GAMCO Investors, Inc. Reports Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2021
GAMCO Investors, Inc. (“GAMCO”) (NYSE: GBL) today reported its operating results for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Full Year Results
Financial Highlights (Unaudited) Year Ended (In thousands, except per share data)December 31,
2021
December 31,
2020
U.S. GAAP Basis Revenues$
301,126
$
259,726
Operating income
117,420
99,609
Net income
73,199
58,693
Diluted earnings per common share$
2.73
$
2.20
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding
26,809
26,680
Shares outstanding
26,728
27,503
Assets Under Management AUM - end of period (in millions)$
34,982
$
32,561
AUM - average (in millions)
34,272
30,992
Giving Back to Society – (Y)our “S” in ESG
We are committed to allowing our shareholders to choose the recipients of our charitable contributions. The advantage of our shareholder designated charitable contribution (“SDCC”) program is that shareholders designate the 501(c)(3) organizations rather than leaving the selection of charities to the management via a corporate foundation.
The Board of Directors of GAMCO approved a $0.50 per share SDCC for all shareholders of record on December 21, 2021, doubling the prior year’s $0.25 per share designation under the program. We estimate this will total approximately $11.3 million. Since the inception of GAMCO’s SDCC program in 2013, and counting this current amount, shareholders will have designated charitable gifts of $48 million to approximately 350 charitable organizations. When combined with our other charitable donations, this boosts our total contributions to approximately $74 million since our initial public offering in February 1999.
This charitable program underscores our commitment to giving back to society, which emanated in part from our management of socially responsible portfolios since 1987.
New Climate and Environmental Initiative
In February 2021, we launched Love Our Planet & People (NYSE: LOPP), an actively managed, semi-transparent ETF with an emphasis on the environment, the “E” in ESG. The Fund’s adviser agreed to waive the Fund’s expenses, including management fee, on the first $100 million in net assets for one year from commencement of the Fund’s operations.
Results for the Fourth Quarter
Revenues
- Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2021 were $81.7 million compared with $71.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2020, including incentive fees of $9.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2021 versus $8.5 million in 2020.
- Investment advisory fees were $75.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2021 versus $64.9 million in the year ago quarter:
- Mutual Fund revenues were $46.1 million compared to $40.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2020.
- Institutional and Private Wealth Management revenues, which are generally billed on portfolio values at the beginning of the quarter, were $17.8 million compared to $15.0 million in last year’s fourth quarter.
- SICAV revenues were $2.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2021 as compared to $1.1 million in the year ago quarter.
- Distribution fees from our equity mutual funds and other income were $6.6 million during the fourth quarter of 2021 and $6.4 million in the prior year quarter.
Operating Income
Operating income was $29.4 million versus $23.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2020. Waivers of CEO compensation bolstered operating income by $7.6 million versus $4.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2020.
Non-Operating Income
Mark-to-market investment losses were $1.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2021 versus gains of $4.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2020. Interest expense was $0.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2021 versus $0.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2020. The fourth quarter of 2021 included an expense for the SDCC of $11.3 million.
Income Taxes
GAMCO’s effective tax rate for the quarter ended December 31, 2021 was 28.8% versus 28.4% for the quarter ended December 31, 2020.
Full Year Financials
Revenues for 2021 were $301.1 million compared with $259.7 million in 2020.
For 2021, operating income of $117.4 million was bolstered by a $20.8 million benefit from CEO compensation waivers. Operating income for 2020 was $99.6 million, enhanced by the $14.7 million benefit from CEO compensation waivers.
For the year, mark-to-market investment gains were $8.7 million higher at $0.8 million in 2021 versus losses of $7.9 million in 2020. Interest expense was higher at $2.9 million for 2021 and $2.6 million for 2020. There were charges for the SDCC programs of $11.3 million and $5.4 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively.
GAMCO’s effective tax rate for 2021 was 29.6% versus 29.9% for 2020.
Management Market Commentary
Last year was a good one for the economy and for markets. This year has begun with added volatility as the market is influenced by a set of dynamics we frame as the “Six I’s”: Inflation, Interest Rates, Infrastructure, Income Taxes, International/Internal Relations and Infection. Ultimately, we expect the economy and earnings growth to remain strong. The normalization of financial conditions should be positive for fundamental driven investing in general and our style of Value investing in particular.
For a more detailed outlook, please see our annual client letter on our website: https://gab-pr.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/2021GAMCOAnnualLetter.pdf
Business Highlights
- The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust (NYSE: GDV) completed the offering of $150 million of 4.25% Series K Cumulative Preferred Shares.
- The Gabelli Healthcare & Wellness Trust (NYSE: GRX) completed a private placement of $40 million of 4% Series E Cumulative Preferred Shares.
- The Gabelli Equity Trust (NYSE: GAB) has an initial closing of a private placement of 4.25% Series M Cumulative Preferred Shares.
- The Gabelli Global Small and Mid Cap Value Trust (NYSE: GGZ) raised $40 million via a private placement of 4% Series B Cumulative Preferred Shares.
- On November 1st and 2nd, we hosted our 45th Annual Automotive Conference, “Batteries Included,” in person in Las Vegas and virtually. The symposium featured presentations from senior management of leading automotive and electric vehicle suppliers, with an emphasis on the battery ecosystem, technological innovation, and industry dynamics.
- We hosted our Third Annual Healthcare Symposium in conjunction with Columbia Business School on November 19th.
Subsequent to the end of the 4th quarter:
- On January 3, 2022, the third Gabelli actively managed semi-transparent ETF was launched. The ETF will focus on firms that design, develop, support, or manufacture automation equipment, related technology, software, or processes. The Fund’s adviser is absorbing expenses including management fees on the first $25 million of net assets for one year from the commencement of the Fund’s operations.
Balance Sheet
GAMCO ended the quarter with cash and investments of $159.4 million and $51.0 million of subordinated debt maturing on June 15, 2023.
Return to Shareholders
During the quarter, GAMCO doubled its regular quarterly dividend to $0.04 per share and purchased 353,333 shares for $8.7 million at an average price of $24.62 per share. From January 1, 2022 to February 3, 2022, the Company has purchased 56,336 shares at an average price of $23.46 per share.
On February 3, 2022, GAMCO’s board of directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.04 per share, which is payable on March 29, 2022 to class A and class B shareholders of record on March 15, 2022.
About GAMCO Investors, Inc.
GAMCO is known for its research-driven approach to equity investing. GAMCO conducts its investment advisory business principally through two subsidiaries: GAMCO Asset Management Inc. (approximately 1,400 institutional and private wealth separate accounts, principally in the U.S.) and Gabelli Funds, LLC (24 open-end funds, 14 closed-end funds, 3 actively managed semi-transparent ETFs, and a SICAV). GAMCO serves a broad client base including institutions, intermediaries, offshore investors, private wealth, and direct retail investors. In recent years, GAMCO has successfully integrated new teams of RIAs by providing attractive compensation arrangements and paying finder’s fees.
GAMCO offers a wide range of solutions for clients across Value, Growth Equity, ESG, Convertibles, actively managed semi-transparent ETFs, sector-focused strategies including Gold and Utilities, Merger Arbitrage, and Fixed Income. In 1977, GAMCO launched its flagship All Cap Value strategy, Gabelli Value, and in 1986 launched its mutual fund business.
Table I: Assets Under Management and Fund Flows - 4th Quarter 2021 (in millions)
Fund
Market
distributions,
September 30,
appreciation/
net of
December 31,
December 31,
2021
Inflows
Outflows
(depreciation)
reinvestments
2021
2020
Equities: Mutual Funds$
9,856
$
280
$
(473
)
$
617
$
(31
)
$
10,249
$
9,541
Closed-end Funds
8,238
298
(4
)
281
(157
)
8,656
7,773
Institutional & PWM (a)
13,051
126
(456
)
776
-
13,497
12,371
SICAV
728
134
(29
)
(2
)
-
831
474
Total Equities
31,873
838
(962
)
1,672
(188
)
33,233
30,159
100% U.S. Treasury Fund
1,634
868
(785
)
-
-
1,717
2,370
Institutional & PWM Fixed Income
32
-
-
-
-
32
32
Total Treasuries & Fixed Income
1,666
868
(785
)
-
-
1,749
2,402
Total Assets Under Management$
33,539
$
1,706
$
(1,747
)
$
1,672
$
(188
)
$
34,982
$
32,561
(a) Includes $178, $183, and $166 of 100% U.S. Treasury Fund AUM at September 30, 2021, December 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively. Table II GAMCO INVESTORS, INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (In thousands, except per share data)Three Months Ended
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
December 31,
2021
2020
2021
2020
Investment advisory and incentive fees$
75,029
$
64,991
$
274,531
$
233,628
Distribution fees and other income
6,638
6,357
26,595
26,098
Total revenues
81,667
71,348
301,126
259,726
Compensation costs (a) (b)
34,241
29,859
118,186
102,347
Management fee expense (b)
-
1,651
5,552
5,376
Distribution costs
7,753
7,216
30,276
28,474
Other operating expenses
10,232
8,938
29,692
23,920
Total expenses
52,226
47,664
183,706
160,117
Operating income
29,441
23,684
117,420
99,609
Investment gain/(loss)
(1,916
)
4,492
819
(7,869
)
Interest expense
(818
)
(635
)
(2,919
)
(2,620
)
Shareholder-designated contribution
(11,279
)
-
(11,279
)
(5,436
)
Non-operating gain/(loss)
(14,013
)
3,857
(13,379
)
(15,925
)
Income before income taxes
15,428
27,541
104,041
83,684
Provision for income taxes
4,441
7,818
30,842
24,991
Net income
$
10,987
$
19,723
$
73,199
$
58,693
Net income: Basic
$
0.42
$
0.75
$
2.79
$
2.21
Diluted
$
0.41
$
0.74
$
2.73
$
2.20
Weighted average shares outstanding: Basic
26,142
26,439
26,267
26,571
Diluted
26,654
26,680
26,809
26,680
Actual shares outstanding (c)
26,728
27,503
26,728
27,503
(a) For the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, compensation costs were reduced by $1,409 due to indexing of deferred compensation to the GBL stock price. (b) The CEO waiver reduced compensation costs by $6,741, $3,821, $17,118, and $12,367, respectively and management fee expense by $869, $885, $3,696, and $2,293, respectively. (c) Includes 411 and 1,080 RSA shares at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Table III GAMCO INVESTORS, INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION (In thousands)
December 31,
December 31,
2021
2020
ASSETS Cash, cash equivalents, and U.S. Treasury Bills$
142,027
$
98,313
Investments in securities
32,344
25,845
Other receivables
35,269
34,054
Deferred tax asset and income tax receivable
6,707
9,462
Other assets
15,651
17,728
Total assets$
231,998
$
185,402
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Payable for investments purchased$
14,990
$
-
Securities sold, not yet purchased
-
799
Income taxes payable
315
3,910
Compensation payable
21,049
21,543
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
50,774
48,024
Sub-total
87,128
74,276
5.875% Senior Notes (due June 1, 2021)
-
24,215
Subordinated Notes (due June 15, 2023)
50,990
-
Total liabilities
138,118
98,491
Stockholders' equity (a)
93,880
86,911
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$
231,998
$
185,402
(a) Shares outstanding of 26,728, and 27,503, respectively.CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Our disclosure and analysis in this press release, which do not present historical information, contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements convey our current expectations or forecasts of future events. You can identify these statements because they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” and other words and terms of similar meaning. They also appear in any discussion of future operating or financial performance. In particular, these include statements relating to future actions, future performance of our products, expenses, the outcome of any legal proceedings, and financial results. Although we believe that we are basing our expectations and beliefs on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of what we currently know about our business and operations, the economy, the effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and other conditions, there can be no assurance that our actual results will not differ materially from what we expect or believe. Therefore, you should proceed with caution in relying on any of these forward-looking statements. They are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance.
Forward-looking statements involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors, some of which are listed below, that are difficult to predict and could cause actual results and outcomes to differ materially from any future results or outcomes expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that may cause our actual results to differ from our expectations include risks associated with the duration and scope of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic resulting in volatile market conditions, a decline in the securities markets that adversely affect our assets under management, negative performance of our products, the failure to perform as required under our investment management agreements, a general downturn in the economy that negatively impacts our operations, and the ongoing impacts of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act with respect to tax rates and the non-deductibility of certain portions of named executive officer compensation. We also direct your attention to the more specific discussions of these and other risks, uncertainties and other important factors contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and other public filings. Other factors that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We do not undertake to update publicly any forward-looking statements if we subsequently learn that we are unlikely to achieve our expectations whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.
Gabelli Funds, LLC is a registered investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is a wholly owned subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (NYSE: GBL).
Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund before investing. The prospectus, which contains more complete information about this and other matters, should be read carefully before investing. To obtain a prospectus, please call 800 GABELLI or visit www.gabelli.com
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