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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies The Company’s significant accounting policies, which have been consistently applied, are as follows: Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its subsidiaries and sponsored investment products in which it has a controlling financial interest. The Company is generally considered to have a controlling financial interest when it owns a majority of the voting interest in an entity or otherwise has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the subsidiary. See Note 19 for additional information related to the consolidation of sponsored investment products. Material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The Company also evaluates any variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which the Company has a variable interest for consolidation. A VIE is an entity in which either (a) the equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its own activities without additional financial support or (b) where as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk do not possess: (i) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s performance; (ii) the obligation to absorb expected losses or the right to receive expected residual returns of the entity; or (iii) proportionate voting and economic interests and where substantially all of the entity’s activities either involve or are conducted on behalf of the equity holders. If any entity has any of these characteristics, it is considered a VIE and required to be consolidated by its primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity that has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and has the obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Collateralized Debt Obligations As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, certain of the Company’s affiliates served as the collateral manager for collateralized loan and collateralized bond obligations (collectively, “CDOs”). The CDOs’ assets and liabilities reside in bankruptcy remote, special purpose entities in which the Company has no ownership in, nor holds any notes issued by, the CDOs and provides neither recourse nor guarantees. Accordingly, the Company’s financial exposure to these CDOs is limited only to the collateral investment management fees it earns, which totaled $1.6 million, $1.7 million and $2.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The CDOs are considered VIEs, and as a result, the Company is required to consider the nature of its involvement in these VIEs in determining if it should consolidate the entity. In assessing consolidation of the CDOs, the Company assessed whether the collateral management fees represented a variable interest and the Company was the primary beneficiary of the VIE. The primary beneficiary assessment includes an analysis of the rights of the Company in its capacity as collateral manager and an analysis of whether the Company could receive significant benefits or absorb significant losses from the CDO. The Company determined that its investment management fees received as collateral manager for certain CDOs did not represent a variable interest due to the anticipated fees being fixed in nature, senior to interest and principal payments, and any subordinated fee elements were insignificant relative to the total fee and total anticipated economic performance of the CDOs. Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling interests represent the profit or loss attributed to third party investors in consolidated sponsored investment products and other affiliates. Movements in amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations offset the operating results, gains and losses and interest expense of the third party investors. Noncontrolling interests related to certain consolidated sponsored investment products are classified as redeemable noncontrolling interests because investors in these funds may request withdrawals at any time. Use of Estimates The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Management believes the estimates used in preparing the consolidated financial statements are reasonable and prudent. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Segment Information Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 280, Segment Reporting, establishes disclosure requirements relating to operating segments in annual and interim financial statements. Business or operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is regularly evaluated by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company operates in one business segment, namely as an asset manager providing investment management and distribution services for individual and institutional clients. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer is the Company’s chief operating decision maker. Although the Company does make some disclosures regarding assets under management and other asset flows by product, the Company’s determination that it operates in one business segment is based on the fact that the same investment and operational resources support multiple products, they have the same or similar regulatory framework and that the Company’s chief operating decision maker reviews the Company’s financial performance at a consolidated level. Investment organizations within the Company are generally not aligned with specific product lines. Investment professionals manage both retail and institutional products. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash in banks and money market fund investments. Investments Marketable Securities Marketable securities consist of investments in the Company’s sponsored mutual funds and other publicly traded securities which are carried at fair value in accordance with ASC 320, Investments—Debt and Equity Securities (“ASC 320”). Marketable securities are marked to market based on the respective publicly quoted net asset values of the funds or market prices of the equity securities or bonds. Marketable securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Marketable securities include sponsored mutual funds, sponsored variable insurance funds and other equity securities classified as trading securities and sponsored closed-end funds classified as available-for-sale securities. Any unrealized appreciation or depreciation on available for sale securities, net of income taxes, is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in equity attributable to stockholders. On a quarterly basis, the Company conducts a review to assess whether other-than-temporary impairment exists on its available-for-sale marketable securities. Other-than-temporary declines in value may exist if the fair value of a marketable security has been below the carrying value for an extended period of time. If an other-than-temporary decline in value is determined to exist, the unrealized investment loss, net of tax, is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the period in which the other-than-temporary decline in value occurs, as well as an accompanying permanent adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income. Equity Method Investments The Company’s investment in noncontrolled investees is accounted for under the equity method of accounting in accordance with ASC 323, Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company’s share of the noncontrolled affiliate’s net income or loss is recorded in other income (expense), net in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. Distributions received reduce the Company’s investment balance. The investment is evaluated for impairment as events or changes indicate that the carrying amount exceeds its fair value. If the carrying amount of an investment does exceed its fair value and the decline in fair value is deemed to be other than temporary, an impairment charge will be recorded. Non-qualified Retirement Plan Assets and Liabilities The Company has a non-qualified retirement plan (the “Excess Incentive Plan”) that allows certain employees to voluntarily defer compensation. Under the Excess Incentive Plan, participants elect to defer a portion of their compensation which the Company then contributes into a trust. Each participant is responsible for designating investment options for assets they contribute and the ultimate distribution paid to each participant reflects any gains or losses on the assets realized while in the trust. The Company holds the Excess Incentive Plan assets in a rabbi trust, which is subject to the claims of the Company’s creditors in the event of the Company’s bankruptcy or insolvency. Assets held in trust are included in investments and are carried at fair value in accordance with ASC 320; the associated obligations to participants are included in other liabilities in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Assets held in trust consist of mutual funds and are recorded at fair value, utilizing Level 1 valuation techniques. Deferred Commissions Deferred commissions, which are included in other assets, are commissions paid to broker-dealers on sales of mutual fund shares. Deferred commissions are recovered by the receipt of monthly asset-based distributor fees from the mutual funds or contingent deferred sales charges received upon redemption of shares within one to five years, depending on the fund share class. The deferred costs resulting from the sale of shares are amortized on a straight-line basis over a one to five-year period, depending on the fund share class, or until the underlying shares are redeemed. Deferred commissions are periodically assessed for impairment and additional amortization expense is recorded, as appropriate. Furniture, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements, Net Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements are recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of three to seven years for furniture and office equipment, and three to five years for computer equipment and software. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the remaining estimated lives of the related leases or useful lives of the improvements. Major renewals or betterments are capitalized, and recurring repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Leasehold improvements that are funded upfront by a landlord and are constructed for the benefit of the Company are recorded at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the original minimum term of the lease and a corresponding lease incentive liability in the same amount is also recorded and initially amortized over the same period. Leases The Company currently leases office space and equipment under various leasing arrangements. Leases are classified as either capital leases or operating leases, as appropriate. Most lease agreements are classified as operating leases and contain renewal options, rent escalation clauses or other inducements provided by the lessor. Rent expense under non-cancelable operating leases with scheduled rent increases or rent holidays is accounted for on a straight-line basis over the lease term, beginning on the date of initial possession or the effective date of the lease agreement. The amount of the excess of straight-line rent expense over scheduled payments is recorded as a deferred liability. Build-out allowances and other such lease incentives are recorded as deferred credits, and are amortized on a straight-line basis as a reduction of rent expense beginning in the period they are deemed to be earned, which generally coincides with the effective date of the lease. Intangible Assets and Goodwill Definite-lived intangible assets are comprised of acquired investment advisory contracts. These assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of such assets, which range from one to sixteen years. Definite-lived intangible assets are evaluated for impairment on an ongoing basis under GAAP whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the definite-lived intangible asset may not be fully recoverable. The Company determines if impairment has occurred by comparing estimates of future undiscounted cash flows to the carrying value of assets. Assets are considered impaired, and impairment is recorded, if the carrying value exceeds the expected future undiscounted cash flows. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of acquisitions and mergers over the identified net assets and liabilities acquired. In accordance with ASC 350, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, goodwill is not being amortized. A single reporting unit has been identified for the purpose of assessing potential future impairments of goodwill. An impairment analysis of goodwill is performed annually or more frequently, if warranted by events or changes in circumstances affecting the Company’s business. The Company follows the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-08, Testing Goodwill for Impairment, which states that an entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. The Company’s 2014 and 2013 annual goodwill impairment analysis did not result in any impairment charges. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are comprised of closed-end fund investment advisory contracts. These assets are tested for impairment annually and when events or changes in circumstances indicate the assets might be impaired. The Company follows ASU No. 2012-02, Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment, which provides entities with an option to perform a qualitative assessment of indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill for impairment to determine if additional impairment testing is necessary. The Company’s 2014 and 2013 annual indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment analyses did not result in any impairment charges. Treasury Stock Treasury stock is accounted for under the cost method and is included as a deduction from equity in the Stockholders’ Equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Upon any subsequent resale, the treasury stock account is reduced by the cost of such stock. Revenue Recognition Investment management fees, distribution and service fees and administration and transfer agent fees are recorded as revenues during the period in which services are performed. Investment management fees are earned based upon a percentage of assets under management and are paid pursuant to the terms of the respective investment management contracts, which generally require monthly or quarterly payment. The Company accounts for investment management fees in accordance with ASC 605, Revenue Recognition, and has recorded its management fees net of fees paid to unaffiliated advisers. The Company considers the nature of its contractual arrangements in determining whether to recognize revenue based on the gross amount billed or net amount retained. The Company has evaluated the factors in ASC 605-45 in determining whether to record revenue on a gross or net basis with significant weight placed on: (i) if the Company is the primary obligor in the arrangement; and (ii) if the Company has latitude in establishing price. Amounts paid to unaffiliated advisers for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $124.4 million, $96.1 million and $53.7 million, respectively. Distribution and service fees are earned based on a percentage of assets under management and are paid monthly pursuant to the terms of the respective distribution and service fee contracts. Underwriter fees are sales-based charges on sales of certain class A-share mutual funds. Administration and transfer agent fees consist of fund administration fees, transfer agent fees and fiduciary fees. Fund administration and transfer agent fees are earned based on the average daily assets in the funds. Other income and fees consist primarily of redemption income on the early redemption of certain share classes of mutual funds and distribution of nonaffiliated products. Advertising and Promotion Advertising and promotional costs include print advertising and promotional items and are expensed as incurred. These costs are classified in other operating expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Stock-based Compensation The Company accounts for stock-based compensation expense in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”), which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for share-based awards based on the estimated fair value on the date of grant. Restricted stock units (“RSUs”) are stock awards that entitle the holder to receive shares of the Company’s common stock as the award vests over time or when certain performance targets are achieved. The fair value of each RSU award is estimated using the intrinsic value method, which is based on the fair market value price on the date of grant unless it contains a performance metric that is considered a market condition. RSUs that contain a market condition are valued using a simulation valuation model. Compensation expense for RSU awards is recognized ratably over the vesting period on a straight-line basis. The fair value of each stock option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes stock option valuation model. The Black-Scholes stock option valuation model incorporates assumptions as to dividend yield, volatility, an appropriate risk-free interest rate and the expected life of the stock option. Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes, which requires recognition of the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year, as well as deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been included in the Company’s financial statements or tax returns. Deferred tax liabilities and assets result from differences between the book value and tax basis of the Company’s assets, liabilities and carry-forwards, such as net operating losses or tax credits. The Company’s methodology for determining the realizability of deferred tax assets includes consideration of taxable income in prior carryback year(s) if carryback is permitted under the tax law, as well as consideration of the reversal of deferred tax liabilities that are in the same period and jurisdiction and are of the same character as the temporary differences that gave rise to the deferred tax assets. The Company’s methodology also includes estimates of future taxable income from its operations, as well as the expiration dates and amounts of carry-forwards related to net operating losses and capital losses. These estimates are projected through the life of the related deferred tax assets based on assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable and consistent with demonstrated operating results. Changes in future operating results not currently forecasted may have a significant impact on the realization of deferred tax assets. Valuation allowances are provided when it is determined that it is more likely than not that the benefit of deferred tax assets will not be realized. Comprehensive Income The Company reports all changes in comprehensive income in the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity and the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Comprehensive income includes net income (loss), foreign currency translation adjustments (net of tax) and unrealized gains and losses on investments classified as available-for-sale (net of tax). Earnings per Share Earnings per share (“EPS”) is calculated in accordance with ASC 260, Earnings per Share. Basic EPS excludes dilution for potential common stock issuances and is computed by dividing basic net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. For the calculation of diluted EPS, the basic weighted average number of shares is increased by the dilutive effect of RSUs and stock options using the treasury stock method. Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments The FASB defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset, or paid to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and a valuation hierarchy based upon the transparency of inputs used in the valuation of an asset or liability. Classification within the hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The valuation hierarchy contains three levels as follows: Level 1—Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. Level 1 assets and liabilities may include debt securities and equity securities that are traded in an active exchange market. Level 2—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets. Level 2 inputs may include observable market data such as closing market prices provided by independent pricing services after considering factors such as the yields or prices of comparable investments of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, call rights and other potential prepayments, terms and type, reported transactions, indications as to values from dealers and general market conditions. In addition, pricing services may determine the fair value of equity securities traded principally in foreign markets when it has been determined that there has been a significant trend in the U.S. equity markets or in index futures trading. Level 2 assets and liabilities may include debt and equity securities, purchased loans and over-the-counter derivative contracts whose fair value is determined using a pricing model without significant unobservable market data inputs. Level 3—Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable in active exchange markets. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In February 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (“ASU 2015-02”). This standard modifies existing consolidation guidance for reporting organizations that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. ASU 2015-02 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2015, and requires either a retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this standard on its financial statements, as well as the available transition methods. In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-13, Measuring the Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities of a Consolidated Collateralized Financing Entity (“CFE”) (“ASU 2014-13”). This new guidance requires reporting entities to use the more observable of the fair value of the financial assets or the financial liabilities to measure the financial assets and the financial liabilities of a CFE when a CFE is initially consolidated. It permits entities to make an accounting policy election to apply this same measurement approach after initial consolidation or to apply other GAAP to account for the consolidated CFE’s financial assets and financial liabilities. It also prohibits all entities from electing to use the fair value option in ASC 825, Financial Instruments, to measure either the financial assets or financial liabilities of a consolidated CFE that is within the scope of this issue. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods therein. Early adoption is permitted using a modified retrospective transition approach as described in the pronouncement. As of December 31, 2014, the Company has not yet adopted ASU 2014-13 but does not expect this standard to have a material effect on its financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 provides a comprehensive new revenue recognition model requiring a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount reflecting the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. Companies may use either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach. ASU 2014-09 is effective for the first interim period within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is prohibited. The Company is currently evaluating the impact ASU 2014-09 is expected to have on its consolidated financial statements. In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (“ASU 2013-11”). ASU 2013-11 provides guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward exists. ASU 2013-11 became effective for the Company on January 1, 2014. The Company adopted this standard as of January 1, 2014. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial results. In June 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-08, Investment Companies: Amendments to the Scope, Measurement and Disclosure Requirements. The new standard clarifies the characteristics of an investment company and provides comprehensive guidance for assessing whether an entity is an investment company. The amendments apply to an entity’s interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2013. The Company adopted this standard as of January 1, 2014. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial results.

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