10-Q 1 dhil-2017331x10q.htm 10-Q
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United States
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2017
Commission file number 000-24498

DIAMOND HILL INVESTMENT GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Ohio |  | 65-0190407
(State of incorporation) |  | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

325 John H. McConnell Blvd, Suite 200, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(614) 255-3333
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes: x No: ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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Large accelerated filer |  | ¨ |  | Accelerated filer |  | x
Non-accelerated filer |  | ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |  | Smaller reporting company |  | ¨
Emerging growth company |  | ¨ |  |  |  |

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes: ¨ No: x
The number of shares outstanding of the issuer’s common stock, as of April 26, 2017, is 3,441,167 shares.

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DIAMOND HILL INVESTMENT GROUP, INC.

|  | PAGE
Part I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION | 3
Item 1. | Consolidated Financial Statements | 3
Item 2. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 17
Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 24
Item 4. | Controls and Procedures | 24
Part II: OTHER INFORMATION | 24
Item 1. | Legal Proceedings | 24
Item 1A. | Risk Factors | 24
Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 24
Item 3. | Defaults Upon Senior Securities | 25
Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures | 25
Item 5. | Other Information | 25
Item 6. | Exhibits | 26
Signatures | 27

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PART I: | FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1: | Consolidated Financial Statements

Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets

| 3/31/2017 |  | 12/31/2016
| (Unaudited) |  |
ASSETS |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 59,317,703 |  |  | $ | 57,189,876 |
Investment portfolio | 117,424,036 |  |  | 108,015,635 |
Accounts receivable | 18,854,644 |  |  | 18,605,209 |
Prepaid expenses | 2,362,435 |  |  | 2,032,726 |
Income taxes receivable | — |  |  | 1,111,890 |
Property and equipment, net of depreciation | 3,689,145 |  |  | 4,025,758 |
Deferred taxes | 9,236,986 |  |  | 8,736,767 |
Total assets | $ | 210,884,949 |  |  | $ | 199,717,861 |
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY |  |  |
Liabilities |  |  |
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | 6,535,053 |  |  | $ | 9,787,048 |
Accrued incentive compensation | 6,487,000 |  |  | 22,683,500 |
Deferred compensation | 18,683,617 |  |  | 14,182,470 |
Income taxes payable | 5,885,599 |  |  | — |
Total liabilities | 37,591,269 |  |  | 46,653,018 |
Redeemable noncontrolling interest | 16,218,344 |  |  | 13,840,688 |
Shareholders’ equity |  |  |
Common stock, no par value 7,000,000 shares authorized; 3,443,013 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2017 (inclusive of 201,750 unvested shares); 3,411,556 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016 (inclusive of 201,800 unvested shares) | 114,459,766 |  |  | 109,293,803 |
Preferred stock, undesignated, 1,000,000 shares authorized and unissued | — |  |  | — |
Deferred equity compensation | (17,799,783 | ) |  | (17,728,106 | )
Retained earnings | 60,415,353 |  |  | 47,658,458 |
Total shareholders’ equity | 157,075,336 |  |  | 139,224,155 |
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | $ | 210,884,949 |  |  | $ | 199,717,861 |
Book value per share | $ | 45.62 |  |  | $ | 40.81 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)

| Three Months Ended March 31,
| 2017 |  | 2016
REVENUES: |  |  |
Investment advisory | $ | 31,833,471 |  |  | $ | 26,686,785 |
Mutual fund administration, net | 3,300,658 |  |  | 3,770,705 |
Total revenue | 35,134,129 |  |  | 30,457,490 |
OPERATING EXPENSES: |  |  |
Compensation and related costs | 13,679,149 |  |  | 12,398,708 |
General and administrative | 3,488,115 |  |  | 2,485,161 |
Sales and marketing | 1,129,719 |  |  | 993,122 |
Mutual fund administration | 1,000,616 |  |  | 876,066 |
Total operating expenses | 19,297,599 |  |  | 16,753,057 |
NET OPERATING INCOME | 15,836,530 |  |  | 13,704,433 |
Investment income, net | 3,786,188 |  |  | 747,222 |
INCOME BEFORE TAXES | 19,622,718 |  |  | 14,451,655 |
Income tax expense | (6,497,270 | ) |  | (5,171,776 | )
NET INCOME | 13,125,448 |  |  | 9,279,879 |
Less: Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest | (368,553 | ) |  | (14,216 | )
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS | $ | 12,756,895 |  |  | $ | 9,265,663 |
Earnings per share attributable to common shareholders |  |  |
Basic | $ | 3.72 |  |  | $ | 2.73 |
Diluted | $ | 3.71 |  |  | $ | 2.73 |
Weighted average shares outstanding |  |  |
Basic | 3,428,888 |  |  | 3,388,743 |
Diluted | 3,435,329 |  |  | 3,393,396 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest (unaudited)

| Shares Outstanding |  | Common Stock |  | Deferred Equity Compensation |  | Retained Earnings |  | Total |  | Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Balance at December 31, 2016 | 3,411,556 |  |  | $ | 109,293,803 |  |  | $ | (17,728,106 | ) |  | $ | 47,658,458 |  |  | $ | 139,224,155 |  |  | $ | 13,840,688 |
Issuance of restricted stock grants | 15,200 |  |  | 1,735,326 |  |  | (1,735,326 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Amortization of restricted stock grants | — |  |  | — |  |  | 1,578,824 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,578,824 |  |  | — |
Issuance of stock grants | 19,219 |  |  | 3,892,424 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 3,892,424 |  |  | — |
Issuance of common stock related to 401k plan match | 2,076 |  |  | 419,958 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 419,958 |  |  | — |
Shares withheld related to employee tax withholding | (3,788 | ) |  | (796,920 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (796,920 | ) |  | — |
Forfeiture of restricted stock grants | (1,250 | ) |  | (84,825 | ) |  | 84,825 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Net income | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 12,756,895 |  |  | 12,756,895 |  |  | 368,553 |
Net subscriptions of consolidated funds | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 2,009,103 |
Balance at March 31, 2017 | 3,443,013 |  |  | $ | 114,459,766 |  |  | $ | (17,799,783 | ) |  | $ | 60,415,353 |  |  | $ | 157,075,336 |  |  | $ | 16,218,344 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)

| Three Months Ended March 31,
| 2017 |  | 2016
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: |  |  |
Net Income | $ | 13,125,448 |  |  | $ | 9,279,879 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: |  |  |
Depreciation | 217,748 |  |  | 162,378 |
Share-based compensation | 1,998,782 |  |  | 2,067,099 |
(Increase)/decrease in accounts receivable | (249,435 | ) |  | 1,865,257 |
Change in current income taxes | 6,997,489 |  |  | 937,839 |
Change in deferred income taxes | (500,219 | ) |  | (155,206 | )
Net gains on investments | (3,392,620 | ) |  | (703,399 | )
Net change in trading securities held by Consolidated Funds | (1,310,800 | ) |  | — |
Decrease in accrued incentive compensation | (12,304,076 | ) |  | (13,478,069 | )
Increase in deferred compensation | 4,501,147 |  |  | 2,283,490 |
Excess income tax benefit from share-based compensation | — |  |  | (4,303,621 | )
Income tax benefit from dividends paid on restricted stock | — |  |  | (925,000 | )
Other changes in assets and liabilities | (1,832,863 | ) |  | (1,056,871 | )
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 7,250,601 |  |  | (4,026,224 | )
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: |  |  |
Purchase of property and equipment | (67,315 | ) |  | (106,654 | )
Purchase of Company sponsored investments | (6,060,665 | ) |  | (6,133,800 | )
Proceeds from sale of Company sponsored investments | 1,124,308 |  |  | 6,500,000 |
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | (5,003,672 | ) |  | 259,546 |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: |  |  |
Value of shares withheld related to employee tax withholding | (796,920 | ) |  | (8,774,006 | )
Excess income tax benefit from share-based compensation | — |  |  | 4,303,621 |
Income tax benefit from dividends paid on restricted stock | — |  |  | 925,000 |
Net subscriptions received from (redemptions and distributions paid to) redeemable noncontrolling interest holders | 677,818 |  |  | (825,060 | )
Net cash used in financing activities | (119,102 | ) |  | (4,370,445 | )
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS |  |  |
Net change during the period | 2,127,827 |  |  | (8,137,123 | )
At beginning of period | 57,189,876 |  |  | 57,474,777 |
At end of period | $ | 59,317,703 |  |  | $ | 49,337,654 |
Supplemental cash flow information: |  |  |
Income taxes paid | $ | — |  |  | $ | 4,389,143 |
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash transactions: |  |  |
Common stock issued as incentive compensation | $ | 3,892,424 |  |  | $ | 3,879,431 |
Charitable donation of corporate investments and property and equipment | 1,748,841 |  |  | 1,729,735 |
Cumulative-effect adjustment from the adoption of ASU 2015-02 (Note 2) | — |  |  | 4,031,756 |
Net issuance of ETF shares for marketable securities | 1,351,436 |  |  | 1,077,565 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Note 1 Business and Organization
Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. (the "Company"), an Ohio corporation, derives its consolidated revenues and net income from investment advisory and fund administration services.
Diamond Hill Capital Management, Inc. ("DHCM"), an Ohio corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and a registered investment adviser. DHCM is the investment adviser to the Diamond Hill Funds (the "Funds"), a series of open-end mutual funds, private investment funds ("Private Funds"), an exchange traded fund (the "ETF"), and other institutional accounts. In addition, DHCM is administrator for the Funds.
Beacon Hill Fund Services, Inc. (“BHFS”) and BHIL Distributors, Inc. (“BHIL”), collectively operated as "Beacon Hill," were operating subsidiaries of the Company. The Company sold Beacon Hill on July 31, 2016. Prior to the sale, Beacon Hill provided compliance, treasury, underwriting and other fund administration services to investment advisers and mutual funds.
Note 2 Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, and for the three month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, for Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (referred to in these notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements as "the Company," "management," "we," "us," and "our") have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, considered necessary for a fair statement of the financial condition and results of operations at the dates and for the interim periods presented, have been included. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for any full fiscal year. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and footnotes should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 ("2016 Annual Report") as filed with the SEC.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management of the Company to make estimates and assumptions related to the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Reclassification
Certain prior period amounts and disclosures may have been reclassified to conform to the current period's financial presentation.
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the operations of the Company and its controlled subsidiaries. All inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
The Company holds certain investments in the Funds and the ETF we advise for general corporate investment purposes and to provide seed capital for newly formed strategies or to add capital to existing strategies. The Funds are organized in a series fund structure in which there are multiple mutual funds within one Trust. The Trust is an open-end investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the"1940 Act"). The ETF we advise is an individual series of ETF Series Solutions which is also an open-end investment company registered under the 1940 Act. Each of the individual mutual funds and the ETF represent a separate share class of a legal entity organized under the Trust. As of January 1, 2016, the Company adopted ASU 2015-02 - Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis ("ASU 2015-02") and we have performed our analysis at the individual mutual fund and ETF level and have concluded the mutual funds and ETF
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are voting rights entities ("VREs"). The Company has concluded that the mutual funds and the ETF are VREs because the structure of the investment product is such that the shareholders are deemed to have the power through voting rights to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance. To the extent material, these investment products are consolidated if Company ownership, directly or indirectly, represents a majority interest (greater than 50%). The Company records redeemable noncontrolling interests in consolidated investments for which the Company's ownership is less than 100%. The Company has consolidated the ETF and one of our individual mutual funds (collectively the "Consolidated Funds") as our ownership was greater than 50% in each.
DHCM is the managing member of Diamond Hill General Partner, LLC (the “General Partner”), the general partner of Diamond Hill Investment Partners, L.P. (“DHIP”), Diamond Hill Global Fund, L.P. ("DHGF"), and Diamond Hill International Equity Fund, L.P. ("DHIEF"), each a limited partnership (collectively, the "Partnerships" or “LPs”) whose underlying assets consist primarily of marketable securities.
DHCM is wholly owned by the Company and is consolidated by us. Further, DHCM, through its control of the General Partner, has the power to direct each LP’s economic activities and the right to receive investment advisory fees that may be significant to the LPs.
The Company concluded we did not have a variable interest in DHIP as the fees paid to the General Partner are considered to contain customary terms and conditions as found in the market for similar products and the Company has no equity ownership in DHIP.
The Company concluded DHGF and DHIEF were variable interest entities ("VIEs") as DHCM has disproportionately less voting interests than economic interests in each LP, yet the limited partners have full power to remove the Company as the General Partner due to the existence of substantive kick-out rights. In addition, substantially all of the LPs' activities are conducted on behalf of the General Partner which has disproportionately few voting rights. The Company concluded we are not the primary beneficiary of DHGF or DHIEF as we lack the power to control the entities due to the existence of single-party kick-out rights where the limited partners have the unilateral ability to remove the General Partner without cause. DHCM’s investment in DHGF and DHIEF is reported as a component of the Company’s investment portfolio, valued at DHCM’s proportionate interest in the net asset value ("NAV") of each LP.
The LPs are not subject to lock-up periods and can be redeemed on demand. Gains and losses attributable to changes in the value of DHCM’s interests in the LPs are included in the Company’s reported investment income. The Company’s exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with the LPs is limited to the amount of its investments. DHCM is not obligated to provide, and has not provided, financial or other support to the LPs, other than its investments to date and its contractually provided investment advisory responsibilities. The Company has not provided liquidity arrangements, guarantees or other commitments to support the LPs’ operations, and the LPs’ creditors and interest holders have no recourse to the general credit of the Company.
Certain board members, officers and employees of the Company invest in the LPs and are not subject to a management fee or an incentive fee. These individuals receive no remuneration as a result of their personal investment in the LPs. The capital of the General Partner is not subject to a management fee or an incentive fee.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Redeemable noncontrolling interest represents third-party interests in the Consolidated Funds. This interest is redeemable at the option of the investors and therefore is not treated as permanent equity. Redeemable noncontrolling interest is remeasured at redemption value which approximates the fair value each reporting period.
Segment Information
Management has determined that the Company operates in one business segment, providing investment management and administration services to mutual funds, institutional accounts, and private investment funds. Therefore, no disclosures relating to operating segments are presented in the Company's annual or interim financial statements.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include demand deposits and money market mutual funds.
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Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are recorded when they are due and are presented on the balance sheet net of any allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts receivable are written off when they are determined to be uncollectible. Any allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based on the Company’s historical losses, existing conditions in the industry, and the financial stability of those individuals or entities that owe the receivable. No allowance for doubtful accounts was deemed necessary at March 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016. Accounts receivable from the Funds were $10.9 million as of March 31, 2017 and $10.4 million as of December 31, 2016.
Investments
Management determines the appropriate classification of its investments at the time of purchase and re-evaluates its determination at each reporting period.
Investments classified as trading represent investments in the Funds we advise where the Company has neither control nor the ability to exercise significant influence as well as securities held in the Consolidated Funds. These investments are measured at fair value based on quoted market prices. Unrealized gains and losses are recorded as investment income (loss) in the Company's consolidated statements of income.
Investments classified as equity method investments represent investments in which the Company owns between 20-50% of the outstanding voting interests in the entity or when it is determined that the Company is able to exercise significant influence but not control over the investments. When using the equity method, the Company recognizes its respective share of the investee's net income or loss for the period which is recorded as investment income in the Company's consolidated statements of income.
Valuation of Investment Portfolio
Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement ("ASC 820") specifies a hierarchy of valuation classifications based on whether the inputs to the valuation techniques used in each valuation classification are observable or unobservable. These classifications are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
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-driven valuations in which all significant inputs are observable.
Level 3 - Valuations derived from techniques in which significant inputs are unobservable.
Inputs used to measure fair value might fall in different levels of the fair value hierarchy, in which case the Company defaults to the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. These levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with investments. The following table summarizes our investments that are recognized in our consolidated balance sheet using fair value measurements determined based upon the differing levels of inputs as of March 31, 2017:

| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total
Cash equivalents | $ | 58,101,003 |  | $ | — |  | $ | — |  | $ | 58,101,003 |
Trading Investments |  |  |  |
Securities held in Consolidated Funds(a) | 19,273,313 |  | 42,179,502 |  | — |  | 61,452,815 |
Company sponsored investments | 6,459,664 |  | — |  | — |  | 6,459,664 |
Deferred compensation investments | 18,683,617 |  | — |  | — |  | 18,683,617 |

(a) Of the equity interests in the Consolidated Funds as of March 31, 2017, $43.9 million were held directly by the Company and $17.6 million were held by noncontrolling shareholders.
Level 1 investments are all registered investment companies (mutual funds) or equity securities held in the Consolidated Funds and include, as of March 31, 2017, $58.1 million of investments in money market mutual funds that the Company classifies as cash equivalents.
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Level 2 investments are comprised of investments in debt securities, which are valued by an independent pricing service using pricing techniques which take into account factors such as trading activity, readily available market quotations, yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics, call features, credit rates and other observable inputs.
The Company determines transfers between fair value hierarchy levels at the end of the reporting period. There were no transfers in or out of the levels during the three months ended March 31, 2017.
Changes in fair values of the investments are recorded in the Company's consolidated statements of income as investment income (loss).
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, consisting of leasehold improvements, computer equipment, furniture, and fixtures, are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated lives of the assets.
Revenue Recognition – General
The Company earns substantially all of its revenue from investment advisory and fund administration services. Investment advisory and administration fees, generally calculated as a percentage of assets under management ("AUM"), are recorded as revenue as services are performed. In addition to fixed fees based on a percentage of AUM, certain client accounts also provide periodic variable fees. Investment advisory revenue from the Funds was $24.9 million and $20.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016, respectively.
Revenue Recognition – Variable Fees
The Company manages certain client accounts that provide for variable fees. These fees are calculated based on client investment results over rolling five-year periods. The Company records variable fees at the end of the contract measurement period. No variable fees were earned during the three months ended March 31, 2017 or 2016. The table below shows AUM subject to variable fees and the amount of variable fees that would be recognized based upon current investment results as of March 31, 2017:

| As of March 31, 2017
| AUM subject to variable fees | Unearned variable fees
Contractual Period Ends: |  |
Quarter Ended December 31, 2018 | $ | 100,372,212 |  | $ | 650,510 |
Quarter Ended September 30, 2019 | 33,309,551 |  | 481,397 |
Quarter Ended March 31, 2020 | 10,957,815 |  | — |
Quarter Ended September 30, 2021 | 246,450,605 |  | 860,314 |
Total | $ | 391,090,183 |  | $ | 1,992,221 |

The contractual end dates highlight the time remaining until the variable fees are scheduled to be earned. The amount of variable fees that would be recognized based upon investment results as of March 31, 2017 will increase or decrease based on future client investment results through the contractual period end. There can be no assurance that the unearned amounts will ultimately be earned.
Revenue Recognition – Mutual Fund Administration
DHCM has an administrative and transfer agency services agreement with the Funds under which DHCM performs certain services for each Fund. These services include mutual fund administration, fund accounting, transfer agency and other related functions. For performing these services each Fund pays DHCM a fee, which is calculated using an annual rate times the average daily net assets of each respective share class.
The Funds have selected and contractually engaged certain vendors to fulfill various services to benefit the Funds’ shareholders or to satisfy regulatory requirements of the Funds. These services include, among others, required shareholder mailings, federal and state registrations, and legal and audit services. DHCM, in fulfilling a portion of its role under the administration agreement with the Funds, acts as agent to pay these obligations of the Funds. Each vendor is independently responsible for fulfillment of
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the services it has been engaged to provide and negotiates fees and terms with the management and board of trustees of the Funds. The fee that each Fund pays to DHCM is reviewed annually by the Funds’ board of trustees and specifically takes into account the contractual expenses that DHCM pays on behalf of the Funds. As a result, DHCM is not involved in the delivery or pricing of these services and bears no risk related to these services. Revenue has been recorded net of these Fund related expenses, in accordance with FASB ASC 605-45, Revenue Recognition – Principal Agent Considerations. In addition, DHCM advances the upfront commissions that are paid to brokers who sell Class C shares of the Funds. These advances are capitalized and amortized over 12 months to correspond with the repayments DHCM receives from the principal underwriter to recoup this commission advancement.
Prior to the sale of Beacon Hill, the Company, through Beacon Hill, had underwriting and administrative service agreements with certain clients, including registered mutual funds. The fee arrangements varied from client to client based upon services provided and have been recorded as revenue under mutual fund administration on the Company's consolidated statements of income. Part of Beacon Hill’s role as underwriter was to act as an agent on behalf of its mutual fund clients to receive 12b-1/service fees and commission revenue and facilitate the payment of those fees and commissions to third parties who provide services to the funds and their shareholders. The majority of 12b-1/service fees were paid to independent third parties and the remainder were retained by the Company as reimbursement for expenses the Company had incurred. The amounts of 12b-1/service fees and commissions were determined by each mutual fund client, and Beacon Hill bore no financial risk related to these services. As a result, 12b-1/service fees and commission revenue was recorded net of the expense payments to third parties, in accordance with the appropriate accounting treatment for this agency relationship.
Mutual fund administration gross and net revenue are summarized below:

| Three Months Ended March 31,
| 2017 |  | 2016
Mutual fund administration: |  |  |
Administration revenue, gross | $ | 6,436,359 |  |  | $ | 6,760,870 |
12b-1/service fees and commission revenue received from fund clients | — |  |  | 2,625,391 |
12b-1/service fees and commission expense payments to third parties | — |  |  | (2,328,490 | )
Fund related expense | (3,148,951 | ) |  | (3,268,063 | )
Revenue, net of related expenses | 3,287,408 |  |  | 3,789,708 |
DHCM C-Share financing: |  |  |
Broker commission advance repayments | 113,470 |  |  | 193,310 |
Broker commission amortization | (100,220 | ) |  | (212,313 | )
Financing activity, net | 13,250 |  |  | (19,003 | )
Mutual fund administration revenue, net | $ | 3,300,658 |  |  | $ | 3,770,705 |

Mutual fund administrative net revenue from the Funds was $3.3 million and $2.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016, respectively.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for current and deferred income taxes through an asset and liability approach. Deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.
The Company is subject to examination by federal and applicable state and local jurisdictions for various tax periods. The Company’s income tax positions are based on research and interpretations of the income tax laws and rulings in each of the jurisdictions in which it does business. Due to the subjectivity of interpretations of laws and rulings in each jurisdiction, the differences and interplay in tax laws among those jurisdictions, as well as the inherent uncertainty in estimating the final resolution of complex tax audit matters, the Company’s estimates of income tax liabilities may differ from actual payments or
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assessments. The Company regularly assesses its position with regard to tax exposures and records liabilities for these uncertain tax positions and related interest and penalties, if any, according to the principles of FASB ASC 740, Income Taxes. As of March 31, 2017, the Company had not recorded any liability for uncertain tax positions. The Company records interest and penalties, if any, within income tax expense on the income statement.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding for the period, which includes participating securities. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution of EPS due to unvested restricted stock units. See Note 8.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers", which supersedes existing accounting standards for revenue recognition and creates a single framework. ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. This standard also specifies the accounting for certain costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer. This ASU will supersede much of the existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period, and requires either a retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adoption. Early application is permitted for the first interim period within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, as well as the transition methods.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases", which, among other things, requires lessees to recognize most leases on-balance sheet. This will increase their reported assets and liabilities - in some cases significantly. Lessor accounting remains substantially similar to current GAAP. ASU 2016-02 supersedes Topic 840, Leases. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. ASU 2016-02 mandates a modified retrospective transition method for all entities. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Note 3 Investment Portfolio
As of March 31, 2017, the Company held investments (excluding money market funds, which are included with cash and cash equivalents) worth $117.4 million. The following table summarizes the carrying value of these investments as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:

| As of
| March 31, 2017 | December 31, 2016
Trading investments: |  |
Securities held in Consolidated Funds(a) | $ | 61,452,815 |  | $ | 57,355,471 |
Company sponsored investments | 6,459,664 |  | 20,245 |
Company sponsored equity method investments | 30,827,940 |  | 36,457,449 |
Deferred compensation investments | 18,683,617 |  | 14,182,470 |
Total Investment portfolio | $ | 117,424,036 |  | $ | 108,015,635 |

(a) Of the securities held in the Consolidated Funds as of March 31, 2017, $43.9 million were held directly by the Company and $17.6 million were held by noncontrolling shareholders. Of the securities held in the Consolidated Funds as of December 31, 2016, $42.6 million were held directly by the Company and $14.7 million were held by noncontrolling shareholders.
The deferred compensation investments above consist of Diamond Hill Funds and relate to deferred compensation liabilities from both deferred compensation plans (refer to Note 5). As of March 31, 2017, trading investments and equity method investments held in deferred compensation investments were $12.8 million and $5.9 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, trading investments and equity method investments held in the deferred compensation investments were $9.3 million and $4.9 million, respectively.
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As of March 31, 2017, our equity method investees consisted of the Diamond Hill Mid Cap Fund, the Diamond Hill Research Opportunities Fund, DHGF, and DHIEF and our ownership percentages in these funds were 23%, 22%, 95%, and 30%, respectively. The Company's equity method investments consist of cash, marketable equity securities and fixed income securities. The following table includes the condensed summary financial information from the Company's equity method investments as of and for the period ended March 31, 2017:

| As of
| March 31, 2017 | December 31, 2016
Total assets | $ | 200,584,608 |  | $ | 189,819,824 |
Total liabilities | 45,863,330 |  | 45,931,979 |
Net assets | 154,721,278 |  | 143,887,845 |
DHCM's portion of net assets | 36,711,852 |  | 41,338,406 |
| For the Three Months Ended
| March 31, 2017 | March 31, 2016
Investment income | $ | 458,399 |  | $ | 355,853 |
Expenses | 370,393 |  | 62,226 |
Net realized gains (losses) | 1,299,286 |  | (95,785 | )
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation | 2,921,247 |  | 1,104,266 |
Net income | $ | 4,308,539 |  | $ | 1,302,108 |
DHCM's portion of net income | 1,416,849 |  | 646,565 |

Note 4 Line of Credit
The Company has an uncommitted Line of Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with a commercial bank that matures in November of 2017 and permits the Company to borrow up to $25.0 million. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.50%. The Company has not borrowed under the Credit Agreement as of and for the period ended March 31, 2017. No interest is payable on the unused portion of the Credit Agreement.
The proceeds of the Credit Agreement may be used by the Company and its subsidiaries for ongoing working capital needs, to seed new investment strategies and other general corporate purposes. The Credit Agreement contains representations, warranties and covenants that are customary for agreements of this type.
Note 5 Compensation Plans
Share-Based Payment Transactions
The Company issues restricted stock units and restricted stock awards (collectively, "Restricted Stock") under the 2014 Equity and Cash Incentive Plan ("2014 Plan"). Restricted stock units represent shares which may be issued in the future, whereas restricted stock awards represent common shares issued and outstanding upon grant subject to vesting restrictions. The following table represents a roll-forward of outstanding Restricted Stock and related activity during the three months ended March 31, 2017:

| Shares |  | Weighted-Average Grant Date Price per Share
Outstanding Restricted Stock as of December 31, 2016 | 223,800 |  |  | $ | 132.96 |
Grants issued | 8,700 |  |  | 199.46 |
Grants vested | (14,000 | ) |  | 126.38 |
Grants forfeited | (1,250 | ) |  | 67.86 |
Total Outstanding Restricted Stock as of March 31, 2017 | 217,250 |  |  | $ | 136.42 |

As of March 31, 2017, there were 383,177 Common Shares available for awards under the 2014 Plan.
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Total deferred compensation related to unvested Restricted Stock grants was $17.8 million as of March 31, 2017. Compensation expense related to Restricted Stock grants is calculated based upon the fair market value of the common shares on grant date. The Company's policy is to adjust compensation expense for forfeitures as they occur. The recognition of compensation expense related to deferred compensation over the remaining vesting periods is as follows:

Nine Months Remaining In |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
2017 |  | 2018 |  | 2019 |  | 2020 |  | 2021 |  | Thereafter |  | Total
$ | 4,845,782 |  |  | $ | 4,773,030 |  |  | $ | 4,036,576 |  |  | $ | 2,364,048 |  |  | $ | 872,849 |  |  | $ | 907,498 |  |  | $ | 17,799,783 |

Stock Grant Transactions
The following table represents stock issued as part of our incentive compensation program during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:

| Shares Issued |  | Grant Date Value
March 31, 2017 | 19,219 |  |  | $ | 3,892,424 |
March 31, 2016 | 21,940 |  |  | 3,879,431 |

Deferred Compensation Plans
The Company offers two deferred compensation plans, the Diamond Hill Fixed Term Deferred Compensation Plan and the Diamond Hill Variable Term Deferred Compensation Plan (collectively the “Plans”), to its named executive officers and certain other employees. Under the Plans, participants may elect to voluntarily defer, for a minimum of five years, certain incentive compensation, which the Company then contributes into the Plans. Each participant is responsible for designating investment options for assets they contribute, and the distribution paid to each participant reflects any gains or losses on the assets realized while in the Plans. Assets held in the Plans are included in the Company’s investment portfolio, and the associated obligation to participants is included in deferred compensation liability. Assets held in the Plans are recorded at fair value. Deferred compensation liability was $18.7 million and $14.2 million as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
Note 6 Operating Leases
The Company currently leases office space of approximately 37,829 square feet at one location. The following table summarizes the total lease and operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:

| March 31, 2017 |  | March 31, 2016
Three Months Ended | $ | 231,463 |  |  | $ | 227,349 |

The approximate future minimum lease payments under the operating lease are as follows:

Future Minimum Lease Payments
Nine Months Remaining In |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
2017 |  | 2018 |  | 2019 |  | 2020 |  | 2021 |  | Thereafter |  | Total
$ | 439,762 |  |  | $ | 586,350 |  |  | $ | 595,807 |  |  | $ | 624,179 |  |  | $ | 624,179 |  |  | $ | 1,716,000 |  |  | $ | 4,586,277 |

In addition to the above lease payments, the Company is also responsible for normal operating expenses of the property. Such operating expenses were approximately $0.4 million in 2016, and are expected to be the same in 2017.
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Note 7 Income Taxes
The Company has determined its interim tax provision projecting an estimated annual effective tax rate. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company recorded income tax expense of $6.5 million, yielding an effective tax rate of 33.1%. The effective tax rate of 33.1% differed from the federal statutory tax rate of 35% due primarily to $0.4 million of excess tax benefits from the vesting of stock awards as well as a $0.1 million tax benefit related to a charitable donation of appreciated securities previously held in our investment portfolio. The tax benefits were partially offset by the additional income tax expense recorded in the state and city jurisdictions in which we do business.
The Company implemented ASU 2016-09, "Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting" on January 1, 2017. As of January 1, 2017, any excess tax benefits or deficiences from the vesting of stock awards are recognized through the income tax provision as opposed to common stock. For Restricted Stock, the Company receives an excess income tax benefit calculated as the tax effect of the difference between the fair market value of the stock at the time of grant and vesting. The Company also records tax benefits on dividends paid on Restricted Stock. This change is required to be applied prospectively to all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies after the date of adoption of the ASU. No adjustment is recorded for any windfall benefits previously recorded in common stock. In addition, all tax-related cash flows resulting from share-based payments will be reported as operating activities in the statement of cash flows under the new guidance, rather than the prior requirement to present windfall tax benefits as an inflow from financing activities and an outflow from operating activities. The Company has elected to adopt this change in cash flow presentation prospectively after the date of adoption of the ASU.
For the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company recorded income tax expense of $5.2 million, yielding an effective tax rate of 35.8%. The effective tax rate of 35.8% differed from the federal statutory tax rate of 35% due primarily to the additional income tax expense recorded in the state and city jurisdictions in which we do business, which was partially offset by a $0.1 million tax benefit related to a charitable donation of appreciated securities previously held in our investment portfolio. The Company had net tax benefits from equity awards of $5.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, which was reflected as an increase in equity.
The net temporary differences incurred to date will reverse in future periods as the Company generates taxable earnings. The Company believes it is more likely than not that the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to realize the net deferred tax assets recorded. The Company records a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, no valuation allowance was deemed necessary.
FASB ASC 740, Income Taxes, prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. The Company did not record an accrual for tax related uncertainties or unrecognized tax positions as of March 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016.
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Note 8 Earnings Per Share
The Company’s Common Shares outstanding consist of all shares issued and outstanding, including unvested restricted shares. Basic and diluted EPS are calculated under the two-class method. Restricted stock units are considered dilutive. The following table sets forth the computation for basic and diluted EPS and reconciliation between basic and diluted shares outstanding:

| Three Months Ended March 31,
| 2017 |  | 2016
Net Income | $ | 13,125,448 |  |  | $ | 9,279,879 |
Less: Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest | (368,553 | ) |  | (14,216 | )
Net income attributable to common shareholders | $ | 12,756,895 |  |  | $ | 9,265,663 |
Weighted average number of outstanding shares - Basic | 3,428,888 |  |  | 3,388,743 |
Dilutive impact of restricted stock units | 6,441 |  |  | 4,653 |
Weighted average number of outstanding shares - Diluted | 3,435,329 |  |  | 3,393,396 |
Earnings per share attributable to common shareholders |  |  |
Basic | $ | 3.72 |  |  | $ | 2.73 |
Diluted | $ | 3.71 |  |  | $ | 2.73 |

Note 9 Commitments and Contingencies
The Company indemnifies its directors, officers and certain of its employees for certain liabilities that might arise from their performance of their duties to the Company. From time to time, the Company is involved in legal matters relating to claims arising in the ordinary course of business. There are currently no such matters pending that the Company believes could have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial statements.
Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Company enters into agreements that contain a variety of representations and warranties and which provide general indemnifications. Certain agreements do not contain any limits on the Company’s liability and could involve future claims that may be made against the Company that have not yet occurred. Therefore, it is not possible to estimate the Company’s potential liability under these indemnities. Further, the Company maintains insurance policies that may provide coverage against certain claims under these indemnities.
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ITEM 2: | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Forward-looking Statements
Throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Company may make forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, relating to such matters as anticipated operating results, prospects and levels of assets under management, technological developments, economic trends (including interest rates and market volatility), expected transactions and similar matters. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “should,” “hope,” “seek,” “plan,” “intend” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date thereof. While we believe that the assumptions underlying our forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors are cautioned that any of the assumptions could prove to be inaccurate and, accordingly, our actual results and experiences could differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in our forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause such actual results or experiences to differ from results discussed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: the adverse effect from a decline in the securities markets; a decline in the performance of our products; changes in interest rates; changes in national and local economic and political conditions; the continuing economic uncertainty in various parts of the world; changes in government policy and regulation, including monetary policy; changes in our ability to attract or retain key employees; unforeseen costs and other effects related to legal proceedings or investigations of governmental and self-regulatory organizations; and other risks identified from time-to-time in other public documents on file with the SEC.
General
The Company derives its consolidated revenue and net income from investment advisory and fund administration services provided by its subsidiaries, DHCM and, until July 31, 2016, Beacon Hill. DHCM is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. DHCM sponsors, distributes, and provides investment advisory and related services to various U.S. and foreign clients through the Funds, institutional accounts, the ETF, and the Partnerships. Beacon Hill provided fund administration and statutory underwriting services to U.S. and foreign clients.
The Company’s primary objective is to fulfill our fiduciary duty to our clients. Our secondary objective is to grow the intrinsic value of the Company in order to achieve an adequate long-term return for shareholders.
Assets Under Management
Our revenue is derived primarily from investment advisory and administration fees. Investment advisory and administration fees paid to the Company are generally based on the value of the investment portfolios we manage and fluctuate with changes in the total value of our AUM. Substantially all of our AUM (96%) is valued based on readily available market quotations. AUM in the fixed income strategies (4%) is valued using evaluated prices from independent third-party providers. Fees are recognized in the period that the Company manages these assets.
Our revenues are highly dependent on both the value and composition of AUM. The following is a summary of our AUM by product and investment objective, and a roll-forward of the change in AUM for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:

| Assets Under Management by Product
| As of March 31,
(in millions, except percentages) | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | % Change
Proprietary funds | $ | 14,425 |  |  | $ | 11,991 |  |  | 20 | %
Sub-advised funds | 1,441 |  |  | 624 |  |  | 131 | %
Institutional accounts | 4,467 |  |  | 4,776 |  |  | (6 | )%
Total AUM | $ | 20,333 |  |  | $ | 17,391 |  |  | 17 | %

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| Assets Under Management by Investment Objective
| As of March 31,
(in millions, except percentages) | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | % Change
Small Cap | $ | 1,771 |  |  | $ | 1,753 |  |  | 1 | %
Small-Mid Cap | 3,418 |  |  | 2,481 |  |  | 38 | %
Mid Cap | 91 |  |  | 25 |  |  | 264 | %
Large Cap | 9,015 |  |  | 7,682 |  |  | 17 | %
All Cap Select | 420 |  |  | 521 |  |  | (19 | )%
Long-Short | 4,891 |  |  | 4,507 |  |  | 9 | %
Corporate bonds | 638 |  |  | 422 |  |  | 51 | %
Core fixed income | 287 |  |  | — |  |  | — | %
(Less: Investments in affiliated funds) | (198 | ) |  | — |  |  | — | %
Total AUM | $ | 20,333 |  |  | $ | 17,391 |  |  | 17 | %

| Change in Assets Under Management
| For the Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions) | 2017 |  | 2016
AUM at beginning of the period | $ | 19,381 |  |  | $ | 16,841 |
Net cash inflows (outflows) |  |  |
proprietary funds | 310 |  |  | 357 |
sub-advised funds | (78 | ) |  | (40 | )
institutional accounts | (65 | ) |  | 40 |
| 167 |  |  | 357 |
Net market appreciation and income | 785 |  |  | 193 |
Increase during the period | 952 |  |  | 550 |
AUM at end of the period | $ | 20,333 |  |  | $ | 17,391 |

Consolidated Results of Operations
The following is a discussion of our consolidated results of operations.

| Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands, except per share amounts and percentages) | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | % Change
Total revenue | $ | 35,134 |  |  | $ | 30,457 |  |  | 15 | %
Net operating income | $ | 15,837 |  |  | $ | 13,704 |  |  | 16 | %
Net income attributable to common shareholders | $ | 12,757 |  |  | $ | 9,266 |  |  | 38 | %
Earnings per share attributable to common shareholders (Diluted) | $ | 3.71 |  |  | $ | 2.73 |  |  | 36 | %
Operating profit margin | 45 | % |  | 45 | % |  |
Operating profit margin, as adjusted(a) | 47 | % |  | 46 | % |  |

(a) Operating profit margin, as adjusted is a non-GAAP performance measure. See the Use of Supplemental Data as Non-GAAP Performance Measure section within this report.
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Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 compared with Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
The Company generated net income attributable to common shareholders of $12.8 million ($3.71 per diluted share) for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared with net income attributable to common shareholders of $9.3 million ($2.73 per diluted share) for the three months ended March 31, 2016. Revenue increase d $4.7 million period over period primarily due to an increase in average AUM. The revenue increase was partially offset by an increase in operating expenses of $2.5 million primarily related to increases in compensation and related costs and general and administrative expenses. The Company had $3.8 million in investment income due to market appreciation for the three months ended March 31, 2017 compared to investment income of $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. Income tax expense increased $1.3 million from the three months ended March 31, 2016 to the three months ended March 31, 2017 due to the overall increase in income before taxes.
Operating profit margin was approximately 45% for both the quarter ended March 31, 2017 and the quarter ended March 31, 2016. Operating profit margin, as adjusted, increased to 47% for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 from 46% for the quarter ended March 31, 2016. See Use of Supplemental Data as Non-GAAP Performance Measure section within this report. We expect that our operating margin may fluctuate from period to period based on various factors, including revenues; investment results; employee performance; staffing levels; development of investment strategies, products, or channels; and industry comparisons.
Revenue

| Three Months Ended March 31, |  |
(in thousands, except percentages) | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | % Change
Investment advisory | $ | 31,833 |  |  | $ | 26,687 |  |  | 19 | %
Mutual fund administration, net | 3,301 |  |  | 3,771 |  |  | (12 | )%
Total | $ | 35,134 |  |  | $ | 30,458 |  |  | 15 | %

As a percent of total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, investment advisory fees accounted for 91% and 88%, respectively, and mutual fund administration fees made up the remaining 9% and 12%, respectively.
Investment Advisory Fees. Investment advisory fees increased $5.1 million, or 19%, from the three months ended March 31, 2016 to the three months ended March 31, 2017. Investment advisory fees are calculated as a percentage of the market value of client accounts at contractual fee rates which vary by investment product. The increase in investment advisory fees was driven by an increase of 22% in average AUM period over period and was partially offset by a decrease of one basis point in the average advisory fee rate from 0.65% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to 0.64% for the three months ended March 31, 2017.
Mutual Fund Administration Fees. Mutual fund administration fees decreased $0.5 million, or 12%, from the three months ended March 31, 2016 to the three months ended March 31, 2017. Mutual fund administration fees include administration fees received from the Funds, which are calculated as a percentage of average Funds' AUM. Mutual fund administration fees for the three months ended March 31, 2016 included Beacon Hill administration fees. The decrease in mutual fund administration fees is primarily due to a decrease of one basis point in the net administration fee rate from 0.10% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 to 0.09% for the three months ended March 31, 2017. This was partially offset by a 27% increase in average Funds' AUM from $11.1 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2016 to $14.1 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2017.
Expenses

| Three Months Ended March 31, |  |
(in thousands, except percentages) | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | % Change
Compensation and related costs | $ | 13,679 |  |  | $ | 12,399 |  |  | 10 | %
General and administrative | 3,488 |  |  | 2,485 |  |  | 40 | %
Sales and marketing | 1,130 |  |  | 993 |  |  | 14 | %
Mutual fund administration | 1,001 |  |  | 876 |  |  | 14 | %
Total | $ | 19,298 |  |  | $ | 16,753 |  |  | 15 | %

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Compensation and Related Costs. Employee compensation and benefits increased by $1.3 million, or 10%, from the three months ended March 31, 2016 to the three months ended March 31, 2017. This increase is primarily due to an increase in incentive compensation of $1.8 million and an increase in deferred compensation expense of $0.4 million. These increases were offset by a decrease in salary and benefits of $0.9 million due to the inclusion of Beacon Hill employees in 2016. Incentive compensation expense can fluctuate significantly period over period as we evaluate incentive compensation by reviewing investment performance, individual performance, Company performance and other factors.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses increased by $1.0 million, or 40%, from the three months ended March 31, 2016 to the three months ended March 31, 2017. This increase is primarily due to an increase in corporate legal and administrative expense of $0.5 million, an increase in information technology consulting expense of $0.2 million, additional research expenses to support our investment team of $0.1 million, and an increase in charitable donations of $0.1 million.
Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses increased by $0.1 million, or 14%, from the three months ended March 31, 2016 to the three months ended March 31, 2017. The increase was primarily due to additional payments made to third party intermediaries related to the sale of our proprietary funds.
Mutual Fund Administration. Mutual fund administration expenses increased by $0.1 million, or 14%, from the three months ended March 31, 2016 to the three months ended March 31, 2017. Mutual fund administration expenses consist of both variable and fixed expenses. The variable expenses are based on Fund AUM and the number of shareholder accounts. The increase was primarily due to the increase in average Funds' AUM from the three months ended March 31, 2016 to the three months ended March 31, 2017.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Sources of Liquidity
Our current financial condition is highly liquid, with a significant amount of our assets comprised of cash and cash equivalents, capital investments, and accounts receivable. Our main source of liquidity is cash flows from operating activities, which is generated from investment advisory and fund administration fees. Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and investments represented approximately 93% and 92% of total assets as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. We believe these sources of liquidity, as well as our continuing cash flows from operating activities, will be sufficient to meet our current and future operating needs for at least the next 12 months.
Uses of Liquidity
In line with the Company’s primary objective to fulfill our fiduciary duty to clients and secondary objective to achieve an adequate long-term return for shareholders, we anticipate our main uses of cash will be for operating expenses and seed capital to fund new and existing investment strategies.
The Board of Directors and management regularly review various factors to determine whether we have capital in excess of that required for the business and the appropriate use of any excess capital. The factors considered include our investment opportunities, capital needed for investment strategies, risks, and future dividend and capital gain tax rates. Evaluating management’s stewardship of capital for shareholders is a central part of our investment discipline that we practice for our clients. We hold ourselves to the same standard.
Working Capital
As of March 31, 2017, the Company had working capital of approximately $144 million, compared to $126 million at December 31, 2016. Working capital includes cash, securities owned by common shareholders, prepaid expenses and current receivables, net of all liabilities. The Company has no debt, and we believe our available working capital is sufficient to cover current expenses and anticipated capital expenditures.
Below is a summary of securities owned by the Company as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.
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| As of
| March 31, 2017 |  | December 31, 2016
Corporate Investments: |  |  |
Diamond Hill Core Bond Fund | $ | 29,634,285 |  |  | $ | 29,293,308 |
Diamond Hill Mid Cap Fund | 18,273,945 |  |  | 17,754,640 |
Diamond Hill Valuation-Weighted 500 ETF | 14,244,717 |  |  | 13,329,549 |
Diamond Hill Research Opportunities Fund | 9,857,128 |  |  | 10,921,540 |
Diamond Hill High Yield Fund | 6,439,199 |  |  | 6,210,304 |
Diamond Hill Global Fund, L.P. | 1,711,818 |  |  | 1,570,965 |
Diamond Hill International Equity Fund, L.P. | 985,049 |  |  | — |
Diamond Hill Short Duration Total Return Fund | 20,465 |  |  | 20,245 |
Total Corporate Investments | 81,166,606 |  |  | 79,100,551 |
Deferred Compensation Plan Investments in the Funds | 18,683,617 |  |  | 14,182,470 |
Total investments held by DHCM | 99,850,223 |  |  | 93,283,021 |
Redeemable noncontrolling interest in consolidated funds | 17,573,813 |  |  | 14,732,614 |
Total Investment Portfolio | $ | 117,424,036 |  |  | $ | 108,015,635 |

Cash Flow Analysis
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
The Company’s cash flows from operating activities are calculated by adjusting net income to reflect other significant operating sources and uses of cash, certain significant non-cash items such as share-based compensation, and timing differences in the cash settlement of operating assets and liabilities.
For the three months ended March 31, 2017, net cash provided by operating activities totaled $7.3 million. Cash inflows provided by operating activities were primarily driven by net income of $13.1 million, the add back of stock-based compensation of $2.0 million and depreciation of $0.2 million. These cash inflows were partially offset by the net change in trading securities held in our consolidated funds underlying investment portfolio of $1.3 million, the payment of accrued incentive compensation of $12.3 million, and the effect of non-cash items and timing differences in the cash settlement of assets and liabilities of $5.5 million. Absent the cash used by the Consolidated Funds to purchase securities into their investment portfolios, cash flow from operations would have been approximately $8.2 million. We expect that cash flows provided by operating activities will continue to serve as our primary source of working capital in the near future.
For the three months ended March 31, 2016, net cash used in operating activities totaled $4.0 million. Net cash provided by operating activities reflects net income less the payment of accrued incentive compensation of $13.5 million, the effect of non-cash items and the timing differences in the cash settlement of assets and liabilities.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
The Company’s cash flows from investing activities consist primarily of capital expenditures and purchases and redemptions in our investment portfolio.
Cash flows used in investing activities totaled $5.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The Company purchased corporate investments of $6.1 million, inclusive of $5.0 million of investments into our deferred compensation plans. This cash outflow was partially offset by redemptions of investments in our deferred compensation plans of $1.1 million.
Cash flows provided by investing activities totaled $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The Company purchased $6.1 million of corporate investments, inclusive of $4.3 million into our deferred compensation plans, and $0.1 million of property and equipment related to our office space expansion. These cash outflows were offset by redemptions of corporate investments of $6.5 million.
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Cash Flows from Financing Activities
The Company’s cash flows from financing activities may consist of the payment of special dividends, shares withheld related to employee tax withholding, and distributions to or contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interest holders.
For the three months ended March 31, 2017, net cash used in financing activities totaled $0.1 million, consisting of the value of shares withheld related to employee tax withholding of $0.8 million, primarily offset by net contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interest holders of $0.7 million.
For the three months ended March 31, 2016, net cash used in financing activities totaled $4.4 million, consisting of the value of shares withheld related to employee tax withholding of $8.8 million, partially offset by excess income tax benefit from stock-based compensation of $4.3 million.
Supplemental Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
On January 1, 2016, the Company implemented the new consolidation accounting guidance that resulted in the consolidation of the ETF and one of our individual mutual funds (collectively the "Consolidated Funds") in which we have controlling interests. Our consolidated balance sheet now reflects the investments and other assets and liabilities of the Consolidated Funds, as well as redeemable noncontrolling interests for the portion of the Consolidated Funds that are held by third party investors. Although we can redeem our net interest in the Consolidated Funds at any time, we cannot directly access or sell the assets held by the Consolidated Funds to obtain cash for general operations. Additionally, the assets of the Consolidated Funds are not available to general creditors.
The following table summarizes the condensed cash flows for the year ended March 31, 2017, that are attributable to Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. and to the Consolidated Funds, and the related eliminations required in preparing the consolidated statements.

| Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
| Cash flow attributable to Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. |  | Cash flow attributable to Consolidated Funds |  | Eliminations |  | As reported on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Cash flows from Operating Activities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net Income | $ | 12,756,895 |  |  | $ | 1,639,873 |  |  | $ | (1,271,320 | ) |  | $ | 13,125,448 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Depreciation | 217,748 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 217,748 |
Share-based compensation | 1,998,782 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 1,998,782 |
Net (gains)/losses on investments | (3,024,067 | ) |  | (1,639,873 | ) |  | 1,271,320 |  |  | (3,392,620 | )
Net change in trading securities held by Consolidated Funds | — |  |  | (1,310,800 | ) |  | — |  |  | (1,310,800 | )
Other changes in assets and liabilities | (3,738,823 | ) |  | 350,866 |  |  | — |  |  | (3,387,957 | )
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 8,210,535 |  |  | (959,934 | ) |  | — |  |  | 7,250,601 |
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | (5,173,109 | ) |  | — |  |  | 169,437 |  |  | (5,003,672 | )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (796,921 | ) |  | 847,256 |  |  | (169,437 | ) |  | (119,102 | )
Net change during the period | 2,240,505 |  |  | (112,678 | ) |  | — |  |  | 2,127,827 |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 57,077,198 |  |  | 112,678 |  |  | — |  |  | 57,189,876 |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 59,317,703 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 59,317,703 |

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Use of Supplemental Data as Non-GAAP Performance Measure
As supplemental information, we are providing performance measures that are based on methodologies other than GAAP (“non-GAAP”). We believe the non-GAAP measures below are useful measures of our core business activities, are important metrics in estimating the value of an asset management business and may enable more appropriate comparison to our peers. These non-GAAP measures should not be a substitute for financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP and may be calculated differently by other companies. The following schedule reconciles GAAP measures to non-GAAP measures for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

| Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands, except percentages and per share data) | 2017 |  | 2016
Total revenue | $ | 35,134 |  |  | $ | 30,457 |
Net operating income, GAAP basis | $ | 15,837 |  |  | $ | 13,704 |
Non-GAAP adjustment: |  |  |
Gains (losses) on deferred compensation plan investments, net(1) | 584 |  |  | 175 |
Net operating income, as adjusted, non-GAAP basis(2) | 16,421 |  |  | 13,879 |
Non-GAAP Adjustment: |  |  |
Tax provision on net operating income, as adjusted, non-GAAP basis(3) | (5,437 | ) |  | (4,967 | )
Net operating income, as adjusted, after tax, non-GAAP basis(4) | $ | 10,984 |  |  | $ | 8,912 |
Net operating income, as adjusted after tax per diluted share, non-GAAP basis(5) | $ | 3.20 |  |  | $ | 2.63 |
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding, GAAP basis | 3,435 |  |  | 3,393 |
Operating profit margin, GAAP basis | 45 | % |  | 45 | %
Operating profit margin, as adjusted, non-GAAP basis(6) | 47 | % |  | 46 | %

(1) Gains (losses) on deferred compensation plan investments, net: The gain (loss) on deferred compensation plan investments, which increases (decreases) deferred compensation expense included in operating income, is removed from operating income in the calculation because it is offset by an equal amount in investment income (loss) below net operating income on the income statement, and thus has no impact on net income attributable to the Company.
(2) Net operating income, as adjusted: This non-GAAP measure was calculated by taking the Company’s net operating income adjusted to exclude the impact on compensation expense of gains and losses on investments in the deferred compensation plan.
(3) Tax provision on net operating income, as adjusted: This non-GAAP measure represents the tax provision excluding the impact of investment related activity and is calculated by applying the tax rate from the actual tax provision to net operating income, as adjusted.
(4) Net operating income, as adjusted, after tax: This non-GAAP measure was calculated by taking the net operating income, as adjusted, less the tax provision on net operating income, as adjusted.
(5) Net operating income, as adjusted after tax per diluted share: This non-GAAP measure was calculated by dividing the net operating income, as adjusted after tax, by diluted weighted average shares outstanding.
(6) Operating profit margin, as adjusted: This non-GAAP measure was calculated by dividing the net operating income, as adjusted, by total revenue.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements. We do not have any obligation under a guarantee contract, or a retained or contingent interest in assets or similar arrangement that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support for such assets, or any other obligation, including a contingent obligation, under a contract that would be accounted for as a derivative instrument or arising out of a variable interest.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
For a summary of the critical accounting policies important to understanding the condensed consolidated financial statements see Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies, in the condensed consolidated financial statements contained in Part I, Item 1 of this filing and Critical Accounting Policies in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the 2016 Annual Report and Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies, in the 2016 Annual Report for further information.

ITEM 3: | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

There has been no material change in the information provided in Item 7A of the Company’s 2016 Annual Report.

ITEM 4: | Controls and Procedures

Management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, has conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”). Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II: | OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1: | Legal Proceedings

From time to time, the Company is party to ordinary routine litigation that is incidental to its business. There are currently no such matters pending that the Company believes could have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial statements.

ITEM 1A: | Risk Factors

There has been no material change to the information provided in Item 1A of the Company’s 2016 Annual Report.

ITEM 2: | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

During the quarter ended March 31, 2017, the Company did not purchase any of its Common Shares and did not sell any Common Shares that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933. The following table sets forth information regarding the Company’s repurchase program of its Common Shares and shares withheld for tax payments due upon vesting of employee Restricted Stock which vested during the first quarter of fiscal year 2017:
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Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased(a) |  | Average Price Paid Per Share |  | Total Number of Shares Purchased as part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs |  | Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs(b)
January 1, 2017 through January 31, 2017 | 3,788 |  |  | $ | 210.38 |  |  | — |  |  | 318,433 |
February 1, 2017 through February 28, 2017 | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | — |  |  | 318,433 |
March 1, 2017 through March 31, 2017 | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | — |  |  | 318,433 |
Total | 3,788 |  |  | $ | 210.38 |  |  | — |  |  | 318,433 |

(a) | All of the 3,788 shares of the Company's common shares purchased during the quarter ended March 31, 2017 represented shares withheld for tax payments due upon the vesting of employee Restricted Stock which vested during the quarter.

(b) | The Company’s current share repurchase program was announced on August 9, 2007. The Board of Directors authorized management to repurchase up to 350,000 shares of the Company’s Common Shares in the open market and in private transactions in accordance with applicable securities laws. The Company’s share repurchase program is not subject to an expiration date.

ITEM 3: | Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

ITEM 4: | Mine Safety Disclosures

None

ITEM 5: | Other Information

None
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ITEM 6: | Exhibits

3.1 |  | Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company (Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K Current Report for the event on May 2, 2002 filed with the SEC on May 7, 2002; File No. 000-24498.)
3.2 |  | Amended and Restated Code of Regulations of the Company (Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K Current Report, Exhibit 3.1, filed with the SEC on August 7, 2014; File No. 000-24498.)
31.1 |  | Certification of Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a).
31.2 |  | Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a).
32.1 |  | Section 1350 Certifications.
101.INS |  | XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF |  | XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

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

Date |  | Title |  | Signature
April 26, 2017 |  | Chief Executive Officer and President |  | /s/ Christopher M. Bingaman
|  |  |  | Christopher M. Bingaman
April 26, 2017 |  | Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer |  | /s/ Thomas E. Line
|  |  |  | Thomas E. Line

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