Table of Contents

 
United States
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
Form 10-K
 
 
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013
Commission file number 000-24498
 
 


DIAMOND HILL INVESTMENT GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
Ohio
 
65-0190407
(State of
incorporation)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
325 John H. McConnell Blvd., Suite 200,
Columbus, Ohio 43215
 
43215
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
Registrants's telephone number, including area code: (614) 255-3333
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common shares, no par value
 
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
 
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes   ¨     No   x
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.     Yes   ¨     No   x
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   x     No   ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K   x
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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
 
¨
  
Accelerated filer
 
x
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
 
¨
  
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
Aggregate market value of the registrant’s common shares (the only common equity of the registrant) held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the closing price of $85.59 on June 30, 2013 on the NASDAQ Global Select Market was $211,801,356 . Calculation of holdings by non-affiliates is based upon the assumption, for these purposes only, that the registrant’s executive officers and directors and persons holding five percent or more of the registrant’s common shares are affiliates.
3,285,998 Common Shares outstanding as of February 28, 2014 .
Documents incorporated by Reference
Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.
 



Table of Contents

Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.
Form 10-K
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2013
Index
 
Required Information
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2

Table of Contents

PART I
Item 1.
Business
Forward-Looking Statements
Throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K, Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. (the "Company," "we," "us") may make forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, relating to such matters as anticipated operating results, prospects and levels of assets under management, technological developments, economic trends (including interest rates and market volatility), expected transactions and similar matters. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “should,” “hope,” “seek,” “plan,” “intend” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date thereof. While we believe that the assumptions underlying our forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors are cautioned that any of the assumptions could prove to be inaccurate and, accordingly, our actual results and experiences could differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in our forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause such actual results or experiences to differ from results discussed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: the adverse effect from a decline in the securities markets; a decline in the performance of our products; changes in interest rates; changes in national and local economic and political conditions, including the effects of implementation of the Budget Control Act of 2011, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 and the continuing economic uncertainty in various parts of the world; changes in government policy and regulation, including monetary policy; changes in our ability to attract or retain key employees; unforeseen costs and other effects related to legal proceedings or investigations of governmental and self-regulatory organizations; and other risks identified from time-to-time in other public documents on file with the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including those discussed below in Item 1A. Throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K, when we use the terms the “Company,” “management,” “we,” “us,” and “our,” we mean Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
Overview
The Company, an Ohio corporation organized in April 1990, derives its consolidated revenue and net income from investment advisory and fund administration services provided by its subsidiaries Diamond Hill Capital Management, Inc. (“DHCM”), Beacon Hill Fund Services, Inc. (“BHFS”), and BHIL Distributors, Inc. (“BHIL”). BHFS and BHIL collectively operate as "Beacon Hill". DHCM is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. DHCM sponsors, distributes, and provides investment advisory and related services to U.S. and foreign clients through Diamond Hill Funds (the "Funds"), institutional accounts, and private investment funds (generally known as “hedge funds”). Beacon Hill provides fund administration and statutory underwriting services to U.S. and foreign clients, including the Funds.
The Company’s primary objective is to fulfill our fiduciary duty to clients. Our secondary objective is to grow the intrinsic value of the Company in order to achieve an adequate long-term return for shareholders.
Investment Advisory Activities
Clients
The Company provides investment advisory services to a broad range of clients, including corporations, mutual funds, retirement plans, public pension funds, endowments, foundations, financial institutions and high net worth individuals. We strive to expand our client base by attracting new clients and earning additional business from existing clients.
Investment Philosophy
We believe that a company’s intrinsic value is independent of its stock price. We also believe competitive long-term returns can be achieved by buying (shorting) companies when the current market price is at a discount (premium) to our estimate of intrinsic value, based upon a discounted cash flow methodology.

The following are the guiding principles for our philosophy:
               
Treat every investment as a partial ownership interest in that company.
Investing is most intelligent when it is viewed through the lens of an owner.

Always invest with a margin of safety.
Our discipline is to purchase (short) securities at a sufficient discount (premium) to our estimate of intrinsic value.  We estimate the intrinsic value of the business independent of the current stock market price then compare our estimate to

3

Table of Contents

the price to determine if an opportunity exists.  When we successfully identify securities trading below (above) our estimate of intrinsic value, it increases the potential reward and serves as the most effective risk control.

Possess a long-term investment temperament.
In the short term, emotion as much as economic fundamentals drives market prices.  Over time, the economic performance of the business and the price paid, versus the market, will determine investment return.   

Recognize that market price and intrinsic value tend to converge over a reasonable period of time.    
Investment opportunity lies in the ability to buy (or short), when the current market price does not reflect a company’s intrinsic value, and to sell (or cover) when price and value converge.
Investment Process
DHCM’s investment process begins with fundamental research focusing on estimating a company’s intrinsic value independent of its current stock price. Bottom-up analysis, which takes into consideration earnings, revenue growth, operating margins and other economic factors, is of primary importance in estimating the intrinsic value of an individual company. A five-year discounted cash flow analysis is the primary methodology to determine whether there is a discrepancy between the current market price and DHCM’s estimate of intrinsic value. In order to forecast the amount and timing of cash flows, the research analysts concentrate on the fundamental economic drivers of the business, including competitive positioning, quality of management, and balance sheet strength. Research analysts also evaluate each company within the context of sector and industry secular trends. Key factors in analyzing sectors and industries include relative pricing power, ability to earn excess returns, long-term capital flow, and other fundamental factors. DHCM also applies an intrinsic value philosophy to the analysis of fixed income securities.
Only securities selling at a discount (premium) to intrinsic value will be purchased (sold short). A portfolio manager assigns the highest weights to the highest conviction names. A strategy will often not have any exposure to certain industries in which we are unable to find attractive opportunities. A stock will be sold (or covered) if its price reaches DHCM’s estimate of intrinsic value, if fundamentals deteriorate, if a more attractive opportunity is identified, or if the holding reaches the stated limit as a percent of the portfolio.
DHCM believes that many investors’ short-term focus hinders their long-term results, which creates market inefficiencies and therefore opportunities. In addition, not all investors are valuation sensitive. We believe that we can exploit these market anomalies/inefficiencies by possessing a long-term investment temperament and practicing a consistent and repeatable business appraisal approach to investing. Furthermore, DHCM believes that investing in securities whose market prices are significantly below DHCM’s estimate of intrinsic value (or selling short securities whose market prices are above DHCM’s estimate of intrinsic value) is a reliable method to achieve above average relative returns as well as mitigate risk.
Investment Advisory Fees
The Company’s principal source of revenue is investment advisory fee income earned from managing client accounts under investment advisory and sub-advisory agreements. The fees earned depend on the type of investment strategy, account size and servicing requirements. Revenues depend on the total value and composition of assets under management (“AUM”). Accordingly, net asset flows, market fluctuations in client portfolios, and the composition of AUM impact our revenues and results of operations. We also have certain agreements which allow us to earn variable fees in the event that investment returns exceed targeted amounts during a measurement period.
Investment Strategies
The Company offers several traditional and alternative investment strategies, which are all based on the same intrinsic value philosophy. As of December 31, 2013 , we offered the following representative investment strategies to our clients:
1.
Small Cap – Pursues long-term capital appreciation by investment in a portfolio of 50-80 small-capitalization U.S. equity securities.
2.
Small-Mid Cap – Pursues long-term capital appreciation by investing in a portfolio of 50-70 small- and mid-capitalization U.S. equity securities.
3.
Large Cap – Pursues long-term capital appreciation by investing in a portfolio of 40-60 large-capitalization U.S. equity securities.
4.
Select – Pursues long-term capital appreciation by investing in a portfolio of 30-40 U.S. companies across a broad range of market capitalizations.

4

Table of Contents

5.
Long-Short – Pursues long-term capital appreciation by investing both long and selling short U.S. companies across a broad range of market capitalizations.
6.
Strategic Income – Pursues high current income, preservation of capital, and total return by investing in corporate bonds across the credit spectrum.
Investment Results
The Company believes that one of the most important characteristics exhibited by the best investment firms is excellent investment returns for their clients over a long period of time. We are pleased that, during our history as an investment advisory firm, we have delivered what we believe are strong long-term investment returns for our clients. Investment returns have been a key driver in the long-term success we have achieved in growing AUM. U.S. equity markets finished 2013 on a strong note, and our Funds posted strong absolute and relative returns. Security selection and an overweight position in the financial sector were key drivers of outperformance across all equity strategies. After a very powerful two-year rally, we now expect U.S. equity market returns to be below historical averages over the next five years. However, it is our expectation that we can achieve better than market returns through active portfolio management and stock selection, and our return expectations for the financial sector remain a bit higher than our general equity market outlook. We believe that most of the key industries within the sector have addressed areas of weakness and are well positioned for modest growth combined with return of excess capital to shareholders. In the banking industry, strong balance sheet capacity should easily facilitate modest growth as well as increased capital return in the form of dividends and/or share repurchases. Within the insurance industry, many important areas are producing healthy returns on strong capital levels. However, unlike the prior two years, the pricing environment in the property and casualty commercial lines segment now appears to be moderating while, at the same time, valuations are a bit less favorable. More importantly, as of December 31, 2013, the since inception returns for nearly all of the Funds exceeded their respective benchmark returns. The only exception was the Research Opportunities Fund, which has less than a five-year track record - the time period that we use to evaluate our results. The following is a summary of the investment returns for each of our representative strategies as of December 31, 2013 , relative to a respective passive benchmark.

 
 

As of December 31, 2013
 
Inception
 
1 Year
 
3 Year
 
5 Year
 
10 Year
 
Since Inception
Diamond Hill Small Cap Fund
12/29/2000
 
40.08
%
 
13.85
%
 
18.71
%
 
10.28
%
 
12.45
%
Russell 2000

 
38.82
%
 
15.67
%
 
20.08
%
 
9.07
%
 
8.42
%
Diamond Hill Small-Mid Cap Fund
12/30/2005
 
41.64
%
 
16.38
%
 
22.42
%
 
N/A

 
9.84
%
Russell 2500

 
36.80
%
 
16.28
%
 
21.77
%
 
N/A

 
9.00
%
Diamond Hill Large Cap Fund
6/29/2001
 
36.60
%
 
16.43
%
 
17.75
%
 
9.97
%
 
8.34
%
Russell 1000

 
33.11
%
 
16.30
%
 
18.59
%
 
7.78
%
 
5.82
%
Diamond Hill Select Fund
12/1/2005
 
44.35
%
 
16.32
%
 
18.52
%
 
N/A

 
8.35
%
Russell 3000

 
33.55
%
 
16.24
%
 
18.71
%
 
N/A

 
7.61
%
Diamond Hill Long-Short Fund
6/30/2000
 
23.19
%
 
11.44
%
 
10.39
%
 
8.09
%
 
7.33
%
60% Russell 1000 / 40% BofA ML US 0-3 Month T-Bill

 
18.93
%
 
9.73
%
 
11.18
%
 
5.56
%
 
3.56
%
Diamond Hill Strategic Income Fund
9/30/2002
 
5.30
%
 
6.87
%
 
13.00
%
 
6.30
%
 
7.78
%
BofA ML US Corporate & High Yield

 
0.34
%
 
6.07
%
 
10.74
%
 
5.99
%
 
6.76
%
________________________
-
Fund returns are Class I shares net of fees
-
Index returns do not reflect any fees

5

Table of Contents

Assets Under Management
The following tables show AUM by product and investment objective as well as net client cash flows for the past five years ended December 31, 2013 :

 
Assets Under Management by Product
As of December 31,
(in millions)
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
Proprietary funds
$
7,600

 
$
5,251

 
$
4,405

 
$
4,409

 
$
3,714

Sub-advised funds
444

 
947

 
972

 
930

 
146

Institutional accounts
4,142

 
3,231

 
3,294

 
3,284

 
2,423

Total AUM
$
12,186

 
$
9,429

 
$
8,671

 
$
8,623

 
$
6,283

 
 
Assets Under Management
by Investment Objective
As of December 31,
(in millions)
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
Small Cap
$
1,402

 
$
939

 
$
932

 
$
948

 
$
625

Small-Mid Cap
780

 
364

 
277

 
196

 
146

Large Cap
6,254

 
5,211

 
4,885

 
4,631

 
2,654

Select (All Cap)
327

 
258

 
321

 
422

 
400

Long-Short
3,213

 
2,455

 
2,082

 
2,251

 
2,300

Strategic Income
210

 
202

 
174

 
175

 
158

Total AUM
$
12,186

 
$
9,429

 
$
8,671

 
$
8,623

 
$
6,283


 
Change in Assets Under Management
For the Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
AUM at beginning of the year
$
9,429

 
$
8,671

 
$
8,623

 
$
6,283

 
$
4,510

Net cash inflows (outflows)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
proprietary funds
713

 
429

 
56

 
452

 
(161
)
sub-advised funds
(758
)
 
(149
)
 
21

 
714

 
6

institutional accounts
(263
)
 
(499
)
 
(74
)
 
532

 
734


(308
)
 
(219
)
 
3

 
1,698

 
579

Net market appreciation and income
3,065

 
977

 
45

 
642

 
1,194

Increase during the year
2,757

 
758

 
48

 
2,340

 
1,773

AUM at end of the year
$
12,186

 
$
9,429

 
$
8,671

 
$
8,623

 
$
6,283

Capacity
The Company’s primary goal is to fulfill our fiduciary duty to clients. We understand that our ability to retain and grow assets as a firm has been, and will be, driven primarily by delivering attractive long-term investment results to our clients. Once we determine that the size of any of our strategies hinders our ability to add value over a passive alternative, we have closed, and will continue to close, those strategies to new clients, which will impact our ability to grow AUM. We have prioritized, and will continue to prioritize, investment results over asset accumulation. Currently, all of our investment strategies are open to new investors. We estimate our AUM capacity to be approximately $20-$30 billion, with AUM of $12.2 billion as of December 31, 2013 .
Distribution Channels
The Company’s investment advisory services are distributed through multiple channels. Our institutional sales efforts include building relationships with institutional consultants and also establishing direct relationships with institutional clients. Our sales efforts for the Funds include wholesaling to third-party financial intermediaries, including independent registered investment

6

Table of Contents

advisers, brokers, financial planners, and wealth advisers, who utilize the Funds in investment programs they construct for their clients.
AUM by Channel
Below is a summary of our AUM by distribution channel for the past five years ended December 31, 2013 :
 
 
Assets by Distribution Channel
As of December 31,
(in millions)
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
Proprietary funds:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Registered investment advisers
$
1,678

 
$
1,258

 
$
1,049

 
$
1,080

 
$
1,272

Independent broker/dealers
1,400

 
917

 
665

 
815

 
757

Wirehouse broker/dealers
1,261

 
758

 
674

 
775

 
824

Banks
1,668

 
1,407

 
927

 
797

 
43

Defined contribution
1,226

 
739

 
737

 
493

 
211

Other
367

 
172

 
353

 
449

 
607

Total proprietary funds
7,600

 
5,251

 
4,405

 
4,409

 
3,714

Sub-advised funds
444

 
947

 
972

 
930

 
146

Institutional accounts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Institutional consultant
1,965

 
1,857

 
1,836

 
1,602

 
1,044

Financial intermediary
1,488

 
1,164

 
1,237

 
1,246

 
908

Direct
689

 
210

 
221

 
436

 
471

Total institutional accounts
4,142

 
3,231

 
3,294

 
3,284

 
2,423

Total AUM
$
12,186

 
$
9,429

 
$
8,671

 
$
8,623

 
$
6,283


Growth Strategy
The Company’s growth strategy will remain focused on achieving excellent investment results in all our strategies and providing the highest level of client service. We will continue to focus on the development of distribution channels to enable us to offer our various investment strategies to a broad array of clients. We seek to continue to grow AUM through our proprietary funds and institutional accounts. We have a targeted strategic business plan to further penetrate our existing distribution channels. Our business development efforts are focused on expanding the institutional consultant channel and plan sponsor network on the separate account side, as well as our intermediary network on the fund side.
Fund Administration Activities
Fund Administration Services
The Company provides fund administration services to the Diamond Hill Funds and other third party mutual fund companies and investment advisers. Fund administration services are broadly defined as portfolio and regulatory compliance, treasury and financial oversight, statutory underwriting, oversight of back-office service providers such as the custodian, fund accountant, and transfer agent, and general business management of the mutual fund complex. These services are offered on a stand-alone basis, as well as through a series or "umbrella" trust whereby individual investment advisers can establish a mutual fund under a fund complex sponsored by the Company.
Fund Administration Fees
The Company earns revenue from performing various fund administration activities described above under individual client agreements. The fees earned depend on the type of service, fund size, and/or servicing requirements. Certain client agreements have a fixed fee arrangement while others have a fee derived as a percentage of assets under administration.
Competition
Competition in the area of investment management and fund administration is intense, and our competitors include investment management firms, broker-dealers, banks and insurance companies, some of whom offer various investment alternatives. Many competitors are better known than the Company, offer a broader range of investment products and have more offices,

7

Table of Contents

employees and business development representatives. We compete primarily on the basis of philosophy, performance and client service.
Regulation
The Company and our business are subject to various federal, state and foreign laws and regulations. As a matter of public policy, regulatory bodies are charged with safeguarding the integrity of the securities and other financial markets and with protecting the interests of participants in those markets, including investment advisory clients and shareholders of investment funds. Under these laws and regulations, agencies that regulate investment advisers have broad administrative powers, including the power to limit, restrict or prohibit an investment adviser from carrying on its business in the event the adviser fails to comply with such laws and regulations. Possible sanctions that may be imposed include civil and criminal liability, the suspension of individual employees, limitations on engaging in certain lines of business for specified periods of time, revocation of investment adviser, broker/dealer, and other registrations, censures and fines.
DHCM is registered with the SEC under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”) and operates in a highly regulated environment. The Advisers Act imposes numerous obligations on registered investment advisers, including fiduciary duties, recordkeeping requirements, operational requirements and disclosure obligations. All Diamond Hill Funds are registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and are required to make notice filings with all states where they are offered for sale. BHIL is registered with the SEC as a broker/dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”). Virtually all aspects of our investment advisory and fund administration business are subject to various federal and state laws and regulations.

To the extent that DHCM is a “fiduciary” under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) with respect to benefit plan clients, it is subject to ERISA regulations. ERISA and applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code impose certain duties on persons who are fiduciaries, prohibit certain transactions involving ERISA plan clients, and provide monetary penalties for violations of these prohibitions. The U.S. Department of Labor, which administers ERISA, has been increasingly active in proposing and adopting regulations affecting the asset management industry. Failure to comply with these requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business.
The Company’s trading activities for client accounts are regulated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), as well as as various FINRA rules, including laws governing trading on inside information, market manipulation and a broad number of trading requirements (e.g., volume limitations, reporting obligations) and market regulation policies in the United States.
The financial services industry has been the subject of intense regulatory scrutiny in recent years. Our business has been subject to increasing regulation in the United States and other countries, and we expect this trend to continue in the future. In particular, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), which was enacted in July 2010, significantly altered the financial regulatory regime within which we operate. Some of the aspects of the Dodd-Frank Act have already been implemented. Other aspects will be established over the next several years. The Dodd-Frank Act is expansive in scope and the implications of the Act for our business will depend to a large extent on the rules that remain to be adopted by the SEC and other regulatory agencies implementing the legislation. It is difficult to predict the ultimate effects that the Dodd-Frank Act, or subsequent implementing regulations and decisions, will have upon our business and results of operations. The Dodd-Frank Act and its regulations, other new laws or regulations, changes in rules promulgated by either the SEC or other federal and state regulatory authorities or self-regulatory bodies, or changes in the interpretation or enforcement of existing laws and rules could materially and adversely impact the scope or profitability or our business. We continue to assess our business, risk management, and compliance practices to conform to developments in the regulatory environment.
The preceding descriptions of the regulatory and statutory provisions applicable to us are not complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to their respective statutory or regulatory provisions.
Contractual Relationships with the Diamond Hill Funds
The Company is very dependent on our contractual relationships with the Funds. In the event our advisory or administration agreements with the Funds are terminated, not renewed, or amended to reduce fees, we would be materially and adversely affected. We generated approximately 71% , 65% and 61% of our 2013 , 2012 and 2011 revenues, respectively, from our advisory and administrative contracts with the Funds. We consider our relationship with the Funds and their board of trustees to be good, and have no reason to believe that these advisory or administration contracts will not be renewed in the future; however, there is no assurance that the Funds will choose to continue their relationships with the Company. Please see Item 1A for risk factors regarding this relationship.

8

Table of Contents

Employees
As of December 31, 2013 , the Company and its subsidiaries employed 98 full-time equivalent employees. As of December 31, 2012 , the comparable number was 79 . We believe that our relationship with our employees is good and does not anticipate any material change in the number of employees.

SEC Filings
The Company maintains an Internet website at www.diamond-hill.com. Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, XBRL instance documents, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports, filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, are made available free of charge, on or through our website, as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. The contents of our website are not incorporated into, or otherwise made a part of, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 1A.
Risk Factors
The Company’s future results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, and the market price of our common shares are subject to various risks, including those mentioned below and those that are discussed from time-to-time in our other periodic filings with the SEC. Investors should carefully consider these risks, along with the other information contained in this report, before making an investment decision regarding our common shares. There may be additional risks of which we are currently unaware, or which we currently consider immaterial. The occurrence of any of these risks could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and value of our common shares. Please see “Forward Looking Statements” within Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-K.
Poor investment results of our products could affect our ability to attract new clients or reduce the amount of assets under management, potentially negatively impacting revenue and net income.
If we fail to deliver acceptable investment results for our clients, both in the short and long term, we will likely experience diminished investor interest and potentially a diminished level of AUM.
The Company’s success depends on our key personnel, and our financial performance could be negatively affected by the loss of their services.
Our success depends on highly skilled personnel, including portfolio managers, research analysts, and management, many of whom have specialized expertise and extensive experience in the investment management industry. Financial services professionals are in high demand, and we face significant competition for qualified employees. With the exception of our President and Chief Executive Officer, key employees do not have employment contracts and generally can terminate their employment at any time. The Company cannot assure that we will be able to retain or replace key personnel. In order to retain or replace our key personnel, we may be required to increase compensation, which would decrease net income. The loss of key personnel could damage our reputation and make it more difficult to retain and attract new employees and clients. A loss of client assets resulting from the departure of key personnel may materially decrease our revenues and net income.
The Company's AUM, which impacts revenue, is subject to significant fluctuations.
A large majority of our revenue is calculated as a percentage of AUM or is related to the general performance of the equity securities market. A decline in securities prices (such as that experienced during the last half of 2008 and first quarter of 2009) or in the sale of investment products, or an increase in fund redemptions, generally would reduce fee income. Financial market declines would generally negatively impact the level of our AUM and consequently our revenue and net income. A recession or other economic or political events, both in the United States as well as globally, could also adversely impact our revenue, if such events led to a decreased demand for products, a higher redemption rate, or a decline in securities prices.
The investment results and/or the growth in our AUM may be constrained if appropriate investment opportunities are not available or if we close certain of our portfolios.
The Company’s ability to deliver strong investment results depends in large part on our ability to identify appropriate investment opportunities in which to invest client assets. If we are unable to identify sufficient investment opportunities for existing and new client assets on a timely basis, our investment results could be adversely affected. The risk that appropriate investment opportunities may be unavailable is influenced by a number of factors, including general market conditions, and is likely to increase if our AUM increases rapidly. In addition, if we determine that sufficient investment opportunities are not available for a portfolio strategy, or we believe that in order to continue to produce attractive returns from a portfolio, we will

9

Table of Contents

consider closing the portfolio to new investors. If we misjudge the point at which it would be optimal to close a portfolio, the investment results of the portfolio could be negatively impacted.
The Company is subject to substantial competition in all aspects of our business.
Our investment products compete against a number of investment products and services from:
asset management firms;
mutual fund companies;
commercial banks and thrift institutions;
insurance companies;
exchange traded funds;
hedge funds; and
brokerage and investment banking firms.
Many of these financial institutions have substantially greater resources than the Company and may operate in more markets or offer a broader range of products, including passively managed or “index” products. Some of these institutions operate in a different regulatory environment, which may give them certain competitive advantages in the investment products and portfolio structures that they offer. We compete with other providers of investment services primarily based upon our philosophy, performance and client service. Some institutions have a broad array of products and distribution channels that make it more difficult for us to compete with them. If current or potential customers decide to use one of our competitors, we could face a significant decline in market share, AUM, revenues, and net income. If we are required to lower our fees in order to remain competitive, our net income could be significantly reduced because some of our expenses are fixed, especially over shorter periods of time, and other expenses may not decrease in proportion to the decrease in revenues.
The loss of access to or increased fees required by third party distribution sources to market our portfolios and access our client base could adversely affect our results of operations.
The Company’s ability to attract additional assets to manage is dependent on our access to third-party intermediaries. We gain access to mutual fund investors and some retail and institutional clients through third parties, including mutual fund platforms and financial intermediaries. We compensate intermediaries for access to investors and for various services provided. These distribution sources and client bases may not continue to be accessible to us for reasonable terms, or at all. Limiting or the total absence of such access could have an adverse effect on our results of operations. The recent economic downturn and consolidation in the broker-dealer industry may lead to reduced distribution access and increases in fees the Company is required to pay to intermediaries. If such increased fees should be required, refusal to pay them could restrict our access to those client bases while paying them could adversely affect our profitability.
A significant portion of the Company’s revenues are based on contracts with the Funds that are subject to termination without cause and on short notice.
The Company is very dependent on our contractual relationships with the Funds. In the event our advisory or administration agreements with the Funds are terminated, not renewed, or amended to reduce fees, we would be materially and adversely affected. Generally, these agreements are terminable by either party upon 60 days written notice without penalty. The agreements are subject to annual approval by either (i) the board of trustees of the Funds or (ii) a vote of the majority of the outstanding voting securities of each Fund. The agreements automatically terminate in the event of their assignment by either the Company or the Fund. We generated approximately 71% , 65% , and 61% of our 2013 , 2012 and 2011 revenues, respectively, from our advisory and administrative contracts with the Funds, including 30% , 14% , and 10% from the advisory contracts with the Diamond Hill Long-Short Fund, Large Cap Fund, and Small Cap Fund, respectively, during 2013 . The loss of the Long-Short Fund, Large Cap Fund, or Small Cap Fund contracts would have a material adverse effect on the Company. We consider our relationship with the Funds and their board of trustees to be good, and we have no reason to believe that these advisory or administration contracts will not be renewed in the future; however, there is no assurance that the Funds will choose to continue their relationships with us.

10

Table of Contents

Operational risks may disrupt our business, result in losses or limit our growth.
The Company is dependent on the capacity and reliability of the communications, information and technology systems supporting our operations, whether developed, owned and operated by the Company or by third parties. Operational risks such as trading or operational errors or interruption of our financial, accounting, trading, compliance and other data processing systems, many of which are out of our control, could result in a disruption of our business, liability to clients, regulatory intervention or reputational damage, and thus adversely affect our business.
The Company’s business is subject to substantial governmental regulation.
Our business is subject to a variety of federal securities laws, including the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and the U.S. Patriot Act of 2001. In addition, we are subject to significant regulation and oversight by the SEC and FINRA. Changes in legal, regulatory, accounting, tax and compliance requirements could have a significant effect on our operations and results, including but not limited to increased expenses and reduced investor interest in certain funds and other investment products we offer. We continually monitors legislative, tax, regulatory, accounting, and compliance developments that could impact our business.
We continue to seek to understand, evaluate and, when possible, manage and control these and other business risks.

ITEM 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
None.

ITEM 2.
Properties
The Company lease office space at two locations in Columbus, Ohio and one location in Berwyn, Pennsylvania.
The Company does not own any real estate or interests in real estate.

ITEM 3.
Legal Proceedings
From time to time, the Company is party to ordinary routine litigation that is incidental to its business. There are currently no material legal proceedings.

ITEM 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.


11

Table of Contents

PART II
ITEM 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following performance graph compares the total shareholder return of an investment in our common shares to that of the Russell Microcap ® Index, and to a peer group index of publicly traded asset management firms for the five-year period ending on December 31, 2013 . The graph assumes that the value of the investment in our common shares and each index was $100 on December 31, 2008. Total return includes reinvestment of all dividends. The Russell Microcap ® Index makes up less than 3% of the U.S. equity market and is a market-value-weighted index of the smallest 1,000 securities in the small-cap Russell 2000 ® Index plus the next 1,000 smallest securities. Peer Group returns are weighted by the market capitalization of each firm at the beginning of the measurement period. The historical information set forth below is not necessarily indicative of future performance. We do not make or endorse any predictions as to future stock performance.

 
12/31/2008
 
12/31/2009
 
12/31/2010
 
12/31/2011
 
12/31/2012
 
12/31/2013
Cumulative 5 Year Total Return
Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.
100

 
114

 
152

 
166

 
185

 
327

227
%
Russell Microcap® Index
100

 
127

 
164

 
149

 
178

 
259

159
%
Peer Group*
100

 
150

 
169

 
126

 
120

 
235

135
%

* The Peer Group is based upon all asset managers with market cap of less than $5 billion excluding firms whose primary business is hedge fund or private equity, and firms with multiple lines of business. The following companies are included in the Peer Group: Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.; Epoch Holding Corp. (Total return only reflected through 2012 in the index as acquired in 2013); Eaton Vance Corp.; Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.; Federated Investors, Inc.; GAMCO Investors, Inc.; Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.; Legg Mason, Inc.; U.S. Global Investors, Inc.; Alliance Bernstein Holding L.P.; Janus Capital Group, Inc.; SEI Investments, Co.; Cohen & Steers, Inc.; Calamos Asset Management, Inc.; and Pzena Investment Management, Inc.

12

Table of Contents


The Company’s common shares trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol DHIL. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices during each quarter of 2013 and 2012 :
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
High
Price
 
Low
Price
 
Dividend
Per Share
 
High
Price
 
Low
Price
 
Dividend
Per Share
Quarter ended:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31
$
79.30

 
$
67.34

 
$

 
$
79.37

 
$
72.95

 
$

June 30
$
85.59

 
$
72.50

 
$

 
$
78.29

 
$
64.75

 
$

September 30
$
113.16

 
$
86.21

 
$

 
$
79.30

 
$
70.27

 
$

December 31
$
124.25

 
$
104.86

 
$
3.00

 
$
80.79

 
$
67.73

 
$
8.00

Due to the relatively low volume of traded shares, bid/ask spreads can be fairly wide at times and therefore, quoted prices may not be indicative of the price a shareholder may receive in an actual transaction. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 , approximately 2,663,334 and 1,677,428 , respectively, of our common shares were traded. The dividends indicated above were special dividends. We have not paid regular quarterly dividends in the past, and have no present intention of paying regular dividends in the future. The approximate number of record holders of our common shares at December 31, 2013 was 218 , although we believe that the number of beneficial owners of our common shares is substantially greater.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
The Company did not purchase any of our common shares during the year ended December 31, 2013 . The following table sets forth information regarding our repurchase program of our common shares during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013 :
 
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(a)
October 1, 2013 through October 31, 2013

 

 

 
318,433

November 1, 2013 through November 30, 2013

 

 

 
318,433

December 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013

 

 

 
318,433

 
(a)
The Company’s current share repurchase program was announced on August 9, 2007. The board of directors authorized management to repurchase up to 350,000 of our common shares in the open market and in private transactions in accordance with applicable securities laws. Our repurchase program is not subject to an expiration date.


13

Table of Contents

ITEM 6.
Selected Financial Data
The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
 
For the Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
Income Statement Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
$
81,432

 
$
66,657

 
$
63,895

 
$
56,795

 
$
43,606

Compensation and related costs
40,852

 
33,868

 
32,875

 
30,991

 
24,114

Other expenses
9,898

 
8,361

 
7,959

 
7,331

 
7,380

Total expenses
50,750

 
42,229

 
40,834

 
38,322

 
31,494

Net operating income
30,682

 
24,428

 
23,061

 
18,473

 
12,112

Operating profit margin
37.7
%
 
36.6
%
 
36.1
%
 
32.5
%
 
27.8
%
Net income
22,155

 
16,931

 
14,353

 
12,402

 
11,374

Per Share Information:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings
$
7.05

 
$
5.44

 
$
4.86

 
$
4.48

 
$
4.40

Diluted earnings
6.94

 
5.44

 
4.86

 
4.48

 
4.40

Cash dividend declared
3.00

 
8.00

 
5.00

 
13.00

 
10.00

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
3,142

 
3,111

 
2,952

 
2,767

 
2,583

Diluted
3,194

 
3,111

 
2,952

 
2,768

 
2,588

 
At December 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
Balance Sheet Data (in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
75,353

 
$
41,236

 
$
37,720

 
$
28,566

 
$
40,505

Long-term debt

 

 

 

 

Shareholders equity
44,943

 
21,736

 
18,050

 
7,498

 
22,981

Assets Under Management (in millions)
$
12,186

 
$
9,429

 
$
8,671

 
$
8,623

 
$
6,283

Net Client Flows (in millions)
(308
)
 
(219
)
 
3

 
1,698

 
579


ITEM 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
In this section, we discuss and analyze the consolidated results of operations for the past three fiscal years and other factors that may affect future financial performance. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements, Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, and Selected Financial Data contained in this Form 10-K.
Business Environment
U.S. equity markets finished 2013 on a strong note with the S&P 500 Index posting a 32.4% total return for the full year. Since its low during the financial crisis on March 9, 2009, the S&P 500 Index has increased 173% excluding dividends.
Several variables fueled the gains in 2013. At the beginning of the year, the Federal Reserve’s (the "Fed") efforts to keep interest rates low through its bond purchase program (Quantitative Easing) was in full swing, U.S. equity market valuations were below historical averages, and economic fundamentals were showing signs of solid gains - although expectations remained low. As the year progressed, corporate earnings growth was positive, prices for existing homes rose, real GDP increased, employment rose, and inflation remained under control. All of these factors contributed to a favorable environment for equity market appreciation. In contrast, U.S. Treasury bond yields rose (as bond prices declined) in 2013 as investors began to anticipate a ‘tapering’ of the Fed’s Quantitative Easing program. The yield on the 10-Year Treasury note rose to 3.03% in 2013 from 1.76% at the end of 2012. After more than two quarters of speculation, the Fed announced its intention to reduce its monthly bond purchases in January 2014; however, we continue to believe the Fed is likely to maintain a very accommodative overall monetary policy for the foreseeable future. This accommodative monetary policy, in the absence of meaningful

14

Table of Contents

inflation, could fuel continued equity market rallies in the near term. In addition, five-year trailing equity returns as of December 31, 2013 were favorable relative to bond returns over the same period. This was reflected in net flows into equity mutual funds, providing a tailwind for equity valuations.
Source: Strategas Research Partners
The U.S. economy continued to expand as employment continued to steadily improve. Housing activity and automobile production continued to provide key areas of support for the economy. In addition, retail sales were strong at the end of 2013, as consumer confidence rose and initial jobless claims fell during the quarter. Although still modest, the improvement in consumer confidence likely reflects surging stock prices, increasing employment, less political uncertainty, and low inflation.
Consumer debt-service burdens have improved significantly over the past few years and are now at relatively low levels by historical standards. However, total household debt, when compared to asset levels or disposable income, remains above long-term averages. In other words, the healthy debt service picture remains very much tied to historically low (despite the recent rise) interest and mortgage rates. Longer-term rates have clearly moved higher since last spring and likely represent a key risk to growth if we experience meaningful additional increases in those rates.
Although the U.S. economy is seemingly poised to pick up in the near term, we continue to expect positive but below average equity market returns over the next five years as above average price/earnings multiples applied to already strong levels of corporate profit margins will likely temper prospective returns. We believe that we can achieve better than market returns over the next five years through active portfolio management and stock selection.
A large majority of our revenue is calculated as a percentage of AUM and is therefore impacted by the overall business and economic environment described above. Financial market declines or deterioration in the economic environment would generally negatively impact the level of our AUM, and consequently our revenue and net income.


15

Table of Contents

Key Financial Performance Indicators
There are a variety of key performance indicators the Company monitors in order to evaluate our business results. The following table presents the results of certain key performance indicators over the past three fiscal years:
 
 
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Ending AUM (in millions)
$
12,186

 
$
9,429

 
$
8,671

Average AUM (in millions)
10,817

 
9,249

 
8,825

Total Revenue (in thousands)
81,432

 
66,657

 
63,895

Total Expenses (in thousands)
50,750

 
42,229

 
40,834

Average Advisory Fee Rate
0.65
%
 
0.62
%
 
0.63
%
Operating Profit Margin
37.7
%
 
36.6
%
 
36.1
%
Assets Under Management
Our revenue is derived primarily from investment advisory and administration fees. Investment advisory and administration fees paid to the Company are generally based on the value of the investment portfolios we manage and fluctuate with changes in the total value of the AUM. Substantially all of our AUM (98.3%) is valued based on readily available market quotations. AUM in the Strategic Income strategy (1.7%) is valued using evaluated prices from an independent third-party provider. We have no AUM that is valued using significant unobservable inputs. Fees are recognized in the period that the Company manages these assets.
Revenues are highly dependent on both the value and composition of AUM. The following is a summary of our AUM by product, investment objective, and a roll-forward of the change in AUM for the years ended December 31, 2013 , 2012 , and 2011 :
 
 
Assets Under Management by Product
As of December 31,
(in millions)
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Proprietary funds
$
7,600


$
5,251


$
4,405

Sub-advised funds
444


947


972

Institutional accounts
4,142


3,231


3,294

Total AUM
$
12,186

 
$
9,429

 
$
8,671

 
 
Assets Under Management
by Investment Objective
As of December 31,
(in millions)
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Small Cap
$
1,402

 
$
939

 
$
932

Small-Mid Cap
780

 
364

 
277

Large Cap
6,254

 
5,211

 
4,885

Select (All Cap)
327

 
258

 
321

Long-Short
3,213

 
2,455

 
2,082

Strategic Income
210

 
202

 
174

Total AUM
$
12,186

 
$
9,429

 
$
8,671



16

Table of Contents

 
Change in Assets Under Management
For the Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
2013
 
2012
 
2011
AUM at beginning of the year
$
9,429

 
$
8,671

 
$
8,623

Net cash inflows (outflows)
 
 
 
 
 
proprietary funds
713

 
429

 
56

sub-advised funds
(758
)
 
(149
)
 
21

institutional accounts
(263
)
 
(499
)
 
(74
)
 
(308
)
 
(219
)
 
3

Net market appreciation and income
3,065

 
977

 
45

Increase during the year
2,757

 
758

 
48

AUM at end of the year
$
12,186

 
$
9,429

 
$
8,671

Consolidated Results of Operations
The following is a discussion of our consolidated results of operations.
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
2013

2012

% Change

2012

2011

% Change
Net operating income
$
30,682

 
$
24,428


26
%

$
24,428

 
$
23,061


6
%
Net operating income after tax (a)
$
19,077

 
$
15,857


20
%

$
15,857

 
$
14,394


10
%
Net income
$
22,155

 
$
16,931


31
%

$
16,931

 
$
14,353


18
%
Net operating income after tax per share (a)
 
 
 



 
 
 


Basic
$
6.07

 
$
5.10


19
%

$
5.10

 
$
4.88


5
%
Diluted
$
5.97

 
$
5.10


17
%

$
5.10

 
$
4.88


5
%
Net income per share
 
 
 



 
 
 


Basic
$
7.05

 
$
5.44


30
%

$
5.44

 
$
4.86


12
%
Diluted
$
6.94

 
$
5.44


28
%

$
5.44

 
$
4.86


12
%
Operating profit margin
37.7
%
 
36.6
%

NM


36.6
%
 
36.1
%

NM

 
(a)
Net operating income after tax is a non-GAAP performance measure. See Use of Supplemental Data as Non-GAAP Performance Measure on page 22 of this report.
Year Ended December 31, 2013 compared with Year Ended December 31, 2012
The Company earned net income of $22.2 million ( $6.94 per diluted share) for the year ended December 31, 2013 , compared with net income of $16.9 million ( $5.44 per diluted share) for the year ended December 31, 2012 . Operating income increased by $6.3 million from 2012 to 2013 primarily due to an increase in AUM, resulting in a $14.8 million increase in revenue. The revenue increase was offset by an increase in operating expenses of $8.5 million , primarily related to higher compensation due to staffing and merit increases and increases in incentive compensation and restricted stock expenses. A positive return on our corporate investments further contributed to the overall increase in net income offset by a change in the effective tax rate from 35.1% in 2012 to 37.8% in 2013 . Investment income increased $3.3 million from the year ended December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2013 due to $2.0 million in portfolio appreciation, $638 thousand in realized gains from corporate investment redemptions, and $651 thousand in distributions from mutual funds. Income tax provision increased $4.3 million from the year ended December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2013 primarily due to an overall increase in book income and an increase in the effective tax rate as a result of interest expense and additional state and city income tax resulting from the recently settled IRS exam. In addition, the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2012 was lower as a result of the items mentioned in the following paragraph. Operating profit margin increased to 37.7% for 2013 from 36.6% for 2012 . We expect that our operating margin will fluctuate from year to year based on various factors including revenues; investment results; employee performance; staffing levels; development of investment strategies, products, or channels; and industry comparisons.

17


Year Ended December 31, 2012 compared with Year Ended December 31, 2011
The Company earned net income of $16.9 million ( $5.44 per diluted share) for the year ended December 31, 2012 , compared with net income of $14.4 million ( $4.86 per diluted share) for the year ended December 31, 2011 . Operating income increased by $1.4 million from 2011 to 2012 primarily due to an increase in AUM, resulting in a $2.8 million increase in revenue. The revenue increase was offset by an increase in operating expenses of $1.4 million, primarily related to higher compensation related to staffing increases. A positive return on our corporate investments and a change in the effective tax rate from 37.6% in 2011 to 35.1% in 2012 due to a reduction of certain tax accruals further contributed to the overall increase in net income. Operating profit margin increased to 36.6% for 2012 from 36.1% for 2011.
Revenue
 
(in thousands)
2013
 
2012
 
% Change
 
2012
 
2011
 
% Change
Investment advisory
$
69,967

 
$
57,783

 
21
%
 
$
57,783

 
$
56,017

 
3
%
Mutual fund administration, net
11,465

 
8,874

 
29
%
 
8,874

 
7,878

 
13
%
Total
81,432

 
66,657

 
22
%
 
66,657

 
63,895

 
4
%
Revenue for the Year Ended December 31, 2013 compared with Year Ended December 31, 2012
As a percent of total 2013 revenues, investment advisory fees accounted for 86% and mutual fund administration fees made up the remaining 14% . This compared to 87% and 13%, respectively, for 2012.
Investment Advisory Fees. Investment advisory fees increased by $12.2 million , or 21% , from the year ended December 31, 2012 to the year ended December 31, 2013. Investment advisory fees are calculated as a percentage of average net AUM at various rates depending on the investment product. The increase in investment advisory fees was driven by an increase of 17% in average AUM year over year and an increase of three basis points in the average advisory fee rate to 0.65% in 2013 from 0.62% for the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase in the average advisory fee rate is primarily due to a shift in the overall composition of AUM to higher fee rate strategies.
Mutual Fund Administration Fees. Mutual fund administration fees increased by $2.6 million , or 29% , from the year ended December 31, 2012 to the year ended December 31, 2013. Mutual fund administration fees include administration fees received from Diamond Hill Funds, which are calculated as a percentage of average mutual fund AUM, and all Beacon Hill fee revenue. The increase in the mutual fund administration fee is due to a 33% increase in average mutual fund AUM from $4.8 billion for the year ended December 31, 2012 to $6.3 billion for the year ended December 31, 2013 while the overall blended net administration fee rate remained flat at 0.15% year over year.
Revenue for the Year Ended December 31, 2012 compared with Year Ended December 31, 2011
As a percent of total 2012 revenues, investment advisory fees accounted for 87% and mutual fund administration fees made up the remaining 13%. This compared to 88% and 12%, respectively, for 2011.
Investment Advisory Fees. Investment advisory fees increased by $1.8 million, or 3%. Investment advisory fees are calculated as a percentage of average net AUM at various rates depending on the investment product. While the average AUM increased 5% year over year, the average advisory fee rate declined one basis point to 0.62% for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to 0.63% for the year ended December 31, 2011. Contributing to the decrease in the average advisory fee rate is the large cap fee reduction where we voluntarily lowered the investment advisory fee we charge on the Diamond Hill Large Cap Fund and certain large cap separate accounts by 0.05% effective October 1, 2011. The large cap strategy fees were reduced to better align our investment advisory fees with our investment management goals.
Mutual Fund Administration Fees. Mutual fund administration fees increased by $1.0 million, or 13%, during 2012. Mutual fund administration fees include administration fees received from Diamond Hill Funds, which are calculated as a percentage of average mutual fund AUM, and all Beacon Hill fee revenue. The increase in the mutual fund administration fee is due to a 13% increase in average mutual fund AUM from $4.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 2011 to $4.8 billion for the year ended December 31, 2012 while the overall blended net administration fee rate remained flat at 0.15% year over year.

18


Expenses

(in thousands)
2013
 
2012
 
% Change
 
2012
 
2011
 
% Change
Compensation and related costs
$
40,852

 
$
33,868

 
21
 %
 
$
33,868

 
$
32,875

 
3
 %
General and administrative
6,043

 
4,987

 
21
 %
 
4,987

 
4,738

 
5
 %
Sales and marketing
1,389

 
1,065

 
30
 %
 
1,065

 
832

 
28
 %
Third party distribution
710

 
752

 
(6
)%
 
752

 
885

 
(15
)%
Mutual fund administration
1,756

 
1,557

 
13
 %
 
1,557

 
1,504

 
4
 %
Total
50,750

 
42,229

 
20
 %
 
42,229

 
40,834

 
3
 %
Expenses for the Year Ended December 31, 2013 compared with Year Ended December 31, 2012
Compensation and Related Costs. Employee compensation and benefits increased by $7.0 million , or 21% , due to an increase of $1.7 million in salaries and related benefits due to an increase in staffing and merit levels, an increase of $1.5 million in restricted stock expense primarily due to accelerated vesting of a restricted stock grant during fiscal year 2013, and an increase of $3.8 million in incentive compensation during fiscal year 2013 due to growth in the business.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses increased by $1.1 million , or 21% , from the year ended December 31, 2012 to the year ended December 31, 2013 . This increase was primarily due to additional research expenses to support our investment team, an increase in system infrastructure and information technology expenses, additional rent related to the expansion of our office space during fourth quarter 2013, and an increase in corporate legal expenses and non-income related taxes.
Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses increased by $324 thousand , or 30% , from the year ended December 31, 2012 to the year ended December 31, 2013 . This increase was due to an overall increase in travel and other expenses related to business development and retention efforts and expenses related to a review and update of marketing materials.
Third Party Distribution. Third party distribution expense represents payments made to intermediaries related to sales of the Company’s investment products. This expense is directly correlated with the investments made by the intermediaries in our proprietary funds. The period-over-period change directly corresponds to the change in the investment advisory fees we earned related to the client assets subject to the distribution expense.
Mutual Fund Administration. Mutual fund administration expenses increased by $199 thousand , or 13% , from the year ended December 31, 2012 to the year ended December 31, 2013. Mutual fund administration expenses consist of both variable and fixed expenses. The variable expenses are based on mutual fund AUM and the number of shareholder accounts. The increase is due to an increase in average Funds AUM of 33% from the year ended December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2013, offset by a reduction in shareholder maintenance expenses during the current fiscal year and a reduction in expenses incurred by Beacon Hill related to servicing clients.
Expenses for the Year Ended December 31, 2012 compared with Year Ended December 31, 2011
Compensation and Related Costs. Employee compensation and benefits increased by $993 thousand, or 3%, primarily due to an increase of $1.5 million in salaries and related benefits due to an increase in staffing levels, offset by a decrease of $511 thousand in incentive compensation during the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to the year ended December 31, 2011.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses increased by $249 thousand , or 5% , from 2011 to 2012. This increase is primarily due to additional research expenses to support our investment team, an increase in general system and information technology expenses, additional rent related to the expansion of our office space during third quarter 2011, and employee professional development, offset by a reduction in corporate legal expenses and a decrease in non-income related taxes.
Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses increased by $232 thousand , or 22% , from 2011 to 2012. This increase was primarily due to an overall increase in travel and other expenses related to business development and retention efforts during 2012.
Third Party Distribution. Third party distribution expense represents payments made to intermediaries related to sales of the Company’s investment products. This expense is directly correlated with the investments made by the intermediaries in our

19


proprietary funds. The period-over-period change directly corresponds to the change in the investment advisory fees we earned related to those products.
Mutual Fund Administration. Mutual fund administration expenses increased by $53 thousand, or 4%, from 2011 to 2012. The majority of mutual fund administration fees are variable based upon the amount of mutual fund AUM or the number of shareholder accounts. While average mutual fund AUM increased by 13% from 2011 to 2012, this increase in the expense was offset due to a shift in the servicing of shareholder accounts from the fund’s transfer agent to omnibus shareholder accounting at third party intermediaries. The costs associated with servicing these shareholder accounts are now reflected as Fund Related Expenses (see Note 2: Revenue Recognition – Mutual Fund Administration).
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Sources of Liquidity
The Company's main source of liquidity is cash flow from operating activities which are generated from investment advisory and fund administration fees. Our entire investment portfolio is in readily marketable securities, which provide for cash liquidity, if needed. Investments in mutual funds are valued at their quoted current net asset value. Investments in private investment funds are valued independently based on readily available market quotations. Inflation is expected to have no material impact on our performance. Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivables, and investments represent approximately 86% and 84% of total assets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 respectively. We believe these sources of liquidity, as well as our continuing cash flows from operating activities, will be sufficient to meet our current and future operating needs for at least the next 12 months.

Uses of Liquidity
In line with the Company’s primary objective to fulfill our fiduciary duty to clients and secondary objective to achieve an adequate long-term return for shareholders, we anticipate our main uses of cash will be operating expenses.
The Board of Directors and management regularly review various factors to determine whether we have capital in excess of that required for the business and the appropriate use of any excess capital. The factors considered include our investment opportunities, risks, and future dividend and capital gain tax rates. Evaluating management’s stewardship of capital for shareholders is a central part of our investment discipline that we practice for our clients. We hold ourselves to the same standard that we look for when evaluating investments for our clients.
While this is the sixth consecutive year that the Company has paid a special dividend, there can be no assurance that we will pay a dividend in the future. We have paid out special dividends totaling $49.00 per share from 2008 through 2013. These special dividends reduced shareholders’ equity by $136.9 million over the past six years. The 2013 special dividend reduced shareholders' equity by $9.8 million. It was a qualified dividend for tax purposes and was recorded as a reduction to retained earnings, which contributed to the accumulated deficit of $16.3 million as of December 31, 2013 . Our accumulated deficit is not expected to impact our future ability to operate given our total shareholder equity, continuing profitability and strong cash and financial position. A portion of the dividends paid in 2012, 2010, and 2009 were a return of capital for tax purposes and we elected to record the dividends as a reduction to retained earnings, which contributed to the accumulated deficit. The 2011 dividend was a qualified dividend for tax purposes and was recorded through retained earnings, which contributed to the accumulated deficit.
Working Capital
As of December 31, 2013 , the Company had working capital of approximately $34.4 million compared to $17.6 million at December 31, 2012 . Working capital includes cash, securities owned and current receivables, net of all liabilities. On November 22, 2013, our board of directors declared a $3.00 per share dividend payable on December 16, 2013 to shareholders of record on December 10, 2013. The payment of the special cash dividend reduced our working capital balance. The Company has no debt, and believe our available working capital is sufficient to cover current expenses. We expect to have sufficient working capital to cover anticipated capital expenditures that could range from $500 thousand to $1 million in 2014 related to office expansion to support our growth and $10 million for seed capital in the Diamond Hill Mid Cap Fund, which commenced operations on January 1, 2014.

20


Cash Flow Analysis
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
The Company’s cash flows from operating activities are calculated by adjusting net income to reflect other significant operating sources and uses of cash, certain significant non-cash items such as share-based compensation, and timing differences in the cash settlement of operating assets and liabilities.
As of December 31, 2013 , 2012 , and 2011 , net cash provided by operating activities totaled $34.6 million , $24.5 million , and $22.7 million , respectively. The changes in net cash provided by operating activities generally reflects net income plus the effect of non-cash items and the timing differences in the cash settlement of assets and liabilities.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities
The Company’s cash flows from investing activities consist primarily of capital expenditures and the purchase and redemption of our investment portfolio.
Cash flows provided by investing activities totaled $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 related to the net redemptions in corporate investments offset by capital expenditures during the period. Cash flows used in investing activities totaled $7.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 related to net purchases in corporate investments and capital expenditures during the period. Cash flows provided by investing activities totaled $3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 related to net redemptions in corporate investments offset by capital expenditures the period.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
The Company’s cash flows from financing activities consist primarily of the payment of special dividends, the repurchase of common shares, and shares withheld related to employee tax withholding.
As of December 31, 2013 , 2012 , and 2011 , net cash used by financing activities totaled $10.9 million , $24.5 million , and $16.2 million , respectively. The primary cash flows used in financing activities for the periods were special dividends of $9.8 million , $25.2 million , and $15.0 million , respectively. During 2011 , we repurchased $1.1 million in common shares pursuant to the share repurchase program announced on August 9, 2007. No shares were repurchased during 2013 or 2012 .
Selected Quarterly Information
Our unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 are summarized below:
 
 
At or For the Quarter Ended
 
2013
 
2012
(in thousands, except per share data)
12/31
 
09/30
 
06/30
 
03/31
 
12/31
 
09/30
 
06/30
 
03/31
Assets under management (in millions)
$
12,186

 
$
11,040

 
$
10,427

 
$
10,574

 
$
9,429

 
$
9,681

 
$
9,164

 
$
9,360

Total revenue
22,324

 
20,819

 
19,914

 
18,375

 
16,982

 
16,869

 
16,175

 
16,632

Total operating expenses
12,890

 
13,350

 
12,762

 
11,748

 
10,435

 
10,839

 
10,344

 
10,611

Operating income
9,434

 
7,469

 
7,152

 
6,627

 
6,547

 
6,030

 
5,831

 
6,021

Investment income (loss)
1,482

 
914

 
729

 
1,825

 
229

 
621

 
(468
)
 
1,272

Net income
$
6,750

 
$
5,362

 
$
4,712

 
$
5,331

 
$
4,825

 
$
4,167

 
$
3,328

 
$
4,611

Diluted EPS
$
2.10

 
$
1.67

 
$
1.45

 
$
1.67

 
$
1.53

 
$
1.32

 
$
1.07

 
$
1.52

Diluted weighted shares outstanding
3,222

 
3,212

 
3,248

 
3,197

 
3,159

 
3,154

 
3,101

 
3,031

Contractual Obligations
The following table presents a summary of the Company’s future obligations under the terms of operating leases and lease commitments, other contractual purchase obligations, and deferred compensation obligations at December 31, 2013 . Other purchase obligations include contractual amounts that will be due for the purchase of services to be used in our operations, such as mutual fund sub-administration and portfolio accounting software. These obligations may be cancelable at earlier times than those indicated and, under certain conditions, may involve termination fees. The deferred compensation obligations includes compensation that will be paid out upon satisfactory completion of certain performance-based criteria (see Note 2: Deferred

21


Compensation Liability). Because these obligations are of a normal recurring nature, we expect to fund them from future cash flows from operations. The information presented does not include operating expenses or capital expenditures that will be committed in the normal course of operations in 2014 and future years:
 
 
 
 
Payments Due by Period
(in thousands)
Total
 
2014
 
2015-2016
 
2017-2018
 
Later
Operating lease obligations
$
6,935

 
$
683

 
$
1,386

 
$
1,322

 
$
3,544

Purchase obligations
6,809

 
3,231

 
3,578

 

 

Deferred compensation obligations
1,288

 

 
1,288

 

 

Total
$
15,032

 
$
3,914

 
$
6,252

 
$
1,322

 
$
3,544


The total operating lease obligations and purchase obligations include $354 thousand and $56 thousand , respectively, of obligations resulting from a contractual expense reimbursement agreement ("Expense Agreement") with a third party. Under the Expense Agreement, these amounts are expected to be reimbursed to the Company by the third party. The obligation of the third party to reimburse us for these expenses survives the termination of the Expense Agreement. See Note 2: Contractual Expense Reimbursements.
Use of Supplemental Data as Non-GAAP Performance Measure
Net Operating Income After Tax
As supplemental information, we provide performance measures that are based on methodologies other than generally accepted accounting principles (“non-GAAP”) for “Net Operating Income After Tax” that management uses as benchmarks in evaluating and comparing the period-to-period operating performance of the Company and subsidiaries.
The Company defines “net operating income after tax” as our net operating income less income tax provision excluding investment income and the tax impact related to the investment income. We believe that “net operating income after tax” provides a good representation of our operating performance, as it excludes the impact of investment income on financial results. The amount of the investment portfolio and market fluctuations on the investments may change significantly from one period to another, which can distort the underlying earnings potential of a company. We also believe “net operating income after tax” is an important metric in estimating the value of an asset management business. This non-GAAP measure is provided in addition to net income and net operating income and is not a substitute for net income or net operating income and may not be comparable to non-GAAP performance measures of other companies.
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Net operating income, GAAP basis
$
30,682

 
$
24,428

 
$
23,061

Non-GAAP adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
Tax provision excluding impact of investment income
11,605

 
8,571

 
8,667

Net operating income after tax, non-GAAP basis
$
19,077

 
$
15,857

 
$
14,394

Net operating income after tax per basic share, non-GAAP basis
$
6.07

 
$
5.10

 
$
4.88

Net operating income after tax per diluted share, non-GAAP basis
$
5.97

 
$
5.10

 
$
4.88

Basic weighted average shares outstanding, GAAP basis
3,142

 
3,111

 
2,952

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding, GAAP basis
3,194

 
3,111

 
2,952

The tax provision excluding impact of investment income is calculated by applying the tax rate calculated from the income statement to net operating income.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements. We do not have any obligation under a guarantee contract, or a retained or contingent interest in assets or similar arrangement that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support for such assets, or any other obligation, including a contingent obligation, under a contract that would be accounted for as a derivative instrument or arising out of a variable interest.

22


Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Provisions for Income Taxes. The objectives of accounting for income taxes are to recognize the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in an entity’s financial statements or tax returns. Judgment is required in assessing the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns.
Revenue Recognition on Incentive-Based Advisory Contracts. We have certain investment advisory contracts in which a portion of the fees are based on investment performance achieved in the respective client portfolio in excess of a specified hurdle rate. For management fees based on a formula, there are two methods by which incentive revenue may be recorded. Under “Method 1,” incentive fees are recorded at the end of the contract year. Under “Method 2,” incentive fees are recorded periodically and calculated as the amount that would be due under the formula at any point in time as if the contract was terminated at that date. Management has chosen the more conservative Method 1, in which performance fees are recorded at the end of the contract period provided for by the contract terms.
Revenue Recognition when Acting as an Agent vs. Principal. The Funds have selected and contractually engaged certain vendors to fulfill various services to benefit the Funds’ shareholders or to satisfy regulatory requirements of the Funds. These services include, among others, required fund shareholder mailings, registration services, and legal and audit services. DHCM, in fulfilling a portion of its role under the administration agreement with the Funds, acts as agent to pay these obligations of the Funds. Each vendor is independently responsible for fulfillment of the services it has been engaged to provide and negotiates fees and terms with the management and board of trustees of the Funds. The fee that the Funds pay to DHCM is reviewed annually by the Funds’ board of trustees and specifically takes into account the contractual expenses that DHCM pays on behalf of the Funds. As a result, DHCM is not involved in the delivery or pricing of these services and bears no risk related to these services. Revenue has been recorded net of these Fund expenses, as it is the appropriate accounting treatment for this agency relationship.
Beacon Hill has underwriting agreements with certain clients, including registered mutual funds. Part of Beacon Hill’s role as underwriter is to act as an agent on behalf of its mutual fund clients to receive 12b-1/service fees and commission revenue and facilitate the payment of those fees and commissions to third parties who provide services to the funds and their shareholders. The amount of 12b-1/service fees and commissions are determined by each mutual fund client and Beacon Hill bears no financial risk related to these services. As a result, 12b-1/service fees and commission revenue has been recorded net of the expense payments to third parties, as it is the appropriate accounting treatment for this agency relationship.

23


ITEM 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The Company’s revenues and net income are based primarily on the value of AUM. Accordingly, declines in financial market values directly and negatively impact our investment advisory revenues and net income.
We invest in Diamond Hill Funds and our private investment funds, which are market risk sensitive financial instruments. These investments have inherent market risk in the form of equity price risk; that is, the potential future loss of value that would result from a decline in their fair value. Market prices fluctuate and the amount realized upon subsequent sale may differ significantly from the reported market value.
The table below summarizes our market risks as of December 31, 2013 , and shows the effects of a hypothetical 10% increase and decrease in equity investments.
 
 
Fair Value as of
December 31, 2013
 
Fair Value
Assuming a
Hypothetical
10% Increase
 
Fair Value
Assuming a
Hypothetical
10% Decrease
Equity investments
$
18,726,070

 
$
20,598,677

 
$
16,853,463



24

Table of Contents

ITEM 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2013. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the two‑year period ended December 31, 2013, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 7, 2014 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Columbus, Ohio
March 7, 2014


25


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.:
We have audited Diamond Hill Investment Group Inc.’s (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A of the Company’s December 31, 2013 annual report on Form 10-K. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2013, and our report dated March 7, 2014 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Columbus, Ohio
March 7, 2014


26


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To Shareholders and Board of Directors of
Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.

We have audited the consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows of Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2011. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated results of operations and cash flows of Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2011 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Plante & Moran, PLLC

March 7, 2012
Columbus, Ohio

27


Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 
December 31,
 
2013
 
2012
ASSETS
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
33,106,972

 
$
7,870,908

Investment portfolio
18,726,070

 
16,503,731

Accounts receivable
13,002,295

 
10,438,598

Prepaid expenses
1,489,713

 
953,526

Furniture and equipment, net of depreciation
964,943

 
745,476

Income tax receivable

 
2,271,704

Deferred taxes
8,063,425

 
2,451,974

Total assets
$
75,353,418

 
$
41,235,917

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
$
4,049,240

 
$
2,797,483

Accrued incentive compensation
19,606,881

 
15,908,083

Deferred compensation liability
1,287,745

 
794,644

Income taxes payable
5,466,562

 

Total liabilities
30,410,428

 
19,500,210

Commitments and contingencies

 

Shareholders’ Equity
 
 
 
Common stock, no par value
7,000,000 shares authorized; 3,257,247 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 (inclusive of 312,099 unvested shares); 3,169,987 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2012 (inclusive of 319,988 unvested shares)
72,642,933

 
65,255,813

Preferred stock, undesignated, 1,000,000 shares authorized and unissued

 

Deferred equity compensation
(11,397,560
)
 
(14,829,470
)
Accumulated deficit
(16,302,383
)
 
(28,690,636
)
Total shareholders’ equity
44,942,990

 
21,735,707

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
75,353,418

 
$
41,235,917

 
 
 
 
Book value per share
$
13.80

 
$
6.86

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

28

Table of Contents

Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
REVENUES:
 
 
 
 
 
Investment advisory
$
69,966,377

 
$
57,783,131

 
$
56,016,708

Mutual fund administration, net
11,465,327

 
8,874,177

 
7,878,556

Total revenue
81,431,704

 
66,657,308

 
63,895,264

OPERATING EXPENSES:
 
 
 
 
 
Compensation and related costs
40,851,722

 
33,868,225

 
32,874,606

General and administrative
6,042,781

 
4,986,559

 
4,737,831

Sales and marketing
1,388,792

 
1,064,643

 
832,429

Third party distribution
710,123

 
752,481

 
885,280

Mutual fund administration
1,756,366

 
1,556,909

 
1,504,005

Total operating expenses
50,749,784

 
42,228,817

 
40,834,151

NET OPERATING INCOME
30,681,920

 
24,428,491

 
23,061,113

Investment income (loss)
4,950,245

 
1,654,124

 
(66,664
)
INCOME BEFORE TAXES
35,632,165

 
26,082,615

 
22,994,449

Income tax provision
(13,477,337
)
 
(9,151,723
)
 
(8,641,481
)
NET INCOME
$
22,154,828

 
$
16,930,892

 
$
14,352,968

Earnings per share
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
7.05

 
$
5.44

 
$
4.86

Diluted
$
6.94

 
$
5.44

 
$
4.86

Weighted average shares outstanding
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
3,142,083

 
3,111,328

 
2,951,751

Diluted
3,194,263

 
3,111,328

 
2,951,751

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

29

Table of Contents

Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

 
Shares
Outstanding
 
Common
Stock
 
Deferred
Compensation
 
Retained Earnings
(Accumulated Deficit)
 
Total
Balance at January 1, 2011
2,795,683

 
$
34,423,011

 
$
(7,137,729
)
 
$
(19,787,030
)
 
$
7,498,252

Issuance of restricted stock grants
109,333

 
8,686,586

 
(8,686,586
)
 

 

Amortization of restricted stock grants

 

 
3,742,909

 

 
3,742,909

Issuance of stock grants
103,899

 
7,691,800

 

 

 
7,691,800

Issuance of common stock related to 401k plan match
12,754

 
960,888

 

 

 
960,888

Net excess tax benefit from vested restricted stock grants

 
7,007

 

 

 
7,007

Shares withheld related to employee tax withholding
(2,025
)
 
(158,988
)
 

 

 
(158,988
)
Forfeiture of restricted stock grants
(8,368
)
 
(541,774
)
 
541,774

 

 

Repurchase of common stock
(15,462
)
 
(1,072,908
)
 

 

 
(1,072,908
)
Cash Dividend Paid of $5.00 per share

 

 

 
(14,971,570
)
 
(14,971,570
)
Net income

 

 

 
14,352,968

 
14,352,968

Balance at December 31, 2011
2,995,814

 
$
49,995,622

 
$
(11,539,632
)
 
$
(20,405,632
)
 
$
18,050,358

Issuance of restricted stock grants
107,600

 
8,139,135

 
(8,139,135
)
 

 

Amortization of restricted stock grants

 

 
4,693,926

 

 
4,693,926

Issuance of stock grants
71,949

 
5,540,792

 

 

 
5,540,792

Issuance of common stock related to 401k plan match
14,239

 
1,057,056

 

 

 
1,057,056

Tax benefit from dividend payments related to restricted stock grants

 
1,992,298

 

 

 
1,992,298

Net excess tax benefit from vested restricted stock grants

 
34,543

 

 

 
34,543

Shares withheld related to employee tax withholding
(17,438
)
 
(1,348,262
)
 

 

 
(1,348,262
)
Forfeiture of restricted stock grants
(2,177
)
 
(155,371
)
 
155,371

 

 

Cash Dividend Paid of $8.00 per share

 

 

 
(25,215,896
)
 
(25,215,896
)
Net income

 

 

 
16,930,892

 
16,930,892

Balance at December 31, 2012
3,169,987

 
$
65,255,813

 
$
(14,829,470
)
 
$
(28,690,636
)
 
$
21,735,707

Issuance of restricted stock grants
32,000

 
2,740,030

 
(2,740,030
)
 

 

Amortization of restricted stock grants

 

 
6,161,047

 

 
6,161,047

Issuance of stock grants
59,006

 
4,606,008

 

 

 
4,606,008

Issuance of common stock related to 401k plan match
12,894

 
1,158,354

 

 

 
1,158,354

Tax benefit from dividend payments related to restricted stock grants

 
357,188

 

 

 
357,188

Net excess tax benefit from vested restricted stock grants

 
420,620

 

 

 
420,620

Shares withheld related to employee tax withholding
(16,500
)
 
(1,884,187
)
 

 

 
(1,884,187
)
Forfeiture of restricted stock grants
(140
)
 
(10,893
)
 
10,893

 

 

Cash Dividend Paid of $3.00 per share

 

 

 
(9,766,575
)
 
(9,766,575
)
Net income

 

 

 
22,154,828

 
22,154,828

Balance at December 31, 2013
3,257,247

 
$
72,642,933

 
$
(11,397,560
)
 
$
(16,302,383
)
 
$
44,942,990


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

30

Table of Contents

Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income
$
22,154,828

 
$
16,930,892

 
$
14,352,968

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation on furniture and equipment
306,005

 
305,897

 
330,971

Stock-based compensation
7,319,401

 
5,750,981

 
4,933,613

Increase in accounts receivable
(2,563,697
)
 
(142,875
)
 
(1,600,620
)
Change in current income taxes
8,520,834

 
(105,166
)
 
(976,574
)
Change in deferred income taxes
(5,616,211
)
 
(368,572
)
 
(1,221,328
)
Net investment (gain) loss
(4,270,928
)
 
(1,135,598
)
 
111,078

Increase in accrued compensation
8,797,907

 
5,469,062

 
8,125,191

Excess income tax benefit from stock-based compensation
(425,380
)
 
(34,543
)
 
(7,007
)
Income tax benefit from dividends paid on unvested shares
(357,188
)
 
(1,992,298
)
 

Other changes in assets and liabilities
715,570

 
(131,087
)
 
(1,339,002
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
34,581,141

 
24,546,693

 
22,709,290

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
Purchase of furniture and equipment
(525,472
)
 
(221,592
)
 
(253,082
)
Cost of investments purchased and other portfolio activity
(2,306,947
)
 
(7,463,796
)
 
(925,507
)
Proceeds from sale of investments
4,355,536

 
304,152

 
4,133,000

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
1,523,117

 
(7,381,236
)
 
2,954,411

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
Payment for repurchase of common shares

 

 
(1,072,908
)
Shares withheld related to employee tax withholding
(1,884,187
)
 
(1,348,262
)
 
(158,988
)
Excess income tax benefit from stock-based compensation
425,380

 
34,543

 
7,007

Income tax benefit from dividends paid on unvested shares
357,188

 
1,992,298

 

Payment of dividends
(9,766,575
)
 
(25,215,896
)
 
(14,971,570
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(10,868,194
)
 
(24,537,317
)
 
(16,196,459
)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
 
 
 
 
Net change during the year
25,236,064

 
(7,371,860
)
 
9,467,242

At beginning of year
7,870,908

 
15,242,768

 
5,775,526

At end of year
$
33,106,972

 
$
7,870,908

 
$
15,242,768

Supplemental cash flow information:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest paid
$

 
$

 
$

Income taxes paid
10,575,000

 
9,636,000

 
10,849,000

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash transactions:
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock issued as incentive compensation
4,606,008

 
5,540,792

 
7,461,984

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

31

Table of Contents

Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 Business and Organization
Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. (the “Company”), an Ohio Corporation, derives its consolidated revenues and net income from investment advisory and fund administration services. The Company has three operating subsidiaries.
Diamond Hill Capital Management, Inc. (“DHCM”), an Ohio corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and a registered investment adviser. DHCM is the investment adviser to the Diamond Hill Funds (the “Funds”), a series of open-end mutual funds, private investment funds (“Private Funds”), and other institutional accounts. In addition, DHCM is administrator for the Funds.
Beacon Hill Fund Services, Inc. (“BHFS”), an Ohio corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. BHFS provides certain compliance, treasury, and other fund administration services to mutual fund companies. BHIL Distributors, Inc. (“BHIL”), an Ohio corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary of BHFS. BHIL provides underwriting to mutual funds. BHFS and BHIL collectively operate as "Beacon Hill".
Note 2 Significant Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain prior period amounts and disclosures have been reclassified to conform to the current period financial presentation. Book value per share is computed by dividing total shareholders’ equity by the number of shares issued and outstanding at the end of the measurement period. The following is a summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies:
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the operations of the Company and its subsidiaries. All material inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Segment Information
Management has determined that the Company operates in one business segment, namely providing investment management and administration services to mutual funds, institutional accounts, and private investment funds. Therefore, no disclosures relating to operating segments are required in annual or interim financial statements.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include demand deposits and money market mutual funds.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are recorded when they are due and are presented on the balance sheet net of any allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts receivable are written off when they are determined to be uncollectible. Any allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based on the Company’s historical losses, existing conditions in the industry, and the financial stability of those individuals or entities that owe the receivable. No allowance for doubtful accounts was deemed necessary at December 31, 2013 or December 31, 2012 .
Valuation of Investment Portfolio
Investments held by the Company are valued based upon the definition of Level 1 inputs and Level 2 inputs. Level 1 inputs are defined as fair values which use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are defined as quoted prices in markets that are not considered to be active for identical assets or liabilities, quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, and inputs other than quoted prices that are directly observable or that may be corroborated indirectly with observable market data. The following table summarizes the values of the Company’s investments based upon Level 1 and Level 2 inputs as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 :
 

32


Note 2 Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

 
As of December 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Level 1 Inputs
$
32,528,367

 
$
16,922,720

Level 2 Inputs
3,001,461

 
3,650,561

Level 1 investments are all registered investment companies (mutual funds) and include $16.8 million and $4.1 million , respectively, of money market mutual funds that the Company classifies as cash equivalents. Level 2 investments are all limited partnerships whose value was determined based upon readily available market quotations of individual securities held by the partnerships. The Company determines transfers between fair value hierarchy levels at the end of the reporting period. There were no transfers in or out of the levels.
The changes in fair values on the investments are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income as investment income (loss).
Limited Partnership Interests
DHCM is the managing member of Diamond Hill General Partner, LLC (the “General Partner”), the general partner of Diamond Hill Investment Partners, L.P. (“DHIP”), Diamond Hill Global Fund, L.P. ("DHGF"), formerly Diamond Hill Research Partners – International, L.P., and Diamond Hill Valuation-Weighted 500, L.P. (“DHVW”) collectively (the “Partnerships”), each a limited partnership whose underlying assets consist of marketable securities.
DHCM, in its role as managing member of the General Partner, has the power to direct each Partnerships’ economic activities and the right to receive investment advisory and performance incentive fees that may be significant to the Partnerships. The Company evaluated these Partnerships to determine whether or not to consolidate the entities in accordance with FASB ASC 810, Consolidation . Certain of these Partnerships are considered to be variable interest entities (“VIEs”) while others are considered to be voting rights entities (“VREs”), both of which are subject to consolidation consideration. The Company would consolidate VIEs where the Company is considered the primary beneficiary or VREs where the General Partner is considered to control the Partnership. For the Partnerships that were considered VIEs, the Company was not deemed to be the primary beneficiary. For the Partnerships that were considered VREs, it was determined that the DHCM in its role of managing member of the General Partner did not control the Partnerships. Therefore, the investments are accounted for under the equity method rather than being consolidated in the accompanying financial statements.

DHCM’s investments in these Partnerships are reported as a component of the Company’s investment portfolio, valued at DHCM’s proportionate interest in the net asset value of the marketable securities held by the Partnerships. Gains and losses attributable to changes in the value of DHCM’s interests in the Partnerships are included in the Company’s reported investment income. The Company’s exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with the Partnerships is limited to the amount of its investments. DHCM is not obligated to provide financial or other support to the Partnerships, other than its investments to date and its contractually provided investment advisory responsibilities, and has not provided such support. The Company has not provided liquidity arrangements, guarantees or other commitments to support the Partnerships’ operations, and the Partnerships’ creditors and interest holders have no recourse to the general credit of the Company.
Certain board members, officers and employees of the Company invest in DHIP. These individuals receive no remuneration as a result of their personal investment in DHIP. The capital of the General Partner is not subject to a management fee or an incentive fee.
Furniture and Equipment
Furniture and equipment, consisting of computer equipment, furniture, and fixtures, are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over estimated lives of three to seven years.
Deferred Compensation Liability
Deferred compensation liability represents compensation that will be paid out upon satisfactory completion of certain performance-based criteria specified in employee award agreements issued pursuant to the 2011 Equity and Cash Incentive Plan. See Note 5.

33


Note 2 Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Revenue Recognition—General
The Company earns substantially all of its revenue from investment advisory and fund administration services. Investment advisory and administration fees, generally calculated as a percentage of assets under management ("AUM"), are recorded as revenue as services are performed. In addition to fixed fees based on a percentage of AUM, certain client accounts also provide periodic variable incentive fees.
Revenue Recognition – Incentive Revenue
The Company manages certain client accounts that provide for variable incentive fees. These fees are currently based on client investment results over rolling five-year periods. For variable incentive fees based on a formula, there are two methods by which incentive revenue may be recorded. Under “Method 1”, incentive fees are recorded at the end of the contract measurement period; under “Method 2”, the incentive fees are recorded periodically and calculated as the amount that would be due under the formula at any point in time as if the contract was terminated at that date. Management has chosen Method 1, in which incentive fees are recorded at the end of the contract measurement period for the specific client in which the incentive fee applies. The table below shows AUM subject to incentive fees and the incentive fees, as calculated under each of the above methods:

 
As of December 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
AUM Contractual Period Ends:
 
 
 
 
 
Calendar Quarter-End
$

 
$

 
$
89,070,421

Calendar Year-End

 

 
81,362,029

Quarter Ended June 30, 2017
380,073,000

 
274,302,549

 

Quarter Ended December 31, 2018
90,653,000

 

 

Total AUM Subject to Incentive Fees
$
470,726,000

 
$
274,302,549

 
$
170,432,450

 

For the Year Ended December 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Incentive Fees Under Method 1:
 
 
 
 
 
Contractual Period Ends:
 
 
 
 
 
Calendar Quarter-End
$

 
$

 
$
507

Calendar Year-End

 

 
2,090

Quarter Ended June 30, 2017

 
3,301

 

Quarter Ended December 31, 2018

 

 

Total Incentive Fees Under Method 1
$

 
$
3,301

 
$
2,597

Incentive Fees Under Method 2:
 
 
 
 
 
Contractual Period Ends:
 
 
 
 
 
Calendar Quarter-End
$

 
$

 
$
507

Calendar Year-End

 

 
2,090

Quarter Ended June 30, 2017
3,900,649

 
361,700

 

Quarter Ended December 31, 2018

 

 

Total Incentive Fees Under Method 2
$
3,900,649

 
$
361,700

 
$
2,597


Method 2 in the table illustrates the revenue that would be recognized if the variable incentive fee contract was terminated as of December 31, 2013, 2012, or 2011. The contractual end dates highlight the time remaining until the variable incentive fees are schedule to be earned. The amounts under Method 2 above will increase or decrease based on future client investment results through the contractual period end and there is no assurance that the above amounts will ultimately be earned.

34


Note 2 Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Revenue Recognition – Mutual Fund Administration
DHCM has an administrative and transfer agency services agreement with the Funds, under which DHCM performs certain services for each fund. These services include mutual fund administration, transfer agency and other related functions. For performing these services, each fund compensates DHCM a fee, which is calculated using an annual rate of 0.25% for Class A, C, and I shares and 0.10% for Class Y shares, times the average daily net assets of each respective series and share class.
 
The Funds have selected and contractually engaged certain vendors to fulfill various services to benefit the Funds’ shareholders or to satisfy regulatory requirements of the Funds. These services include, among others, required fund shareholder mailings, federal and state registrations, and legal and audit services. DHCM, in fulfilling a portion of its role under the administration agreement with the Funds, acts as agent to pay these obligations of the Funds. Each vendor is independently responsible for fulfillment of the services it has been engaged to provide and negotiates fees and terms with the management and board of trustees of the Funds. The fee that each Fund pays to DHCM is reviewed annually by the Funds’ board of trustees and specifically takes into account the contractual expenses that DHCM pays on behalf of the Funds. As a result, DHCM is not involved in the delivery or pricing of these services and bears no risk related to these services. Revenue has been recorded net of these Fund related expenses, in accordance with FASB ASC 605-45, Revenue Recognition – Principal Agent Considerations . In addition, DHCM finances the upfront commissions which are paid to brokers who sell Class C shares of the Funds. As financer, DHCM advances the commission amount to be paid to the selling broker at the time of sale. These advances are capitalized and amortized over 12 months to correspond with the repayments DHCM receives from the principal underwriter to recoup this commission advancement.

Beacon Hill has underwriting and administrative service agreements with certain clients, including registered mutual funds. The fee arrangements vary from client to client based upon services provided and are recorded as revenue under Mutual Fund Administration on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Part of Beacon Hill’s role as underwriter is to act as an agent on behalf of its mutual fund clients to receive 12b-1/service fees and commission revenue and facilitate the payment of those fees and commissions to third parties who provide services to the funds and their shareholders. The amount of 12b-1/service fees and commissions are determined by each mutual fund client and Beacon Hill bears no financial risk related to these services. As a result, 12b-1/service fees and commission revenue has been recorded net of the expense payments to third parties, in accordance with the appropriate accounting treatment for this agency relationship.
Mutual fund administration gross and net revenue are summarized below:
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Mutual fund administration:
 
 
 
 
 
Administration revenue, gross
$
16,692,093

 
$
13,074,707

 
$
11,617,140

12b-1/service fees and commission revenue received from fund clients
8,481,442

 
6,868,974

 
7,058,471

12b-1/service fees and commission expense payments to third parties
(7,404,361
)
 
(5,597,757
)
 
(5,577,925
)
Fund related expense
(6,321,374
)
 
(5,469,023
)
 
(5,254,733
)
Revenue, net of fund related expenses
11,447,800

 
8,876,901

 
7,842,953

DHCM C-Share financing:
 
 
 
 
 
Broker commission advance repayments
365,380

 
217,227

 
352,740

Broker commission amortization
(347,853
)
 
(219,951
)
 
(317,137
)
Financing activity, net
17,527

 
(2,724
)
 
35,603

Mutual fund administration revenue, net
$
11,465,327

 
$
8,874,177

 
$
7,878,556

Third Party Distribution Expense
Third party distribution expenses are earned by various third party financial services firms based on sales and/or assets of the Company’s investment products generated by the respective firms. Expenses recognized represent actual payments made to the third party firms and are recorded in the period earned based on the terms of the various contracts.

35


Note 2 Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Contractual Expense Reimbursements
During 2013, BHIL entered into an agreement with a third party investment adviser to provide staff to support the wholesaling functions and sales support services to distribute shares of the registered investment companies managed by the third party investment adviser and distributed by BHIL. Under the agreement, the third party investment adviser is obligated to reimburse BHIL for all expenses incurred in association with these efforts. The amount of expense incurred and reimbursed for the year was $375,825 . In addition, the third party investment adviser is obligated to reimburse BHIL for any contractual obligations entered into by BHIL as a result of this arrangement. See Note 6.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for current and deferred income taxes through an asset and liability approach. Deferred taxes are recognized for deductible temporary differences and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.
The Company is subject to examination by various federal, state and local jurisdictions for various tax periods. The Company’s income tax positions are based on research and interpretations of the income tax laws and rulings in each of the jurisdictions in which the Company does business. Due to the subjectivity of interpretations of laws and rulings in each jurisdiction, the differences and interplay in tax laws between those jurisdictions, as well as the inherent uncertainty in estimating the final resolution of complex tax audit matters, the Company’s estimates of income tax liabilities may differ from actual payments or assessments. The Company regularly assesses its position with regard to tax exposures and records liabilities for these uncertain tax positions and related interest and penalties, if any, according to the principles of FASB ASC 740, Income Taxes . The Company records interest and penalties, if any, within the income tax provision on the income statement. As of December 31, 2013 , the Company has not recorded any liability for uncertain tax positions.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding for the period, which includes participating securities. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution of EPS due to unvested restricted stock grants with forfeitable rights to dividends. For the periods presented, the Company has unvested stock-based payment awards that contain both forfeitable and nonforfeitable rights to dividends. See Note 8.
Note 3 Investment Portfolio
As of December 31, 2013 , the Company held investments (excluding money market funds, included with cash and cash equivalents) worth $18.7 million and an estimated cost basis of $11.6 million . The following table summarizes the fair value of these investments as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 :
 
As of December 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Diamond Hill Small Cap Fund
$

 
$
215,550

Diamond Hill Small-Mid Cap Fund

 
239,316

Diamond Hill Large Cap Fund

 
246,744

Diamond Hill Select Fund

 
242,252

Diamond Hill Long-Short Fund
1,287,745

 
1,036,045

Diamond Hill Financial Long-Short Fund
1,131,034

 

Diamond Hill Research Opportunities Fund
13,305,830

 
10,658,665

Diamond Hill Strategic Income Fund

 
214,598

Diamond Hill Investment Partners, L.P.
1,133

 
7,336

Diamond Hill Global Fund, L.P. (a)

 
1,384,976

Diamond Hill Valuation-Weighted 500, L.P.
3,000,328

 
2,258,249

Total Investment Portfolio
$
18,726,070

 
$
16,503,731

(a) - Diamond Hill Global Fund, L.P. ("DHGF"), formerly Diamond Hill Research Partners – International, L.P.

36

Note 3 Investment Portfolio (Continued)

DHCM is the managing member of Diamond Hill General Partner LLC, which is the general partner of the Partnerships. The underlying assets of the Partnerships are cash and marketable equity securities. Summary financial information, including the Company’s carrying value and income from the Partnerships, is as follows:
 
As of December 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Total partnership assets
$
122,106,403

 
$
105,472,952

 
$
130,880,368

Total partnership liabilities
25,217,600

 
17,786,579

 
21,570,822

Net partnership assets
$
96,888,803

 
$
87,686,373

 
$
109,309,546

DHCM’s portion of net assets
$
3,001,461

 
$
3,650,561

 
$
6,977,929

 
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Net partnership income (loss)
$
24,294,495

 
$
15,054,951

 
$
(11,007,617
)
DHCM’s portion of net income (loss)
$
899,958

 
$
472,659

 
$
(75,082
)
Note 4 Capital Stock
Common Shares
The Company has only one class of securities outstanding, Common Shares, no par value per share.
Authorization of Preferred Shares
The Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of 1,000,000 shares of “blank check” preferred shares with such designations, rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by the Company’s Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is authorized, without shareholder approval, to issue preferred stock with dividend, liquidation, conversion, voting, or other rights, which could adversely affect the voting or other rights of the holders of the Common Shares. There were no shares of preferred stock issued or outstanding at December 31, 2013 or December 31, 2012 .
Note 5 Compensation Plans
Equity Incentive Plans
2011 Equity and Cash Incentive Plan
At the Company’s annual shareholder meeting on April 26, 2011, shareholders approved the 2011 Equity and Cash Incentive Plan (“2011 Plan”). The 2011 Plan is intended to facilitate the Company’s ability to attract and retain staff, provide additional incentives to employees, directors and consultants, and promote the success of the Company’s business. The 2011 Plan authorizes the issuance of 600,000 Common Shares of the Company in various forms of equity awards. The 2011 Plan also authorizes cash incentive awards. As of December 31, 2013 , there were 232,300 Common Shares available for awards under the 2011 Plan. The 2011 Plan provides that the Board of Directors, or a committee appointed by the Board, may grant awards and otherwise administer the 2011 Plan. Restricted stock grants issued under the 2011 Plan, which vest over time, are recorded as deferred compensation in the equity section of the balance sheet on the grant date and then recognized as compensation expense based on the grant date price over the vesting period of the respective grant. Stock grants issued under the 2011 Plan are recorded as compensation expense based on the grant date price.
2005 Employee and Director Equity Incentive Plan
At the Company’s annual shareholder meeting on May 12, 2005, shareholders approved the 2005 Employee and Director Equity Incentive Plan (“2005 Plan”). There are no longer any Common Shares available for future issuance under the 2005 Plan, although outstanding grants under the 2005 Plan remain issued and outstanding. Restricted stock grants issued under the 2005 Plan, which vest over time, are recorded as deferred compensation in the equity section of the balance sheet on the grant date and then recognized as compensation expense based on the grant date price over the vesting period of the respective grant. Stock grants issued under the 2005 Plan are recorded as compensation expense based on the grant date price.

37

Note 5 Compensation Plans (Continued)

Restricted Stock Grant Transactions
The following table represents a roll-forward of outstanding restricted stock grants issued pursuant to the 2011 and 2005 Plans and related activity during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 :
 
 
Shares
 
Weighted-Average
Grant Date Price
per Share
Outstanding restricted stock grants as of December 31, 2011
260,621

 
$
73.78

Grants issued
107,600

 
75.64

Grants vested
(46,056
)
 
75.22

Grants forfeited
(2,177
)
 
71.37

Outstanding restricted stock grants as of December 31, 2012
319,988

 
$
74.22

Grants issued
32,000

 
85.63

Grants vested
(39,749
)
 
80.77

Grants forfeited
(140
)
 
77.81

Total outstanding restricted stock grants as of December 31, 2013
312,099

 
$
74.17


The total outstanding restricted stock grants shown above are included in issued and outstanding shares. Total deferred compensation related to unvested restricted stock grants was $11.4 million as of December 31, 2013 . Compensation expense related to the restricted stock grants is calculated based upon the fair market value of the common stock on grant date adjusted for estimated forfeitures. Compensation expense recognition of deferred compensation over the remaining vesting periods, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, is as follows:
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
Total
$
4,647,324

 
$
3,588,155

 
$
1,641,218

 
$
1,024,797

 
$
261,197

 
$
11,162,691

Stock Grant Transactions
The following table represents stock grant transactions during the years ended December 31, 2013 , 2012 , and 2011 :
 
Shares Issued
 
Grant Date Value
December 31, 2013
59,006

 
$
4,606,008

December 31, 2012
71,949

 
5,540,792

December 31, 2011
103,899

 
7,691,800

401(k) Plan
The Company sponsors a 401(k) plan in which all employees participate. Employees may contribute a portion of their compensation subject to certain limits based on federal tax laws. The Company makes matching contributions of common shares of the Company with a value equal to 200 percent of the first six percent of an employee’s compensation contributed to the plan. Employees become fully vested in the matching contributions after six plan years of employment. The following table summarizes the Company’s expenses attributable to the plan during the years ended December 31, 2013 , 2012 and 2011 :
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
$
1,171,154

 
$
1,044,255

 
$
960,888

Deferred Compensation Plans
On April 24, 2013, the Board of Directors approved the Diamond Hill Fixed Term Deferred Compensation Plan and the Diamond Hill Variable Term Deferred Compensation Plan (collectively the “Plans”). Under the Plans, participants may elect to voluntarily defer, for a minimum of five years, certain incentive compensation, which the Company then contributes into the Plans. Each participant is responsible for designating investment options for assets they contribute, and the distribution paid to

38

Note 5 Compensation Plans (Continued)

each participant reflects any gains or losses on the assets realized while in the Plans. Assets held in the Plans will be included in the Company’s investment portfolio, and the associated obligation to participants is included in deferred compensation liability. Assets held in the Plans will consist of the Funds and be recorded at fair value. The first deferrals into the Plans are expected to be made in the first quarter of 2014 .
Note 6 Operating Leases
The Company leases office space at three locations. The following table summarizes the total lease and operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2013 , 2012 and 2011 :
 
For the year ended December 31,
2013
 
2012
 
2011
$
730,845

 
$
686,747

 
$
620,360

The approximate future minimum lease payments under the operating leases are as follows:
 
 
 
Future Minimum Lease Payments by Year
Total
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
Thereafter
$
6,935,000

 
$
683,000

 
$
693,000

 
$
693,000

 
$
693,000

 
$
629,000

 
$
3,544,000

The total approximate future minimum lease payments of $6.9 million include $354 thousand of obligations resulting from a contractual expense reimbursement agreement ("Expense Agreement") with a third party. Under the Expense Agreement, these amounts are required to be reimbursed to the Company by the third party. The obligation of the third party to reimburse the Company for these expenses survives the termination of the Expense Agreement.
In addition to the above lease payments, the Company is also responsible for normal operating expenses of the properties. Such operating expenses were approximately $9.80 per square foot in 2013 , on a combined basis, and are expected to be approximately $10.12 per square foot in 2014 .
Note 7 Income Taxes
The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return. It is the policy of the Company to allocate the consolidated tax provision to subsidiaries as if each subsidiary’s tax liability or benefit were determined on a separate company basis. As part of the consolidated group, subsidiaries transfer to the Company their current federal tax liabilities or assets.
 
 
As of December 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Current city income tax provision
$
952,957

 
$
406,814

 
$
658,106

Current state income tax provision
268,920

 
122,704

 
271,776

Current federal income tax provision
17,866,911

 
8,990,777

 
8,921,527

Deferred federal income tax benefit
(5,611,451
)
 
(368,572
)
 
(1,209,928
)
Provision for income taxes
$
13,477,337

 
$
9,151,723

 
$
8,641,481

A reconciliation of income tax expense at the statutory federal rate to the Company’s income tax expense is as follows:
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Income tax computed at statutory rate
$
12,471,258

 
$
9,128,915

 
$
8,048,057

City and state income taxes, net of federal benefit
794,220

 
344,187

 
604,423

Other
211,859

 
(321,379
)
 
(10,999
)
Income tax expense
$
13,477,337

 
$
9,151,723

 
$
8,641,481

In addition to the income tax expense listed above for the years ended December 31, 2013 , 2012 and 2011 , income tax benefit recorded in shareholders' equity for the same periods was $778 thousand , $2.0 million , and $7 thousand , respectively. Included in 2012 is $2.0 million which relates to tax benefits not previously claimed by the Company.

39

Note 7 Income Taxes (Continued)


Deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following at December 31, 2013 and 2012 :
 
 
2013
 
2012
Stock-based compensation
$
4,433,293

 
$
3,289,885

Accrued incentive compensation
4,075,735

 

Unrealized (gains) losses
(316,926
)
 
(763,235
)
Other assets and liabilities
(128,677
)
 
(74,676
)
Net deferred tax assets
$
8,063,425

 
$
2,451,974

The net temporary differences incurred to date will reverse in future periods as the Company generates taxable earnings. The Company believes it is more likely than not that the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to realize the net deferred tax assets recorded. The Company records a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. As of December 31, 2013 , no valuation allowance was deemed necessary.
FASB ASC 740, Income Taxes , prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. The Company did not record an accrual for tax related uncertainties or unrecognized tax positions as of December 31, 2013 . The Company does not expect a change to the reserve for uncertain tax positions within the next twelve months that would have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. As of December 31, 2013 , the Company recorded through the tax provision net interest expense of $321 thousand as a result of an IRS examination.
The Company files income tax returns in the federal and all applicable state and local jurisdictions. The Company is subject to federal, state and local examinations by tax authorities for tax years ended December 31, 2009 through 2013 .
Note 8 Earnings Per Share
The Company’s common shares outstanding consist of all shares issued and outstanding, including unvested restricted shares.  Basic and diluted EPS are calculated under the two-class method.  Pursuant to the two-class method, the Company’s unvested restricted stock grants with nonforfeitable rights to dividends are considered participating securities.  Dividends are paid on all common shares outstanding at the same rate.  Accordingly, the Company has evaluated the impact of earnings per share of all participating securities under the two-class method, noting no impact on earnings per share.  Restricted stock grants with forfeitable rights to dividends are considered dilutive. The following table sets forth the computation for basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”):
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Net income
$
22,154,828

 
$
16,930,892

 
$
14,352,968

Weighted average number of outstanding shares
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
3,142,083

 
3,111,328

 
2,951,751

Diluted
3,194,263

 
3,111,328

 
2,951,751

Earnings per share
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
7.05

 
5.44

 
4.86

Diluted
$
6.94

 
5.44

 
4.86


40


Note 9 Regulatory Requirements
BHIL, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and principal underwriter for mutual funds, is subject to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) uniform net capital rule, which requires the maintenance of minimum net capital. BHIL’s net capital exceeded its minimum net capital requirement at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 . The net capital balances, minimum net capital requirements, and ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital for BHIL are summarized below as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 :
 
 
As of December 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Net Capital
$
338,568

 
$
354,029

Minimum Net Capital Requirement
90,931

 
46,597

Ratio of Aggregate Indebtedness to Net Capital
4.03 to 1

 
1.97 to 1

Note 10 Commitments and Contingencies
The Company indemnifies its directors and certain of its officers and employees for certain liabilities that might arise from their performance of their duties to the Company. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Company enters into agreements that contain a variety of representations and warranties and which provide general indemnifications. Certain agreements do not contain any limits on the Company’s liability and would involve future claims that may be made against the Company that have not yet occurred. Therefore, it is not possible to estimate the Company’s potential liability under these indemnities. Further, the Company maintains insurance policies that may provide coverage against certain claims under these indemnities.

41


ITEM 9.
Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures
We changed our independent registered public accounting firm in October 2012 from Plante & Moran PLLC to KPMG LLP. Information regarding the change in independent registered public accounting firm was reported in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 30, 2012. There were no disagreements or any reportable events subject to Item 304(b) of Regulation S-K requiring disclosure.

ITEM 9A.
Controls and Procedures
Management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, has conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this report (the “Evaluation Date”). Based on such evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the year ended December 31, 2013 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management of Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. (the “Company”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of its consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013 based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this assessment, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2013 .
The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG LLP, has audited the Company’s 2013 and 2012 consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013 , and has issued its Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Consolidated Financial Statements, which is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 9B.
Other Information
None.

42

Table of Contents

PART III
ITEM 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Information required by this Item 10 is incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement for its 2014 annual meeting of shareholders to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act (the “ 2014 Proxy Statement”), under the captions: “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance”, “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors”, “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors – The Board of Directors and Committees”, “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors – Corporate Governance”, and “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors – Executive Officers and Compensation Information”.

ITEM 11.
Executive Compensation
Information required by this Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s 2014 Proxy Statement under the captions: “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors—The Board of Directors and Committees”, “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors – Corporate Governance”, “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors – Corporate Governance – Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation”, “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors – Executive Officers and Compensation Information”, and “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors – Compensation Committee Report”.

ITEM 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The following table sets forth certain information concerning our equity compensation plans at December 31, 2013 :
Equity Compensation Plan Information
 
 
(a)
 
(b)
 
(c)
 
Plan category
Number of securities to
be issued upon the
exercise of outstanding
options, warrants and
rights
 
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
 
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected in
column (a)
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

 
$

 
232,300

1  
1
This amount relates to common shares that may be issued under our 2011 Equity and Cash Incentive Plan.
The other information required by this Item 12 is incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s 2014 Proxy Statement under the captions: “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors – Executive Officers and Compensation Information”.

ITEM 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Information required by this Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s 2014 Proxy Statement under the caption: “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors – Director Independence” and “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors – Corporate Governance”.

ITEM 14.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
Information required by this Item 14 is incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s 2014 Proxy Statement under the caption: “Proposal 2 – Ratification of the Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm”.

43

Table of Contents

PART IV
ITEM 15.
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(a) (1)
Financial Statements : See “Part II. Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”.
(2)
Financial Statement Schedules:  All financial statement schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the SEC are omitted because they are not required or the required information is included in the accompanying financial statements or notes thereto.
(3)
Exhibits:

3.1
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company. (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3(i) to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 7, 2002; File No. 000-24498.)
 
 
3.2
Regulations of the Company. (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3(ii) to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 7, 2002; File No. 000-24498.)
 
 
10.1
Amended and Restated Investment Management Agreement between Diamond Hill Capital Management, Inc. and the Diamond Hill Funds dated as of May 23, 2013. (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 29(h)(iii) to Post-Effective Amendment Nos. 41 and 42 to Registration Statement on Form N1-A (File Nos. 333-22075 and 811-08061) filed by Diamond Hill Funds on December 19, 2013)
 
 
10.2
Amended and Restated Administrative and Transfer Agency Services Agreement dated as of May 31, 2002, as amended November 17, 2011, between Diamond Hill Capital Management, Inc. and the Diamond Hill Funds. (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 28h(ix) to Post-Effective Amendment Nos. 28 and 29 to Registration Statement on Form N1-A (File Nos. 333-22075 and 811-08061) filed by Diamond Hill Funds on February 29, 2012)
 
 
10.3*
2011 Equity and Cash Incentive Plan and Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement referenced therein. (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 and 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 29, 2011; File No. 000-24498.)
 
 
10.4*
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Company and Roderick H. Dillon, Jr. dated March 22, 2011. (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 24, 2011; File No. 000-24498.)
 
 
10.5*
Amended and Restated 2005 Employee and Director Equity Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.6 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 14, 2008; File No. 000-24498.)
 
 
10.6*
2005 Employee and Director Equity Incentive Plan First Amendment dated November 2, 2010 and Form of Restricted Stock Agreement reference therein. (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.4 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 25, 2011; File No. 000-24498.)
 
 
10.7*
Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. Compensation Recoupment and Restitution Policy. (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 99 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 20, 2013; File No. 000-24498.)
 
 
10.8*
Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. Compensation Recoupment and Restitution Policy Acknowledgement and Agreement. (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 20, 2013; File No. 000-24498.)
 
 
10.9*
Diamond Hill Fixed Term Deferred Compensation Plan. (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 30, 2013; File No. 000-24498.)
 
 
10.10*
Diamond Hill Variable Term Deferred Compensation Plan. (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 30, 2013; File No. 000-24498.)
 
 
10.11*
First Amendment to the Diamond Hill Fixed Term Deferred Compensation Plan. (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 28, 2013; File No. 000-24498.)
 
 
10.12*
First Amendment to the Diamond Hill Variable Term Deferred Compensation Plan. (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 28, 2013; File No. 000-24498.)
 
 
10.13*
Loan Agreement by and between Diamond Hill Capital Management, Inc., Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. and The Huntington National Bank dated November 8, 2013. (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 14, 2013; File No. 000-24498.)
 
 

44

Table of Contents

10.14*
Line of Credit Demand Note with Diamond Hill Capital Management, Inc., Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. and The Huntington National Bank dated November 8, 2013. (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 14, 2013; File No. 000-24498.)
 
 
14.1
Amended Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. (File herewith)
 
 
21.1
Subsidiaries of the Company. (Filed herewith)
 
 
23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, KPMG LLP. (Filed herewith)
 
 
23.2
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, Plante & Moran, PLLC. (Filed herewith)
 
 
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a). (Filed herewith)
 
 
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a). (Filed herewith)
 
 
32.1
Section 1350 Certifications. (Furnished herewith)
 
 
101.ins
XBRL Instance Document.
 
 
101.sch
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
 
 
101.cal
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
 
 
101.def
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
 
 
101.lab
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
 
 
101.pre
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
*
Denotes management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
(b )
Exhibits:  Reference is made to Item 15(a)(3) above.
(c)
Financial Statement Schedules:  None required.

45

Table of Contents

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized:
 
DIAMOND HILL INVESTMENT GROUP, INC.
 
 
 
 
By:
 
/s/ R. H. Dillon
 
 
 
R. H. Dillon, President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director
March 7, 2014
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
Signature
  
Title
  
Date
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ R. H. Dillon
  
President, Chief Executive Officer,
  
March 7, 2014
R. H. Dillon
  
and a Director
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ James F. Laird
  
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer,
  
March 7, 2014
James F. Laird
  
Secretary, and a Director
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Gary R. Young
  
Controller
  
March 7, 2014
Gary R. Young
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Randolph J. Fortener*
  
Director
  
March 7, 2014
Randolph J. Fortener
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Peter J. Moran III*
  
Director
  
March 7, 2014
Peter J. Moran III
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Donald B. Shackelford*
  
Director
  
March 7, 2014
Donald B. Shackelford
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bradley C. Shoup*
  
Director
  
March 7, 2014
Bradley C. Shoup
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Frances A. Skinner*
  
Director
  
March 7, 2014
Frances A. Skinner
  
 
  
 

* By
/s/ Gary R. Young
 
Gary R. Young
 
Executed by Gary R. Young
 
on behalf of those indicated pursuant to Powers of Attorney
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


46


Exhibit 14.1 - Amended Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
Adopted: February 10, 2004
Amended: December 31, 2013

This Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the "Code") sets forth the commitment of Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. and its affiliates (the "Company") to conduct its business in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations and the highest ethical standards. This Code does not cover every issue that may arise; instead it sets out basic principles to guide all directors, officers and employees of the Company with respect to conducting themselves in a professional and ethical manner. Those basic principles are designed to determine wrongdoing and to promote:
(1)
honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships;
(2)
full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that the Company files with, or submits to the SEC, and other public communication made by the Company;
(3)
compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations;
(4)
prompt internal reporting of violations of the Code to the appropriate persons identified in this Code; and
(5)
accountability for adherence to this Code.


1. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS
Obeying applicable laws, rules and regulations, both in letter and in spirit, is the foundation on which this Company's ethical standards are built. It is the personal responsibility of each director, officer and employee of the Company to adhere to the standards and restrictions imposed by all applicable laws, rules and regulations. While it cannot be expected that each director, officer or employee of the Company is or will be aware of the details of every law, rule or regulation applicable to the Company, it is important for each director, officer and employee of the Company to, at a minimum, reach that level of knowledge and awareness regarding these laws, rules and regulations which allows him or her to seek advice from others regarding compliance with those laws, rules and regulations. If any director, officer or employee of the Company determines that he or she needs to seek advice regarding issues concerning compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, that person should ask the Chief Compliance Officer for such advice before taking any action.

All directors, officers and employees of the Company are expected to read, have a complete understanding of, and agree to comply with the respective Code of Ethics related to personal security trading that applies to them.

All directors, officers and employees of the Company are expected to read, have a complete understanding of, and agree to comply with Audit Committee Policies and Procedures for Handling Complaints Regarding Accounting and Auditing Matters (the “Whistleblower Procedures”).

If requested, the Company will hold information and training sessions to promote compliance with the laws, rules and regulations applicable to the Company.


2. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

A "conflict of interest" exists when the private interest of an officer, director or employee of the Company interferes in any way with the interests of the Company. A conflict situation can arise when an employee, officer or director of the Company takes actions or has interests that may make it difficult for him or her to perform his or her work objectively and effectively. In particular, an employee, officer or director of the Company must never use or attempt to use his or her position at the Company to obtain any improper personal benefit (such as loans or guaranties of obligations of the officer, director or employee) for himself or herself, for his or her family members, or for any other person.

It is almost always a conflict of interest for an officer, director or employee of the Company to work simultaneously for a competitor. A conflict of interest is prohibited as a matter of Company policy, unless the conflict has been approved by the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board"). Conflicts of interest may not always be readily apparent, so if an employee, officer or director of the Company has a question regarding any matter that may present a conflict of interest, that person should immediately consult with the Chief Compliance Officer. Also, any employee, officer or director of the Company who becomes aware of a conflict or potential conflict should immediately bring it to the attention of the Chief Compliance Officer.







3. PUBLIC DISCLOSURE

It is the Company's policy that the information in its public communications, including filings to be made with or submitted to the SEC, be full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable. All officers, directors and employees of the Company who are involved in this disclosure process are responsible for acting in furtherance of this policy and are responsible for promptly informing any member of the Board of any material information of which he or she becomes aware that may affect the disclosures made by the Company in its public filings. In particular, these individuals are required to maintain familiarity with the disclosure requirements applicable to the Company and are prohibited from knowingly misrepresenting, omitting, or causing others to misrepresent or omit, material facts about the Company or its operations to others, whether within or outside the Company, including the Company's independent auditors. In addition, any officer, director or employee of the Company who has a supervisory role in the Company's disclosure process has an obligation to discharge his or her responsibilities diligently.


4. CONFIDENTIALITY; INSIDER TRADING

In conducting the Company's business, officers, directors and employees of the Company may learn confidential or proprietary information about the Company, its clients, its prospective clients or other third parties. All officers, directors and employees of the Company must maintain the confidentiality of such information, except where disclosure is authorized or legally mandated. Confidential or proprietary information includes, without limitation, any non-public information concerning the Company (or clients, prospective clients or third parties), its, his or her business, financial performance or prospects, and any non-public information provided by a third party to the Company with the expectation that the information be kept confidential and used solely for the business purposes for which it was conveyed.

All officers, directors and employees of the Company who have had access to confidential or proprietary information are prohibited from using or sharing that information in connection with the buying and selling of any of the Company's securities. If any officer, director or employee of the Company has any question regarding whether information is confidential or proprietary information, that person should discuss the matter with the Chief Compliance Officer as soon as such question arises.

All directors, officers and employees of the Company are expected to read, have a complete understanding of, and agree to comply with the Insider Trading Policy of Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc..


5. CORPORATE OPPORTUNITIES

Employees, officers and directors of the Company owe a duty to the Company to advance its legitimate interests when the opportunity to do so arises. No employee, officer or a director of the Company may use Company property, information or position for improper personal gain or competing with the Company, directly or indirectly. Employees, officers and directors of the
Company are also prohibited from taking for themselves (or directing to a third party) a business opportunity that is discovered through the use of Company property, information or position without the consent of the Board.

Any employee, officer or director of the Company who has any question as to whether or not the use of Company property, information or position would violate this Code should, prior to taking any course of action, contact the Chief Compliance Officer.


6. COMPETITION, FAIR DEALING, AND CIRCULATION OF RUMORS

The Company seeks to serve its clients fairly and honestly. Each employee, officer and director of the Company should endeavor to respect the rights of and deal fairly with the Company's clients, suppliers and competitors. No employee, officer or director of the Company should take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts or any other intentional unfair dealing practice.

No employee shall originate or circulate in any manner a rumor of sensational character concerning any security which the employee knows or has reasonable grounds for believing is false or misleading or would improperly influence the market price





of such security (except for discussions of information published by a widely circulated public media). Employees must promptly report to the Chief Compliance Officer any circumstance which reasonably would lead the employee to believe that any such rumor might have been originated or circulated.


7. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND HARASSMENT

All personnel decisions made by the Company are based on merit and contribution to the Company's success. Concern for the personal dignity and individual worth of every employee, officer or director of the Company is an indispensable element in the standard of conduct that the Company has set for itself. The Company will afford equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to any impermissible criterion or circumstance. The
Company will not tolerate or condone any type of discrimination or harassment of any kind.


8. CLIENT OR VENDOR ENTERTAINMENT AND GIFTS

Directors, officers and employees are expected to exercise prudent judgment in conducting business entertainment. Directors, officers and employees should avoid entertainment situations and locations that may be offensive or cause embarrassment to the Company, its image and reputation and avoid entertainment situations that may be considered excessive. Any type of participation in entertainment as described above is prohibited and non-reimbursable.

Directors, officers, and employees are prohibited from giving to, or accepting from, any customer or vendor a gift or gifts in excess of $100 per year. A gift is defined as anything of value, including gratuities where such payment is in relation to the business of the recipient’s employer. Items of de minimus value (a value of $10 or less) or items with a company logo do not qualify as a gift for purposes of this section or definition (“Gifts”). In order for company logo items to fall within this exclusion, its value must be substantially below the $100 limit. Any Gifts received in excess of $100 cumulatively for the year, shall either be returned to customer or vendor, or given to the Chief Compliance Officer, who will determine how to appropriately handle the Gift.

All Gifts given must be pre-approved and will be recorded and maintained on a log. All Gifts received must be disclosed and will be recorded and maintained on a log. Directors, officers, and employees shall pre-approval all Gifts given and disclosure all Gifts received via secure electronic portal, currently Compliance11.


9. RECORD-KEEPING

The Company requires honest and accurate recording and reporting of information in order to make responsible business decisions. All of the Company's books, records, accounts and financial statements must be maintained in reasonable detail, must appropriately reflect the Company's transactions and must conform both to applicable legal requirements and to the Company's system of internal controls.

Business records and communications may become public. The officers, directors and employees of the Company should avoid exaggeration, derogatory remarks or inappropriate characterizations of people or entities that may be misunderstood. This applies equally to e-mail, internal memoranda and formal reports. Records should always be retained or destroyed according to the Company's record retention policies, a copy of which is available upon request from the Chief Compliance Officer.


10. PROTECTION AND PROPER USE OF COMPANY ASSETS

All employees, officers and directors of the Company should endeavor to protect the Company's assets and ensure their efficient use. Theft, carelessness and waste have a direct impact on the Company's profitability. Any suspected incident of fraud or theft should be immediately reported to the Chief Compliance Officer for investigation.

The obligation of employees, officers and directors of the Company to protect the Company's assets includes the obligation to protect the Company's proprietary information. Proprietary information includes, without limitation, the Company's intellectual property such as trade secrets, and the Company's business, marketing and service plans, databases, records, salary information and any unpublished financial data and reports. Unauthorized use or distribution of this information is prohibited hereunder and could also be illegal and result in civil or even criminal penalties.







11. PAYMENTS TO GOVERNMENT PERSONNEL

The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act prohibits giving anything of value, directly or indirectly, to officials of foreign governments or foreign political candidates in order to obtain or retain business. It is strictly prohibited to make illegal payments to government officials of any country.

In addition, the U.S. government has a number of laws and regulations regarding business gratuities which may be accepted by U.S. government personnel. State and local governments, as well as foreign governments, may have similar rules. The promise, offer or delivery to an official or employee of the any governmental agency of a gift, favor or other gratuity in violation of these rules is prohibited hereunder and could also be a criminal offense. If any officer, director or employee of the Company has any question regarding any possible payment or issuance of a gratuity to a governmental official, he or she should immediately contact the Chief Compliance Officer.

12. WAIVERS OF THIS CODE

Any waiver of this Code may be made only by the Board and will be promptly disclosed by the Company as required by law or any applicable stock exchange or NASDAQ national market or small cap system regulation.


13. REPORTING ANY ILLEGAL OR UNETHICAL BEHAVIOR

Any employee, officer or director of the Company who becomes aware of any existing or potential violation of this Code should promptly notify the Chief Compliance Officer. If the matter cannot be reported to the Chief Compliance Officer for any reason, the matter should be promptly reported to any member of the Audit Committee of the Board. Employees, officers and directors of the Company are encouraged to talk to their supervisors, the CEO, Chief Compliance Officer or members of the Board about observed illegal or unethical behavior and, when in doubt, about the best course of action in a particular situation. It is the policy of the Company not to allow retaliation against any Company personnel (including, without limitation, termination of employment or a demotion of position) for reports (made in good faith) of illegal or unethical behavior by others. Whenever in doubt, an officer, director or employee of the Company should seek advice from the appropriate person.


14. COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES

The Company's policy is to ensure prompt and consistent enforcement of this Code. Upon being advised of, or otherwise learning of, a possible violation of this Code, the CEO and/or the Chief Compliance Officer (or the Audit Committee of the Board, if the CEO or Chief Compliance Officer are not in a position to act) shall promptly investigate the matter and set forth his, her or their findings in writing. Such writing shall also include the enforcement action to be taken, which action shall be taken at the time set forth in such writing. Any enforcement action shall be reasonably designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote accountability for adherence to this Code. In determining what enforcement action is appropriate in a particular case, the person or persons making the determination shall take into account all relevant information, including the nature and severity of the violation, whether the violation was a single occurrence or repeat occurrence, whether the violation appears to have been intentional or inadvertent, whether the individual in question had been advised prior to the violation as to the proper course of action and whether the individual in question had committed other violations in the past.

The Company is aware that it may be difficult to know if a violation of this Code has occurred or may occur in the future. However, each officer, director or employee of the Company should strive to identify and raise potential issues with respect to the application of this Code before those issues become violations of this Code.


15. PROVISIONS SPECIFICALLY APPLICABLE TO CEO, CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER AND ALL SENIOR FINANCIAL OFFICERS

In addition to the other provisions set forth in this Code, the CEO, Chief Compliance Officer and senior financial officers of the Company are also subject to the following additional specific policies:

1.
Each shall promptly bring to the attention of the Audit Committee any information he or she may have concerning (a) significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the Company's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data or (b) any fraud, whether or not





material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company's financial reporting, disclosures or internal controls.
2.
Each shall promptly bring to the attention of the CEO or Chief Compliance Officer, and to the Audit Committee, any information he or she may have concerning any violation of this Code involving any management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company's financial reporting, disclosures or internal controls.
3.
Each shall promptly bring to the attention of the CEO or the Chief Compliance Officer and to the Audit Committee, any information he or she may have concerning evidence of a material violation by the Company or any agent thereof of the securities or other laws, rules or regulations applicable to the Company and the operation of its business.





Exhibit 21.1 - Subsidiaries of Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.
December 31, 2013                 

Subsidiary company and place of incorporation
Ownership
Diamond Hill Capital Management, Inc. (Ohio)
100%
Beacon Hill Fund Services, Inc. (Ohio)
100%
BHIL Distributors, Inc. (Ohio)
100%






Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.:
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement (No. 333‑41323, 333-156331, 333-156829, 333-171110 and 333-173797) on Form S-8 of Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. and subsidiaries, of our report dated March 7, 2014, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period then ended, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, which reports appear in the December 31, 2013 annual report on Form 10‑K of Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. and subsidiaries.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Columbus, Ohio
March 7, 2014





Exhibit 23.2

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File Numbers 333-41323, 333-156331, 333-156829, 333-171110, and 333-173797) of Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. of our report relating to the financial statements of Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. dated March 7, 2012, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2011.
 

/s/ Plante & Moran PLLC
 


March 5, 2014
Columbus, Ohio





Exhibit 31.1
RULE 13a-14(a) CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER
I, R.H. Dillon, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 of Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date:
March 7, 2014
/s/ R. H. Dillon
 
 
R.H. Dillon
 
 
Chief Executive Officer





Exhibit 31.2
RULE 13a-14(a) CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER
I, James F. Laird, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 of Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date:
March 7, 2014
/s/ James F. Laird
 
 
James F. Laird
 
 
Chief Financial Officer





Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
TITLE 18, UNITED STATES CODE, SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), R.H. Dillon, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and James F. Laird, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to Title 18, United States Code, Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
/S/ R.H. Dillon
Print Name: R.H. Dillon
Title: Chief Executive Officer
Date:
March 7, 2014
 
 
/S/ James F. Laird
Print Name: James F. Laird
Title: Chief Financial Officer
Date:
March 7, 2014