GAMCO Investors, Inc. Reports Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2021

- GAAP earnings of $2.73 per share compared to $2.20 per share in 2020

- Net income for 2021 was $73.2 million, an increase of $14.5 million

- December 31, 2021 AUM was $35.0 billion versus $32.6 billion at prior year end

GREENWICH, Conn.--()--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

Contacts

Howard Green
SVP of Corporate Development
(914) 921-7729

For further information please visit
www.gabelli.com

Contacts

Howard Green
SVP of Corporate Development
(914) 921-7729

For further information please visit
www.gabelli.com