Cohen & Steers, Inc.

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM              TO             

Commission File Number: 001-32236

 

 

COHEN & STEERS, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   14-1904657

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

280 Park Avenue

New York, NY

  10017
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

(212) 832-3232

(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 (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), 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 (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ¨    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large Accelerated Filer   ¨    Accelerated Filer   x
Non-Accelerated Filer   ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller Reporting Company   ¨

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 of the Registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding as of November 5, 2010 was 42,635,267.

 

 

 


 

COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Form 10-Q

Index

 

          Page  
Part I.   

Financial Information

  
Item 1.   

Financial Statements

     1   
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Unaudited) as of September  30, 2010 and December 31, 2009

     1   
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the Three and Nine  Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009

     2   
  

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest (Unaudited) for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010

     3   
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009

     4   
  

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

     6   
Item 2.   

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     18   
Item 3.   

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     28   
Item 4.   

Controls and Procedures

     28   
Part II.   

Other Information

  
Item 1.   

Legal Proceedings

     29   
Item 1A.   

Risk Factors

     29   
Item 2.   

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

     29   
Item 6.   

Exhibits

     30   

Signature

     31   

Items other than those listed above have been omitted because they are not applicable.

Forward-Looking Statements

This report and other documents filed by us contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, our operations and financial performance. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “outlook,” “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “continues,” “may,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “predicts,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates” or the negative versions of these words or other comparable words. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties.

Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. We believe that these factors include, but are not limited to, those described in the Risk Factors section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, which is accessible on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Web site at www.sec.gov and on our Web site at www.cohenandsteers.com. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this report. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.


 

PART I—Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION (Unaudited)

(in thousands, except share data)

 

     September 30,
2010
    December 31,
2009
 
ASSETS     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 100,819      $ 153,002   

Securities owned

     —          17,621   

Equity investments

     41,313        10,842   

Investments, available-for-sale

     29,949        45,758   

Accounts receivable

     34,800        23,324   

Due from broker

     —          28,234   

Income tax receivable

     —          777   

Property and equipment—net

     13,226        14,866   

Deferred commissions—net

     674        523   

Goodwill

     20,552        21,196   

Intangible assets—net

     1,991        2,057   

Deferred income tax asset—net

     6,560        6,649   

Other assets

     3,752        3,862   
                

Total assets

   $ 253,636      $ 328,711   
                
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY     

Liabilities:

    

Accrued compensation

   $ 13,342      $ 12,009   

Securities sold but not yet purchased

     —          16,118   

Income tax payable

     5,589        77   

Deferred rent

     2,314        2,656   

Other liabilities and accrued expenses

     9,898        9,516   
                

Total liabilities

     31,143        40,376   
                

Commitments and contingencies

    

Redeemable noncontrolling interest

     —          3,466  
                

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Common stock, $0.01 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 45,387,379 and 44,834,012 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively

     454        448   

Additional paid-in capital

     374,051        357,886   

Accumulated deficit

     (73,973     (5,382

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax

     4,537        11,119   

Less: Treasury stock, at cost, 2,754,265 and 2,594,982 shares at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively

     (82,576     (79,202
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     222,493        284,869   
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 253,636      $ 328,711   
                

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

 

1


 

COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2010      2009     2010     2009  

Revenue:

         

Investment advisory and administration fees

   $ 42,909       $ 30,929      $ 121,836      $ 75,999   

Distribution and service fees

     2,259         2,019        6,659        5,321   

Portfolio consulting and other

     1,204         879        3,453        2,362   
                                 

Total revenue

     46,372         33,827        131,948        83,682   
                                 

Expenses:

         

Employee compensation and benefits

     18,085         15,956        51,460        43,047   

Distribution and service fees

     5,065         3,837        14,206        10,039   

General and administrative

     7,880         6,990        22,490        20,490   

Depreciation and amortization

     1,126         1,072        3,393        3,120   

Amortization, deferred commissions

     244         157        666        611   
                                 

Total expenses

     32,400         28,012        92,215        77,307   
                                 

Operating income

     13,972         5,815        39,733        6,375   
                                 

Non-operating income:

         

Interest and dividend income—net

     710         100        1,271        1,426   

Gain (loss) from trading securities—net

     —           3,071        (182     11,642   

Gain (loss) from available-for-sale securities—net

     2,124         455        5,603        (31,241

Equity in earnings of affiliates

     1,005         —          185        —     

Other

     650         586        697        677   
                                 

Total non-operating income (loss)

     4,489         4,212        7,574        (17,496
                                 

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

     18,461         10,027        47,307        (11,121

Provision for income taxes

     5,298         2,065        13,653        1,227   
                                 

Net income (loss)

     13,163         7,962        33,654        (12,348

Less: Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest

     —           (417 )     (8     (1,007
                                 

Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders

   $ 13,163       $ 7,545      $ 33,646      $ (13,355
                                 

Earnings (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders:

         

Basic

   $ 0.31       $ 0.18      $ 0.79      $ (0.32
                                 

Diluted

   $ 0.30      $ 0.18      $ 0.78     $ (0.32
                                 

Weighted average shares outstanding:

         

Basic

     42,756         42,396        42,696        42,319   
                                 

Diluted

     43,217         42,633        43,099        42,319   
                                 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

 

2


 

COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND

REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST (Unaudited)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010

(in thousands)

 

    Common
Stock
    Additional
Paid-In
Capital
    Accumulated
Deficit
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income, Net
    Treasury
Stock
    Total
Stockholders’
Equity
    Redeemable
Noncontrolling
Interest
 

Beginning balance, January 1, 2010

  $ 448      $ 357,886      $ (5,382   $ 11,119      $ (79,202   $ 284,869      $ 3,466  

Dividends

    —          —          (102,237     —          —          (102,237     —     

Issuance of common stock

    6        397        —          —          —          403        —     

Repurchase of common stock

    —          —          —          —          (3,374     (3,374     —     

Tax benefits associated with restricted stock units—net

    —          56        —          —          —          56        —     

Issuance of restricted stock units

    —          4,503        —          —          —          4,503        —     

Amortization of restricted stock units—net

    —          11,254        —          —          —          11,254        —     

Forfeitures of vested restricted stock units

    —          (45     —          —          —          (45     —     

Net income

    —          —          33,646        —          —          33,646        8   

Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes

    —          —          —          (6,582     —          (6,582     —     

Contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interest

    —          —          —          —          —          —          1,954  

Transfer of redeemable noncontrolling interest in consolidated entity

    —          —          —          —          —          —          (5,428
                                                       

Ending balance, September 30, 2010

  $ 454      $ 374,051      $ (73,973   $ 4,537      $ (82,576   $ 222,493      $ —     
                                                       

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

 

3


 

COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

     Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
     2010     2009  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income (loss)

   $ 33,654      $ (12,348

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Stock compensation expense

     11,304        9,796   

Amortization, deferred commissions

     666        611   

Depreciation and amortization

     3,393        3,120   

Deferred rent

     (342     (213

Loss (gain) from trading securities

     182        (11,642

Equity in earnings of affiliates

     (185     —     

(Gain) loss from investments, available-for-sale

     (5,603     31,205   

Deferred income taxes

     1,696        (239

Foreign currency gain

     (192     (459

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable

     (11,284     (6,844

Due from broker

     1,787        (23,710

Deferred commissions

     (817     (322

Income tax receivable

     777        9,548   

Securities owned

     (12,687     (359

Other assets

     48        796   

Accrued compensation

     1,461        (6,548

Securities sold but not yet purchased

     (1,171     16,398   

Income tax payable

     3,571        —     

Other liabilities and accrued expenses

     838        (1,505
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     27,096        7,285   
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Purchases of equity investments

     (161     —     

Purchases of investments, available-for-sale

     (15,076     (22,871

Proceeds from sales of investments, available-for-sale

     36,471        36,053   

Purchases of property and equipment

     (1,714     (2,160
                

Net cash provided by investing activities

     19,520        11,022   
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Excess (reduction of) tax benefits associated with restricted stock units

     388        (3,400

Issuance of common stock

     348        438   

Repurchase of common stock

     (3,374     (2,245

Dividends to stockholders

     (98,131     (6,360

Contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interest

     1,954        7,347  

Payment of capital lease obligations

     —          (21
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (98,815     (4,241
                

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (52,199     14,066   

Effect of exchange rate changes

     16        928   

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period

     153,002        121,857   
                

Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period

   $ 100,819      $ 136,851   
                

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

 

4


COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS—(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, cash paid for interest was approximately $23,000 and $502,000, respectively.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company paid taxes, net of tax refunds, of approximately $7,286,000. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company received tax refunds, net of taxes paid, of approximately $4,750,000.

Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities:

In connection with its stock incentive plan, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company issued fully vested restricted stock units in the amount of $398,000 and $387,000, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company issued unvested restricted stock units in the amount of $20,846,000 and $4,759,000, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, forfeitures of restricted stock units totaled $839,000 and $1,685,000, respectively. In addition, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company issued restricted stock unit dividend equivalents in the amount of $4,106,000 and $137,000, respectively.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company recorded a net non-cash reclassification of $30,125,000 to equity investments representing the Company’s proportionate ownership interests in the onshore global real estate long-short fund and Cohen & Steers Global Listed Infrastructure Fund, partially offset by a reclassification of Cohen & Steers Preferred Securities and Income Fund.

 

5


 

COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

1. Organization and Description of Business

Cohen & Steers, Inc. (“CNS”) was organized as a Delaware corporation on March 17, 2004. CNS was formed to be the holding company for Cohen & Steers Capital Management, Inc. (“CSCM”), a New York corporation, and to allow for the issuance of common stock to the public.

The condensed consolidated financial statements set forth herein include the accounts of CNS and its direct and indirect subsidiaries. CNS’s significant wholly-owned subsidiaries are CSCM, Cohen & Steers Securities, LLC (“Securities”), Cohen & Steers Asia Limited, Cohen & Steers UK Limited and Cohen & Steers Europe S.A. (collectively, the “Company”). All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Through CSCM, a registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”), the Company provides investment management services to individual and institutional investors through a broad range of investment vehicles. The Company manages portfolios specializing in U.S. and international real estate securities, large cap value stocks, listed infrastructure and utilities, and preferred securities. The Company also manages alternative investment strategies such as hedged real estate securities portfolios and private real estate multimanager strategies for qualified investors. Its clients include Company-sponsored open-end and closed-end mutual funds, U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans, endowment funds, foundations and sub-advised funds for other financial institutions. Through Securities, its registered broker/dealer, the Company provides distribution services for certain of its funds.

2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

The condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company included herein are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the interim results have been made. The Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes should be read together with the consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Accounting Estimates—The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Management believes the estimates used in preparing the condensed consolidated financial statements are reasonable and prudent. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications—Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. The amounts related to these reclassifications are not material to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

Consolidation—The Company consolidates operating entities deemed to be voting interest entities if the Company owns a majority of the voting interest. The equity method of accounting is used for investments in non-controlled affiliates in which the Company’s ownership ranges from 20 to 50 percent, or in instances in which the Company is able to exercise significant influence but not control. The Company also consolidates any

 

6


COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which the Company is the primary beneficiary. The Company provides for non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries for which the Company’s ownership is less than 100 percent.

A VIE is an entity in which either (a) the equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its own activities without additional financial support or (b) the group of holders of the equity investment at risk lack certain characteristics of a controlling financial interest. The primary beneficiary is the entity that has the obligation to absorb a majority of the expected losses or the right to receive the majority of the residual returns. The Company evaluates whether entities in which it has an interest are VIEs and whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of any VIEs identified in its analysis. See Note 4 for further discussion about the Company’s investments.

Cash and Cash Equivalents—Cash equivalents consist of short-term, highly liquid investments, which are readily convertible into cash and have original maturities of three months or less.

Investments—Management of the Company determines the appropriate classification of its investments at the time of purchase and re-evaluates such determination at each statement of financial condition date.

Securities owned and securities sold but not yet purchased are classified as trading securities and are measured at fair value based on quoted market prices, market prices obtained from independent pricing services engaged by management or as determined by the Company’s fair value committee, with unrealized gains and losses recorded as gain (loss) from trading securities reported in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Investments classified as equity investments are accounted for using the equity method, under which the Company recognizes its respective share of the investee’s net income for the period. The carrying amounts of these investments approximate their fair value.

Investments classified as available-for-sale are primarily comprised of investment-grade preferred instruments and investments in Company-sponsored open-end and closed-end mutual funds. These investments are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices or market prices obtained from independent pricing services engaged by management, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported in accumulated other comprehensive income. The Company periodically reviews each individual security position that has an unrealized loss, or impairment, to determine if that impairment is other than temporary. If the Company believes an impairment of a security position is other than temporary, the loss will be recognized in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets—Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of the Company’s investment in the net assets of an acquired company over the fair value of the underlying identifiable net assets at the date of acquisition. Goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets are not amortized but are tested at least annually for impairment by comparing the fair value to their carrying amounts. Finite lived intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives. See Note 3 for further discussion about the Company’s goodwill and intangible assets.

Investment Advisory and Administration Fees—The Company earns revenue by providing asset management services to Company-sponsored open-end and closed-end mutual funds and to institutional separate accounts. This revenue is earned pursuant to the terms of the underlying advisory contract, and is based on a contractual investment advisory fee applied to the assets in the client’s portfolio, net of waivers. The Company

 

7


COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

also earns revenue from administration fees paid by certain Company-sponsored open-end and closed-end mutual funds, based on the average assets under management of such funds. This revenue is recognized as such fees are earned.

Distribution and Service Fees—Distribution and service fee revenue is earned as the services are performed, based on contractually-predetermined percentages of the average assets under management of the open-end load mutual funds. Distribution and service fee revenue is recorded gross of any third-party distribution and service fee expense arrangements. The expenses associated with these third-party distribution and service fee arrangements are recorded as incurred.

Stock-based Compensation—The Company recognizes compensation expense for the grant-date fair value of awards of equity instruments granted to employees. This expense is recognized over the period during which employees are required to provide service. The Company also estimates forfeitures.

Income Taxes—The Company records the current and deferred tax consequences of all transactions that have been recognized in the condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with the provisions of the enacted tax laws. Deferred tax assets are recognized for temporary differences that will result in deductible amounts in future years. Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for temporary differences that will result in taxable income in future years. The Company records a valuation allowance, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to an amount that more likely than not will be realized. The effective tax rate for interim periods represents the Company’s best estimate of the effective tax rate expected to be applied to the full fiscal year.

Currency Translation and Transactions—Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries having non-U.S. dollar functional currencies are translated at exchange rates at the applicable condensed consolidated statements of financial condition date. Revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates during the period. The gains or losses resulting from translating non-U.S. dollar functional currency into U.S. dollars are included in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, a component of stockholders’ equity. Gains or losses resulting from non-U.S. dollar currency transactions are included in other non-operating income in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements— In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance as an amendment to fair value measurements and disclosures. The new guidance adds new requirements for disclosure about transfers into and out of level 1 and level 2 fair value measurements and separate disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements relating to level 3 measurements. The guidance also clarifies existing fair value disclosures about the level of disaggregation and about inputs and valuation techniques in level 2 and level 3 fair value measurements. This new guidance was effective for the Company’s first quarter of 2010. The adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

In September 2009, the FASB issued new guidance measuring fair value of certain alternative investments. This new guidance creates a practical expedient to measure the fair value of an investment in certain entities on the basis of the net asset value per share of the investment (or its equivalent) determined as of the reporting entity’s measurement date. This new guidance also requires disclosures by major category of investment about the attributes of those investments, such as the nature of any restrictions on the investor’s ability to redeem its investments at the measurement date, any unfunded commitments and the investment strategies of the investees. This new guidance was effective for the Company’s first quarter of 2010. The adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

8


COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

In June 2009, the FASB issued new guidance related to consolidation of VIEs which required careful reconsideration of previous conclusions, including (1) whether an entity is a VIE, (2) whether the enterprise is the VIE’s primary beneficiary, and (3) what type of financial statement disclosures are required. This guidance was effective for the Company’s first quarter of 2010. In February 2010, the FASB issued new guidance as an amendment to consolidation of VIEs. The amendment deferred the consolidation requirements for a reporting entity’s interest in an entity (1) that has all the attributes of an investment company, or (2) for which it is industry practice to apply measurement principles for financial reporting purposes that are consistent with those followed by investment companies. This guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements because the Company met the criteria under the deferral afforded by the amendment.

3. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the net tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets of an acquired business. At September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, goodwill was approximately $20,552,000 and $21,196,000, respectively. The Company’s goodwill decreased by $644,000 in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as a result of foreign currency revaluation.

Intangible Assets

The following table details the gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization for the intangible assets at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 (in thousands):

 

     Remaining
Amortization
Period
(In Months)
     Gross
Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
    Intangible
Assets, Net
 

September 30, 2010:

          

Amortized intangible assets:

          

Client relationships

     99       $ 1,543       $ (802   $ 741   

Non-amortized intangible assets:

          

Mutual fund management contracts

     —           1,250         —          1,250   
                            

Total

      $ 2,793       $ (802   $ 1,991   
                            

December 31, 2009:

          

Amortized intangible assets:

          

Client relationships

     108       $ 1,543       $ (736   $ 807   

Non-amortized intangible assets:

          

Mutual fund management contracts

     —           1,250         —          1,250   
                            

Total

      $ 2,793       $ (736   $ 2,057   
                            

 

9


COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

Amortization expense related to the intangible assets was approximately $22,000 for both three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and approximately $67,000 for both nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Estimated future amortization expense is as follows (in thousands):

 

Periods Ending December 31,

   Estimated
Amortization
Expense
 

2010

   $ 23   

2011

     90   

2012

     90   

2013

     90   

2014

     90   

Thereafter

     358   
        

Total

   $ 741   
        

4. Investments

Equity investments

The offshore global real estate long-short fund (the “Offshore Fund”) launched by the Company in 2008 is structured as a partnership in which the Company is the investment manager and general partner, receiving a management fee and a performance fee. The Company’s equity interest in the Offshore Fund represents a seed investment to launch the fund, adjusted for the Company’s proportionate share of the fund’s earnings. At September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the Company had a $10,615,000 and $10,842,000 equity investment in the Offshore Fund, respectively. The fund is a VIE and from January 1, 2009 through November 30, 2009, the Company was the primary beneficiary of the Offshore Fund. Therefore, the assets, liabilities and results of operations of the Offshore Fund were included in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. At December 31, 2009, the Company was no longer the primary beneficiary of the Offshore Fund as the Company did not have a controlling financial interest. As the general partner of the Offshore Fund, the Company has significant influence over the financial decisions of the Offshore Fund and therefore accounts for its investment in the Offshore Fund using the equity method of accounting. The Company’s risk with respect to its investment in the Offshore Fund is limited to its equity ownership and any uncollected management fees.

During 2008, the Company launched an onshore global real estate long-short fund (the “Onshore Fund”). Until January 31, 2010, the Company and certain of its employees owned 100% of the voting interest in the Onshore Fund. Accordingly, the underlying assets and liabilities of the Onshore Fund had been included in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements with the third party interests classified as redeemable noncontrolling interest as of December 31, 2009. As the redeemable noncontrolling interests were owned by certain employees of the Company, no management or performance fees were charged. As a result of consolidating the Onshore Fund, the Company recorded approximately $17,621,000 of securities owned and approximately $16,118,000 of securities sold but not yet purchased as of December 31, 2009, which were comprised primarily of equities. Beginning February 1, 2010, the Company accounted for its investment in the Onshore Fund using the equity method of accounting as the Company no longer had a controlling financial interest. As the general partner of the Onshore Fund, the Company has significant influence over the financial decisions of the Onshore Fund and therefore accounts for its investment in the Onshore Fund using the equity method of accounting. At September 30, 2010, the Company had a $25,465,000 equity investment in the Onshore Fund.

 

10


COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

The Company recorded gain from trading securities of approximately $189,000 from the consolidation of the Onshore Fund and $11,642,000 from the consolidation of the Onshore Fund and the Offshore Fund for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

During the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company launched Cohen & Steers Global Listed Infrastructure Fund (“GLIF”). The Company accounts for its investment in GLIF using the equity method of accounting as the Company does not have a controlling financial interest, but has significant influence over the financial decisions of GLIF. At September 30, 2010, the Company had a $5,233,000 equity investment in GLIF.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company recognized earnings of approximately $1,005,000 and $185,000, respectively, under the equity method of accounting, which is included in equity in earnings of affiliates in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Available-for-sale

In May 2010, the Company launched Cohen & Steers Preferred Securities and Income Fund (“CPX”). Until June 30, 2010, the Company owned a majority interest in CPX and accordingly, the underlying assets and liabilities had been included in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements with the third party interest disclosed as redeemable noncontrolling interest. The Company recorded a loss from trading securities of approximately $371,000 from the consolidation of CPX for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. From July 1, 2010 through August 31, 2010, the Company accounted for its investment in CPX using the equity method of accounting as the Company no longer had a controlling financial interest but had significant influence over CPX’s financial decisions. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company recognized earnings of approximately $617,000 under the equity method of accounting, which is included in equity in earnings of affiliates in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Beginning September 1, 2010, the Company no longer had significant influence over CPX’s financial decisions and accordingly, its interest in CPX is included in investments, available-for-sale.

The following is a summary of the cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and fair value of investments, available-for-sale as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 (in thousands):

 

     September 30, 2010  
     Cost      Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses <
12 months
    Fair
Value
 

Perpetual preferred securities

   $ 5,936       $ 16       $ (3   $ 5,949   

Common stocks

     5,358         652         (29     5,981   

Company-sponsored mutual funds

     15,716         2,303         —          18,019   
                                  

Total investments, available-for-sale

   $ 27,010       $ 2,971       $ (32   $ 29,949   
                                  

 

11


COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

     December 31, 2009  
     Cost      Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses <
12 months
    Fair
Value
 

Perpetual preferred securities

   $ 11,648       $ 3,813       $ —        $ 15,461   

Common stocks

     5,204         636         (150     5,690   

Corporate debt

     1,446         1,179         —          2,625   

Company-sponsored mutual funds

     18,598         3,384         —          21,982   
                                  

Total investments, available-for-sale

   $ 36,896       $ 9,012       $ (150   $ 45,758   
                                  

Unrealized losses on investments, available-for-sale as of September 30, 2010 were generally caused by market conditions. When evaluating whether an unrealized loss on an investment, available-for-sale is other than temporary, the Company reviews such factors as extent and duration of the loss, deterioration in the issuer’s credit quality, reduction or cessation of dividend payments and overall financial strength of the issuer. As of September 30, 2010, the Company determined that it had the ability and intent to hold the remaining investments for which no other than temporary impairment has occurred until a recovery of fair value. Accordingly, impairment of these investments is considered temporary.

Sales proceeds, gross realized gains and losses from investments, available-for-sale for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 are summarized below (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2010     2009     2010     2009  

Proceeds from sales

   $ 14,727      $ 8,388      $ 36,471      $ 36,053   

Gross realized gains

     2,385        1,076        6,629        2,593   

Gross realized losses

     (230     (77     (683     (11,201

Fair Value

The Codification Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”), defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and enhances disclosures about instruments carried at fair value, but does not change existing guidance as to whether or not an instrument should be carried at fair value.

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-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.

 

   

Level 3—Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.

 

12


COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

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 the investments. In determining the appropriate levels, the Company performed a detailed analysis of the assets and liabilities that are subject to ASC 820. The following table presents fair value measurements as of September 30, 2010 (in thousands):

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Total  

Cash equivalents*

   $ 56,407       $ —         $ 56,407   
                          

Equity investments

   $ 5,233       $ 36,080       $ 41,313   
                          

Investments, available-for-sale

        

Perpetual preferred securities

   $ 1,014       $ 4,935       $ 5,949   

Common stocks

     5,981         —           5,981   

Company-sponsored mutual funds

     18,019         —           18,019   
                          

Total investments, available-for-sale

   $ 25,014       $ 4,935       $ 29,949   
                          

 

* Cash equivalents were comprised of investments in money market funds.

Equity investments classified as level 2 in the above table represent the fair value measurement of equity investments in the Onshore Fund and the Offshore Fund, which makes long and short investments in real estate securities to maximize absolute and risk-adjusted returns with modest volatility. The Company has the ability to redeem the funds monthly at net asset value per share with prior written notice of 30 days and no significant restrictions to redemption.

Investments, available-for-sale classified as level 2 in the above table were comprised of auction rate preferred securities, which were measured at fair value based on the quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active.

The following table summarizes the changes in carrying value associated with level 3 investments carried at fair value (in thousands):

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2010
 

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 600   

Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements

     —     

Realized gains (losses)

     —     

Unrealized gains (losses)

     —     

Reclassification to equity investments due to de-consolidation

     (600
        

Balance at end of period

   $ —     
        

5. Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing net income attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share are calculated by dividing net income attributable to common shareholders by the total weighted average shares of common stock outstanding and

 

13


COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

common stock equivalents. Common stock equivalents are comprised of dilutive potential shares from restricted stock unit awards. Common stock equivalents are excluded from the computation if their effect is anti-dilutive. Diluted earnings per share are computed using the treasury stock method.

Anti-dilutive common stock equivalents of 50,000 and 59,000 shares, respectively, were excluded from the computation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010. Anti-dilutive common stock equivalents of 326,000 shares were excluded from the computation for the three months ended September 30, 2009. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, due to the Company’s loss, all common stock equivalents were excluded from the diluted loss per share calculation because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. Had the Company earned a profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company would have added 146,000 common stock equivalent shares to the Company’s basic weighted average shares outstanding to compute diluted weighted average shares outstanding.

The following is a reconciliation of the income and share data used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 (in thousands, except per share data):

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2010      2009     2010     2009  

Net income (loss)

   $ 13,163       $ 7,962      $ 33,654      $ (12,348

Less: Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest

     —           (417 )     (8     (1,007 )
                                 

Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders

   $ 13,163       $ 7,545      $ 33,646      $ (13,355
                                 

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

     42,756         42,396        42,696        42,319   

Dilutive potential shares from restricted stock units

     461         237       403       —     
                                 

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

     43,217         42,633        43,099        42,319   
                                 

Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders

   $ 0.31       $ 0.18      $ 0.79      $ (0.32
                                 

Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders

   $ 0.30       $ 0.18      $ 0.78      $ (0.32
                                 

6. Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 was approximately 29%, which includes discrete items, the most significant of which was attributable to the sale of previously impaired securities. Excluding the discrete items, the effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 was approximately 34%. The effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 was approximately 21% and 10%, respectively. The effective tax rates for the 2009 periods were reduced by a valuation allowance established related to other-than-temporary impairment charges taken during the periods. The Company expects the tax rate for the full year 2010 to approximate 34%, excluding discrete items.

Deferred income taxes represent the tax effects of the temporary differences between book and tax bases and are measured using enacted tax rates that will be in effect when such items are expected to reverse. The Company’s net deferred tax asset is primarily comprised of future income tax deductions attributable to the

 

14


COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

delivery of unvested restricted stock units. The Company records a valuation allowance, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to an amount that more likely than not will be realized.

7. Comprehensive Income

Total comprehensive income includes net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. The components of comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2010     2009     2010     2009  

Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders

   $ 13,163      $ 7,545      $ 33,646      $ (13,355

Foreign currency translation gain (loss) adjustment

     3,447        1,340        (661     1,702   

Net unrealized gain (loss) from investments, available-for-sale, net of tax

     2,981        8,348        (318     10,801   

Reclassification to statements of operations of (gain) loss from investments, available-for-sale, net of tax

     (2,124     (461     (5,603     28,016   
                                

Total comprehensive income attributable to common shareholders

   $ 17,467      $ 16,772      $ 27,064      $ 27,164   
                                

8. Regulatory Requirements

Securities, a registered broker/dealer in the U.S., is subject to the SEC’s Uniform Net Capital Rule 15c3-1 (the “Rule”), which requires that broker/dealers maintain a minimum level of net capital, as defined. As of September 30, 2010, Securities had net capital of approximately $1,433,000, which exceeded its requirements by approximately $1,317,000. The Rule also provides that equity capital may not be withdrawn or cash dividends paid if the resulting net capital of a broker/dealer is less than the amount required under the Rule and requires prior notice to the SEC for certain withdrawals of capital. The Company made a capital withdrawal of $10,000,000 from Securities during the three months ended September 30, 2010.

Securities does not carry customer accounts and is exempt from the SEC’s Rule 15c3-3 pursuant to provisions (k)(1) of such rule.

The non-U.S. subsidiaries of the Company are regulated outside the U.S. by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission, the United Kingdom Financial Securities Authority, and the Belgium Banking, Finance and Insurance Commission (collectively, the “Foreign Regulated Entities”). As of September 30, 2010, the Foreign Regulated Entities had aggregate regulatory capital of approximately $44,128,000, which exceeded requirements by approximately $42,846,000.

 

15


COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

9. Related Party Transactions

The Company is an investment advisor to, and has administrative agreements with, affiliated open-end and closed-end mutual funds for which certain employees are officers and/or directors. The following table sets forth the amount of revenue the Company earned from these affiliated funds for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2010      2009      2010      2009  

Investment advisory and administration fees

   $ 27,021       $ 20,640       $ 77,545       $ 51,238   

Distribution and service fees

     2,259         2,019         6,659         5,321   
                                   
   $ 29,280       $ 22,659       $ 84,204       $ 56,559   
                                   

For the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company had investment advisory agreements with certain affiliated closed-end mutual funds, pursuant to which the Company contractually waived approximately $863,000 and $1,074,000, respectively, of advisory fees it was otherwise entitled to receive. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company waived approximately $2,439,000 and $2,987,000 of advisory fees, respectively. These investment advisory agreements contractually require the Company to waive a portion of the advisory fees the Company otherwise would charge for up to ten years from the respective fund’s inception date. The board of directors of these mutual funds must approve the renewal of the advisory agreements each year, including any reduction in advisory fee waivers scheduled to take effect during that year. As of September 30, 2010, such scheduled reductions in advisory fee waivers were effective for two funds.

Sales proceeds, gross realized gains and dividend income from investments, available-for-sale in Company-sponsored mutual funds for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 are summarized below (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
         2010              2009              2010              2009      

Proceeds from sales

   $ 6,979      $ —         $ 10,705      $ —     

Gross realized gains

     1,224        —           1,924         —     

Dividend income

     558         43         620         192   

The Company has agreements with certain affiliated open-end and closed-end mutual funds to reimburse certain fund expenses. For the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, expenses of approximately $1,383,000 and $1,339,000, respectively, were incurred by the Company pursuant to these agreements and were included in general and administrative expenses. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, expenses of approximately $3,519,000 and $4,024,000, respectively, were incurred.

Included in accounts receivable at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 are receivables due from Company-sponsored mutual funds of approximately $10,701,000 and $9,087,000, respectively.

 

16


COHEN & STEERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

11. Commitments and Contingencies

From time to time, the Company is involved in legal matters relating to claims arising in the ordinary course of business. Except as noted below, there are currently no such matters pending that the Company believes could have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition.

The Company, CSCM and the officers of two Cohen & Steers closed-end funds (collectively, the “Defendants”) were named as defendants in putative shareholder derivative actions captioned Gammon v. Cohen & Steers Capital Management, Inc., et al. and Livson v. Cohen & Steers Capital Management, Inc., et al. filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York on August 26, 2010 and September 8, 2010, respectively (together, the “Complaints”). The Complaints also named the two funds as nominal defendants. The Complaints allege breaches of fiduciary duties related to the redemption of the funds’ auction preferred shares at their liquidation preference, and seek indeterminate monetary damages in favor of the funds and an award of plaintiffs’ costs and disbursements in pursuing the action.

The Complaints follow the previously disclosed shareholder demand letters sent to the board of directors of three Cohen & Steers closed-end funds, which contain the same basic allegations contained in the Complaints. On October 28, 2010, a special committee consisting of independent members of the funds’ boards determined that the funds should not pursue claims based on the allegations in the demand letters and rejected the demands made in the letters. The Defendants believe that the Complaints are without merit, and intend to defend vigorously against these charges.

In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution and outcome of this matter is uncertain, and the Company is unable to estimate the expense or exposure, if any, that it may represent, though it could potentially have a material adverse impact on the financial position and results of operations of the Company. However, this possible impact is unknown and not reasonably determinable; therefore, no liability has been recorded in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

12. Subsequent Event

On November 3, 2010, CNS declared a quarterly cash dividend on its common stock in the amount of $0.10 per share. The dividend will be payable on December 29, 2010 to stockholders of record at the close of business on December 6, 2010.

 

17


 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Set forth on the following pages is management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009. Such information should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements together with the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements. The interim condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company, included herein, are unaudited. When we use the terms “Cohen & Steers,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our,” we mean Cohen & Steers, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Overview

We are a manager of portfolios specializing in U.S. and international real estate securities, large cap value stocks, listed infrastructure and utilities, and preferred securities. We also manage alternative investment strategies such as hedged real estate securities portfolios and private real estate multimanager strategies for qualified investors. We serve individual and institutional investors through a broad range of investment vehicles.

 

18


 

Assets Under Management

We manage three types of accounts: open-end mutual funds, closed-end mutual funds and institutional separate accounts.

The following table sets forth information regarding the net flows and appreciation/(depreciation) of assets under management for the periods presented (in millions):

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2010     2009     2010     2009  

Open-End Mutual Funds

        

Assets under management, beginning of period

   $ 6,595      $ 4,238      $ 6,285      $ 4,280   
                                

Inflows

     641        747        2,035        1,502   

Outflows

     (608     (361     (1,570     (1,031
                                

Net inflows

     33        386        465        471   

Market appreciation

     1,010        1,279        888        1,152   
                                

Total increase

     1,043        1,665        1,353        1,623   
                                

Assets under management, end of period

   $ 7,638      $ 5,903      $ 7,638      $ 5,903   
                                

Average assets under management for period

   $ 7,039      $ 5,122      $ 6,647      $ 4,094   
                                

Closed-End Mutual Funds

        

Assets under management, beginning of period

   $ 5,315      $ 4,213      $ 5,546      $ 4,278   
                                

Inflows

     41        180        41        628  

Outflows

     (12 )     —          (19     (395 )
                                

Net inflows

     29        180       22        233  

Market appreciation

     559        799        335        681   
                                

Total increase

     588        979        357        914   
                                

Assets under management, end of period

   $ 5,903      $ 5,192      $ 5,903      $ 5,192   
                                

Average assets under management for period

   $ 5,703      $ 4,759      $ 5,625      $ 4,112   
                                

Institutional Separate Accounts

        

Assets under management, beginning of period

   $ 14,332      $ 7,869      $ 12,954      $ 6,544   
                                

Inflows

     1,840        1,634        4,705        3,110   

Outflows

     (798     (449     (1,735     (748
                                

Net inflows

     1,042        1,185        2,970        2,362   

Market appreciation

     2,324        2,344        1,774        2,492   
                                

Total increase

     3,366        3,529        4,744        4,854   
                                

Assets under management, end of period(1)

   $ 17,698      $ 11,398      $ 17,698      $ 11,398   
                                

Average assets under management for period

   $ 16,219      $ 9,583      $ 14,696      $ 7,386   
                                

Total

        

Assets under management, beginning of period

   $ 26,242      $ 16,320      $ 24,785      $ 15,102   
                                

Inflows

     2,522        2,561        6,781        5,240   

Outflows

     (1,418     (810     (3,324     (2,174
                                

Net inflows

     1,104        1,751        3,457        3,066   

Market appreciation

     3,893        4,422        2,997        4,325   
                                

Total increase

     4,997        6,173        6,454        7,391   
                                

Assets under management, end of period

   $ 31,239      $ 22,493      $ 31,239      $ 22,493   
                                

Average assets under management for period

   $ 28,961      $ 19,464      $ 26,968      $ 15,592   
                                

 

(1) As of September 30, 2010, assets under management from institutional separate accounts included $217 million of assets invested in our alternative strategy.

 

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Assets under management were $31.2 billion at September 30, 2010, a 39% increase from $22.5 billion at September 30, 2009. The increase was due to market appreciation of $4.4 billion and net inflows of $4.4 billion.

Average assets under management were $29.0 billion in the three months ended September 30, 2010, an increase of 49% from $19.5 billion in the three months ended September 30, 2009. Average assets under management were $27.0 billion in the nine months ended September 30, 2010, an increase of 73% from $15.6 billion in the nine months ended September 30, 2009.

Open-end mutual funds

Open-end mutual fund assets under management increased 29% to $7.6 billion at September 30, 2010 from $5.9 billion at September 30, 2009. The increase in assets under management was due to market appreciation of $1.2 billion and net inflows of $511 million during the prior twelve month period.

Average assets under management for open-end mutual funds were $7.0 billion in the three months ended September 30, 2010, an increase of 37% from $5.1 billion in the three months ended September 30, 2009.

Net inflows for open-end mutual funds were $33 million in the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared with $386 million in the three months ended September 30, 2009. Gross inflows were $641 million in the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared with $747 million in the three months ended September 30, 2009. Gross outflows totaled $608 million in the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared with $361 million in the three months ended September 30, 2009. Market appreciation was $1.0 billion in the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared with $1.3 billion in the three months ended September 30, 2009.

Net inflows for open-end mutual funds were $465 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared with $471 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009. Gross inflows were $2.0 billion in the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared with $1.5 billion in the nine months ended September 30, 2009. Gross outflows totaled $1.6 billion in the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared with $1.0 billion in the nine months ended September 30, 2009. Market appreciation was $888 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared with $1.2 billion in the nine months ended September 30, 2009.

Closed-end mutual funds

Closed-end mutual fund assets under management increased 14% to $5.9 billion at September 30, 2010, compared with $5.2 billion at September 30, 2009. The increase in assets under management was primarily attributable to market appreciation of $689 million during the prior twelve month period.

Average assets under management for closed-end mutual funds were $5.7 billion in the three months ended September 30, 2010, an increase of 20% from $4.8 billion in the three months ended September 30, 2009.

Closed-end mutual funds had net inflows of $29 million in the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared with inflows of $180 million in the three months ended September 30, 2009 due to releveraging achieved through the funds’ credit facilities. The releveraging was the result of market appreciation and not a change in the funds’ target leverage ratio. Market appreciation was $559 million in the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared with $799 million in the three months ended September 30, 2009.

Closed-end mutual funds had net inflows of $22 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared with $233 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 due to releveraging achieved through the funds’ credit facilities. The releveraging was the result of market appreciation and not a change in the funds’ target leverage ratio. Market appreciation was $335 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared with $681 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009.

 

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Institutional separate accounts

Institutional separate account assets under management increased 55% to $17.7 billion at September 30, 2010 from $11.4 billion at September 30, 2009. The increase in assets under management was due to net inflows of $3.8 billion and market appreciation of $2.5 billion during the prior twelve month period.

Average assets under management for institutional separate accounts were $16.2 billion in the three months ended September 30, 2010, an increase of 69% from $9.6 billion in the three months ended September 30, 2009.

Institutional separate accounts had net inflows of $1.0 billion in the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared with $1.2 billion in the three months ended September 30, 2009. Gross inflows were $1.8 billion in the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared with $1.6 billion in the three months ended September 30, 2009. Gross outflows totaled $798 million in the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared with $449 million in the three months ended September 30, 2009. Market appreciation was $2.3 billion in the three months ended September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009.

Institutional separate accounts had net inflows of $3.0 billion in the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared with $2.4 billion in the nine months ended September 30, 2009. Gross inflows were $4.7 billion in the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared with $3.1 billion in the nine months ended September 30, 2009. Gross outflows totaled $1.7 billion in the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared with $748 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009. Market appreciation was $1.8 billion in the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared with $2.5 billion in the nine months ended September 30, 2009.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended September 30, 2010 compared with Three Months Ended September 30, 2009

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
(in thousands)    2010     2009  

Results of operations

    

Total revenue

   $ 46,372      $ 33,827   

Total expenses

     (32,400     (28,012

Total non-operating income

     4,489        4,212   
                

Income before provision for income taxes

   $ 18,461      $ 10,027   
                

Revenue

Total revenue increased 37% to $46.4 million in the three months ended September 30, 2010 from $33.8 million in the three months ended September 30, 2009. This increase was primarily attributable to higher investment advisory and administration fees resulting from higher average assets under management, from net inflows and market appreciation. Average assets under management in the three months ended September 30, 2010 were $29.0 billion compared with $19.5 billion in the three months ended September 30, 2009.

In the three months ended September 30, 2010, total investment advisory and administration revenue from open-end mutual funds increased 38% to $15.5 million from $11.3 million in the three months ended September 30, 2009. The increase in open-end mutual fund revenue was attributable to higher levels of average assets under management resulting from market appreciation of $1.2 billion and net inflows of $511 million during the prior twelve month period. Average assets under management for open-end mutual funds in the three months ended September 30, 2010 were $7.0 billion compared with $5.1 billion in the three months ended September 30, 2009.

 

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In the three months ended September 30, 2010, total investment advisory and administration revenue from closed-end mutual funds increased 23% to $11.5 million from $9.4 million in the three months ended September 30, 2009. The increase in closed-end mutual fund revenue was attributable to higher levels of average assets under management resulting primarily from market appreciation of $689 million during the prior twelve month period. Average assets under management for closed-end mutual funds in the three months ended September 30, 2010 were $5.7 billion compared with $4.8 billion in the three months ended September 30, 2009.

In the three months ended September 30, 2010, total investment advisory and administration revenue from institutional separate accounts increased 54% to $15.9 million from $10.3 million in the three months ended September 30, 2009. The increase in institutional separate account revenue was attributable to higher levels of average assets under management resulting from net inflows of $3.8 billion and market appreciation of $2.5 billion during the prior twelve month period. Average assets under management for institutional separate accounts in the three months ended September 30, 2010 were $16.2 billion compared with $9.6 billion in the three months ended September 30, 2009.

Expenses

Total operating expenses increased 16% to $32.4 million in the three months ended September 30, 2010 from $28.0 million in the three months ended September 30, 2009, primarily due to increases in employee compensation and benefits, distribution and service fees and general and administrative expenses.

Employee compensation and benefits increased 13% to $18.1 million in the three months ended September 30, 2010 from $16.0 million in the three months ended September 30, 2009. This increase was primarily due to higher incentive bonus and production compensation, net of deferrals, of approximately $706,000, higher amortization of restricted stock units of approximately $613,000 and higher salaries of approximately $571,000.

Distribution and service fee expenses increased 32% to $5.1 million in the three months ended September 30, 2010 from $3.8 million in the three months ended September 30, 2009. This increase was primarily due to higher average assets under management in certain of our open-end mutual funds.

General and administrative expenses increased 13% to $7.9 million in the three months ended September 30, 2010 from $7.0 million in the three months ended September 30, 2009. This increase was primarily due to higher information technology costs of approximately $309,000 resulting from upgrades made to our infrastructure, including application development, and higher travel and entertainment of approximately $197,000.

Non-operating Income

Non-operating income was $4.5 million in the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared with $4.2 million in the three months ended September 30, 2009. The third quarter 2010 results included a gain of approximately $2.2 million due to recoveries on the sale of previously impaired securities. Excluding this gain, non-operating income would have been $2.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010. The third quarter 2009 results included approximately $3.1 million of net trading gains from our consolidated global real estate long-short funds.

Income Taxes

We recorded income tax expense of $5.3 million in the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared with $2.1 million in the three months ended September 30, 2009. The effective tax rate of approximately 29% in the three months ended September 30, 2010 included discrete items, the most significant of which was attributable to the sale of previously impaired securities. Excluding the discrete items, the effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2010 was approximately 34%. The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2009 was approximately 21%. We expect our tax rate for the full year 2010 to approximate 34%, excluding discrete items.

 

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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 compared with Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
(in thousands)    2010     2009  

Results of operations

    

Total revenue

   $ 131,948      $ 83,682   

Total expenses

     (92,215     (77,307

Total non-operating income (loss)

     7,574        (17,496
                

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

   $ 47,307      $ (11,121
                

Revenue

Total revenue increased 58% to $131.9 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 from $83.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009. This increase was primarily attributable to higher investment advisory and administration fees resulting from higher average assets under management, from net inflows and market appreciation. Average assets under management in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 were $27.0 billion compared with $15.6 billion in the nine months ended September 30, 2009.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2010, total investment advisory and administration revenue from open-end mutual funds increased 61% to $43.9 million from $27.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009. The increase in open-end mutual fund revenue was attributable to higher levels of average assets under management resulting from market appreciation of $1.2 billion and net inflows of $511 million during the prior twelve month period. Average assets under management for open-end mutual funds in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 were $6.6 billion compared with $4.1 billion in the nine months ended September 30, 2009.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2010, total investment advisory and administration revenue from closed-end mutual funds increased 40% to $33.7 million from $24.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009. The increase in closed-end mutual fund revenue was attributable to higher levels of average assets under management resulting primarily from market appreciation of $689 million during the prior twelve month period. Average assets under management for closed-end mutual funds in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 were $5.6 billion compared with $4.1 billion in the nine months ended September 30, 2009.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2010, total investment advisory and administration revenue from institutional separate accounts increased 79% to $44.3 million from $24.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009. The increase in institutional separate account revenue was attributable to higher levels of average assets under management resulting from net inflows of $3.8 billion and market appreciation of $2.5 billion during the prior twelve month period. Average assets under management for institutional separate accounts in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 were $14.7 billion compared with $7.4 billion in the nine months ended September 30, 2009.

Expenses

Total operating expenses increased 19% to $92.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 from $77.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009, primarily due to increases in employee compensation and benefits, distribution and service fees and general and administrative expenses.

Employee compensation and benefits increased 20% to $51.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 from $43.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009. This increase was primarily due to higher incentive bonus and production compensation, net of deferrals, of approximately $4.6 million, higher amortization of restricted stock units of approximately $1.5 million and higher salaries of approximately $1.1 million.

 

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Distribution and service fee expenses increased 42% to $14.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 from $10.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009. This increase was primarily due to higher average assets under management in certain of our open-end mutual funds.

General and administrative increased 10% to $22.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 from $20.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009. This increase was primarily due to higher travel and entertainment of approximately $765,000, higher information technology costs of approximately $364,000 resulting from upgrades made to our infrastructure, including application development, and higher marketing expenses of approximately $360,000.

Non-operating Income

Non-operating income was $7.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared with a non-operating loss of $17.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009. The 2010 results included a gain of approximately $5.3 million due to recoveries on the sale of previously impaired securities. Excluding this gain, non-operating income would have been $2.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The 2009 results included other-than-temporary impairment charges of $32.2 million recorded on available-for-sale securities, primarily from investments in preferred securities and seed money investments in our sponsored mutual funds. Excluding these charges, non-operating income would have been $14.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009, of which approximately $11.6 million was related to net trading gains from our consolidated global real estate long-short funds.

Income Taxes

We recorded an income tax expense of $13.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared with $1.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009. The effective tax rate of approximately 29% in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 included discrete items, the most significant of which was attributable to the sale of previously impaired securities. Excluding these discrete items, the effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was approximately 34%. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was approximately 21%, excluding discrete items. We expect our tax rate for the full year 2010 to approximate 34%, excluding discrete items.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our investment advisory business does not require us to maintain significant capital balances. Our current financial condition is highly liquid, with a significant amount of our assets comprised of cash and cash equivalents, equity investments, investments, available-for-sale and accounts receivable. Our cash flows generally result from the operating activities of our business, with investment advisory and administrative fees being the most significant contributor. Cash and cash equivalents, equity investments, investments, available-for-sale and accounts receivable were 82% and 71% of total assets as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. Included in investments, available-for-sale were approximately $4.9 million of auction rate preferred securities which were classified as level 2 investments in accordance with the Accounting Standard Codification (the “Codification”) Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“Topic 820”), at September 30, 2010. See Note 4 to the condensed consolidated financial statements relating to investments.

Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $52.2 million, excluding the effect of exchange rate changes, in the nine months ended September 30, 2010. Net cash provided by operating activities was $27.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2010. Net cash of $19.5 million was provided by investing activities, primarily from proceeds from sales of investments, available-for-sale in the amount of $36.5 million, partially offset by purchases of $15.1 million of investments, available-for-sale and purchases of $1.7 million of property and equipment. Net cash of $98.8 million was used in financing activities, primarily from dividends to stockholders of $98.1 million, which included a special dividend of approximately $85.3 million paid on September 27, 2010,

 

24


and repurchase of common stock of $3.4 million to satisfy employee withholding tax obligations on the delivery of restricted stock units, partially offset by contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interest of $2.0 million.

Cash and cash equivalents increased by $14.1 million, excluding the effect of exchange rate changes, in the nine months ended September 30, 2009. Net cash provided by operating activities was $7.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009. Net cash of $11.0 million was provided by investing activities, primarily from proceeds from sales of investments, available-for-sale in the amount of $36.1 million, partially offset by purchases of $22.9 million of investments, available-for-sale and purchases of $2.2 million of property and equipment. Net cash of $4.2 million was used in financing activities, primarily from dividends to stockholders of $6.4 million, a reduction to previously recorded excess tax benefits associated with the delivery of restricted stock units of $3.4 million and repurchase of common stock of $2.2 million to satisfy employee withholding tax obligations on the delivery of restricted stock units, partially offset by contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interest of $7.3 million.

It is our policy to continuously monitor and evaluate the adequacy of our capital. We have consistently maintained net capital in excess of the regulatory requirements for our broker/dealer, as prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). At September 30, 2010, we exceeded our minimum regulatory capital requirements by approximately $1.3 million. The SEC’s Uniform Net Capital Rule 15c3-1 imposes certain requirements that may have the effect of prohibiting a broker/dealer from distributing or withdrawing capital and requiring prior notice to the SEC for certain withdrawals of capital. During the three months ended September 30, 2010, we made a capital withdrawal of $10,000,000 from our broker/dealer. Our non-U.S. subsidiaries are regulated outside the U.S. by the Hong Kong Securities and Future Commission, the United Kingdom Financial Securities Authority, and the Belgium Banking, Finance and Insurance Commission. At September 30, 2010, our non-U.S. subsidiaries exceeded their aggregate minimum regulatory requirements by approximately $42.8 million. We believe that our cash flows from operations will be more than adequate to meet our anticipated capital requirements and other obligations as they become due.

Contractual Obligations

We have contractual obligations to make future payments in connection with our non-cancelable operating lease agreements for office space. There were no material capital lease obligations as of September 30, 2010. The following summarizes our contractual obligations as of September 30, 2010 (in thousands):

 

     2010      2011      2012      2013      2014      2015
and after
     Total  

Operating leases

   $ 1,904       $ 7,375       $ 7,148       $ 7,352       $ 1,122       $ 825       $ 25,726   
                                                              

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not invest in any off-balance sheet vehicles that provide liquidity, capital resources, market or credit risk support, or engage in any leasing activities that expose us to any liability that is not reflected in our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. We believe the estimates used in preparing the condensed consolidated financial statements are reasonable and prudent. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

25


 

A thorough understanding of our accounting policies is essential when reviewing our reported results of operations and our financial position. Management considers the following accounting policies critical to an informed review of our condensed consolidated financial statements. For a summary of these and additional accounting policies, see the notes to the annual audited consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Investments

We determine the appropriate classification of our investments at the time of purchase and re-evaluate such determination at each statement of financial condition date.

Securities owned and securities sold but not yet purchased are classified as trading securities and are measured at fair value based on quoted market prices, market prices obtained from independent pricing services engaged by management or as determined by our fair value committee, with unrealized gains and losses recorded as gain (loss) from trading securities reported in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Investments classified as equity investments are accounted for using the equity method, under which we recognize our respective share of the investee’s net income for the period. The carrying amounts of these investments approximate their fair value.

Investments classified as available-for-sale are primarily comprised of investment-grade preferred instruments and investments in our sponsored open-end and closed-end mutual funds. These investments are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices or market prices obtained from independent pricing services engaged by management, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported in accumulated other comprehensive income. We periodically review each individual security position that has an unrealized loss, or impairment, to determine if that impairment is other than temporary. If we believe an impairment of a security position is other than temporary, the loss will be recognized in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of our investment in the net assets of an acquired company over the fair value of the underlying identifiable net assets at the date of acquisition. Goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets are not amortized but are tested at least annually for impairment by comparing the fair value to their carrying amounts. Finite lived intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives.

Stock-based Compensation

We recognize compensation expense for the grant-date fair value of awards of equity instruments granted to employees. This expense is recognized over the period during which employees are required to provide service. We also estimate forfeitures.

Income Taxes

We record the current and deferred tax consequences of all transactions that have been recognized in the condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with the provisions of the enacted tax laws. Deferred tax assets are recognized for temporary differences that will result in deductible amounts in future years. Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for temporary differences that will result in taxable income in future years. We record a valuation allowance, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to an amount that more likely than not will be realized. The effective tax rate for interim periods represents our best estimate of the effective tax rate expected to be applied to the full fiscal year.

 

26


 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance as an amendment to fair value measurements and disclosures. The new guidance adds new requirements for disclosure about transfers into and out of level 1 and level 2 fair value measurements and separate disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements relating to level 3 measurements. The guidance also clarifies existing fair value disclosures about the level of disaggregation and about inputs and valuation techniques in level 2 and level 3 fair value measurements. This new guidance was effective for the first quarter of our 2010 fiscal year. The adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In September 2009, the FASB issued new guidance measuring fair value of certain alternative investments. This new guidance creates a practical expedient to measure the fair value of an investment in certain entities on the basis of the net asset value per share of the investment (or its equivalent) determined as of the reporting entity’s measurement date. This new guidance also requires disclosures by major category of investment about the attributes of those investments, such as the nature of any restrictions on the investor’s ability to redeem its investments at the measurement date, any unfunded commitments and the investment strategies of the investees. This new guidance was effective for the first quarter of our 2010 fiscal year. The adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In June 2009, the FASB issued new guidance related to consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”) which required careful reconsideration of previous conclusions, including (1) whether an entity is a VIE, (2) whether the enterprise is the VIE’s primary beneficiary, and (3) what type of financial statement disclosures are required. This guidance was effective for the first quarter of our 2010 fiscal year. In February 2010, the FASB issued new guidance as an amendment to consolidation of VIEs. The amendment deferred the consolidation requirements for a reporting entity’s interest in an entity (1) that has all the attributes of an investment company, or (2) for which it is industry practice to apply measurement principles for financial reporting purposes that are consistent with those followed by investment companies. This guidance did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements because we met the criteria under the deferral afforded by the amendment.

Forward-Looking Statements

This report and other documents filed by us contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, our operations and financial performance. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “outlook,” “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “continues,” “may,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “predicts,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates” or the negative versions of these words or other comparable words. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties.

Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. We believe that these factors include, but are not limited to, those described in the Risk Factors section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, which is accessible on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Web site at www.sec.gov and on our Web site at www.cohenandsteers.com. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this report. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

 

27


 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

There have been no material changes in our Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk from those previously reported in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Our management, including our co-chief executive officers and our chief financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of September 30, 2010. Based on that evaluation, our co-chief executive officers and chief financial officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2010 were effective.

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2010 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II—Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we are involved in legal matters relating to claims arising in the ordinary course of business. Except as noted below, there are currently no such matters pending that we believe could have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition.

The Company, CSCM and the officers of two Cohen & Steers closed-end funds (collectively, the “Defendants”) were named as defendants in putative shareholder derivative actions captioned Gammon v. Cohen & Steers Capital Management, Inc., et al. and Livson v. Cohen & Steers Capital Management, Inc., et al. filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York on August 26, 2010 and September 8, 2010, respectively (together, the “Complaints”). The Complaints also named the two funds as nominal defendants. The Complaints allege breaches of fiduciary duties related to the redemption of the funds’ auction preferred shares at their liquidation preference, and seek indeterminate monetary damages in favor of the funds and an award of plaintiffs’ costs and disbursements in pursuing the action.

The Complaints follow the previously disclosed shareholder demand letters sent to the board of directors of three Cohen & Steers closed-end funds, which contain the same basic allegations contained in the Complaints. On October 28, 2010, a special committee consisting of independent members of the funds’ boards determined that the funds should not pursue claims based on the allegations in the demand letters and rejected the demands made in the letters. The Defendants believe that the Complaints are without merit, and intend to defend vigorously against these charges.

In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution and outcome of this matter is uncertain, and we are unable to estimate the expense or exposure, if any, that it may represent, though it could potentially have a material adverse impact on the financial position and results of operations of the Company. However, this possible impact is unknown and not reasonably determinable; therefore, no liability has been recorded in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

For a discussion of our potential risks and uncertainties, please see Part 1, Item 1A of our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in Part 1, Item 1A of our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

During the three months ended September 30, 2010, we made the following purchases of our equity securities that are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

Period

  Total Number of
Shares Purchased
    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
 

July 1 through July 31, 2010

    441 (1)    $ 21.43        —          —     

August 1 through August 31, 2010

    4,485 (1)    $ 21.93        —          —     

September 1 through September 30, 2010

    935 (1)    $ 20.71        —          —     
             

Total

    5,861      $ 21.70        —          —     
             

 

(1) Purchases made by us to satisfy the income tax withholding obligations of certain employees.

 

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Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.

    

Description

  3.1       —Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant(1)
  3.2       —Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant(2)
  4.1       —Specimen Common Stock Certificate(1)
  4.2       —Form of Registration Rights Agreement among the Registrant, Martin Cohen, Robert H. Steers, The Martin Cohen 1998 Family Trust and Robert H. Steers Family Trust(1)
  31.1       —Certification of the co-Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
  31.2       —Certification of the co-Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
  31.3       —Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
  32.1       —Certification of the co-Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith).
  32.2       —Certification of the co-Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith).
  32.3       —Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith).

 

(1) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-114027), as amended, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2004.
(2) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-32236) for the quarter ended June 30, 2008.

 

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SIGNATURE

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.

 

Date: November 9, 2010     Cohen & Steers, Inc.
    /s/    Matthew S. Stadler        
    Name: Matthew S. Stadler
    Title: Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

 

Date: November 9, 2010     Cohen & Steers, Inc.
    /s/    Bernard M. Doucette        
    Name: Bernard M. Doucette
    Title: Senior Vice President & Chief Accounting Officer

 

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