Associated Capital Group
AC
#6721
Rank
$0.65 B
Marketcap
$30.92
Share price
-7.31%
Change (1 day)
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Change (1 year)

Associated Capital Group - 10-Q quarterly report FY2015 Q3


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SECURITIES & EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015
or
                  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ___ to ___

Commission File No. 001-37387

ASSOCIATEDCAPITAL GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
 
47-3965991
(State of other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
One Corporate Center, Rye, NY
 
10580-1422
(Address of principle executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

(203) 629-9595
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes   No 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes  No

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

Large accelerated filer
 
Accelerated filer
   
Non-accelerated filer
 
Smaller reporting company
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes             No 
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the Registrant’s classes of Common Stock, as of the latest practical date.
Class
 
Outstanding at October 31, 2015
Class A Common Stock, .001 par value
  (Including 556,100 restricted stock awards)
6,247,452
Class B Common Stock, .001 par value
 
19,196,792



INDEX
 
ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
 
 
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Unaudited Condensed Combined Financial Statements
 
 
 
Condensed Combined Statements of Financial Condition:
 
-    September 30, 2015
 
-    December 31, 2014
 
-    September 30, 2014
 
 
 
Condensed Combined Statements of Operations:
 
-    Three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014
 
-    Nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014
 
 
 
Condensed Combined Statements of Comprehensive Income:
 
-    Three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014
 
-    Nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014
  
 
Condensed Combined Statements of Equity:
 
-    Nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014
 
 
 
Condensed Combined Statements of Cash Flows:
 
-    Nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014
 
 
 
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Combined Financial Statements
 
 
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk (Included in Item 2)
 
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
 
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Item 6.
Exhibits

SIGNATURES
 


2



ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
UNAUDITED
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 
 
September 30,
  
December 31,
  
September 30,
 
  
2015
  
2014
  
2014
 
ASSETS
 
  
  
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
363,055
  
$
285,530
  
$
346,239
 
Investments in securities
  
92,822
   
220,595
   
218,250
 
Investments in registered investment companies
  
115,046
   
39,537
   
39,520
 
Investments in partnerships
  
101,022
   
107,646
   
107,431
 
Receivable from brokers
  
52,595
   
74,407
   
79,356
 
Investment advisory fees receivable
  
1,991
   
4,145
   
1,375
 
Receivable from affiliates
  
202
   
402
   
162
 
Goodwill
  
3,254
   
3,254
   
3,254
 
Other assets
  
882
   
19,178
   
2,951
 
Total assets
 
$
730,869
  
$
754,694
  
$
798,538
 
 
            
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
            
Payable to brokers
 
$
49,365
  
$
43,397
  
$
46,237
 
Income taxes payable and deferred tax liabilities
  
8,832
   
16,363
   
20,338
 
Compensation payable
  
5,046
   
9,179
   
5,695
 
Securities sold, not yet purchased
  
5,577
   
10,595
   
14,180
 
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests
  
1,257
   
1,302
   
1,304
 
Payable to affiliates
  
23,369
   
20,733
   
21,445
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
  
1,846
   
1,864
   
3,028
 
Total liabilities
  
95,292
   
103,433
   
112,227
 
 
            
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
  
6,018
   
68,334
   
56,086
 
             
Equity
  
624,792
   
573,749
   
620,725
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
  
4,767
   
9,178
   
9,500
 
Total equity
  
629,559
   
582,927
   
630,225
 
 
            
Total liabilities and equity
 
$
730,869
  
$
754,694
  
$
798,538
 

See accompanying notes.
 
3

 
ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
UNAUDITED
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 
 
Three Months Ended
  
Nine Months Ended
 
  
September 30,
  
September 30,
 
 
 
2015
  
2014
  
2015
  
2014
 
Revenues
 
  
     
Investment advisory and incentive fees
 
$
2,240
  
$
1,832
  
$
6,295
  
$
5,066
 
Institutional research services
  
2,063
   
2,540
   
6,130
   
6,720
 
Other
  
387
   
523
   
1,422
   
1,565
 
Total revenues
  
4,690
   
4,895
   
13,847
   
13,351
 
Expenses
                
Compensation
  
5,079
   
4,313
   
16,555
   
14,376
 
Management fee
  
(1,374
)
  
(1,038
)
  
(878
)
  
(265
)
Stock based compensation
  
630
   
476
   
1,895
   
1,371
 
Other operating expenses
  
1,436
   
1,892
   
4,704
   
5,541
 
Total expenses
  
5,771
   
5,643
   
22,276
   
21,023
 
 
                
Operating loss
  
(1,081
)
  
(748
)
  
(8,429
)
  
(7,672
)
Other income (expense)
                
Net gain/(loss) from investments
  
(11,539
)
  
(9,140
)
  
(834
)
  
3,561
 
Interest and dividend income
  
551
   
805
   
2,303
   
2,694
 
Interest expense
  
(323
)
  
(295
)
  
(984
)
  
(1,022
)
Total other income/(expense), net
  
(11,311
)
  
(8,630
)
  
485
   
5,233
 
Income before income taxes
  
(12,392
)
  
(9,378
)
  
(7,944
)
  
(2,439
)
Income tax provision/(benefit)
  
(4,388
)
  
(2,561
)
  
(3,154
)
  
(488
)
Net loss
  
(8,004
)
  
(6,817
)
  
(4,790
)
  
(1,951
)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
  
(464
)
  
(3,034
)
  
(490
)
  
(2,605
)
Net income/(loss) attributable to Associated Capital Group, Inc.'s shareholders
 
$
(7,540
)
 
$
(3,783
)
 
$
(4,300
)
 
$
654
 
 
                

See accompanying notes.
4


ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
UNAUDITED
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

  
Three Months Ended
  
Nine Months Ended
 
  
September 30,
  
September 30,
 
  
2015
  
2014
  
2015
  
2014
 
         
Net loss
 
$
(8,004
)
 
$
(6,817
)
 
$
(4,790
)
 
$
(1,951
)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
                
Net unrealized losses on securities available for sale (a)
  
(4,605
)
  
(1,039
)
  
(4,411
)
  
(2,105
)
Other comprehensive loss
  
(4,605
)
  
(1,039
)
  
(4,411
)
  
(2,105
)
                 
Comprehensive loss
  
(12,609
)
  
(7,856
)
  
(9,201
)
  
(4,056
)
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
  
464
   
3,034
   
490
   
2,605
 
                 
Comprehensive loss attributable to Associated Capital Group, Inc.
 
$
(12,145
)
 
$
(4,822
)
 
$
(8,711
)
 
$
(1,451
)

(a) Net of income tax benefit of ($2,705), ($610), ($2,591) and ($1,235), respectively.

See accompanying notes.
5


ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
UNAUDITED
(In thousands)

For the Nine months ended September 30, 2015

  
Associated Capital Group, Inc stockholders
   
    
Accumulated
     
    
Other
    
Redeemable
 
    
Comprehensive
    
Noncontrolling
 
  
Equity
  
Income
  
Total
  
Interests
 
Balance at December 31, 2014
 
$
573,749
  
$
9,178
  
$
582,927
  
$
68,334
 
Redemptions of redeemable
                
   noncontrolling interests
  
-
   
-
   
-
   
(602
)
Contributions from redeemable
                
   noncontrolling interests
  
-
   
-
   
-
   
1,036
 
Consolidation of a consolidated
                
  feeder fund and a partnership
  
-
   
-
   
-
   
996
 
Deconsolidation of an offshore
                
  fund
  
-
   
-
   
-
   
(63,256
)
Net loss
  
(4,300
)
  
-
   
(4,300
)
  
(490
)
Net unrealized losses on
                
   securities available for sale,
                
   net of income tax benefit ($2,637)
  
-
   
(4,490
)
  
(4,490
)
  
-
 
Amounts reclassified from
                
   accumulated other
                
   comprehensive income,
                
   net of income tax ($46)
  
-
   
79
   
79
   
-
 
Stock based compensation
                
   expense
  
1,895
   
-
   
1,895
   
-
 
Net transfers from Parent
  
53,448
   
-
   
53,448
   
-
 
Balance at September 30, 2015
  
624,792
  
$
4,767
  
$
629,559
  
$
6,018
 

See accompanying notes.
6

ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
UNAUDITED
(In thousands)

For the NIne months ended September 30, 2014

  
Associated Capital Group, Inc stockholders
   
 
   
Accumulated
     
    
Other
    
Redeemable
 
    
Comprehensive
    
Noncontrolling
 
  
Equity
  
Income
  
Total
  
Interests
 
Balance at December 31, 2013
 
$
483,772
  
$
11,605
  
$
495,377
  
$
6,751
 
Redemptions of redeemable
                
   noncontrolling interests
  
-
   
-
   
-
   
(1,666
)
Contributions from redeemable
                
   noncontrolling interests
  
-
   
-
   
-
   
53,607
 
Net income (loss)
  
654
   
-
   
654
   
(2,606
)
Net unrealized losses on
                
   securities available for sale,
                
   net of income tax benefit ($328)
  
-
   
(237
)
  
(237
)
  
-
 
Amounts reclassed from
                
   accumulated other
                
   comprehensive income,
                
   net of income tax benefit ($1,094)
  
-
   
(1,868
)
  
(1,868
)
  
-
 
Stock based compensation
                
   expense
  
1,371
   
-
   
1,371
   
-
 
Net transfers from Parent
  
134,928
   
-
   
134,928
   
-
 
Balance at September 30, 2014
 
$
620,725
  
$
9,500
  
$
630,225
  
$
56,086
 

See accompanying notes.
7


ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
UNAUDITED
(In thousands)

 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
  
September 30,
 
 
 
2015
  
2014
 
Operating activities
 
  
 
Net loss
 
$
(4,790
)
 
$
(1,951
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities:
        
Equity in net gains from partnerships
  
(669
)
  
(572
)
Depreciation and amortization
  
9
   
11
 
Stock based compensation expense
  
1,895
   
1,371
 
Other-than-temporary loss on available for sale securities
  
150
   
69
 
Cost basis of donated securities
  
73
   
56
 
Net gains on sales of available for sale securities
  
(25
)
  
(2,978
)
(Increase) decrease in assets:
        
Investments in trading securities
  
29,096
   
(22,376
)
Investments in partnerships:
        
  Contributions to partnerships
  
(15,170
)
  
(15,698
)
  Distributions from partnerships
  
22,800
   
4,828
 
Receivable from brokers
  
(26,094
)
  
(30,506
)
Investment advisory fees receivable
  
1,956
   
3,876
 
Other assets
  
18,421
   
491
 
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
        
Payable to brokers
  
43,232
   
36,236
 
Income taxes payable and deferred tax liabilities
  
(4,940
)
  
(892
)
Intercompany payable
  
2,636
   
2,099
 
Compensation payable
  
(4,133
)
  
(8,762
)
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests
  
(45
)
  
(51
)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
  
681
   
236
 
Total adjustments
  
69,873
   
(32,562
)
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities
 
$
65,083
  
$
(34,513
)

8


ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
UNAUDITED (continued)
(In thousands)

 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
  
September 30,
 
 
 
2015
  
2014
 
Investing activities
 
  
 
Purchases of available for sale securities
 
$
(43,030
)
 
$
(1,228
)
Proceeds from sales of available for sale securities
  
1,013
   
4,748
 
Return of capital on available for sale securities
  
554
   
827
 
Net cash provided by (used in) provided by investing activities
  
(41,463
)
  
4,347
 
 
        
Financing activities
        
Contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interests
  
1,036
   
53,607
 
Redemptions of redeemable noncontrolling interests
  
(602
)
  
(1,666
)
Repayment of demand loan
  
-
   
(10,000
)
Net transfer from Parent
  
53,448
   
134,928
 
Net cash provided by financing activities
  
53,882
   
176,869
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
  
77,502
   
146,703
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
  
285,530
   
199,536
 
Increase in cash from consolidation
  
10
   
-
 
Increase in cash from deconsolidation
  
13
   
-
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
363,055
  
$
346,239
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
        
Cash paid for interest
 
$
1,026
  
$
1,073
 
Cash paid for taxes
 
$
2
  
$
2
 
 
        
Non-cash activity:
        
- On January 1, 2015, Associated Capital Group, Inc. was no longer deemed to have control over a certain offshore fund and a certain consolidated feeder fund which resulted in the deconsolidation of that offshore fund and consolidated feeder fund and an increase of approximately $13 of cash and cash equivalents, a decrease of approximately $63,280 of net assets and a decrease of approximately $63,267 of redeemable noncontrolling interests.
- On April 1, 2015, Associated Capital Group, Inc. was deemed to have control over a certain offshore fund and a certain partnership which resulted in the consolidation of that one offshore fund and one partnership and an increase of approximately $10 of cash and cash equivalents, an increase of approximately $986 of other net assets and an increase of approximately $996 of redeemable noncontrolling interest.
 

See accompanying notes.
9


ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2015
(Unaudited)

A.  Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

Unless we have indicated otherwise, or the context otherwise requires, references in this report to “Associated Capital Group, Inc.,” “AC Group,” “the Company,” “AC,” “we,” “us” and “our” or similar terms are to Associated Capital Group, Inc., its predecessors and its subsidiaries.

The Spin-off and Related Transactions

We are a newly formed Delaware corporation organized to be the holding company for the spin-off of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (“GAMCO’s”) alternative investment management business, institutional research services business and certain cash and other assets. Our principal executive offices are located at One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580.
On November 30, 2015, GAMCO distributed all the outstanding shares of each class of common stock of AC Group on a pro rata one-for-one basis to the holders of each class of GAMCO’s common stock.  Prior to the distribution, GAMCO contributed the 93.9% interest it held in Gabelli Securities, Inc. (“GSI”) and certain cash and other assets to AC Group. GSI is an investment adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. GSI and its wholly owned subsidiary, Gabelli & Partners, LLC ("Gabelli & Partners"), collectively serve as general partners or investment managers to investment funds including limited partnerships and offshore companies (collectively, "Investment Partnerships"), and separate accounts. We primarily manage assets in equity event-driven value strategies, across a range of risk and event arbitrage portfolios. The business earns fees from its advisory assets, and income (loss) from trading and investment portfolio activities. The advisory fees include management and incentive fees. Management fees are largely based on a percentage of the portfolios' levels of assets under management. Incentive fees are based on the percentage of profits derived from the investment performance delivered to clients' invested assets. GSI is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Certain employees of GAMCO own 1.9% of GSI, and the remaining 4.2% of GSI is owned by individual investors unrelated to GAMCO and AC Group.
We operate our institutional research services business through G.research, LLC ("G.research"), a wholly owned subsidiary of GSI. G.research is a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Through G.research, we provide institutional research services as well as act as an underwriter. G.research is regulated by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA"). G.research's revenues are derived primarily from institutional research services.
In addition, the following transactions were also undertaken in connection with the spin-off:
GAMCO issued a promissory note (the “GAMCO Note”) to AC Group in the original principal amount of $250.0 million used to partially capitalize the Company in connection with the spin-off. The GAMCO Note bears interest at 4.0% per annum and has a maturity date of November 30, 2020 with respect to the original principal amount of the GAMCO Note. Interest on the GAMCO Note will accrue from the most recent date for which interest has been paid, or if no interest has been paid, from the effective date of the GAMCO Note; provided, however, that at the election of GAMCO, payment of interest on the GAMCO Note may, in lieu of being paid in cash, be paid, in whole or in part, in kind on the then-outstanding principal amount (a “PIK Amount”). GAMCO will repay the original principal amount of the GAMCO Note to AC Group, in cash, in five equal annual installments of $50 million on each interest payment date up to and including the maturity date and will repay all PIK Amounts added to the outstanding principal amount of the GAMCO Note, in cash, on the fifth anniversary of the date on which each such PIK Amount was added to the outstanding principal amount of the GAMCO Note.  In no event may any interest be paid in kind subsequent to November 30, 2019.  GAMCO may prepay the GAMCO Note prior to maturity without penalty. 
In addition, AC Group, through its majority-owned GSI subsidiary, owns 4,393,055 shares of GAMCO Class A common stock (the “Shares”).  The sale was made from GAMCO to GSI in advance of the spin-off.  GSI paid the purchase price by issuing a note to GAMCO in the principal amount of $150 million (the “GSI Note”).  In connection with the spin-off, AC Group received the GSI Note from GAMCO and GSI became a majority-owned subsidiary of AC Group.
10

Basis of Presentation
The unaudited interim condensed combined financial statements of AC Group included herein have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP in the United States for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, the unaudited interim condensed Combined financial statements reflect all adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company for the interim periods presented and are not necessarily indicative of a full year’s results.
 
The interim condensed combined financial statements include the accounts of AC Group and its subsidiaries.  Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated.
 
These interim condensed combined financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited combined financial statements included in our Registration Statement on Form 10 for the year ended December 31, 2014 from which the accompanying condensed combined financial statements were derived.
 
Use of Estimates

The preparation of the interim condensed combined financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported on the interim condensed combined financial statements and accompanying notes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recent Accounting Developments

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in the Accounting Standards Codification ("Codification") Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the industry topics of the Codification.  The core principle of the new ASU No. 2014-09 is for companies to recognize revenue from the transfer of goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.  The new standard provides a five-step approach to be applied to all contracts with customers and also requires expanded disclosures about revenue recognition.  The ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods and is to be retrospectively applied.  Early adoption is not permitted.  The Company is currently evaluating this guidance and the impact it will have on its combined financial statements.

In June 2014, the FASB issued an accounting update clarifying that entities should treat performance targets that could be met after the requisite service period of a share-based payment award as performance conditions that affect vesting.  Therefore, an entity would not record compensation expense (measured as of the grant date) for an award where transfer to the employee is contingent upon satisfaction of the performance target until it becomes probable that the performance target will be met.  The guidance is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2016.  Early adoption is permitted.  This guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s combined financial statements.

In February 2015, the FASB issued an accounting update amending the consolidation requirements under GAAP.  This guidance is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2016.  Early adoption is permitted.  The Company is continuing to analyze the impact, if any, that this update may have on its combined financial statements.

In May 2015, the FASB issued new guidance amending the current disclosure requirements for investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value per share.  The guidance requires investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient be removed from the fair value hierarchy.  Instead, those investment amounts shall be provided as a separate item to permit reconciliation of the fair value of investments included in the fair value hierarchy to the line items presented in the statement of financial condition.  This new guidance will be effective for the Company’s first quarter of 2016.  The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact on its combined financial statements and related disclosures.
 
11

B.  Investment in Securities

Investments in securities at September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 consisted of the following:

 
 
September 30, 2015
  
December 31, 2014
  
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
Cost
  
Fair Value
  
Cost
  
Fair Value
  
Cost
  
Fair Value
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Trading securities:
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
Government obligations
 
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
18,994
  
$
18,996
  
$
20,995
  
$
20,999
 
Common stocks
  
78,025
   
87,745
   
170,977
   
195,029
   
167,714
   
190,939
 
Mutual funds
  
2,504
   
3,180
   
2,432
   
3,498
   
2,416
   
3,373
 
Other investments
  
505
   
723
   
743
   
1,704
   
753
   
1,550
 
Total trading securities
  
81,034
   
91,648
   
193,146
   
219,227
   
191,878
   
216,861
 
 
                        
Available for sale securities:
                        
Mutual funds
  
627
   
1,174
   
681
   
1,368
   
681
   
1,389
 
Total available for sale securities
  
627
   
1,174
   
681
   
1,368
   
681
   
1,389
 
 
                        
Total investments in securities
 
$
81,661
  
$
92,822
  
$
193,827
  
$
220,595
  
$
192,559
  
$
218,250
 

Securities sold, not yet purchased at September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 consisted of the following:

 
 
September 30, 2015
  
December 31, 2014
  
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
Proceeds
  
Fair Value
  
Proceeds
  
Fair Value
  
Proceeds
  
Fair Value
 
Trading securities:
 
(In thousands)
 
Common stocks
 
$
6,123
  
$
5,482
  
$
9,835
  
$
9,960
  
$
11,699
  
$
13,514
 
Other investments
  
8
   
95
   
1
   
635
   
71
   
666
 
Total securities sold, not yet purchased
 
$
6,131
  
$
5,577
  
$
9,836
  
$
10,595
  
$
11,770
  
$
14,180
 

Investments in sponsored registered investment companies at September 30, 2015, December 31,2014 and September 30, 2014 consisted of the following:

 
 
September 30, 2015
  
December 31, 2014
  
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
Cost
  
Fair Value
  
Cost
  
Fair Value
  
Cost
  
Fair Value
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Trading securities:
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
Mutual funds
 
$
40,097
  
$
41,820
  
$
1
  
$
1
  
$
1
  
$
1
 
Total trading securities
  
40,097
   
41,820
   
1
   
1
   
1
   
1
 
 
                        
Available for sale securities:
                        
Closed-end funds
  
63,068
   
70,349
   
21,962
   
36,323
   
21,819
   
36,142
 
Mutual funds
  
1,883
   
2,877
   
1,898
   
3,213
   
1,922
   
3,377
 
Total available for sale securities
  
64,951
   
73,226
   
23,860
   
39,536
   
23,741
   
39,519
 
 
                        
Total investments in registered
                        
   investment companies
 
$
105,048
  
$
115,046
  
$
23,861
  
$
39,537
  
$
23,742
  
$
39,520
 

Management determines the appropriate classification of debt and equity securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such designation as of the date of each combined statement of financial condition.  Investments in United States Treasury Bills and Notes with maturities of greater than three months at the time of purchase are classified as investments in securities, and those with maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase are classified as cash equivalents.  The portion of investments in securities held for resale in anticipation of short-term market movements are classified as trading securities.  Trading securities are stated at fair value, with any unrealized gains or losses reported in current period earnings.  Available for sale (“AFS”) investments are stated at fair value, with any unrealized gains or losses, net of taxes, reported as a component of equity except for losses deemed to be other than temporary (“OTT”) which are recorded as realized losses in the condensed combined statements of operations.
 
12

The following table identifies all reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") into income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
 
Amount
 
Affected Line Items
Reason for
Reclassified
 
in the Statements
Reclassification
from AOCI
 
Of Income
from AOCI
Three months ended September 30,
 
 
  
2015
  
2014
    
 
$
-
  
$
316
 
 Net gain/(loss) from investments
 Realized gain on sale of AFS securities
  
(150
)
  
-
 
 Net gain/(loss) from investments
 OTT impairment of AFS securities
  
(150
)
  
316
 
 Income before income taxes
 
  
56
   
(117
)
 Income tax provision
 
 
$
(94
)
 
$
199
 
 Net income/(loss)
 
               
Amount
 
Affected Line Items
Reason for
Reclassified
 
in the Statements
Reclassification
from AOCI
 
Of Income
from AOCI
Nine months ended September 30,
    
  
2015
   
2014
    
 
$
25
  
$
2,978
 
 Net gain/(loss) from investments
 Realized gain on sale of AFS securities
  
-
   
53
 
 Other operating expenses/net gain from investments
 Realized gain on donation of AFS securities
  
(150
)
  
(69
)
 Net gain/(loss) from investments
 OTT impairment of AFS securities
  
(125
)
  
2,962
 
 Income before income taxes
 
  
46
   
(1,094
)
 Income tax provision
 
 
$
(79
)
 
$
1,868
 
 Net income/(loss)
 
               
        
 
      

The Company recognizes all equity derivatives as either assets or liabilities measured at fair value and includes them in either investments in securities or securities sold, not yet purchased on the condensed combined statements of financial condition.  From time to time, the Company and/or the partnerships and offshore funds that the Company consolidates will enter into hedging transactions to manage their exposure to foreign currencies and equity prices related to their proprietary investments.  At September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, we held derivative contracts on 170,000 equity shares, 3.8 million equity shares and 2.3 million equity shares, respectively, that are included in investments in securities or securities sold, not yet purchased on the condensed combined statements of financial condition.   We had two foreign exchange contracts, one foreign exchange contract and one foreign exchange contract outstanding at September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively, that are included in receivable from brokers or payable to brokers on the condensed combined statements of financial condition.  Aside from one foreign exchange contract, these transactions are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes, and therefore changes in fair values of these derivatives are included in net gain/(loss) from investments on the condensed combined statements of operations.  The one foreign exchange contract that is designated as a hedge was for a short of British Pounds to hedge the long investment that we have in our London Stock Exchange listed Gabelli Value Plus+ Trust Ltd. closed-end fund which is denominated in British Pounds.  As the underlying investment that is being hedged is an available for sale security, the portion of the change in value of the closed-end fund that is currency related is recorded in net gain/(loss) from investments on the condensed combined statements of operations and not in accumulated comprehensive income.
 
13

The following tables identify the fair values and gains and losses of all derivatives held by the Company (in thousands):

 
  
 
Asset Derivatives Fair Value
 
 
 
Liability Derivatives Fair Value
 
Statement of Financial Condition Location
 
September 30, 2015
  
December 31, 2014
  
September 30, 2014
 
Statement of Financial Condition Location
 
September 30, 2015
  
December 31, 2014
  
September 30, 2014
 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under FASB ASC 815-20
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
Foreign exchange contracts
Receivable from brokers
 
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
-
 
Payable to brokers
 
$
36,354
  
$
-
  
$
-
 
Sub total
 
 
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
-
 
 
 
$
36,354
  
$
-
  
$
-
 
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments Under Fasb Asc 815-20
 
            
 
            
Equity contracts
Investments in securities
 
$
143
  
$
896
  
$
800
 
Securities sold, not yet purchased
 
$
95
  
$
635
  
$
666
 
Foreign exchange contracts
Receivable from brokers
  
-
   
-
   
-
 
Payable to brokers
  
5,172
   
5,470
   
6,343
 
Sub total
 
 
$
143
  
$
896
  
$
800
 
 
 
$
5,267
  
$
6,105
  
$
7,009
 
Total derivatives
 
 
$
143
  
$
896
  
$
800
 
 
 
$
41,621
  
$
6,105
  
$
7,009
 


Type of Derivative
Income Statement Location
Three Months ended September 30,
 
Nine Months ended September 30,
 
 
  
 2015
 
2014
 
 2015
 
2014
 
Foreign exchange contracts
Net gain/(loss) from investments
 
$
1,985
  
$
482
  
$
1,885
  
$
541
 
Equity contracts
Net gain/(loss) from investments
  
27
   
758
   
199
   
591
 
Total
 
 
$
2,012
  
$
1,240
  
$
2,084
  
$
1,132
 


The Company is a party to enforceable master netting arrangements for swaps entered into as part of the investment strategy of the Company’s proprietary portfolio.  They are typically not used as hedging instruments.  These swaps, while settled on a net basis with the counterparties, major U.S. financial institutions, are shown gross in assets and liabilities on the condensed combined statements of financial condition.  The swaps have a firm contract end date and are closed out and settled when each contract expires. 


        
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
 
        
Statements of Financial Condition
 
  
Gross
  
Gross Amounts
  
Net Amounts of
       
  
Amounts of
  
Offset in the
  
Assets Presented
       
  
Recognized
  
Statements of
  
in the Statements of
  
Financial
  
Cash Collateral
   
  
Assets
  
Financial Condition
  
Financial Condition
  
Instruments
  
Received
  
Net Amount
 
Swaps:
 
(In thousands)
 
September 30, 2015
 
$
143
  
$
-
  
$
143
  
$
(89
)
 
$
-
  
$
54
 
December 31, 2014
  
896
   
-
   
896
   
(634
)
  
-
   
262
 
September 30, 2014
 
$
800
  
$
-
  
$
800
  
$
(657
)
 
$
-
  
$
143
 
                         
              
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
 
              
Statements of Financial Condition
 
  
Gross
  
Gross Amounts
  
Net Amounts of
             
  
Amounts of
  
Offset in the
  
Liabilities Presented
             
  
Recognized
  
Statements of
  
in the Statements of
  
Financial
  
Cash Collateral
     
  
Liabilities
  
Financial Condition
  
Financial Condition
  
Instruments
  
Pledged
  
Net Amount
 
Swaps:
 
(In thousands)
 
September 30, 2015
 
$
89
  
$
-
  
$
89
  
$
(89
)
 
$
-
  
$
-
 
December 31, 2014
  
634
   
-
   
634
   
(634
)
  
-
   
-
 
September 30, 2014
 
$
657
  
$
-
  
$
657
  
$
(657
)
 
$
-
  
$
-
 
14


The following is a summary of the cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and fair value of available for sale investments as of September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014:

 
 
September 30, 2015
 
    
Gross
  
Gross
   
    
Unrealized
  
Unrealized
   
 
 
Cost
  
Gains
  
Losses
  
Fair Value
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Closed-end Funds
  
63,068
   
10,128
   
(2,847
)
  
70,349
 
Mutual funds
  
2,510
   
1,620
   
(79
)
  
4,051
 
Total available for sale securities
 
$
65,578
  
$
11,748
  
$
(2,926
)
 
$
74,400
 

 
 
December 31, 2014
 
    
Gross
  
Gross
   
    
Unrealized
  
Unrealized
   
 
 
Cost
  
Gains
  
Losses
  
Fair Value
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Closed-end Funds
  
21,962
   
14,398
   
(37
)
  
36,323
 
Mutual funds
  
2,579
   
2,030
   
(28
)
  
4,581
 
Total available for sale securities
 
$
24,541
  
$
16,428
  
$
(65
)
 
$
40,904
 

 
 
September 30, 2014
 
    
Gross
  
Gross
   
    
Unrealized
  
Unrealized
   
 
 
Cost
  
Gains
  
Losses
  
Fair Value
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Closed-end Funds
  
21,819
   
14,325
   
(2
)
  
36,142
 
Mutual funds
  
2,603
   
2,163
   
-
   
4,766
 
Total available for sale securities
 
$
24,422
  
$
16,488
  
$
(2
)
 
$
40,908
 

Changes in net unrealized losses, net of taxes, for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 of ($4.6) million in losses and ($1.0) million in losses, respectively, have been included in other comprehensive income, a component of equity, at September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014.  Return of capital on available for sale securities was $0.3 million and $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively.  During the three months ended September 30, 2015, there were no proceeds from the sales of investments available for sale and no gross gains on the sale of investments available for sale.  Proceeds from sales of investments available for sale were approximately $0.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014.  For the three months ended September 30, 2014, gross gains on the sale of investments available for sale amounted to $0.3 million and were reclassified from other comprehensive income into net gain from investments in the condensed combined statements of operations.  There were no losses on the sale of investments available for sale for the three months ended September 30, 2015 or September 30, 2014.  Changes in net unrealized losses, net of taxes, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 of $(4.4) million in losses and $(2.1) million in losses, respectively, have been included in other comprehensive income, a component of equity, at September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014.  Return of capital on available for sale securities was $0.6 million and $0.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively.  Proceeds from sales of investments available for sale were approximately $1.0 million and $4.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, gross gains on the sale of investments available for sale amounted to $25,000 and $3.0 million, respectively, and were reclassified from other comprehensive income into net gain from investments in the condensed combined statements of operations.  There were no losses on the sale of investments available for sale for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 or September 30, 2014.  The basis on which the cost of a security sold is determined using specific identification.
 

15

Investments classified as available for sale that are in an unrealized loss position for which other-than-temporary impairment has not been recognized consisted of the following:

 
 
September 30, 2015
  
December 31, 2014
  
September 30, 2014
 
    
Unrealized
      
Unrealized
      
Unrealized
   
 
 
Cost
  
Losses
  
Fair Value
  
Cost
  
Losses
  
Fair Value
  
Cost
  
Losses
  
Fair Value
 
(in thousands)
                  
Closed-end Funds
 
$
40,537
  
$
(2,847
)
 
$
37,690
  
$
812
  
$
(37
)
 
$
775
  
$
79
  
$
(2
)
 
$
77
 
Mutual Funds
  
303
   
(79
)
  
224
   
303
   
(28
)
  
275
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Total available for sale securities
 
$
40,840
  
$
(2,926
)
 
$
37,914
  
$
1,115
  
$
(65
)
 
$
1,050
  
$
79
  
$
(2
)
 
$
77
 

At September 30, 2015, there were four holdings in loss positions which were not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired due to the length of time that they had been in a loss position and because they passed scrutiny in our evaluation of issuer-specific and industry-specific considerations.  In these specific instances, the investments at September 30, 2015 were mutual funds and closed-end funds with diversified holdings across multiple companies and across multiple industries.  One holding was impaired for two months, one holding was impaired for three months, one holding was impaired for seven months and one holding was impaired for eight months at September 30, 2015.  The value of these holdings at September 30, 2015 was $37.9 million.

At December 31, 2014, there were four holdings in loss positions which were not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired due to the length of time that they had been in a loss position and because they passed scrutiny in our evaluation of issuer-specific and industry-specific considerations.  In these specific instances, the investments at December 31, 2014 were mutual funds and closed-end funds with diversified holdings across multiple companies and across multiple industries.  One holding was impaired for one month, one for three months and two for four months at December 31, 2014. The value of these holdings at December 31, 2014 was $1.1 million.

At September 30, 2014, there was one holding in a loss position which was not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired due to the length of time that it had been in a loss position and because it passed scrutiny in our evaluation of issuer-specific and industry-specific considerations.  In this specific instance, the investment at September 30, 2014 was a closed-end fund with diversified holdings across multiple companies and across multiple industries.  The one holding was impaired for one month at September 30, 2014.  The value of this holding at September 30, 2014 was $0.1 million.

For the three months ended September 30, 2015 there were $150,000 of losses on available for sale securities deemed to be other than temporary and a loss has been recorded in net gain from investments.  There were no losses recognized on AFS securities for the three months ended September 30, 2014.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, there were $150,000 and $69,000, respectively, of losses on available for sale securities deemed to be other than temporary and a loss has been recorded in net gain from investments.
 
16

C. Fair Value

The following tables present information about the Company’s assets and liabilities by major categories measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value:

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis as of September 30, 2015 (in thousands)

  
Quoted Prices in Active
  
Significant Other
  
Significant
  
Balance as of
 
  
Markets for Identical
  
Observable
  
Unobservable
  
September 30,
 
Assets
 
Assets (Level 1)
  
Inputs (Level 2)
  
Inputs (Level 3)
  
2015
 
Cash equivalents
 
$
362,955
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
362,955
 
Investments in partnerships
  
-
   
14,319
   
-
   
14,319
 
Investments in securities:
                
AFS - Mutual funds
  
1,174
   
-
   
-
   
1,174
 
Trading - Gov't obligations
                
Trading - Common stocks
  
86,970
   
-
   
775
   
87,745
 
Trading - Mutual funds
  
3,180
   
-
   
-
   
3,180
 
Trading - Other
  
263
   
143
   
317
   
723
 
Total investments in securities
  
91,587
   
143
   
1,092
   
92,822
 
Investments in sponsored registered investment companies:
             
AFS - Closed-end Funds
  
70,349
   
-
   
-
   
70,349
 
AFS - Mutual Funds
  
2,877
   
-
   
-
   
2,877
 
Trading - Mutual funds
  
41,820
   
-
   
-
   
41,820
 
Total investments in sponsored
                
registered investment companies
  
115,046
   
-
   
-
   
115,046
 
Total investments
  
206,633
   
14,462
   
1,092
   
222,187
 
Total assets at fair value
 
$
569,588
  
$
14,462
  
$
1,092
  
$
585,142
 
Liabilities
                
Trading - Common stocks
 
$
5,482
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
5,482
 
Trading - Other
  
-
   
95
   
-
   
95
 
Securities sold, not yet purchased
 
$
5,482
  
$
95
  
$
-
  
$
5,577
 

17

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands)

  
Quoted Prices in Active
  
Significant Other
  
Significant
  
Balance as of
 
  
Markets for Identical
  
Observable
  
Unobservable
  
December 31,
 
Assets
 
Assets (Level 1)
  
Inputs (Level 2)
  
Inputs (Level 3)
  
2014
 
Cash equivalents
 
$
285,504
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
285,504
 
Investments in partnerships
  
-
   
23,803
   
-
   
23,803
 
Investments in securities:
                
AFS - Mutual funds
  
1,368
   
-
   
-
   
1,368
 
Trading - Gov't obligations
  
18,996
   
-
   
-
   
18,996
 
Trading - Common stocks
  
193,735
   
1
   
1,293
   
195,029
 
Trading - Mutual funds
  
3,498
   
-
   
-
   
3,498
 
Trading - Other
  
513
   
897
   
294
   
1,704
 
Total investments in securities
  
218,110
   
898
   
1,587
   
220,595
 
Investments in sponsored registered investment companies:
             
AFS - Closed-end Funds
  
36,323
   
-
   
-
   
36,323
 
AFS - Mutual Funds
  
3,213
   
-
   
-
   
3,213
 
Trading - Mutual funds
  
1
   
-
   
-
   
1
 
Total investments in sponsored
                
registered investment companies
  
39,537
   
-
   
-
   
39,537
 
Total investments
  
257,647
   
24,701
   
1,587
   
283,935
 
Total assets at fair value
 
$
543,151
  
$
24,701
  
$
1,587
  
$
569,439
 
Liabilities
                
Trading - Common stocks
 
$
9,960
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
9,960
 
Trading - Other
  
-
   
635
   
-
   
635
 
Securities sold, not yet purchased
 
$
9,960
  
$
635
  
$
-
  
$
10,595
 

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis as of September 30, 2014 (in thousands)

  
Quoted Prices in Active
  
Significant Other
  
Significant
  
Balance as of
 
  
Markets for Identical
  
Observable
  
Unobservable
  
September 30,
 
Assets
 
Assets (Level 1)
  
Inputs (Level 2)
  
Inputs (Level 3)
  
2014
 
Cash equivalents
 
$
346,093
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
346,093
 
Investments in partnerships
  
-
   
24,094
   
-
   
24,094
 
Investments in securities:
                
AFS - Mutual funds
  
1,389
   
-
   
-
   
1,389
 
Trading - Gov't obligations
  
20,999
   
-
   
-
   
20,999
 
Trading - Common stocks
  
190,215
   
-
   
724
   
190,939
 
Trading - Mutual funds
  
3,373
   
-
   
-
   
3,373
 
Trading - Other
  
453
   
803
   
294
   
1,550
 
Total investments in securities
  
216,429
   
803
   
1,018
   
218,250
 
Investments in sponsored registered investment companies:
             
AFS - Closed-end Funds
  
36,142
   
-
   
-
   
36,142
 
AFS - Mutual Funds
  
3,377
   
-
   
-
   
3,377
 
Trading - Mutual funds
  
1
   
-
   
-
   
1
 
Total investments in sponsored
                
registered investment companies
  
39,520
   
-
   
-
   
39,520
 
Total investments
  
255,949
   
24,897
   
1,018
   
281,864
 
Total assets at fair value
 
$
602,042
  
$
24,897
  
$
1,018
  
$
627,957
 
Liabilities
                
Trading - Common stocks
 
$
13,514
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
13,514
 
Trading - Other
  
-
   
666
   
-
   
666
 
Securities sold, not yet purchased
 
$
13,514
  
$
666
  
$
-
  
$
14,180
 
18


The following tables present additional information about assets by major categories measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the Company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value.

Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 (in thousands)

      
Total
           
      
Unrealized
           
      
Gains or
  
Total
         
    
Total Realized and
  
(Losses)
  
Realized
         
  
June 30,
  
Unrealized Gains or
  
Included in
  
and
      
Transfers
   
 
 
2015
  
(Losses) in Income
  
Other
  
Unrealized
  
  
  
In and/or
   
  
Beginning
    
AFS
  
Comprehensive
  
Gains or
      
(Out) of
  
Ending
 
Asset
 
Balance
  
Trading
  
Investments
  
Income
  
(Losses)
  
Purchases
  
Sales
  
Level 3
  
Balance
 
Financial
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
instruments owned:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
Trading - Common   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  stocks
 
$
920
  
$
(145
)
 
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
(145
)
 
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
775
 
Trading - Other
  
298
   
19
   
-
   
-
   
19
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
317
 
Total
 
$
1,218
  
$
(126
)
 
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
(126
)
  
-
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
1,092
 

There were no transfers between any Levels during the three months ended September 30, 2015.

Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 (in thousands)

      
Total
           
      
Unrealized
           
      
Gains or
  
Total
         
    
Total Realized and
  
(Losses)
  
Realized
         
  
June 30,
  
Unrealized Gains or
  
Included in
  
and
      
Transfers
   
 
 
2014
  
(Losses) in Income
  
Other
  
Unrealized
  
  
  
In and/or
   
  
Beginning
    
AFS
  
Comprehensive
  
Gains or
      
(Out) of
  
Ending
 
Asset
 
Balance
  
Trading
  
Investments
  
Income
  
(Losses)
  
Purchases
  
Sales
  
Level 3
  
Balance
 
Financial
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
instruments owned:
                 
Tading - Common                                     
  stocks
 
$
716
  
$
8
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
8
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
724
 
Trading - Other
  
294
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
294
 
Total
 
$
1,010
  
$
8
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
8
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
1,018
 

There were no transfers between any Levels during the three months ended September 30, 2014.


Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 (in thousands)

      
Total
           
      
Unrealized
           
      
Gains or
  
Total
         
    
Total Realized and
  
(Losses)
  
Realized
         
  
December
  
Unrealized Gains or
  
Included in
  
and
      
Transfers
   
 
  31, 2014  
(Losses) in Income
  
Other
  
Unrealized
  
  
  
In and/or
   
  
Beginning
    
AFS
  
Comprehensive
  
Gains or
      
(Out) of
  
Ending
 
Asset
 
Balance
  
Trading
  
Investments
  
Income
  
(Losses)
  
Purchases
  
Sales
  
Level 3
  
Balance
 
Financial
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
instruments owned:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
Trading - Common      
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  stocks
 
$
1,293
  
$
(166
)
 
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
(166
)
 
$
6
  
$
(358
)
 
$
-
  
$
775
 
Trading - Other
  
294
   
102
   
-
   
-
   
102
   
5
   
(84
)
  
-
   
317
 
Total
 
$
1,587
  
$
(64
)
 
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
(64
)
  
11
  
$
(442
)
 
$
-
  
$
1,092
 
19


There were securities with a value of $0.4 million that were transferred out of Level 3 as a result of the deconsolidation of an offshore fund during the first quarter of 2015 which are reflected in sales above.  There were no transfers between Levels 1 or 2 during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.

Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 (in thousands)

      
Total
           
      
Unrealized
           
      
Gains or
  
Total
         
    
Total Realized and
  
(Losses)
  
Realized
         
  
December
  
Unrealized Gains or
  
Included in
  
and
      
Transfers
   
 
  31, 2013  
(Losses) in Income
  
Other
  
Unrealized
  
  
  
In and/or
   
  
Beginning
    
AFS
  
Comprehensive
  
Gains or
      
(Out) of
  
Ending
 
Asset
 
Balance
  
Trading
  
Investments
  
Income
  
(Losses)
  
Purchases
  
Sales
  
Level 3
  
Balance
 
Financial
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
instruments owned:
                 
Trading - Common                                     
  stocks
 
$
700
  
$
24
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
24
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
724
 
Trading - Other
  
284
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
10
   
-
   
-
   
294
 
Total
 
$
984
  
$
24
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
24
  
$
10
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
1,018
 

There were no transfers between any Levels during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

D. Investments in Partnerships, Offshore Funds and Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”)
 
The Company is general partner or co-general partner of various affiliated entities in which the Company has investments totaling $87.2 million, $94.2 million and $93.2 million at September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively, and whose underlying assets consist primarily of marketable securities (the “affiliated entities”). We also have investments in unaffiliated entities of $13.8 million, $13.4 million and $14.2 million at September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively (the “unaffiliated entities”).  On a quarterly basis, we evaluate each entity for the appropriate accounting treatment and disclosure.  Certain of the affiliated entities, and none of the unaffiliated entities, are consolidated.

For those entities where consolidation is not deemed to be appropriate, we report them in our condensed combined statement of financial condition under the caption “Investments in partnerships”.  This caption includes those investments, in both affiliated and unaffiliated entities, which the Company accounts for under the equity method of accounting, as well as certain investments that the feeder funds hold that are carried at fair value, as described in Note C.  The Company reflects the equity in earnings of these equity method investees and the change in fair value of the consolidated feeder funds (“CFFs”) under the caption Net gain/(loss) from investments on the condensed combined statements of operations.

The following table highlights the number of entities, including voting interest entities (“VOEs”), that we consolidate as well as under which accounting guidance they are consolidated, including CFFs, which retain their specialized investment company accounting in consolidation, partnerships and offshore funds.

Entities consolidated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CFFs
 
Partnerships
 
Offshore Funds
 
Total
 
 
VIEs
VOEs
 
VIEs
VOEs
 
VIEs
VOEs
 
VIEs
VOEs
Entities consolidated at December 31, 2013
 
1
2
 
-
1
 
-
1
 
1
4
Additional consolidated entities
 
-
-
 
-
-
 
-
-
 
-
-
Deconsolidated entities
 
-
-
 
-
-
 
-
-
 
-
-
Entities consolidated at September 30, 2014
 
1
2
 
-
1
 
-
1
 
1
4
Additional consolidated entities
 
-
-
 
-
-
 
-
-
 
-
-
Deconsolidated entities
 
-
-
 
-
-
 
-
-
 
-
-
Entities consolidated at December 31, 2014
 
1
2
 
-
1
 
-
1
 
1
4
Additional consolidated entities
 
-
1
 
-
1
 
1
-
 
1
2
Deconsolidated entities
 
-
(1)
 
-
-
 
-
(1)
 
-
(2)
Entities consolidated at September 30, 2015
 
1
2
 
-
2
 
1
-
 
2
4
20


At and for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the one CFF VIE is consolidated, as the Company has been determined to be the primary beneficiary because it has an equity interest and absorbs the majority of the expected losses and/or expected gains.  At and for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the one CFF VOE and one Partnership VOE are consolidated because the unaffiliated partners or shareholders lack substantive kick-out rights, and the Company, as either the general partner or investment manager, is deemed to have control.  During the three months ended June 30, 2015, it was determined that an additional Partnership VOE should be consolidated when the Partnership was created on April 1, 2015 without unaffiliated capital and an Offshore Fund VIE should be consolidated as the last unaffiliated investor withdrew during the second quarter.  Additionally, during the three months ended March 31, 2015, an Offshore Fund VOE was deconsolidated as the Company’s ownership percentage fell below 50%, a CFF VOE was deconsolidated when it was closed and a different CFF VOE was consolidated as the last unaffiliated investor withdrew on March 31, 2015.

At and for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and at December 31, 2014, one CFF VIE is consolidated, as the Company has been determined to be the primary beneficiary because it has an equity interest and absorbs the majority of the expected losses and/or expected gains.  At and for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and at December 31, 2014, two CFF VOEs, one Partnership VOE and one Offshore Fund VOE are consolidated because the unaffiliated partners or shareholders lack substantive rights, and the Company, as either the general partner or investment manager, is deemed to have control.

The following table breaks down the investments in partnerships line by accounting method, either fair value or equity method, and investment type (in thousands):

  
September 30, 2015
 
 
 
Investment Type
 
 
 
Affiliated
  
Unaffiliated
  
 
  
Consolidated
           
Accounting method
 
Feeder Funds
  
Partnerships
  
Offshore Funds
  
Partnerships
  
Offshore Funds
  
Total
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
Fair Value
 
$
14,319
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
14,319
 
Equity Method
  
-
   
38,313
   
34,552
   
6,286
   
7,552
   
86,703
 
 
                        
Total
 
$
14,319
  
$
38,313
  
$
34,552
  
$
6,286
  
$
7,552
  
$
101,022
 

  
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
Investment Type
 
 
 
Affiliated
  
Unaffiliated
  
 
  
Consolidated
           
Accounting method
 
Feeder Funds
  
Partnerships
  
Offshore Funds
  
Partnerships
  
Offshore Funds
  
Total
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
Fair Value
 
$
23,815
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
23,815
 
Equity Method
  
-
   
34,382
   
36,033
   
6,552
   
6,864
   
83,831
 
 
                        
Total
 
$
23,815
  
$
34,382
  
$
36,033
  
$
6,552
  
$
6,864
  
$
107,646
 

  
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
Investment Type
 
 
 
Affiliated
  
Unaffiliated
  
 
  
Consolidated
           
Accounting method
 
Feeder Funds
  
Partnerships
  
Offshore Funds
  
Partnerships
  
Offshore Funds
  
Total
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
Fair Value
 
$
24,094
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
24,094
 
Equity Method
  
-
   
34,965
   
34,184
   
6,611
   
7,577
   
83,337
 
 
                        
Total
 
$
24,094
  
$
34,965
  
$
34,184
  
$
6,611
  
$
7,577
  
$
107,431
 
21


The following table includes the net impact by line item on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition for each category of entity consolidated (in thousands):

 
 
September 30, 2015
 
 
 
Prior to
      
Offshore
   
  
Consolidation
  
CFFs
  
Partnerships
  
Funds
  
As Reported
 
Assets
 
  
  
  
  
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
362,988
  
$
2
  
$
52
  
$
13
  
$
363,055
 
Investments in securities
  
84,306
   
-
   
7,807
   
709
   
92,822
 
Investments in sponsored investment companies
  
115,046
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
115,046
 
Investments in partnerships
  
105,094
   
4,817
   
(8,504
)
  
(385
)
  
101,022
 
Receivable from brokers
  
50,637
   
-
   
1,933
   
25
   
52,595
 
Investment advisory fees receivable
  
1,977
   
5
   
9
   
-
   
1,991
 
Other assets
  
4,183
   
16
   
137
   
2
   
4,338
 
Total assets
 
$
724,231
  
$
4,840
  
$
1,434
  
$
364
  
$
730,869
 
Liabilities and equity
                    
Securities sold, not yet purchased
 
$
5,231
  
$
-
  
$
140
  
$
206
  
$
5,577
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
  
89,441
   
38
   
155
   
81
   
89,715
 
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
  
-
   
4,802
   
1,139
   
77
   
6,018
 
Total equity
  
629,559
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
629,559
 
Total liabilities and equity
 
$
724,231
  
$
4,840
  
$
1,434
  
$
364
  
$
730,869
 

 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
Prior to
      
Offshore
   
  
Consolidation
  
CFFs
  
Partnerships
  
Funds
  
As Reported
 
Assets
 
  
  
  
  
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
285,455
  
$
(11
)
 
$
86
  
$
-
  
$
285,530
 
Investments in securities
  
161,501
   
-
   
7,801
   
51,293
   
220,595
 
Investments in sponsored investment companies
  
39,537
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
39,537
 
Investments in partnerships
  
111,389
   
4,438
   
(8,181
)
  
-
   
107,646
 
Receivable from brokers
  
22,629
   
-
   
623
   
51,155
   
74,407
 
Investment advisory fees receivable
  
4,375
   
(6
)
  
(2
)
  
(222
)
  
4,145
 
Other assets
  
22,683
   
-
   
-
   
151
   
22,834
 
Total assets
 
$
647,569
  
$
4,421
  
$
327
  
$
102,377
  
$
754,694
 
Liabilities and equity
                    
Securities sold, not yet purchased
 
$
9,991
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
604
  
$
10,595
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
  
54,651
   
22
   
24
   
38,141
   
92,838
 
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
  
-
   
4,399
   
303
   
63,632
   
68,334
 
Total equity
  
582,927
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
582,927
 
Total liabilities and equity
 
$
647,569
  
$
4,421
  
$
327
  
$
102,377
  
$
754,694
 

 
 
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
Prior to
      
Offshore
   
  
Consolidation
  
CFFs
  
Partnerships
  
Funds
  
As Reported
 
Assets
 
  
  
  
  
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
346,134
  
$
7
  
$
98
  
$
-
  
$
346,239
 
Investments in securities
  
166,900
   
-
   
8,836
   
42,514
   
218,250
 
Investments in sponsored investment companies
  
39,520
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
39,520
 
Investments in partnerships
  
110,676
   
4,684
   
(7,929
)
  
-
   
107,431
 
Receivable from brokers
  
30,859
   
-
   
306
   
48,191
   
79,356
 
Investment advisory fees receivable
  
1,441
   
17
   
(1
)
  
(82
)
  
1,375
 
Other assets
  
7,180
   
24
   
(1,000
)
  
163
   
6,367
 
Total assets
 
$
702,710
  
$
4,732
  
$
310
  
$
90,786
  
$
798,538
 
Liabilities and equity
                    
Securities sold, not yet purchased
 
$
13,549
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
631
  
$
14,180
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
  
58,936
   
71
   
31
   
39,009
   
98,047
 
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
  
-
   
4,661
   
279
   
51,146
   
56,086
 
Total equity
  
630,225
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
630,225
 
Total liabilities and equity
 
$
702,710
  
$
4,732
  
$
310
  
$
90,786
  
$
798,538
 
22


The following table includes the net impact by line item on the condensed consolidated statements of income for each category of entity consolidated (in thousands):

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
 
 
Prior to
      
Offshore
   
  
Consolidation
  
CFFs
  
Partnerships
  
Funds
  
As Reported
 
Total revenues
 
$
4,701
  
$
(9
)
 
$
(2
)
 
$
-
  
$
4,690
 
Total expenses
  
5,725
   
23
   
20
   
3
   
5,771
 
Operating loss
  
(1,024
)
  
(32
)
  
(22
)
  
(3
)
  
(1,081
)
Total other expense, net
  
(10,904
)
  
(268
)
  
(120
)
  
(19
)
  
(11,311
)
Loss before income taxes
  
(11,928
)
  
(300
)
  
(142
)
  
(22
)
  
(12,392
)
Income tax benefit
  
(4,388
)
  
-
   
-
   
-
   
(4,388
)
Net loss
  
(7,540
)
  
(300
)
  
(142
)
  
(22
)
  
(8,004
)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
  
-
   
(300
)
  
(142
)
  
(22
)
  
(464
)
Net loss attributable to AC Group
 
$
(7,540
)
 
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
(7,540
)

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
 
 
Prior to
      
Offshore
   
  
Consolidation
  
CFFs
  
Partnerships
  
Funds
  
As Reported
 
Total revenues
 
$
5,110
  
$
(7
)
 
$
-
  
$
(208
)
 
$
4,895
 
Total expenses
  
5,351
   
20
   
12
   
260
   
5,643
 
Operating loss
  
(241
)
  
(27
)
  
(12
)
  
(468
)
  
(748
)
Total other expense, net
  
(6,103
)
  
(186
)
  
(18
)
  
(2,323
)
  
(8,630
)
Loss before income taxes
  
(6,344
)
  
(213
)
  
(30
)
  
(2,791
)
  
(9,378
)
Income tax benefit
  
(2,561
)
  
-
   
-
   
-
   
(2,561
)
Net loss
  
(3,783
)
  
(213
)
  
(30
)
  
(2,791
)
  
(6,817
)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
  
-
   
(213
)
  
(30
)
  
(2,791
)
  
(3,034
)
Net loss attributable to AC Group
 
$
(3,783
)
 
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
(3,783
)


 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
 
 
Prior to
      
Offshore
   
  
Consolidation
  
CFFs
  
Partnerships
  
Funds
  
As Reported
 
Total revenues
 
$
13,890
  
$
(25
)
 
$
(4
)
 
$
(14
)
 
$
13,847
 
Total expenses
  
22,099
   
95
   
50
   
32
   
22,276
 
Operating loss
  
(8,209
)
  
(120
)
  
(54
)
  
(46
)
  
(8,429
)
Total other income/(expense), net
  
755
   
(177
)
  
(102
)
  
9
   
485
 
Income before income taxes
  
(7,454
)
  
(297
)
  
(156
)
  
(37
)
  
(7,944
)
Income tax benefit
  
(3,154
)
  
-
   
-
   
-
   
(3,154
)
Net loss
  
(4,300
)
  
(297
)
  
(156
)
  
(37
)
  
(4,790
)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
  
-
   
(297
)
  
(156
)
  
(37
)
  
(490
)
Net loss attributable to AC Group
 
$
(4,300
)
 
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
(4,300
)

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
 
 
Prior to
      
Offshore
   
  
Consolidation
  
CFFs
  
Partnerships
  
Funds
  
As Reported
 
Total revenues
 
$
14,007
  
$
(21
)
 
$
(2
)
 
$
(633
)
 
$
13,351
 
Total expenses
  
20,221
   
34
   
38
   
730
   
21,023
 
Operating income
  
(6,214
)
  
(55
)
  
(40
)
  
(1,363
)
  
(7,672
)
Total other income/(expense), net
  
6,380
   
20
   
19
   
(1,186
)
  
5,233
 
Income/(loss) before income taxes
  
166
   
(35
)
  
(21
)
  
(2,549
)
  
(2,439
)
Income tax benefit
  
(488
)
  
-
   
-
   
-
   
(488
)
Net income/(loss)
  
654
   
(35
)
  
(21
)
  
(2,549
)
  
(1,951
)
Net (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
  
-
   
(35
)
  
(21
)
  
(2,549
)
  
(2,605
)
Net income attributable to AC Group
 
$
654
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
654
 


Variable Interest Entities

We sponsor a number of investment vehicles where we are the general partner or investment manager.  Certain of these vehicles are VIEs, but we are not the primary beneficiary, in all but two cases, because we do not absorb a majority of the entities’ expected losses and/or expected returns, and they are, therefore, not consolidated.  We consolidate the two VIEs where we are the primary beneficiary.  The Company has not provided any financial or other support to those VIEs where we are not the primary beneficiary.  The total net assets of these non-consolidated VIEs at September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 were $65.8 million, $71.6 million and $59.8 million, respectively.  On September 30, 2015, the maximum exposure to loss as a result of our involvement with the non-consolidated VIEs is limited to the investment in one VIE of $9.6 million and the deferred carried interest that we have in another of $38,000 which was included in investments in partnerships on the condensed combined statements of financial condition.  On December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, our maximum exposure to loss as a result of our involvement with the non-consolidated VIEs is limited to the investment in two VIEs of $10.6 million and $8.6 million, respectively, and the deferred carried interest that we have in another of $43,000 and $44,000, respectively, which was included in investments in partnerships on the condensed combined statements of financial condition.   Additionally, as the general partner or investment manager to these VIEs the Company earns fees in relation to these roles, which given a decline in AUMs of the VIEs would result in lower fee revenues earned by the Company which would be reflected on the condensed combined statement of income, condensed combined statement of financial condition and condensed combined statement of cash flows.
23


The assets of these VIEs may only be used to satisfy obligations of the VIEs.  The following table presents the balances related to the VIEs that are consolidated and are included on the condensed combined statements of financial condition as well as AC Group’s net interest in the VIEs.  There are two VIEs consolidated at  September 30, 2015 and one VIE consolidated at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014:

   September 30,  December 31,   September 30,  
 
 
2015
  
2014
  
2014
 
(In thousands)
 
  
  
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
13
  
$
-
  
$
1
 
Investments in securities
  
709
   
-
   
-
 
Investments in partnerships
  
5,116
   
13,434
   
13,618
 
Receivable from broker
  
25
   
-
   
-
 
Other assets
  
3
   
-
   
-
 
Payable to brokers
  
(62
)
  
-
   
-
 
Securities sold, not yet purchased
  
(206
)
  
-
   
-
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
  
(27
)
  
(12
)
  
(15
)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
  
(615
)
  
(794
)
  
(962
)
AC Group's net interests in consolidated VIE
 
$
4,956
  
$
12,628
  
$
12,642
 

E. Income Taxes
 
The effective tax rate ("ETR) for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 was 35.4% and 27.3%, respectively.  The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was 39.7% compared to 20.0% for the prior year nine month period.
 
F. Stockholders’ Equity
 
Shares outstanding were 25.5 million, 25.9 million and 25.9 million on September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014, and September 30, 2014, respectively.

Voting Rights

The holders of Class A Common stock (“Class A Stock”) and Class B Common stock (“Class B Stock”) have identical rights except that (i) holders of Class A Stock are entitled to one vote per share, while holders of Class B Stock are entitled to ten votes per share on all matters to be voted on by shareholders in general, and (ii) holders of Class A Stock are not eligible to vote on matters relating exclusively to Class B Stock and vice versa.

Stock Award and Incentive Plan
 
The Company maintains one Plan approved by the shareholders, which is designed to provide incentives which will attract and retain individuals key to the success of AC through direct or indirect ownership of our common stock.  Benefits under the Plan may be granted in any one or a combination of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock awards, dividend equivalents and other stock or cash based awards.  A maximum of 0.9 million shares of Class A Stock have been reserved for issuance under the Plans by a committee of the Board of Directors responsible for administering the Plans (“Compensation Committee”).  Under the Plan, the committee may grant RSAs and either incentive or nonqualified stock options with a term not to exceed ten years from the grant date and at an exercise price that the committee may determine.

On November 30, 2015, in connection with the spin-off of the Company from GAMCO on a one for one basis, the Company issued 554,100 AC RSA shares to employees who held 554,100 GAMCO RSA shares.  As of September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, there were 688,550 RSA shares, 710,750 RSA shares and 639,750 RSA shares outstanding, respectively, that were previously issued at an average weighted GAMCO grant price of $67.34, $67.45 and $65.12, respectively.  All grants of the RSA shares were recommended by the Company's Chairman, who did not receive a RSA, and approved by the Compensation Committee.  This expense, net of estimated forfeitures, is recognized over the vesting period for these awards which is either (1) 30% over three years from the date of grant and 70% over five years from the date of grant or (2) 30% over three years from the date of grant and 10% each year over years four through ten from the date of grant.  During the vesting period, dividends to RSA holders are held for them until the RSA vesting dates and are forfeited if the grantee is no longer employed by the Company on the vesting dates.  Dividends declared on these RSAs, less estimated forfeitures, are charged to retained earnings on the declaration date. 
24

For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, we recognized stock-based compensation expense of $0.6 million and $0.5 million, respectively.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, we recognized stock-based compensation expense of $1.9 million and $1.4 million, respectively.  Actual and projected stock-based compensation expense for RSA shares for the years ended December 31, 2015 through December 31, 2024 (based on awards currently issued or granted) is as follows (in thousands):


  
2014
  
2015
  
2016
  
2017
  
2018
  
2019
 
 
Q1
  
$
448
  
$
638
  
$
466
  
$
331
  
$
223
  
$
179
 
 
Q2
   
447
   
627
   
466
   
331
   
216
   
179
 
 
Q3
   
476
   
630
   
376
   
295
   
195
   
161
 
 
Q4
   
550
   
1,921
   
331
   
257
   
179
   
148
 
Full Year
  
$
1,921
  
$
3,816
  
$
1,639
  
$
1,214
  
$
813
  
$
667
 
                           
     
2020
   
2021
   
2022
   
2023
   
2024
     
 
Q1
  
$
101
  
$
65
  
$
42
  
$
22
  
$
4
     
 
Q2
   
91
   
65
   
42
   
22
   
4
     
 
Q3
   
76
   
52
   
31
   
12
   
3
     
 
Q4
   
65
   
42
   
22
   
4
   
-
     
Full Year
  
$
333
  
$
224
  
$
137
  
$
60
  
$
11
     
                           

The total compensation cost related to non-vested RSAs not yet recognized is approximately $7.0 million as of September 30, 2015.
 
G. Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets

At September 30, 2015, $3.3 million of goodwill is reflected within other assets on the condensed combined statements of financial condition with $3.3 million related to a 94%-owned subsidiary, Gabelli Securities, Inc.  The Company assesses the recoverability of goodwill at least annually, or more often should events warrant, using a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that an impairment has occurred to determine if a quantitative analysis is required.  There were no indicators of impairment for the three months ended September 30, 2015 or September 30, 2014, and as such there was no impairment analysis performed or charge recorded.
 
H. Commitments and Contingencies

From time to time, the Company may be named in legal actions and proceedings.  These actions may seek substantial or indeterminate compensatory as well as punitive damages or injunctive relief.  The Company is also subject to governmental or regulatory examinations or investigations.  The examinations or investigations could result in adverse judgments, settlements, fines, injunctions, restitutions or other relief.  For any such matters, the condensed combined financial statements include the necessary provisions for losses that the Company believes are probable and estimable.  Furthermore, the Company evaluates whether there exist losses which may be reasonably possible and will, if material, make the necessary disclosures.  However, management believes such amounts, both those that are probable and those that are reasonably possible, are not material to the Company’s financial condition, operations or cash flows at September 30, 2015.

The Company indemnifies the clearing brokers of G.research, LLC, our broker-dealer subsidiary, for losses they may sustain from the customer accounts that trade on margin introduced by it.  At September 30, 2015, the total amount of customer balances subject to indemnification (i.e. unsecured margin debits) was immaterial.  The Company also has entered into arrangements with various other third parties many of which provide for indemnification of the third parties against losses, costs, claims and liabilities arising from the performance of obligations under the agreements.  The Company has had no claims or payments pursuant to these or prior agreements and believes the likelihood of a claim being made is remote.  The Company’s estimate of the value of such agreements is de minimis, and therefore an accrual has not been made on the condensed combined financial statements.
 
25

I. Spin-Off from GAMCO

The following tables set forth our unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of income for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 and our unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of financial condition as of September 30, 2015 (collectively, the ‘‘Associated Capital Group Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Combined Financial Statements’’). The Associated Capital Group Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements were derived from our historical condensed combined financial statements, included elsewhere within this Form 10-Q. Our unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of income for the three months ended September 30, 2015 has been prepared as though the distribution occurred as of July 1, 2015 and our unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of financial condition at September 30, 2015 has been prepared as though the distribution occurred as of September 30, 2015.

Our unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial data presented below should be read in conjunction with, the Company's unaudited Financial Statements and accompanying notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as the Company's audited annual financial statements included in our Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the SEC on October 30, 2015 to help provide an understanding of our financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of operations.

Our unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial data are for illustrative purposes only and do not reflect what our financial position and results of operations would have been had the spin-off occurred on the date indicated and are not necessarily indicative of our future financial position and future results of operations.
 
26

The following unaudited pro forma financial information presented on the Condensed Combined Pro Forma Statement of Financial Condition as of September 30, 2015 is based on AC Group’s historical financial statements as adjusted to reflect the impact of certain transactions that were undertaken as part of the spin-off from GAMCO:

(a) The sale of 4,393,055 shares of GAMCO Class A stock to GSI in return for the $150 million GSI Note.
(b) The subsequent contribution by GAMCO of the GSI Note to AC Group.
(c) The issuance of the $250 million GAMCO Note to AC Group.

ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED COMBINED PRO FORMA STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
As of September 30, 2015
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

     Pro Forma      
  
Historical
  
Adjustments
 
 
 
Pro Forma
 
ASSETS
       
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
363,055
  
$
-
    
363,055
 
Investments in securities
  
92,822
   
150,000
 
(a)
  
242,822
 
Investments in registered investment companies
  
115,046
   
-
    
115,046
 
Investments in partnerships
  
101,022
   
-
    
101,022
 
Receivable from brokers
  
52,595
   
-
    
52,595
 
Investment advisory fees receivable
  
1,991
   
-
    
1,991
 
Receivable from affiliates
  
202
   
-
    
202
 
Goodwill
  
3,254
   
-
    
3,254
 
Other assets
  
882
   
-
    
882
 
Total assets
 
$
730,869
  
$
150,000
 
 
  
880,869
 
              
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
             
Payable to brokers
 
$
49,365
  
$
-
   
$
49,365
 
Income taxes payable and deferred tax liabilities
  
8,832
   
-
    
8,832
 
Compensation payable
  
5,046
   
-
    
5,046
 
Securities sold, not yet purchased
  
5,577
   
-
    
5,577
 
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests
  
1,257
   
-
    
1,257
 
Payable to affiliates
  
23,369
   
-
    
23,369
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
  
1,846
   
-
 
 
  
1,846
 
Total liabilities
 
$
95,292
  
$
-
   
$
95,292
 
              
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
  
6,018
   
-
    
6,018
 
              
Equity
  
624,792
   
400,000
 
(b)(c)
  
1,024,792
 
Note receivable from GAMCO
  
-
   
(250,000
)
(c)
  
(250,000
)
Accumulated comprehsive income
  
4,767
   
-
 
 
  
4,767
 
Total equity
  
629,559
   
150,000
 
 
  
779,559
 
Total liabilities and equity
  
730,869
   
150,000
 
 
  
880,869
 
 
27

The following unaudited pro forma financial information presented on the Condensed Combined Pro Forma Statements of Operations for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 is based on AC Group’s historical financial statements as adjusted to reflect the impact of certain transactions that were undertaken as part of the spin-off from GAMCO:

(a)
Compensation expenses for increased personnel costs in relation to being a stand-alone public company.
(b)
Elimination of the management fee contra-expense which will not exist when the Company is a stand-alone public company.
(c)
Additional costs of being a stand-alone public company including board of director expenses, transfer agent fees, stock exchange listing fees and increased legal and audit fees.
(d)
Interest income on the $250 million GAMCO Note that was issued to AC Group in connection with the spin-off.
(e)
Dividend income on the 4,393,055 shares of GAMCO that were sold to GSI as part of the spin-off.
(f)
Tax adjustments based on the adjustments above using the applicable statutory tax rate.

ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED PRO FORMA STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
UNAUDITED
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

  Three Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
  September 30, 2015  September 30, 2014 
    
Pro Forma
       
Pro Forma
    
  
Historical
  
Adjustments
   
Pro Forma
  
Historical
  
Adjustments
   
Pro Forma
 
Revenues
              
Investment advisory and incentive fees
 
$
2,240
  
$
-
   
$
2,240
  
$
1,832
  
$
-
   
$
1,832
 
Institutional research services
  
2,063
   
-
    
2,063
   
2,540
   
-
    
2,540
 
Other
  
387
   
-
    
387
   
523
   
-
    
523
 
Total revenues
  
4,690
   
-
    
4,690
   
4,895
   
-
    
4,895
 
Expenses
                          
Compensation
  
5,079
   
250
 
(a)
  
5,329
   
4,313
   
250
 
(a)
  
4,563
 
Management fee
  
(1,374
)
  
1,374
 
(b)
  
-
   
(1,038
)
  
1,038
 
(b)
  
-
 
Stock based compensation
  
630
   
-
    
630
   
476
   
-
    
476
 
Other operating expenses
  
1,436
   
246
 
(c)
  
1,682
   
1,892
   
246
 
(c)
  
2,138
 
Total expenses
  
5,771
   
1,870
    
7,641
   
5,643
   
1,534
    
7,177
 
                           
Operating loss
  
(1,081
)
  
(1,870
)
   
(2,951
)
  
(748
)
  
(1,534
)
   
(2,282
)
Other income (expense)
                          
Net gain/(loss) from investments
  
(11,539
)
  
-
    
(11,539
)
  
(9,140
)
  
-
    
(9,140
)
Interest and dividend income
  
551
   
2,807
 
(d) (e)
  
3,358
   
805
   
2,763
 
(d) (e)
  
3,568
 
Interest expense
  
(323
)
  
-
    
(323
)
  
(295
)
  
-
    
(295
)
Total other income/(expense), net
  
(11,311
)
  
2,807
    
(8,504
)
  
(8,630
)
  
2,763
    
(5,867
)
Income before income taxes
  
(12,392
)
  
937
    
(11,455
)
  
(9,378
)
  
1,229
    
(8,149
)
Income tax provision/(benefit)
  
(4,388
)
  
349
 
(f)
  
(4,039
)
  
(2,561
)
  
455
 
(f)
  
(2,106
)
Net loss
  
(8,004
)
  
588
    
(7,416
)
  
(6,817
)
  
774
    
(6,043
)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
  
(464
)
  
-
    
(464
)
  
(3,034
)
  
-
    
(3,034
)
Net income/(loss) attributable to Associated
                          
Capital Group, Inc.'s shareholders
 
$
(7,540
)
 
$
588
   
$
(6,952
)
 
$
(3,783
)
 
$
774
   
$
(3,009
)
Net income/(loss) attributable to Associated
                          
Capital Group, Inc.'s shareholders per share:
                          
Basic
 
$
(0.30
)
 
$
0.02
   
$
(0.28
)
 
$
(0.15
)
 
$
0.03
   
$
(0.12
)
Diluted
 
$
(0.30
)
 
$
0.02
   
$
(0.28
)
 
$
(0.15
)
 
$
0.03
   
$
(0.12
)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                          
Basic
  
24,947
   
24,947
    
24,947
   
25,296
   
25,296
    
25,296
 
Diluted
  
25,241
   
25,241
    
25,241
   
25,517
   
25,517
    
25,517
 
 
 
28

J. Subsequent Events
 
On October 12, 2015, the Board of Directors of GAMCO accelerated the vesting of the November 2013 grant of restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) to be effective on October 19, 2015. There were 130,650 RSAs outstanding relating to this grant. As a result of the acceleration, AC will incur a fourth quarter non-cash charge of $1.3 million or $0.03 per diluted share (after management fee and tax benefit).  557,900 RSAs remained outstanding after the acceleration of the November 2013 grant.

On November 2, 2015, GAMCO announced that its Board of Directors had approved the spin-off of AC, which includes GAMCO’s alternative investment management business, its institutional research services business and financial assets.  The distribution occurred at 11:59 p.m. on November 30, 2015 with GAMCO shareholders receiving one share of AC class A common stock for each share of GAMCO class A common stock held on November 12, 2015, the record date, and one share of AC class B common stock for each share of GAMCO class B common stock held on the record date.

GAMCO issued a promissory note (the "GAMCO Note") to AC Group that bears interest at 4.0% per annum and has a maturity date of November 30, 2020 with respect to the original principal amount of the GAMCO Note. Interest on the GAMCO Note will accrue from the most recent date for which interest has been paid, or if no interest has been paid, from the effective date of the GAMCO Note; provided, however, that at the election of GAMCO, payment of interest on the GAMCO Note may, in lieu of being paid in cash, be paid, in whole or in part, in kind on the then-outstanding principal amount (a “PIK Amount”). GAMCO will repay the original principal amount of the GAMCO Note to AC, in cash, in five equal annual installments of $50 million on each interest payment date up to and including the maturity date and will repay all PIK Amounts added to the outstanding principal amount of the GAMCO Note, in cash, on the fifth anniversary of the date on which each such PIK Amount was added to the outstanding principal amount of the GAMCO Note.  In no event may any interest be paid in kind subsequent to November 30, 2019.  GAMCO may prepay the GAMCO Note prior to maturity without penalty.

As part of the spin-off from GAMCO , on November 27, 2015 Gabelli Securities, Inc. (“GSI”) purchased from GAMCO 4,393,055 shares of GAMCO class A common stock at a price of $34.1448 per share, based on the average of the volume weighted average price for GAMCO class A stock on an “ex-Distribution” basis from November 9, 2015 through and including November 27, 2015.  GSI paid for the purchase by issuing a note to GAMCO in the principal amount of $150.0 million (the “GSI Note”).  The GSI Note was then contributed by GAMCO to AC and GSI became a majority-owned subsidiary of AC on November 30, 2015 in connection with the completion of the spin-off.

On December 10, 2015, the Board of Directors initiated a Stock Repurchase Program and authorized the repurchase of up to 500,000 shares.

From October 1, 2015 to December 16, 2015, the Company repurchased 1,500 shares at $29.08 per share.  As a result, there are 498,500 shares available to be repurchased under this existing buyback plan at December 16, 2015.


29


ITEM 2:  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (INCLUDING QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK)

Introduction

MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, the Company's unaudited Financial Statements and accompanying notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as the Company's audited annual financial statements included in our Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the SEC on October 30, 2015 to help provide an understanding of our financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of operations. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “AC Group” or the “Company” refer collectively to Associated Capital Group, Inc., a holding company, and its subsidiaries through which our operations are actually conducted.

Factors Affecting Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The Company’s condensed combined statements of financial condition at September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014, and September 30, 2014 and the Company's condensed combined statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 were prepared on a standalone basis derived from the combined financial statements and accounting records of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (“GAMCO”), and are presented as carve-out financial statements as the Company was not a standalone public company prior to the Spin-off.

The combined statements of operations for the periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, include allocations for certain support functions that were provided on a centralized basis by GAMCO and not historically recorded at the business unit level, such as expenses related to finance, human resources, information technology, and facilities, among others. These expenses were allocated on the basis of direct usage when identifiable, with the remainder allocated on a pro-rata basis of headcount or other measures. Management believes the assumptions underlying the combined financial statements, including the assumptions regarding allocating general corporate expenses, are reasonable. Nevertheless, the combined financial statements may not include all of the actual expenses that would have been incurred by the Company and may not reflect its combined results of operations, financial position and cash flows had it been a separate, standalone company during the periods presented. Actual costs that would have been incurred if the Company had been a separate, standalone company would depend on multiple factors, including organizational structure and strategic decisions made in various areas, including information technology and infrastructure.

The unaudited Pro Forma condensed combined financial statements were derived from our historical condensed combined financial statements and include adjustments to reflect certain transactions that were undertaken as part of the spin-off. Our unaudited Pro Forma condensed combined statements of income for the three months ended September 30, 2015 has been prepared as though the distribution occurred as of July 1, 2015. Our unaudited Pro Forma condensed combined statements of income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 has been prepared as though the distribution occurred as of January 1, 2015. Our Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined statement of financial condition at September 30, 2015 has been prepared as though the distribution occurred at September 30, 2015.

Overview

We are a newly formed Delaware corporation organized to be the holding company for the spin-off of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (“GAMCO’s”) alternative investment management business, institutional research services business and certain cash and other assets.
 
On November 30, 2015, GAMCO distributed all the outstanding shares of each class of common stock of AC Group on a pro rata one-for-one basis to the holders of each class of GAMCO’s common stock.  Prior to the distribution, GAMCO contributed the 93.9% interest it held in Gabelli Securities, Inc. (“GSI”) and certain cash and other assets to AC Group. GSI is an investment adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. GSI and its wholly owned subsidiary, Gabelli & Partners, LLC ("Gabelli & Partners"), collectively serve as general partners or investment managers to investment funds including limited partnerships and offshore companies (collectively, "Investment Partnerships"), and separate accounts. We primarily manage assets in equity event-driven value strategies, across a range of risk and event arbitrage portfolios. The business earns fees from its advisory assets, and income (loss) from trading and investment portfolio activities. The advisory fees include management and incentive fees. Management fees are largely based on a percentage of the portfolios' levels of assets under management. Incentive fees are based on the percentage of profits derived from the investment performance delivered to clients' invested assets. Certain employees of GAMCO own 1.9% of GSI, and the remaining 4.2% of GSI is owned by individual investors unrelated to GAMCO and AC Group.
30

We operate our institutional research services business through G.research, LLC ("G.research"), a wholly owned subsidiary of GSI. G.research is a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Through G.research, we provide institutional research services as well as act as an underwriter. G.research is regulated by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA"). G.research's revenues are derived primarily from institutional research services.
In addition, the following transactions were also undertaken in connection with the spin-off:
GAMCO issued a promissory note (the “GAMCO Note”) to AC Group that bears interest at 4.0% per annum and has a maturity date of November 30, 2020 with respect to the original principal amount of the GAMCO Note. Interest on the GAMCO Note will accrue from the most recent date for which interest has been paid, or if no interest has been paid, from the effective date of the GAMCO Note; provided, however, that at the election of GAMCO, payment of interest on the GAMCO Note may, in lieu of being paid in cash, be paid, in whole or in part, in kind on the then-outstanding principal amount (a “PIK Amount”). GAMCO will repay the original principal amount of the GAMCO Note to AC, in cash, in five equal annual installments of $50 million on each interest payment date up to and including the maturity date and will repay all PIK Amounts added to the outstanding principal amount of the GAMCO Note, in cash, on the fifth anniversary of the date on which each such PIK Amount was added to the outstanding principal amount of the GAMCO Note.  In no event may any interest be paid in kind subsequent to November 30, 2019.  GAMCO may prepay the GAMCO Note prior to maturity without penalty.
As part of the spin-off from GAMCO, on November 27, 2015 GSI purchased from GAMCO 4,393,055 shares of GAMCO class A common stock at a price of $34.1448 per share, based on the average of the volume weighted average price for GAMCO class A stock on an “ex-Distribution” basis from November 9, 2015 through and including November 27, 2015.  GSI paid for the purchase by issuing a note to GAMCO in the principal amount of $150.0 million (the “GSI Note”).  The GSI Note was then contributed by GAMCO to AC and GSI became a majority-owned subsidiary of AC on November 30, 2015 in connection with the completion of the spin-off.

Organizational Chart

 

31

Financial Condition

The following unaudited pro forma financial information presented as of September 30, 2015 is based on AC Group’s historical financial statements as adjusted to reflect the impact of certain transactions that were undertaken as part of the spin-off from GAMCO:

(a)
The sale of 4,393,055 shares of GAMCO Class A stock to GSI in return for the $150 million GSI Note.
(b)
 The subsequent contribution by GAMCO of the GSI Note to AC Group.
(c)
The issuance of the $250 million GAMCO Note to AC Group.

ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
 
As of September 30, 2015
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
        
    
Pro Forma
    
  
As Reported
  
Adjustments
   
Pro Forma
 
ASSETS
       
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
363,055
  
$
-
   
$
363,055
 
Investments in securities
  
92,822
   
150,000
 
(a)
  
242,822
 
Investments in registered investment companies
  
115,046
   
-
    
115,046
 
Investments in partnerships
  
101,022
   
-
    
101,022
 
Receivable from brokers
  
52,595
   
-
    
52,595
 
Investment advisory fees receivable
  
1,991
   
-
    
1,991
 
Receivable from affiliates
  
202
   
-
    
202
 
Goodwill
  
3,254
   
-
    
3,254
 
Other assets
  
882
   
-
    
882
 
  Total assets
 
$
730,869
  
$
150,000
   
$
880,869
 
              
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
             
Payable to brokers
 
$
49,365
  
$
-
   
$
49,365
 
Income taxes payable and deferred tax liabilities
  
8,832
   
-
    
8,832
 
Compensation payable
  
5,046
   
-
    
5,046
 
Securities sold, not yet purchased
  
5,577
   
-
    
5,577
 
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests
  
1,257
   
-
    
1,257
 
Payable to affiliates
  
23,369
   
-
    
23,369
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
  
1,846
   
-
    
1,846
 
  Total liabilities
  
95,292
   
-
    
95,292
 
              
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
  
6,018
   
-
    
6,018
 
              
Equity
  
624,792
   
400,000
 
 (b)(c) 
  
1,024,792
 
Note receivable from GAMCO
  
-
   
(250,000
)
 (c) 
  
(250,000
)
Accumulated comprehsive income
  
4,767
   
-
    
4,767
 
  Total equity
  
629,559
   
150,000
    
779,559
 
Total liabilities and equity
 
$
730,869
  
$
150,000
   
$
880,869
 
              
At September 30, 2015, the Pro Forma book value for the Company was $779.6 million and the Pro Forma book value per diluted share was $30.53 per diluted share.
The Company ended the quarter with cash and investments of $672 million ($822 million on a Pro Forma basis). These assets provide the flexibility to do acquisitions, lift-outs, seed new investment strategies, and co-invest, as well as to fund shareholder compensation, including share repurchases and dividends.

32


Adjusted Economic Book Value – a Non-GAAP measure
Adjusted Economic book value (“AEBV”) and Adjusted Economic book value per share, are non-GAAP financial measures that management believes are useful for analyzing the Company’s financial condition during the period in which it builds its core operating businesses. For GAAP purposes, the amount of the GAMCO Note, which was issued to the Company as part of the spin-off transaction, is treated as a reduction in equity for the period all or a portion of it is outstanding. The GAMCO Note is expected to be paid down ratably over five years or sooner at GAMCO’s option. As GAMCO pays down the GAMCO Note, the Company's total equity will increase, and once the GAMCO Note is fully paid off by GAMCO, the Company's total equity and AEBV will be the same. AEBV and AEBV per share represent book value and book value per share, respectively, without reducing equity for the period all or any portion of the GAMCO Note is outstanding.
At September 30, 2015, AEBV for the Company was $1.03 billion and the AEBV per diluted share was $40.32 per diluted share calculated as follows:
 
 
 
Total
  
Per Share
 
Total equity as reported
 
$
629,559
  
$
24.65
 
Add: Pro Forma adjustments
  
150,000
   
5.87
 
Total Pro Forma equity
  
779,559
   
30.53
 
Add: GBL Note
  
250,000
   
9.79
 
Adjusted Economic book value
 
$
1,029,559
  
$
40.32
 
 
        

 

33

The following unaudited pro forma financial information presented on the Condensed Combined Pro Forma Statement of Operations is based on AC Group’s historical financial statements as adjusted to reflect the impact of certain transactions that were undertaken as part of the spin-off from GAMCO:

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Compared To Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
(Unaudited; in thousands, except per share data)
 
 
 
 
2015
  
2014
 
Revenues
 
  
 
  Investment advisory and incentive fees
 
$
2,240
  
$
1,832
 
  Institutional research services
  
2,063
   
2,540
 
  Other
  
387
   
523
 
Total revenues
  
4,690
   
4,895
 
Expenses
        
  Compensation
  
5,329
   
4,563
 
  Management fee
  
-
   
-
 
  Stock based compensation
  
630
   
476
 
  Other operating expenses
  
1,682
   
2,138
 
Total expenses
  
7,641
   
7,177
 
Operating loss
  
(2,951
)
  
(2,282
)
Other income (expense)
        
  Net loss from trading securities
  
(11,539
)
  
(9,140
)
  Interest and dividend income
  
3,358
   
3,568
 
  Interest expense
  
(323
)
  
(295
)
Total other income/(expense), net
  
(8,504
)
  
(5,867
)
Loss before income taxes
  
(11,455
)
  
(8,149
)
Income tax benefit
  
(4,039
)
  
(2,106
)
Net loss
  
(7,416
)
  
(6,043
)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
  
(464
)
  
(3,034
)
Net loss attributable to Associated Capital Group, Inc.'s shareholders
 
$
(6,952
)
 
$
(3,009
)
 
        
Net loss attributable to Associated Capital Group, Inc.'s shareholders per share:
        
Basic
 
$
(0.28
)
 
$
(0.12
)
Diluted
 
$
(0.28
)
 
$
(0.12
)
 
        
 
Overview

Net loss attributable to shareholders of AC Group for the quarter was $7.0 million, or $0.28 per fully diluted share, versus $3.0 million, or $0.12 per fully diluted share, in the prior year’s quarter.  The quarter to quarter comparison was impacted by increased losses from firm investments, lower revenues and increased compensation costs.

Revenues
 
Total revenues were $4.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2015, $0.2 million, or 4.1%, lower than total revenues of $4.9 million for the quater ended September 30, 2014.  

Investment advisory income is directly influenced by the level and mix of average AUM.   We earn advisory fees based on the level of average AUM in our products.  Advisory fees, excluding incentive fees, were $2.1 million for the 2015 quarter compared to $1.8 million for the prior year quarter, an increase of $0.3 million.  This increase is directly correlated to the increase in AUM to $1.085 billion in the third quarter of 2015 from $1.019 billion in the third quarter of 2014.  Incentive fees are directly related to the gains generated for our clients.  We earn a percentage, usually 20%, of the economic gains of our clients’ AUM.  Incentive fees were $64,900 in the 2015 quarter as compared to $3,100 in the 2014 quarter.  Institutional research services revenues in the current year’s third quarter were $2.1 million, a $0.4 million, or 16.0%, decrease from $2.5 million in the prior year’s third quarter resulting from lower brokerage commissions derived from securities transactions executed on an agency basis.
 
34

Other revenue was $0.4 million for third quarter of 2015 versus $0.5 million for the third quarter of 2014, a decrease of $0.1 million.

Expenses
 
Compensation costs, which include variable compensation, salaries, bonuses and benefits, were $5.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2015, a 15.2% increase from $4.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2014.  Fixed compensation costs, which include salaries and benefits, increased to $3.2 million in the 2015 period from $3.0 million in the 2014 period.  Discretionary bonus accruals declined in the third quarter of 2015 to $0.4 million from $0.7 million in the third quarter of 2014.  The remainder of the compensation expenses represents variable compensation that fluctuates with management fee and incentive allocation revenues.  For the third quarter of 2015, variable payouts on revenues were $1.7 million, or 36.2% of revenues, up $0.8 million from the $0.9 million, or 18.4% of revenues in 2014. Variable payouts as a percent of revenues are impacted by the mix of products upon which performance fees are earned and the extent to which they may exceed their allocated costs.

Stock based compensation was $0.6 million in 2015, an increase of $0.1 million, as compared to $0.5 million in 2014.  The increase results from the issuance by GAMCO of 158,600 RSAs during 2014.

Management fee expense is incentive-based and entirely variable compensation in the amount of 10% of the aggregate pre-tax profits which is paid to Mario J. Gabelli pursuant to his employment agreement.  In the third quarter of 2015 and 2014, AC did not record a management fee expense as there were no pre-tax profits in either period.

Other operating expenses were $1.7 million during the third quarter of 2015 compared to $2.1 million in prior year third quarter, a decrease of $0.4 million due primarily to the deconsolidation of certain investment funds in 2015 that were included in combined results in 2014.

Other
 
Net gain/(loss) from investments is directly related to the performance of our proprietary capital accounts.  For the quarter ended September 30, 2015, net loss from investments were $11.5 million, higher by $2.4 million, or 26.4%, from the prior year quater’s loss of $9.1 million and was largely impacted by the relative market performance during these two periods.  In 2015, we realized losses in our trading portfolios of $1.9 million. In 2014, we realized losses in our trading portfolios of $1.6 million and gains from AFS securities of $0.3 million. Additionally, for the holdings in the proprietary portfolio that we held during each period, there were unrealized losses of $9.6 million in 2015, while there were unrealized losses of $7.8 million in 2014.

Interest and dividend income decreased $0.2 million, or 5.6%, to $3.4 million in the 2015 quarter from $3.6 million in the 2014 quarter due to a decrease in dividend income of $0.2 million.  Interest expense remained the same at $0.3 million in 2015 and 2014.


35

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Compared To Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
(Unaudited; in thousands, except per share data)
 
 
 
 
2015
  
2014
 
Revenues
 
  
 
  Investment advisory and incentive fees
 
$
6,295
  
$
5,066
 
  Institutional research services
  
6,130
   
6,720
 
  Other
  
1,422
   
1,565
 
Total revenues
  
13,847
   
13,351
 
Expenses
        
  Compensation
  
17,305
   
15,126
 
  Management fee
  
-
   
410
 
  Stock based compensation
  
1,895
   
1,371
 
  Other operating expenses
  
5,444
   
6,281
 
Total expenses
  
24,644
   
23,188
 
Operating loss
  
(10,797
)
  
(9,837
)
Other income 
        
  Net gain/(loss) from trading securities
  
(834
)
  
3,561
 
  Interest and dividend income
  
10,726
   
10,985
 
  Interest expense
  
(984
)
  
(1,022
)
Total other income, net
  
8,908
   
13,524
 
Loss before income taxes
  
(1,889
)
  
3,687
 
Income tax expense/(benefit)
  
(914
)
  
1,779
 
Net income/(loss)
  
(975
)
  
1,908
 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
  
(490
)
  
(2,605
)
Net income/(loss) attributable to Associated Capital Group, Inc.'s shareholders
 
$
(485
)
 
$
4,513
 
 
        
Net income/(loss) attributable to Associated Capital Group, Inc.'s shareholders per share:
        
Basic
 
$
(0.02
)
 
$
0.18
 
Diluted
 
$
(0.02
)
 
$
0.18
 
 
        
 
Overview

Net loss attributable to shareholders of AC Group for the nine month period was $0.5 million, or $0.02 per fully diluted share, versus net income of $4.5 million, or $0.18 per fully diluted share, in the prior year’s period.  The period to period comparison was impacted by lower income from firm investments and increased stock compensation costs, offset slightly by higher revenues.

Revenues
 
Total revenues were $13.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, $0.4 million, or 3.0%, higher than total revenues of $13.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.  

Investment advisory income is directly influenced by the level and mix of AUM.   We earn advisory fees based on the level of average AUM in our products.  Advisory fees were $6.3 million for the 2015 period compared to $5.1 million for the prior year period, an increase of $1.2 million, or 23.5%.  This increase is directly correlated to the increase in AUM to $1.085 billion at September 2015 from $1.019 billion at September 2014.  Incentive fees are directly related to the gains generated for our clients.  We earn a percentage, usually 20%, of the economic gains of our clients’ AUM.  Incentive fees were $64,900 in the 2015 period as compared to $13,600 in the 2014 period.  Institutional research services revenues in the current year’s nine month period were $6.1 million, a $0.6 million, or 9.0%, decrease from $6.7 million in the prior year’s nine month period resulting from lower brokerage commissions derived from securities transactions executed on an agency basis.

Other revenue was $1.4 million for first nine months of 2015 versus $1.6 million for the first nine months of 2014, a decrease of $0.2 million.

36

Expenses
 
Compensation costs, which include variable compensation, salaries, bonuses and benefits, were $17.3 million for the period ended September 30, 2015, a 14.6% increase from $15.1 million for the period ended September 30, 2014.  Fixed compensation costs, which include salaries and benefits, increased 13.4% to $11.0 million in the 2015 period from $9.7 million in the 2014 period due primarily to higher salaries in 2015 than 2014.  Discretionary bonus accruals declined for the 2015 period to $1.9 million from $2.1 million in the 2014 period.  The remainder of the compensation expenses represents variable compensation that fluctuates with management fee and incentive allocation revenues.  For the nine months of 2015, variable payouts on revenues were $4.4 million, or 31.9% of revenues, up $1.1 million from the $3.3 million, or 24.6% of revenues in the nine months of 2014. Variable payouts as a percent of revenues are impacted by the mix of products upon which performance fees are earned and the extent to which they may exceed their allocated costs.

Stock based compensation was $1.9 million in 2015, an increase of $0.5 million, as compared to $1.4 million in 2014.  The increase results from the issuance by GAMCO of 158,600 RSAs during 2014.

Management fee expense is incentive-based and entirely variable compensation in the amount of 10% of the aggregate pre-tax profits which is paid to Mario J. Gabelli pursuant to his employment agreement.  In the first nine months of 2015 and 2014, AC recorded no management fee benefit and $0.4 million, respectively.

Other operating expenses were $5.4 million during the 2015 period compared to $6.3 million in prior year period, an decrease of $0.9 million, or 14.3% due primarily to the deconsolidation of certain investment funds in 2015 that were included in combined results in 2014.

Other
 
Net gain or loss from investments is directly related to the performance of our proprietary capital accounts.  For the period ended September 30, 2015, net losses from investments were $0.8 million, lower by $4.4 million, from the prior year period’s net gain of $3.6 million and was largely impacted by the relative market performance during these two periods.  In 2015, we realized gains in our trading portfolios of $12.3 million. In 2014, we realized gains in our trading portfolios of $3.3 million and gains from AFS securities of $3.0 million. Additionally, for the holdings in the proprietary portfolio that we held during each period, there were unrealized losses of $13.1 million in 2015, while there were unrealized losses of $2.7 million in 2014.

Interest and dividend income decreased $0.3 million, or 2.7%, to $10.7 million in the 2015 nine month period from $11.0 million in the 2014 nine month period due to lower dividend income of $0.4 million.  Interest expense remained the same at $1.0 million in 2015 and 2014. 

ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT

Our revenues are highly correlated to the level of assets under management and fees associated with our various investment products, rather than our own corporate assets.  Assets under management, which are directly influenced by the level and changes of the overall equity markets, can also fluctuate through acquisitions, the creation of new products, the addition of new accounts or the loss of existing accounts.  Since various equity products have different fees, changes in our business mix may also affect revenues.  At times, the performance of our equity products may differ markedly from popular market indices, and this can also impact our revenues.  General stock market trends will have the greatest impact on our level of assets under management and hence, on revenues.
 
Assets under management (“AUM”) were $1.085 billion as of September 30, 2015, an increase from AUM of $1.064 billion at June 30, 2015 and increased from the September 30, 2014 AUM of $1.019 billion.
 
37


Table I: Fund Flows - 3rd Quarter 2015
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
Market
  
  
 
 
 
June 30,
  
appreciation/
  
Net cash
  
September 30,
 
 
 
2015
  
(depreciation)
  
flows
  
2015
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
Event Merger Arbitrage (a)
 
$
855
  
$
(19
)
 
$
24
  
$
860
 
Event-Driven Value
  
133
   
(10
)
  
36
   
159
 
Other
  
76
   
(4
)
  
(6
)
  
66
 
Total AUM
 
$
1,064
  
$
(33
)
 
$
54
  
$
1,085
 
 
                
(a)  Includes $40 million and $39 million of seed capital at June 30, 2015 and September 30, 2015, respectively.

Table II: Fund Flows - Year to date September 2015
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
Market
  
  
 
 
 
December 31,
  
appreciation/
  
Net cash
  
September 30,
 
 
 
2014
  
(depreciation)
  
flows
  
2015
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
Event Merger Arbitrage (a)
 
$
796
  
$
1
  
$
63
  
$
860
 
Event-Driven Value
  
167
   
(9
)
  
1
   
159
 
Other
  
77
   
(1
)
  
(10
)
  
66
 
Total AUM
 
$
1,040
  
$
(9
)
 
$
54
  
$
1,085
 
 
                
(a)  Includes $70 million and $39 million of seed capital at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2015, respectively.

Table III: Assets Under Management by Quarter
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
% Change From
 
 
 
September 30,
  
June 30,
  
September 30,
  
June 30,
  
September 30,
 
 
 
2015
  
2015
  
2014
  
2015
  
2014
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
Event Merger Arbitrage (a)
 
$
860
  
$
855
  
$
806
   
0.6
   
6.7
 
Event-Driven Value
  
159
   
133
   
136
   
19.5
   
16.9
 
Other
  
66
   
76
   
77
   
(13.2
)
  
(14.3
)
Total AUM
 
$
1,085
  
$
1,064
  
$
1,019
   
2.0
   
6.5
 
 
                    
(a)  Includes $39 million, $40 million and $70 million of seed capital at September 30, 2015, June 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively.



38

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our principal assets are highly liquid in nature and consist of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, securities held for investment purposes, investments in funds, and investment partnerships.  Cash and cash equivalents are comprised primarily of 100% U.S. Treasury money market funds.  Although investments in partnerships and offshore funds are subject to restrictions as to the timing of distributions, the underlying investments of such partnerships or funds are, for the most part, liquid, and the valuations of these products reflect that underlying liquidity.

Summary cash flow data is as follows:
 
 
Nine months ended
 
 
 
September 30,
 
 
 
2015
  
2014
 
Cash flows provided by (used in):
 
(in thousands)
 
  Operating activities
 
$
65,083
  
$
(34,513
)
  Investing activities
  
(41,463
)
  
4,347
 
  Financing activities
  
53,882
   
176,869
 
  Net increase
  
77,502
   
146,703
 
  Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
  
285,530
   
199,536
 
  Increase in cash from Consolidation
  
10
   
-
 
  Increase in cash from deconsolidation
  
13
   
-
 
  Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
363,055
  
$
346,239
 
 
        

At September 30, 2015, we had total cash and cash equivalents of $363.1 million, an increase of $77.5 million from December 31, 2014.  Cash and cash equivalents of $0.1 million and investments in securities of $8.5 million held by consolidated investment partnerships and offshore funds may not be readily available for the Company to access.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, cash provided by operating activities was $65.1 million, an increase of $99.6 million from cash used in the prior year period of $34.5 million.  Cash was provided through a decrease of $17.9 million in other assets, a $18.5 million decrease in net contributions and distributions to/from partnerships, a $0.4 million increase to accrued expenses and other liabilities, a decrease of $51.5 million in trading securities, a $7.0 million increase in payables to brokers, a decrease in receivable from brokers of $4.4 million, an increase in compensation payable of $4.6 million, an increase in net gains on sales of available for sale securities of $3.0 million and $1.0 million from other sources.  Reducing cash was an increase in investment advisory fees receivables collected of $1.9 million, a decrease in net income of $2.8 million and a decrease in income taxes payable and deferred tax liabilities of $4.0 million.  Cash used in investing activities, related to purchases and proceeds from sales of available for sale securities, was $41.5 million in the first nine months of 2015.  Cash provided by financing activities in the first nine months of 2015 was $53.9 million.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, cash used in operating activities was $34.5 million.  Cash provided by investing activities, related to purchases and proceeds from sales of available for sale securities, was $4.3 million in the first nine months of 2014.  Cash provided by financing activities in the first nine months of 2014 was $176.9 million.

Based upon our current level of operations and anticipated growth, we expect that our current cash balances plus cash flows from operating activities and our borrowing capacity will be sufficient to finance our working capital needs for the foreseeable future.  We have no material commitments for capital expenditures.
 
G.research is subject to certain net capital requirements.   G.research computes its net capital under the alternative method permitted, which requires minimum net capital of the greater of $250,000 or 2% of the aggregate debit items in the reserve formula for those broker-dealers subject to Rule 15c3-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  The requirement was $250,000 for the broker-dealer at September 30, 2015.  At September 30, 2015, G.research had net capital, as defined, of approximately $8.3 million, exceeding the regulatory requirement by approximately $8.1 million.  Net capital requirements for our affiliated broker-dealer may increase in accordance with rules and regulations to the extent it engages in other business activities.
 

39

Market Risk
 
Our primary market risk exposure is to changes in equity prices and interest rates.  Since over 90% of our AUM are equities, our financial results are subject to equity-market risk as revenues from our investment management services are sensitive to stock market dynamics.  In addition, returns from our proprietary investment portfolio are exposed to interest rate and equity market risk.

The Company’s Chief Investment Officer oversees the proprietary investment portfolios and allocations of proprietary capital among the various strategies.  The Chief Investment Officer and the Board of Directors review the proprietary investment portfolios throughout the year.  Additionally, the Company monitors its proprietary investment portfolios to ensure that they are in compliance with the Company’s guidelines.

Equity Price Risk
 
The Company earns substantially all of its revenue as advisory and incentive fees from our Investment Partnership assets.  Such fees represent a percentage of AUM or economic gain, and substantially all of these assets are in equity investments.  Accordingly, since revenues are proportionate to the value of those investments, a substantial increase or decrease in equity markets overall will have a corresponding effect on the Company's revenues.
 
With respect to our proprietary investment activities, included in investments in securities of $92.8 million and investments in sponsored registered investment companies of $115.0 million at September 30, 2015 were investments in open-end funds and closed-end funds, largely invested in equity products, of $119.4 million, a selection of common stocks totaling $87.7 million, and other investments of approximately $0.7 million.  In addition, we may alter our investment holdings from time to time in response to changes in market risks and other factors considered appropriate by management.  Of the approximately $87.7 million invested in common stocks at September 30, 2015, $71.7 million was invested by the Company in risk arbitrage opportunities in connection with mergers, consolidations, acquisitions, tender offers or other similar transactions.  Risk arbitrage generally involves announced deals with agreed upon terms and conditions, including pricing, which typically involve less market risk than common stocks held in a trading portfolio.  The principal risk associated with risk arbitrage transactions is the inability of the companies involved to complete the transaction.  Securities sold, not yet purchased are stated at fair value and are subject to market risks resulting from changes in price and volatility.  At September 30, 2015, the fair value of securities sold, not yet purchased was $5.6 million.  Investments in partnerships totaled $101.0 million at September 30, 2015, $62.8 million of which consisted of investment partnerships and offshore funds which invest in risk arbitrage opportunities.

The following table provides a sensitivity analysis for our investments in equity securities and partnerships and affiliates which invest primarily in equity securities, excluding arbitrage products for which the principal exposure is to deal closure and not overall market conditions, as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.  The sensitivity analysis assumes a 10% increase or decrease in the value of these investments (in thousands):


  
  
Fair Value
  
Fair Value
 
 
 
  
assuming
  
assuming
 
 
 
  
10% decrease in
  
10% increase in
 
  (unaudited)
 
Fair Value
  
equity prices
  
equity prices
 
At September 30, 2015:
 
  
  
 
Equity price sensitive investments, at fair value
 
$
174,392
  
$
156,953
  
$
191,831
 
At December 31, 2014:
            
Equity price sensitive investments, at fair value
 
$
204,779
  
$
184,301
  
$
225,257
 
 
            
40


Interest Rate Risk
 
Our exposure to interest rate risk results, principally, from our investment of excess cash in a sponsored money market fund that holds U.S. Government securities.  These investments are primarily short term in nature, and the carrying value of these investments generally approximates fair value.  Based on September 30, 2015, cash and cash equivalent balance of $363.1 million, a 1% increase in interest rates would increase our interest income by $3.6 million annually.  Given that our current return on these cash equivalent investments in this low interest rate environment is approximately 0.0% annually, an analysis of a 1% decrease is not meaningful.

Currency Risk

We operate offices outside the United States in London and Shanghai from which we perform sales, marketing and research activities.  We project our future currency needs on a net basis and may from time to time purchase foreign currencies or enter into foreign exchange forward contracts as a way to minimize our foreign exchange risk.  Historically these amounts have not been material.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
The preparation of the condensed combined financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed combined financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.  Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.  See Note A and the Company’s Critical Accounting Policies in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in AC Group’s Report on Form 10 filed with the SEC on October 30, 2015 for details on Critical Accounting Policies.
 
Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
In the normal course of its business, AC Group is exposed to risk of loss due to fluctuations in the securities market and general economy. Management is responsible for identifying, assessing and managing market and other risks. 

Our exposure to pricing risk in equity securities is directly related to our role as financial intermediary and advisor for AUM in our investment partnerships as well as our proprietary investment and trading activities.  At September 30, 2015, we had equity investments, including open-end funds largely invested in equity products, of $207.8 million.  Investments in open-end funds and closed-end funds, $119.4 million, usually generate lower market risk through the diversification of financial instruments within their portfolios.  In addition, we may alter our investment holdings from time to time in response to changes in market risks and other factors considered appropriate by management.  We also hold investments in partnerships which invest primarily in equity securities and which are subject to changes in equity prices.  Investments in partnerships totaled $101.0 million, of which $62.8 million were invested in partnerships which invest in risk arbitrage.  Risk arbitrage is primarily dependent upon deal closure rather than the overall market environment.  The equity investment portfolio is at fair value and will move in line with the equity markets.  The trading portfolio changes are recorded as net gain from investments in the condensed combined statements of operations while the available for sale portfolio changes are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income in the condensed combined statements of financial condition.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures
 
We evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2015.  Disclosure controls and procedures as defined under the Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e), are designed to ensure that the information we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in SEC rules and regulations.  Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  Our CEO and CFO participated in this evaluation and concluded that, as of the date of September 30, 2015, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
 
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting as defined by Rule 13a-15(f) that occurred during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


41

Forward-Looking Information
 
Our disclosure and analysis in this report contain some forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements give our current expectations or forecasts of future events. You can identify these statements because they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” and other words and terms of similar meaning. They also appear in any discussion of future operating or financial performance. In particular, these include statements relating to future actions, future performance of our products, expenses, the outcome of any legal proceedings, and financial results.  Although we believe that we are basing our expectations and beliefs on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of what we currently know about our business and operations, there can be no assurance that our actual results will not differ materially from what we expect or believe. Some of the factors that could cause our actual results to differ from our expectations or beliefs include, without limitation:

·
the adverse effect from a decline in the securities markets
·
a decline in the performance of our products
·
a general downturn in the economy
·
changes in government policy or regulation
·
changes in our ability to attract or retain key employees
·
unforeseen costs and other effects related to legal proceedings or investigations of governmental and self-regulatory organizations

We also direct your attention to any more specific discussions of risk contained in our Form 10-Q and other public filings.  We are providing these statements as permitted by the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We do not undertake to update publicly any forward-looking statements if we subsequently learn that we are unlikely to achieve our expectations or if we receive any additional information relating to the subject matters of our forward-looking statements.

Part II:  Other Information

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

From time to time, the Company may be named in legal actions and proceedings.  These actions may seek substantial or indeterminate compensatory as well as punitive damages or injunctive relief.  The Company is also subject to governmental or regulatory examinations or investigations.  The examinations or investigations could result in adverse judgments, settlements, fines, injunctions, restitutions or other relief.  For any such matters, the condensed combined financial statements include the necessary provisions for losses that the Company believes are probable and estimable.  Furthermore, the Company evaluates whether there exist losses which may be reasonably possible and will, if material, make the necessary disclosures.  However, management believes such amounts, both those that would be probable and those that would be reasonably possible, are not material to the Company’s financial condition, operations or cash flows at September 30, 2015.

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

None.
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Item 6.(a) Exhibits

 
31.1
Certification of CEO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).

 
31.2
Certification of CFO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).

 
32.1
Certification of CEO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 
32.2
Certification of CFO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002.

 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC.
(Registrant)

By: /s/ Patrick Dennis
  
Name: Patrick Dennis
 
Title:   Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
Date: December 16, 2015
 
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