prices at which these securities are purchased to settle the obligations under the sales commitments. Unrealized gains and losses and realized gains and losses from covers of securities sold, not yet purchased transactions are included in net gain from investments on the consolidated statements of income.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company’s assets and liabilities recorded at fair value have been categorized based upon a fair value hierarchy in accordance with the guidance on fair value measurement. The levels of the fair value hierarchy and their applicability to the Company are described below:
•
Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the reporting date. Level 1 assets include cash equivalents, government obligations, open-end mutual funds, closed-end funds and equities.
•
Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities that are not active and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly-quoted intervals. Assets included in this category are over-the-counter derivatives that have valuation inputs that can generally be corroborated by observable market data.
•
Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. Assets in this category generally include equities that trade infrequently and direct private equity investments.
In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.
The availability of observable inputs can vary from instrument to instrument and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of instrument, whether the instrument is new and not yet established in the marketplace, and other characteristics particular to the instrument. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized as Level 3.
In the absence of a closing price, an average of the bid and ask price is used. Bid prices reflect the highest price that market participants are willing to pay for an asset. Ask prices represent the lowest price that market participants are willing to accept for an asset.
Cash equivalents-Cash equivalents primarily consist of short-term Treasury Bills and an affiliated money market mutual fund which is invested solely in U.S. Treasury securities and valued based on the net asset value of the fund. Other cash equivalents are valued using unadjusted quoted market prices. Accordingly, cash equivalents are categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
Investments in securities-Investments in securities and securities sold not yet purchased are generally valued based on quoted prices from an exchange. To the extent these securities are actively traded, valuation adjustments are not applied, and they are categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Securities categorized as Level 2 investments are valued using other observable inputs. Nonpublic and infrequently traded investments are included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy because significant inputs to measure fair value are unobservable.
Investment in note receivable from affiliate - Investment in note receivable from affiliate is not measured at fair value on a recurring basis, however fair value is estimated based on observed market inputs for similar instruments and therefore, is classified as Level 2.
PMV warrant liability - PMV warrant liability is valued based on quoted prices from an exchange and is categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
Investments in marketable securities held in trust account
At December 31, 2021 and 2020, debt securities of our consolidated SPAC, PMV, are held in a trust account and consist of U.S. Treasury Bills accounted for as trading and held-to-maturity, respectively, in accordance with ASC 320 “Investments - Debt and Equity Securities.” Trading securities are recorded at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statements of income. Held-to-maturity treasury securities are recorded at amortized cost on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and adjusted for the amortization or accretion of premiums or discounts.
Receivables from Affiliates and Payables to Affiliates
Receivables from affiliates consist primarily of sub-advisory fees due from Gabelli Funds, LLC, a subsidiary of GAMCO. Payables to affiliates primarily consist of expenses paid by affiliates on behalf of the Company pursuant to a transitional services agreement with GAMCO entered into in connection with the AC Spin-off.
Receivables from and Payables to Brokers
Receivables from and payables to brokers consist of amounts related to purchases and sales of securities, restricted cash held on deposit and cash amounts held in anticipation of investment.
Consolidation
The Company assesses all entities with which it is involved for consolidation on a case by case basis depending on the specific facts and circumstances surrounding each entity. Pursuant to accounting guidance, the Company first evaluates whether it holds a variable interest in an entity. The Company considers all economic interests, including proportionate interests through related parties, to determine if such interests are considered a variable interest. Fees paid to the Company that are customary and commensurate with the level of services provided from entities in which the Company does not hold more than an insignificant economic interest are not considered as a variable interest.
For any entity where the Company has determined that it does hold a variable interest, the Company performs an assessment to determine whether it qualifies as a variable interest entity (“VIE”). The granting of substantive kick-out or participating rights is a key consideration in determining whether a limited partnership or similar entity is a VIE and whether or not that entity should be consolidated. The Company evaluates for consolidation on a case by case basis those VIEs in which substantive kick-out or participating rights have been granted to the unaffiliated investors to either dissolve the fund or remove the general partner.
Under the variable interest entity model, the Company consolidates those entities where it is determined that the Company is the primary beneficiary of the entity. The Company is determined to be the primary beneficiary when it has a controlling financial interest in the VIE, which is defined as possessing both (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. When the Company alone is not considered to have a controlling financial interest in the VIE but the Company and its related parties under common control in the aggregate have a controlling financial interest in the VIE, the Company will be deemed the primary beneficiary if it is the party that is most closely associated with the VIE. When the Company and its related parties not under common control in the aggregate have a controlling financial interest in the VIE, the Company would be deemed to be the primary beneficiary if substantially all the activities of the entity are performed on behalf of the Company.
The Company determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE at the time it becomes initially involved with the VIE and reconsiders that conclusion as required. Investments and redemptions (either by the Company, related parties or third parties) or amendments to the governing documents of the respective entity may affect an entity’s status as a VIE or the determination of the primary beneficiary.
Entities that do not qualify as VIEs are assessed for consolidation as voting interest entities (“VOEs”) under the voting interest model. The Company evaluates whether the entity should be evaluated under the guidance for partnerships and similar entities, or corporations, and consolidates those entities it controls through a majority voting interest or other means. If the Company is the general partner or managing member it generally will not be required to consolidate a VOE.
The Company records noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities for which the Company’s ownership is less than 100%. Refer to Noncontrolling Interests below for additional information.
Investments in Partnerships and Affiliates
The Company is general partner or co-general partner of various affiliated entities. We also have investments in unaffiliated partnerships, offshore funds and other entities (collectively, “unaffiliated entities”). Given that we are not a general partner or investment manager in any unaffiliated entity, we neither earn any management or incentive fees nor have a controlling financial interest in such entity. We do not consolidate any unaffiliated entity.
The balance sheet caption investments in partnerships includes investments in both affiliated and unaffiliated entities.
The Company accounts for its investments in partnerships and affiliates under the equity method. Substantially all of the Company’s equity method investees are entities that record their underlying investments at fair value and are included in investments in partnerships. Therefore, under the equity method of accounting, the Company’s share of the investee’s underlying net income predominantly represents fair value adjustments in the investments held by the equity method investees. The Company’s share of the investee’s underlying net income or loss is based upon the most currently available information and is recorded as net gain from investments on the consolidated statements of income. Capital contributions are recorded as an increase in investments when paid, and withdrawals and distributions are recorded as reductions of the investments when received. Depending on the terms of the investment, the Company may be restricted as to the timing and amounts of withdrawals.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company recognizes all derivatives as either assets or liabilities measured at fair value and includes such derivatives in either investments in securities or securities sold, not yet purchased on the consolidated statements of financial condition. From time to time, the Company will enter into hedging transactions to manage its exposure to foreign currencies or equity prices related to its proprietary investments. Except for a foreign exchange contract entered into by the Company, these transactions are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes, and changes in fair values of these derivatives are included in net gain from investments on the consolidated statements of income. See Note D, Investments in Securities, for additional information.
Major Revenue-Generating Services and Revenue Recognition
The Company’s revenues are derived primarily from investment advisory and incentive fees.
Investment advisory and incentive fees are directly influenced by the level and mix of AUM as fees are derived from a contractually-determined percentage of the balance of each account as well as a percentage of the investment performance of certain accounts. Management fees from Investment Partnerships and offshore funds are computed either monthly or quarterly, and amounts receivable are included in investment advisory fees receivable on the consolidated statements of financial condition. These revenues vary depending upon the level of capital flows, financial market conditions, investment performance and the fee rates applicable to each account.
Incentive allocations or fees are generally recognized at the end of an annual measurement period and amounts receivable are included in investment advisory fees receivable on the consolidated statements of financial condition.
The Company’s major revenue sources are as follows:
Investment advisory and incentive fees. The Company and its subsidiaries act as general partner, investment manager or sub-advisor to investment funds and/or separately managed accounts of institutional investors (e.g., corporate pension plans). The fees that are paid to the Company are set forth in the offering documents for the investment fund or the separately managed account agreement. Investment advisory and incentive fee revenue consists of:
a)
Asset-based advisory fees - The Company receives a management fee, payable monthly in advance based on value of the net assets of the client. It is generally set at a rate of 1%-1.5% per annum. Asset-based management fee revenue is recognized only as the services are performed over the period.
b)
Performance-based advisory fees - Certain client contracts call for additional fees and or allocations of income tied to a certain percentage, generally 20%, of the investment performance of the account over a measurement period, typically the calendar year. In addition, the contracts provide that performance-based fees or allocations become fixed in the event of an investor redemption prior to the end of the measurement period. In the event that an account suffers a loss in one period, it must be recovered before incentive fees are earned by the Company; this is commonly referred to as a “high water mark” provision. While the Company’s performance obligation is satisfied over time, the Company does not recognize performance-based fees until the end of the measurement period or the time of the investor redemption when the uncertainty surrounding the amount of the variable consideration is resolved.
c)
Sub-advisory fees - Pursuant to agreements with other investment advisors, the Company receives a percentage of advisory fees received by such advisors from certain of their investment fund clients. These fees may be either asset- or performance-based. In addition, they may be subject to reduction by certain expenses as set forth in the respective agreements. Sub-advisory fee revenue which is asset-based is recognized ratably as the services are performed over the relevant contractual performance period. Sub-advisory fee revenue which is performance-based is recognized only when it becomes fixed and not subject to adjustment.
The Company reserves the right to waive or reduce asset-based and performance-based fees with respect to certain investors in the investment funds which may include investments by employees and other related parties. Advisory and incentive fees payable by investment funds are typically approved by third-party administrators and paid directly from the accounts’ assets. Such fees attributable to separate accounts may be subject to review and approval by the client and may be paid either from the accounts’ assets or directly by the client.
Our advisory fee revenues are influenced by both the amount of AUM and the investment performance of our products. An overall decline in the prices of securities may cause our advisory fees to decline by either causing the value of our AUM to decrease or causing our clients to withdraw funds in favor of investments they perceive to offer greater opportunity or lower risk. Similarly, success in the investment management business is dependent on investment performance as well as distribution and client services. Good performance can stimulate sales of our investment products and tends to keep withdrawals and redemptions low, which generates higher asset-based management fees. Conversely, poor performance, both in absolute terms and/or relative to peers and industry benchmarks, tends to result in decreased sales, increased withdrawals and redemptions and in the loss of clients, with corresponding decreases in revenues to us.
Depreciation
Fixed assets are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives of four to thirty-nine years and are included in other assets on the consolidated statements of financial condition.
Fixed assets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 consisted of the following:
Buildings
$
17,745
$
17,727
Equipment
Total
17,951
17,913
Less: accumulated depreciation
(761
)
(383
)
Net book value
$
17,190
$
17,530
Allocated Expenses
The Company is charged or incurs certain overhead expenses that are paid by, or paid on our behalf by, other affiliates and are included in other operating expenses on the consolidated statements of income. These overhead expenses primarily relate to centralized functions including finance and accounting, legal, compliance, treasury, tax, internal audit, information technology, human resources and risk management. These overhead expenses are allocated to the Company by other affiliates (primarily GAMCO) or allocated by the Company to other affiliates as the expenses are incurred, based upon direct usage when identifiable, or by revenue, headcount, space or other allocation methodologies periodically reviewed by the management of the Company and the affiliates.
The compensation expense and related payroll taxes and benefits of certain dual employees that provide services to both AC and affiliates are allocated based upon the relative time each employee devotes to each affiliate. These allocated compensation expenses are included in compensation on the consolidated statements of income.
All of the allocations and estimates in the financial statements are based on assumptions that management of AC believes are reasonable. However, these allocations may not be indicative of the actual expenses we would have incurred or may incur in the future.
Management Fee
Management fee expense in the amount of 10% of the aggregate pre-tax profits, before consideration of this fee and before consideration of the income attributable to consolidated funds and partnerships, is paid to the Executive Chair or his designees in accordance with his employment agreement.
Stock-Based Compensation
From time to time, the Company’s Board of Directors approves grants of Phantom Restricted Stock awards (“Phantom RSAs”). The Phantom RSAs are settled by a cash payment, net of applicable withholding tax, on the vesting dates. In addition, an amount equivalent to the cumulative dividends declared on shares of the Company’s Class A common stock during the vesting period will be paid to participants on vesting.
The Phantom RSAs are accounted for as a liability because cash settlement is required and compensation will be recognized over the vesting period. The Company amortizes each award based on the applicable vesting period. In determining the compensation expense to be recognized each period, the Company will remeasure the fair value of the liability at each reporting date taking into account the remaining vesting period attributable to each award and the current market value of the Company’s Class A stock. In making these determinations, the Company will consider the impact of Phantom RSAs that have been forfeited prior to vesting (e.g., due to an employee termination). The Company has elected to consider forfeitures as they occur.
Goodwill
Goodwill is initially measured as the excess of the cost of an acquired business over the sum of the fair value assigned to assets acquired less the liabilities assumed. Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually on November 30th and whenever certain triggering events are met. In assessing the recoverability of goodwill as of November 30, 2021 and 2020, we performed a qualitative assessment of whether it was more likely than not that an impairment had occurred and concluded that a quantitative analysis was not required. As such, no impairment was recorded during 2021 or 2020.
Income Taxes
For purposes of the preparation of the consolidated financial statements, the provision for income taxes is computed using the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the consolidated financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income tax expense/benefit in the period that includes the enactment date of the change in tax rate.
The Company records net deferred tax assets to the extent the Company believes these assets will more likely than not be realized. A valuation allowance would be recorded to reduce the carrying value of deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination of whether a valuation allowance is necessary, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. In the event the Company were to determine that the Company would be able to realize the Company’s deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, the Company would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.
For uncertain tax positions the Company first determines whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained based on the technical merits of the position. For those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the Company recognizes the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority. The Company recognizes the accrual of interest on uncertain tax positions and penalties in income tax provision on the consolidated statements of income. Accrued interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions are included within accrued expenses and other liabilities on the consolidated statements of financial condition.
Noncontrolling Interests
Noncontrolling interests in Investment Partnerships or other entities that are redeemable at the option of the holder are classified as redeemable noncontrolling interests in the mezzanine section of the consolidated statements of financial condition between liabilities and equity. Noncontrolling interests in other entities that are not redeemable at the option of the holder are classified as such as a separate component of shareholder’s equity.
Redeemable noncontrolling Interests-PMV
The Company accounts for the common stock held by noncontrolling interest holders of our consolidated SPAC, PMV, as subject to possible redemption in accordance with the guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 480 “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity.” Conditionally redeemable common stock (including common stock that features redemption rights that is either within the control of the holder or subject to redemption upon the occurrence of uncertain events not solely within the Company’s control) is classified as temporary equity. PMVs common stock features certain redemption rights that are considered to be outside of the Company’s control and subject to occurrence of uncertain future events. Accordingly, at December 31, 2021, common stock held by noncontrolling interest holders is presented at redemption value in redeemable noncontrolling interests, outside of the stockholders’ equity section of the Company’s balance sheet.
The discount amount related to the issuance of redeemable noncontrolling interest is being amortized over a period of 18 months through an adjustment to additional paid-in capital and noncontrolling interest (proportionate to our ownership of the SPAC Sponsor) and is also adjusted periodically for income/loss allocated to redeemable noncontrolling interest.
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests on the consolidated statements of income represents the share of net income/(loss) attributable to third-party investors in consolidated funds.
PMV Warrant Liability
In connection with their initial public offering, PMV sold 17,500,000 Units, at $10.00 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one share of Class A common stock and one-half of one redeemable warrant (“Public Warrant”).
The Company accounts for warrants as either equity-classified or liability-classified instruments based on an assessment of the warrant’s specific terms and applicable authoritative guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (“ASC 480”) and ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”). The assessment considers whether the warrants are freestanding financial instruments pursuant to ASC 480, meet the definition of a liability pursuant to ASC 480, and whether the warrants meet all of the requirements for equity classification under ASC 815, including whether the warrants are indexed to the Company’s own ordinary shares, among other conditions for equity classification. This assessment, which requires the use of professional judgment, is conducted at the time of warrant issuance and as of each subsequent quarterly period end date while the warrants are outstanding.
For warrants that do not meet all the criteria for equity classification, the warrants are required to be recorded at their initial fair value on the date of issuance, and each balance sheet date thereafter. Changes in the estimated fair value of the warrants are recognized in net gain from investments on the consolidated statements of income.
The warrant liability related to the Public Warrant was charged against the redeemable noncontrolling interest of PMV.
Offering Costs
Offering costs incurred by the initial public offering of PMV consist of legal, accounting, underwriting fees and other costs. Offering costs amounting to $9,957,390, including deferred underwriting fees of $6,125,000, net of a $175,000 credit paid by the underwriter, were allocated as follows, $502,848 in offering costs was charged to expense and $9,454,542 was charged to redeemable noncontrolling interest of PMV, similar to the warrant liability.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and receivables from brokers. The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents primarily in the Gabelli U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund, which invests fully in instruments issued by the U.S. government. Receivables from brokers and financial institutions can exceed the federally insured limit. The concentration of credit risk with respect to advisory fees and incentive fees, which are included in investment advisory fees receivable and receivables from affiliates on the consolidated statements of financial condition, is generally limited due to the short payment terms extended to clients by the Company. All investments in securities are held at third party brokers or custodians.
Business Segment
The Company operates in one business segment. The Company’s chief operating decision maker reviews the Company’s financial performance at an aggregate level.
Recent Accounting Developments
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Accounting for Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) (“ASU 2016-13”), which requires an organization to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Currently, U.S. GAAP requires an “incurred loss” methodology that delays recognition until it is probable a loss has been incurred. Under ASU 2016-13, the allowance for credit losses must be deducted from the amortized cost of the financial asset to present the net amount expected to be collected. The Statement of Income will reflect the measurement of credit losses for newly recognized financial assets as well as the expected increases or decreases of expected credit losses that have taken place during the period. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-10, which deferred the effective date of this guidance for smaller reporting companies for three years. This guidance is effective for the Company on January 1, 2023 and requires a modified retrospective transition method, which will result in a cumulative-effect adjustment in retained earnings upon adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact of this new guidance on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other, to simplify the process used to test for impairment of goodwill. Under the new standard, an impairment loss must be recognized in an amount equal to the excess of the carrying amount of a reporting unit over its fair value, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. As a smaller reporting company pursuant to ASU 2019-10, the ASU is effective for the Company on January 1, 2023. Further, a prospective transition method and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential effect of this new guidance on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The amendments simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740. The amendments also improve consistent application of and simplify US GAAP for other areas of Topic 740 by clarifying and amending the existing guidance. We adopted this standard prospectively on January 1, 2021. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
C. Revenue
The Company’s revenue is accounted for as contracts with customers, and the timing of revenue recognition is based on the Company’s analysis of the provisions of each respective contract. Depending upon the specific terms, revenue may be recognized over time or at a point in time. Modifications to contracts may affect the timing of the satisfaction of performance obligations, the determination of the transaction price, and the allocation of the price to performance obligations, any of which may impact the timing of the recognition of the related revenue.
Total revenues by type were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
Revenues
Investment advisory and incentive fees
Asset-based advisory fees
$
5,021
$
5,415
Performance-based advisory fees
7,006
5,706
Sub-advisory fees
8,503
7,167
20,530
18,288
Other
Miscellaneous
Total
$
20,924
$
18,983
D. Investments in Securities
Investments in securities at December 31, 2021 and 2020 consisted of the following (in thousands):
Cost
Fair Value
Cost
Fair Value
Debt - Trading Securities:
U.S. Treasury Bills
$
60,992
$
60,996
$
344,367
$
344,453
Equity Securities:
Common stocks
239,383
265,156
239,240
237,377
Mutual funds
1,351
1,294
Other investments
6,253
6,580
8,806
11,216
Total equity securities
246,160
273,087
248,592
249,887
Total investments in securities
$
307,152
$
334,083
$
592,959
$
594,340
Investments in marketable securities held in trust
$
175,109
$ 175,109
Our held to maturity investments at December 31, 2021 and 2020 consisted of the following (in thousands):
December 31, 2021
Amortized Cost
Gross Unrealized Holding Gains
Gross Unrealized Holding Losses
Estimated
Fair Value
Held to maturity:
Investment in note receivable from affiliate (1)
$
5,066
$
-
$
-
$
5,066
(1) Investment in note receivable from affiliate relates to 2-Year Puttable and Callable Subordinated Notes due 2023 issued as part of a 2021 special dividend on GAMCO’s Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. The Company has the intent to hold these investments until maturity, and as such they were recorded at amortized cost.
December 31, 2020
Amortized Cost
Gross Unrealized Holding Gains
Gross Unrealized Holding Losses
Estimated
Fair Value
Held to maturity:
Investments in marketable securities held in trust (2)
$
175,040
$
-
$
-
$
175,040
(2) At December 31, 2020, marketable securities held in the trust account through PMV were comprised primarily of U.S. Treasury Bills which mature in less than one year with an amortized cost and fair value of approximately $175 million, due to the short maturity profile.
Securities sold, not yet purchased at December 31, 2021 and 2020 consisted of the following (in thousands):
Cost
Fair Value
Cost
Fair Value
Equity securities:
Common stocks
$
9,021
$
9,838
$
14,369
$
16,090
Other investments
2,767
3,067
1,209
1,481
Total securities sold, not yet purchased
$
11,788
$
12,905
$
15,578
$
17,571
Investments in affiliated registered investment companies at December 31, 2021 and 2020 consisted of the following (in thousands):
Cost
Fair Value
Cost
Fair Value
Equity securities:
Closed-end funds
$
42,484
$
64,381
$
76,462
$
106,719
Mutual funds
49,362
70,167
48,395
63,886
Total investments in affiliated registered investment companies
$
91,846
$
134,548
$
124,857
$
170,605
E. Investment Partnerships and Other Entities
The Company is general partner or co-general partner of various affiliated entities whose underlying assets consist primarily of marketable securities (“Affiliated Entities”). We also had investments in unaffiliated partnerships, offshore funds and other entities of $41.9 and $24.9 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively (“Unaffiliated Entities”). We evaluate each entity to determine its appropriate accounting treatment and disclosure. Certain of the Affiliated Entities, and none of the Unaffiliated Entities, are consolidated.
Investments in partnerships that are not required to be consolidated are accounted for using the equity method and are included in investments in partnerships on the consolidated statements of financial condition. The Company had investments in Affiliated Entities totaling $112.6 million and $99.1 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020 respectively. The Company reflects the equity in earnings of these Affiliated Entities and Unaffiliated Entities as net gain from investments on the consolidated statements of income.
The summarized financial information of the Company’s equity method investments as of and for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 are as follows:
(in millions)
Total assets
$
1,818
$
1,653
Total liabilities
Total equity
1,460
1,327
Year Ended December 31,
Net income/(loss)
Capital may generally be redeemed from Affiliated Entities on a monthly basis upon adequate notice as determined in the sole discretion of each entity’s investment manager. Capital invested in Unaffiliated Entities may generally be redeemed at various intervals ranging from monthly to annually upon notice of 30 to 95 days. Certain Unaffiliated Entities and Affiliated Entities may require a minimum investment period before capital can be voluntarily redeemed (a “Lockup Period”). No investment in an Unaffiliated Entity has an unexpired Lockup Period. The Company has no outstanding capital commitments to any Affiliated or Unaffiliated Entity.
PMV Consumer Acquisition Corp.
The Company consolidates the assets, liabilities and the results of operations of both PMV and Sponsor. The Company invested $4.0 million, or approximately 62% of the $6.48 million total Sponsor partnership commitment. The Sponsor is managed primarily by Company executives. The Company has determined that the Sponsor is a variable interest entity (VIE) and that the Company is the primary beneficiary and therefore consolidates the assets and liabilities and results of operations of the Sponsor. In addition, the Company has determined that PMV is a VIE due to the lack of equity at risk and therefore is consolidated by the Sponsor, who is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. Neither AC nor PMV have a right to the benefits from nor does it bear the risks associated with the U.S Treasury Bills held in trust assets held by PMV. Further, if the Company were to liquidate, the marketable securities held in trust assets would not be available to its general creditors, and as a result, the Company does not consider these assets available for the benefit of its investors.
The registration statement for the PMV initial public offering was declared effective on September 21, 2020. On September 24, 2020, PMV consummated the initial public offering of 17,500,000 units (the “Units” and, with respect to the shares of common stock included in the Units Sold, the “Public Shares”), at $10.00 per Unit, generating gross proceeds of $175,000,000.
Simultaneously with the closing of the initial public offering, PMV consummated the sale of 6,150,000 warrants (the “Private Warrants”) at a price of $1.00 per Private Warrant in a private placement to the Sponsor, generating gross proceeds of $6,150,000.
AC invested $10 million in the Class A shares in PMV and the Sponsor invested $6.15 million in Private Warrants, both of which eliminate in the consolidation of PMV.
Following the closing of the initial public offering on September 24, 2020, an amount of $175,000,000 ($10.00 per Unit) from the net proceeds of the sale of the Units in the initial public offering and the sale of the Private Warrants was placed in a trust account (the “Trust Account”) located in the United States, which are generally invested in U.S. Treasury Bills.
PMV will have until September 24, 2022 to complete a business combination. If PMV is unable to complete a business combination by September 24, 2022, PMV will cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, and as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter, redeem the Public Shares, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account including interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account. The deferred fee will be forfeited by the underwriters solely in the event that we fail to complete a business combination within the required time period, subject to the terms of the underwriting agreement.
The following table reflects the net impact of the consolidated investment partnerships and other entities (“Consolidated Entities”) on the consolidated statements of financial condition (in thousands):
December 31, 2021
Prior to
Consolidation
Consolidated
Entities
As Reported
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
315,009
$
4,039
$
319,048
Investments in U.S. Treasury Bills
60,996
-
60,996
Investments in securities
184,229
88,858
273,087
Investments in affiliated registered investment companies
186,474
(51,926
)
134,548
Investments in partnerships
174,683
(20,223
)
154,460
Receivable from brokers
21,993
20,485
42,478
Investment advisory fees receivable
8,320
(5
)
8,315
Other assets (1)
39,400
(4,105
)
35,295
Investments in marketable securities held in trust
-
175,109
175,109
Total assets
$
991,104
$
212,232
$
1,203,336
Liabilities and equity
Securities sold, not yet purchased
$
11,199
$
1,706
$
12,905
Accrued expenses and other liabilities (1)
33,825
18,804
52,629
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
-
202,456
202,456
Total equity
946,080
(10,734
)
935,346
Total liabilities and equity
$
991,104
$
212,232
$
1,203,336
December 31, 2020
Prior to
Consolidation
Consolidated
Entities
As Reported
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
32,347
$
7,162
$
39,509
Investments in U.S. Treasury Bills
334,954
9,499
344,453
Investments in securities
167,317
82,570
249,887
Investments in affiliated registered investment companies
221,318
(50,713
)
170,605
Investments in partnerships
146,162
(22,168
)
123,994
Receivable from brokers
6,662
18,015
24,677
Investment advisory fees receivable
7,400
(54
)
7,346
Other assets (1)
31,647
7,387
39,034
Investments in marketable securities held in trust
-
175,040
175,040
Total assets
$
947,807
$
226,738
$
1,174,545
Liabilities and equity
Securities sold, not yet purchased
$
9,514
$
8,057
$
17,571
Accrued expenses and other liabilities (1)
36,904
11,853
48,757
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
-
206,828
206,828
Total equity
901,389
-
901,389
Total liabilities and equity
$
947,807
$
226,738
$
1,174,545
(1)
Represents the summation of multiple captions from the consolidated statements of financial condition.
The following table reflects the net impact of the Consolidated Entities on the consolidated statements of income (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31, 2021
Prior to
Consolidation
Consolidated
Entities
As Reported
Total revenues
$
23,852
$
(2,928
)
$
20,924
Total expenses
39,245
40,000
Operating loss
(15,393
)
(3,683
)
(19,076
)
Total other income, net
92,301
8,114
100,415
Income before income taxes
76,908
4,431
81,339
Income tax expense
17,705
-
17,705
Income before noncontrolling interests
59,203
4,431
63,634
Income attributable to noncontrolling interests
-
4,431
4,431
Net income
$
59,203
$
-
$
59,203
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Prior to
Consolidation
Consolidated
Entities
As Reported
Total revenues
$
19,473
$
(490
)
$
18,983
Total expenses
28,652
2,800
31,452
Operating loss
(9,179
)
(3,290
)
(12,469
)
Total other income, net
38,033
4,319
42,352
Income before income taxes
28,854
1,029
29,883
Income tax expense/(benefit)
9,426
(52
)
9,374
Income from continuing operations, net of taxes
19,428
1,081
20,509
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes
(632
)
-
(632
)
Income before noncontrolling interests
18,796
1,081
19,877
Income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
(20
)
1,081
1,061
Net income
$
18,816
$
-
$
18,816
Variable Interest Entities
With respect to each consolidated VIE, its assets may only be used to satisfy its obligations. The investors and creditors of any consolidated VIE have no recourse to the Company’s general assets. In addition, the Company neither benefits from such VIE’s assets nor bears the related risk beyond its beneficial interest in the VIE.
The following table presents the balances related to VIEs that are consolidated and included on the consolidated statements of financial condition as well as the Company’s net interest in these VIEs (in thousands):
December 31,
December 31,
Cash and cash equivalents
$
1,911
$
3,930
Investments in securities
11,227
14,589
Receivable from brokers
1,106
2,784
Investments in partnerships and affiliates
-
Investments in marketable securities held in trust
175,109
175,040
Other assets
7,367
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
(7,074
)
(6,425
)
PMV Warrant liability
(5,280
)
-
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
(162,314
)
(167,382
)
Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests
1,757
(2,451
)
AC Group’s net interests in consolidated VIEs
$
16,545
$
27,828
Voting Interest Entities
We have an investment partnership that is consolidated as a VOE for both 2021 and 2020 because AC has a controlling interest in the entity. This resulted in the consolidation of $109.3 million of assets, $8.4 million of liabilities, and $40.1 million of redeemable noncontrolling interests for 2021 and $112.6 million of assets, $13.6 million of liabilities, and $39.4 million of redeemable noncontrolling interests for 2020. AC’s net interest in the consolidated VOE for 2021 and 2021 was $60.8 million and $59.6 million, respectively.
Equity Method Investments
The Company’s equity method investments include investments in partnerships and offshore funds. These equity method investments are not consolidated but on an aggregate basis exceed 10% of the Company’s consolidated total assets or income.
F. Fair Value
The following tables present information about the Company’s assets and liabilities by major category measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value.
The following tables present assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of the dates specified (in thousands):
December 31, 2021
Assets
Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
Total
Cash equivalents
$
314,172
$
-
$
-
$
314,172
Investments in securities (including GBL stock):
Trading - U.S. Treasury Bills
60,996
-
-
60,996
Common stocks
260,763
2,320
2,073
265,156
Mutual funds
1,351
-
-
1,351
Other
4,833
1,220
6,580
Total investments in securities
327,943
3,540
2,600
334,083
Investments in affiliated registered investment companies:
Closed-end funds
56,381
-
8,000
64,381
Mutual funds
70,167
-
-
70,167
Total investments in affiliated registered investment companies
126,548
-
8,000
134,548
Total investments held at fair value
454,491
3,540
10,600
468,631
Total assets at fair value
$ 768,663
$
3,540
$
10,600
$
782,803
Liabilities
Common stocks
$
9,838
$
-
$
-
$
9,838
Other
1,959
1,108
-
3,067
Securities sold, not yet purchased
11,797
1,108
-
12,905
PMV warrant liability
5,280
-
-
5,280
Total liabilities at fair value
$
17,077
$
1,108
$
-
$
18,185
December 31, 2020
Assets
Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
Total
Cash equivalents
$
34,010
$
-
$
-
$
34,010
Investments in securities (including GBL stock):
Trading - U.S. Treasury Bills
344,453
-
-
344,453
Common stocks
231,901
5,440
237,377
Mutual funds
1,294
-
-
1,294
Other
6,133
4,462
11,216
Total investments in securities
583,781
6,061
4,498
594,340
Investments in affiliated registered investment companies:
Closed-end funds
104,719
-
2,000
106,719
Mutual funds
63,886
-
-
63,886
Total investments in affiliated registered investment companies
168,605
-
2,000
170,605
Total investments held at fair value
752,386
6,061
6,498
764,945
Total assets at fair value
$
786,396
$
6,061
$
6,498
$
798,955
Liabilities
Common stocks
$
16,090
$
-
$
-
$
16,090
Other
-
1,481
Securities sold, not yet purchased
$
16,633
$
$
-
$
17,571
The following table presents additional information about assets and liabilities by major category measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of the dates specified (in thousands) and for which the Company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value:
Year Ended December 31, 2021
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Common
Stocks
Other
Total
Common
Stocks
Other
Total
Assets:
Beginning balance
$
$
6,462
$
6,498
$
$
4,134
$
4,223
Total gains/(losses)
(555
)
(546
)
(53
)
(37
)
Purchases
-
6,053
6,053
-
2,000
2,000
Sales/return of capital
-
(1,046
)
(1,046
)
-
(1,800
)
(1,800
)
Transfers
-
(359
)
(359
)
-
2,112
2,112
Ending balance
$
$
10,555
$
10,600
$
$
6,462
$
6,498
Changes in net unrealized gain/(loss) included in net gain from investments related to Level 3 assets still held as of the reporting date
$
$
(555
)
$
(546
)
$
(31
)
$
(22
)
$
(53
)
Year Ended December 31, 2021
PMV Warrant
Liability
Other
Total
Liabilities:
Beginning balance
$
-
$
-
$
-
Total (gains)/losses
(3,053
)
-
(3,053
)
Issuances
8,333
-
8,333
Transfers
(5,280 )
-
(5,280 )
Ending balance
$
-
$
-
$
-
Changes in net unrealized (gain) included in net gain from investments related to Level 3 assets still held as of the reporting date
$
-
$
-
$
-
There was no PMV Warrant liability balance for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Total realized and unrealized gains and losses for level 3 assets are reported in net gain from investments in the consolidated statements of income.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company transferred no investments from Level 1 to Level 3. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company transferred investments with a value of approximately $2,221,000, respectively, from Level 1 to Level 3 due to the unavailability of observable inputs. For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company transferred investments with a value of approximately $359,000 and $109,000 from Level 3 to Level 1 due to increased availability of market price quotations.
Transfers out of Level 3 liabilities during the year ended December 31, 2021 reflected the transfer of the PMV Warrant Liability to Level 1 principally due to increased availability of market price quotations.
The aforementioned warrant liabilities are not subject to qualified hedge accounting.
The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial assets that are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands) and their respective levels within the fair value hierarchy:
As of December 31, 2021
Assets
Level Within
Fair Value
Hierarchy
Fair Value
Amortized Cost
Investment in note receivable from affiliate (1)
$
5,066
$
5,066
Total assets
$
5,066
$
5,066
(1)
Included in Receivable and investment in note receivable from affiliates in the consolidated statement of financial condition. There was no balance in 2020.
G. Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 consisted of the following (in thousands):
Federal:
Current
$
8,512
$
9,051
Deferred
7,966
(193
)
State and local:
Current
Deferred
(16
)
Foreign:
Current
-
Deferred
-
Total
$
17,705
$
9,374
A reconciliation of the federal statutory rate to the effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 is set forth below:
Statutory Federal income tax rate
21.0
%
21.0
%
State income tax, net of Federal benefit
1.2
1.3
Dividends received deduction
(1.0
)
(1.4
)
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance
(0.5
)
1.5
Foreign investments
(0.5
)
9.9
Foreign-derived intangible income
(0.7 )
-
Noncontrolling interests
(1.1
)
(1.3
)
Nondeductible compensation
2.0
-
Other
1.4
0.4
Effective income tax rate
21.8
%
31.4
%
Significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 are as follows (in thousands):
Deferred tax assets:
Stock-based compensation expense
$
$
Deferred compensation
1,825
Shareholder-designated contribution carryover
2,990
3,244
Other
4,705
5,552
Deferred tax liabilities:
Investments in securities and partnerships
(9,683
)
(1,300
)
Other liabilities
(182
)
(201
)
(9,865
)
(1,501
)
Gross deferred tax assets /(liabilities)
(5,160
)
4,051
Valuation allowance
(1,336
)
(1,844
)
Net deferred tax assets/(liabilities)
$
(6,496
)
$
2,207
The Company believes that it is more-likely-than-not that the benefit from a portion of the shareholder-designated charitable contribution carryforwards will not be realized. In recognition of this risk, the Company has provided a valuation allowance of $1,336 and $1,844 as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, on the deferred tax assets related to these charitable contribution carryforwards.
The Company records penalties and interest related to tax uncertainties in income taxes. These amounts are included in accrued expenses and other liabilities on the consolidated statements of financial condition. As of and for the periods ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company had not established a liability for uncertain tax positions as no such positions existed.
The Company remains subject to income tax examination by the IRS for the years 2018 through 2020 and state examinations for years after 2016.
Prior to 2021 the Company filed certain state and local tax returns jointly with GAMCO under a tax sharing agreement.
H. Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income/(loss) attributable to our shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income/(loss) attributable to our shareholders by the weighted average number of shares, plus any potentially dilutive securities (if any) outstanding during the period.
The computations of basic and diluted net income/(loss) per share are as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Income/(loss) from continuing operations
$
63,634
$
20,509
Less:
Income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
4,431
1,061
Net income/(loss) from continuing operations attributable to Associated Capital Group, Inc.’s shareholders
59,203
19,448
Income/(loss) from discontinued operations
-
(632
)
Net income/(loss) attributable to Associated Capital Group, Inc.’s shareholders
$
59,203
$
18,816
Weighted average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding - basic
22,120
22,369
Weighted average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding - diluted
22,120
22,369
Basic
Net income/(loss) from continuing operations
$
2.68
$
0.87
Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations
-
(0.03
)
Net income/(loss) attributable to Associated Capital Group, Inc.’s shareholders per share
$
2.68
$
0.84
Diluted:
Net income/(loss) from continuing operations
$
2.68
$
0.87
Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations
-
(0.03
)
Net income/(loss) attributable to Associated Capital Group, Inc.’s shareholders per share
$
2.68
$
0.84
I. Related Party Transactions
The following is a summary of certain related party transactions.
GGCP, Inc., a private company controlled by the Executive Chair, indirectly owns a majority of our Class B stock, representing approximately 96% of the combined voting power and 84% of the outstanding shares of our common stock at December 31, 2021.
Investments in Securities
At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the value of the Company’s investment in GAMCO common stock (GBL) was $60.4 million and $48.9 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, AC and its subsidiaries own approximately 2.4 million and 2.8 million shares respectively of GAMCO Class A stock. The Company recorded investment income of $5.4 million and $2.8 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively from GAMCO which is included in interest and dividend income on the consolidated statements of income. For the year, the GBL stock price increased 40.8% to $24.98 per share, resulting in a $20.4 million net realized and unrealized gain for the Company versus a net realized and unrealized loss of $5.5 million in 2020.
At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company invested $6.0 million and $31.5 million, respectively, in the Gabelli U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund, which is recorded in cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated statements of financial condition. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company earned insignificant interest and for the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company earned $1.6 million from the investment in this fund.
Investments in equity mutual funds advised by our affiliates (primarily Gabelli Funds, an investment advisor under common control with the Company), totaled $134.5 million and $170.7 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and are included in investments in affiliated registered investment companies on the consolidated statements of financial condition. Included in other income/(expense) are $24.2 million and $12.0 million of gains from investments and dividends related to these funds for the years ending December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Investments in Partnerships
The Company serves as an investment advisor and/or general partner for certain affiliated investment partnerships and receives management fees and performance-based incentive fees for providing such services. Investment advisory and incentive fees relating to such services were $12.0 million and $10.5 million for the years ending December 31, 2021 and 2020 respectively, and are included in investment advisory and incentive fees on the consolidated statements of income. We had an aggregate investment in these affiliated Investment Partnerships of approximately $112.6 million and $99.1 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Investment Advisory Services
Pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement between Gabelli & Company Investment Advisors, Inc. (“GCIA”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and Gabelli Funds, Gabelli Funds pays GCIA 90% of the net revenues received by Gabelli Funds related to investment advisory services provided to GAMCO International SICAV - GAMCO Merger Arbitrage, an investment company incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg (the “SICAV”). For this purpose, net revenues are defined as gross advisory fees less expenses related to payouts and expenses of the SICAV paid by Gabelli Funds. GCIA received $8.9 million and $7.2 million during 2021 and 2020, respectively under this sub-advisory agreement. These payments are included in investment advisory and incentive fees on the consolidated statements of income. In addition, GAMCO makes certain payments to employees of the company primarily related to marketing of SICAV.
The Company also serves as sub-advisor to Gabelli Merger Plus+ Trust Plc., a closed-ended investment company based in the United Kingdom, which is consolidated due the Company’s controlling interest in the entity. As such, the Company’s portion of management and/or incentive fees received for services provided are eliminated in the consolidation of the entity.
Compensation
In accordance with an employment agreement, the Company pays the Executive Chair, or his designated assignees, a management fee equal to 10% of the Company’s pretax profits before consideration of this fee and before consolidation of Investment Partnerships. In 2021 and 2020, the Company recorded management fee expense of $8.4 million and $3.1 million, respectively. These fees are recorded as management fee on the consolidated statements of income.
Affiliated Receivables/Payables
At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the receivable and investment in note receivable from affiliates consisted primarily of sub-advisory fees due from Gabelli Funds, and for 2021 the balance also included the 2-Year Puttable and Callable Subordinated Notes due 2023 issued as part of a 2021 special dividend on GAMCO’s Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock.
There were no material payables to affiliates at December 31, 2021. At December 31, 2020, the payable to affiliates primarily consisted of expenses paid by affiliates on behalf of the Company which were settled in 2021.
Leases
Our offices are owned by a wholly owned subsidiary of AC and are located at 191 Mason Street, Greenwich, CT 06830. A portion of the office space is leased to affiliates. During 2021 AC received $118.1 thousand from affiliates (primarily GAMCO) pursuant to lease agreements for this property. These amounts are included in other revenues on the consolidated statements of income.
AC acquired a building at 3 St. James Place, London, UK on March 3, 2020 which is fully leased to GAMCO commencing 2021. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company received $275.4 thousand under the lease agreement. These amounts are included in other revenues on the consolidated statements of income.
In June 2016, AC entered into a sublease agreement with GBL which is subject to annual renewal. Pursuant to the sublease, AC and its subsidiaries pay a monthly fixed lease amount based on the percentage of square footage occupied by its employees (including pro rata allocation of common space) at GBL’s Rye office. For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company paid $73.7 thousand and $144 thousand under the sublease agreement. These amounts are included in other operating expenses on the consolidated statements of income.
Other
AC and GBL entered into a transitional administrative and management services agreement in connection with the spin-off of AC from GBL on November 30, 2015. The agreement calls for GBL to provide to AC certain administrative services including but not limited to: human resources, compliance, legal, payroll, information technology, and operations. The agreement is terminable by either party on 30 days’ prior written notice to the other party. All services provided under the agreement by GBL to AC or by AC to GBL are charged at cost. Amounts charged under this agreement are included in compensation expense, if related to fixed or variable compensation, or other operating expenses, on the consolidated statements of income. For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 we recorded $5.5 million and $4.1 million, respectively, of compensation expense related to employees shared with GBL. In addition, we recorded approximately $1.8 million and $0.9 million of other operating expense, primarily related to GBL’s share of management and incentive fees in funds we consolidate and the ancillary services provided by GBL as noted above, for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 respectively. Certain officers and employees of the Company receive additional compensation from GBL.
J. Equity
Voting Rights
The holders of Class A Common stock (“Class A Stock”) and Class B Common stock (“Class B Stock”) have identical rights except that holders of Class A Stock are entitled to one vote per share, while holders of Class B Stock are entitled to ten votes per share on all matters to be voted on by shareholders in general. Holders of each share class, however, are not eligible to vote on matters relating exclusively to the other share class.
Stock Award and Incentive Plan
The Company maintains one stock award and incentive plan (the “Plan”) approved by the shareholders on May 3, 2016, which is designed to provide incentives to attract and retain individuals key to the success of AC through direct or indirect ownership of our common stock. Benefits under the Plan may be granted in any one or a combination of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock awards, dividend equivalents and other stock or cash-based awards. A maximum of 2 million shares of Class A Stock have been reserved for issuance under the Plan by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”) which is responsible for administering the Plan. Under the Plan, the Compensation Committee may grant restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) and either incentive or nonqualified stock options with a term not to exceed ten years from the grant date and at an exercise price that it may determine. Through December 31, 2021, approximately 0.7 million shares have been awarded under the Plan leaving approximately 1.3 million shares for future grants.
There were no RSAs outstanding as of December 31, 2021 or 2020.
Based on the closing price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on December 31, 2021 and 2020, the total liability recorded by the Company in compensation payable in our consolidated statements of financial condition with respect to the Phantom RSAs was $3.0 million and $1.8 million, respectively.
The following table summarizes our stock-based compensation as well as unrecognized compensation for the periods ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 respectively. Stock-based compensation expense is included in compensation expense in the consolidated statements of income:
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands, unless otherwise noted)
Stock-based compensation expense
$
2,092
$
(163
)
Remaining expense to be recognized if all vesting conditions are met (1)
$
6,640
$
3,674
Weighted average remaining contractual term (in years)
2.2
2.3
(1) Does not include an estimate for projected future dividends.
The following table summarizes Phantom RSA activity:
RSA’s
Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
Balance at January 1, 2021
155,500
$
36.42
Granted
100,500
35.82
Forfeited
(8,000
)
36.64
Vested
(25,095
)
37.40
Balance at December 31, 2021
222,905
$
36.03
Stock Repurchase Program
In December 2015, the Board of Directors established a stock repurchase program authorizing the Company to repurchase up to 500,000 shares. On February 7, 2017, the Board of Directors reset the available number of shares to be purchased under the stock repurchase program to 500,000 shares. On August 3, 2017 and May 8, 2018, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional 1 million and 500,000 shares, respectively. Our stock repurchase program is not subject to an expiration date.
The following table presents the Company’s stock repurchase activity and remaining authorization:
Number of shares
purchased
Average price per
share
Remaining repurchase authorization January 1, 2020
1,094,356
Share repurchase plan (1)
(201,254
)
$
36.98
Remaining repurchase authorization December 31, 2020
893,102
Share repurchase plan (1)
(215,958
)
$
35.40
Remaining repurchase authorization December 31, 2021
677,144
(1) Repurchases totaled $7.6 million and $7.4 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Dividends
During 2021 and 2020, the Company declared and paid dividends of $0.20 per share to class A and class B shareholders totaling $4.4 and $4.5 million, respectively.
K. Retirement Plan
The Company participates in an incentive savings plan (the “Savings Plan”) covering substantially all employees. Company contributions to the Savings Plan are determined annually by management of the Company but may not exceed the amount permitted as a deductible expense under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The expense for contributions to the Savings Plan was approximately $7,200 and $19,000 in 2021 and 2020, respectively, and is included in compensation on the consolidated statements of income.
L. Guarantees, Contingencies and Commitments
From time to time, the Company may be named in legal actions and proceedings. These actions may seek substantial or indeterminate compensatory as well as punitive damages or injunctive relief. We are also subject to governmental or regulatory examinations or investigations. The examinations or investigations could result in adverse judgments, settlements, fines, injunctions, restitutions or other relief. For any such matters, the consolidated financial statements include the necessary provisions for losses, if any, that the Company believes are probable and estimable. Furthermore, the Company evaluates whether losses exist which may be reasonably possible and will, if material, make the necessary disclosures. Management believes, however, that such amounts, both those that are probable and those that are reasonably possible, are not material to the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows at December 31, 2021.
The Company has also entered into arrangements with various other third parties, many of which provide for indemnification of the third parties against losses, costs, claims and liabilities arising from the performance of obligations under the agreements. The Company has had no claims or payments pursuant to these or prior agreements and believes the likelihood of a claim being made is remote, and, therefore, no accrual has been made on the consolidated financial statements.
M. Shareholder Designated Contribution Plan
The Company has established a Shareholder Designated Charitable Contribution program. Under the program, from time to time each shareholder is eligible to designate a charity to which the Company would make a donation at a rate of $0.30 per share based upon the actual number of shares registered in the shareholder’s name. The Company recorded an expense of $4.8 million and $3.0 million related to this program for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, which is included in shareholder-designated contribution in the consolidated statements of income. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company has reflected a liability in the amount of $1.5 million and $2.0 million, respectively, in connection with this program which is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities on the consolidated statement of financial condition.
N. Discontinued Operations
As a result of the Morgan Group spin-off, the results of its operations through August 5, 2020 have been classified in the consolidated statements of income as discontinued operations for all periods presented. There was no gain or loss on the spin-off for the Company, and it was a tax-free spin-off to AC’s shareholders.
Other than a transition services agreement, Associated Capital does not have any significant continuing involvement in the operations of Morgan Group after the spin-off, and Associated Capital will not have the ability to influence operating or financial policies of Morgan Group. All stockholders received 0.022356 shares of Morgan Group stock for each share of AC stock that they held on the record date for the distribution.
Operating results for the period from January 1, 2020 through August 5, 2020 were as follows:
Year Ended December 31, (1)
Revenues
Institutional research services
$
2,924
Other
Total revenues
2,960
Expenses
Compensation
2,276
Other operating expenses
1,699
Total expenses
3,975
Operating loss
(1,015
)
Other income (expense)
Net loss from investments
(8
)
Interest and dividend income
Total other income, net
Income/(loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes
(942
)
Income tax provision/(benefit)
(205
)
Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes
(737
)
Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
(105
)
Net income/(loss) attributable to AC shareholders discontinued operations, net of taxes
$
(632
)
(1)
During 2020, reflects the period through August 5, 2020
For the year ended December 31, 2020, operating cash flows from discontinued operations was $114 thousand provided by operating activities. There were no investing or financing cash flows for the period.
O. Subsequent Events
The Company evaluated subsequent events and transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date up to the date that the financial statements were issued. Based upon this review, the Company did not identify any subsequent events that would have required adjustment or disclosure in the financial statements.

---

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ITEM 9:
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.

---

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our current management, including our CEO and CFO, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as of December 31, 2021.
Based on this evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, management has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are designed at a reasonable assurance level and are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and are effective to provide reasonable assurance that such information is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.
Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls and Procedures and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
An effective internal control system, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error or overriding of controls, and therefore can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to reliable financial reporting. Because of its inherent limitations, our internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all misstatements, including the possibility of human error, the circumvention or overriding of controls, or fraud. Effective internal controls can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act and based upon the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the “COSO framework”)). Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of our financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP.
Based on its evaluation, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2021, the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting.
Prior Material Weakness in Internal Control over Financial Reporting has been Remediated
We identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting that existed as of both December 31, 2019 and 2020, relating to not
having sufficient personnel with technical accounting and reporting skills, which resulted in the lack of segregation of duties to separate financial statement preparation from senior management review and misstatements during 2019 and 2020 related to non-routine transactions that were corrected before issuance of our Form 10Qs and 10K for periods in 2019 and 2020. This material weakness resulted in an increased risk of a material misstatement in the financial statements.
During 2021 we hired a new Chief Financial Officer in January and a new Manager of External Reporting and Technical Accounting in May. These new personnel developed and executed a plan to remediate the material weakness, which included:
i)
adding additional SEC reporting and technical accounting experience,
ii)
implementing new policies, procedures and processes,
iii)
enhancing certain controls, and
iv)
expanding the use of our financial systems used for accounting and financial reporting.
Based upon the successful execution of the remediation plan above and the testing and evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, we have concluded that the material weakness referred to above has been remediated and no longer existed as of December 31, 2021.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Other than the changes to internal controls related to the remediation of the material weakness described above, there were no changes during the quarter ended December 31, 2021 in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

---

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B:
OTHER INFORMATION
None.

---

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
ITEM 10:
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Information regarding the Directors and Executive Officers of AC and compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”).
AC has adopted a Code of Business Conduct that applies to all of our officers, directors, full-time and part-time employees and a Code of Conduct that sets forth additional requirements for our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions (together, the “Codes of Conduct”). The Codes of Conduct are posted on our website (www.associated-capital-group.com) and are available in print free of charge to anyone who requests a copy. Interested parties may address a written request for a printed copy of the Codes of Conduct to: Secretary, Associated Capital Group, Inc., 191 Mason Street, Greenwich, Connecticut 06830. We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement regarding any amendment to, or a waiver of, a provision of the Codes of Conduct by posting such information on our website.
In addition to the certifications attached as Exhibits to this Form 10-K, following its 2022 Annual Meeting, AC will also submit to the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) a certification by our Chief Executive Officer that he is not aware of any violations by AC of the NYSE corporate governance listing standards as of the date of the certification.

---

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 11:
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information required by Item 11 is included in our Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

---

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
ITEM 12:
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Information required by Item 12 is included in our Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

---

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 13:
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Information required by Item 13 is included in our Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

---

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 14:
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Information required by Item 14 is included in our Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15:
EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)
List of documents filed as part of this Report:
(1)
Consolidated Financial Statements and Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Reports included herein:
See Index on page 19.
(2)
Financial Statement Schedules
Financial statement schedules are omitted as not required or not applicable or because the information is included in the Financial Statements or notes thereto.
(3)
List of Exhibits:
The agreements included or incorporated by reference as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K contain representations and warranties by each of the parties to the applicable agreement. These representations and warranties were made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement and (i) were not intended to be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate; (ii) may have been qualified in such agreement by disclosures that were made to the other party in connection with the negotiation of the applicable agreement; (iii) may apply contract standards of “materiality” that are different from “materiality” under the applicable securities laws; and (iv) were made only as of the date of the applicable agreement or such other date or dates as may be specified in the agreement.
The Company acknowledges that, notwithstanding the inclusion of the foregoing cautionary statements, it is responsible for considering whether additional specific disclosures of material information regarding material contractual provisions are required to make the statements in this report not misleading.
Exhibit
Number
Description of Exhibit
2.1
Separation and Distribution Agreement, dated November 30, 2015, between GAMCO Investors, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“GAMCO”), and Associated Capital Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated November 30, 2015 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 4, 2015).
3.1
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated November 19, 2015 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 25, 2015).
3.2
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated November 19, 2015 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 25, 2015).
4.1
Form of Common Stock Certificate. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Amendment No. 4 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 21, 2015).
4.2
Description of The Registrant’s Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 16, 2020).
10.1
Service Mark and Name License Agreement, dated November 30, 2015, by and between the Company and GAMCO. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated November 30, 2015 filed with the Commission on December 4, 2015).
10.2
Transitional Administrative and Management Services Agreement, dated November 30, 2015, by and between the Company and GAMCO. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated November 30, 2015 filed with the Commission on December 4, 2015).
10.3
Employment Agreement between the Company and Mario J. Gabelli dated November 30, 2015 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated November 30, 2015 filed with the Commission on December 4, 2015).
10.4
Promissory Note in aggregate principal amount of $250,000,000, dated November 30, 2015, issued by GAMCO in favor of the Company (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated November 30, 2015 filed with the Commission on December 4, 2015).
10.5
Tax Indemnity and Sharing Agreement, dated November 30, 2015, by and between the Company and GAMCO. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated November 30, 2015 filed with the Commission on December 4, 2015).
10.6
2015 Stock Award Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to Amendment No. 4 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 21, 2015).
10.7
Form of Indemnification Agreement by and between the Company and the Indemnitee defined therein (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to Amendment No. 4 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 21, 2015).
10.8
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 31, 2019, by and among Morgan Group Holding Co., G.R. acquisition, LLC, G.research, LLC, Institutional Services Holdings, LLC and Associated Capital Group, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Morgan Group Holding Co. filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 6, 2019).
21.1
Subsidiaries of the Company.
24.1
Powers of Attorney (included on page 55 of this Report).
31.1
Certification of CEO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
31.2
Certification of CFO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
32.1
Certification of CEO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2
Certification of CFO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS
Inline XBRL Instance Document (the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
101.SCH
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)