"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" is based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance withU.S. GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On a regular basis, we evaluate these estimates, including fair value of financial instruments. These estimates are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
All amounts in this disclosure are in thousands (except share, unit, per share, and per unit data) except where otherwise noted.
Overview
We are a financial services company specializing in an expanding range of capital markets and asset management services. We are organized into three business segments: Capital Markets, Asset Management, and Principal Investing.
• Capital Markets: Our
fixed income sales, trading, gestation repo financing, new issue placements in
corporate and securitized products, and advisory services. Our fixed income
sales and trading group provides trade execution to corporate investors,
institutional investors, mortgage originators, and other smaller
broker-dealers. We specialize in a variety of products, including but not
limited to: corporate bonds, ABS, MBS, RMBS, CDOs, CLOs, CBOs, CMOs, municipal
securities, TBAs and other forward agency MBS contracts,
bonds,
banks, and hybrid capital of financial institutions including TruPS, whole
loans, and other structured financial instruments. We also offer execution and
brokerage services for equity products. We carry out our capital markets
activities primarily through our subsidiaries: JVB in
CCFESA in
is our full-service boutique investment bank which focuses on M&A, capital
markets, and SPAC advisory.
• Asset Management: Our Asset Management business segment manages assets within
CDOs, managed accounts, joint ventures, and investment funds (collectively,
"Investment Vehicles"). A CDO is a form of secured borrowing. The borrowing is
secured by different types of fixed income assets such as corporate or
mortgage loans or bonds. The borrowing is in the form of a securitization,
which means that the lenders are actually investing in notes backed by the
assets. In the event of default, the lenders will have recourse only to the
assets securing the loan. Our Asset Management business segment includes our
fee-based asset management operations, which include on-going base and
incentive management fees. As of
significant portion of our asset management revenue is earned from the
management of CDOs. We have not completed a new securitization since 2008. As
a result, our asset management revenue has declined from its historical highs
as the assets of the CDOs decline due to maturities, repayments, auction call
redemptions, and defaults. Our ability to complete securitizations in the
future will depend upon, among other things, our asset origination capacity
and success, our ability to arrange warehouse financing to originate assets,
our willingness and capacity to fund required amounts to obtain warehouse
financing and securitized financings, and the demand in the markets for such
securitizations. The remaining portion of our AUM is from a diversified mix of
other Investment Vehicles that were more recently formed.
• Principal Investing: Our Principal Investing business segment is comprised of
investments that we hold related to our SPAC franchise and other investments
we have made for the purpose of earning an investment return rather than
investments to support our trading or other Capital Markets business segment
activities. These investments are a component of our other investments, at
fair value, other investments sold, not yet purchased, and investments in
equity method affiliates in our consolidated balance sheet.
We generate our revenue by business segment primarily through the following activities.
Capital Markets:
• Our trading activities, which include execution and brokerage services,
securities lending activities, riskless trading activities, as well as gains
and losses (unrealized and realized) and income and expense earned on
securities classified as trading;
• Net interest income on our matched book repo financing activities; and
• New issue and advisory revenue comprised of (a) new issue revenue associated
with originating, arranging, or placing newly created financial instruments and (b) revenue from advisory services. Asset Management:
• Asset management fees for our on-going asset management services provided to
certain Investment Vehicles, which may include fees both senior and
subordinate to the securities issued by the Investment Vehicle; and
• Incentive management fees earned based on the performance of the certain
Investment Vehicles. Principal Investing:
• Gains and losses (unrealized and realized) and income and expense earned on
securities classified as other investments, at fair value and other investments sold, not yet purchased; and • Income and loss earned on equity method investments. 39
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents Business Environment Our business in general and our Capital Markets business segment in particular, do not produce predictable earnings. Our results can vary dramatically from year to year and quarter to quarter. Our business is materially affected by economic conditions in the financial markets, political conditions, broad trends in business and finance, the housing and mortgage markets, changes in volume and price levels of securities transactions, and changes in interest rates, including overnight funding rates, all of which can affect our profitability and are unpredictable and beyond our control. These factors may affect the financial decisions made by investors and companies, including their level of participation in the financial markets and their willingness to participate in corporate transactions. Severe market fluctuations or weak economic conditions could reduce our trading volume and revenues, negatively affect our ability to generate new issue and advisory revenue, and adversely affect our profitability. As a general rule, our trading business benefits from increased market volatility. Increased volatility usually results in increased activity from our clients and counterparties. However, periods of extreme volatility may at times result in clients reducing their trading volumes, which would negatively impact our results. Also, periods of extreme volatility may result in large fluctuations in securities valuations and we may incur losses on our holdings. Also, our mortgage group's business benefits when mortgage volumes increase, and may suffer when mortgage volumes decrease. Among other things, mortgage volumes are significantly impacted by changes in interest rates. In addition, as a smaller firm, we are exposed to intense competition. Although we provide financing to our customers, larger firms have a much greater capability to provide their clients with financing, giving them a competitive advantage. We are much more reliant upon our employees' relationships, networks, and abilities to identify and capitalize on market opportunities. Therefore, our business may be significantly impacted by the addition or loss of key personnel. We try to address these challenges by (i) focusing our business on clients and asset classes that are underserved by the large firms, (ii) continuing to monitor our fixed costs to enhance operating leverage and limit our losses during periods of low volumes, and (iii) attempting to hire and retain entrepreneurial and effective traders, investment bankers, and salespeople. Our business environment is rapidly changing. New risks and uncertainties emerge continuously and it is not possible for us to predict all the risks we will face. This may negatively impact our operating performance. A portion of our revenue is generated from net trading activity. We engage in proprietary trading for our own account, provide and arrange securities financing for our customers, and execute "riskless" trades with a customer order in hand resulting in limited market risk to us. The inventory of securities held for our own account, as well as held to facilitate customer trades, and our market making activities are sensitive to market movements. A portion of our revenue is generated from new issue and advisory engagements. The fees charged and volume of these engagements are sensitive to the overall business environment. We provide origination services inEurope through our subsidiary CCFESA, and new issue and advisory services in theU.S. through our subsidiary JVB. A division of JVB, CCM is our full-service boutique investment bank which focuses on M&A, capital markets, and SPAC advisory. Currently, our primary source of new issue and advisory revenue is from originating assets for ourU.S. and European insurance asset management business including ourU.S. Insurance JV and our CREO JV, as well and from investment banking and advisory services through CCM. A portion of our revenue is generated from management fees. Our ability to charge management fees and the amount of those fees is dependent upon the underlying investment performance and stability of the Investment Vehicles. If these types of investments do not provide attractive returns to investors, the demand for such instruments will likely fall, thereby reducing our opportunity to earn new management fees or maintain existing management fees. The creation of CDOs has depended upon a vibrant securitization market. Since 2008, volumes within the securitization market have dropped significantly and have not fully recovered since that time. We have not completed a new securitization since 2008. The remaining portion of our AUM is from a diversified mix of other Investment Vehicles most of which were more recently formed. A significant portion of our asset management revenue is earned from the management of CDOs. As a result, our asset management revenue from CDOs has declined from its historical highs as the assets of the CDOs decline due to maturities, repayments, auction call redemptions, and defaults. Our ability to complete securitizations in the future will depend upon, among other things, our asset origination capacity and success, our ability to arrange warehouse financing to originate assets, our willingness and capacity to fund required amounts to obtain warehouse financing and securitized financings, and the demand in the markets for such securitizations. A portion of our revenues is generated from our principal investing activities. Therefore, our revenues are impacted by the overall market supply of and demand for these investments as well as the individual performance of each investment. Our principal investments are included within other investments, at fair value, other investments sold, not yet purchased, and investments in equity method affiliates in our consolidated balance sheets. More recently, a significant component of our principal investment revenue and income from equity method affiliates has come from SPAC related equity investments, primarily in entities that have been the result of sponsored SPAC business combinations or related party sponsored SPAC business combinations or third party sponsored SPAC business combinations. Access to these investments is reliant on a robust SPAC market. Performance of the resulting principal investments can be materially impacted by overall performance of the equity markets. See note 8 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The SPAC Market Beginning in 2018, we began sponsoring a series of SPACs. Each sponsored SPAC either completed or was seeking to complete a business combination with a company involved in the insurance market. In addition, we invest in other SPACs at various stages of their business life cycle. Beginning in 2019, these SPAC activities have become a significant portion of our Principal Investing business segment. InAugust 2018 , we invested in and became the general partner of a newly formed investment fund (the "SPAC Fund "), which was created for the purpose of investing in the equity interests of SPACs and SPAC sponsor entities including SPACs sponsored by us, our affiliates, and third parties. As a complement to theSPAC Fund , we established and became manager of two newly formed umbrella limited liability companies (the "SPAC Series Funds") that issue a separate series of interest for each investment portfolio, which typically consists of investments in the sponsor entities of individual SPACs. Generally, when a SPAC acquires or merges with a privately held target company, the target company winds up owning a majority of the resulting outstanding equity of the SPAC so the transaction is accounted for as a reverse merger. Private companies utilize reverse mergers with SPACs as a method of going public as an alternative to a traditional IPO. All of our business activity related to SPACs is highly sensitive to the volume of activity in the SPAC market. Volumes could be negatively impacted if target companies no longer see SPACs as an attractive alternative thereby reducing the number of suitable potential business combination targets. Also, investor demand for SPACs would be negatively impacted if the stocks of SPACs that successfully complete a business combination underperform the market. If volumes of SPAC activity decline, our results of operations will likely be significantly negatively impacted. Equity prices of post business combination SPACs declined significantly during 2022. We are exposed to public equity prices of SPACs and post business combination SPACs both through our other investments, at fair value and investments in equity method affiliates. As a result, we recorded significant principal transaction losses and equity method losses during the year endedDecember 31, 2022 . Continued declines in the equity prices of these companies will result in further losses for us. 40
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
Margin Pressures in Fixed Income Brokerage Business
Performance in the financial services industry in which we operate is highly correlated to the overall strength of the economy and financial market activity. Overall market conditions are a product of many factors beyond our control and can be unpredictable. These factors may affect the financial decisions made by investors, including their level of participation in the financial markets. In turn, these decisions may affect our business results. With respect to financial market activity, our profitability is sensitive to a variety of factors including the volatility of the equity and fixed income markets, the level and shape of the various yield curves, and the volume and value of trading in securities. Margins and volumes in certain products and markets within the fixed income brokerage business continue to decrease materially as competition has increased and general market activity has declined. Further, we continue to expect that competition will increase over time, resulting in continued margin pressure. Our response to this margin compression has included: (i) building a diversified fixed income trading platform; (ii) acquiring or building out new product lines and expanding existing product lines; (iii) building a hedging execution and funding operation to service mortgage originators; and (iv) monitoring our fixed costs. Our cost management initiatives are ongoing. However, there can be no certainty that these efforts will be sufficient. If insufficient, we will likely see a decline in profitability.U.S. Housing Market In recent years, our mortgage group has grown in significance to our Capital Markets segment and our company overall. The mortgage group primarily earns revenue by providing hedging execution, securities financing, and trade execution services to mortgage originators and other investors in mortgage-backed securities. Therefore, this group's revenue is highly dependent on the volume of mortgage originations in theU.S. Origination activity is highly sensitive to interest rates, theU.S. job market, housing starts, sale activity of existing housing stock, as well as the general health of theU.S. economy. In addition, any new regulation that impactsU.S. government agency mortgage-backed security issuance activity, residential mortgage underwriting standards, or otherwise impacts mortgage originators will impact our business. We have no control over these external factors and there is no effective way for us to hedge against these risks. Our mortgage group's volumes and profitability will be highly impacted by these external factors.
Rising Interest Rates and Inflation
During 2022, theU.S. Federal Reserve began a process of raising the federal funds rate and quantitative tightening to address rising inflation. These actions have the effect of increasing interest rates which negatively impacts our business in several ways:
1. Rising rates reduce the fair value of fixed income securities we hold on our
balance sheet. 2. Rising rates have created instability in the equity markets which has
reduced equity financing and business combination volumes and negatively
impacted CCM. 3. Rising rates have reduced the volumes of new issue fixed income instruments
which has negatively impacted our CREO JV. 4. Rising rates significantly reduce mortgage activity. Our mortgage group's
profitability is mainly impacted by the volume of mortgage activity in theU.S. (both mortgages for new home purchases as well as refinancing). Furthermore, our
mortgage group engages in repo lending to mortgage originators. Reduced
mortgage
volumes impose financial pressures on mortgage originators and may increase
the risk that originators default on their repo obligations to us. See Note
11 to our
consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of this Annual Report
on Form 10-K.
5. Rising rates may ultimately push the
reduce overall transaction volumes in the financial markets negatively impacting our business generally. COVID-19 InMarch 2020 , theWorld Health Organization declared the outbreak of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic. The spread of COVID-19 has caused significant volatility in domestic and international markets. There is on-going uncertainty around the breadth and duration of business disruptions related to COVID-19, as well as its impact on theU.S. and international economies. In 2021, medical professionals developed COVID-19 vaccines and governments began to distribute them globally, which is expected to reduce virus spread and further aid economic recovery. Despite broad improvements in the global fight against the COVID-19 virus, we will likely be impacted by the pandemic in other ways which we cannot reliably determine. We will continue to monitor market conditions and respond accordingly. InApril 2020 , we applied for and received a$2,166 loan under the Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP") of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security ("CARES") Act. OnJune 21, 2021 , we received notification that theU.S. Small Business Administration , as administrator of the PPP, had approved our PPP loan forgiveness application for$2,127 and all accrued interest on the PPP loan, leaving us with a remaining PPP loan balance of$39 . The PPP loan forgiveness was recorded to other non-operating income on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. We repaid the remaining balance plus accrued interest onJune 25, 2021 , at which point the PPP loan balance was reduced to zero. 41
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
Recent Events and Transactions
Conversion of the 2017 Convertible Note
OnMarch 10, 2017 , theOperating LLC issued toDGC Family Fintech Trust (the "DGC Trust "), a trust established byDaniel G. Cohen , a convertible senior secured promissory note in the aggregate principal amount of$15,000 (the "2017 Convertible Note"). OnMarch 20, 2022 , theDGC Trust elected to convert the 2017 Convertible Note into an aggregate of 10,344,827 units of membership interests in theOperating LLC at the conversion rate specified in the 2017 Convertible Note agreement of$1.45 per unit. As a result of such conversion, the 2017 Convertible Note was cancelled in its entirety. These units of membership interests have the same conversion and redemption rights as the existing convertible non-controlling interest units of membership interest.
See
note 20.
Pursuant to theDGC Trust's governing documents,Daniel G. Cohen has the ability to acquire at any time any of theDGC Trust's assets, including the units of membership interests, by substituting other property of an equivalent value without the approval or consent of any person, including any trustee or beneficiary of theDGC Trust . See Notes 21 and 31.
The 2020 Senior Notes
OnJanuary 31, 2022 , theOperating LLC and JKD Investor entered into a Note Purchase Agreement. OnJanuary 31, 2020 , theOperating LLC entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the "Original Purchase Agreement") withJKD Capital Partners I LTD , aNew York corporation ("JKD Investor"), andRN Capital Solutions LLC , aDelaware limited liability company ("RNCS"). The JKD Investor is owned byJack DiMaio , Jr., the vice chairman of the Company's board of directors and theOperating LLC's board of managers, and his spouse. The note purchased by the JKD Investor is herein referred to as the "JKD Note." Pursuant to the Original Purchase Agreement, JKD Investor and RNCS each purchased a senior promissory note in the principal amount of$2,250 (for an aggregate investment of$4,500 ). The senior promissory notes bore interest at a fixed rate of 12% per annum and matured onJanuary 31, 2022 , pursuant to which, among other things, on such date, (i) JKD Investor paid to theOperating LLC an additional$2,250 and (ii) in consideration for such funds, theOperating LLC issued to JKD Investor an Amended and Restated Senior Promissory Note in the aggregate principal amount of$4,500 (the "Amended and Restated Note"), which Amended and Restated Note amended and restated the JKD Note in its entirety. The 2022 Purchase Agreement contains customary representations and warranties on the part of each of JKD Investor and theOperating LLC . We used these proceeds to retire$2,250 of existing 2020 Senior Notes held by RNCS. See note 20 and 31.
Commercial
OnSeptember 3, 2021 , we committed to invest up to$15,000 of equity in a newly formed joint venture (the "CREO JV") with an outside investorwho committed to invest approximately$435,000 of equity in the CREO JV. We are required to invest 7.5% of the total equity of the CREO JV with an absolute limit of$15,000 . The CREO JV is managed by us. The CREO JV was formed for the purposes of investing in primarily multi-family commercial real estate mortgage-backed loans and below-investment-grade rated tranches in CRE CLOs collateralized by mostly transitional commercial real estate mortgage-backed loans. "CRE CLO" means any pooling of commercial real estate mortgage-backed loans into a collateralized loan obligation. The commercial real estate loans that will be funded by the CREO JV may be originated by us and we may earn origination fees in connection with such transactions. In addition, we may earn structuring fees in connection with structuring and consummating aCRE CLO consisting of a pooling of commercial real estate loans. We will also earn management fees as manager of any CRE CLOs based on the value of the assets consolidated into aCRE CLO (calculated in accordance with the terms of suchCRE CLO ), payable from the proceeds generated by and in accordance with the distribution waterfall of suchCRE CLO . We elected the fair value option in accordance with the provisions of ASC 820 to account for our equity method investment in the CREO JV. The investment is included in other investments, at fair value, on the consolidated balance sheet and gains and losses (both realized and unrealized) are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations as a component of principal transactions and other income. Because the CREO JV has the attributes of investment companies as described in ASC 946-15-2, we estimate the fair value of our investment using the net asset value ("NAV") per share (or its equivalent) as of the reporting date in accordance with the "practical expedient" provisions related to investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value per share (or its equivalent) included in ASC 820 for all entities. As ofDecember 31, 2022 , our investment balance in the CREO JV was$6,568 .
Wind Down of the Company's GCF Repo Business
During 2017-2021, we carried out a matched book GCF repo business as a full-netting member of theFICC Government Services Division . InOctober 2021 , primarily due to reduced spreads in the repo market for GCF collateral, we decided to wind down this business. As ofDecember 31, 2021 , the wind down was completed and the GCF reverse repurchase agreements and repurchase agreements balances were reduced to zero. See note 11. 42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
INSU Acquisition Corp III ("Insurance SPAC III")
The Operating LLC was the manager ofInsurance Acquisition Sponsor III, LLC ("IAS III") andDioptra Advisors III, LLC (together with IAS III, the "Insurance SPAC III Sponsor Entities"). The Insurance SPAC III Sponsor Entities were sponsors of INSU Acquisition Corp. III ("Insurance SPAC III"). OnDecember 22, 2020 , Insurance SPAC III completed the sale of 25,000,000 units (the "Insurance SPAC III Units") in its initial public offering ("IPO"). Each Insurance SPAC III Unit consisted of one share of Insurance SPAC III's class A common stock, par value$0.0001 per share ("Insurance SPAC III Common Stock"), and one-third of one Insurance SPAC III warrant (each, an "Insurance SPAC III Warrant"), where each whole Insurance SPAC III Warrant entitled the holder to purchase one share of Insurance SPAC III Common Stock for$11.50 per share. The Insurance SPAC III Units were sold in the IPO at an offering price of$10.00 per unit. If Insurance SPAC III failed to consummate a business combination within the first 24 months following the IPO, its corporate existence would cease except for the purpose of winding up its affairs and liquidating its assets.The Operating LLC loaned to Insurance SPAC III approximately$71 to cover IPO expenses, which was repaid in full at the closing of the IPO. IAS III and its affiliates, including theOperating LLC , committed to loan Insurance SPAC III up to an additional$1,500 to cover operating and acquisition related expenses following the IPO, of which$960 was borrowed by Insurance SPAC III. See notes 31 and 32. The loans bore no interest, and if the Insurance SPAC III consummated a business combination in the required time period, the loans were to be repaid from the funds held in Insurance SPAC III's trust account. If Insurance SPAC III did not consummate a business combination in the required time frame, no funds from Insurance SPAC III's trust account could be used to repay the loans. OnNovember 18, 2022 , Insurance SPAC III announced it would not consummate an initial business combination within the time period required and that it intended to dissolve and liquidate, effective as of the close of business onDecember 22, 2022 , and redeem all of the Insurance SPAC III Common Stock and each Insurance SPAC Warrant that were included in its IPO, at a per-share redemption price of approximately$10.09 . As of the close of business onDecember 22, 2022 , the Insurance SPAC III Common Stock and each Insurance SPAC Warrant were deemed cancelled and represented only the right to receive the redemption amount. In order to provide for the disbursement of funds from the trust account, Insurance SPAC III instructed the trustee of the trust account to take all necessary actions to liquidate the securities held in the trust account. The proceeds of the trust account were held in a non-interest bearing account while awaiting disbursement to the holders of the Public Shares. Record holders will receive their pro rata portion of the proceeds of the trust account, less$100 of interest to pay dissolution expenses and net of taxes payable. Insurance SPAC III Sponsor Entities agreed to waive their redemption rights with respect to their outstanding shares of Class B common stock issued prior to the Insurance SPAC III IPO. There will be no redemption rights or liquidating distributions with respect to each Insurance SPAC III Warrant, which will expire worthless. As a result of the liquidation of Insurance SPAC III, we recorded an equity method loss of$5,896 for the year endedDecember 31, 2022 , which included a write-off of the amounts advanced to Insurance SPAC III from theOperating LLC as well as amounts invested. Of this loss,$4,808 was allocated to the non-convertible non-controlling interests. Therefore, the net impact to theOperating LLC was$1,088 . 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
Consolidated Results of Operations
The following section provides a comparative discussion of our consolidated results of operations for the specified periods. The period-to-period comparisons of financial results are not necessarily indicative of future results.
Year Ended
The following table sets forth information regarding our consolidated results of
operations for the years ended
COHEN & COMPANY INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Dollars in Thousands) Year Ended December 31, Favorable / (Unfavorable) 2022 2021 $ Change % Change Revenues Net trading$ 40,009 $ 69,385 $ (29,376 ) (42 )% Asset management 9,004 10,923 (1,919 ) (18 )% New issue and advisory 24,721 28,736 (4,015 ) (14 )%
Principal transactions and other income (29,347 ) 37,324
(66,671 ) (179 )% Total revenues 44,387 146,368 (101,981 ) (70 )% Operating expenses Compensation and benefits 50,290 85,048 34,758 41 % Business development, occupancy, equipment 5,076 3,365 (1,711 ) (51 )% Subscriptions, clearing, and execution 8,274 10,307 2,033 20 % Professional fee and other operating 8,153 7,684 (469 ) (6 )% Depreciation and amortization 557 371 (186 ) (50 )% Total operating expenses 72,350 106,775 34,425 32 % Operating income / (loss) (27,963 ) 39,593 (67,556 ) (171 )%
Non-operating income / (expense)
Interest expense, net (4,982 ) (7,233 ) 2,251 31 % Income / (loss) from equity method affiliates (20,931 ) 36,010 (56,941 ) (158 )% Other non operating income - 2,127 (2,127 ) (100 )% Income / (loss) before income taxes (53,876 ) 70,497 (124,373 ) (176 )% Income tax expense / (benefit) 4,794 (3,541 ) (8,335 ) (235 )% Net income / (loss) (58,670 ) 74,038 (132,708 ) (179 )% Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the non-convertible non-controlling interest (23,203 ) 35,574 58,777 165 % Enterprise net income (loss) (35,467 ) 38,464 (73,931 ) (192 )% Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the convertible non-controlling interest (22,078 ) 26,656 48,734 183 % Net income / (loss) attributable to Cohen & Company Inc.$ (13,389 ) $ 11,808 $ (25,197 ) (213 )% Revenues Revenues decreased by$101,981 , or 70%, to$44,387 for the year endedDecember 31, 2022 , as compared to$146,368 for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 . As discussed in more detail below, the change was comprised of (i) a decrease of$29,376 in net trading revenue; (ii) a decrease of$1,919 in asset management revenue; (iii) a decrease of$4,015 in new issue and advisory revenue; and (iv) a decrease of$66,671 in principal transactions and other income. 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents Net Trading
Net trading revenue decreased by
NET TRADING (Dollars in Thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2022 2021 Change Mortgage$ 1,143 $ 6,885 $ (5,742 ) Matched book repo 30,595 46,139 (15,544 ) High yield corporate 4,694 10,390 (5,696 ) Investment grade corporate 1,197 593 604 Wholesale and other 2,380 5,378 (2,998 ) Total$ 40,009 $ 69,385 $ (29,376 ) Our net trading revenue includes unrealized gains on our trading investments, as of the applicable measurement date that may never be realized due to changes in market or other conditions not in our control. This may adversely affect the ultimate value realized from these investments. In addition, our net trading revenue also includes realized gains on certain proprietary trading positions. Our ability to derive trading gains from such trading positions is subject to overall market conditions. Due to volatility and uncertainty in the capital markets, the net trading revenue recognized during the year may not be indicative of future results. Furthermore, from time to time, some of the assets included in the Investments-trading line of our consolidated balance sheets represent level 3 valuations within the FASB valuation hierarchy. Level 3 assets are carried at fair value based on estimates derived using internal valuation models and other estimates. See notes 9 and 10 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The fair value estimates made by us may not be indicative of the final sale price at which these assets may be sold. We consider our matched book repo business to be subject to significant concentration risk. See note 11 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company recorded a gross loss of$5,454 in connection with the FGMC reverse repo. Of the$5,454 loss,$5,244 was recorded as a reduction in net trading revenue and$210 was recorded in professional fees and other operating expense. Of the$5,244 recorded in net trading revenue,$4,330 is included in the mortgage group and$914 is included in the matched book repo group in the table above. See note 11 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Asset Management Assets Under Management Our AUM equals the sum of the NAV or gross assets of the Investment Vehicles we manage based on whichever measurement serves as the basis for the calculation of our management fees.
Our calculation of AUM may differ from the calculations used by other asset managers and, as a result, this measure may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other asset managers. This definition of AUM is not necessarily identical to the definitions of AUM that may be used in our management agreements.
ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT (Dollars in Thousands) As of December 31, 2022 2021 2020
Company sponsored CDOs
(1) Other Investment Vehicles include any Investment Vehicle that is not a
Company sponsored CDO. (2) In some cases, accounts we manage may employ leverage. In some cases, our
fees are based on gross assets and in some cases on net assets. Finally, in
the case of the SPAC Series Funds there are no management fees earned. AUM
included herein is calculated using either gross or net assets of each
managed account or CDO based on whichever serves as the basis for our
management fees. In the case where no management fees are earned, the net
assets are included. 45
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
Asset management fees decreased by$1,919 , or 18%, to$9,004 for the year endedDecember 31, 2022 , as compared to$10,923 for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 , as discussed in more detail below. ASSET MANAGEMENT (Dollars in Thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2022 2021 Change CDOs$ 3,454 $ 2,484 $ 970 Other 5,550 8,439 (2,889 ) Total$ 9,004 $ 10,923 $ (1,919 ) A significant portion of our asset management fees are earned from the management of CDOs. We have not completed a new securitization since 2008. As a result, our asset management revenue from CDOs has declined from its historical highs as the assets of the CDOs decline due to maturities, repayments, auction call redemptions, and defaults. Our ability to complete securitizations in the future will depend upon, among other things, our asset origination capacity and success, our ability to arrange warehouse financing to originate assets, our willingness and capacity to fund required amounts to obtain warehouse financing and securitized financings, and the demand in the markets for such securitizations. Asset management fees from CDOs increased because the Alesco 1 securitization completed a successful auction during 2022. As a result, we received payment of deferred subordinated management fees of$1,600 . Otherwise, asset management fees from CDOs declined by$630 during 2022 mainly due to a decline in AUM due to liquidations of collateral, our removal as manager of one CDO, and principal paydowns of collateral.
Asset management fees from other investment vehicles decreased primarily due to
a reduction of incentive fees earned on the
New Issue and Advisory Revenue
New issue and advisory revenue decreased by$4,015 , or 14%, to$24,721 for the year endedDecember 31, 2022 , as compared to$28,736 for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 . Year Ended December 31, 2022 2021 Change
4,753 1,940 2,813 European Insurance Originations 1,191 2,692 (1,501 ) Total$ 24,721 $ 28,736 $ (4,015 ) 46
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
Our revenue earned from new issue and advisory has been, and we expect will continue to be, volatile. We earn revenue from a limited number of engagements. Therefore, a small change in the number of engagements can result in large fluctuations in the revenue recognized. Further, even if the number of engagements remains consistent, the average revenue per engagement can fluctuate considerably. Finally, our revenue is generally earned when an underlying transaction closes (rather than on a monthly or quarterly basis). Therefore, the timing of underlying transactions increases the volatility of our revenue recognition. In addition, we often incur certain costs related to new issue engagements. These costs are included as a component of either subscriptions, clearing and execution, or professional fees and other and will generally be recognized in the same period that the related revenue is recognized. CCM is our full-service boutique investment banking platform which focuses on M&A, capital markets, and SPAC advisory. In addition, we generate new issue revenue by originating new assets for theU.S. Insurance JV, CREO JV, and for our PriDe funds inEurope .
Principal Transactions and Other Income
Principal transactions and other income decreased by
PRINCIPAL TRANSACTIONS & OTHER INCOME
(Dollars in Thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2022 2021 Change SFT$ (5,539 ) $ (5,258 ) $ (281 ) LMND (2,805 ) 43,655 (46,460 ) IMXI - 318 (318 ) WEJO (1,794 ) (3,160 ) 1,366 REE (4,755 ) (2,939 ) (1,816 ) ML (238 ) (988 ) 750 BKSY (78 ) (914 ) 836 FOXO (1,044 ) - (1,044 ) HLGN (14,754 ) - (14,754 ) RBT (1,576 ) - (1,576 ) Other SPAC equity (2,232 ) 3,094 (5,326 ) Stoa USA Inc. / FlipOs 4,196 1,805 2,391 U.S. Insurance JV 11 142 (131 )SPAC Fund (43 ) 474 (517 ) Other principal investments 20 (45 )
65
Total principal transactions (30,631 ) 36,184 (66,815 ) IIFC revenue share 673 634 39 All other income / (loss) 611 506 105 Other income 1,284 1,140 144
Total principal transactions and other income
Principal Transactions For all investments discussed below, see note 9 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information about how we determine the value of these instruments. For several of the investments described below, we also had an investment in the same company which was accounted for under the equity method during the periods presented. See discussion of equity method income / (loss) below. SFT is a publicly traded company. In the periods presented, the shares of SFT we held were comprised of both unrestricted and restricted shares and were carried at fair value. For a portion of the period we have held these shares, they were held in majority owned consolidated subsidiaries (the "Insurance SPAC Sponsor Entities"). Accordingly, there were significant non-controlling interest and equity compensation expense associated with these. See discussion of non-convertible non-controlling interest and equity compensation expense below. As ofDecember 31, 2022 , the total carrying value of our investment in SFT was$231 . LMND is a publicly traded company. In the periods presented, the shares of LMND we held were comprised of both unrestricted and restricted shares and were carried at fair value. For a portion of the period we have held these shares, they were held in majority owned consolidated subsidiaries (the "Insurance SPAC II Sponsor Entities"). Accordingly, there were significant non-controlling interest and equity compensation expense associated with these. See discussion of non-convertible non-controlling interest and equity below. As ofDecember 31, 2022 , the total carrying value of our investment in LMND was$561 . IMXI represents equity positions of International Money Express, Inc. (NASDAQ: IMXI), a publicly traded company that resulted from the merger ofIntermex Holdings, LLC andFinTech Acquisition Corp. II. These shares were carried at fair value. As ofDecember 31, 2022 , we hold no remaining investment in IMXI. WEJO represents equity positions of Wejo Group, Ltd. (NASDAQ: WEJO), a publicly traded company that closed its business combination withVirtuoso Acquisition Corp. As ofDecember 31, 2022 , we had a total investment in WEJO carried at fair value of$175 , which was included as a component of other investment's at fair value. REE represents equity positions of REE Automotive Ltd. (NASDAQ: REE), a publicly traded company that closed its business combination with 10XCapital Venture Acquisition Corp. As ofDecember 31, 2022 , we had a total investment in REE carried at fair value of$292 , which was included as a component of other investments, at fair value. ML represents equity positions of MoneyLion, Inc. (NYSE: ML), a publicly traded company that closed its business combination withFusion Acquisition Corp. As ofDecember 31, 2022 , we had a total investment in ML carried at fair value of$25 , which was included as a component of other investments, at fair value. 47
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
BKSY represents equity positions of BlackSky Technology Inc. (NYSE: BKSY), a publicly traded company that closed its business combination withOsprey Technologies Acquisition Corp. As ofDecember 31, 2022 , we had a total investment in BKSY carried at fair value of$28 , which was included as a component of other investments, at fair value. FOXO represents equity positions of FOXO Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: FOXO), a publicly traded company that closed its business combination withDelwinds Insurance Acquisition Corp. As ofDecember 31, 2022 , we had a total investment in FOXO carried at fair value of$109 , which was included as a component of other investments, at fair value.
HLGN represents equity positions of Heliogen, Inc. (NYSE: HLGN), a publicly
traded company that closed its business combination with
RBT represents equity positions of Rubicon Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: RBT), a public company that closed its business combination with Founder SPAC. As ofDecember 31, 2022 , we had a total investment in RBT carried at fair value of$4,424 , which was included as a component of other investments, at fair value.
Other SPAC equity represents equity investments in publicly traded SPACs or their successor public companies carried at fair value.
Stoa USA Inc. / FlipOs is a private company in which we own common equity. We carry our investment at fair value. As ofDecember 31, 2022 , we had a total investment inStoa USA Inc. / FlipOs carried at fair value of$6,693 , which was included as a component of other investments, at fair value. See note 31 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. TheU.S. Insurance JV invests in insurance company debt. We carry our investment in theU.S. Insurance JV at its reported NAV. As ofDecember 31, 2022 , we had a total investment in theU.S. Insurance JV carried at fair value of$3,459 , which was included as a component of other investments, at fair value.The SPAC Fund invests in the equity of SPACs. We carry our investment in theSPAC Fund at its reported NAV. As ofDecember 31, 2022 , we had a total investment inSPAC Fund carried at fair value of$527 , which was included as a component of other investments, at fair value.
Other principal investments consist of realized and unrealized gains and losses from other investments reported at fair value.
Other Income Other income / (loss) is comprised of an ongoing revenue share arrangement as well as other miscellaneous operating income items. The revenue share arrangement noted in the table above entitles us to a percentage of revenue earned by IIFC. The IIFC revenue share arrangement expires at the earlier of (i) the dissolution of IIFC or (ii) when we have earned a cumulative$20,000 in revenue share payments. To date, we have earned$4,513 . Also, in any particular year, the revenue share earned by us cannot exceed$2,000 . 48
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents Operating Expenses Operating expenses decreased by$34,425 , or 32%, to$72,350 for the year endedDecember 31, 2022 , as compared to$106,775 for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 . As discussed in more detail below, the change was comprised of (i) a decrease of$34,758 in compensation and benefits; (ii) an increase of$1,711 in business development, occupancy, and equipment; (iii) a decrease of$2,033 in subscriptions, clearing, and execution; (iv) an increase of$469 in professional fee and other operating; and (v) an increase of$186 in depreciation and amortization. Compensation and Benefits Compensation and benefits decreased by$34,758 , or 41%, to$50,290 for the year endedDecember 31, 2022 , as compared to$85,048 for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 . COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS (Dollars in Thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2022 2021 Change Cash compensation and benefits$ 45,900 $ 69,330 $ (23,430 ) Equity-based compensation 4,390 15,718 (11,328 ) Total$ 50,290 $ 85,048 $ (34,758 ) Cash compensation and benefits in the table above is primarily comprised of salary, incentive compensation, severance, employer portion of payroll taxes, and benefits. Cash compensation and benefits decreased by$23,430 to$45,900 for the year endedDecember 31, 2022 , as compared to$69,330 for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 . Our headcount increased to 121 as ofDecember 31, 2022 from 118 as ofDecember 31, 2021 . Cash compensation decreased primarily due to a decrease in incentive compensation related to the decrease in overall revenue and income from equity method affiliates. Equity-based compensation decreased by$11,328 to$4,390 for the year endedDecember 31, 2022 , as compared to$15,718 for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 . Of the$15,718 of equity compensation recognized in 2021,$13,068 was due to equity compensation related to the issuance of membership units of the Insurance SPAC II Sponsor Entities to employees of the Company. The expense was recognized upon the completion of the merger between Insurance SPAC II andMetroMile onFebruary 9, 2021 . No further equity-based compensation expense will be recognized related to membership units of the Insurance SPAC II Sponsor Entities in the future. The Insurance SPAC III Sponsor Entities had issued membership units to employees of the Company. Insurance SPAC III was liquidated in 2022 and therefore these units became worthless. No equity compensation expense was recognized on these units in 2021 or 2022, and no compensation expense will be recognized in the future. The remaining equity-based compensation recognized during 2022 and 2021 relates to restricted grants of the Company'sCommon Stock and Operating LLC units. This amount increased by$1,740 to$4,390 for the year endedDecember 31, 2022 , as compared to$2,650 for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 . This increase was due to increased share grants during 2022 as compared to 2021.
Business Development, Occupancy, and Equipment
Business development, occupancy, and equipment increased by$1,711 , or 51%, to$5,076 for the year endedDecember 31, 2022 , as compared to$3,365 for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 . This increase was comprised of an increase in business development expense of$752 and an increase in occupancy and equipment of$959 . Business development increased due to increased travel in 2022 due to a general reduction in pandemic restrictions. The increase in occupancy and equipment expense was mainly due to additional rent in ourCalifornia office. 49
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
Subscriptions, Clearing, and Execution
Subscriptions, clearing, and execution decreased by$2,033 , or 20%, to$8,274 for the year endedDecember 31, 2022 , as compared to$10,307 for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 . This decrease was comprised of a decrease in clearing and execution costs of$2,342 partially offset by an increase in subscriptions and dues of$309 . The increase in subscriptions and dues was due to normal fluctuations in number of subscriptions. The decrease in clearing and execution was due to decreased trading volumes.
Professional Fee and Other Operating Expenses
Professional fee and other operating expenses increased by$469 , or 6%, to$8,153 for the year endedDecember 31, 2022 , as compared to$7,684 for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 . This increase was comprised of an increase in professional fees of$673 ; partially offset by a decrease in other operating expense of$204 . The increase in professional fees was mainly the result of increased consultant usage. The decrease in other operating expense was mainly the result of a reduction in other (non income based) taxes.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization increased by$186 , or 50%, to$557 for the year endedDecember 31, 2022 , as compared to$371 for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 .
Non-Operating Income and Expense
Interest Expense, net
Interest expense, net decreased by
INTEREST EXPENSE (Dollars in Thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2022 2021 Change Junior subordinated notes$ 3,442 $ 2,601 $ 841 2020 Senior Notes 458 540 (82 ) 2013 Convertible Notes / 2019 Senior Notes - 211 (211 ) 2017 Convertible Note 327 1,534 (1,207 ) Line of Credit (Byline) 247 435 (188 ) Redeemable Financial Instrument -DGC Trust / CBF - 197 (197 ) Redeemable Financial Instrument - JKD Capital Partners I LTD 508 1,715 (1,207 )$ 4,982 $ 7,233 $ (2,251 )
See notes 19 and 20 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
50
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
Income / (loss) from Equity Method Affiliates
Income / (loss) from equity method affiliates decreased by
Year Ended December 31, 2022 2021 Change Insurance SPACs$ (5,898 ) $ (1,306 ) $ (4,592 )
SPAC Sponsor Entities (14,963 ) 37,453 (52,416 ) Dutch Real Estate Entities (70 ) (137 ) 67
$ (20,931 ) $ 36,010 $ (56,941 ) SPAC Sponsor Entities includes both indirect and direct investments in SPAC Sponsor Entities. Several of these SPAC Sponsor Entities are invested in SPACs that have completed their business combinations. Those SPAC Sponsor Entities hold restricted and unrestricted equity interests in the public post-merger entities. We account for our investments in SPAC Sponsor Entities under the equity method of accounting. If the SPAC Sponsor Entity distributes SPAC shares to us, we account for those SPAC shares as a component of other investments, at fair value. The following table shows the equity method income or loss included in other SPAC Sponsor Entities above broken out by the ultimate public company investee. For several of the investments described below, we also had an investment in the same company accounted for at fair value as a component of other investments, at fair value during the periods presented. See discussion of principal transactions above. Year Ended December 31, 2022 2021 Change HLGN$ (10,558 ) $ 28,443 $ (39,001 ) WEJO (2,214 ) 1,962 (4,176 ) DRTS 378 - 378 REE - 2,489 (2,489 ) PAYO - 2,993 (2,993 ) PWP (74 ) 1,293 (1,367 ) ACHR (217 ) 728 (945 ) FOXO 1,017 - 1,017 Other (3,295 ) (455 ) (2,840 )$ (14,963 ) $ 37,453 $ (52,416 )
As of
As of
As of
As of
As of
As of
As of
As of
The remaining other investments in SPAC Sponsor Entities represent direct and indirect investments in sponsor entitieswho have not yet completed a business combination. See note 12 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-K. 51
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
Other Non-Operating (Income) / Loss
We recorded other non-operating income of
Income Tax Expense / (Benefit)
We have significant carryforward tax assets. As ofDecember 31, 2022 , the Company had a federal net operating loss ("NOL") of approximately$96,002 , which will be available to offset future taxable income, subject to limitations described below. If not used, this NOL will begin to expire in 2028. The Company also had net capital losses ("NCLs") in excess of capital gains of$70,457 as ofDecember 31, 2022 , which can be carried forward to offset future capital gains. If not used, this carryforward will begin to expire in 2023. ASC 746 requires that we record a valuation allowance against these assets so that the net asset recognized is, in management's judgment, more likely than not to be realized. The income tax expense / (benefit) was$4,794 for the year endedDecember 31, 2022 , as compared to ($3,541 ) for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 . See note 23 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. The tax expense recognized in 2022 was comprised of a deferred tax expense of$4,579 and current tax expense of$215 . The current tax expense incurred was the result of foreign, state, and local income tax. The deferred tax expense was aU.S. federal, state, and local tax benefit, which was the result of the increase in the valuation allowance applied against the Company's NOL andNCL tax assets. The tax benefit recognized in 2021 was comprised of a deferred tax benefit of$4,117 , partially offset by current tax expense of$576 . The current tax expense incurred was the result of foreign, state, and local income tax. The deferred tax benefit was aU.S. federal, state, and local tax benefit, which was the result of the reduction in the valuation allowance applied against the Company's net operating loss carryforward ("NOL") and net capital loss carryforward ("NCL") tax assets. Each reporting period, management determines the expected amount of taxable income it will generate in each jurisdiction where the Company has NOLs. Management then schedules this income against each carryforward asset and determines what portion of the asset it believes is more likely than not to be realized. This determination is subjective and subject to many assumptions and factors including: profitability of our business in the future, the timing of that future income as compared to carryforward asset expiration, the character of future income (ordinary or capital), and the jurisdiction in which the income will be generated in. To the extent management's determination changes, an adjustment will be made to the valuation allowance resulting in deferred tax expense or benefit. We recorded deferred tax benefit in 2021 because expectations of future income increased and the Company reduced the valuation allowance it had applied against carryforward assets. The Company recorded deferred tax expense in 2022 because of expectations of future income decreased and the Company increased the valuation allowance it had applied against carryforward assets. Because of magnitude of the Company's carryforward assets as well as the volatility of the Company's operating results, significant adjustments to the valuation allowance are likely going forward. These future adjustments may likewise result in material amounts of deferred tax benefit or expense going forward.
Net Income/ (Loss) Attributable to the Non-Convertible Non-Controlling Interest
Net income / (loss) attributable to the non-convertible non-controlling interest
for the years ended
Year Ended December 31, 2022 2021 Change
Insurance SPAC Sponsor Entities $ -
- 17,644 (17,644 ) Insurance SPAC III Sponsor Entities (4,808 ) (615 ) (4,193 ) Other (18,395 ) 14,985 (33,380 )$ (23,203 ) $ 35,574 $ (58,777 )
Insurance SPAC Sponsor Entities, Insurance SPAC II Sponsor Entities, and Insurance SPAC III Sponsor Entities are the Sponsor Entities formed by us for our sponsored SPACs. Other is mainly comprised of an entity which we consolidate but do not wholly own that invests in other SPAC Sponsor Entities.
52
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
Net Income / (Loss) Attributable to the Convertible Non-controlling Interest
Net income / (loss) attributable to the convertible non-controlling interest for the years endedDecember 31, 2022 and 2021 was comprised of the non-controlling interest related to member interests in theOperating LLC other than interests held by us for the relevant periods.
SUMMARY CALCULATION OF CONVERTIBLE NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST
For the Year Ended December 31, 2022 Other Cohen & Wholly Owned Consolidated Total Operating Company Subsidiaries Subsidiaries
LLC Consolidated Inc. Consolidated
Net income / (loss) before tax
(381 ) 182 (199 ) 4,993 4,794 Net income / (loss) after tax (19,906 ) (33,771 ) (53,677 ) (4,993 ) (58,670 ) Other consolidated subsidiary non-controlling interest (23,203 ) (23,203 ) Net income / (loss) attributable to the Operating LLC (19,906 ) (10,568 ) (30,474 ) Average effectiveOperating LLC non-controlling interest % (1) 72.45 %Operating LLC non-controlling interest
Summary
Other consolidated subsidiary non-controlling interest$ (23,203 ) Operating LLC non-controlling interest (22,078 )$ (45,281 ) SUMMARY CALCULATION OF CONVERTIBLE NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST For the Year Ended December 31, 2021 Other Wholly Owned Consolidated Total Operating Cohen & Subsidiaries Subsidiaries
LLC Consolidated
$ 70,497 $ -
(2,829 ) (2,829 ) (712 ) (3,541 ) Net income / (loss) after tax 4,358 68,968 73,326 712 74,038 Other consolidated subsidiary non-controlling interest - 35,574 35,574 Net income / (loss) attributable to the Operating LLC 4,358 33,394 37,752 Average effectiveOperating LLC non-controlling interest % (1) 70.61 %Operating LLC non-controlling interest
$ 26,656
Summary
Other consolidated subsidiary non-controlling interest $ 35,574Operating LLC non-controlling interest 26,656 $ 62,230
(1) Non-controlling interest is recorded on a quarterly basis. Because earnings
are recognized unevenly throughout the year and the non-controlling interest
percentage may change during the period, the average effective
non-controlling interest percentage may not equal the percentage at the end
of any period or the simple average of the beginning and ending percentages.
53
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
Year Ended
The following table sets forth information regarding our consolidated results of
operations for the years ended
COHEN & COMPANY INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Dollars in Thousands) Year Ended December 31, Favorable / (Unfavorable) 2021 2020 $ Change % Change Revenues Net trading$ 69,385 $ 73,611 $ (4,226 ) (6 )% Asset management 10,923 8,759 2,164 25 % New issue and advisory 28,736 2,234 26,502 1186 %
Principal transactions and other income 37,324 45,506
(8,182 ) (18 )% Total revenues 146,368 130,110 16,258 12 % Operating expenses Compensation and benefits 85,048 59,902 (25,146 ) (42 )% Business development, occupancy, equipment 3,365 2,708 (657 ) (24 )% Subscriptions, clearing, and execution 10,307 9,887 (420 ) (4 )% Professional fee and other operating 7,684 7,068 (616 ) (9 )% Depreciation and amortization 371 334 (37 ) (11 )% Impairment of goodwill - 7,883 7,883 NM Total operating expenses 106,775 87,782 (18,993 ) (22 )% Operating income / (loss) 39,593 42,328 (2,735 ) (6 )%
Non-operating income / (expense)
Interest expense, net (7,233 ) (9,589 ) 2,356 25 % Income / (loss) from equity method affiliates 36,010 (2,955 ) 38,965 1319 % Other non-operating income 2,127 - 2,127 NM Income / (loss) before income taxes 70,497 29,784 40,713 137 % Income tax expense / (benefit) (3,541 ) (8,669 ) (5,128 ) (59 )% Net income / (loss) 74,038 38,453 35,585 93 % Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the non-convertible non-controlling interest 35,574 10,048 (25,526 ) (254 )% Enterprise net income (loss) 38,464 28,405 10,059 35 % Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the convertible non-controlling interest 26,656 14,200 (12,456 ) (88 )% Net income / (loss) attributable to Cohen & Company Inc.$ 11,808 $ 14,205 $ (2,397 ) (17 )% Revenues Revenues increased by$16,258 , or 12%, to$146,368 for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 , as compared to$130,110 for the year endedDecember 31, 2020 . As discussed in more detail below, the change was comprised of (i) a decrease of$4,226 in net trading revenue; (ii) an increase of$2,164 in asset management revenue; (iii) an increase of$26,502 in new issue and advisory revenue; and (iv) a decrease of$8,182 in principal transactions and other income. 54
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents Net Trading
Net trading revenue decreased by
The following table shows the detail by trading group.
NET TRADING (Dollars in Thousands) For the Year Ended December 31, 2021 2020 Change Mortgage$ 6,885 $ 9,641 $ (2,756 ) Matched book repo 46,139 33,980 12,159 High yield corporate 10,390 8,342 2,048 Investment grade corporate 593 9,978 (9,385 ) Wholesale and other 5,378 11,670 (6,292 ) Total$ 69,385 $ 73,611 $ (4,226 ) Our net trading revenue includes unrealized gains on our trading investments as of the applicable measurement date, which may never be realized due to changes in market or other conditions not in our control. This may adversely affect the ultimate value realized from these investments. In addition, our net trading revenue also includes realized gains on certain proprietary trading positions. Our ability to derive trading gains from such trading positions is subject to overall market conditions. Due to volatility and uncertainty in the capital markets, the net trading revenue recognized during any year may not be indicative of future results. Furthermore, from time to time, some of the assets included in the Investments-trading line of our consolidated balance sheets represent level 3 valuations within the FASB valuation hierarchy. Level 3 assets are carried at fair value based on estimates derived using internal valuation models and other estimates. See notes 8 and 9 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The fair value estimates determined by us may not be indicative of the final sale price at which these assets may be sold.
We consider our matched book repo business to be subject to significant concentration risk. See note 11 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Asset Management Asset management fees increased by$2,164 , or 25%, to$10,923 for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 , as compared to$8,759 for the year endedDecember 31, 2020 , as discussed in more detail below. ASSET MANAGEMENT (Dollars in Thousands) For the Year Ended December 31, 2021 2020 Change CDOs$ 2,484 $ 3,407 $ (923 ) Other 8,439 5,352 3,087 Total$ 10,923 $ 8,759 $ 2,164 A significant portion of our asset management fees are earned from the management of CDOs. We have not completed a new securitization since 2008. As a result, our asset management revenue from CDOs has declined from its historical highs as the assets of the CDOs decline due to maturities, repayments, auction call redemptions, and defaults. Our ability to complete securitizations in the future will depend upon, among other things, our asset origination capacity and success, our ability to arrange warehouse financing to originate assets, our willingness and capacity to fund required amounts to obtain warehouse financing and securitized financings, and the demand in the markets for such securitizations. Asset management fees from CDOs declined mainly due to a decline in AUM due to CDO auctions, liquidations, our removal as manager of one CDO, and principal paydowns of collateral. Asset management fees from other investment vehicles increased primarily due to increased incentive fees earned on theSPAC Fund as well as increased fees on certain European separate accounts and investment funds. 55
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
New Issue and Advisory Revenue
New issue and advisory revenue increased by
Year Ended December 31, 2021 2020 Change
- 1,428 US Insurance Originations 1,940 500 1,440 Europe Insurance Originations 2,692 1,734 958 Total$ 28,736 $ 2,234 $ 26,502 Our revenue earned from new issue and advisory has been, and we expect will continue to be, volatile. We earn revenue from a limited number of engagements. Therefore, a small change in the number of engagements can result in large fluctuations in the revenue recognized. Further, even if the number of engagements remains consistent, the average revenue per engagement can fluctuate considerably. Finally, our revenue is generally earned when an underlying transaction closes (rather than on a monthly or quarterly basis). Therefore, the timing of underlying transactions increases the volatility of our revenue recognition. In addition, we often incur certain costs related to new issue engagements. These costs are included as a component of either subscriptions, clearing and execution, or professional fees and other and will generally be recognized in the same period that the related revenue is recognized. CCM is our full-service boutique investment bank, which focuses on M&A, capital markets, and SPAC advisory, which generates new issue placement and advisory revenue from clients. In addition, we generate new issue revenue by originating new assets for theU.S. Insurance JV, CREO JV, and for our PriDe funds inEurope . 56
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
Principal Transactions and Other Income
Principal transactions and other income decreased by$8,182 to$37,324 for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 , as compared to$45,506 for the year endedDecember 31, 2020 .
PRINCIPAL TRANSACTIONS & OTHER INCOME
(Dollars in Thousands) For the Year Ended December 31, 2021 2020 Change SFT$ (5,258 ) $ 40,619 $ (45,877 ) LMND 43,655 - 43,655 IMXI 318 2,703 (2,385 ) WEJO (3,160 ) - (3,160 ) REE (2,939 ) - (2,939 ) ML (988 ) - (988 ) BKSY (914 ) - (914 ) CLO Investments - (535 ) 535 Other SPAC equity 3,094 1,503 1,591 Stoa USA Inc. / FlipOs 1,805 - 1,805 U.S. Insurance JV 142 222 (80 )SPAC Fund 474 183 291 Other principal investments (45 ) 7 (52 ) Total principal transactions 36,184 44,702 (8,518 ) - IIFC revenue share 634 491 143 All other income / (loss) 506 313 193 Other income 1,140 804 336
Total principal transactions and other income
$ (8,182 ) Principal Transactions For all investments discussed below, see note 9 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information about how we determine the value of these instruments. For several of the investments described below, we also had an investment in the same company which was accounted for under the equity method during the periods presented. See discussion of equity method income / (loss) below. SFT is a publicly traded company. In the periods presented, the shares of SFT we held were comprised of both unrestricted and restricted shares and were carried at fair value. For a portion of the period we held these shares, they were held in majority owned consolidated subsidiaries (the Insurance SPAC Sponsor Entities). Accordingly, there were significant non-controlling interest and equity compensation expense associated with these. See discussion of non-convertible non-controlling interest and equity compensation expense below. LMND is a publicly traded company. In the periods presented, the shares of LMND we held were comprised of both unrestricted and restricted shares and were carried at fair value. For a portion of the period we held these shares, they were held in majority owned consolidated subsidiaries (the Insurance SPAC II Sponsor Entities). Accordingly, there were significant non-controlling interest and equity compensation expense associated with these. See discussion of non-convertible non-controlling interest and equity below.
IMXI represents equity positions of International Money Express, Inc. (NASDAQ:
IMXI), a publicly traded company that resulted from the merger of
WEJO represents equity positions of Wejo Group, Ltd. (NASDAQ: WEJO), a publicly traded company that closed its business combination withVirtuoso Acquisition Corp. REE represents equity positions of REE Automotive Ltd. (NASDAQ: REE), a publicly traded company that closed its business combination with 10XCapital Venture Acquisition Corp.
ML represents equity positions of MoneyLion, Inc. (NYSE: ML), a publicly traded
company that closed its business combination with
BKSY represents equity positions of Blacksky Technology Inc. (NYSE:BKSY), a
publicly traded company that closed its business combination with
The CLO investments represent investments in the most junior tranche of certain CLOs. These investments were carried at fair value. These investments were fully liquidated in 2020.
Other SPAC equity represents equity investments in publicly traded SPACs or their successor public companies carried at fair value.
The
Other principal investments consist of realized and unrealized gains and losses from other investments reported at fair value.
57
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents Other Income Other income increased by$336 to$1,140 for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 , as compared to$804 for the year endedDecember 31, 2020 . The revenue share arrangement noted in the table above entitles us to a percentage of revenue earned by IIFC. The IIFC revenue share arrangement expires at the earlier of (i) the dissolution of IIFC or (ii) when we have earned a cumulative$20,000 in revenue share payments. As ofDecember 31, 2022 , we have earned$4,513 . In addition, in any particular year, the revenue share earned by us cannot exceed$2,000 . Operating Expenses Operating expenses increased by$18,993 , or 22%, to$106,775 for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 , as compared to$87,782 for the year endedDecember 31, 2020 . As discussed in more detail below, the change was comprised of (i) an increase of$25,146 in compensation and benefits; (ii) an increase of$657 in business development, occupancy, and equipment; (iii) an increase of$420 in subscriptions, clearing, and execution; (iv) an increase of$616 in professional fee and other operating; (v) an increase of$37 in depreciation and amortization; and (vi) a decrease of$7,883 in impairment of goodwill. Compensation and Benefits Compensation and benefits increased by$25,146 , or 42%, to$85,048 for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 , as compared to$59,902 for the year endedDecember 31, 2020 . COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS (Dollars in Thousands) For the Year Ended December 31, 2021 2020 Change Cash compensation and benefits$ 69,330 $ 47,349 $ 21,981 Equity-based compensation 15,718 12,553 3,165 Total$ 85,048 $ 59,902 $ 25,146 Cash compensation and benefits in the table above is primarily comprised of salary, incentive compensation, severance, employer portion of payroll taxes, and benefits. Cash compensation and benefits increased by$21,981 to$69,330 for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 , as compared to$47,349 for the year endedDecember 31, 2020 . Our headcount increased to 118 as ofDecember 31, 2021 from 87 as ofDecember 31, 2020 . Cash compensation increased primarily due to an increase in incentive compensation related to the increase in overall revenue and the increase in income from equity method affiliates. Equity-based compensation increased by$3,165 to$15,718 for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 , as compared to$12,553 for the year endedDecember 31, 2020 . Of the$15,718 of equity compensation recognized in 2021,$13,068 was due to equity compensation related to the issuance of membership units of the Insurance SPAC II Sponsor Entities to employees of the Company. The expense was recognized upon the completion of the merger between Insurance SPAC II andMetroMile onFebruary 9, 2021 . Of the$12,553 of equity compensation recognized in 2020,$11,700 was due to equity-based compensation related to the issuance of membership units of the Insurance SPAC Sponsor Entities to employees of the Company. This expense was recognized upon the completion of the merger between the Insurance SPAC and Shift inOctober 2020 . No further equity-based compensation expense will be recognized related to membership units of the Insurance SPAC Sponsor Entities or the Insurance SPAC II Sponsor Entities in the future. The remaining equity-based compensation recognized during 2021 and 2020 relates to restricted grants of the Company'sCommon Stock and Operating LLC units. This amount increased by$1,797 to$2,650 for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 as compared to$853 for the year endedDecember 31, 2020 . This increase was due to increased share grants and a higher share price impact during 2021 as compared to 2020.
Business Development, Occupancy, and Equipment
Business development, occupancy, and equipment increased by$657 , or 24%, to$3,365 for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 , as compared to$2,708 for the year endedDecember 31, 2020 . This was comprised of an increase in business development expense of$443 and an increase in occupancy and equipment of$214 . Business development increased due to increased travel in 2021 due to a general reduction in pandemic restrictions. The increase in occupancy and equipment expense was mainly due to increased rent due to our newMenlo Park office inCalifornia and other office lease renewals at higher rates.
Subscriptions, Clearing, and Execution
Subscriptions, clearing, and execution increased by$420 , or 4%, to$10,307 for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 , as compared to$9,887 for the year endedDecember 31, 2020 . This was comprised of an increase in clearing and execution costs of$548 partially offset by a decrease in subscriptions and dues of$128 . The decrease in subscriptions and dues was due to normal fluctuations in number of subscriptions. The increase in clearing and execution was due to increased trading volumes. 58
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
Professional Fee and Other Operating Expenses
Professional fee and other operating expenses increased by$616 , or 9%, to$7,684 for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 , as compared to$7,068 for the year endedDecember 31, 2020 . This was comprised of an increase in other operating expense of$738 ; partially offset by a decrease in professional fees of$122 . The increase in other operating expense was mainly due to increase in operating taxes (taxes not based on income and not included as part of the provision for income taxes) inPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania . The decrease in professional fees was mainly due to a reduction in consultant usage.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization increased by$37 , or 11%, to$371 for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 , as compared to$334 for the year endedDecember 31, 2020 . Impairment ofGoodwill We determined the financial market volatility, as well as the reduction in volumes in the GCF repo and TBA businesses that resulted from COVID-19 was a triggering event that required us to reassess the goodwill we had recorded related to JVB under the guidance of ASC 350. We ultimately exited the GCF business in 2021. We determined that the fair value of JVB was less than its carrying value (including the goodwill). As a result, we recorded an impairment of$7,883 in 2020. See note 13 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Non-Operating Income and Expense
Interest Expense, net Interest expense, net decreased by$2,356 , or 25%, to$7,233 for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 , as compared to$9,589 for the year endedDecember 31, 2020 . INTEREST EXPENSE (Dollars in Thousands) For the Year Ended December 31, 2021 2020 Change Junior subordinated notes$ 2,601 $ 2,882 $ (281 ) 2020 Senior Notes 540 496 44 2013 Convertible Notes / 2019 Senior Notes 211 336 (125 ) 2017 Convertible Note 1,534 1,505 29 Line of Credit (Byline / FT) 435 1,102 (667 ) Redeemable Financial Instrument -DGC Trust / CBF 197 1,490 (1,293 ) Redeemable Financial Instrument - JKD Capital Partners I LTD 1,715 1,883 (168 ) Redeemable Financial Instrument - ViaNova Capital Group, LLC - (105 ) 105$ 7,233 $ 9,589 $ (2,356 )
See notes 19 and 20 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
59
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
Income / (loss) from Equity Method Affiliates
Income / (loss) from equity method affiliates increased by$38,965 to$36,010 for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 , as compared to ($2,955 ) for the year endedDecember 31, 2020 . See note 12 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Year Ended December 31, 2021 2020 Change Insurance SPACs$ (1,306 ) $ (3,656 ) $ 2,350 SPAC Sponsor Entities 37,453 63 37,390 Dutch Real Estate Entities (137 ) 638 (775 )$ 36,010 $ (2,955 ) $ 38,965 SPAC Sponsor Entities includes both indirect and direct investments in SPAC Sponsor Entities. Several of these SPAC Sponsor Entities are invested in SPACs that have completed their respective business combinations. Those SPAC Sponsor Entities hold restricted and unrestricted equity interests in the public post-merger entities. We account for our investments in SPAC Sponsor Entities under the equity method of accounting. If the SPAC Sponsor Entity distributes SPAC shares to us, we account for those SPAC shares as a component of other investments, at fair value. The following table shows the equity method balance included in other SPAC Sponsor Entities above broken out by the ultimate public company investee. For several of the investments described below, we also had an investment in the same company accounted for at fair value as a component of other investments, at fair value during the periods presented. See discussion of principal transactions above. Year Ended December 31, 2021 2020 Change HLGN$ 28,443 $ -$ 28,443 WEJO 1,962 - 1,962 REE 2,489 - 2,489 PAYO 2,993 (9 ) 3,002 PWP 1,293 (7 ) 1,300 ACHR 728 - 728 Other (455 ) 79 (534 )$ 37,453 $ 63 $ 37,390
Other Non-Operating (Income) / Loss
We recorded other non-operating income of
Income Tax Expense / (Benefit)
Income tax expense / (benefit) was (
The tax benefit recognized in 2021 was comprised of a deferred tax benefit of$4,117 , partially offset by current tax expense of$576 . The current tax expense incurred was the result of foreign, state, and local income tax. The deferred tax benefit was aU.S. federal, state, and local tax benefit, which was the result of the reduction in the valuation allowance applied against the Company's net operating loss carryforward ("NOL") and net capital loss carryforward ("NCL") tax assets. The tax expense recognized in 2020 was comprised of a deferred tax benefit of$8,877 , partially offset by current tax expense of$208 . The current tax expense incurred was the result of foreign, state, and local income tax. The deferred tax expense was aU.S. federal, state, and local tax benefit, which was the result of the increase in the valuation allowance applied against the Company's NOL andNCL tax assets. We have significant carryforward tax assets. ASC 746 requires that we record a valuation allowance against these assets so that the net asset recognized is, in management's judgment, more likely than not to be realized. Each reporting period, management determines the expected amount of taxable income it will generate in each jurisdiction where the Company has NOLs. Management then schedules this income against each carryforward asset and determines what portion of the asset it believes is more likely than not to be realized. This determination is subjective and subject to many assumptions and factors including: profitability of our business in the future, the timing of that future income as compared to carryforward asset expiration, the character of future income (ordinary or capital), and the jurisdiction the income will be generated in. To the extent management's determination changes, an adjustment will be made to the valuation allowance resulting in deferred tax expense or benefit. We recorded deferred tax benefit in 2021 because expectations of future income increased and the Company reduced the valuation allowance it had applied against carryforward assets. The Company recorded deferred tax benefit in 2020 because of expectations of future income increased and the Company decreased the valuation allowance it had applied against carryforward assets. Because of magnitude of the Company's carryforward assets as well as the volatility of the Company's operating results, significant adjustments to the valuation allowance are likely going forward. These future adjustments will likewise result in material amounts of deferred tax benefit or expense going forward. 60
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
Net Income / (Loss) Attributable to the Non-Convertible Non-Controlling Interest
Net income / (loss) attributable to the non-convertible non-controlling interest
for the years ended
Year Ended December 31, 2021 2020 Change
Insurance SPAC Sponsor Entities
14,985 998 13,987$ 35,574 $ 10,048 $ 25,526 Insurance SPAC Sponsor Entities, Insurance SPAC II Sponsor Entities, and Insurance SPAC III Sponsor Entities were the Sponsor Entities formed by us for our sponsored SPACs. Other is comprised of our investments in certain SPAC Pipe Entities which themselves invest in Pipe's (Private Investment in Public Equity) of post business combination SPACs as well as an entity which we consolidate but do not wholly own that invests in other SPAC Sponsor Entities.
Net Income / (Loss) Attributable to the Convertible Non-Controlling Interest
Net income / (loss) attributable to the convertible non-controlling interest for the years endedDecember 31, 2021 and 2020 was comprised of the non-controlling interest related to member interests in theOperating LLC other than interests held by us for the relevant periods.
SUMMARY CALCULATION OF CONVERTIBLE NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST
For the Year Ended December 31, 2021 Other Wholly Owned Consolidated Total Operating Cohen & Subsidiaries Subsidiaries
LLC Consolidated
$ 70,497 $ -
(2,829 ) - (2,829 ) (712 ) (3,541 ) Net income / (loss) after tax 4,358 68,968 73,326 712 74,038 Other consolidated subsidiary non-controlling interest - 35,574 35,574 Net income / (loss) attributable to the Operating LLC 4,358 33,394 37,752 Average effectiveOperating LLC non-controlling interest % (1) 70.61 %Operating LLC non-controlling interest
$ 26,656
Summary
Other consolidated subsidiary non-controlling interest $ 35,574Operating LLC non-controlling interest 26,656 $ 62,230
SUMMARY CALCULATION OF CONVERTIBLE NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST
For the Year Ended December 31, 2020 Other Cohen & Wholly Owned Consolidated Total Operating Company Subsidiaries Subsidiaries
LLC Consolidated Inc. Consolidated Net income / (loss) before tax $ 4,951 $ 24,833
$ 29,784 $ -
187 - 187 (8,856 ) (8,669 ) Net income / (loss) after tax 4,764 24,833 29,597 8,856 38,453 Other consolidated subsidiary non-controlling interest - 10,048 10,048 Net income / (loss) attributable to the Operating LLC 4,764 14,785 19,549 Average effectiveOperating LLC non-controlling interest % (1) 72.64 %Operating LLC non-controlling interest
$ 14,200
Summary
Other consolidated subsidiary non-controlling interest $ 10,048Operating LLC non-controlling interest 14,200 $ 24,248
(1) Non-controlling interest is recorded on a quarterly basis. Because earnings
are recognized unevenly throughout the year and the non-controlling interest
percentage may change during the period, the average effective
non-controlling interest percentage may not equal the percentage at the end
of any period or the simple average of the beginning and ending percentages.
61
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity is a measurement of our ability to meet potential cash requirements including ongoing commitments to repay debt borrowings, make interest payments on outstanding borrowings, fund investments, and support other general business purposes. In addition, ourUnited States and European broker-dealer subsidiaries are subject to certain regulatory requirements to maintain minimum levels of net capital. Historically, our primary sources of funds have been our operating activities and general corporate borrowings. In addition, our trading operations have generally been financed by use of collateralized securities financing arrangements as well as margin loans. Certain subsidiaries of theOperating LLC have restrictions on the withdrawal of capital and otherwise in making distributions and loans. JVB is subject to net capital restrictions imposed by theSEC andFINRA that require certain minimum levels of net capital to remain in this subsidiary. In addition, these restrictions could potentially impose notice requirements or limit our ability to withdraw capital above the required minimum amounts (excess capital) whether through a distribution or a loan. CCFEL was regulated by the CBI. CCFESA is subject to the regulations of the ACPR. CBI and ACPR impose minimum capital requirements. See note 25 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Dividends and Distributions During the third quarter of 2010, our board of directors initiated a dividend of$0.50 per quarter, which was paid regularly throughDecember 31, 2011 . Beginning in 2012, our board of directors declared a dividend of$0.20 per quarter, which was paid regularly through the first quarter of 2019. Each time a cash dividend was declared by our board of directors, a pro rata distribution was made to the other members of theOperating LLC upon payment of dividends to our stockholders. OnJuly 29, 2021 , our board of directors reinstated our quarterly dividend declaring a cash dividend of$0.25 per share. We have paid a quarterly cash dividend of$0.25 regularly since that date. In addition to our routine quarterly distribution, onMarch 8, 2022 , our board of directors declared a special cash dividend of$0.75 per share. OnMarch 8, 2023 , our board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of$0.25 per share payable onApril 5, 2023 to shareholders of record onMarch 22, 2023 . Repurchases of Common Stock OnDecember 21, 2020 andAugust 31, 2020 , the Company entered into letter agreements (the "December 2020 Letter Agreement" and the "August 2020 Letter Agreement," respectively and, together, the "10b5-1 Plan"). TheDecember 2020 Letter Agreement and theAugust 2020 Letter Agreement were entered into withPiper Sandler & Co. (the "Agent"). The agreements authorized the Agent to use reasonable efforts to purchase, on the Company's behalf, up to an aggregate purchase price of$1,000 of Common Stock (in the case of theDecember 2020 letter) and$2,000 (in the case of theAugust 2020 letter) on any day that the NYSE was open for business. TheDecember 2020 Letter Agreement became effectiveDecember 23, 2020 and was in effect untilDecember 31, 2021 or until an aggregate purchase price of$1,000 shares had been purchased, which occurred onJuly 28, 2021 . TheAugust 2020 Letter Agreement was in effect fromAugust 31, 2020 untilAugust 31, 2021 or until an aggregate purchase price of$2,000 shares had been purchased, which occurred onNovember 10, 2020 . Pursuant to the 10b5-1 Plan, purchases of Common Stock may be made in public and private transactions and must comply with Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act. The 10b5-1 Plan was designed to comply with Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act. During the twelve months endedDecember 31, 2021 , pursuant to the 10b-5-1 Plan, the Company repurchased 49,544 shares of Common Stock in the open market for a total purchase price of$857 . During the twelve months endedDecember 31, 2020 , pursuant to the 10b5-1 Plan, the Company repurchased 121,181 shares of Common Stock in the open market for a total purchase price of$2,143 . Issuances of Common Stock OnDecember 1, 2020 , the Company entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement (the "Equity Agreement") withNorthland Securities, Inc. (trade nameNorthland Capital Markets ), as sales agent (the "Sales Agent"), relating to the issuance and sale from time to time by the Company (the "ATM Program"), through the Sales Agent, of shares of the Company's Common Stock, having an aggregate offering price of up to$75,000 (collectively the "Shares"). Sales of the Shares, if any, under the Equity Agreement will be made in sales deemed to be "at-the-market offerings" as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act as agreed with the Sales Agent. OnJune 7, 2021 , the Company entered into a letter agreement (the "Equity Distribution Letter Agreement") with the Sales Agent, pursuant to which the Sales Agent agreed to use its best efforts to, commencing onJune 5, 2021 , sell on the Company's behalf up to$7,966 of the Shares in the open market pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Equity Distribution Agreement and the Equity Distribution Letter Agreement, and the Company agreed not to take any action that would cause the sales of the Shares under the Letter Agreement not to comply with Rule 10b5-1 or Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). The Equity Distribution Letter Agreement was entered into in connection with the ATM Program and was designed to comply with Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act.
During 2021, we issued 300,859 shares of Common Stock for a total price of
62
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
During the years ended
During 2022:
o We issued a new 2020 Senior Note for$2,250 and used the
proceeds to
pay off an existing 2020 Senior Note o We paid dividends of$2,258 and distributions to the
convertible
non-controlling interest of$6,485 o We paid distributions of$2,236 to non-convertible
non-controlling
interest.
During 2021:
o We drew and repaid$17,500 on a revolving line of credit. o We repaid$2,400 of the 2019 Senior Note o We repaid$4,000 of redeemable financial instruments. o We paid dividends of$671 and distributions to the
convertible
non-controlling interest of$1,970 o We raised$17,095 from investments by non-convertible
non-controlling
interest. o We paid distributions of$2,735 to the non-convertible non-controlling interest.
During 2020:
o We drew and repaid$17,500 on a revolving line of credit. o We received$2,166 in proceeds on the PPP loan. o We raised$4,500 in proceeds from issuance of the 2020
Senior Notes.
o We repaid$9,163 of debt which included the Legacy Texas Credit Facility and the 2019 Senior Notes. o We repaid$4,921 of redeemable financial instruments. o We raised$13,489 from investments by non-convertible
non-controlling interest. Cash Flows
We have seven primary uses for capital:
(1) To fund the operations of our Capital Markets business segment. Our Capital
Markets business segment utilizes capital (i) to fund securities inventory
to facilitate client trading activities; (ii) for risk trading for our own
account; (iii) to fund our collateralized securities lending activities;
(iv) for temporary capital needs associated with underwriting activities;
(v) to fund business expansion into existing or new product lines including
additional capital dedicated to our mortgage group as well as our matched
book repo business; and (vi) to fund any operating losses incurred. (2) To fund the expansion of our Asset Management business segment. We
generally grow our AUM by sponsoring new Investment Vehicles. The creation
of a new Investment Vehicle often requires us to invest a certain amount of
our own capital to attract outside capital to manage. Also, these new
Investment Vehicles often require warehouse and other third-party financing
to fund the acquisition of investments. Finally, we generally will hire
employees to manage new Investment Vehicles and will operate at a loss for a
startup period. (3) To fund investments. We make principal investments (including sponsor and
other investments in SPACs) to generate returns. We may need to raise
additional debt or equity financing in order to ensure we have the capital
necessary to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities. (4) To fund mergers or acquisitions. We may opportunistically use capital to acquire other asset managers, individual asset management contracts, or financial services firms. To the extent our liquidity sources are insufficient to fund our future merger or acquisition activities, we may need to raise additional funding through an equity or debt offering. No assurances can be given that additional financing will be available in the
future, or that if available, such financing will be on favorable terms. (5) To fund potential dividends and distributions. We sometimes pay dividends.
Each time a cash dividend was declared by our board of directors, a pro rata
distribution was made to the other members of the
of dividends to our stockholders. (6) To fund potential repurchases of Common Stock. We have opportunistically
repurchased Common Stock in private transactions as well through the 10b5-1
Plan. See note 21 to our consolidated financial statements included in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K. (7) To pay off debt as it matures. We have indebtedness that must be repaid as
it matures. See note 20 to our consolidated financial statements included in
this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 63
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
If we are unable to raise sufficient capital on economically favorable terms, we may need to reduce the amount of capital invested for the uses described above, which may adversely impact earnings and our ability to pay dividends.
As of
SUMMARY CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Dollars in Thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2022 2021 2020 Cash flow from operating activities$ (23,488 ) $ 18,321 $ 41,435 Cash flow from investing activities 13,798 (22,534 ) (11,948 ) Cash flow from financing activities (11,504 ) 13,161 3,789 Effect of exchange rate on cash (272 ) (377 )
416
Net cash flow (21,466 ) 8,571
33,692
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning 50,567 41,996 8,304
Cash and cash equivalents, ending
See the statements of cash flows in our consolidated financial statements. We believe our available cash and cash equivalents, as well as our investment in our trading portfolio and related borrowing capacity, will provide sufficient liquidity to meet the cash needs of our ongoing operations in the near term. 2022 Cash Flows
As of
The cash used in operating activities of$23,488 was comprised of (a) net cash outflows of$23,461 related to working capital fluctuations; (b) net cash inflows of$4,365 from trading activities comprised of our investments-trading, trading securities sold, not yet purchased, securities sold under agreement to repurchase, receivables under resale agreements, and receivables and payables from brokers, dealers, and clearing agencies, as well as the changes in unrealized gains and losses on the investments-trading and trading securities sold, not yet purchased; and (c) net cash outflows from other earnings items of$4,392 (which represents net income or loss adjusted for the following non-cash operating items: deferred taxes, other income / (expense), non-cash advisory revenue, realized and unrealized gains and losses on other investments, at fair value, other investments sold, not yet purchased, income / (loss) from equity method affiliates, equity-based compensation, depreciation, impairment of goodwill, and amortization). The cash provided investing activities of$13,798 was comprised of (a)$27,091 in proceeds from sales of other investments, at fair value; (b)$3,054 in proceeds from sales of other investments sold, not yet purchased, at fair value; and (c)$77 in proceeds from distributions from equity method affiliates; partially offset by (d)$7,236 in cash used to purchase other investments, at fair value; (e)$6,001 in cash used to purchase other investments sold, not yet purchased, at fair value; (f)$2,614 of cash used to invest in equity method affiliates; and (g)$573 in purchases of furniture, equipment, and leasehold improvements. The cash used in financing activities of$11,504 was comprised of (a)$2,250 of cash used to repay debt; (b)$234 of cash used to settle equity awards; (c)$2,558 of cash used to pay dividends on Common Stock; (d)$6,485 in cash used for distributions to the convertible non-controlling interest; and (e)$2,236 in cash used for distributions to the non-convertible non-controlling interests; partially offset by (f)$2,250 in proceeds from the issuance of debt and (g)$9 in cash proceeds from investments in the non-convertible non-controlling interests. 64
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents 2021 Cash Flows
As of
The cash provided by operating activities of$18,321 was comprised of (a) net cash outflows of$19,093 related to working capital fluctuations; (b) net cash inflows of$24,813 from trading activities comprised of our investments-trading, trading securities sold, not yet purchased, securities sold under agreement to repurchase, receivables under resale agreements, and receivables and payables from brokers, dealers, and clearing agencies, as well as the changes in unrealized gains and losses on the investments-trading and trading securities sold, not yet purchased; and (c) net cash inflows from other earnings items of$12,601 (which represents net income or loss adjusted for the following non-cash operating items: deferred taxes, other income / (expense), realized and unrealized gains and losses on other investments at fair value, other investments sold, not yet purchased, income / (loss) from equity method affiliates, equity-based compensation, depreciation, impairment of goodwill, and amortization). The cash used in investing activities of$22,534 was comprised of (a)$123,098 in purchases of other investments at fair value; (b)$59,098 in purchase of other investments sold, not yet purchased; (c)$8,392 in investments in equity method affiliates; (d)$1,028 in purchase of furniture, equipment, and leasehold improvements; partially offset by (e)$112,013 in sales and returns of principal of other investments, at fair value; (f)$56,820 in sales and returns of principal of other investments sold, not yet purchased; and (g)$249 in distributions from equity method affiliates. The cash provided by financing activities of$13,161 was comprised of (a)$17,500 in proceeds from draws on revolving credit facility; (b)$9,076 in proceeds from sale of Common Stock; (c)$17,095 in proceeds from non-controlling interest investments; partially offset by (d)$17,500 in repayments on revolving credit facility; (e)$2,400 of repayment of debt; (f)$378 in cash used to net settle equity awards; (g)$857 of cash used to repurchase and retire Common Stock; (h)$2,734 in non-controlling interest distributions; (i)$1,970 inOperating LLC non-controlling interest distributions; (j)$4,000 in repayment of redeemable financial instrument, and (k)$671 in cash used for dividend payments on Common Stock. 65
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents 2020 Cash Flows As ofDecember 31, 2020 , our cash and cash equivalents were$41,996 , representing an increase of$33,692 fromDecember 31, 2019 . The increase was attributable to the cash provided by operating activities of$41,435 , the cash used in investing activities of$11,948 , the cash provided in financing activities of$3,789 , and the increase in cash resulting from a change in exchange rates of$416 . The cash provided by operating activities of$41,435 was comprised of (a) net cash inflows of$79,555 related to working capital fluctuations; (b) net cash outflows of$47,557 from trading activities comprised of our investments-trading, trading securities sold, not yet purchased, securities sold under agreement to repurchase, receivables under resale agreements, and receivables and payables from brokers, dealers, and clearing agencies, as well as the changes in unrealized gains and losses on the investments-trading and trading securities sold, not yet purchased; and (c) net cash inflows from other earnings items of$9,437 (which represents net income or loss adjusted for the following non-cash operating items: deferred taxes, other income / (expense), realized and unrealized gains and losses on other investments at fair value, other investments sold, not yet purchased, income / (loss) from equity method affiliates, equity-based compensation, depreciation, impairment of goodwill, and amortization). The cash used in investing activities of$11,948 was comprised of (a)$62,282 in purchases of other investments at fair value; (b)$12,519 in purchase of other investments sold, not yet purchased; (c)$12,675 in investments in equity method affiliates; (d)$217 in purchase of furniture, equipment, and leasehold improvements; partially offset by (e)$54,748 in sales and returns of principal of other investments, at fair value; and (f)$20,997 in sales and returns of principal of other investments sold, not yet purchased. The cash provided by financing activities of$3,789 was comprised of (a)$2,166 of proceeds from the PPP loan; (b)$17,500 in draws on the FT LOC; (c)$4,500 in proceeds from issuance of non-convertible debt; (d)$13,489 in proceeds from issuance of non-controlling interests; partially offset by (e)$17,500 in payments on the FT LOC; (f)$9,163 in repayment of debt; (g)$24 in debt issuance costs; (h)$4,921 of repayments of redeemable financial instruments; (i)$54 in cash used to net settle equity awards; (j)$35 in non-controlling interest distributions; (k)$27 in dividends paid; and (l)$2,142 used to purchase and retire Common Stock. Note Regarding Collateral Deposits and Impact on Operating Cash Flow As part of our matched book repo operations, we enter into reverse repos with counterparties whereby we lend money and receive securities as collateral. In accordance with ASC 860, the collateral securities are not recorded in our consolidated balance sheets. However, from time to time we will hold cash instead of securities as collateral for these transactions. When we are provided cash as collateral for reverse repo transactions, we will make an entry to increase our cash and cash equivalents and to increase our other liabilities for the amount of cash received. There are two main reasons we may receive collateral in the form of cash as opposed to securities. First, when the value of the collateral securities we have in our possession decline, we will require the counterparty to provide us with additional collateral. We will accept either cash or additional liquid securities. Often, our counterparties will provide us with cash as they may not have liquid securities readily available. Second, from time to time, our counterparties require a portion of the collateral securities in our possession returned to them for operating purposes. In such instances, the counterparty may not have substitute liquid securities available and will often provide us with cash as collateral instead. It is important to note that when we receive cash as collateral, it is temporary in nature and we have an obligation to return that cash when the counterparty provides substitute liquid securities as collateral or otherwise satisfies their associated reverse repo obligation. We are generally required to return any cash collateral the same business day that we receive substitute securities. The amount of cash we receive as collateral for our repo operations is volatile and therefore, both our cash and cash equivalents balance and our cash provided by and used in operations are volatile as they are both impacted. These amounts can be large and should be taken into account when analyzing our cash flow from operations.
The following table shows the impact of changes in these collateral deposits had on our cash flows in each period presented:
Year Ended December 31, 2022 2021 2020 Cash collateral held from repo and or reverse repo counterparties - End of Period$ 4,301 $ 17,320 $ 41,119 Less: Cash collateral held from repo and or reverse repo counterparties - End of Period 17,320 41,119
9,524
Impact to cash flow from operations$ (13,019 ) $ (23,799 ) $ 31,595 66
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
Regulatory Capital Requirements
We have two subsidiaries that are licensed securities dealers: JVB in theU.S. and CCFESA inFrance . As aU.S. broker-dealer, JVB is subject to the Uniform Net Capital Rule in Rule 15c3-1 under the Exchange Act. CCFESA is subject to the regulations of the ACPR. The amount of net assets that these subsidiaries may distribute is subject to restrictions under these applicable net capital rules. These subsidiaries have historically operated in excess of minimum net capital requirements. Our minimum capital requirements atDecember 31, 2022 were as follows.
MINIMUM NET CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands)U.S. $ 250 France 512 Total$ 762 We operate with more than the minimum regulatory capital requirement in our licensed broker-dealers and atDecember 31, 2022 total net capital, or the equivalent as defined by the relevant statutory regulations, in our licensed broker-dealers totaled$48,106 . See note 25 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In addition, our licensed broker-dealers are generally subject to capital withdrawal notification requirements and restrictions.
Restrictions of Distributions of Capital from JVB
As ofDecember 31, 2022 , our total equity on a consolidated basis was$94,026 However, the total equity of JVB was$94,302 . Therefore, negative equity exists outside of JVB. During certain periods of time, we have generated losses or negative cash flow outside of JVB. We are dependent on taking distributions of income (and potentially returns of capital) from JVB to satisfy the cash needs outside of JVB, such as to cover losses incurred outside of JVB, to satisfy other obligations that come due outside of JVB, and to make investments outside of JVB. However, we are subject to significant limitations on our ability to make distributions from JVB. These limitations include limitations imposed byFINRA under rule 15c3-1 (described immediately above) and limitations under our line of credit withByline Bank (see note 20 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K). Furthermore, counterparties to JVB have their own internal counterparty credit requirements. The specific requirements are not generally shared with us. However, if we take too much in capital distributions from JVB (beyond its net income), we may not be able to trade with certain counterparties which may cause JVB's operations to deteriorate. Securities Financing We maintain repurchase agreements with various third-party financial institutions. There is no maximum limit as to the amount of securities that may be transferred pursuant to these agreements, and transactions are approved on a case-by-case basis. The repurchase agreements do not include substantive provisions other than those covenants and other customary provisions contained in standard master repurchase agreements. The repurchase agreements generally require us to transfer additional securities to the counterparty in the event the value of the securities then held by the counterparty in the margin account falls below specified levels and contain events of default were we to breach our obligations under the agreement. We receive margin calls from our repurchase agreement counterparties from time to time in the ordinary course of business. To date, we have maintained sufficient liquidity to meet margin calls, and we have never been unable to satisfy a margin call, however, no assurance can be given that we will be able to satisfy requests from our counterparties to post additional collateral in the future. See note 11 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. If there were an event of default under a repurchase agreement, the counterparty would have the option to terminate all repurchase transactions existing with us and make any amount due from us to the counterparty payable immediately. Repurchase obligations are full recourse obligations to us. If we were to default under a repurchase obligation, the counterparty would have recourse to our other assets if the collateral was not sufficient to satisfy our obligations in full. Most of our repurchase agreements are entered into as part of our matched book repo business. Our clearing brokers provide securities financing arrangements including margin arrangements and securities borrowing and lending arrangements. These arrangements generally require us to transfer additional securities or cash to the clearing broker in the event the value of the securities then held by the clearing broker in the margin account falls below specified levels and contain events of default were we to breach our obligations under such agreements. An event of default under the clearing agreement would give the counterparty the option to terminate the clearing arrangement. Any amounts owed to the clearing broker would be immediately due and payable. These obligations are recourse to us. Furthermore, a termination of any of our clearing arrangements would result in a significant disruption to our business and would have a significant negative impact on our dealings and relationship with our customers. 67
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
The following table presents our period end balance, average monthly balance, and maximum balance at any month end for receivables under resale agreements and securities sold under agreements to repurchase. For the Twelve For the Twelve Months Ended Months Ended December 31, December 31, 2022 2021 Receivables under resale agreements Period end$ 437,692 $ 3,175,645 Monthly average$ 1,628,141 $ 5,750,146 Maximum month end$ 3,006,658 $ 7,299,538 Securities sold under agreements to repurchase Period end$ 452,797 $ 3,171,415 Monthly average$ 1,649,310 $ 5,745,838 Maximum month end$ 3,002,514 $ 7,289,275 Fluctuations in the balance of our repurchase agreements from period to period and intraperiod are dependent on business activity in those periods. The fluctuations in the balances of our receivables under resale agreements over the periods presented were impacted by our clients' desires to execute collateralized financing arrangements through the repurchase market or other financing products.
Average balances and period end balances will fluctuate based on market and liquidity conditions and we consider such intraperiod fluctuations as typical for the repurchase market. Month-end balances may be higher or lower than average period balances.
Debt Financing The following table summarizes our long-term indebtedness and other financing outstanding. See note 20 to our consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information. DETAIL OF DEBT (Dollars in Thousands) As of December 31, Interest Rate Description 2022 2021 Terms Interest (2) Maturity Non-convertible debt: 10.00% senior note (the "2020 Senior Notes")$ 4,500 $ 4,500 Fixed 10.00 % January 2024 Contingent convertible debt: 8.00% convertible senior note (the "2017 Convertible Note") - 15,000 Fixed 8.00 % March 2023 Less unamortized debt issuance costs - (67 ) - 14,933 Junior subordinated notes (1): Alesco Capital Trust I 28,125 28,125 Variable 8.41 % July 2037 Sunset Financial Statutory Trust I 20,000 20,000 Variable 8.88 % March 2035 Less unamortized discount (23,601 ) (24,164 ) 24,524 23,961 Byline Bank - - Variable N/A December 2023 Total$ 29,024 $ 43,394 68
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
(1) The junior subordinated notes listed represent debt the Company owes to the
two trusts noted above. The total par amount owed by the Company to the
trusts is
in a total par amount of
principal) to the trusts on the entire
However, the Company receives back from the trusts the pro rata share of
interest and principal on the common stock held by the Company. These trusts
are variable interest entities ("VIEs") and the Company does not consolidate
them even though the Company holds the common stock. The Company carries the
common stock on its balance sheet at a value of
notes are recorded at a discount to par. When factoring in the discount, the
yield to maturity of the junior subordinated notes as of
2022 on a combined basis is 19.79% assuming the variable rate in effect on
the last day of the reporting period remains in effect until maturity.
(2) Represents the interest rate in effect as of the last day of the reporting
period.
Redeemable Financial Instruments
As ofDecember 31, 2022 , we have the following sources of financing, which we account for as redeemable financial instruments. See note 19 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. REDEEMABLE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Dollars in thousands) As of December 31, 2022 2021 JKD Investor$ 7,868 $ 7,957 $ 7,868 $ 7,957
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Other than as described in note 10 (derivative financial instruments) and note 18 (variable interest entities) to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, there were no material off balance sheet arrangements as ofDecember 31, 2022 . 69
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents Contractual Obligations The table below summarizes our significant contractual obligations as ofDecember 31, 2022 and the future periods in which such obligations are expected to be settled in cash. Our junior subordinated notes are assumed to be repaid on their respective maturity dates. Excluded from the table are obligations that are short-term in nature, including trading liabilities and repurchase agreements. In addition, amortization of discount on debt is excluded. CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONSDecember 31, 2022 (Dollars in Thousands) Payment Due by Period Less than 1 More than 5 Total Year 1 - 3 Years 3 - 5 Years Years Operating lease arrangements$ 11,871 $ 2,643 $ 3,959 $ 3,022 $ 2,247 Maturity of 2020 Senior Notes 4,500 - 4,500 - - Interest on 2020 Senior Notes 563 450 113 - - Maturities on junior subordinated notes 48,125 - - - 48,125 Interest on junior subordinated notes (1) 56,664 4,143 8,285 8,285 35,951 Redeemable Financial Instrument - JKD Capital Partners 1 (2) 7,868 7,868 - - - Other Operating Obligations (3) 1,151 1,069 82 - -$ 130,742 $ 16,173 $ 16,939 $ 11,307 $ 86,323
(1) The interest on the junior subordinated notes related to
Trust I is variable. The interest rate of 8.41% (based on a 90-day LIBOR
rate in effect as of
contractual interest payment in each period noted. The interest on the junior subordinated notes related to Sunset Financial Statutory Trust I is
variable. The interest rate of 8.88% (based on a 90-day LIBOR rate in effect
as of
interest payment in each period noted.
(2) Represents redemption value of the redeemable financial instruments as of
the reporting period. The redeemable financial instruments do not have a
fixed maturity date. The period shown above represents the first period the
holder of these instruments has the ability to require redemption by us.
(3) Represents material operating contracts for various services. We believe that we will be able to continue to fund our current operations and meet our contractual obligations through a combination of existing cash resources and other sources of credit. Due to the uncertainties that exist in the economy, we cannot be certain that we will be able to replace existing financing or find sources of additional financing in the future.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our accounting policies are essential to understanding and interpreting the financial results in our consolidated financial statements. Our industry is subject to a number of highly complex accounting rules and requirements many of which place heavy burdens on management to make judgments relating to our business. We encourage readers of this Form 10-K to read all of our critical accounting policies, which are included in note 3 to our consolidated financial statements included herein for a full understanding of these issues and how the financial statements are impacted by these judgments. Certain of these policies are considered to be particularly important to the presentation of our financial results because they require us to make assumptions and estimates about future events and apply judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and the related disclosures. We base our assumptions, estimates, and judgments on historical experience, current trends, and other factors that management believes to be relevant at the time our consolidated financial statements are prepared. On a regular basis, management reviews the accounting policies, assumptions, estimates, and judgments to ensure that our financial statements are presented fairly and in accordance withU.S. GAAP. However, because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our assumptions and estimates, and such differences could be material. 70
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
We consider the accounting policies discussed below to be the policies that are the most impactful to our financial statements and also subject to significant management judgment.
Valuation of Financial Instruments
How fair value determinations impact our financial statements
All of the securities we own that are classified as investments-trading, securities sold, not yet purchased, other investments, at fair value, or other investments sold, not yet purchased are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value (both unrealized and realized) recorded in earnings. Unrealized and realized gains and losses on securities classified as investments-trading and securities sold, not yet purchased in the consolidated balance sheets are recorded as a component of net trading revenue in the consolidated statements of operations. Unrealized and realized gains and losses on securities classified as other investments, at fair value, and other investments sold, not yet purchased in the consolidated balance sheets are recorded as a component of principal transactions and other income in the consolidated statements of operations.
How we determine fair value for securities
We account for our investment securities at fair value under various accounting literature, includingFinancial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 320, Investments - Debt and Equity Securities ("ASC 320"), pertaining to investments in debt and equity securities and the fair value option of financial instruments in ASC 825, Financial Instruments ("ASC 825"). We also account for certain assets at fair value under applicable industry guidance such as: (a) FASB ASC 946, Financial Services-Investment Companies ("ASC 946") and (b) FASB ASC 940-320,Proprietary Trading Securities ("ASC 940-320"). The determination of fair value is based on quoted market prices of an active exchange, independent broker market quotations, market price quotations from third-party pricing services, or, when independent broker quotations or market price quotations from third-party pricing services are unavailable, valuation models prepared by management. These models include estimates and the valuations derived from them could differ materially from amounts realizable in an open market exchange. We adopted the fair value measurement provisions in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures ("ASC 820"), applicable to financial assets and financial liabilities effectiveJanuary 1, 2008 . ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell the asset or paid to transfer the liability between market participants at the measurement date ("exit price"). An exit price valuation will include margins for risk even if they are not observable. In accordance with ASC 820, we categorize our financial instruments, based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three-level valuation hierarchy. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements). The three levels of the hierarchy under ASC 820 are described below.
Level 1 Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on unadjusted
quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement
date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
Level 2 Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on one or more of
the following: (a) quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; (b) quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets; (c) pricing models whose inputs are
observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; or
(d) pricing models whose inputs are derived principally from or
corroborated by observable market data through correlation or other means
for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
Level 3 Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on prices or
valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the
fair value measurement and unobservable. These inputs reflect
management's own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant
would use in pricing the asset or liability. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the valuation hierarchy. In such cases, the level of the valuation hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. 71
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
Financial instruments carried at contract amounts with short-term maturities (one year or less) are repriced frequently or bear market interest rates. Accordingly, those contracts are carried at amounts approximating fair value. Financial instruments carried at contract amounts on our consolidated balance sheets include receivables from and payables to brokers, securities purchased under agreements to resell ("reverse repurchase agreements" or "receivables under resale agreements"), and sales of securities under agreements to repurchase ("repurchase agreements").
How we determine fair value for investments in investment funds and similar vehicles
A portion of our other investments, at fair value represents investments in investment funds and other non-publicly traded entities that have the attributes of investment companies as described in ASC 946-15-2. We estimate the fair value of these entities using the reported net asset value per share as of the reporting date in accordance with the "practical expedient" provisions related to investments in certain entities that calculated net asset value per share (or its equivalent) included in ASC 820.
Derivative Financial Instruments
We do not utilize hedge accounting for our derivatives. Accordingly, all derivatives are carried at fair value with unrealized and realized gains recognized in earnings.
If the derivative is expected to be managed by employees of our Capital Markets business segment or is a hedge for an investment classified as investments-trading, the derivative will be carried as a component of investments-trading if it is an asset or securities sold, not yet purchased if a liability. If the derivative is a hedge for an investment carried as a component of other investments, at fair value, the derivative will be recorded in other investments, at fair value if it is an asset or other investments sold, not yet purchase if it is a liability. We may, from time to time, enter into derivatives to manage our risk exposures arising from (i) fluctuations in foreign currency rates with respect to our investments in foreign currency denominated investments; (ii) our investments in interest sensitive investments; (iii) our investments in various equity instruments; and (iv) our facilitation of mortgage-backed trading. Derivatives entered into by us, from time to time, may include (i) foreign currency forward contracts; (ii) purchase and sale agreements of TBAs and other forward agency MBS contracts; (iii) other extended settlement trades; and (iv) equity options such as calls and puts. TBAs are forward contracts to purchase or sell mortgage-backed securities whose exact collateral remain "to be announced" until just prior to the trade settlement. In addition to TBAs, we sometimes enter into forward purchases or sales of agency mortgage-backed securities where the underlying collateral has been identified. These transactions are referred to as other forward agency MBS contracts. We account for TBAs and other forward agency MBS contracts as derivatives. In addition to TBAs and other forward agency MBS contracts as part of our broker-dealer operations, we may from time to time enter into other securities or loan trades that do not settle within the normal securities settlement period. In those cases, the purchase or sale of the security or loan is not recorded until the settlement date. However, from the trade date until the settlement date, our interest in the security is accounted for as a derivative as either a forward purchase commitment or forward sale commitment. Derivatives involve varying degrees of off-balance sheet risk, whereby changes in the level or volatility of interest rates or market values of the underlying financial instruments may result in changes in the value of a particular financial instrument in excess of its carrying amount. Depending on our investment strategy, realized and unrealized gains and losses are recognized in principal transactions and other income or in net trading in our consolidated statements of operations on a trade date basis.
Accounting for Income Taxes
We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. We record net deferred tax assets to the extent we believe these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such a determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies, and recent financial operations. In the event we were to determine that we would be able to realize our deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to the valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.
Our policy is to record penalties and interest as a component of provision for income taxes in our consolidated statements of operations.
72
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
Our voting-controlled subsidiary, theOperating LLC , is treated as a pass-through entity forU.S. federal income tax purposes and in most of the states in which we do business.The Operating LLC is subject to entity level taxes in certain state and foreign jurisdictions. However, as a result of the AFN Merger, we acquired significant deferred tax assets and liabilities and now have significant tax attributes. Effective as ofJanuary 1, 2010 , we began to be treated as a C corporation forU.S. federal and state income tax purposes. As shown in note 23 to the consolidated financial statements contained herein, we currently have significant recognized as well as unrecognized deferred tax assets. Deferred tax assets should only be recognized to the extent that we determine we can benefit in the future from the asset. Generally, this determination is based on our estimates of our ability to generate future taxable income. This determination is complex and subject to judgment. The determination is ongoing and subject to change. If we were to change this determination in the future, a significant deferred tax benefit or deferred tax expense would be recognized as a component of earnings. Revenue Recognition Net trading Net trading includes: (i) all gains, losses, interest income, dividend income, and interest expense from securities classified as investments-trading and trading securities sold, not yet purchased; (ii) interest income and expense from collateralized securities transactions; and (iii) commissions and riskless trading profits. Net trading is reduced by margin interest, which is recorded on an accrual basis. We refer to investments included as a component of investments - trading and trading securities sold, not yet purchased as trading assets. Riskless trades are transacted through our proprietary account with a customer order in hand, resulting in little or no market risk to us. Transactions that settle in the regular way are recognized on a trade date basis. Extended settlement transactions are recognized on a settlement date basis (although in cases of extended settlement trades, the unsettled trade is accounted for as a derivative between trade and settlement date). See notes 3 and 10 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The investments classified as trading are carried at fair value. The determination of fair value is based on quoted market prices of an active exchange, independent broker market quotations, market price quotations from third-party pricing services or, when independent broker quotations or market price quotations from third-party pricing services are unavailable, valuation models prepared by our management. The models include estimates, and the valuations derived from them could differ materially from amounts realizable in an open market exchange. See note 9 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Asset management
Asset management revenue consists of management fees earned from Investment Vehicles. In the case of CDOs, the fees earned by us generally consist of senior, subordinated, and incentive fees.
The senior asset management fee is generally senior to all the securities in the CDO capital structure and is recognized on a monthly basis as services are performed. The senior asset management fee is generally paid on a quarterly basis.
The subordinated asset management fee is an additional payment for the same services but has a lower priority in the CDO cash flows. If the CDO experiences a certain level of asset defaults and deferrals, these fees may not be paid. There is no recovery by the CDO of previously paid subordinated asset management fees. It is our policy to recognize these fees on a monthly basis as services are performed. The subordinated asset management fee is generally paid on a quarterly basis. However, if we determine that the subordinated asset management fee will not be paid (which generally occurs on the quarterly payment date), we will stop recognizing additional subordinated asset management fees on that particular CDO and will reverse any subordinated asset management fees that are accrued and unpaid. We will begin accruing the subordinated asset management fee again if payment resumes and, in management's estimate, continued payment is reasonably assured. If payment were to resume but we were unsure of continued payment, we would recognize the subordinated asset management fee as payments were received and would not accrue such fees on a monthly basis. The incentive management fee is an additional payment, made typically after five to seven years of the life of a CDO, which is based on the clearance of an accumulated cash return on investment ("Hurdle Return") received by the most junior CDO securities holders. It is an incentive for us to perform in our role as asset manager by minimizing defaults and maximizing recoveries. The incentive management fee is not ultimately determined or payable until the achievement of the Hurdle Return by the most junior CDO securities holders. We recognize incentive fee revenue when it is probable and there is not a significant chance of reversal in the future. In the case of Investment Vehicles other than CDOs, generally we earn a base fee and, in some cases, also earns an incentive fee. Base fees will generally be recognized monthly as services are performed and will be paid monthly or quarterly. The contractual terms of each arrangement will determine our revenue recognition policy for incentive fees in each case. However, in all cases, we recognize the incentive fees when they are probable and there is not a significant chance of reversal in the future. 73
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents New issue and advisory New issue and advisory revenue includes: (i) origination fees for financial instruments originated by the Company; (ii) revenue from advisory services; and (iii) new issue revenue associated with arranging the issuance of and placing newly created financial instruments. New issue and advisory revenue is recognized when the Company's performance obligations have been satisfied and collectability is reasonably assured.
Principal transactions and other income
Principal transactions include all gains, losses, and income (interest and dividend) from financial instruments classified as other investments, at fair value and other investments sold, not yet purchased in the consolidated balance sheets. We refer to investments included as a component of other investments, at fair value and other investments sold, not yet purchased as our principal investing assets. The investments classified as other investments, at fair value and other investments sold, not yet purchased are carried at fair value. The determination of fair value is based on quoted market prices of an active exchange, independent broker market quotations, market price quotations or models from third-party pricing services, or, when independent broker quotations or market price quotations or models from third-party pricing services are unavailable, valuation models prepared by management. These models include estimates, and the valuations derived from them could differ materially from amounts realizable in an open market exchange. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date.
Other income / (loss) includes foreign currency gains and losses, interest earned on cash and cash equivalents, interest earned and losses incurred on notes receivable, and other miscellaneous income including revenue from revenue sharing arrangements.
Variable Interest Entities FASB ASC 810, Consolidation ("ASC 810") contains the guidance surrounding the definition of VIEs, the definition of variable interests, and the consolidation rules surrounding VIEs. In general, VIEs are entities in which equity investors lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support. As a general matter, a reporting entity must consolidate a VIE when it is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity that has both (a) the power to direct the matters that most significantly impact the VIE's financial performance and (b) a significant variable interest in the VIE.
We can potentially become involved with a VIE in three main ways:
Our Principal Investing Portfolio
For each investment made within the principal investing portfolio, we assess whether the investee is a VIE and if we are the primary beneficiary. If we determine the entity is a VIE and we are the primary beneficiary, we will consolidate it.
Our Asset Management Activities
For each investment management contract, we enter into, we will assess whether the entity being managed is a VIE and if we are the primary beneficiary. If we determine the entity is a VIE and we are the primary beneficiary, we will consolidate it. Our Trading Portfolio From time to time, we may have an interest in a VIE through the investments we make as part of our trading activities. Because of the high volume of trading activity in which we engage, we do not perform a formal assessment of each individual investment within our trading portfolio to determine if the investee is a VIE and if we are the primary beneficiary. Even if we were to obtain a variable interest in a VIE through our trading portfolio, we would not be deemed to be the primary beneficiary for two main reasons: (a) we do not usually obtain the power to direct activities that most significantly impact any investee's financial performance and (b) a scope exception exists within the consolidation guidance for cases where the reporting entity is a broker-dealer and any control (either as the primary beneficiary of a VIE or through a controlling interest in a voting interest entity) was deemed to be temporary. In the unlikely case that we obtained the power to direct activities and obtained a significant variable interest in an investee in our trading portfolio that was a VIE, any such control would be deemed to be temporary due to the rapid turnover within the trading portfolio. Stock Compensation
We account for stock compensation according to FASB ASC 718, Stock Compensation ("ASC 718"). In the periods presented herein, we have had three different types of grants that fall under ASC 718.
First, we sometimes grant to employees and directors restricted common stock inCohen & Company Inc. These grants vest over a period of time and only have service based vesting criteria. In these cases, we determine the fair value of the grants by taking the closing stock price ofCohen & Company Inc. on the grant date and multiplying it by the number of restricted shares granted.
We
recognize the expense over the service period on a straight-line basis. We assume no forfeitures up front and record forfeitures as they occur by reducing expense. The recipient is entitled to dividends that are declared and paid during the vesting period but they are paid only if (and to the extent) the restricted share grant ultimately vests.
Second, we sometimes grant to employees operating units of theOperating LLC . These grants also vest over a period of time and only have service based vesting criteria. Because there is a fixed exchange ratio between units of theOperating LLC and shares ofCohen & Company Inc. , the fair value of the grant is calculated by taking the closing stock price ofCohen & Company Inc. on the grant date, adjusting for the exchange ratio, and then multiplying by the number of units of theOperating LLC granted. We recognize the expense over the service period on a straight-line basis. We assume no forfeitures up front and record forfeitures as they occur by reducing expense. The recipient is entitled to distributions that are declared and paid during the vesting period but they are paid only if (and to the extent) the unit grant ultimately vests. 74
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
Third, employees sometimes invest in the membership interests of consolidated SPAC sponsor entities (the Insurance SPAC Sponsor Entities, the Insurance SPAC II Sponsor Entities, and the Insurance SPAC III Sponsor Entities). Because these entities are consolidated and the employees are investing in the consolidated company's non-controlling interest, these equity interests fall under ASC 718. Generally, the employee invests a de-minimus amount and receives an allocation of the founder shares held by the sponsor entity. The investment does not have any explicit vesting criteria associated with it. Generally, the employee's investment will be worthless if the SPAC is liquidated and it will become worth something if the SPAC completes its business combination. Therefore, we treat these grants as having a performance condition (i.e. the completion of the SPAC business combination). Further, at the time of the investments, we treat this performance condition as being non-probable. The effect of this is that we record no expense related to these investments until (and only if) the business combination is completed. Upon completion of the business combination, we record compensation expense in an amount equal to the fair value of the grant. The fair value of the grant is equal to the public trading price of the SPAC on the date of the grant adjusted for certain sale restrictions imposed on the shares the employee receives (generally, they are restricted for sale for some time period and subject to certain hurdle prices before they become freely tradeable). We use a Monte Carlo simulation model to determine the appropriate discount to place on shares that are subject to hurdle prices. The compensation amount is recorded with an offsetting credit to non-controlling interest. From that point forward, the shares received by the employee are treated as part of the non-controlling interest and allocated income, expense, gains, and losses accordingly until the applicable sponsor entity is liquidated or otherwise de-consolidated.
Investments in Special Purpose Acquisition Companies ("SPACs") Sponsor Entities
We invest in the sponsor entities of SPACs. The sponsor entities are limited liability companies (each an "LLC") that pool their members' interests and invest in the private placement and founder shares (together, sponsor shares) of a SPAC. The SPAC will also raise funds in a public offering and seek to complete a business combination within an agreed upon time frame. The SPAC will use the proceeds raised from the sponsor shares to pay transaction and operating expenses during the period it is seeking a business combination. The proceeds of the public offering are placed in an interest bearing trust and can only be used to complete the business combination and pay taxes on the interest earned. Generally, the public investors must approve any business combination prior to its effectiveness. If a business combination is not completed within the agreed upon time frame, the SPAC will liquidate and return the public investors' investment to them. If there are funds remaining after liquidation, the sponsor entities may receive some portion of their investment back, but likely they will suffer a total loss of their investment. If the business combination is completed, the sponsor entities private placement in the SPAC will entitle them to a combination of unrestricted common, restricted common, and (in some cases) warrants of the post-business combination SPAC (which is a publicly traded company). The following summarizes our accounting policies related to our investments in these entities:
• The sponsor entities are LLCs that give all important decision making rights to
their respective managing member. Furthermore, the other members of the LLC
cannot replace the managing member. Accordingly, we have concluded that the
sponsor entities are VIEs and the managing member has the power to direct its
most important economic activities. In all cases where we are the managing
member of a sponsor entity, we also have had a significant economic interest in
such sponsor entity and therefore consolidate such sponsor entity. • In all cases where we have consolidated a sponsor entity, we have determined
that the sponsor entity's private placement investment in the SPAC which it
sponsors should be treated as an equity method investment during the SPAC's
pre-business combination period. Furthermore, because of the difficulty of
determining the fair value of such an investment in the SPAC's pre-business
combination period, we have chosen to not elect the fair value option. • If a SPAC completes its business combination, the sponsor entity's investment
in the SPAC will be converted to a combination of unrestricted and restricted
shares in the post-business combination SPAC. At this point (assuming we
consolidate the sponsor entity), we will account for the shares received at
fair value. We will reclassify any remaining equity method investment balance
to other investments, at fair value and record principal transactions income
for the difference. We will record non-controlling interest expense for the
SPAC shares that are distributable to the non-controlling interest holders of
the sponsor entity. The fair value of the unrestricted shares received is equal
to the public trading price of the SPAC on the date of the business
combination. The fair value of the restricted shares received is adjusted
downwards from the public trading price for certain sale restrictions imposed
(generally, they are restricted for sale for some time period and subject to
certain hurdle prices before they become freely tradeable). We use a Monte
Carlo simulation model to determine the appropriate discount to place on shares
that are subject to hurdle prices. In the case of a SPAC business combination
where we consolidate the sponsor entity, generally there is also an
equity-based compensation entry to be recorded at the date of the business
combination. See equity-based compensation section above. We will continue to
mark the sponsor entity's investment in the SPAC to market and record principal
transactions income or loss and offsetting non-controlling interest income or
expense until the sponsor entity itself distributes all of the SPAC shares it
owns to its members and liquidates. At that point, we will hold the SPAC
shares directly (rather than through a consolidated subsidiary) and will record
principal transaction income and loss until the SPAC shares themselves are
liquidated.
• We will also invest in sponsor entities that we do not consolidate because we
are not the managing member of such sponsor entity or otherwise do not have the
power to direct the sponsor entity's most important activities. In these
cases, we treat our investment in the sponsor entity as an equity method
investment. Furthermore, because of the difficulty of determining the fair
value of such an investment in the applicable SPAC's pre-business combination
period, we have chosen to not elect the fair value option. • If a SPAC completes a business combination and we have an equity method
investment in the associated sponsor entity, the sponsor entity will record
income equal to the difference between the fair value of the restricted and
unrestricted shares it will receive and the carrying value of its equity method
investment in the SPAC. We will recognize our share of this gain as income
from equity method affiliates. The sponsor entity will continue to mark its
investment in the SPAC to market after the business combination and we will
recognize our share of the change in fair value as income or loss from equity
method affiliates. Once the sponsor entity distributes our allocable share of
the SPAC shares it owns, we will reclassify our investment from investment in
equity method affiliate to other investments, at fair value as we will then
hold the SPAC shares directly (rather than through an equity method investee).
We will then record principal transactions income and loss until the SPAC
shares themselves are liquidated. • If a SPAC liquidates and we have an investment in it (either directly in the
case of consolidated sponsor entities or indirectly in the case of equity
method sponsor entities), we will write off our remaining equity method balance
and record loss on equity method investment. In the case of consolidated
sponsor entities we will also record an offsetting entry to non-controlling
interest. 75
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
The following is a list of recent accounting pronouncements that, we believe, will have a continuing impact on our financial statements going forward. For a more complete list of recent pronouncements, see note 3 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. InAugust 2020 , the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt-Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging-Contracts in Entity's Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity's Own Equity. This ASU simplifies accounting for convertible instruments by removing major separation models currently required. The ASU removes certain settlement conditions that are required for equity contracts to qualify for the derivative scope exception. The ASU also simplifies the diluted earnings per share (EPS) calculation in certain areas. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning afterDecember 15, 2023 , including interim periods within those fiscal years. We have determined that adoption will have an immaterial impact it may have on our consolidated financial statements.
In
The
amendments in this ASU eliminate TDR recognition and measurement guidance and instead, require that an entity evaluate (consistent with the accounting for other loan modifications) whether the modification represents a new loan or a continuation of an existing loan. The amendments also enhance existing disclosure requirements and introduce new requirements related to certain modifications of receivables made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning afterDecember 15, 2022 , including interim periods within those fiscal years. We have determined adoption of this ASU will have no material effect on our financial statements or disclosures. InJune 2022 , the FASB issued ASU 2022-03, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions. The amendments clarify that a contractual restriction on the sale of an equity security is not considered part of the unit of account of the equity security and, therefore, is not considered in measuring fair value. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning afterDecember 15, 2023 . Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it may have on our consolidated financial statements. 76
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
© Edgar Online, source