Document
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
[x] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2018
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 number: 001-08529 |
|
LEGG MASON, INC. |
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) |
| | |
MARYLAND | | 52-1200960 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
| | |
100 International Drive - Baltimore, MD | | 21202 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | | (Zip code) |
| | |
(410) 539-0000 |
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) |
|
|
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report) |
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.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
|
| | | | |
Large accelerated filer | X | | Accelerated filer | |
Non-accelerated filer | | | Smaller reporting company | |
| | | Emerging growth company | |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ____
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
As of January 31, 2019, there were 85,540,068 shares of the registrant's common stock outstanding.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
LEGG MASON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2018 | | March 31, 2018 |
ASSETS | | | | |
Current Assets | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 835,168 |
| | $ | 736,130 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents of consolidated investment vehicles | | 3,528 |
| | 2,800 |
|
Restricted cash | | 22,336 |
| | 30,428 |
|
Receivables: | |
|
| | |
Investment advisory and related fees | | 432,607 |
| | 475,594 |
|
Other | | 61,396 |
| | 77,024 |
|
Investment securities | | 331,588 |
| | 399,370 |
|
Investment securities of consolidated investment vehicles | | 142,337 |
| | 140,133 |
|
Other | | 76,185 |
| | 65,010 |
|
Other current assets of consolidated investment vehicles | | 5,873 |
| | 1,893 |
|
Total Current Assets | | 1,911,018 |
| | 1,928,382 |
|
Fixed assets, net | | 150,230 |
| | 148,406 |
|
Intangible assets, net | | 3,389,799 |
| | 3,797,659 |
|
Goodwill | | 1,881,470 |
| | 1,932,355 |
|
Deferred income taxes | | 189,867 |
| | 202,068 |
|
Other | | 149,563 |
| | 134,407 |
|
Other assets of consolidated investment vehicles | | 10,668 |
| | 9,257 |
|
TOTAL ASSETS | | $ | 7,682,615 |
| | $ | 8,152,534 |
|
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | | |
LIABILITIES | | |
| | |
|
Current Liabilities | | |
| | |
|
Accrued compensation | | $ | 522,363 |
| | $ | 476,061 |
|
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | | 203,881 |
| | 175,583 |
|
Short-term borrowings | | — |
| | 125,500 |
|
Current portion of long-term debt | | 250,636 |
| | — |
|
Other | | 93,050 |
| | 204,264 |
|
Other current liabilities of consolidated investment vehicles | | 11,351 |
| | 634 |
|
Total Current Liabilities | | 1,081,281 |
| | 982,042 |
|
Deferred compensation | | 81,957 |
| | 92,422 |
|
Deferred income taxes | | 99,544 |
| | 139,787 |
|
Other (including unfunded pension benefit obligation of $28,227 and $34,940, respectively) | | 119,069 |
| | 132,042 |
|
Long-term debt, net | | 1,971,131 |
| | 2,221,810 |
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES | | 3,352,982 |
| | 3,568,103 |
|
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 7) | | | | |
REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS | | 676,950 |
| | 732,295 |
|
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | | |
| | |
Common stock, par value $0.10; authorized 500,000,000 shares; issued 85,533,667 shares for December 31, 2018 and 84,606,408 shares for March 31, 2018 | | 8,553 |
| | 8,461 |
|
Additional paid-in capital | | 2,028,586 |
| | 1,976,364 |
|
Employee stock trust | | (21,383 | ) | | (21,996 | ) |
Deferred compensation employee stock trust | | 21,383 |
| | 21,996 |
|
Retained earnings | | 1,723,817 |
| | 1,894,762 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net | | (135,767 | ) | | (55,182 | ) |
Total stockholders' equity attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. | | 3,625,189 |
| | 3,824,405 |
|
Nonredeemable noncontrolling interest | | 27,494 |
| | 27,731 |
|
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | | 3,652,683 |
| | 3,852,136 |
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | | $ | 7,682,615 |
| | $ | 8,152,534 |
|
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
LEGG MASON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended December 31, | | Nine Months Ended December 31, |
| | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2018 | | 2017 |
OPERATING REVENUES | | | | | | | | |
Investment advisory fees: | | | | | | | | |
Separate accounts | | $ | 256,657 |
| | $ | 255,696 |
| | $ | 778,119 |
| | $ | 758,870 |
|
Funds | | 361,173 |
| | 395,370 |
| | 1,128,660 |
| | 1,170,633 |
|
Performance fees | | 12,619 |
| | 58,926 |
| | 68,529 |
| | 181,284 |
|
Distribution and service fees | | 72,185 |
| | 81,463 |
| | 230,449 |
| | 241,037 |
|
Other | | 1,688 |
| | 1,635 |
| | 4,897 |
| | 3,446 |
|
Total Operating Revenues | | 704,322 |
| | 793,090 |
| | 2,210,654 |
| | 2,355,270 |
|
OPERATING EXPENSES | | | | | | | | |
Compensation and benefits | | 316,876 |
| | 362,071 |
| | 1,043,329 |
| | 1,143,329 |
|
Distribution and servicing | | 108,842 |
| | 124,254 |
| | 339,959 |
| | 370,237 |
|
Communications and technology | | 56,664 |
| | 54,239 |
| | 170,893 |
| | 155,841 |
|
Occupancy | | 24,077 |
| | 24,982 |
| | 76,333 |
| | 74,561 |
|
Amortization of intangible assets | | 6,089 |
| | 6,071 |
| | 18,371 |
| | 18,492 |
|
Impairment of intangible assets | | 365,200 |
| | 195,000 |
| | 365,200 |
| | 229,000 |
|
Contingent consideration fair value adjustments | | — |
| | 739 |
| | 571 |
| | (15,811 | ) |
Other | | 63,001 |
| | 53,067 |
| | 171,021 |
| | 155,330 |
|
Total Operating Expenses | | 940,749 |
| — |
| 820,423 |
| | 2,185,677 |
| | 2,130,979 |
|
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) | | (236,427 | ) | | (27,333 | ) | | 24,977 |
| | 224,291 |
|
NON-OPERATING INCOME (EXPENSE) | | | | | | | | |
Interest income | | 3,126 |
| | 1,827 |
| | 7,992 |
| | 4,867 |
|
Interest expense | | (28,770 | ) | | (29,088 | ) | | (88,547 | ) | | (87,431 | ) |
Other income (expense), net | | (7,042 | ) | | 5,519 |
| | 6,837 |
| | 24,196 |
|
Non-operating income of consolidated investment vehicles, net | | 2,369 |
| | 8,225 |
| | 1,954 |
| | 11,316 |
|
Total Non-Operating Income (Expense) | | (30,317 | ) | | (13,517 | ) | | (71,764 | ) | | (47,052 | ) |
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAX PROVISION | | (266,744 | ) | | (40,850 | ) | | (46,787 | ) | | 177,239 |
|
Income tax provision (benefit) | | (60,354 | ) | | (209,396 | ) | | 165 |
| | (142,468 | ) |
NET INCOME (LOSS) | | (206,390 | ) | | 168,546 |
| | (46,952 | ) | | 319,707 |
|
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | | 10,498 |
| | 19,324 |
| | 31,043 |
|
| 43,901 |
|
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO LEGG MASON, INC. | | $ | (216,888 | ) | | $ | 149,222 |
| | $ | (77,995 | ) | | $ | 275,806 |
|
| | | | | | | | |
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO LEGG MASON, INC. STOCKHOLDERS: | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | $ | (2.55 | ) | | $ | 1.59 |
| | $ | (0.95 | ) | | $ | 2.87 |
|
Diluted | | (2.55 | ) | | 1.58 |
| | (0.95 | ) | | 2.86 |
|
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
LEGG MASON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended December 31, | | Nine Months Ended December 31, |
| | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2018 | | 2017 |
NET INCOME (LOSS) | | $ | (206,390 | ) | | $ | 168,546 |
| | $ | (46,952 | ) | | $ | 319,707 |
|
Other comprehensive income (loss): | | | | | | | | |
Foreign currency translation adjustment | | (14,012 | ) | | 190 |
| | (82,032 | ) | | 32,303 |
|
Changes in defined benefit pension plan | | 354 |
| | 123 |
| | 1,447 |
| | 363 |
|
Total other comprehensive income (loss) | | (13,658 | ) |
| 313 |
|
| (80,585 | ) | | 32,666 |
|
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) | | (220,048 | ) | | 168,859 |
| | (127,537 | ) | | 352,373 |
|
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests | | 11,425 |
| | 19,634 |
| | 36,052 |
| | 42,401 |
|
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO LEGG MASON, INC. | | $ | (231,473 | ) | | $ | 149,225 |
| | $ | (163,589 | ) | | $ | 309,972 |
|
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
LEGG MASON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | Nine Months Ended December 31, |
| | 2018 | | 2017 |
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO LEGG MASON, INC. | | | | |
COMMON STOCK | | | | |
Beginning balance | | $ | 8,461 |
| | $ | 9,573 |
|
Stock options exercised | | 19 |
| | 37 |
|
Deferred compensation employee stock trust | | 1 |
| | 1 |
|
Stock-based compensation | | 112 |
| | 94 |
|
Employee tax withholdings by settlement of net share transactions | | (40 | ) | | (35 | ) |
Shares repurchased and retired | | — |
| | (1,221 | ) |
Ending balance | | 8,553 |
| | 8,449 |
|
ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL | | | | |
|
Beginning balance | | 1,976,365 |
| | 2,385,726 |
|
Stock options exercised | | 5,814 |
| | 10,593 |
|
Deferred compensation employee stock trust | | 468 |
| | 419 |
|
Stock-based compensation | | 49,195 |
| | 54,334 |
|
Employee tax withholdings by settlement of net share transactions | | (15,507 | ) | | (13,039 | ) |
Shares repurchased and retired | | — |
| | (477,918 | ) |
Redeemable noncontrolling interest reclassification for affiliate management equity plans and affiliate noncontrolling interest | | 12,251 |
| | (94 | ) |
Ending balance | | 2,028,586 |
| | 1,960,021 |
|
EMPLOYEE STOCK TRUST | | | | |
|
Beginning balance | | (21,996 | ) | | (24,057 | ) |
Shares issued to plans | | (469 | ) | | (420 | ) |
Distributions | | 1,082 |
| | 2,617 |
|
Ending balance | | (21,383 | ) | | (21,860 | ) |
DEFERRED COMPENSATION EMPLOYEE STOCK TRUST | | | | |
|
Beginning balance | | 21,996 |
| | 24,057 |
|
Shares issued to plans | | 469 |
| | 420 |
|
Distributions | | (1,082 | ) | | (2,617 | ) |
Ending balance | | 21,383 |
| | 21,860 |
|
RETAINED EARNINGS | | | | |
|
Beginning balance | | 1,894,762 |
| | 1,694,859 |
|
Net income (loss) attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. | | (77,995 | ) | | 275,806 |
|
Dividends declared | | (90,345 | ) | | (80,442 | ) |
Reclassification to noncontrolling interest for net increase in estimated redemption value of affiliate management equity plans and affiliate noncontrolling interests | | (14,868 | ) | | (3,071 | ) |
Adoption of new revenue recognition guidance | | 12,263 |
| | — |
|
Adoption of new stock-based compensation guidance | | — |
| | 24,327 |
|
Ending balance | | 1,723,817 |
| | 1,911,479 |
|
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS, NET | | | | |
|
Beginning balance | | (55,182 | ) | | (106,784 | ) |
Changes in defined benefit pension plan | | 1,447 |
| | 363 |
|
Foreign currency translation adjustment | | (82,032 | ) | | 32,303 |
|
Ending balance | | (135,767 | ) | | (74,118 | ) |
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO LEGG MASON, INC. | | 3,625,189 |
|
| 3,805,831 |
|
NONREDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST | | | | |
Beginning balance | | 27,731 |
| | 27,798 |
|
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | | 6,583 |
| | 6,387 |
|
Distributions | | (6,820 | ) | | (6,524 | ) |
Ending balance | | 27,494 |
| | 27,661 |
|
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | $ | 3,652,683 |
| | $ | 3,833,492 |
|
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
LEGG MASON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | Nine Months Ended December 31, |
| | 2018 | | 2017 |
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES | | | | |
Net Income (Loss) | | $ | (46,952 | ) | | $ | 319,707 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile Net Income (Loss) to net cash provided by operations: | | | | |
|
Impairments of intangible assets | | 365,200 |
| | 229,000 |
|
Tax expense (benefit) for new Tax Law | | 2,164 |
| — | (213,675 | ) |
Depreciation and amortization | | 54,031 |
| | 54,551 |
|
Accretion and amortization of securities discounts and premiums, net | | 1,591 |
| | 2,255 |
|
Stock-based compensation | | 49,975 |
| | 55,002 |
|
Net unrealized losses (gains) on investments | | 40,446 |
| | (21,841 | ) |
Net gains and earnings on investments | | (36,495 | ) | | (2,874 | ) |
Net gains of consolidated investment vehicles | | (1,954 | ) | | (11,316 | ) |
Deferred income taxes | | (19,634 | ) | | 46,650 |
|
Contingent consideration fair value adjustments | | 571 |
| | (15,811 | ) |
Payment of contingent consideration | | — |
| | (739 | ) |
Other | | 286 |
| | (196 | ) |
Decrease (increase) in assets: | | | | |
|
Investment advisory and related fees receivable | | 38,170 |
| | (47,603 | ) |
Net sales of trading and other investments | | 20,375 |
| | 38,622 |
|
Other receivables | | (16,555 | ) | | 5,471 |
|
Other assets | | (6,282 | ) | | 2,199 |
|
Assets of consolidated investment vehicles | | (751 | ) | | (50,974 | ) |
Increase (decrease) in liabilities: | | | | |
|
Accrued compensation | | 51,796 |
| | (97,419 | ) |
Deferred compensation | | (10,464 | ) | | 10,633 |
|
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | | 31,130 |
| | 15,278 |
|
Other liabilities | | (83,376 | ) | | (24,853 | ) |
Other liabilities of consolidated investment vehicles | | 10,717 |
| | (249 | ) |
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES | | $ | 443,989 |
|
| $ | 291,818 |
|
LEGG MASON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | Nine Months Ended December 31, |
| | 2018 | | 2017 |
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES | | | | |
Payments for fixed assets | | $ | (38,062 | ) | | $ | (24,540 | ) |
Business investments | | — |
| | (2,950 | ) |
Contingent payment from prior sale of businesses | | 923 |
| | 2,561 |
|
Returns of capital and proceeds from sales and maturities of investments | | 10,211 |
| | 12,565 |
|
CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES | | (26,928 | ) | | (12,364 | ) |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES | | | | |
Dividends paid | | (84,630 | ) | | (76,000 | ) |
Distributions to affiliate noncontrolling interests | | (32,358 | ) | | (43,477 | ) |
Settlement of affiliate noncontrolling interest put | | (16,528 | ) | | — |
|
Payment of contingent consideration | | (4,319 | ) | | (2,503 | ) |
Net (redemptions) subscriptions attributable to noncontrolling interests | | (36,328 | ) |
| 44,708 |
|
Employee tax withholdings by settlement of net share transactions | | (15,547 | ) | | (13,074 | ) |
Issuances of common stock for stock-based compensation | | 6,029 |
| | 11,050 |
|
Increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings | | (125,500 | ) | | 225,500 |
|
Repurchases of common stock | | — |
| | (479,139 | ) |
CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES | | (309,181 | ) | | (332,935 | ) |
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATES | | (16,470 | ) | | 5,641 |
|
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH | | 91,410 |
| | (47,840 | ) |
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH: | | | | |
BEGINNING OF PERIOD | | 773,765 |
| | 754,339 |
|
END OF PERIOD | | $ | 865,175 |
| | $ | 706,499 |
|
Supplemental Disclosures | | | | |
Cash paid for: | | | | |
|
Income taxes, net of refunds of $251 and $9,471, respectively | | $ | 30,542 |
| | $ | 16,770 |
|
Interest | | 69,748 |
| | 67,482 |
|
| | | | |
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 835,168 |
| | $ | 680,322 |
|
Restricted cash: | | | | |
Corporate restricted cash | | 22,336 |
| | 17,605 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents of consolidated investment vehicles | | 3,528 |
| | 4,325 |
|
Affiliate employee benefit trust cash included in Other non-current assets | | 4,143 |
| | 4,247 |
|
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash per consolidated statements of cash flows | | $ | 865,175 |
| | $ | 706,499 |
|
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
LEGG MASON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts or unless otherwise noted)
December 31, 2018
(Unaudited)
1. Interim Basis of Reporting
The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of Legg Mason, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively “Legg Mason”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared using the interim basis of reporting and, as such, reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the periods presented. The preparation of interim consolidated financial statements requires management to make assumptions and estimates that affect the amounts reported in the interim consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual amounts could differ from those estimates and the differences could have a material impact on the interim consolidated financial statements. Terms such as “we,” “us,” “our,” and “Company” refer to Legg Mason.
The nature of Legg Mason's business is such that the results of any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results of a full year. Certain disclosures included in the Company's annual report are not required to be included on an interim basis in the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. The Company has condensed or omitted these disclosures. Certain amounts in prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to new guidance and/or the current period presentation, including the classification and presentation of restricted cash and certain distributions received from equity method investees in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, as discussed below.
The information contained in the interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with Legg Mason's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
Consolidation
Legg Mason sponsors and manages various types of investment products. For its services, Legg Mason is entitled to receive management fees and may be eligible, under certain circumstances, to receive additional subordinated management fees or other incentive fees. Legg Mason's exposure to risk in these entities is generally limited to any equity investment it has made or is required to make, and any earned but uncollected management fees, except those for which total return swap arrangements have been executed, for which additional risks are discussed below. Legg Mason did not sell or transfer investment assets to any of these investment products. In accordance with financial accounting standards, Legg Mason consolidates certain sponsored investment products, some of which are designated and reported as consolidated investment vehicles ("CIVs"). The consolidation of sponsored investment products, including those designated as CIVs, has no impact on Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. and does not have a material impact on Legg Mason's consolidated operating results. The change in the value of all consolidated sponsored investment products is recorded in Non-Operating Income (Expense) and reflected in Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests. The financial information of certain consolidated sponsored investment products is included in the Company's consolidated financial statements on a three-month lag based upon the availability of the investment product's financial information.
Certain of the investment products Legg Mason sponsors and manages are considered to be variable interest entities ("VIEs") (as further described below) while others are considered to be voting rights entities (“VREs”) subject to traditional consolidation concepts based on ownership rights. Legg Mason may fund the initial cash investment in certain VRE investment products to generate an investment performance track record in order to attract third-party investors in the product. Legg Mason's initial investment in a new product typically represents 100% of the ownership in that product. As further discussed in Note 3, the products with “seed capital investments” are consolidated as long as Legg Mason maintains a controlling financial interest in the product, but they are not designated as CIVs by Legg Mason unless the investment is longer-term. As of December 31, 2018, March 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017, no consolidated VREs were designated as CIVs.
A VIE is an entity which does not have adequate equity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support; or the equity investors, as a group, do not have the normal characteristics of equity investors for a potential controlling financial interest. Legg Mason must consolidate any VIE for which it is deemed to be the primary beneficiary.
Under consolidation accounting guidance, if limited partners or similar equity holders in a sponsored investment vehicle structured as a limited partnership or a similar entity do not have either substantive investor rights to replace the manager (kick-out rights) or substantive participation rights over the general partner, the entities are VIEs. As a sponsor and manager of an investment vehicle, Legg Mason may be deemed a decision maker under the accounting guidance. If the fees paid to a decision maker are market-based, such fees are not considered variable interests in a VIE. Market-based fees are those fees which are both customary and commensurate with the level of effort required for the services provided. Additionally, if employee interests in a sponsored investment vehicle are not made to circumvent the consolidation guidance and are not financed by the sponsor, they are not included in the variable interests assessment, and are not included in the primary beneficiary determination.
A decision maker is deemed to be a primary beneficiary of a VIE if it has the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits from variable interests that could be significant to the VIE. In determining whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE, Legg Mason considers both qualitative and quantitative factors such as the voting rights of the equity holders, guarantees, and implied relationships. If a fee paid to a decision maker is not market-based, it will be considered in the primary beneficiary determination.
As of December 31, 2018, March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, Legg Mason concluded it was the primary beneficiary of certain VIEs, which were consolidated and designated as CIVs, because it held significant financial interests in the funds. In addition, Legg Mason has entered into various total return swap arrangements with financial intermediaries with respect to certain Legg Mason sponsored exchange traded funds ("ETFs"). Under the terms of the total return swaps, Legg Mason absorbs all of the related gains and losses on the underlying ETF investments of these financial intermediaries, and therefore has variable interests in the related funds and, if significant, may be deemed the primary beneficiary. As of December 31, 2018, March 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017, Legg Mason consolidated the ETFs with significant open total return swap arrangements, which were designated as CIVs. See Note 13 for additional information.
Revenue Recognition
Effective April 1, 2018, Legg Mason adopted updated accounting guidance on revenue recognition which provides a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers, improves comparability and removes inconsistencies in revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions, and capital markets. The guidance also specifies the accounting for certain costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer and revises the criteria for determining if an entity is acting as a principal or agent in certain arrangements. The adoption of the updated guidance did not result in significant changes to Legg Mason’s prior revenue recognition practices, except for the timing of the recognition of certain performance and incentive fees, the capitalization and amortization of certain sales commissions for separate accounts, and the net presentation of certain fund expense reimbursements which were previously presented on a gross basis. Each of these changes to Legg Mason’s previous revenue recognition practices is further discussed below.
Legg Mason adopted the updated guidance on a modified retrospective basis for any contracts that were not complete as of April 1, 2018 and recognized the cumulative effect of initially applying the updated guidance for certain sales commissions as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings totaling $12,263. There was no cumulative effect for performance and incentive fees or fund expense reimbursement accounting. The comparative information for prior periods has not been restated and continues to be reported under the prior accounting guidance in effect for those periods. A summary of the cumulative-effect changes to Legg Mason’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of April 1, 2018 is included below.
Legg Mason primarily earns revenues by providing investment management services and distribution and shareholder services for its customers, which are generally investment funds or the underlying investors in separately managed accounts. As further discussed below, revenues are calculated based on the value of the investments under management and are recognized when obligations under the terms of contracts with customers are satisfied, which is generally over time as the services are rendered.
Legg Mason also has responsibility for the valuation of assets under management ("AUM"), substantially all of which is based on observable market data from independent pricing services, fund accounting agents, custodians or brokers.
Investment Advisory Fees
Legg Mason earns investment advisory fees on assets in separately managed accounts, investment funds, and other products managed for Legg Mason's clients. Generally, investment management services are a single performance obligation, as they include a series of distinct services that are substantially the same and are transferred to the customer over time using the same time-based measure of progress. Investment management services are satisfied over time as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits as the advisory services are performed.
Separate Account and Funds Advisory Fees
Separate account and funds advisory fees are variable consideration which is primarily based on predetermined percentages of the daily, monthly or quarterly average market value of the AUM, as defined in the investment management agreements. The average market value of AUM is subject to change based on fluctuations and volatility in financial markets, and as such, separate account and funds advisory fees are constrained until the end of the month or quarter when the actual average market value of the AUM is known and a significant revenue reversal is no longer probable. Therefore, separate account and funds advisory fees are included in the transaction price and allocated to the investment management services performance obligation at the end of each monthly or quarterly reporting period, as specified in the investment management contract. Payment for services under investment management contracts is due once the variable consideration is allocated to the transaction price, and generally within 30 days. Recognition of separate account and funds advisory fee revenue under the updated guidance is consistent with Legg Mason’s prior revenue recognition process.
Performance and Incentive Fees
Performance and incentive fees are variable consideration that may be earned on certain investment management contracts for exceeding performance benchmarks on a relative or absolute basis or for exceeding contractual return thresholds. Performance and incentive fees are estimated at the inception of a contract; however, a range of outcomes is possible due to factors outside the control of the investment manager, particularly market conditions. Performance and incentive fees are therefore excluded from the transaction price until it becomes probable that a significant reversal in the cumulative amount of revenue recognized will not occur. A portion of Legg Mason's performance and incentive fees are earned based on 12-month performance periods that end in differing quarters during the year, with a portion also based on quarterly performance periods. Legg Mason also earns performance and incentive fees on alternative and certain other products that lock at the earlier of the investor’s termination date or the liquidation of the fund or contract, in multiple-year intervals, or upon the occurrence of specific events, such as the sale of assets. For certain of these products, performance and incentive fees may be recognized as revenue earlier under the updated guidance than under prior revenue recognition practices, which deferred recognition until all contingencies were resolved. Any such performance fees recognized prior to the resolution of all contingencies are recorded as a contract asset in Other current assets or Other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, depending on the length of time until the contingencies are resolved.
Fee Waivers and Fund Expense Reimbursements
Legg Mason may waive certain fees for investors or may reimburse its investment funds for certain operating expenses when such expenses exceed a certain threshold. Fee waivers continue to be reported as a reduction in advisory fee revenue under the updated guidance. Under prior accounting guidance, fund expense reimbursements in excess of recognized revenue were recorded as Other expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). Under the updated accounting guidance, these fund expense reimbursements that exceed the recognized revenue represent a change in the transaction price and are therefore reported as a reduction of Investment advisory fees - Funds in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).
Distribution and Service Fees Revenue and Expense
Distribution and service fees represent fees earned from funds to reimburse the distributor for the costs of marketing and selling fund shares and are generally determined as a percentage of client assets. Reported amounts also include fees earned from providing client or shareholder servicing, including record keeping or administrative services to proprietary funds, and non-discretionary advisory services for assets under advisement. Distribution and service fees earned on company-sponsored investment funds are reported as revenue. Distribution services and marketing services are considered a single performance obligation as the success of selling the underlying shares is highly dependent upon the sales and marketing efforts. Ongoing shareholder servicing is a separate performance obligation as these services are not highly interrelated and interdependent on the sale of the shares. Fees earned related to distribution and shareholder serving are considered variable consideration because they are calculated based on the average market value of the fund. The average market value of the fund is subject to change based on fluctuations and volatility in financial markets, and as such, distribution and shareholder service fees are generally constrained until the end of the month or quarter when the actual market value of the fund is known and the related revenue is no longer subject to a significant reversal. Therefore, distribution and service fees are generally included in the
transaction price at the end of each monthly or quarterly reporting period and are allocated to the two performance obligations based on the amount specified in each agreement. While distribution services are largely satisfied at the inception of an investment, the ultimate amounts of revenue are subject to the variable consideration constraint. Accordingly, a portion of distribution and service revenue will be recognized in periods subsequent to the satisfaction of the performance obligation.
Certain fund share classes only charge for distribution services at the inception of the investment based on a fixed percentage of the share price. This fixed price is allocated to the performance obligation, which is substantially satisfied at the time of the initial investment.
Recognition of distribution and service fee revenue under the updated guidance is consistent with Legg Mason’s prior revenue recognition process.
When Legg Mason enters into arrangements with broker-dealers or other third parties to sell or market proprietary fund shares, distribution and servicing expense is accrued for the amounts owed to third parties, including finders' fees and referral fees paid to unaffiliated broker-dealers or introducing parties and is recorded as Distribution and servicing expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). Distribution and servicing expense also includes payments to third parties for certain shareholder administrative services and sub-advisory fees paid to unaffiliated asset managers.
Contract Costs and Deferred Sales Commissions
Legg Mason incurs ordinary costs to obtain investment management contracts and for services provided to customers in accordance with investment management agreements. These costs include commissions paid to wholesalers, employees and third-party broker dealers and administration and placement fees. Depending on the type of services provided, these fees may be paid at the time the contract is obtained or on an ongoing basis. Under the updated guidance, costs to obtain a contract should be capitalized if the costs are incremental and would not have been incurred if the contract had not been obtained, and costs to fulfill the contract should be capitalized if they relate directly to a contract, the costs will generate or enhance resources of the entity that will be used in satisfying performance obligations in the future, and the costs are expected to be recovered. Consistent with prior accounting procedures, fund launch costs, including organizational and underwriting costs, placement fees and commissions paid to employees, wholesalers and broker-dealers for sales of fund shares are expensed as incurred, as these costs would be incurred regardless of the investor. However, commissions paid to employees and retail wholesalers in connection with the sale of retail separate accounts are considered incremental, as these fees relate to obtaining a specific contract, are calculated based on specified rates and are recoverable through the management fees earned and are therefore capitalized under the updated accounting guidance. Such commissions were expensed as incurred under Legg Mason’s prior accounting practices. Capitalized sales commissions are amortized based on the transfer of services to which the assets relate, which averages four years. Legg Mason recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of April 1, 2018, as referenced below.
Commissions paid by Legg Mason to financial intermediaries in connection with sales of certain classes of company-sponsored mutual funds are generally capitalized as deferred sales commissions. The asset is amortized over periods not exceeding six years, which represent the periods during which commissions are generally recovered from distribution and service fee revenues and from contingent deferred sales charges ("CDSC") received from shareholders of those funds upon redemption of their shares. CDSC consideration is generally variable and is based on the timing of when investors redeem their investment. Therefore, the variable consideration is included in the transaction price once the investors redeem their shares and is satisfied at a point in time. CDSC receipts are recorded as distribution and service fee revenue when received and a reduction of the unamortized balance of deferred sales commissions, with a corresponding expense.
Management periodically tests the deferred sales commission asset for impairment by reviewing the changes in value of the related shares, the relevant market conditions and other events and circumstances that may indicate an impairment in value has occurred. If these factors indicate an impairment in value, management compares the carrying value to the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset over its remaining life. If management determines that the deferred sales commission asset is not fully recoverable, the asset will be deemed impaired and a loss will be recorded in the amount by which the recorded amount of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value. For the nine months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, no impairment charges were recorded. Deferred sales commissions, included in Other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, were $1,380 and $4,047 at December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2018, respectively.
Under the updated accounting guidance, Legg Mason has elected to expense sales commissions related to certain fund share classes with amortization periods of one year or less as incurred. Legg Mason recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment on
the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of April 1, 2018, as referenced below, to reflect the expense associated with such commissions, which had previously been capitalized under Legg Mason's prior accounting practices.
Impact of the Adoption of Updated Revenue Recognition Accounting Guidance
The cumulative effect of the changes made to Legg Mason’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of April 1, 2018 for the adoption of the updated revenue recognition accounting guidance were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Adjustment due to Adoption of Updated Accounting Guidance | | |
Consolidated Balance Sheet | | Balance as of March 31, 2018 | | Capitalized Sales Commissions | | Deferred Sales Commissions | | Total | | Balance as of April 1, 2018 |
Assets | | | | | | | | | | |
Other, current | | $ | 65,010 |
| | $ | 9,615 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 9,615 |
| | $ | 74,625 |
|
Deferred income taxes | | 202,068 |
| | (1,148 | ) | | — |
| | (1,148 | ) | | 200,920 |
|
Other, non-current | | 134,407 |
| | 10,316 |
| | (2,576 | ) | | 7,740 |
| | 142,147 |
|
Liabilities | | | | | | | | | | |
Deferred income taxes | | $ | 139,787 |
| | $ | 3,944 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 3,944 |
| | $ | 143,731 |
|
Stockholders' Equity | | | | | | | | | | |
Retained Earnings | | $ | 1,894,762 |
| | $ | 14,839 |
| | $ | (2,576 | ) | | $ | 12,263 |
| | $ | 1,907,025 |
|
The impact of the adoption of the updated revenue recognition accounting guidance on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) was as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2018 |
| | | | Impact of the Adoption of Updated Accounting Guidance | | |
Consolidated Balance Sheet | | Balances Excluding the Adoption of Updated Accounting Guidance | | Capitalized Sales Commissions | | Deferred Sales Commissions | | Total | | As Reported |
Assets | | | | | | | | | | |
Other, current | | $ | 68,136 |
| | $ | 8,049 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 8,049 |
| | $ | 76,185 |
|
Deferred income taxes | | 191,015 |
| | (1,148 | ) | | — |
| | (1,148 | ) | | 189,867 |
|
Other, non-current | | 140,740 |
| | 10,429 |
| | (1,606 | ) | | 8,823 |
| | 149,563 |
|
Liabilities | | | | | | | | | | |
Deferred income taxes | | $ | 95,600 |
| | $ | 3,944 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 3,944 |
| | $ | 99,544 |
|
Stockholders' Equity | | | | | | | | | | |
Retained Earnings | | $ | 1,712,037 |
| | $ | 13,386 |
| | $ | (1,606 | ) | | $ | 11,780 |
| | $ | 1,723,817 |
|
Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three months ended December 31, 2018 |
| | | | Impact of the Adoption of Updated Accounting Guidance | | |
| | Balances Excluding the Adoption of Updated Accounting Guidance | | Capitalized Sales Commissions | | Deferred Sales Commissions | | Fund Expense Reimbursements | | Total | | As Reported |
Operating Revenues | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment advisory fees: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Funds | | $ | 362,500 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | (1,327 | ) | | $ | (1,327 | ) | | $ | 361,173 |
|
Operating Expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Compensation and benefits | | $ | 316,330 |
| | $ | 546 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 546 |
| | $ | 316,876 |
|
Distribution and servicing | | 108,926 |
| | — |
| | (84 | ) | | — |
| | (84 | ) | | 108,842 |
|
Other | | 64,328 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (1,327 | ) | | (1,327 | ) | | 63,001 |
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Nine months ended December 31, 2018 |
| | | | Impact of the Adoption of Updated Accounting Guidance | | |
| | Balances Excluding the Adoption of Updated Accounting Guidance | | Capitalized Sales Commissions | | Deferred Sales Commissions | | Fund Expense Reimbursements | | Total | | As Reported |
Operating Revenues | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment advisory fees: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Funds | | $ | 1,132,311 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | (3,651 | ) | | $ | (3,651 | ) | | $ | 1,128,660 |
|
Operating Expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Compensation and benefits | | $ | 1,041,876 |
| | $ | 1,453 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 1,453 |
| | $ | 1,043,329 |
|
Distribution and servicing | | 340,929 |
| | — |
| | (970 | ) | | — |
| | (970 | ) | | 339,959 |
|
Other | | 174,672 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (3,651 | ) | | (3,651 | ) | | 171,021 |
|
Cash Flow Reporting
Effective April 1, 2018, Legg Mason adopted updated accounting guidance on a retrospective basis which clarifies the classification and presentation of restricted cash, investment activity and other items in the statements of cash flows. The updated guidance requires entities to include restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the cash and cash equivalents balances on the consolidated statements of cash flows and to disclose a reconciliation between the balances on the consolidated statements of cash flows and the consolidated balance sheets. Legg Mason includes cash of consolidated investment vehicles and affiliate benefit trust cash in restricted cash. Legg Mason’s restricted cash balances at December 31, 2018 and 2017, were $30,007 and $26,177, respectively. The updated guidance also clarifies how distributions from equity method investees should be classified based on either the cumulative earnings or the nature of distribution approach. Legg Mason elected to apply the nature of distribution approach when classifying distributions received from equity method investees. As a result of adopting this aspect of the updated guidance, $4,928 was reclassified from Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Cash Used in Investing Activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the nine months ended December 31, 2017.
Financial Instruments
Effective April 1, 2018, Legg Mason adopted accounting guidance on a prospective basis which requires equity investments to be measured at fair value, with changes recognized in earnings. This guidance does not apply to investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting or underlying investments of consolidated products. The updated guidance also provides entities the option to elect to measure equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values and do not qualify for the net asset value ("NAV") practical expedient at "adjusted cost". Under this adjusted cost method, investments are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently adjusted (increased or decreased) when there is an observable transaction involving the same investment, or similar investment from the same issuer. Adjusted cost investment carrying values are also adjusted for impairments, if any. Legg Mason has elected to measure certain investments under the adjusted cost approach. The adoption of this updated guidance did not have a material impact on Legg Mason’s consolidated financial statements.
During the three months ended December 31, 2018, discrete tax expenses of approximately $14,100 related to uncertain federal, state and local tax positions (including those related to recent legislative changes), along with approximately $700 of other discrete tax expenses, reduced the effective income tax rate by 5.5 percentage points for the three months ended December 31, 2018. Also, during the three months ended September 30, 2018 and June 30, 2018, tax benefits totaling $2,800 related to the completion of a prior year tax audit along with $1,100 related to other discrete expenses were recognized. Together, the net impact of these discrete tax items reduced the effective income tax rate by 27.4 percentage points for the nine months ended December 31, 2018.
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the "Tax Law") became enacted law. The Tax Law is complex, materially changes the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% and includes various changes which impact Legg Mason. The reduction in the U.S. corporate tax rate resulted in a one-time, non-cash provisional tax benefit of $220,935, recognized in the three months ended December 31, 2017, due to the re-measurement of certain existing deferred tax assets and liabilities at the new income tax rate. In addition, a non-cash tax charge of $7,260 was provisionally provided in the three months ended December 31, 2017, for the effects on unremitted foreign earnings and other aspects of the Tax Law. Legg Mason’s re-measurement of its deferred tax assets and liabilities has been completed and no further adjustments are necessary. Further, Legg Mason's accounting for the tax on unremitted foreign earnings has also been completed and an adjustment in the amount of $2,164 additional expense, which is included in the discrete tax expense above, was recorded during the three months ended December 31, 2018. The Company has made an accounting policy election to record tax expense on global intangible low-taxed income inclusions as a period cost, if applicable, rather than recognizing deferred taxes for related basis differences expected to reverse.
While the EnTrustPermal intangible asset impairments discussed below potentially impact the effective income tax rate, such impact was not material for either the three or nine months ended December 31, 2018. The impairment charges recognized in the three months ended December 31, 2017, resulted in income tax expense of $3,900, which reduced the effective tax rate by 9.5 percentage points and the effective tax benefit by 2.2 percentage points for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2017, respectively.
During the three months ended December 31, 2017, changes in apportionment on state deferred tax liabilities and changes in state law resulted in additional net tax expense of $3,255 and reduced the effective tax rate by 8.0 percentage points and the effective tax benefit by 1.8 percentage points for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2017, respectively.
Recent Accounting Developments
In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") updated the guidance to clarify accounting for implementation costs incurred for a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract. The update conforms the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract with the accounting guidance that provides for capitalization of costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use-software. The updated guidance is effective for Legg Mason in fiscal 2021, unless adopted earlier. Legg Mason is evaluating its adoption.
In August 2018, the FASB also updated the guidance for fair value measurements. The updated guidance modifies disclosure requirements based on the revised FASB Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting finalized in August 2018 to improve effectiveness of financial statement disclosures. The updated guidance will be effective in fiscal 2021, unless adopted earlier. Legg Mason is evaluating its adoption.
In August 2017, the FASB updated the guidance on accounting for derivative hedging. The updated guidance more closely aligns the results of cash flow and fair value hedging designations with risk management activities through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results in the financial statements. The new guidance also simplifies the application of hedge accounting. The updated guidance is effective for Legg Mason in fiscal 2020, unless adopted earlier. Legg Mason uses accounting hedge designation from time-to-time and would only potentially be impacted if derivative transactions were designated for hedging.
In January 2017, the FASB updated the guidance to simplify the test for goodwill impairment. The updated guidance still requires entities to perform annual goodwill impairment tests by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its related carrying amount, but it eliminates the requirement to potentially calculate the implied fair value of goodwill to determine the amount of impairment, if any. Under the new guidance, an entity should recognize an impairment charge if the reporting unit's carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, in the amount of such excess. The guidance will be effective in fiscal 2020, unless adopted earlier. Legg Mason is evaluating its adoption.
In February 2016, the FASB updated the guidance on accounting for leases. The updated guidance requires that a lessee shall recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from lease transactions. A lessee will recognize a right-of-use asset to use the underlying asset and a liability representing the lease payments. The updated guidance also requires an evaluation at the inception of a service or other contract, to determine whether the contract is or contains a lease. In July 2018, the FASB further updated the lease guidance to make certain targeted improvements, including allowing for the guidance to be adopted on a modified retrospective basis. The guidance will be effective for Legg Mason in fiscal 2020. Legg Mason expects to recognize right of use assets and liabilities upon its adoption of the new standard and is continuing to evaluate the full impact of adoption, including transition method and practical expedient elections.
3. Investments and Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities
The disclosures below include details of Legg Mason's financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value and NAV, excluding the financial assets and financial liabilities of CIVs. See Note 13, Variable Interest Entities and Consolidation of Investment Vehicles, for information related to the assets and liabilities of CIVs that are measured at fair value.
The fair values of financial assets and (liabilities) of the Company were determined using the following categories of inputs:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | As of December 31, 2018 |
| | Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) | | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | | Investments measured at NAV | | Total |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash equivalents:(1) | | | | | | | | | | |
Money market funds | | $ | 429,025 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 429,025 |
|
Time deposits and other | | — |
| | 30,233 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 30,233 |
|
Total cash equivalents | | 429,025 |
|
| 30,233 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 459,258 |
|
Investments of proprietary fund products and other investments:(2) | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Seed capital investments | | 75,069 |
| | 22,116 |
| | 1,266 |
| | 1,629 |
| | 100,080 |
|
Other(3) | | 21,193 |
| | 2,140 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 23,333 |
|
Investments relating to long-term incentive compensation plans(4) | | 197,368 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 197,368 |
|
Equity method investments relating to long-term incentive compensation plans(5) | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 10,807 |
| | 10,807 |
|
Total current investments(6) | | 293,630 |
|
| 24,256 |
| | 1,266 |
| | 12,436 |
| | 331,588 |
|
Equity method investments in partnerships and LLCs:(5)(7) | | | | | | | | | | |
Seed capital investments(6) | | — |
| | — |
| | 932 |
| | 11,546 |
| | 12,478 |
|
Seed capital investments in real estate funds | | — |
| | — |
| | 40,122 |
| | — |
| | 40,122 |
|
Other | | — |
| | — |
| | 1,821 |
| | 10,772 |
| | 12,593 |
|
Adjusted cost investments:(7) | | | | | | | | | | |
Investments related to long-term incentive compensation plans | | — |
| | — |
| | 7,521 |
| | — |
| | 7,521 |
|
Other | | — |
| | 74 |
| | 4,451 |
| | — |
| | 4,525 |
|
Derivative assets(7)(8) | | 3,866 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 3,866 |
|
Total | | $ | 726,521 |
|
| $ | 54,563 |
| | $ | 56,113 |
| | $ | 34,754 |
| | $ | 871,951 |
|
Liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | |
Contingent consideration liabilities(9) | | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | (1,900 | ) | | $ | — |
| | $ | (1,900 | ) |
Derivative liabilities(8) | | (9,326 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (9,326 | ) |
Total | | $ | (9,326 | ) | | $ | — |
| | $ | (1,900 | ) | | $ | — |
| | $ | (11,226 | ) |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | As of March 31, 2018 |
| | Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) | | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | | Investments measured at NAV | | Total |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash equivalents:(1) | | | | | | | | | | |
Money market funds | | $ | 350,142 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 350,142 |
|
Time deposits and other | | — |
| | 13,863 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 13,863 |
|
Total cash equivalents | | 350,142 |
| | 13,863 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 364,005 |
|
Trading investments of proprietary fund products and other trading investments:(2) | | | | | | | | | | |
Seed capital investments | | 131,715 |
| | 37,598 |
| | 1,242 |
| | 3,225 |
| | 173,780 |
|
Other(3) | | 29,051 |
| | 2,565 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 31,616 |
|
Trading investments relating to long-term incentive compensation plans(4) | | 184,639 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 99 |
| | 184,738 |
|
Equity method investments relating to proprietary fund products and long-term incentive compensation plans:(5) | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 9,236 |
| | 9,236 |
|
Total current investments(6) | | 345,405 |
|
| 40,163 |
| | 1,242 |
| | 12,560 |
| | 399,370 |
|
Equity method investments in partnerships and LLCs:(5)(7) | | | | | | | | | | |
Seed capital investments(6) | | — |
| | — |
| | 962 |
| | 14,360 |
| | 15,322 |
|
Seed capital investments in real estate funds | | — |
| | — |
| | 32,763 |
| | — |
| | 32,763 |
|
Other | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 11,915 |
| | 11,915 |
|
Investments in partnerships and LLCs:(7) | | | | | | | | | | |
Seed capital investments | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 2,549 |
| | 2,549 |
|
Investments related to long-term incentive compensation plans | | — |
| | — |
| | 6,458 |
| | — |
| | 6,458 |
|
Other | | — |
| | 78 |
| | 380 |
| | — |
| | 458 |
|
Derivative assets(7)(8) | | 4,904 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 4,904 |
|
Other investments(7) | | — |
| | — |
| | 113 |
| | — |
| | 113 |
|
Total | | $ | 700,451 |
| | $ | 54,104 |
| | $ | 41,918 |
| | $ | 41,384 |
| | $ | 837,857 |
|
Liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | |
Contingent consideration liabilities(9) | | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | (5,607 | ) | | $ | — |
| | $ | (5,607 | ) |
Derivative liabilities(8) | | (6,446 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (6,446 | ) |
Total | | $ | (6,446 | ) | | $ | — |
| | $ | (5,607 | ) | | $ | — |
| | $ | (12,053 | ) |
| |
(1) | Cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less. Cash investments in actively traded money market funds are classified as Level 1. Cash investments in time deposits and other are measured at amortized cost, which approximates fair value because of the short time between purchase of the instrument and its expected realization and are classified as Level 2. |
| |
(2) | Current investments of proprietary fund products and other investments consist of approximately 80% and 20% equity and debt securities, respectively, as of December 31, 2018, and approximately 81% and 19% equity and debt securities, respectively, as of March 31, 2018. |
| |
(3) | Includes $10,264 and $15,452 in noncontrolling interests associated with consolidated seed investment products as of December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2018, respectively. |
| |
(4) | Primarily mutual funds where there is minimal market risk to the Company as any change in value is primarily offset by an adjustment to compensation expense and related deferred compensation liability. |
| |
(5) | Certain of Legg Mason's equity method investments are investment companies that record underlying investments at fair value. Therefore, the fair value of these investments is measured using Legg Mason's share of the investee's underlying net income or loss, which is predominately representative of fair value adjustments in the investments held by the equity method investee. Other equity method investments not measured at fair value on a recurring basis of $27,929 and $27,660 as of December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2018, respectively, are excluded from the tables above. |
| |
(6) | Excludes $71,564 and $43,854 of seed capital as of December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2018, respectively, which is related to Legg Mason's investments in CIVs. See Note 13. |
| |
(7) | Amounts are included in Other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for each of the periods presented. |
Proprietary fund products include seed capital investments made by Legg Mason to fund new investment strategies and products. Legg Mason had seed capital investments in proprietary fund products, which totaled $224,244 and $268,268 as of December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2018, respectively, which are substantially comprised of investments in 52 funds and 59 funds, respectively, that are individually greater than $1,000, and together comprise over 90% of the total seed capital investments at each period end.
The net realized and unrealized gains (losses) for investment securities classified as trading were $(34,793) and $9,382 for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $(25,246) and $32,184 for the nine months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
The net unrealized gains (losses) relating to trading investments still held as of the reporting dates were $(38,741) and $5,975 for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $(51,313) and $16,115 for the nine months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
The changes in financial assets and (liabilities) measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) are presented in the tables below:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Balance as of September 30, 2018 | | Purchases | | Sales | | Redemptions/ Settlements/ Other | | Transfers | | Realized and unrealized gains/(losses), net | | Balance as of December 31, 2018 |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investments of seed capital investments in proprietary fund products | | $ | 1,394 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | (128 | ) | | $ | 1,266 |
|
Equity method investments in partnerships and LLCs: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Seed capital investments | | 1,161 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (229 | ) | | 932 |
|
Seed capital investments in real estate funds | | 35,859 |
| | 5,516 |
| | — |
| | (1,880 | ) | | — |
| | 627 |
| | 40,122 |
|
Other | | 1,840 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (19 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | 1,821 |
|
Adjusted cost investments: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investments related to long-term incentive compensation plans | | 6,458 |
| | 1,063 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 7,521 |
|
Other | | 4,448 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 3 |
| | 4,451 |
|
| | $ | 51,160 |
| | 6,579 |
| | — |
| | (1,899 | ) | | — |
| | 273 |
| | $ | 56,113 |
|
Liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Contingent consideration liabilities | | $ | (1,900 | ) | | n/a |
| | n/a |
| | $ | — |
| | n/a |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | (1,900 | ) |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Balance as of September 30, 2017 | | Purchases | | Sales | | Redemptions/ Settlements/ Other | | Transfers | | Realized and unrealized gains/(losses), net | | Balance as of December 31, 2017 |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Equity method investments relating to long-term incentive compensation plans | | $ | 1,393 |
| | $ | 11 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | (11 | ) | | $ | — |
| | $ | 38 |
| | $ | 1,431 |
|
Equity method investments in partnerships and LLCs: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Seed capital investments | | 851 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 40 |
| | 891 |
|
Seed capital investments in real estate funds | | 27,382 |
| | 868 |
| | — |
| | (1,139 | ) | | — |
| | 726 |
| | 27,837 |
|
Investments in partnerships and LLCs: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investments related to long-term incentive compensation plans | | 9,367 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 9,367 |
|
Other | | 485 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (105 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | 380 |
|
Other investments | | 114 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (2 | ) | | 112 |
|
| | $ | 39,592 |
| | $ | 879 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | (1,255 | ) | | $ | — |
| | $ | 802 |
| | $ | 40,018 |
|
Liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Contingent consideration liabilities | | $ | (21,162 | ) | | $ | (1,900 | ) | | n/a |
| | $ | 3,242 |
| | n/a |
| | $ | (881 | ) | | $ | (20,701 | ) |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Balance as of March 31, 2018 | | Purchases | | Sales | | Redemptions/ Settlements/ Other | | Transfers | | Realized and unrealized gains/(losses), net | | Balance as of December 31, 2018 |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investments of seed capital investments in proprietary fund products | | $ | 1,242 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 24 |
| | $ | 1,266 |
|
Equity method investments in partnerships and LLCs: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Seed capital investments | | 962 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (30 | ) | | 932 |
|
Seed capital investments in real estate funds | | 32,763 |
| | 9,483 |
| | — |
| | (4,280 | ) | | — |
| | 2,156 |
| | 40,122 |
|
Other | | — |
| | 1,650 |
| | — |
| | (19 | ) | | — |
| | 190 |
| | 1,821 |
|
Adjusted cost investments: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
|
Investments related to long-term incentive compensation plans | | 6,458 |
| | 1,063 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 7,521 |
|
Other | | 493 |
| | 4,000 |
| | — |
| | (2 | ) | | — |
| | (40 | ) | | 4,451 |
|
| | $ | 41,918 |
| | 16,196 |
| | — |
| | (4,301 | ) | | — |
| | 2,300 |
| | $ | 56,113 |
|
Liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Contingent consideration liabilities | | $ | (5,607 | ) | | n/a |
| | n/a |
| | $ | 4,319 |
| | n/a |
| | $ | (612 | ) | | $ | (1,900 | ) |
n/a - not applicable
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Balance as of March 31, 2017 | | Purchases | | Sales | | Redemptions/ Settlements/ Other | | Transfers | | Realized and unrealized gains/(losses), net | | Balance as of December 31, 2017 |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Equity method investments relating to long-term incentive compensation plans | | $ | 1,337 |
| | $ | 33 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | (33 | ) | | $ | — |
| | $ | 94 |
| | $ | 1,431 |
|
Equity method investments in partnerships and LLCs: | |
|
| | | |
|
| | | |
|
| | | |
|
|
Seed capital investments | | 752 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 139 |
| | 891 |
|
Seed capital investments in real estate funds | | 26,909 |
| | 3,063 |
| | — |
| | (3,889 | ) | | — |
| | 1,754 |
| | 27,837 |
|
Other | | 1,646 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (1,646 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Investments in partnerships and LLCs: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investments related to long-term incentive compensation plans | | 9,315 |
| | 52 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 9,367 |
|
Other | | 1,825 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (1,510 | ) | | — |
| | 65 |
| | 380 |
|
Other investments | | 113 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (1 | ) | | 112 |
|
| | $ | 41,897 |
| | $ | 3,148 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | (7,078 | ) | | $ | — |
| | $ | 2,051 |
| | $ | 40,018 |
|
Liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Contingent consideration liabilities | | $ | (36,810 | ) | | $ | (1,900 | ) | | n/a |
| | $ | 3,242 |
| | n/a |
| | $ | 14,767 |
| | $ | (20,701 | ) |
n/a - not applicable
Realized and unrealized gains and losses recorded for Level 3 investments are included in Other non-operating income (expense), net, in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). The change in unrealized gains (losses) for Level 3 investments and liabilities still held at the reporting date was $275 and $(79) for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $2,336 and $16,818 for the nine months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
There were no significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the three or nine months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.
As a practical expedient, Legg Mason relies on the NAV of certain investments as their fair value. The NAVs that have been provided by the investees have been derived from the fair values of the underlying investments as of the respective reporting dates. The following table summarizes the nature of these investments and any related liquidation restrictions or other factors which may impact the ultimate value realized:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Fair Value Determined Using NAV | | As of December 31, 2018 |
Category of Investment | | Investment Strategy | | December 31, 2018 | | March 31, 2018 | | Unfunded Commitments | | Remaining Term |
Funds-of-hedge funds | | Global macro, fixed income, long/short equity, natural resources, systematic, emerging market, European hedge | | $ | 9,307 |
| (1) | $ | 11,122 |
| | n/a |
| | n/a |
Hedge funds | | Fixed income - developed market, event driven, fixed income - hedge, relative value arbitrage, European hedge | | 1,022 |
| | 6,479 |
| | $ | 20,000 |
| | n/a |
Private equity funds | | Long/short equity | | 13,479 |
| (2) | 14,377 |
| | 5,166 |
| | Up to 11 years |
Equity method | | Alternatives, structured securities, short-dated fixed income | | 10,807 |
| (2) | 9,236 |
| | n/a |
| | n/a |
Other | | Various | | 139 |
| | 170 |
| | n/a |
| | Various (3) |
Total | | | | $ | 34,754 |
| | $ | 41,384 |
| | $ | 25,166 |
| | |
n/a - not applicable
| |
(1) | Liquidation restrictions: 23% monthly redemption, 2% quarterly redemption, and 75% are not subject to redemption or are not currently redeemable. |
| |
(2) | Liquidations are expected over the remaining term. |
| |
(3) | Of this balance, 26% has a remaining term of less than one year and 74% has a remaining term of 13 years. |
There are no current plans to sell any of these investments held as of December 31, 2018.
4. Fixed Assets
Fixed assets primarily consist of equipment, software and leasehold improvements. Equipment consists primarily of communications and technology hardware and furniture and fixtures. Capitalized software includes both purchased software and internally developed software. Fixed assets are reported at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. The following table reflects the components of fixed assets as of:
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2018 | | March 31, 2018 |
Equipment | | $ | 160,814 |
| | $ | 172,308 |
|
Software | | 269,884 |
| | 323,088 |
|
Leasehold improvements | | 222,469 |
| | 209,810 |
|
Total cost | | 653,167 |
| | 705,206 |
|
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization | | (502,937 | ) | | (556,800 | ) |
Fixed assets, net | | $ | 150,230 |
| | $ | 148,406 |
|
Depreciation and amortization expense related to fixed assets was $11,799 and $11,846 for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $35,659 and $36,059 for the nine months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
5. Intangible Assets and Goodwill
The following table reflects the components of intangible assets as of:
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2018 | | March 31, 2018 |
Amortizable intangible asset management contracts and other | | |
| | |
|
Cost | | $ | 366,643 |
| | $ | 376,996 |
|
Accumulated amortization | | (234,227 | ) | | (218,076 | ) |
Net | | 132,416 |
| | 158,920 |
|
Indefinite–life intangible assets | |
|
| | |
U.S. domestic mutual fund management contracts | | 2,106,351 |
| | 2,106,351 |
|
Clarion Partners fund management contracts | | 505,200 |
| | 505,200 |
|
EnTrustPermal fund management contracts | | 126,804 |
| | 401,404 |
|
Other fund management contracts | | 470,553 |
| | 557,305 |
|
Trade names | | 48,475 |
| | 68,479 |
|
| | 3,257,383 |
| | 3,638,739 |
|
Intangible assets, net | | $ | 3,389,799 |
| | $ | 3,797,659 |
|
Certain of Legg Mason's intangible assets are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and balances related to these assets will fluctuate with changes in the related foreign currency exchange rates.
Indefinite-life Intangible Assets and Goodwill
Legg Mason historically performed its annual goodwill and indefinite-life intangible assets impairment tests as of December 31 each year. During the second quarter of fiscal 2019, Legg Mason voluntarily changed the date of its annual impairment tests from December 31 to October 31in order to better align the impairment testing process with existing long-term planning processes and earnings release timing. Legg Mason does not believe the change in accounting principle related to the annual impairment testing date has delayed, accelerated, or avoided an impairment charge relative to the test date. Legg Mason has determined that this change in accounting principle is preferable under the circumstances.
Legg Mason performed its annual impairment testing of goodwill and indefinite-life intangible assets as of October 31, 2018. Due to prior limited excess fair value over the related carrying values noted in analyses of the EnTrustPermal indefinite-life fund management contracts asset and the RARE Infrastructure indefinite-life fund management contracts asset, and negative market trends, these analyses were completed with current data through December 31, 2018 and ultimately the assets were determined to be impaired. As a result, analyses of trade name indefinite-life intangible assets related to these businesses were also completed with current data through December 31, 2018 and were also determined to be impaired.
The impairment charges at EnTrustPermal were primarily the result of continued net client outflows from legacy high net worth fund-of-fund products leading to reduced growth expectations in both management fees and performance fees, a declining margin, and a higher discount rate. These changes resulted in a reduction of the projected cash flows and Legg Mason’s overall assessment of fair value of the assets, such that the carrying values of the EnTrustPermal fund management contracts intangible asset of $401,404 and trade name asset of $28,500 were impaired by $274,600 and $18,200, respectively.
Management estimated the fair values of these assets based upon discounted cash flow analyses, as well as a relief from royalty method for the trade name asset, using unobservable market inputs, which are Level 3 measurements. The significant assumptions used in the cash flow analyses included projected revenue growth rates, discount rates, and royalty rates. Base revenues related to the EnTrustPermal fund management contracts were assumed to have annual growth (contraction) rates ranging from (19.4)% to 3.9% (average: 3.0%), and the projected cash flows from the EnTrustPermal fund management contracts were discounted at 17%. Base revenues related to the EnTrustPermal trade name asset were assumed to have annual growth rates ranging from 0.0% to 4.6% (average: 3.9%), a royalty rate of 1.0%, and a discount rate of 16.5%.
The impairment charges at RARE Infrastructure were primarily the result of lower than expected net client inflows and performance fees, leading to a lower margin, and a higher discount rate. These changes resulted in a reduction of the related projected cash flows and Legg Mason’s overall assessment of fair value of the assets, such that the RARE Infrastructure
fund management contracts asset carrying value of approximately $120,800 and trade name asset carrying value of $2,800 were impaired by $65,000 and $1,000, respectively.
Management estimated the fair values of these assets based upon discounted cash flow analyses, as well as a relief from royalty method for the trade name asset, using unobservable market inputs, which are Level 3 measurements. The significant assumptions used in the cash flow analyses included projected revenue growth rates, discount rates, and royalty rates. Base revenues related to the RARE Infrastructure fund management contracts were assumed to have annual growth rates ranging from 4.4% to 4.9% (average: 4.8%), and the projected cash flows from the RARE Infrastructure fund management contracts were discounted at 16.5%. Base revenues related to the RARE Infrastructure trade name asset were assumed to have annual growth rates ranging from 0.9% to 4.6% (average: 4.2%), a royalty rate of 1.0%, and a discount rate of 16.5%.
Legg Mason’s goodwill impairment testing noted the assessed fair value of the Global Asset Management business reporting unit exceeded its related carrying value by 4%. Should market performance and/or AUM levels decrease in the near term such that cash flow projections deviate from current projections, it is reasonably possible that this asset could become impaired, and the impairment could be a material amount.
Legg Mason's annual impairment testing process in the prior fiscal year determined that the carrying value of the EnTrustPermal indefinite-life fund management contracts intangible asset exceeded its fair value, which resulted in an impairment of $195,000 in the quarter ended December 31, 2017. The impairment charge was primarily the result of net client outflows from legacy high net worth fund-of-fund products, including transfers of client funds from such products into traditional separate accounts and other direct offerings, and the related decline in revenues. Management estimated the fair value of this asset based upon a discounted cash flow analysis using unobservable market data inputs, which are Level 3 measurements. The significant assumptions used in the cash flow analysis included projected revenue growth rates and discount rates. Base revenues related to the EnTrustPermal fund contracts were assumed to have annual growth (contraction) rates ranging from (13)% to 6% (average: 5%), and the projected cash flows from the EnTrustPermal fund contracts were discounted at 15%.
As a result of AUM losses and other factors during the three months ended June 30, 2017, Legg Mason tested the RARE Infrastructure trade name indefinite-life intangible asset for impairment during the three months ended June 30, 2017. The carrying value of the trade name exceeded its fair value of $3,057 as of June 30, 2017, which resulted in an impairment charge of $2,000. Management estimated the fair value of the RARE Infrastructure trade name as of June 30, 2017 based upon a relief from royalty approach and a discounted cash flow method using unobservable market data inputs, which are Level 3 measurements. The significant assumptions used in the cash flow analysis included projected annual revenue growth rates of 5% to 18% (average: 8%), a royalty rate of 1.0%, and a discount rate of 16.5%.
The change in carrying value of goodwill is summarized below:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Gross Book Value | | Accumulated Impairment | | Net Book Value |
Balance as of March 31, 2018 | | $ | 3,094,255 |
| | $ | (1,161,900 | ) | | $ | 1,932,355 |
|
Impact of excess tax basis amortization | | (8,253 | ) | | — |
| | (8,253 | ) |
Changes in foreign exchange rates and other | | (42,632 | ) | | — |
| | (42,632 | ) |
Balance as of December 31, 2018 | | $ | 3,043,370 |
| | $ | (1,161,900 | ) | | $ | 1,881,470 |
|
Amortizable Intangible Asset Management Contracts and Other
During the three months ended December 31, 2018, projected revenues related to the RARE Infrastructure separate account contracts asset declined due to losses of separate account clients and AUM. Based on revised attrition estimates, the remaining useful life was decreased from three and one-half to two years at December 31, 2018. As a result of the decline in projected revenues and the revised estimate of useful life, the amortized carrying value of approximately $6,900 as of December 31, 2018 was determined to exceed its fair value and an impairment charge of $6,400 was recorded during the three months ended December 31, 2018. Management estimated the fair value of this asset as of December 31, 2018, based on a discounted cash flow analysis using unobservable market inputs, which are Level 3 measurements. In addition to the useful life, other significant assumptions used in the cash flow analysis included projected revenue growth rates of 7% and a discount rate of 16.5%.
As of December 31, 2018, amortizable intangible asset management contracts and other are being amortized over a weighted-average remaining life of 6.4 years.
Estimated amortization expense for each of the next five fiscal years and thereafter is as follows:
|
| | | | |
Remaining fiscal 2019 | | $ | 5,628 |
|
2020 | | 22,254 |
|
2021 | | 21,263 |
|
2022 | | 20,745 |
|
2023 | | 19,985 |
|
Thereafter | | 42,541 |
|
Total | | $ | 132,416 |
|
During the three months ended June 30, 2017, projected revenues related to the RARE Infrastructure separate account contacts amortizable asset declined due to losses of separate account AUM and other factors, including the withdrawal of approximately $1,500,000 by an institutional client in June 2017. Based on revised attrition estimates, the remaining useful life of the acquired contracts was decreased from eight years to five years at June 30, 2017. As a result of the decline in projected revenues and the revised estimate of the remaining useful life, the amortized carrying value was determined to exceed its fair value and an impairment charge of $32,000 was recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2017. Management estimated the fair value of this asset based upon a discounted cash flow analysis using unobservable market inputs, which are Level 3 measurements. The significant assumptions used in the cash flow analysis included projected AUM growth rates of 7%, attrition rates of 20%, and a discount rate of 16.5%.
6. Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt
Short-term borrowings
Legg Mason maintains an unsecured credit agreement (as amended from time to time, the "Credit Agreement") which provides for a $500,000 multi-currency revolving credit facility. The revolving credit facility may be increased by an aggregate amount of up to $500,000, subject to the approval of the lenders, expires in December 2020, and outstanding borrowings, if any, can be repaid at any time. This revolving credit facility is available to fund working capital needs and for general corporate purposes.
In September 2018, Legg Mason repaid the entire $125,500 of then outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 2018, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement. As of March 31, 2018, Legg Mason had $125,500 of borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement. The effective interest rate on the outstanding borrowings was 2.95% as of March 31, 2018.
Long-term debt
Long-term debt, net, consists of the following:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2018 | | March 31, 2018 |
| | Carrying Value | | Fair Value Hedge Adjustment | | Unamortized Discount (Premium) | | Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs | | Maturity Amount | | Carrying Value |
2.7% Senior Notes due July 2019 | | $ | 250,636 |
| | $ | (902 | ) | | $ | 59 |
| | $ | 207 |
| | $ | 250,000 |
| | $ | 251,641 |
|
3.95% Senior Notes due July 2024 | | 248,680 |
| | — |
| | 252 |
| | 1,068 |
| | 250,000 |
| | 248,502 |
|
4.75% Senior Notes due March 2026 | | 447,432 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 2,568 |
| | 450,000 |
| | 447,166 |
|
5.625% Senior Notes due January 2044 | | 548,000 |
| | — |
| | (3,060 | ) | | 5,060 |
| | 550,000 |
| | 547,940 |
|
6.375% Junior Notes due March 2056 | | 242,411 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 7,589 |
| | 250,000 |
| | 242,258 |
|
5.45% Junior Notes due September 2056 | | 484,608 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 15,392 |
| | 500,000 |
| | 484,303 |
|
Subtotal | | 2,221,767 |
| | (902 | ) | | (2,749 | ) | | 31,884 |
| | 2,250,000 |
| | 2,221,810 |
|
Less: Current portion | | (250,636 | ) | | 902 |
| | (59 | ) | | (207 | ) | | (250,000 | ) | | — |
|
Total | | $ | 1,971,131 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | (2,808 | ) | | $ | 31,677 |
| | $ | 2,000,000 |
| | $ | 2,221,810 |
|
As of December 31, 2018, $250,000 of Legg Mason's long-term debt matures in fiscal 2020, and $2,000,000 matures after fiscal 2023.
As of December 31, 2018, the estimated fair value of long-term debt was $2,143,373. The fair value of debt was estimated using publicly quoted market prices and was classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
7. Commitments and Contingencies
Leases
Legg Mason leases office facilities and equipment under non-cancelable operating leases and also has multi-year agreements for certain services. These leases and service agreements expire on varying dates through fiscal 2039. Certain leases provide for renewal options and contain escalation clauses providing for increased rentals based upon maintenance, utility and tax increases.
As of December 31, 2018, the minimum annual aggregate rentals under operating leases and service agreements are as follows:
|
| | | | |
Remaining fiscal 2019 | | $ | 49,166 |
|
2020 | | 135,935 |
|
2021 | | 112,282 |
|
2022 | | 99,530 |
|
2023 | | 89,685 |
|
Thereafter | | 120,366 |
|
Total(1) | | $ | 606,964 |
|
(1) Includes $495,621 in real estate and equipment leases and $111,343 in service and maintenance agreements.
The minimum rental commitments shown above have not been reduced by $101,862 for minimum sublease rentals to be received in the future under non-cancelable subleases, of which approximately 33% is due from one counterparty. The lease reserve liability, which is included in the table below, for space subleased as of December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2018, was $23,720 and $24,188, respectively. If a sub-tenant defaults on a sublease, Legg Mason may incur operating charges to
adjust the existing lease reserve liability to reflect expected future sublease rentals at reduced amounts, dependent on the commercial real estate market at such time.
The minimum rental commitments shown above also include $5,095 for commitments related to space that has been vacated, but for which subleases are being pursued. The related lease reserve liability, also included in the table below, was $3,376 and $5,061 as of December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2018, respectively, and remains subject to adjustment based on circumstances in the real estate markets that may require a change in assumptions or the actual terms of a sublease that is ultimately secured. The lease reserve liability takes into consideration various assumptions, including the expected amount of time it will take to secure a sublease agreement and prevailing rental rates in the applicable real estate markets.
The lease reserve liability for subleased space and vacated space for which subleases are being pursued is included in Other current liabilities and Other non-current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The table below presents a summary of the changes in the lease reserve liability:
|
| | | | |
Balance as of March 31, 2017 | | $ | 39,688 |
|
Payments, net | | (13,019 | ) |
Adjustments and other | | 2,580 |
|
Balance as of March 31, 2018 | | 29,249 |
|
Accrued charges for subleased space (1) | | 1,970 |
|
Payments, net | | (4,973 | ) |
Adjustments and other | | 850 |
|
Balance as of December 31, 2018 | | $ | 27,096 |
|
(1) Related to execution of a sublease for space in Legg Mason's corporate headquarters and included in Occupancy expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).
Contingent Consideration
As of December 31, 2018, Legg Mason had various commitments to pay contingent consideration relating to business acquisitions. The following table presents a summary of the maximum remaining contingent consideration and changes in the contingent consideration liability for certain of Legg Mason's acquisitions.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | RARE Infrastructure | | Martin Currie | | QS Investors | | Other(2) | | Total |
Acquisition Date | | October 21, 2015 | | October 1, 2014 | | May 30, 2014 | | Various | | |
Maximum Remaining Contingent Consideration(1) | | $ | 74,657 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 1,900 |
| | $ | 76,557 |
|
Contingent Consideration Liability | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance as of March 31, 2017 | | $ | 17,444 |
| | $ | 12,018 |
| | $ | 4,841 |
| | $ | 2,507 |
| | $ | 36,810 |
|
Initial purchase accounting accrual | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 1,900 |
| | 1,900 |
|
Fair value adjustments | | (17,413 | ) | | (13,355 | ) | | (1,300 | ) | | 739 |
| | (31,329 | ) |
Foreign exchange and accretion | | (31 | ) | | 1,337 |
| | 166 |
| | (4 | ) | | 1,468 |
|
Payment | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (3,242 | ) | | (3,242 | ) |
Balance as of March 31, 2018 (3) | | — |
| | — |
| | 3,707 |
| | 1,900 |
| | 5,607 |
|
Fair value adjustments | | — |
| | — |
| | 571 |
| | — |
| | 571 |
|
Foreign exchange and accretion | | — |
| | — |
| | 41 |
| | — |
| | 41 |
|
Payment | | — |
| | — |
| | (4,319 | ) | | — |
| | (4,319 | ) |
Balance as of December 31, 2018 (3) | | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 1,900 |
| | $ | 1,900 |
|
| |
(1) | Using the applicable exchange rate as of December 31, 2018, for amounts denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. |
| |
(2) | Includes amounts related to two small acquisitions completed in December 2017 and the acquisition of PK Investments on December 31, 2015. |
| |
(3) | As of December 31, 2018, $550 was included in Other current liabilities and $1,350 was included in Other non-current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of March 31, 2018, $3,707 was included in Other current liabilities and $1,900 was included in Other non-current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. |
On October 21, 2015, Legg Mason acquired a majority equity interest in RARE Infrastructure Limited ("RARE Infrastructure"). The transaction provided for potential contingent consideration payments as of March 31, 2018 and 2017, however, no such payments were due based on relevant net revenue targets. Contingent consideration catch-up adjustment payments of up to $74,657 (using the foreign exchange rate as of December 31, 2018, for the maximum 106,000 Australian dollar amount per the related agreements), may be due through March 31, 2019, dependent on the achievement of certain net revenue targets; however, as of December 31, 2018, no such payments are expected to be due.
On October 1, 2014, Legg Mason acquired all outstanding equity of Martin Currie. The agreement also required certain contingent payments as of March 31, 2016, 2017, and 2018; however, no such payments were due based on relevant financial metrics. Legg Mason believes no payments are due and is discussing the determination with certain of the entities from which Legg Mason acquired Martin Currie.
Effective May 31, 2014, Legg Mason acquired all of the outstanding equity interests of QS Investors. Contingent consideration of up to $20,000 for the fourth anniversary payment, and up to $3,400 for a potential catch-up adjustment for the second anniversary payment shortfall, was potentially due in July 2018. In September 2018, Legg Mason paid $4,319 for the final installment of contingent consideration.
Noncontrolling Interests
As provided for in the related documents, Legg Mason may be obligated to settle redeemable noncontrolling interests related to certain affiliates. As of December 31, 2018, affiliate redeemable noncontrolling interests, excluding amounts related to management equity plans, aggregated $539,972. In addition, as of December 31, 2018, the estimated redemption fair value for units under affiliate management equity plans (redeemable and nonredeemable) aggregated $88,234. See Notes 8 and 11 for additional information regarding affiliate management equity plans and noncontrolling interests, respectively.
On July 2, 2018, the corporate minority owner of RARE Infrastructure exercised the put option for its 10% ownership interest. The settlement value of $15,547, along with $981 of dividends in arrears, was paid on October 10, 2018. See Note 11 for additional information.
Other Commitments and Contingencies
As of December 31, 2018, Legg Mason had commitments to invest $36,044 in limited partnerships that make private investments. These commitments are expected to be outstanding, or funded as required, through the end of their respective investment periods ranging through fiscal 2030. Also, in connection with the acquisition of Clarion Partners in April 2016, Legg Mason committed to ultimately provide $100,000 of seed capital to Clarion Partners products. Legg Mason also committed to contribute up to $5,000 of additional working capital to Financial Guard, to be paid over the two-year period following the acquisition, the final $2,500 of which was paid during the three months ended June 30, 2018.
In the normal course of business, Legg Mason enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties and that provide general indemnifications, which are not considered financial guarantees by relevant accounting guidance. Legg Mason’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against Legg Mason that have not yet occurred.
Legg Mason has completed negotiations with the Department of Justice and the SEC to resolve the previously disclosed regulatory investigation concerning the activities of its former Permal business in connection with managing assets of Libyan governmental entities in structures established by a third-party financial institution. During the six months ended September 30, 2018, Legg Mason recorded an additional operating charge to earnings of $4,151, respectively, for this matter. The $71,151 aggregate settlement amount was paid during the six months ended September 30, 2018.
Legg Mason has been the subject of customer complaints and has also been named as a defendant in various legal actions arising primarily from asset management, securities brokerage, and investment banking activities, including certain class actions, which primarily allege violations of securities laws and seek unspecified damages, which could be substantial. In the normal course of its business, Legg Mason has also received subpoenas and is currently involved in other governmental and industry self-regulatory agency inquiries, investigations and, from time to time, proceedings involving asset management activities. In accordance with guidance for accounting for contingencies, Legg Mason has established provisions for estimated losses from pending complaints, legal actions, investigations and proceedings when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and a reasonable estimate of loss can be made.
Legg Mason cannot estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss associated with matters of litigation and other proceedings, including those described above as customer complaints, legal actions, inquiries, proceedings and investigations. The inability to provide a reasonably possible amount or range of losses is not because there is uncertainty as to the ultimate outcome of a matter, but because liability and damage issues have not developed to the point where Legg Mason can conclude that there is both a reasonable possibility of a loss and a meaningful amount or range of possible losses. There are numerous aspects to customer complaints, legal actions, inquiries, proceedings and investigations that prevent Legg Mason from estimating a related amount or range of reasonably possible losses. These aspects include, among other things, the nature of the matters; that significant relevant facts are not known, are uncertain or are in dispute; and that damages sought are not specified, are uncertain, unsupportable or unexplained. In addition, for legal actions, discovery may not yet have started, may not be complete or may not be conclusive, and meaningful settlement discussions may not have occurred. Further, for regulatory matters, investigations may run their course without any clear indication of wrongdoing or fault until their conclusion.
In management's opinion, an adequate accrual has been made as of December 31, 2018, to provide for any probable losses that may arise from matters for which the Company could reasonably estimate an amount. Legg Mason's financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially affected during a period in which probable losses become apparent or a matter is ultimately resolved. In addition, the ultimate costs of litigation-related charges can vary significantly from period-to-period, depending on factors such as market conditions, the size and volume of customer complaints and claims, including class action suits, and recoveries from indemnification, contribution, insurance reimbursement, or reductions in compensation under revenue share arrangements.
8. Stock-Based Compensation
Legg Mason's stock-based compensation includes restricted stock units, stock options, an employee stock purchase plan, market and performance-based performance shares payable in common stock, affiliate management equity plans and deferred compensation payable in stock. Shares available for issuance under the equity incentive stock plan as of December 31, 2018, were 7,323. Options under Legg Mason’s equity incentive stock plans have been granted at prices not less than 100% of the fair market value on the date of grant. Options are generally exercisable in equal increments over four or five years and expire within eight to 10 years from the date of grant.
As further discussed below, the components of Legg Mason's total stock-based compensation expense were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended December 31, | | Nine Months Ended December 31, |
| | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2018 | | 2017 |
Restricted stock and restricted stock units | | $ | 11,668 |
| | $ | 11,853 |
| | $ | 38,707 |
| | $ | 41,941 |
|
Stock options | | 1,057 |
| | 1,656 |
| | 3,513 |
| | 5,801 |
|
Employee stock purchase plan | | 96 |
| | 109 |
| | 480 |
| | 502 |
|
Affiliate management equity plans | | 719 |
| | 776 |
| | 2,213 |
| | 2,328 |
|
Non-employee director awards | | — |
| | 200 |
| | 1,025 |
| | 1,275 |
|
Performance share units | | 1,202 |
| | 870 |
| | 4,014 |
| | 3,134 |
|
Employee stock trust | | 8 |
| | 7 |
| | 23 |
| | 21 |
|
Total stock-based compensation expense | | $ | 14,750 |
| | $ | 15,471 |
| | $ | 49,975 |
| | $ | 55,002 |
|
Restricted Stock
Restricted stock and restricted stock unit transactions are summarized below:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Nine Months Ended December 31, |
| | 2018 | | 2017 |
| | Number of Shares | | Weighted-Average Grant Date Value | | Number of Shares | | Weighted- Average Grant Date Value |
Unvested shares at March 31 | | 3,299 |
| | $ | 38.09 |
| | 3,321 |
| | $ | 38.92 |
|
Granted | | 1,179 |
| | 39.05 |
| | 1,459 |
| | 37.67 |
|
Vested | | (1,286 | ) | | 39.73 |
| | (1,361 | ) | | 39.75 |
|
Canceled/forfeited | | (108 | ) | | 37.62 |
| | (66 | ) | | 38.19 |
|
Unvested shares at December 31 | | 3,084 |
| | $ | 37.80 |
| | 3,353 |
|
| $ | 38.05 |
|
Unamortized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards at December 31, 2018, of $74,997 is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years.
Stock Options
Stock option transactions under Legg Mason's equity incentive plans are summarized below:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Nine Months Ended December 31, |
| | 2018 | | 2017 |
| | Number of Shares | | Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share | | Number of Shares | | Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share |
Options outstanding at March 31 | | 4,437 |
| | $ | 38.78 |
| | 4,593 |
| | $ | 38.15 |
|
Granted | | — |
| | — |
| | 421 |
| | 37.64 |
|
Exercised | | (189 | ) | | 31.62 |
| | (378 | ) | | 29.45 |
|
Canceled/Forfeited | | (95 | ) | | 43.92 |
| | (102 | ) | | 47.07 |
|
Options outstanding at December 31 | | 4,153 |
| | $ | 38.99 |
| | 4,534 |
| | $ | 38.63 |
|
At December 31, 2018, options were exercisable for 3,269 shares, with a weighted-average exercise price of $39.04 and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 3.4 years. Unamortized compensation cost related to unvested options for 884 shares at December 31, 2018, was $3,940, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.0 year.
The weighted-average fair value of service-based stock options granted during the nine months ended December 31, 2017, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model was $8.33 per share.
The following weighted-average assumptions were used in the model for grants in the nine months ended December 31, 2017:
|
| | | |
Expected dividend yield | | 1.70 | % |
Risk-free interest rate | | 1.89 | % |
Expected volatility | | 26.79 | % |
Expected life (in years) | | 5.09 |
|
Legg Mason uses an equally weighted combination of both implied and historical volatility to measure expected volatility for calculating Black-Scholes option values.
Affiliate Management Equity Plans
In connection with the acquisition of Clarion Partners in April 2016, Legg Mason implemented a management equity plan for Clarion Partners that entitles certain of its key employees to participate in 15% of the future growth, if any, of the Clarion
Partners enterprise value (subject to appropriate discounts) subsequent to the date of the grant. As of December 31, 2018, the estimated aggregate redemption fair value of units under the plan, as if they were currently redeemable, was $14,600.
Effective March 1, 2016, Legg Mason implemented a management equity plan for Royce's key employees. Under the management equity plan, minority equity interests equivalent to a 19% interest in the Royce entity have been issued to certain key employees. Equity holders receive quarterly distributions of a portion of Royce's pre-tax income in amounts equal to the percentage of ownership represented by the equity they hold, subject to payment of Legg Mason's revenue share and reasonable expenses. As of December 31, 2018, the estimated aggregate redemption fair value of units under the plan, as if they were currently redeemable, was $27,494.
On March 31, 2014, Legg Mason implemented a management equity plan and granted units to key employees of its subsidiary ClearBridge Investments, LLC ("ClearBridge") that entitle them to participate in 15% of the future growth, if any, of the ClearBridge enterprise value (subject to appropriate discounts) subsequent to the grant date. Independent valuation determined the aggregate cost of the award to be approximately $16,000, which will be recognized as Compensation and benefits expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) over the related vesting periods through March 2019. Total compensation expense related to the ClearBridge affiliate management equity plan was $719 and $776 for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $2,213 and $2,328 for the nine months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. This arrangement provides that one-half of the cost will be absorbed by the ClearBridge incentive pool. As of December 31, 2018, the estimated aggregate redemption fair value of vested units under the ClearBridge plan, as if they were currently redeemable, was approximately $46,140.
Other
As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, non-employee directors held 98 and 80 restricted stock units, respectively, which vest on the grant date and are, therefore, not included in the unvested shares of restricted stock units in the table above.
Upon the acquisition of Clarion Partners in April 2016, Legg Mason granted certain key employees of Clarion Partners a total of 716 performance-based Legg Mason restricted share units, which are not included in the unvested shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units in the table above, with an aggregate fair value of $11,121, which was included in the purchase price. These restricted share units vest upon Clarion Partners achieving a certain level of EBITDA, as defined in the purchase agreement, within a designated period after the closing of the acquisition.
In May 2018 and 2017, Legg Mason granted certain executive officers a total of 163 and 111 performance share units, respectively, as part of their fiscal 2018 and 2017 incentive awards with an aggregate value of $5,820 and $3,503, respectively. The vesting of performance share units granted in May 2018 and the number of shares payable at vesting are determined based on Legg Mason’s relative total stockholder return and relative organic growth rate of long-term AUM over a three-year period ending March 31, 2021. The recorded grant date fair value per performance share unit of $35.67 was estimated based on a multiple fair value Monte Carlo pricing model. Expense associated with the May 2018 grant is adjusted for the level of relative organic growth expected to be ultimately achieved. The estimated fair values for the May 2018 grant range from $18.08 to $44.46 per performance share unit share. The vesting of the performance share units granted in May 2017 are determined based on Legg Mason's relative total stockholder return over a three-year period ending March 31, 2020. The grant date fair value per unit for the May 2017 performance share units of $31.42 was estimated as of the grant date using a Monte Carlo pricing model. The following assumptions were used in the Monte Carlo pricing models for the May 2018 and 2017 grants:
|
| | | | | | |
| | 2018 | | 2017 |
Expected dividend yield | | 3.49 | % | | 2.96 | % |
Risk-free interest rate | | 2.71 | % | | 1.47 | % |
Expected (average in 2018) volatility | | 26.14 | % | | 27.73 | % |
9. Revenue
The following tables presents Total Operating Revenues disaggregated by asset class: |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended December 31, | | Nine Months Ended December 31, |
| | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2018 | | 2017 |
Equity | | $ | 296,738 |
| | $ | 330,247 |
| | $ | 931,350 |
| | $ | 964,539 |
|
Fixed Income | | 275,559 |
| | 304,027 |
| | 855,343 |
| | 867,846 |
|
Alternative | | 110,390 |
| | 133,108 |
| | 361,239 |
| | 444,512 |
|
Liquidity | | 21,635 |
| | 25,708 |
| | 62,722 |
| | 78,373 |
|
Total Operating Revenues | | $ | 704,322 |
| | $ | 793,090 |
| | $ | 2,210,654 |
| | $ | 2,355,270 |
|
Revenues by geographic location are primarily based on the location of the advisor or domicile of fund families managed by Legg Mason and do not necessarily reflect where the customer resides or the currency in which the revenues are denominated. The following table presents Total Operating Revenues disaggregated by geographic location:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended December 31, | | Nine Months Ended December 31, |
| | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2018 | | 2017 |
United States | | $ | 547,696 |
| | $ | 595,784 |
| | $ | 1,711,426 |
| | $ | 1,781,657 |
|
United Kingdom | | 35,142 |
| | 56,437 |
| | 111,739 |
| | 156,038 |
|
Other International | | 121,484 |
| | 140,869 |
| | 387,489 |
| | 417,575 |
|
Total Operating Revenues | | $ | 704,322 |
| | $ | 793,090 |
| | $ | 2,210,654 |
| | $ | 2,355,270 |
|
As previously discussed, certain sales commissions paid in connection with obtaining assets managed in retail separately managed accounts are capitalized as deferred costs. As of December 31, 2018, capitalized sales commissions of $8,049 were included in Other current assets and $10,429 were included in Other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Amortization related to capitalized sales commissions included in Compensation and benefits in the Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss) was $2,305 and $6,964 for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2018, respectively. There were no impairment losses in relation to the capitalized costs during the three or nine months ended December 31, 2018.
10. Earnings and Dividends Per Share
The following table presents the computations of basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. stockholders ("EPS"):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended December 31, | | Nine Months Ended December 31, |
| | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2018 | | 2017 |
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding for EPS | | 85,537 |
| | 90,377 |
| | 85,381 |
| | 92,770 |
|
Potential common shares: | | | | | | | | |
Dilutive employee stock options | | — |
| | 456 |
| | — |
| | 429 |
|
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding for EPS | | 85,537 |
| | 90,833 |
| | 85,381 |
| | 93,199 |
|
| | | | | | | | |
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. | | $ | (216,888 | ) | | $ | 149,222 |
| | $ | (77,995 | ) | | $ | 275,806 |
|
Less: Earnings (distributed and undistributed) allocated to participating securities | | 1,049 |
| | 5,347 |
| | 3,190 |
| | 9,639 |
|
Net Income (Loss) (Distributed and Undistributed) Allocated to Stockholders (Excluding Participating Securities) | | $ | (217,937 | ) | | $ | 143,875 |
| | $ | (81,185 | ) | | $ | 266,167 |
|
Net Income (Loss) per share Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. Stockholders | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | $ | (2.55 | ) | | $ | 1.59 |
| | $ | (0.95 | ) | | $ | 2.87 |
|
Diluted | | (2.55 | ) | | 1.58 |
| | (0.95 | ) | | 2.86 |
|
The weighted-average shares exclude weighted-average unvested restricted shares deemed to be participating securities of 3,104 and 3,357 for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and 3,104 and 3,322 for the nine months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
During the nine months ended December 31, 2018, Legg Mason purchased and retired 394 shares of its common stock for $15,547 under net share settlements of deferred compensation award vesting. The retired shares reduced weighted-average shares outstanding by 342 shares for the nine months ended December 31, 2018.
On December 22, 2017, Legg Mason purchased and retired 5,568 shares of Legg Mason common stock from Shanda Asset Management Investment Limited ("Shanda") for an aggregate purchase price of $225,490. In addition, during the three and nine months ended December 31, 2017, Legg Mason purchased and retired 1,920 and 6,636 shares of its common stock for $74,000 and $253,649, respectively, through open market purchases. During the nine months ended December 31, 2017, Legg Mason also retired 344 shares of common stock for $13,074 under net share settlements of deferred compensation award vesting. Total retired shares, including those purchased from Shanda, reduced weighted-average shares outstanding by 6,606 and 3,922 for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2017, respectively.
The diluted EPS calculation for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2018, excludes 56 and 143 potential common shares, respectively, that are anti-dilutive due to the net loss in each period.
The diluted EPS calculation for the nine months ended December 31, 2017, also excludes any potential common shares issuable under the 14,205 warrants issued in connection with the repurchase of convertible notes in May 2012 because the market price of Legg Mason common stock did not exceed the exercise price, and therefore, the warrants would be antidilutive. The warrants expired unexercised in July 2017.
Options to purchase 1,980 shares and 2,224 shares for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2017, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the assumed proceeds from exercising such options, including
the related income tax benefits, exceed the average price of the common shares for the period and, therefore, the options are deemed antidilutive.
Further, market- and performance-based awards are excluded from potential dilution until the designated market or performance condition is met. Unvested restricted shares for both the three and nine months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, were antidilutive and, therefore, do not further impact diluted EPS.
Dividends per share declared in the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, were $0.34 and $0.28, respectively, and in the nine months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, were $1.02 and $0.84, respectively.
11. Noncontrolling Interests
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests included the following amounts:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended December 31, | | Nine Months Ended December 31, |
| | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2018 | | 2017 |
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests | | $ | 8,852 |
| | $ | 17,228 |
| | $ | 24,460 |
| | $ | 37,514 |
|
Net income attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests | | 1,646 |
| | 2,096 |
| | 6,583 |
| | 6,387 |
|
Total | | $ | 10,498 |
| | $ | 19,324 |
| | $ | 31,043 |
| | $ | 43,901 |
|
The following tables present the changes in redeemable and nonredeemable noncontrolling interests:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Redeemable noncontrolling interests | | |
| | Consolidated investment vehicles(1) and other | | Affiliate | | | | |
| | | Noncontrolling interests | | Management equity plans | | Total | | Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests(2) |
Balance as of March 31, 2018 | | $ | 125,047 |
| | $ | 573,950 |
| | $ | 33,298 |
| | $ | 732,295 |
| | $ | 27,731 |
|
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | | 1,036 |
| | 23,424 |
| | — |
| | 24,460 |
| | 6,583 |
|
Net subscriptions (redemptions) | | (36,328 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | (36,328 | ) | | — |
|
Settlement of affiliate noncontrolling interest put: | | | | | | | | | | |
Payment | | — |
| | (15,547 | ) | | — |
| | (15,547 | ) | | — |
|
Change in redemption value | | — |
| | (12,345 | ) | | — |
| | (12,345 | ) | | — |
|
Distributions | | — |
| | (25,538 | ) | | — |
| | (25,538 | ) | | (6,820 | ) |
Foreign exchange | | — |
| | (5,009 | ) | | — |
| | (5,009 | ) | | — |
|
Vesting/change in estimated redemption value | | — |
| | 1,037 |
| | 13,925 |
| | 14,962 |
| | — |
|
Balance as of December 31, 2018 | | $ | 89,755 |
| | $ | 539,972 |
| | $ | 47,223 |
| | $ | 676,950 |
| | $ | 27,494 |
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Redeemable noncontrolling interests | | |
| | Consolidated investment vehicles(1) and other | | Affiliate | | | | |
| | | Noncontrolling interests | | Management equity plans | | Total | | Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests(2) |
Balance as of March 31, 2017 | | $ | 58,470 |
| | $ | 591,254 |
| | $ | 28,048 |
| | $ | 677,772 |
| | $ | 27,798 |
|
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | | 7,923 |
| | 29,591 |
| | — |
| | 37,514 |
| | 6,387 |
|
Net subscriptions (redemptions) | | 47,401 |
| | (2,693 | ) | | — |
| | 44,708 |
| | — |
|
Distributions | | — |
| | (36,953 | ) | | — |
| | (36,953 | ) | | (6,524 | ) |
Foreign exchange | | — |
| | 1,500 |
| | — |
| | 1,500 |
| | — |
|
Vesting/change in estimated redemption value | | — |
| | 743 |
| | 2,422 |
| | 3,165 |
| | — |
|
Balance as of December 31, 2017 | | $ | 113,794 |
| | $ | 583,442 |
| | $ | 30,470 |
| | $ | 727,706 |
| | $ | 27,661 |
|
(1) Related to VIE and seeded investment products.
(2) Related to Royce management equity plan.
The following tables present the changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests by affiliate (exclusive of management equity plans):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Redeemable noncontrolling interests |
| | EnTrust-Permal | | Clarion Partners | | RARE Infrastructure | | Other | | Total |
Balance as of March 31, 2018 | | $ | 386,884 |
| | $ | 117,272 |
| | $ | 68,285 |
| | $ | 1,509 |
| | $ | 573,950 |
|
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests | | 9,752 |
| | 12,460 |
| | 1,417 |
| | (205 | ) | | 23,424 |
|
Distributions | | (13,475 | ) | | (10,359 | ) | | (1,693 | ) | | (11 | ) | | (25,538 | ) |
Settlement of affiliate noncontrolling interest put: | | | | | | | | | |
|
|
Payment | | — |
| | — |
| | (15,547 | ) | | — |
| | (15,547 | ) |
Change in redemption value | | — |
| | — |
| | (12,345 | ) | | — |
| | (12,345 | ) |
Foreign exchange | | — |
| | — |
| | (5,009 | ) | | — |
| | (5,009 | ) |
Change in estimated redemption value | | — |
| | 1,037 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 1,037 |
|
Balance as of December 31, 2018 | | $ | 383,161 |
| | $ | 120,410 |
|
| $ | 35,108 |
| | $ | 1,293 |
| | $ | 539,972 |
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Redeemable noncontrolling interests |
| | EnTrust-Permal | | Clarion Partners | | RARE Infrastructure | | Other | | Total |
Balance as of March 31, 2017 | | $ | 404,852 |
| | $ | 113,173 |
| | $ | 68,747 |
| | $ | 4,482 |
| | $ | 591,254 |
|
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests | | 17,014 |
| | 9,725 |
| | 2,948 |
| | (96 | ) | | 29,591 |
|
Redemptions | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (2,693 | ) | | (2,693 | ) |
Distributions | | (23,759 | ) | | (9,462 | ) | | (3,597 | ) | | (135 | ) | | (36,953 | ) |
Foreign exchange | | — |
| | — |
| | 1,500 |
| | — |
| | 1,500 |
|
Change in estimated redemption value | | — |
| | 743 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 743 |
|
Balance as of December 31, 2017 | | $ | 398,107 |
| | $ | 114,179 |
| | $ | 69,598 |
| | $ | 1,558 |
| | $ | 583,442 |
|
Affiliate redeemable noncontrolling interests include minority interests for which the holder may, at some point, request settlement of their interests. Redeemable noncontrolling interests are reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at their estimated settlement values except when such settlement values are less than the issuance value, the reported amount is the issuance value. Changes in the expected settlement values are recognized over the settlement period as adjustments to retained earnings. Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests include vested affiliate management equity plan interests that do not permit the holder to request settlement of their interests. Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests are reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at their issuance value, together with undistributed net income allocated to noncontrolling interests.
Redeemable noncontrolling interests of 35% of the outstanding equity of EnTrustPermal, 18% of the outstanding equity of Clarion Partners, and 15% of the outstanding equity of RARE Infrastructure can be put by the holders or called by Legg Mason for settlement at fair value subject to various conditions, including the passage of time. The amounts for noncontrolling interests, if reported at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets reflect the total business enterprise value of the combined entity, after appropriate discounts for lack of marketability and control.
On July 2, 2018, the corporate minority owner of RARE Infrastructure exercised the put option for its 10% ownership interest. The settlement value of $15,547 was based on the midpoint of the valuations determined by the independent valuation experts appointed by Legg Mason and the corporate minority owner and was paid on October 10, 2018, along with $981 of dividends in arrears. The $12,345 difference between the settlement value and the carrying value of the noncontrolling interest of $27,892 on the settlement date was recorded as an increase to additional paid in capital.
12. Derivatives and Hedging
Legg Mason uses currency forwards to economically hedge the risk of movements in exchange rates, primarily between the U.S. dollar, British pound, Australian dollar, Singapore dollar, Japanese yen, and euro. All derivative transactions for which Legg Mason has certain legally enforceable rights of setoff are governed by International Swaps and Derivative Association ("ISDA") Master Agreements. For these derivative transactions, Legg Mason has one ISDA Master Agreement with each of the significant counterparties, which covers transactions with that counterparty. Each of the respective ISDA agreements provides for settlement netting and close-out netting between Legg Mason and that counterparty, which are legally enforceable rights to setoff. Other assets recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2018, were $3,866 and $4,904, respectively. Other liabilities recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2018, were $9,326 and $6,446, respectively.
Legg Mason also uses market hedges on certain seed capital investments by entering into futures contracts to sell index funds that benchmark the hedged seed capital investments.
Legg Mason has entered into various total return swap arrangements with financial intermediaries with respect to certain Legg Mason sponsored ETFs, which resulted in investments by each of the financial intermediaries in the respective ETF. Under the terms of each of the total return swap arrangements, Legg Mason receives the related investment gains and losses on the underlying shares of the ETF and pays a floating rate on the value of the underlying shares. Each of the total return swap arrangements allows either party to terminate all or part of the arrangement and provides for automatic termination upon occurrence of certain events. Each financial intermediary counterparty may hedge its total return swap position through an investment in the ETF and the financial intermediaries purchased interests in the respective Legg Mason ETF on the date of the transactions.
The terms of the total return swap arrangements, aggregate counterparty investment in the related ETF on the date of each transaction, and the aggregate notional amount for the total return swaps outstanding as of December 31, 2018, were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Transaction Date | | Expiration Date | | Aggregate Counterparty Initial Investment in ETF | | Floating Rate | | Aggregate Notional Amount as of December 31, 2018 |
May 2018 | | May 2019 | | $ | 5,573 |
| | Three-month LIBOR plus 1.6% | | $ | 5,354 |
|
July 2018 | | July 2019 | | 17,094 |
| | Three-month LIBOR plus 1.6% | | 15,819 |
|
October 2018 | | October 2019 | | 10,000 |
| | Three-month LIBOR plus 1.6% | | 10,073 |
|
November 2018 | | November 2019 | | 9,886 |
| | Three-month LIBOR plus 1.6% | | 10,073 |
|
| | | | $ | 42,553 |
| | | | $ | 41,319 |
|
As further discussed in Notes 2 and 13, the total return swap arrangements create variable interests in the underlying funds for Legg Mason, and, if significant, Legg Mason is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, Legg Mason may consolidate ETF products with significant open total return swap arrangements. In connection with these arrangements, Legg Mason executed futures contracts with notional amounts totaling $41,522 as of December 31, 2018 to partially hedge the gains and losses recognized on the total return swaps.
Legg Mason has not designated any derivatives as hedging instruments for accounting purposes during the periods ended December 31, 2018, March 31, 2018, or December 31, 2017. In addition to the total return swap arrangements and the related futures contracts discussed above, as of December 31, 2018, Legg Mason had open currency forward contracts with aggregate notional amounts totaling $417,807, and open futures contracts relating to seed capital investments with aggregate notional amounts totaling $112,117. With the exception of the total return swap arrangements and related futures contracts, these amounts are representative of the level of non-hedge designation derivative activity throughout the nine months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. As of December 31, 2018, the weighted-average remaining contract terms for currency forward contracts was five months and for futures contracts relating to seed capital investments was two months.
The following table presents the derivative assets and related offsets, if any:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheet | | |
| | Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets | | Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet | | Net Amount of Derivative Assets Presented in the Balance Sheet | | Financial Instruments | | Cash Collateral | | Net Amount as of December 31, 2018 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments | | | | | | |
Currency forward contracts | | $ | 4,197 |
| | $ | (2,410 | ) | | $ | 1,787 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 1,787 |
|
Futures contracts relating to: | | | | | |
| | | | | |
|
Seed capital investments | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 1,580 |
| | 3,955 |
| | 5,535 |
|
Total return swaps | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 309 |
| | 763 |
| | 1,072 |
|
Total futures contracts | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 1,889 |
| | 4,718 |
| | 6,607 |
|
Total return swaps | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 190 |
| | 1,203 |
| | 1,393 |
|
Total derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments | | $ | 4,197 |
|
| $ | (2,410 | ) |
| $ | 1,787 |
|
| $ | 2,079 |
|
| $ | 5,921 |
|
| $ | 9,787 |
|
The following table presents the derivative liabilities and related offsets, if any:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheet | | |
| | Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities | | Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet | | Net Amount of Derivative Liabilities Presented in the Balance Sheet | | Financial Instruments | | Cash Collateral | | Net Amount as of December 31, 2018 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments | | | | | | |
Currency forward contracts | | $ | (12,897 | ) | | $ | 4,631 |
| | $ | (8,266 | ) | | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | (8,266 | ) |
Futures contracts relating to total return swaps | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (345 | ) | | 465 |
| | 120 |
|
Total return swaps | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| — |
| (715 | ) | — |
| 3,100 |
| | 2,385 |
|
Total derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments | | $ | (12,897 | ) | | $ | 4,631 |
| | $ | (8,266 | ) | | $ | (1,060 | ) | | $ | 3,565 |
| | $ | (5,761 | ) |
The following table presents the derivative assets and related offsets, if any:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheet | | |
| | Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets | | Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet | | Net Amount of Derivative Assets Presented in the Balance Sheet | | Financial Instruments | | Cash Collateral | | Net amount as of March 31, 2018 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments | | | | | | |
Currency forward contracts | | $ | 7,997 |
| | $ | (3,177 | ) | | $ | 4,820 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 4,820 |
|
Total return swaps | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 84 |
| | 1,283 |
| | 1,367 |
|
Total derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments | | $ | 7,997 |
| | $ | (3,177 | ) | | $ | 4,820 |
| | $ | 84 |
| | $ | 1,283 |
| | $ | 6,187 |
|
The following table presents the derivative liabilities and related offsets, if any:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheet | | |
| | Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities | | Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet | | Net Amount of Derivative Liabilities Presented in the Balance Sheet | | Financial Instruments | | Cash Collateral | | Net amount as of March 31, 2018 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments | | | | | | |
Currency forward contracts | | $ | (532 | ) | | $ | 223 |
| | $ | (309 | ) | | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | (309 | ) |
Futures contracts relating to: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Seed capital investments | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (2,875 | ) | | 9,214 |
| | 6,339 |
|
Total return swaps | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (1,029 | ) | | 3,201 |
| | 2,172 |
|
Total futures contracts | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (3,904 | ) | | 12,415 |
| | 8,511 |
|
Total return swaps | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (2,233 | ) | | 5,637 |
| | 3,404 |
|
Total derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments | | $ | (532 | ) | | $ | 223 |
| | $ | (309 | ) | | $ | (6,137 | ) | | $ | 18,052 |
| | $ | 11,606 |
|
The following table presents gains (losses) recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) on derivative instruments. As described above, the currency forward contracts and futures and forward contracts for seed capital investments included below are economic hedges of interest rate and market risk of certain operating and investing activities of Legg Mason.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Three Months Ended December 31, |
| | | | 2018 | | 2017 |
| | Income Statement Classification | | Gains | | Losses | | Gains | | Losses |
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | | | | | | |
Currency forward contracts relating to: | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating activities | | Other expense | | $ | 3,110 |
| | $ | (5,587 | ) | | $ | 2,005 |
| | $ | (1,146 | ) |
Seed capital investments | | Other non-operating income (expense) | | 1,503 |
| | (1,116 | ) | | 624 |
| | (518 | ) |
Futures contracts relating to: | | | | | | | | | | |
Seed capital investments | | Other non-operating income (expense) | | 16,520 |
| | (1 | ) | | 33 |
| | (6,864 | ) |
Total return swaps | | Other non-operating income (expense) | | 3,121 |
| | (467 | ) | | — |
| | (3,478 | ) |
Total return swaps | | Other non-operating income (expense) | | 203 |
| | (832 | ) | | 1,796 |
| | (11 | ) |
Total gain (loss) from derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | | $ | 24,457 |
| | $ | (8,003 | ) | | $ | 4,458 |
| | $ | (12,017 | ) |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Nine Months Ended December 31, |
| | | | 2018 | | 2017 |
| | Income Statement Classification | | Gains | | Losses | | Gains | | Losses |
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | | | | | | | | |
Currency forward contracts relating to: | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating activities | | Other expense | | $ | 9,369 |
| | $ | (19,366 | ) | | $ | 10,980 |
| | $ | (4,917 | ) |
Seed capital investments | | Other non-operating income (expense) | | 5,523 |
| | (788 | ) | | 251 |
| | (1,868 | ) |
Futures contracts relating to: | | | | | | | | | | |
Seed capital investments | | Other non-operating income (expense) | | 19,224 |
| | (7,066 | ) | | 72 |
| | (18,082 | ) |
Total return swaps | | Other non-operating income (expense) | | 3,425 |
| | (3,418 | ) | | 89 |
| | (5,274 | ) |
Total return swaps | | Other non-operating income (expense) | | 1,869 |
| | (938 | ) | | 2,562 |
| | — |
|
Total gain (loss) from derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | | $ | 39,410 |
| | $ | (31,576 | ) | | $ | 13,954 |
|
| $ | (30,141 | ) |
13. Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Investment Vehicles
In accordance with financial accounting standards, Legg Mason consolidates certain sponsored investment products, some of which are designated as CIVs. As presented in the table below, Legg Mason concluded it was the primary beneficiary of certain VIEs because it held significant financial interests in the funds. In addition, Legg Mason has entered into various total return swap arrangements with financial intermediaries with respect to certain Legg Mason sponsored ETFs. Under the terms of the total return swaps, Legg Mason absorbs all of the related gains and losses on the underlying ETF investments of these financial intermediaries, and therefore has variable interests in ETFs with open total return swap arrangements and, if significant, Legg Mason is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of such ETFs. Because it was determined to be the primary beneficiary of these VIEs, Legg Mason consolidated and designated the following funds as CIVs in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2018 | | March 31, 2018 | | December 31, 2017 |
| Number of Consolidated Funds | | Legg Mason Investment in Funds(1) | | Number of Consolidated Funds | | Legg Mason Investment in Funds(1) | | Number of Consolidated Funds | | Legg Mason Investment in Funds(1) |
Sponsored investment funds | 2 | | $ | 12,863 |
| | 2 | | $ | 16,670 |
| | 2 | | $ | 16,537 |
|
Foreign mutual funds | 8 | | 49,251 |
| | 4 | | 12,485 |
| | 3 | | 10,114 |
|
Employee-owned funds | 2 | | 6,963 |
| | 2 | | 7,328 |
| | 2 | | 7,107 |
|
ETFs(2) | 2 | | 2,487 |
| | 2 | | 7,371 |
| | 2 | | 7,790 |
|
Total | | | $ | 71,564 |
| | | | $ | 43,854 |
| | | | $ | 41,548 |
|
(1) Represents Legg Mason's maximum risk of loss, excluding uncollected advisory fees.
| |
(2) | Under the total return swap arrangements, Legg Mason receives the related investment gains and losses on investments in two of Legg Mason's ETFs with notional amounts totaling $41,319 as of December 31, 2018. See Note 12 for additional information regarding total return swaps. |
The assets of these CIVs are primarily comprised of investment securities and the liabilities of these CIVs are primarily comprised of payables for purchased securities and currency forward derivatives. Investors and creditors of these CIVs have no recourse to the general credit or assets of Legg Mason beyond its investment in these funds.
Legg Mason also consolidates certain VRE products with seed capital investments where Legg Mason maintains a controlling financial interest in the product.
See Note 2 for additional information regarding VIEs, VREs, and the consolidation of investment products.
The following tables reflect the impact of CIVs and other consolidated sponsored investment products in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss):
Consolidating Balance Sheets
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2018 | | March 31, 2018 |
| | Balance Before Consolidation of CIVs and Other(1) | | CIVs and Other(1) | | Eliminations | | Consolidated Totals | | Balance Before Consolidation of CIVs and Other(1) | | CIVs and Other(1) | | Eliminations | | Consolidated Totals |
Current Assets | | $ | 1,817,139 |
| | $ | 162,002 |
| | $ | (68,123 | ) | | $ | 1,911,018 |
| | $ | 1,808,918 |
| | $ | 160,278 |
| | $ | (40,814 | ) | | $ | 1,928,382 |
|
Non-current assets | | 5,764,370 |
| | 10,668 |
| | (3,441 | ) | | 5,771,597 |
| | 6,217,935 |
| | 9,257 |
| | (3,040 | ) | | 6,224,152 |
|
Total Assets | | $ | 7,581,509 |
| | $ | 172,670 |
| | $ | (71,564 | ) | | $ | 7,682,615 |
| | $ | 8,026,853 |
| | $ | 169,535 |
| | $ | (43,854 | ) | | $ | 8,152,534 |
|
Current Liabilities | | $ | 1,069,930 |
| | $ | 11,351 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 1,081,281 |
| | $ | 981,408 |
| | $ | 634 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 982,042 |
|
Non-current liabilities | | 2,271,701 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 2,271,701 |
| | 2,586,061 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 2,586,061 |
|
Total Liabilities | | 3,341,631 |
| | 11,351 |
| | — |
| | 3,352,982 |
| | 3,567,469 |
| | 634 |
| | — |
| | 3,568,103 |
|
Redeemable Non-controlling interests | | 587,195 |
| | 10,264 |
| | 79,491 |
| | 676,950 |
| | 607,248 |
| | 15,452 |
| | 109,595 |
| | 732,295 |
|
Total Stockholders’ Equity | | 3,652,683 |
| | 151,055 |
| | (151,055 | ) | | 3,652,683 |
| | 3,852,136 |
| | 153,449 |
| | (153,449 | ) | | 3,852,136 |
|
Total Liabilities and Equity | | $ | 7,581,509 |
| | $ | 172,670 |
| | $ | (71,564 | ) | | $ | 7,682,615 |
| | $ | 8,026,853 |
| | $ | 169,535 |
| | $ | (43,854 | ) | | $ | 8,152,534 |
|
| |
(1) | Other represents consolidated sponsored investment products (VREs) that are not designated as CIVs. |
Consolidating Statements of Income (Loss) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended |
| | December 31, 2018 | | December 31, 2017 |
| | Balance Before Consolidation of CIVs and Other(1) | | CIVs and Other(1) | | Eliminations | | Consolidated Totals | | Balance Before Consolidation of CIVs and Other(1) | | CIVs and Other(1) | | Eliminations | | Consolidated Totals |
Total Operating Revenues | | $ | 704,477 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | (155 | ) | | $ | 704,322 |
| | $ | 793,373 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | (283 | ) | | $ | 793,090 |
|
Total Operating Expenses | | 940,561 |
| | 308 |
| | (120 | ) | | 940,749 |
| | 819,984 |
| | 555 |
| | (116 | ) | | 820,423 |
|
Operating Income (Loss) | | (236,084 | ) |
| (308 | ) |
| (35 | ) | | (236,427 | ) | | (26,611 | ) |
| (555 | ) |
| (167 | ) | | (27,333 | ) |
Total Non-Operating Income (Expense) | | (32,158 | ) | | 2,612 |
| | (771 | ) | | (30,317 | ) | | (19,970 | ) | | 7,940 |
| | (1,487 | ) | | (13,517 | ) |
Income (Loss) Before Income Tax Provision | | (268,242 | ) |
| 2,304 |
|
| (806 | ) | | (266,744 | ) | | (46,581 | ) |
| 7,385 |
|
| (1,654 | ) | | (40,850 | ) |
Income tax provision (benefit) | | (60,354 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | (60,354 | ) | | (209,396 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | (209,396 | ) |
Net Income (Loss) | | (207,888 | ) |
| 2,304 |
|
| (806 | ) | | (206,390 | ) | | 162,815 |
|
| 7,385 |
|
| (1,654 | ) | | 168,546 |
|
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests | | 9,000 |
| | 242 |
| | 1,256 |
| | 10,498 |
| | 13,593 |
| | (285 | ) | | 6,016 |
| | 19,324 |
|
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. | | $ | (216,888 | ) |
| $ | 2,062 |
|
| $ | (2,062 | ) | | $ | (216,888 | ) | | $ | 149,222 |
|
| $ | 7,670 |
|
| $ | (7,670 | ) | | $ | 149,222 |
|
(1) Other represents consolidated sponsored investment products (VREs) that are not designated as CIVs. |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Nine Months Ended |
| | December 31, 2018 | | December 31, 2017 |
| | Balance Before Consolidation of CIVs and Other(1) | | CIVs and Other(1) | | Eliminations | | Consolidated Totals | | Balance Before Consolidation of CIVs and Other(1) | | CIVs and Other(1) | | Eliminations | | Consolidated Totals |
Total Operating Revenues | | $ | 2,211,115 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | (461 | ) | | $ | 2,210,654 |
| | $ | 2,355,620 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | (350 | ) | | $ | 2,355,270 |
|
Total Operating Expenses | | 2,184,807 |
| | 1,386 |
| | (516 | ) | | 2,185,677 |
| | 2,130,412 |
| | 749 |
| | (182 | ) | | 2,130,979 |
|
Operating Income (Loss) | | 26,308 |
| | (1,386 | ) | | 55 |
| | 24,977 |
| | 225,208 |
| | (749 | ) | | (168 | ) | | 224,291 |
|
Total Non-Operating Income (Expense) | | (74,131 | ) | | 2,070 |
| | 297 |
| | (71,764 | ) | | (55,892 | ) | | 11,310 |
| | (2,470 | ) | | (47,052 | ) |
Income (Loss) Before Income Tax Provision | | (47,823 | ) | | 684 |
| | 352 |
| | (46,787 | ) | | 169,316 |
| | 10,561 |
| | (2,638 | ) | | 177,239 |
|
Income tax provision (benefit) | | 165 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 165 |
| | (142,468 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | (142,468 | ) |
Net Income (Loss) | | (47,988 | ) | | 684 |
| | 352 |
| | (46,952 | ) | | 311,784 |
| | 10,561 |
| | (2,638 | ) | | 319,707 |
|
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests | | 30,007 |
| | 115 |
| | 921 |
| | 31,043 |
| | 35,978 |
| | (5 | ) | | 7,928 |
| | 43,901 |
|
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. | | $ | (77,995 | ) | | $ | 569 |
| | $ | (569 | ) | | $ | (77,995 | ) | | $ | 275,806 |
| | $ | 10,566 |
| | $ | (10,566 | ) | | $ | 275,806 |
|
(1) Other represents consolidated sponsored investment products (VREs) that are not designated as CIVs.
Non-Operating Income (Expense) of CIVs and Other includes interest income, interest expense, and net gains (losses) on investments.
The consolidation of CIVs has no impact on Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc.
As of December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2018, financial assets of CIVs carried at fair value totaling $110,161 and $128,397, respectively, were valued using Level 1 inputs, and totaling $15,205 and $20,692, respectively, were valued using NAV as a practical expedient. In addition, as of December 31, 2018, financial assets of CIVs carried at fair value totaling $30,080 were valued using Level 2 inputs. As of December 31, 2018, financial liabilities of CIVs carried at fair value of $4,080 were valued using Level 1 inputs and $5,353 were valued using Level 2 inputs. Legg Mason had no financial liabilities of CIVs carried at fair value as of March 31, 2018.
There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during either of the three and nine months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.
The NAVs used as a practical expedient by CIVs have been provided by the investees and have been derived from the fair values of the underlying investments as of the respective reporting dates. The following table summarizes the nature of these investments and any related liquidation restrictions or other factors, which may impact the ultimate value realized:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Fair Value Determined Using NAV | | As of December 31, 2018 |
Category of Investment | | Investment Strategy | | December 31, 2018 | | March 31, 2018 | | Unfunded Commitments | | Remaining Term |
Hedge funds | | Global macro, fixed income, long/short equity, systematic, emerging market, U.S. and European hedge | | $ | 15,205 |
| (1) | $ | 20,692 |
| | n/a | | n/a |
n/a - not applicable
| |
(1) | Redemption restrictions: 6% daily redemption; 13% monthly redemption; 65% quarterly redemption; and 16% are subject to three to five-year lock-up or side pocket provisions. |
Legg Mason's carrying value and maximum risk of loss for VIEs in which Legg Mason holds a variable interest, but for which it was not the primary beneficiary, were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | As of December 31, 2018 | | As of March 31, 2018 |
| | Equity Interests on the Consolidated Balance Sheet (1) | | Maximum Risk of Loss (2) | | Equity Interests on the Consolidated Balance Sheet (1) | | Maximum Risk of Loss (2) |
Real Estate Investment Trusts | | $ | 12,989 |
| | $ | 15,222 |
| | $ | 12,419 |
| | $ | 14,332 |
|
Other investment funds | | 26,389 |
| | 44,942 |
| | 12,640 |
| | 33,258 |
|
Total | | $ | 39,378 |
| | $ | 60,164 |
|
| $ | 25,059 |
|
| $ | 47,590 |
|
| |
(1) | Amounts are related to investments in proprietary and other fund products. |
| |
(2) | Includes equity investments the Company has made or is required to make and any earned but uncollected management fees. |
The Company's total AUM of unconsolidated VIEs was $32,271,887 and $31,809,837 as of December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2018, respectively.
The assets of these VIEs are primarily comprised of cash and cash equivalents and investment securities, and the liabilities are primarily comprised of various expense accruals. These VIEs were not consolidated because Legg Mason does not have both the power to direct significant economic activities of the entity and rights/obligations associated with benefits/losses that could be significant to the entity.
14. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On January 31, 2019, Legg Mason's Board of Directors approved a plan to implement a new global operating platform to increase collaboration and capitalize on operational scale and related synergies across the parent company and certain affiliates. Legg Mason expects to incur aggregate incremental costs in the range of $130,000 to $150,000 that are expected to result in future cost savings. Legg Mason expects the majority of the global operating platform initiative to be complete by March 2021.
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward-looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve substantial risks or uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as “achieve,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “continue,” “current,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intention,” “maintain,” “opportunity,” “position,” “potential,” “projection,” “remain,” “seek,” “sustain,” “trend” and similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “could,” “may,” “should,” "will," "would" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and beliefs, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause our actual results, performance and achievements and the timing of certain events to differ materially from the results, performance, achievements or timing discussed, projected, anticipated or indicated in any forward-looking statement. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others, information or anticipated information relating to: our expectations regarding financial market conditions, future investment performance of our affiliates, and future net client cash flows; the performance of our business, including revenues, net income, earnings per share, dividends, investments, capital expenditures, and other conditions; our expense levels; changes in our business or in the amount or composition of our client assets under management ("AUM") or assets under advisement ("AUA"); the expected effects of acquisitions and other transactions and their effect on our business; changes in tax regulations and rates, including the effect on our estimated effective income tax rate; and other regulatory or legislative changes.
Actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking information as a result of various factors, some of which are beyond our control, including, but not limited to, the foregoing factors as well as those discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2018. Due to such risks, uncertainties and other factors, we caution each person receiving such forward-looking information not to place undue reliance on such statements. Further, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of any such statement or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Executive Overview
Legg Mason, Inc. is a global asset management firm that operates through nine independent asset management subsidiaries (collectively with its subsidiaries, “Legg Mason”). We help investors globally to achieve better financial outcomes by expanding choice across investment strategies, vehicles and investor access through independent asset managers with diverse expertise in equity, fixed income, alternative and liquidity investments. Acting through our subsidiaries, which we often refer to as our affiliates, we deliver our investment capabilities through varied products and vehicles and via multiple points of access, including directly and through various financial intermediaries. Our investment advisory services include discretionary and non-discretionary management of separate investment accounts in numerous investment styles for institutional and individual investors. Our investment products include proprietary mutual funds ranging from money market and other liquidity products to fixed income, equity and alternative funds managed in a wide variety of investment styles. We also offer other domestic and offshore funds to both retail and institutional investors, privately placed real estate funds and funds-of-hedge funds. Our centralized global distribution group, Legg Mason Global Distribution, markets, distributes and supports our investment products.
Our operations are principally in the U.S. and the U.K. and we also have offices in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Dubai, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland and Taiwan. Terms such as "we," "us," "our," and "Company" refer to Legg Mason.
The financial services business in which we are engaged is extremely competitive. Our competition includes numerous global, national, regional and local asset management firms, commercial banks, insurance companies, and other financial services companies. The industry continues to experience disruption and challenges, including a shift to lower-fee passively managed products, which contributes to increasing fee pressure, the increased role of technology in asset management services, the introduction of new financial products and services by our competitors, and the consolidation of financial services firms through mergers and acquisitions. The asset management industry is also subject to extensive and evolving regulation under federal, state, and foreign laws. Like most firms, we have been and will continue to be impacted by regulatory and legislative changes. Responding to these changes and keeping abreast of regulatory developments has required, and will continue to require, us to incur costs that impact our profitability.
Our financial position and results of operations are materially affected by the overall trends and conditions in the global
financial markets. Results of any individual period should not be considered representative of future results.
Our revenues and net income are derived primarily from AUM and fees associated with our investment products. Accordingly, changes in global financial markets, the composition and level of AUM, net new business inflows (or outflows) and changes in the mix of investment products between asset classes and geographies may materially affect our results of operations. Our most significant operating expenses are employee compensation and benefits, of which a majority is variable in nature and includes incentive compensation, and distribution and servicing expenses, which consist primarily of fees paid to third-party distributors for selling our asset management products and services. Our profitability is sensitive to a variety of factors, including the amount and composition of our AUM, and the volatility and general level of securities prices, interest rates, and changes in currency exchange rates, among other things. Periods of unfavorable market conditions are likely to have an adverse effect on our profitability. In addition, the diversification of services, vehicles, and products offered, investment performance, access to distribution channels, reputation in the market, attraction and retention of key employees and client relations are significant factors in determining whether we are successful in attracting and retaining clients. In the last few years, the industry has seen flows into products for which we do not currently garner significant market share, including, in particular, passive products, and corresponding flows out of products in which we do have market share. For a further discussion of factors that may affect our results of operations, refer to the discussion under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2018.
Our strategy is to expand client choice through products, vehicles and access. We focus our strategic priorities on the four primary areas listed below. Management considers these strategic priorities when evaluating our operating performance and financial condition. Consistent with this approach, we have also presented in the table below initiatives on which management currently focuses in evaluating our performance and financial condition.
|
| | | | |
| Strategic Priorities | | | Initiatives |
- | Products | | - | Create an innovative portfolio of investment products and promote revenue growth by developing new products and product vehicles and leveraging the capabilities of our affiliates |
| | | - | Identify and execute strategic acquisitions to strengthen our affiliates and increase product offerings |
| | | | |
- | Performance | | - | Deliver compelling and consistent performance against both relevant benchmarks and the products and services of our competitors |
| | | | |
- | Distribution | | - | Continue to maintain and enhance our top tier distribution function with the capability to offer solutions to relevant investment challenges and grow market share worldwide |
| | | - | Develop alternative and innovative distribution approaches for expanded client access |
| | | | |
- | Productivity | | - | Operate with a high level of effectiveness and improve ongoing efficiency |
| | | - | Align economic relationships with affiliate management teams, including retained affiliate management equity, the implementation of affiliate management equity plan agreements, and collaborative cost saving efforts |
The strategic priorities discussed above are designed to drive improvements in our net flows, earnings, cash flows, AUM and other key metrics, including operating margin. Certain of these key metrics are discussed in our quarterly results discussion below.
In connection with our strategic priorities, we and our affiliates have begun to identify and pursue new and different ways to collaborate in order to leverage our combined scale and become more effective and efficient at delivering results for our clients and shareholders. In connection with these collaboration efforts, in February 2019, we announced a plan to implement a new global operating platform which will combine the back- and middle-office platforms of the parent company and certain affiliates to capitalize on operational scale and related synergies. We expect to incur aggregate incremental implementation costs in the range of $130 million to $150 million that we expect will result in future annual cost savings of $90 million to $110 million. During the three and nine months ended December 31, 2018, we incurred $5.9 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, and $11.9 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, respectively, of costs related to the development of the global operating platform and other collaboration initiatives. We expect the majority of the global operating platform initiative to be complete by March 2021.
Net Loss Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. for the three months ended December 31, 2018, was $216.9 million, or $2.55 per diluted share, as compared to Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. of $149.2 million, or $1.58 per diluted share for the three months ended December 31, 2017. Net Loss Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. for the three months ended December 31, 2018, included non-cash impairment charges totaling $365.2 million, or $3.11 per diluted share, related to intangible assets at EnTrustPermal and RARE Infrastructure, and net discrete tax expenses and other tax items of $10.5 million, or $0.12 per diluted share. The three months ended December 31, 2017, included a one-time, net non-cash provisional tax benefit of $213.7 million, or $2.27 per diluted share, related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the "Tax Law"), which became enacted law on December 22, 2017. This benefit was offset in part by a non-cash impairment charge of $195.0 million, or $1.62 per diluted share, related to intangible assets at EnTrustPermal and discrete tax expense items of $7.4 million, or $0.08 per diluted share.
Average AUM and total operating revenues both decreased for the three months ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2017, as further discussed below.
The following discussion and analysis provides additional information regarding our financial condition and results of operations.
Business Environment
U.S. equity markets declined sharply during the three months ended December 31, 2018, due to fears of slowing global economic and earnings growth, continued uncertainty surrounding trade disputes between the U.S. and China and increasing political tension within the U.S. government. With the exception of utilities, all sectors posted negative returns for the quarter. The energy sector suffered the most significant loss, driven by falling oil prices, followed by the technology sector. Developed international equity markets also declined during the quarter, with declines in almost all countries, driven by concerns about rising U.S. interest rates, trade disputes, European political uncertainty, slower growth in China and the British exit from the European Union. Emerging equity markets also generally declined during the quarter, driven by continuing trade disputes and rising U.S. interest rates.
Global bond markets were also volatile during the quarter. The 10-year U.S. treasury yield rose to its highest level since 2011 in November, before declining in December amid volatile equity markets and increasing concerns about slowing global growth and trade disputes. These concerns also resulted in declines in non-U.S. developed market government bond yields. Volatile equity markets during the quarter also resulted in losses for investment-grade and high yield corporate bonds. In December 2018, the Federal Reserve Board increased the target federal funds rate for the fourth time during calendar year 2018, from 2.25% to 2.50%. The Federal Reserve Board also signaled two intended increases in calendar year 2019, down from its previous forecast of three increases.
The following table summarizes the returns for various major market indices:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | % Change for the Three Months Ended December 31, | | % Change for the Nine Months Ended December 31, |
Indices(1) | | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2018 | | 2017 |
Dow Jones Industrial Average(2) | | (11.8 | )% | | 10.3 | % | | (3.2 | )% | | 19.6 | % |
S&P 500(2) | | (14.0 | )% | | 6.1 | % | | (5.1 | )% | | 13.2 | % |
Nasdaq Composite Index(2) | | (17.5 | )% | | 6.3 | % | | (6.1 | )% | | 16.8 | % |
Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index | | 1.6 | % | | 0.4 | % | | 1.5 | % | | 2.7 | % |
Barclays Capital Global Aggregate Bond Index | | 1.2 | % | | 1.1 | % | | (2.5 | )% | | 5.5 | % |
| |
(1) | Indices are trademarks of Dow Jones & Company, McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc., and Barclays Capital, respectively, which are not affiliated with Legg Mason. |
| |
(2) | Excludes the impact of the reinvestment of dividends and stock splits. |
In addition to these factors, our industry continues to be impacted by the generally low growth and mixed return environment, with continued migration from active to passive strategies. Together with continuing regulatory changes, these factors continue to put pressure on fees, contributing to the consolidation of products and managers on distribution platforms. These factors also continue to create significant flow challenges for active managers like ourselves.
While the economic outlook for the U.S. has remained positive in recent years, it has been impacted by increased uncertainty. This uncertainty has led to increased volatility in the U.S. and international equity and bond markets. The volatility of the
market highlights the importance of a strong investment strategy. The financial environment in which we operate continues to reflect a heightened level of sensitivity and continued pressure on our fees, as discussed above.
Three Months Ended December 31, 2018, Compared to Three Months Ended December 31, 2017
Assets Under Management and Assets Under Advisement
Assets Under Management
Our AUM is primarily managed across the following asset classes:
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
Equity | | Fixed Income | | Alternative | | Liquidity |
| | | | | | | | | | |
- | Large Cap Growth | | - | U.S. Intermediate Investment Grade | | - | Real Estate | | - | U.S. Managed Cash |
- | Large Cap Value | | - | U.S. Credit Aggregate | | - | Hedge Funds | | - | U.S. Municipal Cash |
- | Equity Income | | - | Global Opportunistic Fixed Income | | - | Listed Infrastructure | | | |
- | International Equity | | - | Global Government | | | | | |
- | Small Cap Core | | - | Global Fixed Income | | | | | | |
- | Large Cap Core | | - | U.S. Municipal | | | | | | |
- | Sector Equity | | - | U.S. Long Duration
| | | | | | |
- | Mid Cap Core | | - | High Yield | | | | | | |
- | Small Cap Value | | - | U.S. Limited Duration | | | | | | |
- | Small Cap Growth | | - | Emerging Markets Debt | | | | | | |
- | Emerging Markets Equity | | | | | | | | | |
- | Global Equity | | | | | | | | | |
The components of the changes in our AUM (in billions) were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended |
| | December 31, |
| | 2018 | | 2017 |
Beginning of period | | $ | 755.4 |
| | $ | 754.4 |
|
Net client cash flows: | | | | |
Investment funds, excluding liquidity products(1): | | | | |
|
Subscriptions | | 14.4 |
| | 14.6 |
|
Redemptions | | (19.7 | ) | | (14.1 | ) |
Long-term separate account flows, net | | (3.2 | ) | | 1.7 |
|
Total long-term flows | | (8.5 | ) | | 2.2 |
|
Liquidity fund flows, net | | 10.0 |
| | (2.4 | ) |
Liquidity separate account flows, net | | 0.5 |
| | 0.1 |
|
Total liquidity flows | | 10.5 |
| | (2.3 | ) |
Total net client cash flows | | 2.0 |
| | (0.1 | ) |
Realizations(2) | | (0.2 | ) | | (0.3 | ) |
Market performance and other(3) | | (30.0 | ) | | 13.5 |
|
Impact of foreign exchange | | — |
| | (0.4 | ) |
Acquisition | | — |
| | 0.1 |
|
End of period | | $ | 727.2 |
| | $ | 767.2 |
|
| |
(1) | Subscriptions and redemptions reflect the gross activity in the funds and include assets transferred between funds and between share classes. |
| |
(2) | Realizations represent investment manager-driven distributions primarily related to the sale of assets. Realizations are specific to our alternative managers and do not include client-driven distributions (e.g., client requested redemptions, liquidations or asset transfers). |
| |
(3) | Other primarily includes the reinvestment of dividends. |
AUM at December 31, 2018 was $727.2 billion, a decrease of $28.2 billion, or 4%, from September 30, 2018. Total net client inflows were $2.0 billion, with $10.5 billion of net client inflows into the liquidity asset class, which were offset in part by $8.5 billion of net client outflows from long-term asset classes. Long-term asset net outflows were comprised of equity net outflows of $3.3 billion, fixed income net outflows of $5.1 billion, and alternative net outflows of $0.1 billion. Equity net outflows were primarily in products managed by ClearBridge Investments ("ClearBridge"), Royce & Associates ("Royce"), and QS Investors. Fixed income net outflows were primarily in products managed by Western Asset Management Company ("Western Asset") and Brandywine Global Investment Management ("Brandywine"). Alternative net outflows were primarily in products managed by RARE Infrastructure and EnTrustPermal, offset in part by net inflows into products managed by Clarion Partners. In general, we earn higher fees and profits per dollar of alternative and equity AUM, and outflows in those asset classes more negatively impact our revenues and Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. than do outflows in the fixed income and liquidity asset classes. The negative impact of market performance and other was $30.0 billion. Our net client cash flows also reflect the significant industry-wide flow pressure for active managers of equity and fixed income assets discussed above under the heading "Business Environment".
AUM by Asset Class
AUM by asset class (in billions) was as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, | | 2018 | | % of Total | | 2017 | | % of Total | | % Change |
Equity | | $ | 181.0 |
| | 25 | % | | $ | 207.6 |
| | 27 | % | | (13 | )% |
Fixed income | | 406.6 |
| | 56 |
| | 420.1 |
| | 55 |
| | (3 | ) |
Alternative | | 66.3 |
| | 9 |
| | 66.3 |
| | 8 |
| | — |
|
Total long-term assets | | 653.9 |
| | 90 |
| | 694.0 |
| | 90 |
| | (6 | ) |
Liquidity | | 73.3 |
| | 10 |
| | 73.2 |
| | 10 |
| | — |
|
Total | | $ | 727.2 |
| | 100 | % | | $ | 767.2 |
| | 100 | % | | (5 | )% |
Average AUM by asset class (in billions) was as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Three months ended December 31, | | 2018 | | % of Total | | 2017 | | % of Total | | % Change |
Equity | | $ | 198.2 |
| | 27 | % | | $ | 204.7 |
| | 27 | % | | (3 | )% |
Fixed income | | 407.4 |
| | 55 |
| | 414.8 |
| | 54 |
| | (2 | ) |
Alternative | | 66.8 |
| | 9 |
| | 65.8 |
| | 9 |
| | 2 |
|
Total long-term assets | | 672.4 |
| | 91 |
| | 685.3 |
| | 90 |
| | (2 | ) |
Liquidity | | 66.9 |
| | 9 |
| | 74.6 |
| | 10 |
| | (10 | ) |
Total | | $ | 739.3 |
| | 100 | % | | $ | 759.9 |
| | 100 | % | | (3 | )% |
The component changes in our AUM by asset class (in billions) for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Equity | | Fixed Income | | Alternative | | Total Long-Term | | Liquidity | | Total |
September 30, 2018 | | $ | 214.5 |
| | $ | 411.0 |
| | $ | 67.4 |
| | $ | 692.9 |
| | $ | 62.5 |
| | $ | 755.4 |
|
Investment funds, excluding liquidity funds(1): | | |
| | |
| | | |
|
| | |
| | |
|
Subscriptions | | 5.4 |
| | 7.8 |
| | 1.2 |
| | 14.4 |
| | — |
| | 14.4 |
|
Redemptions | | (7.6 | ) | | (10.8 | ) | | (1.3 | ) | | (19.7 | ) | | — |
| | (19.7 | ) |
Separate account flows, net | | (1.1 | ) | | (2.1 | ) | | — |
| | (3.2 | ) | | 0.5 |
| | (2.7 | ) |
Liquidity fund flows, net | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 10.0 |
| | 10.0 |
|
Net client cash flows | | (3.3 | ) | | (5.1 | ) | | (0.1 | ) | | (8.5 | ) | | 10.5 |
| | 2.0 |
|
Realizations(2) | | — |
| | — |
| | (0.2 | ) | | (0.2 | ) | | — |
| | (0.2 | ) |
Market performance and other(3) | | (30.2 | ) | | 0.7 |
| | (0.8 | ) | | (30.3 | ) | | 0.3 |
| | (30.0 | ) |
December 31, 2018 | | $ | 181.0 |
| | $ | 406.6 |
| | $ | 66.3 |
| | $ | 653.9 |
| | $ | 73.3 |
| | $ | 727.2 |
|
| |
(1) | Subscriptions and redemptions reflect the gross activity in the funds and include assets transferred between funds and between share classes. |
| |
(2) | Realizations represent investment manager-driven distributions primarily related to the sale of assets. Realizations are specific to our alternative managers and do not include client-driven distributions (e.g., client requested redemptions, liquidations or asset transfers). |
| |
(3) | Other primarily includes the reinvestment of dividends. |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Equity | | Fixed Income | | Alternative | | Total Long-Term | | Liquidity | | Total |
September 30, 2017 | | $ | 201.2 |
| | $ | 411.9 |
| | $ | 65.8 |
| | $ | 678.9 |
| | $ | 75.5 |
| | $ | 754.4 |
|
Investment funds, excluding liquidity funds(1): | | |
| | |
| | | | | | | | |
|
Subscriptions | | 4.6 |
| | 8.3 |
| | 1.7 |
| | 14.6 |
| | — |
| | 14.6 |
|
Redemptions | | (7.1 | ) | | (5.5 | ) | | (1.5 | ) | | (14.1 | ) | | — |
| | (14.1 | ) |
Separate account flows, net | | (0.7 | ) | | 2.6 |
| | (0.2 | ) | | 1.7 |
| | 0.1 |
| | 1.8 |
|
Liquidity fund flows, net | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (2.4 | ) | | (2.4 | ) |
Net client cash flows | | (3.2 | ) | | 5.4 |
| | — |
| | 2.2 |
| | (2.3 | ) | | (0.1 | ) |
Realizations(2) | | — |
| | — |
| | (0.3 | ) | | (0.3 | ) | | — |
| | (0.3 | ) |
Market performance and other(3) | | 9.6 |
| | 3.0 |
| | 0.7 |
| | 13.3 |
| | 0.2 |
| | 13.5 |
|
Impact of foreign exchange | | — |
| | (0.2 | ) | | — |
| | (0.2 | ) | | (0.2 | ) | | (0.4 | ) |
Acquisition | | — |
| | — |
| | 0.1 |
| | 0.1 |
| | — |
| | 0.1 |
|
December 31, 2017 | | $ | 207.6 |
| | $ | 420.1 |
| | $ | 66.3 |
| | $ | 694.0 |
| | $ | 73.2 |
| | $ | 767.2 |
|
| |
(1) | Subscriptions and redemptions reflect the gross activity in the funds and include assets transferred between funds and between share classes. |
| |
(2) | Realizations represent investment manager-driven distributions primarily related to the sale of assets. Realizations are specific to our alternative managers and do not include client-driven distributions (e.g., client requested redemptions, liquidations or asset transfers). |
| |
(3) | Other primarily includes the reinvestment of dividends. |
The component changes in our AUM by asset class (in billions) for the trailing 12 months were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Equity | | Fixed Income | | Alternative | | Total Long-Term | | Liquidity | | Total |
December 31, 2017 | | $ | 207.6 |
| | $ | 420.1 |
| | $ | 66.3 |
| | $ | 694.0 |
| | $ | 73.2 |
| | $ | 767.2 |
|
Investment funds, excluding liquidity funds(1): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Subscriptions | | 20.8 |
| | 33.4 |
| | 5.4 |
| | 59.6 |
| | — |
| | 59.6 |
|
Redemptions | | (27.2 | ) | | (33.3 | ) | | (5.1 | ) | | (65.6 | ) | | — |
| | (65.6 | ) |
Separate account flows, net | | (2.3 | ) | | (1.6 | ) | | 0.8 |
| | (3.1 | ) | | (1.3 | ) | | (4.4 | ) |
Liquidity fund flows, net | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 1.0 |
| | 1.0 |
|
Net client cash flows | | (8.7 | ) | | (1.5 | ) | | 1.1 |
| | (9.1 | ) | | (0.3 | ) | | (9.4 | ) |
Realizations(2) | | — |
| | — |
| | (1.1 | ) | | (1.1 | ) | | — |
| | (1.1 | ) |
Market performance and other(3) | | (17.3 | ) | | (8.0 | ) | | 0.4 |
| | (24.9 | ) | | 0.9 |
| | (24.0 | ) |
Impact of foreign exchange | | (0.6 | ) | | (4.0 | ) | | (0.4 | ) | | (5.0 | ) | | (0.5 | ) | | (5.5 | ) |
December 31, 2018 | | $ | 181.0 |
| | $ | 406.6 |
| | $ | 66.3 |
| | $ | 653.9 |
| | $ | 73.3 |
| | $ | 727.2 |
|
| |
(1) | Subscriptions and redemptions reflect the gross activity in the funds and include assets transferred between funds and between share classes. |
| |
(2) | Realizations represent investment manager-driven distributions primarily related to the sale of assets. Realizations are specific to our alternative managers and do not include client-driven distributions (e.g., client requested redemptions, liquidations or asset transfers). |
| |
(3) | Other primarily includes the reinvestment of dividends. |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Equity | | Fixed Income | | Alternative | | Total Long-Term | | Liquidity | | Total |
December 31, 2016 | | $ | 169.0 |
| | $ | 381.1 |
| | $ | 71.5 |
| | $ | 621.6 |
| | $ | 88.8 |
| | $ | 710.4 |
|
Investment funds, excluding liquidity funds(1): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Subscriptions | | 26.9 |
| | 34.7 |
| | 6.5 |
| | 68.1 |
| | — |
| | 68.1 |
|
Redemptions | | (27.2 | ) | | (26.6 | ) | | (7.4 | ) | | (61.2 | ) | | — |
| | (61.2 | ) |
Separate account flows, net(2) | | (1.1 | ) | | 2.0 |
| | (3.4 | ) | | (2.5 | ) | | 0.2 |
| | (2.3 | ) |
Liquidity fund flows, net | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (16.9 | ) | | (16.9 | ) |
Net client cash flows | | (1.4 | ) | | 10.1 |
| | (4.3 | ) | | 4.4 |
| | (16.7 | ) | | (12.3 | ) |
Realizations(3) | | — |
| | — |
| | (2.2 | ) | | (2.2 | ) | | — |
| | (2.2 | ) |
Market performance and other(2) | | 40.9 |
| | 23.9 |
| | 2.9 |
| | 67.7 |
| | 1.2 |
| | 68.9 |
|
Impact of foreign exchange | | 1.1 |
| | 5.0 |
| | 0.5 |
| | 6.6 |
| | (0.1 | ) | | 6.5 |
|
Acquisition (dispositions), net(4) | | (2.0 | ) | | — |
| | (2.1 | ) | | (4.1 | ) | | — |
| | (4.1 | ) |
December 31, 2017 | | $ | 207.6 |
| | $ | 420.1 |
| | $ | 66.3 |
| | $ | 694.0 |
| | $ | 73.2 |
| | $ | 767.2 |
|
| |
(1) | Subscriptions and redemptions reflect the gross activity in the funds and include assets transferred between funds and between share classes. |
| |
(2) | Other includes the reclassification, effective April 1, 2017, of $12.1 billion and $3.9 billion of certain equity and fixed income assets, respectively, which were previously included in AUA to AUM due to a change in our policy on classification of AUA and AUM. Other also includes the reinvestment of dividends and a $(3.7) billion reconciliation to previously reported amounts. |
| |
(3) | Realizations represent investment manager-driven distributions primarily related to the sale of assets. Realizations are specific to our alternative managers and do not include client-driven distributions (e.g., client requested redemptions, liquidations or asset transfers). |
| |
(4) | Related to the disposition of a small investment manager and our share of a joint venture, offset in part by the acquisition of a small investment manager. |
AUM at December 31, 2018 was $727.2 billion, a decrease of $40.0 billion, or 5%, from December 31, 2017. Total net client outflows were $9.4 billion, consisting of $9.1 billion of net client outflows from long-term asset classes and $0.3 billion net client outflows from the liquidity asset class. Long-term asset net outflows were comprised of equity net outflows of $8.7 billion and fixed net outflows of $1.5 billion, offset in part by alternative net inflows of $1.1 billion. Equity net outflows were primarily from products managed by ClearBridge, Royce, Brandywine, QS Investors and Martin Currie. Fixed income net outflows were primarily from products managed by Western Asset, offset in part by net inflows in products managed by Brandywine. Alternative net inflows were primarily in products managed by Clarion Partners, offset in part by net outflows from products managed by EnTrustPermal and RARE Infrastructure. The negative impact of market performance and other was $24.0 billion and the negative impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations totaled $5.5 billion.
AUM by Distribution Channel
Broadly, we have two principal distribution channels, Global Distribution and Affiliate/Other, through which we sell a variety of investment products and services. Global Distribution, which consists of our centralized global distribution operations, principally sells U.S. and international mutual funds and other commingled vehicles, retail separately managed account programs, and sub-advisory accounts for insurance companies and similar clients. Affiliate/Other consists of the distribution operations within our asset managers, which principally sell institutional separate account management, liquidity (money market) funds, real estate and other privately placed investment funds, and funds-of-hedge funds.
The component changes in our AUM by distribution channel (in billions): |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Global Distribution | | Affiliate/Other | | Total |
September 30, 2018 | | $ | 341.6 |
| | $ | 413.8 |
| | $ | 755.4 |
|
Net client cash flows, excluding liquidity funds | | (6.5 | ) | | (1.5 | ) | | (8.0 | ) |
Liquidity fund flows, net | | — |
| | 10.0 |
| | 10.0 |
|
Net client cash flows | | (6.5 | ) | | 8.5 |
| | 2.0 |
|
Realizations(1) | | — |
| | (0.2 | ) | | (0.2 | ) |
Market performance and other(2) | | (23.2 | ) | | (6.8 | ) | | (30.0 | ) |
Impact of foreign exchange | | 0.1 |
| | (0.1 | ) | | — |
|
December 31, 2018 | | $ | 312.0 |
| | $ | 415.2 |
| | $ | 727.2 |
|
| |
(1) | Realizations represent investment manager-driven distributions primarily related to the sale of assets. Realizations are specific to our alternative managers and do not include client-driven distributions (e.g., client requested redemptions, liquidations or asset transfers). |
| |
(2) | Other primarily includes the reinvestment of dividends. |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Global Distribution | | Affiliate/Other | | Total |
September 30, 2017 | | $ | 323.3 |
| | $ | 431.1 |
| | $ | 754.4 |
|
Net client cash flows, excluding liquidity funds | | 2.6 |
| | (0.3 | ) | | 2.3 |
|
Liquidity fund flows, net | | — |
| | (2.4 | ) | | (2.4 | ) |
Net client cash flows | | 2.6 |
| | (2.7 | ) | | (0.1 | ) |
Realizations(1) | | — |
| | (0.3 | ) | | (0.3 | ) |
Market performance and other(2) | | 7.5 |
| | 6.0 |
| | 13.5 |
|
Impact of foreign exchange | | 0.1 |
| | (0.5 | ) | | (0.4 | ) |
Acquisition | | — |
| | 0.1 |
| | 0.1 |
|
December 31, 2017 | | $ | 333.5 |
| | $ | 433.7 |
| | $ | 767.2 |
|
| |
(1) | Realizations represent investment manager-driven distributions primarily related to the sale of assets. Realizations are specific to our alternative managers and do not include client-driven distributions (e.g., client requested redemptions, liquidations or asset transfers). |
| |
(2) | Other primarily includes the reinvestment of dividends. |
Operating Revenue Yield
We calculate operating revenue yields as the ratio of the sum of annualized investment advisory fees, distribution and service fees, and other revenues, less performance fees, to average AUM. Our overall operating revenue yield, less performance fees, across all asset classes and distribution channels was 37 basis points ("bps") and 38 basis points, for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Our operating revenue yields by asset class and distribution channel were as follows:
|
| | | |
| Three Months Ended December 31, |
| 2018 | | 2017 |
Asset Class: | | | |
Equity | 59 bps | | 61 bps |
Fixed Income | 27 bps | | 27 bps |
Alternative | 59 bps | | 64 bps |
Liquidity | 13 bps | | 14 bps |
| | | |
Distribution Channel: | | | |
Global Distribution | 41 bps | | 44 bps |
Affiliate/Other | 34 bps | | 35 bps |
The operating revenue yields for managing equity, alternative, and liquidity assets declined over the last year due to a shift in the mix of assets from higher fee to lower fee products.
Equity assets are primarily managed by ClearBridge, Royce, Brandywine, QS Investors and Martin Currie; alternative assets are managed by Clarion Partners, EnTrustPermal and RARE Infrastructure; fixed income assets are primarily managed by Western Asset and Brandywine; and liquidity assets are managed by Western Asset. Assets distributed through Legg Mason Global Distribution are predominately retail in nature.
Investment Performance
Overall investment performance of our AUM for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, was mixed compared to relevant benchmarks.
For the three months ended December 31, 2018, U.S. equity indices declined. The best performing index was the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which declined 11.8% for the three months ended December 31, 2018. The lowest performing index was the Russell 2000, which declined 20.5% for the three months ended December 31, 2018. These declining returns reflect increased concerns amongst U.S. investors over issues that could cause a slowdown in global growth, such as trade tensions, political risks and Federal Reserve policy.
In the U.S. fixed income markets, fears surrounding a global economic slowdown resulted in interest rates falling over the quarter. Generally, there was a weak demand for risk assets over the quarter and spreads in most risk sectors widened. The best performing fixed income sector for the quarter was U.S. Government as measured by the Barclays U.S. Government Index which returned 2.5% for the three months ended December 31, 2018. The lowest performing fixed income sector for the three months ended December 31, 2018, was U.S. High Yield, as measured by the Barclays U.S. High Yield Index which declined 4.5% for the quarter.
The following table presents a summary of the percentages of our AUM by strategy(1) that outpaced their respective benchmarks for the trailing 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year periods:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | As of December 31, 2018 | | As of December 31, 2017 |
| | 1-year |
| | 3-year |
| | 5-year |
| | 10-year |
| | 1-year |
| | 3-year |
| | 5-year |
| | 10-year |
|
Total (includes liquidity) | | 41 | % | | 80 | % | | 73 | % | | 81 | % | | 74 | % | | 75 | % | | 75 | % | | 87 | % |
Equity: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Large cap | | 57 | % | | 57 | % | | 33 | % | | 51 | % | | 23 | % | | 32 | % | | 38 | % | | 82 | % |
Small cap | | 65 | % | | 79 | % | | 37 | % | | 45 | % | | 66 | % | | 38 | % | | 26 | % | | 54 | % |
Total equity (includes other equity) | | 56 | % | | 57 | % | | 36 | % | | 51 | % | | 30 | % | | 40 | % | | 43 | % | | 79 | % |
Fixed income: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. taxable | | 23 | % | | 95 | % | | 85 | % | | 91 | % | | 95 | % | | 89 | % | | 89 | % | | 88 | % |
U.S. tax-exempt (includes only one strategy) | | 0 | % | | 100 | % | | 100 | % | | 100 | % | | 100 | % | | 100 | % | | 100 | % | | 100 | % |
Global taxable | | 12 | % | | 70 | % | | 72 | % | | 94 | % | | 80 | % | | 77 | % | | 73 | % | | 93 | % |
Total fixed income | | 19 | % | | 88 | % | | 81 | % | | 92 | % | | 90 | % | | 86 | % | | 84 | % | | 90 | % |
Alternative | | 75 | % | | 73 | % | | 93 | % | | 56 | % | | 78 | % | | 88 | % | | 92 | % | | 61 | % |
The following table presents a summary of the percentages of our U.S. mutual fund assets(2) that outpaced their Lipper category averages(2) for the trailing 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year periods:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | As of December 31, 2018 | | As of December 31, 2017 |
| | 1-year |
| | 3-year |
| | 5-year |
| | 10-year |
| | 1-year |
| | 3-year |
| | 5-year |
| | 10-year |
|
Total (excludes liquidity) | | 43 | % | | 69 | % | | 71 | % | | 65 | % | | 58 | % | | 62 | % | | 62 | % | | 68 | % |
Equity: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Large cap | | 61 | % | | 61 | % | | 63 | % | | 42 | % | | 24 | % | | 49 | % | | 42 | % | | 53 | % |
Small cap | | 73 | % | | 93 | % | | 55 | % | | 46 | % | | 75 | % | | 60 | % | | 37 | % | | 58 | % |
Total equity (includes other equity) | | 62 | % | | 63 | % | | 59 | % | | 44 | % | | 39 | % | | 51 | % | | 43 | % | | 57 | % |
Fixed income: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. taxable | | 28 | % | | 91 | % | | 90 | % | | 92 | % | | 93 | % | | 89 | % | | 87 | % | | 87 | % |
U.S. tax-exempt | | 19 | % | | 25 | % | | 56 | % | | 56 | % | | 54 | % | | 38 | % | | 59 | % | | 66 | % |
Global taxable | | 23 | % | | 62 | % | | 81 | % | | 83 | % | | 66 | % | | 68 | % | | 70 | % | | 77 | % |
Total fixed income | | 26 | % | | 75 | % | | 83 | % | | 84 | % | | 81 | % | | 76 | % | | 79 | % | | 80 | % |
Alternative (includes only three funds) | | 30 | % | | 0 | % | | 0 | % | | n/a |
| | 16 | % | | 93 | % | | 100 | % | | n/a |
|
n/a - not applicable
| |
(1) | For purposes of investment performance comparisons, strategies are an aggregation of portfolios (separate accounts, investment funds, and other products) into a single group that represents a particular investment objective. In the case of separate accounts, the investment performance of the account is based upon the performance of the strategy to which the account has been assigned. Each of our asset managers has its own specific guidelines for including portfolios in their strategies. For those managers which manage both separate accounts and investment funds in the same strategy, the performance comparison for all of the assets is based upon the performance of the separate account. |
As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, approximately 89% and 87%, respectively, of total AUM is included in strategy AUM, although not all strategies have 3-, 5-, and 10-year histories. Total strategy AUM includes liquidity assets. Certain assets are not included in reported performance comparisons. These include: accounts that are not managed in accordance with the guidelines outlined above; accounts in strategies not marketed to potential clients; accounts that have not yet been assigned to a strategy; and certain smaller products at some of our affiliates.
Past performance is not indicative of future results. For AUM included in institutional and retail separate accounts and investment funds managed in the same strategy as separate accounts, performance comparisons are based on gross-of-fee performance. For investment funds which are not managed in a separate account format, performance comparisons are based on net-of-fee performance. Funds-of-hedge funds generally do not have specified benchmarks. For purposes of this comparison, performance of those products is net of fees, and is compared to the relevant HFRX Index. These performance comparisons do not reflect the actual performance of any specific separate account or investment fund; individual separate account and investment fund performance may differ.
| |
(2) | Source: Lipper Inc. includes open-end, closed-end, and variable annuity funds. Effective April 1, 2018, Lipper Investment Management ("LIM") is being used for comparative performance reporting, replacing Lipper Analytical New Applications ("LANA") which was discontinued by Lipper Inc., which resulted in changes to the composition of the comparative categories. For comparison purposes, prior periods reflect the categories as reported in LIM. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the U.S. long-term mutual fund assets represented in the data accounted for 17% and 18%, respectively, of our total AUM. The performance of our U.S. long-term mutual fund assets is included in the strategies. |
The following table presents a summary of the absolute and relative performance compared to the applicable benchmark for a representative sample of funds within our AUM, net of management and other fees as of the end of the period presented, for the 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year periods, and from each fund's inception. The table includes a representative sample of funds from each significant subclass of our investment strategies (i.e., large cap equity, small cap equity, etc.). The funds within this group are representative of the performance of significant investment strategies we offer, that as of December 31, 2018, constituted an aggregate of approximately $419 billion, or approximately 58% of our total AUM. The most meaningful exclusion of funds are our alternative fund strategies, which primarily involve privately placed hedge funds and privately placed real estate funds and represent only 5% of our total AUM as of December 31, 2018, for which investment performance is not made publicly available. Providing investment returns of funds provides a relevant representation of our performance while avoiding the many complexities relating to factors such as multiple fee structures, bundled pricing, and asset level break points that would arise in reporting performance for strategies or other product aggregations.
|
| | | | | | | |
| | | Annualized Absolute/Relative Total Return (%) vs. Benchmark |
Fund Name/Index(1) | Inception Date | Performance Type(2) | 1-year | 3-year | 5-year | 10-year | Inception |
Equity | | | | | | | |
Large Cap | | | | | | | |
ClearBridge Large Cap Growth Fund | 8/29/1997 | Absolute | (0.34)% | 10.01% | 10.46% | 15.19% | 8.37% |
Russell 1000 Growth | | Relative | 1.18% | (1.13)% | 0.06% | (0.09)% | 1.71% |
ClearBridge Aggressive Growth Fund | 10/24/1983 | Absolute | (7.97)% | 3.59% | 4.01% | 13.27% | 11.29% |
Russell 3000 Growth | | Relative | (5.85)% | (7.25)% | (5.97)% | (1.87)% | 1.28% |
ClearBridge Appreciation Fund | 3/10/1970 | Absolute | (2.18)% | 8.43% | 7.44% | 11.53% | 10.16% |
S&P 500 | | Relative | 2.21% | (0.82)% | (1.05)% | (1.58)% | (0.14)% |
ClearBridge Dividend Strategy | 11/6/1992 | Absolute | (5.16)% | 9.12% | 6.93% | 11.57% | 8.33% |
S&P 500 | | Relative | (0.78)% | (0.13)% | (1.56)% | (1.54)% | (0.79)% |
ClearBridge Value Trust | 4/16/1982 | Absolute | (13.50)% | 3.20% | 3.48% | 10.43% | 10.90% |
S&P 500 | | Relative | (9.11)% | (6.04)% | (5.01)% | (2.68)% | (0.60)% |
ClearBridge Large Cap Value Fund | 12/31/1988 | Absolute | (8.74)% | 5.71% | 5.14% | 10.92% | 9.31% |
Russell 1000 Value | | Relative | (0.47)% | (1.24)% | (0.80)% | (0.26)% | (0.46)% |
CB All Cap Value | 11/12/1981 | Absolute | (14.70)% | 5.54% | 3.67% | 9.57% | 9.53% |
Russell 3000 Value | | Relative | (6.12)% | (1.46)% | (2.09)% | (1.54)% | (1.75)% |
Legg Mason Brandywine Diversified Large Cap Value Fund | 9/7/2010 | Absolute | (9.26)% | 7.31% | 5.98% | n/a | 11.17% |
Russell 1000 Value | | Relative | (0.99)% | 0.36% | 0.03% | n/a | 0.52% |
| | | | | | | |
Small Cap | | | | | | | |
ClearBridge Small Cap Growth | 7/1/1998 | Absolute | 4.16% | 11.23% | 6.23% | 15.36% | 10.14% |
Russell 2000 Growth | | Relative | 13.47% | 3.99% | 1.10% | 1.85% | 3.89% |
Royce Premier Fund | 12/31/1991 | Absolute | (10.40)% | 10.90% | 4.03% | 11.22% | 11.01% |
Russell 2000 | | Relative | 0.62% | 3.54% | (0.38)% | (0.74)% | 2.00% |
Royce Pennsylvania Mutual | 6/30/1967 | Absolute | (9.66)% | 9.92% | 3.16% | 11.34% | 11.26% |
Russell 2000 | | Relative | 1.35% | 2.56% | (1.25)% | (0.63)% | 0.18% |
Royce Total Return Fund | 12/15/1993 | Absolute | (12.46)% | 7.78% | 3.33% | 10.61% | 9.99% |
Russell 2000 | | Relative | (1.45)% | 0.42% | (1.08)% | (1.36)% | 1.71% |
Royce Special Equity | 5/1/1998 | Absolute | (9.86)% | 8.72% | 2.63% | 10.07% | 8.42% |
Russell 2000 | | Relative | 1.15% | 1.37% | (1.77)% | (1.89)% | 1.61% |
|
| | | | | | | |
| | | Annualized Absolute/Relative Total Return (%) vs. Benchmark |
Fund Name/Index (continued)(1) | Inception Date | Performance Type(2) | 1-year | 3-year | 5-year | 10-year | Inception |
Fixed Income | | | | | | | |
U.S. Taxable | | | | | | | |
Western Asset Core Plus Fund | 7/8/1998 | Absolute | (1.49)% | 3.35% | 3.79% | 6.89% | 5.80% |
Barclays US Aggregate | | Relative | (1.50)% | 1.30% | 1.27% | 3.42% | 1.13% |
Western Asset Core Bond Fund | 9/4/1990 | Absolute | (0.63)% | 2.87% | 3.42% | 6.36% | 6.53% |
Barclays US Aggregate | | Relative | (0.64)% | 0.81% | 0.90% | 2.89% | 0.70% |
Western Asset Total Return Unconstrained | 7/6/2006 | Absolute | (2.64)% | 3.43% | 2.62% | 6.14% | 4.25% |
Barclays US Aggregate | | Relative | (2.65)% | 1.37% | 0.10% | 2.67% | 0.18% |
Western Asset Intermediate Bond Fund | 7/1/1994 | Absolute | 0.20% | 2.44% | 2.54% | 4.93% | 5.42% |
Barclays Intermediate Gov't/Credit | | Relative | (0.68)% | 0.75% | 0.68% | 2.03% | 0.62% |
Western Asset Short Term Bond Fund | 11/11/1991 | Absolute | 1.24% | 1.77% | 1.26% | 3.23% | 3.40% |
FTSE Treasury Gov't/Cedit 1-3 YR | | Relative | (0.34)% | 0.54% | 0.25% | 1.72% | (0.54)% |
Western Asset Corporate Bond Fund | 11/6/1992 | Absolute | (3.66)% | 3.70% | 3.64% | 7.97% | 6.10% |
Barclays US Credit | | Relative | (1.55)% | 0.54% | 0.43% | 2.45% | 0.11% |
Western Asset Inflation Index Plus Bond Fund | 3/1/2001 | Absolute | (2.25)% | 1.29% | 0.82% | 3.22% | 4.37% |
Barclays US TIPS | | Relative | (0.99)% | (0.82)% | (0.87)% | (0.42)% | (0.36)% |
Western Asset Mortgage Defined Opportunity Fund Inc. | 2/24/2010 | Absolute | 9.25% | 10.95% | 11.10% | n/a | 14.09% |
BOFAML Floating Rate Home Loan Index | | Relative | 6.96% | 6.45% | 7.47% | n/a | 8.84% |
Western Asset Adjustable Rate Income | 6/22/1992 | Absolute | 1.49% | 2.55% | 1.69% | 3.63% | 2.69% |
FTSE T-Bill 6-Month | | Relative | (0.42)% | 1.50% | 1.02% | 3.19% | 0.05% |
Western Asset High Yield Fund | 9/28/2001 | Absolute | (2.96)% | 6.41% | 2.24% | 10.14% | 6.56% |
Barclays US Corp High Yield | | Relative | (0.88)% | (0.81)% | (1.59)% | (0.98)% | (1.33)% |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
U.S. Tax-Exempt Fixed Income | | | | | | | |
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund | 3/4/1981 | Absolute | 0.43% | 1.99% | 3.87% | 5.91% | 7.37% |
Barclays Municipal Bond | | Relative | (0.85)% | (0.31)% | 0.05% | 1.06% | 0.42% |
| | | | | | | |
Global Taxable Fixed Income | | | | | | | |
Legg Mason Western Asset Macro Opportunities Bond | 11/30/2013 | Absolute | (5.62)% | 4.51% | 4.28% | n/a | 4.35% |
3-Month LIBOR | | Relative | (7.93)% | 3.08% | 3.31% | n/a | 3.39% |
Legg Mason Brandywine Global Opportunities Bond | 11/1/2006 | Absolute | (4.90)% | 4.06% | 1.84% | 5.80% | 4.77% |
FTSE World Gov't Bond | | Relative | (4.06)% | 1.37% | 1.07% | 4.28% | 1.92% |
Legg Mason Brandywine Absolute Return Opportunities Fund | 2/28/2011 | Absolute | (3.50)% | 2.36% | 1.16% | n/a | 2.46% |
FTSE 3-Month T-Bill | | Relative | (5.36)% | 1.37% | 0.56% | n/a | 2.05% |
Legg Mason Brandywine Global Fixed Income | 10/31/2003 | Absolute | (5.03)% | 2.40% | 0.09% | 3.76% | 3.56% |
FTSE World Gov't Bond | | Relative | (4.19)% | (0.29)% | (0.69)% | 2.24% | 0.20% |
Legg Mason Western Asset Global Multi Strategy Fund | 8/31/2002 | Absolute | (4.94)% | 4.21% | 1.82% | 5.12% | 5.54% |
50% Bar. Global Agg./ 25% Bar. HY 2%/25% JPM EMBI + | | Relative | (2.53)% | 0.03% | (0.70)% | (0.74)% | 0.94% |
Legg Mason Western Asset Australian Bond Trust | 6/30/1983 | Absolute | 4.29% | 3.91% | 4.82% | 6.19% | 6.01% |
UBS Australian Composite Bond Index | | Relative | (0.25)% | 0.21% | 0.15% | 1.00% | 0.34% |
Western Asset Global High Yield Bond Fund | 2/22/1995 | Absolute | (4.47)% | 6.03% | 1.81% | 9.54% | 6.59% |
Barclays Global High Yield | | Relative | (0.41)% | (0.54)% | (1.51)% | (1.51)% | (1.89)% |
Legg Mason Western Asset Global Core Plus Bond Fund | 12/31/2010 | Absolute | (3.27)% | 1.14% | 2.74% | n/a | 3.32% |
Barclays Global Aggregate Index | | Relative | (5.04)% | (1.77)% | (0.70)% | n/a | (0.20)% |
Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt | 10/17/1996 | Absolute | (7.51)% | 4.17% | 2.25% | 7.36% | 8.50% |
JPM EMBI Global | | Relative | (2.90)% | (0.56)% | (1.93)% | (0.42)% | 0.21% |
|
| | | | | | | |
| | | Annualized Absolute/Relative Total Return (%) vs. Benchmark |
Fund Name/Index (continued)(1) | Inception Date | Performance Type(2) | 1-year | 3-year | 5-year | 10-year | Inception |
Liquidity | | | | | | | |
Western Asset Institutional Liquid Reserves Ltd. | 12/31/1989 | Absolute | 1.97% | 1.18% | 0.75% | 0.51% | 3.10% |
FTSE 3-Month T-Bill | | Relative | 0.11% | 0.19% | 0.15% | 0.16% | 0.28% |
| |
(1) | Listed in order of size based on AUM of fund within each subcategory. |
| |
(2) | Absolute performance is the actual performance (i.e., rate of return) of the fund. Relative performance is the difference (or variance) between the performance of the fund and its stated benchmark. |
Assets Under Advisement
AUA was $10 billion and $11 billion at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. AUA was comprised of approximately $5 billion related to Western Asset, approximately $2 billion related to Brandywine, approximately $1 billion related to QS Investors and approximately $1 billion related to EnTrustPermal at December 31, 2018; and approximately $6 billion related to Western Asset, approximately $3 billion related to QS Investors, approximately $1 billion related to EnTrustPermal, and approximately $1 billion related to Brandywine at December 31, 2017. AUA fee rates vary with the level of non-discretionary service provided and other factors, and our average annualized fee rate related to AUA was approximately 10 basis points and nine basis points for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Results of Operations
In accordance with financial accounting standards on consolidation, we consolidate and separately identify amounts relating to certain sponsored investment products. The consolidation of these investment products has no impact on Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. and does not have a material impact on our consolidated operating results. We also hold investments in other consolidated sponsored investment funds and the change in the value of these investments, which is recorded in Non-operating income (expense), is reflected in our Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. See Notes 2 and 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the consolidation of investment products.
Operating Revenues
The components of Total Operating Revenues (in millions), and the dollar and percentage changes between periods were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended December 31, | | | | |
| | 2018 | | 2017 | | $ Change | | % Change |
Investment advisory fees: | | | | | | | | |
Separate accounts | | $ | 256.7 |
| | $ | 255.7 |
| | $ | 1.0 |
| | — | % |
Funds | | 361.2 |
| | 395.4 |
| | (34.2 | ) | | (9 | ) |
Performance fees | | 12.6 |
| | 58.9 |
| | (46.3 | ) | | (79 | ) |
Distribution and service fees | | 72.2 |
| | 81.5 |
| | (9.3 | ) | | (11 | ) |
Other | | 1.6 |
| | 1.6 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Total Operating Revenues | | $ | 704.3 |
| | $ | 793.1 |
| | $ | (88.8 | ) | | (11 | )% |
n/m - not meaningful
Total operating revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2018, were $704.3 million, a decrease of 11% from $793.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to a $43.8 million decrease in performance fees which are not passed through as compensation expense, as further discussed below, and a 3% decrease in average AUM. As discussed above, our operating revenue yield was 37 basis points and 38 basis points for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Investment advisory fees from separate accounts remained relatively flat at $256.7 million, as compared to $255.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2017, as an increase of $5.7 million due to higher average equity assets managed by ClearBridge, was offset by decreases of $2.5 million, due to lower average equity assets managed by QS Investors and Brandywine, and $2.3 million, due to lower average fixed income assets managed by Brandywine.
Investment advisory fees from funds decreased $34.2 million, or 9%, to $361.2 million, as compared to $395.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2017. Of this decrease, $15.3 million was due to lower average equity assets managed at Royce, Martin Currie, and ClearBridge, $12.4 million was due to lower average alternative assets managed at EnTrustPermal and RARE Infrastructure, $4.3 million was due to lower average liquidity assets managed by Western Asset, and $4.1 million was due to lower fixed income assets managed by Western Asset and Brandywine. These decreases were offset in part by an increase of $6.4 million due to higher average alternative assets managed by Clarion Partners.
As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, approximately 12% and 11%, respectively, of our long-term average AUM was in accounts that were eligible to earn performance fees at some point during the respective fiscal year. Performance fees earned on pre-close AUM at Clarion Partners are fully passed through to the Clarion Partners management team, per the terms of the agreement under which we acquired Clarion Partners, and recorded as compensation expense, and therefore have no impact on Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. We expect the full pass through of performance fees at Clarion Partners to phase out approximately five years post-closing. Excluding AUM eligible to earn pass through performance fees, approximately 8% and 7% of our long-term average AUM was in accounts that were performance-fee eligible as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. During the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, approximately 24% and 36% of non-pass through performance-fee eligible AUM earned a performance fee.
Investment advisory performance fees decreased $46.3 million, to $12.6 million, as compared to $58.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2017, driven by a $43.8 million decrease in performance fees which were not passed through as compensation expense, primarily at Western Asset, EnTrustPermal, Martin Currie, and Brandywine. In addition, there was a $2.6 million decrease in pass through performance fees.
Distribution and service fees decreased $9.3 million, or 11%, to $72.2 million, as compared to $81.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to a decrease in average mutual fund AUM subject to distribution and service fees.
Operating Expenses
The components of Total Operating Expenses (in millions), and the dollar and percentage changes between periods were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended December 31, | | | | |
| | 2018 | | 2017 | | $ Change | | % Change |
Compensation and benefits | | $ | 316.9 |
| | $ | 362.1 |
| | $ | (45.2 | ) | | (12 | )% |
Distribution and servicing | | 108.8 |
| | 124.2 |
| | (15.4 | ) | | (12 | ) |
Communications and technology | | 56.6 |
| | 54.2 |
| | 2.4 |
| | 4 |
|
Occupancy | | 24.1 |
| | 25.0 |
| | (0.9 | ) | | (4 | ) |
Amortization of intangible assets | | 6.1 |
| | 6.1 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Impairment of intangible assets | | 365.2 |
| | 195.0 |
| | 170.2 |
| | 87 |
|
Contingent consideration fair value adjustment | | — |
| | 0.7 |
| | (0.7 | ) | | n/m |
Other | | 63.0 |
| | 53.1 |
| | 9.9 |
| | 19 |
|
Total Operating Expenses | | $ | 940.7 |
| | $ | 820.4 |
| | $ | 120.3 |
| | 15 | % |
n/m - not meaningful
Operating expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, incurred at the investment management affiliate level represented approximately 70% of total operating expenses in each period, excluding impairment charges, which are deemed to be corporate expenses. The remaining operating expenses (excluding impairment charges) are corporate costs, including costs of our global distribution operations.
Compensation and benefits decreased 12% to $316.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2018, as compared to $362.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2017.
The components of Compensation and benefits (in millions), and the dollar and percentage changes between periods were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended December 31, | | | | |
| | 2018 | | 2017 | | $ Change | | % Change |
Salaries and incentives | | $ | 262.6 |
| | $ | 289.2 |
| | $ | (26.6 | ) | | (9 | )% |
Benefits and payroll taxes (including deferred compensation) | | 55.6 |
| | 56.9 |
| | (1.3 | ) | | (2 | ) |
Transition and severance costs | | 2.1 |
| | 1.7 |
| | 0.4 |
| | 24 |
|
Performance fee pass through | | 7.4 |
| | 10.0 |
| | (2.6 | ) | | (26 | ) |
Gains (losses) on deferred compensation and seed capital investments | | (10.8 | ) | | 4.3 |
| | (15.1 | ) | | n/m |
|
Compensation and benefits | | $ | 316.9 |
| | $ | 362.1 |
| | $ | (45.2 | ) | | (12 | )% |
n/m - not meaningful
| |
• | The decrease in salaries and incentives was primarily due to a decrease of $27.6 million in net compensation at investment affiliates, driven by a decrease in operating revenues at certain revenue share-based affiliates, which typically creates a corresponding decrease in compensation per the applicable revenue share agreements. |
Compensation as a percentage of operating revenues decreased to 45.0%, as compared to 45.7% for the three months ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to net market losses on deferred compensation and seed capital investments, which are recorded as a decrease in Compensation and benefits with an offset in Other non-operating income (expense), net, offset in part by an increase in compensation expense for corporate and distribution personnel, which are not directly tied to revenues.
Distribution and servicing expense decreased $15.4 million, or 12%, to $108.8 million, as compared to $124.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to lower average AUM in certain products for which we pay fees to third-party distributors, as well as a reduction in the average fee rates paid on these products.
Communications and technology expense increased $2.4 million, or 4%, to $56.6 million, as compared to $54.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to a $1.4 million increase in technology consulting and maintenance costs related to ongoing investments in our technology capabilities.
Impairment of intangible assets was $365.2 million and $195.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The impairment charges recognized during the three months ended December 31, 2018 were comprised of $274.6 million and $18.2 million related to the EnTrustPermal indefinite-life fund managements contracts asset and trade name asset, respectively, and $65.0 million, $6.4 million, and $1.0 million related to the RARE Infrastructure indefinite-life fund management contracts asset, amortizable fund management contracts asset, and trade name asset, respectively. The impairments to the EnTrustPermal assets were primarily the result of continued net client outflows from legacy high net worth fund products leading to reduced growth expectations in both management fees and performance fees, a declining margin, and a higher discount rate. The impairments to the RARE Infrastructure indefinite-life fund management contracts and trade name assets were primarily the result of lower than expected net client inflows and performance fees, leading to a lower margin, and a higher discount rate. The impairment to the RARE Infrastructure amortizable asset resulted from losses of separate account AUM and the related decline in projected revenues. A revised estimate of the remaining useful life of the RARE Infrastructure separate account contracts intangible asset also contributed to the impairment of that asset.
The impairment charge recognized during the three months ended December 31, 2017 was related to the EnTrustPermal indefinite-life fund management contracts asset. This impairment charge was primarily the result of net client outflows from legacy high net worth fund products, including transfers of client funds from such products into EnTrustPermal separate accounts, and the related decline in revenues.
See Critical Accounting Policies and Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of these impairment charges.
Other expense increased $9.9 million, or 19%, to $63.0 million, as compared to $53.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to a $5.8 million increase in professional fees, largely related to the development of the global operating platform and other collaboration initiatives, and $2.5 million increase in advertising expenses.
Non-Operating Income (Expense)
The components of Total Non-Operating Income (Expense) (in millions), and the dollar and percentage changes between periods were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended December 31, | | | | |
| | 2018 | | 2017 | | $ Change | | % Change |
Interest income | | $ | 3.1 |
| | $ | 1.9 |
| | $ | 1.2 |
| | 63 | % |
Interest expense | | (28.8 | ) | | (29.1 | ) | | 0.3 |
| | (1 | ) |
Other income (expense), net | | (7.0 | ) | | 5.5 |
| | (12.5 | ) | | n/m |
|
Non-operating income of consolidated investment vehicles, net | | 2.4 |
| | 8.2 |
| | (5.8 | ) | | n/m |
|
Total Non-Operating Income (Expense) | | $ | (30.3 | ) | | $ | (13.5 | ) | | $ | (16.8 | ) | | n/m |
|
n/m - not meaningful
Other income (expense), net, totaled expense of $7.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2018, as compared to income of $5.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2017. The three months ended December 31, 2018, included net market losses of $10.8 million on seed capital investments and assets invested for deferred compensation plans, which were offset by a corresponding decrease in compensation expense, and net market losses on corporate investments of $4.9 million. These losses were offset in part by an $8.4 million distribution from an investment holding. The three months ended December 31, 2017, included net market gains of $4.3 million on seed capital investments and assets invested for deferred compensation plans, which were offset by a corresponding increase in compensation expense, and net market gains on corporate investments of $1.5 million.
Non-operating income of consolidated investment vehicles ("CIVs"), net, totaled $2.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2018, as compared to $8.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2017. The change was due to activity of the CIVs during the respective periods. See Notes 2 and 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the consolidation of sponsored investment vehicles and net market gains on investments of certain CIVs.
Income Tax Provision
The income tax benefit was $60.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2018, as compared to an income tax benefit of $209.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2017. The effective tax rate was 22.6% for the three months ended December 31, 2018, as compared to an effective tax rate of 512.6% for the three months ended December 31, 2017. The effective tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2018, reflects final adjustments related to the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the "Tax Law").
During the three months ended December 31, 2018, discrete tax expense of $14.1 million related to uncertain tax positions for federal, state and local taxes (including those relating to recent legislative changes) was recognized, which along with $0.7 million of other discrete tax expenses, reduced the effective tax rate by 5.5 percentage points for the three months ended December 31, 2018.
During the three months ended December 31, 2017, changes in apportionment on state deferred tax liabilities and changes in state law resulted in additional net tax expense of $3.3 million, which reduced the effective tax rate by 8.0 percentage points for the three months ended December 31, 2017.
During the three months ended December 31, 2017, the reduction in the U.S. corporate tax rate, as well as other aspects of the Tax Law, resulted in a one-time, non-cash provisional tax benefit of $220.9 million, primarily due to the re-measurement of certain existing deferred tax assets and liabilities at the new income tax rate. Additionally, a non-cash tax charge of $7.3 million was provisionally provided in the three months ended December 31, 2017, for the effects on unremitted foreign earnings and other aspects of the Tax Law. Our accounting for the tax on unremitted foreign earnings has also been completed
and an adjustment in the amount of $2.2 million of additional expense, which is included in the discrete tax expense discussed above, was recorded during the three months ended December 31, 2018.
While the previously discussed EnTrustPermal intangible asset impairments potentially impact the effective income tax rate, such impact was not material for the three months ended December 31, 2018. The impairment charges recognized in the three months ended December 31, 2017, resulted in income tax expense of $3.9 million, which reduced the effective tax rate by 9.5 percentage points.
CIVs and other consolidated sponsored investment products did not have a material impact on the effective tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2018, and due to the significant tax benefit recognized in the three months ended December 31, 2017, reduced the effective tax rate by 63 percentage points for the three months ended December 31, 2017.
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. and Operating Margin
Net Loss Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. for the three months ended December 31, 2018, totaled $216.9 million, or $2.55 per diluted share, as compared to Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. of $149.2 million, or $1.58 per diluted share, for the three months ended December 31, 2017. The three months ended December 31, 2018 included non-cash impairment charges totaling $365.2 million, or $3.11 per diluted share, while the three months ended December 31, 2017 included $195.0 million, or $1.62 per diluted share, of such charges. The three months ended December 31, 2018, also included $10.5 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, of net discrete tax expenses and other tax items, while the three months ended December 31, 2017 included $7.4 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, of such items. The three months ended December 31, 2017 also included a one-time net non-cash tax benefit of $213.7 million, or $2.27 per diluted share, related to the Tax Law. In addition to these factors, the decrease in earnings was driven by lower average long-term AUM and a decrease in performance fees that were not passed through as compensation expense.
Operating margin was (33.6)% for the three months ended December 31, 2018, as compared to (3.4)% for the three months ended December 31, 2017, reflecting the impact of the non-cash impairment charges recognized in each of the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, as discussed above.
Nine Months Ended December 31, 2018, Compared to Nine Months Ended December 31, 2017
Assets Under Management
The components of the changes in our AUM (in billions) were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | Nine Months Ended December 31, |
| | 2018 | | 2017 |
Beginning of period | | $ | 754.1 |
| | $ | 728.4 |
|
Net client cash flows: | | | | |
Investment funds, excluding liquidity funds(1) | | | | |
|
Subscriptions | | 41.2 |
| | 46.9 |
|
Redemptions | | (50.6 | ) | | (41.6 | ) |
Long-term separate account flows, net | | (0.9 | ) | | (4.8 | ) |
Total long-term flows | | (10.3 | ) | | 0.5 |
|
Liquidity fund flows, net | | 12.5 |
| | (14.1 | ) |
Liquidity separate account flows, net | | (2.1 | ) | | 0.5 |
|
Total liquidity flows | | 10.4 |
| | (13.6 | ) |
Total net client cash flows | | 0.1 |
| | (13.1 | ) |
Realizations(2) | | (0.7 | ) | | (2.2 | ) |
Market performance and other(3) | | (17.8 | ) | | 51.8 |
|
Impact of foreign exchange | | (8.5 | ) | | 2.5 |
|
Disposition | | — |
| | (0.2 | ) |
End of period | | $ | 727.2 |
| | $ | 767.2 |
|
| |
(1) | Subscriptions and redemptions reflect the gross activity in the funds and include assets transferred between funds and between share classes. |
| |
(2) | Realizations represent investment manager-driven distributions primarily related to the sale of assets. Realizations are specific to our alternative managers and do not include client-driven distributions (e.g., client requested redemptions, liquidations or asset transfers). |
| |
(3) | Other includes the reinvestment of dividends and, for the nine months ended December 31, 2017, a $(3.7) billion reconciliation to previously reported amounts. |
AUM at December 31, 2018, was $727.2 billion, a decrease of $26.9 billion, or 4%, from March 31, 2018. Total net client inflows were $0.1 billion, as $10.4 billion of net client inflows in the liquidity asset class were substantially offset by $10.3 billion of net client outflows from long-term asset classes. Long-term asset net outflows were comprised of equity net outflows of $6.6 billion and fixed net outflows of $4.3 billion, offset in part by alternative net inflows of $0.6 billion. Equity net outflows were primarily from products managed by ClearBridge, Royce, Brandywine, QS Investors and Martin Currie. Fixed income net outflows were primarily from products managed by Western Asset, offset in part by net inflows in products managed by Brandywine. Alternative net inflows were in products managed by Clarion Partners, offset in part by net outflows from products managed by EnTrustPermal and RARE Infrastructure. The negative impact of market performance and other was $17.8 billion and the negative impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations was $8.5 billion.
Average AUM by asset class (in billions) were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Nine Months Ended December 31, | | 2018 | | % of Total | | 2017 | | % of Total | | % Change |
Equity | | $ | 204.1 |
| | 27 | % | | $ | 197.9 |
| | 26 | % | | 3 | % |
Fixed Income | | 411.9 |
| | 55 |
| | 408.7 |
| | 55 |
| | 1 |
|
Alternative | | 66.3 |
| | 9 |
| | 66.4 |
| | 9 |
| | — |
|
Total long-term assets | | 682.3 |
| | 91 |
| | 673.0 |
| | 90 |
| | 1 |
|
Liquidity | | 63.3 |
| | 9 |
| | 77.6 |
| | 10 |
| | (18 | ) |
Total | | $ | 745.6 |
| | 100 | % | | $ | 750.6 |
| | 100 | % | | (1 | )% |
The component changes in our AUM by asset class (in billions) were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Equity | | Fixed Income | | Alternative | | Total Long-Term | | Liquidity | | Total |
March 31, 2018 | | $ | 203.0 |
| | $ | 422.3 |
| | $ | 66.1 |
| | $ | 691.4 |
| | $ | 62.7 |
| | $ | 754.1 |
|
Investment funds, excluding liquidity funds(1): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Subscriptions | | 15.5 |
| | 21.9 |
| | 3.8 |
| | 41.2 |
| | — |
| | 41.2 |
|
Redemptions | | (20.2 | ) | | (26.6 | ) | | (3.8 | ) | | (50.6 | ) | | — |
| | (50.6 | ) |
Separate account flows, net | | (1.9 | ) | | 0.4 |
| | 0.6 |
| | (0.9 | ) | | (2.1 | ) | | (3.0 | ) |
Liquidity fund flows, net | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 12.5 |
| | 12.5 |
|
Net client cash flows | | (6.6 | ) | | (4.3 | ) | | 0.6 |
| | (10.3 | ) | | 10.4 |
| | 0.1 |
|
Realizations(2) | | — |
| | — |
| | (0.7 | ) | | (0.7 | ) | | — |
| | (0.7 | ) |
Market performance and other(3) | | (14.0 | ) | | (5.3 | ) | | 0.7 |
| | (18.6 | ) | | 0.8 |
| | (17.8 | ) |
Impact of foreign exchange | | (1.4 | ) | | (6.1 | ) | | (0.4 | ) | | (7.9 | ) | | (0.6 | ) | | (8.5 | ) |
December 31, 2018 | | $ | 181.0 |
| | $ | 406.6 |
| | $ | 66.3 |
| | $ | 653.9 |
| | $ | 73.3 |
| | $ | 727.2 |
|
| |
(1) | Subscriptions and redemptions reflect the gross activity in the funds and include assets transferred between funds and between share classes. |
| |
(2) | Realizations represent investment manager-driven distributions primarily related to the sale of assets. Realizations are specific to our alternative managers and do not include client-driven distributions (e.g., client requested redemptions, liquidations or asset transfers). |
| |
(3) | Other primarily includes the reinvestment of dividends. |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Equity | | Fixed Income | | Alternative | | Total Long-Term | | Liquidity | | Total |
March 31, 2017 | | $ | 179.8 |
| | $ | 394.3 |
| | $ | 67.9 |
| | $ | 642.0 |
| | $ | 86.4 |
| | $ | 728.4 |
|
Investment funds, excluding liquidity funds(1): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Subscriptions | | 17.3 |
| | 24.8 |
| | 4.8 |
| | 46.9 |
| | — |
| | 46.9 |
|
Redemptions | | (20.1 | ) | | (16.9 | ) | | (4.6 | ) | | (41.6 | ) | | — |
| | (41.6 | ) |
Separate account flows, net | | (1.8 | ) | | (1.3 | ) | | (1.7 | ) | | (4.8 | ) | | 0.5 |
| | (4.3 | ) |
Liquidity fund flows, net | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (14.1 | ) | | (14.1 | ) |
Net client cash flows | | (4.6 | ) | | 6.6 |
| | (1.5 | ) | | 0.5 |
| | (13.6 | ) | | (13.1 | ) |
Realizations(2) | | — |
| | — |
| | (2.2 | ) | | (2.2 | ) | | — |
| | (2.2 | ) |
Market performance and other(3) | | 32.3 |
| | 17.2 |
| | 1.7 |
| | 51.2 |
| | 0.6 |
| | 51.8 |
|
Impact of foreign exchange | | 0.4 |
| | 2.0 |
| | 0.3 |
| | 2.7 |
| | (0.2 | ) | | 2.5 |
|
Acquisition (dispositions), net | | (0.3 | ) | | — |
| | 0.1 |
| | (0.2 | ) | | — |
| | (0.2 | ) |
December 31, 2017 | | $ | 207.6 |
| | $ | 420.1 |
| | $ | 66.3 |
| | $ | 694.0 |
| | $ | 73.2 |
| | $ | 767.2 |
|
| |
(1) | Subscriptions and redemptions reflect the gross activity in the funds and include assets transferred between funds and between share classes. |
| |
(2) | Realizations represent investment manager-driven distributions primarily related to the sale of assets. Realizations are specific to our alternative managers and do not include client-driven distributions (e.g., client requested redemptions, liquidations or asset transfers). |
| |
(3) | Other includes the reinvestment of dividends and a $(3.7) billion reconciliation to previously reported amounts. |
AUM by Distribution Channel
The component changes in our AUM by distribution channel (in billions) were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Global Distribution | | Affiliate/Other | | Total |
March 31, 2018 | | $ | 333.5 |
| | $ | 420.6 |
| | $ | 754.1 |
|
Net client cash flows, excluding liquidity funds | | (7.7 | ) | | (4.7 | ) | | (12.4 | ) |
Liquidity fund flows, net | | — |
| | 12.5 |
| | 12.5 |
|
Net client cash flows | | (7.7 | ) | | 7.8 |
| | 0.1 |
|
Realizations(1) | | — |
| | (0.7 | ) | | (0.7 | ) |
Market performance and other(2) | | (10.5 | ) | | (7.3 | ) | | (17.8 | ) |
Impact of foreign exchange | | (3.2 | ) | | (5.3 | ) | | (8.5 | ) |
December 31, 2018 | | $ | 312.1 |
| | $ | 415.1 |
| | $ | 727.2 |
|
| |
(1) | Realizations represent investment manager-driven distributions primarily related to the sale of assets. Realizations are specific to our alternative managers and do not include client-driven distributions (e.g., client requested redemptions, liquidations or asset transfers). |
| |
(2) | Other primarily includes the reinvestment of dividends. |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Global Distribution | | Affiliate/Other | | Total |
March 31, 2017 | | $ | 285.6 |
| | $ | 442.8 |
| | $ | 728.4 |
|
Net client cash flows, excluding liquidity funds | | 12.2 |
| | (11.2 | ) | | 1.0 |
|
Liquidity fund flows, net | | — |
| | (14.1 | ) | | (14.1 | ) |
Net client cash flows | | 12.2 |
| | (25.3 | ) | | (13.1 | ) |
Realizations(1) | | — |
| | (2.2 | ) | | (2.2 | ) |
Market performance and other | | 34.8 |
| (2) | 17.0 |
| | 51.8 |
|
Impact of foreign exchange | | 0.9 |
| | 1.6 |
| | 2.5 |
|
Disposition | | — |
| | (0.2 | ) | | (0.2 | ) |
December 31, 2017 | | $ | 333.5 |
| | $ | 433.7 |
| | $ | 767.2 |
|
| |
(1) | Realizations represent investment manager-driven distributions primarily related to the sale of assets. Realizations are specific to our alternative managers and do not include client-driven distributions (e.g., client requested redemptions, liquidations or asset transfers). |
| |
(2) | Other includes the reinvestment of dividends and a $(3.7) billion reconciliation to previously reported amounts. |
Results of Operations
Operating Revenues
The components of Total Operating Revenues (in millions), and the dollar and percentage changes between periods were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Nine Months Ended December 31, | | | | |
| | 2018 | | 2017 | | $ Change | | % Change |
Investment advisory fees: | | | | | | | | |
Separate accounts | | $ | 778.1 |
| — |
| $ | 758.9 |
| | $ | 19.2 |
| | 3 | % |
Funds | | 1,128.7 |
| | 1,170.6 |
| | (41.9 | ) | | (4 | ) |
Performance fees | | 68.5 |
| | 181.3 |
| | (112.8 | ) | | (62 | ) |
Distribution and service fees | | 230.5 |
| | 241.0 |
| | (10.5 | ) | | (4 | ) |
Other | | 4.9 |
| | 3.5 |
| | 1.4 |
| | 40 |
|
Total Operating Revenues | | $ | 2,210.7 |
| | $ | 2,355.3 |
| | $ | (144.6 | ) | | (6 | )% |
Total operating revenues for the nine months ended December 31, 2018, were $2.21 billion, a decrease of 6% from $2.36 billion for the nine months ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to a $112.8 million decrease in performance fees, $61.6 million of which was in performance fees that are not passed through as compensation expense. Our operating revenue yield was 38 basis points for each of the nine months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.
Investment advisory fees from separate accounts increased $19.2 million, or 3%, to $778.1 million, as compared to $758.9 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2017. Of this increase, $21.5 million was due to higher average equity assets managed by ClearBridge and $10.6 million was due to higher average fixed income assets managed by Western Asset. These increases were offset in part by a decrease of $6.2 million due to lower average fixed income assets managed by Brandywine and a decrease of $5.1 million due to lower average alternative assets managed by RARE Infrastructure, EnTrustPermal, and Clarion Partners.
Investment advisory fees from funds decreased $41.9 million, or 4%, to $1,128.7 million, as compared to $1,170.6 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2017. Of this decrease, $29.1 million was due to lower average alternative assets managed by EnTrustPermal, $28.5 million was due to lower average equity assets managed by Martin Currie and Royce, and $13.5 million was due to a net decrease in fees from liquidity assets due to lower average assets managed by Western Asset. These decreases were offset in part by an increase of $19.4 million due to higher average alternative assets managed by Clarion Partners and an increase of $16.5 million due to higher average fixed income assets managed by Western Asset.
Investment advisory performance fees decreased $112.8 million, to $68.5 million, as compared to $181.3 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2017, due to a $61.5 million decrease in performance fees that were not passed through as compensation expense, primarily at Western Asset, Martin Currie, and EnTrustPermal, and a $51.2 million decrease in performance fees earned by Clarion Partners on assets invested with them prior to the acquisition closing, which were passed through as compensation expense.
Distribution and service fees decreased $10.5 million, or 4%, to $230.5 million, as compared to $241.0 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to a reduction in average mutual fund AUM subject to distribution and service fees.
Operating Expenses
The components of Total Operating Expenses (in millions), and the dollar and percentage changes between periods were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Nine Months Ended December 31, | | | | |
| | 2018 | | 2017 | | $ Change | | % Change |
Compensation and benefits | | $ | 1,043.3 |
| | $ | 1,143.3 |
| | $ | (100.0 | ) | | (9 | )% |
Distribution and servicing | | 340.0 |
| | 370.2 |
| | (30.2 | ) | | (8 | ) |
Communications and technology | | 170.9 |
| | 155.9 |
| | 15.0 |
| | 10 |
|
Occupancy | | 76.3 |
| | 74.6 |
| | 1.7 |
| | 2 |
|
Amortization of intangible assets | | 18.4 |
| | 18.5 |
| | (0.1 | ) | | (1 | ) |
Impairment of intangible assets | | 365.2 |
| | 229.0 |
| | 136.2 |
| | 59 |
|
Contingent consideration fair value adjustments | | 0.6 |
| | (15.8 | ) | | 16.4 |
| | n/m |
|
Other | | 171.0 |
| | 155.3 |
| | 15.7 |
| | 10 |
|
Total Operating Expenses | | $ | 2,185.7 |
| | $ | 2,131.0 |
| | $ | 54.7 |
| | 3 | % |
n/m - not meaningful
Operating expenses for the nine months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, incurred at the investment management affiliate level represented approximately 70% of total operating expenses in each period, excluding impairment charges. The remaining operating expenses (excluding impairment charges) are corporate costs, including costs of our global distribution operations.
Compensation and benefits decreased 9% to $1,043.3 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2018, as compared to $1,143.3 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2017.
The components of Compensation and benefits (in millions), and the dollar and percentage changes between periods were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Nine Months Ended December 31, | | | | |
| | 2018 | | 2017 | | $ Change | | % Change |
Salaries and incentives | | $ | 797.4 |
| | $ | 823.3 |
| | $ | (25.9 | ) | | (3 | )% |
Benefits and payroll taxes (including deferred compensation) | | 200.2 |
| | 201.0 |
| | (0.8 | ) | | — |
|
Transition costs and severance | | 7.2 |
| | 9.1 |
| | (1.9 | ) | | (21 | ) |
Performance fee pass through | | 44.1 |
| | 95.3 |
| | (51.2 | ) | | (54 | ) |
Gains (losses) on deferred compensation and seed capital investments | | (5.6 | ) | | 14.6 |
| | (20.2 | ) | | n/m |
|
Compensation and benefits | | $ | 1,043.3 |
| | $ | 1,143.3 |
| | $ | (100.0 | ) | | (9 | )% |
n/m - not meaningful
| |
• | The decrease in salaries and incentives was driven by a $25.6 million decrease in net compensation at investment affiliates, reflecting lower operating revenues and higher operating expenses at certain revenue-share based affiliates, both of which typically create a corresponding decrease in compensation per the applicable revenue share agreements. |
Compensation as a percentage of operating revenues decreased to 47.2%, as compared to 48.5% for the nine months ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to the decrease in performance fees earned by Clarion Partners that were passed through as compensation expense, offset in part by an increase in compensation expense for corporate and distribution personnel, which is not directly tied to revenues.
Distribution and servicing expenses decreased 8% to $340.0 million, as compared to $370.2 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to lower average AUM in certain products for which we pay fees to third-party distributors.
Communications and technology expense increased 10% to $170.9 million, as compared to $155.9 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to an $10.1 million increase in technology consulting and maintenance costs related to ongoing investments in our technology capabilities and a $4.6 million increase in market data costs.
Occupancy expense increased 2% to $76.3 million, as compared to $74.6 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to a real estate related charge recognized in the current year of $2.4 million associated with the sublease of office space in our corporate headquarters.
Impairment of intangible assets was $365.2 million and $229.0 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The impairment charges recognized during the nine months ended December 31, 2018 were comprised of $274.6 million and $18.2 million related to the EnTrustPermal indefinite-life fund managements contracts asset and trade name asset, respectively, and $65.0 million, $6.4 million, and $1.0 million related to the RARE Infrastructure indefinite-life fund management contracts asset, amortizable fund management contracts asset, and trade name asset, respectively. These impairments are further discussed above.
The impairment charges recognized during the nine months ended December 31, 2017, were comprised of $195.0 million related to the EnTrust Permal indefinite-life fund management contracts, as discussed above, and $32.0 million and $2.0 million related to the RARE Infrastructure amortizable management contracts asset and trade name asset, respectively. The impairments to the RARE Infrastructure assets resulted from losses of separate account AUM and other factors at RARE Infrastructure, and the related decline in projected revenues. A revised estimate of the remaining useful life of the RARE Infrastructure separate account contracts intangible asset also contributed to the impairment of that asset.
See Critical Accounting Policies and Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of these impairment charges.
Contingent consideration fair value adjustments for the nine months ended December 31, 2018, included an expense of $0.6 million which increased the contingent consideration liability related to the acquisition of QS Investors. Contingent consideration fair value adjustments for the nine months ended December 31, 2017, included credits of $16.6 million which reduced the contingent consideration liabilities related to the acquisitions of RARE Infrastructure and QS Investors, offset in part by an expense of $0.7 million, increasing the contingent consideration liability related to the acquisition of PK Investments.
Other expense increased $15.7 million to $171.0 million, as compared to $155.3 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to an $8.6 million increase in professional fees, largely related to the development of the global operating platform and other collaboration initiatives, and a $4.2 million charge for the regulatory matter further discussed in Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Non-Operating Income (Expense)
The components of Total Non-Operating Income (Expense) (in millions), and the dollar and percentage changes between periods were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Nine Months Ended December 31, | | | | |
| | 2018 | | 2017 | | $ Change | | % Change |
Interest income | | $ | 8.0 |
| | $ | 4.9 |
| | $ | 3.1 |
| | 63 | % |
Interest expense | | (88.6 | ) | | (87.5 | ) | | (1.1 | ) | | 1 |
|
Other income, net | | 6.8 |
| | 24.2 |
| | (17.4 | ) | | (72 | ) |
Non-operating income of consolidated investment vehicles, net | | 2.0 |
| | 11.3 |
| | (9.3 | ) | | (82 | ) |
Total Non-Operating Income (Expense) | | $ | (71.8 | ) | | $ | (47.1 | ) | | $ | (24.7 | ) | | 52 | % |
Other income, net, totaled $6.8 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2018, as compared to $24.2 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2017. The nine months ended December 31, 2018, included an $8.4 million distribution from an investment holding and $3.9 million of gains on corporate investments, offset in part by $5.6 million of net market losses on seed capital investments and assets invested for deferred compensation plans, which were offset by a corresponding decrease in compensation expense. The three months ended December 31, 2017, included $14.6 million of net market gains on seed capital investments and assets invested for deferred compensation plans, which were offset by a corresponding increase in compensation expense, and $9.6 million of gains on corporate investments.
Non-operating income of consolidated investment vehicles, net, totaled income of $2.0 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2018, as compared to income of $11.3 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2017. The change was primarily due to activity of the CIVs during the respective periods. See Notes 2 and 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the consolidation of sponsored investment vehicles and net market gains on investments of certain CIVs.
Income Tax Provision
The income tax provision was $0.2 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2018, as compared to an income tax benefit of $142.5 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2017. The effective tax rate was 0.4% for the nine months ended December 31, 2018, as compared to an effective benefit rate of 80.4% for the nine months ended December 31, 2017. The effective benefit rate for the nine months ended December 31, 2018, reflects final adjustments related to the impact of the Tax Law.
During the nine months ended December 31, 2018, discrete tax expense of $14.1 million related to uncertain tax positions for federal, state and local taxes (including those relating to recent legislative changes) was recognized. In addition, discrete tax benefits of $2.8 million related to the completion of a prior year tax audit and $1.8 million related to other discrete items were recognized. Together, the net impact of all discrete tax items reduced the effective income tax rate by 27.4 percentage points for the nine months ended December 31, 2018.
During the nine months ended December 31, 2017, changes in apportionment on state deferred tax liabilities and changes in state law resulted in discrete net tax expense of $3.3 million. In addition, a $1.4 million discrete tax expense was recognized during the nine months ended December 31, 2017 with respect to equity based compensation. Together, the net impact of these discrete items reduced the effective benefit rate by 2.6 percentage points.
As previously discussed, on December 22, 2017, the Tax Law became enacted law. The reduction in the U.S. corporate tax rate, as well as other aspects of the Tax Law, resulted in a one-time, non-cash provisional tax benefit of $220.9 million, recognized in the three months ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to the remeasurement of certain existing deferred tax assets and liabilities at the new income tax rate. In addition, a non-cash tax charge of $7.3 million was provisionally provided in the three months ended December 31, 2017, for the effects on unremitted foreign earnings and other aspects of the Tax Law, with an additional $2.2 million, which is included in the discrete tax expense discussed above, was recorded during the nine months ended December 31, 2018.
CIVs and other consolidated sponsored investment products did not have a material impact on the effective tax rate for the nine months ended December 31, 2018 and reduced the effective tax rate 3.8 percentage points for the nine months ended December 31, 2017.
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. and Operating Margin
Net Loss Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. for the nine months ended December 31, 2018, totaled $78.0 million, or $0.95 per diluted share, as compared to Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. of $275.8 million, or $2.86 per diluted share, in the nine months ended December 31, 2017. Net Loss Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. for the nine months ended December 31, 2018 included non-cash impairment charges totaling $365.2 million, or $3.12 per diluted share, while Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 included $229.0 million, or $1.50 per diluted share, of such charges. The nine months ended December 31, 2017 also included a one-time net non-cash tax benefit of $213.7 million, or $2.21 per diluted share, related to the Tax Law. Operating margin was 1.1% for the nine months ended December 31, 2018, as compared to 9.5% for the nine months ended December 31, 2017, reflecting the impact of the non-cash impairment charges recognized in both the nine months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, as discussed above.
Three Months Ended December 31, 2018, Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
Net Loss Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. for the three months ended December 31, 2018, was $216.9 million, or $2.55 per diluted share, as compared to Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. of $72.8 million, or $0.82 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2018. As previously discussed, the three months ended December 31, 2018 included non-cash intangible asset impairment charges of $365.2 million, or $3.11 per diluted share, net discrete tax expenses and other tax items of $10.5 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, and costs related to the development of the global operating platform and other collaboration initiatives of $5.9 million, or $0.05 per diluted share. The three months ended September 30, 2018 included a discrete tax benefit related to the completion of a prior year audit of $2.8 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, offset in part by a real estate related charge associated with the sublease of office space in our Baltimore headquarters of $2.4 million, or $0.02 per diluted share. In addition to the factors above, the decrease in earnings was driven by lower average AUM and a decrease in performance fees that were not passed through as compensation expense.
Operating revenues decreased to $704.3 million in the three months ended December 31, 2018, from $758.4 million in the three months ended September 30, 2018. The decrease in operating revenues was primarily due to a $27.7 million decrease in separate account and fund revenues, reflecting a 3% decrease in average long-term AUM. A $16.6 million decrease in performance fees at Clarion Partners that were passed through as compensation expense and a $2.7 million decrease in performance fees that were not passed through as compensation expense also contributed to the decrease.
Total operating expenses were $940.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2018, as compared to $622.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The increase in operating expenses was primarily due to the $365.2 million of impairment charges recognized in the December quarter. Other operating expense also increased $10.8 million, driven by increases in professional fees, largely related to the development of the global operating platform and other collaboration initiatives, advertising expense, and seasonal conference and travel and entertainment costs, offset in part by the real estate charge recognized in the September quarter. These increases were offset in part by a $48.0 million decrease in compensation expense, driven by lower operating revenues, including lower performance fees passed through as compensation expense, and net market losses on seed capital investments and assets invested for deferred compensation plans, which are offset in Other non-operating income (expense), net.
Non-operating expense, net, increased to $30.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2018, as compared to $24.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The three months ended December 31, 2018, included net market losses of $10.8 million on seed capital investments and assets invested for deferred compensation plans, which were offset by a corresponding decrease in compensation expense, and net market losses on corporate investments of $4.9 million. These losses were offset in part by an $8.4 million distribution from an investment holding. The three months ended
September 30, 2018, included net market gains of $4.0 million on seed capital investments and assets invested for deferred compensation plans, which were offset by a corresponding increase in compensation expense, and $2.9 million in net market gains on corporate investments. Non-operating income of CIVs was $2.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2018, compared to non-operating expense of CIVs of $4.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018.
Operating margin was (33.6)% for the three months ended December 31, 2018, as compared to 17.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2018, reflecting the impact of the non-cash impairment charges recognized in the three months ended December 31, 2018, as discussed above.
Supplemental Non-GAAP Financial Information
As supplemental information, we are providing a performance measure for "Operating Margin, as Adjusted" and a liquidity measure for "Adjusted EBITDA", each of which are based on methodologies other than generally accepted accounting principles (“non-GAAP”). Our management uses these measures as benchmarks in evaluating and comparing our period-to-period operating performance and liquidity.
Operating Margin, as Adjusted
We calculate "Operating Margin, as Adjusted," by dividing (i) Operating Income, adjusted to exclude the impact on compensation expense of gains or losses on investments made to fund deferred compensation plans, the impact on compensation expense of gains or losses on seed capital investments by our affiliates under revenue sharing arrangements, amortization related to intangible assets, income (loss) of CIVs, the impact of fair value adjustments of contingent consideration liabilities, if any, unusual and other non-core charges (including the previously disclosed regulatory charge), and impairment charges by (ii) our operating revenues, adjusted to add back net investment advisory fees eliminated upon consolidation of investment vehicles, less distribution and servicing expenses which we use as an approximate measure of revenues that are passed through to third parties, and less performance fees that are passed through as compensation expense or net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, which we refer to as "Operating Revenues, as Adjusted." The deferred compensation items are removed from Operating Income in the calculation because they are offset by an equal amount in Non-operating income (expense), net, and thus have no impact on Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. We adjust for the impact of the amortization of management contract assets and the impact of fair value adjustments of contingent consideration liabilities, if any, which arise from acquisitions to reflect the fact that these items distort comparison of our operating results with the results of other asset management firms that have not engaged in significant acquisitions. Impairment charges, unusual and other non-core charges (including the previously disclosed regulatory charge), and income (loss) of CIVs are removed from Operating Income in the calculation because these items are not reflective of our core asset management operations. We use Operating Revenues, as Adjusted, in the calculation to show the operating margin without distribution and servicing expenses, which we use to approximate our distribution revenues that are passed through to third parties as a direct cost of selling our products, although distribution and servicing expenses may include commissions paid in connection with the launching of closed-end funds for which there is no corresponding revenue in the period. We also use Operating Revenues, as Adjusted, in the calculation to show the operating margin without performances fees which are passed through as compensation expense or net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests per the terms of certain more recent acquisitions. Operating Revenues, as Adjusted, also include our advisory revenues we receive from consolidated investment vehicles that are eliminated in consolidation under GAAP.
We believe that Operating Margin, as Adjusted, is a useful measure of our performance because it provides a measure of our core business activities. It excludes items that have no impact on Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. and indicates what our operating margin would have been without distribution revenues that are passed through to third parties as a direct cost of selling our products, performance fees that are passed through as compensation expense or net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests per the terms of certain more recent acquisitions, amortization related to intangible assets, changes in the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities, if any, impairment charges, unusual and other non-core charges (including the previously disclosed regulatory charge), and the impact of the consolidation of certain investment vehicles described above. The consolidation of these investment vehicles does not have an impact on Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. This measure is provided in addition to our operating margin calculated under GAAP, but is not a substitute for calculations of margins under GAAP and may not be comparable to non-GAAP performance measures, including measures of adjusted margins of other companies.
The calculation of Operating Margin and Operating Margin, as Adjusted, is as follows (dollars in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended | | Nine Months Ended |
| | December 31, 2018 |
| September 30, 2018 |
| December 31, 2017 | | December 31, 2018 |
| December 31, 2017 |
Operating Revenues, GAAP basis | | $ | 704,322 |
| | $ | 758,427 |
| | $ | 793,090 |
| | $ | 2,210,654 |
| | $ | 2,355,270 |
|
Plus (less): | | | | |
| | |
| | | | |
Pass-through performance fees | | (7,436 | ) | | (24,006 | ) | | (9,970 | ) | | (44,062 | ) | | (95,275 | ) |
Operating revenues eliminated upon consolidation of investment vehicles | | 155 |
| | 103 |
| | 283 |
| | 461 |
| | 350 |
|
Distribution and servicing expense, excluding consolidated investment vehicles | | (108,771 | ) | | (114,516 | ) | | (124,071 | ) | | (339,845 | ) | | (369,998 | ) |
Operating Revenues, as Adjusted | | $ | 588,270 |
| | $ | 620,008 |
| | $ | 659,332 |
| | $ | 1,827,208 |
| | $ | 1,890,347 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
Operating Income (Loss), GAAP basis | | $ | (236,427 | ) | | $ | 135,728 |
| | $ | (27,333 | ) | | $ | 24,977 |
| | $ | 224,291 |
|
Plus (less): | | | | |
| | |
| | | | |
Gains (losses) on deferred compensation and seed investments, net | | (10,826 | ) | | 3,964 |
| | 4,333 |
| | (5,590 | ) | | 14,585 |
|
Impairment of intangible assets | | 365,200 |
| | — |
| | 195,000 |
| | 365,200 |
| | 229,000 |
|
Amortization of intangible assets | | 6,089 |
| | 6,102 |
| | 6,071 |
| | 18,371 |
| | 18,492 |
|
Charge related to regulatory matter | | — |
| | 151 |
| | — |
| | 4,151 |
| | — |
|
Contingent consideration fair value adjustments | | — |
| | 145 |
| | 739 |
| | 571 |
| | (15,811 | ) |
Operating loss of consolidated investment vehicles, net | | 343 |
| | 372 |
| | 722 |
| | 1,331 |
| | 917 |
|
Operating Income, as Adjusted | | $ | 124,379 |
| | $ | 146,462 |
| | $ | 179,532 |
| | $ | 409,011 |
| | $ | 471,474 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
Operating Margin, GAAP basis | | (33.6 | )% | | 17.9 | % | | (3.4 | )% | | 1.1 | % | | 9.5 | % |
Operating Margin, as Adjusted | | 21.1 |
| | 23.6 |
| | 27.2 |
| | 22.4 |
| | 24.9 |
|
Operating Margin, as Adjusted, for the three months ended December 31, 2018, September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, was 21.1%, 23.6%, and 27.2%, respectively. Operating Margin, as Adjusted, for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2018 was reduced by 1.0 percentage point and 0.5 percentage points, respectively, due to costs associated with the development of the global operating platform and other collaboration initiatives. Operating Margin, as Adjusted, for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was also reduced by 0.4 percentage points due to the real estate related charge associated with the sublease of office space in our Baltimore headquarters, and for the three months December 31, 2017, was reduced by 0.2 percentage points, due to transition-related costs incurred in connection with the restructuring of Permal for the combination with EnTrust.
Operating Margin, as Adjusted, for the nine months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, was 22.4% and 24.9%, respectively. Operating Margin, as Adjusted, for the nine months ended December 31, 2018, was reduced by 0.7 percentage points due to costs associated with the development of the global operating platform and other collaboration initiatives and was reduced by 0.1 percentage points due to the real estate related charge discussed above. Operating Margin, as Adjusted, for the nine
months ended December 31, 2017, was reduced by 0.3 percentage points due to transition-related costs incurred in connection with the restructuring of Permal for the combination with EnTrust.
Adjusted EBITDA
We define Adjusted EBITDA as cash provided by (used in) operating activities plus (minus) interest expense, net of accretion and amortization of debt discounts and premiums, current income tax expense (benefit), the net change in assets and liabilities, net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests, net gains (losses) and earnings on investments, net gains (losses) on consolidated investment vehicles, and other. The net change in assets and liabilities adjustment aligns with the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Adjusted EBITDA is not reduced by equity-based compensation expense, including management equity plan non-cash issuance-related charges. Most management equity plan units may be put to or called by us for cash payment, although their terms do not require this to occur.
We believe that this measure is useful to investors and us as it provides additional information with regard to our ability to meet working capital requirements, service our debt, and return capital to our stockholders. This measure is provided in addition to Cash provided by operating activities and may not be comparable to non-GAAP performance measures or liquidity measures of other companies, including their measures of EBITDA or Adjusted EBITDA. Further, this measure is not to be confused with Net Income, Cash provided by operating activities, or other measures of earnings or cash flows under GAAP, and is provided as a supplement to, and not in replacement of, GAAP measures.
The calculation of Adjusted EBITDA is as follows (dollars in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended | | Nine Months Ended |
| | December 31, 2018 | | September 30, 2018 | | December 31, 2017 | | December 31, 2018 | | December 31, 2017 |
Cash provided by operating activities, GAAP basis | | $ | 256,591 |
| | $ | 289,568 |
| | $ | 116,912 |
| | $ | 443,989 |
| | $ | 291,818 |
|
Plus (less): | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest expense, net of accretion and amortization of debt discounts and premiums | | 28,259 |
| | 29,341 |
| | 28,503 |
| | 86,956 |
| | 85,176 |
|
Current tax expense | | (1,218 | ) | | 9,975 |
| | 8,823 |
| | 17,635 |
| | 24,557 |
|
Net change in assets and liabilities | | (170,384 | ) | | (69,426 | ) | | 27,338 |
| | (24,794 | ) | | 97,672 |
|
Net change in assets and liabilities of consolidated investment vehicles | | 60,158 |
| | (84,704 | ) | | 20,023 |
| | (9,966 | ) | | 51,223 |
|
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | | (10,498 | ) | | (8,270 | ) | | (19,324 | ) | | (31,043 | ) | | (43,901 | ) |
Net gains (losses) and earnings on investments | | 21,367 |
| | 8,336 |
| | (4,163 | ) | | 36,495 |
| | 2,874 |
|
Net gains on consolidated investment vehicles | | 2,369 |
| | (3,998 | ) | | 8,225 |
| | 1,954 |
| | 11,316 |
|
Other | | (68 | ) | | 153 |
| | 663 |
| | (289 | ) | | 934 |
|
Adjusted EBITDA | | $ | 186,576 |
| | $ | 170,975 |
| | $ | 187,000 |
| | $ | 520,937 |
| | $ | 521,669 |
|
Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended December 31, 2018, September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, was $186.6 million, $171.0 million, and $187.0 million, respectively. The increase for the three months ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2018 was primarily due to realized gains on hedging activity, partially offset by a decrease in operating income. Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, was $520.9 million and $521.7 million, respectively.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2018, we had approximately $560 million in cash and cash equivalents in excess of our working capital and regulatory requirements. The primary objective of our capital structure is to provide needed liquidity at all times, including maintaining required capital in certain subsidiaries. We review our overall funding needs and capital base on an ongoing basis to determine if the capital base meets the expected needs of our businesses.
The consolidation of variable interest entities discussed above does not impact our liquidity and capital resources. However, we have executed total return swap arrangements with investors in certain ETFs, and as a result we receive the related investment gains and losses on the ETFs and may be required to consolidate ETFs with open total return swap arrangements. At December 31, 2018, the total return swap notional values aggregate $41.3 million. Otherwise, we have no rights to the benefits from, nor do we bear the risks associated with, the assets and liabilities of the CIVs and other consolidated sponsored investment products beyond our investments in and investment advisory fees generated from these products, which are eliminated in consolidation. Additionally, creditors of the CIVs and other consolidated sponsored investment products have no recourse to our general credit beyond the level of our investment, if any, so we do not consider these liabilities to be our obligations.
Our assets consist primarily of intangible assets, goodwill, cash and cash equivalents, investment securities, and investment advisory and related fee receivables. Our operations have been principally funded by equity capital, long-term debt and retained earnings. At December 31, 2018, cash and cash equivalents, total assets, long-term debt, net, and stockholders' equity were $0.8 billion, $7.7 billion, $2.2 billion and $3.7 billion, respectively. Total assets include amounts related to CIVs and other consolidated sponsored investment products of $0.1 billion.
Cash and cash equivalents are primarily invested in liquid domestic and non-domestic money market funds that hold principally domestic and non-domestic government and agency securities, bank deposits and corporate commercial paper. We have not recognized any losses on these investments. Our monitoring of cash and cash equivalents partially mitigates the potential that material risks may be associated with these balances.
The following table summarizes our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | Nine Months Ended December 31, |
| | 2018 | | 2017 |
Cash flows provided by operating activities | | $ | 444.0 |
| | $ | 291.8 |
|
Cash flows used in investing activities | | (26.9 | ) | | (12.4 | ) |
Cash flows used in financing activities | | (309.2 | ) | | (332.9 | ) |
Effect of exchange rate changes | | (16.5 | ) | | 5.7 |
|
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | | 91.4 |
| | (47.8 | ) |
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period | | 773.8 |
| | 754.3 |
|
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period | | $ | 865.2 |
| | $ | 706.5 |
|
Cash inflows provided by operating activities during the nine months ended December 31, 2018, were $444.0 million, primarily related to Net Income, adjusted for non-cash items, including impairment charges totaling $365.2 million. Cash inflows provided by operating activities during the nine months ended December 31, 2017 were $291.8 million, primarily related to Net Income, adjusted for non-cash items, including the $213.7 million tax benefit recognized in connection with the enactment of the Tax Law and the impairment charge of $229.0 million, offset in part by payments for accrued and deferred compensation.
Cash outflows used in investing activities during the nine months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, were $26.9 million and $12.4 million, respectively, primarily related to payments made for fixed assets, offset in part by returns of capital received on certain investments in partnerships and limited liability companies in each period.
Cash outflows used in financing activities during the nine months ended December 31, 2018, were $309.2 million, primarily related to the repayment of $125.5 million of outstanding borrowings under our unsecured revolving credit agreement (as amended from time to time the "Credit Agreement"), dividends paid of $84.6 million, net redemptions attributable to
noncontrolling interests in CIVs and other consolidated investment products of $36.3 million, and distributions to noncontrolling interest holders of $32.4 million. Cash outflows used in financing activities during the nine months ended December 31, 2017, were $332.9 million, primarily related to the repurchase of 6.6 million shares of our common stock for $253.6 million through open market purchases, the purchase of 5.6 million shares our common stock from Shanda Asset Management Investment Limited for $225.5 million, and dividends paid of $76.0 million.
Based on our current level of operations and anticipated growth, we expect that cash generated from our operating activities, together with available cash on hand and available borrowings under our Credit Agreement, will be adequate to support our working capital needs for at least the next 12 months. We currently intend to utilize our available resources for activities including, but not limited to, repayment of outstanding debt, development and implementation of the global operating platform, acquisitions, seed capital investments in new and existing products, and payment of dividends. In addition to our ordinary operating cash needs, we anticipate other cash needs during the next 12 months, as discussed below.
Contingent Consideration
As of December 31, 2018, we had various commitments to pay contingent consideration relating to business acquisitions.
On October 21, 2015, we acquired a majority interest in RARE Infrastructure. Contingent consideration catch-up adjustments of up to $74.7 million (using the foreign exchange rate as of December 31, 2018 for the maximum 106 million Australia dollar amount per the contract), may be due through March 31, 2019, dependent on the achievement of certain net revenue targets; however, as of December 31, 2018, no such payments are expected to be due.
Effective May 31, 2014, we completed the acquisition of QS Investors. Contingent consideration of up to $20 million for the fourth anniversary payment, and up to $3 million for a potential catch-up adjustment for the second anniversary payment shortfall, was potentially due in July 2018. In December 2018, we paid $4.3 million for the final installment of contingent consideration.
In December 2017, we completed two small bolt-on acquisitions that provide for contingent consideration of up to $1.9 million in the aggregate. Any potential payments for the first acquisition may be due through October 2022 and for the second acquisition may be due in September 2019.
On October 1, 2014, we acquired all outstanding equity interests of Martin Currie. The share purchase agreement provided for potential first, second, and third anniversary contingent payments due as of the March 31, 2016, 2017, and 2018 calculation dates, respectively; however, no such payments were due based on relevant financial metrics. We believe no payments are due and we are discussing the determination with certain of the entities from which we acquired Martin Currie.
See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Noncontrolling Interests
As further described below, we may be obligated to settle noncontrolling interests related to certain affiliates. The following table presents a summary of the carrying values of our affiliate noncontrolling interests (in millions), excluding amounts related to management equity plans, as of December 31, 2018. The ultimate timing and amounts of noncontrolling interest settlements are generally too uncertain to project with any accuracy.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | EnTrustPermal | | Clarion Partners | | RARE Infrastructure | | Other | | Total |
Affiliate noncontrolling interests as of December 31, 2018 | | $ | 383.2 |
| | $ | 120.4 |
| | $ | 35.1 |
| | $ | 1.3 |
| | $ | 540.0 |
|
Noncontrolling interests of 35% of the outstanding equity of EnTrust Permal, 18% of the outstanding equity of Clarion Partners and 15% of RARE Infrastructure are subject to put and call provisions that may result in future cash outlays.
On July 2, 2018, the corporate minority owner of RARE Infrastructure exercised the put option for its 10% ownership interest. The settlement value of $15.5 million, along with $1.0 million of dividends in arrears, was paid on October 10, 2018.
See Notes 7 and 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Affiliate Management Equity Plans
In conjunction with the acquisition of Clarion Partners in April 2016, we implemented an affiliate management equity plan that entitles certain key employees of Clarion Partners to participate in 15% of the future growth, if any, of the enterprise value (subject to appropriate discounts) subsequent to the date of the grant. In March 2016, we implemented an affiliate management equity plan with Royce. Under this management equity plan, as of December 31, 2018, noncontrolling interests equivalent to 19.0% in the Royce entity have been issued to its management team. In addition, we implemented an affiliate management equity plan in March 2014, that entitles certain key employees of ClearBridge to participate in 15% of the future growth, if any, of the enterprise value (subject to appropriate discounts). As of December 31, 2018, the estimated redemption value for units under management equity plans aggregated $88 million. Repurchases of units granted under the plans may impact future liquidity requirements, however, the amounts and timing of repurchases are too uncertain to project with any accuracy. See Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding affiliate management equity plans.
Future Outlook
Restructuring
As previously discussed, on January 31, 2019, our Board of Directors approved a plan to implement a new global operating platform. We expect to incur incremental aggregate restructuring costs in the range of $130 million to $150 million to implement the global operating platform, the majority of which will be paid in cash and incurred through March 2021. We expect that the implementation of the global operating platform will result in future annual cost savings of $90 million to $110 million and expect to achieve the majority of these savings on a run rate basis by March 2021.
Short-term Debt and Long-term Borrowings
In September 2018, we repaid the $125.5 million of outstanding borrowings under our Credit Agreement using funds that otherwise would have been allocated to share repurchases. We currently intend to accumulate cash to repay the $250 million of outstanding 2.7% Senior Notes due July 2019. As of December 31, 2018, we had $500 million of available borrowing capacity under our Credit Agreement, which terminates in December 2020, and can be increased by another $500 million with the approval of the lenders.
We do not currently expect to raise incremental debt or equity financing over the next 12 months, other than potentially utilizing available borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility. Going forward, there can be no assurances of these expectations as our projections could prove to be incorrect, events may occur that require additional liquidity in excess of amounts available under our Credit Agreement, such as an opportunity to refinance indebtedness or complete an acquisition, or market conditions might significantly worsen, affecting our results of operations and generation of available cash. If these events result in our operations and available cash being insufficient to fund liquidity needs, we may seek to manage our available resources by taking actions such as delaying the reinstatement of our share repurchase program, reducing operating expenses, reducing our expected expenditures on investments, selling assets (such as investment securities), repatriating earnings from foreign subsidiaries, reducing our dividend, or modifying arrangements with our affiliates and/or employees. Should these types of actions prove insufficient, or should an acquisition or refinancing opportunity arise, we would likely utilize borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility or seek to raise additional equity or debt.
Share Repurchases
We did not repurchase any shares in the open market during the nine months ended December 31, 2018, and do not currently intend to repurchase a significant number of shares of our common stock prior to July 2019.
Liquid Assets
Our liquid assets include cash, cash equivalents, and certain current investment securities. As of December 31, 2018, our total liquid assets of approximately $959 million, included $318 million of cash, cash equivalents, and investments held by foreign subsidiaries. Other net working capital amounts of foreign subsidiaries were not significant. In order to supplement cash available in the U.S. for general corporate purposes, we plan to utilize up to approximately $69 million of foreign cash over the next several years and anticipate that $33 million will be in the form of debt service payments by foreign affiliates, with the remainder provided from distribution of forecasted future offshore earnings. No further repatriation of foreign earnings is currently planned.
Other
In connection with the acquisition of Clarion Partners in April 2016, we committed to ultimately provide $100 million of seed capital to Clarion Partners products, after the second anniversary of the transaction closing. We also committed to contribute up to $5 million of additional working capital to Financial Guard, to be paid over the two-year period following the acquisition, the final $2.5 million of which was paid during the three months ended June 30, 2018.
As of December 31, 2018, less than 1% of total assets (5% of financial assets at fair value) and less than 1% of total liabilities (9% of financial liabilities measured at fair value) meet the definition of Level 3.
Contractual and Contingent Obligations
We have contractual obligations to make future payments, principally in connection with our long-term debt, non-cancelable lease agreements, acquisition agreements and service agreements. See Notes 6 and 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional disclosures related to our commitments.
The following table sets forth these contractual obligations (in millions) by fiscal year, and excludes contractual obligations of CIVs and other consolidated sponsored investment products, as we are not responsible or liable for these obligations:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Remaining2019 | | 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | Thereafter | | Total |
Contractual Obligations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Long-term borrowings by contract maturity | | $ | — |
| | $ | 250.0 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 2,000.0 |
| | $ | 2,250.0 |
|
Interest on long-term borrowings and credit facility commitment fees | | 45.5 |
| | 109.7 |
| | 106.1 |
| | 105.4 |
| | 105.4 |
| | 2,167.4 |
| | 2,639.5 |
|
Minimum rental and service commitments | | 49.2 |
| | 135.9 |
| | 112.3 |
| | 99.5 |
| | 89.7 |
| | 120.4 |
| | 607.0 |
|
Contributions to pension plan(1) | | — |
| | 3.0 |
| | 3.0 |
| | 3.0 |
| | 3.0 |
| | 7.6 |
| | 19.6 |
|
Total Contractual Obligations | | 94.7 |
| | 498.6 |
| | 221.4 |
| | 207.9 |
| | 198.1 |
| | 4,295.4 |
| | 5,516.1 |
|
Contingent Obligations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Payments related to business acquisitions:(2) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
RARE Infrastructure | | 74.7 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 74.7 |
|
Other | | 0.6 |
| | 0.7 |
| | 0.6 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 1.9 |
|
Total payments related to business acquisitions | | 75.3 |
| | 0.7 |
| | 0.6 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 76.6 |
|
Total Obligations(3)(4)(5) | | $ | 170.0 |
| | $ | 499.3 |
| | $ | 222.0 |
| | $ | 207.9 |
| | $ | 198.1 |
| | $ | 4,295.4 |
| | $ | 5,592.7 |
|
| |
(1) | Represents contributions to be made by Martin Currie to its legacy pension plan on an annual basis through May 2024, with a final payment due November 2024 (using the exchange rate as of December 31, 2018 for the £2.3 million annual committed contribution amount and the £1.5 million final payment amount). |
| |
(2) | The amount of contingent payments reflected for any year represents the maximum amount that could be payable at the earliest possible date under the terms of the business purchase agreements, using the applicable exchange rate as of December 31, 2018, for amounts denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The related contingent consideration liabilities had an aggregate fair value of $1.9 million as of December 31, 2018. See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. |
| |
(3) | The table above does not include approximately $36.0 million in capital commitments to investment partnerships in which we are a limited partner, which will be outstanding, or funded as required, through the end of the commitment periods running through fiscal 2030 or $100 million of co-investment commitment associated with the Clarion Partners acquisition. |
| |
(4) | The table above does not include amounts for uncertain tax positions of $54.3 million (net of the federal benefit for state tax liabilities), because the timing of any related cash outflows cannot be reliably estimated. |
| |
(5) | The table above does not include redeemable noncontrolling interests related to minority equity interests in our affiliates and affiliate management equity plans with key employees of Clarion Partners and ClearBridge totaling $587.2 million as of December 31, 2018, because the timing and amount of any related cash outflows cannot be reliably estimated. Redeemable noncontrolling interests of CIVs of $89.8 million as of December 31, 2018, are also excluded from the table above because we have no obligations in relation to these amounts. Potential obligations arising from the ultimate settlement of awards under the affiliate management equity plan with key employees of Royce are also excluded due to the uncertainty of the timing and amounts ultimately payable. See Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding affiliate management equity plans. |
Critical Accounting Policies
The following Critical Accounting Policies have been updated from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2018.
Revenue Recognition
Effective April 1, 2018, we adopted updated accounting guidance on revenue recognition on a modified retrospective basis for any contracts that were not complete as of the April 1, 2018 adoption date. The updated guidance provides a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers, improves comparability and removes inconsistencies in revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions, and capital markets. The guidance also specifies the accounting for certain costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer and revises the criteria for determining if an entity is acting as a principal or agent in certain arrangements. The adoption of the updated guidance did not result in significant changes to our prior revenue recognition practices, except for the timing of the recognition of certain performance and incentive fees, the capitalization and amortization of certain sales commissions for separate accounts, and the net presentation of certain fund expense reimbursements which were previously presented on a gross basis. Each of these changes to our previous revenue recognition practices is further discussed below.
We primarily earn revenues by providing investment management services and distribution and shareholder services for its customers, which are generally investment funds or the underlying investors in separately managed accounts. As further discussed below, revenues are calculated based on the value of the investments under management and are recognized when obligations under the terms of contracts with customers are satisfied, which is generally over time as the services are rendered.
We have responsibility for the valuation of AUM, substantially all of which is based on observable market data from independent pricing services, fund accounting agents, custodians or brokers.
Investment Advisory Fees
We earn investment advisory fees on assets in separately managed accounts, investment funds, and other products managed for our clients. Generally, investment management services are a single performance obligation, as they include a series of distinct services that are substantially the same and are transferred to the customer over time using the same time-based measure of progress. Investment management services are satisfied over time as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits as the advisory services are performed.
Separate Account and Funds Advisory Fees
Separate account and funds advisory fees are variable consideration which is primarily based on predetermined percentages of the daily, monthly or quarterly average market value of the AUM, as defined in the investment management agreements. The average market value of AUM is subject to change based on fluctuations and volatility in financial markets, and as such, separate account and funds advisory fees are constrained until the end of the month or quarter when the actual average market value of the AUM is known and a significant revenue reversal is no longer probable. Therefore, separate account and funds advisory fees are included in the transaction price and allocated to the investment management services performance obligation at the end of each monthly or quarterly reporting period, as specified in the investment management contract. Payment for services under investment management contracts is due once the variable consideration is allocated to the transaction price, and generally within 30 days. Recognition of separate account and funds advisory fee revenue under the updated guidance is consistent with our prior revenue recognition process.
Performance and Incentive Fees
Performance and incentive fees are variable consideration that may be earned on certain investment management contracts for exceeding performance benchmarks on a relative or absolute basis or for exceeding contractual return thresholds. Performance and incentive fees are estimated at the inception of a contract however, a range of outcomes is possible due to factors outside the control of the investment manager, particularly market conditions. Performance and incentive fees are therefore excluded from the transaction price until it becomes probable that a significant reversal in the cumulative amount of revenue recognized will not occur. A portion of performance and incentive fees are earned based on 12-month performance periods that end in differing quarters during the year, with a portion also based on quarterly performance periods. We also earn performance and incentive fees on alternative and certain other products that lock at the earlier of the investor’s termination date or the liquidation of the fund or contract, in multiple-year intervals, or specific events, such as the sale of assets. For certain of these products, performance and incentive fees may be recognized as revenue earlier under the updated guidance than under prior revenue recognition practices, which deferred recognition until all contingencies were resolved.
Any such performance and incentive fees recognized prior to the resolution of all contingencies are recorded as a contract asset in Other current assets or Other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Fee Waivers and Fund Expense Reimbursements
We may waive certain fees for investors or may reimburse our investment funds for certain operating expenses when such expenses exceed a certain threshold. Fee waivers continue to be reported as a reduction in advisory fee revenue under the updated guidance. Under prior accounting guidance, fund expense reimbursements in excess of recognized revenue were recorded as Other expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Under the updated accounting guidance, these fund expense reimbursements that exceed the recognized revenue represent a change in the transaction price and are therefore reported as a reduction of Investment advisory fees - Funds in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Distribution and Service Fees Revenue and Expense
Distribution and service fees are fees earned from funds to reimburse the distributor for the costs of marketing and selling fund shares and are generally determined as a percentage of client assets. Reported amounts also include fees earned from providing client or shareholder servicing, including record keeping or administrative services to proprietary funds, and non-discretionary advisory services for assets under advisement. Distribution and service fees earned on company-sponsored investment funds are reported as revenue. Distribution services and marketing services are considered a single performance obligation as the success of selling the underlying shares is highly dependent upon the sales and marketing efforts. Ongoing shareholder servicing is a separate performance obligation as these services are not highly interrelated and interdependent on the sale of the shares. Fees earned related to distribution and shareholder serving are considered variable consideration because they are calculated based on the average market value of the fund. The average market value of the fund is subject to change based on fluctuations and volatility in financial markets, and as such, distribution and shareholder service fees are generally constrained until the end of the month or quarter when the actual market value of the fund is known, and the related revenue is no longer subject to a significant reversal. Therefore, distribution and service fees are generally included in the transaction price at the end of each monthly or quarterly reporting period and are allocated to the two performance obligations based on the amount specified in each agreement. While distribution services are largely satisfied at the inception of an investment, the ultimate amounts of revenue are subject to the variable consideration constraint. Accordingly, a portion of distribution and service revenue will be recognized in periods subsequent to the satisfaction of the performance obligation.
Certain fund share classes only charge for distribution services at the inception of the investment based on a fixed percentage of the share price. This fixed price is allocated to the performance obligation, which is substantially satisfied at the time of the initial investment.
Recognition of distribution and service fee revenue under the updated guidance is consistent with our prior revenue recognition process.
When we enter into arrangements with broker-dealers or other third parties to sell or market proprietary fund shares, distribution and servicing expense is accrued for the amounts owed to third parties, including finders' fees and referral fees paid to unaffiliated broker-dealers or introducing parties and is recorded as Distribution and servicing expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Distribution and servicing expense also includes payments to third parties for certain shareholder administrative services and sub-advisory fees paid to unaffiliated asset managers.
Contract Costs and Deferred Sales Commissions
We incur ordinary costs to obtain investment management contracts and for services provided to customers in accordance with investment management agreements. These costs include commissions paid to wholesalers, employees and third-party broker dealers and administration and placement fees. Depending on the type of services provided, these fees may be paid at the time the contract is obtained or on an ongoing basis. Under the updated guidance, costs to obtain a contract should be capitalized if the costs are incremental and would not have been incurred if the contract had not been obtained, and costs to fulfill the contract should be capitalized if they relate directly to a contract, the costs will generate or enhance resources of the entity that will be used in satisfying performance obligations in the future, and the costs are expected to be recovered. Consistent with prior accounting procedures, fund launch costs, including organizational and underwriting costs, placement fees and commissions paid to employees, wholesalers and broker-dealers for sales of fund shares are expensed as incurred, as these costs would be incurred regardless of the investor. However, commissions paid to employees and retail wholesalers in connection with the sale of retail separate accounts are considered incremental, as these fees relate to obtaining a specific contract, are calculated based on specific rates and are recoverable through the management fees earned and are therefore capitalized under the updated accounting guidance. Such commissions were expensed as incurred under our prior accounting
practices. Capitalized sales commissions are amortized based on the transfer of services to which the assets relate, which averages four years.
Commissions we pay to financial intermediaries in connection with sales of certain classes of company-sponsored mutual funds are capitalized as deferred sales commissions. The asset is amortized over periods not exceeding six years, which represent the periods during which commissions are generally recovered from distribution and service fee revenues and from contingent deferred sales charges ("CDSC") received from shareholders of those funds upon redemption of their shares. CDSC consideration is generally variable and is based on the timing of when investors redeem their investment. Therefore, the variable consideration is included in the transaction price once the investors redeem their shares and is satisfied at a point in time. CDSC receipts are recorded as distribution and service fee revenue when received and a reduction of the unamortized balance of deferred sales commissions, with a corresponding expense. Under the updated accounting guidance, Legg Mason has elected to expense sales commissions related to certain share classes with amortization periods of one year or less as incurred.
Valuation of Financial Instruments
Effective April 1, 2018, we adopted accounting guidance on a prospective basis which requires equity investments to be measured at fair value, with changes recognized in earnings. This guidance does not apply to investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting or underlying investments of consolidated entities. The updated guidance also provides entities the option to elect to measure equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values and do not qualify for the net asset value practical expedient at "adjusted cost". Under this adjusted cost method, which we have adopted, investments are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently adjusted (increased or decreased) when there is an observable transaction involving the same investment, or similar investment from the same issuer. Adjusted cost investment carrying values are also adjusted for impairments, if any.
Intangible Assets and Goodwill
Balances as of December 31, 2018, were as follows (in thousands):
|
| | | | |
Amortizable asset management contracts | | $ | 132,416 |
|
Indefinite-life intangible assets | | 3,208,908 |
|
Trade names | | 48,475 |
|
Goodwill | | 1,881,470 |
|
| | $ | 5,271,269 |
|
Our identifiable intangible assets consist primarily of asset management contracts, contracts to manage proprietary mutual funds, hedge funds or funds-of-hedge funds, and trade names resulting from acquisitions. Asset management contracts are amortizable intangible assets that are capitalized at acquisition and amortized over the expected life of the contract. Contracts to manage proprietary mutual funds, hedge funds or funds-of-hedge funds are indefinite-life intangible assets because we assume that there is no foreseeable limit on the contract period due to the likelihood of continued renewal at little or no cost. Similarly, trade names are considered indefinite-life intangible assets because they are expected to generate cash flows indefinitely.
In allocating the purchase price of an acquisition to intangible assets, we must determine the fair value of the assets acquired. We determine fair values of intangible assets acquired based upon projected future cash flows, which take into consideration estimates and assumptions including profit margins, growth and/or attrition rates for acquired contracts based upon historical experience and other factors, estimated contract lives, discount rates, projected net client flows and market performance. The determination of estimated contract lives requires judgment based upon historical client turnover and attrition rates and the probability that contracts with termination provisions will be renewed. The discount rate employed is a weighted-average cost of capital that takes into consideration a premium representing the degree of risk inherent in the asset, as more fully described below.
Goodwill represents the residual amount of acquisition cost in excess of identified tangible and intangible assets and assumed liabilities.
Given the relative significance of our intangible assets and goodwill to our consolidated financial statements, on a quarterly basis we consider if triggering events have occurred that may indicate a significant change in fair values. Triggerin
g events may include significant adverse changes in our business or the legal or regulatory environment, loss of key personnel, significant business dispositions, or other events, including changes in economic arrangements with our affiliates that will impact future operating results. If a triggering event has occurred, we perform quantitative tests, which include critical reviews of all significant assumptions, to determine if any intangible assets or goodwill are impaired. If we have not qualitatively concluded that it is more likely than not that the respective fair values exceed the related carrying values, we perform these tests for indefinite-life intangible assets and goodwill annually.
Details of our intangible assets and goodwill and the related impairment tests follow. As a result of uncertainty regarding future market conditions, assessing the fair value of the reporting unit and intangible assets requires management to exercise significant judgment.
Historically we have performed our annual goodwill and indefinite-life intangible assets impairment tests as of December 31 each year. During the second quarter of fiscal 2019, we voluntarily changed the date of our annual impairment test from December 31 to October 31in order to better align the impairment testing process with existing long-term planning processes and earnings release timing. We do not believe the change in accounting principle related to the annual impairment testing date has delayed, accelerated, or avoided an impairment charge relative to the test date. We have determined that this change in accounting principle is preferable under the circumstances.
We performed our annual impairment testing of goodwill and indefinite-life intangible assets as of October 31, 2018 and our periodic impairment review of amortizable intangible assets as of December 31, 2018. Due to prior limited excess fair value over the related carrying values noted in the analyses of the EnTrustPermal and RARE Infrastructure indefinite-life fund management contracts assets, and negative market trends, these analyses were completed with current data through December 31, 2018. Analyses of trade name indefinite-life intangible assets related to these businesses were also completed with current data through December 31, 2018. As a result of these updated impairment tests, our EnTrustPermal indefinite-life mutual fund contracts asset and trade name asset, and our RARE Infrastructure indefinite-life fund management contracts asset, amortizable management contracts asset and trade name asset were all determined to be partially impaired resulting in pre-tax operating charges totaling $365 million.
Amortizable Intangible Assets
Intangible assets subject to amortization are considered for impairment at each reporting period using an undiscounted cash flow analysis. Significant assumptions used in assessing the recoverability of management contract intangible assets include projected cash flows generated by the contracts and the remaining lives of the contracts. Projected cash flows are based on fees generated by current AUM for the applicable contracts. Contracts are generally assumed to turnover evenly throughout the life of the intangible asset. The remaining life of the asset is based upon factors such as average client retention and client turnover rates. If the amortization periods are no longer appropriate, the expected lives are adjusted and the impact on the fair value is assessed. Actual cash flows in any one period may vary from the projected cash flows without resulting in an impairment charge because a variance in any one period must be considered in conjunction with other assumptions that impact projected cash flows.
During the three months ended December 31, 2018, projected revenues related to the RARE Infrastructure separate account contracts asset declined due to losses of separate account clients and AUM. Based on revised attrition estimates, the remaining useful life was decreased from three and one-half to two years at December 31, 2018. As a result of the decline in projected revenues and the revised estimate of useful life, the amortized carrying value of $7 million was determined to exceed its fair value and an impairment charge of $6 million was recorded during the three months ended December 31, 2018. Management estimated the fair value of this asset as of December 31, 2018, based on a discounted cash flow analysis using unobservable market inputs, which are Level 3 measurements. In addition to the useful life, other significant assumptions used in the cash flow analysis included projected revenue growth rates of 7% and a discount rate of 16.5%.
As of December 31, 2018, the fair value of the EnTrust Capital separate account contracts amortizable asset exceeded the carrying value of $44 million by 6%. Despite the excess of fair value over the related carrying value, future decreases in our cash flow projections, resulting from actual results, or changes in assumptions due to client attrition and the related reduction in revenues, investment performance, market conditions, or other factors, may result in impairment of this asset. There can be no assurance that continued client attrition, asset outflows, market uncertainty, or other factors, will not produce an additional impairment in this asset.
As of December 31, 2018, the Clarion Partners separate account contracts amortizable asset net carrying values of $74 million comprised nearly 60% of our total amortizable intangible asset management contracts and other aggregate carrying value. As of December 31, 2018, the cumulative undiscounted cash flows related to this separate account contracts amortizable asset exceeded the carrying value by a material amount.
The estimated remaining useful lives of amortizable intangible assets currently range from one to eight years with a weighted-average life of approximately 6.4 years.
Indefinite-Life Intangible Assets
For intangible assets with lives that are indeterminable or indefinite, fair value is determined from a market participant's perspective based on projected discounted cash flows, taking into account the values market participants would pay in a taxable transaction to acquire the respective assets. We have two primary types of indefinite-life intangible assets: proprietary fund contracts and, to a lesser extent, trade names.
We determine the fair value of our intangible assets based upon discounted projected cash flows, which take into consideration estimates of future fees, profit margins, growth rates, taxes, and discount rates. The determination of the fair values of our indefinite-life intangible assets is highly dependent on these estimates and changes in these inputs could result in a material impairment of the related carrying values. An asset is determined to be impaired if the current implied fair value is less than the recorded carrying value of the asset. If an asset is impaired, the difference between the current implied fair value and the carrying value of the asset reflected on the financial statements is recognized as an operating expense in the period in which the impairment is determined to exist.
Contracts that are managed and operated as a single unit, such as contracts within the same family of funds, are reviewed in aggregate and are considered interchangeable if investors can transfer between funds with limited restrictions. Similarly, cash flows generated by new funds added to the fund group are included when determining the fair value of the intangible asset.
Projected cash flows are based on annualized cash flows for the applicable contracts projected forward 40 years, assuming annual cash flow growth from estimated net client flows and projected market performance. To estimate the projected cash flows, projected growth rates by affiliate are used to project their AUM. Cash flow growth rates consider estimates of both AUM flows and market expectations by asset class (equity, fixed income, alternative, and liquidity) and by investment manager based upon, among other things, historical experience and expectations of future market and investment performance from internal and external sources. Currently, our market growth assumptions are 4% for equity, 3% for fixed income, 3% for alternative, and 0% for liquidity products, with a general assumption of 2% organic growth for all products, subject to exceptions for organic growth (contraction), generally in years one through five.
The starting point for these assumptions is our corporate planning process that includes three-year AUM projections from the management of each operating affiliate that consider the specific business circumstances of each affiliate, with flow assumptions for years one through five for certain affiliates adjusted, as appropriate, to reflect a market participant view. Beyond year three, the estimates move towards our general organic growth assumption of 2%, as appropriate for each affiliate and asset class, through year 20. The resulting cash flow growth rate for year 20 is held constant and used to further project cash flows through year 40. Based on projected AUM by affiliate and asset class, affiliate advisory fee rates are applied to determine projected revenues. The domestic mutual fund contracts projected revenues are applied to a weighted-average margin for the applicable affiliates that manage the AUM. Margins are based on arrangements currently in place at each affiliate. Projected operating income is further reduced by an appropriate tax rate to calculate the projected cash flows.
We believe our growth assumptions are reasonable given our consideration of multiple inputs, including internal and external sources, although our assumptions are subject to change based on fluctuations in our actual results and market conditions. Our assumptions are also subject to change due to, among other factors, poor investment performance by one or more of our operating affiliates, the withdrawal of AUM by clients, changes in business climate, adverse regulatory actions, or loss of key personnel. We consider these risks in the development of our growth assumptions and discount rates, discussed further below. Further, actual cash flows in any one period may vary from the projected cash flows without resulting in an impairment charge because a variance in any one period must be considered in conjunction with other assumptions that impact projected cash flows.
Our process includes comparison of actual results to prior growth projections. However, differences between actual results and our prior projections are not necessarily indicative of a need to reassess our estimates given that our discounted projected cash flow analyses include projections well beyond three years and variances in the near-years may be offset in subsequent years; fair value assessments are point-in-time, and the consistency of a fair value assessment with other indicators of value that reflect expectations of market participants at that point-in-time is critical evidence of the soundness of the estimate of value. In subsequent periods, we consider the differences in actual results from our prior projections in considering the reasonableness of the growth assumptions used in our current impairment testing.
Discount rates are based on appropriately weighted estimated costs of debt and equity capital using a market participant perspective. We estimate the cost of debt based on published debt rates. We estimate the cost of equity capital based on the Capital Asset Pricing Model, which considers the risk-free interest rate, peer-group betas, and company and equity risk premiums. The equity risk is further adjusted to consider the relative risk associated with each of our indefinite-life intangible asset and our reporting unit. The discount rates are also calibrated based on an assessment of relevant market values.
Consistent with standard valuation practices for taxable transactions, the projected discounted cash flow analysis also factors in a tax benefit value, as appropriate. This tax benefit represents the discounted tax savings a third party that purchased an asset on a given valuation date would receive from future tax deductions for the amortization of the purchase price over 15 years.
As of October 31, 2018, the combined EnTrustPermal fund management contracts asset accounted for approximately 11% of our indefinite-life intangible assets and is supported by the combined EnTrustPermal fund management business. The past several years have seen declines in the traditional legacy high net worth client funds-of-hedge funds business, including transfers of client funds from such products into EnTrustPermal separate account products. As a result, both the near-term and long-term growth assumptions for these contracts were reduced, which led to decreased projected cash flows from the business.
Based upon our projected discounted cash flow analyses, the EnTrustPermal fund management contracts asset carrying value of $401 million exceeded its fair value of $127 million, resulting in an impairment charge of approximately $275 million for the excess. Base revenues related to EnTrustPermal fund management contracts were assumed to have annual growth (contraction) rates ranging from (19.4)% to 3.9% (average: 3.0%). Given current experience, projected near-year cash flows reflect AUM outflows in years one and two, and trend to modest AUM inflows of 1% by year four. Investment performance, including its expected impact on future asset flows, is a significant factor in our growth projections for the funds contracts. Our market performance projections are supported by the fact that our alternative assets have 5-year returns approximating 5% and are further supported by industry statistics. The projected cash flows from the EnTrustPermal fund management contracts were discounted at 17.0%, reflecting the factors noted above. Future decreases in our cash flow projections or increases in the discount rate, resulting from actual results, or changes in assumptions resulting from flow and AUM levels, investment performance, market conditions, or other factors, may result in further impairment of this asset. There can be no assurance that asset flows, market uncertainty, or other factors will not produce an additional impairment in this asset, which could be significant.
As of October 31, 2018, the RARE Infrastructure fund management contracts asset of $121 million accounted for approximately 3% of our indefinite-life intangible assets. Based on our projected discounted cash flow analyses, the RARE Infrastructure fund management contracts asset carrying value of $121 million exceeded its fair of $56 million resulting in an impairment charge of $65 million. Given current experience, projected near-year cash flows reflect reduced AUM inflows throughout the projection period and modest performance fees. Investment performance, including its expected impact on future asset flows, is a significant factor in our growth projections for the funds contracts. Our market performance projections are supported by the fact that our alternative assets have 5-year returns approximating 5% and are further supported by industry statistics. The projected cash flows from the RARE Infrastructure fund management contracts were discounted at 16.5%, reflecting the factors noted above. Future decreases in our cash flow projections or increases in the discount rate, resulting from actual results, or changes in assumptions resulting from flow and AUM levels, investment performance, market conditions, or other factors, may result in further impairment of this asset. There can be no assurance that asset flows, market uncertainty, or other factors will not produce an additional impairment in this asset, which could be significant.
The domestic mutual fund contracts acquired in the Citigroup Asset Management (“CAM”) transaction of $2.1 billion, account for approximately 60% of our indefinite-life intangible assets. As of October 31, 2018, approximately $145 billion of AUM, primarily managed by Western Asset and ClearBridge, was associated with this asset, with approximately 39% in
equity AUM, 45% in fixed income AUM and 16% in liquidity AUM. Although our domestic mutual funds overall have maintained strong recent market performance, previously disclosed uncertainties regarding market conditions and asset flows and risks related to potential regulatory changes in the liquidity business, are reflected in our projected discounted cash flow analyses. Based on our projected discounted cash flow analyses, the related fair value exceeded its carrying value by a material amount. For our impairment test, cash flows from the domestic mutual fund contracts were assumed to have annual growth rates averaging approximately 6% and reflect moderate AUM inflows. Projected cash flows of the domestic mutual fund contracts were discounted at 15.0%.
As of October 31, 2018, the Clarion Partners fund management contracts asset of $505 million accounted for approximately 14% of our indefinite-life intangible assets. Based on our projected discounted cash flow analyses, the related fair value exceeded its carrying value by 25%. For our impairment test, cash flows from the Clarion Partners fund management contracts were assumed to have long-term annual growth rates averaging 6% and reflect moderate AUM inflows throughout the projection period. Projected cash flows of the Clarion Partners fund management contracts were discounted at 13.0%.
Trade names account for 2% of indefinite-life intangible assets and are primarily related to EnTrustPermal and Clarion Partners, which had carrying values of $29 million and $23 million, respectively. We tested these intangible assets using a relief from royalty approach and discounted cash flow methods similar to those described above for indefinite-life contracts.
The EnTrustPermal trade name carrying of $28 million exceeded the fair value of $10 million resulting in an impairment charge of $18 million. The significant assumptions used in the cash flow analysis included projected annual revenue growth rates of flat to 4.4% (average: 3.9%), a royalty rate of 1.0%, and a discount rate of 16.5%. Future decreases in our cash flow projections or increases in the discount rate, resulting from actual results, or changes in assumptions resulting from flow and AUM levels, investment performance, market conditions, or other factors, may result in further impairment of this asset. There can be no assurance that asset outflows, market uncertainty, or other factors, will not produce an additional impairment in this asset.
The RARE Infrastructure trade name carrying value of $3 million exceeded the fair value of $2 million resulting in an impairment charge of $1 million. The significant assumptions used in the cash flow analysis included projected annual revenue growth rates of 0.9% to 4.6% (average: 4.2%), a royalty rate of 1.0%, and a discount rate of 16.5%. Future decreases in our cash flow projections or increases in the discount rate, resulting from actual results, or changes in assumptions resulting from flow and AUM levels, investment performance, market conditions, or other factors, may result in further impairment of this asset. There can be no assurance that asset outflows, market uncertainty, or other factors, will not produce an additional impairment in this asset.
As of October 31, 2018, the resulting fair values of our other trade name assets significantly exceeded the related carrying amounts.
Goodwill
Goodwill is evaluated at the reporting unit level and is considered for impairment when the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of the reporting unit. In estimating the implied fair value of the reporting unit, we use valuation techniques based on discounted projected cash flows and EBITDA multiples, similar to techniques employed in analyzing the purchase price of an acquisition. We continue to be managed as one Global Asset Management operating segment. Internal management reporting of discrete financial information regularly received by the chief operating decision maker, our Chief Executive Officer, is at the consolidated Global Asset Management business level. As a result, goodwill is recorded and evaluated at one Global Asset Management reporting unit level. Our Global Asset Management reporting unit consists of the operating businesses of our asset management affiliates and our centralized global distribution operations. In our impairment testing process, all consolidated assets (except for certain tax benefits) and liabilities are allocated to our single Global Asset Management reporting unit. Similarly, the projected operating results of the reporting unit include our holding company corporate costs and overhead, including interest expense and costs associated with executive management, finance, human resources, legal and compliance, internal audit and other central corporate functions.
Goodwill principally originated from the acquisitions of CAM, Permal, Royce, Martin Currie, RARE Infrastructure, Clarion Partners, and EnTrust. The value of the reporting unit is based in part, on projected consolidated net cash flows, including all cash flows of assets managed in our mutual funds, closed-end funds and other proprietary funds, in addition to separate account assets of our managers.
Significant assumptions used in assessing the implied fair value of the reporting unit under the discounted cash flow method are consistent with the methodology discussed above for indefinite-life intangible assets. Also, at the reporting unit level, future corporate costs are estimated and consolidated with the projected operating results of all our affiliates.
Actual cash flows in any one period may vary from the projected cash flows without resulting in an impairment charge because a variance in any one period must be considered in conjunction with other assumptions that impact projected cash flows.
Discount rates are based on appropriately weighted estimated costs of debt using a market participant perspective, also consistent with the methodology discussed above for indefinite-life intangible assets.
We also perform a market-based valuation of our reporting unit value, which applies an average of EBITDA multiples paid in change of control transactions for peer companies to our EBITDA. The results of our two estimates of value for the reporting unit (the discounted cash flow and EBITDA multiple analyses) are compared and significant differences, if any, are assessed to determine the reasonableness of each value and whether any adjustment to either result is warranted. Once the values are accepted, the appropriately weighted average of the two reporting unit valuations (the discounted cash flow and EBITDA multiple analyses) is used as the implied fair value of our Global Asset Management reporting unit, which at December 31, 2018, exceeded the carrying value by 4%. Considering the relative merits of the details involved in each valuation process, we used an equal weighting of the two values for the 2018 testing. The significant assumptions used in the cash flow analysis included projected annual revenue growth rates ranging from 2.4% to 5.8% (average: 5.1%) and the projected cash flows were discounted at 16.25%. Changes in the assumptions underlying projected cash flows from the reporting unit or its EBITDA multiple, resulting from market conditions, reduced AUM or other factors, could result in an impairment of goodwill, and such an impairment could potentially have a material impact on our results of operations and financial condition.
We further assess the accuracy of the reporting unit value determined from these valuation methods by comparing their results to our market capitalization to determine an implied control premium. The reasonableness of this implied control premium is considered by comparing it to control premiums that have been paid in relevant actual change of control transactions. This assessment provides evidence that our underlying assumptions in our analyses of our reporting unit fair value are reasonable.
In calculating our market capitalization for these purposes, market volatility can have a significant impact on our capitalization, and if appropriate, we may consider the average market prices of our stock for a period of one or two months before the test date to determine market capitalization. A control premium arises from the fact that in an acquisition, there is typically a premium paid over current market prices of publicly traded companies that relates to the ability to control the operations of an acquired company. Further, assessments of control premiums in the asset management industry are difficult because many acquisitions involve privately held companies, or involve only portions of a public company, such that no control premium can be calculated.
Recent market evidence regarding control premiums suggest values of 0% to 61%, with an average of 25%, as realistic and common and we believe such premiums to be a reasonable range of estimation for our equity value. Based on our analysis and consideration, we believe the implied control premium of 44% determined by our reporting unit value estimation at December 31, 2018, is reasonable in relation to the observed relevant market control premium values.
Recent Accounting Developments
See discussion of Recent Accounting Developments in Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
During the nine months ended December 31, 2018, there were no material changes to the information contained in Part II, Item 7A of Legg Mason’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
As of December 31, 2018, Legg Mason's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of Legg Mason's disclosure controls and procedures. In evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, Legg Mason's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer, concluded that Legg Mason's disclosure controls and procedures were effective on a reasonable assurances basis. There have been no changes in Legg Mason's internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2018, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Legg Mason's internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1A. Risk Factors
The following is an update to the risk factors set forth in our Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018. The risk factor below has been updated to include activity for the nine months ended December 31, 2018.
Potential Impairment of Goodwill and Intangible Assets Could Increase our Expenses and Reduce our Assets
Determining goodwill and intangible assets, and evaluating them for impairment, requires significant management estimates and judgment, including estimating value and assessing life in connection with the allocation of purchase price in the acquisition creating them. Our goodwill and intangible assets may become impaired as a result of any number of factors, including losses of investment management contracts or declines in the value of managed assets. Any impairment of goodwill or intangibles could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. For example, during the quarter ended December 31, 2018, we incurred $365.2 million of aggregate impairment charges. These impairment charges were comprised of $274.6 million and $18.2 million associated with our combined EnTrustPermal indefinite-life fund management contracts asset and trade name asset, respectively, and $65.0 million, $6.4 million, and $1.0 million, associated with our RARE Infrastructure indefinite-life fund management contracts asset, amortizable fund management contracts asset, and trade name asset, respectively. In addition, the implied fair value of our Global Asset Management reporting unit exceeded the carrying value by 4% at December 31, 2018, the date of our most recent impairment testing. Changes in the assumptions underlying projected cash flows from the assets or reporting unit, resulting from market conditions, reduced assets under management ("AUM") or other factors, could result in an impairment of any of these assets.
There can be no assurances that continued market uncertainty or asset outflows, or other factors, will not produce additional impairments. See "Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies - Intangible Assets and Goodwill" and "Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements."
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
The following table sets out information regarding our purchases of Legg Mason common stock in each month during the three months ended December 31, 2018:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Period | | Total number of shares purchased (1) | | Average price paid per share (1)(2) | | Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs | | Approximate dollar value that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs |
October 1, 2018 through October 31, 2018 | | — |
| | $ | — |
| | — |
| | $ | — |
|
November 1, 2018 through November 30, 2018 | | 2,924 |
| | 28.58 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
December 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018 | | 69 |
| | 27.35 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Total | | 2,993 |
| | 28.55 |
| | — |
| |
|
|
| |
(1) | Includes shares of vesting restricted stock, and shares received on vesting of restricted stock units, surrendered to Legg Mason to satisfy related income tax withholding obligations of employees via net share transactions. |
Item 5. Other Information
On January 31, 2019, our Board of Directors approved a plan to implement a new global operating platform to increase collaboration and capitalize on operational scale and related synergies across the parent company and certain affiliates. We expect to incur aggregate incremental costs in the range of $130 million to $150 million to implement the platform that we expect will result in future cost savings. We expect the majority of the global operating platform initiative to be complete by March 2021. While we expect aggregate costs to be in the range of $130 million to $150 million, we have not yet determined an estimate or range of each type of cost associated with the global operating platform and will provide such information after such information is available.
Item 6. Exhibits
|
| |
3.1 | |
3.2 | |
31.1 | |
31.2 | |
32.1 | |
32.2 | |
101 | Financial statements from the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Legg Mason, Inc. for the quarter ended December 31, 2018, filed on February 5, 2019, formatted in XBRL: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss), (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements tagged in detail |
* These exhibits are management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements.
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.
LEGG MASON, INC.
|
| | | |
DATE: | February 5, 2019 | | /s/ Joseph A. Sullivan |
| | | Joseph A. Sullivan |
| | | President, Chief Executive Officer, and |
| | | Chairman of the Board |
| | | |
| | | |
DATE: | February 5, 2019 | | /s/ Peter H. Nachtwey |
| | | Peter H. Nachtwey |
| | | Senior Executive Vice President |
| | | and Chief Financial Officer |