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Significant Accounting Policies
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, and for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, 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 Securities and Exchange Commission (the "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. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and footnotes should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 (the "2019 Form 10-K") as filed with the SEC.
Operating results for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results the Company may expect for the full fiscal year ending December 31, 2020 (“fiscal 2020”), particularly in light of the novel coronavirus pandemic (“COVID-19”) and its effects on the U.S. and global economies.
To limit the spread of COVID-19, governments have taken various actions including the issuance of stay-at-home orders and social distancing guidelines, causing some businesses to suspend operations, disrupting the global supply chain, and creating a reduction in demand for many products.  This has negatively affected global financial markets and has caused significant financial market depreciation, thus reducing our assets under management ("AUM"), the revenue derived from our AUM, and the returns on corporate investments.
While we expect the effects of the pandemic and the related responses to negatively affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial position, at this time we cannot reasonably estimate the full impact, given the uncertainty over the duration and severity of the economic crisis.
For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the 2019 Form 10-K and “Part II – Item 1A – Risk Factors” of this Form 10-Q.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management 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 revenue and expense 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 for general corporate investment purposes, 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"). The Trust is an open-end investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the"1940 Act").
The Company performs its analysis at the individual mutual fund level and has concluded the mutual funds are voting rights entities ("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 Diamond Hill International Fund and the Diamond Hill Global Fund (collectively the "Consolidated Funds") as of June 30, 2020.
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 recorded at redemption value, which approximates the fair value each reporting period.
Segment Information
Management has determined that the Company operates in one business segment, which is providing investment management and administration services to mutual funds, separately managed accounts, and a private investment fund. Therefore, the Company does not present disclosures relating to operating segments in annual or interim financial statements.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include demand deposits and money market mutual funds held by DHCM.
Accounts Receivable
The Company records accounts receivable when they are due and presents them 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 the individual or entity that owes the receivable. No allowance for doubtful accounts was deemed necessary at June 30, 2020 or December 31, 2019. Accounts receivable from the Funds were $8.5 million as of June 30, 2020 and $10.7 million as of December 31, 2019.
Investments
Management determines the appropriate classification of its investments at the time of purchase and re-evaluates its determination at each reporting period.
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, 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.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, consisting of leasehold improvements, right-of use lease assets, 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 recognizes revenue when it satisfies performance obligations under the terms of a contract with a client. The Company earns substantially all of its revenue from investment advisory and fund administration contracts. Investment advisory and administration fees, generally calculated as a percentage of 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 rate fees.
Revenue earned during the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 under contracts with clients include:
Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
Investment advisoryMutual fund
administration, net
Total revenue
Proprietary funds$19,722,742  $1,549,936  $21,272,678  
Sub-advised funds and separately managed accounts6,976,251  —  6,976,251  
$26,698,993  $1,549,936  $28,248,929  
Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
Investment advisoryMutual fund
administration, net
Total revenue
Proprietary funds$24,335,369  $2,034,344  $26,369,713  
Sub-advised funds and separately managed accounts7,175,303  —  7,175,303  
$31,510,672  $2,034,344  $33,545,016  

Revenue earned during the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 under contracts with clients include:
Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
Investment advisoryMutual fund
administration, net
Total revenue
Proprietary funds$43,177,305  $3,318,001  $46,495,306  
Sub-advised funds and separately managed accounts13,679,368  —  13,679,368  
$56,856,673  $3,318,001  $60,174,674  
Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
Investment advisoryMutual fund
administration, net
Total revenue
Proprietary funds$47,915,246  $4,101,000  $52,016,246  
Sub-advised funds and separately managed accounts14,108,143  —  14,108,143  
$62,023,389  $4,101,000  $66,124,389  
Revenue Recognition – Investment Advisory Fees
The Company's investment advisory contracts have a single performance obligation (the investment advisory services provided to the client) as the promised services are not separately identifiable from other promises in the contracts and, therefore, are not distinct. All performance obligations to provide advisory services are satisfied over time and the Company recognizes revenue as time passes.
The fees we receive for our services under our investment advisory contracts are based on AUM, which changes based on the value of securities held under each advisory contract. These fees are thereby constrained and represent variable consideration, and they are excluded from revenue until the AUM on which our client is billed is no longer subject to market fluctuations.
The Company also provides services to Unified Managed Account ("UMA") programs in which an investment manager provides its strategy model portfolio to the sponsor of the UMA. The Company is paid a portion of the UMA fee for our services by the program sponsor at a pre-determined rate based on assets in the program. UMA program revenue was $0.6 million and $0.4 million, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, and $1.2 million and $0.8 million, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019. UMA program revenue is included in investment advisory fees in the consolidated statements of income.
Revenue Recognition – Variable Rate Fees
The Company manages certain client accounts that provide for variable rate fees. These fees are calculated based on client investment results over rolling five-year periods. The Company records variable rate fees at the end of the contract measurement period because the variable fees earned are constrained based on movements in the financial markets. The Company did not record any variable rate fees during either of the three or six month periods ended June 30, 2020 or June 30, 2019. The table below shows AUM subject to variable rate fees and the amount of variable rate fees that would be recognized based upon investment results as of June 30, 2020:
As of June 30, 2020
 AUM subject to variable rate feesUnearned variable rate fees
Contractual Period Ending:
Quarter Ending December 31, 2020$55,670,997  $392,505  
Quarter Ending September 30, 2021267,848,876  7,990,983  
Total$323,519,873  $8,383,488  
The contractual end dates highlight the time remaining until the variable rate fees are scheduled to be earned. The amount of variable rate fees that would be recognized based upon investment results as of June 30, 2020, will increase or decrease based on future client investment results through the end of the contractual period. We cannot assure that we will earn the unearned amounts set forth above.
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 performance obligations such as mutual fund administration, fund accounting, transfer agency, and other related functions. These services are performed concurrently under our agreement with the Funds, all performance obligations to provide these administrative services are satisfied over time, and the Company recognizes the related revenue as time progresses. Each Fund pays DHCM a fee for performing these services , which is calculated using an annual rate times the average daily net assets of each respective share class. These fees are thereby constrained and represent variable consideration, and they are excluded from revenue until the AUM on which we bill the Funds is no longer subject to market fluctuations.
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 the services it has been engaged to provide and negotiates its fees and terms directly with the management and board of trustees of the Funds. Each year, the Funds' board of trustees reviews the fee that each Fund pays to DHCM 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 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.
Mutual fund administration gross and net revenue are summarized below:
 Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
 2020201920202019
Mutual fund administration:
Administration revenue, gross$4,980,615  $5,519,437  $10,573,273  $10,922,165  
Fund related expense(3,434,966) (3,491,604) (7,262,215) (6,841,145) 
Revenue, net of related expenses1,545,649  2,027,833  3,311,058  4,081,020  
C-Share financing:
Broker commission advance repayments66,817  53,782  130,359  118,994  
Broker commission amortization(62,530) (47,271) (123,416) (99,014) 
Financing activity, net4,287  6,511  6,943  19,980  
Mutual fund administration revenue, net$1,549,936  $2,034,344  $3,318,001  $4,101,000  
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, and 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 assessments. The Company regularly assesses its positions 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 Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 740, Income Taxes. The Company records interest and penalties within income tax expense on the income statement. See Note 8.

On March 27, 2020, H.R. 748, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the "CARES Act”) was signed into legislation which includes various tax provisions.  The Company does not expect the CARES Act to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
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 unvested restricted shares. Diluted EPS reflects the dilutive effect of any outstanding and unvested restricted stock units. See Note 9.
Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance
In August 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurements.” This update makes certain revisions to existing disclosure requirements for fair value measurement. ASU 2018-13 does not change fair value measurements already required or permitted by existing standards. ASU No. 2018-13 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2020 without any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.