EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1570827
Filing Year: 2021
Filename: 1570827_10-K_2021_0001564590-21-013018.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1.
Business.
Overview - We are a diversified global asset management firm with $147.2 billion in assets under management (“AUM”) as of December 31, 2020. The Company operates a next-generation business model combining boutique investment qualities with the benefits of a fully integrated, centralized operating and distribution platform.
Victory Capital provides specialized investment strategies to institutions, intermediaries, retirement platforms and individual investors. With nine autonomous Investment Franchises and a Solutions Platform, Victory Capital offers a wide array of investment styles and investment vehicles including, actively managed mutual funds, separately managed accounts, rules-based and active exchange traded funds (“ETFs”), multi-asset class strategies, custom-designed solutions and a 529 College Savings Plan. As of December 31, 2020, our Franchises and our Solutions Platform collectively managed a diversified set of 117 investment strategies for a wide range of institutional and retail clients and direct investors.
Our design logos and the marks “Victory Capital,” “Victory Capital Management,” “Victory Capital Advisers,” “Victory Funds,” “VictoryShares,” “CEMP,” “CEMP Volatility Weighted Indexes,” “INCORE Capital Management,” “Integrity,” “Integrity Asset Management,” “Munder,” “Munder Capital Management,” “The Munder Funds,” “NewBridge,” “NewBridge Asset Management,” “RS Funds,” “RS Investments,” “Sophus Capital,” “Sycamore Capital,” “Trivalent Investments,” “USAA Investments” and “USAA Mutual Funds” are owned or licensed for a period of time by us or one of our subsidiaries. All other trademarks, service marks and trade names appearing in this report are the property of their respective owners.
Franchises - Our Franchises are operationally integrated but are separately branded and make investment decisions independently from one another within guidelines established by their respective investment mandates that we monitor. Our integrated model creates a supportive environment in which our investment professionals, for the most part are unencumbered by administrative and operational responsibilities, can focus on their pursuit of investment excellence. Victory Capital Management Inc. (“VCM”), is a single registered investment advisor (“RIA”), employs all of our U.S. investment professionals across our Franchises, which are not separate legal entities.
Solutions - Our Solutions Platform consists of multi-Franchise and customized solutions strategies that are primarily thematic or rules-based. We offer our Solutions Platform through a variety of vehicles, including separate accounts, mutual funds, unified managed account (“UMA”) products, and VictoryShares which is our exchanged-traded fund (“ETF”) brand. Like our Franchises, our Solutions Platform is operationally integrated and supported by our centralized distribution, marketing and operational support functions.
Our centralized key functions include distribution, marketing, trading, middle- and back-office administration, technology, legal, human resources, compliance and finance. Our integrated model aims to “centralize, not standardize”. We believe by providing our Franchises with control over their selection of, and everyday use of, portfolio management tools, risk analytics and other investment-related functions, we minimize disruptions to their investment process and ensure that they are able to invest in the fashion that they find most optimal.
Business Attributes - In addition to our integrated business model, we believe there are four main attributes that differentiate us from other publicly traded investment management firms;
1)
We have constructed a set of distinct investment approaches to generate alpha over a full market cycle through security selection and portfolio construction. We believe our strategies and our approach will drive our future growth.
2)
We have a track record of successfully sourcing, executing and integrating strategic acquisitions and making these acquisitions financially attractive by integrating the acquired entity onto our centralized operating platform. In addition, we have been able to expand the distribution for the products of acquired entities through our centralized distribution platform.
3)
We have a diversified business that offers a suite of active products and hybrid rules-based products across a wide range of asset classes and distinct investment approaches, to a broad and diverse group of institutional, retail intermediary and direct clients. We offer our 117 investment strategies through nine Franchises and our Solutions Platform, with no Franchise accounting for more than 22% of total AUM as of December 31, 2020. Each of our Franchises employs a different investment approach, which we believe leads to diversification in investment return streams among Franchises, even when asset classes overlap. These factors also mitigate key man risk.
4)
We foster a culture that encourages long-term thinking through promoting meaningful employee ownership. We have a high degree of employee ownership, with approximately 79% of our employees beneficially owning approximately 21% of our shares as of December 31, 2020. Many of such employees have purchased their equity interests in our firm. In addition, as of December 31, 2020 our current and former employees have collectively invested $190 million in products we manage, directly aligning their investment outcomes with those of our clients.
Acquisition Strategy - Since our management-led buyout with Crestview Partners II GP, L.P. (“Crestview GP”) from KeyCorp in August 2013, we have completed four acquisitions and grown our AUM from $17.9 billion to $147.2 billion as of December 31, 2020. We regularly evaluate potential acquisition candidates and maintain a strong network of industry participants and advisors who provide opportunities to establish potential target relationships and source transactions. Our management team leads and participates in our acquisition strategy, leveraging their many years of experience actively operating our Company on a day-to-day basis to successfully source, execute and integrate acquisitions.
We believe, based on our successful acquisition track record, that there is a significant opportunity for us to continue to profitably grow through additional acquisitions, as industry dynamics have expanded the universe of potential acquisition targets. We primarily seek to acquire investment management firms that will add high quality investment teams, enhance our growth and financial profile, improve our diversification by asset class and investment strategy, achieve our integration expectations, expand our distribution capabilities, optimize our use of technology and improve our operating platform. We are also exploring expanding asset classes beyond the traditional asset classes we have historically managed. This includes potentially adding alternative investment capabilities such as those focused on illiquid and private markets.
One of our key advantages in a competitive sales process is our ability to provide access to new distribution channels. Our centralized distribution and marketing platform drive organic growth at our acquired Franchises both by opening new distribution channels and penetrating deeper into existing ones. This support received from our sales and marketing professionals allows our investment professionals to focus exclusively on delivering investment excellence. Acquired companies also benefit from our extensive experience developing and implementing industry best practices across our platform. Combined with the enhanced stability afforded by our scale, systems and technology, these competitive advantages can accelerate growth at acquired companies.
Through our acquisitions to date, we have added Franchises that we believe can outperform the market, and where we have a strong understanding of the core business’s ability to drive growth for those Franchises and our Company as a whole. Previous acquisitions have evolved and diversified our products resulting in a mix of compelling investment strategies in asset classes where we can be successful and earn sustainable management fees.
We offer an array of equity, fixed income and solutions strategies that encompass a diverse spectrum of market capitalization segments, investment styles and approaches. We believe that these strategies are positioned to attract positive net flows at sustainable fee rates over the long term and provide us with a next generation investment management platform. As outlined below, our current business is well diversified on multiple fronts, including by asset class, Franchise and Solutions Platform, and investment vehicle.
As outlined below, our business is diversified on multiple fronts, including by asset class, Franchise and Solutions Platform, and investment vehicle.
Data as of December 31, 2020.
Within individual asset classes, our Franchises employ different investment approaches. This diversification reduces the correlation between return streams generated by multiple Franchises investing within the same asset class. For example, we have two Franchises (Trivalent and Sophus) focused on Emerging Markets within global/non-U.S. equity, each with a different investment approach. Trivalent’s investment team primarily focuses on quantitative analysis for stock selection. Sophus employs a front-end quantitative screen balanced to first rank stocks, then further applies fundamental research to make investment decisions. Due to the differences in investment approaches, each Franchise has a different return profile for investors in different market environments while having exposure to their desired asset classes.
Our multi-channel distribution capabilities provide another degree of diversification, with approximately 46% of our AUM from direct investor clients, 28% institutional clients and 26% from retail clients as of December 31, 2020. Within these channels, clients are further diversified among intermediary (broker dealer and RIAs) platforms, sub advisory relationships, corporate and public entities, insurance companies, 529 college saving plan participants, Taft-Hartley plans, endowments and family offices. We believe this broad diversification of customers has a stabilizing effect on revenue, as various types of investors have unique demand patterns and respond differently to trends and market cycles.
We believe we have created a strong alignment of interests with clients and shareholders through employee ownership, our Franchise revenue share structure and employee investments in Victory products. Notably, a significant number of our employee shareholders acquired their equity in connection with the management-led buyout with Crestview GP from KeyCorp, as well as in connection with the USAA AMCO Acquisition, RS Acquisition and the Munder Acquisition. We believe the opportunity to own equity in a well-diversified investment management company promotes long-term thinking and client alignment and is attractive, both to existing employees and those who join as part of acquisitions. We principally compensate our investment professionals through a revenue share program, which we believe further incentivizes our investment professionals to focus on investment performance, while simultaneously minimizing potential distractions from the expense allocation process that would be involved in a profit-sharing program. We believe the combination of these mechanisms promotes long-term thinking and enhances both the client experience and the creation of value for our shareholders.
Our senior management team, Franchises’ Chief Investment Officers (the “CIOs”) and sales leaders are highly experienced in the industry, each bringing significant expertise to his or her role, having tenures on average of 20 years or more.
Competitive Strengths - We believe we have significant competitive strengths that position us for sustained growth over the long term.
Integrated Model Providing Investment Boutique Autonomy, Centralized Distribution, Marketing and Support Functions to Investment Franchises - We believe our integrated model allows us to achieve the benefits from both the scale of large managers and the focus of specialized boutique managers. Our Franchises retain investment autonomy while benefiting from our centralized middle- and back-office functions. We have demonstrated an ability to integrate our Franchises onto our flexible infrastructure without significantly increasing incremental fixed costs, which is a key component to the scalability of our business model. Our structure enables our Franchises to focus their efforts on the investment process, providing them the platform to enhance their investment performance and consequently their growth prospects. Our centralized operations allow our Franchises to customize their desired investment support functions in ways that are best suited for their investment workflow. Through our centralized distribution platform, our Franchises are able to efficiently sell their products to institutional investors, retirement plans, retail and retirement intermediaries of all sizes, wealth managers and direct clients, which can be challenging for smaller managers to gain access.
Within our model, each Franchise retains its own brand and logo, which has been built out over time. Unlike other models with unified branding, there is no requirement for newly acquired Franchises to adjust their product set due to pre-existing products on our platform; they are marketed under their own brand as they were previously. Because of this dynamic, we have the flexibility to add new Franchises either to gain greater exposure to certain asset classes or increase capacity in places where we already have exposure.
Proven Acquirer with Compelling Proposition - We believe our platform will allow us to continue to be a strategic acquirer within the investment management industry, providing us with an opportunity to further grow and scale our business. Through several transactions, we have demonstrated an ability to successfully source, execute and integrate new Franchises.
We believe our integrated model is compelling for potential acquisition prospects. Under our model, Franchises retain the brands they have built as well as autonomy over their investment decisions, while simultaneously benefiting from the ability to leverage our centralized distribution, marketing and operations platform. Our model further relieves our Franchises of much of their administrative burdens and allows them instead to focus on the investment process, which we believe provides them a platform to enhance their investment performance. By offering a platform on which Franchises can focus on their core competencies, grow their client base faster and participate in a revenue share program, we believe we are providing an attractive proposition. Furthermore, we believe Victory equity is attractive to Franchise investment personnel, as these personnel receive the advantage of sharing in the potential upside of the entirety of our diversified investment management business.
Because we integrate a significant portion of each Franchise’s distribution, operational and administrative functions, we have been able to extract significant expense synergies from our acquisitions, enabling us to create greater value from transactions.
We will seek to continue to augment our next generation investment management platform by focusing on acquisition candidates that make our investment platform better, that expand our distribution capabilities, that optimize our operating platform and achieve our integration and synergy expectations.
Portfolio of Investment Strategies with Potential for Outperformance - In assembling our portfolio of Franchises, we have selected investment managers offering strategies in asset classes where active managers have shown an established track record of outperformance relative to benchmarks through security selection and portfolio construction. We continue to build our platform to address the needs of clients who would like exposure to asset classes that have potential for alpha generation. We find that larger industry trends of flows moving from actively managed strategies to passive ones are not as pronounced in certain of our asset classes.
Diversified Platform Across Investment Strategies, Franchises and Client Type - We have strategically built an investment platform that is diversified by investment strategy, Franchise and client type. Within each asset class, Franchises with overlapping investment mandates still contribute to our diversification by pursuing different investment philosophies and/or processes. For example, U.S. mid cap equities, which accounted for approximately 18% of total AUM as of December 31, 2020, consists of four Franchises, each following a different investment strategy. We believe the diversity in investment styles reduces the correlation between the return profiles of strategies within the same asset class, and consequently provides an additional layer of diversification of AUM and revenue stability.
We believe our AUM is well diversified at the Franchise level, with no Franchise accounting for more than 22% of total AUM. Furthermore, we believe our Franchises’ brand independence reduces the impact of each individual Franchise’s performance on clients’ perceptions of the other Franchises. The distribution of AUM by Franchise and the number of Franchises, as well as succession planning, mitigates the level of key man risk typically associated with investment management businesses.
We believe our client base serves as another important diversifying element, as different client segments have shown to have distinct characteristics, including asset class and product preferences, sales and redemptions trends, and exposure to secular trends. We strive to maintain a balance between direct investor, institutional, and retail clients, with 46%, 28% and 26% of our AUM as of December 31, 2020 in each of these channels, respectively. We also have the capability to deliver our strategies in investment vehicles designed to meet the needs and preferences of investors in each channel. These investment vehicles include mutual funds with channel-specific share classes, institutional separate accounts, separately managed accounts (“SMAs”), UMAs, collective trust funds (“CTFs”), private funds, undertakings for the collective investment in transferrable securities (“UCITs”), other pooled vehicles and ETFs. If a strategy is currently not offered in the wrapper of choice for a client, we have the infrastructure and ability to create a new investment vehicle, which helps our Franchises further diversify their client bases.
Attractive Financial Profile - Our revenues are recurring in nature, as they are based on the level of client assets we manage. The majority of our strategies are in asset classes that require specialized skill, are in demand and typically command commensurate higher fee rates. With the growth of our Solutions Platform, our average fee rate is likely to decline as that business continues to grow, however, our fee revenue is generated from strategies with differing return profiles, thus diversifying our revenue stream. Moreover, by managing these lower-fee quantitative strategies on our integrated platform, we can earn higher than our firm-wide average margins on these products.
Because we largely outsource our middle- and back-office functions, as well as technology support, we have relatively minimal capital expenditure requirements. Our integrated platform allows us the ability to make investments that benefit each Franchise and our Solutions Platform. Approximately two-thirds of our operating expenses are variable in nature, consisting of the incentive compensation pool for employees, sales commissions, third-party distribution costs, sub-advising and the fees we pay to certain of our vendors.
We have identified three primary net income growth drivers; (i) we grow our AUM organically through inflows into our strategies and the market appreciation of those strategies; (ii) we have a proven ability to grow via strategic and synergistic acquisitions; and (iii) we have constructed a scalable and efficient platform.
Economic and Structural Alignment of Interests Promotes Ownership Culture - Through our revenue share compensation model for our Franchises and broad employee ownership, we have structurally aligned our employees’ interests with those of our clients and other shareholders and have created an ownership culture that encourages employees to act in the best interests of clients and our Company shareholders, as well as to think long term. Additionally, our employees invest in products managed by our Franchises and Solutions Platform, providing direct alignment with the interests of our clients.
We directly align the compensation paid to our investment teams with the performance of their respective Franchises by structuring formula-based revenue sharing on the products they manage. We believe that compensation based on revenue rather than profits encourages investment professionals to focus their attention on investment performance, while encouraging them to provide good client service, focus on client retention and attract new flows. We believe the formula-based, client-aligned nature of our revenue sharing fosters a culture of transparency where Franchises understand how and on what terms they are being measured to earn compensation.
We believe the high percentage of employee ownership creates a collective alignment with our success. As of December 31, 2020, our employees beneficially owned approximately 21% of our shares. In addition to being aligned with our
financial success through their equity ownership, our current employees collectively have invested approximately $190 million in products we manage as of December 31, 2020.
Our Growth Strategy - We have a purposeful strategy designed to achieve continued growth and success for our Company and our Franchises. The growth we pursue is both organic and inorganic. We seek to grow organically by offering strategies that are value-added to investment portfolios with strong performance track records over the long term. We continually evaluate and make investments to improve our operating platform and our Company. Recent initiatives include investments in data, technology and marketing to enhance organic growth in our direct investor business and increase efficiencies in our other distribution channels.
We plan to continue to supplement organic growth through strategic acquisitions. We primarily seek to acquire investment management firms that will add high quality investment teams, enhance our growth and financial profile, improve our diversification by asset class and investment strategy, achieve our integration expectations, expand our distribution capabilities, optimize our use of technology and improve our operating platform. We are also exploring expanding asset classes beyond the traditional asset classes we have historically managed. This could potentially include adding alternative investment capabilities such as those focused on illiquid and private markets. One of our key advantages in a competitive sales process is our ability to provide access to new distribution channels. Our centralized distribution and marketing platform drive organic growth at our acquired Franchises both by opening new distribution channels and penetrating deeper into existing ones. This support received from our sales and marketing professionals allows our investment professionals to focus exclusively on delivering investment excellence.
Organic Growth - A key driver of our growth strategy lies in enhancing the strength of our existing Franchises. We primarily do this by providing them with access to our operations platform, technology, centralized distribution and marketing. Largely unencumbered by the burdens of administrative and operational tasks, our investment professionals can focus on delivering investment excellence and maintaining strong client relationships. We also help our Franchises through fund and share class launches and new product development. We believe we are well positioned to help our Franchises grow their product offerings and diversify their client base, with the ability to offer their strategies in multiple investment vehicles to meet clients’ needs.
Our next generation integrated platform provides significant operating leverage to our Franchises and is a key factor in our continued success. As we continue to grow and expand, we will look for ways to invest in our operations, to achieve greater economies of scale and provide better services to our Franchises. We continue to expand our distribution capabilities as well, demonstrated by the addition of our direct investor business. We continually look to the future, and as a result, our infrastructure investments can range from the immediate to the long term.
Our Franchises - As of December 31, 2020, we had our nine Franchises diversified across investment approaches, with no Franchise accounting for more than 22% of total AUM. Our Franchises are independent from one another from an investment perspective, maintain their own separate brands and logos, which they have built over time, and are led by dedicated CIOs. We customize each Franchise’s interactions with our centralized platform.
INCORE Capital Management - INCORE Capital Management uses niche and customized fixed income strategies focusing on exploiting structural inefficiencies in the U.S. fixed income markets. INCORE conducts extensive research that includes identifying slower prepayment rates on mortgages, market inefficiencies along particular areas of the yield curve, and proprietary quantitative credit quality modeling. INCORE is based in Birmingham, MI and Brooklyn, OH and managed $7.1 billion in AUM as of December 31, 2020. INCORE’s investment team consists of 13 professionals with an average industry experience of approximately 20 years.
Integrity Asset Management - Integrity Asset Management utilizes a dynamic value-oriented approach to U.S. mid- and small-capitalization companies. Integrity conducts fundamental stock research to find attractive companies that have compelling discounts to the prevailing market conditions. Integrity is based in Rocky River, OH, and managed $4.3 billion in AUM as of December 31, 2020. Integrity’s investment team consists of 12 professionals with an average industry experience of approximately 21 years.
Munder Capital Management - Munder Capital Management has an experienced team utilizing a “Growth-at-a-Reasonable-Price” (GARP) strategy in the U.S. equity markets designed to generate consistently strong performance over a market cycle. Munder performs extensive fundamental research in order to find attractive growth companies that it expects will exceed market expectations. Of the companies with independently determined growth attributes, valuation is applied to find the most inexpensive growth companies. Munder is based in Birmingham, MI, and
managed $1.8 billion in AUM as of December 31, 2020. Munder’s investment team consists of nine professionals with an average industry experience of approximately 27 years.
NewBridge Asset Management - NewBridge Asset Management applies a high conviction growth-oriented strategy focusing on U.S. large-capitalization companies experiencing superior long-term growth rates with strong management teams. Most of NewBridge’s team has worked together since 1996 doing fundamental research on high growth companies. NewBridge usually holds between 25 and 35 securities. NewBridge is based in New York, NY and managed $1.0 billion in AUM as of December 31, 2020. NewBridge’s investment team consists of five professionals with an average industry experience of approximately 24 years.
RS Investments - RS Investments is made up of three distinct investment teams: (i) RS Value, (ii) RS Growth and (iii) RS Global. RS Value and RS Growth apply an original and proprietary fundamental approach to investing in value and growth-oriented U.S. equity strategies. The RS Value and RS Growth teams conduct hundreds of company research meetings each year. RS Global utilizes a highly disciplined quantitative approach to managing core-oriented global and international equity strategies. RS Investments is based in San Francisco, CA and managed $13.8 billion in AUM as of December 31, 2020. RS Investments’ three investment teams consist of 19 professionals with an average industry experience of approximately 21 years.
Sophus Capital - Sophus Capital utilizes a disciplined quantitative process that accesses market conditions in emerging equity markets and rank orders attractive companies that are further researched from a fundamental basis. Sophus’ team members travel to companies to conduct fundamental research. Sophus is based in Des Moines, IA, with employees in London, Hong Kong and Singapore, and managed $2.5 billion in AUM as of December 31, 2020. Sophus’ investment team consists of 10 professionals with an average industry experience of approximately 20 years.
Sycamore Capital - Sycamore Capital applies a quality value-oriented approach to U.S. mid- and small- capitalization companies. Sycamore conducts fundamental research to find companies with strong high-quality balance sheets that are undervalued versus comparable high quality companies. Sycamore is based in Cincinnati, OH and managed $24.4 billion in AUM as of December 31, 2020. Sycamore’s investment team consists of 11 professionals with an average industry experience of approximately 17 years.
Trivalent Investments - Trivalent Investments utilizes a disciplined approach to stock selection across large to small companies in the international and emerging markets space. Trivalent’s investment strategy is primarily a proprietary quantitative process that drives stock selection across various countries. Trivalent frequently conducts reviews of stock selection rankings within a portfolio construction and risk management context in order to isolate performance to stock selection. Trivalent is based in Boston, MA, and managed $4.7 billion in AUM as of December 31, 2020. Trivalent’s investment team consists of seven professionals with an average industry experience of approximately 24 years.
USAA Investments - USAA Investments joined Victory with the USAA AMCO Acquisition on July 1, 2019. USAA’s investment team utilizes a rigorous process rooted in a team-oriented approach among portfolio managers, research analysts and traders. Their taxable and tax exempt portfolios are built bond by bond using a fundamental, bottoms up and yield-focused analysis. USAA Investments is based in San Antonio, TX and managed $32.5 billion in AUM as of December 31, 2020. USAA’s investment team consists of 34 professionals with an average industry experience of approximately 23 years.
Solutions Platform
Our Solutions Platform consists of multi-asset, multi-manager, quantitative, rules-based, factor-based, and customized portfolios. These strategies are designed to achieve specific return characteristics, including thematic- and impact-investing outcomes. We offer our Solutions Platform through a variety of vehicles, including separate accounts, mutual funds, UMA accounts, ETFs and active fixed income ETFs under our VictoryShares ETF brand. Like our Franchises, our Solutions Platform is operationally integrated and supported by our centralized distribution, marketing and operational support functions. Our Solutions Platform managed $55.0 billion in AUM as of December 31, 2020. Solutions Platform team consists of 13 professionals with an average industry experience of approximately 16 years.
Our Products and Investment Performance
As of December 31, 2020, our nine Franchises and Solutions Platform offered 117 investment strategies with the majority consisting of fixed income, U.S. small- and mid-cap equities, global/non-U.S. equities and solutions. These asset classes collectively comprised 88% of our $147.2 billion of total AUM, and 90% of $143.7 billion of long-term AUM, as of December 31, 2020.
Product Mix - Our investment strategies are offered through open-end mutual funds, SMAs, UMAs, CTFs, private funds, UCITs, other pooled vehicles, wrap separate account programs, and ETFs. Our product mix could expand, as we have the ability to add investment vehicles to any strategy that is offered by our Franchises.
Each individual asset class is diversified through the investment strategies of our Franchises, which each employ different investment approaches. Due to the differences in investment approaches, each of our Franchises has different return profiles for investors in different market environments while having exposure to their desired asset classes.
Investment Performance - Our Franchises have established a long track record of benchmark-relative outperformance, including prior to their acquisition by us. As of December 31, 2020, 76% of our strategies by AUM had returns in excess of their respective benchmarks over a ten-year period, 67% over a five-year period and 67% over a three-year period. On an equal-weighted basis, 65% of our strategies have outperformed their benchmarks over a ten-year period, 52% over a five-year period and 47% over a three-year period. We consider both the AUM-weighted and equal-weighted metrics in evaluating our investment performance. The advantage of the AUM-weighted metric is that it reflects the investment performance of our Company as a whole, indicating whether we tend to outperform our benchmarks for the assets we manage. The disadvantage is that the metric fails to capture the overall effectiveness of our individual investment strategies; it does not capture whether most of our strategies tend to outperform their respective benchmarks. Conversely, the equal-weighted metric reflects the overall effectiveness of our individual investment strategies, but fails to capture the investment performance of our Company as a whole.
The table below sets forth our 10 largest strategies by AUM as of December 31, 2020 and their average annual total returns compared to their respective benchmark index over the one-, three-, five- and 10-year periods ended December 31, 2020. These strategies represented approximately 45% of our total AUM as of December 31, 2020.
Strategy/Benchmark Index
1 year
3 years
5 years
10 years
Sycamore Mid Cap Value
8.77
%
8.49
%
12.67
%
12.57
%
Russell Midcap Value
4.96
%
5.37
%
9.73
%
10.49
%
Excess Return
3.81
%
3.12
%
2.94
%
2.08
%
Victory US 500
21.52
%
15.17
%
15.82
%
14.18
%
S&P 500
18.40
%
14.18
%
15.22
%
13.88
%
Excess Return
3.12
%
0.99
%
0.60
%
0.30
%
USAA Income
8.69
%
6.36
%
6.33
%
5.27
%
Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate
7.51
%
5.34
%
4.44
%
3.84
%
Excess Return
1.18
%
1.02
%
1.89
%
1.43
%
Sycamore Small Cap Value
5.77
%
7.82
%
13.18
%
12.22
%
Russell 2000 Value
4.63
%
3.72
%
9.65
%
8.66
%
Excess Return
1.14
%
4.10
%
3.53
%
3.56
%
USAA Tax Exempt Intermediate-Term
5.16
%
4.80
%
4.12
%
4.93
%
Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Blend 1-15 Year
4.73
%
4.23
%
3.39
%
3.84
%
Excess Return
0.43
%
0.57
%
0.73
%
1.09
%
RS Small Cap Growth
39.54
%
21.66
%
20.61
%
17.45
%
Russell 2000 Growth
34.63
%
16.20
%
16.36
%
13.48
%
Excess Return
4.91
%
5.46
%
4.25
%
3.97
%
Trivalent International Small-Capitalization Equity
16.20
%
6.46
%
10.83
%
10.91
%
S&P Developed ex-US SmallCap
13.81
%
4.69
%
9.35
%
7.20
%
Excess Return
2.39
%
1.77
%
1.48
%
3.71
%
USAA Intermediate-Term Bond
9.99
%
6.98
%
6.97
%
6.00
%
Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate
7.51
%
5.34
%
4.44
%
3.84
%
Excess Return
2.48
%
1.64
%
2.53
%
2.16
%
Victory NASDAQ-100
48.94
%
27.62
%
24.27
%
20.63
%
NASDAQ-100
48.88
%
27.59
%
24.27
%
20.63
%
Excess Return
0.06
%
0.03
%
-
%
-
%
RS Mid Cap Growth
35.21
%
17.91
%
16.34
%
15.17
%
Russell Midcap Growth
35.59
%
20.50
%
18.66
%
15.04
%
Excess Return
(0.38
)
%
(2.59
)
%
(2.32
)
%
0.13
%
A high percentage of our mutual fund assets have strong Morningstar ratings. As of December 31, 2020, 44 of our Victory Capital mutual funds and ETFs had Morningstar ratings of four or five stars overall and 64% of our fund and ETF AUM were rated four or five stars overall by Morningstar. On an AUM-weighted basis, 64% of our fund AUM had an overall rating of four or five stars by Morningstar. Over a three-year and five-year basis, 48% and 59% of our fund AUM achieved four or five star ratings, respectively.
Fully Integrated Distribution, Marketing and Operations
The centralization of our distribution, marketing and operational functions is a key component in our model, allowing our Franchises to focus on their core competencies of security selection, portfolio construction, and client service. In addition, we believe it provides our Franchises with the benefits of operating at scale, providing them with access to a larger number of clients as well as a more streamlined cost structure. As of December 31, 2020, we had 97 employees in management and support functions, 180 sales and marketing professionals and 152 investment professionals.
Our centralized distribution and marketing functions lead the sales effort for our institutional, retail intermediary, and direct investor channels. Our sales teams are staffed with accomplished professionals that are given specific training on how to position each of our strategies. Our distribution teams have historically focused on developing strategic long-term relationships with institutional consultants and retail and retirement intermediaries.
These relationships can enhance our platform’s overall reach and allow our Franchises and Solutions Platform to access more clients. To ensure high levels of client service, our sales teams liaise regularly with product specialists at our Franchises. The specialists are tasked with responding to institutional client and retail inquiries on product performance and also educating prospective investors and retail partners in coordination with the relevant internal sales team
members. Our distribution and marketing professionals collaborate closely with our Franchises’ product specialists in order to attract new clients while also servicing and generating additional sales from existing clients.
Direct Investor Business - In 2020, the Company launched its new digital platform which features a modern design that is client-centric. Visitors to the site see channel-specific content, sophisticated investment tools and calculators, and timely investment insights from the Company’s investment experts. The site also showcases a live feed from the Company’s social platforms. At our direct investor business contact center, we have sales and service professionals focused on assisting our direct investors (the “Investors”) including USAA members. They provide Investors with account servicing, portfolio reviews, college planning assistance and investment guidance at no cost to the Investor. Many of our contact center professionals are Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) licensed and joined us from USAA, so they are familiar with and understand the Investors’ investment needs. We have a referral agreement in place with USAA to ensure all Investors interested in investing directly in a USAA Mutual Fund or the USAA 529 college savings plan, or interacting with us otherwise, are promptly directed to us, either by phone or online.
Institutional Sales - Our institutional sales team attracts and builds relationships with institutional clients, a wide range of institutional consultants and mutual fund complexes and other organizations seeking sub-advisers. Our institutional clientele includes more than 300 corporations, public funds, non-profit organizations, Taft-Hartley plans, sub-advisory clients, international clients and insurance companies. Our institutional sales and client-service professionals manage existing client relationships, serve consultants and prospects and/or focus on specific segments. They have extensive experience and a comprehensive understanding of our investment activities. Each of our client-facing institutional sales professionals has over 20 years of industry tenure.
Retail Sales - Our retail sales team is split among regional external wholesalers, retirement specialists, RIA specialists and national account specialists, all of whom are supported by an internal calling desk. Additionally, we created and hired a team focused in RIA, Bank Trust & Multi Family Office specialists with exceptional product knowledge to enhance the growth in this sub-channel within our retail sales. In the retail channel, we focus on gathering assets through intermediaries, such as banks, broker-dealers, wirehouses, retirement platforms and RIA networks. We offer mutual funds and separately managed wrap and unified managed accounts on intermediary and retirement platforms. We have agreements with many of the largest platforms in our retail channel, which has provided an opportunity to place our retail products on those platforms. Further, to enhance our presence on large distribution platforms, we have focused our efforts on servicing intermediary home offices and research departments. These efforts have led to strong growth in platform penetration, as measured by investment products on approved and recommended lists, as well as our inclusion in model portfolios. This penetration provides the opportunity for us to sell more products through distribution platforms. We have several products on the research recommended/model portfolios top U.S. intermediary platforms. We also have several products on the recommended list of the top retirement platforms.
Marketing - Our distribution efforts are supplemented by our marketing function, which is primarily responsible for enhancing the visibility and quality of our portfolio of brands. They are specifically tasked with managing corporate, Franchise and Solutions Platform branding efforts, database management, the development of marketing materials, our website and digital marketplace, digital marketing efforts and the publishing of white papers. They are also a key component in our responses to requests for proposals sent by prospective clients.
Operations - Our centralized operations functions provide our Franchises and Solutions Platform with the support they need so that they can focus on their investment processes. Our centralized operations functions include trading platforms, risk and compliance, middle- and back-office support, technology, finance, human resources, accounting and legal. Although our operations are centralized, we do allow our Franchises a degree of customization with respect to their desired investment support functions, which we believe helps them maintain their individualized investment processes and minimize undue disruptions.
We outsource certain middle- and back-office activities, such as sub-transfer agent, trade settlement, portfolio analytics, custodian reconciliation, portfolio accounting, corporate action processing, performance calculation and client reporting, to scaled, recognized service providers, who provide their services to us on a variable-cost basis. Systems and processes are customized as necessary to support our investment processes and operations. We maintain relationships with multiple vendors for the majority of our outsourced functions, which we believe mitigates vendor-specific risk. We also have cyber and information security, business continuity and data privacy programs in place to help mitigate risk.
Outsourcing these functions enables us to grow our AUM, both organically and through acquisitions, without the incremental capital expenditures and working capital that would typically be needed. Under our direction and oversight,
our outsourced model enhances our ability to integrate our acquisitions, as we are experienced in working with our vendors to efficiently bring additional Franchises onto our platform in a cost-efficient manner.
We believe both the scalability of our business and our cost structure, in which approximately two-thirds of our operating expenses are variable, should drive industry-leading margins and facilitate free cash flow conversion. Additionally, we believe having a majority of our expenses tied to AUM and the number of client accounts provides downside margin protection should there be sustained net outflows or adverse market conditions.
Competition
We compete in various markets, asset classes and investment vehicles. We sell our investment products in the traditional institutional segments, intermediary and retirement distribution, and direct investor channels. We face competition in attracting and retaining assets from other investment management firms. Additionally, we compete with other acquirers of investment management firms, including independent, fully integrated investment management firms and multi-boutique businesses, insurance companies, banks, private equity firms and other financial institutions.
We compete with other managers offering similar strategies. Some of these organizations have greater financial resources and capabilities than we are able to offer and have strong performance track records. We compete with other investment management firms for client assets based on the following primary factors: (i) our investment performance track record of delivering alpha; (ii) the specialized nature of our investment strategies; (iii) fees charged; (iv) access to distribution channels; (v) client service; and (vi) our employees’ alignment of interests with investors.
We compete with other potential acquirers of investment management firms primarily on the basis of the following factors: (i) the strength of our distribution relationships; (ii) the value we add through centralized distribution, marketing and operations platforms; (iii) the investment autonomy Franchises retain post acquisition; (iv) the tenure and continuity of our management and investment professionals; and (v) the value that can be delivered to the seller through realization of synergies created by the combination of the businesses.
Our ability to continue to compete effectively will also depend upon our ability to retain our current investment professionals and employees and to attract highly qualified new investment professionals and employees. For additional information concerning the competitive risks that we face, refer to “Risk Factors-Industry Risks-The investment management industry is intensely competitive.”
Human Capital
As an asset management firm, we are in the human capital business. As such, we value and appreciate our most important asset-our people. We employ “owners”, not employees. Accordingly, we strive to offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees. We want them to own their contribution to Victory Capital’s success. In recognition of this mission, Victory Capital has established an equity awards program that a majority of employees participate in. As of December 31, 2020, we had 429 employees.
We believe that doing our part to maintain the health and welfare of our employees is a critical element for achieving commercial success. As such, we provide our employees with comprehensive health benefits and offer a wellness program which focuses on employee health strategies and includes a discount to employee medical premiums for the completion of certain wellness initiatives. We have taken a proactive approach to addressing the ongoing novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic’s impact on our employees in order to protect their health, encouraging and in some instances requiring working from home, and balancing these steps with a carefully considered return to office policy that complies with local guidelines for each of our offices. In addition, we offer employee assistance programs, including confidential assistance for mental, physical and financial well-being as well as encouraging them to save for their retirement. Finally, we believe that the well-being of our employees is enhanced when they can give back to their local communities or charities and have programs that encourage our employees to give back to their local communities.
We recognize and appreciate the importance of creating an environment in which all employees feel valued, included, and empowered to do their best work and as a result our Diversity and Inclusion Committee is charged with integrating a diversity strategy that drives best practices, goals and objectives. The Committee’s mission is to foster an environment that attracts the best talent, values diversity of life experiences and perspectives, and encourages innovation and excellence.
We encourage you to review our Corporate Responsibility Statement (located on our website) for more detailed information regarding our human capital programs and initiatives. Nothing on our website is deemed incorporated by reference into this Report.
Business Organization
Victory Capital Holdings, Inc. was formed in 2013 for the purpose of acquiring VCM and Victory Capital Services, Inc. (“VCS”), formerly known as Victory Capital Advisors, Inc. (“VCA”) from KeyCorp. VCM is a registered investment adviser managing assets through open-end mutual funds, SMAs, UMAs, CTFs, wrap separate account programs, UCITs, and ETFs. VCM also provides mutual fund administrative services for the Victory Portfolios, Victory Variable Insurance Funds and the mutual fund series of the Victory Portfolios II (collectively, the “Victory Funds”), a family of open-end mutual funds, the VictoryShares (the Company’s ETF brand), as well as the USAA Mutual Fund Business, which includes the USAA Mutual Fund Trust, a family of open-end mutual funds (the “USAA Funds”). Additionally, VCM employs all of the Company’s United States investment professionals across its Franchises and Solutions, which are not separate legal entities. VCM’s three wholly-owned subsidiaries include RS Investment Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., RS Investments (Hong Kong) Limited, and RS Investments (UK) Limited. VCS is registered with the SEC as a limited purpose broker-dealer and serves as distributor and underwriter for the Victory Funds and USAA Funds. VCH holds indirectly Victory Capital Transfer Agency, Inc. (“VCTA”), a transfer agent registered with the SEC that acts as transfer agent for the USAA Funds.
Regulatory Environment and Compliance
Our business is subject to extensive regulation in the United States at the federal level and, to a lesser extent, the state level, as well as regulation by self-regulatory organizations and outside the United States. Under these laws and regulations, agencies that regulate investment advisers have broad administrative powers, including the power to limit, restrict or prohibit an investment adviser from carrying on its business in the event that it fails to comply with such laws and regulations. Possible sanctions that may be imposed include the suspension of individual employees, limitations on engaging in certain lines of business for specified periods of time, revocation of investment adviser and other registrations, censures and fines.
SEC Investment Adviser and Investment Company Registration / Regulation - VCM is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act (the “Advisers Act”), and the Victory Funds, USAA Funds, VictoryShares and several of the investment companies we sub-advise are registered under the 1940 Act (the “1940 Act”). The Advisers Act and the 1940 Act, together with the SEC’s regulations and interpretations thereunder, impose substantive and material restrictions and requirements on the operations of advisers and registered funds. The SEC is authorized to institute proceedings and impose sanctions for violations of the Advisers Act and the 1940 Act, ranging from fines and censures to termination of an adviser’s registration. As an investment adviser, we have a fiduciary duty to our clients. The SEC has interpreted that duty to impose standards, requirements and limitations on, among other things: trading for proprietary, personal and client accounts; allocations of investment opportunities among clients; our use of soft dollars; execution of transactions; and recommendations to clients. We manage accounts for all of our clients on a discretionary basis, with authority to buy and sell securities for each portfolio, select broker-dealers to execute trades and negotiate brokerage commission rates. In connection with certain of these transactions, we receive soft dollar credits from broker-dealers that have the effect of reducing certain of our expenses. All of our soft dollar arrangements are intended to be within the safe harbor provided by Section 28(e) of the Exchange Act. If our ability to use soft dollars were reduced or eliminated as a result of the implementation of statutory amendments or new regulations, our operating expenses would increase.
As a registered adviser, VCM is subject to many additional requirements that cover, among other things: disclosure of information about our business to clients; maintenance of written policies and procedures; maintenance of extensive books and records; restrictions on the types of fees we may charge; custody of client assets; client privacy; advertising; and solicitation of clients. The SEC has authority to inspect any investment adviser and typically inspects a registered adviser periodically to determine whether the adviser is conducting its activities (i) in accordance with applicable laws, (ii) in a manner that is consistent with disclosures made to clients and (iii) with adequate systems and procedures to ensure compliance.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, 80% of our total revenues were derived from our services to investment companies registered under the 1940 Act-i.e., mutual funds and ETFs. The 1940 Act imposes significant requirements and limitations on a registered fund, including with respect to its capital structure, investments and transactions. While we exercise broad discretion over the day-to-day management of the business and affairs of the Victory Funds, USAA Funds, VictoryShares and the investment portfolios of the Victory Funds, USAA Funds, and VictoryShares and the funds we sub-advise, our own operations are subject to oversight and management by each fund’s board of directors. Under the 1940 Act, a majority of the directors of our registered funds must not be “interested persons” with respect to us (sometimes referred to as the “independent director” requirement) in order to rely on certain exemptive rules under the 1940 Act relevant to the operation of registered funds. The responsibilities of the fund’s board include, among other things: approving our investment advisory agreement with the fund (or, for sub-advisory arrangements, our sub-advisory agreement with the fund’s investment adviser); approving other service providers; determining the method of valuing assets; and monitoring transactions involving affiliates. Our investment advisory agreements with these funds may be terminated by the funds on not more than 60 days’ notice and are subject to annual renewal by the fund’s board after the initial term of one to two years. The 1940 Act also imposes on the investment adviser or sub-adviser to a registered fund a fiduciary duty with respect to the receipt of the adviser’s investment management fees or the sub-adviser’s sub-advisory fees. That fiduciary duty may be enforced by the SEC, by administrative action or by litigation by investors in the fund pursuant to a private right of action.
As required by the Advisers Act, our investment advisory agreements may not be assigned without the client’s consent. Under the 1940 Act, investment advisory agreements with registered funds (such as the mutual funds and ETFs we manage) terminate automatically upon assignment. The term “assignment” is broadly defined and includes direct assignments as well as assignments that may be deemed to occur upon the transfer, directly or indirectly, of a “controlling block” of our outstanding voting securities. Refer to “Risk Factors-Business Risks-An assignment could result in termination of our investment advisory agreements to manage SEC-registered funds and could trigger consent requirements in our other investment advisory agreements.”
SEC Broker-Dealer Registration / FINRA Regulation - VCS is subject to regulation by the SEC, FINRA and various states. In addition, certain of our employees are registered with FINRA and such states and subject to SEC, state and FINRA regulation. The failure of these companies and/or employees to comply with relevant regulation could have a material adverse effect on our business.
SEC Transfer Agent Registration - VCTA is a SEC-registered transfer agent. Our registered transfer agent is subject to the 1934 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. These laws and regulations generally grant the SEC and other supervisory bodies broad administrative powers to address non-compliance with regulatory requirements. Sanctions that may be imposed for non-compliance with these requirements include the suspension of individual employees, limitations on engaging in certain activities for specified periods of time or for specified types of clients, the revocation of registrations, other censures and significant fines.
ERISA-Related Regulation - We are a fiduciary under Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) with respect to assets that we manage for benefit plan clients subject to ERISA. ERISA, the regulations promulgated thereunder and applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code impose certain duties on persons who are fiduciaries under ERISA, prohibit certain transactions involving ERISA plan clients and impose monetary penalties for violations of these prohibitions. The duties under ERISA require, among other obligations, that fiduciaries perform their duties solely in the interests of ERISA plan participants and beneficiaries.
CFTC Regulation - VCM is registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”) as a commodity operator and is a member of the NFA, a self-regulatory organization for the U.S. derivatives industry. In addition, certain of our employees are registered with the CFTC and members of NFA. Registration with the CFTC and NFA membership subjects VCM to regulation by the CFTC and the NFA including, but not limited to, reporting, recordkeeping, disclosure, self-examination and training requirements. Registration with the CFTC also subjects VCM to periodic on-site audits. Each of the CFTC and NFA is authorized to institute proceedings and impose sanctions for violations of applicable regulations.
Non-U.S. Regulation - In addition to the extensive regulation to which we are subject in the United States, we are subject to regulation internationally. Our business is also subject to the rules and regulations of the countries in which we market our funds or services and conduct investment activities.
In Singapore, we are subject to, among others, the Securities and Futures Act, or the SFA, the Financial Advisers Act, or the FAA, and the subsidiary legislation promulgated pursuant to these Acts, which are administered by the Monetary
Authority of Singapore, or the MAS. We and our employees conducting regulated activities specified in the SFA and/or the FAA are required to be licensed with the MAS. Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations, codes, directives, notices and guidelines issued by the MAS may result in penalties including fines, censures and the suspension or revocation of licenses granted by the MAS.
In Hong Kong, the Securities and Futures Ordinance, or the SFO, and its subsidiary legislation, governs the securities and futures markets and regulates, among others, offers of investments to the public and provides for the licensing of dealing in securities and investment management activities and intermediaries. This legislation is administered by the Securities and Futures Commission, or the SFC. The SFC is also empowered under the SFO to establish standards for compliance as well as codes and guidelines. We and our employees operate within an exemption to the relevant regulated activity specified in the SFO and so are not required to be licensed with the SFC. Failure to comply with the SFO and its subsidiary legislation could result in various sanctions being imposed, including imprisonment and fines.
VCM is also authorized by the Central Bank of Ireland, which regulates our Irish business activities, to act as an investment manager to Irish UCITS fund. We have historically operated in Australia on the basis of a “sufficient equivalence relief” exemption from local licensing with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. This relief is expiring for foreign financial service providers like us and, as result, VCM will need to apply for an obtain a securities license by April 1, 2022.
Compliance - Our legal and compliance functions consist of 16 professionals as of December 31, 2020. This group is responsible for all legal and regulatory compliance matters, as well as for monitoring adherence to client investment guidelines. Our legal and compliance teams work through a well-established reporting and communication structure to ensure we have a consistent and holistic program for legal and regulatory compliance. Senior management is also involved at various levels in all of these functions. We cannot assure that our legal and compliance functions will be effective to prevent all losses. Refer to “Item 1A. Risk Factors-General Risks-If our techniques for managing risk are ineffective, we may be exposed to material unanticipated losses.”
For more information about our regulatory environment, refer to “Risk Factors-Legal and Regulatory Risks-As an investment management firm, we are subject to extensive regulation” and “Risk Factors- Legal and Regulatory Risks -The regulatory environment in which we operate is subject to continual change and regulatory developments designed to increase oversight may materially adversely affect our business.”
Available Information
We routinely file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information required by the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public from the SEC’s public internet site at https://www.sec.gov.
We maintain a public internet site at ir.vcm.com and make available free of charge through this site our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, Proxy Statements and Forms 3, 4 and 5 filed on behalf of directors and executive officers, as well as any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. We also post on our website the charters for our board of directors’ Audit Committee, Nominating and Governance Committee and Compensation Committee, as well as our Corporate Governance Guidelines, our Corporate Responsibility Statement, and our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics governing our directors, officers, and employees. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this annual report.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
The risks described below are not the only ones facing us. The occurrence of any of the following risks or additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. In such case the trading price of our Class A common stock could decline. This report also contains forward-looking statements and estimates that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of specific factors, including the risks and uncertainties described below.
Risk Factors Summary
The following is a summary of risks and uncertainties that affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. We are providing the following summary of risk factors to enhance readability of our risk factor disclosure. Material risks that may adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations include, but are not limited to, the following:
Market and Investment Performance Risks
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We earn substantially all of our revenues based on AUM, and any reduction in AUM would reduce our revenues and profitability.
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If our strategies perform poorly, clients could redeem their assets and we could suffer a decline in our AUM, which would reduce our earnings.
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The historical returns of our strategies may not be indicative of their future results or of the strategies we may develop in the future.
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We may support our money market funds to maintain their stable net asset values, or other products we manage, which could affect our revenues or operating results.
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The performance of our strategies or the growth of our AUM may be constrained by unavailability of appropriate investment opportunities.
Business Risks
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The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has, and will likely continue to, negatively impact the global economy and interrupt normal business activity.
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The loss of key investment professionals or members of our senior management team could have a material adverse effect on our business.
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We derive substantially all of our revenues from contracts and relationships that may be terminated upon short or no notice.
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Investors in certain funds that we advise can redeem their assets from those funds at any time without prior notice.
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Investment recommendations provided to our direct investor channel may not be suitable or fulfill regulatory requirements; representatives may not disclose or address conflicts of interest, conduct inadequate due diligence, provide inadequate disclosure; mutual fund transactions may be subject to human error or fraud.
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The significant growth we have experienced over the past few years may be difficult to sustain and our growth strategy is dependent in part upon our ability to make and successfully integrate new strategic acquisitions.
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Our expenses are subject to fluctuations that could materially impact our results of operations.
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A significant proportion of our existing AUM is managed in long-only investments.
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Our efforts to establish and develop new teams and strategies may be unsuccessful and could negatively impact our results of operations and could negatively impact our reputation and culture.
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An assignment could result in termination of our investment advisory agreements to manage SEC-registered funds and could trigger consent requirements in our other investment advisory agreements.
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Our failure to comply with investment guidelines set by our clients, including the boards of registered funds, and limitations imposed by applicable law, could result in damage awards against us and a loss of AUM, either of which could adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.
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We provide a broad range of services to the Victory Funds, USAA Funds, VictoryShares and sub-advised mutual funds which may expose us to liability.
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Potential impairment of goodwill and intangible assets could result in not realizing the value of these assets.
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If we were deemed an investment company required to register under the the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Investment Company Act”), we would become subject to burdensome regulatory requirements and our business activities could be restricted.
Merger and Acquisition Risks
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We may not realize the benefits we expect from mergers and acquisitions because of integration difficulties and other challenges.
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Certain liabilities resulting from acquisitions are estimated and could lead to a material impact on earnings.
Indebtedness Risks
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Our substantial indebtedness may expose us to material risks.
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The phase out of LIBOR may have a negative impact on our funds and our debt obligations and may require significant operational work.
Capital Structure and Public Company Risks
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A relatively large percentage of our common stock is concentrated with a small number of shareholders, which could increase the volatility in our stock trading and affect our share price.
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The dual class structure of our common stock has the effect of concentrating voting control with those shareholders who hold our Class B common stock.
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Crestview GP controls us and its interests may conflict with ours or other shareholders’ in the future.
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The market price of our Class A common stock is likely to be volatile and could decline.
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Future sales of shares by shareholders could cause our stock price to decline.
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If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish misleading or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price and trading volume could decline.
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We are an “emerging growth company,” and any decision on our part to comply with certain reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies could make our Class A common stock less attractive to investors.
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The requirements of being a public company may strain our resources and distract our management, which could make it difficult to manage our business, particularly after we are no longer an “emerging growth company.”
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Failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and stock price
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Our ability to pay regular dividends is subject to our Board’s discretion and Delaware law.
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Future offerings of debt or equity securities may rank senior to our Class A common stock.
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We are a “controlled company” within the meaning of the rules of NASDAQ, and, as a result, we will qualify for, and intend to rely on, exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements.
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Provisions in our charter documents could discourage a takeover that shareholders may consider favorable.
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Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the exclusive forum for substantially all disputes between us and our shareholders, which could limit our shareholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees.
Legal and Regulatory Risks
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As an investment management firm, we are subject to extensive regulation.
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The regulatory environment in which we operate is subject to continual change and regulatory developments designed to increase oversight may materially adversely affect our business.
Industry Risks
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Recent trends in the investment management industry could reduce our AUM, revenues and net income.
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The investment management industry is intensely competitive.
Third Party Risks
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We depend primarily on third parties to market Victory Funds, USAA Funds and VictoryShares.
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We rely on third parties to provide products or services for the operation of our business, and a failure or inability by such parties to provide these products or services could materially adversely affect our business.
Operational and Cybersecurity Risks
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Operational risks may disrupt our business, result in losses or limit our growth.
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Failure to implement effective information and cyber security policies, procedures and capabilities could disrupt operations and cause financial losses.
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Disruption to the operations of third parties whose functions are integral to our ETF platform may adversely affect the prices at which VictoryShares trade, particularly during periods of market volatility.
General Risks
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Reputational harm could result in a loss of AUM and revenues.
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If our techniques for managing risk are ineffective, we may be exposed to material unanticipated losses.
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Certain of our strategies invest principally in the securities of non-U.S. companies, which involve foreign currency exchange, tax, political, social and economic uncertainties and risks.
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The expansion of our business outside of the United States raises tax and regulatory risks, may adversely affect our profit margins and places additional demands on our resources and employees.
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Failure to properly address conflicts of interest could harm our reputation, business and results of operations.
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Insurance may not be available on a cost-effective basis to protect us from liability.
Market and Investment Performance Risks
We earn substantially all of our revenues based on AUM, and any reduction in AUM would reduce our revenues and profitability. AUM fluctuates based on many factors, including investment performance, client withdrawals and difficult market conditions.
We earn substantially all of our revenues from asset-based fees from investment management products and services to individuals and institutions. Therefore, if our AUM declines, our fee revenue will decline, which will reduce our profitability as certain of our expenses are fixed. There are several reasons that AUM could decline:
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The performance of our investment strategies is critical to our business, and any real or perceived negative absolute or relative performance could negatively impact the maintenance and growth of AUM. Net flows related to our strategies can be affected by investment performance relative to other competing strategies or to established benchmarks. Our investment strategies are rated, ranked, recommended or assessed by independent third parties, distribution partners, and industry periodicals and services. These assessments may influence the investment decisions of our clients. If the performance or assessment of our strategies is seen as underperforming relative to peers, it could result in an increase in the withdrawal of assets by existing clients and the inability to attract additional commitments from existing and new clients. In addition, certain of our strategies have or may have capacity constraints, as there is a limit to the number of securities available for the strategy to operate effectively. In those instances, we may choose to limit access to those strategies to new or existing investors, such as we have done for two mutual funds managed by the Sycamore Capital Franchise which had an aggregate of $18.3 billion in AUM as of December 31, 2020.
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General domestic and global economic and political conditions can influence AUM. Changes in interest rates, the availability and cost of credit, inflation rates, economic uncertainty, changes in laws, trade barriers, commodity prices, currency exchange rates and controls and national and international political circumstances (including wars, pandemics (such as the Coronavirus), terrorist acts and security operations) and other conditions may impact the equity and credit markets, which may influence our AUM. If the security markets decline or experience volatility, our AUM and our revenues could be negatively impacted. In addition, diminishing investor confidence in the markets and/or adverse market conditions could result in a decrease in investor risk tolerance. Such a decrease could prompt investors to reduce their rate of commitment or to fully withdraw from markets, which could lower our overall AUM.
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Capital and credit markets can experience substantial volatility. The significant volatility in the markets in the recent past has highlighted the interconnection of the global markets and demonstrated how the deteriorating financial condition of one institution may materially adversely impact the performance of other institutions. In the event of extreme circumstances, including economic, political or business crises, such as a widespread systemic failure in the global financial system or failures of firms that have significant obligations as counterparties, we may suffer significant declines in AUM and severe liquidity or valuation issues.
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Changes in interest rates can have adverse effects on our AUM. Increases in interest rates may adversely affect the net asset values of our AUM. Furthermore, increases in interest rates may result in reduced prices in equity markets. Conversely, decreases in interest rates could lead to outflows in fixed income assets that we manage as investors seek higher yields.
Any of these factors could reduce our AUM and revenues and, if our revenues decline without a commensurate reduction in our expenses, would lead to a reduction in our net income.
If our strategies perform poorly, clients could redeem their assets and we could suffer a decline in our AUM, which would reduce our earnings.
The performance of our strategies is critical in retaining existing client assets as well as attracting new client assets. If our strategies perform poorly for any reason, our earnings could decline because:
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our existing clients may redeem their assets from our strategies or terminate their relationships with us;
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the Morningstar and Lipper ratings and rankings of mutual funds and ETFs we manage may decline, which may adversely affect the ability of those funds to attract new or retain existing assets; and
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third-party financial intermediaries, advisors or consultants may remove our investment products from recommended lists due to poor performance or for other reasons, which may lead our existing clients to redeem their assets from our strategies or reduce asset inflows from these third parties or their clients.
Our strategies can perform poorly for a number of reasons, including: general market conditions; investor sentiment about market and economic conditions; investment styles and philosophies; investment decisions; global events; the performance of the companies in which our strategies invest and the currencies in which those investment are made; the fees we charge; the liquidity of securities or instruments in which our strategies invest; and our inability to identify sufficient appropriate investment opportunities for existing and new client assets on a timely basis. In addition, while we seek to deliver long-term value to our clients, volatility may lead to under-performance in the short term, which could adversely affect our results of operations.
In addition, when our strategies experience strong results relative to the market, clients’ allocations to our strategies typically increase relative to their other investments and we sometimes experience withdrawals as our clients rebalance their investments to fit their asset allocation preferences despite our strong results.
While clients do not have legal recourse against us solely on the basis of poor investment results, if our strategies perform poorly, we are more likely to become subject to litigation brought by dissatisfied clients. In addition, to the extent clients are successful in claiming that their losses resulted from fraud, negligence, willful misconduct, breach of contract or other similar misconduct, these clients may have remedies against us, the mutual funds and other pooled investment vehicles we advise and/or our investment professionals under various U.S. and non-U.S. laws.
The historical returns of our strategies may not be indicative of their future results or of the strategies we may develop in the future.
The historical returns of our strategies and the ratings and rankings we or the mutual funds, ETFs and other pooled investment vehicles that we advise have received in the past should not be considered indicative of the future results of these strategies or of any other strategies that we may develop in the future. The investment performance we achieve for our clients varies over time and the variance can be wide. The ratings and rankings we or the mutual funds, ETFs and other pooled investment vehicles that we advise have received are typically revised monthly. Our strategies’ returns have benefited during some periods from investment opportunities and positive economic and market conditions. In other periods, general economic and market conditions have negatively affected investment opportunities and our strategies’ returns. These negative conditions may occur again, and in the future, we may not be able to identify and invest in profitable investment opportunities within our current or future strategies.
New strategies that we launch or acquire in the future may present new and different investment, regulatory, operational, distribution and other risks than those presented by our current strategies. New strategies may invest in instruments with which we have no or limited experience, create portfolios that present new or different risks or have higher performance expectations that are more difficult to meet. Any real or perceived problems with future strategies or vehicles could cause a disproportionate negative impact on our business and reputation.
We may support our money market funds to maintain their stable net asset values, or other products we manage, which could affect our revenues or operating results.
Approximately 2% of our AUM as of December 31, 2020, consisted of assets in money market funds. Money market funds seek to preserve a stable net asset value. Market conditions could lead to severe liquidity or security pricing issues, which could impact the NAV of money market funds. If the NAV of a money market fund managed by our asset managers were to fall below its stable net asset value, we would likely experience significant redemptions in AUM and reputational harm, which could have a material adverse effect on our revenues or net income. If a money market fund's stable NAV comes under pressure, we may elect, to provide credit, liquidity, or other support to the fund. We may also elect to provide similar or other support, including by providing liquidity to a fund, to other products we manage for any number of reasons. If we elect to provide support, we could incur losses from the support we provide and incur additional costs, including financing costs, in connection with the support. These losses and additional costs could be material and could adversely affect our earnings. In addition, certain proposed regulatory reforms could adversely impact the operating results of our money market funds.
The performance of our strategies or the growth of our AUM may be constrained by unavailability of appropriate investment opportunities.
The ability of our investment teams to deliver strong investment performance depends in large part on their ability to identify appropriate investment opportunities in which to invest client assets. If the investment team for any of our strategies is unable to identify sufficient appropriate investment opportunities for existing and new client assets on a timely basis, the investment performance of the strategy could be adversely affected. In addition, if we determine that sufficient investment opportunities are not available for a strategy, we may choose to limit the growth of the strategy by limiting the rate at which we accept additional client assets for management under the strategy, closing the strategy to all or substantially all new investors or otherwise taking action to limit the flow of assets into the strategy. If we misjudge the point at which it would be optimal to limit access to or close a strategy, the investment performance of the strategy could be negatively impacted. The risk that sufficient appropriate investment opportunities may be unavailable is influenced by a number of factors, including general market conditions, but is particularly acute with respect to our strategies that focus on small- and mid-cap equities, and is likely to increase as our AUM increases, particularly if these increases occur very rapidly. By limiting the growth of strategies, we may be managing the business in a manner that reduces the total amount of our AUM and our investment management fees over the short term.
Business Risks
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has, and will likely continue to, negatively impact the global economy and interrupt normal business activity.
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a pandemic. The global spread of COVID-19 has created significant volatility, uncertainty and economic disruption. While COVID-19 did not have a material adverse effect on our business, operations and financial results as of December 31, 2020, the extent to which the pandemic impacts our business, operations and financial results going forward will depend on numerous evolving factors that we may not be able to accurately predict, including: the duration and scope of the pandemic; governmental, business and individuals’ actions that have been and continue to be taken in response to the pandemic; the impact of the pandemic on economic activity and actions taken in response; and the effect on our ability to sell and provide our services.
The loss of key investment professionals or members of our senior management team could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We depend on the skills and expertise of our portfolio managers and other investment professionals and our success depends on our ability to retain the key members of our investment teams, who possess substantial experience in investing and have been primarily responsible for the historical investment performance we have achieved.
Because of the tenure and stability of our portfolio managers, our clients may attribute the investment performance we have achieved to these individuals. The departure of a portfolio manager could cause clients to withdraw assets from the strategy, which would reduce our AUM, investment management fees and our net income. The departure of a portfolio manager also could cause consultants and intermediaries to stop recommending a strategy, clients to refrain from allocating additional assets to the strategy or delay such additional assets until a sufficient new track record has been established and could also cause the departure of other portfolio managers or investment professionals. We have instituted succession planning at our Franchises in an attempt to minimize the disruption resulting from these potential changes, but we cannot predict whether such efforts will be successful.
We also rely upon the contributions of our senior management team to establish and implement our business strategy and to manage the future growth of our business. The loss of any of the senior management team could limit our ability to successfully execute our business strategy or adversely affect our ability to retain existing and attract new client assets and related revenues.
Any of our investment or management professionals may resign at any time, join our competitors or form a competing company. Although many of our portfolio managers and each of our named executive officers are subject to post-employment non-compete obligations, these non-competition provisions may not be enforceable or may not be enforceable to their full extent. In addition, we may agree to waive non-competition provisions or other restrictive covenants applicable to former investment or management professionals in light of the circumstances surrounding their relationship with us. We do not generally carry “key man” insurance that would provide us with proceeds in the event of the death or disability of any of the key members of our investment or management teams.
Competition for qualified investment and management professionals is intense and we may fail to successfully attract and retain qualified personnel in the future. Our ability to attract and retain these personnel will depend heavily on the amount and structure of compensation and opportunities for equity ownership we offer. Any cost-reduction initiative or adjustments or reductions to compensation or changes to our equity ownership culture could cause instability within our existing investment teams and negatively impact our ability to retain key personnel. In addition, changes to our management structure, corporate culture and corporate governance arrangements could negatively impact our ability to retain key personnel.
We derive substantially all of our revenues from contracts and relationships that may be terminated upon short or no notice.
We derive substantially all of our revenues from investment advisory and sub-advisory agreements as well as fund administration and accounting, agreements with the Victory Funds, USAA Funds and VictoryShares and transfer agency agreements with the USAA Funds, all of which are terminable by clients or our funds’ boards upon short notice or no notice.
Our investment advisory agreements with registered funds, which are funds registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the 1940 Act, including mutual funds and ETFs, are generally terminable by the funds’ boards or a vote of a majority of the funds’ outstanding voting securities on not more than 60 days’ written notice, as required by law. After an initial term (not to exceed two years), each registered fund’s investment advisory agreement must be approved and renewed annually by that fund’s board, including by its independent members. We maintain a long history of renewing these agreements. In addition, all of our separate account clients and certain of the mutual funds that we sub-advise have the ability to re-allocate all or any portion of the assets that we manage away from us at any time with little or no notice. When a sub-adviser terminates its sub-advisory agreement to manage a fund that we advise there is a risk that investors in the fund could redeem their assets in the fund, which would cause our AUM to decrease. Similarly, our fund administration, accounting, and transfer agency agreements are subject to annual fund board approval.
These investment advisory and other agreements and client relationships may be terminated or not renewed for any number of reasons. The decrease in revenues that could result from the termination of a material client relationship or group of client relationships could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Investors in certain funds that we advise can redeem their assets from those funds at any time without prior notice.
Investors in the mutual funds and certain other pooled investment vehicles that we advise or sub-advise may redeem their assets from those funds at any time on fairly limited or no prior notice, thereby reducing our AUM. These investors may redeem for any number of reasons, including general financial market conditions, global events, the absolute or relative investment performance we have achieved, or their own financial conditions and requirements. In a declining stock market, the pace of redemptions could accelerate. Poor investment performance relative to other funds tends to result in decreased client commitments and increased redemptions. For the year ended December 31, 2020, we generated approximately 91% of our total revenues from mutual funds and other pooled investment vehicles that we advise (including our proprietary mutual funds, or the Victory Funds, USAA Funds, VictoryShares, and other entities for which we are adviser or sub-adviser). The redemption of assets from those funds could adversely affect our revenues and have a material adverse effect on our earnings.
Investment recommendations provided to our direct investor channel may not be suitable or fulfill regulatory requirements; representatives may not disclose or address conflicts of interest, conduct inadequate due diligence, provide inadequate disclosure; mutual fund transactions subject to human error or fraud.
The direct channel serves existing or potential individual investors who invest in our USAA Mutual Funds and USAA 529 College Savings Plan. Our broker-dealer subsidiary has a dedicated retail investor-facing sales team who discuss the merits of investing in the USAA Mutual Funds and provide asset allocation recommendations based on the investor’s needs to aid them in their decision making. Our sales team’s recommendations may not fulfill regulatory requirements as a result of their failing to collect sufficient information about an investor or failing to understand the investor’s needs or risk tolerances. Risks associated with providing recommendations also include those arising from how we disclose and address actual or potential conflicts of interest, inadequate due diligence, inadequate disclosure, human error and fraud. In addition, Regulation Best Interest imposes heightened conduct standards, suitability analysis and disclosure requirements when we provide recommendations to retail investors. To the extent that we fail to satisfy regulatory requirements, fail to know our mutual fund shareholders, improperly advise these investors, or risks associated with providing investment recommendations otherwise materialize, we could be found liable for losses suffered by such investors, or could be subject to regulatory fines, and penalties, any of which could harm our reputation and business.
We may be subject to claims of unsuitable investments. If individual investors who invest in the USAA Mutual Funds or USAA 529 College Savings Plan suffer losses on their investment mandates, they may seek compensation from us on the basis of allegations that the USAA Mutual Funds or the investment options in the USAA 529 College Savings Plan were not suitable or that the fund prospectuses or other marketing materials contained material errors or were misleading. Despite the controls relating to disclosure in fund prospectuses and marketing materials, it is possible that such action may be successful, which in turn could adversely affect the business, financial condition and results of operations. Any claim for lack of suitability may also result in regulatory investigation, censure and/or fine and may damage our reputation.
The significant growth we have experienced over the past few years may be difficult to sustain and our growth strategy is dependent in part upon our ability to make and successfully integrate new strategic acquisitions.
Our AUM has increased from $17.9 billion following our 2013 management-led buyout with Crestview GP from KeyCorp to $147.2 billion as of December 31, 2020, primarily as a result of acquisitions. The absolute measure of our AUM represents a significant rate of growth that may be difficult to sustain. The continued long-term growth of our business will depend on, among other things, successfully making new acquisitions, retaining key investment professionals, maintaining existing strategies and selectively developing new, value-added strategies. There is no certainty that we will be able to identify suitable candidates for acquisition at prices and terms we consider attractive, consummate any such acquisition on acceptable terms, have sufficient resources to complete an identified acquisition or that our strategy for pursuing acquisitions will be effective. In addition, any acquisition can involve a number of risks, including the existence of known, unknown or contingent liabilities. An acquisition may impose additional demands on our staff that could strain our operational resources and require expenditure of substantial legal, investment banking and accounting fees. We may be required to issue additional shares of common stock or spend significant cash to consummate an acquisition, resulting in dilution of ownership or additional debt leverage, or spend additional time and money on facilitating the acquisition that otherwise would be spent on the development and expansion of our existing business.
We may not be able to successfully manage the process of integrating an acquired company’s people and other applicable assets to extract the value and synergies projected to be realized in connection with the acquisition. The process of integrating operations could cause an interruption of, or loss of momentum in, the activities of one or more of our combined businesses and the possible loss of key personnel and AUM. The diversion of management’s attention and any delays or difficulties encountered in connection with acquisitions and the integration of an acquired company’s operations could have an adverse effect on our business.
Our business growth will also depend on our success in achieving superior investment performance from our strategies, as well as our ability to maintain and extend our distribution capabilities, to deal with changing market and industry conditions, to maintain adequate financial and business controls and to comply with new legal and regulatory requirements arising in response to both the increased sophistication of the investment management industry and the significant market and economic events of the last decade.
We may not be able to manage our growing business effectively or be able to sustain the level of growth we have achieved historically.
Our expenses are subject to fluctuations that could materially impact our results of operations.
Our results of operations are dependent upon the level of our expenses, which can vary from period to period. We have certain fixed expenses that we incur as a going concern, and some of those expenses are not subject to adjustment. If our revenues decrease, without a corresponding decrease in expenses, our results of operations would be negatively impacted. While a majority of our expenses are variable, and we attempt to project expense levels in advance, there is no guarantee that an unforeseen expense will not arise or that we will be able to adjust our variable expenses quickly enough to match a declining revenue base. Consequently, either event could have either a temporary or permanent negative impact on our results of operations.
A significant proportion of our existing AUM is managed in long-only investments.
As of December 31, 2020, approximately 73% of our AUM was invested in U.S. and international equity. Under market conditions in which there is a general decline in the value of equity securities, the AUM in each of our equity strategies is likely to decline. Unlike some of our competitors, we do not currently offer strategies that invest in privately held companies or take short positions in equity securities, which could offset some of the poor performance of our long-only equity strategies under such market conditions. Even if our investment performance remains strong during such market conditions relative to other long-only equity strategies, investors may choose to withdraw assets from our management or allocate a larger portion of their assets to non-long-only or non-equity strategies. In addition, the prices of equity securities may fluctuate more widely than the prices of other types of securities, making the level of our AUM and related revenues more volatile.
As of December 31, 2020, approximately 30% of our total AUM was concentrated in small- and mid-cap equities. As a result, a substantial portion of our operating results depends upon the performance of those investments, and our ability to retain client assets in those investments. If a significant portion of the investors in such investments decided to withdraw their assets or terminate their investment advisory agreements for any reason, including poor investment performance or adverse market conditions, our revenues from those investments would decline, which would have a material adverse effect on our earnings and financial condition.
As of December 31, 2020, approximately 27% of our total AUM was invested in U.S. taxable and tax-exempt fixed-income and money market securities. While fixed-income is typically considered less volatile than the equity markets, it does exhibit different types of risks such as interest rate risk, credit risk, and over-the-counter liquidity risk. Also, retention of fixed income AUM depends upon the performance of those investments, and our ability to retain client assets in those investments. If a significant portion of the investors in such investments decided to withdraw their assets or terminate their investment advisory agreements for any reason, including poor investment performance or adverse market conditions, our revenues from those investments would decline, which would have a material adverse effect on our earnings and financial condition. Money market securities are about 2% of total AUM and are considered a low risk asset category.
In addition, we have historically derived substantially all of our revenue from clients in the United States. If economic conditions weaken or slow, particularly in the United States, this could have a substantial adverse impact on our results of operations.
Our efforts to establish and develop new teams and strategies may be unsuccessful and could negatively impact our results of operations and could negatively impact our reputation and culture.
We seek to add new investment teams that invest in a way that is consistent with our philosophy of offering high value-added strategies. We also look to offer new strategies managed by our existing teams. We expect the costs associated with establishing a new team and/or strategy initially to exceed the revenues generated, which will likely negatively impact our results of operations. If new strategies, whether managed by a new team or by an existing team, invest in instruments, or present operational issues and risks, with which we have little or no experience, it could strain our resources and increase the likelihood of an error or failure.
In addition, the historical returns of our existing strategies may not be indicative of the investment performance of any new strategy, and the poor performance of any new strategy could negatively impact the reputation of our other strategies.
We may support the development of new strategies by making one or more seed investments using capital that would otherwise be available for our general corporate purposes and acquisitions. Making such a seed investment could expose us to potential capital losses.
An assignment could result in termination of our investment advisory agreements and could trigger consent requirements in our other investment advisory agreements.
Under the 1940 Act, each of the investment advisory agreements between registered funds and our subsidiary, VCM, and investment sub-advisory agreements between the investment adviser to a registered fund and VCM, will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment, as defined in the 1940 Act.
Assignment, as generally defined under the 1940 Act and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, or the Advisers Act, includes direct assignments as well as assignments that may be deemed to occur, under certain circumstances, upon the direct or indirect transfer of a “controlling block” of our outstanding voting securities. A transaction is not an assignment under the 1940 Act or the Advisers Act if it does not result in a change of actual control or management of VCM.
Upon the occurrence of such an assignment, VCM could continue to act as adviser or sub-adviser to any such registered fund only if that fund’s board and shareholders approved a new investment advisory agreement, except in the case of certain of the registered funds that we sub-advise for which only board approval would be necessary pursuant to a manager-of-managers SEC exemptive order. In addition, as required by the Advisers Act, each of the investment advisory agreements for the separate accounts and pooled investment vehicles we manage provides that it may not be assigned, as defined in the Advisers Act, without the consent of the client. In addition, the investment advisory
agreements for certain pooled investment vehicles we manage outside the U.S. contain provisions requiring board approval and or client consent before they can be assigned. If an assignment were to occur, we cannot be certain that we would be able to obtain the necessary approvals from the boards and shareholders of the registered funds we advise or the necessary consents from our separate account or pooled investment vehicle clients.
If an assignment of an investment advisory agreement is deemed to occur, and our clients do not consent to the assignment or enter into a new agreement, our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Our failure to comply with investment guidelines set by our clients, including the boards of registered funds, and limitations imposed by applicable law, could result in damage awards against us and a loss of AUM, either of which could adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.
When clients retain us to manage assets on their behalf, they generally specify certain guidelines regarding investment allocation and strategy that we are required to follow in managing their assets. The boards of registered funds we manage generally establish similar guidelines regarding the investment of assets in those funds. We are also required to invest the registered funds’ assets in accordance with limitations under the 1940 Act and applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Internal Revenue Code. Other clients, such as plans subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, or ERISA, or non-U.S. funds and pooled investment vehicles, require us to invest their assets in accordance with applicable law. Our failure to comply with any of these guidelines and other limitations could result in losses to clients or investors in a fund which, depending on the circumstances, could result in our obligation to make clients or fund investors whole for such losses. If we believed that the circumstances did not justify a reimbursement, or clients and investors believed the reimbursement we offered was insufficient, they could seek to recover damages from us or could withdraw assets from our management or terminate their investment advisory agreement with us. Any of these events could harm our reputation and materially adversely affect our business.
We provide a broad range of services to the Victory Funds, USAA Funds, VictoryShares and sub-advised mutual funds which may expose us to liability.
We provide a broad range of administrative services to the Victory Funds, the USAA Funds and VictoryShares, including providing personnel to the Victory Funds, the USAA Funds and VictoryShares to serve as directors and officers, the preparation or supervision of the preparation of the Victory Funds’, USAA Funds’ and VictoryShares’ regulatory filings, maintenance of board calendars and preparation or supervision of the preparation of board meeting materials, management of compliance and regulatory matters, provision of shareholder services and communications, accounting services, including the supervision of the activities of the Victory Funds’, USAA Funds’ and VictoryShares’ accounting services provider in the calculation of the funds’ net asset values, supervision of the preparation of the Victory Funds’, USAA Funds’ and VictoryShares’ financial statements and coordination of the audits of those financial statements, tax services, including calculation of dividend and distribution amounts and supervision of tax return preparation, supervision of the work of the USAA Funds’, Victory Funds’ and VictoryShares’ other service providers, VCTA acting as transfer agent to the USAA Funds and VCS acting as a distributor for the Victory Funds and USAA Funds. If we make a mistake in the provision of those services, the Victory Funds, USAA Funds or VictoryShares could incur costs for which we might be liable. In addition, if it were determined that the Victory Funds, USAA Funds or VictoryShares failed to comply with applicable regulatory requirements as a result of action or failure to act by our employees, we could be responsible for losses suffered or penalties imposed. In addition, we could have penalties imposed on us, be required to pay fines or be subject to private litigation, any of which could decrease our future income or negatively affect our current business or our future growth prospects. Although less extensive than the range of services we provide to the Victory Funds, USAA Funds’ and VictoryShares, we also provide a limited range of services, in addition to investment management services, to sub-advised mutual funds.
In addition, we from time to time provide information to the funds for which we act as sub-adviser (or to a person or entity providing administrative services to such a fund), and to the UCITS, for which we act as investment manager (or to the promotor of the UCITS or a person or entity providing administrative services to such a UCITS), which is used by those funds or UCITS in their efforts to comply with various regulatory requirements. If we make a mistake in the provision of those services, the sub-advised fund or UCITS could incur costs for which we might be liable. In addition, if it were determined that the sub-advised fund or UCITS failed to comply with applicable regulatory requirements as a result of action or failure to act by our employees, we could be responsible for losses suffered or penalties imposed. In addition, we could have penalties imposed on us, be required to pay fines or be subject to private litigation, any of which could decrease our future income or negatively affect our current business or our future growth prospects.
Potential impairment of goodwill and intangible assets could result in not realizing the value of these assets.
As of December 31, 2020, our goodwill and intangible assets totaled $1.6 billion. The value of these assets may not be realized for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to, significant redemptions, loss of clients, damage to brand name and unfavorable economic conditions. In accordance with the guidance under Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, ASC 350-20, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, we review the carrying value of goodwill and intangible assets not subject to amortization on an annual basis, or more frequently if indications exist suggesting that the fair value of our intangible assets may be below their carrying value. Determining goodwill and intangible assets, and evaluating them for impairment, requires significant management estimates and judgment, including estimating value and assessing useful life in connection with the allocation of purchase price in the acquisition creating them. We evaluate the value of intangible assets subject to amortization on an annual basis and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Should such reviews indicate impairment, a reduction of the carrying value of the intangible asset could occur.
If we were deemed an investment company required to register under the 1940 Act, we would become subject to burdensome regulatory requirements and our business activities could be restricted.
Generally, a company is an “investment company” required to register under the 1940 Act if, absent an applicable exception or exemption, it (i) is, or holds itself out as being, engaged primarily, or proposes to engage primarily, in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities; or (ii) engages, or proposes to engage, in the business of investing, reinvesting, owning, holding or trading in securities and owns or proposes to acquire “investment securities” having a value exceeding 40% of the value of its total assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis.
We hold ourselves out as an investment management firm and do not propose to engage primarily in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities. We believe we are engaged primarily in the business of providing investment management services and not in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities. We also believe our primary source of income is properly characterized as income earned in exchange for the provision of services. We believe less than 40% of our total assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis comprise assets that could be considered investment securities.
We intend to conduct our operations so that we will not be deemed an investment company required to register under the 1940 Act. However, if we were to be deemed an investment company required to register under the 1940 Act, restrictions imposed by the 1940 Act, including limitations on our capital structure and our ability to transact with our affiliates, could make it impractical for us to continue our business as currently conducted and could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance and operations.
Merger and Acquisition Risks
We may not realize the benefits we expect from mergers and acquisitions because of integration difficulties and other challenges.
We regularly review, and from time to time have discussions on and engage in, potential transactions, including potential acquisitions of other asset managers or their assets, consolidations, equity method investments or similar transactions, some of which may be material. The success of these transactions will depend in large part on the success of integrating the personnel, operations, strategies, technologies and other components of the businesses following the completion of the transaction. The Company may fail to realize some or all of the anticipated benefits if the integration process takes longer than expected or is more costly than expected. The failure of the Company to meet the challenges involved in successfully integrating the operations or to otherwise realize any of the anticipated benefits could impair the operations of the Company. Potential difficulties that we may encounter in the integration process include the following:
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the integration of personnel, operations, strategies, technologies and support services;
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the disruption of ongoing businesses and distraction of their respective personnel from ongoing business concerns;
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the retention of the existing clients;
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the retention of key intermediary distribution relationships;
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the integration of corporate cultures and maintenance of employee morale;
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the retention of key employees;
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the creation of uniform standards, controls, procedures, policies and information systems;
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the reduction of the costs associated with combining operations;
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the consolidation and rationalization of information technology platforms and administrative infrastructures; and
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potential unknown liabilities;
The anticipated benefits and synergies include the elimination of duplicative personnel, realization of efficiencies in consolidating duplicative corporate, business support functions and amortization of purchased intangibles for tax purposes. However, these anticipated benefits and synergies assume a successful integration and are based on projections, which are inherently uncertain, and other assumptions. Even if integration is successful, anticipated benefits and synergies may not be achieved.
Certain liabilities resulting from acquisitions are estimated and could lead to a material impact on earnings.
Through our acquisition activities, we may record liabilities for future contingent earnout payments that are to be settled in cash. The fair value of these liabilities is assessed on a quarterly basis and changes in assumptions used to determine the amount of the liability could lead to an adjustment that may have a material impact, favorable or unfavorable, on our results of operations.
Indebtedness Risks
Our substantial indebtedness may expose us to material risks.
As of December 31, 2020, we had $788.2 million of outstanding term loans under the 2019 Credit Agreement. In 2020, we repaid $163.8 million of the outstanding term loans under the 2019 Credit Agreement and subsequent to December 31, 2020, we repaid an additional $47.5 million. Our substantial indebtedness may make it more difficult for us to withstand or respond to adverse or changing business, regulatory and economic conditions or to take advantage of new business opportunities or make necessary capital expenditures. In addition, the 2019 Credit Agreement contains financial and operating covenants that may limit our ability to conduct our business. While we are currently in compliance in all material respects with the financial and operating covenants under the 2019 Credit Agreement, we cannot assure that at
all times in the future we will satisfy all such financial and operating covenants (or any such covenants applicable at the time) or obtain any required waiver or amendment, in which event all outstanding indebtedness could become immediately due and payable. This could result in a substantial reduction in our liquidity and could challenge our ability to meet future cash needs of the business.
To the extent we service our debt from our cash flow, such cash will not be available for our operations or other purposes. Because of our significant debt service obligations, the portion of our cash flow used to service those obligations could be substantial if our revenues decline, whether because of market declines or for other reasons. Any substantial decrease in net operating cash flows or any substantial increase in expenses could make it difficult for us to meet our debt service requirements or force us to modify our operations. Our ability to repay the principal amount of any outstanding loans under the 2019 Credit Agreement, to refinance our debt or to obtain additional financing through debt or the sale of additional equity securities will depend on our performance, as well as financial, business and other general economic factors affecting the credit and equity markets generally or our business in particular, many of which are beyond our control. Any such alternatives may not be available to us on satisfactory terms or at all.
2020 Debt Refinancing
On January 17, 2020, we entered into the First Amendment (the “First Amendment”) to the 2019 Credit Agreement with the other loan parties thereto, Barclays Bank PLC, as administrative agent, and the Royal Bank of Canada as fronting bank.
Pursuant to the First Amendment, the Company refinanced the existing term loans (the “2019 Term Loans”) with replacement term loans in an aggregate principal amount of $952.0 million (the “2020 Term Loans”). The 2020 Term Loans provide for substantially the same terms as the 2019 Term Loans, including the same maturity date of July 1, 2026, except that the 2020 Term Loans provide for a reduced applicable margin on LIBOR of 75 basis points. The applicable margin on LIBOR under the 2020 Term Loans is 2.50%, compared to 3.25% under the 2019 Term Loans.
2021 Debt Refinancing
Subsequent to December 31, 2020, we entered into the Second Amendment (the “Second Amendment”) to the 2019 Credit Agreement (as amended by the First Amendment to the Credit Agreement dated as of January 17, 2020, the “2020 Term Loans”) with the other loan parties thereto, Barclays Bank PLC, as administrative agent and collateral agent, the Royal Bank of Canada as fronting bank, and the lenders party thereto from time to time.
Pursuant to the Second Amendment, the Company refinanced the 2020 Term Loans with replacement term loans in an aggregate principal amount of $755.7 million (the “Repriced Term Loans”). The Repriced Term Loans provide for substantially the same terms as the Existing Term Loans, including the same maturity date of July 1, 2026, except that the Repriced Term Loans provide for a reduced applicable margin on LIBOR of 25 basis points. The applicable margin on LIBOR under the Repriced Term Loans is 2.25%, compared to 2.50% under the Existing Term Loans.
The phase out of LIBOR may have a negative impact on our funds and our debt obligations and may require significant operational work.
The Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”), which regulates the administrator of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) has announced that it will no longer compel panel banks to submit rates for LIBOR after year-end 2021. On November 30, 2020, the ICE Benchmark Association announced its intention to cease publication of two LIBOR rates and to delay the timeline for LIBOR rates with other maturities:
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The one-week and two-month U.S. dollar-denominated (“USD”) LIBOR rates will retire on December 31, 2021.
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The overnight, one-month, three-month, six-month and 12-month USD LIBOR rates will continue to be published through June 30, 2023.
The expected phase-out of LIBOR could negatively impact our net interest revenue and require significant operational work. Certain securities in our investment portfolio and the floating rate loans that our strategies may hold reference LIBOR as the benchmark rate to determine the applicable interest rate or payment amount. If LIBOR is discontinued
after 2021 and 2023 as expected, there will be uncertainty or differences in the calculation of the applicable interest rate or payment amount depending on the terms of the governing instruments and there will be significant work required to transition using the new benchmark rates and implement necessary changes to our systems. Regulators and industry working groups have suggested alternative reference rates, but global consensus is lacking. This could result in different financial performance for previously booked transactions and may impact our existing transaction data, products, systems, operations, and pricing processes. The transition away from LIBOR may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that are tied to LIBOR, reduced values of LIBOR-related investments, and reduced effectiveness of hedging strategies. The calculation of interest rates under the replacement benchmarks could also impact our net interest revenue. In addition, LIBOR may perform differently during the phase-out period than in the past which could result in lower interest payments and a reduction in the value of certain securities in our investment portfolio. While our 2019 Credit Agreement provides for a mechanism for determining an alternative interest rate following the phase-out of LIBOR, uncertainty regarding alternative rates may make borrowing under our 2019 Credit Agreement or refinancing more expensive or difficult to achieve on terms we consider favorable.
Capital Structure and Public Company Risks
A relatively large percentage of our common stock is concentrated with a small number of shareholders, which could increase the volatility in our stock trading and affect our share price.
A large percentage of our common stock is held by a limited number of shareholders. If our larger shareholders decide to liquidate their positions, it could cause significant fluctuation in the share price of our common stock. Public companies with a relatively concentrated level of institutional shareholders, such as we have, often have difficulty generating trading volume in their stock, which may increase the volatility in the price of our common stock.
The dual class structure of our common stock has the effect of concentrating voting control with those shareholders who hold our Class B common stock.
Our Class B common stock has ten votes per share and our Class A common stock has one vote per share. Our Employee Shareholders Committee, Crestview GP, Reverence Capital, our directors and executive officers and each of and their respective affiliates, hold in the aggregate 96.8% of the total voting power of our outstanding common stock and the unvested restricted stock as of December 31, 2020. Because of the ten-to-one voting ratio between our Class B common stock and Class A common stock, the holders of our Class B common stock collectively will continue to control a majority of the voting power of our common stock and therefore will be able to control all matters submitted to our shareholders for approval. Our Class B common stock will be converted into shares of Class A common stock, which conversion will occur automatically, in the case of each share of Class B common stock, upon transfers (subject to limited exceptions, such as certain transfers effected for estate planning purposes), a termination of employment by an employee shareholder or upon the date the number of shares of Class B common stock then outstanding (including unvested restricted shares) is less than 10% of the aggregate number of shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock then outstanding (including unvested restricted shares). We may issue additional shares of our Class B common stock in the future, including in connection with acquisitions or equity grants to employees.
The conversion of Class B common stock to Class A common stock will have the effect, over time, of increasing the relative voting power of those holders of Class B common stock who retain their shares in the long term, including the holders of newly issued shares of Class B common stock and the holders of Class B common stock subject to the Employee Shareholders’ Agreement, whose shares will be voted by the Employee Shareholders Committee.
Crestview GP controls us and its interests may conflict with ours or other shareholders’ in the future.
Crestview GP does not hold any of our Class A common stock, but beneficially owns 52.2% of our common stock through its beneficial ownership of our Class B common stock and 66.2% of the total voting power of our outstanding common stock and unvested restricted stock as of December 31, 2019. As a result, Crestview GP has the ability to elect a majority of the members of our board of directors and thereby control our policies and operations, including the appointment of management, future issuances of our common stock or other securities, the payment of dividends, if any, on our common stock (including the Class A common stock), the incurrence of debt by us, amendments to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, and the entering into of extraordinary
transactions. Crestview GP will also be able to determine the outcome of all matters requiring shareholder approval and will be able to cause or prevent a change in control of us or a change in the composition of our board of directors and could preclude any acquisition of us. This concentration of voting control could deprive other shareholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for shares of their Class A common stock as part of a sale of us and ultimately might affect the market price of our Class A common stock. Further, the interests of Crestview GP may not in all cases be aligned with other shareholders’ interests.
In addition, Crestview GP may have an interest in pursuing acquisitions, divestitures and other transactions that, in its judgment, could enhance its investment, even though such transactions might involve risks to other shareholders. For example, Crestview GP could cause us to make acquisitions that increase our indebtedness or cause us to sell revenue-generating assets. Crestview GP is in the business of making investments in companies and may from time to time acquire and hold interests in businesses that compete directly or indirectly with us. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that none of Crestview GP or Reverence Capital or any of their respective affiliates will have any duty to refrain from engaging, directly or indirectly, in the same business activities or similar business activities or lines of business in which we operate. Crestview GP or Reverence Capital also may pursue acquisition opportunities that may be complementary to our business, and, as a result, those acquisition opportunities may not be available to us, which could have an adverse effect on our growth prospects.
The market price of our Class A common stock is likely to be volatile and could decline.
The stock market in general has been highly volatile. As a result, the market price and trading volume for our Class A common stock may also be highly volatile, and investors in our Class A common stock may experience a decrease in the value of their shares, including decreases unrelated to our operating performance or prospects. Factors that could cause the market price of our Class A common stock to fluctuate significantly include:
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our operating and financial performance and prospects and the performance of other similar companies;
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our quarterly or annual earnings or those of other companies in our industry;
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conditions that impact demand for our products and services;
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the public’s reaction to our press releases, financial guidance and other public announcements, and filings with the SEC;
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changes in earnings estimates or recommendations by securities or research analysts who track our Class A common stock;
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market and industry perception of our level of success in pursuing our growth strategy;
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strategic actions by us or our competitors, such as acquisitions or restructurings;
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changes in government and other regulations; changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretations or principles;
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departure of key personnel;
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the number of shares publicly traded;
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investor scrutiny of our dual-class structure, including new rules adopted by certain index providers, such as S&P Dow Jones and FTSE Russell, that limit or preclude inclusion of companies with multiple-class capital structure in certain indices;
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sales of common stock by us, our investors or members of our management team; and
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changes in general market, economic and political conditions in the U.S. and global economies or financial markets, including those resulting from natural disasters, telecommunications failures, cyber-attacks, civil unrest in various parts of the world, acts of war, terrorist attacks or other catastrophic events.
Any of these factors may result in large and sudden changes in the trading volume and market price of our Class A common stock.
Following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, shareholders often file securities class-action lawsuits against such company. Our involvement in a class-action lawsuit could divert our senior management’s attention and, if adversely determined, could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Future sales of shares by shareholders could cause our stock price to decline.
Sales of substantial amounts of our Class A common stock in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur, could cause the market price of our Class A common stock to decline. As of February 28, 2021, 16,236,249 shares of our Class A common stock and 51,466,049 shares of our Class B common stock, which are convertible, at the option of the holder, into an equal number of shares of Class A common stock, are outstanding. Of these shares, all of the shares of Class A common stock is freely tradable without restriction under the Securities Act, unless purchased by our “affiliates,” as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. The 51,336,177 shares of our Class B common stock held by Crestview GP, Reverence Capital, our directors and officers and other existing shareholders, are “restricted securities” within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act. Restricted securities may be sold in the public market only if they are registered under the Securities Act or are sold pursuant to an exemption from registration under Rule 144 or Rule 701 under the Securities Act.
In the future, we may issue additional shares of common stock or other equity or debt securities convertible into common stock in connection with a financing, acquisition or employee arrangement, or in certain other circumstances. Any of these issuances could result in substantial dilution to our existing shareholders and could cause the trading price of our Class A common stock to decline.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish misleading or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our Class A common stock will depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. If there is no coverage of us by securities or industry analysts, the trading price for our shares could be negatively impacted. In the event we obtain securities or industry analyst coverage and if one or more of these analysts downgrades our shares or publishes misleading or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of us or fails to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our shares could decrease, which could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline.
We are an “emerging growth company,” and any decision on our part to comply with certain reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies could make our Class A common stock less attractive to investors.
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Start-ups Act, or the JOBS Act, enacted in April 2012, and, for as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we may choose to take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies, including, but not limited to, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation (including Chief Executive Officer pay ratio disclosure) in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. As an emerging growth company, we have elected to use the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. As a result, our consolidated financial statements may not be comparable to the financial statements of issuers who are required to comply with the effective dates for new or revised accounting standards that are applicable to public companies.
We may take advantage of these exemptions until such time that we are no longer an emerging growth company. Accordingly, the information contained herein may be different than the information provided by other public companies. We could remain an emerging growth company for up to five years, or until the earliest of (i) the last day of the first fiscal year in which our annual gross revenues are at least $1.07 billion, (ii) the date that we become a “large accelerated filer” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act, which would occur if, among other things, the market value of our common equity securities held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter, or (iii) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in nonconvertible debt securities during the preceding three-year period. The USAA Acquisition could accelerate the timing of when we cease to be an emerging growth company to a period shorter than the fifth anniversary of our IPO. Any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation, could harm our operating results or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. If we are unable to conclude that we have effective internal control over financial reporting, investors could lose confidence in the reliability of our financial statements. Any decision on our part to comply with certain reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies could make our Class A common stock less attractive to investors.”
We cannot predict whether investors will find our Class A common stock less attractive if we choose to rely on one or more of the exemptions described above. If investors find our Class A common stock less attractive as a result of any decisions to reduce future disclosure, there may be a less active trading market for our Class A common stock and our stock price may be more volatile.
The requirements of being a public company may strain our resources and distract our management, which could make it difficult to manage our business, particularly after we are no longer an “emerging growth company.”
Prior to February 2018, we operated as a private company and had not been subject to the same financial and other reporting and corporate governance requirements of a public company. As a public company, we are now required to file annual, quarterly and other reports with the SEC. We need to prepare and timely file financial statements that comply with SEC reporting requirements. We also are subject to other reporting and corporate governance requirements under the listing standards of NASDAQ and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which impose significant compliance costs and obligations upon us. Being a public company requires a significant commitment of additional resources and management oversight, which add to operating costs. These changes place significant additional demands on our finance and accounting staff, which may not have prior public company experience or experience working for a newly public company, and on our financial accounting and information systems, and we may need to, in the future, hire additional accounting and financial staff with appropriate public company reporting experience and technical accounting knowledge. Other expenses associated with being a public company include increases in auditing, accounting and legal fees and expenses, investor relations expenses, increased directors’ fees and director and officer liability insurance costs, registrar and transfer agent fees and listing fees, as well as other expenses. As a public company, we are required, among other things, to:
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prepare and file periodic reports, and distribute other shareholder communications, in compliance with the federal securities laws and the NASDAQ rules;
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define and expand the roles and the duties of our board of directors and its committees;
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institute more comprehensive compliance, investor relations and internal audit functions; and
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evaluate and maintain our system of internal control over financial reporting, and report on management’s assessment thereof, in compliance with rules and regulations of the SEC.
In particular, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires us to document and test the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting in accordance with an established internal control framework, and to report on our conclusions as to the effectiveness of our internal controls. Currently we choose to utilize the exemption pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act for “emerging growth companies” whereby our independent registered public accounting firm is not required to provide an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. As described in the previous risk factor, we could potentially qualify as an emerging growth company until December 31, 2023. In addition, we are required under the Exchange Act to maintain disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. Any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their
implementation, could harm our operating results or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. If we are unable to conclude that we have effective internal control over financial reporting, investors could lose confidence in the reliability of our financial statements. This could result in a decrease in the value of our Class A common stock. Failure to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act could potentially subject us to sanctions or investigations by the SEC or other regulatory authorities.
Failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and stock price.
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related SEC rules require that we perform an annual management assessment of the design and effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Our assessment concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2020; however, there can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting, as such standards are modified, supplemented or amended from time to time in future periods. Accordingly, we cannot assure that we will be able to conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Moreover, effective internal control is necessary for us to produce reliable financial reports and is important to help prevent financial fraud. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, our business and operating results could be harmed, investors could lose confidence in our reported financial information, and the trading price of our Class A common stock could drop significantly.
Our ability to pay regular dividends is subject to our Board’s discretion and Delaware law.
We intend to pay dividends to holders of our Class A common stock as described in “Dividend Policy.” Our board of directors may, in its sole discretion, change the amount or frequency of dividends or discontinue the payment of dividends entirely. In making decisions regarding our quarterly dividends, we consider general economic and business conditions, our strategic plans and prospects, our businesses and investment opportunities, our financial condition and operating results, working capital requirements and anticipated cash needs, contractual restrictions (including under the terms of our Second Amendment to the 2019 Credit Agreement) and legal, tax, regulatory and such other factors as we may deem relevant.
Future offerings of debt or equity securities may rank senior to our Class A common stock.
If we decide to issue debt securities in the future, which would rank senior to shares of our common stock, it is likely that they will be governed by an indenture or other instrument containing covenants restricting our operating flexibility. We and, indirectly, our shareholders will bear the cost of issuing and servicing such securities. We may also issue preferred equity, which will have superior rights relative to our common stock, including with respect to voting and liquidation.
Furthermore, if our future access to public markets is limited or our performance decreases, we may need to carry out a private placement or public offering of our Class A common stock at a lower price than the price at which investors purchased their shares.
Because our decision to issue debt, preferred or other equity or equity-linked securities in any future offering will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of our future offerings. Thus, holders of our Class A common stock will bear the risk of our future offerings reducing the market price of our Class A common stock and diluting the value of their shareholdings in us.
We are a “controlled company” within the meaning of the rules of NASDAQ, and, as a result, we will qualify for, and intend to rely on, exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements.
Crestview GP controls a majority of the voting power of our common stock. As a result, we are a “controlled company” under NASDAQ’s corporate governance listing standards. As a controlled company, we are exempt from the obligation to comply with certain corporate governance requirements, including the requirements:
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that a majority of our board of directors consist of independent directors, as defined under the rules of NASDAQ;
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that we have a corporate governance and nominating committee that is composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities; and
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that we have a compensation committee that is composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities.
We do not intend to take advantage of these exemptions once Crestview GP no longer controls a majority of our voting power. These exemptions do not modify the independence requirements for our audit committee.
Provisions in our charter documents could discourage a takeover that shareholders may consider favorable.
Certain provisions in our governing documents could make a merger, tender offer or proxy contest involving us difficult, even if such events would be beneficial to the interests of our shareholders. Among other things, these provisions:
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permit our board of directors to establish the number of directors and fill any vacancies and newly created directorships;
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authorize the issuance of “blank check” preferred stock that our board of directors could use to implement a shareholder rights plan;
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provide that our board of directors is expressly authorized to amend or repeal any provision of our bylaws;
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restrict the forum for certain litigation against us to Delaware;
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establish advance notice requirements for nominations for election to our board of directors or for proposing matters that can be acted upon by shareholders at annual shareholder meetings;
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provide for a dual-class common stock structure pursuant to which holders of our Class B common stock will have ten votes per share compared to the one vote per share of our Class A common stock and thereby will have the ability to control the outcome of matters requiring shareholder approval;
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establish a classified board of directors with three classes of directors and the removal of directors only for cause;
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require that actions to be taken by our shareholders be taken only at an annual or special meeting of our shareholders, and not by written consent, once Crestview GP owns 50% or less of the voting power of our outstanding capital stock;
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establish certain limitations on convening special shareholder meetings; and
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restrict business combinations with interested shareholders.
These provisions may delay or prevent attempts by our shareholders to replace members of our management by making it more difficult for shareholders to replace members of our board of directors, which is responsible for appointing the members of our management. Anti-takeover provisions could depress the price of our Class A common stock by acting to delay or prevent a change in control of us.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the exclusive forum for substantially all disputes between us and our shareholders, which could limit our shareholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the exclusive forum for any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, any action asserting a breach of fiduciary duty, any action asserting a claim against us arising pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our amended and restated bylaws or any action asserting a claim against us that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. This choice of forum provision may limit a shareholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees and may discourage these types of lawsuits.
Legal and Regulatory Risks
As an investment management firm, we are subject to extensive regulation.
Investment management firms are subject to extensive regulation in the United States, primarily at the federal level, including regulation by the SEC under the 1940 Act and the Advisers Act, by the U.S. Department of Labor, or the DOL, under ERISA, by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or the CFTC, by the National Futures Association, or NFA, under the Commodity Exchange Act, and by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., or FINRA. The U.S. mutual funds and ETFs we manage are registered with and regulated by the SEC as investment companies under the 1940 Act. The Advisers Act imposes numerous obligations on investment advisers, including recordkeeping, advertising, compliance and operating requirements, disclosure obligations and prohibitions on fraudulent activities. The 1940 Act imposes similar obligations, as well as additional detailed operational requirements, on registered funds, which must be adhered to by their investment advisers. Investment advisers also are subject to certain state securities laws and regulations. Non compliance with the Advisers Act, the 1940 Act or other federal and state securities laws and regulations could result in investigations, sanctions, disgorgement, fines and reputational damange.
Trading and investment activities conducted by the investment adviser for its client accounts are regulated under the Exchange Act, as well as the rules of various securities exchanges and self-regulatory organizations, including laws governing trading on inside information, market manipulation and a broad number of technical requirements (e.g., short sale limits, volume limitations and reporting obligations) and market regulation policies. Violation of any of these laws and regulations could result in fines or sanctions, as well as restrictions on the investment management firm’s activities and damage to its reputation.
Certain client accounts subject the investment adviser to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and to regulations promulgated thereunder by the DOL, since we act as a “fiduciary” under ERISA with respect to benefit plan clients that are subject to ERISA. ERISA and applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code impose certain duties on persons who are fiduciaries under ERISA, require the investment adviser to carry bonds insuring against losses caused by fraud or dishonesty, prohibit certain transactions involving ERISA plan clients and impose excise taxes for violations of these prohibitions, and mandate certain required periodic reporting and disclosures. ERISA also imposes additional compliance, reporting and operational requirements on investment advisers that otherwise are not applicable to clients that are not subject to ERISA.
We have also expanded our distribution effort into non-U.S. markets through partnered distribution efforts and product offerings, including Australia, Europe, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong. In the future, we may further expand our business outside of the United States in such a way or to such an extent that we may be required to register with additional foreign regulatory agencies or otherwise comply with additional non-U.S. laws and regulations that do not currently apply to us and with respect to which we do not have compliance experience. Our lack of experience in complying with any such non-U.S. laws and regulations may increase our risk of being subject to regulatory actions and becoming party to litigation in such non-U.S. jurisdictions, which could be more expensive. Moreover, being subject to regulation in multiple jurisdictions may increase the cost, complexity and time required for engaging in transactions that require regulatory approval.
Accordingly, we face the risk of significant intervention by regulatory authorities, including extended investigation and surveillance activity, adoption of costly or restrictive new regulations and judicial or administrative proceedings that may result in substantial penalties. Among other things, we could be fined, lose our licenses or be prohibited or limited from engaging in some of our business activities or corporate transactions. The requirements imposed by our regulators are designed to ensure the integrity of the financial markets and to protect clients and other third parties who deal with us, and are not designed to protect our shareholders. Consequently, these regulations often serve to limit our activities, including through net capital, client protection and market conduct requirements.
The regulatory environment in which we operate is subject to continual change and regulatory developments designed to increase oversight may materially adversely affect our business.
We operate in a legislative and regulatory environment that is subject to continual change, the nature of which we cannot predict. We may be adversely affected as a result of new or revised legislation or regulations imposed by the SEC, other U.S. or non-U.S. governmental regulatory authorities or self-regulatory organizations that supervise the financial markets. The SEC and its staff are currently engaged in various initiatives and reviews that seek to improve and modernize the regulatory structure governing the asset management industry, and registered investment companies in particular. In so doing, it has adopted rules that include (i) new monthly and annual reporting requirements for certain U.S. registered funds; (ii) enhanced reporting regimes for investment advisers; and (iii) implementing liquidity risk management programs for ETFs and open-end funds. In addition, more recently the SEC has also adopted the following rules, many of which are currently in an implementation period, which will increase our public reporting and disclosure requirements, which could be costly and may impede the Company’s growth.
Standards of Conduct Rulemaking: In June 2019, the SEC adopted a package of rulemakings and interpretations, including Regulation Best Interest and the new Form CRS Relationship Summary (“Form CRS”) which are intended to improve the retail investor experience and provide greater clarity and transparency regarding retail investors’ relationships with broker-dealers and investment advisers. Regulation Best Interest enhances the broker-dealer standard of conduct beyond existing suitability obligations and requires compliance with disclosure, care, conflict of interest and compliance obligations. Form CRS requires broker-dealers and registered investment advisers to provide a brief relationship summary to retail investors, including (i) the types of client and customer relationships and services we offer, (ii) the fees, costs, conflicts of interest and required standard of conduct associated with those relationships and services, (iii) whether we and any of our financial professionals currently have reportable legal or disciplinary history; and (iv) how to obtain additional information. The rulemakings and interpretations could increase Victory’s disclosure obligations, impact distribution arrangements and create compliance and operational challenges for Victory’s distribution partners. The Department of Labor has also indicated it intends to propose a standards of conduct rule in 2020.
SEC Guidance on Proxy Voting Responsibilities of Investment Advisors: In August 2019, the SEC published guidance to assist investment advisers with their proxy voting responsibilities under the Advisers Act. The guidance confirmed that investment advisers’ fiduciary duties of care and loyalty to their clients apply to proxy voting and encouraged advisors with voting authority to review their policies and procedures in detail and consider whether more analysis may be required under certain circumstances, including when a proxy advisory firm’s services are retained. This guidance could impact voting arrangements between Victory and its clients, and lead to additional compliance, operational and disclosure obligations for Victory.
SEC ETF Rule: In September 2019, the SEC adopted rule 6c-11 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 known as the “ETF Rule”. The ETF Rule will allow ETFs that satisfy certain conditions to operate without first obtaining individual exemptive relief from the SEC. The ETF Rule is designed to create a clear and consistent regulatory framework for most ETFs operating today and will impact all ETFs registered under the Investment Company Act The ETF Rule and related form amendments became effective in December 2019. The form amendments will have a transition period of one year following the effective date. In addition, the ETF Rule rescinds, one year after its effective date, the existing exemptive relief for all eligible ETFs.
SEC Derivatives Rule for US Registered Funds: In November 2019, the SEC proposed a rule designed to enhance the regulation of the use of derivatives by registered investment companies, including mutual funds (other than money market funds), ETFs and closed-end funds, as well as business development companies. The proposed rule would permit such funds to use derivatives, such as forwards, futures, swaps and written options, that create future payment obligations, provided that the funds comply with certain conditions including adopting a derivatives risk management
program and complying with a limit on the amount of leverage-related risk that a fund may obtain, based on value-at-risk. If adopted without change, the proposed rule would increase disclosure and compliance obligations and may impact certain funds’ usage of derivatives in their investment strategy.
Consumer Privacy Protection Laws: In July 2020, certain business activities in California that involve the processing of personal information became subject to the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”), which provides for enhanced consumer protections for California residents. The CCPA imposes obligations on the firm for the handling, disclosure and deletion of personal information for California residents. Any failure by the firm to comply with the CCPA may result in fines, heightened regulatory scrutiny and/or reputational harm.
The requirements imposed by our regulators (including both U.S. and non-U.S. regulators) are designed to ensure the integrity of the financial markets and to protect clients and other third parties who deal with us, and are not designed to protect our shareholders. Consequently, these regulations often serve to limit our activities and/or increase our costs, including through client protection and market conduct requirements. New laws or regulations, or changes in the enforcement of existing laws or regulations, applicable to us and our clients may adversely affect our business. Our ability to function in this environment will depend on our ability to constantly monitor and promptly react to legislative and regulatory changes. There have been a number of highly publicized regulatory inquiries that have focused on the investment management industry. These inquiries already have resulted in increased scrutiny of the industry and new rules and regulations for mutual funds and investment managers. This regulatory scrutiny may limit our ability to engage in certain activities that might be beneficial to our shareholders.
We also may be adversely affected by changes in the interpretation or enforcement of existing laws and rules by these governmental authorities and self-regulatory organizations, as well as by courts. It is impossible to determine the extent of the impact of any new U.S. or non-U.S. laws, regulations or initiatives that may be proposed, or whether any of the proposals will become law. Compliance with any new laws or regulations could be more difficult and expensive and affect the manner in which we conduct business.
Industry Risks
Recent trends in the investment management industry could reduce our AUM, revenues and net income.
Certain passive products and asset classes, such as index and certain types of ETFs, are becoming increasingly popular with investors, including institutional investors. In recent years, across the investment management industry, passive products have experienced inflows and traditional actively managed products have experienced outflows, in each case, in the aggregate. In order to maintain appropriate fee levels in a competitive environment, we must be able to continue to provide clients with investment products and services that are viewed as appropriate in relation to the fees charged, which may require us to demonstrate that our strategies can outperform such passive products. If our clients, including our funds’ boards, were to view our fees as being high relative to the market or the returns provided by our investment products, we may choose to reduce our fee levels or existing clients may withdraw their assets in order to invest in passive products, and we may be unable to attract additional commitments from existing and new clients, which would lead to a decline in our AUM and market share. To the extent we offer such passive products, we may not be able to compete with other firms offering similar products.
Our revenues and net income are dependent on our ability to maintain current fee levels for the products and services we offer. The competitive nature of the investment management industry has led to a trend toward lower fees in certain segments of the investment management market. Our ability to sustain fee levels depends on future growth in specific asset classes and distribution channels. These factors, as well as regulatory changes, could further inhibit our ability to sustain fees for certain products. A reduction in the fees charged by us could reduce our revenues and net income.
Our fees vary by asset class and produce different revenues per dollar of AUM based on factors such as the type of assets being managed, the applicable strategy, the type of client and the client fee schedule. Institutional clients may have significant negotiating leverage in establishing the terms of an advisory relationship, particularly with respect to the level of fees paid, and the competitive pressure to attract and retain institutional clients may impact the level of fee income earned by us. We may decline to manage assets from potential clients who demand lower fees even though such assets would increase our revenue and AUM in the short term.
The investment management industry is intensely competitive.
The investment management industry is intensely competitive, with competition based on a variety of factors, including investment performance, fees, continuity of investment professionals and client relationships, the quality of services provided to clients, corporate positioning and business reputation, continuity of selling arrangements with intermediaries and differentiated products. A number of factors, including the following, serve to increase our competitive risks:
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a number of our competitors have greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources, more comprehensive name recognition and more personnel than we do;
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potential competitors have a relatively low cost of entering the investment management industry;
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certain investors may prefer to invest with an investment manager that is not publicly traded based on the perception that a publicly traded asset manager may focus on the manager’s own growth to the detriment of investment performance for clients;
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other industry participants, hedge funds and alternative asset managers may seek to recruit our investment professionals; and
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certain competitors charge lower fees for their investment management services than we do.
Additionally, intermediaries through which we distribute our funds may also sell their own proprietary funds and investment products, which could limit the distribution of our strategies. If we are unable to compete effectively, our earnings could be reduced and our business could be materially adversely affected.
Third Party Risks
We depend primarily on third parties to market and sell our products.
Our ability to attract additional assets to manage is highly dependent on our access to third-party intermediaries. We gain access to investors in the Victory Funds, USAA Funds and VictoryShares primarily through consultants, 401(k) platforms, broker-dealers, financial advisors and mutual fund platforms through which shares of the funds are sold. We have relationships with certain third-party intermediaries through which we access clients in multiple distribution channels.
We compensate most of the intermediaries through which we gain access to investors in the Victory Funds and VictoryShares by paying fees, most of which are a percentage of assets invested in the Victory Funds and VictoryShares through that intermediary and with respect to which that intermediary provides shareholder and administrative services. The allocation of such fees between us and the Victory Funds and VictoryShares is determined by the board of the Victory Funds and VictoryShares and the board of the USAA Funds, based on information and a recommendation from us, with the intent of allocating to us all costs attributable to marketing and distribution of (i) shares of the Victory Funds and USAA Funds not otherwise covered by distribution fees paid pursuant to a distribution and service plan adopted in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act and (ii) VictoryShares.
In the future, our expenses in connection with those intermediary relationships could increase if the portion of those fees determined to be in connection with marketing and distribution, or otherwise allocated to us, increased. Clients of these intermediaries may not continue to be accessible to us on terms we consider commercially reasonable, or at all. The absence of such access could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
We access institutional clients primarily through consultants. Our institutional business is dependent upon referrals from consultants. Many of these consultants review and evaluate our products and our firm from time to time. As of December 31, 2020, 34% of our institutional separate and CTF accounts AUM was acquired through consultants. Poor reviews or evaluations of either a particular strategy or us as an investment management firm may result in client withdrawals or may impair our ability to attract new assets through these consultants.
We rely on third parties to provide products or services for the operation of our business, and a failure or inability by such parties to provide these products or services could materially adversely affect our business.
We have determined, based on an evaluation of various factors, that it is more efficient to use third parties for certain functions and services. As a result, we have contracted with a limited number of third parties to provide critical operational support, such as middle- and back-office functions, information technology services and various fund administration and accounting roles, and the funds contract with third parties in custody, transfer agent and sub transfer agent roles. Our third parties with which we do business may also be sources of cybersecurity or other technological risks. While we engage in certain actions to reduce the exposure, such as collaborating to develop secure transmission capabilities, performing onsite security control assessments and limiting third party access to the least privileged level necessary to perform job functions, our business would be disrupted if key service providers fail or become unable to continue to perform those services or fail to protect against or respond to cyber-attacks, data breaches or other incidents. Moreover, to the extent our third-party providers increase their pricing, our financial performance will be negatively impacted. In addition, upon termination of a third-party contract, we may encounter difficulties in replacing the third-party on favorable terms, transitioning services to another vendor, or in assuming those responsibilities ourselves, which may have a material adverse effect on our business.
Operational and Cybersecurity Risks
Operational risks may disrupt our business, result in losses or limit our growth.
We are heavily dependent on the capacity and reliability of the communications, information and technology systems supporting our operations, whether developed, owned and operated by us or by third parties. We also rely on manual workflows and a variety of manual user controls. Operational risks such as trading or other operational errors or interruption of our financial, accounting, trading, compliance and other data processing systems, whether caused by human error, fire, other natural disaster or pandemic, power or telecommunications failure, cyber-attack or viruses, act of terrorism or war or otherwise, could result in a disruption of our business, liability to clients, regulatory intervention or reputational damage, and thus materially adversely affect our business. The potential for some types of operational risks, including, for example, trading errors, may be increased in periods of increased volatility, which can magnify the cost of an error. Insurance and other safeguards might not be available or might only partially reimburse us for our losses.
Although we have backup systems in place, our backup procedures and capabilities in the event of a failure or interruption may not be adequate. As our client base, number and complexity of strategies and client relationships increase, developing and maintaining our operational systems and infrastructure may become increasingly challenging. We may also suffer losses due to employee negligence, fraud or misconduct. Non-compliance with policies, employee misconduct, negligence or fraud could result in legal liability, regulatory sanctions and serious reputational or financial harm. In recent years, a number of multinational financial institutions have suffered material losses due to the actions of “rogue traders” or other employees. It is not always possible to deter or detect employee misconduct and the precautions we take to prevent and detect this activity may not always be effective. Employee misconduct could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Failure to implement effective information and cyber security policies, procedures and capabilities could disrupt operations and cause financial losses.
We electronically receive, process, store and transmit sensitive information of our clients including personal data, such as without limitation names and addresses, social security numbers, driver's license numbers, such information is necessary to support our clients’ investment transactions. The uninterrupted operation of our information systems, as well as the confidentiality of the customer information that resides on such systems, is critical to our successful operation. Bad actors may attempt to harm us by gaining access to confidential or proprietary client information, often with the intent of stealing from or defrauding us or our clients. In some cases, they seek to disrupt our ability to conduct our business, including by destroying information maintained by us. For that reason, cybersecurity is one of the principal operational risks we face as a provider of financial services and our operations rely on the effectiveness of our information and cyber security policies, procedures and capabilities to provide secure processing, storage and transmission of confidential and other information in our computer systems, software, networks and mobile devices and on the computer systems, software, networks and mobile devices of third parties on which we rely. Although we maintain a system of internal controls designed to provide reasonable assurance that fraudulent activity is either prevented or detected on a timely basis and we take other protective measures and endeavor to modify them as circumstances warrant, our computer systems, software, networks and mobile devices may be vulnerable to cyber-attacks, sabotage, unauthorized access, computer viruses, worms or other malicious code, and other events that have a security impact. In addition, our interconnectivity with service providers and other third parties may be adversely affected if any of them are subject to a successful cyber-attack or other information security event. While we collaborate with service providers and other third parties to develop secure transmission capabilities and other measures to protect against cyber-attacks, we cannot ensure that we or any third party has all appropriate controls in place to protect the confidentiality of such information.
An externally caused information security incident, such as a hacker attack, virus or worm, or an internally caused issue, such as failure to control access to sensitive systems, could materially interrupt business operations or cause disclosure or modification of sensitive or confidential client or competitive information and could result in material financial loss, loss of competitive position, regulatory actions, breach of clients contracts, reputational harm or legal liability. If one or more of such events occur, it could potentially jeopardize our or our clients’, employees’ or counterparties’ confidential and other information processed and stored in, and transmitted through, our or third-party computer systems, software, networks and mobile devices, or otherwise cause interruptions or malfunctions in our, our clients’, our counterparties’ or third parties’ operations. As a result, we could experience material financial loss, loss of competitive position, regulatory fines and/or sanctions, breach of client contracts, reputational harm or legal liability, which, in turn, could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
As a provider of financial services, we are bound by the disclosure limitations and if we fail to comply with these regulations and industry security requirements, we could be exposed to damages from legal actions from clients, governmental proceedings, governmental notice requirements, and the imposition of fines or prohibitions on the services we provide. Additionally, some of our client contracts require us to indemnify clients in the event of a cyber breach if our systems do not meet minimum security standards. We may be required to spend significant additional resources to modify our protective measures or to investigate and remediate vulnerabilities or other exposures, and we may be subject to litigation and financial losses that are either not insured against fully or not fully covered through any insurance that we maintain.
Further, recent well-publicized security breaches at other companies have led to enhanced government and regulatory scrutiny of the measures taken by companies to protect against cyber-attacks and data privacy breaches, and have resulted in heightened security requirements, including additional regulatory expectations for oversight of vendors and service providers. For example, in May 2018, the European Union’s new General Data Protection Regulation became effective, and similar regulations are also being considered in other jurisdictions. If more restrictive privacy laws, rules or industry security requirements are adopted in the future on the Federal or State level, or by a specific industry body, they could have an adverse impact on us through increased costs or business restrictions.
Any inability to prevent security or privacy breaches, or the perception that such breaches may occur, could cause our existing clients to lose confidence in our systems and terminate their agreements with us, inhibit our ability to attract new clients, result in increasing regulation, or bring about other adverse consequences from the government agencies that regulate our business.
Disruption to the operations of third parties whose functions are integral to our ETF platform may adversely affect the prices at which VictoryShares trade, particularly during periods of market volatility.
Shares of ETFs, such as VictoryShares, trade on stock exchanges at prices at, above or below the ETF’s most recent net asset value. While ETFs utilize a creation/redemption feature and arbitrage mechanism designed to make it more likely that the ETF’s shares normally will trade at prices close to the ETF’s net asset value, exchange prices may deviate significantly from the ETF’s net asset value. ETF market prices are subject to numerous potential risks, including trading halts invoked by a stock exchange, inability or unwillingness of market makers, authorized participants, settlement systems or other market participants to perform functions necessary for an ETF’s arbitrage mechanism to function effectively, or significant market volatility. If market events lead to incidences where ETFs trade at prices that deviate significantly from an ETF’s net asset value, or trading halts are invoked by the relevant stock exchange or market, investors may lose confidence in ETF products and redeem their holdings, which may cause our AUM, revenue and earnings to decline.
General Risks
Reputational harm could result in a loss of AUM and revenues.
The integrity of our brands and reputation is critical to our ability to attract and retain clients, business partners and employees and maintain relationships with consultants. We operate within the highly regulated financial services industry and various potential scenarios could result in harm to our reputation. They include internal operational failures, failure to follow investment or legal guidelines in the management of accounts, intentional or unintentional misrepresentation of our products and services in offering or advertising materials, public relations information, litigation (whether substantiated or not), social media or other external communications, employee misconduct or investments in businesses or industries that are controversial to certain special interest groups. Any real or perceived conflict between our and our shareholders’ interests and our clients’ interests, as well as any fraudulent activity or other exposure of client assets or information, may harm our reputation. The negative publicity associated with any of these factors could harm our reputation and adversely impact relationships with existing and potential clients, third-party distributors, consultants and other business partners and subject us to regulatory sanctions or litigation. Damage to our brands or reputation could negatively impact our standing in the industry and result in loss of business in both the short term and the long term.
Additionally, while we have ultimate control over the business activities of our Franchises, they generally have the autonomy to manage their day-to-day operations, and if we fail to intervene in potentially serious matters that may arise, our reputation could be damaged and our results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
If our techniques for managing risk are ineffective, we may be exposed to material unanticipated losses.
In order to manage the significant risks inherent in our business, we must maintain effective policies, procedures and systems that enable us to identify, monitor and mitigate our exposure to operational, legal and reputational risks, including from the investment autonomy of our Franchises. Our risk management methods may prove to be ineffective due to their design or implementation, or as a result of the lack of adequate, accurate or timely information or otherwise. If our risk management efforts are ineffective, we could suffer losses that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or operating results. Additionally, we could be subject to litigation, particularly from our clients or investors, and sanctions or fines from regulators.
Our techniques for managing operational, legal and reputational risks in client portfolios may not fully mitigate the risk exposure in all economic or market environments, including exposure to risks that we might fail to identify or anticipate. Because our clients invest in our strategies in order to gain exposure to the portfolio securities of the respective strategies, we have not adopted corporate-level risk management policies to manage market, interest rate or exchange rate risks that could affect the value of our overall AUM.
Certain of our strategies invest principally in the securities of non-U.S. companies, which involve foreign currency exchange, tax, political, social and economic uncertainties and risks.
As of December 31, 2020, approximately 9% of our total AUM was invested in strategies that primarily invest in securities of non-U.S. companies and securities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could negatively affect the returns of our clients who are invested in these securities. In addition, an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to non-U.S. currencies is likely to result in a decrease in the U.S. dollar value of our AUM, which, in turn, would likely result in lower revenue and profits.
Investments in non-U.S. issuers may also be affected by tax positions taken in countries or regions in which we are invested as well as political, social and economic uncertainty. Declining tax revenues may cause governments to assert their ability to tax the local gains and/or income of foreign investors (including our clients), which could adversely affect client interests in investing outside their home markets. Many financial markets are not as developed, or as efficient, as the U.S. financial markets, and, as a result, those markets may have limited liquidity and higher price volatility and may lack established regulations. Liquidity may also be adversely affected by political or economic events, government policies, and social or civil unrest within a particular country, and our ability to dispose of an investment may also be adversely affected if we increase the size of our investments in smaller non-U.S. issuers. Non-U.S. legal and regulatory environments, including financial accounting standards and practices, may also be different, and there may be less publicly available information about such companies. These risks could adversely affect the performance of our strategies that are invested in securities of non-U.S. issuers and may be particularly acute in the emerging or less developed markets in which we invest. In addition to our Trivalent and Sophus Franchises, certain of our other Franchises and Solutions Platform invest in emerging or less developed markets.
The expansion of our business outside of the United States raises tax and regulatory risks, may adversely affect our profit margins and places additional demands on our resources and employees.
We have expanded and intend to continue to expand our distribution efforts into non-U.S. markets through partnered distribution efforts and product offerings, including Europe, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia. For example, we organized and serve as investment manager of Irish-domiciled UCIT fund. Clients outside the United States may be adversely affected by political, social and economic uncertainty in their respective home countries and regions, which could result in a decrease in the net client cash flows that come from such clients. This expansion has required and will continue to require us to incur a number of up-front expenses, including those associated with obtaining and maintaining regulatory approvals and office space, as well as additional ongoing expenses, including those associated with leases, the employment of additional support staff and regulatory compliance.
Non-U.S. clients may be less accepting of the U.S. practice of payment for certain research products and services through soft dollars (“soft dollars” are a means of paying brokerage firms for their services through commission revenue, rather than through direct payments) or such practices may not be permissible in certain jurisdictions, which could have the effect of increasing our expenses. In addition, the European Commission adopted several acts under the revised Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (known as “MiFID II”) that prevent the “bundling” of the cost of research together with trading commissions. As a result, clients subject to MiFID II may be unable to use soft dollars to pay for research services in the United Kingdom and in Europe.
Our U.S.-based employees routinely travel outside the United States as a part of our investment research process or to market our services and may spend extended periods of time in one or more non-U.S. jurisdictions. Their activities outside the United States on our behalf may raise both tax and regulatory issues. If and to the extent we are incorrect in our analysis of the applicability or impact of non-U.S. tax or regulatory requirements, we could incur costs or penalties or be the subject of an enforcement or other action. Operating our business in non-U.S. markets is generally more expensive than in the United States. In addition, costs related to our distribution and marketing efforts in non-U.S. markets generally have been more expensive than comparable costs in the United States. To the extent that our revenues do not increase to the same degree as our expenses increase in connection with our continuing expansion outside the United States, our profitability could be adversely affected. Expanding our business into non-U.S. markets may also place significant demands on our existing infrastructure and employees.
We are also subject to a number of laws and regulations governing payments and contributions to political persons or other third parties, including restrictions imposed by the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”), as well as trade sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of State. Similar laws in non-U.S. jurisdictions may also impose stricter or more onerous requirements and implementing them may disrupt our business or cause us to incur significantly more costs to comply with those laws. Different laws may also contain conflicting provisions, making compliance with all laws more difficult. Any determination that we have violated the FCPA or other applicable anti-corruption laws or sanctions could subject us to, among other things, civil and criminal penalties, material fines, profit disgorgement, injunctions on future conduct, securities litigation and a general loss of investor confidence, any one of which could adversely affect our business prospects, financial condition, or results of operations. While we have developed and implemented policies and procedures designed to ensure strict compliance by us and our personnel with the FCPA and other anti-corruption laws or sanctions in jurisdictions in which we operate, such policies and procedures may not be effective in all instances to prevent violations.
On June 23, 2016, the United Kingdom (“UK”) held a referendum in which voters approved an exit from the EU, commonly referred to as "Brexit". The UK’s withdrawal from the EU occurred on January 31, 2020, and the UK remained in the EU’s customs union and single market until December 31, 2020 (the “Transition Period”). The UK and the EU agreed a Trade and Cooperation Agreement on December 24, 2020 (the “TCA”), which is intended to be operative from the end of the Transition Period. The TCA was ratified by the UK on December 30, 2020 and is expected to come into full force in February 2021 once relevant EU institutions have also ratified the TCA. Until then, the TCA governs the UK's relationship with the EU on an interim basis. While the TCA regulates a number of important areas, significant parts of the UK economy are not addressed in detail by the TCA, including in particular the services sector, which represents the largest component of the UK’s economy. A number of issues, particularly in relation to the financial services sector, remain to be resolved through further bilateral negotiations, which are currently expected to begin in the early part of 2021. Although we do not currently expect Brexit to have a major impact on our business, the new relationship between the UK and the EU could in the short-term, and possibly for longer, cause disruptions to and
create uncertainty in the UK and European economies and any negative impact to overall investor confidence or instability in the global macroeconomic environment could have an adverse economic impact on our results of operations.
Failure to properly address conflicts of interest could harm our reputation, business and results of operations.
As we have expanded the scope of our businesses and our client base, we must continue to address conflicts between our interests and those of our clients. In addition, the SEC and other regulators have increased their scrutiny of potential conflicts of interest. We have procedures and controls that are reasonably designed to address these issues. However, appropriately dealing with conflicts of interest is complex and difficult and if we fail, or appear to fail, to deal appropriately with conflicts of interest, we could face reputational damage, litigation or regulatory proceedings or penalties, any of which may adversely affect our revenues or net income.
Insurance may not be available on a cost-effective basis to protect us from liability.
We face the inherent risk of liability related to litigation from clients, third-party vendors or others and actions taken by regulatory agencies. To help protect against these potential liabilities, we purchase insurance in amounts, and against risks, that we consider appropriate, where such insurance is available at prices, we deem acceptable. There can be no assurance, however, that a claim or claims will be covered by insurance or, if covered, will not exceed the limits of available insurance coverage, that any insurer will remain solvent and will meet its obligations to provide us with coverage or that insurance coverage will continue to be available with sufficient limits at a reasonable cost. Insurance costs are impacted by market conditions and the risk profile of the insured and may increase significantly over relatively short periods. In addition, certain insurance coverage may not be available or may only be available at prohibitive costs. Renewals of insurance policies may expose us to additional costs through higher premiums or the assumption of higher deductibles or co-insurance liability.

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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.
The Company leases its principal executive offices, which are located in San Antonio, TX. In the United States, the Company also leases office space in Brooklyn, OH; Birmingham, MI; Boston, MA; Rocky River, OH; Cincinnati, OH; Denver, CO; Des Moines, IA; and San Francisco, CA. Outside the United States, the Company leases office space in Singapore and Hong Kong. The Company believes its existing facilities are adequate to meet its current and future business requirements.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings.
From time to time, the Company may be subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business. The Company is not currently a party to any material legal proceedings.

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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 Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Shares of the Company’s Class A common stock are listed and trade on NASDAQ under the symbol “VCTR”. As of December 31, 2020, there were approximately 2,000 beneficial shareholders of the Company’s Class A common stock and 226 beneficial shareholders of the Company’s Class B common stock.
Performance Graph
The following graph shows a comparison from February 8, 2018 (the date our Class A common stock commenced trading on NASDAQ) through December 31, 2020 of the cumulative total return of our Class A common stock, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index (S&P 500 Index) and a peer group comprised of Affiliated Managers Group, Inc., Artisan Partners Asset Management Inc., BrightSphere Investment Group plc, Eaton Vance Corp., Legg Mason, Inc. and Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. Legg Mason was acquired and ceased to publicly trade on August 1, 2020. The graph assumes that $100 was invested at the market close on February 8, 2018 in our Class A common stock, the S&P 500 Index and the peer group and assumes reinvestment of any dividends. The stock price performance of the following graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers.
The following table sets out information regarding purchases of equity securities by the Company for the three months ended December 31, 2020.
Total
Number of
Shares
of Class A
Common
Stock
Average
Price
Paid Per
Share
of Class A
Common
Total
Number of
Shares
of Class A
Common
Stock
Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans
Approximate
Dollar Value
That May
Yet Be
Purchased
Under
Outstanding
Plans or
Programs
Period
Purchased
Stock
or Programs
(in millions)(1)
October 1-31, 2020
135,735
$
18.54
135,735
$
-
November 1-30, 2020
83,670
19.67
83,670
13.4
December 1-31, 2020
52,175
22.91
52,175
12.2
Total
271,580
$
19.72
271,580
(1)
The initial share repurchase program authorized in 2018 and the second share repurchase program authorized in 2019, each for $15.0 million of the Company’s Class A common stock, were completed in September 2019 and June 2020, respectively. In May 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a third share repurchase program for $15.0 million of the Company’s Class A common stock, which was completed in October 2020. In November 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a fourth share repurchase program whereby the Company may repurchase up to an additional $15.0 million of the Company’s Class A common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The amount and timing of purchases under the share repurchase program authorized in November 2020 will depend on a number of factors including the price and availability of our shares, trading volume, capital availability, our performance and general economic and market conditions. The program can be suspended or discontinued at any time and expires when $15 million shares of Class A common stock are repurchased or on December 31, 2022. Refer to Note 14, Equity, to the audited consolidated financial statements for further information on the share repurchase program. As of December 31, 2020, a total of 3,182,982 shares of Class A common stock had been repurchased under authorized share repurchase programs at a total cost of $47.8 million for an average price of $15.03 per share.
Dividend Policy
In 2019, the Company announced the initiation of quarterly cash dividends and paid its first quarterly dividend in September of that year. During 2020, the Board authorized two increases in the quarterly cash dividend. In August 2020, the dividend was increased by 20%; and, in November, the dividend was increased by 17%. Combined, the two increases resulted in the quarterly cash dividend growing by 40%, from $0.05 per share in the first quarter of 2020, to $0.07 per share in the fourth quarter of 2020.
Holders of restricted stock awards on the Company’s class A and class B common stock that are unvested at the time quarterly dividends are declared are entitled to be paid these dividends as and when the restricted stock vests. Potential future dividend payments will be at the sole discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon then-existing conditions, including capital requirements to execute our growth strategy, results of operations, financial condition, projected cash flow, and terms associated with our current credit facility or any future financing.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
The following tables set forth our historical consolidated financial data as of and for the periods indicated. The selected consolidated financial data for the years ended, and as of, December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this report. Our historical operating results are not necessarily indicative of future operating results.
The following data should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto, as well as the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” included elsewhere in this report.
Year Ended December 31,
($ in thousands, except per share data as noted)
GAAP Statement of Operations Data:
Investment management fees
$
562,036
$
466,802
$
352,683
$
343,811
$
248,482
Fund administration and distribution fees
213,315
145,571
60,729
65,818
49,401
Total revenue
775,351
612,373
413,412
409,629
297,883
Income from operations
$
314,713
$
164,620
$
114,519
$
90,168
$
24,485
Other expense
(36,173
)
(43,932
)
(29,608
)
(51,710
)
(33,556
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
278,540
120,688
84,911
38,458
(9,071
)
Net income (loss)
212,522
92,491
63,704
25,826
(6,071
)
GAAP operating margin
40.6
%
26.9
%
27.7
%
22.0
%
8.2
%
Basic earnings (loss) per share
$
3.14
$
1.37
$
0.96
$
0.47
$
(0.12
)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
$
2.88
$
1.26
$
0.90
$
0.43
$
(0.12
)
Year Ended December 31,
($ in thousands)
Balance Sheet Data:
Total assets
$
1,730,729
$
1,753,309
$
801,511
$
792,622
$
850,951
Total debt(1)
769,009
924,539
268,857
483,225
418,528
Total liabilities
1,023,188
1,215,438
345,963
561,439
519,953
Total equity
707,541
537,871
455,548
231,183
330,998
(1)
Balance at December 31, 2020 is shown net of unamortized loan discount and debt issuance costs in the amount of $19.2 million. The gross principal amount of outstanding term loans under the 2019 Credit Agreement was $788.2 million.
On July 29, 2016, we acquired RS Investments, an SEC registered investment adviser, and RS Investments’ wholly owned subsidiaries. Our financial results for the year ended December 31, 2016 reflect five months of post-acquisition RS Investments operations and significant acquisition-related and restructuring and integration costs related to this transaction.
On July 1, 2019, we completed the USAA AMCO Acquisition. Our financial results for the year ended December 31, 2019 reflect six months of post-acquisition USAA AMCO operations and significant acquisition-related and restructuring and integration costs related to this transaction. Refer to Note 4, Acquisitions, to the audited consolidated financial statements for further information on the USAA AMCO Acquisition.
In the year ended December 31, 2018, we completed our IPO and used the proceeds to refinance the debt, then outstanding. In the year ended December 31, 2017, we made special distributions to shareholders and incurred incremental debt to fund these payments. In the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2019, we incurred incremental debt to partially finance the acquisitions of RS Investments and USAA AMCO, respectively. Refer to Note 11, Debt, to the audited consolidated financial statements for further information on debt.

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations relates to, and should be read in conjunction with the “Selected Financial Data” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this report. In addition to historical information, this discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions, which could cause actual results to differ materially from management’s expectations. Please refer to the sections of this report entitled “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors.”
Overview
Our Business - We are a diversified global asset management firm with $147.2 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2020. The Company operates a next-generation business model combining boutique investment qualities with the benefits of a fully integrated, centralized operating and distribution platform.
We provide specialized investment strategies to institutions, intermediaries, retirement platforms and individual investors. With nine autonomous Investment Franchises and a Solutions Platform, Victory Capital offers a wide array of investment styles and investment vehicles including, actively managed mutual funds, separately managed accounts, rules-based, thematic and active ETFs, multi-asset class strategies, custom-designed solutions and a 529 College Savings Plan. Our earnings are primarily driven by asset-based fees charged for services related to the investment strategies we deliver and consist of investment management, fund administration and distribution fees.
Franchises - Our Franchises are operationally integrated, but are separately branded and make investment decisions independently from one another within guidelines established by their respective investment mandates. Our integrated model creates a supportive environment in which our investment professionals, largely unencumbered by administrative and operational responsibilities, can focus on their pursuit of investment excellence. VCM employs all of our U.S. investment professionals across our Franchises, which are not separate legal entities.
Solutions - Our Solutions Platform consists of multi-Franchise and customized solutions strategies that are primarily rules-based. We offer our Solutions Platform through a variety of vehicles, including separate accounts, mutual funds and VictoryShares which is our ETF brand. Like our Franchises, our Solutions Platform is operationally integrated and supported by our centralized distribution, marketing and operational support functions. Our approach to rules-based investing includes single and multi-factor strategies designed to provide a variety of outcomes, including maximum diversification, dividend income, downside mitigation, minimum volatility, thematic and targeted factor exposure.
Professionals within our institutional and retail distribution channels, direct investor business and marketing organization sell our products through our centralized distribution model. Our institutional sales team focuses on cultivating relationships with institutional consultants, who account for the majority of the institutional market, as well as asset allocators seeking sub-advisers. Our retail sales team offers intermediary and retirement platform clients, including broker-dealers, retirement platforms and RIA networks, mutual funds and ETFs as well as SMAs through wrap fee programs and access to our investment models through UMAs. Our direct investor business serves the investment needs of clients including USAA members, the military community, and other individual clients.
We have grown our AUM from $17.9 billion following the management-led buyout with Crestview GP in August 2013 to $147.2 billion at December 31, 2020. We attribute this growth to our success in sourcing acquisitions and evolving them into organic growers, generating strong investment returns, and developing institutional, retail, and direct investor channels with deep penetration.
USAA AMCO Acquisition - Effective July 1, 2019, the Company completed the acquisition (the “USAA AMCO Acquisition”) of USAA Asset Management Company (“USAA Adviser”) and Victory Capital Transfer Agency, Inc. (“VCTA”), formally known as the USAA Transfer Agency Company. The transformative acquisition increased AUM by $81.1 billion and significantly impacted our financial results. The acquisition not only increased AUM and revenue, but also introduced additional personnel expenses and new and additional operating expenses such as third party distribution costs, expenses related to a transfer services agreement with USAA, 529 College Savings Plan, and direct investor channel expenses that the Company did not incur prior to the acquisition. In conjunction with the USAA AMCO Acquisition, the Company entered into the 2019 Credit Agreement, dated July 1, 2019, and obtained a seven-year term
loan in an aggregate principal amount of $1.1 billion. All indebtedness outstanding under the previous credit agreement was repaid and terminated as of July 1, 2019.
The USAA AMCO Acquisition expanded and diversified our investment platform, particularly in the fixed income and solutions asset classes, and increased our size and scale. Additional products added to our investments platform include target date and target risk strategies, managed volatility mutual funds, active fixed income ETFs, sub-advised and multi-manager equity funds. We have also added to our lineup of asset allocation portfolios and smart beta equity ETFs. Through the acquisition, the Company has the rights to offer products and services using the USAA brand for a period of time and the opportunity to offer its products to USAA members through a direct investor channel. In addition, we have entered into a referral agreement with USAA for members that are interested in investing in USAA Funds or the USAA 529 College Savings Plan.
Total consideration for the USAA AMCO Acquisition was $949.4 million, comprising of $851.3 million of cash paid at closing plus $98.8 million as the estimated fair value of contingent consideration as of the acquisition date less $0.7 million in net working capital adjustments settled in the first quarter of 2020. A maximum of $150.0 million ($37.5 million per year) in contingent payments is payable to sellers based on the annual revenue of USAA Adviser attributable to all “non-managed money”-related AUM in each of the first four years following the closing date. In 2020, we paid $37.5 million in cash to sellers for the first annual contingent payment.
The estimated fair value of contingent consideration arrangements as of December 31, 2020 was $92.5 million and consists of the USAA AMCO earn-out payment liability, which is included in consideration payable for acquisition of business in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Refer to Note 4, Acquisitions, for further details on the USAA AMCO Acquisition.
Business Highlights in 2020
Assets under management:
•
AUM at December 31, 2020 declined by $4.6 billion, or approximately 3.0%, to $147.2 billion from $151.8 billion at December 31, 2019, primarily driven by net outflows of $19.4 billion (consisting of $10.9 billion in long-term net outflows and $8.4 billion in short-term net outflows) partially offset by positive market action of $14.8 billion. We generated $35.9 billion in gross flows and $19.4 billion in net outflows for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $32.1 billion in gross flows and $1.9 billion in positive net inflows for the same period in 2019. We experienced $14.8 billion in market appreciation for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $16.1 billion in market appreciation for the same period in 2019.
Investment performance:
•
44 of our Total Victory Capital mutual funds and ETFs had overall Morningstar ratings of four or five stars and 64% of our fund and ETF AUM were rated four or five stars overall by Morningstar. 67% of our strategies by AUM had investment returns in excess of their respective benchmarks over a one-year period, 67% over a three-year period, 67% over a five-year period and 76% over a ten-year period. On an equal-weighted basis, 47% of our strategies have outperformed their respective benchmarks over a one-year period, 47% over a three-year period, 52% over a five-year period and 65% over a ten-year period.
2020 ESG initiatives:
•
Victory Capital became a signatory to the United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment, broadening our commitment to responsible investing and formalizing what our autonomous Investment Franchises and Solutions Platform have been doing for many years. Each of our Investment Franchises follows an approach to incorporating environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) considerations that best suits its own investment process or the objectives of its clients.
•
The Company launched a committee for diversity, inclusion, community and equity (“DICE”) to promote training and events to bring awareness to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and to engage employees in diversity and inclusion conversation and training.
•
Our CEO signed the CEO Action Pledge for diversity and inclusion. Additionally, the Company joined the SASB Alliance as a User member and joined Ceres Investor Network on Climate Risk and Sustainability.
Financial highlights:
•
Total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $775.4 million compared to $612.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. Net income was $212.5 million and $92.5 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
•
Earnings per diluted share were $2.88 for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $1.26 for the same period in 2019. Adjusted net income with tax benefit per diluted share was $3.87 and $2.63, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. Refer to “Supplemental Non-GAAP Financial Information” for more information about how we calculate Adjusted Net Income and a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted Net Income.
•
Adjusted EBITDA was $377.3 million or 48.7% for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $268.8 million or 43.9% for the year ended December 31, 2019. Refer to “Supplemental Non-GAAP Financial Information” for more information about how we calculate Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA.
•
Adjusted Net Income was $258.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $172.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. Refer to “Supplemental Non-GAAP Financial Information” for more information about how we calculate Adjusted Net Income and a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted Net Income.
Key Performance Indicators
The following table presents the key performance indicators we focus on when reviewing our results:
Year Ended December 31,
($ in millions, except for basis points and percentages)
AUM at period end
$
147,241
$
151,832
$
52,763
Average AUM
136,422
102,719
61,390
Gross flows
35,857
32,112
14,130
Net short term flows
(8,441
)
-
Net long term flows
(10,911
)
1,840
(2,427
)
Net flows
(19,352
)
1,860
(2,427
)
Total revenue
775.4
612.4
413.4
Revenue on average AUM
56.8
bps
59.6
bps
67.3
bps
Net income
212.5
92.5
63.7
Adjusted EBITDA(1)
377.3
268.8
160.2
Adjusted EBITDA margin(1)(2)
48.7
%
43.9
%
38.7
%
Adjusted Net Income(1)
258.5
172.8
102.3
Tax benefit of goodwill and acquired intangibles(3)
27.0
20.3
13.3
(1)
Our management uses Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Net Income to measure the operating profitability of the business. These measures eliminate the impact of one-time acquisition, restructuring and integration costs and demonstrate the ongoing operating earnings metrics of the business. These measures are explained in more detail and reconciled to net income calculated in accordance with GAAP in “Supplemental Non-GAAP Financial Information.”
(2)
Adjusted EBITDA margin represents Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of total revenue.
(3)
Represents the tax benefits associated with deductions allowed for intangible assets and goodwill generated from prior acquisitions in which we received a step-up in basis for tax purposes. Acquired intangible assets and goodwill may be amortized for tax purposes, generally over a 15-year period. The tax benefit from amortization on these assets is included to show the full economic benefit of deductions for all acquired intangibles with a step-up in tax basis. Due to our acquisitive nature, tax deductions allowed on acquired intangible assets and goodwill provide us with a significant supplemental economic benefit.
Assets Under Management
Our profitability is largely affected by the level and composition of our AUM (including asset class and distribution channel) and the effective fee rates on our products. The amount and composition of our AUM are, and will continue to be, influenced by a number of factors, including; (i) investment performance, including fluctuations in the financial markets and the quality of our investment decisions; (ii) client flows into and out of our various strategies and investment vehicles; (iii) industry trends toward products or strategies that we either do or do not offer; (iv) our ability to attract and retain high quality investment, distribution, marketing and management personnel; (v) our decision to close strategies or limit growth of assets in a strategy when we believe it is in the best interest of our clients or conversely to re-open strategies in part or entirely; and (vi) general investor sentiment and confidence. Our goal is to establish and maintain a client base that is diversified by Franchise and Solutions, asset class, distribution channel and vehicle.
Valuation of Assets Under Management
The fair value of assets under management of the Victory Funds, USAA Funds and VictoryShares is primarily determined using quoted market prices or independent third party pricing services or broker price quotes. In limited circumstances, a quotation or price evaluation is not readily available from a pricing service. In these cases, pricing is determined by management based on a prescribed valuation process that has been approved by the directors/trustees of the sponsored products. The same prescribed valuation process is used to price securities in separate accounts and other vehicles for which a quotation or price evaluation is not readily available from a pricing service. For the periods presented, a de minimis amount of the AUM was priced in this manner.
AUM by Asset Class - the following table presents our AUM by asset class as of the dates indicated:
As of December 31,
(in millions)
2019(1)
2016(2)
Fixed Income
$
36,599
$
37,973
$
6,836
$
7,551
$
7,726
Solutions
34,041
31,649
3,767
3,028
1,575
U.S. Mid Cap Equity
26,230
26,347
20,019
25,185
20,083
U.S. Small Cap Equity
18,368
17,346
12,948
15,308
14,090
U.S. Large Cap Equity
14,230
14,091
3,759
4,789
5,921
Global / Non-U.S. Equity
13,982
12,603
4,610
4,105
3,460
Other
1,805
2,111
Total Long-Term Assets
$
143,707
$
140,245
$
52,763
$
61,771
$
54,966
Money Market & Short-Term Assets
3,534
11,587
-
-
-
Total
$
147,241
$
151,832
$
52,763
$
61,771
$
54,966
(1)
Includes the impact of the USAA AMCO Acquisition, which closed on July 1, 2019, increasing our AUM by $81.1 billion inclusive of managed portfolio assets invested through USAA’s brokerage business. We did not acquire the USAA brokerage business.
(2)
Includes the impact of the RS Acquisition, which closed on July 29, 2016, and increased our AUM by $16.7 billion.
Asset Flows by Asset Class - the following table summarizes our asset flows by asset class for the periods indicated:
U.S.
U.S.
U.S. Mid
Small
Large
Global /
Money
Cap
Cap
Fixed
Cap
Non-U.S.
Total
Market /
(in millions)
Equity
Equity
Income
Equity
Equity
Solutions
Other
Long-term
Short-term
Total
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Beginning AUM
$
26,347
$
17,346
$
37,973
$
14,091
$
12,603
$
31,649
$
$
140,245
$
11,587
$
151,832
Gross client cash inflows
4,144
4,458
6,499
2,467
4,898
23,201
12,656
35,857
Gross client cash outflows
(7,605
)
(5,201
)
(9,140
)
(2,631
)
(2,501
)
(6,974
)
(60
)
(34,112
)
(21,097
)
(55,209
)
Net client cash flows
(3,460
)
(742
)
(2,641
)
(1,936
)
(34
)
(2,076
)
(21
)
(10,911
)
(8,441
)
(19,352
)
Market appreciation / (depreciation)
3,436
1,959
1,505
1,935
1,403
4,457
14,736
14,794
Net transfers
(93
)
(195
)
(239
)
(364
)
(33
)
Ending AUM
$
26,230
$
18,368
$
36,599
$
14,230
$
13,982
$
34,041
$
$
143,707
$
3,534
$
147,241
Year Ended December 31, 2019
Beginning AUM
$
20,019
$
12,948
$
6,836
$
3,759
$
4,610
$
3,767
$
$
52,763
$
-
$
52,763
Gross client cash inflows
5,663
3,338
6,489
1,457
5,696
23,293
8,820
32,112
Gross client cash outflows
(6,663
)
(4,194
)
(4,186
)
(1,419
)
(1,538
)
(3,079
)
(375
)
(21,453
)
(8,800
)
(30,252
)
Net client cash flows
(1,000
)
(856
)
2,303
(939
)
(81
)
2,617
(204
)
1,840
1,860
Market appreciation / (depreciation)
5,511
3,728
1,158
1,263
1,609
2,739
(29
)
15,980
16,065
Net transfers
1,817
1,526
27,677
10,007
6,465
22,525
(356
)
69,662
11,482
81,143
Ending AUM
$
26,347
$
17,346
$
37,973
$
14,091
$
12,603
$
31,649
$
$
140,245
$
11,587
$
151,832
Year Ended December 31, 2018
Beginning AUM
$
25,185
$
15,308
$
7,551
$
4,789
$
4,105
$
3,028
$
1,805
$
61,771
$
-
$
61,771
Gross client cash inflows
4,530
3,198
1,514
2,488
1,713
14,130
-
14,130
Gross client cash outflows
(7,207
)
(3,762
)
(2,303
)
(848
)
(1,003
)
(588
)
(846
)
(16,557
)
-
(16,557
)
Net client cash flows
(2,677
)
(564
)
(789
)
(589
)
1,485
1,125
(418
)
(2,427
)
-
(2,427
)
Market appreciation / (depreciation)
(2,485
)
(1,792
)
(455
)
(972
)
(426
)
(510
)
(6,573
)
-
(6,573
)
Net transfers
(4
)
(4
)
(8
)
(53
)
(8
)
-
(8
)
Ending AUM
$
20,019
$
12,948
$
6,836
$
3,759
$
4,610
$
3,767
$
$
52,763
$
-
$
52,763
AUM by Distribution Channel - the following table presents our AUM by distribution channel as of the dates indicated:
As of December 31,
(in millions)
Amount
% of total
Amount
% of total
Amount
% of total
Investor
$
68,749
%
$
74,118
%
$
-
-
%
Institutional
40,840
%
39,851
%
29,731
%
Retail
37,651
%
37,863
%
23,032
%
Total AUM(1)
$
147,241
%
$
151,832
%
$
52,763
%
(1)
The allocation of AUM by distribution channel involves the use of estimates and the exercise of judgment.
Assets Flows by Vehicle - the following table summarizes our asset flows by vehicle for the periods indicated:
Separate Accounts
and Other
(in millions)
Mutual Funds(1)
ETFs(2)
Vehicles(3)
Total
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Beginning AUM
$
118,605
$
4,213
$
29,014
$
151,832
Gross client cash inflows
31,172
4,192
35,857
Gross client cash outflows
(48,398
)
(913
)
(5,898
)
(55,209
)
Net client cash flows
(17,226
)
(420
)
(1,705
)
(19,352
)
Market appreciation / (depreciation)
11,746
2,864
14,794
Net transfers
(127
)
-
(33
)
Ending AUM
$
112,998
$
3,976
$
30,267
$
147,241
Year Ended December 31, 2019
Beginning AUM
$
30,492
$
2,956
$
19,315
$
52,763
Gross client cash inflows
21,560
9,709
32,112
Gross client cash outflows
(25,239
)
(914
)
(4,099
)
(30,252
)
Net client cash flows
(3,679
)
(71
)
5,610
1,860
Market appreciation / (depreciation)
10,990
4,531
16,065
Net transfers
80,802
(441
)
81,143
Ending AUM
$
118,605
$
4,213
$
29,014
$
151,832
Year Ended December 31, 2018
Beginning AUM
$
37,967
$
2,250
$
21,555
$
61,771
Gross client cash inflows
9,629
1,401
3,100
14,130
Gross client cash outflows
(12,781
)
(341
)
(3,435
)
(16,557
)
Net client cash flows
(3,152
)
1,060
(335
)
(2,427
)
Market appreciation / (depreciation)
(4,312
)
(354
)
(1,907
)
(6,573
)
Net transfers
(11
)
-
(8
)
Ending AUM
$
30,492
$
2,956
$
19,315
$
52,763
(1)
Includes institutional and retail share classes and Variable Insurance Products or VIP funds.
(2)
Excludes assets managed for other proprietary product (i.e. funds of funds) in order to adjust for double counting.
(3)
Includes collective trust funds, wrap program separate accounts and unified managed accounts or UMAs.
December 31, 2020 AUM - Our total AUM at December 31, 2020 was $147.2 billion, a decrease of $4.6 billion, or 3.0%, compared to $151.8 billion at December 31, 2019. The decrease in AUM during 2020 is due to net outflows of $19.4 billion partially offset by $14.8 billion in positive market movement. Short-term money market assets accounted for $3.5 billion, or 2.4% of the total AUM at December 31, 2020.
The net outflows were driven by $8.4 billion in money market and short-term strategies, $3.5 billion in our U.S. mid cap equity strategies, $2.6 billion in our fixed income strategies, $2.1 billion in our Solutions Platform, $1.9 billion in our large cap equity strategies and $0.7 billion in our U.S. small cap equity strategies.
December 31, 2019 AUM - Our total AUM at December 31, 2019 was $151.8 billion, an increase of $99.1 billion, or 187.8%, compared to $52.8 billion at December 31, 2018. The change in AUM during 2019 reflects $81.1 billion of acquired assets, $1.9 billion of positive net inflows, as well as $16.1 billion in positive market movement. Short-term money market assets accounted for $11.6 billion, or 7.6% of the total AUM at December 31, 2019.
The net inflows were driven by $2.6 billion in our Solutions Platform and $2.3 billion in our fixed income strategies, partially offset by net outflows of $1.0 billion in our U.S. mid cap equity strategies, $0.9 billion in our U.S. large cap equity strategies, $0.9 billion in our U.S. small cap equity strategies, $0.2 billion in other and $0.1 billion in our global/non-U.S equity strategies.
December 31, 2018 AUM - Our total AUM at December 31, 2018 was $52.8 billion, a decrease of $9.0 billion, or 14.6%, compared to $61.8 billion at December 31, 2017, reflected by $2.4 billion of negative net outflows and $6.6 billion in negative market movement.
The net outflows were primarily a result of $2.7 billion in our U.S. mid cap equity strategies, $0.8 billion in our fixed income strategies, $0.6 billion in our U.S. large cap equity strategies, $0.6 billion in our U.S. small cap equity strategies and $0.4 billion in our other strategies, partially offset by net inflows of $1.5 billion in our global non-U.S. equity strategies and $1.1 billion in our Solutions Platform.
GAAP Results of Operations
Our GAAP revenues principally consist of: (i) investment management fees, which are based on our overall weighted average fee rate charged to our clients and our level of AUM and (ii) fund administration and distribution fees, which are asset-based fees earned from open-end mutual funds for administration and distribution services. Fund administration and fund distribution fees also include fund transfer agent fees (related to the USAA Funds), which are based on a contractual rate applied to average AUM or the number of accounts in these funds.
The Company has contractual arrangements with third parties to provide certain advisory, administration, transfer agent and distribution services. Management considers whether we are acting as the principal service provider or as an agent to determine whether revenue should be recorded based on the gross amount payable by the customer or net of payments to third-party service providers, respectively. Victory is considered a principal service provider if we control the service that is transferred to the customer. We are considered an agent when we arrange for the service to be provided by another party and do not control the service.
Investment Management Fees - Investment management fees are earned from managing clients’ assets. Our investment management fee revenue fluctuates based on a number of factors, including the total value of our AUM, the composition of AUM across investment strategies and vehicles, changes in the investment management fee rates on our products and the extent to which we enter into fee arrangements that differ from our standard fee schedule as well as the extent to which our fund expenses exceed fund caps. Investment management fees are earned based on a percentage of AUM as delineated in the respective investment management agreements. Our investment management fees are calculated based on daily average AUM, monthly average AUM or point in time AUM.
Fund Administration and Distribution Fees - Fund administration fees are primarily asset-based fees earned from open-end funds for administration services. Fund administration fees fluctuate based on the level of average open-end fund AUM and the fee rates charged for these services.
Fund distribution fees are asset-based fees earned from open-end funds for distribution services. Fund distribution fees fluctuate based on the level of average open-end fund AUM and the composition of those assets across share classes that pay varying levels of fund distribution fees.
The Company has contractual arrangements with a third party to provide certain sub-administration services. We are the primary obligor under the contracts with the Victory Funds, USAA Funds and VictoryShares and have the ability to select the service provider and establish pricing. As a result, fund administration fees and sub-administration expenses are recorded on a gross basis. VCS has contractual arrangements with third parties to provide certain distribution services. VCS is the primary obligor under the contracts with the Victory Funds and USAA Funds and has the ability to select the service provider and establish pricing. Substantially all of VCS’s revenue is recorded gross of payments made to third parties.
Fund transfer agent fees are earned for providing mutual fund shareholder services. Transfer agent fees fluctuate based on the level of average AUM and the number of accounts in the USAA Funds.
The Company has contractual arrangements with a third party to provide certain sub-transfer agent services. We are the primary obligor under the transfer agency contracts with the USAA Funds and have the ability to select the service provider and establish pricing. As a result, fund transfer agent fees and sub-transfer agent expenses are recorded on a gross basis.
GAAP Expenses
Our GAAP expenses principally consist of: (i) personnel compensation and benefits; (ii) distribution and other asset-based expenses; (iii) general and administrative expenses; (iv) depreciation and amortization charges; and (v) acquisition-related expenses comprising of changes in the fair value of contingent acquisition payments and restructuring and acquisition costs.
Personnel Compensation and Benefits - Personnel compensation and benefits is our most significant category of expense. Personnel compensation and benefits consists of (i) salaries, payroll related taxes and employee benefits, (ii) incentive compensation, (iii) sales-based compensation, (iv) compensation expense related to equity awards granted to employees and directors and (v) acquisition-related compensation in the form of cash retention bonuses.
Incentive compensation is the largest component of the total compensation of our employees. The aggregate amount of cash incentive compensation is funded by a pool that is based on a percentage of total Company earnings (before taking into account incentive compensation). This incentive pool is used to pay the investment teams a percentage of the revenue earned by their respective Franchise on a quarterly basis. This incentive pool is also used to pay incentive compensation to senior management and other non-investment employees on an annual basis. Incentive compensation paid to senior management and to other non-investment employees is discretionary and subjectively determined based on Company and individual performance and the total amount of the incentive compensation pool.
Distribution and Other Asset-based Expenses - Distribution and other asset-based expenses consists of: (i) broker-dealer distribution fees and platform distribution fees, (ii) fund expense reimbursements to affiliates and (iii) sub-administration, sub-transfer agent, sub-advisory expenses and middle-office expenses.
Broker-dealer distribution fees are paid by VCS as the broker-dealer for the Victory Funds and USAA Funds to third-party distributors. The Victory Funds and USAA Funds pay VCS for distribution services and VCS, in turn, pays third-party distributors.
Platform distribution fees are paid by VCM as the investment adviser to the Victory Funds and USAA Funds. Platform distribution fees are paid to financial advisors, retirement plan providers and intermediaries for servicing and administering accounts invested in shares of the Victory Funds and USAA Funds. Distribution fees typically vary based on the level of AUM and the composition of those assets across share classes.
Fund expense reimbursements (contra revenue) result from VCM, as investment adviser for the Victory Funds, VictoryShares and USAA Funds, agreeing to cap the annual operating expenses for certain share classes of the Victory Funds, USAA Funds and VictoryShares. VCM has contractually agreed to reimburse the Victory Funds, USAA Funds and VictoryShares for expenses in excess of these caps but may recoup these reimbursements for a period of time if the applicable Fund’s share class expenses and/or VictoryShares ETF expenses fall below the cap. Following the Company’s adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09 on January 1, 2019, mutual fund and ETF waivers and expense reimbursements ($31.3 million in 2020 and $18.7 million in 2019) are recorded as a reduction to investment management fees. The comparative period of 2018 has not been restated and continues to be reported under the legacy guidance, as permitted by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”).
Sub-administration, sub-transfer agent, sub-advisory and middle-office expenses consist of fees paid to our sub-administrators of the Victory Funds, VictoryShares and USAA Funds, fees paid to our sub-transfer agent for the USAA Funds, fees paid to sub-advisers on certain Victory Funds and USAA Funds and fees paid to vendors to which we outsource middle-office functions.
•
VCM acts as the administrator to the Victory Funds, VictoryShares and USAA Funds. VCM has hired a sub-administrator, the fees for which are captured in sub-administration expense. As administrator, VCM supervises the operations of the Victory Funds, VictoryShares and USAA Funds, including the services provided by the sub-administrators. The sub-administrators are paid through a contractual arrangement based on a percentage of the average fund AUM.
•
VCTA acts as the transfer agent to the USAA Funds. VCTA has hired a sub-transfer agent, the fees for which are captured in sub-administration expense. As transfer agent, VCTA oversees the services provided by the sub-transfer agent. The sub-transfer agent is paid through a contractual arrangement based on a percentage of average fund AUM.
•
VCM, as the investment adviser for the Victory Funds and USAA Funds, has hired unaffiliated sub-advisers to manage funds for which we do not have in-house capabilities. The fees paid to the sub-advisers are contractual based on a percentage of assets that they manage or based upon a percentage of revenue.
•
We have outsourced middle-office operations to achieve a scalable operational infrastructure that utilizes a variable-cost model. We have selected to partner with top-tier vendors who perform trade operations, portfolio accounting and performance measurement with oversight from our operations team. The fees paid to these vendors are variable and structured based on the number of accounts, assets and specific services performed.
General and Administrative Expenses - General and administrative expenses primarily consist of investment research and technology costs, professional and marketing fees, travel, rent and insurance expenses.
Depreciation and Amortization - Depreciation and amortization expense consists primarily of the depreciation of property and equipment as well as the amortization of acquired intangibles that have a definite life. These intangibles include customer relationships, investment advisory contracts, intellectual property and non-compete clauses acquired in connection with a business or asset acquisition. Both depreciation and amortization are recorded ratably over the assets’ useful lives.
Acquisition-Related Costs - Acquisition-related costs include legal fees, advisory services, mutual fund proxy voting costs and other one-time expenses related to acquisitions.
Restructuring and Integration Costs - Restructuring and integration costs include costs incurred in connection with business combinations, including the increase in the fair value of contingent acquisition payments, asset purchases and changes in business strategy. These include severance expenses related to one-time benefit arrangements, contract termination and other costs to integrate investment platforms, products and personnel into existing systems, processes and service provider arrangements and restructuring the business to capture operating expense synergies.
Other non-operating items of income and expense consist of: (i) interest income and other income (expense); (ii) interest expense and other financing costs; (iii) loss on debt extinguishment; and (iv) income tax expense.
Interest Income and Other Income (Expense) - Interest income and other income (expense) consists primarily of interest income, gains (losses) on investments and dividend income on investments.
Interest Expense and Other Financing Costs - Interest expense and other financing costs consists primarily of interest expense attributable to long-term debt. Refer to “Liquidity and Capital Resources” for more information.
Loss on Debt Extinguishment - Loss on debt extinguishment consists of the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs and unamortized debt discount as a result of debt refinancing, the acceleration of the paydown of debt principal and debt repurchased and retired in open market transactions.
Income Tax Expense - The provision for income taxes includes U.S. federal, state and local taxes, and foreign income taxes payable by certain of our subsidiaries. The effective tax rate is primarily driven by state and local taxes and excess tax benefits on share-based compensation, and for 2019, expense related to recording a liability for uncertain tax positions. The portion of the effective income tax rate attributable to state and local income taxes varies from year to year depending on amounts of income apportioned to each jurisdiction, whether we file income tax returns on a unitary or separate return basis and with changes in tax laws.
The following table presents our GAAP results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
Year Ended
Year Ended
Year Ended
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
Revenue
Investment management fees
$
562,036
$
466,802
$
352,683
Fund administration and distribution fees
213,315
145,571
60,729
Total revenue
775,351
612,373
413,412
Expenses
Personnel compensation and benefits
197,158
179,809
145,880
Distribution and other asset-based expenses
175,687
146,622
94,680
General and administrative
51,218
46,568
30,005
Depreciation and amortization
16,381
23,873
23,277
Change in value of consideration payable for acquisition of business
11,300
19,886
(37
)
Acquisition-related costs
1,108
22,317
4,346
Restructuring and integration costs
7,786
8,678
Total operating expenses
460,638
447,753
298,893
Income from operations
314,713
164,620
114,519
Other income (expense)
Interest income and other income (expense)
3,703
6,829
(2,856
)
Interest expense and other financing costs
(37,005
)
(40,901
)
(20,694
)
Loss on debt extinguishment
(2,871
)
(9,860
)
(6,058
)
Total other income (expense), net
(36,173
)
(43,932
)
(29,608
)
Income before income taxes
278,540
120,688
84,911
Income tax expense
(66,018
)
(28,197
)
(21,207
)
Net income
$
212,522
$
92,491
$
63,704
Earnings per share of common stock
Basic
$
3.14
$
1.37
$
0.96
Diluted
$
2.88
$
1.26
$
0.90
Weighted average number of shares outstanding
Basic
67,710
67,616
66,295
Diluted
73,719
73,466
70,511
Dividends declared per share of common stock
$
0.23
$
0.10
$
-
Investment Management Fees
2020 compared to 2019 - Investment management fees increased $95.2 million, or 20.4%, to $562.0 million in 2020 from $466.8 million in 2019 due to an increase in average AUM year over year, partially offset by a decrease in the realized fee rate due to a shift in asset mix. Average AUM was $136.4 billion in 2020 compared to $102.7 billion in 2019, mostly attributable to the acquired assets in the USAA AMCO Acquisition.
2019 compared to 2018 - Investment management fees increased $114.1 million, or 32.4%, to $466.8 million in 2019 from $352.7 million in 2018 due to an increase in average AUM year over year, partially offset by a decrease in the
realized fee rate due to a shift in asset mix. Average AUM was $102.7 billion in 2019 compared to $61.4 billion in 2018, mostly attributable to the acquired assets in the USAA AMCO Acquisition.
The Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09 on January 1, 2019. Mutual fund and ETF waivers and expense reimbursements are recorded as a reduction to investment management fees under the new standard ($31.3 million and $18.7 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively). The comparative period has not been restated and continue to be reported under the legacy guidance, as permitted by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”).
Fund Administration and Distribution Fees
2020 compared to 2019 - Fund administration and distribution fees totaled $213.3 million in 2020, an increase of $67.7 million, or 46.5%, from $145.6 million in 2019. Fund administration fees increased by $41.0 million, or 57.0%, due to an increase in average AUM year over year, mostly attributable to the USAA AMCO Acquisition and the addition of $74.0 million in transfer agent fees with the USAA Funds, partially offset by a decline in distribution fee realization due to a shift in the mix of assets to lower 12b-1 paying share classes.
2019 compared to 2018 - Fund administration and distribution fees totaled $145.6 million in 2019, an increase of $84.8 million, or 139.7%, from $60.7 million in 2018. Fund administration fees increased by $48.7 million, or 210.2%, due to an increase in average AUM year over year, mostly attributable to the USAA AMCO Acquisition and the addition of $42.8 million in transfer agent fees with the USAA Funds, partially offset by a reduction in fund distribution fees due to a shift in the mix of assets to lower 12b-1 paying share classes. Transfer agent fees represented a new revenue stream for VCTA in 2019 in accordance with a contract with the USAA Funds.
Personnel Compensation and Benefits
The following table presents the components of GAAP compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:
Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
Salaries, payroll related taxes and employee benefits
$
76,304
$
62,298
$
45,820
Incentive compensation
87,412
85,614
71,273
Sales-based compensation(1)
14,158
13,973
13,549
Equity awards granted to employees and directors(2)
18,096
16,303
15,238
Acquisition and transaction-related compensation
1,188
1,621
-
Total personnel compensation and benefits expense
$
197,158
$
179,809
$
145,880
(1)
Represents sales-based commissions paid to our distribution teams. Sales-based compensation varies based on gross and net client cash flows and revenue earned on sales.
(2)
Share-based compensation typically vests over several years based on service and the achievement of specific business and financial targets. The value of share-based compensation is recognized as compensation expense over the vesting period.
2020 compared to 2019 - Personnel compensation and benefits were $197.2 million in 2020, an increase of $17.3 million, or 9.6%, from $179.8 million in 2019 primarily attributable to an increase in headcount due to the USAA AMCO Acquisition. Salaries, payroll related taxes and employee benefits were $76.3 million and $62.3 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. Incentive compensation and equity awards granted to employees and directors were $87.4 million and $18.1 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $85.6 million and $16.3 million, respectively, for the same period in 2019.
2019 compared to 2018 - Personnel compensation and benefits were $179.8 million in 2019, an increase of $33.9 million, or 23.3%, from $145.9 million in 2018 primarily attributable to an increase in headcount due to the USAA AMCO Acquisition, as well as a year over year increase in deferred compensation plan liabilities from favorable market action. The increase in incentive compensation was due to higher pre-incentive compensation earnings while performance award vestings in 2019 contributed to the increase in share-based compensation. The Company incurred $1.6 million in acquisition and transaction-related compensation expense in 2019 with no such expense incurred during the previous year.
Distribution and Other Asset-based Expenses
The following table presents the components of distribution and other asset-based expenses for the year ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:
Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
Broker-dealer distribution fees
$
22,936
$
27,753
$
34,423
Platform distribution fees
115,614
90,706
27,177
Fund expense reimbursements
-
-
12,902
Sub-administration
15,144
11,115
6,763
Sub-advisory
12,174
8,399
6,452
Middle-office
9,820
8,649
6,963
Total distribution and other asset-based expenses
$
175,687
$
146,622
$
94,680
2020 compared to 2019 - Distribution and other asset-based expenses are primarily based on AUM. Distribution and other asset-based expenses were $175.7 million in 2020, an increase of $29.1 million, or 19.8%, from $146.6 million in 2019, primarily due to the USAA AMCO Acquisition which closed on July 1, 2019. The acquisition introduced new operating expenses that the Company did not incur prior to the acquisition, such as platform distribution costs paid to third parties and USAA, sub-transfer agent service costs and 529 College Savings Plan expenses. Also contributing to the overall change, but to a lesser extent, was the decrease in broker-dealer distribution fees due to the shift in the mix of assets to lower and non 12b-1 paying share classes.
2019 compared to 2018 - Distribution and other asset-based expenses were $146.6 million in 2019, an increase of $51.9 million, or 54.9%, from $94.7 million in 2018, primarily due to the USAA AMCO Acquisition. The acquisition introduced new operating expenses that the Company did not incur prior to the acquisition, such as platform distribution costs paid to third parties and USAA, sub-transfer agent service costs and 529 College Savings Plan expenses.
Fund expense reimbursements declined by $12.9 million due to the change in the classification of such reimbursements with the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on January 1, 2019. Mutual fund and ETF waivers and expense reimbursements are recorded as a reduction to investment management fees under ASU 2014-09, whereas under legacy revenue recognition guidance these were recorded as a distribution and other asset-based expense. The comparative periods have not been restated and continue to be reported under the legacy guidance, as permitted by the FASB. Broker-dealer distribution fees decreased due to the shift in the mix of assets to lower and non 12b-1 paying share classes.
General and Administrative Expenses
2020 compared to 2019 - General and administrative expenses were $51.2 million in 2020 compared to $46.6 million in 2019. The increase of $4.7 million, or 10.0%, was primarily due to the addition of transition service agreement costs related to the USAA AMCO Acquisition. Also contributing, but to a lesser extent, were increases in facility, technology and professional fees mainly related to the USAA AMCO Acquisition.
2019 compared to 2018 - General and administrative expenses were $46.6 million in 2019 compared to $30.0 million in 2018. The increase of $16.6 million, or 55.2%, was primarily due to the addition of transition service agreement costs related to the USAA AMCO Acquisition, as well as one-time debt repricing expenses related to the 2019 Credit Agreement.
Depreciation and Amortization
2020 compared to 2019 - Depreciation and amortization decreased by $7.5 million, 31.4%, to $16.4 million in 2020, from $23.9 million in 2019, due to a reduction in amortization expense related to definite-lived intangible assets in connection with the Munder Capital Management acquisition that became fully amortized in the fourth quarter of 2019.
2019 compared to 2018 - Depreciation and amortization increased by $0.6 million, or 2.6%, to $23.9 million in 2019, from $23.3 million in 2018, due to the addition of definite-lived intangible assets acquired in connection with the USAA
AMCO Acquisition, partially offset by definite-lived assets acquired in connection with the CEMP Acquisition and the management-led buyout with Crestview GP becoming fully amortized in 2018.
Change in Value of Consideration Payable for Acquisition of Business
2020 compared to 2019 - The fair value of the contingent consideration associated with the USAA AMCO acquisition decreased by $8.6 million, resulting in a change in the estimated fair value of consideration payable of $8.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Refer to Note 4, Acquisitions, for further details on the fair value of contingent consideration payable.
2019 compared to 2018 - The $19.9 million of expense in 2019 relates to the fair value of the contingent consideration associated with the USAA AMCO acquisition. Refer to Note 4, Acquisitions, for further details on the fair value of contingent consideration payable.
Acquisition-Related Costs
2020 compared to 2019 - Acquisition-related costs decreased $21.2 million, or 95%, to $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $22.3 million in the prior year. The decrease is due to the USAA AMCO Acquisition which closed on July 1, 2019. The 2019 acquisition-related expenses include various transaction costs such as legal and filing fees and other professional fees. On April 22, 2019, the Company and Harvest Volatility Management, LLC (“Harvest”) entered into an agreement to mutually terminate the purchase agreement entered into on September 21, 2018. Neither the Company nor Harvest was responsible for any termination fee to the other party as a result of the termination.
2019 compared to 2018 - Acquisition-related costs were $22.3 million and $4.3 million, respectively, in 2019 and 2018, with the increase primarily due to the USAA AMCO Acquisition which closed on July 1, 2019. The acquisition-related expenses include various transaction costs such as legal and filing fees and other professional fees. On April 22, 2019, the Company and Harvest Volatility Management, LLC (“Harvest”) entered into an agreement to mutually terminate the purchase agreement entered into on September 21, 2018. Neither the Company nor Harvest was responsible for any termination fee to the other party as a result of the termination.
Restructuring and Integration Costs
2020 compared to 2019 - Restructuring and integration costs decreased $0.9 million, or 10.3%, to $7.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $8.7 million in the prior year. The 2020 and 2019 expenses related to severance costs and integration and conversion costs associated with the USAA AMCO Acquisition.
2019 compared to 2018 - Restructuring and integration costs were $8.7 million and $0.7 million, respectively, in 2019 and 2018, with the increase due to severance costs and integration and conversion costs related to the USAA AMCO Acquisition.
Interest Income and Other Income (Expense)
2020 compared to 2019 - Interest income and other income (expense) was income of $3.7 million in 2020, compared to income of $6.8 million in 2019. The decrease was due to the combination of a gain on sale of an equity method investment in Cerebellum of $2.9 million and higher yields on our cash invested in money market accounts in 2019.
2019 compared to 2018 - Interest income and other income (expense) was income of $6.8 million in 2019, compared to expense of $2.9 million in 2018. The increase was collectively due to a (i) gain on sale of an equity method investment in Cerebellum of $2.9 million, (ii) higher yields on our cash invested in money market accounts and (iii) net unrealized gains on deferred compensation plan investments.
Interest Expense and Other Financing Costs
2020 compared to 2019 - Interest expense and other financing costs decreased by $3.9 million, or 9.5%, to $37.0 million in 2020, from $40.9 million in 2019. The expense decrease is primarily due to a decrease in interest expense as a result of a lower debt principal balance over the comparable period.
2019 compared to 2018 - Interest expense and other financing costs increased by $20.2 million, or 97.6%, to $40.9 million in 2019, from $20.7 million in 2018 due to the Company entering into the 2019 Credit Agreement, dated July 1, 2019, in conjunction with the USAA AMCO Acquisition. All indebtedness outstanding under the previous credit agreement was repaid and terminated as of July 1, 2019. Refer to Note 11, Debt, to the audited financial statements for further details on the 2019 Credit Agreement.
Loss on Debt Extinguishment
2020 compared to 2019 - Loss on debt extinguishment decreased $7.0 million, or 70.9%, to $2.9 million in 2020 compared to $9.9 million in the prior year. The decrease is due to the 2019 write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs and unamortized debt discount due to (i) the termination of the previous credit agreement, dated February 2018 ($5.5 million) and (ii) accelerating the paydown of debt principal under the 2019 Credit Agreement ($4.4 million).
2019 compared to 2018 - Loss on debt extinguishment was $9.9 million in 2019. The Company wrote-off unamortized debt issuance costs and unamortized debt discount due to (i) the termination of the previous credit agreement, dated February 2018 ($5.5 million) and (ii) accelerating the paydown of debt principal under the 2019 Credit Agreement ($4.4 million). The Company also paid down $148.0 million of debt in 2019 under the 2019 Credit Agreement. Refer to Note 11, Debt, to the audited financial statements for further details on the 2019 Credit Agreement. The Company incurred a $6.1 million loss on debt extinguishment in 2018 due to the termination of a previous credit agreement, dated October 2014.
Income Tax Expense
2020 compared to 2019 - Our effective tax rate was relatively flat increasing 0.4% from 23.4% in 2019 to 23.7% in 2020. Refer to Note 10, Income Taxes, to the audited financial statements for further details on income taxes.
2019 compared to 2018 - Our effective tax rate was 23.4% and 25.0% in 2019 and 2018, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily due to higher excess tax benefits on share-based compensation net of expense related to recognizing a liability for unrecorded tax benefits. Refer to Note 10, Income Taxes, to the audited financial statements for further details on income taxes.
Effects of Inflation
Inflation did not have a material effect on our consolidated results of operations. Inflationary pressures can result in increases to our cost structure, especially to the extent that large expense components such as compensation are impacted. To the degree that these expense increases are not recoverable or cannot be counterbalanced through price increases due to the competitive environment, our profitability could be negatively impacted. In addition, the value of the fixed income assets that we manage may be negatively impacted when inflationary expectations result in a rising interest rate environment. Declines in the values of AUM could lead to reduced revenues as investment management fees are generally earned as a percentage of AUM.
Supplemental Non-GAAP Financial Information
We report our financial results in accordance with GAAP. Our management uses non-GAAP performance measures to evaluate the underlying operations of our business. Non-GAAP financial measures are used to supplement GAAP results to provide a more complete understanding of the factors and trends affecting our business than GAAP results alone. Due to our acquisitive nature, there are a number of acquisition and restructuring related expenses included in GAAP measures that we believe distort the economic value of our organization and we believe that many investors use this information when assessing the financial performance of companies in the investment management industry. We have included these non-GAAP measures to provide investors with the same financial metrics used by management to assess the operating performance of our Company.
Non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Our non-GAAP measures may differ from similar measures at other companies, even if similar terms are used to identify these measures. Specifically, we make use of the non-GAAP financial measures “Adjusted EBITDA” and “Adjusted Net Income.”
The following table sets forth a reconciliation from GAAP financial measures to non-GAAP measures for the periods indicated:
Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
Reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures:
Net income (GAAP)
$
212,522
$
92,491
$
63,704
Income tax expense
(66,018
)
(28,197
)
(21,207
)
Income before income taxes
$
278,540
$
120,688
$
84,911
Interest expense(1)
33,724
40,706
20,173
Depreciation(2)
3,551
2,995
2,956
Other business taxes(3)
(2,556
)
1,484
1,505
Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets(4)
12,830
20,878
20,321
Share-based compensation(5)
15,020
14,849
15,238
Acquisition, restructuring and exit costs(6)
29,463
56,751
6,389
Debt issuance costs(7)
6,546
13,119
7,807
Pre-IPO governance expenses(8)
-
-
Losses (earnings) from equity method investments(9)
(2,683
)
Adjusted EBITDA
$
377,311
$
268,787
$
160,168
Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
Reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures:
Net income (GAAP)
$
212,522
$
92,491
$
63,704
Adjustments to reflect the operating performance of the Company:
i. Other business taxes(3)
(2,556
)
1,484
1,505
ii. Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets(4)
12,830
20,878
20,321
iii. Share-based compensation(5)
15,020
14,849
15,238
iv. Acquisition, restructuring and exit costs(6)
29,463
56,751
6,389
v. Debt issuance costs(7)
6,546
13,119
7,807
vi. Pre-IPO governance expenses(8)
-
-
Tax effect of above adjustments(10)
(15,326
)
(26,769
)
(23,678
)
viii. Remeasurement of net deferred taxes (11)
-
-
(2,422
)
Adjusted Net Income
$
258,499
$
172,803
$
89,002
Tax benefit of goodwill and acquired intangibles(12)
$
26,992
$
20,324
$
13,278
Adjustments made to GAAP Net Income to calculate Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Net Income, as applicable, are:
(1)
Adding back interest paid on debt and other financing costs, net of interest income.
(2)
Adding back depreciation on property and equipment.
(3)
Adding back other business taxes.
(4)
Adding back amortization expense on acquisition-related intangible assets.
(5)
Adding back share-based compensation associated with equity awards issued from pools created in connection with the management-led buyout and various acquisitions and as a result of equity grants related to the initial public offering of our Class A common stock (the “IPO”).
(6)
Adding back direct incremental costs of acquisitions and the IPO, including restructuring costs.
(7)
Adding back debt issuance cost expense.
(8)
Adding back pre-IPO governance expenses paid to the Company’s private equity partners that terminated as of the completion of the IPO.
(9)
Adjusting for losses (earnings) on equity method investments.
(10)
Subtracting an estimate of income tax expense applied to the sum of the adjustments above.
(11)
Remeasurement of our U.S. net deferred taxes resulting in a one-time income tax expense of $2.4 million in 2017 due to the Tax Act enacted on December 22, 2017.
(12)
Represents the tax benefits associated with deductions allowed for intangibles and goodwill generated from acquisitions in which we received a step-up in basis for tax purposes. Acquired intangible assets and goodwill may be amortized for tax purposes, generally over a 15-year period. The tax benefit from amortization on these assets is included to show the full economic benefit of deductions for all acquired intangibles with a step-up in tax basis. Due to our acquisitive nature, tax deductions allowed on acquired intangible assets and goodwill provide us with a significant supplemental economic benefit.
The following table presents the components of acquisition, restructuring and exit costs for the periods indicated:
Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
Acquisition-related costs
$
1,108
$
22,317
$
4,346
Change in value of consideration payable for acquisition of business
11,300
19,886
-
Restructuring and integration costs
7,786
8,678
General and administrative
8,081
4,249
Personnel compensation and benefits
1,188
1,621
-
Interest income and other income
-
-
Total acquisition, restructuring and exit costs
$
29,463
$
56,751
$
6,389
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Sources and Uses of Cash - We generate strong cash flows from operations that allow us to meet our cash requirements. Our primary uses of cash include: (i) repayment of our debt obligations, (ii) funding of acquisitions, (iii) payment of contingent consideration for previous acquisitions, and (iv) working capital needs. Cash flows from operations also allow us to meet certain other cash requirements such as quarterly cash dividends and the repurchase of our Class A common stock. We believe we have sufficient liquidity and capital resources to continue to paydown our debt obligations as well as to continue focusing on acquisition candidates that increase our size, scale, asset class and client diversification.
The following table presents our liquidity position as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:
December 31,
December 31,
(in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents(1)
$
22,744
$
37,121
Accounts and other receivables(2)
88,182
95,093
Undrawn commitment on revolving credit facility(3)
100,000
100,000
Accounts and other payables(4)
(89,422
)
(144,045
)
(1)
We manage our cash balances in order to fund our day-to-day operations and invest excess cash into money market funds and other short-term investments.
(2)
Our accounts receivables consist primarily of investment management, fund administrative and distribution fees that have been earned but not yet received from clients. We perform a review of our receivables on a monthly basis to access collectability.
(3)
Revolving credit facility of $100.0 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, which had $100.0 million undrawn as of both periods.
(4)
Accounts and other payables consist primarily of various payables related to operations, transaction costs and interest payable on the term loan, as well as accrued compensation and benefits.
Excludes long-term debt, net due to the Company satisfying the required principal amortization of 1.00% per annum through the term loan, July 2026.
As previously noted, the USAA AMCO Acquisition introduced additional personnel expenses and new and additional operating expenses such as expenses related to a transfer services agreement with USAA, 529 College Savings Plan, and direct member channel expenses that the Company did not incur prior to the acquisition.
Excludes $36.0 million and $36.3 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, related to the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration that is expected to be paid over the next twelve month period resulting from the USAA AMCO Acquisition
2019 Credit Agreement and 2020 and 2021 Debt Repricings - In conjunction with the USAA AMCO Acquisition, the Company entered into the 2019 Credit Agreement, dated July 1, 2019, and obtained a seven-year term loan in an aggregate principal amount of $1.1 billion. All indebtedness outstanding under the previous credit agreement was repaid and terminated as of July 1, 2019. As of December 31, 2020, the Company has repaid or repurchased and retired $311.8 million of the outstanding term loans under the 2019 Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 2020, we were in compliance with our financial performance covenant. Refer to Note 4, Acquisitions, to the consolidated financial statements for further details on the USAA AMCO Acquisition, as well as Note 11, Debt, for further information on the 2019 Credit Agreement.
On January 17, 2020, we entered into the First Amendment (the “First Amendment”) to the 2019 Credit Agreement with the other loan parties thereto, Barclays Bank PLC, as administrative agent, and the Royal Bank of Canada as fronting bank. Pursuant to the First Amendment, the Company refinanced the existing term loans (the “2019 Term Loans”) with replacement term loans in an aggregate principal amount of $952.0 (the “2020 Term Loans”). The 2020 Term Loans provide for substantially the same terms as the 2019 Term Loans, including the same maturity date of July 1, 2026, except that the 2020 Term Loans provide for a reduced applicable margin on LIBOR of 75 basis points. The applicable margin on LIBOR under the 2020 Term Loans is 2.50%, compared to 3.25% under the 2019 Term Loans. The Company incurred costs of $0.9 million related to the First Amendment which were recorded in general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Refer to Note 11, Debt, for further information on the repricing.
In April 2020, the Company established a trading account to opportunistically take advantage of potential short-term trading arbitrage with respect to our term loan. An alternative to principal prepayments, this allows us to buy back our outstanding term loan in the open market and retire the debt. This alternative is preferable to principal prepayments when our debt trades at a discount to par. A total of $163.8 million of the outstanding term loans under the 2019 Credit Agreement was repaid or repurchased and retired in 2020. The Company repaid $38.0 million in outstanding term loans in the first three months of 2020 and recorded a $1.0 million loss on debt extinguishment. During the three months ended June 30, 2020, the Company repaid or repurchased and retired $33.3 million in outstanding term loans and recorded a $0.1 million gain on debt extinguishment. During the three months ended September 30, 2020, the Company repaid or repurchased and retired $43.5 million in outstanding term loans and recorded a $0.8 million loss on debt extinguishment. During the three months ended December 31, 2020, the Company repaid $49.0 million in outstanding term loans. Subsequent to December 31, 2020, we reduced the outstanding term loan principal by an additional $47.5 million through prepayments, for a total debt reduction of $359.3 million since July 1, 2019.
On February 18, 2021, we entered into the Second Amendment (the “Second Amendment”) to the 2019 Credit Agreement, as amended, with the other loan parties thereto, Barclays Bank PLC, as administrative agent, and the Royal Bank of Canada as fronting bank. Pursuant to the Second Amendment, the Company refinanced the 2020 Term Loans with replacement term loans in an aggregate principal amount of $755.7 (the “Repriced Term Loans”). The Repriced Term Loans provide for substantially the same terms as the 2020 Term Loans, including the same maturity date of July 1, 2026, except that the Repriced Term Loans provide for a reduced applicable margin on LIBOR of 25 basis points. The applicable margin on LIBOR under the Repriced Term Loans is 2.25%, compared to 2.50% under the First Amendment.
2020 Swap Transaction - On March 27, 2020, the Company executed a floating-to-fixed interest rate swap transaction (“Swap”) to effectively fix the interest rate at 3.465% on $450 million of its outstanding Term Loan through the Term Loan maturity date of July 2026. At December 31, 2020, the $450 million notional value Swap had a fair value of $10.0 million, which was included in other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2020, the Company recognized a (gain) loss, net of tax, of ($1.4) million and $7.6 million, respectively, in accumulated other comprehensive loss. For the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2020, the Company reclassified a loss of $0.8 million and $1.0 million, respectively, from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense and other financing costs on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Refer to Note 12, Derivatives, for further information on the Swap.
Capital Requirements - VCS is a registered broker-dealer subject to the Uniform Net Capital requirements under the Exchange Act, which requires maintenance of certain minimum net capital levels. In addition, we have certain non-U.S. subsidiaries that have minimum capital requirements. As a result, such subsidiaries of our Company may be restricted in their ability to transfer cash to their parents. VCS and our non-U.S. subsidiaries were in compliance with these requirements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
Cash Flows - the following table is derived from our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
250,616
$
227,384
$
134,345
Net cash used in investing activities
(12,340
)
(849,812
)
(11,549
)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(252,696
)
608,016
(84,161
)
Operating Activities
2020 compared to 2019 - Cash provided by operating activities was $250.6 million in 2020, compared to $227.4 million in 2019. The $23.2 million net increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to a $120.0 million increase in net income partially offset by a $113.4 million net decrease in working capital as a result of timing of accrued expenses and compensation. Also contributing were adjustments for certain non-cash items which contributed $16.6 million to the increase in cash provided by operating activities.
The USAA AMCO Acquisition increased revenue and introduced new operating expenses that the Company did not incur prior to the acquisition, such as distribution costs paid to third parties and USAA, sub-transfer agent service costs, 529 College Savings Plan expenses, and direct member channel expenses.
2019 compared to 2018 - Cash provided by operating activities was $227.4 million in 2019, compared to $134.3 million in 2018. The $93.0 million net increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to a $48.2 million net increase in working capital as a result of timing of accrued expenses and compensation and a $28.8 million increase in net income, as well as adjustments for certain non-cash items which contributed $16.1 million to the increase in cash provided by operating activities.
Investing Activities
2020 compared to 2019 - Cash used in investing activities decreased by $837.5 million to $12.3 million in 2020, from $849.8 million in 2019. The decrease was primarily due to $851.3 million paid in cash at the July 1, 2019 closing of the USAA AMCO Acquisition.
2019 compared to 2018 - Cash used in investing activities increased by $838.3 million to $849.8 million in 2019, from $11.5 million in 2018. The increase was primarily due to $851.3 million paid in cash at the July 1, 2019 closing of the USAA AMCO Acquisition, partially offset by $10.6 million in proceeds from the Company selling 100% of its equity investment in Cerebellum.
Financing Activities
2020 compared to 2019 - Cash used financing activities decreased $860.7 million to $252.7 million in 2020 compared to cash provided of $608.0 million in 2019. The decrease was due to $1,069.0 million of net proceeds from the 2019 Credit Agreement received in 2019, which was partially offset by the repayment and termination of the previous credit agreement (dated February 2018) of $280.0 million. The repurchase of our Class A common stock and payment of dividends contributed $29.9 million and $16.2 million, respectively, in cash used in financing activities during 2020.
2019 compared to 2018 - Cash provided by financing activities was $608.0 million in 2019 and consisted of $1,069.0 million of net proceeds from the 2019 Credit Agreement, partially offset by the repayment and termination of the previous credit agreement (dated February 2018) of $280.0 million and repayment of long-term debt under the 2019 Credit Agreement in the third and fourth quarter of 2019 of $148.0 million. The repurchase of our Class A common
stock and payment of dividends contributed $15.5 million and $7.4 million, respectively, in cash used in financing activities during 2019.
Cash used in financing activities was $84.2 million in 2018 and consisted of the repayment of $499.7 million of term loans under a previous credit agreement (dated October 2014) and the repayment of long-term debt under a previous credit agreement (dated February 2018) of $80.0 million, partially offset by $360.0 million of net proceeds from a previous credit agreement (dated February 2018) and the generation of $156.5 million of net IPO proceeds.
Contractual Obligations
The following summarizes our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2020:
Payments Due
2026 and
(in thousands)
Total
2022-2023
2024-2025
Thereafter
Principal payments on borrowings(1)
$
788,239
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
788,239
Interest payable(1)(2)
142,083
21,850
43,700
43,760
32,775
Contingent consideration payable for acquisition(3)
97,740
37,225
60,515
-
-
Lease obligations(4)
16,668
4,958
6,499
3,426
1,785
Total
$
1,044,730
$
64,033
$
110,714
$
47,186
$
822,799
(1)
The total principal payments on borrowings reflects the gross amount of principal outstanding on the term loans under the 2019 Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2020. The Company has satisfied the required principal amortization of 1.00% per annum through the term of the loan, July 2026. Subsequent to December 31, 2020, the Company has repaid an additional $47.5 million of principal outstanding on the term loans under the 2019 Credit Agreement.
(2)
The total interest payable reflects the interest obligation over the life of the loans calculated based on the principal amount of the term loans outstanding under the 2019 Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2020 using the 2.73400% interest rate in effect on that date.
The Company entered into the First Amendment to the Credit Agreement on January 17, 2020. Pursuant to the First Amendment, the Company refinanced the Existing Term Loans with Repriced Term Loans in an aggregate principal amount of $952.0 million. The Repriced Term Loans provide for a reduced applicable margin on LIBOR of 75 basis points (2.50% compared to 3.25%).
(3)
Represents the undiscounted contingent consideration that is estimated to be payable over the next three years resulting from the USAA AMCO Acquisition. At December 31, 2020, the estimated fair value of these payments was $92.5 million, and a maximum of $112.5 million ($37.5 million per year) is potentially payable to the sellers.
(4)
Operating leases include the minimum rent commitments under non-cancelable operating leases, net of cash expected to be received under the sub-lease.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
In connection with dividends declared in February 2017 and December 2017, holders of restricted stock awards that were unvested at the time such dividends were declared are entitled to be paid the dividends as and when the restricted stock vests. Holders of stock options that were unvested at the time the December 2017 dividend was declared are entitled to receive a cash bonus equivalent of the December 2017 dividend as and when their stock options vest. These amounts are not recorded as a liability until and unless the awards vest in accordance with their respective agreements.
The Company announced the initiation of quarterly cash dividends in August 2019. Holders of restricted stock awards that are unvested at the time the quarterly dividends are declared are entitled to be paid these dividends as and when the restricted stock vests.
As of December 31, 2020, the cash bonuses and distributions related to dividends on restricted shares and options that are expected to vest in the future totaled $1.2 million.
On September 20, 2020, the Company acquired, through a wholly owned subsidiary, a 15% interest in Alderwood and made a capital contribution of $1.5 million in cash. Alderwood’s operating entity, Alderwood Capital, is a London-based investment advisory firm focused on taking minority stakes in specialist boutique asset management businesses. The Company has commitments to contribute additional capital of $4.5 million to Alderwood and $50 million to a private fund to be launched by Alderwood, upon the satisfaction of certain conditions. Until these conditions are satisfied, the Company does not have an obligation to contribute the additional capital and has not met the recognition criteria for a liability. Refer to Note 13, Equity Method Investment, for further discussion regarding the investment.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP is based on the selection and application of accounting policies that require us to make significant estimates and assumptions that in certain circumstances affect amounts reported in the audited consolidated financial statements. In preparing these financial statements, our estimates and judgements are based on historical experience, information from third-party valuation professionals and various other assumptions, giving due consideration to materiality. We consider the accounting policies discussed below to be critical to the understanding of our consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from our estimates and assumptions, and any such difference could be material to our consolidated financial statements. Significant accounting policies are described more fully in Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies, to the audited consolidated financial statements.
Business Combinations - We recognize and measure identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations as of the acquisition date at fair value. The process of determining the fair value of identifiable intangible assets at the date of acquisition utilizes an income approach and requires significant estimates and judgment as to expectations for earnings on the related managed assets acquired, redemption rates, growth rates from sales efforts, the effects of market conditions and a discount rate. The process for estimating the fair value of acquired trade names considers comparable royalty rates and projected revenue streams. We typically utilize an independent valuation expert to assist with these valuations.
We recognize and measure contingent consideration liabilities at fair value as of the acquisition date using an option pricing model and Monte Carlo simulation. These valuations require significant estimates and judgments related to projected revenue growth rates, adjustments for market-based risk, volatility and discount rates. The fair value of contingent consideration liabilities is remeasured at each reporting period, typically using the same methodology used to determine the acquisition date fair value. Any change in the fair value estimate subsequent to the acquisition date is recorded in the earnings of that period.
Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets - The accounting for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets requires significant estimates and judgment in the ongoing evaluation for impairment, and for indefinite-lived intangible assets, reconsideration of an asset’s useful life. Changes in these assumptions or estimates could materially affect the determination of the fair value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets.
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment annually as of October 1 using a qualitative approach which requires the weighing of positive and negative evidence collected through the consideration of various factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired.
For goodwill, we consider the Company’s performance relative to historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the Company's use of the acquired assets in a business combination or strategy for the Company's overall business, market cap and significant industry or economic trends. If, after considering various factors, management determines that it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, a two-step process to test for and measure impairment is performed which begins with a quantitative assessment to estimate the fair value of the Company. The assumptions used to estimate fair value for goodwill include management's estimates of future growth rates, operating cash flows, discount rates and terminal value.
Because the advisory, distribution and transfer agent contracts are with the funds, renewable annually and have a history of being renewed, industry practice under GAAP is to consider the contract lives to be indefinite and, as a result, not amortizable. For these fund contracts as well as the trade name indefinite-lived intangible assets, we consider (i) macroeconomic and entity-specific factors, including changes to legal, regulatory or contractual provisions of the renewable advisory and distribution contracts, (ii) the effects of obsolescence, demand, competition and other economic factors that could impact the funds’ projected performance and (iii) the existence or expectation of significant changes in the level and mix of managed assets.
In addition, for indefinite-lived intangible assets, we consider whether events or circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful life. Indicators monitored by us that may indicate an indefinite useful life is no longer supported generally include (i) changes in the use of the asset, (ii) a significant decline in the level of managed assets and (iii) significant reductions in underlying operating cash flows.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets are combined into a single unit of accounting for purposes of testing impairment if they operate as a single asset and represent as a group the highest and best use of the assets. If actual changes in the underlying managed assets or other conditions, such as redemption rates or changes to contractual provisions, indicate that it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired, or if the estimated useful life is reduced, we perform a quantitative approach to estimate the fair value of the intangible asset. The process of estimating the fair value of the intangible asset requires us to estimate the level and mix of managed assets, considering future redemption rates, growth rates, market appreciation/depreciation and a discount rate. If the carrying value of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, we recognize an impairment charge equal to that excess.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04 which simplifies the test for goodwill impairment. ASU 2017-04 eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill (step two) to measure a goodwill impairment charge and requires a prospective approach to adoption. Goodwill impairment will be based upon the results of step one of the impairment test, which is defined as the excess of the carrying amount of a reporting unit over its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The effective date for calendar-year public business entities was January 1, 2020. The Company adopted ASU 2017-04 on January 1, 2021. There was no impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements on the adoption date; the future impact of the new guidance will depend upon the performance of our one reporting unit and the market conditions impacting its fair value.

---

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A.
Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures Regarding Market Risk.
Market Risk - Substantially all of our revenues are derived from investment management, fund administration and distribution fees, which are based on the market value of our AUM. Accordingly, our revenues and net income may decline as a result of our AUM decreasing due to depreciation of our investment portfolios. In addition, such depreciation could cause our clients to withdraw their assets in favor of other investment alternatives that they perceive to offer higher returns or lower risk, which could cause our revenues and net income to decline further.
The value of our AUM was $147.2 billion at December 31, 2020. A 10% increase or decrease in the value of our AUM, if proportionately distributed over all of our strategies, products and client relationships, would cause an annualized increase or decrease in our revenues of approximately $83.9 million at our weighted-average fee rate of 57 basis points for the year ended December 31, 2020. Because of declining fee rates from larger relationships and differences in our fee rates across investment strategies, a change in the composition of our AUM, in particular, an increase in the proportion of our total AUM attributable to strategies, clients or relationships with lower effective fee rates, could have a material negative impact on our overall weighted-average fee rate. The same 10% increase or decrease in the value of our total AUM, if attributed entirely to a proportionate increase or decrease in the AUM of the Victory Funds, to which we provide a range of services in addition to those provided to institutional separate accounts, would cause an annualized increase or decrease in our revenues of approximately $92.7 million at the Victory Funds’ aggregate weighted-average fee rate of 63 basis points. If the same 10% increase or decrease in the value of our total AUM was attributable entirely to a proportionate increase or decrease in the assets of our institutional separate accounts, it would cause an annualized increase or decrease in our revenues of approximately $57.4 million at the weighted-average fee rate across all of our institutional separate accounts of 39 basis points for the year ended December 31, 2020.
As is customary in the investment management industry, clients invest in particular strategies to gain exposure to certain asset classes, which exposes their investment to the benefits and risks of those asset classes. We believe our clients invest in each of our strategies in order to gain exposure to the portfolio securities of the respective strategies and may implement their own risk management program or procedures. We have not adopted a corporate-level risk management policy regarding client assets, nor have we attempted to hedge at the corporate level or within individual strategies the market risks that would affect the value of our overall AUM and related revenues. Some of these risks, such as sector and currency risks, are inherent in certain strategies, and clients may invest in particular strategies to gain exposure to particular risks. While negative returns in our strategies and net client cash outflows do not directly reduce the assets on our balance sheet (because the assets we manage are owned by our clients, not us), any reduction in the value of our AUM would result in a reduction in our revenues.
Exchange Rate Risk - A portion of the accounts that we advise hold investments that are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. To the extent our AUM are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, the value of that AUM will decrease with an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar, or increase with a decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar. Each investment team monitors its own exposure to exchange rate risk and makes decisions on how to manage that risk in the portfolios they manage. We believe many of our clients invest in those strategies in order to gain exposure to non-U.S. currencies, or may implement their own hedging programs. As a result, we generally do not hedge an investment portfolio’s exposure to non-U.S. currency.
We have not adopted a corporate-level risk management policy to manage this exchange rate risk. Assuming 9% of our AUM are invested in securities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and excluding the impact of any hedging arrangement, a 10% increase or decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar would decrease or increase the fair value of our AUM by $1.3 billion, which would cause an annualized increase or decrease in revenues of approximately $7.6 million at our weighted-average fee rate for the business of 57 basis points for the year December 31, 2020.
We operate in several foreign countries and incur operating expenses associated with these operations. In addition, we have revenue and revenue-sharing arrangements that are denominated in non-U.S. currencies. We do not believe foreign currency fluctuations materially affect our results of operations.
Interest Rate Risk - Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. On March 27, 2020, the Company entered into the Swap to manage interest rate risk associated with $450 million of its floating-rate long-term debt. At December 31, 2020, the Company was exposed to interest rate risk as a result of the unhedged amount outstanding under the 2019 Credit Agreement.

---

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8.
Financial Information and Supplementary Data.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of
Victory Capital Holdings, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Victory Capital Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Basis for the 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.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2013.
Cleveland, Ohio
March 15, 2021
Victory Capital Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except for shares)
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2019
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
22,744
$
37,121
Investment management fees receivable
67,957
74,321
Fund administration and distribution fees receivable
16,971
19,313
Other receivables
3,254
1,459
Prepaid expenses
6,082
4,852
Investments in proprietary funds, at fair value
Deferred compensation plan investments, at fair value
22,571
18,305
Property and equipment, net
18,747
13,240
Goodwill
404,750
404,750
Other intangible assets, net
1,162,641
1,175,471
Other assets
4,090
3,706
Total assets
$
1,730,729
$
1,753,309
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Accounts payable
$
1,358
$
Accrued compensation and benefits
47,278
54,842
Accrued expenses
40,786
88,932
Consideration payable for acquisition of business
92,500
118,700
Deferred compensation plan liability
22,571
18,305
Deferred tax liability, net
37,684
5,486
Other liabilities
12,002
4,363
Long-term debt, net
769,009
924,539
Total liabilities
1,023,188
1,215,438
Stockholders' equity
Class A common stock, $0.01 par value per share: 2020 - 400,000,000 shares authorized, 19,388,671 shares issued and 16,205,689 shares outstanding; 2019 - 400,000,000 shares authorized, 18,099,772 shares issued and 16,414,617 shares outstanding
Class B common stock, $0.01 par value per share: 2020 - 200,000,000 shares authorized, 54,766,934 shares issued and 51,336,177 shares outstanding; 2019 - 200,000,000 shares authorized, 53,937,394 shares issued and 51,281,512 shares outstanding
Additional paid-in capital
647,602
624,766
Class A treasury stock, at cost: 2020 - 3,182,982 shares; 2019 - 1,685,155 shares
(47,844
)
(21,524
)
Class B treasury stock, at cost: 2020 - 3,430,757 shares; 2019 - 2,655,882 shares
(47,080
)
(31,386
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(7,460
)
-
Retained earnings (deficit)
161,581
(34,705
)
Total stockholders' equity
707,541
537,871
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
1,730,729
$
1,753,309
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
Victory Capital Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except for shares)
Year Ended
Year Ended
Year Ended
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
Revenue
Investment management fees
$
562,036
$
466,802
$
352,683
Fund administration and distribution fees
213,315
145,571
60,729
Total revenue
775,351
612,373
413,412
Expenses
Personnel compensation and benefits
197,158
179,809
145,880
Distribution and other asset-based expenses
175,687
146,622
94,680
General and administrative
51,218
46,568
30,005
Depreciation and amortization
16,381
23,873
23,277
Change in value of consideration payable for acquisition of business
11,300
19,886
(37
)
Acquisition-related costs
1,108
22,317
4,346
Restructuring and integration costs
7,786
8,678
Total operating expenses
460,638
447,753
298,893
Income from operations
314,713
164,620
114,519
Other income (expense)
Interest income and other income (expense)
3,703
6,829
(2,856
)
Interest expense and other financing costs
(37,005
)
(40,901
)
(20,694
)
Loss on debt extinguishment
(2,871
)
(9,860
)
(6,058
)
Total other income (expense), net
(36,173
)
(43,932
)
(29,608
)
Income before income taxes
278,540
120,688
84,911
Income tax expense
(66,018
)
(28,197
)
(21,207
)
Net income
$
212,522
$
92,491
$
63,704
Earnings per share of common stock
Basic
$
3.14
$
1.37
$
0.96
Diluted
$
2.88
$
1.26
$
0.90
Weighted average number of shares outstanding
Basic
67,710
67,616
66,295
Diluted
73,719
73,466
70,511
Dividends declared per share of common stock
$
0.23
$
0.10
$
-
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
Victory Capital Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(in thousands)
Year Ended
Year Ended
Year Ended
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
Net income
$
212,522
$
92,491
$
63,704
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Net unrealized loss on investments in proprietary funds
-
-
(110
)
Net unrealized loss on cash flow hedges
(7,573
)
-
-
Net unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency translation
(40
)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
(7,460
)
(150
)
Comprehensive income
$
205,062
$
92,515
$
63,554
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
Victory Capital Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
(in thousands)
Accumulated
Additional
Other
Retained
Common Stock
Treasury Stock
Paid-In
Comprehensive
Earnings
Class A
Class B
Pre-IPO
Class A
Class B
Pre-IPO
Capital
Income (Loss)
(Deficit)
Total
Balance, December 31, 2017
$
-
$
-
$
$
-
$
-
$
(20,899
)
$
435,334
$
$
(183,888
)
$
231,183
Issuance of Class A common stock, net of underwriter discount
-
-
-
-
-
156,421
-
-
156,549
Class A common stock offering costs
-
-
-
-
-
-
(4,553
)
-
-
(4,553
)
Redesignation of common stock
-
(572
)
-
(20,899
)
20,899
-
-
-
-
Share conversion - Class B to A
(25
)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Repurchase of shares
-
-
-
(8,045
)
-
-
-
-
(8,045
)
Shares withheld related to net settlement of equity awards
-
-
-
-
(820
)
-
-
-
-
(820
)
Vesting of restricted share grants
-
-
-
-
-
(2
)
-
-
-
Exercise of options
-
-
-
-
-
1,248
-
-
1,252
Shares issued under 2018 ESPP
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Fractional shares retired
-
-
-
-
-
-
(2
)
-
-
(2
)
Cumulative effect adjustment for adoption of ASU 2016-09
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,306
1,818
Other comprehensive loss
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(150
)
-
(150
)
Share-based compensation
-
-
-
-
-
-
15,417
-
-
15,417
Dividends paid
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(831
)
(831
)
Net income
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
63,704
63,704
Balance, December 31, 2018
$
$
$
-
$
(8,045
)
$
(21,719
)
$
-
$
604,401
$
(86
)
$
(119,709
)
$
455,548
Issuance of shares
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Share conversion - Class B to A
(28
)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Repurchase of shares
-
-
-
(13,479
)
-
-
-
-
-
(13,479
)
Shares withheld related to net settlement of equity awards
-
-
-
-
(9,667
)
-
-
-
-
(9,667
)
Vesting of restricted share grants
-
-
-
-
-
(4
)
-
-
-
Exercise of options
-
-
-
-
-
4,004
-
-
4,014
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2016-01 and 2018-02
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(62
)
-
Other comprehensive income
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Share-based compensation
-
-
-
-
-
-
16,303
-
-
16,303
Dividends paid
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(7,425
)
(7,425
)
Net income
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
92,491
92,491
Balance, December 31, 2019
$
$
$
-
$
(21,524
)
$
(31,386
)
$
-
$
624,766
$
-
$
(34,705
)
$
537,871
Issuance of shares
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Share conversion - Class B to A
(12
)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Repurchase of shares
-
-
-
(26,320
)
-
-
-
-
-
(26,320
)
Shares withheld related to net settlement of equity awards
-
-
-
-
(15,694
)
-
-
-
-
(15,694
)
Vesting of restricted share grants
-
-
-
-
-
(11
)
-
-
-
Exercise of options
-
-
-
-
-
4,617
-
-
4,627
Other comprehensive income (loss)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(7,460
)
-
(7,460
)
Stock-based compensation
-
-
-
-
-
-
18,096
-
-
18,096
Dividends paid
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(16,236
)
(16,236
)
Net income
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
212,522
212,522
Balance, December 31, 2020
$
$
$
-
$
(47,844
)
$
(47,080
)
$
-
$
647,602
$
(7,460
)
$
161,581
$
707,541
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
Victory Capital Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
Year Ended
Year Ended
Year Ended
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income
$
212,522
$
92,491
$
63,704
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for deferred income taxes
34,599
(745
)
4,116
Depreciation and amortization
16,381
23,873
23,277
Deferred financing costs and derivative and accretion expense
4,468
3,892
2,875
Share-based and deferred compensation
22,519
22,124
17,346
Change in fair value of contingent consideration obligations
11,300
19,886
(37
)
Loss on other receivable
-
-
Unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on investments
(1,658
)
(1,887
)
2,872
Loss (gain) on equity method investment
(2,683
)
Loss on debt extinguishment
2,871
9,860
6,058
Loss on disposal of property and equipment due to restructuring
-
-
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Investment management fees receivable
6,364
(10,988
)
4,284
Fund administration and distribution fees receivable
2,342
(11,380
)
Other receivables
(3,075
)
5,640
Prepaid expenses
(1,230
)
(2,141
)
(215
)
Other assets
(11
)
(836
)
Accounts payable
1,087
(336
)
Accrued compensation and benefits
(7,620
)
18,700
Accrued expenses
(48,342
)
64,597
Deferred compensation plan liability
(157
)
(236
)
(48
)
Other liabilities
(2,200
)
2,871
Net cash provided by operating activities
250,616
227,384
134,345
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment
(8,059
)
(5,239
)
(2,546
)
Purchases of deferred compensation plan investments
(6,777
)
(6,594
)
(7,704
)
Sales of deferred compensation plan investments
4,063
2,749
2,772
Purchases of proprietary funds
(551
)
(182
)
(71
)
Sales of proprietary funds
-
(Purchase) sale of equity method investment
(1,523
)
10,572
(4,000
)
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired
-
(851,276
)
-
Net cash used in investing activities
(12,340
)
(849,812
)
(11,549
)
Cash flows from financing activities
Issuance of Class A common stock, net of underwriter discount
156,549
Payment of Class A common stock deferred offering costs
-
-
(4,287
)
Issuance of Class B common stock from exercise of stock options
4,627
4,014
1,250
Repurchase of common stock
(29,875
)
(15,535
)
(8,178
)
Payments of taxes related to net share settlement of equity awards
(12,109
)
(7,659
)
(510
)
Payment of equity awards modified to liabilities
-
-
Proceeds from long-term senior debt
-
1,088,503
359,100
Payment of debt financing fees
-
(19,820
)
(2,508
)
Repayment and repurchases of long-term senior debt
(162,387
)
(428,000
)
(579,750
)
Repayment of promissory note
-
(96
)
(575
)
Payment of dividends
(16,236
)
(7,436
)
(831
)
Payment of consideration for acquisition
(36,851
)
(6,017
)
(4,447
)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(252,696
)
608,016
(84,161
)
Effect of changes of foreign exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents
(65
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(14,377
)
(14,370
)
38,570
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
37,121
51,491
12,921
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
22,744
$
37,121
$
51,491
Supplemental cash flow information
Cash paid for interest
$
38,687
$
23,454
$
17,530
Cash paid for income taxes
37,812
24,634
17,993
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
Victory Capital Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTE 1. Organization and Nature of Business
Victory Capital Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (along with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, collectively referred to as “the Company” or “Victory”) was formed on February 13, 2013 for the purpose of acquiring Victory Capital Management Inc. (“VCM”) and Victory Capital Services, Inc. (“VCS”), formerly known as Victory Capital Advisers, Inc., which occurred on August 1, 2013.
On and effective July 1, 2019, the Company completed the acquisition (the “USAA AMCO Acquisition” or “USAA AMCO”) of USAA Asset Management Company (“USAA Adviser”) and Victory Capital Transfer Agency, Inc. (“VCTA”), formally known as the USAA Transfer Agency Company d/b/a USAA Shareholder Account Services. The USAA AMCO Acquisition includes USAA’s mutual fund and exchange traded fund (“ETF”) businesses and its 529 College Savings Plan (collectively, the “USAA Mutual Fund Business”). Refer to Note 4, Acquisitions, for further details on the acquisition.
VCM is a registered investment adviser managing assets through mutual funds, institutional separate accounts, separately managed account products, unified managed account products, collective trust funds, private funds, undertakings for the collective investment in transferrable securities, other pooled vehicles and ETFs. VCM also provides mutual fund administrative services for the Victory Portfolios, Victory Variable Insurance Funds and the mutual fund series of the Victory Portfolios II (collectively, the “Victory Funds”), a family of open-end mutual funds, the VictoryShares (the Company’s ETF brand), as well as the USAA Mutual Fund Business, which includes the USAA Mutual Fund Trust, a family of open-end mutual funds (the “USAA Funds”). Additionally, VCM employs all of the Company’s United States investment professionals across its Franchises and Solutions, which are not separate legal entities. VCM’s three wholly-owned subsidiaries include RS Investment Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., RS Investments (Hong Kong) Limited, and RS Investments (UK) Limited. VCS is registered with the SEC as a limited purpose broker-dealer and serves as distributor and underwriter for the Victory Funds and USAA Funds. VCTA is registered with the SEC as a transfer agent for the USAA Funds.
Changes in Capital Structure
On February 12, 2018, the Company completed the initial public offering (“IPO”) of its Class A common stock. The Company issued 11,700,000 shares of Class A common stock at a price of $13.00 per share at the closing of the IPO. On March 13, 2018, the Company issued an additional 1,110,860 shares of Class A common stock pursuant to the underwriters’ exercise of their option. The net proceeds totaled $156.5 million: $143.0 million received at the closing of the IPO and $13.5 million received at the subsequent closing of the underwriters’ exercise of their option, after deducting in each case underwriting discounts. All shares of common stock outstanding prior to the IPO were immediately converted into Class B common stock at a one-to-one ratio.
On February 12, 2018, concurrently with the closing of the IPO, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the “2018 Credit Agreement”) under which the Company received seven-year term loans in an original aggregate principal amount of $360.0 million and established a five-year revolving credit facility (which was unfunded as of closing) with original aggregate commitments of $50.0 million.
Net proceeds received from the IPO and the 2018 Credit Agreement together with cash on hand were used to repay all indebtedness outstanding under the credit agreement dated as of October 31, 2014 (as amended) (the “2014 Credit Agreement”) on February 12, 2018.
On May 3, 2018, the 2018 Credit Agreement was amended to increase aggregate commitments for the revolving credit facility from $50.0 million to $100.0 million.
On July 1, 2019, concurrent with the USAA AMCO Acquisition, the Company (i) entered into the 2019 Credit Agreement, (ii) repaid all indebtedness outstanding under the 2018 Credit Agreement and (iii) terminated the 2018 Credit Agreement. The 2019 Credit Agreement was entered into among the Company, as borrower, the lenders from time to time party thereto and Barclays Bank PLC, as administrative agent and collateral agent, pursuant to which the Company obtained seven-year term loans in an aggregate principal amount of $1.1 billion and established a five-year revolving credit facility (which was unfunded as of the closing date) with aggregate commitments of $100.0 million.
On January 17, 2020, the Company entered into the First Amendment to the 2019 Credit Agreement. Pursuant to the First Amendment, the Company refinanced the existing term loans (the “Existing Term Loans”) with replacement term loans (the “Repriced Term Loans”) in an aggregate principal amount of $952.0 million. The Repriced Term Loans provide for substantially the same terms as the Existing Term Loans, including the same maturity date of July 2026, except that the Repriced Term Loans provide for a reduced applicable margin on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) of 75 basis points. The applicable margin on LIBOR under the Repriced Term Loans is 2.50%, compared to 3.25% under the Existing Term Loans.
Refer to Note 4, Acquisitions, for further information on the USAA AMCO Acquisition and Note 11, Debt, for additional information on the Company’s debt structure.
NOTE 2. Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). All dollar amounts, except per share data in the text and tables herein, are stated in thousands unless otherwise indicated.
Retroactive Adjustments for Common Stock Split
The Company's Board of Directors and stockholders approved a 175.194 for 1 stock split of the Company's common stock on February 1, 2018. All common share and common per share amounts in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been retroactively adjusted for all periods presented to give effect to this stock split (refer to Note 14, Equity, Note 15, Share Based Compensation, and Note 18, Earnings Per Share).
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the operations of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, after elimination of all significant intercompany transactions and balances. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
The Company evaluates entities in which it invests and investment funds that it sponsors to determine whether the Company has a controlling financial interest in these entities and is required to consolidate them. A controlling financial interest generally exists if (i) the Company holds greater than 50% voting interest in entities controlled through voting interests or if (ii) the Company has the ability to direct significant activities of a fund not controlled through voting interests (a variable interest entity or VIE) and the obligation to absorb losses of and/or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
The Company’s involvement with non-consolidated sponsored investment funds that are considered VIEs include providing investment advisory services, fund administration, fund compliance, fund transfer agent and fund distribution services and/or holding a minority interest. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company's investments in and maximum risk of loss related to unconsolidated sponsored VIE investment funds totaled $22.9 million and $18.7 million, respectively which are included in investments in proprietary funds and deferred compensation plan investments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company has not provided financial support to these entities outside the ordinary course of business, which includes assuming operating expenses of funds for competitive or contractual reasons through fee waivers and fund expense reimbursements. The Company does not consolidate the sponsored investment funds in which it has an equity investment as it holds a minority interest, does not direct significant activities of these funds and does not have the right to receive benefits nor the obligation to absorb losses that could potentially be significant to these funds.
During 2019, the Company’s involvement with other non-consolidated VIEs included an equity method investment in Cerebellum Capital, LLC (“Cerebellum”). The Company sold 100% of its equity investment in Cerebellum in the third quarter of 2019.
On September 20, 2020, the Company acquired a 15% equity interest in Alderwood Partners LLP (“Alderwood”) and made a capital contribution of $1.5 million in cash. Alderwood’s operating entity, Alderwood Capital, is a London-based
investment advisory firm focused on taking minority stakes in specialist boutique asset management businesses. The Company analyzed its investment in Alderwood under the voting interest model and determined that it would not consolidate. Alderwood as it does not have a controlling financial interest. Refer to Note 13, Equity Method Investment, for further information.
The Company applies the equity method of accounting to investments where it does not hold a controlling equity interest, but has the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial matters. In the event that management identifies an other than temporary decline in the estimated fair value of an equity method investment to an amount below its carrying value, the investment is written down to its estimated fair value.
Use of Estimates and Assumptions
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results may ultimately differ from those estimates and the differences may be material.
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a pandemic. The global spread of COVID-19 has created significant volatility, uncertainty and economic disruption. Financial markets experienced significant declines during the first quarter of 2020, although certain markets, including domestic equity securities, experienced recoveries that more than offset the first quarter decline. While COVID-19 did not have a material adverse effect on our business, operations and financial results, the extent to which the pandemic impacts our business, operations and financial results going forward will depend on numerous evolving factors that we may not be able to accurately predict, including: the duration and scope of the pandemic; governmental, business and individuals’ actions that have been and continue to be taken in response to the pandemic; the impact of the pandemic on economic activity and actions taken in response; and the effect on our ability to sell and provide our services.
Revenue Recognition
The Company accounts for revenue in accordance with Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2019-04, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which was adopted on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective transition method. The Company’s revenue includes fees earned from providing investment management services, fund administration services, fund compliance, fund transfer agent services and fund distribution services.
Revenue is recognized for each distinct performance obligation identified in customer contracts when the performance obligation has been satisfied by transferring services to a customer either over time or at the point in time when the customer obtains control of the service. Revenue is recognized in the amount of variable or fixed consideration allocated to the satisfied performance obligation that Victory expects to be entitled to in exchange for transferring services to a customer. Variable consideration is included in the transaction price only when it is probable that a significant reversal of such revenue will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved.
For further information on the Company’s various streams of revenue, refer to Note 3, Revenue.
Distribution and Other Asset-Based Expenses
Distribution and other asset-based expenses include (i) broker dealer distribution fees, (ii) platform distribution fees, (iii) sub-administration, third party sub-transfer agent and sub-advisory expenses. These expenses are accrued on a monthly basis and are generally calculated as a percentage of AUM and vary as levels of AUM change from inflows, outflows and market movement and with the number of days in the month.
Also included in distribution and other asset-based expenses are middle office expenses. Middle office expenses are accrued on a monthly basis and vary with changes in mutual fund, institutional and wrap separate account AUM levels, the number of accounts and volume of account transaction activity.
Restructuring and Integration Costs
In connection with business combinations, asset purchases and changes in business strategy, the Company incurs costs integrating investment platforms, products and personnel into existing systems, processes and service provider arrangements and restructuring the business to capture operating expense synergies.
These costs include severance-related expenses related to one-time benefit arrangements and contract termination costs. A liability for restructuring costs is recognized only after management has developed a formal plan to which it has committed. The costs included in the restructuring liability are those costs that are either incremental or incurred as a direct result of the plan, or are the result of a continuing contractual obligation with no continuing economic benefit to the Company, or a penalty incurred to cancel the contractual obligation. Severance expense is recorded when management has committed to a plan for a reduction in workforce, the plan has been communicated to employees and it is unlikely that there will be significant changes to the plan.
Contract termination liabilities are recorded for contract termination costs when the Company terminates a contract or stops using the product or service covered by the contract. Contract termination liabilities are recognized and measured at fair value. Contract termination costs are recorded in restructuring and integration costs in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash at banks, money market accounts and funds and short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase. For the Company and certain subsidiaries, cash deposits at a financial institution may exceed Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits.
Investments
Investments in Proprietary Funds
Investments in proprietary funds include investments in affiliated mutual funds and are recorded in investments in proprietary funds, at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Following the adoption of ASU 2016-01 on January 1, 2019, changes in fair value are recognized in other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The cost of securities sold is determined using the specific identification method. Dividend income is accrued on the declaration date and is included in other income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Transactions are recorded on a trade-date basis.
The Company periodically reviews each individual security that is in an unrealized loss position to determine if the impairment is other-than-temporary. Factors that are considered in determining whether other-than-temporary declines in value have occurred include the severity and duration of the unrealized loss and the Company’s ability and intent to hold the security for a length of time sufficient to allow for recovery of such unrealized losses. Impairment charges are recorded in other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. No impairments were recognized as a result of such review in the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
Deferred Compensation Plan Investments
Deferred compensation plan investments include investments in affiliated and third party mutual funds held in a rabbi trust under a deferred compensation plan. Deferred compensation plan investments are recorded at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in value in deferred compensation plan investments are recognized by the Company in other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Company's investments in proprietary funds and deferred compensation plan investments are valued through the use of quoted market prices available in an active market, which is the net asset value of the funds.
Derivative Financial Instruments
On March 27, 2020, the Company entered into an interest rate swap transaction (the “Swap”) to manage interest rate risk associated with a portion of its floating-rate long-term debt. The Company does not purchase or hold any derivative
instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Under the terms of the Swap, the Company pays interest at a fixed rate of interest and receive interest that varies with the three-month LIBOR rate. The notional value, fixed rate of interest and expiration date of the Swap as of December 31, 2020 were $450 million - 0.965% - July 1, 2026.
The designation of a derivative instrument as a hedge and its ability to meet the hedge accounting criteria determine how the Company reflects the change in fair value of the derivative instrument. A derivative qualifies for hedge accounting treatment if, at inception, it meets defined correlation and effectiveness criteria. These criteria require that the anticipated cash flows and/or changes in fair value of the hedging instrument substantially offset those of the position being hedged. The Swap is assessed for effectiveness and continued qualification for hedge accounting on a quarterly basis. For the year ended December 31, 2020 and since inception, the Swap was deemed to be highly effective.
The Swap is designated as a cash flow hedge. Accordingly, the Swap is measured at fair value with mark-to-market gains or losses deferred and included in accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”), net of tax, to the extent the hedge is determined to be effective. Gains or losses from the Swap are reclassified to interest expense in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Refer to Note 12, Derivatives, for further information.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, generally three to ten years. Improvements to leased property are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the useful life of the improvements or the term of the applicable lease. When assets are sold or retired, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Gains and losses resulting from the sale or disposal of assets as part of a restructuring plan are included in restructuring and integration costs in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The cost of repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Equipment and leasehold improvements are tested for impairment whenever changes in facts or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.
Segment Reporting
The Company operates in one business segment that provides investment management services and products to institutional, intermediary, retirement platforms and individual investors. Our determination that we had one operating segment is based on the fact that the Chief Operating Decision Maker reviews the Company's financial performance on an aggregate level.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess cost of the acquisition over the fair value of net assets acquired in a business combination. For goodwill impairment testing purposes, the Company has determined that there is only one reporting unit.
The Company tests goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if facts and circumstances indicate that goodwill may be impaired. Factors that could trigger an impairment review include significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the Company's use of the acquired assets in a business combination or strategy for the Company's overall business, and significant negative industry or economic trends. The Company conducts the annual impairment assessment as of October 1st and uses a qualitative approach to test for potential impairment of goodwill. If, after considering various factors, management determines that it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, a two-step process to test for and measure impairment is performed which begins with an estimation of the fair value of the Company by considering discounted cash flows. The assumptions used to estimate fair value include management's estimates of future growth rates, operating cash flows, discount rates and terminal value. These assumptions and estimates can change in future periods based on market movement and factors impacting the expected business performance. Changes in assumptions or estimates could materially affect the determination of our fair value. If the present value of future expected cash flows falls below the recorded book value of equity, our goodwill would be considered impaired.
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets acquired in a business combination are initially recognized and measured at fair value. Intangible assets acquired by the Company outside of a business combination are initially recognized and measured based on the Company's cost to acquire the intangible assets. If a group of assets is acquired, the cost is allocated to individual assets based on their relative fair value. In valuing these assets, we make assumptions regarding useful lives and projected growth rates, and significant judgment is required.
Definite-lived intangible assets represent the value of acquired customer relationships in institutional separate accounts, collective funds, intermediary wrap separate account (wrap SMA) and unified managed account/model (UMA) programs. Definite-lived intangible assets also include intellectual property, advisory contracts that do not have a sufficient history of annual renewal, definite-lived trade name assets, lease-related assets and non-competition agreements.
The Company amortizes definite-lived identifiable intangible assets on a straight-line basis over a period that is shorter than the asset's economic life as the pattern of economic benefit cannot be reliably determined. Management periodically evaluates the remaining useful lives and carrying values of the intangible assets to determine whether events and circumstances indicate that a change in the useful life or impairment in value may have occurred. Indicators of impairment monitored by management include a decline in the level of managed assets, changes to contractual provisions underlying certain intangible assets and reductions in underlying operating cash flows. Should there be an indication of a change in the useful life or impairment in value of the definite-lived intangible assets, we compare the carrying value of the asset to the projected undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the underlying asset over its remaining useful life to determine whether impairment has occurred. If the carrying value of the asset exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, the asset is written down to its fair value determined using discounted cash flows. The Company writes off the cost and accumulated amortization balances for all fully amortized intangible assets.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets include trade names and contracts for fund advisory, distribution and transfer agent services where the Company expects to, and has the ability to continue to manage these funds indefinitely, the contracts have annual renewal provisions, and there is a high likelihood of continued renewal based on historical experience. Trade names are considered indefinite-lived intangible assets when they are expected to generate cash flows indefinitely.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment annually as of October 1st using a qualitative approach which requires that positive and negative evidence collected as a result of considering various factors be weighed in order to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. In addition, periodically management reconsiders whether events or circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful life. Indicators monitored by management that may indicate an indefinite useful life is no longer supported include a significant decline in the level of managed assets, changes to legal, regulatory or contractual provisions of the renewable investment advisory contracts and reductions in underlying operating cash flows.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets are combined into a single unit of accounting for purposes of testing impairment if they operate as a single asset and represent as a group the highest and best use of the assets. If the qualitative approach indicates that it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, the Company estimates the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset and compares it to the book value of the asset to determine whether an impairment charge is necessary. Impairment is indicated when the carrying value of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value.
Investment Management Fees Receivable and Fund Administration and Distribution Fees Receivable
Investment management fees receivable include investment management fees due from the Victory Funds, USAA Funds and VictoryShares and investment management fees due from non-affiliated parties. Fund administration and distribution fees receivable include administration, compliance and distribution fees due from the Victory Funds, USAA Funds and VictoryShares and transfer agent fees due from the USAA Funds.
Provision for credit losses on these receivables is made in amounts required to maintain an adequate allowance to cover anticipated losses. All investment management fees receivable and fund administration and distribution fees receivable were determined to be collectible as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, and accordingly, no reserve for credit losses and no provision for credit losses were recognized as of and for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
Other Receivables
Other receivables primarily include income and other taxes receivable and were determined to be collectible as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
Share-Based Compensation Arrangements
Compensation expense related to share-based payments is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award. The fair value of each option granted is estimated using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The Black-Scholes option valuation model incorporates assumptions as to dividend yield, expected volatility, an appropriate risk-free interest rate and the expected life of the option. The fair value of restricted share awards with service based vesting conditions and performance based vesting conditions is based on the market price of our stock on the date of grant. The fair value of restricted share awards subject to market conditions is estimated based on a probability-weighted expected value analysis. Compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the total vesting period of the award for the service portion of restricted share awards and stock option awards. Compensation expense is recognized on an accelerated basis over the derived service period for awards that vest based on market conditions and on an accelerated basis over the requisite service period for awards with performance conditions if it is probable that the performance conditions will be satisfied. Compensation expense is adjusted for actual forfeitures in the period the forfeiture occurs. The corresponding credit for restricted share and stock option compensation expense is recorded to additional paid in capital.
When changes are made to the terms of an equity award that result in a change in the fair value of the equity award immediately before and after the change, the Company applies modification accounting, treating the change as an exchange of the original award for a new award. The calculation of the incremental value associated with the modified award is based on the excess of the fair value of the modified award over the fair value of the original award measured immediately before its terms are modified.
Earnings Per Share
The calculation of basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of shares of the Company’s common stock, Class A common stock and Class B common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is similar to basic earnings per share, but adjusts for the dilutive effect of the potential issuance of incremental shares of all classes of the Company’s common stock. The Company had vested and unvested stock options and unvested restricted stock grants outstanding during the periods presented and applies the treasury stock method to these securities in its calculation of diluted earnings per share. The treasury stock method assumes that the proceeds of exercise are used to purchase common stock at the average market price for the period. The Company does not have any participating securities that would require the use of the two-class method of computing earnings per share.
Deferred Financing Fees
The costs of obtaining term loan financing are capitalized in long-term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and amortized to interest expense and other financing costs in the Consolidated Statements of Operations over the term of the respective financing using the effective interest method. The costs of obtaining revolving line of credit financing are capitalized in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and amortized to interest expense and other financing costs in the Consolidated Statements of Operations on a straight-line basis over the term of the facility.
The Company has established a policy of expensing the portion of unamortized debt financing costs associated with paydowns of principal in excess of required loan amortization payments. Management considers this debt to be partially settled. Deferred financing costs expensed due to partial settlements of debt are recorded in loss on debt extinguishment in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Debt Modification
Gains and losses on debt modifications that are considered extinguishments are recognized in current earnings. Debt modifications that are not considered extinguishments are accounted for prospectively through yield adjustments, based on the revised terms. Legal fees and other costs incurred with third parties that are directly related to debt modifications
are expensed as incurred and generally are included in general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company expensed $0.9 million, $4.4 million and $1.9 million in costs related to debt modifications in 2020, 2019 and 2018. The analysis as to whether a modification of debt is an extinguishment or modification is performed on a creditor-by-creditor basis. Refer to Note 11, Debt, for further information on debt refinancings and modifications.
Leases
The Company currently leases office space and equipment under various leasing arrangements. As these leases expire, it can be expected that in the normal course of business they will be renewed or replaced. Leases are classified as either capital leases or operating leases, as appropriate. Lease agreements that are classified as operating leases may contain renewal options, rent escalation clauses or other inducements provided by the landlord. Rent expense is accrued to recognize lease escalation provisions and inducements provided by the landlord, if any, on a straight-line basis over the lease term commencing when we obtain the right to control the use of the leased property. Rent expense is included in general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Treasury Stock
Acquisitions of treasury stock are recorded at cost. Treasury stock held is reported as a deduction from stockholders' equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. At the date of subsequent reissue, the treasury stock account is reduced by the cost of such stock on a specific-identification basis. Additional paid-in capital from treasury stock transactions is increased as the Company reissues treasury stock for more than the cost of the shares. If the Company issues treasury stock for less than its cost, additional paid-in capital from treasury stock transactions is reduced to no less than zero. Once this account is at zero, any further required reductions are recorded to retained earnings in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Foreign Currency Transactions
The financial statements of the Company’s subsidiaries which operate outside of the United States (U.S.) are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Adjustments to translate those statements into U.S. dollars are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss), which were immaterial in amount at December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
Transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are recorded using the exchange rate on the date of the transaction. Exchange differences arising on the settlement of financial assets and liabilities are recorded in other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Foreign exchange gains and losses for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 were immaterial.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for using the assets and liability method as required by ASC 740, Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred tax liabilities are generally attributable to indefinite-lived intangible assets and depreciation. Deferred tax assets are generally attributable to definite-lived intangible assets, stock compensation, deferred compensation and the benefit of uncertain tax positions. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
The Company assesses whether a valuation allowance should be established against its deferred income tax assets based on consideration of all available evidence, both positive and negative, using a more likely than not standard. The assessment considers, among other matters, recent operating results, forecasts of future profitability, the duration of statutory carry back and carry forward periods and the Company's experience with tax attributes expiring unused. Changes in circumstances could cause the Company to revalue its deferred tax balances with the resulting change impacting the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the period of the change.
The Company records income tax liabilities pursuant to ASC 740, Income Taxes, which prescribes the recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. It also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification of interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. For tax positions meeting a "more-likely-than-not" threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest amount of benefit greater than 50% likely of being sustained. The more-likely-than-not threshold must continue to be met in each reporting period to support continued recognition of the benefit. The Company's accounting policy with respect to interest and penalties related to tax uncertainties is to classify these amounts as income taxes.
Certain income tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted in December 2017 ("Tax Act") were reflected in the Company’s financial results in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (SAB 118), which provides SEC staff guidance regarding the application of ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, in the reporting period in which the Tax Act became law. Refer to Note 10, Income Taxes.
Loss Contingencies
The Company continuously reviews investor, client, employee or vendor complaints and pending or threatened litigation. The Company evaluates the likelihood that a loss contingency exists under the criteria of applicable accounting standards through consultation with legal counsel and records a loss contingency, inclusive of legal costs, if the contingency is probable and reasonably estimable at the date of the financial statements.
Business Combinations
The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting and allocates the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values on the date of acquisition. The fair values are determined in accordance with the guidance in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, based on valuations performed by the Company and independent valuation specialists.
Contingent and Deferred Payment Arrangements
The Company periodically enters into contingent and/or deferred payment arrangements in connection with its business combinations. Liabilities under contingent and deferred payment arrangements are recorded in consideration payable for acquisition of business in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In contingent payment arrangements, the Company agrees to pay additional consideration to the sellers based on future performance, such as future net revenue levels. The Company estimates the fair value of these potential future obligations at the time a business combination is consummated and records a liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at estimated fair value. In deferred payment arrangements, the Company records a liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at the time a business combination is consummated for the present value, which is the estimated fair value, of the future fixed dollar contractual payments.
Contingent payment obligations are remeasured at fair value each reporting date taking into consideration changes in expected payments, and the change in fair value is recorded in the current period as a gain or loss. Gains and losses resulting from changes in the fair value of contingent payment obligations are reflected in change in value of consideration payable for acquisition of business in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Company accretes obligations under deferred payment arrangements to their expected payment amounts over the period covered by the arrangement. Accretion expense related to deferred payment obligations is reflected in interest expense and other financing costs in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and totaled $0.0 million, $0.2 million and $0.5 million in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
New Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Standards Adopted in 2020
•
Derivatives and Hedging: Effective January 1, 2020, the Company early adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-12 (“ASU 2017-12”), “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815)” and ASU 2019-04, “Codification Improvements to Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging” (“ASU 2019-04”). ASU 2017-12 improves and simplifies accounting rules for hedge accounting to better present the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements and improves the disclosures of hedging arrangements. Various provisions of ASU 2017-12 were subsequently clarified by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) in April 2019 through the issuance of ASU 2019-04. The Company did not have any existing hedging relationships at the time of adoption; therefore, the adoption of ASU 2017-12 and ASU 2019-04 had no impact on our consolidated financial statements.
On March 27, 2020, the Company entered into the Swap to manage interest rate risk associated with a portion of its floating-rate long term debt (notional amount of $450 million). The Swap was designated as a cash flow hedge and the initial prospective quantitative hedge effectiveness assessment was deemed highly effective. Under ASU 2017-12, the Company has the option to perform subsequent assessments of hedge effectiveness qualitatively. The Company has elected to assess the Swap’s hedge effectiveness qualitatively and will verify and document on a quarterly basis that facts and circumstances have not changed.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
•
Reference Rate Reform: In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, (“ASU 2020-04”), “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” ASU 2020-04 contains optional practical expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. The amendments in this guidance are effective for all entities through December 31, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of this new standard on its consolidated financial statements.
•
Internal-Use Software: In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15 (“ASU 2018-15”), "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40)," which aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a service contract hosting arrangement with those of developing or obtaining internal-use software. This standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019 for public companies and can be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. The new guidance will be effective for the Company’s fiscal year that begins on January 1, 2021. The Company has elected to adopt ASU 2018-15 on a prospective basis and the adoption is not expected to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
•
Subsequent Measurement of Goodwill: In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04 (“ASU 2017-04”), “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350)” which simplifies the test for goodwill impairment. ASU 2017-04 eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill (step two) to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Goodwill impairment will be based upon the results of step one of the impairment test, which is defined as the excess of the carrying amount of a reporting unit over its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The effective date for calendar-year public business entities was January 1, 2020. The new guidance will be effective for the Company’s fiscal year that begins on January 1, 2021 and requires a prospective approach to adoption. The impact of this new guidance will depend upon the performance of our one reporting unit and the market conditions impacting the fair value.
•
Expected Credit Losses: In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 (“ASU 2016-13”), “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” ASU 2016-13 creates a new model for determining current expected credit losses (“CECL”) on trade and other receivables, net investments in leases, contract assets and long-term receivables. The CECL impairment model requires companies to consider the risk of loss even if it is remote and to include forecasts of future economic conditions as well as information about past events and current conditions. The effective date for calendar-year public business entities was January 1, 2020. In November 2019, the FASB deferred the effective date for ASU 2016-13 for private companies and other companies who had not yet been required to adopt the standard. As a result of the Company’s EGC status, the Company will adopt ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2023. The Company is currently reviewing the effect of this new standard on its consolidated financial statements.
•
Leases: In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (the “New Lease Standard”) which supersedes previous lease guidance, Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 840. The New Lease Standard requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) on their balance sheet at the commencement date and recognize expenses on their income statement similar to ASC Topic 840 guidance. In addition, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, “Leases Targeted Improvements” which provides a package of practical expedients for entities to apply upon adoption. The effective date for calendar-year public business entities was January 1, 2019. In June 2020, the FASB deferred the effective date of the New Lease Standard for private companies and other companies who had not yet been required to adopt the standard. Due to the Company’s EGC status, the New Lease Standard will be adopted on January 1, 2022.
Management has assessed and evaluated the Company’s portfolio of active real estate leases and is currently surveying the business for other leases. The Company has approximately $16.7 million in net undiscounted, future minimum cash commitments under operating leases. The New Lease Standard is expected to result in a gross up of assets and liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and to have no material impact on the Consolidated Statements of Operations or the Company’s liquidity or debt covenant compliance under the current credit agreement.
NOTE 3. Revenue
In accordance with the new revenue recognition standard requirements, the following table disaggregates our revenue by type and product:
Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
Investment management fees
Mutual funds (Victory/USAA Funds)
$
455,715
$
355,969
$
248,771
ETFs (VictoryShares)
11,604
10,422
8,999
Separate accounts and other vehicles
99,125
99,726
93,043
Performance-based fees
Mutual funds (USAA Funds)
(4,771
)
-
-
Separate accounts and other vehicles
1,870
Total investment management fees
$
562,036
$
466,802
$
352,683
Fund administration and distribution fees
Administration fees
Mutual funds (Victory/USAA Funds)
$
112,279
$
71,131
$
22,527
ETFs (VictoryShares)
1,460
1,317
Distribution fees
Mutual funds (Victory/USAA Funds)
25,599
30,356
37,253
Transfer agent fees
Mutual funds (USAA Funds)
73,977
42,767
-
Total fund administration and distribution fees
$
213,315
$
145,571
$
60,729
Total revenue
$
775,351
$
612,373
$
413,412
Beginning on January 1, 2019, and as a result of adopting ASU 2014-09, fund expense reimbursements are presented as a reduction of investment management fees. This change in presentation reduced revenue, and operating expenses, by $18.7 million year for the ended December 31, 2019.
The following table presents balances of receivables:
(in thousands)
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2019
Customer receivables
Mutual funds (Victory/USAA Funds)
$
60,868
$
64,407
ETFs (VictoryShares)
1,419
1,391
Separate accounts and other vehicles
22,641
27,836
Receivables from contracts with customers
84,928
93,634
Non-customer receivables
3,254
1,459
Total receivables
$
88,182
$
95,093
Investment management fees receivable
$
67,957
$
74,321
Fund administration and distribution fees receivable
16,971
19,313
Other receivables
3,254
1,459
Total receivables
$
88,182
$
95,093
Revenue
The Company’s revenue includes fees earned from providing;
•
investment management services,
•
fund administration services,
•
fund transfer agent services, and
•
fund distribution services.
Revenue is recognized for each distinct performance obligation identified in customer contracts when the performance obligation has been satisfied by transferring services to a customer either over time or at the point in time when the customer obtains control of the service. Revenue is recognized in the amount of variable or fixed consideration allocated to the satisfied performance obligation that Victory expects to be entitled to in exchange for transferring services to a customer. Variable consideration is included in the transaction price only when it is probable that a significant reversal of such revenue will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved.
Investment management, fund administration and fund distribution fees are generally considered variable consideration as they are typically calculated as a percentage of AUM. Fund transfer agent fees are also considered variable consideration as they are calculated as a percentage of AUM or based on the number of accounts in the fund. In such cases, the amount of fees earned is subject to factors outside of the Company’s control including customer or underlying investor contributions and redemptions and financial market volatility. These fees are considered constrained and are excluded from the transaction price until the asset values or number of accounts on which the customer is billed are calculated and the value of consideration is measurable.
The Company has contractual arrangements with third parties to provide certain advisory, administration, transfer agent and distribution services. Management considers whether we are acting as the principal service provider or as an agent to determine whether revenue should be recorded based on the gross amount payable by the customer or net of payments to third-party service providers, respectively. Victory is considered a principal service provider if we control the service that is transferred to the customer. We are considered an agent when we arrange for the service to be provided by another party and do not control the service.
Investment Management Fees
Investment management fees are received in exchange for investment management services that represent a series of distinct incremental days of investment management service. Control of investment management services is transferred to the customers over time as these customers receive and consume the benefits provided by these services. Investment management fees are calculated as a contractual percentage of AUM and are generally paid in arrears on a monthly or quarterly basis.
Investment management fees are recognized as revenue using a time-based output method to measure progress. Revenue is recorded at month end or quarter end when the value of consideration is measured. The amount of investment management fee revenue varies from one reporting period to another as levels of AUM change (from inflows, outflows and market movements) and as the number of days in the reporting period change.
The Company may waive certain fees for investment management services provided to the Victory Funds, USAA Funds and VictoryShares and may subsidize certain share classes of the Victory Funds, USAA Funds and VictoryShares to ensure that specified operating expenses attributable to such share classes do not exceed a specified percentage. These waivers and reimbursements reduce the transaction price allocated to investment management services and are recognized as a reduction to investment management fees revenue. The amounts due to the Victory Funds, USAA Funds and VictoryShares for waivers and expense reimbursements represent consideration payable to customers, which is recorded in “Accounts payable and accrued expenses” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and no distinct services are received in exchange for these payments.
Performance-based investment management fees, which include fees under performance fee and fulcrum fee arrangements, are included in the transaction price for providing investment management services. Performance-based investment management fees are calculated as a percentage of investment performance on a client’s account versus a specified benchmark or hurdle based on the terms of the contract with the customer. Performance-based investment
management fees are variable consideration and are recognized as revenue when and to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal of the cumulative revenue for the contractual performance period will not occur. Performance-based investment management fees recognized as revenue in the current period may pertain to performance obligations satisfied in prior periods. Fulcrum fee arrangements include a base investment management fee and a performance fee adjustment to the base investment management fee depending on whether the assets being managed experienced better or worse investment performance than the index specified in the customer’s contract. The performance fee adjustment arrangement with certain equity and fixed income USAA Funds took effect on July 1, 2020 and is calculated monthly based on the investment performance of those funds relative to their specified benchmark indexes over the discrete performance period ending with that month.
Fund Administration Fees
The Company recognizes fund administration fees as revenue using a time-based output method to measure progress. Fund administration fees are determined based on the contractual rate applied to average daily net assets of the Victory Funds, USAA Funds and VictoryShares for which administration services are provided. Revenue is recorded on a monthly basis when the value of consideration is measured using actual average daily net assets and constraints are removed.
The Company has contractual arrangements with a third party to provide certain sub-administration services. We are the primary obligor under the contracts with the Victory Funds, USAA Funds and VictoryShares and have the ability to select the service provider and establish pricing. As a result, fund administration fees and sub-administration expenses are recorded on a gross basis.
Fund Transfer Agent Fees
The Company recognizes fund transfer agent fees using a time-based output method to measure progress. Fund transfer agent fees are determined based on the contractual rate applied to either the average daily net assets of the USAA Funds for which transfer agent services are provided or number of accounts in the USAA Funds. Revenue is recorded on a monthly basis when the value of consideration is measured using actual average daily net assets or actual number of accounts and constraints are removed.
The Company has contractual arrangements with a third party to provide certain sub-transfer agent services. We are the primary obligor under the transfer agency contracts with the USAA Funds and have the ability to select the service provider and establish pricing. As a result, fund transfer agent fees and sub-transfer agent expenses are recorded on a gross basis.
Fund Distribution Fees
The Company receives compensation for sales and sales-related services promised under distribution contracts with the Victory Funds and USAA Funds. Revenue is measured in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for providing distribution services. Distribution fees are generally calculated as a percentage of average net assets in the Victory Funds and USAA Funds. The Company’s performance obligation is satisfied at the point in time when control of the services is transferred to customers, which is upon investor subscription or redemption.
Based on the nature of the calculation, the revenue for these services is accounted for as variable consideration, the Company may recognize distribution fee revenue in the current period that pertains to performance obligations satisfied in prior periods, as it represents variable consideration and is recognized as uncertainties are resolved. The Company’s distribution fee revenue is recorded in fund administration and distribution fees in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Company has contractual arrangements with third parties to provide certain distribution services. The Company is the primary obligor under the contracts with the Victory Funds and USAA Funds and has the ability to select the service provider and establish pricing. Substantially all of the Company’s revenue is recorded gross of payments made to third parties.
Costs Incurred to Obtain or Fulfill Customer Contracts
The Company is required to capitalize certain costs directly related to the acquisition or fulfillment of a contact with a customer. Victory has not identified any sales-based compensation or similar costs that meet the definition of an incremental cost to acquire a contract and as such we have no intangible assets related to contract acquisitions.
Direct costs incurred to fulfill services under the Company’s distribution contracts include sales commissions paid to third party dealers for the sale of Class C Shares. The Company may pay upfront sales commissions to dealers and institutions that sell Class C shares of the participating Victory Funds at the time of such sale. Upfront sales commission payments with respect to Class C shares equal 1.00% of the purchase price of the Class C shares sold by the dealer or institution. When the Company makes an upfront payment to a dealer or institution for the sale of Class C shares, the Company capitalizes the cost of such payment, which is recorded in “Prepaid expenses” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and amortizes the cost over a 12-month period, the estimated period of benefit.
NOTE 4. Acquisitions
USAA AMCO Acquisition
On July 1, 2019, the Company completed the acquisition of USAA Adviser and VCTA (collectively, the “USAA Acquired Companies”), which includes the USAA Mutual Fund Business, and executed Amendment No. 1 (the “Amendment”) to the stock purchase agreement (the “Stock Purchase Agreement”). The Amendment amended the Stock Purchase Agreement entered into on November 6, 2018 between the Company, USAA Investment Corporation, and for certain limited purposes, USAA Capital Corporation. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed and results of the USAA Mutual Fund Business are reflected in the consolidated financial statements from the closing date of July 1, 2019.
The USAA AMCO Acquisition expanded and diversified the Company’s investment platform, particularly in the fixed income and solutions asset classes, and increased the Company’s size and scale. Additional products added to the investments platform include target date and target risk strategies, managed volatility mutual funds, active fixed income ETFs, sub-advised and multi-manager equity funds. The acquisition also added to the Company’s lineup of asset allocation portfolios and smart beta equity ETFs and provided the Company the rights to offer products and services using the USAA brand and the opportunity to offer its products to USAA members through a direct investor channel.
Purchase Price
The Company purchased 100% of the outstanding common stock of the USAA Acquired Companies. The purchase price for the USAA Acquired Companies was $949.4 million, comprised of $851.3 million of cash paid at closing plus the acquisition date value of contingent payments due to sellers of $98.8 million less $0.7 million in net working capital adjustments settled in the first quarter of 2020. No further purchase price adjustments were recorded during the measurement period and there was no change in the goodwill balance from December 31, 2019 to December 31, 2020.
A maximum of $150.0 million ($37.5 million per year) in contingent payments is payable to sellers based on the annual revenue of USAA Adviser attributable to all “non-managed money”-related AUM in each of the first annual earn out periods following the closing as defined in the Stock Purchase Agreement. To receive any contingent payment in respect of “non-managed money”-related assets for a given year, annual revenue from “non-managed money”-related assets must be at least 80% of the revenue run-rate (as calculated under the Stock Purchase Agreement) of the USAA Adviser’s “non-managed money”-related assets under management as of the Closing, and to achieve the maximum contingent payment for a given year, such annual revenue must total at least 100% of that Closing revenue run-rate. Annual contingent payments in respect of “non-managed money”-related assets are subject to certain “catch-up” provisions set forth in the USAA Stock Purchase Agreement.
The Company accounted for the acquisition in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations. Accordingly, the purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair values at the date of the USAA AMCO Acquisition. The Company used an independent valuation specialist to assist with the determination of fair value for certain of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities disclosed below.
The excess purchase price over the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed of $120.6 million was recorded to goodwill in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, all of which is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The
goodwill arising from the acquisition primarily results from expected future earnings and cash flows, as well as the expected synergies created by the integration of the USAA Acquired Companies within our organization.
The following table presents the estimated amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date:
(in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents
$
17,473
Investment management fees receivable
25,353
Fund administration and distribution fees receivable
4,779
Other receivables and prepaid expenses
Property and equipment
1,165
Other intangible assets(1)
808,670
Goodwill
120,643
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
(5,575
)
Accrued compensation and benefits
(5,907
)
Payable to members and custodians
(17,473
)
Purchase price
$
949,427
(1)
Includes $750.2 million for indefinite-lived investment advisory contracts, $19.1 million for indefinite-lived transfer agent contracts, $0.8 million for indefinite-lived distribution contracts, $38.2 million for definite-lived trade name assets and $0.4 million for definite-lived lease-related assets, all of which are recorded in other intangible assets, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Contingent Consideration
The estimated fair value for contingent consideration payable to sellers is estimated using the real options method. Revenue related to “non-managed money” assets is simulated in a risk-neutral framework to calculate expected probability-weighted earn out payments, which are then discounted from the expected payment dates at the relevant cost of debt. Significant assumptions and inputs include the “non-managed money” revenue projected annual growth rate, the market price of risk, which adjusts the projected revenue growth rate to a risk-neutral expected growth rate, revenue volatility and discount rate. The market price of risk and revenue volatility are based on data for comparable companies. As the contingent consideration represents a subordinate, unsecured claim of the Company, the Company assesses a discount rate which incorporates adjustments for credit risk and the subordination of the contingent consideration.
A maximum of $150 million ($37.5 million per year) is payable to sellers in contingent payments. During the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company paid $37.5 million in cash to sellers for the first annual earn out period.
The fair value of contingent consideration payable to sellers was estimated at $92.5 million and $118.7 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $98.8 million as of the acquisition date. The Company recognized expense of $11.3 million and $19.9 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively, which was recorded in change in value of consideration payable for acquisition of business in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Significant inputs to the valuation of contingent consideration payable to sellers as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 and the acquisition date are as follows and are approximate values:
July 1, 2019
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2019
Acquisition Date
Non-managed money revenue average annual growth rate
%
%
%
Market price of risk
%
%
%
Revenue volatility
%
%
%
Discount rate
%
%
%
Years remaining in earn out period
2.9
3.8
4.3
Undiscounted estimated remaining earn out payments in millions
$98 - $113
$133 - $150
$119 - $150
USAA Acquired Companies
In 2020 and 2019, the Company incurred $7.8 million $8.7 million, respectively, in restructuring and integration costs associated with the USAA AMCO Acquisition. No USAA AMCO restructuring and integration costs were incurred in 2018.
Revenue of the USAA Acquired Companies subsequent to the effective closing date of July 1, 2019 for the six months ended December 31, 2019 and the six months ended June 30, 2020, was as follows:
Unaudited
Unaudited
Six Months Ended
Six Months Ended
(in millions)
June 30, 2020
December 31, 2019
Revenue
$
221.3
$
244.5
Net income attributable to the USAA Acquired Companies for the six months ended December 31, 2019 and the first six months of 2020 is impractical to determine as the Company does not prepare discrete financial information at that level.
The Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019 include the operating results of the USAA Acquired Companies for the period from July 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019. The historical consolidated financial information of Victory and the USAA Acquired Companies have been adjusted to give effect to unaudited pro forma events that are directly attributable to the transaction, factually supportable and expected to have continuing impact on the combined results. These amounts have been calculated after adjusting the results of the USAA Acquired Companies to reflect additional interest expense, distribution costs, share-based compensation expense, income taxes and intangible asset amortization that would have been expensed assuming the fair value adjustments had been applied on January 1, 2018. In addition, Victory’s and the USAA Acquired Companies’ results were adjusted to remove incentive compensation, legal fees and mutual fund proxy costs directly attributable to the acquisition.
The following Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Operations are provided for illustrative purposes only and assume that the acquisition occurred on January 1, 2018. This unaudited information should not be relied upon as indicative of historical results that would have been obtained if the acquisition had occurred on that date, nor of the results that may be obtained in the future.
Unaudited
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share amount)
Revenue
$
851,440
$
906,844
Net income
114,988
71,471
Earnings per share of common stock
Basic
$
1.70
$
1.08
Diluted
$
1.56
$
1.01
Weighted average number of shares outstanding
Basic
67,693
66,295
Diluted
73,612
70,511
CEMP Acquisition
Under the terms of the acquisition of Compass Efficient Model Portfolios, LLC (the “CEMP Acquisition”), the Company paid cash related to base payments and contingent earnouts annually following each of the first four anniversaries of the CEMP Acquisition. Each annual base payment was fixed in amount, with the amounts increasing over the four-year period. The earn-out payments were calculated as a fixed percentage of the net revenue earned by the Company on the CEMP business over the twelve-month period ending on each of the first four anniversaries of the CEMP closing date.
In 2019, the Company paid the fourth and final payment of $6.0 million in cash to the sellers. The cumulative total in base payments and earn out payments paid to the sellers was $13.1 million, which includes $6.0 million paid in 2019 and $4.4 million paid in 2018.
Restructuring and Integration Costs
In connection with business combinations, asset purchases and changes in business strategy, the Company incurs costs integrating investment platforms, products and personnel into existing systems, processes and service provider arrangements and restructuring the business to capture operating expense synergies.
The following table presents a rollforward of restructuring and integration liabilities:
(in millions)
Liability balance, beginning of period
$
3.0
$
0.1
$
0.1
Severance expense
USAA AMCO Acquisition
1.2
6.2
-
Other
-
-
0.7
Contract termination expense
USAA AMCO Acquisition
0.1
0.2
-
Integration costs - USAA AMCO Acquisition
6.5
2.3
-
Restructuring and integration costs
7.8
8.7
0.7
Settlement of liabilities
(9.8
)
(5.8
)
(0.7
)
Liability balance, end of period
$
1.0
$
3.0
$
0.1
Accrued expenses
$
1.0
$
2.9
$
0.1
Other liabilities
-
0.1
-
Liability balance, end of period
$
1.0
$
3.0
$
0.1
Acquisition-related costs
Costs related to acquisitions are summarized below and include legal and filing fees, advisory services, mutual fund proxy voting costs and other one-time expenses related to the transactions. These costs were expensed in 2020, 2019 and 2018 and are included in acquisition-related costs in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Acquisition-related costs
(in thousands)
USAA AMCO
$
$
21,333
$
3,180
Other
1,166
Total acquisition-related costs
$
1,108
$
22,317
$
4,346
NOTE 5. Fair Value Measurements
The Company determines the fair value of certain financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities. Fair value is determined based on the price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value determinations utilize a valuation hierarchy based upon the transparency of inputs used in the valuation of an asset or liability.
Classification within the fair value hierarchy contains three levels:
•
Level 1-Valuation inputs are unadjusted quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
•
Level 2-Valuation inputs are quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and other observable inputs directly or indirectly related to the asset or liability being measured.
•
Level 3-Valuation inputs are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. These inputs reflect management's own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability.
The following table presents liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
As of December 31, 2020
(in thousands)
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Financial Liabilities
Interest rate swap liability
$
(10,006
)
$
-
$
(10,006
)
$
-
Contingent consideration arrangements
(92,500
)
-
-
(92,500
)
Total financial liabilities
$
(102,506
)
$
-
$
(10,006
)
$
(92,500
)
As of December 31, 2019
(in thousands)
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Financial Liabilities
Contingent consideration arrangements
$
(118,700
)
$
-
$
-
$
(118,700
)
The interest rate swap liability represents amounts owed as of December 31, 2020 under the Swap entered into by the Company on March 27, 2020. The Swap effectively fixed the interest rate at 3.465% on $450 million of the outstanding Term Loan balance through the Term Loan’s maturity in July 2026. The fair value of the Swap is included in other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2020. Pricing was determined based on a third party, model-derived valuation in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets (Level 2). Refer to Note 12, Derivatives, for further detail on the Swap.
Contingent consideration arrangements at December 31, 2020 and 2019 consisted of the USAA AMCO earn-out payment liability, which is included in the consideration payable for acquisition of business in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Significant unobservable inputs for the option pricing model used to determine the estimated fair value of the USAA AMCO Acquisition earn-out payment liability include the “non-managed money” revenue projected growth rate, revenue volatility, market price of risk and discount rate. An increase in market price of risk, discount rate and revenue volatility results in a lower fair value for the earn-out payment liability, while an increase in the projected growth rate for “non-managed money” revenue results in a higher fair value for the earn-out payment liability. Refer to Note 4, Acquisitions, for further details and significant unobservable inputs related to the valuation of contingent consideration payable related to the USAA AMCO Acquisition.
Changes in the fair value of contingent consideration arrangement liabilities are recorded in earnings in change in value of consideration payable for acquisition of business in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The following table presents the balance of the contingent consideration arrangement liabilities at December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
(in thousands)
Contingent
Consideration
Liabilities
Balance, December 31, 2018
$
(716
)
CEMP change in fair value measurement
CEMP year 4 earn-out payment
USAA AMCO estimated liability as of closing date
(98,800
)
USAA AMCO change in fair value measurement
(19,900
)
Balance, December 31, 2019
$
(118,700
)
USAA AMCO earn-out payment
37,500
USAA AMCO change in fair value measurement
(11,300
)
Balance, December 31, 2020
$
(92,500
)
There were no transfers between any of the Level 1, 2 and 3 categories in the fair value measurement hierarchy for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. The Company recognizes transfers at the end of the reporting period.
The net carrying value of accounts receivable and accounts payable approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities. The fair value of our long-term debt at December 31, 2020 is considered to be its carrying value as the interest rate on the bank debt is variable and approximates current market rates. As a result, Level 2 inputs are utilized to determine the fair value of our long-term debt.
The fair value of the Company’s money market investment ($10.1 million within cash and cash equivalents), investments in proprietary funds and deferred compensation plan investments are measured using Level 1 inputs, which are the market prices for shares in these open-end mutual funds.
NOTE 6. Related-Party Transactions
The Company considers certain funds that it manages, including the Victory Funds, the USAA Funds, the VictoryShares and collective trust funds that it sponsors (the “Victory Collective Funds”), to be related parties as a result of our advisory relationship.
The Company receives investment management, administrative, distribution and compliance fees in accordance with contracts that VCM and VCS have with the Victory Funds and the USAA Funds and has invested a portion of its balance sheet cash in the USAA Treasury Money Market Fund and earns interest on the amount invested in this fund.
The Company receives investment management, administrative and compliance fees in accordance with contracts that VCM has with the VictoryShares.
We also receive investment management fees from the Victory Collective Funds under VCM’s advisory contracts with these funds. In addition, VCTA receives fees for transfer agency services under contracts with the USAA Funds and sub-transfer agency services under contracts with the Victory Funds for member class shares.
In 2020, the Company paid director fees to and made contributions under the Director DC Plan for non-employee members of our Board of Directors, which are included in general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In 2018, under the terms of monitoring agreements with affiliates of two shareholders of the Company, we paid fees for monitoring services, which are included in general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. These monitoring agreements terminated upon the completion of the IPO.
The table below presents balances and transactions involving related parties included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Operations.
•
Included in cash and cash equivalents is cash held in the USAA Treasury Money Market Fund.
•
Included in receivables (fund administration and distribution fees) are amounts due from the Victory Funds and USAA Funds for compliance services and amounts due from the USAA Funds for transfer agent services.
•
Included in revenue (fund administration and distribution fees) are amounts earned for compliance services and transfer agent services.
•
Realized and unrealized gains and losses and dividend income on investments in the Victory Funds and USAA Funds classified as investments in proprietary funds and deferred compensation plan investments as well as dividend income on investments in the USAA Treasury Money Market Fund are recorded in interest income and other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
•
Amounts due to the Victory Funds, USAA Funds and VictoryShares for waivers of investment management fees and reimbursements of fund operating expenses are included in accrued expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and represent consideration payable to customers.
(in thousands)
Related party assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
10,088
$
10,060
Receivables (investment management fees)
46,958
47,872
Receivables (fund administration and distribution fees)
16,971
19,313
Investment in proprietary funds, fair value
Deferred compensation plan investments, fair value
22,062
17,914
Total
$
97,001
$
95,930
Related party liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (fund reimbursements)
$
5,978
$
4,316
Total
$
5,978
$
4,316
Year ended December 31,
(in thousands)
Related party revenue
Investment management fees (1)
$
471,153
$
371,807
$
261,538
Fund administration and distribution fees
213,315
145,571
60,729
Total
$
684,468
$
517,378
$
322,267
Related party expense
Distribution and other asset-based expenses (fund reimbursements) (1)
$
-
$
-
$
12,902
General and administrative
-
Total
$
$
-
$
13,037
Related party other income (expense)
Interest income (expense) and other income (expense)
$
2,337
$
2,693
$
(2,834
)
Interest expense and other financing costs (promissory note)
-
(1
)
(18
)
Total
$
2,337
$
2,692
$
(2,852
)
(1)
Effective January 1, 2019, upon the adoption of ASU 2014-09, expense reimbursements have been reclassified to investment management fees. This change in presentation reduced revenue, and operating expenses, by $31.3 million and $18.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
NOTE 7. Investments
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had investments in proprietary funds and deferred compensation plan investments. Investments in proprietary funds consist entirely of seed capital investments in certain Victory Funds and USAA Funds. Deferred compensation plan investments are held under deferred compensation plans and include Victory Funds, USAA Funds and third party mutual funds.
Investments in Proprietary Funds
The following table presents a summary of the cost and fair value of investments in proprietary funds:
Gross Unrealized
Fair
(in thousands)
Cost
Gains
(Losses)
Value
As of December 31, 2020
$
$
$
-
$
As of December 31, 2019
$
$
(10
)
$
Following the adoption of ASU 2016-01 on January 1, 2019, proprietary funds, which are accounted for as available for sale investments, are recorded in other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In 2018, unrealized gains and losses on investments in proprietary funds were recorded, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and upon sale, accrued unrealized gains or losses were reclassed out of accumulated comprehensive income (loss). Refer to Note 20, Accumulated Other Income (Loss). Realized gains and losses on investments in proprietary funds are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as other income (expense).
The following table presents proceeds from sales of investments in proprietary funds and realized gains and losses recognized during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:
Sale
Realized
(in thousands)
Proceeds
Gains
(Losses)
For the year ending December 31, 2020
$
$
$
(13
)
For the year ending December 31, 2019
-
For the year ending December 31, 2018
-
-
-
Deferred Compensation Plan Investments
The following table presents a summary of the cost and fair value of deferred compensation plan investments:
Gross Unrealized
Fair
(in thousands)
Cost
Gains
(Losses)
Value
As of December 31, 2020
$
21,205
$
1,725
$
(359
)
$
22,571
As of December 31, 2019
18,670
(1,098
)
18,305
Unrealized gains and losses on deferred compensation plan investments are recorded in earnings in other income (expense). Sales of deferred compensation plan investments result in realized gains or losses that are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as other income (expense).
The following table presents proceeds from sales of deferred compensation plan investments and realized gains and losses recognized during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:
Sale
Realized
Proceeds
Gains
(Losses)
For the year ending December 31, 2020
$
4,063
$
$
(309
)
For the year ending December 31, 2019
2,749
(71
)
For the year ending December 31, 2018
2,772
(73
)
NOTE 8. Property and Equipment
The following table presents property and equipment as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:
As of December 31,
(in thousands)
Equipment, purchased software and implementation costs
$
21,710
$
21,548
Leasehold improvements
3,155
2,854
Furniture and fixtures
2,743
2,631
Total
27,608
27,033
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
(8,861
)
(13,793
)
Total property and equipment, net
$
18,747
$
13,240
Depreciation and amortization expense for property and equipment was $3.7 million, $3.0 million and $3.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
NOTE 9. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The following table presents changes in the goodwill balance from December 31, 2019 to December 31, 2020:
As of December 31,
(in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period
$
404,750
$
284,108
Goodwill recorded in acquisition
-
120,642
Balance, end of period
$
404,750
$
404,750
There were no impairments to goodwill recognized during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 or 2018.
Identifiable Intangible Assets
The following table presents a summary of definite-lived intangible assets by type:
Fund
Intellectual
Customer
Advisory
Trade
Property/
(in thousands)
Relationships
Contracts
Names
Other
Totals
Gross book value - December 31, 2019
$
123,200
$
2,368
$
39,332
$
7,547
$
172,447
Accumulated amortization
(118,577
)
(2,368
)
(5,607
)
(7,124
)
(133,676
)
Net book value - December 31, 2019
$
4,623
$
-
$
33,725
$
$
38,771
Weighted average useful life (yrs)
0.2
-
3.1
0.1
3.4
Gross book value - December 31, 2020
$
123,200
$
2,368
$
39,332
$
7,547
$
172,447
Accumulated amortization
(121,497
)
(2,368
)
(15,406
)
(7,235
)
(146,506
)
Net book value - December 31, 2020
$
1,703
$
-
$
23,926
$
$
25,941
Weighted average useful life (yrs)
0.1
-
2.2
0.1
2.4
Amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, was $12.8 million, $20.9 million and $20.3 million, respectively, and is recorded in depreciation and amortization within the Consolidated Statements of Operations. There were no impairments to definite-lived intangible assets recognized in 2020, 2019 or 2018.
The following table presents estimated amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets for each of the five succeeding years and thereafter:
$
11,271
9,568
4,855
Thereafter
Total
$
25,941
The following table presents a summary of indefinite-lived intangible assets by type:
Fund
Advisory,
Transfer
Agent and
Distribution
Trade
(in thousands)
Contracts
Names
Totals
December 31, 2018 balance
$
342,900
$
23,700
$
366,600
Additions or transfers
770,100
-
770,100
December 31, 2019 balance
$
1,113,000
$
23,700
$
1,136,700
Additions or transfers
-
-
-
December 31, 2020 balance
$
1,113,000
$
23,700
$
1,136,700
There were no impairments to indefinite-lived intangible assets recognized in 2020, 2019 or 2018.
NOTE 10. Income Taxes
The following table presents the provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:
(in thousands)
Current tax expense (benefit):
Federal
$
24,048
$
22,234
$
13,130
State
7,263
6,656
3,944
Foreign
Total current tax expense (benefit)
31,419
28,942
17,091
Deferred tax expense (benefit):
Federal
27,793
(449
)
3,577
State
6,860
(289
)
Foreign
(54
)
(7
)
(10
)
Total deferred tax expense (benefit)
34,599
(745
)
4,116
Income tax expense
$
66,018
$
28,197
$
21,207
During 2019, the Company recorded a liability for $2.9 million ($2.3 million net of federal benefit) for unrecognized tax benefits, which included $0.3 million of interest and penalties. During 2020, the Company recognized all of the unrecognized tax benefits established at December 31, 2019 as a result of settlements with state taxing authorities, and as of December 31, 2020, the Company had no liability for unrecognized tax benefits.
As of December 31, 2019, the liability for gross unrecognized tax benefits and interest and penalties totaled $2.9 million which was included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets ($0 for 2020 and 2018).
The following table presents the changes in gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
(in thousands)
Beginning balance
$
2,582
$
-
$
-
Additions for tax positions of prior years
-
1,703
-
Additions based on tax positions related to current year
-
-
Reductions related to settlement of tax matters
(2,582
)
-
-
Ending balance
$
-
$
2,582
$
-
The Company recognized $0.2 million in interest expense, net of federal benefit, and penalties related to the liability for unrecognized tax benefits in its income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2019 ($0 in 2020 and 2018).
The effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 differs from the United States federal statutory rate primarily as a result of state and local income taxes and excess tax benefits on share-based compensation, and for 2019, expense related to recording the uncertain tax position (“UTP”) liability for unrecognized tax benefits. In 2018, the effective tax rate differed from the United States federal statutory rate primarily as a result of state and local income taxes.
The following table presents the tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
Federal income tax at U.S. statutory rate
21.0
%
21.0
%
21.0
%
State income tax rate, net of federal tax benefit
3.8
%
3.3
%
4.1
%
UTP liability
-
%
1.9
%
-
%
Excess tax benefits on share-based compensation
(1.4
)
%
(2.8
)
%
(0.5
)
%
Foreign taxes and other
0.3
%
-
%
0.4
%
Income tax expense
23.7
%
23.4
%
25.0
%
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amount used for income tax reporting purposes.
In assessing the realization of deferred tax assets, management considers the reversal of deferred tax liabilities as well as projections of future taxable income during the periods in which temporary differences are expected to reverse. Based on the consideration of these facts, the Company believes it is more likely than not that all of its gross deferred tax assets
will be realized in the future, and as a result has not recorded a valuation allowance on these amounts as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.
The following table presents the components of deferred income tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2020 and 2019:
(in thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
Definite-lived intangibles
$
21,455
$
20,571
Share-based compensation expense
10,318
10,242
Acquisition-related costs
4,194
7,368
Deferred compensation
5,621
4,429
Restructuring expenses
1,616
3,256
Contingent consideration arrangements
Goodwill
7,454
5,094
Debt issuance costs
-
1,336
Unrealized loss on deferred compensation investments
-
OCI - Swap liability and cumulative translation adjustment
2,432
-
Other
Total deferred tax assets
53,604
52,866
Deferred tax liabilities:
Indefinite-lived intangibles
81,429
56,365
Debt issuance costs
5,085
-
Depreciation
4,216
1,801
Prepaid expenses
Unrealized gain on deferred compensation investments
-
Total deferred tax liabilities
91,288
58,352
Net deferred tax asset/(liability)
$
(37,684
)
$
(5,486
)
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had no net operating loss carryforwards.
In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to examination by federal and certain state and local tax regulators. As of December 31, 2020, U.S. federal income tax returns for 2018 and 2019 are open and therefore subject to examination. State and local income tax returns filed are generally subject to examination from 2014 to 2019. We have analyzed our tax positions for all open years and have concluded that no additional provision for income tax is required in the consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 11. Debt
2019 Credit Agreement
On July 1, 2019, concurrent with the USAA AMCO Acquisition, the Company entered into the 2019 Credit Agreement, repaid all indebtedness outstanding under the 2018 Credit Agreement, and terminated the 2018 Credit Agreement.
The 2019 Credit Agreement was entered into among Victory, as borrower, the lenders from time to time party thereto and Barclays Bank PLC, as administrative agent and collateral agent, pursuant to which the Company obtained a seven-year term loan in an aggregate principal amount of $1.1 billion and established a five-year revolving credit facility (which was unfunded as of the closing date) with aggregate commitments of $100.0 million (with a $10.0 million sub-limit for the issuance of letters of credit). Amounts outstanding under the 2019 Credit Agreement bear interest at an annual rate equal to, at the option of the Company, either LIBOR (adjusted for reserves) plus a margin of 3.25% or an alternate base rate plus a margin of 2.25%.
The obligations of the Company under the 2019 Credit Agreement are guaranteed by the USAA Acquired Companies and all of the Company’s other domestic subsidiaries (other than VCS) (the “Guarantors”) and secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and the Guarantors, subject in each case to certain customary exceptions.
The 2019 Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants that affect, among other things, the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness, create liens, merge or dissolve, make investments, dispose of assets, engage in sale and leaseback transactions, make distributions and dividends and prepayments of junior indebtedness, engage in transactions with affiliates, enter into restrictive agreements, amend documentation governing junior indebtedness, modify its fiscal year and modify its organizational documents, subject to customary exceptions, thresholds, qualifications and “baskets.” In addition, the 2019 Credit Agreement contains a financial performance covenant, requiring a maximum first lien leverage ratio, measured as of the last day of each fiscal quarter on which outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility exceed 35.0% of the commitments thereunder (excluding certain letters of credit), of no greater than 3.80 to 1.00. As of December 31, 2020, there were no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility and the Company was in compliance with its financial performance covenant.
Original issue discount was $11.5 million for the term loans and $1.5 million for the revolving credit facility under the 2019 Credit Agreement. The Company incurred a total of $22.8 million in other third party costs related to the 2019 Credit Agreement and recorded $18.0 million as term loan debt issuance costs, $0.3 million as revolving credit facility debt issuance cost and $4.5 million as expense related to modified debt in general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
A total of $148.0 million of the outstanding term loans under 2019, Credit Agreement was repaid in 2019.
The Company recognized a $9.9 million loss on debt extinguishment in 2019, which consisted of the write-off of $6.3 million and $3.6 million of unamortized debt issuance costs and debt discount, respectively, due to the termination of the previous credit agreement and repayments of term loan principal. Debt extinguishment costs relating to the termination of the 2018 Credit Agreement and repayments of term loan principal under the 2019 Credit Agreement totaled $5.5 million and $4.4 million, respectively.
2020 Debt Refinancing
On January 17, 2020, we entered into the First Amendment (the “First Amendment”) to the 2019 Credit Agreement with the other loan parties thereto, Barclays Bank PLC, as administrative agent, and the Royal Bank of Canada as fronting bank.
Pursuant to the First Amendment, the Company refinanced the existing term loans (the “2019 Term Loans”) with replacement term loans in an aggregate principal amount of $952.0 million (the “2020 Term Loans”). The 2020 Term Loans provide for substantially the same terms as the 2019 Term Loans, including the same maturity date of July 1, 2026, except that the 2020 Term Loans provide for a reduced applicable margin on LIBOR of 75 basis points. The applicable margin on LIBOR under the 2020 Term Loans is 2.50%, compared to 3.25% under the 2019 Term Loans. The Company incurred costs of $0.9 million related to the First Amendment which were recorded in general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Company recognized a $2.9 million loss on debt extinguishment in 2020 due to the repayments and repurchases of term loan principal, which consisted of the write-off of $2.7 million and $1.6 million of unamortized debt issuance costs and debt discount, respectively, net of a gain on repurchase of $1.4 million.
In 2020, a total of $163.8 million of the outstanding term loans under the 2019 Credit Agreement was repaid or repurchased and retired. Refer to Note 22, Subsequent Events, for information related to loan activity subsequent to December 31, 2020.
The following table presents the components of long-term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2020 and 2019.
Effective
(in thousands)
Interest
Rate
Term Loans
Due July 2026, 5.35% interest rate
$
-
$
952,000
5.79
%
Due July 2026, 2.73% interest rate
788,239
-
3.17
%
Term loan principal outstanding
788,239
952,000
Unamortized debt issuance costs
(12,065
)
(17,230
)
Unamortized debt discount
(7,165
)
(10,231
)
Long-term debt
$
769,009
$
924,539
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the outstanding term loans under the 2019 Credit Agreement had an interest rate of 2.73% and 5.35% per annum, respectively. Including the impact of amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount described herein, the effective yield for term loans under the 2019 Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 was 3.17% and 5.79% per annum, respectively.
Debt issuance costs related to the Term Loans totaled $39.6 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019 and are reflected net of accumulated amortization and loss on debt extinguishment of $27.6 million and $22.4 million, respectively. Debt issuance costs of $3.7 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019 related to the revolving credit facility are included in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are reflected net of accumulated amortization and loss on debt extinguishment of $2.0 million and $1.5 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Debt discount related to the Term Loans totaled $20.7 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019 and is reflected net of accumulated amortization and loss on debt extinguishment of $13.5 million and $10.5 million, respectively.
The following table presents the components of interest expense and other financing costs on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
(in thousands)
Interest expense
$
30,941
$
36,423
$
17,289
Amortization of debt issuance costs
2,984
2,499
1,708
Amortization of debt discount
1,485
1,200
Interest rate swap expense
1,042
-
-
CEMP base payment accretion expense
-
Other
Total
$
37,005
$
40,901
$
20,694
NOTE 12. Derivatives
Interest Rate Swap
On March 27, 2020, the Company entered into the Swap to manage interest rate risk associated with a portion of its floating-rate long-term debt. The Company does not purchase or hold any derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Under the terms of the Swap, the Company pays interest at a fixed rate of interest on a quarterly basis and receives interest at the three-month LIBOR rate in effect for that quarter. The notional value, fixed rate of
interest and expiration date of the Swap as of December 31, 2020 were $450 million - 0.965% - July 1, 2026. Refer to Note 5, Fair Value Measurements, for additional disclosures regarding fair value measurements.
The designation of a derivative instrument as a hedge and its ability to meet the hedge accounting criteria determine how the Company reflects the change in fair value of the derivative instrument. A derivative qualifies for hedge accounting treatment if, at inception, it meets defined correlation and effectiveness criteria. These criteria require that the anticipated cash flows and/or changes in fair value of the hedging instrument substantially offset those of the position being hedged. The Swap is assessed for effectiveness and continued qualification for hedge accounting on a quarterly basis. For the year ended December 31, 2020 and since inception, the Swap was deemed to be highly effective.
The Swap is designated as a cash flow hedge. Accordingly, the Swap is measured at fair value with mark-to-market gains or losses deferred and included in AOCL, net of tax, to the extent the hedge is determined to be effective. Gains or losses from the Swap are reclassified to interest expense in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The amount payable to the Swap counterparty at December 31, 2020 of $0.8 million is recorded in other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The following tables summarize the classification of the Swap in our consolidated financial statements (in thousands):
Balance Sheets
Description
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2019
Other liabilities
Fair value of interest rate swap
$
10,006
$
-
Notional amount
450,000
-
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
Statements of Operations
Description
Interest expense and other financing costs
Loss reclassified from AOCL
$
1,042
$
-
$
-
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
Statements of Comprehensive Income
Description
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Loss recognized in AOCL, net of tax
$
7,573
$
-
$
-
NOTE 13. Equity Method Investment
On September 20, 2020, the Company acquired, through a wholly owned subsidiary, a 15% interest voting share and income share in Alderwood and made a capital contribution to Alderwood of $1.5 million in cash. Alderwood’s operating entity, Alderwood Capital, is a London-based investment advisory firm focused on taking minority stakes in specialist boutique asset management businesses. The Company has commitments to contribute additional capital of $4.5 million to Alderwood and $50 million to a private fund to be launched by Alderwood, subject to certain terms and conditions, which include receipt of required regulatory approvals and obtaining an agreed amount of aggregate legally binding commitments from investors in the private fund. Refer to Note 22, Subsequent Events, for information related to the receipt of regulatory approval subsequent to December 31, 2020.
The Company analyzed its investment in Alderwood under the voting interest model and determined that it does not have a controlling financial interest over Alderwood and should not consolidate under the voting interest model.
Given the level of ownership interest in Alderwood, which is an English limited liability partnership, and the fact that Alderwood will maintain specific ownership accounts for investors, the Company accounts for its investment in Alderwood using the equity method of accounting.
For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, losses from equity method investments recorded in interest income and other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations were not material to our consolidated results of operations.
On August 30, 2019, the Company sold 100% of its equity investment in Cerebellum Capital LLC (“Cerebellum”) for $10.6 million in cash and recognized $2.9 million on the gain on sale, which was recorded in interest income and other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Equity method investments are recorded in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. At December 31, 2020, the Company held a $1.4 million equity investment in Alderwood. At December 31, 2019, the Company no longer held an equity investment in Cerebellum.
NOTE 14. Equity
Equity Structure
Until the closing of the Company’s IPO on February 12, 2018, the Company had one class of common stock with a par value of $0.01 per share. Holders of this common stock were entitled to one vote per share.
With the closing of the Company’s IPO, authorized capital stock consisted of 400,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, $0.01 par value per share, 200,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, $0.01 par value per share, and 10,000,000 shares of “blank check” preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share.
The Company incurred offering costs of $4.6 million related to the IPO and underwriter option exercise, of which $2.9 million of legal, accounting and other costs were included in prepaid expenses in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2017 and were subsequently reclassified to equity issuance costs upon closing of the IPO. The Company paid $4.3 million of these offering costs in 2018.
All shares of common stock outstanding, all shares of common stock held as treasury stock and all unvested restricted shares of common stock outstanding prior to the IPO were redesignated as shares of Class B common stock with a par value of $0.01 per share upon completion of the IPO. The first shares of Class A common stock were issued in the IPO; no shares of preferred stock were issued as of December 31, 2020.
The rights of the holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock are identical, except voting and conversion rights. Each share of Class A common stock is entitled to one vote. Each share of Class B common stock is entitled to ten votes. Holders of the Company’s Class A common stock and Class B common stock will generally vote together as a single class, unless otherwise required by law or the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation.
Each share of Class B common stock is convertible into one share of the Company’s Class A common stock at any time, at the option of the holder, and will convert automatically upon termination of employment by an employee shareholder and upon transfers (subject to certain exceptions). Shares of Class B common stock will convert automatically into shares of Class A common stock at a one to one ratio upon the date the number of shares of Class B common stock then outstanding (including unvested restricted shares) is less than 10% of the aggregate number of shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock outstanding (including unvested restricted shares).
Share Rollforward
The following tables present the changes in the number of shares of common stock issued and repurchased (in thousands):
Shares of Common Stock
Shares of Treasury Stock
Class A
Class B
Pre-IPO
Class A
Class B
Pre-IPO
Balance, December 2017
-
-
57,182
-
-
(2,064)
Issuance of Class A common stock
12,811
-
-
-
-
-
Redesignation of common stock
-
57,185
(57,184)
-
(2,064)
2,064
Share conversion - Class B to A
2,467
(2,467)
-
-
-
-
Repurchase of shares
-
-
-
(856)
(83)
-
Vesting of restricted share grants
-
-
-
-
Exercise of options
-
-
-
-
-
Shares issued under 2018 ESPP
-
-
-
-
-
Fractional shares retired
-
-
-
-
-
-
Balance, December 31, 2018
15,281
55,284
-
(856)
(2,147)
-
Issuance of shares
-
-
-
-
-
Share conversion - Class B to A
2,815
(2,815)
-
-
-
-
Repurchase of shares
-
-
-
(829)
-
-
Vesting of restricted share grants
-
-
-
-
-
Exercise of options
-
-
-
-
-
Shares withheld related to net settlement of equity awards
-
-
-
-
(509)
-
Balance, December 31, 2019
18,100
53,937
-
(1,685)
(2,656)
-
Issuance of shares
-
-
-
-
-
Share conversion - Class B to A
1,281
(1,281)
-
-
-
-
Repurchase of shares
-
-
-
(1,498)
-
-
Vesting of restricted share grants
-
1,105
-
-
-
-
Exercise of options
-
1,006
-
-
-
-
Shares withheld related to net settlement of equity awards
-
-
-
-
(775)
-
Balance, December 31, 2020
19,389
54,767
-
(3,183)
(3,431)
-
Share Repurchase Program
The initial share repurchase program authorized in 2018 and the second share repurchase program authorized in 2019, each for $15.0 million of the Company’s Class A common stock, were completed in September 2019 and June 2020, respectively. In May 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a third share repurchase program for $15.0 million of the Company’s Class A common stock, which was completed in October 2020.
In November 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a fourth share repurchase program whereby the Company may repurchase up to an additional $15.0 million of the Company’s Class A common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The amount and timing of purchases under the share repurchase program authorized in November 2020 will depend on a number of factors including the price and availability of our shares, trading volume, capital availability, our performance and general economic and market conditions. The program can be suspended or discontinued at any time.
In 2020, the Company repurchased 1,497,827 shares of Class A common stock at a total cost of $26.3 million for an average price of $17.57 per share under programs authorized by the Company’s Board of Directors, while in 2019, the Company share repurchases totaled 828,880 shares of Class A common stock at a total cost of $13.5 million for an average price of $16.26 per share. In 2018, a total of 856,275 shares of Class A common stock had been repurchased at a total cost of $8.0 million and an average price of $9.40 per share.
As of December 31, 2020, a cumulative total of 3,182,982 shares of Class A common stock had been repurchased under programs authorized by the Company’s Board of Directors at a total cost of $47.8 million for an average price of $15.03 per share. As of December 31, 2020, $12.1 million was available for future repurchases under the share repurchase program authorized in November 2020, which expires on December 31, 2022.
NOTE 15. Share-Based Compensation
Equity Incentive Plans
Until the IPO was completed in 2018, equity-based awards were issued to executives, directors and key employees of the Company under the Victory Capital Holdings, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan (the “2013 Plan”) and the Outside Director Equity Incentive Plan (the “Director Plan”).
In connection with the IPO, the Company’s board of directors adopted, and the Company’s stockholders approved, the Victory Capital Holdings, Inc. 2018 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2018 Plan”), and the Victory Capital Holdings, Inc. 2018 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “2018 ESPP Plan”), each of which became effective upon the completion of the IPO.
The 2018 Plan authorizes the grant of non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, performance awards and other awards that may be settled in or based upon shares of the Company’s Class A common stock or Class B common stock (collectively, the “Shares”), though the Company currently intends to grant these awards based upon shares of Class B common stock. As the 2018 Plan took effect upon completion of the IPO, no further grants will be made under the 2013 Plan.
A total of 1,322,360 shares outstanding out of 3,372,484 of either Class A or Class B common stock, or any combination thereof, as determined by the Compensation Committee are reserved for and available for issuance under the 2018 Plan. Shares underlying awards that are settled in cash, expire or are canceled, forfeited or otherwise terminated without delivery to a participant will again be available for issuance under the 2018 Plan. Shares withheld or surrendered in connection with the payment of an exercise price of an award or to satisfy tax withholding will again become available for issuance under the 2018 Plan.
In June 2018, the Compensation Committee of the Company’s board of directors approved the terms and conditions for the first offering under the 2018 ESPP Plan. A total of 350,388 shares of Class A common stock was available to issue under the 2018 ESPP Plan. The first offering ran for eighteen months, from July 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019, and included three, six month offering periods.
In October 2019, the Compensation Committee of the Company’s board of directors approved the terms and conditions for a second offering under the 2018 ESPP Plan. The second offering runs for twenty-four months from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021 and includes four, six month offering periods.
For both the first and second offerings under the 2018 ESPP Plan, shares of Class A common stock are available for purchase at three month calendar intervals at a 5 percent discount from the market price on the purchase date, which is the last day of each calendar quarter during the offering. Amounts purchased by an individual cannot exceed $25,000 worth of stock in any given calendar year. The 2018 ESPP Plan is a non-compensatory plan and includes no option features other than employees may change their contributions or withdraw from the plan once during each six month offering period during a specified time approved by the Company. All U.S.-based employees are eligible to participate in the 2018 ESPP.
As of December 31, 2020, 2,142,413 restricted share grants and 31,178 stock option awards had been issued and were outstanding under the 2018 Plan, and 14,328 shares of Class A common stock had been issued under the 2018 ESPP Plan.
All stock option awards are considered non-qualified. Shares of common stock subject to stock option awards granted in 2019 and 2020 vest based on service. Sixty percent of the shares of common stock subject to stock option awards granted prior to 2019 generally vest based on service; the remaining forty percent of the shares of common stock subject to each option vest upon satisfaction of various performance conditions. For certain stock option awards granted on July 29, 2016, fifty percent of the shares of common stock subject to each option vest based on service and the remaining fifty percent of the shares of common stock subject to each option vest upon satisfaction of various performance conditions.
As of December 31, 2020, stock option awards to purchase an aggregate of 6,865,101 shares of common stock had been granted and were outstanding, and restricted share awards for 2,827,008 shares of common stock had been granted and were unvested. As of December 31, 2019, stock option awards to purchase an aggregate of 7,880,167 shares of common stock had been granted and were outstanding, and restricted share awards for 3,215,619 shares of common stock had been granted and were unvested. As of December 31, 2018, stock option awards to purchase an aggregate of 9,070,052 shares of common stock and restricted share awards for 2,997,856 shares of common stock had been granted and were outstanding.
Grant Activity
In 2020, the Company issued grants for 795,487 restricted shares of common stock under the 2018 Plan. No stock option awards were issued in 2020.
The 2020 grants of restricted shares included grants for 42,848 restricted shares of common stock that were fully vested on the grant date, grants for 338,202 restricted shares of common stock that vest over three years and 414,437 restricted shares of common stock that vest over thirty months.
The following tables presents activity during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 related to stock option awards and restricted stock awards.
Shares Subject to Stock Option Awards
Year to Date Ended December 31,
Avg wtd
Avg wtd
Avg wtd
Avg wtd
Avg wtd
Avg wtd
grant-date
exercise
grant-date
exercise
grant-date
exercise
fair value
price
Units
fair value
price
Units
fair value
price
Units
Outstanding at beginning of period
$
3.83
$
6.27
7,880,167
$
3.79
$
6.12
9,070,052
$
3.66
$
5.71
9,078,728
Granted
-
-
-
7.25
17.64
31,178
6.51
14.25
359,618
Forfeited
5.87
12.42
(8,949
)
5.01
9.68
(274,774
)
6.39
14.00
(16,791
)
Exercised
3.27
4.60
(1,006,117
)
3.19
4.24
(946,289
)
3.01
3.56
(351,503
)
Outstanding at end of the period
$
3.91
$
6.50
6,865,101
$
3.83
$
6.27
7,880,167
$
3.79
$
6.12
9,070,052
Vested
$
3.78
$
6.10
6,259,420
$
3.61
$
5.59
6,724,030
$
3.35
$
4.76
6,653,228
Unvested
5.31
10.69
605,681
5.10
10.25
1,156,137
5.00
9.88
2,416,824
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised in 2020, 2019, and 2018 was $16.3 million, $12.8 million and $2.3 million, respectively.
Restricted Stock Awards
For Year Ended December 31,
Avg wtd
Avg wtd
Avg wtd
fair value
Units
fair value
Units
fair value
Units
Unvested at beginning of period
$
14.29
3,215,619
$
13.17
2,997,856
$
11.82
1,293,107
Granted
16.70
795,487
16.27
1,196,820
13.77
1,924,691
Vested
14.39
(1,104,710
)
12.83
(521,701
)
10.42
(217,630
)
Forfeited
15.89
(79,388
)
13.42
(457,356
)
14.27
(2,312
)
Unvested at end of period
$
14.99
2,827,008
$
14.29
3,215,619
$
13.17
2,997,856
Share-based compensation expense for equity awards is measured at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award, and recognized over the requisite employee service period. Stock option awards have a ten year contractual life.
In 2018, prior to the IPO, the Company issued grants for 1,678,743 restricted shares of common stock and stock option awards for 357,256 shares of common stock under the 2013 Plan. Grants for 1,609,857 restricted shares of common
stock consisted of time-vested restricted shares (50%) and restricted shares that vest in three equal installments based on market conditions (achievement of certain share price targets) (50%). The time-vested portion of the restricted share awards vest over a three to five year period. For the remaining grants of 68,886 restricted shares of common stock, the shares vest based on service over a four year period. For the grants of restricted shares with market conditions, the shares vest over the derived service period of three to five years. For the stock option awards granted on January 1, 2018, sixty percent of the shares of common stock subject to each option vest based on service over a four year period; the remaining forty percent of the shares of common stock subject to each option vest upon satisfaction of various performance conditions.
In 2018, after the IPO, the Company issued grants for 30,834 restricted shares of common stock that were fully vested on the grant date, grants for 202,883 restricted shares of common stock that vest over three years and 12,231 restricted shares of common stock that vest over four years.
For awards granted after the IPO, the Company used the Class A common stock closing price on the grant date as the grant date fair value of the stock. The fair value of stock option awards was determined using a number of inputs including expected volatility, which was based on a consideration of the average volatility of companies in the same or similar lines of business adjusted for differing levels of leverage and the Company’s volatility for the post-IPO period.
The grant date fair value of stock option awards with service and performance conditions is computed using Black-Scholes option pricing framework. The grant date fair value of stock option awards granted in 2019 and 2018 were computed using the following assumptions:
Stock price at time of grant
$
17.64
$
14.27
Exercise price
$
17.64
$
14.27
Expected volatility
%
%
Risk free rate
1.85
%
2.27
%
Expected average years to exit
The fair value of stock option awards granted in 2019 was determined using a number of inputs including expected volatility, which was based on a consideration of the average volatility of companies in the same or similar lines of business adjusted for differing levels of leverage and the Company’s volatility for the post-IPO period. The expected term was determined using the simplified method detailed in SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 10.
For awards granted post-IPO in 2018, the Company used the Class A common stock closing price on the grant date as the grant date fair value of the stock. Prior to the IPO, the Company used both a market approach and income approach to estimate the current stock price used in the valuation of restricted share and stock option awards. The market approach considered the then current EBITDA multiples and price/earnings multiples of comparable public companies. The income approach considered management's forecast of operating results, a long-term growth rate and a discount rate. The results of the market and income approach were weighted in developing the estimate of fair value.
Award Modifications
In 2018, the Company's board of directors approved modifications to a limited number of stock option awards to revise performance conditions to be achieved for vesting. These modifications resulted in an adjustment to share-based compensation expense of an immaterial amount. Also in 2018, the Company revised the estimate of time it expected to take to achieve the performance conditions on certain performance-vested restricted share awards. Cumulative catch up adjustments were recorded so that the cumulative recognized share-based compensation cost on the performance options was equal to what would have been recognized had the new estimate been used since the grant date.
Dividend Payments
In February 2017, the Company declared and paid a special dividend (the “2017 Special Dividend”) of $2.19 per share. Holders of restricted shares that were unvested at the time the 2017 Special Dividend was declared are paid the 2017 Special Dividend when the restricted shares vest. The strike price per share for all stock option awards granted prior to February 2017 was reduced by $2.19 under the anti-dilution provisions of the stock option grant agreements.
In December 2017, the Company declared a dividend of $0.23 per share (December 2017 Dividend). Holders of restricted stock awards that were unvested at the time the December 2017 Dividend was declared are paid the December 2017 Dividend when the restricted stock vests. Holders of stock options that were unvested at the time the December 2017 Dividend was declared receive a cash bonus equivalent of $0.23 per share when the stock options vest.
In August 2019, the Company announced the initiation of quarterly cash dividends to be paid beginning in September 2019. Holders of restricted stock awards that are unvested at the time the quarterly dividends are declared are entitled to be paid these dividends as and when the restricted stock vests.
As of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the amount of cash bonuses and distributions related to dividends previously declared on restricted shares and options expected to vest in the future totaled $1.2 million, $1.3 million and $1.8 million, respectively, which is not recorded as a liability as of the balance sheet date. A liability will be recorded for these cash bonuses and dividends when the restricted shares and options vest.
Share-based Compensation Expense
The Company recorded $18.1 million, $16.3 million and $15.2 million of share-based compensation expense related to the 2018 Plan and 2013 Plan in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Share-based compensation expense is recorded in personnel compensation and benefits in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The related tax benefits were $4.5 million, $4.0 million, and $3.8 million for the fiscal years 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.
As of December 31, 2020, the Company expects to recognize total share-based compensation expense of $26.8 million over a weighted average period of 1.8 years. The total fair value of restricted share awards vested during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018 was $20.8 million, $9.7 million, and $2.0 million respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options currently exercisable at December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $117.1 million, $103.4 million, and $36.3 million, respectively.
NOTE 16. Commitments
The Company leases office space and equipment under operating leases expiring at various dates. We have the right to renew or extend the leases under the agreements for certain non-headquarter office spaces. Future calendar year minimum lease payments under the leases are as follows (in thousands):
Gross
Operating
Net
Operating
Lease
Commitments
Sub-Leases
Lease
Commitments
$
5,380
$
$
4,958
4,241
3,809
3,127
2,690
2,258
1,804
2,088
1,622
Thereafter
2,282
1,785
Total
$
19,376
$
2,708
$
16,668
Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $7.5 million, $4.9 million, and $4.6 million, respectively, and is included in general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
NOTE 17. Employee Benefit Plans
The Company maintains a defined contribution 401(k) Plan (the “401(k) Plan”), covering substantially all employees who have met the eligibility requirements. The 401(k) Plan is subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001. In 2020, 2019 and 2018 the Company recognized expense of $4.7 million, $3.3 million and $2.5 million in employer matched contributions, respectively.
The Company sponsors a deferred compensation plan for key investment professionals and executives (“Employee DC Plan”) as a means to reward and motivate them. The Company purchases mutual funds as directed by the plan participants to fund its related obligations. Such securities are held in a rabbi trust for the participants, and under the terms of the trust agreement, the assets of the trust are available to satisfy the claims of the Company’s general creditors in the event of bankruptcy.
Effective January 1, 2020, the Company created a deferred compensation plan for non-employee members of our board of directors (the “Director DC Plan”). Benefits payable under the Director DC Plan are payable from the Company’s general assets. Amounts contributed under the Director DC Plan and earnings on those amounts are subject to the claims of the Company’s general creditors.
Gains and losses from fluctuations in value of deferred compensation plan investments are included in interest income and other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and are offset entirely by the corresponding changes in value of the deferred compensation liability. Changes in the value of the Employee DC Plan and Director DC Plan liabilities are recorded in personnel compensation and benefits and general and administrative expense, respectively, in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Investments held under both deferred compensation plans are recorded in deferred compensation plan investments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The following table presents the components of deferred compensation plan-related expense related to the Employee DC Plan.
(in thousands)
Employee contributions
$
1,293
$
2,202
$
3,011
Employer contributions
1,017
Change in value of deferred compensation plan liability
2,155
2,603
(1,649
)
Total
$
4,267
$
5,822
$
2,108
Expenses related to the Director DC plan totaled $0.2 million in 2020.
NOTE 18. Earnings Per Share
The following table sets forth the computation of basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:
Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Net income
$
212,522
$
92,491
$
63,704
Shares:
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding
67,710
67,616
66,295
Assumed conversion of dilutive instruments
6,009
5,850
4,216
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
73,719
73,466
70,511
Earnings per share
Basic:
$
3.14
$
1.37
$
0.96
Diluted:
$
2.88
$
1.26
$
0.90
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, there were 31,178, 821,544 and 1,738,813 outstanding instruments, respectively, excluded from the above computations of weighted average shares for diluted earnings per share because the effects would be anti-dilutive. Holders of non-vested share-based compensation awards do not have rights to receive nonforfeitable dividends on the shares covered by the awards.
NOTE 19. Net Capital Requirements
VCS is subject to the SEC Uniform Net Capital Rule (Rule 15c3-1 under the Exchange Act) administered by the SEC and FINRA, which requires the maintenance of minimum net capital, as defined, and requires that the ratio of aggregate
indebtedness to net capital, cannot exceed 15 to 1. Net capital and the related net capital requirement may fluctuate on a daily basis.
At December 31, 2020, VCS had net capital under the Rule 15c3-1 of $2.2 million which was $2.0 million in excess of its minimum required net capital of $0.2 million. At December 31, 2019, VCS had net capital under the Rule 15c3-1 of $2.0 million which was $1.8 million in excess of its minimum required net capital of $0.2 million. The Company's ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital at December 31, 2020 and 2019 was 1.10 to 1 and 1.26 to 1, respectively.
Capital requirements may limit the amount of cash available for dividend from VCS to the parent company. VCS's cash and cash equivalents are generally not available for corporate purposes.
NOTE 20. Accumulated Other Comprehensive INCOME (Loss)
The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component for the years ending December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018.
Investments in
Cumulative
Proprietary
Cash Flow
Translation
(in thousands)
Funds (a)
Hedges (b)
Adjustment
Total
Balance, December 31, 2017
$
$
-
$
$
Other comprehensive loss before reclassification and tax
(147
)
-
(53
)
(200
)
Tax impact
-
Reclassification adjustments, before tax
-
-
-
-
Tax impact
-
-
-
-
Net current period other comprehensive loss
(110
)
-
(40
)
(150
)
Balance, December 31, 2018
$
(59
)
$
-
$
(27
)
$
(86
)
Other comprehensive income before reclassification and tax
-
-
Tax impact
-
-
(8
)
(8
)
Reclassification adjustments, before tax
-
-
-
-
Tax impact
-
-
-
-
Net current period other comprehensive income
-
-
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2016-01 and 2018-02
Balance, December 31, 2019
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassification and tax
-
(11,047
)
(10,896
)
Tax impact
-
2,685
(38
)
2,647
Reclassification adjustments, before tax
-
1,042
-
1,042
Tax impact
-
(253
)
-
(253
)
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income
-
(7,573
)
(7,460
)
Balance, December 31, 2020
$
-
$
(7,573
)
$
$
(7,460
)
(a) Reclassifications out of AOCL related to investments in proprietary funds are recorded in interest income and other income (expense)
(b) Reclassifications out of AOCL related to cash flow hedges are recorded in interest expense and other financing costs
NOTE 21. Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
The following tables present select unaudited quarterly financial results for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands, except per share amounts). Quarterly earnings per share may not always sum to the full year amounts due to the averaging of common shares outstanding.
For the Quarters Ended
March 31, 2020
June 30, 2020
Sep 30, 2020
Dec 31, 2020
Total revenue
$
204,421
$
181,886
$
188,656
$
200,388
Operating expenses
$
113,798
$
116,072
$
108,063
$
122,705
Income from operations
$
90,623
$
65,814
$
80,593
$
77,683
Net income
$
57,166
$
44,720
$
55,741
$
54,895
Basic earnings per share
$
0.84
$
0.66
$
0.82
$
0.81
Diluted earnings per share
$
0.77
$
0.61
$
0.76
$
0.75
For the Quarters Ended
March 31, 2019
June 30, 2019
Sep 30, 2019
Dec 31, 2019
Total revenue
$
87,479
$
91,360
$
214,980
$
218,554
Operating expenses
$
65,354
$
68,635
$
159,407
$
154,357
Income from operations
$
22,125
$
22,725
$
55,573
$
64,197
Net income
$
14,527
$
14,383
$
25,992
$
37,589
Basic earnings per share
$
0.22
$
0.21
$
0.38
$
0.56
Diluted earnings per share
$
0.20
$
0.20
$
0.35
$
0.51
NOTE 22. Subsequent Events
On March 8, 2021, the Company announced that Alderwood Capital had received authorization from the Financial Conduct Authority of the United Kingdom and Alderwood’s private fund had been formally launched to institutional investors.
On March 1, 2021, the Company completed the acquisition of THB Asset Management (“THB”). As of January 31st, THB managed approximately $555 million in socially responsible investment portfolios in the micro-cap, small-cap and mid-cap asset classes, including U.S., global and international strategies.
On February 18, 2021, the Company entered into the Second Amendment (the “Second Amendment”) to the 2019 Credit Agreement, as amended, with the other loan parties thereto, Barclays Bank PLC, as administrative agent, and the Royal Bank of Canada as fronting bank. Pursuant to the Second Amendment, the Company refinanced the 2020 Term Loans with replacement term loans in an aggregate principal amount of $755.7 (the “Repriced Term Loans”). The Repriced Term Loans provide for substantially the same terms as the 2020 Term Loans, including the same maturity date of July 1, 2026, except that the Repriced Term Loans provide for a reduced applicable margin on LIBOR of 25 basis points. The applicable margin on LIBOR under the Repriced Term Loans is 2.25%, compared to 2.50% under the First Amendment.
On February 10, 2021, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.09 per share on Victory common stock. The dividend is payable on March 25, 2021, to stockholders of record on March 10, 2021.
Subsequent to December 31, 2020, the Company repaid an additional $47.5 million, for a total principal debt reduction of approximately $359.3 million since July 1, 2019, thus satisfying the required annual principal payment of 1.00% of the original principal amount through the term of the loan, July 2026.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Regulations under the Exchange Act require public companies, including us, to maintain “disclosure controls and procedures,” which are defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) to mean a company’s controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required or necessary disclosures.
In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the disclosure controls and procedures are met. Additionally, in designing disclosure controls and procedures, our management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost benefit relationship of possible disclosure controls and procedures.
Based on the evaluation of the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures by our management as of December 31, 2020, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Under the supervision of our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 using the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, or COSO. Based on our evaluation under the COSO framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting is effective as of December 31, 2020 to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
This Annual Report on Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm with respect to our internal control over financial reporting due to an exemption established by the JOBS Act for “emerging growth companies.”
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Regulations under the Exchange Act require public companies, including our company, to evaluate any change in our “internal control over financial reporting” as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and Rule 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act. In connection with their evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer did not identify any change in our internal control over financial reporting during the most recent fiscal quarter that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B.
Other Information.
None
PART III

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
The information required by this Item is set forth in our definitive proxy statement required to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A for the 2021 annual meeting of shareholders.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11.
Executive Compensation.
The information required by this Item is set forth in our definitive proxy statement required to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A for the 2021 annual meeting of shareholders.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters.
The information required by this Item is set forth in our definitive proxy statement required to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A for the 2021 annual meeting of shareholders.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
The information required by this Item is set forth in our definitive proxy statement required to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A for the 2021 annual meeting of shareholders.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
The information required by this Item is set forth in our definitive proxy statement required to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A for the 2021 annual meeting of shareholders.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15.
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.
(1)
Financial Statements: The information required by this Item is contained in Item 8 of Part II of this report.
(2)
Financial Statement Schedules: None
(3)
Exhibits: See Exhibit Index